Antioxidant products, increase your ORAC naturally

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other compounds found in foods that can help slow down or prevent the oxidation process. Antioxidants help prevent or repair damage done to the body's cells by free radicals.


Based on scientific evidence, daily antioxidant intake should increase to 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day to reach a significant antioxidant capacity in blood plasma and other tissues. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), current intake is about 1,200 units per day.



Several theories have been proposed to account for age-related changes in cell functioning and physiological capability. The free radical theory is perhaps the strongest and best-established theory scientifically to account for many age-related changes. Free radicals are molecules with one or more unpaired electrons; they seek stability by taking electrons from other molecules (a process called oxidation). As a consequence, free radicals damage the molecules from which they take electrons, leading to cell damage, impaired functioning, and even cell death. The prime molecules in the body that are damaged by free radicals are DNA, lipids, and proteins. I found these products.
Resvita RhoVita Privita

Eleven ideas to Increase HDL Naturally

Low HDL levels are a strong predictor of heart disease risk in the general population.

Many studies show the link between low levels of HDL cholesterol and major cardiovascular complications.

Interest in boosting HDL (good cholesterol) is growing. New agents for raising HDL are being tested. But you needn’t wait for them — you can make lifestyle changes

In addition to exercise and quitting smoking, there are other easy maneuvers to increase your HDL naturally.

Desirable Cholesterol Levels:
Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): Less than 100 mg/dL
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): 40 mg/dL or higher
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL

All adults age 20 and over should have their total blood cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. Blood cholesterol levels of under 200 mg/dl are called "desirable" and put you at a lower risk for heart disease. Unlike total cholesterol, the lower your HDL, the higher your risk for heart disease. A HDL level less than 35 mg/dl increases your risk of heart disease. The higher your HDL level, the better.

There are many natural alternatives to treating high cholesterol. This may be especially optimal to patients who are regulating their cholesterol levels with diet and exercise. Natural products reduce cholesterol levels by dissolving fat in the blood.

1. Carnitine has been seen to increase HDL levels. In some people, supplements of L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine (about 1000 to 2000 mg. per day) will significantly increase HDL levels. This is more likely to be true in vegetarians, since meats are the primary natural source of dietary L-carnitine. Supplementary carnitine can also aid in weight loss.

2. Pantothine has been seen to increase HDL levels

3. Chromium has been seen to reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels. Supplementary chromium polynicotinate can improve LDL/HDL ratios in some people. This is probably due to the beneficial effects of chromium on insulin resistance. A diet that maintains blood sugar levels at a moderately-low and stable level will also improve LDL/HDL ratios.


4. Omega-3 found in fortified eggs, smart balance spread, mayonnaise with olive oil, salmon, canola oil, avocado oil, or olive oil and in the fats found in peanut butter.
Because omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels, they may also increase HDL, the “good” cholesterol that protects against the development of heart disease. To effectively lower triglycerides, 2-4 grams of EPA + DHA are recommended daily. Research studies have shown that this amount lowered triglycerides approximately 25 percent to 35 percent.

For those with who require a cholesterol-lowering drug, it is mandatory to take at least 60 mg. of coenzyme Q-10 daily since all statin drugs block the liver's production of coenzyme Q-10. Coenzyme Q-10 is a substance essential for proper muscle functioning, especially functioning of the heart muscle. The fish oil product at the bottom of the page contains 30 mg Coenzyme Q10 per capsule, so two would be needed to meet this minimum.

5. Well-designed studies have found that niacin lowers LDL cholesterol by approximately 10%, lowers triglycerides by 25%, and raises "good" HDL cholesterol by 15% to 30%. Niacin also appears to significantly lower levels for another risk factor for atherosclerosis, lipoprotein A.

6. Green Tea - Popular in Asia for centuries, green tea helps to keep blood pressure under control. It also may help keep cholesterol from clogging arteries. The tea contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and other substances that protect the body against the dangers of oxidation, while helping to keep the harmful LDL cholesterol down and the helpful HDL cholesterol up. They also assist in keeping blood pressure under control.

7. Onions: Onions contain adenosine and other "blood thinners" that help to prevent the formation of blood clots. In addition to thinning the blood, onions can help keep the coronary arteries open and clear by increasing the HDL. Eating half a raw onion every day can increase HDL by 20 to 30 percent.

8. Five to 10 grams a day of soluble fiber has been found to decrease LDL cholesterol by approximately 5%.

9. Brewer's Yeast: Brewer's yeast can lower the total cholesterol and LDL while raising the helpful HDL.

10. Cranberry juice has been shown to increase HDL levels.

11. Octovite contains Vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, alpha lipoic acid, and fish oil.

To reduce oxidation of cholesterol from LDL, you need at least 100 units of vitamin E, 5,000 units of beta carotene (and/or 5 mg. lycopene), and 500 mg. of vitamin C per day, along with other dietary antioxidants. Alpha lipoic acid or R-lipoic acid may be an even more important antioxidant. Lipoic acid, when taken throughout the day, can lower blood sugar levels significantly. This can cause a significant beneficial increase in HDL. It is important to get a broad spectrum of fat-soluble and water-soluble antioxidants. Many single antioxidants, taken alone, will actually generate free radicals that must be de-activated by other antioxidants.

A very important antioxidant in preventing heart disease and many cancers is lycopene, which is very similar to beta carotene, but which has finally become available in pure form as a nutritional supplement. The best food sources of lycopene are canned tomato juice, or juices such as V8 that are high in tomato juice.

Gallstones in pregnancy... natural support

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats, and is released from the gallbladder into the upper small intestine (duodenum) in response to food, especially fats.

The majority of gallstones are formed from cholesterol (which comprises only about 5% of bile) and grow because the liver begins secreting bile that is unusually saturated with cholesterol.The cholesterol then crystallizes to form stones while in storage in the gallbladder.

You can have gallstones without any symptoms. However, if the stones are large, they can block the duct that leads from the gallbladder. This can cause pain and require treatment. At first they may block the duct and move away, causing only occasional pain. Continuous blockage of the duct, however, can be life threatening and requires surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Gallbladders that cause pain are usually removed. There are no known problems caused by living without a gallbladder. Today, most gallbladder surgeries are performed with a laparoscope. This instrument shows the surgeon pictures of your gallbladder as it is being removed. The minimally invasive procedure allows for a smaller incision and a shorter hospital stay than traditional surgery.

Some drugs can dissolve stones, eliminating the need for surgery. However, it can take 2 years for a stone to dissolve, and gallstones often recur later.

Signs and Symptoms:

Pain, mostly on the upper right side of the abdomen
Pain following meals, intolerance of fatty foods
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite

1. One of the simplest things you can do to prevent and help flush your gallstones is drink plenty of water. Water will help maintain the water content of bile and also keep the gallbladder flushed. You should try to drink water throughout the whole day. A good rule of thumb would be 2 glasses of water for every 2 hours you are awake.

2. Your diet is also extremely important. Research has shown us that the best diet you can have if you suffer from gallstones is a low-fat and high fiber diet. This diet is also conducive to losing weight which is also beneficial for flushing and preventing gallstones. Research shows that if you are overweight, your chance of this disease increases.


Avoid coffee
Avoid fried foods, especially those that are deep-fried
Avoid carbonated beverages such as colas and sodas.
Avoid artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings and preservatives.


Eat small meals
Increase intake of steamed vegetables, long and short grain brown rice.
Increase intake of broiled fish
Fresh vegetables and fruits as well as juices.
Apple butter instead of jam.
Yogurt, low-fat Kefir and cottage cheese.


3. A diet that flushes your gallbladder is one rich in water soluble dietary fiber. You should immediately supplement at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables. Vegetables with plenty of chlorophyll are also helpful.


4. Digestive enzymes- Take capsules at least 15 minutes before each meal. You will need to take enzymes for the rest of your life in order to digest fat so your digestive system does not get overloaded.


5. Peppermint Leaf- Preliminary clinical trials suggest that formulas containing peppermint and related terpenes (fragrant substances found in plants) can dissolve gallstones. A number of studies indicate that peppermint may aid in reducing the size of gallstones and thus help some people avoid surgery. Also known as a muscle relaxant and reduces inflammation.

6. Ginger Root- Shrinks liver tumors in animal testing. Also, impairs cholesterol absorption and stimulates the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids which further cleanses the liver and gall bladder. Ginger also inhibits platelet aggregation.

7. Fennel Seed- Helps open obstructions of the liver, gall bladder and spleen to ease painful swellings. Fennel is also used to treat yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps. Fennel seed has been used for centuries as a tasty culinary herb and also for its health properties. It can help to ease flatulence, assist with colic and aid indigestion. For the nursing mom, Fennel can help to increase the body in producing breast milk, It also works as an antispasmodic and has anti-inflammatory properties.


8. Green tea (Camelia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Note: green tea extracts may contain caffeine. Look for decaffeinated products.

9. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg 2 - 3 times daily, for liver and galbladder detoxification support.


10. The dandelion is a member of the sunflower family. For many years, dandelion has been used to cure a variety of ailments, including liver, kidney, gallbladder, and joint problems. Some believe that Dandelion can help with eczema, poor digestion, and diseases of the liver. Dandelion is a stimulant to the urinary organs, and can be used as a diuretic (the leaf) or a hepatic (the root). Chinese herbal traditions suggest taht dandelion can help with other conditions, such as jaundice, hepatitis, and problems with swelling of the eyes.


The above remedies are appropriate for pregnant or non-pregnant women, although there are additional modalities available to non-pregnant women.

These suggestions would also work for people who have fatty liver in pregnancy

Talk with your health care provider before you take any medication or supplement.
This site is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.

Adrenal Fatigue testing and support

I was watching one of those commercials where a sad person is on the TV and then they tell you to call your doctor to inquire about some depression medicine and I wondered how many of those patients really have adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, affects an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Yet, it is one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the U.S. Often, patients go from doctor to doctor trying to find out why they feel exhausted and sick. Too often they’re told that there is nothing wrong with them or, worse, they are made to feel like hypochondriacs.

Adrenal Fatigue was first described in the medical texts in the 1800's as a clinical condition. It was one of the most prevalent conditions, afflicting almost every adult in one way or another. Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment programs, most conventional physicians were simply not informed of Adrenal Fatigue and not prepared to take Adrenal Fatigue as a serious threat to health. This condition was seldom diagnosed as a sickness for the past 50 years. Instead, Adrenal Fatigue was considered a condition whereby no treatment was available other than to tell the person to "relax" and take anti-depressants. This often makes the condition worse as the root cause is left unresolved. Over time, the condition worsens as the natural progression of this pathology takes its course.

Saliva testing is available for adrenal fatigue

Rule out food allergies as a cause of your symptoms

Natural remedies can improve some symptoms of adrenal fatigue

Some herbal remedies that have been noted as possible therapies include:

Rhodiola Rosea -- It enhances memory and concentration. It has been shown to reduce stress-induced fatigue and improve mental performance. (Contained in Rhodigandha)

Ashwagandha -- It has been shown to have a sedating effect on the body and helps to rebuild the digestive and nervous system. (contained in Rhodigandha)

Eleuthero Root or Siberian Ginseng -- It has been used traditionally to stimulate and nourish the adrenal glands and increases mental alertness. Eleuthero is considered an "adaptogen" which means it can help the body adapt to stress. (contained in Octovite)

Gingko biloba. (contained in Octovite)

Omega 3's (fish Oil) and Co Enzyme Q10. 30 mgs per day as an antioxidant. (See below for combo formula)

Green Superfood blends are good for their high concentrations of minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and micronutrients. (Green Cell Therapy)



Proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract) helps reduce the effects of stress. (Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai contains this as does Green Cell Therapy)

Lower Bowel Cleaner. This will help to assimilate nutrients better. (Acai Ultimate)

A parasite and yeast detox program

A good digestive enzyme with each meal. When the body is fatigued the digestion usually is impaired. (Digestive enzymes are contained in the Green Cell Formula)

Menopause Solutions, take the Menopause quiz

Menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
The good news is that you can take many steps to reduce your symptoms without taking hormones:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
Dress lightly and in layers
Eat soy foods
Get adequate calcium and vitamin D in food and/or supplements
Get plenty of exercise
Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation
Use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse

Menopause Medical Health Quiz on MedicineNet.com

Over the Counter prenatal vitamins

What Are the Best Prenatal Vitamins?

Many pregnant women wonder which prenatal vitamins are best. This is a difficult question to answer, as the prenatal vitamins that are best for one woman may not be the best for another woman. Additionally, it can be difficult to directly compare prenatal vitamins, even if they contain the exact same ingredients. Over-the-counter prenatal vitamins typically have lower amounts of some vitamins (particularly folic acid). There is no single "best" prenatal vitamin. The best prenatal vitamin for you will depend on several factors, such as any special health needs or how much you want to spend. Your healthcare provider can be a great resource for helping you choose the best prenatal vitamin for your needs. Keep in mind that you may need to try a few different prenatal vitamins in order to find the one you prefer.


Prescription prenatal vitamins

*may contain more iron than others (which is helpful for women who are anemic).
*may contain iron in formulations that are easier to absorb.
*may be formulated with special coatings
*may be formulated specifically to help with morning sickness.
*may contain a stool softener (usually docusate sodium), which helps relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy (which can be made worse by the iron and calcium in prenatal vitamins).

The latest trend is to include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in prenatal vitamins. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that appears to be important for brain, eye, and heart health. The typical American diet is usually deficient in DHA (because DHA is mostly found in fish). Also, because fish is the primary source of DHA and because pregnant women are often instructed to limit their intake of certain types of fish (to avoid the potential risks of mercury toxicity), many pregnant women may be deficient in DHA. In most formulations, the DHA is included in a soft-gel capsule that is separate from the prenatal vitamin (which means that two pills are necessary each day, instead of one).

Some are chewable, liquid, organic, or even kosher.

Importantly, there are wide variations in the cost of prenatal vitamins. If your healthcare provider has prescribed one that is too expensive, please ask to switch to a different prenatal vitamin. Many prenatal vitamins are very inexpensive, and there is no reason to not take a prenatal vitamin due to cost.


Some women feel that swallowing a large and bulky tablet makes their morning sickness worse. For these women, a chewable prenatal vitamin may be the best choice. In many cases, I recommend taking two children's Flintstones™ chewable vitamins a day, which is similar to taking one prenatal vitamin (and these vitamins actually taste fairly good).

Fibromyalgia herbal ideas for relief of symptoms

There are no known cures for fibromyalgia, due to the fact that the cause is unknown. Theories suggest the condition may be due to chemical or hormone imbalances.

However there are treatments that can help alleviate the various fibromyalgia symptoms.

Counseling
Exercise (especially yoga)
Nutrition therapy
Detoxification (Like Parasite Cleansing, Colon Cleansing)
Herbal Therapy


Herbs can be used to help alleviate fibromyalgia by reducing inflammation, stimulating hormones, providing immune system support and eliminating pain.

Herbal remedies are often used effectively in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Herbs can help to treat the wide range of symptoms produced by the syndrome, including:

depression
fatigue and sleep disorders
widespread muscle pain
immune deficiency



St. John's Wort St. John's wort is a natural antidepressant and influences the adrenal gland hormones to help relieve stress. St. John's wort affects nerves and is effective for sharp, shooting nerve pains. It also has antiviral properties. (Caution: Do not take if you are taking conventional antidepressants.)



























*Echinacea and Borage Oil are remedies that have been tried. Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a painkiller.

*Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Magnesium, along with malic acid (a fruit acid found naturally in apples) are often suggested for people with fibromyalgia because they are both needed for the generation of energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).













*The supplement 5-HTP is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. There is preliminary evidence that it may reduce the number of tender points in people with fibromyalgia, possibly by effecting pain-modulating systems in the brainstem.



This supplement also contains Passionflower which Helps with insomnia, stress, and anxiety.
Valerian, chamomile, and passionflower in combination can be more effective than valerian alone for improved sleep. All three are also contained in Herbalith
















Green foods should be added for optimal nutrition. (My green foods supplement contains Quercetin, digestive enzymes, CoQ10, Grape seed extract, Alpha Lipoic acid, lactobacillus and astragalus) see "GREEN CELL THERAPY"

Astragalus-Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its main use has been to boost the body's immune system

Alpha Lipoic acid is very useful for enhancing the body's utilization of carbohydrates and enhancing energy. Take 100 milligrams three times daily.

Grape-seed extracts are natural anti-inflammatories that help to ease pain


Quercetin is a bioflavonoid considered to have excellent properties as a natural antihistimine and allergy-fighter.

People with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndromes that have started a digestive enzyme regime often show and improvement in their symptoms. This is because the regimen provides enzymes that the body lacks, and promotes cell nutrition by nourishing the nervous system and digestive system.



























Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant and helps deliver oxygen to cells. (It can be found in combination with Fish oil or Omega-3 fatty acids)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - especially those found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation and allergic response.





















The scientific community will continue to discover more specific causes for auto immune disorders but at present there are four significant factors that have been proven to cause fibromyalgia like symptoms, they are:
1. Viral infections
2. Parasite infestations
3. Bacterial infections
4. Intestinal yeast infections

OCTOCLEANSE Herbal Parasite Detox may be of interest to you it contains:
Black walnut aid in removing parasites.
Paud'arco, taken in tea or tablet form, is good for treating candida infection.















Antioxidants help reduce free-radical damage and fight inflammation. Take a good antioxidant formula that provides daily:

5,000 to 10,000 International Units of vitamin A
Up to 10,000 milligrams of buffered vitamin C
400 to 800 international units of vitamin E
200 micrograms of selenium.

OCTOVITE Ultimate Herbal Antioxidant contains A, C, E in addition to:

Gingko Biloba-Ginkgo biloba stimulates circulation, particularly in the brain. Because of the increase circulation and oxygenation of the brain cells, produced by the extract from ginkgo leaves, this plant has given excellent results for combating fatigue.

Ginseng-Siberian ginseng is an energizing herb that can help resolve the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.























Fibromyalgia pain is thought to be produced by a combination of factors. These fibromyalgia factors include imbalances in brain and body chemistry. Disturbed sleep, a symptom of fibromyalgia, is also thought to be a cause. Though the degree of pain fibromyalgia can produce varies with individual sufferers, it's not progressive or debilitating. However, chronic fibromyalgia pain sets off a chain reaction of physical and mental side effects. The persistent stress of chronic fibromyalgia pain can affect the nervous and immune system. Coping with chronic fibromyalgia pain can also bring on depression and cause the brain to perceive even more pain.

What I have recommended to patients, is to maintain health with natural pain relievers that also boost the immune system.
Resveratrol, a phytochemical derived from grape skin, is also abundant in members of the Polygonum genus, widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol were first described in 1997 after an animal model determined its primary activity to be the inhibition of COX-1. Then a study led by some of the same researchers from Cornell Medical College in New York City revealed resveratrol's COX-2 inhibitory effects.
Green Tea is also in this supplement. There is a compound in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that University of Michigan researchers found to alleviate arthritis pain.

Maqui/Resveratrol/Acai Ultimate is a supplement that contains both of these ingredients. This product underwent ORAC analysis at Brunswick Labs.
























Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia respond to many of the same treatments. Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have many similarities. Although the two illnesses have many symptoms in common, the most prevalent symptom of FM is widespread pain while the primary symptom of CFS is extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest.





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. The FDA has not evaluated any of these statements or this treatment and there is no guarantee of cure with this treatment. Results may vary.