The benefits of turmeric

Turmeric has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years. Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting, this natural health supplement can help to relieve pain and treat inflammation in the body, but it’s also an amazing skin care ingredient, helping to fade pigmentation and brighten the complexion. Whether you prefer it in a deliciously warming Turmeric latte, supplement form or in your skin care, this natural spice has so many health and beauty benefits.

Turmeric health benefits

Turmeric powder is a golden yellow spice derived from the Turmeric root, part of the Ginger family. It has long been used in cooking for its aromatic, spicy flavour and rich yellow pigment, but has actually also been used for over 4000 years as a medicinal treatment in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In India, it has been used in paste form on the skin to treat everything from smallpox to blemishes. Naturally anti-inflammatory, Turmeric is also known to help treat internal inflammation such as bowel troubles, arthritis and joint pain. Curcumin, the active ingredient, is rich in beneficial antioxidants which help to stop free radical damage in the body, while its antibacterial properties have also been used to fight viral colds and the flu and provide support for the immune system.

For those who have an interest in minimizing cancer risk …

In June, the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), added styrene, (used in Styrofoam cups and food containers), to its list of substances “reasonably anticipated” to cause cancer. Styrene has also been linked to nerve damage and hormonal disruption.

Chemicals leach into food and drinks.

When you drink hot liquids from Styrofoam cup, you also take in small doses of the chemicals that leach from it. “Trace amounts of polystyrene, as well as various chemical additives in polystyrene, migrate into food or drink,” says Olga Naidenko, PhD, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org).

The levels released from food containers are very low, but it adds to the multitude of environmental toxins we are exposed to.

https://bottomlineinc.com/health/diet-nutrition/styrofoam-really-is-bad-for-your-health

What makes a great supplementation program?

Minerals

Minerals are the foundation of a supplement program. Most people are aware of the importance of vitamins, but vitamins will be of little use in the absence of minerals. Minerals are responsible for the chemical reactions which take place in the cells and are necessary for proper bodily function. Different minerals have different roles, so we need a wide variety. Some of the functions include tissue rebuilding, brain function, heart contractions, water distribution, thyroid function and regulation of blood sugar. Because of the wide range of minerals needed, it is important to include both micro and macro mineral supplements. Minerals are best absorbed on an empty stomach.

 Micro minerals

Microorganisms in the soil convert inorganic minerals (from rocks and soil) into a form that is useable by plants. The human body can easily utilize minerals in this form. The most bio-available micro minerals are therefore liquid, colloidal, plant-based minerals. Minerals in this form can most easily be absorbed into the digestive system.

There are approximately 66 micro minerals (trace minerals), essential to good health. They are called trace minerals because they are only needed in very small amounts, but they are catalysts for various chemical reactions that need to occur within the body. Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, iodine, chromium, manganese and selenium. They should not be taken separately, but in a balanced formula. Selenium is particularly important in protecting against cancer but must be taken at the prescribed dosage. It is known to increase the effects of Vitamin E. It is also an antioxidant. Zinc is also worth a mention. A deficiency in zinc would severely impair the body’s defences against cancer.

 Macro Minerals

These are the minerals essential to health, required in larger amounts. They play important roles in maintaining body functions. Macro minerals include calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

 Antioxidants

Examples of antioxidants are Vitamins C and E and garlic. Grape seed extract and white pine bark, (also called pycnogenol), are very powerful antioxidants. Pycnogenol has been shown in clinical studies to be 25 times more effective that vitamin C and 50 times more effective than vitamin E as an antioxidant. Pycnogenol could be described as a ‘super-smart missile’ that targets any damaged cells, restoring them.

 Vitamins

It is essential to take vitamins, in a totally balanced formula. The problem with some inferior supplements is that they may not be in appropriate combinations. Large doses of one vitamin may decrease the absorption of another. The formula must be high quality, with ingredients that work synergistically.  Vitamins will not be of benefit unless there is adequate minerals intake. Minerals provide the basis for chemical reactions in the body, enabling vitamins to perform their function. Vitamins are best absorbed with food.

Vitamins C and E have already been mentioned as antioxidants.

B Vitamins are necessary for energy, coping with stress, alleviating anxiety and supporting many body functions. They are best utilized when taken as a B complex. A good multivitamin should major on B vitamins plus C and E.

 Vitamin A, found in nature as betacarotene, is also a potent antioxidant. It combats free-radical activity and are vital to the integrity of cell membranes and the body’s immune system. The best food sources are the dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, particularly mature carrots. Vitamin A protects against cancer development in the epithelial tissues, which are sites where cancer usually starts. The regular juicing of fresh organic carrots, with the addition of beetroot and celery, and some green barley or fresh greens, will help supply the extra need for vitamin A and betacarotene.

 Vitamin D, commonly called ‘the sunshine vitamin’, can increase calcium absorption and promote growth and development of bones and teeth. It also boosts the immune system and is therefore an important cancer-fighting vitamin. Our bodies make vitamin D when the sun shines on our skin. It is also present in egg yolks and fish oil.

 OTHER BENEFICIAL SUPPLEMENTS

 Vitamin B17, present in highest quantities in apricot kernels, has the ability to destroy potential cancer cells before they get out of control. For those who are fighting cancer, vitamin B17 is a good weapon in your armoury.  For those not fighting cancer, it is beneficial to take 5-10 kernels a day as a preventative measure.

 Green drinks

Chlorella is a form of pure green algae, rich in chlorophyll. It oxygenates the blood; cleanses the bowel, liver and blood; helps the body clear toxins; supports the elimination of moulds in the body; promotes tissue repair. Green Barley is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, chlorophyll and live enzymes. Wheat grass is another option. Green drinks provide richly nutritious food which is quickly absorbed and utilized for detoxification, alkalizing and regeneration.

High levels of exposure to environmental metals considered “heavy metals” such as lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium and arsenic can cause acute or chronic toxicity.  This can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function and damage to vital organs.

Long-term exposure may lead to physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Some of the most common symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include:

• Low mineral absorption
• Hormone imbalance
• Chronic fatigue
• Autoimmune disease
• Neurological disorders
• Brain Fog
• Depression, Bi-polar and Anxiety
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Osteoporosis

Why do heavy metals cause hormone imbalance and  poor absorption of minerals?

Heavy metals are “heavy” and sit on the cell receptors for hormones, and for essential minerals like calcium magnesium and iron. In other words, they block hormones and essential minerals.

Heavy Metal Detox Diet

• Foods rich in vitamin C – Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as an antioxidant.
• Coriander (Cilantro for people in the U.S.) and other green vegetables – Coriander and green leafy vegetables like kale and parsley are detoxifying and can help reduce the buildup of heavy metals like mercury in the body.
• Garlic and onions – These vegetables contain sulfur which helps your liver detoxify itself of heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
• Water – Drink 8 ounces of water or vegetable juice every two hours to help flush out toxins.
• Lemon – add some lemon to your water. This is especially good as a drink on rising.
• Flax and chia seeds – Omega-3 fats and fiber can help with detoxification of the colon and reduce inflammation.

Toxic Foods to Avoid

• Farmed fish – Can contain heavy metals, dioxins and PCB’s which are highly toxic.
• Food you have allergies to – If your body is fighting against common allergens, it will not be able to detoxify from heavy metal poisoning.
• Non-organic foods – These foods increase exposure to chemicals which make symptoms worse. Some of the worst offenders include conventional apple juice and brown rice products.
• Foods with additives – Additives are chemicals that can aggravate toxicity symptoms and decrease your body’s ability to detoxify.
• Alcohol – Is toxic to the body and can make it more difficult for your liver to process other toxins and contributes to toxic load.

Heavy Metal Detox Supplements

• ASEA Redox supplement – See http://aseaglobal.com/ – ASEA Redox Supplement can bring your cellular communication to optimal levels, improving the health of every system of your body.

• Coriander (Cilantro) – Helps with detoxification.

• Chlorella – Acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals. (Coriander and Chlorella have a greater effect if used together in order to mobilize more toxins.)

• Vitamin C (3000 mg daily- during detoxification) -Helps reduce free radicals.

• Milk Thistle (also called St. Mary’s thistle) – Aids in detoxification of the liver.

• Probiotics – Improves detoxification of gut and boosts immunity.

You may feel worse before you feel better!

Toxins that were previously stored in hiding places such as fat cells will now find their way into nerve tissues and the joints. It is important to include a significant amount of good fats in the diet while detoxing. The good fats such as butter, olive oil, avocado, eggs and coconut oil will act as buffers to decrease the negative effects of the heavy metals as they are being eradicated. Negative effects that you may experience during detoxing are headache, moodiness, acne and joint pain. However, these effects are only short-term.it important to push through and not blame the supplements you are taking.

References:

https://draxe.com/heavy-metal-detox/

http://naturalsociety.com/proper-heavy-metal-chelation-cilantro-chlorella/

http://aseaglobal.com/

Here’s a great recipe that goes well with Coriander (Cilantro):

Vietnamese Chicken Soup

Ingredients

Grated fresh ginger – about 2 cm

Grated garlic clove

1 flat teasp. Himalayan salt

1 tablesp. Tamari (Low-salt soy sauce)

Grated rind of lemon / lime, or lemon grass

1 teasp coriander powder

half cup basmati rice

500 g. chicken thigh

Half bunch green spring onions (finely chopped)

1 bunch fresh coriander

1 red onion chopped

1 capsicum cut into thin strips

1 zucchini grated

1 carrot grated

Method

Chop chicken thigh into pieces and place in saucepan with salt. Just cover with water and simmer about 45 minutes.

Add all the rest of the ingredients except for spring onion and fresh coriander

Simmer for 15 minutes.

Add spring onion and fresh coriander just before serving.

Is chocolate good for you?

There is much promotion about chocolate being good for you. We hear that it is high in antioxidants and has positive health benefits. Most of this promotion is done by chocolate companies.

Chocolate contains naturally occurring antioxidants called flavonoids which act not only as antioxidants, but as polyphenols that help keep your blood flowing freely to decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke, and reduce your blood pressure. They also help protect your skin from UV damage from the sun. Recent studies on mice showed that cacao reduced inflammation.

So, could eating chocolate help us avoid some of the effects of diseases?

It’s not that as simple. If you want to reap the benefits of chocolate, you need to be discerning.

Dairy milk chocolate is loaded with sugar and won’t have enough cacao to do you any good.

Many brands replace pure cocoa butter with vegetable oil or palm oil, (not only bad for us but also for the animals of the forests where palm oil is harvested.) In commercial chocolate, the cacao has been heat processed, destroying the antioxidants.

The only chocolate that is really good for you is raw cacao. This may taste a little different to regular cocoa, so you may have to make allowances for that. The best way to get a healthy chocolate treat is to make your own. Here’s a good recipe:

Raw Cacao Balls

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup whole raw almonds

1/2 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

2 tablespoons raw cacao

1 tsp natural vanilla essence

1 cup pitted dates

In a food processor, process nuts, then add all other ingredients except for dates.

Add dates until the mixture becomes sticky enough to form balls.

You can start with 5 or 6 dates, process and then add them one by one testing the

mixture, then pull some out to see if they form balls. If not, add another until they do.

Refrigerate.

References:

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/good-chocolate-bad-chocolate-and-how-tell-difference

https://www.returntofood.com/

There are basically 5 types of pathogens, (harmful living organisms) that can be harmful to our health. These are Viruses, Bacteria, Helminths (worms), Protozoa and Fungi/yeast. Three of these affect many people during the winter months.

1. Viruses

Viruses are small infectious agents that are only able to multiply inside the living cells of animals or plants.

Examples of viral infections: common cold, flu, most coughs and bronchitis, chickenpox and HIV/AIDS.

2. Bacteria

These are single-celled microorganisms that can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent on another organism for life).

Examples of bacterial infections: whooping cough, strep throat, ear infection, bronchitis, urinary tract infection (UTI).

It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses cause an infection, because the treatments differ.

Treatment of bacterial and viral infection

Treatment of Viral infections

The treatment of viral infections can include:

• managing symptoms with such as lemon, ginger and honey for coughs
• warm fluids like chicken soup
• reducing fever
• herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort, Sweet wormwood, plus Immune boosting herbs such as Olive leaf and Echinacea

Treatment of Bacterial infections

Doctors usually treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. They either kill bacteria or stop them multiplying. But since antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, antibiotics may be prescribed only for serious bacterial infections.

Natural remedies:

• herbs such as Golden Seal for mucous membranes, Garlic, Barberry, Oregon Grape, plus immune boosting herbs and essential oils
• herbal mouth washes for sore throats such as Sage and Thyme
• essential oils such as Myrrh

Important: Antibiotics won’t work for viral infections.

    3. Protozoa

Protozoa are one of the three main classes of parasites that cause diseases in humans. They are single-celled organisms that can be seen under a microscope. When they invade a human they are able to multiply easily.

While most pathogens that affect human health are quickly identified and dealt with by our immune system, some pathogens, such as protozoa, use stealth mechanisms to evade detection. This allows them to stay hidden and become drivers of inflammation and ill health. These lingering pathogens often go unrecognized and diagnosed.  Lingering pathogens require a combination of ongoing immune support and specific antimicrobial therapy, with treatments continuing sometimes for long periods of time.

Protozoa infections may look like viral or bacterial infections, but linger on. Many lingering coughs this winter have been misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, but the prescribed antibiotics have had no effect.

 Treatment for protozoa infections:

Myrrh, Golden seal, Barberry, Oregon Grape, Sweet Wormwood, Garlic plus immune boosting herbs.

References:

http://www.med-health.net/Protozoan-Diseases.html

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bacterial-vs-viral-infection

Mediherb treatment strategies for lingering pathogens

Cancer cells need glucose to thrive, and carbohydrates turn into glucose in your body. In order to starve the cancer cells, you have to eliminate its primary food source, i.e. the sugars, which include all non-vegetable carbohydrates, (grains). Physiologist Dr. Otto Warburg received a Nobel Prize back in 1934 for his research identifying cancer’s primary fuel was from anaerobic fermentation of glucose. He clearly demonstrated that cancer cells require sugar to thrive. More recent research7 has also concluded that sugar appears to initiate cancer growth.

One of the key mechanisms by which sugar promotes cancer and other chronic disease is through mitochondrial dysfunction (cell dysfunction). When your body burns sugar for its primary fuel, far larger levels of reactive oxygen species are created, which generate secondary free radicals that cause mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage, along with cell membrane and protein impairment. Cancer is but one potential outcome of this kind of DNA damage.

Late-night snacking, especially with carbohydrates, can increase these risks even further. There is quite compelling evidence showing that when you supply fuel to the mitochondria in your cells at a time when they don’t require large amounts, like when you are sleeping, there is an accumulation of unused fuel for energy which in turn liberates reactive oxygen species (free radicals), setting into motion the same cascade of mitochondrial and DNA damage.

Therefore, eating shortly before going to bed is likely a very bad idea, considering your cells need the least amount of fuel when you’re sleeping. Four hours of fasting before bedtime is a good idea, as is not eating later than 6 pm. Another piece of good advice is to have a larger meal at lunch time and a smaller meal in the evening.

Reference: Mercola

Amalgam Fillings

Silver or amalgam dental fillings contain around 50% mercury, 35% silver and various other metals. Mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium and even arsenic. Furthermore there is no known toxic threshold for mercury vapour, meaning that even the smallest amount of mercury vapour can be harmful. Mercury is continually released from amalgam fillings in the form of mercury vapour, and chewing, brushing and drinking hot liquid all increase this.

Scientific research has demonstrated that mercury, even in small amounts, can damage the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, blood cells, enzymes, hormones, and as well, suppresses the body’s immune system. Mercury has been shown to pass through the placental membrane in pregnant women, causing permanent damage to the brain of the developing foetus. Because cancer is a disease of toxicity, the mercury’s contribution to the cause of cancer must be considered. Amalgam fillings were first used in Paris in 1832, and in that same year the world’s first case of Multiple Sclerosis was reported. In a study involving the US FDA, out of 113 MS patients, 86 reported significant improvement or total cure at some time after the fillings were replaced.

Mercury is attracted to fat, so for detoxification, raw eggs in juice, with the addition of cold-pressed olive oil, vitamins C, E and antioxidants are recommended. Butter and coconut oil in the diet are also recommended. The mercury will be eliminated as it clings to the ingested fats and passes through the body. People on juice fasts may experience severe detoxification effects, so may need to include some raw eggs, butter and olive oil. Only a biological dentist, using special apparatus including a rubber oral dam and mask, should only remove amalgam fillings.

Gary Martin
Living Valley Springs Health Retreat
www.lvs.com.au

In many people, the immune system has started to attack its host (our bodies) in many different ways. In the Western world we are seeing an increase in diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, hypothyroid or multiple sclerosis.

We have to wonder why this collection of diseases is thriving i9n the 21st century. The common factor of all autoimmune conditions is low grade inflammation. Whenever the immune system  makes an attack on an enemy, or foreign body,  it releases inflammatory molecules whose job is to damage and, ultimately, kill the pathogen. But in the case of autoimmunity, it is your own healthy tissue that gets attacked.

The orthodox medical solution is to curb inflammation and suppress the immune system with powerful steroid drugs; such medications have severe side effects and often don’t alleviate symptoms sufficiently. However diet and lifestyle can provide a solution that is side effect free and shows remarkable results in a very short time.

Since 1900, humans have released more than 80,000 man-made chemicals into our environment; the foreign compounds found in pollutants create an immune reaction which can lead to an autoimmune condition.

Another possible culprit lies in the digestive system. When our gut is inflamed or leaky, food particles such as gliadin from gluten, casein from dairy and lectins found in grains can interact with our immune system, creating an autoimmune response. Increased intestinal permeability or ‘leaky gut’ is a common feature of many autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Considering that 80% of our immune system is located in our small and large intestines, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this is the very place to start when addressing an immune imbalance.

When talking about gut health we also have to mention the dramatic effect of gluten on our defense mechanisms; it is now well established that over 60 different autoimmune conditions are actually related to gluten intolerance. It is important to differentiate between celiac disease and gluten intolerance, however; whilst celiac shows a clear abnormality in the structure of the intestinal wall, people can still be gluten intolerant even if their gut wall looks normal and healthy. Once an antibody against gluten has been made, it is very easy for your body to make anti-bodies against our own tissue such as the thyroid gland. The more gluten we eat, the more we will be driving autoimmunity against healthy cells.

It is not enough to simply adopt a gluten free diet to find relief from autoimmunity. All possible triggers and drivers have to be addressed. The best place to start is to swap all cleaning and body care products to products that are free of harmful chemicals. Consume organic foods whenever possible and look for a holistic dentist who can safely remove any amalgam fillings. Removing toxic minerals such as mercury and lead is also an important step to take and should be done safely under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Gluten is one of the most common immune disruptive substances, creating inflammation and damage to the gut wall; experts have linked over 60 different autoimmune conditions directly to gluten intolerance.

Once your environment is clean, levels of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids should be optimized; both compounds are essential for a well functioning immune system and people are often deficient or out of balance.

Adopt a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods including vegetables & low GI fruit, organic meat, eggs and healthy fats and oils.

You might have been told that there is no cure for autoimmunity but, with hard work and some guidance, it is possible to take control of your immune system.

Reference:
Lola Renton, nutritionist
http://igennus.com/nutrition-blog/dietary-foundations-for-auto-immune-disease/

The liver performs hundreds of roles to help keep our bodies healthy. People have always realized its importance; the word ‘liver’ is possibly linked with the verb ‘to live’.

Liver function
The liver is so important that if it is not working right, other organs begin working harder in order to make up for what the liver is not doing. The other organs tire, resulting in many of the symptoms of illness we experience.

The liver is composed of about 100,000 liver lobules, (small round divisions which process blood). The lobules are made of hepatic plates. When blood flows between the hepatic plates, it is cleansed of harmful and unnecessary matter.

The liver is also the major blood storage unit of the body, containing about 10% of the total blood volume. This storage capability aides us when we lose blood, as in the case of a haemorrhage.

The liver also stores vitamins A, D, B12 and iron

As the blood circulates through our body, it picks up a lot of excess baggage. This baggage can be harmful, including bacteria, drugs, chemicals and hormones. As the liver removes this unnecessary baggage it can sometimes overloaded the liver. We might experience indigestion, gas and abdominal pain, and sensitivity to perfumes, chemicals and certain foods.

Toxin removal
The liver has two phases of detoxification. During Phase 1 the liver breaks down the toxins by using the body’s enzymes. In Phase 2 the toxins are further broken down and then escorted out of the body through the kidneys and bowel. In a healthy body these two phases of detoxification are constantly in operation.

When the body is overloaded with toxins Phase 1 detoxification may occur too rapidly. The liver gets overloaded with toxins because Phase 2 (which takes the toxins out of the body) cannot keep up with Phase 1. In this case antioxidants can assist. In general, Phase 1 detoxification needs to be slowed down while Phase 2 detoxification needs to speed up.

Foods and supplements
The following foods and supplements can assist in liver detoxification.

Phase 1
Citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit)
Quercetin (many fruits and vegetables)
Cloves
Curcumin (turmeric)
Capsaicin (chilli peppers)
Raspberries and berries and fruit
Green tea
Milk thistle
Cruciferous vegetables e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, kale etc
Sesame seeds/oil

Phase 2
Amino acids:
Glycine
Taurine
Glutamine
Cysteine
Arginine
Ornithine
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), Cysteine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methionine

Whey
Cruciferous vegetables
Curcumin
Onions
Garlic
Omega 3 Fish Oils

Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, C, selenium, zinc, magnesium, copper

Note: Milk thistle (Silymarin) protects the liver and generally speeds up most phase 2 reactions
http://www.ei-resource.org/easyblog/entry/foods-and-supplements-to-balance-phase-1-and-phase-2-liver-detoxification/