If you’re one of the many individuals who suffer from allergy symptoms, whether this time of the year or any other time of the year, think twice before you reach for antihistamine medicine. Instead of blocking normal body functions with antihistamines, there may be a way to relieve those symptoms and keep your body functioning properly at the same time!

What Are Histamines?

Before we can target those unpleasant allergy symptoms, we need to understand why we experience them in the first place. The truth is, even though the constant sneezing and teary eyes drive us crazy, they are actually an important function of our immune system. 

When you come into contact with something that your body is allergic to, such as the tree pollen released into the air during spring, it triggers an immune response. As explained by WebMD, chemicals called histamines “start the process that hustles those allergens out of your body or off your skin.”[1] Histamines do this by acting as communicators between different parts of the body; when they recognize a trigger (the allergen,) they signal the body to take action (the allergic reaction.) 

This explains why pollen, for example, makes people sneeze so much. When pollen (the allergen) gets into a person’s nasal passage, histamines tell the body to take action against the allergen through sneezing. Although very unflattering, the sneezing has a specific purpose – to get the pollen OUT!

But this histamine response is not exclusive to seasonal allergies. Histamines are also responsible for the body’s response to other allergens, such as dust, animal dander, mold, certain drugs and chemicals, and of course, specific types of food like peanuts, dairy, or soy.[1] This means that you can experience a histamine response at any point due to coming into contact with any number or types of substances that you happen to be allergic to. 

While histamines are part of a normal immune response and help our body deal with allergens, they can often take their job a little too seriously and cause an overreaction, the symptoms of which can be overpowering and make daily life very difficult. “Your body's intention -- to keep you safe -- is good,” explains WebMD, “But its overreaction gives you those all-too-familiar allergy symptoms, which you then try to stop with an antihistamine”[1]

The symptoms of an overreactive histamine response can be just as varied as the allergens. You are likely most familiar with the runny nose, teary eyes, and frequent sneezing that are associated with seasonal allergies. These symptoms typically go away after a period of time, such as when heightened pollen seasons end. But as we discussed earlier, allergens come in many different shapes and forms, and some of them could be triggering a histamine response on a daily basis!

Imagine that you have an allergy to dust or the dander from your family pet. This means that your body, both inside and out, is being exposed to allergens every single day, which could be causing allergy symptoms all year long![2] With the body in a constant state of reactivity, and therefore stress, symptoms could begin to worsen beyond the most common symptoms. You could begin to experience frequent or even chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, digestion issues, nausea or vomiting, hormone and menstrual issues, anxiety, and even cardiovascular issues.

So, if you struggle with frequent allergy symptoms, or suspect that you may be suffering from chronic symptoms of daily allergen exposure, it’s important to take steps to relieve both the stress on your body and the symptoms you are experiencing. 

Identify Your Allergens & Limit Your Exposure

Start by figuring out what allergens are causing your body’s reaction. If your symptoms act up during heightened pollen seasons, you are probably just dealing with seasonal / environmental allergies. But if you have more erratic symptoms, or long-term symptoms (especially symptoms that worsen when you spend more time in your home,) you may be allergic to something inside your house, such as pet dander or dust.[2] 

Sometimes it isn’t this easy to identify an allergy, and it may be necessary to see your doctor for help. In this case, the Mayo Clinic suggests keeping track of your symptoms in a diary to make this process easier for both you and your doctor: 

“When trying to identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, track your activities and what you eat, when symptoms occur and what seems to help. This may help you and your doctor identify triggers.”[3]

After identifying your allergies, the first step in relieving your symptoms is limiting your exposure to your triggers as much as possible:

“Even if you're treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for instance, you're allergic to pollen, stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high. If you're allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash bedding often.”[3]

If you believe your allergens are inside your home, consider focusing most of your cleaning efforts on your bedroom and keeping that room as allergy-proof as possible. “You spend more time in that one room than anywhere else,” writes WebMD, “Clean up clutter. Keep your pets out. Get rid of drapes and area rugs that catch dust. If those changes seem to help after a few weeks, take similar steps in other rooms.”[2]

In many cases, however, limiting exposure is not enough to relieve those pesky allergy symptoms. This is when we often find ourselves reaching for those convenient, over-the-counter antihistamines. But as the prefix “anti” in antihistamine suggests, antihistamines work against the natural function of histamines in our bodies[4] and can actually prevent different systems in our bodies from working properly!

What Antihistamines Do & Why We Should Be Cautious About Using Them Often

Because our body’s natural response to allergens can cause a variety of symptoms that are often unpleasant and even life-altering, antihistamine medications have been developed to prevent histamines from overdoing their job.[5] While these medications may sound great, and they may make you feel great too, there are possible negative side effects of antihistamines that you should be aware of before using them.

In addition to their important role in healthy immune function, histamines also play an important role “in a number of different bodily processes.”[4] The responsibilities of histamines in the body include the production of stomach acid needed for healthy digestion, as well as acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain, keeping our bodies awake.[6] So, when we take antihistamines – medications that reduce or block the natural production and effects of histamines – these functions in our bodies can get thrown off, leading to excessive tiredness, upset stomach, and of course, a weakened immune system. 

Just like any medication, antihistamines also come with other potential side effects. According to WebMD, these symptoms can include “dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, restlessness or moodiness (in some children,) trouble peeing or not being able to pee, blurred vision, [and] confusion.”[5]

Antihistamines are sometimes necessary for temporary relief, especially from severe allergic reactions.[3] If you experience severe allergy symptoms, especially life-threatening symptoms, consult your doctor right away as you may need prescription medication. But in the case of mild allergies, whether they be temporary or chronic, there just might be something that could potentially help relieve allergy symptoms and continue supporting the natural production and function of histamines AT THE SAME TIME!

Antronex®: Immune Support + Natural Relief from Allergy Symptoms!

Dr. Shirley and I have been recommending Standard Process® supplements to our chiropractic and nutritional clients, as well as taking them ourselves, for decades. Standard Process® produces whole-food supplements that holistically target nutritional deficiencies and other issues. Antronex® is one of our personal favorite Standard Process® products, and our family uses it frequently to promote overall health and a strong immune system.

Antronex® contains a compound called yakitron, which is “a bovine liver fat extract discovered by Japanese researchers that is used to support the body's normal detoxification mechanisms.”[7] Utilizing yakitron, Antronex® improves liver filtration of waste, toxins, and naturally-produced histamines, thereby assisting the body with the removal of allergens without actually inhibiting the natural production of histamines. In other words, Antronex® allows your body to naturally deal with allergens much more efficiently, helping relieve those excessive allergic reaction symptoms. 

So, if you experience mild allergy symptoms regularly, and want to relieve those symptoms naturally instead of by taking antihistamines that could have negative side effects, ask your healthcare practitioner if Antronex® could be for you!

If you are interested in improving your health naturally, please contact us for a virtual or in-person consultation by sending us an email at detox@detoxwiththedocs.com. 

Key Takeaways

Histamines are an important part of the body’s natural immune response to allergens, but sometimes they cause an overreaction, leading to any number of unpleasant symptoms, from a runny nose to an upset stomach. While they provide quick relief, antihistamines may not always be the best option, as they tend to over-regulate your body’s natural protective mechanisms.

Antronex®, a whole-food supplement from Standard Process® which utilizes a natural, detoxifying compound called yakitron, could provide natural relief from allergy symptoms by simultaneously promoting efficient liver function and helping the liver to quickly eliminate the potential allergen, strengthening the body’s immune system.

• REFERENCES

  1. Fowler P. What Are Histamines? WebMD.com. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-are-histamines.

  2. What to Do if You Suspect an Indoor Allergy. WebMD.com. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/suspect-indoor-allergy.

  3. Allergies. Accessed March 16, 2022. MayoClinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497.

  4. Antihistamines. Accessed March 16, 2022. ClevelandClinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines.

  5. Watson S. Do I Need Antihistamines for Allergies? WebMD.com. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/antihistamines-for-allergies.

  6. Mandal A, MD. What Does Histamine Do? News-Medical.net. Accessed March 16, 2022. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Does-Histamine-Do.aspx.

Click here to go to the Dandy Blend website.

Can You Have Dandy Blend During Our Detox Program?

Yes! We often recommend Dandy Blend during our detox programs!

Because the habit of drinking coffee can so easily get out of hand, and because many people have filled their bodies with harmful substances through their daily coffee routines, we strongly encourage our detox participants to give coffee up completely during our 21 day program. This not only allows the detox process to flush any toxic substances out of the body, but it breaks the “addiction” to coffee as well. Even if participants continue drinking coffee after the program is over, they don’t need nearly as much of it anymore to be satisfied and to feel its effects.

But because we understand how difficult it is to give up coffee, we often recommend Dandy Blend to our detox participants. Dandy Blend tastes very similar to actual coffee, but it doesn’t contain caffeine or any other bad stuff that coffee does! We even allow limited amounts of grass-fed butter, or occasionally a very small amount of heavy cream, during the program, which can be added to the Dandy Blend to make it creamy!

Related Posts

• Is Coffee Good or Bad? 3 Things You Need to Know!

As one of the leading importers of coffee in the world, as reported by Statista, it’s no secret that the United States is a big fan of coffee.[1] From waking up in the morning to catching up with a friend in the afternoon, and even accompanying dessert after dinner, coffee has become both a versatile and essential part of daily life here in the States, and thus, it has also become a staple of American culture. 

In fact, coffee is so ubiquitous in the U.S. that it’s probably in your hand at this very moment! (Unless you’re currently completing our Transform In 21™ detox program, of course!) But with so much coffee being consumed every single day, it begs the question: is it good or bad for us?

Various studies over the years have provided conflicting views on this topic, generally leading to more confusion than clarity. So let’s get to the bottom of it, because even though Dr. Shirley and I are passionate about good nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle, we love our coffee too – just as much as you probably do!

The Effects of Coffee

If you have ever searched for the possible effects, good and bad, of coffee, you know that there are numerous studies and claims that can often be contradictory and confusing. As an example, I searched a single website, Healthline.com, for listed benefits and detriments. These are listed below, and reveal just how contradictory these claims can be.

Benefits According to Healthline.com[2]

• More energy

• Make you smarter/more alert 

• Boosts your metabolism 

• Sports and life performance 

• Essential nutrients and antioxidants 

• Assist with Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Dementia 

• Protect your liver 

• Make you happier 

• Lower risk of cancer or heart disease 

• Longevity 

Detriments According to Healthline.com[3]

• Fatigue 

• Anxiety 

• Insomnia 

• Muscle breakdown 

• *Depletes vitamins/minerals 

• Digestive problems/GERD/Acidic 

• *Burden on your liver 

• Addiction/dependency/stress 

• HBP, Rapid heart rate/ fibrillation/ stress 

• Frequent urination/incontinence 

• *Dehydrates and results in looking “aged”  

*Not found on cited source above

So what determines whether you experience the benefits or the detriments of coffee?

The good news is that it’s actually up to you, and by being aware of three main factors, you can make healthier choices without giving up your daily coffee!

1. QUANTITY (Don’t drink too much each day!)

Because frequent consumption of coffee can cause dependency (similarly to an addiction,) it’s very likely that if you are a coffee drinker, you drink at least one cup every single day.[3] But many of us coffee lovers also go back for a second cup, or stop for a latte on the way to work, or grab a cold brew after lunch, or have another cup after dinner, or all of the above! It’s easy for our coffee intake to get out of control, and too much of just about anything, especially something containing caffeine, is never a good thing for our bodies! 

Avoid Too Much Coffee to Help Prevent Dehydration

Franziska Spritzler from Healthline.com writes, “Increased urination is a common side effect of high caffeine intake due to the compound’s stimulatory effects on the bladder.”[3] In addition to frequent urination, you might also be noticing dark colored urine, or you may be suffering from headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or even confusion.[4] These symptoms could be signs that your body is dehydrated! But you’re not only losing water by drinking too much coffee! Dehydration has many negative side effects, including the drying out of skin and the depletion of important vitamins and minerals (which can even cause premature graying of your hair!) To counteract the dehydrating effects of coffee, you should be drinking two cups of water for each cup of coffee. Therefore, if you’re drinking more than one or two cups of coffee per day, you probably aren’t drinking nearly enough water to combat dehydration and its side effects.

Avoid Too Much Coffee to Help Prevent Excessive Adrenaline Production

Many of us rely on the caffeine in coffee for a boost of energy. Caffeine “works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired,” writes Spritzler, and also “triggers the release of adrenaline, the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone associated with increased energy.”[3] But too much caffeine, and in turn, the production of excessive adrenaline, burdens the adrenals and the nervous system, causing anxiety and nervousness.[3] 

Avoid Too Much Coffee to Help Prevent Other Health Issues

Regularly drinking an excessive amount of coffee also puts stress on the heart, liver, pancreas, and digestive system, and could increase your risk for high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.[3] 

So it’s pretty clear that too much coffee is definitely not a good idea, but how much is too much? Try to drink no more than two, 8 oz. cups per day. If you can keep your daily intake around there, you’ll be on the right track! 

Health Tip: Consider using a smaller mug for your coffee in the morning, incorporating naturally decaffeinated coffee (decaffeinated using the “Swiss Water Method”) to your daily routine to cut out some of your caffeine intake, or replacing your second or third coffee each day with caffeine-free tea or a healthier coffee alternative like Dandy Blend!  

Key Takeaways
While these potential side effects of drinking too much coffee might seem a little ominous, the easy way to help prevent them is simply by keeping your daily coffee intake as low as possible and counteracting the dehydrating effects of your coffee by drinking more water! 

2. QUALITY (Choose organic coffee to avoid dangerous residuals & grind it yourself to keep it fresh!)

While those coffee beans or coffee grounds that you use for your daily morning coffee may smell delicious, the truth is they could be transferring harmful substances into your body, particularly when using non-organic coffee. 

Choose Organic Coffee to Keep Toxins Out of Your Body!

Non-organic coffee is often produced using pesticides, and you may find it rather unsettling–as I certainly do–that the pesticides used on coffee, in particular, are very unrestricted. “As of now, the US government does not have maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides used on coffee beans,” an article from Purity Coffee explains, “This leaves coffee drinkers open to a wide range of unknown pesticide residue levels lurking on the surface of their beans.”[5] In addition, some countries still use pesticides on coffee beans that have been banned in the United States![5] As you probably already know, pesticides are a prime culprit in the buildup of harmful toxins in our bodies, and a quick internet search will show you just how frightening the toxic chemicals in these pesticides (such as organophosphates which are neurotoxic to humans) really are.[5]

Choose Organic Whole Beans & Grind Them Yourself to Keep Coffee Fresh

As soon as coffee beans are ground and thus exposed to oxygen, the coffee begins to break down. The website Bean Poet explains this process:

“When coffee is ground into smaller pieces, the ratio of surface area to volume for each smaller piece becomes much greater, and the surfaces also become more porous. This speeds up the process of degassing. The carbon dioxide is replaced by oxygen more quickly, which in turn can cause the coffee to go stale more quickly.”[6]

Not only does pre-ground coffee lose its aroma and flavor much more quickly, but after being ground, coffee immediately starts losing its nutrients and antioxidants, and once pre-ground coffee is opened and left out for a while, it also gets exposed to air, moisture, and light which can cause the coffee to grow mold or the oils in the coffee to go rancid.[6,7]

Be Smart in Making & Storing Your Coffee

Plastics mimic estrogenic compounds in our bodies, and when plastic is heated up in the preparation of your coffee, it gets transferred into your body where it can cause a host of medical issues, particularly cancer. Avoid plastic as much as possible in the purchasing, grinding, brewing, serving, and storing of your coffee, and opt for safer alternatives in all these cases. In addition, always be mindful of other products you might be using which could have negative health effects, such as bleached white coffee filters which contain chlorine that can get into your body too! 

Key Takeaways
Choose organic, whole beans, grind them yourself, and store and prepare them safely to avoid harmful substances and to keep your coffee fresh.

3. HOW YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE (the most important part!)

Unfortunately, even if you follow all my previous recommendations for making your coffee routine healthier, it won’t make much of a difference if once your coffee is ready, you load it up with all the wrong stuff! Coffee add-ins have become quite varied, and with a little deceptive marketing, it’s easy to become convinced that your flavored creamer, or specialty coffee beverage from the coffee shop on the way to work, is “good” for you. The truth is, it probably isn’t! Many sweet coffee creamer options, even the ones that profess to have health benefits, contain hydrogenated oils and synthetic ingredients and preservatives that are terrible for your health.[8]

Toss the Synthetic Creamer and Take Your Coffee with Good Fats!

Start with your organic, freshly ground, black coffee. If you can drink it black, that’s great! But if you’re like me, you’ve gotta have some cream. Believe it or not, grass-fed heavy cream or unsalted butter are the best choices! These contain good fats which add a smooth, creamy flavor to your coffee and have been shown to have health benefits. 

Always Avoid Processed / Artificial Sweeteners!

If you can be satisfied with some good cream, and forget the sweetener, you’re golden! But if you do need something sweet in your coffee, choose small amounts of the most natural options such as Stevia, honey, maple syrup, monk fruit, raw sugar, or erythritol. Always avoid processed sugar and artificial sweeteners such as Splenda, saccharine, and nutrasweet! 

Harvard Health Publishing provides a great synopsis of the importance of choosing natural sugar over added sugar:

“Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium. Since your body digests these foods slowly, the sugar in them offers a steady supply of energy to your cells. A high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers … However, problems occur when you consume too much added sugar — that is, sugar that food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor or extend shelf life. 

How sugar actually affects heart health is not completely understood, but it appears to have several indirect connections. For instance, high amounts of sugar overload the liver. ‘Your liver metabolizes sugar the same way as alcohol, and converts dietary carbohydrates to fat,’ says Dr. Hu. Over time, this can lead to a greater accumulation of fat, which may turn into fatty liver disease, a contributor to diabetes, which raises your risk for heart disease.

Consuming too much added sugar can raise blood pressure and increase chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways to heart disease. Excess consumption of sugar, especially in sugary beverages, also contributes to weight gain by tricking your body into turning off its appetite-control system because liquid calories are not as satisfying as calories from solid foods. This is why it is easier for people to add more calories to their regular diet when consuming sugary beverages.”[9]

HEALTH TIP: Recreate a flavored creamer by combining a healthy fat cream option with a natural oil or extract.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
You can find the healthiest, organic coffee in existence, but it’s absolutely critical to keep synthetic creamers, added sugars, and other unhealthy substances out of your cup of coffee! To add cream and sugar to your coffee, forget the fake stuff and go straight to the source – real cream and unprocessed, natural sugar! Your body will thank you!

So is YOUR coffee good or bad for YOU? Do you have your daily quantity under control? Are you choosing the best quality, organic coffee and grinding it yourself? And are you fixing your cup with good cream and natural sweeteners? Make sure you can say yes to all of these questions, and you can be even happier when you wake up to the sweet aroma of your daily grind!

• REFERENCES (Click to View)

  1. Ridder M. Coffee market worldwide - statistics & facts. Statista.com. Published February 23, 2022. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.statista.com/topics/5945/coffee-market-worldwide/#topicHeader__wrapper. 

  2. Link R. 9 Unique Benefits of Coffee. Healthline.com. Updated January 11, 2022. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee.  

  3. Spritzler F. 9 Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine. Healthline.com. Published August 14, 2017. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects.  

  4. Mayo Clinic. Dehydration. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086.  

  5. Purity Coffee. The Importance of Organic When it Comes to Coffee. Puritycoffee.com. Published April 3, 2018. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://puritycoffee.com/blogs/blog/importance-of-organic-pesticide-free-coffee  

  6. Bean Poet. How Long Does Ground Coffee Stay Fresh? Beanpoet.com. Published December 9, 2020. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.beanpoet.com/how-long-does-ground-coffee-stay-fresh.  

  7. Coffe&Health. Coffee composition & nutritional information. Coffeeandhealth.org. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/topic-info/coffee-composition-introduction.  

  8. White D. Coffee Creamer: Good or Bad? Foodnetwork.com. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/healthy-tips/2013/09/coffee-creamer-good-or-bad.  

  9. Harvard Health Publishing. The sweet danger of sugar. Health.Harvard.edu. Published January 6, 2022. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar.

Have you ever noticed how most diets work for a little while, but they never seem to stick! The truth is that while most diets seem to work initially, they almost always result in the gaining back of the weight that was lost in the beginning. But why? And how does detox allow your body to more efficiently and permanently burn fat AND keep it off!

Why Does Weight Come Back After the Initial Loss?

There are two main considerations when losing weight. 1.) Taking in fewer calories than you burn, and 2.) activating powerful fat-burning hormones in the body that do all the work for you. In both of these methods, your liver plays a crucial role, and in order for permanent weight loss to occur, your liver needs to be functioning optimally.

Most diets focus exclusively on calorie restriction. When you restrict calories, your body is forced to tap into the fat cells to utilize them for energy. That’s good right? Well, yes, as long as you do not over restrict your caloric intake.  Starving the body ultimately causes the production of stress hormones that suppress weight loss and can actually cause you to gain weight.  However, one thing to keep in mind is that fat cells are actually storage units for excess toxins in the body that are on their way to being filtered out by the liver. As fat cells shrink, these toxins are forced out and sent to the liver again, but if the toxic load is too much for the liver to keep up with, the toxins will once again return back to the fat cells which will force them to expand. That means the weight comes back and the dieting yo-yo of losing and regaining weight continues for most people throughout their lives!

The second method for losing weight also relies on the liver but can be much more powerful. When most people think of weight loss, they think of the thyroid gland and its part in metabolism, however, there are a total of six fat burning hormones your body produces and numerous organs and glands that produce them. These hormones include Growth Hormone (made in the pituitary gland,) Insulin-Like Growth Factor (made in the liver,) Glucagon (made in the pancreas,) Adrenaline (made in the adrenal glands,) Thyroid Hormones T3 and T4 (made in the thyroid,) and Testosterone (made in the adrenal glands, testicles, and ovaries.)According to Dr. Eric Berg, author of The Seven Principles of Fat Burning, “All six fat burning hormones do their work through the liver. In fact 80% of your thyroid function occurs through the liver.” (2006, p. 145). This means that the liver plays a huge role in fat burning. The liver activates powerful fat burning hormones that can help you lose weight much quicker and in a more permanent way than just restricting calories can. But don’t get too excited yet, because similarly to how excess toxins force your body to expand fat cells to store them in, they can also prevent the liver from properly activating fat burning hormones, because when the liver is overburdened with these toxins it cannot function properly.

So, what’s the moral of the story? If your liver is full of toxins and is unable to work optimally, you will continue to struggle with permanently losing weight, no matter what kind of diet you try.

But what are toxins, anyway? And how can we get rid of them?

Toxins are chemicals, heavy metals, or other compounds that overburden and cause damage to the body. They come from the end result of normal body functions like breathing and digestion, the air, water, food, cosmetics and body care products, cleaners, and in part from just about anything else that is man-made in our environment. By pulling these toxins out of the liver through a detoxification program, you are allowing for improved liver function which will optimize your ability to burn fat. In addition, if your liver is not overflowing with toxins, your body has less need to expand the fat cells to store additional toxins, allowing you to shrink fat more permanently. It is for this reason that detoxification of the liver is the key to permanent weight loss. So, the good news is most diets DO work. But the great news is that Detox makes them work better! 

For more information on Detoxification and its life-changing benefits, check out our website www.detoxwiththedocs.com. And consider joining our next national health improvement and weight loss event, Transform in 21™!

References

Berg, Eric. (2006). The Seven Principles of Fat Burning: Get Healthy, Lose Weight and Keep It Off. KB Publishing.

If busyness, quarantine or some other life issue has kept you from seeing your chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist, this is for you! In this article I will cover at home therapies including stretches, muscle work, muscle rolling and other therapies that could potentially help with acute pain. Please understand that this is not intended to replace your doctor of chiropractic, massage therapist or acupuncturist. These techniques will not permanently remove the cause of the problem.  They are only intended to give you short-term relief until you can return to your normal course of treatment.  

It’s no secret that quarantine has been a challenging time for many people.  However, if you are one of the many people who suffer from chronic pain, being forced to eliminate or decrease visits to your chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist can not only be challenging, but it can have long lasting negative effects. 

Getting to the cause of a persons pain and fixing it often requires many steps which take time. How long it takes all depends on the cause of the pain, how long the pain has been there, the severity of the problem and a persons willingness to do what needs to be done to correct the underlying cause (which is totally contrary to the typical medical approach which is almost exclusively about suppressing pain via drugs rather than fixing it.).   

Chances are, when the Covid-19 outbreak began in March of 2020, millions of people across the world had just begun a treatment protocol with a chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist in response to some type of injury or chronic pain condition.  Unfortunately for them, depending on the state or country they live in, many of those people were abruptly forced to discontinue their treatment regimen and were left to fend for themselves due to closures of these types of offices and/or limits applied to what types of patients and conditions were able to be seen and treated.  

Removing a patient’s access to practitioners who help control chronic pain is not only inconvenient and uncomfortable, but can be out right dangerous.   According to an article by Web MD, “researchers led by Dr. Emiko Petrosky from the U.S. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control analyzed data on more than 123,000 suicides in 18 states between 2003 and 2014. In 8.8 percent of those suicides, there was evidence of chronic pain. And the percentage increased from 7.4 percent in 2003 to 10.2 percent in 2014. Back pain, cancer pain and arthritis accounted for a large portion of chronic pain conditions in people who committed suicide, according to the study.”  

Not only is suicide a major concern with untreated chronic pain, but so is the potential of pain medication drug addiction. According to an article written by the American Society of Anesthesiologists , “Up to one in four people who take opioids long-term become addicted. Worst of all, in 2017, data showed that 115 Americans die from an overdose of opioid painkillers every day, and hundreds more go to the emergency room. This is why so many chiropractors are committed to continually trying to help their patients during this time of crisis even if these patients cannot make it directly to the office.  

So, what should a chronic pain sufferer do if all of a sudden they no longer have access to their pain based practitioner? 

1.) Seek Alternative Treatment Options Before Resorting to Addictive Pain Medication

As I write this article, we are in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Although every state is different, in New York State, massage therapists have not been deemed “essential”.  My personal opinion is that anyone who sees a massage therapist for chronic pain would certainly beg to differ on this point. Doctors of chiropractic however, have been able to see patients with conditions that are considered “urgent and necessary”.  Even though you may typically see a massage therapist, acupuncturist or some other practitioner who has either voluntarily closed or has been forced to close their office during this pandemic, as long as you fit into this category of having an “ urgent and necessary“ condition, you are still able to receive that much needed relief from a chiropractor.  Before considering a trip to the ER (which during a pandemic is not only dangerous, but will put an unnecessary burden on emergency care personnel), definitely consider seeking out one of these trained professionals.  Keep in mind, not all doctors of chiropractic have chosen to keep their offices open so don’t get discouraged if you have to call a couple different doctors before finding someone who is available to see you. Just remember, once the pandemic has passed, you can always return to your long term practitioner for treatment.  

2.) Try Ice or Heat

Depending on the condition you are suffering with, some people find relief with ice, while others find relief with heat. The best thing to do is to experiment. Try 10 or 15 minutes of heat then pay attention to how you feel about an hour later. Many people say that heat feels good at the time but then causes increased inflammation about an hour later.   In our office, the general rule of thumb is try 15 minutes of ice first and if that makes it worse or does not help, then try heat last.  If you have the time, many people find 10 minutes of heat followed by 15 minutes of ice to work even better! Whichever regimen you choose, do it a minimum of three times a day but no more than once an hour.  Never put ice directly on your skin and be cautious not to burn yourself with heat.  Of course never utilize these treatments if it goes against the advice of your health practitioner.  

3.) Learn From Your Dog....Stretch!

Did you ever notice how after a long nap, your dog instinctually gets up and stretches before continuing on with their day? Well, I'm sure dog lovers like myself will agree, that dogs are just smarter than most humans! (just kidding)! All kidding aside, most chronic pain conditions will respond very favorably to a stretching routine. Whether you choose yoga, static stretching or dynamic stretching, increasing flexibility usually pays huge dividends! There are a variety of stretching routines available online but click HERE to receive a free copy of a comprehensive stretching routine we have put together for our patients. Remember, never start a stretching, exercise, muscle therapy or other at home care regimen without speaking to your healthcare practitioner first.  

4.) Learn Some Basic DIY Muscle Work Techniques

The internet is loaded with a variety of videos and instructional manuals geared toward training the “average person” to do some basic muscle techniques to assist with pain.   You can click HERE to watch a video we put together for our patients which covers basic stretching, at home muscle work and other great at home therapies which could be very helpful for people suffering with pain.  Again, never start any type of at home care regimen without speaking to your doctor first. 

5.) Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom Salt has magnesium in it which has been found to relax stiff and sore muscles.  If you soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes and add 2 cups of Epsom Salt, there is a good chance that when you get out you will definitely feel at least a little bit better. I recommend that you consider getting out of the bath and then immediately ice for 15 minutes before going on with your day.  This will decrease your chances of having increased inflammation as a result of the heat.  Magnesium sprays are also very helpful if you do not have a bathtub.

6.) Rolling Tight Muscles With a Rolling Pin

Who would’ve ever thought that this famous kitchen tool, which has been the center of angry wife jokes for years, could be so helpful in taking AWAY pain as well as causing it! This technique is especially helpful if you experience lower back or leg pain. The muscles on the front, side, back and inside of your thigh can be especially helped by this technique.

It is important that if you suspect a blood clot, have a bleeding disorder, bruise easily, have varicose veins or have a painful spot which looks swollen and red, that you avoid using the rolling pin or any other massage technique over the area because it may cause a blood clot to release or could cause other serious issues which could be life threatening. Before utilizing this technique be sure to speak with your doctor.  Simply hold both handles and gently roll the entire length of the muscle for a few minutes. Please note that this can be very painful, so start gently and increase pressure if desired.  You can also use a foam roller if you have one available. You can do this multiple times daily if you would like.  

7.) Consider Herbs Which Have Been Found to Decrease Inflammation

Herbs such as Boswellia and Turmeric have been utilized for many years in the natural health world to decrease inflammation levels. If taken with a small chunk of grass fed butter or other healthy fat, it will increase your body’s ability to utilize these nutrients more effectively.  Remember these are herbs, which can potentially interact with medication, so be sure to consult with your pharmacist or medical doctor before adding in an herbal regimen.  

Conclusion: 

Before resorting to potentially dangerous and addictive pain medications or putting an unneeded burden on the emergency medical system, consider the following DIY Pain Hacks (never begin any new regimen without first consulting with your doctor):

1.) If you are in pain, consider seeing a doctor of chiropractic if the practitioner you usually see is closed due to the pandemic. In most states, chiropractors are considered “essential” and are available for emergency services.  You may have to call around to find one that is open because not all chiropractors have chosen to keep their offices open.  

2.) Consider Ice or Heat 

3.) Stretch 

4.) Learn Some Basic DIY Muscle Work Techniques

5.) Try Epsom Salt Baths or Magnesium Spray

6.) Roll Tight Muscles With a Rolling Pin or Foam Roller

7.) Consider Herbs Which Have Been Found to Decrease Inflammation

Of course, if your condition continues to worsen be sure to seek medical attention. 

If you found this article helpful, please share it with others so that together we can decrease unnecessary suffering.  

DISCLAIMER: This communication does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, videos, graphics, images and other material contained in this communication are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this message is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this message or in the materials or websites referred to herein. The associates of Southside Chiropractic do not practice conventional medicine. More specifically, they do not examine, diagnose or treat, or offer to treat or cure or attempt to cure, any mental or physical disease, disorder or illness, or any physical deformity or injury; and they do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Since March 22, 2020, the advent of social distancing and self quarantine from the Covid-19 Virus has been taking a toll on people not only emotionally, but physically as well. Immediately, as stay at home orders were put into place, social media was filled with jokes and comments about people gaining weight during the quarantine. Here are some easy to implement health hacks that could not only prevent you from gaining weight during quarantine, but even get you on the right course for losing it.

1.) Protect and Feed Your Mind

Stress produces a hormone called “cortisol” which is a fat storing hormone. When there are excess amounts of physical, chemical or emotional stress the body will store fat as a potential energy source for the future. Your body doesn’t know how much energy you will need to expend to “protect your life” (stress was originally meant to indicate a danger to your life), so it preserves the fat to be used later on. Sometimes people can go through a stressful time in their life and can actually lose significant amounts of weight because the stress suppresses their appetite. Unfortunately, that weight will inevitably come back plus an extra 10 or 15 pounds as an added bonus 😉. However, at some point the stress will eventually catch up to you will most likely make you gain weight.

It’s easy right now with the world full of fear, uncertainty and negativity, to fall into the trap of what Zig Ziglar has coined as “Stinkin’ Thinkin’.” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Stinkin’ Thinkin’ is “a bad way of thinking, that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will happen to you, or that you are not a very good person.”  News outlets, social media, and people in general often “thrive” on fear and negativity. I put thrive in quotations because to truly thrive usually implies growing in a positive way. In this situation however, news agency’s and social media are growing their fortunes through fear. Please don’t get me wrong, this is a serious condition; but, a lot of people have a lot to gain from us being fixated on it 24 hours a day. Not only does the constant focus stress you out, but it negatively effects your health and makes you gain weight too. These platforms have their place and can be very helpful in many ways. However, one can become a victim of fear very quickly if you’re not careful.

My suggestion is to only listen to the news as often as you have to. Obviously, if either your job or some other responsibility requires you to watch the news more frequently, you may have to tune in regularly. If, however, you really don’t need to, then limit your exposure to preserve your health. Better yet, just have someone who is less sensitive to the stress update you weekly on the things you need to know. You really don’t need to see the pictures of victims and other really emotional things, it doesn’t benefit you in anyway.

What Can You do to Protect Your Mind?

-Limit news and social media as much as possible. 

-When you do have to listen to the news, do it early in the morning so you can work through any negative emotions you have to process by bedtime. Reading stressful materials too close to bed may prevent you from sleeping properly.

-Read daily devotionals, religious scriptures or other positive and uplifting materials.

-Pray or meditate regularly. 

-Listen to life coaches like Tony Robbins who talk about handling anxiety, depression and fear.

-Come up with daily positive statements that direct your mind like: “Every day, in every way,  I’m getting healthier and healthier!” Say positive statements like this over and over again with excitement and passion.

-Start and end your day writing in a gratitude journal. Write down everything you are thankful for in your life.  The more you focus on what you are grateful for, the more grateful you become. Gratitude is powerful because it is the opposite emotion of fear, depression and anxiety. You cannot feel gratitude and one of these other emotions at the same time. Isn’t that incredible? So why not choose gratitude?

2.) Keep a Strict Schedule

Even though staying up late and sleeping in every morning is very tempting, these bad routines will end in lifelong destructive habits if you are not careful.

Schedule the following important tasks:

-Going to bed. Your biggest release of growth hormone (an important fat burning hormone) is at midnight and if you are not sound asleep during that time you will miss out on its benefits! As you get older, the growth hormone spikes become less and less which makes sleep, more and more important as you age.

-Getting Up

-Exercising 

-Taking your vitamins

-Praying or meditating

-Family Time

-Work Time

-Feeding Your Mind

-“Me” Time. With everyone in your household on top of each other constantly, having ”me” time is not only important for you, but it’s important for your relationship with your family too! If you don’t do this, you will become resentful and it will cause upsets in your relationships.

So keep in mind, you may never have this opportunity to stay at home and be the boss of your own schedule again! Take advantage of it and create some really good new habits and routines that can last a lifetime!

3.) Don’t Allow Yourself to Graze

People have a desire to eat when they are happy, sad, bored, anxious, stressed, tired or thirsty. So it’s very tempting to keep running to the cupboard or refrigerator as you go through the emotional roller coaster of the day. Unfortunately, brainless eating will definitely lead to a significant amount of weight gain overtime. Stay hydrated so you feel less tired and more full. Don’t let yourself eat a snack until you have had a big glass of water just to make sure you’re not really just dehydrated. Keeping a higher amount of good fats in your diet will also help you feel more full. Try to keep the bad foods out of the house and only eat when you really are hungry.

4.) Choose 2 Cheat Days Per Week

Pick a day mid week and on a weekend and plan in advance the treat you will be having.  This will allow everyone in the house to have something to look forward to and will help you stay strong during the in between days. It’s still important to try to find the healthiest recipe you can find. Throwing the word “keto or paleo” in front of anything you want will most likely find you a healthier alternative. Sugar suppresses your immune system so using a natural sugar substitute like stevia is better than using a sugar version of the particular item you desire. People often feel a sugar hangover the next day which makes it difficult to get back into your normal routine, so consider cheating on a Saturday instead of a Sunday if you have to work on Monday.

5.) Take the Time to Exercise

The excuse of “I don’t have time to exercise ” is totally out the window right now! Take this opportunity to implement exercise into your daily routine. Even if you just commit to three or four times per week, anything is better than nothing.  Some people try using the excuse of still having to work from home. They seem to think because they are working from home they are spending as much time working as they did before, but that’s not necessarily true. Take the time that you have saved from not having to drive to work and use that to exercise.  The truth is, you will find time to do the things you value, so just make it important enough and find the time!

6.) Implement Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is where you decrease your eating time and increase your fasting time. In other words, stop eating around 5 or 6 PM and then don’t eat again until around 9 or 10 AM the next morning. The goal is to work up to a 16 hour fasting window. Of course, this is something you should work up to slowly; building up to one or two days a week. When you are eating, your body is in a constant state of insulin production. Insulin is a fat storing hormone so it makes you hold onto fat instead of burning it.  Check out our YouTube channel for fasting, keto and other weight loss videos. You should not do intermittent fasting if you are a type 1 diabetic, or have any health condition that would prohibit it. It’s always best to discuss this with a qualified doctor before starting a fasting program.

Conclusion

Instead of focusing on how awful this time of isolation is, focus on what an awesome opportunity you have to drastically change your life and finally become the boss of your health, your body and your life! If you’ve enjoyed this article please share it and help others to use this time of quarantine to grow in good ways, NOT BAD!

DISCLAIMER: This communication does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, videos, graphics, images and other material contained in this communication are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this message is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this message or in the materials or websites referred to herein. The associates of Southside Chiropractic do not practice conventional medicine. More specifically, they do not examine, diagnose or treat, or offer to treat or cure or attempt to cure, any mental or physical disease, disorder or illness, or any physical deformity or injury; and they do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

As of right now the Coronavirus, aka, COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is causing considerable physical and emotional health problems in this country and throughout the world.  It is like nothing that our generation has ever seen before. The reason for this article is, first, to provide some assistance to gain certainty in uncertain times and, secondly, to learn how to best protect you and your family. It is about understanding how the human body works and how to best support it.    

UNDERSTAND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: We hear a lot about the immune system and often about people having a weakened immune system. It’s helpful to know what the term “immune system” means. There are many parts of the body that make up the immune system. In fact the body as a whole IS an immune system. It includes the skin, thymus gland, spleen, the lymphatic system, the skeletal bones, digestive system, the intestinal bacteria, and the liver plus many more. Since the whole body is involved in the immune system a whole body approach is needed to best support it and shield it from environmental stressors.

EAT COLORFUL FRESH FOODS: Eat multi colored fresh vegetables as well as lower sugar containing fruits to boost your vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support your immune system. The variation of colors within vegetables and fruits represents different types and concentrations of many of the different essential nutrients we need. “They” say you are what you eat. So try to eat as much variety and color as possible to strengthen and shield your body.

REDUCE THE STRESS: Keeping stress levels down in the body is vital to help support the immune system. You can do this in three ways: through sleep, avoiding sugar and not panicking. 

First, make sure to sleep seven or more hours per night. Your body heals from the daily “stresses” while you sleep and lack of it is the fastest way to make the body vulnerable. If you have trouble sleeping there are many natural ways to support the body. If this continues to be an issue you should seek help from a trained professional to further assist you.

Second, avoiding sugar and highly processed carbohydrate rich foods is crucial in keeping the immune system and body strong. These types of foods elevate insulin levels, suppress immune function, and increase inflammation, making your risk of illness and disease much higher.

Lastly, it is crucial to try not to fear or panic in uncertain times. (That probably means limiting your news and social media overexposure. Stay informed but don’t over do it!) Excess of these emotions cause your body to produce too much cortisol which can cause the immune system to become suppressed and make you more vulnerable to catching things that are going around. I have often heard it said that the opposite of fear, anxiety or worry is gratitude.  When you take time to reflect on even the small things you are grateful for in life, your brain starts to look for additional reasons to be thankful and generates feelings of joy and happiness as well as many positive hormones that go along with these emotions. Purposeful thinking or better yet, journaling in a gratitude journal, especially at the end of the night, helps you capture those daily positive experiences and allows your brain to settle down and therefore sleep better. This happens because the brain is no longer ruminating on the fearful things that the news bombards us with, which for the most part we have very limited ability to change anyway. This is one of the easiest habits you can implement that can immediately reduce your stress levels and should be a habit you strive to maintain for a lifetime! 

A few words that help my family relieve stress are from Philippians 4:6-7: 

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication (petitioning) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

SUPPLEMENT: The foods we eat may not adequately supply us with key nutrients we need for optimum health. Consider whole food nutritional supplementation to make sure you have sufficient amounts of the most vital nutrients to keep the immune system strong. Some of the most important nutrients our immune system finds incredibly helpful include calcium (calcium lactate is the most highly absorbent pill form followed by calcium citrate), vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol (preferably combined with vitamin K2), zinc, and vitamin C (as a whole food form supplement-highly preferred to synthetically derived ascorbic acid.)  Many amazing herbs and botanicals can be used to help strengthen your defense as well. These include Echinacea, Astragalus, Andrographis, St. John’s Wort, Cat’s Claw, and Olive Leaf Extract to name a few. Be aware that some herbs can have contraindications with certain medications! Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbs if you are taking any medications or have been diagnosed with a medical condition. You may also want to consult with a trained healthcare professional before you begin an herbal regiment. Our goal is only to assist people in improving their health and cannot offer cures or remedies for prevention or treatment of disease.

EAT GOOD FATS: Every cell in the body has a protective defense barrier that is primarily made of fat and cholesterol. (This is called a phospholipid bilayer for the science geeks like me out there.) Consumption of good quality fats, especially those containing Vitamin F (yes, you read that correctly, there is a Vitamin F) is vital for optimum health and cell membrane development. Sometimes these fats are called essential fatty acids because we cannot function without them. Good fats protect these cell membranes and help provide for a healthy immune system as well as support proper absorption of vitamins and minerals into the cells. These fats include good quality fish oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, walnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts and chia seeds. Grass fed meat, eggs, and dairy (including butter) are also good sources of fats including vitamin F.  Consumption of as many of these foods as possible is ideal but if you find yourself not getting enough then supplementation may be needed.

FRESH AIR, SUNLIGHT, AND WATER: Fresh air, sunlight, and sufficient hydration are crucial for optimum health and to strengthen your body’s defenses. Increased ventilation (open windows) in your home or office allows the air to turnover more frequently and for any potential pathogens in the air (such as viruses and bacteria) to be “diluted” and possibly moved out by the fresh air, reducing your risk.

Sunlight is the best way to get Vitamin D but due to our indoor culture and with limited sun exposure in cold weather seasons supplementation is often crucial. Many body systems including hormone production and the immune response require sufficient supplies of Vitamin D to work effectively.

Hydration is crucial because the body is made up of as much as 60+% water. The lungs are up to 80+% water. During the colder months when inside and outside humidity levels drop often to the 20-30% range, our bodies (particularly our lungs) are more susceptible to irritation and illness. Proper hydration and using a humidifier in a dry environment can help strengthen your defense significantly.

From the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html

How to Prepare

Here is what you can do to prepare your family in case COVID-19 spreads into your community.

1. Find Local Information

Know where to find local information on COVID-19 and local trends of COVID-19 cases.

2. Know the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if symptomatic:

• Stay home when you are sick

• Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit

• Limit movement in the community

• Limit visitors

3. Take Steps for Those at Higher Risk

Know what additional measures those at higher risk and who are more vulnerable should take.

4. Protect Yourself & Family

Implement steps to prevent illness (e.g., stay home when sick, handwashing, respiratory etiquette, clean frequently touched surfaces daily).

5. Create a Household Plan of action in case of illness in the household or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.

• Consider getting 2-week supply of prescription and over the counter medications, food and other essentials. Know how to get food delivered if possible.

• Establish ways to communicate with others (e.g., family, friends, co-workers).

• Establish plans to telework from home if possible, what to do about childcare needs, how to adapt to cancellation of events.

6. Stay Informed About Emergency Plans

Know about emergency operations plans for schools/workplaces of household members.

DISCLAIMER: This communication does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, videos, graphics, images and other material contained in this communication are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this message is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this message or in the materials or websites referred to herein. The associates of Southside Chiropractic do not practice conventional medicine. More specifically, they do not examine, diagnose or treat, or offer to treat or cure or attempt to cure, any mental or physical disease, disorder or illness, or any physical deformity or injury; and they do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.