Category: Health Concerns

Goldenseal

Antimicrobial for the GI Tract

GoldensealGoldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root has potent antimicrobial properties. Because the active ingredient appears to be an alkaloid, most of these anti-microbial properties remain confined to the GI tract.

Goldenseal has been found to be an effective antimicrobial against:

  • Chlamydia
  • E. coli
  • Salmonella typhi
  • Entamoeba histolytica
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus sanguis
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • other Gram-positive bacteria and fungi

Some studies suggest that goldenseal may also be effective against viruses, fungi, protozoans and helminths (worms).

Look for goldenseal products with standardized berberine/hydrastine (alkaloid) content as these will have the highest potency.

Because goldenseal is becoming a threatened species, some conscientious formulas contain Goldthread (coptis chinensis) in addition to goldenseal to supplement the berberine content of the formula.

Goldenseal is a special order product – please call.

Please read more about the benefits of Berberine here.

References

1.) Hahn FE, Ciak J. Berberine. Antibiotics 1976;3:577–88.
2.) Kim SH, Lee SJ, Lee JH, Sun WS, Kim JH. Antimicrobial activity of 9-O-acyl- and 9-O-alkylberberrubine derivatives. Planta Med. 2002 Mar;68(3):277-81.
3.) Scazzocchio F, Cometa MF, Tomassini L, Palmery M. Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Planta Med. 2001 Aug;67(6):561-4.
4.) Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Stoia A, Chadwick LR. In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis.Phytother Res. 2003 Mar;17(3):217-21.
5.) [no authors listed]. Berberine. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Apr;5(2):175-7.

Garlic

Powerful Antibiotic and Immune Stimulant

Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat dysentery in Africa. In addition to it’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, garlic enhances numerous aspects of immune function. Garlic lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, and platelet stickiness (which can lead to clots and strokes while increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and fibrinolysis (the breakdown of fibrin clots). Garlic is useful in HIV/AIDS, allergy, atherosclerosis, cancer, candidiasis, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes type II, high blood pressure and infection.

Alliin, the primary substance of garlic, and alliinase, the activating enzyme, are present in separate chambers of the garlic clove. When garlic is ruptured, alliinase interacts with alliin and converts it to allicin – one of garlic’s most beneficial compounds. However, allicin dissipates quickly during standard processing techniques – including cooking.

Allium sativum – humble garlic – came to ancient man from Central Asia and belongs to the Alliacae plant family. It is used worldwide for it’s indispensable and distinctive flavor in cooking. It also has a vital place in traditional medicine, and as a functional food to enhance physical and mental health.

The benefits of garlic consumption in treating a wide variety of human diseases and disorders have been known for centuries and garlic has found a special position in many cultures as a powerful preventative and therapeutic medicinal agent. The ancient Egyptians in their 3,500-year-old document the Codex Ebers, described it’s use in the treatment of heart disorders, tumors, worms, bites, and other ailments.

In more modern times, garlic is known to inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease and to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases associated with aging.

Over the past few decades the role of garlic in treating cardiovascular disease has received much attention – much of it likely sponsored by drug companies hoping to find a way to cash in on Mother Nature’s genius.

Let’s look at a few of garlic’s better-known effects:

Cholesterol and lipid-lowering effects.

Several studies have indicated that garlic inhibits key enzymes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, thus lowering the dreaded “bad cholesterol” levels and promoting overall cardiovascular health. (1, 2, 3, 4)

Inhibition of platelet aggregation – known to most people as “blood thinning.”

Since the 1990s, numerous clinical trials have been done, and all showed that garlic consumption leads to the inhibition of platelet aggregation (5, 6, 7). Performed on both normal, healthy subjects and on subjects with cardiovascular illnesses, the studies showed that no matter what form the garlic was in , whether powdered, oil, or aged extract, the garlic had a positive effect in the inhibition of platelet aggregation (abnormal blood “stickiness”) in both healthy subjects and the subjects with cardiovascular disease.

Lowering blood pressure.

Beginning in the 1990s, studies have been published demonstrating the effects of garlic on blood pressure (6, 8, 9, 10). Again, no matter what form of garlic was used; powdered, oil, extracts, or just garlic in the diet, all the studies showed a reduction in blood pressure.

Reducing oxidative stress.

Garlic beats out Big Pharma on this one – hands down. In fact, Big Pharma really doesn’t have anything to offer that they claim will reduce oxidative stress, even though it is widely known that oxidative stress can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and certainly worsens existing cardiovascular disease. In study after study normal subjects and patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol), and tobacco smoking subjects all showed improvements in plasma (blood) antioxidant capacity, lowering of blood pressure and of cholesterol, and reduction in oxidative markers. (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

What else?

Other direct heart and circulation protective effects of garlic in humans that have been reported include:

  • a decrease in unstable angina (chest pain) (16),
  • increased elasticity of blood vessels (17),
  • a decrease in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (blocked arteries) (18),
  • an increase in peripheral blood flow in healthy subjects (19),
  • an inhibiting effect on the progression of coronary calcification (hardening arteries) in patients using statin drugs (20).

Garlic is also well-known for it’s potent antimicrobial effects as well – for example, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially deadly bacteria that has Big Pharma throwing it’s hands up in defeat – it has become resistant to the “Big Guns” antibiotics. Garlic doesn’t concede defeat however – and it is one of the few effective treatments for this dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Doesn’t garlic make you smell like, well, garlic?

It depends on how you are using it. Fresh garlic cloves will certainly have you smelling like garlic – though that is not necessarily an offensive scent to many people… and other garlic preparations – oils, and extracts especially – can give a garlicky odor to your breath. Enteric garlic like Garlitrin 4000 delivers all the health benefits of fresh garlic, but does so in a special tablet that dissolves only when it reaches the small intestine where it is able to be fully-absorbed, undamaged by stomach acid. Because it dissolves and is absorbed so far along in the digestive tract it causes no garlic odor of the breath.

References:

1. Gebhardt R. Multiple inhibitory effects of garlic extracts on cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes. Lipids. 1993;28:613–9.

2. Liu L, Yeh YY. Water-soluble organosulfur compounds of garlic inhibit fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes. Lipids. 2001;36:395–400.

3. Yeh YY, Liu L. Cholesterol-lowering effects of garlic extracts and organosulfur compounds: human and animal studies. J Nutr. 2001;131:989S–93S.

4. Yeh YY, Yeh SM. Garlic reduces plasma lipids by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol synthesis. Lipids. 1994;29:189–93.

5. Rahman K. Garlic and aging: new insights into an old remedy. Ageing Res Rev. 2003;2:39–56.

6. Banerjee SK, Maulik SK. Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review. Nutr J. 2002;1:4–14.

7. Steiner M, Li W. Aged garlic extract, a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors: a dose-finding study on the effects of AGE on platelet functions. J Nutr. 2001;131:980S–4S.

8. Turner B, Molgaard C, Marckmann P. Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) powder tablets on serum lipids, blood pressure and arterial stiffness in normo-lipidaemic volunteers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2004;92:701–6.

9. Dhawan V, Jain S. Effect of garlic supplementation on oxidised low density lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation in patients of essential hypertension. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004;266:109–15.

10. Durak I, Kavutcu M, Aytac B, Avci A, Devrim E, Ozbek H, Ozturk HS. Effects of garlic extract consumption on blood lipid and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in humans with high blood cholesterol. J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:373–7.

11. Dhawan V, Jain S. Effect of garlic supplementation on oxidised low density lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation in patients of essential hypertension. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004;266:109–15.

12. Durak I, Kavutcu M, Aytac B, Avci A, Devrim E, Ozbek H, Ozturk HS. Effects of garlic extract consumption on blood lipid and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in humans with high blood cholesterol. J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:373–7.

13. Munday JS, James KA, Fray LM, Kirkwood SW, Thompson KG. Daily supplementation with aged garlic extract, but not raw garlic protects low density lipoprotein against in vitro oxidation. Atherosclerosis. 1999;143:399–404.

14. Dillion SA, Lowe GM, Billington D, Rahman K. Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract reduces plasma and urine concentrations of 8-iso-prostagalandin F(2 alpha) in smoking and non-smoking men and women. J Nutr. 2002;132:168–71.

15. Durak I, Aytac B, Atmaca Y, Devrim E, Avci A, Erol C, Oral D. Effects of aged garlic extract consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in atherosclerotic patients. Life Sci. 2004;75:1959–66.

16. Li G, Shi Z, Jia H, Ju J, Wang X, Xia Z, Qin L, Ge C, Xu Y, et al. A clinical investigation on garlicin injection for the treatment of unstable angina pectoris and its actions on plasma endothelin and blood sugar levels. J Tradit Chin Med. 2000;20:243–6.

17. Breithaupt-Grogler K, Ling M, Boudoulas H, Belz GG, Heiden M, Wenzel E, Gu LD. Protective effect of chronic garlic intake on elastic properties of aorta in the elderly. Circulation. 1997;96:2649–55.

18. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Jung EM, Mroweitz C, Koscielny J, Wenzel E. Effect of garlic on platelet aggregation in patients with increased risk of juvenile ischaemic attack. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1993;45:333–6.

19. Anim-Nyame N, Sooranna SR, Johnson MR, Gamble J, Steer PJ. Garlic supplementation increases peripheral blood flow: a role for interleukin-6? J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:30–6.

20. Budoff MJ, Takasu J, Flores FR, Niihara Y, Lu B, Lau BH, Rosen RT, Amagase H. Inhibiting progression of coronary calcification using Aged Garlic Extract in patients receiving statin therapy: a preliminary study. Prev Med. 2004;39:985–91.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Carminitive

Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory (1-2) , carminative (helps expel gas by improving digestion), intestinal spasmolytic (relaxes intestinal spasms) and anti-motion sickness herb.(2-6) It is also high in antioxidants.(2) Uses of ginger include:

  • motion sickness (dizziness, nausea, vomiting) (2-6)
  • nausea from chemotherapy or anesthesia (6-11)
  • morning sickness (pregnancy-related nausea) (6,12-14)
  • cancer prevention (anti-carcinogenic properties) (2, 15-18)
  • arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid) (19-21)
  • atherosclerosis (2, 22-24)
  • digestive complaints – stimulates digestion, lessens irritation (25-27)

GingerMax®

GingerMax concentrated ginger capsulesGinger Max® concentrated ginger is the most potent standardized ginger available, containing an unprecedented 20% pungent compounds.

Each (one) capsule contains:
 Ginger root extract……………………………………………100 mg
standardized to contain 20% pungent compounds calculated as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol

REFERENCES

1.) Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. Ginger–an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):125-32.
2.) Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Feb;46(2):409-20. Epub 2007 Sep 18.
3.) Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness. Acta Otolaryngol 1988;105:45–9.
4.) Ribenfeld D, Borzone L. Randomized double-blind study comparing ginger (Zintona®) with dimenhydrinate in motion sickness. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:98–101.
5.) Careddu P. Motion sickness in children: Results of a double-blind study with ginger (Zintona®) and dimenhydrinate. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:102–7.
6.) White B. Ginger: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-91.
7.) Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, et al. Ginger root—a new antiemetic: The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45:669–71.
8.) Levine ME, Gillis MG, Koch SY, Voss AC, Stern RM, Koch KL. Protein and ginger for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced delayed nausea. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jun;14(5):545-51.
9.) Pillai AK, Sharma KK, Gupta YK, Bakhshi S. Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print]
10.) Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchingson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger)—an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia 1993;48:715–7.
11.) Meyer K, Schwartz J, Craer D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nursing 1995;7:242–4.
12.) Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: History and use. Adv Ther 1998;15:25–44 [review].
13.) Ozgoli G, Goli M, Simbar M. Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea, and vomiting.J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):243-6.
14.) Willetts KE, Ekangaki A, Eden JA. Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2003 Apr;43(2):139-44.
15.) Kundu JK, Na HK, Surh YJ. Ginger-derived phenolic substances with cancer preventive and therapeutic potential. Forum Nutr. 2009;61:182-92. Epub 2009 Apr 7.
16.) Rhode J, Fogoros S, Zick S, Wahl H, Griffith KA, Huang J, Liu JR. Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Dec 20;7:44.
17.) Sang S, Hong J, Wu H, Liu J, Yang CS, Pan MH, Badmaev V, Ho CT. Increased growth inhibitory effects on human cancer cells and anti-inflammatory potency of shogaols from Zingiber officinale relative to gingerols. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 25;57(22):10645-50.
18.) Surh YJ, Park KK, Chun KS, Lee LJ, Lee E, Lee SS. Anti-tumor-promoting activities of selected pungent phenolic substances present in ginger. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1999;18(2):131-9.
19.) Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. Phytother Res. 2007 Jul;21(7):675-83.
20.) Fouda AM, Berika MY. Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizomes in rat collagen-induced arthritis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2009 Mar;104(3):262-71. Epub 2009 Jan 20.
21.) Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, Timmermann BN. Comparative effects of two gingerol-containing Zingiber officinale extracts on experimental rheumatoid arthritis. J Nat Prod. 2009 Mar 27;72(3):403-7.
22.) Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostagland Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1997;56:379–84.
23.) Nicoll R, Henein MY. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a hot remedy for cardiovascular disease? Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jan 24;131(3):408-9. Epub 2007 Nov 26.
24.) Verma SK, Singh J, Khamesra R, Bordia A. Effect of ginger on platelet aggregation in man. Indian J Med Res 1994;98:240–2.
25.) Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 112–4.
26.) Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, et al. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:430–1.
27.) al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, Mossa JS, et al. Gastroprotective activity of ginger in albino rats. Am J Chinese Med 1989;17:51–6.

Ginseng


The “Herb of Emperors” Improves Resistance and Stamina

Ginseng (Panax spp.)

Panax ginseng was considered the “Herb of Emperors” in ancient China, and only the emperor was allowed to use ginseng. This was because the potent effects of ginseng were felt to be “too precious” for the common man.

Modern research has confirmed ginseng’s amazing powers. Ginseng improves immunity through a wide variety of mechanisms. It stimulates DNA synthesis and is useful for anti-aging and chronic disease. Studies have shown that ginseng improves both physical and mental stamina. “It’s not just for the emperor any more!”

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticoccus)

Siberian ginseng  has active substances similar to Panax ginseng. Its stimulating action is milder than the Panax variety, however, so Eleuthero can be taken for immune and energy tonic purposes over a longer period of time.

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng) “Emperors Choice”

Panax Ginseng - The Emperor's ChoicePanax or “true” ginseng is an immune stimulant, adaptogenic and male tonic.

Panax ginseng is used for immune enhancement, stress adaptogen, impotence and low libido (especially in males).

 

 

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian GinsengActions: Adaptogenic (helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress); tonic; mild stimulant; stimulates immune system

Uses: Stress adaptation; depression; rejuvenation; immune enhancement; athletic performance.

Suggested dose: 1 cap, 2 times per day, for 4 weeks.
Maintenance: 1 capsule per day thereafter.

 

 

Vitamin D

The Sunshine Vitamin For Healthy Bones, Teeth, and Cancer Prevention

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption. Deficiencies of Vitamin D are associated with infertility, cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatic pains, and dental disease

It is known as the SUNSHINE vitamin because exposure to sunshine, even as little as 10 minutes per day, promotes the body’s natural production of Vitamin D. Those living in northern climates where sunshine is limited or in southern areas who shield themselves from the sun with clothing or sunscreen can easily become deficient in Vitamin D.

Dr. Braverman says about Vitamin D:

New research is showing the anti inflammatory benefits of Vit D. It has been shown to decrease NK cell activity, as well as alter the TH1/TH2 cytokine ratio in favor of the anti inflammatory response by lowering TH1 and increasing TH2.  Its effects are very similar to the TH2 cytokine called IL-10 one of the most important TH2 cytokines produced for the maintenance of pregnancy.  It is the TH2 cytokine we measure with our TH1/TH2 ratio. We recommend patients that require this therapy take between 2000 and 4000 IU /day.  We have started screening our patients for what is turning out to be a common vitamin deficiency in this country.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include: fish liver oil and egg yolk.

More recently, higher intakes of vitamin D have been shown to protect the body from cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer. Many authorities are recommending that the recommended adult daily dose should be raised from 400 IU to 1,000 IU. Doses of 1,000-6,000 are not only safe, they may be needed for disease prevention.

Maxi Multi contains 800 IU of Vitamin D per daily serving.

NOTE: Do not use more than 10,000 IU per day without medical supervision because Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Although vitamin D can store in the liver and become toxic, these toxicities were seen in people consuming 30,000IU or more (20 times the recommended dose!) for months. Vitamin D is much safer than we have previously been led to believe.

Suggested dose: Daily adult dose range: 800-2,000 IU. Doses as high as 10,000 IU may be needed to normalize vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D 5000 – Product # 288  (250 Capsules) $21.95

Each (one) capsule contains: Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 5000 IU.

References:

Please see a full list of references at this special report:  Vitamin D Special Report

Fiber:

Twenty-Five Surprising Benefits of  a Dietary “Non-Nutrient”

It’s not a “sexy supplement” or a “new breakthrough.” In fact, it’s not even officially classified as a nutrient. But Americans get only 10% of the amount we consumed 100 years ago, and our health may be seriously suffering as a result.

What is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

“Fiber” refers to a number of indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of plants. Humans lack enzymes to break down most types of fiber, so they pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged and do not provide nutrients or significant calories.

In spite of this indigestibility, fiber has a surprising number of health benefits. In fact, consuming adequate daily fiber may be one of the most important health measures anyone can take.

Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

There are numerous “sub-classes” of fiber, but the two main types are I.) soluble and II.) insoluble fiber. Both types are beneficial to health and both typically occur together in nature. They each offer independent health benefits. Here are twenty-five known health benefits that fiber provides.

Bowel Benefits:

  1. Relieves constipation. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the colon. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Most people who increase fiber intake will notice improved bowel function in 31-39 hours.(1-4)
  2. Relieves diarrhea. It may seem paradoxical that a substance which helps constipation also helps diarrhea, but that’s just what fiber does. Insoluble fiber binds watery stool in the colon, helping turn “watery” into “formed.” Fiber is known to offer significant improvement to those with diarrhea.(5,6)
  3. Helps prevent hemorrhoids. Constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Because fiber-rich stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary. Diets high in fiber have been shown to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids.(7)
  4. Reduces risk of diverticular disease. In cultures that consume high-fiber diets, diverticular disease is relatively unknown. That’s because high fiber intake “exercises” the colon, prevents excess bowel gas and absorbs toxins, all of which lead to the “bowel herniation” disease known as diverticulitis. Increased fiber intake is currently recommended in Western medicine as primary prevention for the disease.(8,9,10)
  5. Helps Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation/diarrhea. Regardless of type, increased fiber intake has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.(3,11-14)
  6. Improves bowel flora. “Flora” refers to the “good bugs” (healthy bacteria) that colonize the large intestine (colon). Antibiotics, drugs, food allergies, high sugar diets and junk food alter this “bowel garden” in favor of the “bad bugs.” Certain types of fiber are rich in substances the “feed” bowel flora and help keep the balance of good bacteria in the colon at a normal level.(4,15)
  7. Helps prevent colon cancer. Although research has been controversial, observational studies in the 1970s showed that African natives consuming high-fiber diets had a much lower incidence of colorectal carcinoma.(16) Since the “risk” of increased fiber consumption is so small, the “US Pharmacist,” states…

“…with no clearly negative data about fiber, it makes sense to increase fiber intake just in case the positive studies did reveal an actual link. The patient will also experience the ancillary benefits of fiber consumption, such as reduction in cholesterol (with psyllium), prevention of constipation, and reducing risk of hemorrhoids.”

  1. Appendicitis: studies show a correlation between the development of appendicitis and low fiber intake. A diet high in fiber may help prevent appendicitis.(59)

Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits!
Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

  1. Lowers Total cholesterol. According to the FDA, soluble fiber meets the standard for reduction of risk from coronary heart disease.(15,16) Psyllium husk is also able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as it contains a soluble fiber similar to beta-glucan.(17-26)
  2. Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.(24-26)
  3. Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.(27)
  4. Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.(28-29)
  5. Aids Weight loss. Fiber helps prevent weight gain and assists weight loss several ways. The “bulking action” of fiber leads to an earlier feeling of satiety, meaning that one feels satisfied with less high-calorie food when the meal contains a lot of fiber.(30,31) Fiber helps bind and absorb dietary fat, making it less available for assimilation. This means that some fat may be “lost” through the digestive tract when the meal is high in insoluble fiber.(32)
  6. Lowers Overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Perhaps because of a combination of the above-listed lipid-normalizing factors, some studies have shown an overall protective effect of higher fiber intake against coronary heart disease.(33)

Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

  1. Helps Type I Diabetes. Eaten with meals, high-fiber supplements like guar gum reduced the rise in blood sugar following meals in people with type 1 diabetes.(34-35) In one trial, a low-glycemic-index diet containing 50 grams of daily fiber improved blood sugar control and helped prevent hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes taking two or more insulin injections per day.(36)
  2. Improves Type II Diabetes. High-fiber diets have been shown to work better in controlling diabetes than the American Diabetic Association (ADA)-recommended diet, and may control blood sugar levels as well as oral diabetic drugs.One study compared participants eating the the ADA diet (supplying 24 grams of daily fiber) or a high-fiber diet (containing 50 grams daily fiber) for six weeks. Those eating the high-fiber diet for six weeks had an average 10% lower glucose level than people eating the ADA diet. Insulin levels were 12% lower in the high-fiber group compared to those in the ADA diet group. The high fiber group also had decreased  glycosylated hemoglobin levels, a measure of long-term blood glucose regulation.(37)

    High-fiber supplements such as psyllium(38),  guar gum(39) and pectin(40) have shown improved glucose tolerance.(20, 26)

More systemic benefits of fiber:

  1. Gallstone prevention. Rapid digestion of carbohydrates leads to fast release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin. High insulin levels contribute to gallstone formation. Because dietary fiber slows the release of carbohydrates (and corresponding insulin), fiber helps prevent gallstone formation.(41-43)
  2. Kidney stone prevention. Low intakes of dietary fiber have been found to correlate with increased kidney stone formation, and higher intakes of fiber appear to be protective against stone formation.(44-46)
  3. Varicose veins. “Straining at stool” caused by fiber-deficiency constipation, has been found in some studies to cause varicose veins.(47) Populations with lower fiber intakes have higher rates of varicosities.(48)

Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

  1. Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.(49-51)
  2. Breast cancer prevention. Higher fiber diets are associated with lower breast cancer risk.(51,52) Some studies have shown up to a 50% decreased risk with higher fiber intakes.(53) After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  breast cancer reoccurrence.(54)
  3. Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.(55)
  4. Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.(56)
  5. Prostate cancer prevention. Diets higher in fiber may be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer.(51,57) After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  prostate cancer reoccurrence.(54)
  6. Cancer prevention in general. Some studies have found that high fiber diets help prevent cancer in general, regardless of type.(58)

Recommendations vs. Reality

The average daily American fiber intake is estimated at 14 to 15 g, significantly less than the American Dietetic Association recommendation of 20 to 35 g for adults, 25 g daily for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 g for boys ages 9 through 18.(60-61) The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.(62)

Based on dietary intakes of long-lived populations (who typically consume 40-60 grams or more of fiber per day), many holistic physicians recommend aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of daily fiber.

In my clinical experience, I find that most people over-estimate their fiber intake because they are unaware of the fiber content of many of the foods they eat. See how your food choices stack up here: Rate Your Plate – It’s fun, educational and surprising!

Since fiber has proven itself to be such an important “non nutrient” for good health, increased dietary consumption and/or supplementation can be considered a wise choice for optimal health and disease prevention.

EZ-FiberStill The Best-Tasting, Most Complete Fiber Available

Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Fiber was called EZ Fiber – NOW CALLED Fiber Complex

Great News! Maxi Fiber, one of Dr. Myatt’s most popular products, has been licensed to a major supplement manufacturer. This means that Dr. Myatt no longer sells Maxi Fiber in the small containers, but now offers the same great product (exactly the same!) in a larger container for your convenience. The old Maxi Fiber provided 30 servings per container and the new product Fiber Complex ™ comes in a 60 serving container.

Click Here To Order Fiber Complex

References

  1. Constipation. Am Fam Physician . 2005;71:539-540.
  2. Mauk KL. Preventing constipation in older adults. Nursing. 2005;35:22-23.
  3. Slavin JL, Greenberg NA. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum: clinical nutrition uses.Nutrition. 2003 Jun;19(6):549-52.
  4. Takahashi H, Wako N, Okubo T, Ishihara N, Yamanaka J, Yamamoto T.Influence of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on constipation in women. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1994 Jun;40(3):251-9.
  5. Nakamura S, Hongo R, Moji K, Oku T. Suppressive effect of partially hydrolyzed guar gum on transitory diarrhea induced by ingestion of maltitol and lactitol in healthy humans.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;61(9):1086-93. Epub 2007 Jan 24.
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  19. Landin K, Holm G, Tengborn L, Smith U. Guar gum improves insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, blood pressure, and fibrinolysis in healthy men. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:1061–5.
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  25. Bhargava A. Fiber intakes and anthropometric measures are predictors of circulating hormone, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations in the women’s health trial. J Nutr. 2006 Aug;136(8):2249-54.
  26. Higgins JA. Resistant starch: metabolic effects and potential health benefits. J AOAC Int. 2004 May-Jun;87(3):761-8.
  27. Solà R, Godàs G, Ribalta J, Vallvé JC, Girona J, Anguera A, Ostos M, Recalde D, Salazar J, Caslake M, Martín-Luján F, Salas-Salvadó J, Masana L. Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr;85(4):1157-63
  28. Aller R, de Luis DA, Izaola O, La Calle F, del Olmo L, Fernandez L, Arranz T, Hernandez JM. Effect of soluble fiber intake in lipid and glucose levels in healthy subjects: a randomized clinical trial. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2004 Jul;65(1):7-11
  29. Wood RJ, Fernandez ML, Sharman MJ, Silvestre R, Greene CM, Zern TL, Shrestha S, Judelson DA, Gomez AL, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS. Effects of a carbohydrate-restricted diet with and without supplemental soluble fiber on plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other clinical markers of cardiovascular risk. Metabolism. 2007 Jan;56(1):58-67.
  30. Higgins JA. Resistant starch: metabolic effects and potential health benefits. J AOAC Int. 2004 May-Jun;87(3):761-8.
  31. Cani PD, Joly E, Horsmans Y, Delzenne NM. Oligofructose promotes satiety in healthy human: a pilot study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 May;60(5):567-72.
  32. van Bennekum AM, Nguyen DV, Schulthess G, Hauser H, Phillips MC. Mechanisms of cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary insoluble fibres: relationships with intestinal and hepatic cholesterol parameters. Br J Nutr. 2005 Sep;94(3):331-7.
  33. Jensen MK, Koh-Banerjee P, Hu FB, Franz M, Sampson L, Grønbaek M, Rimm EB. Intakes of whole grains, bran, and germ and the risk of coronary heart disease in men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;80(6):1492-9.
  34. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. Home and Garden Bulletin No. 232, 2005. Available from URL: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document.
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  36. Giacco R, Parillo M, Rivellese AA, et al. Long-term dietary treatment with increased amounts of fiber-rich low-glycemic index natural foods improves blood glucose control and reduces the number of hypoglycemic events in type 1 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1461–6.
  37. Fed Reg. 1997;62(99):28234-28245.
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  40. Schwartz SE, Levine RA, Weinstock RS, et al. Sustained pectin ingestion: effect on gastric emptying and glucose tolerance in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Am J Clin Nutr 1988;48:1413–7.
  41. Mendez-Sanchez N, Zamora-Valdes D, Chavez-Tapia NC, Uribe M.  Role of diet in cholesterol gallstone formation.Clin Chim Acta. 2007 Feb;376(1-2):1-8. Epub 2006 Sep 15.
  42. Cuevas A, Miquel JF, Reyes MS, Zanlungo S, Nervi F. Diet as a risk factor for cholesterol gallstone disease. J Am Coll Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):187-96.
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  45. Jaeger P. Prevention of recurrent calcium stones: diet versus drugs. Miner Electrolyte Metab. 1994;20(6):410-3
  46. Ebisuno S, Morimoto S, Yoshida T, et al. Rice-bran treatment for calcium stone formers with idiopathic hypercalciuria. Br J Urol 1986;58:592–5.
  47. Burkitt DP. Varicose veins: facts and fantasy. Arch Surg. 1976 Dec;111(12):1327-32.
  48. Richardson JB, Dixon M. Varicose veins in tropical Africa.Lancet. 1977 Apr 9;1(8015):791-2.
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  50. Le Marchand L, Hankin JH, Wilkens LR, Kolonel LN, Englyst HN, Lyu LC. Dietary fiber and colorectal cancer risk. Epidemiology. 1997 Nov;8(6):658-65.
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  54. Ferdowsian HR, Barnard ND. The role of diet in breast and prostate cancer survival. Ethn Dis. 2007 Spring;17(2 Suppl 2):S2-18-22.
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The Healing Power of Flowers

It's Always The Right Time For FlowersEver wonder why people send flowers for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, get well wishes and every major holiday you can name? After all, fresh flowers seem so extravagant. You can’t eat them (for the most part), most aren’t medicinal, and after a week or so, they wilt and are gone. Yet for thousands of years, humans have spent much time and money cultivating these fleeting natural beauties. Science has discovered at least part of the reason for our fascination with flowers: they induce powerful, positive emotions.

In one study, women always elicited the Duchenne or “true smile” when presented with flowers. An increased positive mood could be measured for three days or more after presentation. In another study, a flower given to men or women in an elevator elicited more positive social behavior than any other stimuli. A third study showed that flowers given to participants aged 55+ evoked positive moods and improved  memory. Authors of these studies conclude that “Flowers have immediate and long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors and even memory for both males and females.”

We always have fresh flowers in the house, whether it be a single red rose or an entire vase bursting with color and fragrance. Considering the many positive emotions evoked by fresh flowers, why wait until sickness or death to send someone you love a beautiful bouquet?

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendation

Don’t wait for a special occasion to send flowers to those you love. Remember to send flowers to yourself, too. After having fresh flowers in your home for a week, you’ll understand their healing and uplifting powers and will probably never think of them as “extravagant” again!

It’s Never Too Late to send flowers!

Check out My Favorite Flower Company with their incredible array of choices, great prices and SAME DAY DELIVERY. They make sending flowers easy and enjoyable.

It's Never Too Late To Send Flowers It's Never Too Late To Send Flowers It's Always The Right Time For Flowers

It's Never Too Late To Send Flowers It's Always The Right Time For Flowers It's Never Too Late To Send Flowers

Reference

An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Haviland-Jones, Hale Rosario, R. McGuire, Evolutionary Psychology 3: 104-132, 17 April 2005.

Flu Vaccinations:

A Shot in The Dark?

When I was 8, one of my friend’s dad died suddenly, at the ripe old age of 35, of the flu. Not cancer, not a heart attack, not a car wreck — the flu.

One day he was sick in bed with fever, chills, and headache. The next day he saw the family doctor who prescribed an antibiotic (which is worthless for the flu). He had an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) to the antibiotic and died that same day. Even at the tender age of 8, it just didn’t seem right for someone to die of such a “garden variety” illness. But he did, and people still do.

As old-fashioned a disease as “the flu” (influenza) is, 24.7 million people in the US contract the flu each year and over 100,000 of these cases require hospitalization. An average of 41,400 people die from complications of the flu in the US alone every year. Notice I said “complications.” People don’t die of the flu directly. They die of pneumonia or other “flu-related” diseases.1, 2 But don’t expect a flu shot to protect you. That’s because the effectiveness of the “flu shot” is in serious question.

Why The Flu Vaccine is a Bust

The flu is caused by over 200 different viruses and infective agents; colds are caused by over 700 viruses. Vaccinations against the flu protect against only THREE influenza A and B — that’s right — three of the 200 known A & B viruses, and A and B influenza viruses comprise only a small fraction of all causes of the flu.

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against 3 Influenza viruses A & B (solid pink piece of the pie graph)

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against 3 Influenza viruses A & B (solid pink piece of the pie graph). Graph courtesy of the British Medical Journal.

So, the flu vaccine protects from only a small percentage of the known causes of flu and flu vaccines may be effective as little as 39% (some studies show 0%) of the time in healthy adults.3 According to the FDA, “The shot doesn’t do as well at preventing flu in older adults and people with certain medical problems.” 4

Great. Flu vaccines only protect against a small number of viruses, are effective 39% or less of the time and work even less well in people who need it most, the elderly and immune-weakened folks. I’d say the flu vaccine is a real shot in the dark. Worse than ineffective or benign, the influenza vaccine is still preserved with thimerosol (mercury), a known neurotoxin. (Mercury-free vaccines exist but you won’t get it unless you specifically request it).

Of course, the flu isn’t the only malady we are more susceptible to in Winter months. Plain ol’ colds and sinus and respiratory infections also increase in the Winter, not because of cold temperatures directly but because viruses spread more easily in cold, dry air.

If the thought of getting sick, or possibly really sick, this Winter doesn’t inspire you, and if feel like I do —- totally underwhelmed by the effectiveness of the flu vaccine — what can you do?

Fortunately, Mother Nature has more immune-boosting strategies than modern medicine will EVER think of. Here are 4 simple, proven recommendations for keeping yourself “bullet proof” against not only the flu, but colds, sinus infections, pneumonia and all manner of Winter-time maladies.

How to Make Yourself Flu-Proof:  “Winterize” Your Immune System in Four Easy Steps

1.) Eat an Immune-Boosting Diet. The two major dietary causes of immune suppression are sugar intake and food allergies.

I.) Dietary sugar. Sugar suppresses the activity of white blood cells (neutrophils) — an important part of the immune system — for up to 5 hours.  Even fruit juice contains enough sugar to cause this immune-suppressing effect. Sugars which cause immune suppression include glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and orange juice.6,7,8 Although original studies showed an immune suppressing effect at 100 grams of sugar other studies have shown that even much lower intakes of dietary sugar have immune suppressing effects. 9,10. The USDA and the Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI) agree that 40 grams of sugar is an acceptable daily limit.

Imagine a “healthy” (not!) day of eating that can actually keep immunity suppressed for the entire day.

Breakfast: glass of orange juice (1 cup has 21 grams of sugar), oatmeal with raisins (2 TBS. has 20 grams of sugar), 1 tsp. of sugar (4 grams of sugar) and lowfat milk (1 cup has 13 grams of sugar). That’s a whopping 58 grams of sugar just for breakfast! Expect a suppressed immune system for the next 5 hours.

Snack: Nonfat fruit-variety yogurt (1 cup has 47 grams of sugar) Immune suppression for up to 5 hours.

Lunch: Subway Chicken Teriyaki Sanwich (6 grams of sugar) with 2 oz. fat-free French dressing (12 grams sugar) and 1 oatmeal raisin cookie for desert (16 grams of sugar) [32 grams total].  Immune system still suppressed from breakfast and snack.

Dinner: green salad with 2 TBS. fat-free french dressing (6 grams), 1 serving Weight Watcher’s chicken enchiladas (33 grams) with 2 TBS fat-free yogurt topping (2 grams) [41 grams total] Immune suppression until bedtime.

Dessert: 1/2 cup Breyer’s no sugar added vanilla ice cream (only 4 grams), but it’s the “cherry” on the immune-suppression-day cake!

There you have it. “A day in the life” of someone who thinks they are eating fairly well, with more than enough sugar to cause all-day immune suppression. Notice that fruit juice and flavored yogurt are major offenders.

Avoiding sugar is the most important dietary step you can take to strengthen your immune system. Period.

II.) Food allergies. Food allergies weaken the immune system. White blood cells and other aspects of immunity get “distracted” taking care of internal annoyances (allergens) instead of protecting against outside “bugs” like the flu virus. Check out the symptoms of food allergy to see if this might be a problem for you. Check Food Allergy Symptoms Here

2.) Practice simple home and hygiene techniques.

I.) Wash your hands frequently. Flu and cold viruses can survive on surfaces, including hands, for hours. Every time you touch a doorknob or anything touched by another, you can pick up a virus. And don’t rub your eyes or face, thereby transmitting the virus to yourself from unwashed hands.

II.) Cover your mouth and nose — preferably with a tissue — when you sneeze or cough. Remember, flu and cold viruses are transmitted primarily through airborne droplets.

III.) Take the day off! If you’re suffering from a cold, do co-workers and friends a favor and quarantine yourself at home until you’re no longer sneezing and hacking. Of course, if you’ve got a bona fide case of the flu, you WILL be taking the day off. Flu symptoms are almost always severe enough to cause prostration.

IV.) Keep your house humid. Indoor fountains (even the little table-top varieties), humidifiers and live plants all help keep indoor Winter air moist. Viruses spread more slowly in higher humidity because airborne water droplets “grab” the viruses and pull them out of circulation. In dry air, viruses are left to float around from one sneezing, coughing host to another.5

3.) Strengthen your immune system with supplements.

I.) Take an optimal potency vitamin/mineral supplement every day. If you only take one supplement to strengthen your immune system, it should be a good multiple formula. Studies have shown that seniors who take a multiple have stronger immune systems and are less likely to get a respiratory tract infection or the flu.11,12,13 A deficiency of any single vitamin, mineral or trace mineral can lead to weakened immunity. 12-23 Improved nutritional status by supplementation can also improve the body’s response to vaccinations. 24

Notice I said optimal potency, not “minimal.” Studies have also shown that a one-per-day formula does virtually nothing to improve immunity. That’s because you can’t fit enough nutrients into one tablet or capsule to do anything but prevent severe deficiency diseases (like just enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy but not enough to strengthen the immune system). In the nutritional industry, we call that “pixie dust.” An optimal-potency multi vitamin will require at least 6 caps per day (in divided doses). My Maxi Multi recommendation is 9 caps per day, which also includes a full dose of calcium and magnesium (which take up a lot of space in a capsule).

Here are the nutrients of particular immune-enhancing importance, and they should all be found in a good multiple nutrient formula.

  • vitamin C – people with daily intakes of 500-1,000mg per day are less likely to catch colds, respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Vitamin C also shortens the duration and severity of these infections.25-29,45
  • vitamin E – 200IU or more per day reduces the rate of common colds and upper respiratory tract infections 30,31 and increases resistance to influenza in seniors.18, 32-35,44
  • beta carotene – seniors with a high plasma beta-carotene concentration have a lower occurrence of acute respiratory infections.36
  • vitamin A – needed to maintain normal “barrier” function of skin and mucous membranes, thereby preventing entry of viruses. Normal levels improve immunity and disease resistance.14,23,29,37-38
  • vitamin D – Improves immunity and may enhance response to vaccinations.14,23,37,39
  • zinc – normal zinc status lowers the risk of pneumonia by nearly 50% 40 and decreases the incidence, duration and severity of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.18,38,41,45 Improved zinc status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,29
  • selenium – Decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections. Improved selenium status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,18,35,42-43

If you are not getting these target doses in your multiple vitamin, then add them separately OR switch to a better multiple vitamin/mineral formula. You can take a lot of “separate stuff” to achieve immune-boosting “target doses” of nutrients, but why would you want to work that hard?

SHAMELESS PITCH HERE: my own Maxi Multi’s contain target doses of all these immune-boosting nutrients. Check to see how your multiple stacks up: Optimal Doses of Vitamins and Minerals for Good Health (scroll to the vitamin and mineral charts toward the bottom of the page)

II.) Supplement with additional immune-boosting herbs. For additional protection, add an immune-enhancing formula throughout the colder months (recommended November through April). There are literally hundreds of herbs that can be used to strengthen the immune system. Some work better — and some work MUCH better — than others.

I’ve put together my own formula of the most “tried and true” (and proven) immune enhancing herbs including Echinacea, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi), Ligustrum, Goldenseal and Garlic. Learn more about my Immune Support formula here:

I Guarantee You Won’t Get The Flu This Winter

I’m so confident that Immune Support formula, when used in combination with an optimal potency multiple like Maxi Multi, will help you avoid the flu that I offer a “guaranteed no flu this Winter” money-back guarantee. How confident is that?! Did your local doctor promise if you got a flu shot you wouldn’t get the flu or your money back? (Hahahaha….) See my “No Flu for You” Guarantee here

And for Goodness sakes, don’t wait until you feel fever and chills coming on to start taking supplements or eating better (although even late in the game, studies show you can shorten the severity and duration of a winter infection). Prevention is surer and safer than cure, and looks to me to be surer and safer than the flu vaccine, too!

In Health,

Dr. Myatt

References

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  2. Molinari NA, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Messonnier ML, Thompson WW, Wortley PM, Weintraub E, Bridges CB. The annual impact of seasonal influenza in the US: measuring disease burden and costs. Vaccine. 2007 Jun 28;25(27):5086-96. Epub 2007 Apr 20.
  3. Demicheli V, Rivetti D, Deeks JJ, Jefferson TO. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;3: CD001269.
  4. The Flu. US Food and Drug Administration Fact Sheet, Aug. 2005.
  5. Lowen AC, Mubareka S, Steel J, Palese P (2007) Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature. PLoS Pathog 3(10): e151. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.0030151
  6. Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
  7. Van Oss CJ. Influence of glucose levels on the in vitro phagocytosis of bacteria by human neutrophils. Infect Immun. 1971 Jul;4(1):54-9.
  8. Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
  9. Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
  10. Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
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  13. Winkler P, de Vrese M, Laue Ch, Schrezenmeir J. ffect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals on common cold infections and cellular immune parameters. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Jul;43(7):318-26.
  14. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
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Food Allergy Testing

Is Food Making You Sick?

Food allergies are a common cause or contributor to a surprising number of diseases and symptoms. Many people with unexplained symptoms never learn that a food allergy can be the source of much misery, and conventional medicine rarely explores the food allergy/disease connection. Learn more about how food allergies can cause disease by visiting our food allergy page.

Fungus, Yeasts and Molds: Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained” Diseases

Every day, thousands of microscopic, decay-eating organisms find their way into our bodies in the food we eat and the air we breathe.

These organisms are part of The Fungi Kingdom and include yeasts, molds, mildew, mushrooms, fungi and others.

Although most fungi feed on dead and decaying organisms, a number of them also feed on living organisms. Athlete’s foot is a common fungus which feeds on a living host.

The entire class of Fungi are “opportunistic,” and the ones which feed on humans can establish themselves in a human body during a time of weakness, such as during an infection or when the immune system is suppressed with drugs. There are also many fungi that do not require a weak immune system in order to establish themselves in a host. In addition to the direct effects of the fungi, which act like parasites in a human host, many also manufacture highly toxic substances called “mycotoxins.”

Who Cares About Fungi and Mycotoxins?

Fungi produce toxins called mycotoxins (“Myco” from the Greek “Mykes”, means “fungus”). Mycotoxins cannot be destroyed by heat, are known to suppress the immune system, and have a wide range of effects in both animals and humans. A number of these mycotoxins are quite poisonous.

Aflatoxin, a common toxin found in peanuts and some grains and a result of Aspergillus flavus fungus, is one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. Because of this, peanuts and grains must be constantly “screened” for aflatoxin. Even with this government-mandated screening, a person eating according to the US Food-pyramid is eating between 0.15-0.5 grams per day. (A lethal dose is considered to be 10-20mg). But at these everyday, low-grade exposures, negative health effects can still be experienced.

Symptoms and Diseases Associated with Mycotoxins and the Fungi Kingdom

When the World Health Organization recently convened, Dr. A.V. Costantini, head of the organization, an internist who modestly claims to be a “just a country doctor,” listed fourteen diseases wherein fungal (mold & Candida Albicans) forms of microorganisms have been found include the following: atherosclerosis, cancer, AIDS, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus , erythematosus, gout, Crohn’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, hyperactivity syndrome, Infertility, psoriasis, cirrhosis of the liver, Alzheimer’s disease, Scleroderma, Raynaud’s Disease, sarcoidosis, kidney stones, amyloidosis, vasculitis, and Cushing’s disease.

Other conditions known to be caused by fungi, yeasts and their mycotoxins include: postpartum depression, immune system weakness, bladder disease (especially non-bacterial interstitial cystitis in women and chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men), pneumonitis and lung infections, endometriosis and weight gain.

A person suffering from yeast of fungal overgrowth may have any of these symptoms:
In the intestinal tract: bloating, excessive feeling of fullness, diarrhea, constipation, alternating diarrhea and constipation, “rolling gas,” abdominal cramping, heartburn, indigestion, gas or belching, mucous in the stool, hemorrhoids.

In the female genital tract: recurrent yeast vaginitis, persistent vaginal itching or burning, persistent vaginal discharge, endometriosis, PMS.

In the male genital tract: prostatitis, impotence, loss of sexual desire.

In the urinary tract: urgency or urinary frequency, recurrent urinary tract “infections” but bacteria are NOT found to be the cause.

In the nervous system: numbness, burning, or tingling, spots in front of the eyes, erratic vision, impaired coordination, irritability or jitteriness, dizziness or loss of balance, failing vision, ear pain or deafness.

In the immune system: rashes, post nasal drip, sore or dry throat, wheezing or shortness of breath, recurrent infections, burning or tearing of eyes, cough.

In the skin and mucous membranes: recurrent skin fungal infections, nail-bed fungus, “jock itch,” thrush (yeast overgrowth in the mouth and esophagus)
In general: fatigue, mental “cloudiness,” joint aches and pains, obesity, depression, memory loss.

There are quite probably many other medical conditions associated with fungi, yeasts and mycotoxins in the human body. Because this is a largely overlooked topic in conventional medicine, our understanding of the disease-fungi connection is weak at best.

Your conventional doctor is unlikely to be aware of or to tell you about these mycotoxin-induced problems. You can learn more about candidiasis here:

If you believe that you may be experiencing any of these symptoms or problems a Candida stool test is a good place to start your investigation.

References:

Mycotoxins in the food chain: human health implications. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007;16 Suppl 1:95-101.
Contamination of food with mycotoxins and human health. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2001 Mar;52(1):23-35.
Limits and regulations for mycotoxins in food and feed.
Toxic effects of mycotoxins in humans. Bull World Health Organ. 1999;77(9):754-66
Toxins of filamentous fungi. Food Addit Contam. 2005 Feb;22(2):150-7
Mycotoxins in infant cereal foods from the Canadian retail market. Food Addit Contam. 2003 May;20(5):494-504.