Mark Hyman at TEDMED 2010 - Functional Medicine

Another of my favourite functional medicine practitioner other than Dr. Peter Osborne (DC)

Dr. Mark Hyman believes that functional medicine is the way of the future, and that we can only improve medicine if we understand the body's system, not just symptoms.

Mark Hyman is an American physician (MD), and New York Times best-selling author. He is the founder and medical director of the UltraWellness Center and a columnist for The Huffington Post. 

Dr Hyman is a regular contributor to the Katie Couric Show and a staunch functional medicine advocate.

Functional medicine is the bridge between Medical Science and Nutrition,  widely used by Naturopathic Doctors and some MD's. 

Functional Medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, Functional Medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional Medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, Functional Medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.

HOW FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CHANGES THE WAY WE DO MEDICINE:

Functional Medicine offers a powerful new operating system and clinical model for assessment, treatment, and prevention of chronic disease to replace the outdated and ineffective acute-care models carried forward from the 20th century.

Functional Medicine incorporates the latest in genetic science, systems biology, and understanding of how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of disease.

Functional Medicine enables physicians and other health professionals to practice proactive, predictive, personalized medicine and empowers patients to take an active role in their own health.

GERD

Acid Reflux is the other generally used name of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also more often referred as GERD. The disease causes damage to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter becomes weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus. The acidic contents burn the esophagus and causes irritation in the esophagus. This is a chronic disease, which has life long repercussions. The treatment in this case can only help temporarily, i.e., as well as one continues with the medication.

To diagnose Acid Reflux, one can go through gastroscopy, since the symptoms of this disease re so mild that diagnosing them is very difficult and people rather than going to the doctor stick to own medication. The very commonly used resort to escape the pains and the problems from GERD is going for an antacid. These are actually helpful in case of short-term and infrequent attacks of the disease. But these can’t provide much relief for a long time.

People can change their diets to actually eliminate or reduce the effects of Acid Reflux. A proper routine can be made to reduce the problem which generally causes due to the irregular habits of eating or eating more junk food and also from excessive drinking. Patients also in this case maintain diaries for keeping a track of what they eating and drinking to keep a check on the recurrence of the attacks of Acid Reflux. And when these controlled diets also don’t help in controlling the disease then the doctors resorts to drugs to keep the disease in a controlled position.

The most popular and largely used drug for this disease is PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors), this is the drug which is generally prescribed by the doctors for relief from the pains causing due to the attacks of Acid Reflux. The drug helps in stopping the production of the acidic contents in the stomach which pushes into esophagus and cause acid reflux. Not many side effects do these drugs have, but are really relieving at times of attacks.

The other drug primarily prescribed by the doctors all over the world is 2 Blocker, which also restores relief to the esophagus. Both these drugs have been proved to be successful drug therapy for long term acid reflux sufferers. But patients with more severe damages, who don’t respond to these drugs, are prescribed more radical drugs, with strong effects, known as Promotility agents. These drugs have sometimes adverse side effects, so these are very seldom prescribed by the doctors.

courtesy of Youtube user Nucleus Medical Media

Natural remedies of GERD by Dr Mercola :

However only a few know that there is something within reach in the kitchen for GERD.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar - As mentioned earlier, acid reflux typically results from having too little acid in your stomach.

You can quickly improve the acid content of your stomach by taking one tablespoon of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water.

Baking soda - One-half to one full teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in an eight-ounce glass of water may ease the burn of acid reflux as it helps neutralize stomach acid. I would not recommend this is a regular solution but it can sure help in an emergency when you are in excruciating pain.

Aloe juice - The juice of the aloe plant naturally helps reduce inflammation, which may ease symptoms of acid reflux.

Drink about 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice before meals. If you want to avoid its laxative effect, look for a brand that has removed  the laxative component.

 Ginger root  - Ginger has been found to have a gastroprotective effect by blocking acid and suppressing helicobacter pylori.9 this is no surprise for me considering the fact that ginger root has been traditionally used against gastric disturbances since ancient times.

Add two or three slices of fresh ginger root to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about half an hour. Drink about 20 minutes or so before your meal.

Before bed, try a cup of chamomile tea, which can help soothe stomach inflammation and help you sleep.


Foods to avoid

Diet and some medication does have a role in GERD. Of all the food that is not mentioned in this list above is that one should avoid Vinegar.

Note that ACV - Apple Cider Vinegar and Vinegar is not two of the same thing (just in case newbie to the natural remedies world gets confused.)

Indicators in Back Pain

Back pain usually starts with signals or indicators. For instance, if your back hurt at one time and stopped, and later it started it again, you received your indicator at the start. In short, the first time your back started hurting is the sign. You want to pinpoint when the first pain started. Once you pinpoint the starting date, you will need to consider what inspired your back pain. For instance,

1. did you fall?
2. Were you in a motorized accident?

Once you find the trigger of your back pain, you want to consider the symptoms.

1. Did you feel pain?
2. Did you feel weak?
3. Was your back stiff or numb?

Now you can use the indicators to discover where the pain started.

1. Did the pain start at the lower back?
2. Was the pain at the top area?
3. Did the pain cause additional pain, such as around the neck?
4. Was the pain intermittent?
5. Did the pain consistently cause stress?
6. Did the pain shoot to other areas of the body?
7. Did the pain get worse, when you walked, stood, sit, or lie down?
8. Did the pain decrease, or did it increase?
9. When you first hurt your back did the pain stop, or did it frequently hurt?
10. Did the pain cause long-term problems? Did the pain leave right away?
11. When you first injured your back, did the symptoms change gradually?
12. Did the symptoms interrupt your daily duties?
13. How did the symptoms change?
14. How did the symptoms interrupt your daily duties?

Answering the questions can help you inform your doctor, as well as understand the cause of your condition. If you were in an accident and sought medical support when you first damaged your spine, you may want to consider what tests were used to spot your condition. What did you doctor find?

If you sought medical support and your doctor recommended treatment,

1. What was that treatment? 
2. How did the treatment help your back condition? 
3. If the treatment helped your condition, can you try the remedies now?
4. Is your back pain caused from surgery, joint conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, or disease?
5. Does your job require mandatory lifting of heavy objects? 
6. Is your job emotional stressful? 
7. Do you stand long hours? 
8. Do you sit long hours?
9. How are your exercise habits? Do you workout often. 
10. Do you engage in stretch exercises? 
11. What is your stress level? 
12. Do you do something active to relieve stress?
13. Is there a hereditary back problem in your history?

Once you ask questions related to your back condition you might want to mark points that you can mention later to your doctor. Noting the problems can help you and your doctor find the cause. Often patients fail to do this, which is why many back pain problems go unnoticed.

If your back pain has recently started again after the initial indicator, you may use treatments at home to relieve the pain, unless it is demanding. Rest is a common treatment doctor prescribes to reduce back pain. I am a fan to chiropractor and osteopathic support, yet some people have issues with this notion, therefore if you feel a chiropractor can benefit you, seek support. Massage and physical therapy is also recommended to reduce back pain. In many areas, massage therapists are available, which charge reasonable fees. Check your areas to learn more about massage therapy. Common stretch exercises can reduce back pain, which has emerged from tension. If you overworked the muscles, you may want to rest and do a few exercises later. Massage at times will not be able to help so much if the gradient of injury is severe! this is in fact from my knee-hamering experience. 

Whatever you do, avoid ignoring the indicators. Once pain starts in the back, note the area and discuss the problem with your doctor.

What is Naturopathic Manipulation ?

Naturopathic Manipulation is the modern, scientific development of two of the oldest forms of treatment known to man - massage and manipulation. It is essentially a natural therapy, which seeks to overcome the wide range of diseases, disability and pains which results from disturbances of the body’s framework and moving parts.

How does it work?

Just as structural engineers undergo a lengthy training to help them understand the mechanics of bridges, dams and high rise buildings, so manipulative therapist follow an extensive, four-year training including anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human body. This equips them to analyse your problems and diagnose your complaints, using a variety of clinical skills backed up where necessary by X-ray examinations and biochemical tests. Their treatment –designed to correct the faults revealed by this thorough structural investigation–is gentle and rarely causes pain. In most cases it is followed by explanation and advice to help you prevent a recurrence of your trouble. If other treatment is indicated, you will find that your practitioner will refer you to an appropriate source of help. Manipulative therapists include osteopaths, chiropractors, manipulative physiotherapists, and naturopaths.

Where can Naturopathic Manipulation help?

It is helpful in overcoming stiffness and locomotor disabilities, problem with walking, climbing stairs, dressing and getting up from beds and chairs. But most of all it is effective in alleviating acute and chronic pain.

Tension headaches

It is generally recognised that a large proportion of headaches -80 percent or more -originate from stiffness and tension in the neck. This gives rise to pain, often radiating over the skull from the base of the neck to the eyes. Heat and analgesic tablets frequently ease this pain, but long-term relief often requires accurate osteopathic diagnosis and treatment of the underlying problem.

Back pain

A lot of adults will be crippled by backache at some time in their lives. This is one of man’s perennial problems, a malady as widespread as the common cold, as painful as toothache and sometimes as crippling as  stroke. The vast majority of back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine- postural strains, joints derangements, spinal disc injuries- and can be relieved or completely cured  by carefully designed manipulative treatment.

MULTI-DIAGNOSTIC STEPS for diagnosing your aches and pain The SNC Healing System will investigate step by step using our many diagnostic tools what is the cause for conditions such as your aches, asthma, back pain, constipation, haemorrhoids, joint stiffness, stomach troubles, The root cause may be bio-chemical, structural , energetic, psychological.

Dont let yourself suffer any longer, Dr Hadi is available at +65-63236652 for appointment. 

Thermometry Test - early detection saves lifes!

Thermography is a non invasive, thirty-minute test. It does not use radiation which is known to cause cancer. It does compress breast tissue which is dangerous to do if cancer is present and also uncomfortable. This is better than mammography at early detection of breast abnormalities.

This screening tool can identify potential issues related to breast cancer at early stage where there is a high percentage of a complete cure. Thermography can spot suspiscious tissues 10 years before i is detected by mammography.

Chemical and blood vessel activity in the area surrounding developing breast cancer is almost always higher than in the normal breast. When a tumor is forming, it develops its own blood supply to feed its accelerated growth and this increased blood flow can increase the surface temperature of the breast. Pre-cancerous tissues can start this process well in advance of the cells becoming malignant.

Mammography has not proved to be a flawless screening tool. It has a difficult time giving a good reading in women with dense breasts or implants, exposes women year after year to radiation and compresses tissue which in the event of cancer, is unsafe.

The August 2007 issue of Radiology reports that mammography centers across the country in the US are closing because the false negative rates of mammography range as high as 40%.

The AlfaSight™ 9000 Whole-Body Thermometry System (the type of Test device used in our clinic) provides the physician with a comprehensive health analysis, utilizing the body's viscero-cutaneous reflex - a complex neurological network that connects internal organ systems with subtle temperature variations on 120 skin surface points. The Alfa System can identify single or multiple regions of disturbed bio-regulation, and provide information for appropriate treatment and prioritizations for abnormalities of the female breast, peripheral vascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, abnormalities of the thyroid gland, and various neoplastic and inflammatory conditions.

Over the past 30 years, medical centers worldwide have utilized whole-body regulation thermometry to reveal the root cause of disease, as well as parallel organ and tissue dysfunctions that were previously hidden from the physician’s visible field. Uncovering these subtle, yet very significant patterns of dysregulation is necessary for effective preventative treatment.

For appointment with Dr Hadinata (male patients) he is contactable at +65-63236652 (Yes, he is in Singapore) as for female patients his colleague will perform the test instead. Dr Hadi has completed Course 1 Training in Early and Parallel detection of degenerative disease by DarkField Hematology and Relgulation Thermography conducted in Kuala Lumpur by the reknown doctor in functional medicine Dr Dan Beilin (USA).Translation of test and supplement works will be done by Dr Hadinata himself or Professor Sundardas.

The AlfaSight 9000™ has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance, CE marking and Health Canada licensing and is available for purchase in the United States, Europe Economic Area (EEA) countries, Canada, and Asian Markets.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate is a glandular organ present only in males.  It surrounds the neck of bladder & the first part of urethra and condributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.It has got five lobes anterior,posterior,two lateral and a median lobe.Since  the first part of the urethra pass through it any lesion in the prostate will produce difficulty in passing urine.

Diseases of the prostate gland:-

1) Prostatitis:-

This is the inflammation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:-

This is a non cancerous tumour of  the prostate seen after the age of 50.  3,Cancer of the prostate:-This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Cancer of the prostate.

Cancer of the prostate is directly linked with the male sex hormones(androgen). If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases.It is found that after the removal of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumour.

Site of tumour:-

Prostate cancer is seen mainly in the posterior lobe.Non cancerous enlargement is seen in other lobes.

Changes in the gland in cancer:-

The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation .Histologically prostate cancer is an adeno carcinoma(cancer of the epithelial cells in the gland)

Growth :-

Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer .The tumour compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination.

Spread of tumour:-

Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:-

From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles.Tumour cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder.

2) Lymphatic spread:-

Through the lymph vessels cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes.From there cells move to retroperitonial (Behind the peritonium) and mediastinal lymph nodes(in the chest)

3) Spread through the blood:-

Spread of cancer cells take place through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enters the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:--

Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen.

1) No symptoms:-

Tumour is small and only in the posterior lobe.  This is diagnosed accidentally.

2) Slight difficulty in urination:-

Here the tumour is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed.Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination.

3) When the tumour spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding.Urine comes drop by drop.

4) Retention of urine:-

When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of urine.This can lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure ect.In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally coma.

5) Signs of metastasis:-

Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.

a) Lumba sacral pain due to spread of cancer cells to lumbar and sacral vertebrae.

b) Fracture of spine due to cancerous growth in the spine.

c) Swelling, pain and fluid collection in the abdomen due to lesion in the abdomen.

d) Respiratory complaints due to cancer of mediastinal lymphnodes and lungs.

e) General weakness due to spread of cancer to different parts of the body.

f) Anaemia due to involvement of bone marrow and increased destruction of RBCs.

Clinical examination :-

Includes per rectal examination to feel the prostate gland,palpation of abdomen to feel the swelling in kidneys and any tumours.Patient is examined from head to foot to find out any lesions.

Investigations:-

1) Complete blood investigations;-

RBC,WBC,Platlets,ESR,bleeding time ,clotting time etc.

2) Urine analysis:-

Microscopic examination to detect pus cells,occult blood,casts,Crystals etc.

3) Renal function tests:-

Blood urea level,serum creatinine level,electrolyte level etc.

4) Serum acid phosphatase:-

Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:-

To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;-

Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney etc.

7) C T scan:-

More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:-

Gives detailed information about spine ,disc and nearby soft tissues.

9) Lymphangiography:-

Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:-

Biopsy is taken from the tumour and is send for histopathological examination under the microscope.This will detect the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:-

1) If there is retention of urine catheterisation is needed.
2) Dialysis if kidney failure.
3) If there is coma monitoring of all vital functions along with parentral nutrition and electolyte supply.
4) Specific treatment is prostatectomy(removal of prostate)

Partial prostatectomy :-

Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :-

Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :-

Stilbestrol is given to reduce tumour growth.Since this treatement increases the chance for cardiovascular disease phosphorylated diethyle stilbesterol is used nowadays.

6) Chemotherapy:-Drugs like cyclophosphamide, cisoplatim ect are given.

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:-

Homoeopathic drugs like carcinocin, conium, sabal, crotalus, thuja, iodum, selinium, staphysagria, sulphur ect can be given according to symptoms.Constitutional homoeopathic medicine will give great relief and can increase the life span.

9) Yoga and meditation is also helpful.

The Role Of Vitamin B3 Niacin

Vitamin B3 niacin is an essential vitamin for your body, and it is just one of the eight water soluble types of B vitamins.  Nearly all of the B vitamin classes will help the body convert carbohydrates into sugar or glucose, which can then be burned to produce energy.  Also known as complex B vitamins, B3 niacin are essential in helping the body break down protein and fat.

Complex B vitamins also play an important role with maintaining muscle tone within the digestive tract, along with the health of the skin, nervous system, live, eyes, hair, and mouth.  Even though a lot of people associate creative with the aspect of muscles and muscle tone, vitamin B3 niacin is as equally important - if not more important.

B3 niacin is also important with getting harmful or toxic chemicals out of the body.  It can also help the body produce different sex and stress related hormones within the adrenal glands, among other parts of the body.  The vitamin is also useful for helping with sexual dysfunction as well.  This can be great news for those who have problems with pleasing their mate.

Also very effective with improving circulation, B3 niacin can also help to reduce cholesterol levels found in the blood.  Even though vitamin B3 niacin is great as a stand alone supplement, it should also consumed with foods that contain protein, due to the fact that the body is able to convert the amino acid known as tryptophan into niacin.

The higher doses of B3 niacin, which are available only through prescription, have been proven to prevent and also improve a variety of different symptoms and ailments.  Due to the high risk of toxicity, individuals should always consult with a doctor first, before they decide to start higher doses of B3 niacin.

There are also niacin skin care products that are being developed as well, which contain anti-aging products, helping to treat acne and also aid in the prevention of skin cancer.  A lot of dermatologists expect that these products will become really popular over the next several years.  Even though they are still in development stages, research has proven them to be very effective when compared to the other types of products.

The best sources for vitamin B3 niacin include beef, pork, turkey, beets, veal, fish, chicken, salmon, tuna, and peanuts.  You can also get supplements that contain B3 niacin as well, which can give your body the amounts it needs.  This is a very important vitamin, as it does a lot more for the body than most think.  By consuming foods that contain it or taking the proper supplements - you'll get the amount of B vitamins that your body needs on a daily basis.

Curcumin Extreme™

There are many curcumin products on the market but Curcumin Extreme with BCM-95™Ø has superior bioavailability and absorption than most. Curcumin Extreme helps to maintain healthy glutathione levels, promotes normal cell cycle activity and supports normal liver detoxification.

Curcumin Extreme also includes broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulforaphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body which serves to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. Furthermore, glutathione recycles vitamins C and E which are also powerful antioxidants.

Interested? This product can be bought HERE.

Isotonix OPC-3® - Powerful antioxidant.

A free radical is an atomic structure with an unpaired electron in its outermost shell. These unpaired electrons tend to be highly reactive, resulting in chemical reactions such as oxidation. Because they have one or more unpaired electrons, free radicals are highly unstable. They scavenge the body to grab or donate electrons, causing damage to cells, proteins and DNA. Free radicals are naturally occurring; however, air pollution, stress, smoking, heavy exercising and ageing all contribute to the creation of harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative damage to the body, potentially leading to serious health problems. Normally the body is able to protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if free radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur.

Antioxidants are natural cell protectors, neutralising free radicals by pairing an electron to the outermost shell of radical oxygen molecules, rendering them harmless. Antioxidants are nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and enzymes that are capable of counteracting the damaging, but normal, effects of the physiological process of oxidation in bodily tissues. Antioxidants work in two ways, chain breaking and prevention. A chain-breaking antioxidant such as vitamins A, C and E, stabilise free radicals or cause them to decay into harmless atomic structures. A preventative antioxidant prevents the oxidation process by scavenging free radicals.

Isotonix OPC-3 is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine, pine bark extracts and citrus bioflavonoid complex, all found to be potent antioxidants. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoids (complex organic plant compounds) found in fruits, vegetables and certain tree barks that provide nutritional benefits to the human body. Studies have shown OPCs to be more powerful than vitamin C and vitamin E in neutralising free radicals. Isotonix OPC-3 is the leading isotonic product to contain Pycnogenol™ in the world. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and the most researched bioflavonoid.

Isotonic, which means “same pressure,” bears the same chemical resemblance of the body’s blood, plasma and tears. All fluids in the body have a certain concentration, referred to as osmotic pressure. The body’s common osmotic pressure, which is isotonic, allows a consistent maintenance of body tissues. In order for a substance to be absorbed and used in the body’s metabolism, it must be transported in an isotonic state.

Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.

This product can be bought at HERE.

What Your Doctor Didn't Teach You About Blood Sugar Problems (Functional Medicine)

Heart Health™ Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E

Heart Health Essential Omega III with Vitamin E is a superior product due to a number of factors. The best fish are used to produce a clean and safe product that is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It contains 3000 mg of fish oil where many other commercial products contain less.  Heart Health Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E comes from small fish where other competitive products use large fish which are more likely to accumulate toxins. Heart Health Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E provides a high quality, high purity product with significant percentages of the health promoting EPA and DHA.

The fish oil in Heart Health Essential Omega III with Vitamin E comes from sardines and anchovies harvested off the coast of Peru. Not only do anchovies and sardines have a high omega III content, they also have high percentages of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Anchovies and sardines have a short lifecycle making them an ideal source of fish oil because they are less prone to accumulating environmental toxins that can be found in larger, longer-lived fish. Contaminants are generally extremely low in sardines and anchovies even before they go through an intense purification process. Every batch of fish oil is hand selected and tested prior to processing by our manufacturer and must pass more than 200 quality checks during the production process.

Recent research has shown that that fish oil may be beneficial in supporting cognitive function and enhancing mood. It may also support a healthy complexion. In addition, DHA has been shown to help maintain blood pressure and blood viscosity.

Heart Health Essential Omega III Fish Oil with Vitamin E provides 3 grams of fish oil to help maintain overall cardiovascular health. Fish oils have been shown to provide a host of benefits that successfully support cardiovascular health. Essential Omega III Fish Oil helps to maintain normal cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels, normal blood flow and helps to enhance mood. The fish oil used in Essential Omega III is tested twice, once from the manufacturer and then by an independent testing company for mercury, lead, PCB, and other heavy metals. Both tests confirmed that Heart Health Essential Omega III Fish Oil is free of mercury, lead, PCPs, and other heavy metals.

An unhealthy diet of processed, high-calorie, high-fat foods, pollution, smoking and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to poor heart health. Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, exercising regularly and taking the right supplements can all contribute to maintaining good cardiovascular health. Research has shown that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) may help to maintain normal levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, support healthy blood pressure and promote normal platelet activity.*

*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Interested? This product can be bought  HERE.

Why you should only take sips of water during mealtime?

Large glasses of water impedes the digestive process by diluting the gastric juices.

Taking several sips of water at a mealtime as compared to drinking a couple of large glasses per meal seems to be a personal preference unless there is a medical reason or a weight loss is desired. Several sources say

that at the present time there is no proof at all that water aids in the digestion process. There is enough water in the fruits and vegetables to supply this.

But what was noticed is that an excessive amount of water consumed at a meal dilutes stomach acid concentration. This is very necessary for food breakdown of protein and other nutrients.  I also noticed that the body couldn’t handle large amounts of water at one time because most water at a meal usually has ice in it. If water is drunk lukewarm or at room temperature, it will not interfere with the body’s temperature as much as ice water does. If a person has a medical condition like a hiatus hernia, too much water at a meal will trigger it.

Water drank between meals, not during meals, is the most important time for its consumption regarding health issues. To remove toxins and waste products from the body, water is needed for the flow of their elimination. It also is important for the circulation of our body’s fluids and temperature regulation.

In 1910, a study was done on a young man who drank 3 liters of water with his meals for five days in a row. The findings showed: an increase in body weight of two pounds in the five days; increased amount of excretion of urinary nitrogen; increased output of ammonia, due to an increased output of gastric juice; decreased excretion of feces and of fecal nitrogen; and a decrease in the quantity of bacteria excreted daily.

Nutrition For The Elderly

Healthy eating and nutrition for the elderly is  greatly impacted by several factors, one of them being a change in body composition.  During the later years in life, the body will lose bone and muscle and gain fat because the hormones aren't very active anymore.

There are many factors which hinder an elderly person's health.  The information below will help you to lead a healthy life - no matter how old you may be.

Water

Water in the body decreases with age, so many older folks will become dehydrated very easily.  Sometimes they won't feel thirsty, while other times it's  too much work to pour a glass a water.  With this  in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight.

Protein

At this stage in life, protein is very important. Protein is needed to support a healthy immune system and prevent the wasting of muscle.  Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poulty, and fish.

Carbs and fiber

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the entire body.  You can find carbs in bread, cereals, pasta, and other grain products.  A diet that's high in fiber and water will help to prevent constipation as well.

Fat

Fat intake for the elderly should be limited, not eliminated.  You can limit fat by choosing lean meats, low fat dairy products, and food preperation methods that don't include frying.

Iron

For the elderly, iron deficiency can be seen with those who aren't eating much.  Good sources for iron include lean red meats or breakfast cereals.

Zinc

Zinc intake is normally with the elderly, and to  make matters worse, it's not absorbed very well either.  Meat, poultry, and fish should be a part of your diet to help you meet the requirements for zinc.

Calcium

Calcium is one ingredient that most elderly folks simply aren't getting enough of. Most believe that milk upsets their stomach, and therefore they will avoid it. They should be getting around 1,500mg of calcium a day, and nonfat powdered milk can be used in recipes as a substitute for milk.  Other foods such as yogurt, low fat cheese, and broccoli can also help you meet the requirements for calcium.

Vitamin B12

In order to absorb the benefits of B12, the intrinsic Factor must be produced by the stomach.  Most elderly people suffer from a deficiency in B12 because they have a condition known as atrophic gastritis. This condition causes inflammation of the stomach, bacterial overgrowth, and the intrinsic factor. Without the intrinsic factor, this vitamin can be absorbed.

Each one of the above nutrients are needed to keep an aged body in good health.  Elderly individuals should try to stay active and strive for a well balanced diet.  Even though the aged body isn't the same as it used to be, proper care and the right nutrients can help the elderly enjoy a healthy and long life.

Aging and the pH miracle diet

When many people hear the word “diet” they immediately think of weight loss. The focus on thinness in our society has equated this word with shedding a few pounds. However, diet really means any food or drinks you put into your body. The diet that you consume has a profound impact on your overall health. The pH miracle diet is not just a diet for weight loss. In fact, the first volume of this popular series was dedicated to health in general. The original pH miracle diet book focuses on many issues, including aging.

What does aging have to do with pH and acid/alkaline foods? Some experts contend that the reason we age has to do entirely with the amount of acidic foods that we eat. The theory is that we get older because we do not effectively get rid of the wastes and toxins that accumulated through our bodies.

We burn nutrients within our cells to get energy, maintain our body temperatures and get our bodies to function correctly. No matter what type of food you eat, vegetable or meat, acid or alkaline, gourmet food or junk food, they are composed of the same elements: carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen.

In order to function correctly, the cells use these nutrients. They “oxidize” them or burn them up into natural acids: carbonic acids, uric acids, lactic acids and fatty acids. The cells expel these acids as waste into urine and sweat. When the body is functioning properly and in a balanced manner, these waste acids are no problem. The body can get rid of them quickly and easily, and you can maintain a normal pH of around 7.4.

However, the modern way of living has resulted in our bodies not being able to rid themselves of the acids correctly. Lack of sleep, lack of exercise, overwork, stress, smoking, pollution and high acid diets (heavy in meat and dairy products) all prevent our bodies from properly expelling these acids. There is too much acidic production from these lifestyle and diet factors, and the body simply cannot get rid of it.

Even worse, modern farming and food production practices are making foods more acidic than they used to be. Inorganic acid minerals like chlorine, phosphor and sulfur seep into meats, grains and root crops through soil, air quality and farming practices. We are consuming more inorganic acid minerals than ever before. All of this contributes to our bodies’ inability to rid themselves of acid.

The pH miracle diet is a perfect balance to our over-acidified lives that cause premature aging. Aging occurs because of the build up of acidic elements in the body. Healthy cells naturally have a slightly alkaline pH level, and since acid and alkaline are chemical opposites, high acid levels destroy cells.

In order to stop aging and reverse the affects of acidic damage on the cells, you must start alkalizing your diet according to the principles set out in the pH miracle diet. You must help you body develop a better system to rid itself of the acid wastes. Then you must facilitate it in pulling old wastes out of your body.

The first step requires that you drink plenty of water, especially acid free alkaline water. Just 4 glasses of alkaline water is more effective than 8 glasses of regular water. Water ionizers are available to help you create alkaline water in the comfort of your home. This water will help flush out your system and get rid of the build up acidity within it.

The pH miracle diet also encourages people to eat a higher percentage of alkaline foods in their diet. The alkalizing foods will help restore balance to the body and push the remaining acid waste build up out of the body. According to pH miracle diet fans, the results are a more youthful glow, more energy and a relief from some of the symptoms of aging, like arthritis.