Can A Mushroom From Brazil Be The Secret To Brain Health?
If you ever find yourself drowsy during the day, you need to know about adiponectin.
This little-known substance is a protein hormone you already have in your body and it is a key player in regulating blood sugar. When mid-afternoon brain fog hits, it usually means your blood sugar is taking a nose dive. And that could mean you don’t have enough adiponectin in your system.
Why haven’t you heard of this before?
Well, scientists have known for years that adiponectin helps to keep your blood sugar stable because it helps your body to utilize insulin better. But they didn’t know how to raise the levels of adiponectin in your body. And they didn’t know how important it would be to do that – until now.
The Mushroom Connection
For centuries, Asians have prized mushrooms for their healing properties. They have been cultivated as both food and medicine. They didn’t know how the mushrooms had such power, or what the chemical compounds in them might be – they just knew they worked.
In 1960, a Japanese grower and researcher named Furumoto discovered an unfamiliar mushroom species in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which he began to grow. A few years later, he sent it back to Japan to be studied. It was identified as Agaricus blazei by Belgian scientist Heinemann in 1967.
When Mr. Furumoto died, interest in the mushroom, called the Sun Mushroom by the Brazilians, faded away. Then, in the 1990s, Japanese researchers found that this mushroom had anti-tumor effects. They began to export it from Brazil again.
Since then, Agaricus blazei has undergone a lot of research and has been found to reduce weight, body fat and cholesterol levels in healthy people. It has also been shown to help stabilize blood sugar.
How did it do that?
By increasing levels of adiponectin.
The connection was made.
Glucose Levels and Brain Function
When it comes to brain health, glucose levels are everything. Brain neurons can’t store glucose, so they need a steady supply coming in all the time. High blood sugar levels are damaging. But low blood sugar levels leave you running on fumes. So stability is crucial if you want optimum performance from your brain.
This was tested by Ewan C. McNay, a researcher at Yale University, by looking at how rats performed in a maze and watching the glucose levels in their brains. McNay commented, “The brain runs on glucose. Young rats can do a pretty good job of supplying all the glucose that a particular area of the brain needs until the task becomes difficult. For an old rat given the same task, the brain glucose supply vanishes out the window…A lack of fuel affects the ability to think and remember.”
And it gets even more specific than that.
The part of the brain used for learning and memory is called the hippocampus. One area of that section, known as the dentate gyrus, shows up as damaged when memory loss occurs. This is very common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Now it has been shown, by a study published in the Annals of Neurology, that blood glucose goes straight to the dentate gyrus. Long-term high blood sugar levels are definitely causing brain damage. Lead researcher on this study, Dr. Scott Small of Columbia University Medical Center, comments, “maintaining stable blood sugar levels…could help maintain aspects of cognitive health.”
No doubt about it, steady blood sugar levels are what keep your brain firing on all cylinders all day long. And don’t forget that your brain is pulling energy even when you’re sleeping – that’s when it does maintenance and repair work.
Lessons Learned From the World’s Fattest Mice
An interesting experiment using adiponectin was conducted by Dr. Philipp Scherer at the University of Texas. Mice were programmed to overeat by depriving them of the hormone leptin. The mice ate nonstop and grew to an astonishing five times the size of a normal mouse.
Next, some of the fat mice were put into a sub-group and made to overproduce adiponectin by about three times the normal amount. Of this group, none of the adiponectin mice developed diabetes. And every single one of the control group did.
What was the protective effect of adiponectin?
Apparently, it was the distribution of fat. All of the adiponectin mice had a lot of fat stored just under the skin, but not much in their internal organs, like the liver. And the liver, when it can’t use insulin well, sets off a chain reaction leading to diabetes.
Scherer explained that distribution of fat may determine whether overweight and obesity can lead to diabetes. “It’s a little bit like real estate,” he said, “it’s location, location, location.”
Now we know why not every overweight person develops damage from high blood sugar, but a lot of thin people do. The difference could be adiponectin.
Perfect Blood Sugar Control
It’s only been two years since the first study was done on the Agaricus mushroom to find that it boosted adiponectin levels. But the effect of adiponectin on glucose in the body is well documented.
Clearing excess sugar from the blood can prevent damage from chronically high blood sugar and insulin levels. And keeping blood sugar levels stable also means you will have plenty of brain power and concentration to spare.
The best source of adiponectin I know is the mushroom Agaricus blazei. It’s been right there for the taking for centuries and now we know its special secret.
To Your Health,
Jon Herring
Editorial Director
Total Health Breakthroughs
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Is Your Body Sending You A BLOOD SUGAR S.O.S.?
Take a look at the following list. These subtle signs could signal that you might need some help keeping your blood sugar in balance ...
Stubborn excess weight that hangs over your belt no matter what you do
Urgent cravings for candy bars, chips...and all the other things on your doctor's "no-no" list
Nasty mood swings that ruin your day (and the day of anyone unlucky enough to cross your path)
Stubborn excess weight that hangs over your belt no matter what you do
Urgent cravings for candy bars, chips...and all the other things on your doctor's "no-no" list
Nasty mood swings that ruin your day (and the day of anyone unlucky enough to cross your path)
If ANY of these signs sound familiar, KEEP READING to discover how you can start giving your body the support it needs.
I've got some downright astonishing news that will change the way you think about blood sugar forever. Researchers have finally uncovered the real secret to maintaining healthy levels...
And it's not a strict, flavorless diet OR an expensive membership to a fancy gym!
It's much, much simpler.
Believe it or not, the secret to ultimate blood sugar balance is a substance you've already stockpiled inside your body. And by shoring up your reserves even more, you could...
Forget about exiling yourself to the land of the "sugar free"
Forget about exiling yourself to the land of the "sugar free"
Eat what you want, when you want (without going crazy, of course!)
Stop feeling guilty about how hard it is to follow your doctor's long list of "do's" and "don'ts"
Imagine NEVER having to give your blood sugar a second thought!
Get ready to turn that daydream into a reality -- because you're about to discover...
The blood sugar secret No one's talking about!
Believe me, I've looked long and hard for the secret to easier blood sugar control. But time and again, my search came up short... leaving just diet and exercise.
I'm sure you've noticed just how hard it is to keep your blood sugar from yo-yoing out of control -- even if you're doing everything right. It's frustrating. And, when you think about what problems it can lead to -- it's more than a little scary, too.
That's why I was so excited to learn about what may very well be the major culprit behind imbalanced blood sugar. You see, contrary to the mainstream's favorite party line, maintaining healthy blood sugar isn't just about what you eat...or DON'T eat...OR how much you exercise.
The fact is, one completely overlooked substance holds the key that will...
Bring your blood sugar Back from the brink of boiling over!
Researchers have finally discovered a way to boost your body's levels of it...And I'm thrilled to be able to share the secret with you. But first -- what exactly IS this little-known substance?
It's called adiponectin. I know: "Ade-WHAT?!" It is a mouthful (though, for the record, it's pronounced "ad-i-po-neck-tin").
Scientists have known for years that it promotes normal blood sugar levels by helping your body use insulin efficiently. But they didn't realize just how important it was to boost your adiponectin levels until recently. The problem was, they had NO IDEA how to do that.
Injections didn't work. And, once again, neither did diet and exercise. The experts were stumped. Until one group of researchers discovered that...
The Holy Grail of blood sugar balancers has been sitting under our noses for CENTURIES
It's a medicinal mushroom called Agaricus blazei. And for centuries, it's been used for just about everything else -- stress relief...immune boosting...supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
But in hundreds of years no one ever tested its effects on blood sugar!
In fact, the very first study on Agaricus and glucose metabolism occurred just two years ago. And the results of the trial were so stunning that I'll bet scientists everywhere are kicking themselves for not testing it sooner.
Researchers found that the mushroom actually boosted adiponectin levels. More adiponectin means your body can stop working overtime... because it can clear sugar from your blood quickly and efficiently -- just the way it's supposed to.
And that means you'll...
Have plenty of energy to get through the day -- without feeling like you're running on fumes
Be able to ENJOY your food -- without guilt and without worrying
Shake those nasty mood swings that always happen at the worst possible time
Finally have complete blood sugar control!
And right now there's only ONE formula that combines adiponectin-boosting Agaricus with the other clinically proven standouts in supporting healthy blood sugar levels.
That's why I'm truly delighted to be able to introduce you to Gluco-Sure. And, boy, does it live up to its name...With Gluco-Sure you can be sure your body has everything it needs for ultimate blood sugar support.
But as revolutionary as the discovery of adiponectin is...and as essential as Agaricus is as the ONLY thing that can help keep your adiponectin where it needs to be...The fact is, I'd be hard-pressed to recommend any blood sugar support formula that didn't contain biotin and chromium.
Turn your body into a lean, mean, fat -- and CARB -- burning machine!
Biotin and chromium are probably the most extensively researched nutrients for blood sugar support. Here's just a sampling of some of that research...
One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on biotin showed that it sparked two specific glucose-metabolizing enzymes-called ACC and PC-into action.
Another study done in Japan showed that, in experimental animals, biotin improves the body’s ability to use glucose, without affecting insulin levels.
In research done over 50 years ago, scientists discovered that chromium could actually REVERSE impaired glucose metabolism.
But even if you don't care about the science behind this nutrient duo, I've yet to find anyone who doesn't appreciate their other benefits...
You see, both of these nutrients are crucial for burning protein, carbs, and fat. In other words, they help you burn off what you eat...instead of storing it in your hips, thighs, and midsection.
And with all that fuel to keep you going, you can say goodbye to those 3 o'clock slumps and caffeine "fixes." In fact, people are already raving about the renewed energy they feel after starting Gluco-Sure.
"I have been taking Gluco-Sure for a few weeks now and have definitely noticed a huge improvement in energy state after eating carbs... It used to be that I would experience fatigue after eating carbs, both mental and physical along with body aches, but the experience now is of even energy. There also seems to be better energy at the end of the day.
Over all... I think it gets a huge "thumbs up!"
Gluco-Sure could become your best-kept beauty secret!
It won't take long to feel your energy levels rocket through the roof, thanks to Gluco-Sure's combination of proven, all-stars. But don't be surprised if you start looking as vibrant as you feel, with...
Thicker, more lustrous hair
Glowing skin
Strong, healthy nails
Glowing skin
Strong, healthy nails
You see, biotin, one of Gluco-Sure's key components isn't just an essential part of healthy glucose metabolism...It's also well known for its hair-, skin-, and nail-strengthening properties. In fact, it's a common addition to many cosmetics -- but with Gluco-Sure you'll get all biotin's benefits, inside AND out.
Gluco-Sure can help you achieve a constant, natural supply of energy that will keep you going all day long -- thanks to its remarkable ability to help your body work the way it's supposed to, to keep your blood sugar nice and steady.
These are things everyone could use help with, so I was glad to see that Gluco-Sure teamed the proven chromium-biotin nutrient duo up along with Agaricus -- the very latest breakthrough in glucose metabolism.
If Gluco-Sure stopped right there, it would certainly cover all the bases of glucose regulation. But this knockout formula's final ingredient hits a grand slam that will help you...
Get a jump start On your results...in as little as ONE WEEK!
The secret to lightning-fast support no other formula on the market can match is a little cucumber-shaped gourd that families in India have been eating for generations.
It's called Coccinia cordifolia. And one of the early animal studies on Coccinia found that it blew the other traditional blood sugar supporting herbs out of the water -- with effects that started within one week!
And a brand-new, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial showed downright remarkable results. In fact, this study was so impressive it was published in a prestigious mainstream medical journal without so much as a single tweak or edit -- something practically unheard of in the world of medical research and journal publications. It's no wonder it garnered such respect in the medical community, though...
By the end of the trial, the Coccinia group's blood sugar had improved by leaps and bounds, dropping as much as 18% -- while the placebo group had a 7% increase.
And Coccinia helped support healthy blood sugar levels despite the fact that the subjects didn't make ANY changes to their diets!
And Coccinia helped support healthy blood sugar levels despite the fact that the subjects didn't make ANY changes to their diets!
Now, don't get me wrong: This isn't a license to stock your pantry with potato chips and Oreos. We both know that junk food isn't going to do you any favors. The point is, it's possible to keep healthy blood sugar levels without constant worrying and deprivation -- and Coccinia is one of the most effective ways to do that.
But as common as Coccinia is in India, it's not so widespread in the U.S. And if you do manage to turn up a Coccinia supplement, you're likely to become an unwilling participant in ...
The guessing game you can't afford to play
If you search hard enough, I'm sure you'll be able to turn up a Coccinia supplement. But -- and this is a BIG "but" -- there's no guarantee you'll be getting the amount of Coccinia listed on the label. Which means there's no way to know for SURE if it will help you keep your blood sugar within the healthy ranges at all -- let alone with the kind of speed the studies have shown are possible.
That's because most of these products aren't standardized. Which is a fancy way of saying that each and every batch is made with the same materials, in the same way, and then tested to ensure that the quality and dose is the same in every single bottle.
Standardization is the only way to take the guesswork out of ANY supplement. But there's only ONE source of standardized Coccinia available in the U.S...
It's called Gencinia™. And Gluco-Sure has nabbed exclusive access to it.
That's right -- you won't find this proven, high-speed blood sugar supporter ANYWHERE ELSE.
Your Nutrition Physician,
Allan Spreen,
M.D. Chief Research Advisor NorthStar Nutritionals
Super Sulfur
What do garlic, glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid and MSM have in common? Sulfur—a compound that helps the body in a variety of ways, from maintaining healthy joints to boosting the immune system. It’s so important that it is found in every cell of the body. Many amino acids (protein building blocks), vitamins, and minerals also contain sulfur. But, as important as sulfur is to good health, it’s not a topic of hot discussion—and that’s a shame.
Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body after calcium and phosphorus. By sheer quantity, sulfur is more important to health than magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, sodium, iodine—and, for that matter, all vitamins. Sulfur contributes to fat digestion and absorption, because it is needed to make bile acids. Sulfur makes up part of your bones, teeth and collagen. As a component of insulin, sulfur is needed to regulate blood sugar. It also helps maintain oxygen balance for proper brain function.
Good food sources of sulfur include egg yolks, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, collards, asparagus, onions and garlic. But, even though sulfur is critical for the normal structure and function of proteins, many people—especially seniors—don’t get enough from their diets.
The bad news is that you can’t just run out and by a “sulfur supplement.” The good news is that many common over-the-counter nutrients provide hefty amounts of this key compound. Here are some of my favorites:
Alpha-lipoic acid. This vitamin-like antioxidant is sometimes called the “universal antioxidant” because it is soluble in both fat and water. ALA improves insulin function and relieves nerve pain and numbness in people with type 2 diabetes. It also boosts vascular health. Try 300 to 600 mg. one to three times daily. Just be sure to monitor your blood sugar, which can also be lowered with alpha-lipoic acid.
Biotin. This little-known B vitamin plays a fundamental role by regulating genes involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. Large amounts of biotin can lower triglyceride levels, and a combination of biotin and chromium picolinate can lower blood sugar levels. Try 1,000 to 5,000 mcg. one to two times daily. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar and talk with your doctor about adjusting your medication if your blood sugar drops to lower than normal levels.
Methylsulfonylmethane. Commonly known as MSM, this supplement is 34 percent elemental sulfur. It is the oral form of dimethyl sulfoxide, also called DMSO. MSM supplements significantly reduced pain and improved physical functioning in a study of 50 patients, published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Another study reported that a combination of MSM and glucosamine sulfate was far better than the latter alone in reducing pain. Try 1,000 to 5,000 mg. daily, starting with 1,000 mg. and increasing your dose by 1,000 mg. per day, as some people have digestive upset from MSM.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Rich in sulfur, NAC quickly boosts glutathione levels. Glutathione is a vitamin-like substance that is the most powerful antioxidant made within the body. According to an Italian study of seniors, NAC supplements can block influenza symptoms. Recent studies have found that NAC supplements reduce drug and alcohol cravings, as well as several types of obsessive-compulsive behavior. One study found that NAC supplements eased symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Try 500 to 2,000 mg. daily. Take NAC and all other amino acids on an empty stomach.
Vitamin B1. This sulfur-containing vitamin helps drive the Krebs cycle, the biochemical process that breaks down food for energy. A high intake of carbohydrates increases vitamin B1 requirements. Large supplemental doses of vitamin B1 can lower levels of microalbuminuria (a sign of kidney damage) in people with type 2 diabetes. Try 50 to 300 mg. daily.
Along with increasing the amount of sulfur-rich foods you eat, it’s smart to take at least one of these supplements. Which one? If you’re in generally good health, opt for either alpha lipoic acid or N-acetylcysteine because of their broad benefits. If you suffer from joint problems or chronic pain, add MSM. If you are overweight or suffer from diabetes, I recommend a daily dose of biotin and B1. You certainly don't need to take all of these. But increasing the amount of sulfur you consume through both diet and supplementation can help you achieve optimum health.
Be well,
David Blyweiss
Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in the body after calcium and phosphorus. By sheer quantity, sulfur is more important to health than magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, sodium, iodine—and, for that matter, all vitamins. Sulfur contributes to fat digestion and absorption, because it is needed to make bile acids. Sulfur makes up part of your bones, teeth and collagen. As a component of insulin, sulfur is needed to regulate blood sugar. It also helps maintain oxygen balance for proper brain function.
Good food sources of sulfur include egg yolks, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, collards, asparagus, onions and garlic. But, even though sulfur is critical for the normal structure and function of proteins, many people—especially seniors—don’t get enough from their diets.
The bad news is that you can’t just run out and by a “sulfur supplement.” The good news is that many common over-the-counter nutrients provide hefty amounts of this key compound. Here are some of my favorites:
Alpha-lipoic acid. This vitamin-like antioxidant is sometimes called the “universal antioxidant” because it is soluble in both fat and water. ALA improves insulin function and relieves nerve pain and numbness in people with type 2 diabetes. It also boosts vascular health. Try 300 to 600 mg. one to three times daily. Just be sure to monitor your blood sugar, which can also be lowered with alpha-lipoic acid.
Biotin. This little-known B vitamin plays a fundamental role by regulating genes involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. Large amounts of biotin can lower triglyceride levels, and a combination of biotin and chromium picolinate can lower blood sugar levels. Try 1,000 to 5,000 mcg. one to two times daily. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar and talk with your doctor about adjusting your medication if your blood sugar drops to lower than normal levels.
Methylsulfonylmethane. Commonly known as MSM, this supplement is 34 percent elemental sulfur. It is the oral form of dimethyl sulfoxide, also called DMSO. MSM supplements significantly reduced pain and improved physical functioning in a study of 50 patients, published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Another study reported that a combination of MSM and glucosamine sulfate was far better than the latter alone in reducing pain. Try 1,000 to 5,000 mg. daily, starting with 1,000 mg. and increasing your dose by 1,000 mg. per day, as some people have digestive upset from MSM.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Rich in sulfur, NAC quickly boosts glutathione levels. Glutathione is a vitamin-like substance that is the most powerful antioxidant made within the body. According to an Italian study of seniors, NAC supplements can block influenza symptoms. Recent studies have found that NAC supplements reduce drug and alcohol cravings, as well as several types of obsessive-compulsive behavior. One study found that NAC supplements eased symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Try 500 to 2,000 mg. daily. Take NAC and all other amino acids on an empty stomach.
Vitamin B1. This sulfur-containing vitamin helps drive the Krebs cycle, the biochemical process that breaks down food for energy. A high intake of carbohydrates increases vitamin B1 requirements. Large supplemental doses of vitamin B1 can lower levels of microalbuminuria (a sign of kidney damage) in people with type 2 diabetes. Try 50 to 300 mg. daily.
Along with increasing the amount of sulfur-rich foods you eat, it’s smart to take at least one of these supplements. Which one? If you’re in generally good health, opt for either alpha lipoic acid or N-acetylcysteine because of their broad benefits. If you suffer from joint problems or chronic pain, add MSM. If you are overweight or suffer from diabetes, I recommend a daily dose of biotin and B1. You certainly don't need to take all of these. But increasing the amount of sulfur you consume through both diet and supplementation can help you achieve optimum health.
Be well,
David Blyweiss
Advanced Natural Medicine
Thursday, February 11, 2010
How To Stop This Disturbing Trend
Have you seen the TV commercial? The one where the guy isn’t getting results from one antidepressant, so he’s taking two?
Doctors hand out these drugs like candy.
When I started my practice, this was pretty rare. By the 90s, everyone was on Prozac. Today, patients walk in on two or three antidepressants. And a lot of the times, they’re on other addictive drugs, too.
This is a disturbing trend. We don’t really know what the dangers are when you mix these drugs.
An article in The Archives of General Psychiatry found that doctors today prescribe two or more drugs more often than a decade ago. And, in nine years’ time, the average number of meds per visit rose by over 40%.1
It’s great for business if you’re a psychiatrist. It keeps patients coming back for more.
But no one knows for sure how they interact. The few studies that are published show there are serious side effects.2
Take a look at the problems you face if you take just one antidepressant:
1. Addiction: You get withdrawals if you stop. Symptoms include depression and anxiety worse than the original depression.3
2. Stroke: A major study shows women taking antidepressants are 45% more likely to have a stroke. They are 32% more likely to die of any cause.4
3. Suicide: In 2003 and again in 2004, the FDA issued a health warning about suicide risk for children and adults taking psychiatric drugs.5
4. Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women and unborn children may suffer complications and birth defects.6
5. Motor skill impairment: You can develop permanent body movement disorders. Some lead to Parkinson’s disease.7 And you can cause a car accident. Up to 15% of accidents are caused by someone taking these drugs.8
6. Other side effects: Sexual side effects are common. So are weight gain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Now multiply these reactions by two or three, depending on how many different drugs you’re on. And that doesn’t even take into consideration what else might happen when these chemicals are combined. It’s enough to make anyone depressed!
Get back to basics. If you’re on anti-depressants, talk to your doctor about weaning off of them under supervision. Then make positive changes in your life:
Step 1: Get some exercise. Regular exercise is an effective stress buster and mood elevator. It releases serotonin – the “feel good hormone” – in your brain.
Step 2: Eat a primal diet. Processed foods are filled with chemicals that affect hormones, brain function, and mood. Choose fresh and natural instead. Protein contains amino acids, which feed the brain and regulate emotions. Skip sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. They cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Step 3: Go out in the sunshine. Use vitamin D as your natural antidepressant. Ten minutes in the sun a day gives you a whopping 10,000 IU and a sunny disposition.
Step 4: Take a multivitamin. And make sure you get enough B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and Omega-3s. These are important depression fighters.
If you’re still not getting enough relief, take a look at St John’s Wort. It’s a common flowering plant that’s proven to work just as well as a prescription with none of the side effects.9 It’s best to check with your doctor and take it under supervision.
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is another. It’s been used in Europe to treat depression for over 20 years.10 You can get SAMe at your local health-food store. I recommend you take 200 mg a day to start. If after two weeks you’re not seeing considerable improvement, increase to 400 mg.
Two more supplements you might try are Relora and 5-HTP.
Relora is made from two plants that have been used in Chinese medicine for 1,500 years. It rivals benzodiazapenes, but doesn’t make you sleepy.11
5-HTP (5-hydoxytryptophan) converts to serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. Start by taking the minimum dose and work up slowly, 20 to 50 mg a day.12
For some people, hormones may be the cause. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman. A low testosterone level means fatigue, low energy, and depression. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances can do the same. Get your hormone levels tested. If your doctor finds an imbalance, consider natural hormone replacement therapy.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
Reference:
“National trends in Psychotropic Medication Polypharmacy in Office-Based Psychiatry.” Archives of General Psychiatry. Jan 2010.
“National trends in Psychotropic Medication Polypharmacy in Office-Based Psychiatry.” Archives of General Psychiatry. Jan 2010.
2. Nemeroff, CB., DeVane, CL., Pollock, BG. “Newer antidepressants and the cytochrome P450 system.” Am J Psychiatry 1996; 153:311-320
3. Disalver, S., Greden, J., Snider, R. “Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndromes: Phenomenology and Pathology.” January 1987:2 (1).
4. Smoller J., Allison, M. et al. “Antidepressant Use and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women in the Women’s Health Initiative Study.” Arch Intern Med, 2009; 169 (22): 2128-2139.
5. FDA Public Health Advisory: REPORTS OF SUICIDALITY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS BEING TREATED WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS FOR MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD). October 27, 2003.
6. Pharmacologic management of psychiatric illness during pregnancy: dilemmas and guidelines. Am J Psychiatry 1996; 153:592-606.
7. Caley CF. “Extrapyramidal reactions and the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.” Ann Pharmacother. 1997 Dec;31(12):1481-9.
8. Eleanor Kibrick and Reginald G. Smart, “Psychotropic Drug Use and Driving Risk.” Can Fam Physician. 1972 October; 18(10): 47–52.
9. Linde K, et al. “St John’s wort for major depression.” Cochrane Reviews. 2008. 4:CD000448.
10. Roberto Delle Chiaie, Paolo Pancheri, and Pierluigi Scapicchio, “Efficacy and tolerability of oral and intramuscular S-adenosyl- L-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate (SAMe) in the treatment of major depression: comparison with imipramine in 2 ulticenter studies,” Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, Nov 2002; 76: 1172S – 1176S.
11. Douglas S Kalman, Samantha Feldman, Robert Feldman. Effect of a proprietary Magnolia and Phellodendron extract on stress levels in healthy women: a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 21 April 2008 Nutrition Journal 2008.
12. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. “Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198.
Better Than Aspirin
Back pain is part of the human condition… sooner or later you’re going to get it.And if you’ve ever taken over-the-counter painkillers, beware. They can do far more harm than good.Regular use of aspirin, Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol can lead to:Gastrointestinal bleeding
Liver damage
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Liver damage
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
In fact, just last year the FDA made some serious changes to make consumers aware of the dangers these drugs pose. They now require each of these drugs to come with a clear warning that explains the potential side effects.The good news is you can ditch the painkillers. I’ve got a simple technique that’ll rid you of back pain in as little as two minutes a day.1
First it’s important to understand why you get that back pain in the first place…Tendons attach your muscles to your bones. Ligaments attach bones to bones. As you get older, your flexibility decreases. Plus, your posture and how you sit and stand contribute. Certain muscles shorten, and your joints lose their range of motion – meaning your ligaments get weaker. This can trigger a number of back problems.
Healthy stretching works by lengthening those ligaments and strengthening your tendons. Problem is most average stretching exercises put stress on your ligature. Not exactly helpful.The key factor that most folks don’t know – including a lot of yoga teachers and personal trainers – is that you don’t want loose joints. The tighter they are, the more stable and stronger they are. The stronger they are, the less likely you are to sustain an injury in the first place.So what you want are long and relaxed muscles that can lengthen on demand without resistance.
I’ve found an easy way to do this. As long as you follow these techniques closely, they’ll ease your back pain instead of making it worse (like a lot of wrongheaded stretches).The two parts of your body you want to stretch daily to avoid back pain are the front of your shoulders and the front of your hips.
Shoulder Stretch: You need to stretch and develop these muscles,
because they are very susceptible to injury. And tight shoulder muscles contribute to back and neck pain, especially if your head and shoulders droop forward.
because they are very susceptible to injury. And tight shoulder muscles contribute to back and neck pain, especially if your head and shoulders droop forward.How to Perform This Stretch: Stand in an open doorway. Raising your arm to a 90-degree angle with palm facing out, press your hand and shoulder against the wall and doorjamb. You should feel the wall against your armpit. Slowly increase the tension as you push forward. Hold for a 10 count. Then repeat with the other arm.
Hip Flexors: You need to do this stretch, particularly if you sit
all day at work. Sitting all day tightens and shortens the hip flexor muscles. This is a major cause of lower back pain, as it pulls the pelvis downward in the front and creates an excessive curvature in the lower spine. Stretching your hip flexor muscles daily will prevent this kind of lower back pain.
all day at work. Sitting all day tightens and shortens the hip flexor muscles. This is a major cause of lower back pain, as it pulls the pelvis downward in the front and creates an excessive curvature in the lower spine. Stretching your hip flexor muscles daily will prevent this kind of lower back pain.How to Perform This Stretch: Stand in a modified runner stance, with right foot forward and left foot back, feet flat on floor. Put your hands on your hips (or put one hand on a chair for support) and keep your back and hips in straight alignment. Push forward with your hips, while maintaining your erect posture. Slowly, push your hips forward only until you feel a comfortable level of tension. Hold for a 10 count. Switch sides by reversing your leg stance and repeat
Give these a try. They work for me. Do them every day. Consistency’s the key.
Give these a try. They work for me. Do them every day. Consistency’s the key.
One more thing: I also recommend you check out the Healthy Back Institute’s “Lose the Back Pain” program. Over 50,000 people have used their proven system to get relief. If you’re suffering from any sort of back pain or sciatica, you really need to click here and check it out.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
11903 Southern Blvd.,
Ste. 208Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411
1 Deyo et al. “Cost, controversy, crisis: low back pain and the health of the public.” Annual Review of Public Health. 1991. 12:141-56.
Better Than Coffee
Rainforest Herb Gives You Lasting Energy - Without the Crash!*
Dear Health Conscious Reader, When I was hiking
through the Amazon Rainforest last year, I had a first-hand experience with a remarkable healing herb. Sacred to the nearby Guarani tribe, it was literally a gift from the gods. According to tribal folklore, the Indians of the Amazon River Basin have been using it to prevent fatigue and increase physical endurance since before recorded history. I took it in the early morning before we hit the trail. After 18 hours through the jungles of Peru my mind was crystal clear and I had no feeling of fatigue. Looking back, I had covered 15 miles of rugged terrain without feeling tired or worn out.
Dear Health Conscious Reader, When I was hiking
through the Amazon Rainforest last year, I had a first-hand experience with a remarkable healing herb. Sacred to the nearby Guarani tribe, it was literally a gift from the gods. According to tribal folklore, the Indians of the Amazon River Basin have been using it to prevent fatigue and increase physical endurance since before recorded history. I took it in the early morning before we hit the trail. After 18 hours through the jungles of Peru my mind was crystal clear and I had no feeling of fatigue. Looking back, I had covered 15 miles of rugged terrain without feeling tired or worn out.I realized that combining this ancient herb with cutting edge brain nutrients would create a powerful new formula. Not only would it give you more energy without crashing, it would help your memory too.*
But the story gets better. After I got home, I started putting the pieces together. Working nights and weekends I had a trial formula within the first six weeks. Using myself as a test subject, I gave it a try.
Right from the start I knew I was on to something. I tapped into a deep source of mental energy, heightened memory and a laser-like focus throughout the day.
All the individual components of my formula are backed up by modern clinical studies. And now for the first time, you can feel the startling results for yourself.
My name is Dr. Al Sears. I have a private medical pratice in South Florida. But I've been around the world in search of healing herbs and traditional medicines. What I discovered during my trek through the Amazon will send your energy to new heights...it has the power to boost your memory and power of recall too.Here's how it works.
Kick Start Your Morning Without Feeling Nervous or Jittery
The Amazon herb that kept me alert, yet relaxed, comes from a seed called Paullina cupana. The active compound is guaranine, a member of the caffeine family. But unlike regular caffeine, it's full of healthy fatty acids.The good fat gives guaranine a slow release. Its effect will gradually increase over a period of hours. It doesn’t pick you up and throw you down like quick release caffeine. There’s no crash with this stuff… and you don’t get any of the nervous, jittery energy you do with caffeine.
Caffeine gets a bad rap sometimes, but it’s the most widely used drug in the world. And it’s a proven mental performance booster. The studies number in the hundreds. One published in Neurology found that three cups of coffee a day cuts your risk of mental decline by over 50%.1But there’s a catch. Coffee gives you a short burst of energy, but overheats and excites your body. Guaranine has a cooling action that revitalizes and relaxes. The end result is more beneficial to your body. You get all the energy and alertness but remain calm, cool and collected.*
A team of Brazilian scientists studied the effects on rats. Their results were not surprising. Guaranine increased their physical activity, increased their physical endurance under stress and improved their memory.2*
But like I said, the story gets even better...
Give Your Brain the Power of Total Recall and Extreme Alertness
The effect of the Paullina cupana seed was amazing. It gave me the endurance to trek through the Amazon and left me with a wonderful feeling of clarity. But I was starting to see the bigger picture. The Rainforest herb works its magic by releasing acetylcholine in your brain. Acetyl-choline is a neurotransmitter. It's the brain chemical that lets your nerve cells fire through the synapse or gap that exists between the trillions of neurons in your brain.
If you have lots of acetylcholine, your mind is sharp and your memory is clear. When you drink coffee in the morning, the release of acetylcholine gives you the buzz that gets you going.*
But there's a problem. Coffee will burn you out because it depletes your reserve of acetylcholine. Guaranine is slow acting with none of the caffeine side effects, but it works in the same way.
Eventually you lose your reserve of acetylcholine.
But if you trigger a release of acetylcholine and then rebuild your reserves, you can sustain the amazing rush of clarity over the long term.*
That's the Realization I Had While Hiking Through the Forest.I knew I could get the best of both worlds if I combined guaranine with powerful brain nutrients. One of them is choline, the building block required for the synthesis of acetylcholine. Introduce choline into the mix and you give your body the ability to manufacture this incredibly powerful neurotransmitter.
When you combine choline and guaranine you get a bigger release of acetylcholine - even more than taking guaranine on its own. That's what gives you the feeling of energy and mental power. But instead of depleting your reserves and burning out, you build them up.*
That means you can take my formula every day and get the same effect every time.
Getting More Choline is Essential - Your Brain Needs it for Thinking and Remembering
Your brain has a huge appetite for choline. It's the primary building block for acetylcholine. You burn it up 24/7 as your brain uses it to maintain clear communication between trillions of neurons. You need it for all the basics like thought, memory and sleep. It even controls how you move. Your muscles receive commands from your brain via acetylcholine. That means your sense of balance and stability is controlled by this key transmitter.
Like many nutrients, your supply of choline drops as you get older. As this happens, you can expect some or all of these symptoms:
Poor recall and memory loss
Fatigue or lack of energy
Brain fog and/or a sense of confusion
Problems falling asleep, tossing and turning
Unable to catch on, or learn new things
Feeling distracted or irritable
Walking with a wobbly or shaky gait, unable to stay balanced
Fatigue or lack of energy
Brain fog and/or a sense of confusion
Problems falling asleep, tossing and turning
Unable to catch on, or learn new things
Feeling distracted or irritable
Walking with a wobbly or shaky gait, unable to stay balanced
When Your Brain Doesn't Get Enough Choline It Starts to Destroy Itself.
To survive, your body will scavenge materials from other sources when it can't get enough from its main supplier. When choline levels drop off, your brain goes on a scavenger hunt and extracts choline from nerve cell membranes. This last resort is called "auto-cannibalism" and it's very dangerous.
In the short term, your brain will use this technique to keep your memory and other functions up and running. But in the long run, your nerve cells end up badly damaged.
In the graph below, you can see how the nutrients DMAE and choline turn into the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DMAE is another powerful brain nutrient I will tell you about a little later. It's also in my formula. First, I want you to see the direct connection choline has to its end product acetylcholine.
As you can see, choline is one small step away from acetylcholine. Put more choline into your body and your brain gets more of the neurotransmitter that keeps your mind alert and your memory fresh.*
Clinical Studies Prove Connection Between Choline and Memory
It's very possible you've never heard of choline. Most people haven't. But it's one of the most important nutrients on the planet. And it's well researched. There are dozens of studies testing both animals and humans. Here are just a few:
Researchers who gave rats a choline supplement found they developed a sharper and longer memory than rats that didn't have extra choline. On day one, both groups of rats were performing their tasks successfully. This included avoiding electric shock as they moved through a maze.
On day two, the rats that didn't have the extra choline forgot about the electric shock and got zapped. But the rats that had the extra choline remembered the booby traps and successfully avoided getting shocked.3
In a human study, researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago tested people with a choline deficiency. They gave them a series of memory tests and found below average scores. In the next stage, they divided the same people into two groups. One group received extra choline, the other didn't.
After 24 weeks, both groups repeated the memory tests. Not surprisingly, the group with the extra choline performed with flying colors and their results showed a dramatic improvement over the first round. The group that received no extra choline performed poorly. Their results showed no improvement over the first round.4*
Burn through Your Crossword with Lightning Speed…
My unique blend of choline and guaranine is like rocket fuel for your brain. Not only does it give you a better boost than your morning cup of coffee, it gives you the clarity of a mental giant.
You'll notice the lift right away. If you do crosswords you'll finish them in a fraction of the time. Things like organization, recall and comprehension just fall into place. When you read something, you "get it." When someone is explaining something, you understand what they're getting at before they even get to the point. You move into a feeling of extreme alertness. You're aware of everything and it's all so clear.The processing speed of your brain gets a twin-turbo boost. It's like stepping up to one of those super-computers NASA uses for space flight.
One of the experiences I appreciate most is the "alert but calm" feeling. Your mind can relax and let go. Your focus becomes almost laser like. And it lasts throughout the day. It's not a short-lived spike like coffee or other caffeine drinks.
I could have stopped there. choline and guaranine are enough to repair and rejuvenate your aging brain. But there's another key brain booster essential to my formula.*
This Nutrient Works So Well it Even Caught the Attention of the Bumbling Bureaucrats at the FDA.
A little earlier I mentioned DMAE. It's a natural, brain-stimulating nutrient found in anchovies, sardines and other fish. Studies show it increases levels of acetylcholine. As you know, acetylcholine is critical for learning and memory.5I've been following the story of DMAE for decades. It works so well the FDA finally took notice and planned to approve it.So what happened? The FDA discontinued it in the late 1970s after the manufacturer didn't agree to the expensive retesting required. Since the manufacturer wouldn't pay, the FDA dropped DMAE like a hot potato.
What a shame. DMAE provides a safe and non-addictive solution to a variety of cognitive and behavioral problems.DMAE can also support learning and promote a healthy mood.* In one study, 50 kids showed improvement in just 10 weeks.6 In another study, children did better in concentration and skill tests with this nutrient.7 And there were no side effects like jumpiness, or an increase in heart rate.8*
It's easy to see why I added DMAE to my formula. It's one of the best memory boosters available. In combination with choline and guaranine, it's unbeatable. It has a synergistic quality that makes the three ingredients more than the sum of their parts.
Clinical studies show DMAE can:9*
Boost IQ
Accelerate mental speed and your ability to process thoughts and ideas
Improve your concentration and eliminate early morning "fogginess"
Promote a healthy mood
Decrease irritability and over activity
Increase attention without causing drowsiness
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health
Accelerate mental speed and your ability to process thoughts and ideas
Improve your concentration and eliminate early morning "fogginess"
Promote a healthy mood
Decrease irritability and over activity
Increase attention without causing drowsiness
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health
There's one more thing you need to know about this formula. It has a very unique and clinically proven "side effect": It supports your heart and brain health.*
How is this possible?Boosting the level of choline in your blood has a powerful effect on homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP). If you're a regular reader you've probably heard about these powerful markers. They are both better indicators for heart and brain health than anything else - including cholesterol.
Research has demonstrated that homocysteine causes oxidative stress to the vascular endothelium and that maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine is important for heart health.*
Your body produces C-reactive protein as part of its overall defense. When part of your body is injured, it sends signals to the rest of your body for help. Your immune system then sends out white blood cells and inflammatory molecules including CRP to the injured area.
Once there, the defense cells try to fix damaged areas and fight off the intruder. But this defensive response causes inflammation. The inflammatory response needs energy in the form of oxidative "fire" which can damage surrounding tissues.
Spikes in CRP levels are an early sign of inflammation in your body. That's why CRP is such a good indicator. We can evaluate heart health using CRP levels better than with cholesterol levels.
The New England Journal of Medicine published a massive study on CRP. Almost 28,000 people participated in the trial. Researchers discovered that CRP predicted cardiovascular health better than LDL cholesterol.10
The New England Journal of Medicine published a massive study on CRP. Almost 28,000 people participated in the trial. Researchers discovered that CRP predicted cardiovascular health better than LDL cholesterol.10
Here's the good news: The choline in my formula brings down your levels of both homocysteine and CRP.*
An experiment published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed two groups of men. One group ate a diet with no choline. The other group took a choline supplement. The men with no choline saw a steep rise in homocysteine. After just 10 days, their homocysteine went up by 35%.11*
Researchers discovered that people who consume higher amounts of choline have lower levels of homocysteine and CRP. The study followed two groups of people. One group averaged less than 250-mg of choline a day. The other group averaged more than 310-mg of choline a day. The group who averaged above 310-mg saw their CRP drop by 22%.12*
Not only does choline ramp up your mental energy and protect your memory, it helps wipe out the two predictors of coming disaster.*
Here's Another Mental Boost: ConfidenceIf this is the first time you've heard about choline, you may be surprised to hear it does so much. But once you feel the results for yourself, you'll understand.After taking my choline formula, many of my patients tell me they feel more confident about the future. Instead of sitting around the house worrying about what might happen, they feel like they're back in the driver's seat. That's what happens when you have real options.Knowledge is power. But I wouldn't be surprised if sometimes you feel like you're being kept in the dark. Many doctors make their patients feel like children or fools. Or both. They hand out prescriptions and give you an attitude if you ask questions. I've always believed real medicine is about empowerment. Not secrecy.With this blend of super nutrients, you have the power to keep your mind clear and strong as you age. It keeps your brain young and well fed. And when it's working in peak condition your risk of problems drops dramatically.*
Greet the Morning with a Clear Head and a Warm Smile
Since I've been using my choline formula I haven't touched a cup of coffee. I don't need to. The feeling of "awakeness" I get is far better than anything from Starbucks.
And the effect lasts all day.
To get your own taste of clarity, just choose your offer below.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, M.D.
Center For Health and Wellness1.Ritchie, K., et al. The neuroprotective effects of caffeine: A prospective study (the Three City Study). Neurology 69. 2007 Aug 7:536-545.
2.Espinola EB, et al. Pharmacological activity of Paullina cupana in laboratory animals. J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Feb;55(3):223-9.
3.Gossell-Williams M, et al. Choline supplementation facilitates short-term memory consolidation into intermediate long-term memory of rats. West Indian Med J. 2006 Jan;55(1):4-8.
4.Buchman AL, et al. Verbal and visual memory improve after choline supplementation. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2001 Jan-Feb;25(1):30-5.
5.Dean Ward M.D. ‘Anti-Aging Nutrient Review and Update Part 4: DMAE Cognitive-Enhancing, Life Extending Nutrient’ Vitamin Research News, September 2004, Vol. 18, Number 8, p. 1-4.
6.Coleman N., Dexheimer P., Dintascio A. Redman W. And Finnerty R., ‘Deanol in the treatment of hyperkinetic children’, Psychosomatics 1976, 17:68-72.
7.Geller S. J., ‘Comparison of a tranquilizer and a psychic energizer’ JAMA 1960, 174:89-92
8.Oettinger L., ‘The use of Deanol in the treatment of disorders of behavior in children. J Pediat 1958, 53:761-675.
9.Ibid.
10.Ridker P., et al. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events. NEJM 2002 Nov 14; 347(20): 1557-1565
11.Choline deficiency in mice and humans is associated with increased homocysteine concentration. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Feb;81(2): 440-444.
12.Detopoulou P, et al. Dietary choline intakes in relation to concentrations of inflammatory markers: the ATTICA study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):424-30.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
12 Danger Signs of a TOXIC COLON
Discover if This Could Be the Hidden Cause of Why You’re Not Feeling Your Best
Is rotting, decaying waste trapped in your digestive system? Could it be slowly poisoning your health?
Many people are constipated and don’t even know it. They’ve been feeling tired, sluggish, bloated, irritated, and overweight for so long it begins to seem normal. They don’t even realize that the cause is constipation and that it’s a serious danger to their health!
More than 100 million Americans suffer from digestive disorders.1 Some rely on chemical laxatives and antacids.
But these drugs can often make the problem worse.
Healthy digestion and regularity are fundamental to a healthy body. Constipation, diarrhea, and bloating are serious problems. And they often set the stage for even more critical issues if they go untreated.
They suffer from occasional diarrhea or bowel spasms that can severely affect their lifestyle.
My name is Victor Marchione, MD. I’m a board-certified physician and editor of THE FOOD DOCTOR newsletter.
“The Number One Affliction”
If constipation is not addressed in time, it can slowly devastate a healthy body. As Dr. Bernard Jensen, one of America’s foremost health pioneers said: “Constipation is the number one affliction underlying nearly every ailment...”
I’ve seen this over and over with my patients. Many people have colons that are backed up with a toxic mess of undigested food—a rotting sludge, from months, even years ago! Autopsies show that many people today can have up to…
15 Pounds of Old, Dried, Decaying Fecal Matter Trapped in Their Colons!
As it remains there, it becomes toxic to their entire body. It causes what doctors call “autointoxication.” Poisons and waste that should be removed from your colon are then reabsorbed back into your bloodstream.
As Dr. Jensen put it: “The heavy mucus coating in the colon thickens and becomes a host of putrefaction. The blood capillaries to the colon begin to pick up the toxins, poisons and noxious debris as it seeps through the bowel wall. All tissues and organs of the body are now taking on toxic substances. Here is the beginning of true autointoxication on a physiological level.” 2
The Hidden Cause of Many Health Conditions
A toxic colon is the culprit behind many health problems. Encrusted feces lining the colon wall can prevent the colon from properly absorbing vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Additionally, the constant exposure to toxic sludge leaks into the bloodstream.
If you’re not having at least two healthy bowel movements a day, you’re not functioning at 100%. Even if you aren’t chronically constipated, your colon may be trapping several days’ worth of meals. A host of seemingly unrelated problems may result: urinary discomfort, poor blood circulation, joint and lower back discomfort, to name a few.
You may have many pounds of putrid fecal matter in your colon that have been rotting for months or even years. Doctors report…
Impacted Colons Swollen Far Beyond Normal Size!
As Dr. Bernard Jensen reported, “One autopsy revealed a colon to be 9 inches in diameter with a passage through it no larger than a pencil. The rest was caked up, layer upon layer, of encrusted fecal material. This accumulation can have the consistency of truck tire rubber. It’s that hard and black. Another autopsy revealed a stagnant colon to weigh in at an incredible 40 pounds.” 4
How Undigested Food Rots in Your Colon
A slow transit time causes your food and waste to putrefy and invites bad bacteria. This sets up conditions that can triple your risk of further health problems. It’s no wonder that USA Today reports that, “Most people who eat the standard American ‘goo and glue’ diet have about 5-10 pounds of matter stored in their colons.” 5
People who eat the standard American diet may have 5-10 pounds of rotting waste in their colon.
Nobel Prize-Winner Declares…“Death Begins in a Clogged Colon.”
Nobel Prize-Winner Declares…“Death Begins in a Clogged Colon.”
In the early 1900s, Nobel-prize winning biologist Elie Metchnikoff was among the first modern doctors to stress the importance of colon health. Metchnikoff theorized that unhealthy bacteria in the colon produce toxic substances. These toxins in the colon, in turn, disrupt the body’s normal function and accelerate the aging process.6 Thus his famous statement, “Death begins in a clogged colon.”
Just as clogged arteries can’t be ignored, neither can a clogged colon.
Could You HaveHIDDEN CONSTIPATION—Even if You Have a Bowel Movement Every Day?
A breakthrough clinical research study by the prestigious Department of Organ Surgery Gastroenterological Clinic, at Elsinore Hospital, Elsinore, Denmark shows that many people have pockets of putrid waste trapped in their colons.7
"62% of people examined had pockets of fecal build-up in their colons—even if they had a daily bowel movement."
This study of 251 men and women showed that 62 percent had fecal build-up in their colons—even if they had a daily bowel movement! Doctors could feel this mass of built-up poop upon examination. The doctors concluded, “This hidden constipation (fecal retention) gives rise to bloating, pain and tenderness” and could be the “common cause” of other serious health conditions.” The researchers named this phenomenon…
“Hidden Constipation Syndrome”
What was amazing was that the people in the study didn’t even know they were constipated. As the study noted, “A high proportion of patients was identified with additional fecal accumulation in the right colon and rectum, so-called additional reservoirs, irrespective of daily emptying.”
The study showed that 80% of the people with hidden constipation reported a daily bowel movement without straining. Because they went every day, the patients didn’t realize they had a problem.8
Natural Secret Brings Blessed Relief
Doctors reported excellent results in treating hidden constipation and reducing the hidden fecal reservoirs by using a natural ingredient. “The presence of an abdominal mass fell from 42% to 17%, and “rectal constipation was reduced significantly from 62% to 19%.” 9
7 Steps to a Clean and Healthy Colon
#1
Speed up Your Transit Time: You don’t want waste products to become a stagnant, putrefying, toxic mess in your colon. You want the waste to pass through as quickly as your intestines can properly absorb the nutrients from your food. The key is eating enough fiber. In countries where people eat plenty of fiber, transit times can be as little at 18 hours. In the U.S. and Canada, it is averaging more like 38 hours.10
#2
Bulk up Your Stools: Your stools shouldn’t be like hard, little balls. They should be soft and smooth, more like the consistency of peanut butter. You shouldn’t need to strain to have a bowel movement. It should come out quickly and effortlessly. Soluble and insoluble fiber help add moisture and bulk to your stools so they pass more quickly.
#3
Calm Your Colon: Natural remedies could help you relieve spasms in your colon and digestive system. Certain herbs and foods contain unique phytonutrients that naturally soothe bowel discomfort. I’ll discuss these herbs in a moment.
#4
Balance Your Digestion: Healthy regularity is a balance between stools that are too firm versus too loose. If diarrhea is a problem, certain types of natural soluble fiber, such as apple pectin, could help gently eliminate symptoms of occasional diarrhea without causing constipation later.11
#5
Avoid Laxatives: Synthetic chemical laxatives can decrease your colon’s
natural ability to contract. If used long term, they can have side effects that can actually worsen constipation or block your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.12
#6
Eliminate Toxins: Fiber and natural phytonutrients help escort toxic chemicals and heavy metals out of your intestine before they are reabsorbed into your body’s tissues.
#7
Restore Your Natural Balance: If you’ve taken antibiotics or drink chlorinated water, it’s likely that your intestinal flora have been severely disrupted. Antibiotics don’t just kill the bad bugs; they also wipe out many friendly bacteria. You may need pro-biotic supplements to restore and maintain a healthy amount of friendly bacteria in your gut. These beneficial intestinal floras perform a wide range of vital functions for your body and keep the bad bacteria from taking over.
When old, decaying waste matter becomes encrusted on your colon walls, it may keep the nutrients in food from being absorbed and assimilated. This condition may also contribute to overeating. People may overeat in an attempt to get adequate nutrition, yet they are always hungry and don’t understand why.
#1
Speed up Your Transit Time: You don’t want waste products to become a stagnant, putrefying, toxic mess in your colon. You want the waste to pass through as quickly as your intestines can properly absorb the nutrients from your food. The key is eating enough fiber. In countries where people eat plenty of fiber, transit times can be as little at 18 hours. In the U.S. and Canada, it is averaging more like 38 hours.10
#2
Bulk up Your Stools: Your stools shouldn’t be like hard, little balls. They should be soft and smooth, more like the consistency of peanut butter. You shouldn’t need to strain to have a bowel movement. It should come out quickly and effortlessly. Soluble and insoluble fiber help add moisture and bulk to your stools so they pass more quickly.
#3
Calm Your Colon: Natural remedies could help you relieve spasms in your colon and digestive system. Certain herbs and foods contain unique phytonutrients that naturally soothe bowel discomfort. I’ll discuss these herbs in a moment.
#4
Balance Your Digestion: Healthy regularity is a balance between stools that are too firm versus too loose. If diarrhea is a problem, certain types of natural soluble fiber, such as apple pectin, could help gently eliminate symptoms of occasional diarrhea without causing constipation later.11
#5
Avoid Laxatives: Synthetic chemical laxatives can decrease your colon’s
natural ability to contract. If used long term, they can have side effects that can actually worsen constipation or block your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients.12#6
Eliminate Toxins: Fiber and natural phytonutrients help escort toxic chemicals and heavy metals out of your intestine before they are reabsorbed into your body’s tissues.
#7
Restore Your Natural Balance: If you’ve taken antibiotics or drink chlorinated water, it’s likely that your intestinal flora have been severely disrupted. Antibiotics don’t just kill the bad bugs; they also wipe out many friendly bacteria. You may need pro-biotic supplements to restore and maintain a healthy amount of friendly bacteria in your gut. These beneficial intestinal floras perform a wide range of vital functions for your body and keep the bad bacteria from taking over.
When old, decaying waste matter becomes encrusted on your colon walls, it may keep the nutrients in food from being absorbed and assimilated. This condition may also contribute to overeating. People may overeat in an attempt to get adequate nutrition, yet they are always hungry and don’t understand why.
Your digestive system is where you get all of your nutrition. It does you little good to take vitamins or eat healthy food if your body doesn’t absorb it properly. But when you have healthy digestion and a clean colon, you’ll get more nutrition and satisfaction from your food. This can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Is Your Colon OVERLOADED WITH TOXINS?
• Chemicals
• Heavy metals
• Artificial food colorings
• Food additives
• Hydrogenated oils
• Parasites
• Prescription drugs
• Artificial sweeteners
• Processed foods
• Pollution
• Putrefying,
undigested food.
You need to get these poisons out now!
The 14 Best Natural Remedies for Colon Health
Colon Health Secret #1:Nature’s Best Constipation Reliever
Psyllium Seeds contain the highest level of soluble fiber of any grain source. These seeds contain unique bioactive mucilage polysaccharides that are shown to relieve constipation.13 Psyllium has been shown to support healthy bowel function, and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids.14,15 It is also the natural ingredient shown to relieve “hidden constipation” in the famous Danish study, mentioned earlier.16
Psyllium Seeds contain the highest level of soluble fiber of any grain source. These seeds contain unique bioactive mucilage polysaccharides that are shown to relieve constipation.13 Psyllium has been shown to support healthy bowel function, and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids.14,15 It is also the natural ingredient shown to relieve “hidden constipation” in the famous Danish study, mentioned earlier.16
Colon Health Secret #2:Immune-Boosting Fiber
Oat Bran is a great fiber source that helps relieve constipation.17 Oat bran differs from other common sources of bran, such as wheat bran, due to its high content of Beta Glucans.18 Beta glucans are natural ingredients that help your immune system work better.19 In addition to relieving constipation, many medical studies have documented oat bran’s ability to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.20
Oat Bran is a great fiber source that helps relieve constipation.17 Oat bran differs from other common sources of bran, such as wheat bran, due to its high content of Beta Glucans.18 Beta glucans are natural ingredients that help your immune system work better.19 In addition to relieving constipation, many medical studies have documented oat bran’s ability to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.20
Colon Health Secret #3:Toxin-Fighting Fiber
Beet Fiber has been used for generations to relieve digestive disorders, including constipation.21 Beet fiber binds to toxins, heavy metals, and excess hormones that have been dumped into the gut from the liver. The fiber helps ensure that these toxins are passed out of the body instead of being reabsorbed into your body tissues.22, 23
Beet Fiber has been used for generations to relieve digestive disorders, including constipation.21 Beet fiber binds to toxins, heavy metals, and excess hormones that have been dumped into the gut from the liver. The fiber helps ensure that these toxins are passed out of the body instead of being reabsorbed into your body tissues.22, 23
Colon Health Secret #4:Nature’s Diarrhea-Fighter
Apple Pectin is a remarkable soluble fiber that soaks up liquid and turns it into a gel. It helps relieve diarrhea and supports healthy digestion in many ways. Our ancestors believed, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” and pectin is one reason why. Clinical studies show that pectin is an effective diarrhea reliever,24,25 but, unlike some chemical remedies, it works gently and naturally.
Apple Pectin is a remarkable soluble fiber that soaks up liquid and turns it into a gel. It helps relieve diarrhea and supports healthy digestion in many ways. Our ancestors believed, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” and pectin is one reason why. Clinical studies show that pectin is an effective diarrhea reliever,24,25 but, unlike some chemical remedies, it works gently and naturally.
Colon Health Secret #5:Ancient Chinese Remedy for Occasional Indigestion and Diarrhea
Used in China for centuries, Rice Fiber helps relieve indigestion, reduce diarrhea, and improve circulation. Numerous studies show that dietary fiber, such as that in rice, speeds bowel transit time, improves fecal weight, and increases bowel movement frequency.26
Used in China for centuries, Rice Fiber helps relieve indigestion, reduce diarrhea, and improve circulation. Numerous studies show that dietary fiber, such as that in rice, speeds bowel transit time, improves fecal weight, and increases bowel movement frequency.26
Colon Health Secret #6:Relief for Flatulence and Bloating
Alfalfa has a long history of medicinal use for digestive problems. The name alfalfa comes from the Arabian word al-fac-facah, meaning “father of all foods.” Modern research has demonstrated it is effective at relieving stomach upset and digestive problems.27 Research also shows that alfalfa effectively relieves flatulence and bloating.28
Alfalfa has a long history of medicinal use for digestive problems. The name alfalfa comes from the Arabian word al-fac-facah, meaning “father of all foods.” Modern research has demonstrated it is effective at relieving stomach upset and digestive problems.27 Research also shows that alfalfa effectively relieves flatulence and bloating.28
Colon Health Secret #7:Nature’s Colon Calmer
Research points to Fennel Seed’s ability to relieve digestive problems such as intestinal spasms and gas.29 For centuries, fennel has been used as traditional herbal medicine in Europe and China for the relief of upset stomach and to support healthy digestion.30
Research points to Fennel Seed’s ability to relieve digestive problems such as intestinal spasms and gas.29 For centuries, fennel has been used as traditional herbal medicine in Europe and China for the relief of upset stomach and to support healthy digestion.30
Colon Health Secret #8:Relief for Intestinal Spasms
Peppermint Leaf helps calm digestive spasms and relieves occasional nausea and diarrhea.31,32 Peppermint is rich in remarkable phytochemicals such as menthol that naturally soothe the digestive tract.33
Peppermint Leaf helps calm digestive spasms and relieves occasional nausea and diarrhea.31,32 Peppermint is rich in remarkable phytochemicals such as menthol that naturally soothe the digestive tract.33
Colon Health Secret #9:The Green Superfood
Barley Grass helps provide fiber for the digestive system.34 It’s loaded with phytonutrients that make it one of the most nutritious foods available. That’s why it was selected as one of the “Top 10 Superfoods” by Oprah.com.35
Barley Grass helps provide fiber for the digestive system.34 It’s loaded with phytonutrients that make it one of the most nutritious foods available. That’s why it was selected as one of the “Top 10 Superfoods” by Oprah.com.35
Colon Health Secret #10:The Native American Remedy for Digestive Problems
Rich in nutrients that help soothe the digestive system, Slippery Elm is a traditional remedy for stomach problems.36 It helps soothe the digestive tract.37 Native American healers have used the dried inner bark of the slippery elm tree for centuries. It also helps relieve occasional diarrhea.38
Rich in nutrients that help soothe the digestive system, Slippery Elm is a traditional remedy for stomach problems.36 It helps soothe the digestive tract.37 Native American healers have used the dried inner bark of the slippery elm tree for centuries. It also helps relieve occasional diarrhea.38
Colon Health Secret #11:The Stomach Soother
New research suggests that Red Raspberry Leaf is a remarkable antioxidant. It has been used for centuries to soothe stomach aches and relieve bowel disorders.39 Red raspberry leaf contains unique phytonutrients that constrict the tissues of the intestines to prevent water loss. As a result, red raspberry leaf provides an effective treatment to soothe occasional diarrhea.40
New research suggests that Red Raspberry Leaf is a remarkable antioxidant. It has been used for centuries to soothe stomach aches and relieve bowel disorders.39 Red raspberry leaf contains unique phytonutrients that constrict the tissues of the intestines to prevent water loss. As a result, red raspberry leaf provides an effective treatment to soothe occasional diarrhea.40
Colon Health Secret #12:Ancient Folk Remedy for Great Digestion
Studied as an antibacterial for stomach distress,41 Parsley has been used for centuries to improve digestion.42 It stimulates the release of digestive juices that help digest proteins and fats.
Studied as an antibacterial for stomach distress,41 Parsley has been used for centuries to improve digestion.42 It stimulates the release of digestive juices that help digest proteins and fats.
Colon Health Secret #13:Grandma’s Favorite for Constipation Relief
Prune Juice has been used for generations to relieve constipation and soothe irritable bowel. It gently relieves constipation without the harshness or side effects of chemical laxatives. Prune juice concentrate may be taken as a powdered supplement.
Prune Juice has been used for generations to relieve constipation and soothe irritable bowel. It gently relieves constipation without the harshness or side effects of chemical laxatives. Prune juice concentrate may be taken as a powdered supplement.
Colon Health Secret #14:Special Probiotic Blend
The term “Probiotic” comes from the Greek, meaning “for life.” These are the good bacteria that help boost your immune system and support good digestion.43 80 percent of your immune cells are in your intestines. That’s why one of the keys to a highly functioning immune system is to restore the balance of healthy flora. “Probiotics have been shown clearly to boost immunity,” according to the Postgraduate Medical Journal.44 Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of diarrhea by 40%.45, 46 They are also shown in clinical research to reduce flatulence.47Healthy Colon gives you all 14 of these natural secrets in every capsule
The term “Probiotic” comes from the Greek, meaning “for life.” These are the good bacteria that help boost your immune system and support good digestion.43 80 percent of your immune cells are in your intestines. That’s why one of the keys to a highly functioning immune system is to restore the balance of healthy flora. “Probiotics have been shown clearly to boost immunity,” according to the Postgraduate Medical Journal.44 Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of diarrhea by 40%.45, 46 They are also shown in clinical research to reduce flatulence.47Healthy Colon gives you all 14 of these natural secrets in every capsule
References1 Life Extension Foundation, http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-044.shtml
2 Jensen, B., Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management, Bernard Jensen Publisher; 10th Ed edition, 1981
3 Jensen, B., Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management, Bernard Jensen Publisher; 10th Ed edition, 1981
4 The Lancet (September 1982) http://www.healingdaily.com/colon-kidney-detoxification/herbal-colon-cleansing.htm
5 Hainer, C. “Back in the Bloom of Health” USA Today, Jan. 11, 1999.
6 Jensen, Bernard, Dr. Jensen’s Guide to Diet and Detoxification, McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (August 1, 2000), p. 1.
7 Danish Medical Bulletin-No. 4. November 2004. Vol. 51 Pages 422-5.
8 Danish Medical Bulletin-No. 4. November 2004. Vol. 51 Pages 422-5.
9 Danish Medical Bulletin-No. 4. November 2004. Vol. 51 Pages 422-5.
10 Group, Edward, Health Begins in the Colon: The Ultimate Guide to Cleansing Your Colon, Body, Mind & Home, Copyright © 2007, Global Healing Center, Inc., Houston, TX 77018, http://www.ghchealth.com/
11 F. Becker, B.; Kuhn, U.; Hardewig-Budny, B. “Double-blind, randomized evaluation of clinical efficacy and tolerability of an apple pectin-chamomile extract in children with unspecific diarrhea.” Arzneimittelforschung 2006; 56(6):387-93.
13 Iladlcy, S.; Gaardner, S. Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. American Family Phys 2005 Dec;72(12):2501-06.
14 Psyllium (Plantago ovata, Plantago isphagula) Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com) Copyright © 2009.
15 Ashraf W, Park F., Lof J, et al. Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1995; 9(6): 639-647.
16 Danish Medical Bulletin - No. 4. November 2004. Vol. 51 Pages 422-5.
17 Kay. R. Dietary fiber. Journal of Lipid Research 1982; 23:221-242. Sturtzel, B;Elmadfa, I. Intervention with dietary fiber to treat constipation and reduce laxative use in residents of nursing homes. Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52 Suppl 1:54-6.
18 Kay, R. Dietary Fiber, J Lipid Res, 23: p. 228
20 Kay, R. Dietary Fiber, J Lipid Res, 23: p. 232.
21 Murray M. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing, Rocklin CA 1998.
22 Beet (Beta vulgaris), Natural Standard Monograph, © 2008 (http://www.naturalstandard.com/).
23 VegPeace.org, “Beets” http://vegpeace.org/beets.html
24 Murray M. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing, Rocklin CA 1998
25 F. Becker, B.; Kuhn, U.; Hardewig-Budny, B. “Double-blind, randomized evaluation of clinical efficacy and tolerability of an apple in-chamomile extract in children with unspecific diarrhea.” Arzneimittelforschung, 2006; 56(6):387-93.
26 Spiller, 1994; Bennett & Cerda, 1996) Health Technology Assessment, 1997; Vol. 1: No. 13, p. 5.
27 Health Canada Monograph, Alfalfa, March 5,2004. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com, Search: alfalfa) © 2009.
28 TPP2001; Reynolds 1993; Rhodes 1987; Krag 1985
29 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill), J, Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com) © 2009
30 www.naturalstandard.com Search: fennel seed.
31 Miehlke, S.; Labcnz, J. “Management of functional dyspepsia: Unsolved problems and new perspectives.” World J Gastroenterol 2005 Nov; 11(42)6577-81.
32 Weydert, J.; Ball, T; Davis, M. “Systematic review of treatments for recurrent abdominal pain.” Pediatrics. 2003 Jan;lll(l):el-ll.
33 Logan, A.; Beaulne, T. “The treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with enteric-coated peppermint oil: a case report.” Altern Med Rev. 2002 Oct;7(5):410-7.
34 Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com) © 2008.
36 Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl or Ulmus fiilva Michx) Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com) Copyright © 2009.
39 Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com) © 2009
41 O’Mahony R, Al-Khlheeri H, Weerasekera D, et al., “Bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of culinary and medicinal plants against Helicobacter pylori,” World J Gastroemerol. 2005 Dec 21; 11(47):7499-507.
42 Pitchford, P. Healing with Whole Foods, 3rd Edition, Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2002, p. 548.
43 Probiotics, Natural Standard Monograph (www.natural standard.com) Copyright © 2009
44 Postgrad Med J 2004; 80:447.
45 Shaughnessy, A., “Probiotics Use Decreases Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea,” American Family Physician, Vol. 67, No. 8, Apr. 15, 2003.
46 Cremonini, F., et al. “Meta-analysis: the effect of probiotic administration on antibiotic-associated diarrhea.” Aliment Pharmacol Ther August 2002; 16: 1461-7.
47 World J Gastroenterol 2006 February 14: 12(6) 853-857.
48 The Food Doctor, May 2007, p.4
49 The Food Doctor, May 2007, p.4
50 Group, Edward, Health Begins in the Colon: The Ultimate Guide to Cleansing Your Colon, Body, Mind & Home, Copyright © 2007 Global Healing Center, Inc., Houston, TX 77018, http://www.ghchealth.com/
51 AJP Gastrointest Liver Physol, Vol. 283, Sept. 2002, p. G490.
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Copyright © 2010. The information contained herein is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. Information herein, while believed to be correct by the author, is not guaranteed as accurate or appropriate for all persons. Testimonials are from real users of Healthy Colon. To protect our customers privacy, stock photos have been used for all customer testimonials. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state. Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Victor Marchione is compensated by Bel Marra Nutritionals for his work in formulating and endorsing this product.
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