Vitamins for Wellness

Cholesterol is a very familiar medical term almost to anyone, particularly the middle age group.  It is a common thing the word will never be a part of teen-age lingo.  The main reason is, most of the dreaded ailments accompanying “high cholesterol” levels are associated with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and other long term and acquired conditions, which does not could also happen to younger generation as juvenile complications.  To make it clear, when the majority is talking about lowering cholesterol, it is all about alleviating the further progress of bad cholesterol.

There are two kinds of cholesterol accumulating or present in the human body.  Bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein is harmful because it can cause atheroma.  Atheroma is considered to be the plaque of the arteries, commonly referred to as fat streaks.  If not watched carefully, accumulation of ‘macrophage white blood cells’ can happen to a child even before the age of 10.

The early symptoms may start as early as 5 years old, while the child grows up and the condition is accumulating quietly in the veins.  Most of the time, the exact symptoms are only given prognosis after the onset of heart attack or stroke, which is already too late for the patient.  The attack of silent killers may not cause death but chances are it can lead to lifetime disability.

It is debilitating to imagine how high levels of bad cholesterol can cause serious consequences to the body.  When most people may appear healthy all the time, cholesterols can only be checked through lab tests.  Sometimes it surprises people to find out how high their cholesterol build-up has soared for the past years.

There is no mystery behind the strengthening of bad cholesterol other than high consumption of saturated fats in the diet.  In the advent of labels or guides in processed foods like canned goods and other packed products in the groceries, it is easy to see the amount of cholesterol a food has.  This is just a small matter on how to grasp the essence of being cholesterol conscious.

The major way to lower down cholesterol levels in the body is to understand how it metabolizes in the body.  Cholesterol doe not actually come from diet alone.  It is a whole process within where diet is just one of the contributing factor.  Good cholesterol aids in the body’s biochemical functioning like producing bile, regulating of vitamins that are fat soluble such as A, K, D, and E.

It also has impact on the synthesis of the body hormone.  After cholesterol has been utilized in the body, it excretes as excess lipids in the liver and gall bladder as crystal particles.  Because cholesterol is not water soluble, it circulates over and over and gets converted to bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins).  For normal individuals with healthy metabolism, bad cholesterol is minimal and comes in as   large quantities.  The harmful ones are those that come in many number of small sizes trapped in the veins as accumulated clogs.

When it comes to lowering high cholesterol, basically there is nothing to ponder about genetic weaknesses, the key is watching over food intake.  Cholesterol is highly present in animal meats and fats, especially pork and beef.  It is easy to watch fatty foods with all the precautions available today.  But it takes discipline to live a life with less cholesterol consumption.

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Arlito Edgar :

Choosing a product to cleanse the colon is challenging, especially that products execute great marketing strategies and make it difficult for consumers to know which products will work and which will not. Advertisements are so compelling that even the most ineffective colon maintenance products get so much attention from consumers. And so the only solution left to know trusted and reliable products is to read reviews by people who themselves have tried these products.

In researching reviews in personal blogs and social networking sites from the net, Bowtrol colon cleanse supplement gets a very high approval rating. Promotion wise, Bowtrol claims that it thoroughly unclogs the colon from unwanted materials such as gluey fecal matters, bacteria, and toxins. Of course, we really cannot prove if this claim is true visually, so we have just to rely on its effects once taken by the body.

Taking colon cleanse supplement like Bowtrol is irrelevant without practicing ideal health habits. We must of course eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, as these foods have high fiber contents that bulk up the feces and making them easier to release. Drinking 8 glasses or more of water or natural fruit juices everyday is also must, together with adequate sleep and regular exercise. In connection to exercise, doing routines concentrated on the lower abdominal and pelvic area is advised to achieve sound bowel movement.

Most of all, we should not fight the urge of a bowel movement, even if we are too busy to do so. The body’s elimination of food should occur at least 18-24 hours after eating. If we are not having at least one bowel movement every single day, we not only feel uncomfortable, we are putting ourselves at risk for serious health problems. Defecating during the peak of work may sound embarrassing, but it is definitely better than suffering from painful colon complications or other diseases cause by toxic colon.

Gary Kenneth Archer :

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.

Ricky Lim :

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.

Bette Dowdell asked:


Bette Dowdell

Enough with the fluoride already! Communities began adding fluoride to our drinking water based on “scientific” studies–which turned out to be bogus–claiming fluoride would protect our teeth from cavities. Based on the same “science,” companies put the stuff in toothpaste.

Fact is, fluoride doesn’t reduce cavities. Communities with fluoride in their drinking water have the same incidence of cavities as communities without. European countries woke up, smelled the coffee and got rid of the stuff–with no increase of dental caries.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, fluoride creates all kinds of health havoc.

•  Fluoride beats up on the endocrine system big-time. It has a significant impact on the thyroid,  the pancreas, the pineal gland, the testes and the ovaries. And those are just the ones with studies to back up the anecdotal data..

•  Fluoride interferes with iodine intake. Added to the negative impact on thyroid, which is related, the damage can be substantial. 40% of us have thyroid problems now, double the historic levels.

•  Fluoride lowers IQ levels.

•  Fluoride weakens bones.

•  Fluoride causes fluorosis, a weakening and mottling of tooth enamel.

•  Fluoride increases the incidence of cancer.

•  Fluoride speeds up aging.

• Fluoride impacts fertility

Well, I could go on, but gloryosky! Isn’t that enough to make you start a campaign? Especially if you have children who are doubly impacted by fluoride’s negative effects?

First off, ditch any toothpaste containing fluoride–which is most of them. Jason’s Natural Products and Kiss My Face Corporation have excellent, fluoride-free toothpastes available at health food stores and on-line.

Stay alert, though. The growing popularity of natural products has large companies moving in. They buy small, natural product companies, then, in some cases, quietly make the products unnatural. Always read labels.

In terms of fluoride in the water system, I tell you true, if you’re waiting for somebody else to take care of you, you’re waiting in vain. Going against “science,” even bogus science, asks a lot of elected officials. Only the pressure of public noise can motivate change.

Overwhelm your city government with mail, e-mail and phone calls. Get some good research reports off the internet and send them along–with highlighting to increase the impact. Make your presence known at meetings.

The old saying tells us the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Translate that in this case to the pest gets results. Doing nothing takes no effort by city officials. Behind-the-scenes financial interests may need flushing out. Whatever the case, few good things happen by themselves.

In the meantime, reverse osmosis sustems get rid of fluoride, and they fit under the sink. Unfortunately, they make water acidic–a whole lot better than fluoride, but still needing attention. Most of us already flirt with ill health because of acidity, but we can handle that. What we can’t handle is fluoride..

First order of the day: Get rid of fluoride.

Karen Pijuan :

Vitamin B12 contains cobalt, and hence it’s other name, cobalamin. Like all the B vitamins, it plays many key roles in the body. It is required for energy production and red blood cell formation, as well as for proper nervous system development and maintenance. B12 has been shown to improve memory and promote a healthy heart, as well as to prevent infertility in men. It also works as a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and is involved in immune function.

New research shows success with B12 and managing cancer, especially in blocking the development of tumors. It also helps to relieve fatigue, depression and poor concentration. It is associated with lower levels of homocysteine in the blood, which has been shown to be good for lowering the risk of heart disease and perhaps also that of Alzheimer’s.

B12 is also important in the production of myelin, the covering that insulates nerve fibers and keeps electrical impulses moving in your body.

Extra Vitamin B12 Requirements

Research shows that the elderly are often low in B12, either because of not getting enough in the diet or poor absorption. In fact, deficiencies are more likely to be associated with a failure to properly absorb B12, which can happen in the elderly as their digestion system functions less well. Long-term use of various drugs, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives also seems to deplete body of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is largely supplied in animal foods, so vegetarians, especially vegans, often become deficient, although it does take a long time to deplete the B12 stores in the body.

Deficiency Symptoms of B12

Deficiency of B12 can result in pernicious anemia and various problems with your nervous system, such as memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, and more. Pernicious anemia is characterized by low energy levels, poor skin color, listlessness and being short of breath. Some other symptoms include heart palpitations, tinnitius, dizziness, poor resistance to infection and dementia . B12 deficiency has also been linked to multiple sclerosis-type symptoms, probably because of its function of helping to produce the myelin nerve sheaths. When B12 deficiency occurs over a long period of time, it can cause both nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage, so if you suspect a B12 deficiency, you want to have it checked right away.

Food Sources of Vitamin B12

B12 is found primarily in meat, eggs and dairy products. It can be found in seaweeds and algae, as well as in fermented soy products like miso, but studies have shown that the B12 in plant foods is just not a reliable source of B12. The best food sources of vitamin B12 are definitely all animal sources, which is why it is crucial that vegans supplement. Some of the best sources include seafood like cooked oysters, king crab, herring, salmon, and clams. It’s also found in cheese, poultry, yogurt, eggs, organ meats and nutritional yeast. If you decide to supplement, we recommend only a natural B complex source, especially over the long term, so as to avoid other problems with B vitamin imbalances.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:


Colon cleansing is the process of introducing gentle jets of water into the large intestine for washing away waste matter and toxins. But is colon cleansing safe and what exactly does it involve? Preserving colon health is imperative for many reasons, with the most important being the role of the large intestine in evacuating organic waste from the body. Roughly the shape of a large letter “M”, the colon ranges in length from between four and a half to five and a half feet and is about two and a half inches wide. While the small intestine is wedged between the stomach and liver, the colon stops at the anus.

The colon is the portion of the digestive tract responsible for temporarily holding waste before it exits the body. Substandard colon health can impede the body’s ability to properly dispose of waste. In fact, a contaminated colon can potentially lead to other medical conditions including:



Digestive DisorderConstipationDiarrheaProblem Skin (acne)Fatigue

When properly administered, colon cleansing has proven to be very safe, especially with recent updates in equipment and technique. Enemas were the old-fashioned answer to the colon cleansing dilemma. Unfortunately, enemas are also to blame for many concerns over colon cleansing safety. Enemas differ from bowel irrigation in their value; enemas typically cleanse only the lower 20% of the colon. With roughly eighty percent of the large intestine left untreated by an enema, the procedure doesn’t provide the same effectiveness as modern colon hydrotherapy. Some of the health benefits associated with colonic irrigation:



Removal of Trapped Fecal MatterExpulsion of harmful bacteriaEncouraged growth of beneficial intestinal floraImproved colorectal muscular activityExpulsion of harmful organisms



Other than water irrigation, many variations of digestive health treatments have emerged with colon cleansing being the chief aim. In fact, you can now obtain colon cleansing supplements featuring organic compounds to help the colon cleanse and heal itself. For example, Oxy-Powder® works by activating oxygen within the intestinal tract and is an excellent choice for helping to maintain colon efficiency along with your colon hydrotherapy sessions. Even though colon hydrotherapy has existed for years, the ultimate question remains—is colon cleansing safe?

Frequent Colon Cleansing Safety Concerns

When it comes to the question of safety, there are a number of common colon cleansing concerns:



Pain: Some individuals base their decisions on a simple idea—does it hurt? Colon hydrotherapy is routinely described as “reinvigorating” or “refreshing.”Penetration of Treatments: Just how deeply the colon cleansing apparatus enters the body is another top safety concern. Enemas affect only the first eight to twelve inches of the colon. Colon cleansing treatments penetrate more deeply so as to provide a thorough cleansing for the entire length of the colon, but are relatively safe if administered by a hydrotherapy specialist.Risk of Infection: Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with colon cleansing concerns potential exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Modern advances in colon cleansing equipment, like the use of disposable pre-sterilized hoses and tips, help ensure a germ-free colon cleansing experience.

But Is Colon Cleansing Safe?

Colon irrigation promotes no direct side effects. Nonetheless, the process of eliminating toxins can cause some minor intestinal problems. Once the mucous buildup begins to leave the body, minute amounts may be reabsorbed along the way. The toxin absorption can result in cold or flue like symptoms (which may include nausea, headaches, and dizziness) but will ultimately reverse itself once the outflow diminishes. In fact, getting rid of all that toxic debris can lead to increased energy, mental clarity, and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Proper Colon Cleansing

Variations in bowel irrigation techniques also promote increased safety. For example, modern hydrotherapy systems, like colon cleansing board kits, utilize temperature-controlled water for cleansing the colon. Recent developments include a specially designed speculum to assist in delivering the water into the large intestine gently to reduce the possibility of tissue damage. Additionally, colon hydrotherapy equipment also maintains the water pressure and temperature so the cleansing is conducted at a uniform rate. Therefore, via a combination of advancements in material technology and the application of the cleansing by a professional, you can be assured colon cleansing can be a very safe procedure indeed!

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Silvia Blach :

In recent years, body cleansing or detoxification, in short body detox, has increased exponentially in popularity. Not too long ago, many people believed that detox program was meant for those dependent on alcohol and drugs. Today, body detox is fiercely being promoted as a health enhancing approach required by almost everyone. A number of famous celebrities like Beyonce have brought the limelight to body detox. Although body detox does promise to bring plenty of health benefits, is it right for you?

Health conditions – Do you have any diagnosed health condition? For example, do you have a diabetes or thyroid condition? If so, you should never detoxify your body, especially by water fast approach, without first consulting a healthcare professional. Yes, body detox have many benefits including alleviating diabetes condition, but it may do more harm than good to them if the wrong body detox approach is taken.

Excessive weight – Are you overweight? If so, that may be main reason why you chose to cleanse or detox your body. Some celebrities have brought body cleansing into the forefront for the purpose of losing weight in the fastest time. Although you are advised against detoxifying your body for the purpose of losing weight, you are likely to shed some pounds off in the process.

Ability to stay on track – Are you able to set goals and stick with them? If so, you may be able to successfully complete a body detox diet. Unfortunately, many do not realize how hard these diets can be to adhere to. Detoxification with the Master Cleanse, a juice fast, or a water fast can be very hard for your body to adjust to, as all solid food are refrained from your diet. Even just limiting your diet to organic foods can be difficult if you are dependant on caffeine, which must be eliminated from your diet.

Lack of energy – A low energy level can be resulted from something as simple as not getting sufficient sleep. It can also be the sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid problem. Also, it can be due to the toxin load in our bloodstream. For example, caffeine helps to stay awake, but did you know that too much caffeine can have an adverse effect, leaving you feeling fatigue? Body detoxification may help to restore your energy.

Will and determination – Do you want to improve your health? Are you tired of looking way beyond your age or are you just feeling sluggish and lethargic all the time? If so, a detox diet may be able to help. Over the years, you may have accumulated a lot of toxic substances in your body from the food and drinks you consumed, the air you breathe in and the toiletries you use. A body detox diet can help to eliminate these toxins from your body, making you feel renewed and rejuvenated.

Drug dependency – Do you have a dependency on drugs? Whether those drugs are illegal narcotics or legal prescription drugs, you may be seeking help. First and foremost, congratulations. Asking for help and stopping the abuse of drugs can be very difficult, but it is an important step to take. Unfortunately, detoxing your body to rid yourself of a drug dependency is different than doing so for improving your health. For that reason, consult a trained healthcare provider.

Alcohol dependency – Do you always have way too much to drink? As with drugs, detoxification can help, but it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. If you are an alcoholic, the withdrawal symptoms may be too much for you and your body to handle on its own during body detox. Although you can detox at home, it is recommended that you do so under the care and supervision of a healthcare professional.

A body detox or body cleansing does have its benefits, but it is not right for everyone. If you opt for a body detox approach and find it difficult or painful to continue on, stop immediately and seek the advice of a professional healthcare provider.

Katie Carwell asked:

Toxins are agents or poisons that are either created by the body or come from external sources that are capable of causing the body harm. For instance car fumes, tobacco smoke, drugs and air pollution are all toxins. Toxins are a major contributor to the aging process so the goal therefore should be to limit our exposure as much as possible.

Avoiding toxins is not as simple as giving up the cigarettes because we come in contact with toxins in our day to day lives that we are often unaware of. Many individuals are shocked to find out that many shampoos, toothpastes and mouth washes contain a specific ingredient SLS Sodium Laureth Sulfate which is considered an irritant by some and a toxin by others. SLS is a foaming agent and there is great debate over its possible effects on the body including whether or not it is a carcinogen (there is no proof).

The point is not to cause mass hysteria or to get you to throw out all your shampoos and tooth pastes just in case. Instead you should simply be aware that we come in contact with agents each and everyday that we do not know everything about. Our bodies do have certain mechanisms (ie. Vomiting) that help us get rid of toxins but we need to do what we can to help it out. For instance in defence against toxins that do enter our bodies the cells of certain organs begin to rapidly reproduce to replace affected cells, this rapid reproduction leads to increased chances of mutation. Mutation in cells can lead to cancer.

Toxins affect us to varying degrees, for instance some cause fatigue or minor irritations while others cause allergies, asthma, or cancer. Whether or not the effects are extreme or subtle they all have an effect on our overall health and therefore the aging of our bodies. This is the big dilemma because many of the products that we use contain ingredients that are not proven safe or proven to be dangerous therefore in many instances we do not know what we are subjecting our bodies to.

The possible threat of toxins is one of the reasons why so many individuals are going organic and going green. This trend does indeed have positive effects on the environment, but in reality that translates to a safer place for us to live. For instance using “green” household cleaners is good for the environment but at the same time they are health friendly to you as the consumer.

Being aware and educating yourself about the products you use is your best defence against toxins. Making small changes can have a big impact on the overall health of you and your family, not to mention the environment we live in.

Aging is an absolute but the how and when is greatly affected by what we subject our bodies to including the environment we live in. For most people the houses we live in are actually more polluted with toxins than the smog filled air outside their doors.