7 Surprising Benefits of Walking

 

Walking has many health and well-being benefits, some of which may be surprising. Why surprising? Well, many of us think that to get healthy we need to slug it out down the gym, running on a treadmill or doing circuit training to see results. And while this is one way to improve fitness, there is a much simpler way.

One of the best ways to get healthy is by walking on a daily basis. This simple activity is something that everyone can enjoy – it’s as easy as placing one foot in front of the other. What makes walking so beneficial is that it’s something we can do every day, without putting pressure on ourselves.

Walking is a great opportunity to not only improve your fitness and general health, but it also has mental and even social benefits. Going for a long walk in the countryside with your friends or family is one of the best ways to feel connected to nature and each other.

By getting plenty of fresh air on a daily basis, we become more observant of our environment and what’s happening around us. By dressing appropriately for the weather and season, rain or shine, we can be prepared to go out and enjoy nature for what it is.

There are numerous mental health benefits that we can receive from going for a walk…

1. Relieves Depression. Studies show that taking part in daily exercise can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression within the clinically depressed. In certain cases, exercise is just as effective as taking antidepressant pills for treating depression.
2. Being Present. When we are walking and being in the present moment, we are avoiding worry and focusing our thoughts within that space. Walking can, therefore, be seen as a kind of meditation.
3. Healthy Weight Management. When we walk on a daily basis we are helping to improve our cardiovascular health and absorption of Vitamin D. Walking can easily shed the pounds and you don’t have to walk excessively.On average, walking for one mile burns 100 calories, so to lose weight the average person needs to walk 2000 steps in an average mile. Health experts recommend we should walk 10,000 steps a day if we want to lose 1 pound per week. This isn’t as difficult as it seems and is possible when we look at ways of including more walking into our daily routine.

   We might walk the children to school, take a brisk walk down the local park at lunchtime or walk the dog for an hour or two. Getting into a regular walking routine can help with weight management in the long term.

4. Reduces Stress. Exercising on a daily basis with a regular walking routine can increase concentrations of nor-epinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s stress response. This means walking is an excellent exercise for dealing with mental tension and finding relief for both physical and mental stress.
5. Boosts Brain Power. Cardiovascular exercise can help with creating new brain cells and also improving overall brain performance. Studies also suggest that being involved in a tough workout can increase levels of a brain-derived protein (BDNF) within the body and how this can help with decision making, along with the general thinking and learning process.
6. Increases Self-Confidence. Improving your general fitness level can boost your self-esteem and improve positive self-image in the long-term. Regardless of anyone’s gender, size or weight, exercise is one of the best activities to manage weight, improve self-image while elevating a person’s perception of their attractiveness.
7. Helps with Controlling Addiction. The brain can release dopamine the “reward chemical” in response to any kind of pleasure. Many people become dependent on dopamine which is often produced through drugs, alcohol, food and sex. Short exercise sessions can help people to de-prioritize their cravings (in the short term). Alcohol abuse can disrupt the body’s processes and this includes the circadian rhythms. The result of this is that alcoholics find they can’t fall asleep without drinking. Exercise can help to reboot the body clock and this also makes falling asleep easier too.

For all of these reasons, walking is a great idea if you want to improve your general health and well-being. But some of the benefits to your psychological and mental well-being can also be highly profound. The important part in all of this is to understand that it is consistency that brings the best results for good health and well-being.

The beauty is that walking is one of the best ways to be consistent with exercise on a daily basis as it requires no equipment or change of clothes, unlike some activities. It is also one of the most natural movements known to man. All you have to do is to place one foot in front of the other…

Robert Redfern

10 Ridiculously Easy Ways You Can Spring Clean Your Health

Feeling well is one of the main benefits of good health and taking care of yourself. Being mindful of your daily habits is therefore essential to achieving vitality and feeling amazing in the long term.

However, it’s all too easy to slip into bad habits such as eating ‘junk’ food, drinking alcohol or sitting down all day. At first they may seem fairly harmless, but soon become dangerous when they become a daily occurrence.

Reviewing your habits is therefore essential to experiencing true well-being. Use the following tips as a guide to stay on track and ‘spring clean’ your way to better health…

 

1. Drink more water

Water is an essential part of life. Humans are made up of water – approximately 60% of the body and 70% of the brain is made up of H20.

Drinking enough water means every cell in the body stays hydrated, skin is moisturized, kidneys can cleanse and rid the body of toxins easier and bowels can function properly.

It’s highly recommended to drink at least 6 x 500ml glasses of fresh filtered water daily.

 

2. Go for a daily walk

Walking is a simple yet powerful exercise that strengthens the heart and may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Health experts recommend a 30 minute brisk walk daily to control blood pressure.

Walking is excellent for strengthening the heart and lungs, increasing your overall level of fitness.

The great thing about walking is that it’s easy to do and an exercise and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

3. Go eat more greens

Eating a wide variety of green vegetables is recommended as they are packed with healthy nutrients like Vitamins A, C, E and K.

Green vegetables are full of fiber and phytochemicals, that can protect from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and hypertension. Green veggies can also help to prevent cell damage and decrease cholesterol levels.

Eat around 10 servings of vegetables and fruits daily for good health. Staying creative is key – add to smoothies, juices, soups, salads and stews to keep meals interesting.

 

4. Practice deep breathing exercises

Many of us are might not be aware we are shallow breathing from the lungs, rather than breathing deeply from the diaphragm (abdominal breathing).

As oxygen is drawn deeper into the muscles, some of the benefits of deep breathing include stress relief, reduced risk of heart disease, reduced cravings for junk food, improved quality of sleep and elevated moods.

Other benefits include better mental focus, a strong immune system and an increase in human growth hormone (HGH) – known as the anti-aging hormone.

How to Practice Deep Breathing

Sit comfortably and inhale slowly through the nose using your diaphragm (instead of the lungs). Once the lungs are full and the belly expanded, hold the breath for 6-12 seconds.

Slowly exhale through the mouth, making sure to use the belly to push the air out. Once the lungs are empty and the belly is contracted, repeat this cycle. Repeat 10 cycles (around 8-10 minutes) daily for best results.

5. Do more down dog

Yoga isn’t simply about learning to become super flexible or getting into impressive poses.

There are countless benefits to yoga including increased muscle strength and tone, lung health, energy and vitality.

Yoga boosts cardiovascular health, supports weight loss and can even improve your athletic performance.

One recent Norwegian study found that yoga can boost immunity at a cellular level by helping you to breathe better, allowing blood circulation to flow more freely.

 

6. Eat more healthy fats

Fats help your body to absorb certain nutrients more efficiently. They are also essential for giving cells structure and Omega-3 fats support optimum nerve, brain and heart function.

Fat is also a major source of fuel for the body (as it provides many calories) and this is one of the main ways that it stores energy.

Avocados and walnuts are two good sources of mostly monounsaturated fat you should be eating, as they are rich in Omega 3’s and high in Vitamin E.

 

7.  Eliminate dairy and all grains

Dairy products like cheese and milk, along with grains such as bread and pasta are inflammatory foods that are highly acidic in the body.

Dairy products cause indigestion problems for 75% of people with lactose intolerance and this has been linked with prostate cancer. Dairy is also full of saturated fat, linked with heart disease.

Grains contain gluten, lectins and phytates that make certain minerals unavailable to the body. Eating grains can lead to health problems such as leaky gut, weight gain and Type 2 diabetes; affecting blood sugar and insulin levels that cause you to store fat.

Instead of eating milk or dairy products, choose healthy alternatives such as almond, coconut, oat or rice milk. Good alternatives to grains or wheat based products include baking with Buckwheat or Coconut flour as these are grain and gluten-free, enabling you to enjoy bread, pasta, pastries and cakes.

 

8.  Meditate in the morning

Meditation has many positives for both the mind and body. Reducing stress, improved concentration, increased self-awareness and better moods are just some of the main benefits.

Yet did you know meditation can slow ageing and support cardiovascular and immune health? Studies also suggest that meditation can improve emotional well-being, making you feel less worry, anxiety and depression.

Meditating for 5-10 minutes for beginners is recommended. As you become more practiced, try adding 5-10 minutes on every time.

 

9. Get more sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep plays a vital role in your health. Numerous studies show that insufficient sleep is linked with serious health problems including heart attacks, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

There is evidence that getting enough sleep can lower your pain threshold, meaning you hurt less.

Sleep can promote good moods and emotional health and even help with maintaining your weight. Strong immune health and better memory are all positive benefits of sufficient sleep.

 

10. Take a good probiotic

Probiotics provide a wide range of benefits for digestive health. As probiotics are live bacteria and yeast, they can repopulate the digestive tract with healthy bacteria.

People with digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who suffer symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, constipation and diarrhea can all benefit from taking probiotics.

Studies also show that probiotics can boost the immune system and ward off infections, possibly even helping to fight obesity.

Probiotic rich foods include kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi and kombucha tea. Consider adding more of these into your diet for best health or taking a good prebiotic and probiotic supplement.

Robert Redfern

Psoriasis, Falsehood, Facts, and the 10 Natural Skin Care Strategies You Should Try

 

Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States with at least 7.5 million people affected. That works out to over 2% of the population!

Psoriasis causes skin cells to mature five times faster than normal and, unlike normal healthy skin cells, they do not slough off, which causes thickening and flaking of the skin. Psoriasis can range from a few flaky patches to lesions covering much of the body. The root cause of psoriasis is a malfunction of the immune system.

Understanding Psoriasis

Many people think that psoriasis is an allergy (not true) or that these scaly patches are contagious (also not true). Another myth about psoriasis is that only young people get this skin condition. The fact is that anybody at any age can develop psoriasis, although it tends to be most common in individuals between ages 15 and 25. Some famous people with psoriasis include reality star Kim Kardashian, country musician LeAnn Rimes, TV host Stacy London, and singer Art Garfunkel.

Targeting Triggers

While we still do not know why some people develop psoriasis and others do not, there is a prevailing theory today that psoriasis is caused by a trigger. Triggers include stress and injuries to the skin, such as bug bites, bruises and scrapes, poison ivy or poison oak, and burns—including chemical burns and sunburn.

Certain medications are also considered psoriasis triggers, including lithium (used to treat manic depression), drugs that fight malaria (such as plaquenil, quinacrine, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine), inderal (a blood pressure medication), beta-blockers, the heart medication quinidine, and the arthritis drug indomethacin. In addition, other triggers might be allergies, poor diet, weather, and possibly infections.

What Doctors Do for Psoriasis: Conventional Skin Care Treatments

Mild psoriasis is treated by most physicians with topical ointments, many of which contain cortisone. More severe cases may require drugs that suppress the immune system. These are powerful drugs. So if your doctor suggests drug therapy for your psoriasis, ask about the potential side effects, the risks of drug therapy, and the likelihood that the drugs will get rid of the psoriasis.

What You Can Do for Psoriasis: Natural Skin Care Treatments

While the natural health approach to treating psoriasis requires persistence, the following 10 skin care strategies can make a real difference to psoriasis sufferers who wish to restore healthy skin.

• Eat a healthful diet. Many people do not realize the incredible power smart eating has to promote healthy skin. That means eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, very little sugar, and no “white foods” (white flour, white sugar, white pasta).
• Weather watch. Avoid dry, cold weather as much as you can. Get a humidifier to help you through days when the weather is cold and dry.
• Lay it on thick. Use a thick moisturizer after bathing.
• Be diligent. Apply soothing lotions to the affected area as often as you can.
• Supplement. Take a high-quality multivitamin, including vitamin A.
• Be careful. Protect the affected area as much as you can. If you get scrapes or cuts to the affected area, it can cause a flare or infection.
• Practice smart sun exposure. Do get some sun on the affected area, but not too much. Natural sunlight can slow skin growth, which can be beneficial with psoriasis.
• Take warm or cool salt-water baths. Get some Dead Sea salts at a bath or health food store to soak in at home. Art Garfunkel has claimed the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea helped his psoriasis greatly.
• Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol seems to worsen psoriasis, particularly in men.
• Take a probiotic. Psoriasis is one of those conditions that you can fight from the inside out.

Dr. Aaron Tabor

What to Eat to Avoid common Health Woes

It might seem like there’s a pill on the market for just about every health issue you could imagine. But is there an easier way to try and stave off common health concerns? Food plays a central role in our lives and can facilitate good health as long as we eat the right things. Find out which common health conditions you could be fighting with dietary change.

Diabetes

About one in 10 Americans has diabetes, and another 80 million are at risk. What can you do to avoid this potentially debilitating disease? Get more vegetables into your diet. Vegetables are high in fiber, which helps slow the release of sugars from food and helps moderate the effect of those sugars on blood levels. On top of that, fiber leaves you feeling full for longer so you’re less likely to fill up on sugary snacks. To top it all off, they’re full of a host of healthy vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are great candidates here.

High Cholesterol

Heart disease is the number-one killer of Americans every year. Fortunately, diet has a lot to do with your risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels, which means there’s also a lot you can do to boost your heart health. Two big contributors to heart-disease risk is saturated fat and salt. Saturated fat bumps up the levels of LDL cholesterol, which can stick to blood vessels and cause heart attacks. Stick to lean sources of protein like poultry or tofu, which have a lot less fat than beef or pork. Beans also pack a serious protein punch and also deliver a healthy dose of fiber.

 

High Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure can put stress on your heart and blood vessels, which can then lead to heart disease and stroke. Eating a diet high in salt has been shown to increase your blood pressure, which means getting your sodium under control should be high on the priority list. Herbs and spices can serve to give you food a flavorful kick and some even carry healthful nutrients that won’t damage your heart. Garlic is a great way to boost flavor while helping to lower inflammation and getting a host of essential minerals.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis a serious problem in older women and men, and it can put you at risk for dangerous fractures. Boosting bone-friendly foods in your diet can help to slow the loss of bone as you age. In this case, natural sources of calcium and vitamin D can go a long way to strengthening your bones. Bony fish like sardines can boost your calcium levels, while fatty varieties like salmon or tuna can also provide vitamin D. Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can also contribute to bone health. Try adding broccoli for calcium, sweet potatoes for magnesium, and spinach for potassium.

 

 

Obesity

Being overweight is hard on a variety of organs in your body. It contributes to diabetes and heart disease, while also causing arthritis, the most common disabling disease in America. A good place to start in dropping a few pounds is switching to more filling foods, which means getting more protein and fiber into your diet. Nuts like almonds or walnuts are great sources of both and also have the added benefit of being packed with healthy fats. They make a great snack that can help get you to your next meal without reaching for the pretzels.

 

 

Cancer

Cancer comes in a close second behind heart disease for the number of people it kills. Fortunately, there are a variety of foods that can help lower your risk. Whole grains in particular can help stave off colon cancer, which kills almost 50,000 Americans each year. Whole grain breads can help, but they’re not the only way to get grains into your diet. Try unsalted popcorn as a healthy snack or quinoa as a carbohydrate of choice to go with dinner.

 

Dr. Oz

Pill-Free Solutions to Common Health Problems

Modern medications have revolutionized health care and dramatically improved the quality of health and life for billions of people around the world. But sometimes we’re a little too quick to jump to pills when natural remedies might work just as well. Here are a few “no-pill” solutions to common health problems.

Indigestion

With the widespread over-the-counter availability of antacids, Americans are more medicated for their acid reflux than ever before. But the decreased stomach acid can lead to problems absorbing certain nutrients. Try two cups of ginger tea after eating to stimulate saliva production and help to settle your stomach.

Gas

Indigestion can sometimes lead to gassiness and bloating. Fennel seeds help prevent gas formation and help expel it when it does form, preventing an uncomfortable buildup.

Sleep

There are plenty of sleep aids on the market, but most of the time insomnia can be treated with simple relaxation and meditation techniques before bed to help calm your body for sleep. Mantram is the practice of repeating certain syllables, words or phrases over and over in the mind. Choose a word, sound or phrase that is pleasing to you, and repeat it. If your mind wanders, simply focus back on the word and you’ll be asleep in no time

Oily Skin

Oily skin affects people of all ages and can be difficult to treat. For those with severe acne, there are a number of treatments, but some have significant side effects. As a natural alternative, use calendula, commonly known as pot marigold, or tea bags. Simmer calendula flowers in water, strain the liquid, cool it, and apply it with a washcloth or cotton ball.

Gout

Gout sufferers experience sudden, excruciating pain that can take days to die down. During an acute attack, medications provide the best relief for what is otherwise intolerable pain. The key is to prevent these attacks from occurring again. Avoid red meat and alcohol, which both contribute to gout. In addition to the medications your doctor will prescribe to prevent the formation of painful crystals, try eating some tart cherries. About 20 per day may help with prevention.

Dr. Weil

What are Enzymes and How Do They Help?

Enzymes are catalysts and are made out of amino acids by RNA (RiboNucleic Acid) which is made by DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid). Some people call them ‘active are they? Enzymes are proteins that are the catalyst for life. Without them life (and therefore health) would not exist as we know it. Even Oxygen needs enzymes to be released into the atmosphere. Their importance to health cannot be overestimated and you are going to learn that they are the prime tools in
regaining health from the majority of health problems. Without proper and appropriate enzyme activity, there can be no return to health. This is recognized by every medical doctor and is well known to those that use them as the front line in health care.

Enzymes are used in every facet of industry: making beer, cheese, leather processing, sauerkraut, fermented soy products like miso and tempeh, food processing and in many chemical processes. Even in the medical business, enzymes and enzyme activity are used in the analysis and manufacturing process.

The problem comes when enzymes are put forward for therapy and to replace patented drugs. Enzymes as a primary treatment are only ignored because they negate the need for the majority of expensive patented drugs and this is against the interests of the medical/pharmaceutical business. The medical/pharmaceutical business controls what treatments doctors are allowed to prescribe, using powerful marketing and sometimes, downright intimidation. This is not to ‘knock doctors’; they are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Enzymes from plants work best at the human body’s temperature and PH. They are essential in every function of growth, repair and therefore health of every living cell in your body. “Without Sufficient Enzymes (and Co-Enzymes there can be no health. Thousands of enzymes are working every second to build and regenerate our body. They are constantly being converted or produced in our body and depend upon good living nutrition to keep ahead of daily damage and degeneration. They do need help in this job and this essential help comes from Co-Enzymes. These are critical vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12. Even a small deiciency in B12 results in disease. This becomes such a problem with elderly people on poor diets that they at times need injections.

Another Co-Enzyme, Zinc is needed by about 80 enzyme activities, not to mention the famous Co-Enzyme Q10. Without enzymes and co-enzymes there would be no living thing, as we know it. Grass, Trees, Insects, Germs, Animals and Humans all depend on enzymes to sustain growth and health. In a nutshell:

There are 3 types of enzymes:

1.    Food/Digestive enzymes – These take the basic building blocks delivered by “Digest food we eat and convert it to colloidal particles (the smallest particles that exist in a free state) that can be converted into healthy living tissue.

2.    Metabolic enzymes – Metabolic enzymes use these colloids to keep all of our organs and tissues functioning with hundreds of diverse chemical activities, repairing body organs and ighting disease. Our body’s ability to stay healthy,
to repair tissue when injured, to protect us from disease, is directly related to the quality and number of enzymes, coenzymes and nutritious food.
3.    Clean-Up Enzymes – these third types are not really a separate group, but are the enzymes for last job on the line, clearing up. They are responsible for cleaning up and eliminating the mess that is left in our body from the construction and repair work that is in operation 24/7. These clean-up enzymes clear our bodies of the undigested carbohydrates, proteins and any non-vital tissue loating around. Another vital job is to provide anti-inflammatory
enzymes to fight infections and tissue damage.

These Enzymes act to do specific jobs such as:

1. Digesting food.
2. Breaking down toxins.
3. Cleansing the blood.
4. Supporting the immune system.
5. Converting protein into muscle.
6. Contracting muscles.
7. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the lungs.
8. Supporting the pancreas and other vital organs.
Enzymes are the workers in your body – they carry out every chemical reaction. To have a healthy body you need both workers (enzymes) and building materials. The building materials are proteins (amino acids), minerals, and vitamins. All of these are necessary to build a healthy body. Trying to function without all the necessary enzymes is the reason for most body malfunctions.

There are seven categories of food enzymes:

(1) Lipase to break down fat
(2) Protease to break down protein
(3) Cellulase to break down fibres
(4) Amylase to break down starch;
(5) Lactase to break down dairy foods;
(6) Sucrase to break down sugars; and
(7) Maltase to break down grains.

There are two ways to preserve and replenish our enzyme level:

• Eating living foods & food supplements
• Taking enzyme supplements.
On a daily basis they are ingested in unprocessed, raw or lightly cooked food (called Exogenous or Food Enzymes) and they are also produced or converted by other enzymes inside the body (endogenous, meaning inside-created). Some have a long life (weeks) and some have a short life (minutes). This explains the obvious need for a daily intake of enzymes that are alive (meaning not microwaved, cooked or processed until enzyme death, as in pasteurised milk) and foods such as vegetables, fruits, raw or lightly cooked fish, meats and sprouted seeds and beans. Studies show that a 70 year old has only 20% of the enzymes found in the body of a 20 year old. This is a major part of the cause of age related diseases and is easy to correct with better food and supplementation.

Probably more that any other facet of life and health over the past 100 years. In  1930 only 80 enzymes were known. By 2000 3,000 enzymes had been researched and discovered. There are literally thousands of studies on enzymes’ contribution to life and health. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, Lung diseases all have studies showing enzyme therapy to be the most successful prime treatment.

In studies equivalent to a human taking thousand of tablets, no side efects were shown. Only Haemophilia patients would need to take them under supervision.

Serrapeptase is a proteolytic enzyme (protease) isolated from the microorganism, Serratia E15. Studies reveal that Serrapeptase has a speciic, anti-inflammatory effect, superior to that of other proteolytic enzymes. This immunologically active enzyme is completely bound to the alpha 2 macroglobulin in biological fluids. Histologic studies reveal powerful anti-inlammatory efects of this naturally occurring enzyme.This enzyme is produced commercially today through fermentation, but was originally found in the silkworm intestine. The Silkworm uses it for instantly dissolving the hard cocoon to allow the moth to escape and ly away. It also uses it to help digest the tough mulberry leaves that it feeds on.

Serrapeptase dissolves non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, and arterial plaque.  The uses are wide ranging and cover just about every condition that is afected by inlammation and or non-living tissue.

Aging – or premature aging as we know it, is caused by four active problems:

1. Chronic Inflammation
2. A build-up of Fibrous Tissue
3. Thickening of the blood
4. Weakening of the Immune System

The causes of these problems have been identified as a deficiency of enzymes (a 70 year old has only 25% of the enzymes present in a 20 year old and a deficiency of nutrients both in the diet and being absorbed through a failing digestive system. Again, the nutrients absorbed are around 25% of the 20 year old – excluding the current standard junk diet being eaten by today’s 20 year old).

As enzymes are critical for a healthy regenerating system, any deficiency in the body and absorption, coupled with lack of nutrients in the food, will result in a prematurely degenerating body, otherwise known as Premature Aging.

A brief explanation of these active problems is:

1. Inflammation

Studies now show that chronic inflammation is a prime factor in both disease and aging. This inflammation is the result of diet/lifestyle factors caused by eating breads, pastry, biscuits, breakfast cereals, potatoes, rice, pasta, overcooked foods, micro-waved foods, irradiated foods, insufficient vegetables and fruits, stress, toxins and drugs. The degree of inflammation can be tested by biochemical markers such as C-Reactive Proteins; the higher the level the more chance of disease. Hardly a week goes by without another study showing that a major factor in disease and aging is inflammation.

These are partly being driven because some of the Major Drugs act as anti-inflammatory and the drug manufacturers are rubbing their hands with their potential. Drugs such as aspirin, statins, and other anti-inflammatory drugs all have published studies indicating they are disease preventatives for such diverse conditions as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The fact that you should never forget however is that DRUGS ALWAYS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS.

How can enzymes help?

When combined with lifestyle changes as outlined in the basic plan, taking an anti-inflammatory enzyme such as Serrapeptase and supplementing with digestive enzymes will top up the enzyme deficiency, visibly improving health and aging.

2. Fibrotic build-up

Modern lifestyle can result in diminished enzymes that control the laying down of fibrous tissue. Too much fibrous tissue can become the matrix for Atherosclerosis plaque that clogs arteries. In blood vessels, it causes thrombosis or blood clots; in breast tissue, fibrocystic breast disease and fibromas in the uterus. Proteolytic enzymes, such as Serrapeptase, have been shown in studies to dissolve away these, relieving the inflammation and lowering the associated pain.

3. Blood thinning

There are broadly two reasons for ‘thick’ blood. 1. Chronic inflammation can cause blood cells to ‘clump’ together and 2. An excess of dead (necrotic) and other matter in the blood will cause thickening of the blood. Unlike blood thinners, enzymes clear the inflammation, eat away dead and other matter in the blood and as a result, lower blood viscosity. Aspirin also lowers blood viscosity but not by this mechanism and not without side effects, such as producing hemorrhage. Proteolytic enzymes will not do that in any dosage. If the enzymes have something to work on they will, if they don’t, nothing happens and they will be excreted from the body. Another problem with Aspirin is that it can cause intestinal bleeding. Thousands of people die annually from NSAID’s i.e. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.

4. Immune system supportive

The white blood cells are in charge of destroying pathogenic germs in our system. They have little extensions called Fc receptors. These extensions pick up the debris from the dead bug and carry it around awaiting disposition by enzymes. Enzymes also keep the system clear of non-vital proteins to stop their use by germs to ‘hide’ from the white blood cells. The more free enzymes we have in our body, the stronger our immune system becomes.

The formula for successful anti-aging is practically the same for any diseases.

Anti-Aging Program – after 30 days on the program below, you can take the following tests to evaluate whether any other nutrients are needed to get the levels into a safe area.

1. Get tested for C-Reactive Protein (OK less than 10 mg/L)

2. Get tested for Homocysteine (OK less than 6 micro moles per litre of blood)

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Robert Redfern

5 Signs of Hidden Health Problems

 

While it’s true that some health conditions pop up suddenly and catch you unaware, most come on gradually with warning signs. In fact, your body is always communicating with you, dropping subtle—as well as not-so-subtle—hints about potential problems on the horizon. By paying attention to these early warning signals, you can catch serious health problems in their earliest, most easily treated stages.

Here are five signs of hidden health problems and how to address them.

1. Cracked, calloused skin on the heels and feet could signify a deficiency of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for optimal immune system function and eye health. To rectify this, take high-dose vitamin A: 30,000–40,000 IU a day, for two to three months.

   Caution: High doses of vitamin A should only be taken over the short term, meaning several days to several months. Women who could get pregnant should not take high-dose vitamin A. To relieve dry or cracked skin on your feet, some of my patients have had good success with an aloe vera–based cream called Miracle Foot Repair. It is available in drugstores.

2. Weak, brittle nails may be a sign of malnutrition, especially inadequate intake of protein. Make sure you eat modest amounts (20–25 grams per meal) of high-quality, low-fat protein from skinless poultry, oily fish (especially salmon), egg whites, beans, and legumes. Occasional servings of lean meat are also okay. Brittle nails may also be caused by low levels of biotin. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: Biotin supplementation (300 mcg per day) has been shown to increase nail thickness. Extreme nail brittleness may denote thyroid disease and should be evaluated by a doctor.

3. A burning sensation over your tongue, lips, or entire mouth (called burning mouth syndrome), may be caused by something as easily remedied as brushing your teeth/tongue too hard, using harsh mouthwash, or wearing irritating dentures. However, it also may be a sign of an iron, zinc, or B-complex vitamin deficiency. Increase your intake of zinc and B vitamins by taking a high-quality, high-potency daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.

   Caution: Do not take supplemental iron before obtaining a blood test to determine iron levels. Excessive iron levels are a risk factor for heart problems and other conditions. Burning mouth syndrome may also be caused by neuropathy (nerve damage), allergies, insulin resistance, or thyroid disorders, so if symptoms persist, see your doctor.

4. Diagonal creases in earlobes can signal increased risk of heart disease, according to a few studies. If you happen to have such creases, don’t panic. Some experts believe they are simply a genetic variant, just as some people’s earlobes are attached while others are not. Others note that these creases are age-related. I wouldn’t make too much of this, but I would take all the precautions you can to protect yourself. Eat right, exercise regularly, manage your stress levels, and take cardioprotective nutritional supplements such as antioxidants, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.

5. Dark circles under the eyes may be indicative of poor sleep, but they are also common in people with food allergies. The easiest way to detect hidden food allergies is with a modified elimination diet: stop eating certain foods, and then reintroduce them to see if they cause any adverse symptoms.

   Start with the usual suspects: milk, wheat, eggs, citrus, and corn. Eliminate as many as you want, wait about a week, and then, every other day, reintroduce one food back into your diet. (A two-day wait before reintroducing the next food gives your system time to react to the allergen and cause symptoms.)

   If you don’t notice any changes in how you feel, you can assume that food is not problematic. If symptoms return, omit that food from your diet for another week, and then reintroduce it again. Adverse reactions a second time probably indicate that this food should be removed from your diet altogether.

Now it’s your turn: Have you ever experienced these or any other “hidden health clues”?

Dr. Whitaker

Answers for Atrial Fibrillation

 

Atrial fibrillation (atrial fib) is the medical term used to describe the disorganized, irregular “flutter” of the atria, the small upper chambers of the heart. This condition, which is caused by disruptions in the heart’s electrical conduction system, is increasingly common with age. It often occurs in patients with a history of heart disease or problems with the heart valves, but is also associated with a handful of other conditions.

If you are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, the most important thing to know is that this arrhythmia is not life-threatening. Episodes often come and go, and many require no treatment at all.

Patients who are seriously symptomatic (i.e., experiencing rapid, erratic heartbeat and fatigue) may benefit from electric shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm (cardioversion), and drugs such as digoxin or beta-blockers can be used to slow the heart rate down. However, massive drug intervention is rarely warranted, and, as is the case with most pharmaceuticals, can be dangerous. The biggest worry with atrial fib is increased risk of stroke: blood pools in the atria where clots may form and travel to the brain. Aspirin, Coumadin, or other blood thinners are often prescribed to decrease this risk.

Fran’s Story

But beware the conventional treatment route. When Fran was 68, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and referred to a cardiologist. After an unsuccessful cardioversion procedure, the doctored started her on the beta-blocker Betapace, observed her for two days, and sent Fran home.

Two days after release, Fran was a mess. She had trouble breathing and a crushing migraine headache. She contacted her cardiologist, who told her that her problems were not caused by the drug and to call another doctor because he was “not a headache doctor.” She then started vomiting and passed out in the bathroom. Lucky for her, her husband caught her before she hit the tile floor. She was rushed back to the hospital by ambulance. The Betapace was stopped, but it took two days in the hospital for her to stabilize. We have heard these stories and wonder what the answer is.

Even though the Physicians’ Desk Reference clearly states Fran’s severe symptoms as side effects of Betapace, she was never warned or given any information at all about these dangerous and disabling possibilities.

A Safe, Natural Protocol

At the Whitaker Wellness Institute they  don’t believe that drugs are the answer when it comes to treating atrial fib. Instead, they use intravenous magnesium, which works wonders relaxing the smooth muscles in the heart, and the time-tested therapy acupuncture. They also utilize daily doses of oral magnesium (1,000 mg), fish oil (2–6 g), coenzyme Q10 (200–600 mg), hawthorn (300 mg), and aspirin.

Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial. Studies show that eating fish a few times a week reduces atrial fib risk and people who regularly practice yoga have a 50 percent reduction in episodes of irregular heartbeat.  Do not do this yourself please contact a doctor that is familiar with this therapy.

Dr. Whitaker

7 Best Anti-aging Herbs: Garlic

 

Everyone knows that garlic is good for health. One of the more interesting studies concerning garlic has to do with its ability to preserve the elasticity of blood vessels making you less vulnerable to stroke. Researchers measured the elasticity of the aorta in 101 individuals aged 50 to 80 who had been taking 300 milligrams of garlic powder a day. In every age group, individuals who took the garlic had far more elastic arteries than patients who didn’t take garlic powder. Taking garlic has also been found to keep cholesterol deposits from accumulating in walls of blood vessels.

Some preliminary work at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York has also shown that naturally occurring compounds found in garlic can assist in preventing the progression of prostate cancer.

Heart Disease

• Garlic may work to combat different forms of cardiovascular disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. According to the   University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic promotes heart health by decreasing homocysteine, C-reactive protein, platelet aggregation, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL or good cholesterol.

 Cancer

• According to the Linus Pauling Institute, high intake of garlic is linked to protection from colorectal and gastric cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that garlic may also help ease some of the side effects of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Garlic is said to improve fatigue and appetite in those patients as well as protect against intestinal and heart damage that is commonly seen with chemotherapy use.

Immune System

• Garlic may be able to boost your immune system and help you ward off diseases and infections. According to the University of Michigan Health System, garlic has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic may help you to prevent catching a cold and help you recover from a cold faster.

Dosage

• To receive the health benefits of garlic, you can consume two to four cloves of fresh garlic daily. For garlic supplements, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends the following dosages for adults: 600 to 1200 milligrams of aged garlic extract daily in divided doses, 20 milliliters of garlic tincture daily, four milliliters of fluid extract daily, 0.03 to 0.12 milliliters of garlic oil three times daily or 400 milligrams of garlic in tablet form three times daily.

Precautions

• Garlic supplements have blood thinning qualities so you should tell your doctor when you are taking them. He may advise you to discontinue garlic before surgery in order to decrease the risk of bleeding. You should also use caution when combining supplemental garlic with other medications or supplements that thin the blood such as aspirin.

For overall health and disease prevention, I recommend that you consume at least a clove of garlic each day.
If you’re taking garlic as a form of treatment for any of the above cited medical conditions  I recommend that you take it in supplement form, as well.

 

Can’t Sleep? Try These Natural Remedies

 

According to a report recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six adults with a diagnosed sleep disorder and one in eight adults who simply have trouble sleeping use prescription sleep aids.

This is just one of the key findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005–2010, which was conducted to determine how many US adults use prescription sleep aids. The survey also found that use is highest among adult women, and that usage also increased with age (with the highest percentages in the 50+ age brackets) and level of education (greater than a high school degree).

These findings are troubling, to say the least. All sleeping pills—both benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Restoril, and Halcion) and the newer non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics (Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta)—have serious side effects. They include daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, balance problems, a strong potential for addiction, and according to a 2012 study, increased risk of death.

If you are currently taking a prescription sleep medication, I strongly encourage you to talk to your doctor about discontinuing it. There are many safe, natural sleep aids available. Here are a few you can try to see what works best for you.

1. Supplemental Melatonin. The best-studied natural sleep aid is melatonin, the “hormone of sleep.” Melatonin’s production in the pineal gland is cued by light—levels rise in the evening as darkness falls and ebb toward the morning. Today’s plugged-in, lit-up world blurs the signals for melatonin synthesis, resulting in disturbances in our sleep-wake cycles. By restoring natural levels, supplemental melatonin promotes sound, restful sleep. The suggested dose is 1–6 mg (average 3 mg) 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
2. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis). This calming herb helps curb the anxiety that leaves many people tossing and turning. One recent study involved a group for whom sleeplessness is a common complaint: postmenopausal women. After four weeks of taking either a concentrated valerian extract or a placebo, 30 percent of the women in the valerian group had improvements in quality of sleep compared to just four percent in the placebo group. The recommended dose is 500 mg before bedtime.
3. L-theanine (from green tea), lemon balm, chamomile, and hops also relieve stress, induce relaxation, and facilitate sleep, as do acupuncture, reflexology, and massage.

If none of these safe, drug-free approaches help, I want to suggest meditation.  The more you learn to quite your mind the easier to fall asleep.  A great lever is “Peace Be Still and Know that I AM God.”  Repeat until you fall asleep.

Now it’s your turn: What do you do when you can’t sleep?