Nutrition Month

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Osteoarthritis natural remedies

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, and it affects more than 16 million Americans. It becomes more common with advancing age. The joints most often involved are the fingers, knees, hips, and the cervical or lumbar spine.

Individuals with osteoarthritis should be tested for food allergies and sensitivities. Although food allergies and sensitivities aren't as important in osteoarthritis as in the rheumatoid type, they can still cause considerable trouble.

Since vitamins often improve the symptoms of Osteoarthritis, a Micronutrient analysis test would be a good idea to optimally restore nutrient balance via supplements.

Millions of people across the globe suffer from osteoarthritis and many of them have tried to relieve the pain and conditions of it by using one or more osteoarthritis supplements. There are hundreds of dietary supplements on the market that are designed to help relieve this condition.
One of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis is glucosamine. This is a dietary supplement that aims at stimulating the formation of cartilage, which is needed to repair joints.

Chondroitin is a supplement that's often used. This is a usually combined with other supplements, but it can also be used on its own to help reduce pain and slow down the narrowing of joint space.

Another common supplement is known as SAM-e, which means S-adenosylmethionine. This is produced from methionine in the liver. It's believed to increase chondrocytes and the thickness of cartilage. It may also be able to help decrease chondrocyte damage. However, SAM-e could cause headaches, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia in some people. It may also interact with other drugs, so it's a good idea to visit a doctor before using it.

Another common osteoarthritis supplement is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). This is generally found in the human diet as it can come from fruits, plants, vegetables, dairy, and meats. It's also present in the human adrenal gland. MSM is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.


Due to the fact that osteoarthritis is such a common condition, there are a number of herbal natural treatments that have been tried and tested for their efficiency over a period of decades. Flaxseed, for one, is widely considered to be one of the most effective home treatment remedies and contains a number of substances that promote good health. Flaxseed is rich in alpha linoleic acid and essential fatty acids that are helpful in dealing with inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease and a number of other health problems in addition to their treatment of osteoarthritis. For an adult, the recommended dosage of flaxseed is one tablespoon full of the liquid around three times in a day. The best way to consume it is to grind it well before eating and drink with a lot of water.

Ginger is also considered to be highly beneficial and can be taken by applying about 4 grams of ginger juice extract to the affected region and place a warm compress or poultice over it for some time to enhance the benefits of the herbal substance.

Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms by 56%. Pycnogenol has been studied for the past 35 years, and there are more than 220 published studies and review articles that conclude it is safe and effective.

Vitamins and minerals can help with arthritis relief by reducing the swelling of tissues and can provide relief from pain.

Vitamin E: Studies show that a dietary supplement of Vitamin E reduces arthritis inflammation.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C slows all forms of arthritis as well as reduces knee and joint pain.
Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene has similar effects as Vitamin C in reducing inflammation and slowing down arthritis.
Lutein: Studies show that lutein, an antioxidant, lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
Lycopene: Lycopene is another antioxidant that lowers the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT: In Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis, the new collagen often contains too many cross-links, producing thick, stiff, dysfunctional cartilage that is prone to injury. Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complex (OPC) from grape seeds help reduce excess cross-linkage by neutralizing free radicals, protecting collagen from excess collagenase, and helping vitamin C support synthesis of healthy new collagen.

Compounds found in green tea, including the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), can help reduce pain and inflammation, stop the destruction of cartilage and prevent abnormal bone growth.

EGCG is a natural COX-2 inhibitor, effectively blocking the action of this enzyme, as well as inhibiting other inflammatory processes. In arthritic joints, an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) promotes the breakdown of cartilage. Laboratory studies have found that EGCG can block the action of this damaging substance.

A distressing feature of osteoarthritis is additional bone growth that distorts the shape of the joints. In animal experiments, EGCG was found to suppress the growth of abnormal bone while encouraging the development of healthy cartilage Although human clinical trials have yet to be carried out, green tea extract could be of considerable benefit to osteoarthritis sufferers.


The acai berry has natural glucosamine which makes the acai berry good for helping people with joint problems and arthritis.













Rhodigandha has Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Pomegranate, Blueberry, and Acai

Because the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is frequently caused by inflammation in the joints, rhodiola rosea has the potential to reduce symptoms caused by these arthritic conditions.

In a study conducted in 2005 at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and later published in the Journal of Medicine, it was reported that Pomegranate slowed the progression of osteoarthritis. In clinical tests, Pomegranate has demonstrated very powerful anti-inflammatory properties which, in and of itself, is important for those suffering from chronic pain and disease, such as osteoarthritis.

The powerful proanthocyanidins in blueberries is an excellent anti-oxidant that can help combat inflammations like osteoarthritis and gout.

You can take ashwagandha to boost your immune system, treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as ease stress.

The acai berry has natural glucosamine which makes the acai berry good for helping people with joint problems and arthritis.

Vaginal Maintainence, Chronic Yeast, Bacterial Vaginosis, HPV

Patent pending Aromatherapy vaginal balm call 832 237 4200 to order

or visit www.sexibalm.com


Most women suffer from minor vaginal infections at some time in their life.
Symptoms can include chronic vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor, itch, or painful intercourse. Yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and HPV can be there together or separately. Bladder infections can occur…with bacteria that may be found in the vagina. These are often treated with antibiotics, leading to further disturbances in the vaginal flora. This causes dryness, discomfort, and odor.

Using nutraceuticals (natural food, herbal or chemical products) can relieve these symptoms allowing you to be more comfortable and productive.

A factor leading to growth of unfriendly organisms is douching with feminine hygiene products. These products can change both the both the acid-base balance (pH) of the vagina as well as remove the protective mucus in the vagina. Both factors can lead to greater irritation and promote the growth of bacteria and yeast. I recommend that women not douche at all.

Many women treat themselves for yeast infections with over the counter antifungal agents when they assume that they have an infection (frequently they don't even have yeast, but are irritated by another organism). This treatment may alter the content of the normal vaginal flora by destroying lactobacillus, the predominant normal vaginal bacteria.

Sexibalm is naturally soothing, prepared with a base derived from coconut and palm oils.  Coconut contains capric/caprylic acid and lauric acid both of which have antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.


I created the balm to address many of these complaints as I realize that for many people, it is frustrating to just do nothing and wait.

It is one product that addresses many issues:

Sexual health- coconut oil is a good lubricant
Bacterial Vaginosis- lavender oil is a good deodorizer
HPV support- tea tree, green tea, help manage bacteria and viruses
Yeast infection- tea tree and coconut have antifungal activity
E. coli or (Group Beta Strep) GBS in the vagina– can enter urethra & cause UTI’s.
Vaginal dryness-coconut oil lubrication aid and promotes good skin hydration
Vaginal Health- lactobacillus is found in a healthy vagina
Vaginal deodorizer- pleasant smelling, made with natural ingredients
Vaginal rash and Skin rash- take advantage of the anti-bacterial and anti-fungal power of coconut oil, which treats skin irritations. Just place on affected skin because sometimes the irritation on the outside is as bothersome as the inside. If you suffer from frequent boils, use this regularly on the skin to battle bacteria. If you get boils under your armpits, or in the pubic area, use there also.



I can recommend a few other things to do for vaginal discomforts:

1. You SHOULD starve yeast from their food source -which is sugar and simple carbs - and I mean ALL of it. I also suggest limiting the following: alcohol, vinegar (which is in everything), caffeine, all yeasted products, and all fungus products (mushrooms). Eat high protein, healthy fat, nuts and seeds and tons of veggies. Keep your carb servings focused on complex carbs (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, etc.).

2- Use herbs to kill off the yeast- there are many great remedies out there, contact you local herbalist, or try my Octocleanse Herbal Parasite and Yeast Detox, which contains pau d' arco, grapefruit extract and garlic.

3- Replace your damaged flora with healthy probiotics. The function of probiotics is to perform the work that your normal gut is supposed to do while your normal flora is working on re-colonizing. Vitagreen has lactobacillus

4- Stabilize your pH, abnormal organisms thrive on an abnormal pH.  Vitagreen contains wheat grass and alkalinizing green vegetables like spinach and kale to keep your pH on track.


Sexibalm is designed for the purpose of relieving vaginal pruritis (inflammatory conditions), and reducing the recurrence of vaginal infections.

Sexibalm is my own special proprietary blend. I use a coconut oil base, which is impregnated with tea tree and lavender oil.

It slowly melts at body temperature when inserted into the vagina. It is well absorbed, decreasing leakage. Keep refrigerated until use.


If you think your husband is re-infecting you,  apply Sexibalm directly to his genitals. Rinsing after 20 minutes is optional.

For female use, for best results apply at night when supine, so it goes toward your cervix and not your underwear. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To be used by females 13 or older. Use nightly for 3-14 days for acute infections. For chronic or chronic recurring infections, use nightly for 2-4 weeks.

Prevention: Use daily, at bedtime, during menses, for four consecutive months. Use with panty liner.

For anal irritation, this product may be used rectally. Non-laxative.

The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Herbs for Endometriosis

Endometriosis, which is afflicts almost 10 percent of U.S. women, can be quite painful. Its symptoms include severe cramping, excessive menstrual bleeding, and intestinal gas, sometimes accompanied by depression and insomnia. The scarring that results from the misplaced tissue can lead to painful intercourse, infertility and bowel inflammation. Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai Ultimate contains ingredients with high ORAC values. The ORAC values (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) method has become the international standard for measurement of antioxidant capacity and other chemical substances.

Antioxidants are known to counteract the damage-causing free radicals which cause oxidative stress in the body. This oxidation has been a major factor in the progression of aging and disease. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage which obviously lowers the risk of these diseases and improves the immune system.Resvita


The causes of endometriosis remain a mystery. Curiously, European women rarely get it. We do know that one of the risk factors is an abundance of estrogen. That is why endometriosis occurs mostly in women between the ages of 25 and 40, when estrogen accumulates at its highest levels. Endometriosis is exacerbated by anything that irritates the uterus, such as a pelvic infection, constipation, uterine fibroids or cancer, or the presence of an IUD or a tampon. Even ingesting caffeine, alcohol or fried foods increases the problem.


Imbalances in hormones within the body can be prompted by eating certain meats-such as beef derived from diary cows reared using excess use of hormones, eating the meat of chickens reared using hormone cocktails etc. Eating meat derived from such sources can place extra hormones in the body and these in turn can stimulate the excess release of these hormones in our bodies-adding to the imbalance and possibly triggering endometriosis. The occurrence of a retrograde menstruation in the body of certain women is still the most well received theory about the origin of endometriosis, when certain periods of the menstrual cycle are accompanied by the presence of excessive cramps, some endometrial tissues can be forced out from the cavity of the uterus and this can rise through the fallopian tubes covering them with abnormal growth. The endometrial tissues are carried by this "retrograde flow" and the abnormally placed tissues now quickly attaches itself to all the other organs and proceeds to multiply causing endometriosis.

Medical science offers us many theories about the cause, but no cure for this poorly understood disorder. Often, the recommended treatment for endometriosis is oral contraceptives, a hysterectomy or hormone therapy with a drug such as danazol or leupron, which suppress estrogen and initiates a false menopause complete with hot flashes, vaginal dryness and a decreased sexual drive.

Thankfully, many of the symptoms of endometriosis can be improved with herbs, but you must be patient. Many women who chose to treat this disorder herbally find that successful treatment takes weeks. For best results, work with a natural health care professional who has experience with this disorder and can help you develop a complete healing campaign that includes dietary changes. Acupuncture may also be of benefit.

Anyone who is considering beginning a course of alternative treatment should discuss this with their usual medical health care provider. Your doctor must know when you begin any therapies that may interfere with your other treatments. Some women report that natural remedies take longer to work than conventional drugs, but can be soothing.

Phytotherapy — a gentle approach to a complex issue. If you are like most of the women I see, you can probably benefit from an approach that incorporates phytotherapy. We’ve found the following medicinal herbs to be beneficial for women with symptoms of estrogen dominance:

Black cohosh
Ashwagandha
Chasteberry

Since an overabundance of estrogen is one contributing factor of endometriosis, vitex berries, which balance a woman's hormones, are a valuable herb in any endometriosis formula. Female Balance Ultimate contains this herb which is also known as "chasteberry".

Chasteberry has been used for centuries in Western and Chinese Medicine to treat female conditions, including endometriosis. Combined with Dong Quai it makes a powerful treatment for balancing hormones and reducing the pain of endometriosis. When Chasteberry is combined with Wild Yam it relaxes the uterus, reducing cramps and spasms.

In Europe, it's approved by the German Commission E for family physicians and gynecologists to use for menstrual conditions. In fact, a German study reported that 52% of women taking this herbs reported a complete reduction in symptoms. Another German study reported 93% of women noticing a significant decrease in PMS symptoms.

Dong Quai is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat female reproductive health complaints, including endometriosis, fibroids, PMS and infertility. Women with endometriosis find significant relief of their pain when taking dong quai, especially when mixed with the herb chasteberry, black cohosh or ginseng. All of these ingredients are contained in Female Balance. Female Balance Ultimate

Psychiatrists in China reported that Wild Yam reduces anxiety levels, and its anti inflammatory and anti spasmodic effects are excellent for maintaining uterine health. When combined with Chasteberry and Cramp bark, Wild Yam is a powerful natural remedy for immediate relief from endometriosis symptoms. Wild Yam is present in Female Balance.Female Balance Ultimate

Chinese researchers have found that motherwort increases the volume of blood circulation and stimulates uterine activity. The herb can help with such endometrial symptoms as late periods and clotted or sluggish menstrual flow.Female Balance Ultimate

Supplement the diet with fish or flaxseed oil to help to reduce pain symptoms and decrease inflammatory response.Fish Oil COQ10 with Omega 3

Vitamin E oils helps in easing fatigue and cramping which occurs during menstruation.

Nutritional supplements can help balance hormones and reduce estrogen levels. When used properly, they can dramatically reduce bleeding, pain, and cramps that may accompany fibroids and endometriosis. Taking supplements, however, does not mean that you can ignore your diet. The best approach for fibroids, endometriosis, and optimal health is to include healthy foods and follow an estrogen lowering diet.

Food and Nutrition: Supplement the diet with vitamin C, vitamin B-6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids. (Vitamin C and B6 are in Female Balance)















There is increasing evidence that chronic exposure to the environmental chemicals dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of endometriosis. Vitagreen is an important detoxification formula that can be used in conjunction with Female Balance. It can also be used separately if any of the ingredients in Female Balance are contraindicated for you or conflict with any medications you are already on.




The following ingredients are in Resvita Resveratrol in wine may reduce the growth of endometriosis, according to a 2009 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists study. Vitamin C - is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body. Vitamin A - is another immune system booster Vitamin E - plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system Selenium - when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster. Endometriosis may be improved by grape seed. Endometriosis is primarily affected by the release of prostaglandins. Grape seed extract may be able to intervene by blocking the release of chemical, which causes pain and inflammation; grape seed is found in Resvita and Privita. Conventional treatment of endometriosis usually begins with estrogen suppression, which prevents the endometrium from growing. Drugs such as danazol, Lupron, or Arimidex are used, along with NSAIDs to decrease inflammation. Laparoscopic cautery is the next step, with hysterectomy being reserved for severe cases. A naturopathic doctor will also guide the patient in reducing estrogen, which stimulates endometrial growth, while increasing progesterone and androgens, which promote endometrial atrophy. However, naturopathic approaches are tailored to the individual because there is a great variety in how endometriosis presents. The statements and products referred to throughout this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health condition or concern, consult a physician or your alternative health care provider. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, or supplement.




 PriVita is an herbal aromatase inhibitor and estrogen blocker.  Estrogen-dominant disorders such as endometriosis, cysts, fibroids and breast cancer respond to excess estrogen in the body. Treatment of these disorders, therefore, involves blocking the action of estrogen of the affected tissues.