Vitamins for Wellness

Chelation Therapy was first used during world war one by the British as a result of arsenic based poison gas used indescrimitively in that war. An organic dithio compound was used to bond with the arsenic in the bloodstream and exiting the body through the kidneys and liver. This therapy reportedly had severe side effects.

During world war two the United States military used chelation therapy on navy personnel who acquired lead poisoning from paint used on navy vessels. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid a natural amino acid) was used as the chelation agent. Later in the 1960’s the chelation agent of choice was DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid is also called succimer and is sold under the brand name Chemet.) for treating arsenic, mercury and lead poisoning.

As with all chelation agents and there are many the underlying purpose and the end result is a chemical bond with metal ions in the bloodstream making the ions less chemically active resulting in a water-soluble solution that is then naturally eliminated via the bloodstream.

Chelation therapy is now widely used to treat toxic metal poisoning. EDTA chelation, which is USDA (United States Drug Administration), approved is the chelation agent most used by our medical industry.

Chelation therapy can be introduced into the body intramuscularly, orally, or intravenously.

As shown chelation therapy is nothing new and has been used extensively throughout the world by many nations including U.S.A., Great Briton, and Russia (Soviet Union). Also conventional medicine has and continues to use chelation therapy albeit on a limited basis.

Chelation Therapy and Alternative Medicine:

I believe it is fair to say that conventional medicine and alternative medicine have been at odds for many years for various reasons and too many to mention here. Having said that both sides of medicine use chelation therapy, the difference is in the agent used. Alternative medicine uses natural agents found in herbs, vitamins, minerals and natural sources. This includes EDTA, which is in fact the standard FDA approved chelation agent used for treating lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium poisoning.

Of course there are no patents on naturally found agents such as EDTA thus drug companies have little interest in promoting this type of health procedure. EDTA is the chelation agent most often used by alternative medical practitioners although there are many other agents also used none of which are approved by the FDA.

Alternative medicine uses chelation therapy for a variety of ailments but primarily for treating cardio vascular disease most notably cleansing of arteries.

The U.S National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine is presently conducting a trial of efficacy concerning alternative medicine chelation agents and will be completed in 2009. The FDA and traditional medical institutions such as the American Heart Association are inalterably opposed to this trial calling it “dangerous and unethical”.

Another controversial use of chelation in the alternative medicine world is for treating children with Autism. The theory is that heavy metals in the bloodstream may inniate symptoms of Autism. Recently the alternative medicine community has proposed a link to Thiomersal a vaccine preservative, which contains mercury as a possible if not probable ‘switch’ to igniting Autisim. The traditional medical industry is quick to point out that there is no scientific data to support the claims. Mercury is indisputably a heavy metal that creates havoc in the bloodstream. Thimerosoal the mercury poisoning drug has now been removed from ‘most’ childhood immunizations.

As you would expect, the alternative medicine community cites positive reports from some parents with Autistic children who have participated in some form of chelation therapy. Conversely traditional medicine debunks the use of chelation therapy for treating Autism and points to two (2) children dying due to hypocalemia and cardiac arrest after being administered chelation therapy. Traditional critics also say that prolonged use of some chelation agents may cause liver damage, kidney problems, blood pressure drops, and other health risks. However it is important to note that there is no mention of the risks or side effects of prescription drugs and surgical procedures traditional medicine routinely use in treating patients.

Comparatively new to chelation therapy is its use for treating some cancers. Proclaimed by some as a last hope therapy, this is highly controversial and not without critics on both sides of the proverbial fence. There have been ‘favorable reports’ of “miraculous” reductions in cancer cells and shrinkage of cancerous tumors in some patients. No studies have been conducted to legitimize these claims. The alternative medicine world relays heavily on personal testimonies from individual patients, whereby traditionalists conduct studies and trials often funded by drug companies or institutions that have a vested interest in a favorable outcome.

In Conclusion:

The medical world has begun a paradigm shift from traditional to alternative medicine. Chelation therapy has its pros and cons but undeniably it is now more then ever a viable alternative to surgery and traditional drug prescriptions. Chelation therapy should only be administered by a licensed medical practitioner and only after a thorough physical. Before deciding on any method of treatment for any ailment it is wise to seek out an abundant amount of information and points of view.

As a personal testimony, I have used oral chelation for many years as a form of preventative medicine since heart disease is prevalent in my family, with no apparent side effects. In my opinion chelation therapy is an effective alternative to surgery and is an effective choice in preventing cardiovascular disease by boosting your immune system and effectively cleansing the arteries. Always use any ‘natural supplement’ in moderation and always check with a reputable licensed natural practitioner before implementing any natural supplement regiment. Additionally be sure to consult with your pharmacist concerning interactions with prescription drugs.

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble crystalline compound that contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and cobalt. The latter gives it a rich red color. It is heat stable in neutral solutions, but it is destroyed by heat in both acid and alkaline mediums. It is also sensitive to light and is destroyed by heavy metals and strong oxidizing and reducing agents.

Vitamin B-12 is the most complex compound of the vitamins. Its chemical symbol is C63H90CON14O14P. It contains one cobalt atom that is similar in structure to the position of iron in hemoglobin. B12 is the only naturally occurring organic compound that contains cobalt. The commercially available form of Vitamin B-12 is Cyanocobalamin.

It helps activate amino acids during protein formation and in the anaerobic degradation of the amino acid lysine. The coenzyme of cobalamin is a carrier of methyl groups and hydrogen, and is necessary for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.

Cobalamin also provides important protection of the heart by way of its methyl transfer role. It is active in the synthesis of the amino acid methionine from its precursor, homocysteine. The synthesis occurs by first removing a methyl group from methyl folate, a derivative of the biologically active form of folic acid. This methyl group is then transferred to homocysteine and methionine is formed. It has been recently acknowledged that excess homocysteine in the blood is the cause of heart disease, blood clots, stroke and gangrene. Therefore, the understanding of this complementary action between B-12 and folic acid is a significant addition to our arsenal of weapons for the fight against heart disease. It is important to note that adequate amounts of both vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for methionine synthesis to take place. You can say keeping homocysteine levels low is a matter of life and death.

Methionine is essential for choline synthesis; therefore, vitamin B12 plays a secondary role in this lipid pathway. A choline deficiency that causes fatty liver can be prevented by cobalamin or the other methyl donors (betaine, methionine, folic acid).

It has been observed that fatty acid synthesis is impaired when this B vitamin is deficient. A lack of sufficient essential fatty acids results in impairment of brain and nerve tissue. The myelin sheath (the insulation around nerve cells) is malformed in a cobalamin deficiency and contributes to faulty nerve transmission. A prolonged B12 deficiency will ultimately lead to neurological disturbances.

DNA replication is dependent on the function of coenzyme cobalamin as a methyl group carrier. It is this role that explains why a deficiency of B-12 leads to megaloblastic anemia. This disorder is characterized by large immature blood cells and changes in bone marrow. Inadequate DNA translation leading to improper cell replication results in the large blood cells observed in this disorder. These large misshapen red blood cells are unable to transport oxygen. This results in anemia, leukopenia, thrombopenia and fewer, but larger and less mature, blood cells. Poor cell division in the gastrointestinal tract and epithelial tissues produces glossitis and megaloblastosis. Furthermore, general growth and repair are likewise impaired.

The characteristic symptom of a severe deficiency of this B vitamin is pernicious or megaloblastic anemia. This condition is most often caused by either inadequate consumption of B-12 or by a reduced gastric secretion of a mucoprotein called intrinsic factor. This intrinsic factor is necessary for proper vitamin B12 absorption through the intestinal tract. It is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach and binds onto the vitamin to transport it into the small intestine. In the presence of calcium, this transport mechanism attaches to the intestinal wall, facilitating absorption of the vitamin.

Pernicious anemia can also result from several other conditions, including:

Gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach)

Surgical removal of the lower ileum (were B vitamins are absorbed)

Developing antibodies to intrinsic factor

Hereditary malabsorption

Strict vegetarianism (absence of animal products in diet)

Homocystinuria (characterized by large amounts of homocysteine in the urine)

We now know that a deficiency of B vitamins (B6, Folic Acid & B-12) is the trigger for heart disease. This occurs when homocysteine levels rise unchecked by sufficient blood levels of these three B vitamins. There is good news in this message. Now, we know how to prevent heart disease and have a longer healthier life.

Too much homocysteine in the blood damages arteries and blood vessels causing the formation of arterial plaques. This results in arteriosclerosis and heart disease.

Other deficiency symptoms include glossitis, degeneration of the spinal cord, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, hypotension, disorientation, numbness, tingling, ataxia, moodiness, confusion, agitation, dimmed vision, delusions, hallucinations, and eventually, “megaloblastic madness” (psychosis).

A long-term marginal b-12 deficiency has been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It has been found that over 70% of older persons having a B-12 deficiency also have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s patients also exhibit lower blood levels of this B vitamin than patients who suffer from other brain or memory disorders. B-12 status correlates with the severity of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s patients. It is presently unknown whether the deficiency is a cause or result of the disease. However, cobalamin functions in numerous metabolic processes that affect nerve tissue. These processes include the synthesis of neurotransmitters and phospholipids which may explain B-12’s possible link with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Symptoms of Vitamin B-12 deficiency are most commonly found in people over the age of 40 with increasing occurrences as age increased and is often a result of the reduced secretion of intrinsic factor. This condition is corrected with B-12 injections. Patients suffering form dementia often exhibit a deficiency of this B vitamin and supplementation improves mental functioning in some of these cases.

Vitamin B-12 absorption can be inhibited by many gastrointestinal disorders including, gluten-induced enteropathy, tropical sprue, regional ileitis, malignancies, and granulomatous lesions in the small intestine, tapeworm, bacteria associated with blind loop syndrome, and other disorders that impair the proper intestinal function. The need for B12 intake is increased by hyperthyroidism, parasitism and pregnancy.

The only source of vitamin B-12 in nature is microbial synthesis. Cobalamin is not found in plants, but is produced by bacteria in the digestive tract of animals or by microbial fermentation of foods.

Sources containing more than 10mcg/100 grams are organ meats (liver, kidney, heart), clams, and oysters. Good sources (3 to 10mcg/100 grams) are nonfat dry milk, crab, salmon, sardines, and egg yolk. Moderate amounts (1 to 3 mcg/100 grams) are meat, lobster, scallops, flounder, swordfish, tuna and fermented cheese. Other sources are fermented soybean products, poultry, and liquid milk products.

Because cobalamin is affected by temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius, some or all of this B vitamin is lost when meat is cooked.

The minimum daily requirement for B12 can be exceeded by ten thousand fold with no signs of toxicity. Excesses are excreted in the urine.

Many of the tests available to assess cobalamin deficiency have limitations and can give false results. For example, the MCV test (macrocytosis test) is not a sensitive test. Several conditions such as folacin deficiency, vitamin C supplementation, and antibiotics can result in high or low levels of B-12 being indicated in the essay. The Schilling test can give both false abnormal and false normal readings. Vitamin B-12 deficiency detection requires multiple testing methods and the patient’s symptoms being used in combination to diagnose.

References:

Garrison Jr., R.PH., Robert & Somer, M.A., R.D., Elizabeth, The Nutrition Desk Reference, 3rd ed., New Canaan: Keats Publishing, 1999,

pp 124-128, 431, 434

McCully, M.D., Kilmer S. & McCully, Martha, The Heart Revolution, New York: Harper Perennial, 1999, pp 1-10

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As much as we want to live in a clean world, we would still be unable to avoid all the chemicals and hazards, but of course, we can have ourselves protected and live a healthy life.

How does the body cleanse itself? It can either be in a form of sweat, urine, and bowel movements. There can be difficulties in cleansing our bodies; one is of course in releasing bowel movement.

Thankfully, there are now modern medication and herbal supplements that can cleanse your colon. Bowtrol colon cleanse is a herbal colon cleanser that uses natural ingredients to cleanse your colon. Hence it has less side effects compared to other colon medications and laxatives.

Most of the times, it is the person’s body that may alter the effect of the medicine, though most of the laxatives may cause stomach aches and other side effects.

Bowtrol has been known to have effective ingredients in their product and they also have ingredients that are quite harmful when taken more than prescribed. If you are suffering from chronic constipation, this is definitely designed for you.

This will maximize elimination without losing stool or uneasy cramping by regularly doing healthy bowel actions while supporting  purification of the vital organs and lymphatic system.

Bowtrol  cleanse the digestive system,   breaks up fecal matter,  cleanses the intestinal tract, stops occasional bloating, loses the weight of waste, reduces water retention, supports colon health, and supports the health of vital organs.

Natural remedies helpful in Relieving Constipation. How to relieve bowel problems using natural remedies. Constipation is the incapacity of an individual or animal to have bowel movements and eliminate waste materials from the body. There are varied causes of bowel problems : inadequate intake of fiber-rich foods is one of them. excessive consumption of dairy products, processed foods, fast foods, is another. More importantly, the neglect of water for other fluids like coffee mineral drinks, lager also contributes seriously to it. Nothing is  better than  water. It’s the only substance that the body cannot conveniently do without. One other supposed factor although still debatable- is the absence of exercise. While this is precisely open to argument and may not especially be a core influence in constipation defects, it actually doesn’t do anyone any harm to do  some type of exercise. An insignificant walking around the block can trigger bowel movements.

You may want to try a bowtrol free trial. For instance, folk who become so used to using laxatives sometimes finish up having to rely on them for bowel movements. This is because the colon muscles simply refuse to contract and cause the standard bowel movements. Luckily though, because of research, we are finding that herbal cures are more preferable, have longer lasting positive results and , no complications at all . The ordinary fruits we hitherto evaded are becoming actually helpful in helping to treat bowel obstruction and making us feel fitter and live longer. In the subsequent paragraph and beyond, we’ll be looking at the assorted natural herbal remedies available for our day-to-day consumption.

1.Mango. This fruit is fashionable in Africa. I does wonders in the treatment of bowel obstruction. It has never failed anyone that has used it as a natural cure for the runs. Unfortunately, it isn’t available in this part of the planet as it is a fruit found only in the tropics. One in the morning and last thing at night, and you have yourself an easy bowel movement. You may want to notice it in case you travel some day to Africa.

2.Bael Fruit. This works exceedingly well in the treatment of constipation. Also a bowtrol free trial can be a good option to consider. To commence treatment, consume the fruit on a daily basis for three months.

2.Eat a medium-sized pear at breakfast or after dinner. It’s been said that it is a useful home remedy in relieving constipation.

4.Eat guava with the seeds. Take two on a regular basis.

Intestinal agony, discomfort, changing bowel habits, the runs, these are just a few of the indications of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBM, a condition that affects many. Often associated with stress, persistent fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and protracted pelvis agony, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that defies one single explanation. In some women menstruation triggers IBS. Some women find the condition worsened by pregnancy or by menopause. Without reference to the cause, and many are possible[**] relief for many comes from use of Bowtrol Colon Cleaner, a treatment that’s safe to take daily and provides required relief for many irritable bowel symptom sufferers.

I’m sure that you have already heard about Resveratrol, and all of the health benefits it can offer you. There are many different ways to take Resveratrol. One of these wonderful methods is by taking Resveratrol capsules once a day. These capsules have a concentrated amount of this wonderful nutrient in them, and they can help to improve your overall health. Here are some benefits of why you should take Resveratrol in capsule form.

Resveratrol capsules are convenient. Simply swallow a pill once a day or as directed. It is a lot more convenient than drinking gallons of red wine every week and having the alcohol potentially harming your liver.

These capsules are also quite inexpensive. Compared to purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of red wine each month, you could spend just twenty or fifty dollars on a one month supply of Resveratrol. You will save a lot of money by simply using the capsules.

You can get more of the nutrient into your body when you use a capsule. In red wine, there is some Resveratrol, but not usually much. You would have to drink a lot of wine to make up the content of Resveratrol in just one capsule. Capsules have been specifically designed to give you the best possible benefit out of taking this wonderful nutrient into your body.

If you are considering taking Resveratrol capsules, it is a great idea. Resveratrol will help you look and feel younger, and increase your energy levels as well as your overall health. When you take a capsule once a day, you can make some very significant improvements in how you feel and even how long you live. It is a wonderful choice that you can make for your life and your body. Why not start today?

Spirulina is a variety of blue-green algae that has remained virtually unchanged since it first appeared on the earth more than 3.5 billion years ago. So named because of its helix or “spiral” shape, Spirulina has gained prominence as nature’s green “superfood” because of its rich concentration of perfectly balanced amino acids (protein), fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Spirulina is also naturally “pumped” with vitamins, especially the carotenoids like beta-carotene, essential fatty acids (EFA’s), the important fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), digestive enzymes, minerals and the richest plant source of vitamin B12. Spirulina is the “must have” green food- a complete protein with all eight essential amino acids present. Its 60% protein content is four times greater than beef (18%)! In our society, where the concept of complete protein is meat and dairy, it is very reassuring to know that greens like Spirulina can provide all the high quality protein and other nutrients needed.

A single serving of Spirulina contains 45% of your daily value of vitamin B12. That’s good news and reassuring for vegetarians, many of who are incorrectly led to believe that eating animal food is critical to getting this essential blood building vitamin.

Spirulina also helps with a variety of other ailments. DNA repair, cholesterol, and communication between cells are all helped with just a little bit of this supplement.

One of the main benefits stands to gain is the improvement of immune system. There have been many studies conducted that have shown that spirulina greatly helps to increase not only red blood cell production, but also the activity of the cells of bone marrow. Even T cells and macrophages have been increased.

Other studies conducted by Japanese scientists have shown that the growth of herpes virus, measles, and influenza have all been stunted by spirulina. Polysaccharides, phycocyanin and beta carotene are the active components of spirulina, which work to improve the immune system.

Spirulina also manages to fight bacteria such as E.coli and encourages the growth of good bateria in order to ensure that our bodies function well.

Another great attribute of spirulina is that it detoxifies one’s system well. A study revealed that spirulina actually helps decrease the toxicity of certain other drugs on one’s kidneys.

It also works to increase good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol for those who have ingested just a few grams of it a day. Of course as with any other sort of supplement or drug, one should always consult their physician before taking taking it in order to avoid a possible allergic reaction.

Give spirulina a try. I believe you will find that it will improve your health and support your efforts at healthy living.

Sprouts are rapidly becoming popular all over the world as people are seeking a healthy and economic source of food. A handful of seeds can sprout into enough “live food” to provide balanced nutrition for a number of meals.

Why eat sprouts?

1. Sprouts are an abundant source of predigested amino acids, minerals, vitamins, natural sugars and life force. Research shows that sprouts are among the highest natural source of vitamins.

2. They provide our cells with nutrients, vigor and life.

3. For this reason, sprouts can retard the aging process.

4. Sprouts contain goodly amounts of male and female hormones, as well, in their most easily assimilated form.

5. Finally, consider the tremendous potential of sprouts as a survival food. Sprouts alone can sustain and adequately nourish life and growth. If enough seeds are stored and dept dry, millions could be fed in the event of a catastrophe.

What Kinds of Seeds Can be Used?

Almost any seed can be sprouted. The most popular are wheat, alfalfa and mung beans (these are sprouts you find in Chinese food).

Wheat sprouts

Contain vitamin plenty of Vitamin E and Super oxide dismutase, both of which are important antioxidants, which protect us from free radicals. They are beneficial to our reproductive system and provide oxygen to the body giving it tone and endurance. They can have a healing effect in adolescent acne and all types of inflammations. They help dissolve blood clots. They are also recommended for depression as they contain calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B (especially B1) which strengthen the nervous system.

Note: Eat wheat sprouts as soon as you see the small white root coming out, one coffee spoon each day to start with and gradually increasing the quantity. Remember to chew them very well.

Give wheat sprouts to your children instead of candies or chocolate as they contain natural sugars and become very sweet when chewed well.

Wheat sprouts are the best «pep-foods» for athletes.

Alfalfa sprouts

Have many of the benefits of wheat sprouts. They need more room to expand. Use only one tablespoon for your first try and you will be amazed at the volume you will get. They are very delicate and best used raw in fresh salads.

Mung beans

Are more appropriately cooked briefly with a vegetable or rice dish or lightly steamed. All sprouts have some effect in retarding the process of aging.

How to Make Sprouts

1) Put about 1 inch of seeds in the bottom of a jar.

2) Fill with water and let soak for 12 to 24 hours.

3) Secure a piece of cheesecloth or screen onto the top of the jar. You may secure it with a rubber band.

4) After the first 12 to 24 hours in which the seeds are soaking, you rinse the seeds twice daily by pouring in water mixing the seeds and sprouts around and pouring the water out again. You then leave the jar upside down so that the water drains out. Let them germinate in a dark but well-ventilated area.

5) The sprouts will be ready to eat within three to five days depending on the type and the temperature of the room. Now cover them and put into the refrigerator.

Enjoy these healthy and deliciously vibrant foods.