A large number of us want to be healthier and lose weight. In our quest to accomplish this we often avoid foods like burgers, pizza and ice cream.
But when approached properly these foods can actually help you lose or keep off weight.
RED MEAT
Burgers and meatballs can be a healthy alternative if you rethink what goes into them. using extra lean red meat can be a great choice. First, it gives one the feeling of eating how most of us were raised, with red meat being a staple. Secondly these meats are a great source of muscle building and preserving proteins and they digest slowly and can help produce a feeling satisfying your hunger and maintaining the sense of fullness longer.
Choosing grass fed beef is an excellent choice. The fats in grass fed beef are primarily of the unsaturated type that are what humans were meant to eat, not the tainted saturated fats created when humans feed cattle corn. Please see my older posts on this topic.
Can't afford or don't have access to grass fed like we do here in southeast Ohio? Chose ground beef labeled "97 percent lean" or " extra lean" which means it has less than five grams of fat per serving.
Chose steak cuts that are lower fat cuts like sirloin tip, t-bone or strip steak. Keep serving size reasonable. restaurants often serve up 9-12 ounces when 3-4 ounces, about the size of an open palm, is more in line. The focus should also be on a sensible salad and vegetables.
AVOID beef that is labeled PRIME this is a cut that is very high in fat. Choice has less fat and near equal taste.
EGGS
eggs have been given a bad rap. they are an excellent source of protein, have all eight essential amino acids and seem to produce satiety, or a feeling of fullness in many folks.
Egg whites have about 16 calories and whole eggs have about 72 each. they are fast and easy. See more recipes at Health.com/eggs.
AVOID restaurant eggs that are likely fried in vegetable oils or butter or worse smothered in cheese that add calories and saturated fats. You can request it be prepared in cooking spray.
Ice Cream
Recent studies seem to suggest that eating full fat dairy products seems to lead to more successful weight loss. Reasons are unclear but possibly due to substances like CLA, conjugated Linoleic Acid. This has gotten a lot of publicity as a weight loss supplement and I don't recommend using it in that manner as it appears not to be worthwhile in supplement form and the data is all over the board on its use and any effectiveness. It may be just a satisfying treat that fulfills ones cravings.
one must keep servings small, and watch total fat intake not because fat is inherently evil but can be a vehicle for significant calorie intake.
Pizza
Chose whole wheat crusts, stick to vegetables and chicken as toppings, avoid red meats like pepperoni and sausage. Stay away from deep dish or pan as that indicates it is cooked in oil, likely a vegetable oil that is high in saturated fats. In this way a medium slice will only cost you about 200-250 calories.
Canadian Bacon, a protein secret.
Unlike regular bacon Canadian bacon comes fro the loin and is leaner. It is thicker and should be cooked without oil or heated in an oven. A great source of protein, it can be used on a whole wheat BLT or added to salads or scrambled eggs
As always some form of exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle and should not be forgotten as the cornerstone of weight loss, a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Vitamin C Helps Prevent Fracture Pain
A recent study confirms that 500 mg of Vitamin C daily in fracture patients greatly reduces the chances of developing a painful sometimes debilitating condition call Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
CPRS is a mysterious condition whose cause is unclear. It consists of unexplained pain, difference in skin color and temperature compared to other limb, swelling and loss of range of motion not explained by the injury.
It used to be believed that psychological issues were a large factor in these syndromes. This belief however has largely fallen out of favor, and other factors such as micro trauma, abnormal central nervous system response, abnormal inflammatory response.
It is believed to be rare but recent studies suggest it may occur in as many as one in ten patients and be severe and debilitating in as many as 2% of all fractures.
Anyone suffering from CPRS can attest that is can be totally life altering with severe pain, and loss of limb function. There is no effective treatment for this syndrome and it is made more difficult to deal with by the fact that it is often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed or patients are sometimes told they are exaggerating or frankly faking the condition.
The condition often starts out with cast complaints and it is now believed that as many as 50% of cast complaints can be mild forms of CPRS.
The good news is that several recent studies indicate that 500 mg of vitamin C started at time of fracture treatment can greatly reduce the incidence of CPRS.
Its cheap, it has basically no side effects and can decrease the incidence fivefold from 10% to 2% and helps greatly decrease the severe lifestyle altering forms of this syndrome.
The study of wrist fractures out of Netherlands followed 416 fractures for a year. Using established criteria for diagnosis 10% of the placebo group was diagnosed with CRPS, but only 4%, 2%, and 2% in the 200mg, 500mg, and 1500mg.
The take home is this CPRS is not as rare as we thought it was and it can be greatly reduced with just 500mg of Vit C a day for 7 weeks.
I believe this can be extended to ALL fractures.
It is cheap, and easy with nearly zero side effects.
So if you or a loved one sustains a fracture it would be wise to treat with 500mg of Vitamin C daily for 7 weeks.
And tell your doctor about this information, have them do a search on the study. It is an inexpensive and effective preventative tool.
CPRS is a mysterious condition whose cause is unclear. It consists of unexplained pain, difference in skin color and temperature compared to other limb, swelling and loss of range of motion not explained by the injury.
It used to be believed that psychological issues were a large factor in these syndromes. This belief however has largely fallen out of favor, and other factors such as micro trauma, abnormal central nervous system response, abnormal inflammatory response.
It is believed to be rare but recent studies suggest it may occur in as many as one in ten patients and be severe and debilitating in as many as 2% of all fractures.
Anyone suffering from CPRS can attest that is can be totally life altering with severe pain, and loss of limb function. There is no effective treatment for this syndrome and it is made more difficult to deal with by the fact that it is often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed or patients are sometimes told they are exaggerating or frankly faking the condition.
The condition often starts out with cast complaints and it is now believed that as many as 50% of cast complaints can be mild forms of CPRS.
The good news is that several recent studies indicate that 500 mg of vitamin C started at time of fracture treatment can greatly reduce the incidence of CPRS.
Its cheap, it has basically no side effects and can decrease the incidence fivefold from 10% to 2% and helps greatly decrease the severe lifestyle altering forms of this syndrome.
The study of wrist fractures out of Netherlands followed 416 fractures for a year. Using established criteria for diagnosis 10% of the placebo group was diagnosed with CRPS, but only 4%, 2%, and 2% in the 200mg, 500mg, and 1500mg.
The take home is this CPRS is not as rare as we thought it was and it can be greatly reduced with just 500mg of Vit C a day for 7 weeks.
I believe this can be extended to ALL fractures.
It is cheap, and easy with nearly zero side effects.
So if you or a loved one sustains a fracture it would be wise to treat with 500mg of Vitamin C daily for 7 weeks.
And tell your doctor about this information, have them do a search on the study. It is an inexpensive and effective preventative tool.
Monday, March 17, 2008
An Unsolved Chicago Murder
I opened the letter with more than mild curiosity. Why would I get a letter from the Chicago Police?
Well they have an unsolved murder. What does that have to do with me, the coroner of a sparsely populated Southeast Ohio County that has less than a quarter murder a year?
I was about to find out.
Two detectives from the Chicago Police cold case unit were heading this way for a sit down with myself and the prosecutor.
They sent an advance packet outlining the purpose of the meeting. It read like a dime store gum shoe murder mystery. Except this was a real person, and a real family that really lost a loved one in a horrific murder.
Ten years prior a beautiful young college student and part time waitress had been brutally murdered late night on her doorstep. She was 19.
She was the victim of a brutal attack from behind as she was about to enter her home. It was an OJ Simpson like attack, a blade of some sort had nearly severed her head from her body. There were almost no leads, no apparent motive besides possibly a sexual assault gone wrong. No real evidence except some trace spots of blood that did not match the victims blood type. Not enough for DNA analysis.
An exhaustive investigation revealed no suspects. Save for one.
Some of her coworkers had seen a Navy man the past several nights hanging around the bar in the restaurant. He was quiet, said little and spoke to no one.
But he did seem to be observing this waitress and she had mentioned to a coworker that he made her a little uneasy.
They got a description of him and set about trying to identify or find him.
Great lakes Naval Station is near there and hundreds if not thousands of sailors do naval reserve drills for 2 weeks in the summer making this a daunting task.
They got lucky however.
They started with the Naval authorities criminal investigations hot sheet and found the usual numbers of sailors had been arrested and disciplined the weekend of the murder, but one stood out.
A male reservist fitting the description of the man at the restaurant had gone AWOL. Not an uncommon occurrence for a service member to go absent without leave. but this man had gone AWOL the night of the murder. He was a reservist, on drill for 2 weeks. Interestingly, there was only 2 days left of 2 weeks active duty time.
His military record was above average without problems. He had no prior offenses.
Soon a picture was produced and it was confirmed by workers at the restaurant that he was the man who had been frequenting the restaurant bar.
He had appeared to have come in late to his quarters, packed hastily, as he had left some of his uniforms, and and had not been back.
So they called his home. His elderly parents whom he lived with answered and told an alarming tale.
Their son had arrived home early from drill. He gave no explanation. He did not speak to them. He seemed quite distraught.
He went to his room and he never came out alive.
Some time during the night he had hung himself in his room.
No note. No reasons. No history of mental illness. No apparent logic could be made from it.
I pulled the coroners report from my county but it shed no further light.
I called my retired predecessor who had been coroner over 25 years. He remembered the case. His wife had taught the boy in high school. He was a quiet, reserved boy from a conservative farming family. He was the last of several children and was 10 years younger than his nearest sibling
It was a mystery. My colleague was unaware of the Chicago PD investigation. Dead end on both counts.
Now fast forward 10 years. Science marches on. techniques have been developed to magnify a DNA sample and get a genetic profile from samples that previously were insufficient.
Here lies the crux of the story.
The Chicago police needed a source of DNA to rule out or rule in this young man as a murderer.
He was long buried, the navy did not keep DNA samples like they do now and I am not sure that those samples, which are meant to help identify a service members remains and not for legal purposes, are even discoverable in a court of law.
The detectives asked the parents for DNA but they absolutely refused. They apparently were not willing to take the chance of ruling their son in as a murderer.
They made it absolutely clear that they opposed exhumation of the body. They were even told that if they did not give DNA that exhumation could be sought through legal channels.
They gambled that the evidence was too circumstantial for the Chicago PD to convince a court to order exhumation. They knew that they could not be compelled to provide DNA under these circumstances, having obtained legal counsel. The case was too circumstantial to compel those not a direct party to the case to provide a DNA sample.
So the investigators came to me. They knew that the coroner has absolute power to order exhumation and that this process does not need family consent.
So it was up to me.
I did not contact the parents. their wishes had been made very clear.
I carefully examined the evidence. Compelling but circumstantial none the less.
But the family of that murdered girl deserved closure. How would I feel in those shoes?
I was torn. It came down to one aspect for me. It was really a toss up in my mind. Hey I actually WANTED TO KNOW how this case ended.
But who was I elected to represent?
Then I thought of the cost. Over $1500. Over 5% of my annual budget. I called the Chicago investigators. Were they prepared to foot the bill?
My entire budget for the year covered my pittance of a salary and about 4-5 autopsies a year. If I exceeded that I would have to request more and the county would be obliged to pay, but still it was an expense for this rural, chronically broke county.
No the detectives replied, they could not pay for the exhumation.
So after much thought, I denied the request for exhumation.
His secrets died with him and it appeared that is where they would stay.
What would you have done in my shoes?
Well they have an unsolved murder. What does that have to do with me, the coroner of a sparsely populated Southeast Ohio County that has less than a quarter murder a year?
I was about to find out.
Two detectives from the Chicago Police cold case unit were heading this way for a sit down with myself and the prosecutor.
They sent an advance packet outlining the purpose of the meeting. It read like a dime store gum shoe murder mystery. Except this was a real person, and a real family that really lost a loved one in a horrific murder.
Ten years prior a beautiful young college student and part time waitress had been brutally murdered late night on her doorstep. She was 19.
She was the victim of a brutal attack from behind as she was about to enter her home. It was an OJ Simpson like attack, a blade of some sort had nearly severed her head from her body. There were almost no leads, no apparent motive besides possibly a sexual assault gone wrong. No real evidence except some trace spots of blood that did not match the victims blood type. Not enough for DNA analysis.
An exhaustive investigation revealed no suspects. Save for one.
Some of her coworkers had seen a Navy man the past several nights hanging around the bar in the restaurant. He was quiet, said little and spoke to no one.
But he did seem to be observing this waitress and she had mentioned to a coworker that he made her a little uneasy.
They got a description of him and set about trying to identify or find him.
Great lakes Naval Station is near there and hundreds if not thousands of sailors do naval reserve drills for 2 weeks in the summer making this a daunting task.
They got lucky however.
They started with the Naval authorities criminal investigations hot sheet and found the usual numbers of sailors had been arrested and disciplined the weekend of the murder, but one stood out.
A male reservist fitting the description of the man at the restaurant had gone AWOL. Not an uncommon occurrence for a service member to go absent without leave. but this man had gone AWOL the night of the murder. He was a reservist, on drill for 2 weeks. Interestingly, there was only 2 days left of 2 weeks active duty time.
His military record was above average without problems. He had no prior offenses.
Soon a picture was produced and it was confirmed by workers at the restaurant that he was the man who had been frequenting the restaurant bar.
He had appeared to have come in late to his quarters, packed hastily, as he had left some of his uniforms, and and had not been back.
So they called his home. His elderly parents whom he lived with answered and told an alarming tale.
Their son had arrived home early from drill. He gave no explanation. He did not speak to them. He seemed quite distraught.
He went to his room and he never came out alive.
Some time during the night he had hung himself in his room.
No note. No reasons. No history of mental illness. No apparent logic could be made from it.
I pulled the coroners report from my county but it shed no further light.
I called my retired predecessor who had been coroner over 25 years. He remembered the case. His wife had taught the boy in high school. He was a quiet, reserved boy from a conservative farming family. He was the last of several children and was 10 years younger than his nearest sibling
It was a mystery. My colleague was unaware of the Chicago PD investigation. Dead end on both counts.
Now fast forward 10 years. Science marches on. techniques have been developed to magnify a DNA sample and get a genetic profile from samples that previously were insufficient.
Here lies the crux of the story.
The Chicago police needed a source of DNA to rule out or rule in this young man as a murderer.
He was long buried, the navy did not keep DNA samples like they do now and I am not sure that those samples, which are meant to help identify a service members remains and not for legal purposes, are even discoverable in a court of law.
The detectives asked the parents for DNA but they absolutely refused. They apparently were not willing to take the chance of ruling their son in as a murderer.
They made it absolutely clear that they opposed exhumation of the body. They were even told that if they did not give DNA that exhumation could be sought through legal channels.
They gambled that the evidence was too circumstantial for the Chicago PD to convince a court to order exhumation. They knew that they could not be compelled to provide DNA under these circumstances, having obtained legal counsel. The case was too circumstantial to compel those not a direct party to the case to provide a DNA sample.
So the investigators came to me. They knew that the coroner has absolute power to order exhumation and that this process does not need family consent.
So it was up to me.
I did not contact the parents. their wishes had been made very clear.
I carefully examined the evidence. Compelling but circumstantial none the less.
But the family of that murdered girl deserved closure. How would I feel in those shoes?
I was torn. It came down to one aspect for me. It was really a toss up in my mind. Hey I actually WANTED TO KNOW how this case ended.
But who was I elected to represent?
Then I thought of the cost. Over $1500. Over 5% of my annual budget. I called the Chicago investigators. Were they prepared to foot the bill?
My entire budget for the year covered my pittance of a salary and about 4-5 autopsies a year. If I exceeded that I would have to request more and the county would be obliged to pay, but still it was an expense for this rural, chronically broke county.
No the detectives replied, they could not pay for the exhumation.
So after much thought, I denied the request for exhumation.
His secrets died with him and it appeared that is where they would stay.
What would you have done in my shoes?
Stroke Prevention
Grape Skin Extract Useful in Stroke
Researchers have found that a compound in red wine or grapes may help to minimize brain damage from strokes.
Many Americans have suffered from a stroke, whether it’s themselves or family members. As many people know, strokes can be very unexpected and the results can be permanent.
A stroke can occur when there is blockage of blood flow to the brain, which means oxygen and nutrients cannot enter. The brain’s neurons in the affected areas begin to release excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters. The transmitters encourage calcium to move into the neurons resulting in free radicals that can be very hazardous.
Research has discovered that resveratrol--a compound found in grapes--can absorb the free radicals, stopping them from doing any more damage to the brain.
Science Daily News November 27, 2003
It appears that not only is this molecule useful for longevity and preserving vegetables and fruit but now it might minimize the effects on brain damage with stroke victims.
Wine is the primary dietary source of resveratrol, which has been found in at least 72 species including mulberries, peanuts and grapes, but it is also found in enriched grape skins. Fresh grape skin contains about 50 to 100 micrograms of resveratrol per gram, while red wine concentrations range from 1.5 to 3 milligrams per liter.
Wine does appear to be reasonably safe in moderation, however there are some precautions that need to be taken in regard to red wine, or any alcohol, consumption. While drinking about one glass of red wine each day may yield some benefit, drinking two or more glasses (of wine or any alcoholic beverage) may offset the benefit and increase your risk of certain cancers.
Of course I like the symmetry product GENESIS which has the resveratrol of one whole BOTTLE of wine. It also has a myriad of other antioxidants like pomegranate. quercetin in apple extract and many other herbals.
Its a great way to fine tune your health.
go to www.symmetrydirect.com/sservices for more information on this product.
Researchers have found that a compound in red wine or grapes may help to minimize brain damage from strokes.
Many Americans have suffered from a stroke, whether it’s themselves or family members. As many people know, strokes can be very unexpected and the results can be permanent.
A stroke can occur when there is blockage of blood flow to the brain, which means oxygen and nutrients cannot enter. The brain’s neurons in the affected areas begin to release excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters. The transmitters encourage calcium to move into the neurons resulting in free radicals that can be very hazardous.
Research has discovered that resveratrol--a compound found in grapes--can absorb the free radicals, stopping them from doing any more damage to the brain.
Science Daily News November 27, 2003
It appears that not only is this molecule useful for longevity and preserving vegetables and fruit but now it might minimize the effects on brain damage with stroke victims.
Wine is the primary dietary source of resveratrol, which has been found in at least 72 species including mulberries, peanuts and grapes, but it is also found in enriched grape skins. Fresh grape skin contains about 50 to 100 micrograms of resveratrol per gram, while red wine concentrations range from 1.5 to 3 milligrams per liter.
Wine does appear to be reasonably safe in moderation, however there are some precautions that need to be taken in regard to red wine, or any alcohol, consumption. While drinking about one glass of red wine each day may yield some benefit, drinking two or more glasses (of wine or any alcoholic beverage) may offset the benefit and increase your risk of certain cancers.
Of course I like the symmetry product GENESIS which has the resveratrol of one whole BOTTLE of wine. It also has a myriad of other antioxidants like pomegranate. quercetin in apple extract and many other herbals.
Its a great way to fine tune your health.
go to www.symmetrydirect.com/sservices for more information on this product.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
80% of your Immune System Is In Your Gut
Bacteria similar to beneficial LactobacillusYou may think that promoting your digestive system health is as simple as eating some yogurt once in awhile.
Unfortunately, that just won’t work (for reasons I’ll tell you about shortly).
Promoting digestive health goes beyond just your digestive system. You may not realize it but 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system.
For years, I’ve researched different products that could help, looking for the best one to help you promote your digestive and immune system health. Especially Since I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Even though I’ve come to the conclusion that no one solution works for everyone, I’m excited about certain products that do help boost ones immune system and promote a healthy digestive system
How Probiotics Can Make Your Digestive System “Happy” Again
First of all, many of you may not know much about probiotics. I understand this fully, as confusion still remains on the topic.
The term probiotics comes from the Greek word “for life.” (So now you probably understand what the word “antibiotics” really means.)
When ingested, these living microorganisms replenish the microflora in your intestinal tract. This replenishment results in the promotion of a number of health-enhancing functions, including enhanced digestive support.*
One question I frequently get in my clinic involves how people solved their digestive issues in times long past. Did they simply live with their digestive challenges — or perhaps these types of issues did not even exist?
The answer probably involves a little of both. But history does show us how different cultures have best promoted their intestinal health over time.
Historically, people used fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut both as food preservatives to limit spoilage, and to support their intestinal and overall health.
80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system
As far back as Roman times, people consumed sauerkraut as a delicious food, and for health-related issues.
In ancient Indian society, it became commonplace (and still does) to consume a before-dinner yogurt drink called a lassi. At the end of the meal, the people of India consumed a small serving of curd.
These Indian traditions were based on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to your body.
The Bulgarians are noted both for their longevity and their high consumption of fermented milk and kefir. In Asian cultures, pickled fermentations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash, and carrots still exist today.
So it seems that many cultures used different techniques to support their intestinal health. Why can’t we simply practice these methods today?
As you may have noticed, many cultures are still trying to follow traditional dietary practices today. However, challenges arise from poor dietary habits and the environment.
The processed foods so inherent in most diets can upset the balance of bacteria needed for the support of your intestinal health. Plus, many food products get pasteurized or sterilized in the production process, destroying helpful bacteria you need for promoting your intestinal health.
One of the top issues I’ve been faced with in my clinic involves patients looking for better ways to support their overall digestion.
Taking a good probiotic and following sound dietary principles provide the best ways I’ve found to promote your digestive health. That’s why I recommend Complete Probiotics to all my clinical patients.
Complete Probiotics helps you maintain the proper balance of bacteria in your gut in support of effective digestion.
And guess what? It doesn’t just stop with your intestinal health promotion — it goes far beyond…
Good Intestinal Health Becomes Crucial in Promoting Your Overall Health
Increased understanding of bacterial effects on the gastro-intestinal (GI) and immune systems has led to increased credibility in the use of probiotics over the past thirty years.
Ongoing research confirms health-supporting benefits of probiotics.
Today the science of probiotics has evolved into a rapidly growing field, generating a great deal of interest both from physicians and consumers.
I've heard it said that "death begins in the colon." On the contrary, I'd rather say "life is promoted and enhanced in the colon — if you know what you are doing."
Maintaining great intestinal health is akin to maintaining great overall health.
And when you’re in good shape with your overall health, you’ll naturally feel better — and be able to do more of the pleasurable things in life.
Some of the statistics about your intestine read like a "Ripley's Believe It or Not". Did you know that?
About 80% of your immune system resides in your gastrointestinal tract.
Unfortunately, that just won’t work (for reasons I’ll tell you about shortly).
Promoting digestive health goes beyond just your digestive system. You may not realize it but 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system.
For years, I’ve researched different products that could help, looking for the best one to help you promote your digestive and immune system health. Especially Since I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Even though I’ve come to the conclusion that no one solution works for everyone, I’m excited about certain products that do help boost ones immune system and promote a healthy digestive system
How Probiotics Can Make Your Digestive System “Happy” Again
First of all, many of you may not know much about probiotics. I understand this fully, as confusion still remains on the topic.
The term probiotics comes from the Greek word “for life.” (So now you probably understand what the word “antibiotics” really means.)
When ingested, these living microorganisms replenish the microflora in your intestinal tract. This replenishment results in the promotion of a number of health-enhancing functions, including enhanced digestive support.*
One question I frequently get in my clinic involves how people solved their digestive issues in times long past. Did they simply live with their digestive challenges — or perhaps these types of issues did not even exist?
The answer probably involves a little of both. But history does show us how different cultures have best promoted their intestinal health over time.
Historically, people used fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut both as food preservatives to limit spoilage, and to support their intestinal and overall health.
80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system
As far back as Roman times, people consumed sauerkraut as a delicious food, and for health-related issues.
In ancient Indian society, it became commonplace (and still does) to consume a before-dinner yogurt drink called a lassi. At the end of the meal, the people of India consumed a small serving of curd.
These Indian traditions were based on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to your body.
The Bulgarians are noted both for their longevity and their high consumption of fermented milk and kefir. In Asian cultures, pickled fermentations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash, and carrots still exist today.
So it seems that many cultures used different techniques to support their intestinal health. Why can’t we simply practice these methods today?
As you may have noticed, many cultures are still trying to follow traditional dietary practices today. However, challenges arise from poor dietary habits and the environment.
The processed foods so inherent in most diets can upset the balance of bacteria needed for the support of your intestinal health. Plus, many food products get pasteurized or sterilized in the production process, destroying helpful bacteria you need for promoting your intestinal health.
One of the top issues I’ve been faced with in my clinic involves patients looking for better ways to support their overall digestion.
Taking a good probiotic and following sound dietary principles provide the best ways I’ve found to promote your digestive health. That’s why I recommend Complete Probiotics to all my clinical patients.
Complete Probiotics helps you maintain the proper balance of bacteria in your gut in support of effective digestion.
And guess what? It doesn’t just stop with your intestinal health promotion — it goes far beyond…
Good Intestinal Health Becomes Crucial in Promoting Your Overall Health
Increased understanding of bacterial effects on the gastro-intestinal (GI) and immune systems has led to increased credibility in the use of probiotics over the past thirty years.
Ongoing research confirms health-supporting benefits of probiotics.
Today the science of probiotics has evolved into a rapidly growing field, generating a great deal of interest both from physicians and consumers.
I've heard it said that "death begins in the colon." On the contrary, I'd rather say "life is promoted and enhanced in the colon — if you know what you are doing."
Maintaining great intestinal health is akin to maintaining great overall health.
And when you’re in good shape with your overall health, you’ll naturally feel better — and be able to do more of the pleasurable things in life.
Some of the statistics about your intestine read like a "Ripley's Believe It or Not". Did you know that?
About 80% of your immune system resides in your gastrointestinal tract.
500 species of bacteria live inside you.
About one hundred trillion bacteria live inside you — more than TEN TIMES the number of cells you have in your entire body.
The weight of these bacteria constitutes about two to three pounds.
Some of these bacteria are referred to as "good" and some as "bad". The ideal balance between them is 85% good and 15% bad.
This ratio between the "good" bacteria and the "bad" bacteria becomes one of the critical factors determining your optimal health.
What sorts of things influence the ratio between good and bad bacteria? Diet, geographic location, age, stress, and health issues are some of the key factors.
When you take your best step forward in improving your intestinal health, your overall health improvement naturally follows.
For example, if you’ve been frustrated by occasional irregularity, taking probiotics could not only help your problem, but could lead you to feeling better while supporting your overall health as well.
Your Immune System is Depending on You
Before your birth, your GI tract was sterile. The moment after your birth, colonization of bacteria began in your gut.
The first bacteria to settle in were the immune-building ones from breast milk, increasing your level of health and favoring your survival.
In a sense, we spend the rest of our lives "trashing" it with bad stuff – like poor dietary choices and other lifestyle choices that cause the wrong bacteria to flourish in your intestine.
Or sometimes our environment plays a major part as well.
Yet gut flora, the microorganisms living in your gut, continually and dynamically affect your immune system.
Helpful bacteria prevent the growth of undesirable ones by competing for both nutrition and attachment sites in the tissues of the colon.
Therefore, keeping the right balance of bacteria becomes critical in support of your immune system.
Where Have All the Bacteria Gone?
It seems that in our collective zeal to rid ourselves of disease (and every trace of bacteria in our food supply and everywhere else), we may have outdone ourselves.
Energy and passion to go! Smart health with probiotics.
As a whole, we’re less exposed to bacteria now than in the past – both "bad" and "good" bacteria.
Foods presently labeled as ‘health-promoting’ contain good bacteria. Think cultured foods like yogurt, some cheeses, and sauerkraut.
But due to strict food safety regulations, less bacteria (bad or good) survive the manufacturing process.
At the end of the production process, many products get pasteurized or sterilized, destroying bacteria.
While this may be helpful in disease prevention, it also means we get less health-enhancing bacteria.
Since helpful bacteria are increasingly absent in our food, it becomes even more important to include supplementation with probiotics.
This gives your GI tract and entire immune system an extra "edge" – to maximize the benefits of a healthy diet.
With all the multiple varieties of both good and bad bacteria, when it comes down to the top health-promoting bacteria.
The Probiotics "Medal of Honor" Goes to...Lactobacillus
Recently, Lactobacillus was found to produce the beneficial lactic acid that improves probiotic shelf life and survival issues in your stomach.
Unlike other bacteria lactobacillus exists as a spore, wrapped in a protective coat. Spores exist like plant seeds – they can stay alive for years. And when conditions exist for optimal growth, they open up and become a new plant.
Taken orally, the spores' protective coat helps them survive the rigors of stomach acid. The spores get activated due to the low pH, mechanical churning of the stomach, and water in the gastric environment.
As the spores absorb water, they swell and move faster, propelling them into the small intestine.
Once in the small intestine, they germinate, proliferate and multiply rapidly into viable bacilli to persist in their beneficial life activities.
In the intestinal tract, they continue their metabolic activities, producing lactic acid to assist in digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals.
In turn, the lactic acid levels on the inner surface of the intestinal tract maintain a micro-ecological balance in the GI tract.
Probiotics’ life-promoting microorganisms optimize your health in considerable broad-based ways.
11 Remarkable Ways Complete Probiotics Works For You
With all the compelling benefits of probiotics that you’ve been reading about up to this point, there’s even more incredible ways the products promotes your overall health.
Here are 11 clear-cut ways probiotics works for you…11 solid reasons
Maintains an ideal good to bad ratio by making the environment hostile to undesirable bacteria
Supports production of B vitamins, especially folic acid and biotin, and vitamin
Promotes mineral absorption
Supports protein and carbohydrate digestion via probiotic enzymes
Aids in metabolism and the breakdown of toxins
Maintains appropriate bowel transit time
Promotes optimal fungal and viral levels in the body
Supports immune system function by removing toxins
Produces lactic acid for support of digestive processes and colonic pH balance
Sustains suitable serum lipid and blood pressure levels
Supports normal inflammatory response
This is one of the reasons that I the Symmetry complete once a day supplement, Ultra-Vitality.
It is not just a mulitivitamin, it is a complete nutritional system. Of Course it has all the essential vitamins and minerals of a complete multivitamin but it also has THE PROBIOTIC ALREADY IN THE SUPPLEMENT so you don't have to buy 2 or 3 different expensive products. Easy and simple.
But look at all the other amazing ingredients in this product
Proprietary blend With 1 million colony forming units of Lactobacillus acidophilus in every daily dose, along with Garlic, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Borage seed, and many others
Nutritive herbal blend with Dandelion, Irish moss and nettle leaf
Energy blend with Gotu kola, fo ti root and eleuthero root
Antioxidant Blend with Rose hips, Grape seed extracts, Green tea leaf
Super Food Blend Apple pectin, barley grass, red clover,
As you can see this is not your average multivitamin. One would spend hundreds a month to get as complete a product
TO order or simply see a list of all the amazing ingredients of this complete daily supplement
go to this site
Click on Products for info or the TO ORDER tab
There is no better once daily supplement on the market. When combined with a source of omega 3 essentials fatty acids makes for a complete daily regimen!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Kiss Me But Don't touch Me
Share a Kiss, But Don't Shake Hands
A recent report warns that you are at far greater risk of passing on an infection by shaking someone's hand than by sharing a kiss.
The report also notes that regular handwashing may be more effective than drugs in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS.
Germs that cause stomach infections such as salmonella, campylobacter and norovirus can also circulate directly from person to person via your hands. Stomach germs can also be passed on if you put your fingers in your mouth or forget to wash your hands before preparing food.
Breaking the chain of infection depends on how well you wash your hands.
Sources:Eurekalert December 19, 2007American Journal of Infection Control March, 2007; 35(2):86-8
Infectious agents like bacteria and viruses are pervasive. They are in your home, in common shared areas such as your kitchen sink and counters, in your laundry, in your shower and tub – even your handbag commonly contains thousands of bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, staph bacteria and more. You simply can’t escape them.
This is nothing to be afraid of. They are part of the normal ecology and it is important to know that you are designed to live in harmony with them, not to be fearful of them.
The Easiest Way to Stop the Spread of Infection
Washing your hands frequently is the easiest way to wipe out germs and reduce your chances of becoming sickened by them. It has been shown time and time again that washing your hands with plain old soap and water can kill viruses that cause:
The common cold
Hepatitis A
Acute gastroenteritis
Other illnesses
In fact, studies have found that soap and water work better than the waterless, alcohol-based hand wipes and rubs. Antibacterial liquids and soaps should be avoided altogether. These products kill both good and bad bacteria, thereby contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that not only kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth, but has also been shown to kill human cells. That would be the definition of “over-kill.”
As stated in this article, good hand hygiene is your best option in the event of a flu pandemic, for example.
How to Wash Your Hands Effectively
The best hand-washing technique involves three steps:
Use warm water Work up a good lather all the way up to your wrists for at least 10 or 15 seconds Don't forget to get all surfaces including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and an area often overlooked -- your fingernails Don’t become obsessive about washing your hands, however; if you wash them too frequently you can actually extract many of the protective oils in your skin, which can cause your skin to crack and bleed. It is important to realize that your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria – not the soap.
It is rare for a germ on your skin to cause a problem -- it is typically only an issue when you transfer that to your nose, mouth or an open wound like cracked skin. So obsessive-compulsive washing can actually increase your risk of getting sick by providing an entryway for potentially dangerous pathogens.
A Healthy Immune System is Your Best Defense
About 30 percent of all people carry methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) -- the bacteria that’s been linked to recent MRSA outbreaks in schools across the United States -- on their skin.
A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a swab of your forearm may reveal up to 182 species of bacteria (8 percent of which were unknown). So bacteria are a natural part of life. Many of these bacteria are good and essential for your very survival. Others, however, are bad and capable of making you sick.
Your first line of defense against all disease causing agents, such as pathogenic bacteria, is a strong immune system.
You can support your immune system by:
Getting a good night’s sleep
Minimizing stress in your life
Exercising regularly and effectively
Getting enough sun exposure or, alternatively, enough of the right vitamin D (if you live in a cold environment where you can't stay out in the sun)
Avoiding sugar and grains, and instead eating plenty of raw foods Taking a high-quality probiotic (good bacteria)
There’s no need to walk around sporting rubber gloves and a disinfectant spray if you follow the advice above, and it is by far your most effective way to stay healthy.
When you follow the Take Control of Your Health program you build up your body’s immune system and are able to keep nearly every infection in proper balance so it does not cause any disease.
However many view these infections as terrible evils that need to be avoided at all costs and wind up using dangerous toxic chemicals like antibacterial soaps and also removing much of the protective layer on their skin by washing their hands too frequently.
So while it is certainly prudent to wash your hands, you need to be especially careful in the dry winter months and not use a soap that will actually worsen this condition
A recent report warns that you are at far greater risk of passing on an infection by shaking someone's hand than by sharing a kiss.
The report also notes that regular handwashing may be more effective than drugs in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS.
Germs that cause stomach infections such as salmonella, campylobacter and norovirus can also circulate directly from person to person via your hands. Stomach germs can also be passed on if you put your fingers in your mouth or forget to wash your hands before preparing food.
Breaking the chain of infection depends on how well you wash your hands.
Sources:Eurekalert December 19, 2007American Journal of Infection Control March, 2007; 35(2):86-8
Infectious agents like bacteria and viruses are pervasive. They are in your home, in common shared areas such as your kitchen sink and counters, in your laundry, in your shower and tub – even your handbag commonly contains thousands of bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, staph bacteria and more. You simply can’t escape them.
This is nothing to be afraid of. They are part of the normal ecology and it is important to know that you are designed to live in harmony with them, not to be fearful of them.
The Easiest Way to Stop the Spread of Infection
Washing your hands frequently is the easiest way to wipe out germs and reduce your chances of becoming sickened by them. It has been shown time and time again that washing your hands with plain old soap and water can kill viruses that cause:
The common cold
Hepatitis A
Acute gastroenteritis
Other illnesses
In fact, studies have found that soap and water work better than the waterless, alcohol-based hand wipes and rubs. Antibacterial liquids and soaps should be avoided altogether. These products kill both good and bad bacteria, thereby contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products is triclosan, an antibacterial agent that not only kills bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth, but has also been shown to kill human cells. That would be the definition of “over-kill.”
As stated in this article, good hand hygiene is your best option in the event of a flu pandemic, for example.
How to Wash Your Hands Effectively
The best hand-washing technique involves three steps:
Use warm water Work up a good lather all the way up to your wrists for at least 10 or 15 seconds Don't forget to get all surfaces including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and an area often overlooked -- your fingernails Don’t become obsessive about washing your hands, however; if you wash them too frequently you can actually extract many of the protective oils in your skin, which can cause your skin to crack and bleed. It is important to realize that your skin is actually your primary defense against bacteria – not the soap.
It is rare for a germ on your skin to cause a problem -- it is typically only an issue when you transfer that to your nose, mouth or an open wound like cracked skin. So obsessive-compulsive washing can actually increase your risk of getting sick by providing an entryway for potentially dangerous pathogens.
A Healthy Immune System is Your Best Defense
About 30 percent of all people carry methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) -- the bacteria that’s been linked to recent MRSA outbreaks in schools across the United States -- on their skin.
A recent study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a swab of your forearm may reveal up to 182 species of bacteria (8 percent of which were unknown). So bacteria are a natural part of life. Many of these bacteria are good and essential for your very survival. Others, however, are bad and capable of making you sick.
Your first line of defense against all disease causing agents, such as pathogenic bacteria, is a strong immune system.
You can support your immune system by:
Getting a good night’s sleep
Minimizing stress in your life
Exercising regularly and effectively
Getting enough sun exposure or, alternatively, enough of the right vitamin D (if you live in a cold environment where you can't stay out in the sun)
Avoiding sugar and grains, and instead eating plenty of raw foods Taking a high-quality probiotic (good bacteria)
There’s no need to walk around sporting rubber gloves and a disinfectant spray if you follow the advice above, and it is by far your most effective way to stay healthy.
When you follow the Take Control of Your Health program you build up your body’s immune system and are able to keep nearly every infection in proper balance so it does not cause any disease.
However many view these infections as terrible evils that need to be avoided at all costs and wind up using dangerous toxic chemicals like antibacterial soaps and also removing much of the protective layer on their skin by washing their hands too frequently.
So while it is certainly prudent to wash your hands, you need to be especially careful in the dry winter months and not use a soap that will actually worsen this condition
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Nutrition for Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no magic supplement regime you can embark on to either prevent or treat cancer. However, there is sufficient evidence that certain nutrients, phytochemicals, fatty acids, hormones, and enzymes can play a major role.
Finding the right combination of nutrients for an individual is a highly personal matter that should employ the advice of a health professional experienced in cancer treatment.
It is important to realize that cancer is a multifaceted illness with a number of potential, but no one certain, causes.
The watchword with cancer (as with all chronic diseases) is prevention.
Key preventive measures should include the following:
1. Avoiding exposure to known and potential carcinogens, e.g., radiation (including excessive exposure to sunlight), synthetic hormones, chemical dyes and additives, aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke, etc.;
2. Avoiding dietary factors that weaken the immune system, promote cellular mutation, and/or increase free radical production, e.g., excessive sugar intake, refined foods, food additives, moldy foods, foods cured with nitrites, margarine, vegetable shortening, refined vegetable oils, foods with high pesticide residues, etc;
3. Avoiding psychological factors that could increase stress; Also key in prevention is including in one's life things which serve to protect the body from the above three items -- it is impossible to live a totally "sheltered" life so to speak. Supplements are the easiest of these things to add into one's life as cancer preventives. Some supplements also hold potential as cancer treatments, either directly or as adjuncts to other therapies.
If one is faced with cancer right now and undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment, some supplements can be employed to offset the damaging side effects often experienced.
The best supplements for cancer prevention and treatment can be grouped into a few broad categories, those being
antioxidants
hormones
fatty acids
enzymes
Let's take a closer look at these powerful helpers, noting their potential and proven benefits, possible dangers, and their food sources.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are a large category of nutritional and chemical substances that neutralize substances called free radicals.
Free radicals are the products of oxidative reactions in and out of the body.
They are, essentially, unstable molecules that will do anything to get stable. Because of this, free radicals are highly reactive compounds that will literally "steal" an electron from another molecule to stabilize themselves.
In that process, however, a new free radical is created, namely, the molecule that was "stolen" from. Upon its creation, that new free radical then perpetrates the same "theft" on another nearby molecule, and the cycle begins anew.
Its important to realize that oxidation is a normal part of life and so are free radicals. Oxidation is what enables us to get and use energy from our food and the body utilizes free radicals to detoxify harmful substances from itself, as well as to destroy invading microorganisms.
Since they are so damaging, the body maintains a sophisticated antioxidant system to hold them in check.
However, when the body's prolonged exposure to oxidative factors causes an excessive output of free radicals that exceeds its ability to neutralize them (technically called "oxidative stress"), the body is put in an increasingly vulnerable position due to the accelerated cellular destruction.
This is why it is absolutely critical for you to avoid the cancer-promoting factors listed at the start of this article: they all involve exposure to or stimulate production of free radicals in the body. Here are the principal antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A has been studied for its anti-cancer effects for decades. Vitamin A appears to inhibit what is called the "cancer promotion" stage and works by blocking certain enzymes that promote cancer growth, by inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cells, and by stimulating the immune system.
Although vitamin A is protective of all cancers, it is especially useful in preventing and treating those of the mucous membranes, e.g., lung cancer. Lung cancer in smokers, for example, is much higher in those with low vitamin A levels.
When the level increases, the incidence of cancer decreases. Increased intake of this fat soluble vitamin appears to have a protective effect against breast, mouth, bladder, colon, blood, and larynx cancers.
Additionally, the body uses vitamin A to initiate the conversion of cholesterol into various stress hormones. Stress, therefore, including the stress of illness, directly depletes levels of this nutrient.
There is no consensus of what constitutes an adequate intake of vitamin A, but foods rich in this nutrient include butter, liver, cream, eggs, all animal fats, and fish oil.
Ironically, it is these very foods that people are told to avoid because of unscientific fears about animal fats.
A low-fat diet is automatically low in vitamin A as this nutrient is only found in animal fats. A teaspoon of cod liver oil each day will supply you with a good amount of vitamin A, as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids which are also involved in cancer prevention and usually lacking in Western diets.
I dont like cod liver oil or the fishy taste of most supplements so I chose a natural once a day supplement and plant sourced (not fish sourced) Omega 3 supplement that I get from Symmetry , a supplement company that I know and trust to produce high quality natural supplements.
You can go to www.symmetrydirect.com/sservices and click on PRODUCTS then chose ADVANCED OMEGA from the product list.
One can also purchase fish liver oil capsules to insure an adequate daily intake. Avoid all synthetic vitamin A supplements as these are usually derived from coal tar and have been shown to cause birth defects.
The Carotenes:
Carotenes are fat-soluble plant pigments that appear in red, orange, dark green, and yellow fruits and vegetables. One of them, beta-carotene, has been extensively studied and can convert into vitamin A in the body (provided certain factors are present).
Other well-known carotenes are lycopene, alpha-carotene, lutein, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin.
These carotenes inhibit and prevent cervical, oral, lung, prostate, colon, endometrial, and esophageal cancers.
Beta-carotene primarily works by neutralizing a particular free radical known as a "singlet oxygen species," and by preventing lipid peroxidation, which generates free radicals.
Like vitamin A, beta-carotene also enhances immune function and stimulates the release of natural killer cells (which directly attack tumor cells) and T-lymphocytes. Food sources include sweet potatoes, eggs, apricots, peaches, chard, spirulina. carrots, and tomatoes. Since the carotenes are not toxic, they can be eaten and supplemented without fear and the general rule is that too much is never enough.
Vitamin C:
According to the prestigious Nutrition Desk Reference Vitamin C protects against cancer cell growth by
destroying free radicals
increasing collagen synthesis
altering DNA and protein metabolism in precancerous and cancerous cells
preventing the transformation of precancerous cells to cancerous cells
producing cytotoxicity in cancer cells
Indeed, epidemiological studies of vitamin C and cancer show a significantly protective effect from vitamin C in preventing and treating esophageal, oral, pharyngeal, stomach, lung, cervical, rectal, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Vitamin C blocks the conversion of nitrites, found in processed meats like bacon, into carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Drs. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron theorized that vitamin C, by its ability to strengthen the "ground substance" of tissues (by promoting collagen synthesis) and by its ability to stimulate in cells the production of a substance that neutralizes the enzyme hyaluronidase, prevented and treated cancer.
Cancer is not only proliferative, but also invasive. It does this by secreting large amounts of hyaluronidase which dissolves the "cement" of surrounding tissues and leaves them vulnerable to attack by the progressing tumor.
By this dual action of strengthening the collagen of surrounding tissues and by inhibiting the release of the enzyme that directly attacked them, Pauling and Cameron felt justified in recommending large amounts of vitamin C in treating cancer.
Since vitamin C is a non-toxic substance and since it is the one vitamin that the body cannot synthesize, it makes good sense to include vitamin C-rich foods AND supplements in our daily diets.
Pauling recommended 5-8 grams per day for an adult. This amount, however, could induce mild diarrhea in some people. 2-3 grams a day seems a safer amount, with more added if an illness or special need arises.
Like vitamin A, vitamin C is rapidly used up during periods of stress. Vitamin C-rich foods include all berries, cabbage, and most fruits.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E helps prevent oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in the body and stimulates the immune system to destroy tumorous cells as they are transformed into a cancerous state.
In its actions, vitamin E is more for cancer prevention than for treatment. This nutrient also is key in preventing and treating heart and cardiovascular disease.
The best food source for vitamin E is cold-pressed wheat germ oil, with raw nuts and butter as fair sources. 200-400 IUs per day is a good amount to supplement with. Vitamin E works best in conjunction with our next nutrient, selenium.
Selenium:
Selenium acts as an antioxidant by activating the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (discussed below).
People living in areas with selenium-poor soils have higher cancer rates than those living in selenium-rich soil areas.
It is important to use a natural source of selenium when supplementing as the non-organic forms (selenite and selenate) can be toxic at higher amounts. Brewer's yeast, whole grains, oysters, tuna, and butter provide the best sources of this mineral.
If supplementing, 100 mcg. Is a good amount to take, in conjunction with a nutrient-dense diet that supplies selenium from other foods.
Glutathione:
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide formed from the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Low levels are always found in cancer patients, as well as those affected by other oxidative stress-induced diseases such as AIDS.
As glutathione levels drop, the person gets sicker.
This is because white blood cells and the liver use GSH to detoxify poisons inside the body.
When the level decreases, less toxins are able to be eliminated leading to a build up in the body. This leads to increased white blood cell death (due to the cell poisoning itself) and liver impairment.
Glutathione, therefore, plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment. The best way to increase and maintain one's GSH levels is to include animal foods in one's diet as these contain the amino acids needed by the body to synthesize GSH.
Foods rich in the sulfur amino acids (e.g., eggs) are especially good sources. An excellent food supplement is whey protein, available in powdered form at most health markets.
Whey is an inexpensive and good tasting food supplement that has been shown to increase the body's stores of GSH. Whey also has important value for those cancer patients who are suffering from cachexia, or wasting syndrome, as its proteins are easily assimilated by the body.
The amino acid l-glutamine can also be employed in such cases. Except in cases of kidney disease, l-glutamine is a safe supplement that can help build and maintain muscle mass, as well as help with digestive problems and poor immune function. Suggested amounts range from 5-40 gms. per day.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid:
This substance helps with free radical control by enhancing the antioxidant functions of vitamins C and E, and glutathione.
Additionally, ALA helps to recycle glutathione in the liver. Suggested amounts would be 100-300 mg per day.
Coenzyme Q10:
A substance similar to vitamin E in its functions,
CoQ10 helps generate energy at the cellular level in the mitochondria.
CoQ10 also stimulates the immune system and helps get more oxygen to the tissues, something highly desired when dealing with cancer or heart disease. The best food sources for CoQ10 are organ meats such as heart and animal foods like beef.
Supplements are available, but they are expensive. When supplementing, be sure to take CoQ10 with a fatty food or drink as the fat enhances absorption.
Phytochemicals:
There are a range of antioxidant compounds found in various plants that play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Resveratrol is the most important and powerrful antioxidant in this group and has an plethora of other beneficial effects that put it into the miracle category. It sounds like hype but it really appears that that is not so. i have written on this before so see my post on red wine.
Herbs such as rosemary, turmeric, green tea, milk thistle, curry, and gingko biloba have been well studied for their antioxidant properties. Herbal combination formulas like Padma 28, an ancient Ayurvedic formula, have been studied as well.
Padma 28 has been extensively studied for its good effects on circulation and hepatitis. With cancer, however, research is only just beginning. Of all the phytochemicals, it is green tea that has been the most studied for its anti-cancer effects.
Finding the right combination of nutrients for an individual is a highly personal matter that should employ the advice of a health professional experienced in cancer treatment.
It is important to realize that cancer is a multifaceted illness with a number of potential, but no one certain, causes.
The watchword with cancer (as with all chronic diseases) is prevention.
Key preventive measures should include the following:
1. Avoiding exposure to known and potential carcinogens, e.g., radiation (including excessive exposure to sunlight), synthetic hormones, chemical dyes and additives, aromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke, etc.;
2. Avoiding dietary factors that weaken the immune system, promote cellular mutation, and/or increase free radical production, e.g., excessive sugar intake, refined foods, food additives, moldy foods, foods cured with nitrites, margarine, vegetable shortening, refined vegetable oils, foods with high pesticide residues, etc;
3. Avoiding psychological factors that could increase stress; Also key in prevention is including in one's life things which serve to protect the body from the above three items -- it is impossible to live a totally "sheltered" life so to speak. Supplements are the easiest of these things to add into one's life as cancer preventives. Some supplements also hold potential as cancer treatments, either directly or as adjuncts to other therapies.
If one is faced with cancer right now and undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment, some supplements can be employed to offset the damaging side effects often experienced.
The best supplements for cancer prevention and treatment can be grouped into a few broad categories, those being
antioxidants
hormones
fatty acids
enzymes
Let's take a closer look at these powerful helpers, noting their potential and proven benefits, possible dangers, and their food sources.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are a large category of nutritional and chemical substances that neutralize substances called free radicals.
Free radicals are the products of oxidative reactions in and out of the body.
They are, essentially, unstable molecules that will do anything to get stable. Because of this, free radicals are highly reactive compounds that will literally "steal" an electron from another molecule to stabilize themselves.
In that process, however, a new free radical is created, namely, the molecule that was "stolen" from. Upon its creation, that new free radical then perpetrates the same "theft" on another nearby molecule, and the cycle begins anew.
Its important to realize that oxidation is a normal part of life and so are free radicals. Oxidation is what enables us to get and use energy from our food and the body utilizes free radicals to detoxify harmful substances from itself, as well as to destroy invading microorganisms.
Since they are so damaging, the body maintains a sophisticated antioxidant system to hold them in check.
However, when the body's prolonged exposure to oxidative factors causes an excessive output of free radicals that exceeds its ability to neutralize them (technically called "oxidative stress"), the body is put in an increasingly vulnerable position due to the accelerated cellular destruction.
This is why it is absolutely critical for you to avoid the cancer-promoting factors listed at the start of this article: they all involve exposure to or stimulate production of free radicals in the body. Here are the principal antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A has been studied for its anti-cancer effects for decades. Vitamin A appears to inhibit what is called the "cancer promotion" stage and works by blocking certain enzymes that promote cancer growth, by inducing cytotoxicity in cancer cells, and by stimulating the immune system.
Although vitamin A is protective of all cancers, it is especially useful in preventing and treating those of the mucous membranes, e.g., lung cancer. Lung cancer in smokers, for example, is much higher in those with low vitamin A levels.
When the level increases, the incidence of cancer decreases. Increased intake of this fat soluble vitamin appears to have a protective effect against breast, mouth, bladder, colon, blood, and larynx cancers.
Additionally, the body uses vitamin A to initiate the conversion of cholesterol into various stress hormones. Stress, therefore, including the stress of illness, directly depletes levels of this nutrient.
There is no consensus of what constitutes an adequate intake of vitamin A, but foods rich in this nutrient include butter, liver, cream, eggs, all animal fats, and fish oil.
Ironically, it is these very foods that people are told to avoid because of unscientific fears about animal fats.
A low-fat diet is automatically low in vitamin A as this nutrient is only found in animal fats. A teaspoon of cod liver oil each day will supply you with a good amount of vitamin A, as well as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids which are also involved in cancer prevention and usually lacking in Western diets.
I dont like cod liver oil or the fishy taste of most supplements so I chose a natural once a day supplement and plant sourced (not fish sourced) Omega 3 supplement that I get from Symmetry , a supplement company that I know and trust to produce high quality natural supplements.
You can go to www.symmetrydirect.com/sservices and click on PRODUCTS then chose ADVANCED OMEGA from the product list.
One can also purchase fish liver oil capsules to insure an adequate daily intake. Avoid all synthetic vitamin A supplements as these are usually derived from coal tar and have been shown to cause birth defects.
The Carotenes:
Carotenes are fat-soluble plant pigments that appear in red, orange, dark green, and yellow fruits and vegetables. One of them, beta-carotene, has been extensively studied and can convert into vitamin A in the body (provided certain factors are present).
Other well-known carotenes are lycopene, alpha-carotene, lutein, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin.
These carotenes inhibit and prevent cervical, oral, lung, prostate, colon, endometrial, and esophageal cancers.
Beta-carotene primarily works by neutralizing a particular free radical known as a "singlet oxygen species," and by preventing lipid peroxidation, which generates free radicals.
Like vitamin A, beta-carotene also enhances immune function and stimulates the release of natural killer cells (which directly attack tumor cells) and T-lymphocytes. Food sources include sweet potatoes, eggs, apricots, peaches, chard, spirulina. carrots, and tomatoes. Since the carotenes are not toxic, they can be eaten and supplemented without fear and the general rule is that too much is never enough.
Vitamin C:
According to the prestigious Nutrition Desk Reference Vitamin C protects against cancer cell growth by
destroying free radicals
increasing collagen synthesis
altering DNA and protein metabolism in precancerous and cancerous cells
preventing the transformation of precancerous cells to cancerous cells
producing cytotoxicity in cancer cells
Indeed, epidemiological studies of vitamin C and cancer show a significantly protective effect from vitamin C in preventing and treating esophageal, oral, pharyngeal, stomach, lung, cervical, rectal, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Vitamin C blocks the conversion of nitrites, found in processed meats like bacon, into carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Drs. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron theorized that vitamin C, by its ability to strengthen the "ground substance" of tissues (by promoting collagen synthesis) and by its ability to stimulate in cells the production of a substance that neutralizes the enzyme hyaluronidase, prevented and treated cancer.
Cancer is not only proliferative, but also invasive. It does this by secreting large amounts of hyaluronidase which dissolves the "cement" of surrounding tissues and leaves them vulnerable to attack by the progressing tumor.
By this dual action of strengthening the collagen of surrounding tissues and by inhibiting the release of the enzyme that directly attacked them, Pauling and Cameron felt justified in recommending large amounts of vitamin C in treating cancer.
Since vitamin C is a non-toxic substance and since it is the one vitamin that the body cannot synthesize, it makes good sense to include vitamin C-rich foods AND supplements in our daily diets.
Pauling recommended 5-8 grams per day for an adult. This amount, however, could induce mild diarrhea in some people. 2-3 grams a day seems a safer amount, with more added if an illness or special need arises.
Like vitamin A, vitamin C is rapidly used up during periods of stress. Vitamin C-rich foods include all berries, cabbage, and most fruits.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E helps prevent oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in the body and stimulates the immune system to destroy tumorous cells as they are transformed into a cancerous state.
In its actions, vitamin E is more for cancer prevention than for treatment. This nutrient also is key in preventing and treating heart and cardiovascular disease.
The best food source for vitamin E is cold-pressed wheat germ oil, with raw nuts and butter as fair sources. 200-400 IUs per day is a good amount to supplement with. Vitamin E works best in conjunction with our next nutrient, selenium.
Selenium:
Selenium acts as an antioxidant by activating the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (discussed below).
People living in areas with selenium-poor soils have higher cancer rates than those living in selenium-rich soil areas.
It is important to use a natural source of selenium when supplementing as the non-organic forms (selenite and selenate) can be toxic at higher amounts. Brewer's yeast, whole grains, oysters, tuna, and butter provide the best sources of this mineral.
If supplementing, 100 mcg. Is a good amount to take, in conjunction with a nutrient-dense diet that supplies selenium from other foods.
Glutathione:
Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide formed from the amino acids cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. Low levels are always found in cancer patients, as well as those affected by other oxidative stress-induced diseases such as AIDS.
As glutathione levels drop, the person gets sicker.
This is because white blood cells and the liver use GSH to detoxify poisons inside the body.
When the level decreases, less toxins are able to be eliminated leading to a build up in the body. This leads to increased white blood cell death (due to the cell poisoning itself) and liver impairment.
Glutathione, therefore, plays a role in cancer prevention and treatment. The best way to increase and maintain one's GSH levels is to include animal foods in one's diet as these contain the amino acids needed by the body to synthesize GSH.
Foods rich in the sulfur amino acids (e.g., eggs) are especially good sources. An excellent food supplement is whey protein, available in powdered form at most health markets.
Whey is an inexpensive and good tasting food supplement that has been shown to increase the body's stores of GSH. Whey also has important value for those cancer patients who are suffering from cachexia, or wasting syndrome, as its proteins are easily assimilated by the body.
The amino acid l-glutamine can also be employed in such cases. Except in cases of kidney disease, l-glutamine is a safe supplement that can help build and maintain muscle mass, as well as help with digestive problems and poor immune function. Suggested amounts range from 5-40 gms. per day.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid:
This substance helps with free radical control by enhancing the antioxidant functions of vitamins C and E, and glutathione.
Additionally, ALA helps to recycle glutathione in the liver. Suggested amounts would be 100-300 mg per day.
Coenzyme Q10:
A substance similar to vitamin E in its functions,
CoQ10 helps generate energy at the cellular level in the mitochondria.
CoQ10 also stimulates the immune system and helps get more oxygen to the tissues, something highly desired when dealing with cancer or heart disease. The best food sources for CoQ10 are organ meats such as heart and animal foods like beef.
Supplements are available, but they are expensive. When supplementing, be sure to take CoQ10 with a fatty food or drink as the fat enhances absorption.
Phytochemicals:
There are a range of antioxidant compounds found in various plants that play a role in cancer prevention and treatment. Resveratrol is the most important and powerrful antioxidant in this group and has an plethora of other beneficial effects that put it into the miracle category. It sounds like hype but it really appears that that is not so. i have written on this before so see my post on red wine.
Herbs such as rosemary, turmeric, green tea, milk thistle, curry, and gingko biloba have been well studied for their antioxidant properties. Herbal combination formulas like Padma 28, an ancient Ayurvedic formula, have been studied as well.
Padma 28 has been extensively studied for its good effects on circulation and hepatitis. With cancer, however, research is only just beginning. Of all the phytochemicals, it is green tea that has been the most studied for its anti-cancer effects.
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