Archive for September, 2009

Allay Cancer With White Turmeric – Cucrcuma Zedoaria

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009



Although it need further research, people sure that white turmeric (curcuma zeodaria/Zedoariae Rhizoma) able to block cancer cell growth. In some cases, and some literature have approved it. If you interest to consume it, don’t be deceived from other turmeric variant that is look like cucrcuma zedoaria, which its power is not afficacious as white turmeric to against cancer disease.

People can be deceived, think that curcuma (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roburgh) as turmeric. Because in some places curcuma plant has been named as white tumeric (cucrcuma zedoaria). In indonesia its named temu-lawak. Its rhizome like of turmeric (curcuma domestica or curcuma longa), but little bigger. If tumeric having a saffron color, curcuma being colored yellow and tending to whitish after it being chopped and dried up. The other curcuma that being called wrongly as white tumeric is temu mangga (curcuma mangga). usually many people use it for fever condition (antipiretika), weight loose, irritancy or asphyxia. And also frequently being used to to tighten woman vagina after puerperal/childbirth.

There are greater galingale (kaempferia galanga) species that is thought as turmeric, its name is temu-kunci (kaempferia angustifolia), that able to being used for anti-diarhea and anti-dysentery. And kunci-pepet tulen (Kaempheria rotunda) that usually being used as anti-inflammation, antipiretika and to arouse appetite.

So let us correct these terminology problems, that is complicated wrongly. The herb that we being discussed is temu-mangga (curcuma mangga) and its variant, white turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria). In herbal society it being used to treat several stomach problem. It turmeric has a whitish skin but you can find a pimple like a small potato around its root. ciri white tumeric that is usefull to against cancer desease are: it has a whitish skin, its flesh colour is cream with manggo aromatic. Fragrance and it taste is not bitter.

Accordion to Dr. Retno S. Sudibyo, a researcher of PAU Bio tecnology UGM, we can eat its fresh root to get its expedience to against cancer. But don’t eat to much, because it can causes diarhea if you’re not resistant.

Composition :

Both temu-mangga (curcuma mangga) and white turmeric(curcuma zeodaria) content of colorant yellow kurkumin (diarilheptanoid). The Encilopedia of Medical Plands book said that kurkumin has special quality as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. their antioxidant content is stronger than vitamin E while their anti-inflammation content is sronger than chemical hidrocortison/synthetic. The volatile oil component from cucrcuma zedoaria rimpangcontent of: Guaian derifatives (Kurkumol, Kurkumenol, Isokurkumenol, Prokurkumenol, Kurkurnadiol), Germakran derivatives (Kurdion, Dehidrokurdion); Seskuiterpen furanoid with eudesman skeleton (Kurkolon). Germakran skeleton (Furanodienon, Isofuranodienon, Zederon, Furanodien, Furanogermenon); Eleman skeleton(Kurserenon identical with edoaron, Epikurserenon, Isofurano germakren); Asam-4-metoksi sinamat (having the character of fungiStatic). From other research, there are kurkumanolid A, kurleumanolid B, and kurkumenon found in cucrcuma zedoaria.

American Institute of cancer report that cancer can be prevented using turmeric. the antioxidant inside cucrcuma zedoaria be functioning to prevent deoksiribonuklead acid (gene composer) from damage. The gene damage is one of a cancer appearance factors.

Kurkumin with feruloyl and 4-hydroxycinnmoyl are a anti inflammation composite that is contained in turmeric rhizome. kurkumin component very beneficial to against cancer, protect gene from damage and anti-inflammation contemporaneously. Because in cancer disease case inflammation is always happen.

Dr. Retno S. Sudibyo research (published by Tempo 30 mey 1999), give some results that curcuma mangga content of protein toxin, sejenis Ribosome in Activating protein (R.I.P). This is a sejenis that has ability to deactivated ribosom, so that protein synthesis inside cell being hampered. Its easily for this protein to penetrate cancer cell then to penetrate the healthy cell. It causes cancer cell can not proliferate because cancer cell has age limit. At last it will be vanished automatically.

So the conclutions are:
R.I.P – block cancer growth, and will vanished automatically. The antioxidant content of kurkumin protects fom cell damage. Where gene damage is one of a cancer appearance factors. Their anti-inflammation content is usefull to prevent inflammation that always tag along cancer disease.

Beginning an Exercise Program While Suffering From Arthritis

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009



Before starting any exercise, people with arthritis need to consult their doctors about the extent of physical exertions allowed them. Most doctors are likely to recommend exercise, and advise their patients to start off with simple range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. Arthritic sufferers can engaged in selected sports and exercise regimens. Doctors will usually warn against participating in sports which are dangerous or have proven negative effects on arthritis.

Your doctor is a good source of advice on how to begin an exercise program. You can also ask an experienced physical therapist to design a routine beneficial for arthritic conditions. These types of programs usually focus on:

relieving pain correct body positioning joint preservation conservation of physical energy
Checklist: Getting Started on Arthritic-Related Exercises:

The Best Vitamin Supplements You Should Take

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009



Taken alone or combined with other vitamins in a multi-vitamin product, these vitamin supplements can help you regulate your body functions and achieve health. If you must stock up your medicine cabinet with the best vitamin supplements, make sure you have these:

Vitamins A, D, E & K.

These vitamins are fat-soluble and can only be absorbed by the body using fats from food. When taken in the right dosage, these vitamins contribute to many of the body’s metabolic processes and

Vitamins A and E, for example, along with Vitamin C are known as antioxidants. They help prevent cell the negative effects caused by free radicals. Free radicals have been implicated for causing cell damage and even increase the risk of cancer.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene helps maintain healthy cells and tissues, protects eyesight and boosts immunity. The best Vitamin A supplements usually contain retinyl palmitate or retinyl acetate and a smaller percentage of beta-carotene.

Vitamin E

This is more known as the skin vitamin because it counteracts cell aging. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, memory loss and cancer. Vitamin E comes in two forms: the natural D-alpha tocopheryl and the synthetic version. The best vitamin E supplement is the natural form because it is easier to absorb.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K, like Vitamin E, helps reduce the risk of a heart disease. It is also effective in boosting bone growth and helps the blood to clot properly. Take the Vitamin K1, phylloquinone or simply Vitamin K.

Vitamin C

Each time you had a cold, your doctor probably recommended you take Vitamin C in high doses. That’s because Vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, it is also a strong immunity booster. And you don’t have to worry about overdosing on it because it is water-soluble. It also helps promote fast healing of wounds and scars and helps maintain good skin.

Vitamin C is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease, sun damage and cancer. Take Vitamin C supplements as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate or ascorbyl palmitate.

The B Vitamins

This group is composed of eight B vitamins which are very important sources of nutrients, especially for vegetarians, who miss out on B vitamins found in meats and poultry. Some of the benefits you can get from B vitamins include:

Prevention of heart disease and memory loss courtesy of B6, taken as pyridoxine hydrochloride in supplement form. B6 also helps promote the production of hormones and important brain chemicals. Folic acid, also a B vitamin, is often recommended for pregnant women because it regulates cell growth, helps prevent pre-term delivery and birth defects. It also helps reduce the risk of hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, depression and memory loss.

Vitamin B12, taken as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin, is an important source of nutrients that fight heart disease, anemia and memory loss. It helps regulate brain function. Thiamine or B1, helps turn carbohydrates into sugar glucose and helps regulate the nervous system. Riboflavin or B2 also functions in the same way and are important for maintaining good skin health.

Niacin or B3 prevents pellagra, which causes diarrhea and dermatitis and can lead to mental illness. Pantothenic acid and biotin helps break down lipids, amino acids and carbohydrates. These two B vitamins help prevent dermatitis, a scaly skin disorder.

How to use vitamin supplements
Some vitamins, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, can have harmful effects when taken in huge amounts. To make sure you don’t overdose and still meet all your nutritional needs, make sure to take only moderate doses of multi-vitamins and other mineral supplements.

Refer to the recommended daily allowance and find out how much of each vitamin meets 100% of the daily dose. Once you meet this, you’re okay. Don’t take more than the recommended daily dose if you’re healthy and have no health problems. Take more than the daily dose if recommended by your physician or if you’re deficient.

Elderberry Lozenges – An Alternative to the Prevention and Treatment of the H1N1 Virus

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009



The H1N1 virus is unusual in that it is made from genetic material from all three influenza viruses that attack birds, swine, and humans. Most seasonal flu viruses contain only human and avian, or human and swine genes. Eating pork and poultry have nothing to do with getting infected. The last major H1N1 influenza infestation was the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which infected one-third of the world’s population and killed an estimated 100 million people. With the recent spread of H1N1 worldwide, prevention and treatment are more important now than ever.

Traditionally, fighting flu infections meant people simply went to bed, stayed hydrated, and hoped for the best. Unlike many other diseases, the H1N1 virus hits healthy individuals harder than the young and elderly. This occurs because the immune system in healthy individuals works so hard to kill off the virus that it can cause severe respiratory distress and can sometimes be fatal.

Fighting Flu With Preventative Measures

It is far easier to avoid getting the H1N1 flu than it is to treat it. Individuals able to take any of the influenza vaccines are encouraged to do so. Both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines must be taken to be protected, although there is no guarantee that the flu shots or nasal sprays will be enough. Basic hygiene and common sense actions should be followed by everyone during the flu season including:

a. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.

b. Avoid people who appear ill.

c. Stay home if you are sick.

d. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm, instead of using your hands.

e. Wash fresh produce with soap and water and avoid those products in restaurants.

f. Disinfect your home, car, and work place, regularly.

Eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated will all also help individuals fighting flu. If there is a significant flu outbreak in your region, it is better to stay home and follow health and government advisories regarding schools and other public areas.

The Science Behind Elderberry Lozenges

Elderberry lozenges, made from elderberry extract, have been scientifically proven to help prevent influenza viruses from attaching to host cells, thereby preventing infection. Since there are many fraudulent flu products available today that make claims of curing the flu, it’s important to investigate their efficacy before taking them.

Scientific research that demonstrates the effectiveness of elderberry lozenges made with elderberry extract is widely accepted. This research was conducted at the University of Oslo, reported on at the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research, and published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. The placebo controlled, double blind study demonstrated that elderberry extract effectively blocks a virus’ ability to attach itself to a host cell, thereby preventing infection.

In addition to preventing infection, the antioxidant properties of elderberry extract greatly reduced the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Instead of being ill for an average of six days, people who took elderberry extract were found to cut that time down to only two days. Also, the headache, muscle and joint pain, and fever common to those with the flu were significantly less than for those who did not use elderberry extract.

Fighting Flu With Old And New Methods

Modern medicine has provided us with countless benefits, treatments, and preventative measures against many illnesses and diseases. Flu shots and nasal sprays, antiviral medications, and good hygiene help fighting flu infections. Alternative, more traditional methods, that have been proven effective with modern scientific research, can also help when fighting flu.

Elderberry extract has been used for hundreds of years as both a healthful food and a medicinal treatment. The elderberry extract that is used to make delicious syrups, cordials, marshmallows, marmalades, and wine, is also used to make elderberry lozenges to treat and prevent influenza. It is also used for its antioxidant properties to lower cholesterol, treat bacterial and viral infections, to improve vision, and to treat respiratory problems. While you can certainly grow your own elderberry shrubs, products such as elderberry lozenges have perfected the processes required for consistent and reliable results.

With both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu virus upon us, taking extra steps to avoid infection are more important than ever. Keeping healthy requires good hygiene, common sense preventative actions, and making use of the recent discoveries surrounding the effectiveness of elderberry extract in both the prevention and treatment of influenza.

Pain Relief for Arthritis Sufferers

Friday, September 25th, 2009



Arthritis is a painful disease affecting millions of adults and children, world-wide. Over 100 different disorders can be classified as arthritis. In fact, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are a leading cause of disability. Conventional forms of treatment for arthritis may consists of steroids, painkillers and sometimes a change in diet. However, new research has indicated that a special type of honey called “Manuka Honey” is effective in treating arthritis as a natural form of pain relief from joint and muscle stiffness. These studies have shown that patients experienced a reduction in their pain levels when treated with Manuka Honey.

The reason why Manuka Honey is effective in treating arthritis is because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. In forms of Arthritis that are more tissue than bone related, Manuka Honey can reduce inflammation, providing a natural form of pain relief. Anything that is applied to the skin is absorbed into the body. Manuka Honey has a way of diffusing deep into the skin, getting to the effected area. The result is a natural anti-inflammatory action which combines with the body’s defense and support systems, improving circulation and nutrients to the joints while removing waste and preventing infections.

The natural anti-inflammatory agents found in Manuka Honey are glucosamine and hondroitin sulphate, which stimulate the body’s manufacturing of cartilage components necessary for joint repair and assist in the reduction of pain and inflammation. Frank Buonanotte, the CEO of Honeymark International, which is a manufacturer of health care products containing Manuka Honey as a healing agent says that their Pain Relief Cream is effective on back, neck and shoulder pain as well as providing relief for pains associated with arthritis and sprains. “Manuka Honey is gaining it’s well-deserved recognition within the medical community as a viable alternative to traditional forms of medicine,” Says Buonanotte. “Manuka Honey is a natural and organic ingredient that has no known side effects and is highly effective in treating a variety of different health conditions in addition to arthritis.”

Can Colostrum Cure Cancer?

Thursday, September 24th, 2009



This is an important question since according to statistics, Americans are quite vulnerable to cancer diseases. Cancer is a disease that’s related to immune system deficiency while Colostrum is well known for its capability to increase our bodies’ immune systems. Cancer cells are created in body all the time, but our immune systems kill them before they develop further and become hazardous. The development of Cancer cells indicate that our immune systems don’t do their job effectively. These Cancer Cells use this opportunity to expand their invasion in our bodies and spread out of control.

So in order to fight the Cancer, one should strengthen their defense by boosting the immune system in the body. Colostrum is one of the treatments to help boost the immune system. Colostrum contains the antioxidant phytic acid which prevents iron from reaching and nourishing cancer cells.

Colostrum contains many bioactive compounds. Some of these beneficial molecules have been intensively studied for their effects on Cancer Cells growth and Apoptosis (programmed cell death). Recent study conducted by Sweden researchers found that:

Alpha Lactalbumin one of the immune in Colostrum can cause Cancer Cells to commit “suicide”. Another study emphasized the inhibition of cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis by Interleukin 4, a cytokine found in colostrum. Natural killer cells that are present in colostrum provide resistance against tumors, however these cells have thus far shown minimal cytotoxic activity. Other components of colostrum that can potentially inhibit the process of carcinogenesis are Tumor Necrosis Factor, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, proline-rich polypeptide (PRP), and TGF-beta like peptide.

Research has shown that increased levels of IGF-1 in the plasma are associated with an increased risk of prostate and breast cancer. However, studies suggest that the higher levels of this hormone in cancer patients are a result of cancer cells over-producing the insulin-like growth factors, not because of an addition of the hormone by an external source.

Although Colostrum has many benefits to Cancer Patients but it doesn’t change the DNA. Many humans are predisposed to cancer, and many of us have dormant cancer cells in our body. But however by doing a healthy diet and consuming nutritional supplements such as Colostrum can discourage the proliferation of unhealthy cells.

Another interesting study on Colostrum showed that it produces interferon and peroxidase inside the body. These two substances are responsible to dramatic recovery of many cancer patients.

While the most interesting part comes from DEDI website. According to this site, a group of researchers from DEDI inject a certain untreatable cancer cells to Cows and then let those Cows produce Colostrum that contains specific antibody to kill these untreatable cancer cells. According to them it seemed to work but needed a deeper research, but when the government through FDA heard about this information they close down the operation. But I cannot validate the truth of this story, I leave it to readers to dig more on this information.

So my conclusion is Colostrum has positive impacts on Cancer Patients and can be added to existing cancer treatments. Whether you’re suffering from cancer or not, you really should consider to consume Colostrum on regular basis to gain significant improvements to your health. If you’re not too sure you’d better consult with your doctor first before taking action.

Doctor – I Have Symptoms of Pain and Swelling in My Hands and Feet – What Could It Be?

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009



While there are multiple causes of swelling and pain in the hands and feet, arthritis is probably the most common cause.

The term “arthritis” is derived from the Greek and means “joint inflammation”. It refers to more than 100 different diseases that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Joints are where the ends of long bones connect and interact. The end of each bone inside a joint has a thin layer of cartilage and is held in place by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A joint is lined with synovial tissue (synovium) that helps to nourish the joint. It is the synovium that often becomes inflamed in arthritis.

Arthritis may also affect other supporting structures around joints such as the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some serious forms of arthritis can affect internal organs.

The common symptoms of arthritis are due to inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, pain):

o Swelling in one or more joints

o Stiffness in the joints in the morning or with prolonged inactivity

o Joint pain or tenderness

o Restricted mobility in the joints

o Warmth or redness

Diagnosing arthritis can be difficult because some symptoms are often common to many different diseases. A rheumatologist will first do a complete physical exam, looking for clues. The eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body will be examined along with the joints. Lab tests and imaging procedures such as x-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be ordered.

The most common forms of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. This is the most common type of arthritis. When it affects the hands, it can cause painful swelling in the last row (Heberden’s nodes) and middle row (Bouchards nodes) of finger joints. In the feet it will affect the toe joints as well as the mid-foot. This disease affects cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects the ends of bones in a joint. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage starts to wear away prematurely. The swelling of the fingers and toes may lead to bony deformity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease; the body’s immune system (defense mechanism against infection) attacks normal tissues. This autoimmune reaction causes inflammation of the synovium. RA symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, rapid loss of joint function, and crippling. When severe, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect internal organs. This is the type of arthritis that most commonly causes severe inflammation in the hands and feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be symmetric- one side of the bodt being affected just like the other.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease characterized by generalized aches and pains. The pain is accompanied by stiffness that is worst in the morning but tends to last all day long. Patients may have localized tender points occuring in the muscles and tendons, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. These tender points are called trigger points. Fatigue and sleep disturbances may also occur. There is subjective swelling along with pain in the hands and feet.

Gout and pseudogout are inflammatory forms of arthritis due to deposits of crystals in joints and other body tissues. Uric acid is the culprit in gout and calcium pyrophosphate is the villain in pseudogout. Both diseases cause painful attacks of arthritis affecting the hands and feet.

Infectious arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by either bacteria or viruses. A relatively common form of infectious arthritis is Lyme disease. Infectious forms of arthritis can cause swelling and pain in the hands and feet. A diagnosis is often difficult to establish. Antibiotics will often be used to treat bacterial infectious arthritis.

Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune arthritis that develops after a person has an infection in the urinary tract or intestine. This problem is often referred to as Reiter’s disease. People who have this disease often have eye inflammation (iritis), rashes, and mouth sores. Inflammatory arthritis involving the hands and feet leading to a toe or finger that looks like a sausage (dactylitis) is common.

Psoriatic arthritis. Some people who have psoriasis also have arthritis. This disease often affects the hands and feet. It is usually asymmetric. It also causes deformity of the fingernails and toenails (onycholysis) that is often misdiagnosed as a fungal problem. Sometimes the spine- neck and low back-can be affected. As with Reiter’s disease, dactylitis often occurs.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is another autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect many organ systems including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, heart, and brain. This is a cause of swelling and pain involving the hands and feet.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting children. It leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. A patient can also have rashes and fevers with this disease. Hands, wrists, ankles, and feet are often affected.

Polymyalgia rheumatica. Symptoms include pain, aching, and morning stiffness in the shoulders, hips, thighs, and neck. It is sometimes the first sign of giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory disease of the arteries characterized by headaches, scalp tenderness, weakness, weight loss, and fever. The hands and feet may be affected although less often than other joints. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate), a blood test that measures inflammation, is often greatly elevated.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae- the small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion joints. The inflammation may accompany arthritis in the joint or injury or infection of the bursae. Bursitis produces pain and tenderness and may limit the movement of joints.

Tendinitis is inflammation of tendons (the fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones) caused by overuse, injury, or arthritis. Tendinitis produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of joints.

Not all conditions that cause symptoms of pain and swelling in the hands and feet are due to arthritis. Here are some non-arthritis causes…

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a disorder that is due to excessive production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Some patients with PV will not have any symptoms at all, but many will experience easy bruising or bleeding with minimal trauma. Also, the blood may become thick, causing it to clot in tiny blood vessels. If clotting does occur in the small blood vessels of the fingers and toes, a patient may experience numbness or burning. Swelling and pain in the hands and feet may also occur.

Some medical conditions cause edema…swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, face, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Swelling is most often seen in the hands, in the feet, or around the eyes. The swelling often causes pain.

Edema is due to excessive fluid accumulation. It can be caused by abnormal kidney function, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, varicose veins, phlebitis, protein or thiamine deficiency, sodium retention, or cancer.

Other reasons for edema are pregnancy, standing for prolonged periods of time, premenstrual syndrome, oral contraceptives, an injury (sprain), hypothyroidism (low thyroid), anemia, adrenal disease, deficiencies of potassium and B vitamins, or allergic reactions.

The cause of the edema needs to be determined. Diagnoses such as congestive heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease should be ruled out.

Insect stings can lead to swelling and pain in the hands and feet. The same type of reaction may occur with medications, such as penicillin or sulfa. This is referred to as serum sickness.

Acromegaly is a disease where a tumor in the pituitary gland causes an overproduction of growth hormone. This leads to swelling and pain in the hands and feet.

Frostbite is another cause of swelling and pain in the hands and feet.

Blood clots in the veins are another cause of swelling and pain in the limbs. This rarely affects the upper extremities (arms). If it does, diseases associated with clotting abnormalities should be suspected.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (causalgia) is an unusual disorder that leads to swelling and pain in an affected limb. Generally it occurs in an arm or a leg, rarely both at the same time. The preceding event is usually some type of trauma.

Why Does A Dog Get Arthritis?

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009



It comes as a surprise to many people to discover that dogs are not immune to the arthritis problems which so many humans are familiar with. However, when you think about it, dogs have almost the same muscular and tissue structure in their joint areas as humans do, so arthritis can rear its ugly head for them as well.

Just like humans, Dogs can suffer and develop limping problems and pain when arthritis strikes. But what exactly is it that causes the arthritis to hit them? You may not be surprised to discover that one of the main causes for arthritis in dogs is a weight problem.

Again like humans, excess weight can cause stress on their joints and if it continues, can lead to arthritis. If you keep your dog at a healthy weight, you can decrease their chances for developing arthritis later on in their life.

Injuries and accidents to their limbs are another cause of arthritis in dogs. When an injury occurs to their limbs, some underlying damage can happen to the muscles and tissues around their joints, causing undue stress.

It’s also possible that some joint misplacement could happen with an injury or accident – also causing stress and rubbing of bone on tissues, making arthritis inevitable in dogs.

Poor nutrition can be another cause to their arthritic problems. Dogs need a well-balanced diet with the proper amounts of nutrients to keep their bones, muscles and tissues strong and healthy.

Prolonged poor nutrition can cause their bones and muscles to get weak and they can start to degenerate, causing inflammation in their joints. Too much physical activity without a balance of rest is another cause of arthritis.

Most dogs are very active animals and will have bursts of activities that are healthy for them. However, they still need proper rest for their muscles, just like humans do. Overworking of their muscles can cause strain on the joints and if they don’t receive proper rest, can eventually lead to arthritis.

Sometimes arthritis can be caused by diseases or tumors that simply cannot be helped. There are some diseases that come upon them without warning and wreak havoc with a dog’s body, causing many ailments – including arthritis. Do be aware that proper veterinary care to help alleviate some of the symptoms may lessen the pain brought on by arthritis.

Sometimes old age itself causes arthritis. Your dog has led an active, robust life and now that he’s older, ailments common with old age will set in. Old age has slowed him down and he’s not as active as he once was. Dogs tend to rest, but too much rest can cause their muscles to stiffen a little. Try to keep them a little active to lessen the effects that arthritis can have on them.

Arthritis might be inevitable for them, but if you keep them comfortable and give them the proper treatments prescribed by the veterinarian, they can live out their last years in happiness.

Prevent Cancer – Will a Daily Shot of Wheatgrass Juice Help?

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009



Cancer seems to hit suddenly yet it has usually been developing in the victim’s body for many years. There could be some cancer lurking away in the hidden parts of most of our bodies. Some of us could be facing a cancer diagnosis in the near future. It is very frightening but is there anything we can do?

Most of the publicity about cancer is focused on cures. Some of the information discusses risk factors but this latter information is usually fairly difficult to interpret. We know, for example that smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. But we also know of people who smoked all their lives without developing lung cancer. Leaving aside the negatives, let’s look at folic acid, a nutrient that seems to be universally good for our health.

Folic Acid turns up again and again as one of the “good guys”. However it works in cooperation with Vitamin B12 so both need to be consumed simultaneously. Folic acid supplementation prevents birth defects known as neural tube defects. It also reduces birth defects in women taking antiepileptic drugs, which themselves cause folate deficiency. It also lowers blood homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease.

As a geneticist I often studied cells grown in culture with low folic acid. It is well known that deficiencies of folic acid are associated with breaks in chromosomes and that giving extra folic acid corrects the problem. Since a break is usually the first event in the evolution of a cancer cell, it is critical to minimize breaks. The initial genetic damage is often caused by other toxic agents but the folic acid plays a critical role in the repair of this damage.

How do studies on people shape up?

Intervention studies show that cellular measures of chromosome damage are minimized when people take more than 200 – 400 μg folic acid and more than 2 μg vitamin B12 each day. Controlled studies suggest that intakes of 700 μg folic acid and 7 μg B12 are appropriate intakes for young adults. It is expected but not yet proven that high folate and B12 consumption will protect against all cancers. Thus far there are studies that prove that taking a supplement with folic acid protects against colon cancer. There is also evidence that high folate counteracts the effects of drinking alcohol, which otherwise increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

Wheat Grass Juice
Wheat grass juice is a fantastic health supplement and is an incredibly rich source of folic acid. One 100 gm shot will give you 1,110 μg folic acid and at the same time supply you with most of the other B group vitamins, Vitamin A, C and E as well as the minerals you need. Unlike most vegetables, it also contains Vitamin B12 although 0.8 μg, not as high as the concentrations advocated by the studies. So whilst you can use Wheatgrass to really top up on your vitamins, minerals and folic acid, you will need some extra B12 to reach the levels recommended by the invention studies. If you want to get this from food, the highest food sources of B12 are shellfish and crustaceans. Fish are quite a rich source but have far less than the other sea-foods. Dairy and eggs have similar amounts to wheatgrass itself so a combination of wheatgrass with an egg and a piece of cheese or glass of milk will give sufficient intake. For strict vegetarians, it is wise to supplement.

Although there are other steps that are important in cancer prevention, a daily shot of wheatgrass will put you well ahead in your optimal health program.

Knock Out Your Cold in 24 Hours or Less

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

With the impending cold and flu season on the horizon, many of us will experience that all too familiar tingle in the back of our throat; whether or not you choose to do something about it though, is entirely up to you. Some of you may find yourself seeking relief through the use of over-the-counter medications, while others may employ the use of antibiotics (a big no-no). But as is the case with the vast majority of synthetic medications, they may offer one step forward in temporary relief, yet ultimately result with two steps back in your progression back to health. While it may be tempting to reach for immediate relief through the use of synthetic medications, you are only slowing your body’s natural immune response. Remember folks, our body is incredibly adept at overcoming health obstacles–provided you supply it with adequate means to do so.
A common misconception among many attempting to battle a common cold through alternative means, is the level of dosage necessary to invoke the proper response from your body. In contrast to synthetic medications, alternative and complementary medicines require a much different plan of attack. Quite literally, it is necessary to flood your body with a constant supply of nutrients in order to achieve the desired response. Many individuals assume, that by swallowing a couple of low-quality Echinacea capsules and eating a bowl of chicken soup that their body will miraculously return to health. This is an incorrect assumption. Lacking the desired results from such an ineffective approach is quite common, and by no means should equate to a lack of faith in alternative medicine.
The method I will share with you is virtually guaranteed to knock out your oncoming cold in less than 24 hours. That’s right, I said 24 hours. However, keep in mind that this method is not for everyone. If you do not follow the regimen 100%, do not expect 100% success. If there is one thing that is frustrating, it is when someone attempts to discredit a natural remedy when only a half-cocked effort was made.Step One:

Take 1 ounce of “Super Tonic” (recipe below) combined with 4 dropperfulls of Echinacea every two hours. Combine the formulas in a shot glass, gargle with it for few seconds, and then swallow. Some people may not be accustomed to the intense taste of Super Tonic, but in the end it will all be worth it, I promise. If the taste is too much for you too handle, you can combine the recipe with 1-2 ounces fruit juice.**Super Tonic Recipe: Ideally, this would be prepared ahead of time so that the apple cider vinegar would have adequate time to pull out the botanical properties of the ingredients. However, while advanced preparation is the most effective choice, you may also liquefy the ingredients in a blender and then strain the formula through 2-3 layers of cheese cloth if you have not planned ahead. Take 1 part – Fresh chopped organic garlic cloves, 1 part – fresh organic chopped onions (hottest available – similar to garlic), 1 part – fresh grated organic ginger root, 1 part – fresh grated organic horseradish root, and 1 part – fresh chopped organic cayenne peppers. Note: Part equals volume, not weight in this tincture method. Use a blender to chop up each of the ingredients until they are very fine!
Find a glass jar large enough and fill it