With a digestive landscape that can prove tricky at best, it is difficult to get enough calcium from foods that agree with us alone, so most of us take calcium supplements regularly for decades with the hope of avoiding future fractures.  However, calcium is not like a pain reliever.  You don’t feel any dramatic difference, and you can’t see your bones improving from taking your calcium, so how do you know if your calcium is working?  Or a better question is how do you know it is working optimally?  Given the long term use, and the big risks of failed attempts, it makes sense to take the best calcium possible.

Did you know that 90% of calcium supplements are made from rock ?

Your health care practitioner recommends calcium, and so does the USDA, the US Surgeon General, the World Health Organization, and all the Osteoporosis Foundations, but I’ll bet they didn’t tell you what kind of calcium to look for did they!  Even your friendly local pharmacist didn’t say, go buy yourself some calcium carbonate, or calcium citrate or calcium from cow bones, or oyster shells, or egg shells, or calcium lactate from milk, did she?  Let me tell you why.  It’s because there is no difference in performance between these mainstream calcium sources!  Other than a little bit of absorption difference, which is greatly exaggerated by marketers, “calcium is calcium” whether it came from a carbonate, citrate, or a lactate.  When it’s delivered for use to your bones, the calcium is separated from the carbonate, from the citrate and from the lactate molecule, so it is simply calcium irrespective of the original source.

Ok, so all the experts are right.  All the calcium sources are the same.  So how do I choose the best one?  What’s my point, anyway?  Keep reading and you will be amazed by new information that is only known to a few research insiders.

This is a picture of raw marble rock. Most of the calcium supplements we take comes from marble or limestone.

Before telling you about the new calcium source with a difference, I have to explain a little about the calcium you have been taking for the last 60 years.  It comes in all kinds of pretty packaging, but inside the package is rock.  That’s right.  Marble and limestone rock to be specific.  Go get your calcium bottle and read the supplements facts panel on the label.  If it says “calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium citrate-malate” or a few other names, it means it was taken from a rock quarry with jack hammers and heavy equipment.  Now, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t ever been tempted to make myself a peanut butter limestone sandwich, have you?  How about a tomato and marble salad?  I’m joking, right?   I wish I was, but the truth is that more than 90% of calcium supplements are made from rock.

Now it makes a little more sense why those pills are hard to swallow and constipating, doesn’t it!  Now it makes sense why studies are showing that calcium supplements don’t increase your bone density – they can only slow the loss a little.  Your body simply wasn’t designed to metabolize rock.

Recent research is potentially even more sinister.  A meta-study published in the British Medical Journal in July 2010 suggests that calcium supplementation (from rock sources) may contribute to heart disease, when taken alone. Although the study has serious design flaws, there are lessons to be learned from it. We sure don’t want to take our calcium supplement religiously to protect our bones and end up with a worse problem!

As a naturopathic physician with a focus on women’s health, I believe that we should try to get our calcium from food as much as possible.  Food is the best source because it is a natural balance of minerals and nutrients – like in your bones.  Your bones are not composed of calcium alone.  They have zinc and copper and boron and magnesium and many other minerals which have a distinct role to play.

Further compounding the calcium supplement problem is the amount that is being recommended.  Whenever you take a large amount of ANY nutrient, you deplete other nutrients.  In the case of calcium, studies show that a large amount of calcium will drive magnesium and zinc out of your body – and these minerals are critical for your health!

Now I know it’s nearly impossible to get your recommended levels of calcium and other minerals from your three squares a day, so what’s the solution?

The answer is to look for calcium supplements that ARE food.  That’s right.  Calcium tablets or capsules that are made from food sourced calcium.  Since rocks, oyster shells, and egg shells are not generally eaten, I am suggesting a new source of calcium – a calcium from a living plant.  A source that your body recognizes as food.

In recent years a marine algae called Algas calcareas which is harvested from the shores of the Atlantic in South America, has made it into a handful of calcium products by a few different US companies.  This kiwi sized algae is hand-picked and then milled into a powder which contains not only calcium, but all of the minerals found in human bone in approximately the same balance.  So far, this calcium source is not available in the mass market, but several US health food companies have listed AlgaeCal® as an ingredient on their labels.

The idea of eating a plant is so much better than rock; and the idea of symphony of minerals is so much better than calcium alone. And as a physician, the science supporting this calcium source adds substantial confidence.

First, not surprisingly, is the plant calcium is better absorbed than rock calcium according to U of Milan study.  Second, a recently published study conducted by U of CT shows that your body’s bone building cells prefer the plant calcium over the two leading ingredients, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate…by a lot!  Like 200 to 400%. Third, human studies are showing the effect on bone density of this plant calcium is extraordinary compared to all other calcium sources.

Chances are you will be taking calcium supplements for the rest of your life.  It is hard to see progress in supporting your bone health, so why take a chance?  Get out of the Stone Age, and eat plants that are body-friendly.

written exclusively for H.I.C. by,
Dr. Marcus Laux

Exhausted, achy, brain fog and insomnia? Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) and its painful cousin fibromyalgia(FMS) can be devastating! I had CFS/FMS in 1975. It knocked me out of medical school and left me homeless. It also taught me how to effectively treat fatigue-even CFS/FMS!

Ready to Get Well?

Our placebo controlled study titled “Effective Treatment of CFS and Fibromyalgia” showed that 91% of patients improved with treatment, with an average improvement in quality of life of 90 percent. Many patients no longer even qualified for the diagnosis of CFS or fibromyalgia after treatment!

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

To get well- Think “SHINE”!

Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia both represent an “Energy Crisis” in your body. There are 5 key areas that need to be treated for your fatigue and/or pain to resolve.

1-Sleep.

2-Hormonal deficiencies– despite normal labs!

3-Infections.

4-Nutritional support.

5-Exercise as able.

Turbo Charge Your Energy with Ribose!

Overall treatments to optimize energy (discussed in my best-selling book “From Fatigued to Fantastic!”) and cutting back on sugar (see my new book “Beat Sugar Addiction –NOW!”) are important.  In over 30 years of treating Fatigue, CFS and Fibromyalgia, the most powerful single treatment we have found, however, is a special nutrient called Ribose. Ribose is the backbone of energy production in your body. We have done 2 studies of ~ 300 people with CFS/Fibromyalgia, done at over 50 different medical offices. Patients treated with Ribose showed an AVERAGE increase in energy of ~ 60% in only 3 weeks, also improving mental clarity, sleep, pain and overall well being dramatically. Many had a “WOW!” effect.

Would You Like 60% More Energy?

The 2 research studies suggest that this is the average effect from the ribose (Corvalen). Take 5 grams 3x a day for 3 weeks and then it can often be decreased to once each morning–and prepare to be amazed!

For those with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia, our free online “Symptom Analysis Program” will analyze your symptoms (and even pertinent labs if available) to determine the likely causes contributing to your illness. It will tailor a detailed treatment protocol to your case, which will offer both natural and prescription options that can help you recover.

It’s time for you to get well- and optimize your vitality- now!

© 2010 H.I.C.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is Medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers nationally.  Having suffered with and overcome these illnesses in 1975, he spent the next 30 years creating, researching, and teaching about effective therapies for fatigue, CFS, Fibromyalgia, and pain. He is also author of the popular free iPhone application “Cures A-Z”.

http://www.endfatigue.com/treatment_options/Online_program.html

Alternative and conventional medical professionals have long debated about the use of detoxification diets. Conventional medicine has contested that the body possesses an excellent elimination system and does not require outside intervention for detoxifying itself. However, alternative medicine and some nutritionists contend that this system may have been adequate in the past but with today’s unhealthy habits and less than perfect environment, relying solely on the body’s elimination system may not be enough.

Both parties have a point. It’s true that the body possesses a powerful elimination system. The respiratory system serves to filter the air we breathe removing impurities in the air and supplying oxygen to the body. It is also able to expel minerals and impurities from the body thru the urinary and excretory system. The intestines for example contain colonies of bacteria that neutralize harmful toxins. The body could also expel toxins by simply sweating them out.

Bifidobacterium is just one strain of friendly bacteria found in our intestines which help us with bowel health.

The human body however can only take so much and with todays barrage of toxins and pollution it is better to take precautions rather than pay the price of expensive medical treatments. People often consult with their doctors when toxicity levels have reached their maximum and have already shown signs of illnesses. Dialysis machines are used to replace failing kidneys and chelation therapies to remove toxins in the blood. Alternative and holistic medicine professionals support detoxification diets as a method of supporting the body’s natural elimination system. Definitely, the human body has been designed to handle toxins and eliminate them naturally from our systems. However, the major concern is that are they able to handle the ever growing amount of toxins that enter our bodies every day. Detoxification programs were developed to complement the body’s elimination system and not take over their functions.

Some of the most popular methods of detoxification could only be described as extreme. Detox programs often go overboard instructing people to avoid food for days making them ineffective but more importantly counterproductive in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Doing a moderate detoxification program is still the best way to proceed. Moderate detox programs involves taking in whole based food with natural supplements making them safe and less likely to negatively affect normal metabolism.

Not as quick as some of the more popular detox programs these usually take weeks or months but offer users a more long lasting improvement in terms of their health and vitality. Moderate programs also help people develop a healthier eating habit which gives them a sustainable weight loss solution.

The promise of a better looking body in just a couple of days has made quick-fix detox programs more alluring and exciting to many people. Most of this has just been a mere marketing ploy tricking people into shelling their hard earned money on such gimmickry. Some of these methods even border on the silly to the bizarre. Spas and health salons offer their customers foot baths which they say siphon off the toxins in the body. The general rule is that if it’s too good to be true then more likely than not it’s just a plain advertising strategy.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C.

Hemorrhoids are dilated and congested vascular complex at the lower end of the anal canal, Think of them as varicose veins. They are highly vascular “cushions” or “pads” consisting of discrete masses of thick sub mucosa which contain blood vessels, smooth muscle, and elastic and connective tissues. Such cushions are present in everyone and the term “hemorrhoids” is confined to situations in which these cushions are enlarged, inflamed and cause symptoms.

The Rectum is the 10-15 cm of the lower colon above the dentate line. In the rectal ampulla, a space above the dentate line, there are three vascular hemorrhoidal cushions which help the muscles to maintain continence. No pain fibers here. The dentate line separates the zone of internal hemorrhoids above from the zone of external hemorrhoids below.  The anal canal is the 3-4 cm between the dentate line and anal verge. The nerves in this area help us with continence to discriminate between gas, fluid and solid waste.  Anus or anal verge is the outlet covered by true skin rich in nerve endings.  Internal hemorrhoids are above the dentate line and covered with insensitive mucosa while externals are below the dentate line and covered by sensitive skin-like cells.  If the outer aspect of a hemorrhoid is covered with skin but the inner side is mucosa

Over half the population will have some occurrence of hemorrhoid symptoms by age 50 and the incidence peaks between 45 and 65. Men and women affected equally, but men are more likely to seek treatment.  Ten to twenty million Americans have active hemorrhoids and as many as 5 million seek medical help each year. We spend over 250 million dollars each year on hemorrhoid products. 1.5 million Prescriptions.  More than 120,000 surgical hemorrhoidectomies are done each year.  Most are unnecessary. 1.5 million Colonoscopies are done each year.

One of the main causes of getting hemorrhoids is not enough soluble fiber in your diet.

The causes of hemorrhoids is a lack of soluble fiber and not enough water in the diet, straining, and sitting longer than 2 minutes on the toilet which promotes prolapse of the anal cushions. Hemorrhoids may be inherited, but it may only be the behaviors and diet habits that are passed along. Increase in abdominal pressure e.g. pregnancy, obesity, pelvic tumors, lifting, sitting, coughing, constipation, diarrhea, anal intercourse and aging are among the causes of developing hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be exacerbated by excessive cleaning, rubbing, steroids, and hemorrhoid creams. Enlargement comes from the dragging of the hemorrhoids downward, weakened supporting tissue. There are many risk factors that promote hemorrhoids, from these factors; Past history of hemorrhoid symptoms or anal fissure,  Age 30-65, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, constipation/Diarrhea, pregnancy, failure to eat breakfast, spicy food, fats, alcohol, smoking, low water intake, obesity and spinal cord injuries.

Hemorrhoid Grades:

The severity is graded by the degree of prolapse

• Grade 1 hemorrhoid -no prolapse and cause painless bleeding.
• Grade 2 hemorrhoid – prolapse on defecation, go back spontaneously. Seen on straining.
• Grade 3 hemorrhoid – prolapse and have to be pushed back leading to bleeding and aching pain.
• Grade 4 hemorrhoid – Can’t be pushed back leading to mucous discharge, bleeding, pain and necrosis.

Typical Hemorrhoids Symptoms:

1. Chronic intermittent bright red bleeding with bowel movements, on tissue, in commode, or streaked on stool surface.
2. Feeling of fullness, swelling, extra tissue and incomplete BM.
3. Irritation or itching from seepage of mucus, fecal soiling or dermatitis from hemorrhoid creams causes rash.
4. Pain may occur with prolapse, associated external hemorrhoids or anal fissure.
5. Bulge of tissue on anal skin
6. Blood on toilet tissue.
7. Thrombosis of external hemorrhoids leading to a hard painful lump.
8. Skin tags left over after dilated external hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy, or resolved thrombosis. Can trap stool and cause dermatitis and itching.

Diagnosis of Hemorrhoids:

1. History and physical exam including peril- anal inspection and digital rectal exam. Done in left lateral position. Side viewing anoscopy. Significant pain suggests thrombosis, fissure, spasm, proctitis or abscess.

2. Sigmoidoscopy to rule out tumors of lower colon

3. Manometry/endorectal ultrasound-incontinence study

4. Colonoscopy for persistent bleeding

Prevention of Hemorrhoids:

1-      Eat foods high in fibers such as fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals. Eat additional fiber supplement available over the counter. Drink plenty of water and fluids, at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. Changing your eating and drinking lifestyle, avoid constipation and helps in passing the stool out easily.

2-      Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. Use the toilet only whenever you feel the urge to have bowel movement. Prolonged sitting on the toilet as well as forcing out the stool causes the hemorrhoids to get worse.

3-      Observe proper anal hygiene. Keep the area clean and dry at all times. Avoid scrubbing the area, for this further aggravates the hemorrhoids and causes irritation. When wiping, use a gentle and slow motion.

4-      Using water to clean the area is the best, but if this is not possible, use a moist toilet paper or baby wipes.

5-      Reduce your weight. Losing weight significantly decreases the pressure on the lower part of your body specifically the rectum area. Maintain a healthy weight for your height to get rid of hemorrhoids.

6-      Avoid lifting heavy objects or other form of activity where you do excessive straining. Ask someone else to help you out.

7-      Refrain from prolonged sitting for extended periods of time. This will limit the pressure being exerted on your bottom.

8-      When your work requires you to be seated most of the time, take a break every now and then and walk around for few minutes

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids:

Apply ice pack to the affected area. It will give a quick relief from the pain and swelling by shrinking the veins. Be careful not to insert the ice directly into the rectum because it will burn your skin

Soak yourself in a warm tub or sitz bath several times a day for about 10 minutes. The warm water will ease the swelling and alleviate the pain associated with hemorrhoids. Make sure to use clean water free from any bath products.

Anorectal preparations may temporarily help relieve anal itching or irritation, but will not cure the problem of rectal bleeding and prolapse. Patients prefer creams over suppositories.

None surgical RBL of hemorrhoids:

1999- Dr. Patrick O’Regan develops a disposable ligation system featuring gentle suction instead of metal grasper.

2006- 2008 Centers for Colo Rectal Health opened in Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver and New Orleans.

Ligator has now been proven safe and reliable in over 15,000 applications.

Banding normalized the size of hemorrhoidal cushions.

Inflammation reattaches tissue to surrounding muscles.

External disease improves but skin tags may be left behind.

Banding may be done via side viewing anoscope. Band is placed 1.5 to 2 cm above dentate line to decrease pain. After band is applied it is digitally checked for position and comfort.

Who can be banded?

1. Patients may resume normal activities after the banding but should avoid strenuous activities until next day.
2. There may be a feeling of heaviness or fullness for 1-2 days.
3. Avoid constipation. Continue with fiber and fluids.
4. Bleeding may occur which may be from associated fissure or other hemorrhoids. Lie down on side, drink fluids, apply ice to anal area, and if persists call physician.
5. Call physician for urinary retention, fever, myalgia, flu like symptoms.
6. The band will fall off and pass in 1-7 days.

Contraindication to banding:

Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin are a relative contraindication to hemorrhoid treatment and if possible it is best to stop them for 5 days before and after banding.

In portal hypertension the rectal varices are treated by treating the portal hypertension.

In pregnancy try to avoid rectal procedures to avoid the rare complication of pelvic sepsis or the liability of abortion. Anal fissures may be treated with Nitroglycerin.

Not capable of tolerating office procedure

Large external hemorrhoid disease?

Grade IV hemorrhoidal disease not responding to banding?

Other hemorrhoid treatment modalities:

Anti-inflammatory Cortisone preparation, reduce itching and swelling.

OTC products containing hydrocortisone are not FDA approved for internal anorectal use.

Prolonged use can weaken tissue, promote infection, and cause allergic reaction

Surgical treatment:

Prevention is the best line of treatment

Conservative treatment offer symptomatic relief but does not treat the cause

Rubber band ligation is a none surgical, safe, and painless, in – office treatment. This is the most recommended and effective first choice treatment

Surgical procedures are reserved for large external hemorrhoids and for internal hemorrhoids not responding to rubber band ligation.

Dr. Mando is the Medical Director of the Center for Colorectal Health in Louisiana.