Friday, September 7, 2012

suggested product of the day "Plant Enzyme Digestive Formula" is a combination of the most important enzymes for digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

In order to assimilate vitamins and nutrients from our food and supplements, we must be able to digest them properly. Plant Enzyme Digestive Formula is a combination of the most important enzymes for digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Applications include gas and bloating after meals, constipation, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small quantity of food. 

Studies show that the foods in the typical American diet are devoid of natural enzymes and do little to help secrete our own production of enzymes. Thus, foods do not get digested well and nutrients from food are poorly absorbed. Poor digestive health can lead to many other disorders including asthma, osteoporosis, food allergies, depression and arthritis. 

Many health experts agree that regular consumption of enzymes and enzyme rich foods is a key to vibrant health, disease prevention, and anti-aging. Every cell in your body needs enzymes for its biochemical functions, thus a deficiency will accelerate the aging process! Plant Enzyme Digestive Formula does not contain any animal products. This formula is in vegicaps and is suitable for vegetarians.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

PaleoMeal Powder Drink Mix Vanilla 540g


PaleoMeal Powder Drink Mix Vanilla 540g
Product Description: 
PaleoMeal Powder Drink Mix Vanilla is available by Designs for Health.
PaleoMeal™ is our powdered nutrition formula designed to promote peak wellness by optimizing patients' intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. The ingredients make this formula ideal for patients needing support with weight control, GI health, detoxification, immune issues, heavy metals, and muscle gain. PaleoMeal™ is made with exceptional quality whey protein, which comes from herds that graze on pesticide-free, chemical-free natural grass pastures. These milking cows are never given bovine growth hormone or any other hormones (No rBST or rBGH), genetically modified organisms or injected pathogens. This whey protein is never exposed to high heat temperatures. The result is the highest quality protein supplement, rich in immunoglobulins and lactoferrin. Free of artificial flavors and sweeteners, PaleoMeal™ is available in natural vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. PaleoMeal™ is suggested in combination therapies for: 
Weight Loss 
Lipid Management 
Type II Diabetic Control 
Blood Sugar Balance 
Hypoglycemia 
Mercury Toxicity 
Weight Training 
Yeast Overgrowth
PaleoMeal™: Highest Quality Ingredients and Formulation 
PaleoMeal is designed to help promote an optimal intake of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals needed for overall wellness. PaleoMeal is made with an exceptional quality whey protein concentrate, which comes from herds that graze on disease-free, pesticide-free, chemical-free, natural grass pastures. These milking cows are not subject to any chemical, genetic or hyper-immunization influence. They are never given bovine growth hormone or any other hormones. No rBGH or rBST. They have no history of bovine disease and have never been fed any cannibalistic by-products. This whey protein concentrate is produced to maintain the fragile components naturally present in whole fresh milk including the immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and bovine serum albumin. The result is the highest quality protein formulation available.

Better than Soy 
Whey protein is nature's richest source of biologically active protein. Unlike soy protein, which is low in the amino acid methionine, whey protein contains all the amino acids the body needs in the best balance yet discovered in any food. Whey protein is derived from milk. Lactase enzyme was added to aid in the digestion of the small amount of lactose in this product. Those who are sensitive to milk products may be able to tolerate this whey protein, however, if you are allergic to milk and milk products, use PaleoMeal under the guidance of your health care practitioner. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Q: If I have allergies to soy can I take phosphatidyl choline found in your Phosphatidyl choline powder, softgels and your PaleoMeal™? 

A: Phosphatidyl choline is a phospholipid and contains no protein parts from soy. Proteins are the part of the food that most people are allergic to. Those very sensitive to soy should try phosphatidyl choline in small doses at first to see if they tolerate the product. 

Q: I understand only the Vanilla PaleoMeal™ is unsweetened. What sweeteners are used in the other PaleoMeal™ products? 

A: The "Science First" philosophy of Designs for Health dictates that we use no artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, saccharine, or Nutrasweet, as well as not use natural sweeteners like sucrose and fructose which negatively impact metabolic syndrome and other health conditions. In the sweetened PaleoMeal™ products we use only beneficial sweeteners like xylitol and stevia. Our natural flavors DO NOT contain MSG. 

Q: Will the xylitol or stevia have any effect on insulin? 

A: No 
Description of Product: Better than ever…our great tasting, Paleolithic profile meal supplement has undergone some exciting changes, and now features: More fiber per serving (3g for Vanilla and Strawberry Banana, 4g for Chocolate*) Improved texture and ease of mixing Better than ever taste NatureFolate™ and an increase in B vitamins Creatine MagnaPower® It is still available in delicious Chocolate and Vanilla flavors, and a new, great tasting Strawberry Banana flavor. And more good news – this new, enhanced formula is available at the same price as the previous product. And, PaleoMeal™ is still made with the highest quality whey protein that comes from herds that graze on pesticide and chemical-free natural grass pastures, and are hormone free (no rBST or rBGH). Please note: We have increased the serving size from 30g to 36g in order to accommodate PaleoMeal’s new higher nutrient content and delicious new flavor profiles. Servings per container: 540g = 15 900 gm = 25 (Vanilla only) * the additional fiber in PaleoMeal™ Chocolate is from the use of natural cocoa powder. Now with an impressive combination of new features: Increased fiber and the Inulin difference PaleoMeal™ also boasts a higher fiber content, and now includes the prebiotic fiber inulin, which has a subtly sweet flavor but does not impact blood sugar levels. This soluble fiber is shown to have health-promoting advantages, from helping to protect against metabolic syndrome by controlling blood lipids and blood glucose, to supporting GI health through its ability to modulate gut microbia. Improved texture and ease of mixing Because inulin is a soluble fiber, it dissolves easily in water. This makes our improved PaleoMeal™ even easier to mix and thus, helps to create an ultra-smooth texture. Better than ever taste Chocolate and Strawberry Banana: We use natural, beneficial sweeteners like chalcone (a natural bioflavonoid derived sweetener), the sugar alcohol erythritol, and the herb stevia, along with natural flavors to create a rich, great tasting chocolate flavor. Unsweetened, Natural Vanilla: We have increased the amount of natural vanilla flavor to create a rich, great tasting vanilla flavor. NatureFolate™ and increased B vitamins We have increased the amount of the major B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and B6) from 2.5 mg to 10 mg per serving. Another important change within the B family is our inclusion of NatureFolate™ – natural vitamin folates that are found in foods such as eggs and spinach and are immediately “active” and bioavailable to the human body. Creatine MagnaPower® for energy reserves In addition, the creatine included in PaleoMeal™ is from Albion’s patented Creatine MagnaPower®, a magnesium creatine chelate which provides both creatine and magnesium. This stabilized creatine increases the body’s ability to synthesize and regenerate the ATP required for supplying the energy that is needed for muscle effort.

Ingredients:
Serving Size: 1 scoop (30 g)
Product Contains: Calories 94.4, Fat 1.6 g, Saturated Fat 0.65 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Sodium 40 mg, Potassium 260 mg, Total Carbohydrates 2.8 g, Dietary Fiber 0.8 g, Soluble Fiber 0 g, Insoluble Fiber 0.6 g, Sugars 1.7 g, Protein 17 g, Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 90 mg, Vitamin E 20 IU, d-gamma tocopherol 40 mg, d-delta tocopherol 17 mg, d-alpha tocopherol 9 mg, d-beta tocopherol 1 mg, Vitamin B1 (as Thiamine Mononitrate) 2.5 mg, Vitamin B2 (as Riboflavin) 2.1 mg, Vitamin B3 (as Niacinamide) 4 mg, Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI) 2.5 mg, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) 6 mcg, Biotin (as d-Biotin) 100 mcg, Magnesium (TRAACS® magnesium glycinate chelate buffered) 48 mg, Zinc (TRAACS® zinc glycinate chelate) 3.3 mg, Chromium 50 mcg (TRAACS® chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate), Total Glutamine Value 3.9 g (Glutamic Acid (from Proserum) 3 g, L-Glutamine 900 mg), Flaxseed 2.5 g, Immunoglobulins (Proserum™ Whey Protein) 2.1 g, Phosphatidylcholine (from Soy Lecithin) 840 mg, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) 120 mg, Taurine 95 mg, n-zymes™ 50 mg (Amylase 2200 DU, Protease 4.5 5000 HUT, Protease 3.0 10.7 SAPU, Protease 6.0 (Concentrate) 2000 HUT, Lactase 400 ALU), Inositol 48 mg
Other Ingredients: Natural french vanilla flavor, natural creamy vanilla flavor, natural vanilla flavor.
Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, mix one scoop (30 grams) in eight ounces of water or any other beverage per day, or as directed by your health care practitioner. PaleoMeal may be blended into a shake if desired. PaleoMeal was not intended to be the sole source of calories, but used as part of an overall program of healthy eating.
This product does not contain: fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Dosage:
As a dietary supplement, mix one scoop (30 grams) in eight ounces of water or any other beverage per day, or as directed by your health care practitioner. PaleoMeal may be blended into a shake if desired. PaleoMeal was not intended to be the sole source of calories, but used as part of an overall program of healthy eating. 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

DHEA


Question: I've heard that DHEA is critical in helping the body when it's under stress. Can you explain what DHEA is and its role in overall health? 

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of a number of muscle-building, libido-stimulating hormones called androgens. In times of stress (including injury), the adrenal glands produce more DHEA to help the body cope and repair. 

This hormone also helps rebuild injured tissue. If the adrenal glands malfunction and decrease production of tissue-rebuilding hormones such as DHEA, the body’s capacity to withstand disease and promote health becomes compromised. 

DHEA also is helpful for treating a variety of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders. Optimal DHEA levels range from 200 to 400 mcg/dl for men, and 120 to 300 mcg/dl for women. Average supplemental dosages for men range from 5 to 10 mg/day, and for women 2 to 5 mg/day. 

The side effects of DHEA are minor — occasional acne or moodiness can occur. Maintaining the low doses minimizes the chance of adverse effects. However, if side effects do occur, simply lower the dose. 

Of all the bioidentical hormones I have used in my practice, the one that gives the biggest bang for the buck is DHEA. It is inexpensive and has proven to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. If I only had one adrenal hormone to use, it would be DHEA. 

Always check with a health care provider before taking DHEA as it will create hormone changes affecting estrogen and testosterone levels in the body.

Friday, August 31, 2012

NAC: Your best Cold & Flu Defense, Part I


A little-known dietary supplement maybe ne your best defense against symptoms of the flu and common cold. This supplement. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid cysteine and a component of protein-containing foods. It is also one of the most potent immune boosters around. Never heard of it? Virtually every hospital emergency room in the country stocks NAC as an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning.

Overdoses of acetaminophen, as common analgestic drug, deplete liver levels of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants, and lead to lover failure. Large supplemental doses of NAC restore liver glutathione levels and help the organ to break down acetaminophen.

NAC has also been used since the 1960s as a “mucolytic” agent – that is, to break down lungclogging mucus in chronic bronchitis and other respiratory disorders. Rich in what chemists call “free sulfhydryl groups,” NAC break down the disulfide bonds that make mucus thick-in essence, thinning it out.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Low Cellular Energy, Low Blood Sugar Part IV


Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues

Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

Besides diet, the reduction of stress is an integral part of gaining wellness. Stress is any extra burden placed on your body: anxiety,fatigue, stimulants, pollutants, chemical additives, change, injury, or surgery. Stress raise the body’s requirements for most nutrients. If these requirements are not met and sugar is substituted for quick energy, the low cellular energy pattern is reinforced, along wit its depleting side effects.

Chocolate and coffee (which contain excess caffeine), tobacco, and alcohol, all cause stress on the body. Their relation to low cellular energy is like that of sugar and white flour. Craving any of these substances indicates a low cellular energy condition, which is only temporarily relieved and then worsened by partking of these “treats”. Toxins formed by yeast organisms and reabsorbed from the bowel also act like sugar to over stimulate the pancreas. This is why overeating carbohydrates of any kind causes problems. Exposure to allergens and chemicals does the same kind of overwork to the pancreas, adrenals, and liver.

If you suspect you suffer from low cellular energy, consult a Naturopathic Physician. Begin to make improvements. Don’t worry – it only aggravates the condition. 

By heeding the signal of low cellular energy and responding positively, you can correct this pattern, and save yourself more serious health problems later in life.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Low Cellular Energy (Low Blood sugar), part III


Low Cellular Energy (Low Blood sugar) 

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues
Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

When these glands, which are important in handling stress, can no longer do their job, the cortex becomes worn out. At this point, low cellular energy affects the mind. Brain waves become abnormal, the person becomes more sensitive to noise, becomes depressed, and often is unable to relax or sleep. Insufficient cellular energy in the blood contributes greatly to neurotic behavior. 

Other symptoms include nervousness, exhaustion, dizziness, and hunger. In extreme cases, convulsions and come may occur. 

Low cellular energy may remain at an undetected yet mildly troublesome level for years, growing steadily worse, until it can no longer be ignored. Medical authorities disagree on the incidence, but some estimates put the number of sufferers at one in five Americans, with higher figures in children.

Dietary suggestions for low cellular energy included high, complete protein foods taken frequently in moderate portions; fresh, low-carbohydrate vegetables; whole grains; legumes; unsaturated fats (in seeds, nut, and cold-pressed oil); occasional fresh fruit; and a complete vitamin/mineral supplement program, strong in the b-complex group. When preparing a diet program, remember that hidden sugar is almost always present in commercial, canned, frozen, or restaurant food. 

Commercial salt usually contains a sugar-like dextrose. When you read labels, know your sugar words; any word ending in –ose: fructose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, maltose, glucose, corn sweetners, date sugar, sucanat, cane sweeteners, invest sugar, corn syrup, honey, sorghum, rice bran syrup, and molasses, ect. 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Low Cellular Energy, part II

Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues

Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

When a blast of glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas responds by secreting the hormone insulin to get the cells to absorb excess sugar. This action stimulates the liver to take the glucose from the blood, in order to return the insulin level to normal for that person. If there is a continual intake of refined carbohydrates, the pancreas becomes overactive, and then deplete. The adrenal glands which make the stabilizing hormones for the pancreatic function become depleted, too. A pattern is created in which the pancreas releseas to much insulin, leading the rapid energy drops throughout the day and/or night.

At such a time a person feels weak, shaky, or tired, and so s/he may reach for a candy bar, cup of coffee, or a sort drink, in hope of a quick pickup. (According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes 158 pounds of sugar per year.)

Ingesting sugar in a low cellular energy state is like pouring gasoline on a dying fire. The result is a brilliant, but short-lived blaze, and subsequent exhaustion.  The sufferer craves sugar, but the more s/he eats, the worse the symptoms become, and the further the system is thrown out of line. Not only are the pancreas and lover effected, but adrenal cortex glands.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part IV... last part

Some practical ways to recover and regain your adrenal health:
Some of these suggestions might seem like common sense but your adrenal health is greatly affected by your lifestyle; how you spend and conserve your energy and create your energy, what you eat and drink, the thoughts you think and the beliefs you hold are all very important factors. 

People with adrenal fatigue often have food allergies and sensitivities. 

Avoid people and situations that take away your energy.
Change your way of thinking toward a more positive outlook. You can use some simple tools as meditation or motivational CD’s, good friends, a trusted counselor. It’s important to undo negative self talk and especially that which produces more stress. 

Learn and implement relaxation techniques.

Get enough sleep. It’s important to be in bed before 10 or 11 each night.

Laughter 

Rest during the day.

Fun light exercise, like walking, yoga, ta’I chi, dancing and making love 
Keeping your blood sugar balanced is one of the most important! Eating small nutrient packed meals with some protein, often throughout the day.

Eliminate white flour and sugar products, they are huge energy suckers!

Salt craving is a very common symptom of all stages of adrenal fatigue. Physiologically, you need salt (mineral or Celtic salt) right now and the majority of people with adrenal fatigue suffer from low blood pressure not high. As long as you are well hydrated and getting potassium rich foods in your diet it will balance out. 

Some supplement recommendations next!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Low Cellular Energy "Low Blood Sugar" part I


Pancreas – Adrenal – Liver Coordination Paying Dues for Sugar Blues
Taken from article by Dr. Edward Bauman and Mary Claire Blakeman (additions and edits by Dianna Pardee, RN ND)

If you wake up tired, experience erratic mood swings, and cannot focus you attention, you could be experiencing a low cellular – energy condition. Some sources call this condition hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. It can affect all of us to varying degrees at different times and it is a signal of physiological imbalance within the body. This disturbance is the price one pays for the high-stress lifestyle in which real nutritional needs are continually unmet. When the roof falls in on your mental, emotional, and physical health, low cellular energy has caught up with you. 

Contrary to the assumption that a high sugar intake raises one’s energy levels (which it does only for a short time), the overall effect of sugar is to lower energy drastically, as the body overcompensates due to stressed pancreas – adrenal – liver coordination.

In a condition of optimal health, the body’s glandular system secrets hormones that hold the level of glucose in the body relatively constant. Among the biggest affronts to this naturally balanced system are refined carbohydrates, especially granulated sugar and white flour products. Refined sugar is difficult for the body to metabolize properly, and poses as acute problem. Over consumption of carbohydrates is equally problematic.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue


Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue 

1. difficulty getting up in the morning 
2. Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep
3. craving for salt and salty foods
4. Lack of energy
5. Increased effort to do every day tasks 
6. Decreased sex drive
7. Decreased ability to handle stress
8. Increased time to recover from illness, injury, or trauma
9. Light-headed when standing up quickly 
10. Increased PMS 
11. Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate. You need to drive yourself with sugary snacks and/or caffeine to keep going can be due to tendency towards low blood sugar
12. Inability to focus, fuzzy thinking
13. Become irritated easily
14. Feel better after evening meal
15. Afternoon low generally between 3 and 4
16. Decreased productivity, takes longer to complete tasks

No one symptom is a diagnosis but if several of these symptoms seem familiar to you then it is likely you are suffering from some level of adrenal fatigue.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part III

Factors that affect the adrenals: 
Toxins
Death of a loved one
Repeated stresses, marital, unemployment 
Acute and chronic infections  
Emotional stress
Allergies
Over exertion including over exercising 
Smoking 
Lack of sleep
Lack of good food and eating sugar and white flour products
Lack of exercise
Medications and non-prescription drugs
Caffeine 
Fear and worry 
Anxiety and psychological stress
Unable to relax
Negative attitudes and beliefs 
Chronic pain
Working night shifts 

Some people become so accustomed to stressful situations that they don’t even realize they are stressed anymore. A study done on a group of hospital workers in a pediatric nursing unit showed the workers didn’t even realize they were under stress. Their cortisol levels, a common measure of stress, were elevated by 200-300%. 

Your total stress load entails the number of stresses, the intensity, frequency, and length of time it is present. You may not even recognize it as a stress. If someone were raised in a stressful environment with a lot of yelling, and any kind of emotional or physical abuse, physiologically and psychologically they typically tend to attract or gravitate toward those types of situations as they get older. They essentially become addicted to the patterns that create the hormone output and of course it is subconscious or non-intentional. Especially is today’s fast paced, do as much as you can in as little time as possible society adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia is a very common problem.

What are the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue and what you can do about it next…… 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part II

Did you know that with adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia you can suffer a broad range of symptoms and disorders the most severe being Addison’s disease where the adrenals, basically, don’t function or barely at all.  People with Addison’s disease usually have to take corticosteroids in order to function with some sort of normalcy. 

The adrenals, also known as “the stress glands,” help you deal with stress. Whether it be stress, disease or injury. They produce the steroid hormones to give you energy and endurance to deal with all of life’s challenges. 

Corticosteroids such as catecholamines and cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are produced by the adrenals.

Cortisol controls how the body uses fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Corticosterone works with cortisol to suppress inflammation and affects the immune system.

Aldosterone affects blood volume and blood pressure.


Epinephrine and norepinephrine work together creating the physical reactions regulating stress responses known as the fight or flight response. 

Norepinephrine is a hormone in the catecholamine group. This hormone affects attention, focus and plays a role in depression.

Epinephrine also known as adrenalin, is also a hormone and neurotransmitter in the catecholamine group and also plays a large role in the fight or flight response.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the activity of the  adrenal glands become diminished. This can be so severe that it can get to the point where it even becomes difficult to get out of bed in the morning. When adrenal activity diminishes, it affects it causes changes in metabolism, the heart and cardiovascular system, sex drive, and even body shape. 

More to come…..

Friday, August 10, 2012

Hypoadrenia and Adrenal Fatigue, Part I


Did you know that with adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia you can suffer a broad range of symptoms and disorders the most severe being Addison’s disease where the adrenals, basically, don’t function or barely at all.  People with Addison’s disease usually have to take corticosteroids in order to function with some sort of normalcy. 

The adrenals, also known as “the stress glands,” help you deal with stress. Whether it be stress, disease or injury. They produce the steroid hormones to give you energy and endurance to deal with all of life’s challenges. Corticosteroids such as catecholamines and cortisol  epinephrine and norepinephrine .

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Glycemic Index vs. Glycemic Load


What is the G.I. of a food? The glycemic index (G.I.) measures how much your blood sugar or glucose level increases after eating a certain food.  Each food has it’s own G.I. The faster a carbohydrate breaks down and releases glucose, the higher the G.I. will be of that particular food.

The glycemic load (G.L.) is measured using the G.I. of a food while considering the amount of carbohydrate per serving of food. So a food that has a low G.L. usually has a low G.I. but a food with a medium to high G.L. can have a very low to a very high glycemic index.
To maintain stable blood sugar levels it is important to focus on foods that have an low overall G.L. It is also important to keep your G.L. well below 500 for the day for optimal health.

Here is a list of foods with the G.L. values. http://www.lowglycemicload.com/glycemic_table.html 

Monday, August 6, 2012

Migraine part IV

Wouldn’t you agree, headaches can be extremely painful, even unbearable at times, but did you know that migraines can actually be dangerous? When the onset of migraines with an aura, comes later in life you are 6 X’s  more likely to suffer a stroke and people who suffer from migraines are more susceptible to epilepsy.  I’ve mentioned more than once, that inflammation plays a key role in disease and illness but in the case of migraines there are other factors that are involved as well. Dr Russell Blaylock says recent studies have shown that four major events occur in the brains of people who have 
migraine headaches:


• Localized inflammation
• Reduced production of energy
• Low ionic magnesium levels
• High levels of glutamate 


He says all of these also occur in epilepsy, and related neurological disorders. Not only are these people more susceptible to epilepsy but disorders  of immunoexcitotoxicity such as depression, anxiety, and one that I struggled with for many years, panic attacks. Dr Blaylock, a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner and author, says even a fall in estrogen levels can precipitate a migraine and calls this process immunogtoxicity.


Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. Studies have shown that  people with migraines have elevated levels of glutamate. Too much glutamate and the brain will become over-stimulated. 


Next we’ll talk about triggers for migraines and what you can do to prevent them.


The start of a migraine is triggered by inflammation and excitotoxicity which sets off a wave of electrical activity that slowly moves across the brain. Various triggers such as flashing lights, food sensitivities, a diet high in glutamates, hypoglycemia, oral contraceptives, and a drop in estrogen levels can cause this wave of depressive activity to initiate a migraine. This fluctuation in estrogen is often times why women experience migraines right before their period. 


Interestingly, optimal magnesium levels play a large part in preventing migraines. High estrogen levels and progesterone levels tend to reduce magnesium levels and can bring on a migraine. This is one of the reasons I am so insistent that my clients take magnesium everyday. It can sometimes take up to 6 months to reach optimal levels of magnesium in the body, but that is another blog to come.


What to do as prevention, next!


What can you do to prevent migraines? 
Avoid foods high in glutamate, some people are much more susceptible to glutamate than others, even low levels. Foods high in glutamate include anything with MSG or monosodium glutamate. MSG is disguised as natural flavoring, carrageenan, hydrolyzed proteins, isolated soy and soy protein, sodium or calcium caseinate, stock and commercial soups or foods made with broth. 
Of course natural foods are best but even some of those contain high levels of natural glutamate that may trigger a migraine. Pureed tomatoes and tomato paste, beans, peanut butter, portabella mushrooms, cheese, and condensed or dried cows milk all contain high levels of glutamate. 
Low blood sugar is a big trigger for migraines so avoid lots of sugar that can precipitate a sudden drop in blood sugar. When blood sugar drops it sends a signal to the brain to release high levels of glutamate so it’s important to be on a sugar free diet.
Stress is a big trigger for migraines, exercising will help reduce stress. 
Supplements such as riboflavin, L-carnitine, and CoQ10 help to increase brain activity and reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks. 
And of course increase magnesium levels by supplementation, one of my favorites is magnesium citrate/malate.  
Reduce inflammation with turmeric and omega 3 fish oils. 
Get enough sleep
Free radical production increases inflammation, excitotoxicity and the chance for migraines so use antioxidants.
Finally yet importantly, drink plenty of water, away from meals not with meals. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Migraine part II

He says all of these also occur in epilepsy, and related neurological disorders. Not only are these people more susceptible to epilepsy but disorders  of immunoexcitotoxicity such as depression, anxiety, and one that I struggled with for many years, panic attacks. Dr Blaylock, a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner and author, says even a fall in estrogen levels can precipitate a migraine and calls this process immunogtoxicity.

            Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter of the brain. Studies have shown that  people with migraines have elevated levels of glutamate. Too much glutamate and the brain will become over-stimulated.

Next we’ll talk about triggers for migraines and what you can do to prevent them.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Migraine part I

Wouldn’t you agree, headaches can be extremely painful, even unbearable at times, but did you know that migraines can actually be dangerous? When the onset of migraines with an aura, comes later in life you are 6 X’s  more likely to suffer a stroke and people who suffer from migraines are more susceptible to epilepsy.  I’ve mentioned more than once, that inflammation plays a key role in disease and illness but in the case of migraines there are other factors that are involved as well. Dr Russell Blaylock says recent studies have shown that four major events occur in the brains of people who have migraine headaches:


• Localized inflammation
• Reduced production of energy
• Low ionic magnesium levels
• High levels of glutamate 

Friday, July 6, 2012

affirmations for a healthy body part II

Disease of the body results from dis-ease in the mind!


Eastern societies have long recognized this link and their medicinal techniques reflect a much more "holistic" approach to healing. It is a reality that our thoughts are closely linked to our physical bodies, dysfunction in one is often reflected in the other. Western medicine tends to treat symptoms, sometimes successfully, "making it go away", but fail to treat the cause, raising the possibility of recurrence in one form or another.


 Mind-Body Link and Causes of Illness


Largely indicated by scientific evidence now shows that the immune system, previously thought of as the prime internal defense system, actually works closely with both the nervous and endocrine systems to do it’s job to support and protect the body. These findings clearly indicate that our mind and our emotions can influence illness.


Not every affirmation will resonate with everyone so pick the ones that feel comfortable for you and make a habit of saying or writing them several times a day. They can also be used as a mantra or made into a little song that will stick with you J Have fun! 


I AM miraculously cured by the touch of God's Divine Hand.


Every Cell in my body vibrates with energy and health


Loving myself heals my life. I nourish my mind, body and soul


My body heals quickly and easily


I am benefiting from my healthy changes.


I am benefiting by relaxing more often


I can heal and I am healing now


I deserve excellent health


I am safe, relaxed, and let life flow joyously


I am strong


I am relaxed


I have energy.


I am energetic.


I am healthy.


I nourish my mind, body, and soul with positive affirmations.


I heal quickly.


I have powerful affirmations to control my health.


I have control of my health and wellness.


I have abundant energy and vitality.


I have the energy I need to do all the daily activities in my life.


I am at peace.


I have the courage to change.


I control my body.


I take care of my body and it cares of me.


My sleep is restful and peaceful and I sleep through the night.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Affirmations for a healthy body part I

Disease of the body results from dis-ease in the mind! 
Eastern societies have long recognized this link and their medicinal techniques reflect a much more "holistic" approach to healing. It is a reality that our thoughts are closely linked to our physical bodies, dysfunction in one is often reflected in the other. Western medicine tends to treat symptoms, sometimes successfully, "making it go away", but fail to treat the cause, raising the possibility of recurrence in one form or another.
 Mind-Body Link and Causes of Illness
Largely indicated by scientific evidence now shows that the immune system, previously thought of as the prime internal defense system, actually works closely with both the nervous and endocrine systems to do it’s job to support and protect the body. These findings clearly indicate that our mind and our emotions can influence illness. 
Not every affirmation will resonate with everyone so pick the ones that feel comfortable for you and make a habit of saying or writing them several times a day. They can also be used as a mantra or made into a little song that will stick with you  Have fun! 
"I am healthy and whole"
Every day in every way, I am getting better and better!!
I feel calm and relaxed and I know that my body is healing now
God gave me a healthy body and in gratitude, I take care Good of myself. 
I always contribute in healthy ways to my body. 
I AM living a long and healthy Life. 
I eat healthy, nutritious, and digestible food every day. 
The water I drink is helping me to heal every day. 
I have a healthy spirit, mind and body. 
I have a healthy heart and a strong set of lungs.  
My strong body has fully recovered and healed. 
I love myself and I am safe and healthy.

Friday, June 29, 2012

The Hidden Diabetes Link No One is Telling You About Part II


...
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. 
How Statins Raise Your Insulin
Keeping things simple, you might imagine it like this: When you eat a meal that contains starches and sugar, some of the excess sugar goes to your liver, which then stores it away as cholesterol and triglycerides. Now stay with me -- when you have a statin on board, it's like a message to your liver saying, "No! Don't make any more cholesterol, please stop."
So your liver sends the sugar back OUT to your bloodstream. As a result, your blood sugar goes up.
In 2009, it was proven that statins could directly raise blood sugar, whether or not you have diabetes. Over 340,000 people were included before this conclusion was made. The people who did not have diabetes but took statins experienced a rise in blood glucose from 98 mg/dl to 105 mg/dl. Those who already had diabetes and also took statins experienced a rise from 102 mg/dl to 141 mg/dl.
After adjustments for age and medication use were considered, researchers concluded that both diabetic and non-diabetic statin users showed a statistically significant rise in blood sugar.
Why take all these risks, just to get the convenience of taking a pill instead of eating a better diet and exercising?
It's been scientifically discussed and even published in JAMA that eating a better diet could lower cholesterol as well as the statin drug lovastatin.
And of course, there are so many other benefits to eating a healthier diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean meats. Besides feeling better and increasing lifespan, you can squeeze into those skinny jeans you're hiding in your closet.
Another way statins can affect your blood sugar is via their "drug mugging" effect. A drug mugger is my term, and the title of my newest book, which describes how a drug can rob your body's warehouse of a valuable nutrient. In the case of statins, they rob your body of two different nutrients, both of which are needed to maintain ideal blood sugar.

Two Important Nutrients Decimated by Statins
The first nutrient that is mugged is vitamin D. There have been mixed studies regarding the D-depletion effect of statins, but statins reduce your body's natural ability to create active vitamin D called 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, shortened to "calcitriol" when it is eventually converted to its active hormone form.
This happens because statins reduce cholesterol, and you need cholesterol to make vitamin D! It is the raw material that exposure to UVB from sunlight will convert to vitamin D.
It is well documented that D improves insulin resistance, so needless to say, when you take a drug mugger of vitamin D (like statins), then you increase your risk for diabetes.
More specifically, a 2004 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition determined that raising a person's serum vitamin D levels (from 25 to 75 nmol/l) could improve insulin sensitivity by a whopping 60 percent.
Compare that to the blockbuster diabetes drug metformin, one of our pharmaceutical gold-standards, which can dispose of blood sugar by a meager 13 percent according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
Now, statins also suppresses your natural coenzyme Q10— also called "ubiquinol" in its active form; it makes energy for every cell in your body, and it's produced mainly in your liver.
This powerful antioxidant just so happens to also play a role in maintaining blood glucose. When you deplete levels of CoQ10 by taking a drug mugger of it, like a statin drug, then you lose that benefit. You also raise your risk for heart failure, high blood pressure and heart disease as CoQ10 deficiencies can contribute to those conditions. A study by Hodgson et al, published in 2002 found that 200mg CoQ10 taken daily caused a 0.4 percent reduction in hemoglobin A1c.
Moreover, CoQ10 protects your body from oxidative stress, a strong contributing factor in the development of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and heart attacks. You want to make sure you have enough CoQ10 (or ubiquinol) on board to protect every cell in your body. The take home point is that statins annihilate this compound and you need it for good health.
In summary, if you take a statin medication and you've been told that you have diabetes, it may be drug-induced, and it's possible that it can be reversed over the course of time. However, you will have to eat right, exercise, and take supplements that help to lower your risk for heart disease naturally.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Hidden Diabetes Link No One is Telling You About...Part I

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. 


Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, killing one in five adults, and doctors are very quick to prescribe statins. In fact, statin drug sales rank in the billions each year globally. 


These drugs are so pervasive that they are no longer just indicated for hypercholesterolemia, they are also being prescribed for elevations in C reactive protein, and are promoted for kids as young as eight years old. 


Heart disease is so pervasive that some have boldly suggested that we should put statins in our water supply as some kind of protection. 
This is very disturbing.


Do You Really Need a Statin Drug?
By far, statin drugs are the most popular cholesterol-lowering drugs available today. They work in your liver by preventing your body from making cholesterol. The drugs block an enzyme called HMG-CoA Reductase. This can be helpful, but only if you are one of those people who happen to produce too much cholesterol. 


It doesn't do a good job at removing it from your clogged arteries, contrary to what most people think. 


Physicians and health experts now agree that statins seem to offer more benefit through their ability to reduce dangerous inflammatory chemicals in your body, rather than by reducing production of cholesterol, which usually leads to uncomfortable, unwanted and dangerous side effects. One study found that lowering cholesterol too much actually backfires. 
Cholesterol is good for you; it's one of your body's most powerful antioxidants, it makes important neurotransmitters and sex hormones so this madness to lower it as much as possible really concerns me. Plus, I believe the indiscriminate use of statins has contributed to the staggering rise in diabetes…


The Statin—Diabetes Connection Few People Know About 
I watched this happen to my mom who was given a statin, and then told months later she suddenly had diabetes. All of a sudden? This happened many years ago, and it began my search to understand the connection. It also prompted me to write a book on the subject entitled "Diabetes Without Drugs" (Rodale, 2010). 


It typically happens like this:
Many statin users come back to see their physician for a routine visit and after the blood work is drawn, they find their cholesterol ratios may be improved, but now they have high blood glucose. 


It's entirely possible that some physicians then mistakenly diagnose their patients with "Type 2 diabetes" when in fact they just have hyperglycemia—a side effect, and the result of a medication that was prescribed to them months earlier.


Do you think you have type 2 diabetes?

I will provide more information so you can see for yourself that so-called "diabetes" diagnosis might not really be genuine diabetes. It may just be hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)—the result of your cholesterol medication, and for some people, it may be reversible with drug discontinuation. Whether or not you are able to discontinue your medication is between you and your physician. 


Research Suggesting Raised Blood Sugar is a Side Effect of Statin Use
Several studies have indicated that statins can cause high blood sugar, which can be mistaken for "diabetes." For example, researchers in Glasgow, Scotland conducted a meta analysis, known as the JUPITER trial, which took into account 13 statin trials that each included 1,000 patients or more. The participants were followed for over than a year. The conclusion was there was indeed an increase, albeit small, in the development of Type 2 diabetes. 


It should be considered that some of the patients in this meta analysis already had symptoms of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, so it could be said that they were on their way to diabetes anyway. 
Now consider another meta-analysis published in the Lancet Here, the researchers reviewed randomized controlled trials beginning in 1994 and ending in 2009, for a total of 91,140 participants who took either a statin or a placebo. 


They found that people treated with statin drugs showed a nine percent increase for diabetes. They did not evaluate other factors however, which would be considered pre-diabetes, so I suspect their nine percent number to be on the low side. 


Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that reduces blood sugar. You want some insulin to maintain blood glucose levels, but too much of it is bad—it's an inflammatory compound in your body when it is elevated. And guess what? The use of statin drugs appears to INCREASE your insulin levels! High insulin is extremely harmful to your health. 


For starters, elevated insulin levels lead to heart disease, and isn't that the reason cholesterol drugs are prescribed in the first place? 


The ratio of glucose to insulin should be less than 10:1, this ratio is far more important than the levels of glucose or insulin alone. Keep that in mind if you seek a complete recovery. For more information about the harmful effects of elevated insulin levels, see my article on dearpharmacist.com, or my book Diabetes Without Drugs.


You want to keep insulin normal, to protect yourself from heart disease and high blood pressure. Chronically elevated insulin causes a cascade of inflammatory chemicals and high cortisol which lead to belly fat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, chronic fatigue, thyroid disruption, plus major diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and cancer. 


Unfortunately, the most popular cholesterol drugs in the world seem to increase insulin levels. However, that's just one mechanism by which these drugs can raise your risk for diabetes. 


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