o LeoWei Living Knowledge o 生活常識

Education and your future

2012-01-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Author : LeoWei

Why we need to study? Need to go to school everyday?
Education is so important, it will make you more smart, clever, mature, even can change your mind thinking and behavior and good future and most important your living income.

Poor people need education, so that they can get a job in future. They need the job for living, they need money to survive in this world. If no job, mean no income, no money, they can't survive, they may think other way to get money to support their living. The worst are if they become robbery, gangsters, and or bad guy etc..., they steal, cheat, lie and even kill people for money. they may make more criminal, more sadness, more sin, to this world. At first we believe nobody will like to be a robbery, especially when you ask every kids. Money is the key.

If your are not a top student, always fail in exam, or poor result, you shouldn't give up. Teachers or lecturers shouldn't look down and annoying them. Parents must try to make your kids love to study when they are small, teach them, study with them together, train them. School and Universities should let the poor result student to be able to repeat the study and test until they graduate. The purpose is to let everyone got a good future, so everyone got chance to get a job, for their livings. Help lower the criminals and sadness of beings. Government can provide more low fees Universities for those poor family.

Some rich people kids may think they already so rich, no need to study that hard. No job no problem, parents got money. So they enjoy their life, they may become naughty kids. They may spend lots of money for enjoy, and their money will become less. When they grow up, they might dunno how to do business, because they don't graduated from University, lack of knowledge. May losing business, or doing other type of business which is more easy to learn, or more easy to make money. Most of these kinds of business might be unethical type.

Money

2012-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Author : LeoWei

Human basic needs, for living are shelters, food, water, air. Need to pay money for shelter, food and water, air are free.

Most expensive goods or services need to pay for living.

No. 1 Shelter, your home, your house, cost 500k or more. Most poor to medium income people spend almost their whole life to pay the loan. Everyday working and working, year by year for this huge amount.

No. 2 University study fees, cost around 100k-300k per person. If you got more kids more money you need to pay for their good future.

Why we want so much money?
For better livings, higher status, higher reputation. freedom, ...etc.
If you got 1 billion $, will you able to spend all of them? For what? Then why we are still greedy and want to make more money?

Our Wealth, accumulated next and next generation,

Price fluctuation in future generation.

Future human needs and price changes.

Money and greedy

Money and lie/cheating

Money and morale

Money and family

Money and love.
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From Wikipedia : Money is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past, a standard of deferred payment. Any kind of object or secure verifiable record that fulfills these functions can serve as money.

2012 End of the World ?

2012-01-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Author : LeoWei

According to Mayan people, 2012 lots of disaster will happen. is it end of the world?
God created the universe, created the Earth, created human beings, only God know. No one will know when is the end of the world, according to Bible. Jesus said only his father (God) know.
No need to worry, no need to scare, why worry and scare?

Earth is a lovely and beautiful place for human beings. Earth got everything, so perfect. When God create the Earth and every living things including beings, God see everything are good. However human heart are evil, that is why you see the world are bad. Human themselves want to be evil and make the world ugly. Example like, war, act of killing, hate, jealous, greedy, hurting people, cheating, silly, raping, etc.. If everyone can change, change to be a good beings, the Earth will forever there, the Earth is beautiful, like heaven. God will forever protect us and no "End of the World !"

If

Reincarnation 輪迴轉世

2011-12-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant. This doctrine is a central tenet within the majority of Indian religious traditions, such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism; the Buddhist concept of rebirth is also often referred to as reincarnation. The idea was also fundamental to some Greek philosophers as well as other religions, such as Druidism, and later on, Spiritism, Theosophy, and Eckankar. It is also found in many small-scale societies around the world, in places such as Siberia, West Africa, North America, and Australia.

爱情（Love）Chapter 1

2011-09-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Love (爱情)
Author : LeoWei

Falling in love is so easy, especially to newbie, do you really understand and know what is love? Most people don't, If we really understand, then why still break up, and divorce? When guys looking at girls, or girls looking at guys, they always look at her pretty face, or handsome face, and how nice/perfect his/her body shape. If he/she is nice, you heart is attracted by him/her beautiful/handsome looking, your brain make you happy, and interested to having relationship (intercourse) with him/her. You never look at his/her heart, whether the heart is good or not. You never look at behavior, attitude, living live style, way of thinking, interest, ... etc.

When they become couple, the male normally are more interested and excited to having intercourse with female. Day after day, when they stay together, living together, to many sex, they get bored and sometimes they also will quarrel, maybe because of the different behavior, ways of thinking, interest, ways of handling matters, level of knowledge, IQ, emotion,... etc. After that, they losing patient, their heart broken, and break up, divorce, and searching for better partner this time, they grow up, they become more mature now. But they also hurt deeply, breaking heart, sad and cry.

Honest, Clever, & Kind heart is they keys to everlasting love.
Sex, cheating and prefer nice outer look is not true love, not everlasting love. If a people prefer outer look and sex, they also love other handsome/pretty and sexy girls, not only you. For these people, it is hard to control their sex drive. They may dishonest with you and having relationship with others.

Lovers both should learn, should working together to be mature, learn to understand real love, learn to forgive, learn to change your ways of thinking, behavior, more clever. Thus, your life will be better and better.

to be continue next time ....... ^-^
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Source : （http://baike.baidu.com/view/1348.htm）

纽约州立大学斯托尼布鲁克分校研究团队从比较相伴20年的“老夫老妻”和激情正浓的新情侣入手，研究爱情能否“永恒久远”。研究人员向这两组实验对象展示他或她爱人的照片，同时利用核磁共振成像技术，扫描他们的脑部。扫描图像显示，共度20年的伴侣中，大约十分之一的人看到爱人照片后，脑部迅速分泌大量化学物质多巴胺。作为神经传导物质，多巴胺传递喜悦兴奋感，堪称“快乐激素”。上述多巴胺爆发的化学反应在新情侣脑部出现得较为普遍。传统观点认为，人类爱情和性渴望在感情关系确立初期达到极致，而后日益淡漠。情侣间如胶似漆、意乱情迷的浪漫状态在双方相处15个月内开始淡化，10年后已经消.

爱是喜欢，爱是给予和奉献；情是两人之间的互相吸引和倾慕。爱情的本质是化学反应，由激素所散发出特殊的气味由大脑识别，知其喜好，而产生的一种感觉。有些感情是与生俱来的，比如父母对孩子的感情，同性之间的感情。有些感情是后天发展的，比如战友情，手足情，爱情，爱国情等。人开始通过找配偶来繁衍后代或相伴永久,选择伴侣的对象包括朋友,同事或者陌生人,其实这时的选择是一种潜在意识,你会把你选择的伴侣与你想象中的配偶来进行对比,更多的从外貌和气质上的选,如果哪一个符合或接近你的标准,你就会去关注他,这时候就是爱之初恋.

爱之迷恋,当你在气质和外貌上选择一些伴侣后,会开始关注他们,希望得到对方的好感,同时试探对方是否也同样对自己有好感,这是一种原始的冲动.如果对方没有关注到你,你会试着展示自己,让对方发现自己,如果对方对你也同样关注,这时就会出现爱之迷恋,在这个阶段有一种互相展示的原始动力.热恋阶段中恋爱双方看到的都是彼此的优点,对所有与恋爱有关的事物都有种美好的向往.这一阶段,恋爱双方对爱情的表达更多通过肢体语言,如拥抱、拉手、接吻等等.这一阶段两个人希望时时刻刻都在一起. 爱之依恋,双方的日常生活习惯了对方的陪护和存在,离开一阵子都会觉得不顺心或是有一种心不安的感觉.这一阶段相对热恋少了些狂热化表现,更多的则是心灵上的依赖.

爱的真谛——爱是恒久忍耐，又有恩慈;爱是不嫉妒，爱是不自夸，不张狂，不做害羞的事，不求自己的益处，不轻易发怒，不计算人的恶，不喜欢不义，只喜欢真理，凡事包容，凡事相信，凡事盼望，凡事忍耐。爱是永不止息。摘自<<哥林多前书>>13章4-8节。　　
圣经中爱的真谛
(英文原文）Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

别只说人有情种，其实动物也有情种。研究人员发现，不少动物都拥有和人类相同的性格和感情，便如鲸鱼在求爱时会跟爱侣“耳鬓厮磨”、猩猩则喜爱“一夜情”及贪新厌旧，至于外表丑陋的乌鸦，却是忠心不二的丈夫和妻子，它们一生之中只有一个性伴侣。而和人类关系密切的猩猩则刚好相反，它们具有人类在爱情方面常犯的毛病---花心。贝科高说，雄性猩猩看来不喜欢对异性作任何的爱情承诺，它们在“得手” 一次之后就会立马变心，另寻新欢，不会再与同一只猩猩求爱或性交。另外，猩猩原来亦懂得尴尬，它们在攀爬时一但失手时便会躲藏及不快。

美国锡拉丘兹大学教授Stephanie Ortige小组的研究结果显示，当一个人陷入爱情，大脑中的12个区域会协同工作，释放出引发精神愉悦的化学物质，如多巴胺、催产素、肾上腺素和血压激素。爱的感觉同样会影响到极其复杂精密的大脑认知功能，例如心理表征、隐喻和体像。　　这就引发了一个疑问：究竟是心陷入爱情，还是大脑？“这永远是个很难回答的问题。我想说是大脑，但是心同样与此相关，因为爱情的复杂概念是由脑与心之间的自上而下和自下而上的多个过程形成的。比如，大脑中某些部分的活动能够对心产生刺激，令人有怦然心动之感。有时我们感觉到的貌似是心的反应其实可能来自于大脑。”另外一些研究者也发现，恋爱中的人神经生长因子（或称NGF，在人类的社会感情关系以及在“一见钟情”中扮演重要角色）的血液水平也有所增长，证明爱情是具有科学基础的。这些发现与神经科学和精神健康研究同样关系密切。因为当爱情之路不顺利时，它可能成为情感压力和抑郁的重要肇因。Ortige说道：“这是对大脑和病人精神世界的另一种探究。通过理解他们为什么坠入爱河、为什么心碎，可以对他们使用新的治疗方法。”研究还显示，不同类型的爱所影响到的大脑部位也有所不同。例如，母亲对孩子那样无条件的爱由大脑中部所激发，而激情之爱则由大脑的奖赏区域所激发，与大脑认知区域也有关联，这些区域拥有更高的认知功能。

爱情有较多的幻想；喜欢则不是由对他人的幻想唤起，而是由对他人的现实评价唤起；喜欢不像爱情那样狂热、激烈、迫切，始终比较平稳、宁静、客观。爱情与许多相互冲突的情绪有联系；喜欢却是一种单纯的情感体验。爱情往往与性欲有关；而喜欢则不涉及这方面的需要。爱情具有独占性和排他性，喜欢则不具有。爱其实很平凡，是很伟大的平凡爱情就是当你知道了他并不是你所崇拜的人，而且明白他（她）存在着种种缺点，却仍然选择了他，并不因为他（她）的缺点而抛弃他（她）的全部，否定他（她）的全部。爱情是不按逻辑发展的，所以必须时时注意它的变化。爱情更不是永恒的，所以必须不断地追求 --柏杨。当你真爱一个人的时候，你是会忘记自己的苦乐得失，而只是关心对方的苦乐得失的罗兰。爱情有如佛家的禅——不可说，不可说，一说就是错三毛。青年男子谁个不善钟情？妙龄女人谁个不善怀春？这是我们人性中的至神至圣—歌德。爱情确实有一种高尚的品质，因为它不只停留在性欲上，而且显出一种本身丰富的高尚优秀的心灵，要求以生动活泼，勇敢和牺牲的精神和另一个人达到统一黑格尔。爱情是生命的桂冠，摇摆就会让它落地，因为我们的灵魂没有爱情，生活下去就会很消沉。所以，要修正人格，昂起爱情的头颅，自然会时时爱待你所爱的人。爱情是两颗心撞击的火花，爱情的法则是奉献，爱情的桥梁是忠诚，爱情的灯塔是恒久，爱情是智慧的最高艺术，爱情的脚步无法阻挡！张荣寰正的爱情能够鼓舞人，唤醒他内心沉睡着的力量和潜藏着的才能。薄伽丘爱情，你的话是我的食粮，你的气息是我的醇酒。歌德爱情使人心的憧憬升华到至善之境。但丁人只应当忘记自己而爱别人，这样才能安静、幸福和高尚。列夫·托尔斯泰爱情里要是掺杂了和它本身无关的算计，那就不是真的爱情。莎士比亚爱情是真实的，是持久的，是我们所知道的最甜也是最苦的东西。夏洛蒂·勃朗特爱情只在深刻的、神秘的直观世界中才能产生，才能存在。生儿育女不是爱情本身的事。索洛维约夫关于爱情，人们有许多定义：爱情是生活中的诗歌和太阳。别林斯基爱情是理解和体贴的别名。泰戈尔爱一个人意味着什么呢？这意味着为他的幸福而高兴，为使他能够更幸福而去做需要做的一切，并从这当中得到快乐。车尔尼雪夫斯基真正的爱，在放弃个人的幸福之后才能产生。列夫·托尔斯泰爱情是一位伟大的导师，她教我们重新做人。莫里哀真正的爱情像美丽的花朵，它开放的地面越是贫瘠，看来越格外的悦眼。巴尔扎克说到底，爱情就是一个人的自我价值在别人身上的反映。爱默生了解爱情的人往往会因为爱情的升华而坚定他们向上的意志和进取精神。培根相信爱情，即使它给你带来悲哀也要相信爱情。泰戈尔爱除自身外无施与，除自身外无接受。纪伯伦当爱情轻敲肩膀时，连平日对诗情画意都不屑一顾的男人，都会变成诗人。柏拉图婚姻的爱，使人类延续不绝；朋友的爱，使人类达到更完美的境界；淫邪的爱，则使人类败坏堕落。爱默生爱一个人就是指帮助他回到自己，使他更是他自己。梅尔勒·塞恩爱并不是谁为谁牺牲，谁为谁做什么，一旦爱变成这样，这就不是爱。梅尔勒·塞恩。爱本质上是给予而非获取。弗洛姆。信任、认真、包容、中肯、谦让、理智、专一。爱情七部曲。婚姻是爱情的坟墓，但是没有婚姻，爱情将死无葬身之地。曹世真一有人反对，爱情会变得象禁果一样更有价值。李攀将爱情之酒甜而苦。两人喝，是甘露；三人喝，是酸醋；随便喝，要中毒。陶行知　　33.爱情，我还是不能完全的了解它。它只是在无声无息中征服了占据了我。希特勒　　34.这世上最幸福的事情，便是能有一个你深爱并且也深爱你的人同你共眠。拿破仑爱情有始无终，开始让人幸福，过程有酸甜苦辣，即使两个人分别，可他永远没有结束。爱情是一种感觉，存在于回忆！郝济琛这个世界上，所有事情都有障眼法。看见的，未必是真的。真的你未必能幸运的看见。《十分爱》你永远也看不到我最寂寞时候的样子，因为只有你不在我身边的时候，我才最寂寞。我爱美，君可知？史莱克·朴爱情是一种美妙的精神毒药，可伤人，更养人。有时候，你牵挂的爱或爱情会杳无音讯，消失的无影无踪，一天，两天，无数天。那是你的全世界，对你来说，那是极大的折磨，消失的一秒如一年。演员白国伟 “只要雨不倾盆，风不横吹，撑一把伞在雨中仍不失古典的韵味。任雨点敲在黑布伞或是透明的塑胶伞上，将骨柄一旋，雨珠向四方喷溅，伞缘便旋成了一圈飞檐。跟女友共一把雨伞，该是一种美丽的合作吧。最好是初恋，有点兴奋，更有点不好意思，若即若离之间，雨不妨下大一点。真正初恋，恐怕是兴奋得不需要伞的，手牵手在雨中狂奔而去，把年轻的长发和肌肤交给漫天的淋淋漓漓，然后向对方的唇上颊上尝甜甜的雨水。余光中《听听那冷雨》爱情，永远都暴露着人类的自私那面；爱情，永远都沉浮在牵念的碧霄之中；爱情不是斟满的香槟，它的浓烈需要时间来调和；爱情不是加糖的咖啡，它的苦涩需要仔细的斟酌；爱情不是感恩的凝视，它的久远需要亲力去把握；爱情不是短暂的偏爱，它的追逐需要一生的幸福；爱情有时需要等待，但绝不是空守内心的那片馨园；爱情有时需要飘然，但绝不是神游心潮的那次澎湃；爱情不同于友情，你不仅要分享她的快乐时的感受，还要慰藉她伤心时的眼泪；爱情不同于友情，你不仅要与她搀扶着越过眼前的阻碍，还要与她依偎着走向遥远的未来；

Salt

2011-09-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

Author : LeoWei

In our daily food, we should add some salt, salt can kill bacteria, can protect teeth from bacteria. Diet with no salt or low salt may cause you losing teeth more earlier. Cooking food add some salt will make your food taste better and last longer. For example if you cook vegetables like broccoli in the early morning without adding salt, and left it there for many hours until you having dinner. You might realize the smell and taste become poor or bad.

Adding salt, will still taste good. Lots of other food like packaging food, french fries got lots of salt on their surface, thats why it is still look good even after a week or more. No mold will able to grow on their surface. Salt can prevent mold grow ^-^, mycotoxin by mold can cause food poison. Those with candida yeast overgrowth in their guts, I believe their diet must be very low in salt or no salt. Salt also can kill bacteria and candida that growing too much in your gut.

Throat infection by bacteria and fungus can be lessen by adding salt to your diet.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Salt, also known as table salt, or rock salt, is a mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of ionic salts. It is essential for animal life in small quantities, but is harmful to animals and plants in excess. Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous food seasonings and salting is an important method of food preservation. The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes.

Salt for human consumption is produced in different forms: unrefined salt (such as sea salt), refined salt (table salt), and iodized salt. It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light gray in color, normally obtained from sea water or rock deposits. Edible rock salts may be slightly grayish in color because of mineral content.

Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, or electrolyte disturbance, which can cause neurological problems, or death.[35] Drinking too much water, with insufficient salt intake, puts a person at risk of water intoxication (hyponatremia). Salt is sometimes used as a health aid, such as in treatment of dysautonomia.
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Swimming in river vs swimming at Swimming Pool

2011-04-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Author : LeoWei

Author is a swimmer represented state before, now retired, and ever safe few people who are nearly drowned at swimming pool before, my real life experience.

Swimming at river is more danger if you are not a good swimmer. River water is dirty and poison. When you swim at river you can't see anything in the water, even you wear a swimming goggles. The water is mixed with soil and become blur. If someone is drowned, it is hard to find and safe.

The victim may drink lots of water and try to breath underwater, after breath out the oxygen,the victim will sink, and unconscious in just a few minutes. Few minutes, victim will sink very deep and you are late to safe. Even a good swimmer, cannot swim too deep, because deeper, more pressure, your ear is painful. You cannot stop breathing more than 2 or 3 minutes i guess. My best time for stop breathing is 2 minutes and 58 seconds and i nearly fainted. You only got 1 to 2 minutes to safe the victim when drowned.

Even a good swimmer cannot save more than two people in the river at the same time, should be one by one, it is hard to float in the surface of water when carry a person or more. One hand carry one person, only left two foot to make us float or swim. It is very hard, all will sink if too heavy. Saving one by one took time, you might late, once the victim sink, you can't find them, if the river is flowing. Unless the river is clean and clear water are not flowing.

Everyone should learn swimming.

Vehicle Speed is the killer

2011-04-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Author : LeoWei

Today I'm going to share my knowledge about road accident. Every morning, when i read papers, there are road accident happened. I was thinking why these things happen everyday. Everyday got people killed on the road, whats wrong with their driving? How can these accident happened? So scary and frightening and so sorry to them.

Driving too fast can kill driver. Strong impact and loss control. During high speed, when trying to avoid accident by turning steering too much, will causing vehicle loss control, swing and drift. Lots of driver never think of it or never know of it.

Overtaking at high speed should avoid. Time needed for overtaking must calculate accurately. At bended road, it is hard to define the road hazard in front. The distance depends on the speed, count by time is more accurate. At higher speed, you need to define the danger at more further distance, our eyes cant see too far. That's why very risky to do overtaking at high speed. Vehicle took more time to stop at high speed, stronger impact can kill. Asking yourself, do you really need to drive that fast? Are you really urgent? Be patient, late to school or office, not a big problem, just drive slower and safer. Care for your life and family and other people life. Don't show off, showing you are good racer or whatever, it is silly. Plan our time correctly, so we dont need to rush on the road.

Most accident get killed are caused by high speed, we can see the strong impact causing damage, crashed, cracked shape of the vehicle after accident, it is because high speed, and louder "screech" sound from Tyre. Think back the time our grand nanny don't have car that time, they walking only. We must appreciate now.

Vehicle physical protection

Vehicle front, side, or rear glass may broke when accident happen and causing driver and others throw out from car and get injured, or killed. If the glass is unbreakable it can really reduce the risk. Hope someday the automobile manufactures can upgrade the glass, it doesn't matter if the price are marked up. People are more willing to pay for their safety.

Motorbikes the most risky vehicle, because no protection at all when accident happen. The object may directly hit the cyclist body and get killed. That is why most motorcyclist get killed when accident happen. For example Mr. X riding a bike and knocked by a car/lorry, Mr. X get killed, however the car driver don't, only the car damaged.

Liquid Chlorophyll

2011-02-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

Author : LeoWei

Liquid Chlorophyll an A+ detox drink rated by Author.

Itchy Throat and persistent cough

2011-02-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Author : LeoWei

In these few months author saw lots of adult and children getting a new and quite serious disease spreading around in my hometown. Actually i had noticed this disease first time in year 2009 before the H1N1 debut. Itchy throat and persistently cough and some people even loosing voice (hoarse voice).This disease is highly contagious, i never saw people coughing so often and non stop. They said their throat feel itchy that's why they cough so often. Some kinds of throat infections by virus?, bacteria or fungi? Actually, me and my family also infected by this disease before. Sometimes i think is it H1N1? but it doesn't cause fever.

Some people always "Ah~~~HeeeM``` Ah~~ Heem" (Sound) then spit out sticky mucus. They complain about annoying sticky mucus at their throat that making them always want to make "ee hem~~~ sound to clear these sticky mucus.The cough is really crazy, it causing kids cough once in every minute time frame or 30 seconds time frame or more or less.If left for few days you even feel a little pain when you cough.However, this sickness doesn't causing fever, runny nose, cold or body pain.

Some people are recovered without any drugs, some with antibiotics, some with Chinese herb, some never recovered keep coming back, took long time to recover. Many complained drugs prescribed by doctor doesn't help, finally the Chinese herb cured them.Author saw many kids suffering from this crazy cough and feel so sorry to them.

At last I got a chance to met with this stupid disease when i was infected. I try to combat this disease with my own method without any drugs by doctors and Chinese herb, I'm looking for natural and cheaper way to combat it. Because i think if someone who are allergy to drugs and/or herbs or some women who are pregnant if they taking drugs or herbs may not suitable.Not everyone afford to pay for medical fees, some poor people with a low income like $100 USD per month how they gonna afford it. Normally private Doctor charge around $10 to $30 USD per visit.The worse is they pay for it but they still don't getting better or recover.

After taking 2 weeks time finally i found a cure. The answer is "Bitter Tea"

(Read the Disclaimer)
I buy a normal tea cost around $1 - $3 only, pour little bit hot water only, I don't add anything else (No sugar, creamer, lemon etc), just tea.Less water so the tea is more bitter, drink a little bit only 5 to 10 tea spoon is enough, once per day or twice per day morning and night. After drinking tea never eat any other foods or drinks.Just leave it like that, the best time to drink tea is when I going to bed. Drink it and sleep.The next day Author feel better, and I keep on doing it till recovered. Tea that I drink is just a few spoonful, not a cup of tea.Only took few days for me & my family to recover after suffering for nearly a month.However this doesn't mean the sickness won't coming back again, if you contact with someone who are infected. At least it help you recover faster just in few days and not a month or more or less.

..................................

Author suspect, it might be a kind of new fungus type or mold.Your air conditioner can collect them and spread out in air once you open air conditioner and many will infected. Start to cough feel itchy throat ...., clean your air conditioner always.

That's the end of my story ............................ END ZzzZzz

Global Warming Causing Flood

2010-08-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Author : LeoWei

The loss of ice mass from the ice sheets on Greenland and Antarctica as temperatures warm, ice melts contributing to sea level rise.Heavy rain causing flood.Earth is balancing itself like "Ying Yang". As more and more water reaches the ocean, it is increasing sea level at a faster rate which threatens every coastal city and shoreline.Need to moving house to higher ground.

Refreezing water to become ice cube and ship back to Antartica can help to decrease sea level. At the same time will help to decrease the global temperature. This is because Antartic ice serve just like a freezer to cool down the earth, if ice is melting, more and more water will flow to sea. The freezer also will become less cold and soon ice will melt more faster and earth will become more warm & sea level increase more. Putting back those water that we refreezed can help Antartic become more cold. As we know if we put more ice in our freezer, our freezer will become more cold. Than those ice won't melt that fast. Where these water is coming from,is where we should putting it back.Back to nature .

Cancer Is Parasite !

2010-06-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www.drhuldaclark.org/ailments_Cancer.asp

The success rate for advanced cancer is about 95%. So you can count on this method, not merely hope it will work for you. It is a total approach that not only shrinks tumors, but also normalizes your blood chemistry, lowers your cancer markers, and returns your health. The small failure rate (5%) is due to clinical emergencies that beset the advanced cancer sufferer. However, if you combine the advice in this book with access to hospital care, even "hopeless" patients can gain the time necessary to become well again.

The promise

Step into a new world. A world without chronic diseases. Step out of your old world. It has kept you a prisoner. Try something new.

The prison has no walls. It has only lines. Lines that mark the ground around you. Inside the lines are your old ideas. Outside are new ideas that invite you to step over and escape your prison. Dare to try these new ideas and your illness promises to recede. In a few weeks it can be gone.

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." Page 1.

The Cause

The Cause For many years we have all believed that cancer is different from other diseases. We believed that cancer behaves like a fire, in that you can't stop it once it has started. Therefore, you have to cut it out or radiate it to death or chemically destroy every cancerous cell in the body since it can never become normal again. NOTHING COULD BE MORE WRONG! And we have believed that cancers of different types such as leukemia or breast cancer have different causes. Wrong again!

In this book you will see that all cancers are alike. They are all caused by a parasite. A single parasite! It is the human intestinal fluke. And if you kill this parasite, the cancer stops immediately. The tissue becomes normal again. In order to get cancer, you must have this parasite.

How can the human intestinal fluke cause cancer? This parasite typically lives in the intestine where it might do little harm, causing only colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, or perhaps nothing at all. But if it invades a different organ, like the uterus or the kidneys or liver, it does a great deal of harm. If it establishes itself in the liver, it causes cancer! It only establishes itself in the liver in some people. These people have isopropyl alcohol in their bodies.

All cancer patients have both isopropyl alcohol and the intestinal fluke in their livers. The solvent, isopropyl alcohol, is responsible for letting the fluke establish itself in the liver. In order to get cancer, you must have both the parasite and isopropyl alcohol in your body.

From the book "The Cure for all Cancers." Page 1.

Cancer can now be CURED:

Cancer can now be CURED, not just treated. We are not accustomed to thinking about a cure for cancer. We think of remission as the only possibility. But this book is not about remission. It is about a cure. This is possible because in 1990 I discovered the true cause of cancer. The cause is a certain parasite, for which I have found evidence in every cancer case regardless of the type of cancer. So lung cancer is not caused by smoking, colon cancer is not caused by a low-roughage diet, breast cancer is not caused by a fatty diet, retinal blastoma is not caused by a rare gene, and pancreatic cancer is not caused by alcohol consumption. Although these are all contributing factors, they are not THE cause. Once the true cause was found the cure became obvious. But would it work? I set a goal of 100 cases to be cured of cancer before publishing my findings. That mark was passed in December, 1992. The discovery of the cause and cure of all cancers has stood the test of time and here it is!

From the book "The Cure for all Cancers." After cover.

The Basis of the Discoveries

I have indicated throughout this book the existence of pollutants in food and other products. These pollutants were identified using a testing device of my invention known as the Syncrometer(TM). Complete instructions for building and using this device are contained in this book. Therefore anyone can repeat the tests described and verify the data.

The Syncrometer is more accurate and versatile than the best existing testing methods. A method for determining the degree of precision is also presented. However at this point it only yields positive or negative results, it does not quantify. The chance of a false positive or a false negative is about 5%, which can be lessened by test repetition.

It is in the public interest to know when a single bottle of a single product tests positive to a serious pollutant. If one does, the safest course is to avoid all bottles of that product entirely, which is what I repeatedly advise. These recommendations should be interpreted as an intent to warn and protect the public, not to provide a statistically significant analysis. It is my fervent hope that manufacturers use the new electronic techniques in this book to make purer products than they ever have before.

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." Before contents.

You may not have time to read this entire book first if you have cancer and are scheduled for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment. You may wish to skip the first pages which describe how cancer develops.

Go directly to the cancer curing recipe and order your supplies. Using the herbal recipe together with the zapper is best. It only takes days to be cured of cancer regardless of the type you have. It does not matter how far progressed the cancer is, you can still stop it in 5 days.

After you have stopped the cancer, you can turn your attention to getting well. Read the case histories to see how easy it is to stop even terminal cancer. Learn from them to avoid mistakes.

Does this mean you can cancel your date for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy? YES! After curing your cancer with this recipe it cannot come back. This is not a treatment for cancer: It is a cure! But if you do not wish to make your doctor angry, you could follow her or his wishes, too. Be careful not to lose any vital anatomical parts in surgery though, because you may need them later when you are healthy!

Remember that oncologists are kind, sensitive, compassionate people. They want the best for you. They have no way of knowing about the true cause and cure of cancer since it has not been published for them. I chose to publish it for you first so that it would come to your attention faster.

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." After cover.

Abstract/Summary

The human species is now heavily infested with parasites, particularly the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buskii, the sheep liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, the pancreatic fluke of cattle Eurytrema pancreatica, the human liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis and the common roundworm, Ascaris. The increase in fluke parasitism is due to the establishment of a new "biological reservoir" in cattle, fowl and household pets. The increase in Ascaris parasitism is probably due to harboring of household pets.

At the same time, microcontamination of the human food supply with derivatives of the petroleum industry has occurred; these include solvents, antiseptics and numerous products used directly in the food industry. In the presence of isopropyl alcohol, Fasciolopsis buskii can complete its entire life cycle in the human body, not requiring a snail as an intermediate host, as it usually does. Other solvents contributing to parasitism include benzene, methanol, xylene, and toluene which now occur as residues in our foods and pollute our body products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions and cosmetics. These solvents are also contaminants of animal feed, and thus are responsible for establishing the new biological reservoir or source of infection of flukes.

Different solvents accumulate preferentially in different organs. Isopropyl alcohol accumulates in the liver, resulting in completion of the life cycle of Fasciolopsis in the liver.This establishes the malignant process. A variety of growth factors are produced in the human host organs, possibly for the parasites' own use, inadvertently including the human tissue in its sphere of influence. The presence of an adult fluke in the liver signals the production of such growth factors in a distant organ. This organ appears to be chosen on the basis of certain bacteria as well as specific carcinogens present there.

The difference between persons who accumulate isopropyl alcohol and those who metabolize it promptly is the presence of aflatoxin B in the former. Aflatoxins are contaminants of our foods and may also be produced in situ by the growing of mycelia of Aspergillus varieties. Such mycelical growths are only seen in the presence of copper!

The killing of all parasites and their larval stages together with removal of isopropyl alcohol and carcinogens from the patients' lifestyle results in remarkable recovery, generally noticeable in less than one week. Cancer could be eradicated in a very short time by clearing our food animals and household pets of fluke parasites and by monitoring all food and feed for solvents.

Since developmental stages of the intestinal fluke are found in blood, breast milk, the saliva, semen, and urine and can be seen directly in these body fluids using a low power microscope, it follows that this parasite can be sexually transmitted and also transmitted by kissing on the mouth and breast feeding. However, the recipient would develop cancer only if isopropyl alcohol were accumulated in his or her body.

A common bacterium species, Clostridium, manufactures isopropyl alcohol in the digestive tract and under dental restorations. The use of betaine as a food supplement and removal of dental fillings clear these up.

Nanoparticles Potential Risk

2010-06-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Source: http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Quality-Safety/Exposure-to-nano-titanium-dioxide-could-up-cancer-risk-says-study

Exposure to nano titanium dioxide could up cancer risk, says study

By Katie Bird , 18-Nov-2009

Related topics: Quality & Safety, Cleaning / Safety / Hygiene

There may be a potential risk of cancer and genetic disorders for individuals working with high concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, according to US scientists.

The researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, arrived at this conclusion following a mouse study that suggested ingestion of the nanoparticles led to genetic damage.

In addition to warning against occupational exposure, the study, published in the journal of Cancer Research, warns against the ingestion of food colours, vitamins and non essential drug additives that contain titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

One of the study’s authors Dr Robert Schiestl also advised against using spray-on sunscreens as these could lead to the inhalation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles that are often used to improve the UV protection provided by the products.

Sticking to sun protection products in cream or lotion form is preferable as the nanoparticles don’t cross the skin barrier, according to Schiestl.

The UCLA study looked at the effects of feeding mice titanium dioxide nanoparticles in their daily water supply for a period of five days for adult males, and ten days for pregnant females from day 8.5 to day 18.5 post coitum.

Effects on the DNA and genetic material of the mice were observed to investigate whether ingesting the nanoparticles was genotoxic, led to DNA damage and brought on an inflammatory response within the organism.

According to the study, exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles leads to double strand DNA breaks in the mice, in a dose dependent manner - the higher the dose of titanium dioxide the higher the number of double strand breaks.

The double strand DNA breaks are particularly important in a health context as they are more damaging than single strand breaks or oxidative damage, which are transient, according to the authors.

In pregnant females, exposure to the nanoparticles induced significantly more DNA deletions in their offspring than those not exposed.

Inflammatory mechanism

The team also found higher concentrations of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the mice that had been exposed to the titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which led the researchers to suggest the toxicity of the particles could be due to their ability to elicit an inflammatory response.

Explaining the potential mechanism, Schiestl said in a statement: “The novel principle is that titanium by itself is chemically inert. However, when the particles become progressively smaller, their surface, in turn, becomes progressively bigger and in the interaction of this surface with the environment, oxidative stress is induced.”

Further human studies are needed in order to truly understand the health effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but the researchers feel the data suggests we should be ‘concerned’ about cancer or genetic disorders for those working with the material and that it would be ‘prudent’ to limit the ingestion of the materials.

“It could be that a certain portion of spontaneous cancers are due to this exposure. And some people could be more sensitive to nanoparticles exposure than others. I believe the toxicity of these nanoparticles has not been studied enough,” added Schiestl.

Source: Journal of Cancer Research
2009, volume 69, issue 22
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage and Genetic Instability in vivo in Mice
Benedicte Trouiller, Ramune Reliene, Aya Westbrook, Parrisa Solaimani, Robert H. Schiestl

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Titanium Dioxide: Toxic or Safe?
By Lori Stryker, B.Sc., B.H.Ec., B.Ed.

Source : http://www.organicmakeup.ca/ca/titaniumdioxide.asp
One form of mineral or mineral extract, including titanium dioxide, that we should be concerned about is ultrafine or nano particles. As technology has advanced, so has its ability to take normal sized particles of minerals and reduce them to sizes never before imagined. While many are praising this new technology, others are warning of its inherent dangers to our bodies. A study by Churg et. al. at the University of British Columbia in their paper "Induction of Fibrogenic Mediators by Fine and Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide in Rat Tracheal Explants" (1999) found that ultrafine particles of the anatase form of titanium dioxide, which are less than 0.1 microns, are pathogenic or disease causing (see Table 1).
Table 1: Measurements of Mineral Pigment Particles
Particle Size Measurement
Coarse Less than 10 microns
Fine Less than 2.5 microns
Ultrafine (nanoparticles) Less than 0.1 microns or 100 nanometres
etcgroup.org

Table 2: Particle Size and Entry into the Human Body
Nanoparticle Size Entry Point
70 nanometres Alveolar surface of lung
50 nanometres Cells
30 nanometres Central Nervous System
Less than 20 nanometres No data yet
etcgroup.org

Kumazawa, et. al. in their study, "Effects of Titanium Ions and Particles on Neutrophil Function and Morphology" concluded that cytotoxicity (danger to the cell) was dependent on the particle size of titanium dioxide. The smaller the particle size, the more toxic it is (see Table 2). This conclusion is relevant to the consumer because of the cosmetics industry's increasing use of micronized pigments in sunscreens and colour cosmetics. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens because they are colourless at that size and still absorb ultraviolet light. Many cosmetic companies are capitalizing on metal oxide nanoparticles. We have seen, however, that if titanium dioxide particles used to act as a sunscreen are small enough, they can penetrate the cells, leading to photocatalysis within the cell, causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight (Powell, et. al. 1996) The fear is that this could lead to cancer in the skin. Studies with subjects who applied sunscreens with micronized titanium dioxide daily for 2-4 weeks showed that the skin can absorb microfine particles. These particles were seen in the percutaneous layers of the skin under UV light. Coarse or fine particles of titanium dioxide are safe and effective at deflecting and absorbing UV light, protecting the skin, but consumers should avoid using products with micronized mineral pigments, either in sunscreens or colour cosmetics.

As with any health issue, relevant studies must be examined closely to reach balanced conclusions about its impact on our health and well-being. Often, risk determinations are made without considering actual hazards and real-life exposures (Warheit, 2004). The Organic Make-up Co. considers fine or coarse particle sized titanium dioxide and other mineral pigments to be safe according to the studies available and information discussed in this article. Despite repeated requests for micronized pigments in our colour cosmetics, we insist on using only coarse or fine particles of mineral pigments, balancing our need to look beautiful with our more pressing need to stay healthy. With the multitude of cosmetics and chemicals available to us, it is in our best interest to become informed as consumers and make pure, natural and simple choices to protect our health and longevity.
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No place for nanosilver in food - German risk body
Source:
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Quality-Safety/No-place-for-nanosilver-in-food-German-risk-body

By Rory Harrington, 11-Jun-2010

Related topics: Quality & Safety

Nanosilver has no place in consumer products such as foods or cosmetics until the potential hazards from the substance have been fully scrutinised, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has said.

The body urged companies that are considering use of nanosilver in consumer products to hold off until studies have fully confirmed its safety. At present, the agency said the case had not been made.

“It is not possible at the present time to determine in a definitive manner whether nanosilver constitutes a health risk for consumers”, said a BfR statement.

Antimicrobial

The anitimicrobial properties of silver ions are well-established but the body said its call for caution cames as manufacturers begin to utilise silver particles in the nano-range. It cited the use of nanosilver to coat surfaces in fridges to inhibit the growth of germs as one example that appeared to cause potential concern.

“Until we are in a position to reliably rule out potential health risks, we recommend that manufacturers refrain from using nanosilver in consumer products”, said BfR president Professor Dr Andreas Hensel.

Nanomaterials consist of particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometres. Their size means they exhibit different properties than those of larger particles of the same substance. Not enough is known about whether these differences in properties could have negative as well as positive consequences.

It has still to be ascertained whether their toxic properties change and they could become a health risk for consumers, said the German experts. The BfR called for more research to “elucidate the fundamental issues in conjunction with the use of nanoscale silver as an antimicrobial material” to determine at what scale consumers come into contact with nanoscale particles and the potential hazard of resistance development.

Unanswered questions

BfR recommended “refraining from using any nanoscale silver in consumer products until a definitive safety assessment becomes available”.

Given its ability to inhibit the growth of germs, silver is used in food dye E174 and cosmetics. Nanoscale additives in food require approval and the body hailed the fact that nanosilver has not been approved for use in this area yet.

“BfR welcomes this in the context of the yet to be answered questions about risk assessment,” it added.

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Fish Kill: Nanosilver Mutates Fish Embryos
Tiny particles of silver--potent antimicrobial agents that can kill bacteria on contact--are becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods. But nanosilver washes down drains and is discharged into waterways, where fish and other aquatic life are exposed

By Gordon Shetler and Environmental Health News
Source :
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=nanotechnology-silver-nanoparticles-fish-malformation

November 17, 2009

Smaller than a virus and used in more than 200 consumer products, silver nanoparticles can kill and mutate fish embryos, new research shows.

Tiny particles of silver – potent anti-microbial agents that can kill bacteria on contact – are becoming increasingly popular in consumer goods, including washing machines, refrigerators, clothing and toys.

But as use of these microscopic silver particles grows, some scientists now are raising concerns about potential effects on the environment and human health.

Many nanoparticles, including nanosilver, wash down drains and are not removed by sewage treatment, so they are discharged into lakes and rivers, where fish and other aquatic life are exposed. Research into the environmental implications of these silver nanoparticles has begun, but there are no answers yet about what happens when they enter ecosystems.

“I think we jumped the gun” by creating such large volumes of nanoparticles, said University of Utah researcher Darin Furgeson. “We should take more time and really look at these new nano-systems before we start to throw them into personal products and shoot them into these ecosystems.”

Nanotechnology is projected to be a trillion dollar industry by 2015, with some saying it will be the focus of the next industrial revolution. The number of products – including sunscreens, paints, vitamins, food additives, electronics, vehicles and appliances – that use nanomaterials has increased almost 380 percent since 2006, according to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit group that tracks nanotechnology.

Nanoparticles are pieces of metal or other substances that are engineered to measure less than 100 nanometers in length. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. In comparison, a human blood cell is about 8,000 nanometers and the HIV virus is about 130.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a new research strategy to better understand the environmental effects of these microscopic particles. In addition, last year, the EPA and the National Science Foundation established two new centers, led by UCLA and Duke University, to examine the environmental implications of nanotechnology.

“The same special properties that make nanoscale materials useful are also properties that may cause some nanoscale materials to pose potential risks to humans and the environment, under specific conditions. At this point not enough information exists to fully assess these risks,” said an EPA report released in January. The report summarized the EPA’s Nanoscale Materials Stewardship Program, which collected voluntary information from companies that manufacture or use nanoparticles.

In one new experiment, Furgeson, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences, exposed zebrafish embryos to silver nanoparticles in a laboratory, and found that some died and others were left with dramatic mutations.

“Some of the fish became extremely distorted, almost making a number nine or a comma instead of a linear fish,” he said.

The nanosilver caused malformations in their eyes, swim bladders, tails, and some embryos developed fluid around the heart that causes congestive heart failure, according to the study, which was published in August in the nanotechnology journal Small.

Furgeson tested concentrations until he found one that wasn’t lethal, about 0.01 grams per liter, to observe what nanosilver would do at doses that didn’t kill the embryos.

Scientists do not yet understand what this toxicity means to humans and the environment. Testing silver nanoparticles on fish and other organisms is an important step toward understanding how they will interact in the human body. It is unclear if these nanoparticles will accumulate in specific organs or what kind of damage they could cause.

“Zebrafish have similar tissues and organs to us,” Furgeson said. “They don’t have lungs, but they do have a liver, kidneys and heart – though it is only two chambered – and they have a blood-brain barrier.”

Raising concerns about potential harm to human health, other recent research has shown that some metal nanoparticles can damage DNA or kill cells. One new study found that nanoscale particles can cross into the womb through the placenta.

Different materials have different effects, according to the fish study. Both gold and silver nanoparticles were tested, but only the silver ones were toxic to the fish embryos in all sizes, according to the study. Gold particles did not have an effect. Other studies suggest that copper nanomaterials are toxic to rats.

“Chemical composition of the nanoparticle is as, if not more, important at inducing toxicity,” the authors said in their report.

Furgeson and his colleagues said that zebrafish could be used to identify “nanomaterial characteristics that afford minimal or no toxicity and guide more rational designs of materials on the nanoscale.”

Silver is one of the most toxic heavy metals. In the 1970s, ionic silver from wastewater polluted San Francisco Bay at concentrations that prevented the mussels from reproducing. Changes in wastewater treatment have decreased the concentrations substantially.

“The silver that went into wastewaters when millions of people had their photographs developed taught us that small additions of silver to the environment make a big difference,” said Dr. Samuel Luoma, a former U.S. Geological Survey senior researcher who was lead author of a report by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. The project is a partnership of industry, government and scientists established by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Pew Charitable Trusts.

“We have no means of detecting nanosilver in the environment once it is released, even if concentrations rise to levels that are toxic to aquatic ecosystems,” Luoma said in a statement when the report, “Nanoscale Silver: No Silver Lining?” was released last year.

An industry group, the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group, said that there has been a long history of safe, regulated use of ionic silver, which “suggests that the EPA is adequately managing the risks of silver nanoparticles.”

Ionic silver has been used over the last six decades for a variety of anti-microbial uses, including algaecides, water filters and disinfectants approved by the EPA. The industry group says there is no difference between it and the newer nanosilver – other than the new name – so there are “no significant new risks.”

But Todd Kuiken, a research associate at the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, said that unlike ionic silver, the particles used in consumer products are “intentionally engineered at the nanoscale for its properties” and that they may react differently with whatever they come in contact with. “There are a few studies out there that show that nanosilver reacts differently than conventional ionic or colloidal silver,” he said.

Dale Kemery, an EPA spokesman, said that the field of nanotechnology is “relatively new and the scientific information on the potential environmental and human health risks is limited.”

As a result, he said the EPA is consulting with a panel of scientists to figure out how to assess the potential risks. In September, the agency announced a research strategy to identify what happens to nanomaterials used in products such as sunscreens, paints, automobiles and electronics and how to avoid potential health or ecological problems.

Eric Hoek, a UCLA professor of environmental engineering and a member of the University of California Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, said the prevailing wisdom is that silver isn’t toxic to humans. But he added that there hasn’t been much human exposure to silver nanoparticles until recent years, when use of them has increased. They are now used in 259 products on the market today, according to the Project for Emerging Nanotechnologies.

“These materials have tremendous potential, but we need to proceed with cautious optimism,” Hoek said. “We need people to be skeptics, but not to be unjustly fearful and inciting fear unnecessarily.”

Mark Wiesner, director of the Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology at Duke University, is researching the effects that nanomaterials have on ecosystems rather than individual animals. His center is constructing 30 different aquatic mesocosms – experimental, miniature ecosystems – where small amounts of nanoparticles will be released.

“We’re looking at things that you wouldn’t be able to predict if you look from a molecular to organization level,” Wiesner said. “For example, if you take DDT and you predict its effects from organism to organism, you never would have guessed it would bioaccumulate. There are ecosystem-level effects that only become apparent when you look at the compete system.”

Hoek explained that silver particles are dynamic in the environment so they “are going to take different forms, react and form new particles.”

“To be able to say conclusively that they are good or bad is wrong from the beginning,” he said.

There are still many questions that need to be answered about toxicity of silver nanoparticles, said Kuiken at the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies.

“The products are already out there, but we’re still waiting to see if they are really safe,” he said.

This article originally ran at Environmental Health News, a news source published by Environmental Health Sciences, a nonprofit media company.

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Alternative Treatment: Food Recipes to Cure Dengue

2010-06-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

By Sher D Fly on May 29th, 2007

Source: http://healthmad.com/alternative/alternative-treatment-food-recipes-to-cure-dengue/

Learn how to prepare simple recipes believed to be miracle cure for dengue fever. There is no harm in trying as they are all the gift of nature that can be used to ease the suffering of dengue patients and probably could also save some lives.

Dengue is an acute infectious viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes. Common in tropical climates, the dengue fever is also known as “break-bone fever” due to the severe joint and muscle pain suffered by the patients. Other symptoms of dengue include severe headache, fever, and intense joint pain, which will usually last about a week. The fever will usually subside after 2 to 5 days and thereafter will rise again followed by rashes on the skin. The dengue hemorrhagic fever is another form of the disease, which is more serious and can be fatal.

Sadly, at this moment there is no specific treatment for dengue except for supportive therapy of fluid and electrolyte balance, prevention and treatment of shock and treatment of coagulation disorders.

Even though there is no specific cure or treatment for dengue, there are several types of food or recipe that can be easily prepared at home
and used to treat dengue patients. I have listed the TOP 3 miracle recipes as follows:

CRAB SOUP

First in my list would be the “Crab Soup”, which is delicious and can be easily prepared. Believe me that after 3 servings of this crab soup, the patient’s blood platelets will increase and fever will subside. Just give it a try.
Ingredients

* 2 crabs which have been cleaned and cut into two (can be any type, for instance flower crab or tiger crab)
* 1 inch of ginger (cut into small pieces)
* 1 clove of garlic (crushed)
* 1 shallot (pounded)
* Cooking oil (2 spoonful)
* 4 cups of water
* Salt
* 5 Peppercorns (pounded)
* 1 lemon grass (crushed)
* Juice from 1 lime (squeezed)
* 1 strip each of coriander leaf and Chinese leak (cut into small pieces)

How to cook

* Heat the cooking oil in a pot. Put in the shallot, garlic, ginger and peppercorn and fry (in low heat) until you can smell the sweet and tangy aroma.
* Put in the crabs and flip the crabs occasionally until both sides turned red
* Put in water and lemon grass
* Turn the heat low and cover the pot with a lid. Bring the soup to boil for at least 15 minutes.
* Put in the lime juice and some salt (as desired)
* Stir the ingredients in the pot for 5 minutes
* Put in the coriander leaf and Chinese leak on the dish
* The soup is now ready to be served

PAPAYA LEAF JUICE

The juice
is quite bitter but I don’t think so it’s that bad and it works
wonders too. Please ensure that the dengue patients get one serving of this juice, once a day. It has cooling effects and it can bring down the fever as well as increase the patient’s blood platelets.
Ingredients

* 2 pieces of papaya leaves
* Sugar syrup
* Water (half a cup)

How to prepare the juice?

* Clean the leaves and only take the leafy parts. Throw away the stem.
* Pound the leaves and squeeze the juice through a strainer, preferably filter made of cloth. Don’t be discouraged as you can only get about one tablespoon of juice from 2 pieces of leaves.
* Put in the juice, water and sugar syrup into a glass and give it a stir
* Put some ice cubes if you like
* Drink it all. You won’t regret.
* Please note that the juice should not be boiled, rinsed or cooked using hot water as it will lose all its medicinal strength.

JUICE OF INDIAN PENNYWORTH

Scientific name: Centella asiatica

The juice is cooling, nice taste and it works wonders too. Please ensure that the dengue patients get at least one serving of this juice per day. Besides having cooling effects, it can help bring down the fever as well as increase the patient’s blood platelets.
Ingredients

* 1 bunch of Indian pennyworth leaves
* Sugar syrup
* Water (one glass)

How to prepare the juice?

* Clean the leaves
* Pound the leaves and squeeze the juice through a strainer, preferably filter made of cloth
* Put the juice, water and sugar syrup in a glass and give it a stir
* Put some ice cubes (if you prefer)
* Ready to be served

Please note that currently there is no proof from the modern medical point of view to verify that the recipes above really works. However, I believe that there are many people out there who have tried these recipes and found them as the miracle cure for dengue fever.

After all, there is no harm in trying as they are all the gift of nature. Perhaps the above recipes can be used to ease the suffering of dengue patients and probably the alternative treatment could also save some lives.

Mosquito-Born Disease

2010-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.mosquito.org/mosquito-information/mosquito-borne.aspx

Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). In addition, mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. Mosquito vectored diseases include protozoan diseases, i.e., malaria, filarial diseases such as dog heartworm, and viruses such as dengue, encephalitis and yellow fever. CDC Travelers' Health provides information on travel to destinations where human-borne diseases might be a problem.

Malaria

Malaria is an ancient disease probably originating in Africa. The malaria parasite (plasmodium) is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The term malaria is derived from the Italian 'mal-aria" or "bad air" because it was thought to come on the wind from swamps and rivers. Scientists conducted much research on the disease during the 1880s and early 1900s. Approximately 40% of the world's population is susceptible to malaria, mostly in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. It was by and large eradicated in the temperate area of the world during the 20 th century with the advent of DDT and other organochlorine and organophosphate mosquito control insecticides. However, more than three million deaths and 300 - 500 million cases are still reported annually in the world. It is reported that malaria kills one child every 40 seconds. In the United States malaria affected colonization along the eastern shore and wasn't effectively controlled until the 1940s when the Anopheles mosquitoes were controlled. A resurgence occurred during the 1960s and early 70s in the United States due to returning military personnel from Vietnam. Anopheles quadrimaculatus was the primary vector of the Plasmodium vivax (protozoa) in the United States (Foote and Cook 1959). Antimalarial drugs have been available for more than 50 years and recently scientists in Britain and the United States have cracked the code of the malaria parasite genome, a step that may help boost the campaign against the disease.

Dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)

Dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) can be a life-threatening disease for canines. The disease is caused by a roundworm. Dogs and sometimes other animals such as cats, foxes and raccoons are infected with the worm through the bite of a mosquito carrying the larvae of the worm. It is dependent on both the mammal and the mosquito to fulfill its lifecycle. The young worms (called microfilaria) circulate in the blood stream of the dog. These worms must infect a mosquito in order to complete their lifecycle. Mosquitoes become infected when they blood feed on the sick dog. Once inside the mosquito the microfilaria leave the gut of the mosquito and live in the body of the insect, where they develop for 2-3 weeks. After transforming twice in one mosquito the third stage infective larvae move to the mosquito's mouthparts, where they will be able to infect an animal. When the mosquito blood feeds, the infective larvae are deposited on the surface of the victums skin. The larvae enter the skin through the wound caused by the mosquito bite. The worms burrow into the skin where they remain for 3-4 months. If the worms have infected an unsuitable host such as a human, the worms usually die. The disease in dogs and cats cannot be eliminated but it can be controlled or prevented with pills and/or injections. Some risk is present when treating dogs infected with heartworms but death is rare; still prevention is best. Of course good residual mosquito control practices reduce the treat of mosquito transmission. Until the late sixties, the disease was restricted to southern and eastern coastal regions of the United States. Now, however, cases have been reported in all 50 states and in several provinces of Canada.

Heartworm Society

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are the most diverse, numerous and serious diseases transmitted to susceptible vertebrate hosts by mosquitoes and other blood-feeding arthropods. All arboviral encephalitides are zoonotic, being maintained in complex life cycles involving a nonhuman primary vertebrate host and a primary arthropod vector. These cycles usually remain undetected until humans encroach on a natural focus, or the virus escapes this focus via a secondary vector or vertebrate host as the result of some ecologic change. Humans and domestic animals can develop clinical illness but usually are "dead-end" hosts because they do not produce significant viremia, and do not contribute to the transmission cycle. There are several virus agents of encephalitis in the United States: West Nile virus (WN), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), western equine encephalitis (WEE), St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), La Crosse (LAC) encephalitis, dengue and yellow fever all of which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Another virus, Powassan, is a minor cause of encephalitis in the northern United States, and is transmitted by ticks. A new Powassan-like virus has recently been isolated from deer ticks. Encephalitis is global, in Asia, for example, about 50,000 cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) are reported annually.
Dengue

Dengue is a serious arboviral disease of the Americas, Asia and Africa and PAHO. Although it has a low mortality, dengue has very uncomfortable symptoms and has become more serious, both in frequency and mortality, in recent years. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the vectors of dengue. The spread of dengue throughout the world can be directly attributed to the proliferation and adaptation of these mosquitoes. Over the last 16 years dengue has become more common, for example; in south Texas 55 cases were reported in 1999 causing one death. More recently, Hawaii recorded 85 cases of dengue during 2001. This year in El Salvador there have been 879 cases of Dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 4 deaths. In 2003 Dengue was reported in Bangladesh, India and in the Americas as well as other areas. Brazil reported over 350,000 cases and 42 deaths (ProMed 11-27-03).

In 2004 Venezuela has reported more than 11, 600 cases classic dengue fever and over 700 cases of DHF. Indonesia dengue outbreak has caused over 600 deaths and more than 54,000 cases. Laredo (Texas) reported the 1st confirmed case of dengue in Texas this year (http://www.cbs13kvtv.com/news/headlines/821352.html). In 1999, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo had an outbreak of almost a 100 cases. Sri Lankan has reported 24 deaths and 4348 cases this year (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040610/323/evnt8.html).
Yellow fever

Yellow fever, which has a 400-year history, occurs only in tropical areas of Africa and the Americas. It has both an urban and jungle cycle. It is a rare illness of travelers anymore because most countries have regulations and requirements for yellow fever vaccination that must be met prior to entering the country (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/yellowfever/index.htm). Every year about 200,000 cases occur with 30,000 deaths in 33 countries. It does not occur in Asia. Over the past decade it has become more prevalent. In 2002 one fatal yellow fever death occurred in the United States in an unvaccinated traveler returning from a fishing trip to the Amazon. In May 2003, 178 cases and 27 deaths caused by yellow fever were reported in southern Sudan. In the Americas 226 cases of jungle yellow fever have been reported with 99 deaths (ProMed 12-22-03).
EEE

EEE is spread to horses and humans by infected mosquitoes. It is among the most serious of a group of mosquito-borne arboviruses that can affect the central nervous system and cause severe complications and even death. EEE is found in North America, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It has a complex life cycle involving birds and a specific type of mosquitoes including several Culex species and Culiseta melanura. These mosquitoes feed on infected birds and become carriers of the disease and then feed on humans, horses and other mammals. Symptoms may range from none at all to a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and sore throat. More serious infections of the central nervous system lead to a sudden fever and severe headache followed quickly by seizures and coma. About half of these patients die from the disease. Of those who survive, many suffer permanent brain damage and require lifetime institutional care. There is no specific treatment. A vaccine is available for horses, but not humans. Georgia (08-25-03) reported 2 human EEE cases, three mosquito pools positive and 55 horses cases. Alabama has 2 positive human cases, three mosquito pools and 32 horse infections. Florida has reported EEE activity in 52 of 67 counties and two human cases. Over 200 horses were confirmed with EEE in 50 counties during 2003. The death is the only human EEE case reported so far in 2003 in Virginia. In Virginia, there have been at least 7 cases of EEE in horses in 2003. Eight cases have been reported nationwide with 4 resulting in deaths. EEE activity has been low thus far in 2004.
SLE

SLE is transmitted from birds to man and other mammals by infected mosquitoes (mainly some Culex species). SLE is found throughout the United States, but most often along the Gulf of Mexico, especially Florida. Major SLE epidemics occurred in Florida in 1959, 1961, 1962, 1977, and 1990. The elderly and very young are more susceptible than those between 20 and 50. During the period 1964-1998 [35 years] a total of 4478 confirmed cases of SLE were recorded in the United States Symptoms are similar to those seen in EEE and like EEE, there is no vaccine. Mississippi's first case of St. Louis Encephalitis since 1994 was confirmed in June 2003. Previously the last outbreak of SLE in Mississippi was in 1975 with over 300 reported cases. It was the first confirmed mosquito-borne virus in the United States in 2003. It turned up in October 2003 in California Riverside County in sentinel chickens. The last [SLE] human case in California occurred in 1997. In Louisiana in 2003 there was a fatal St Louis Encephalitis case previously lListed as a West Nile caused death.
LAC

LAC is much less common than EEE or SLE, but occurs in all 13 states east of the Mississippi, particularly in the Appalachian region. It was reported first in 1963 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and the vector is thought to be a specific type of woodland mosquito ( Aedes triseriatus ) called the tree-hole mosquito, with small mammals the usual warm-blooded host. It occurs in children younger than 16 and once again there is no vaccine for LaCrosse encephalitis.
WEE

WEE was first recognized in 1930 in a horse in California. It is found west of the Mississippi including parts of Canada and Mexico. The primary vector is Culex tarsalis and birds are the most important vertebrate hosts with small mammals playing a minor role. Unlike LAC it is nonspecific in humans and since 1964 fewer than 1000 cases have been reported As with EEE a vaccine is available for horses against WEE but not for humans. In Arizona 3 counties were found in chicken flocks.
West Nile virus (WNV)

West Nile virus (WNV) emerged from its origins in 1937 in Africa (Uganda) into Europe, the Middle East, west and central Asia and associated islands. It is a Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) with more than 70 identified viruses. Serologically, it is a Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex similar to St. Louis, Japanese and Murray Valley encephalitis viruses. Similar to other encephalitises, it is cycled between birds and mosquitoes and transmitted to mammals (including horses) and man by infected mosquitoes. WNV might be described in one of four illnesses: West Nile Fever might be the least severe in characterized by fever, headach, tireness and aches or a rash. Sort of like the "flu". This might last a few days or several weeks. The other types are grouped as "neuroinvasive disease" which affects the nervour system; West Nile encephalitis which affects the brain and West Nile meningitis (meningoencephalitis) which is an inflammation of the brain and membrane around it. (CDC)

It first appeared in North America in 1999 in New York (Cornell Environmental Risk Analysis Program) with 62 confirmed cases and 7 human deaths. Nine horses died in New York in 1999. In 2001, 66 human cases (10 deaths) were reported in 10 states. It occurred in birds or horses in 27 states and Washington D.C., Canada and the Caribbean. There were 733 horse cases in 2001 with Florida reporting 66% of the cases; approximately 33% were fatal. In 2001 more than 1.4 million mosquitoes were tested for WNV. In the United States (2004) over 43 species of mosquitoes have tested positive for WNV transmission, the Culex pipiens group seems the most common species associated with infecting people and horses.

During 2002, the number of areas reporting WNV grew to 44 states and 5 Canadian provinces. The only states not reporting WNV were Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Utah that year. Intrauterine transmission (CDC MMWR) and laboratory infections (CDC MMWR) were reported for the first time. In all over 3800 human cases with 232 fatalities in 39 states and Washington DC were recorded. More than 24,350 horse cases of WNV were confirmed or reported in 2002. There is a vaccine for horses. Even alligators (CDC-EID) were found infected in Georgia.

The first confirmed 2003 WNV infection was in South Carolina on July 7th, 2003. South Dakota confirmed a WNV infection in a dog. The final CDC report list 9858 cases. Nebraska had 1942, Colorado 2947 and Idaho only one (CDC) . In Florida there were 94 human cases with most occuring in the panhandle. Bay county, FL reported 14 cases and one death. Of the more than 9858 cases, 6829 were West Nile Fever ( the milder form), 2863 were neuroinvasive (the more severe form) and 166 clinically unspecified. There were over 4200 positive dead birds reported in 39 states and 4500 plus infections in horses in 40 states with more than 425 of these in Colorado. West Nile was reported in 1377 sentinel chicken flocks from 15 states. In Florida 1173 seroconversions to WNV were reported from 34 counties. More than 1950 positive mosquito pools were reported from 32 states and New York City.

In Canada (01-12-04) WNV was been confirmed in 9 Provinces. At least 10 human deaths and more than 1220 cases have been confirmed. Canada reported over 445 presumed or confirmed horse cases in 6 Provinces with over 180 in Alberta Province. Five Provinces have reported positive mosquito pools (>575) with over 290 from Manitoba. Canada confirmed over 1600 positive dead birds from 12000 tests.

Mexico (December 2003) has tested over 590 citizens in 25 states. Six have tested positive with three with the more severe form of WNV. Mexico horse data shows 2475 had positive WN returns in 29 states. Of more than 18000 birds tested 117 were positive. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Arizona and New Mexico reported the first human cases of WNV on May 26, 2004 and a week later confirmed a total of 7 cases. South Dakota reported it's first case on June 8, 2004. In 2003 South Dakota had 14 deaths and over human cases reported. Wyoming and Florida (http://www.heraldtribune.com/) has joined the list recently. Alabama, Arizona, Texas and Virginia have reported WN V infections in horses. WNV seroconversions have been reported in 64 sentinel chicken flocks from 4 states (Arizona, California, Florida, and Louisiana), and 58 WNV-positive mosquito pools have been reported from 6 states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania).

Canada's 1st dead bird ( a blue jay) from West Nile virus in 2004 was confirmed in Ontario in May 2004. West Nile virus was confirmed in 2 birds in Puerto Rico near the former US Roosevelt Roads Navy Base (southeastern Puerto Rico).

Britian's Health Protection Agency has started its annual surveillance program for possible human cases of West Nile virus infection. The program, which has been used for the last three years, operates during the summer, when there is West Nile virus activity in other countries. The UK has had no reported WNV, but are developing a West Nile Virus Contingency Plan.

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LeoWei Comment

Mosquitos are really useless insect, they shouldn't exist in this world, lets us kill all these sucking evil and let them become extinct.

Graviola

2010-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Source:
http://fw.my/2009/02/20/natural-cancer-killer-10000-times-stronger-than-chemo-soursop/
Natural Cancer KILLER – 10,000 times stronger than Chemo – Soursop!

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar
drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to…

* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ’s largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970’s! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing… Extracts from the tree were shown to:

* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.
* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
* What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells!

The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be–why doesn’t every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health–and for many, our very lives(!)–are controlled by money and power.

Graviola–the plant that worked too well

One of America ’s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed

When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious…

…The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…

…Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment’s value–were ever initiated…

….A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”

…The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers…

Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available inAmerica . The full Graviola story–including where you can get it and how to use it–is included in Beyond Chemotherapy: New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother’s Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.

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Source :
National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, 20894 USA
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12697268

Life Sci. 2003 May 9;72(25):2853-61.
Annonacin, a mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin, arrests cancer cells at the G1 phase and causes cytotoxicity in a Bax- and caspase-3-related pathway.

Yuan SS, Chang HL, Chen HW, Yeh YT, Kao YH, Lin KH, Wu YC, Su JH.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 807, ROC. yuanssf@ms33.hinet.net

Abstract

Annonaceous acetogenins are a group of potential anti-neoplastic agents isolated from Annonaceae plants. In this study, we purified annonacin, a cytotoxic mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin, from the seeds of Annona reticulata and analyzed its biological effects. Herein, we have shown that annonacin caused significant cell death in various cancer cell lines. T24 bladder cancer cells at the S phase were more vulnerable to the cytotoxicity of annonacin. Furthermore, annonacin activated p21 in a p53-independent manner and arrested T24 cells at the G1 phase. It also induced Bax expression, enhanced caspase-3 activity, and caused apoptotic cell death in T24 cells. In summary, these results suggest that annonacin is potentially a promising anti-cancer compound.

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Annonacin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Annonacin is a chemical of the class of acetogenins, found in fruits such as the guanabana (and other from Annonaceae family). It is a member of the class of compounds known as acetogenins. Recent reports have shown that daily consumption in rats caused brain lesions consistent with Parkinson's disease

Amongst other acetogenins, Annonacin is reported to block Mitochondrial Complex I (NADH-Dehydrogenase), which is responsible for the conversion of NADH to NAD and the build-up of a proton gradient over the mitochondrial inner membrane. This effectively disables a cell's ability to generate ATP via an oxidative pathway, ultimately forcing a cell into apoptosis or necrosis.

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Source:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Graviola-Cancer-Research-Health-Benefits
Researchers in Taiwan reported In 2003 one study reported that the main Graviola acetogenin (annonacin) was highly toxic to ovarian, cervical, breast, bladder and skin cancer cell lines, saying; “. . . annonacin is a promising anti-cancer agent and worthy of further animal studies and, we would hope, clinical trials.”

In March of 2002 researchers in Japan studied various acetogenins found in several species of plants. On mice inoculated with lung cancer cells: 1/3 received no treatment (control group), 1/3 received a chemotherapy drug (Adriamycin), and 1/3 received the main Graviola acetogenin. After two weeks, five of the six in the control group were still alive. The Adriamycin group showed a 54.6% reduction of tumor mass over the control group, however half of the animals had died from toxicity. The mice receiving annonacin were all alive, the tumors were reduced by 57.9%, and without toxicity. The research group summarized; “This suggested that annonacin was less toxic in mice. On considering the antitumor activity and toxicity, annonacin might be used as a lead to develop a potential anticancer agent.”

Family

2010-04-17T07:37:00.001-07:00

Marriage

2010-04-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship.People marry for many reasons, most often including one or more of the following: legal, social, emotional, economical, spiritual, and religious. These might include arranged marriages, family obligations, the legal establishment of a nuclear family unit, the legal protection of children and public declaration of love.

relationship

2010-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

SARS EPIDEMIC

2010-04-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Mycotoxin

2010-03-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A mycotoxin (from Greek μύκης (mykes, mukos) "fungus" and Latin (toxicum) "poison") is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by an organism of the fungus kingdom, including mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.The term 'mycotoxin' is usually reserved for the toxic chemical products produced by fungi that readily colonize crops.Most fungi are aerobic (use oxygen) and are found almost everywhere in extremely small quantities due to the minute size of their spores. They consume organic matter wherever humidity and temperature are sufficient. One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins and/or the same mycotoxin as another species.

Where conditions are right, fungi proliferate into colonies and mycotoxin levels become high. The reason for the production of mycotoxins is not yet known; they are neither necessary for growth nor the development of the fungi.The production of toxins depends on the surrounding intrinsic and extrinsic environments and the toxins vary greatly in their severity, depending on the organism infected and its susceptibility, metabolism, and defense mechanisms.Some of the health effects found in animals and humans include death, identifiable diseases or health problems, weakened immune systems without specificity to a toxin, and as allergens or irritants. Some mycotoxins are harmful to other micro-organisms such as other fungi or even bacteria; penicillin is one example.

Mycotoxins can appear in the food chain as a result of fungal infection of crops, either by being eaten directly by humans, or by being used as livestock feed. Mycotoxins greatly resist decomposition or being broken down in digestion, so they remain in the food chain in meat and dairy products. Even temperature treatments, such as cooking and freezing, do not destroy mycotoxins.

Although various wild mushrooms contain an assortment of poisons that are definitely fungal metabolites causing noteworthy health problems for humans, they are rather arbitrarily excluded from discussions of mycotoxicology. In such cases the distinction is based on the size of the producing fungus and human intention.Mycotoxin exposure is almost always accidental whereas with mushrooms improper identification and ingestion causing mushroom poisoning is commonly the case. Ingestion of misidentified mushrooms containing mycotoxins may result in hallucinations. The cyclopeptide-produced Amanita phalloide is well known for its toxic potential and is responsible for approximately 90% of all mushroom fatalities.The other primary mycotoxin groups found in mushrooms include: orellanine, monomethylhydrazine, disulfiram-like, hallucinogenic indoles, muscarinic, isoxazole, and gastrointestinal (GI)-specific irritants.

Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species of fungi, such as A. flavus and A. parasiticus.The umbrella term aflatoxin refers to four different types of mycotoxins produced, which are B1, B2, G1, and G2. Aflatoxin B1, the most toxic, is a potent carcinogen and has been directly correlated to adverse health effects, such as liver cancer, in many animal species. Aflatoxins are largely associated with commodities produced in the tropics and subtropics, such as cotton, peanuts, spices, pistachios and maize.

Ochratoxin is a mycotoxin that comes in three secondary metabolite forms, A, B, and C. All are produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus species. The three forms differ in that Ochratoxin B (OTB) is a nonchlorinated form of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and that Ochratoxin C (OTC) is an ethyl ester form Ochatoxin A. Aspergillus ochraceus is found as a contaminant of a wide range of commodities including beverages such as beer and wine. Aspergillus carbonarius is the main species found on vine fruit, which releases its toxin during the juice making process. OTA has been labeled as a carcinogen and a nephrotoxin, and has been linked to tumors in the human urinary tract, although research in humans is limited by confounding factors.

Citrinin is a toxin that was first isolated from Penicillium citrinum, but has been identified in over a dozen species of Penicillium and several species of Aspergillus. Some of these species are used to produce human foodstuffs such as cheese (Penicillium camemberti), sake, miso, and soy sauce (Aspergillus oryzae). Citrinin is associated with yellow rice disease in Japan and acts as a nephrotoxin in all animal species tested. Although it is associated with many human foods (wheat, rice, corn, barley, oats, rye, and food colored with Monascus pigment) its full significance for human health is unknown. Citrinin can also act synergistically with Ochratoxin A to depress RNA synthesis in murine kidneys.

Ergot Alkaloids are compounds produced as a toxic mixture of alkaloids in the sclerotia of species of Claviceps, which are common pathogens of various grass species. The ingestion of ergot sclerotia from infected cereals, commonly in the form of bread produced from contaminated flour, cause ergotism the human disease historically known as St. Anthony’s Fire. There are two forms of ergotism gangrenous affecting blood supply to extremities and convulsive which affects the central nervous system. Modern methods of grain cleaning have significantly reduced ergotism as a human disease, however it is still an important veterinarian problem. Ergot alkaloids have been used pharmaceutically.

Patulin is a toxin produced by the P. expansum, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Paecilomyces fungal species. P. expansum is especially associated with a range of moldy fruits and vegetables, in particular rotting apples and figs.It is destroyed by the fermentation process and so is not found in apple beverages, such as cider. Although patulin has not been shown to be carcinogenic, it has been reported to damage the immune system in animals.In 2004, the European Community set limits to the concentrations of patulin in food products. They currently stand at 50 μg/kg in all fruit juice concentrations, at 25 μg/kg in solid apple products used for direct consumption, and at 10 μg/kg for children's apple products, including apple juice.

Fusarium toxins are produced by over 50 species of Fusarium and have a history of infecting the grain of developing cereals such as wheat and maize.They include a range of mycotoxins, such as: the fumonisins, which affect the nervous systems of horses and may cause cancer in rodents; the trichothecenes, which are most strongly associated with chronic and fatal toxic effects in animals and humans; and zearalenone, which is not correlated to any fatal toxic effects in animals or humans. Some of the other major types of Fusarium toxins include: beauvercin and enniatins, butenolide, equisetin, and fusarins.

Human health effects

Mycotoxicoses is the term used for poisoning associated with exposures to mycotoxins. The symptoms of a mycotoxicosis depend on the type of mycotoxin; the concentration and length of exposure; as well as age, health, and sex of the exposed individual.The synergistic effects associated with several other factors such as genetics, diet, and interactions with other toxics have been poorly studied. Therefore it is possible that vitamin deficiency, caloric deprivation, alcohol abuse, and infectious disease status can all have compounded effects with mycotoxins.In turn, mycotoxins have the potential for both acute and chronic health effects via ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation. These toxins can enter the blood stream and lyphmpatic system, they inhibit protein synthesis, damage macrophage systems, inhibit particle clearance of the lung, and increase sensitivity to bacterial endotoxin.

Notably Severe Cases of Aflatoxin Ingestion: In 2004 in Kenya 125 people died and nearly 200 others were treated after eating aflatoxin contaminated maize.The deaths were mainly associated with homegrown maize that had not been treated with fungicides or properly dried before storage. Due to food shortages at the time, farmers may have been harvesting maize earlier than normal to prevent thefts from their fields, so that the grain had not fully matured and was more susceptible to infection.

苦艾草-WORMWOOD

2010-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

一、性状
科别：菊科，别名：小情人
利用部位：叶、茎
特性：多年生丛生植物，具浓烈香味（稍有辛辣味）产于东南欧、西亚，成株高约1M，夏季开花，小而密集的黄色小花。生命力旺盛。
二、栽培要点：
日照充足通风良好，排水良好的沙质壤土为佳，有利生长。种子直播，每穴3-5粒，株高5CM时须疏苗，以利生长。株高30CM时可撒肥料，让叶子及茎干充分生长，因特殊叶形及特殊需要银色色彩，近年来常被花艺老师拿来作花材。
三、用途：
叶片味道与柠檬味道相似，具有香甜可口的味道，常被用于制作花露水、香醋时的材料，可擦于皮肤上具有防蚊防蝇的效果。叶常被欧洲人拿来泡茶饮用，有益肠胃健康，并驱除孩童体内的寄生虫叶可放于洗澡水泡澡，增进血液循环，置于枕头中并可治疗失眠。

The Flu Season That Fizzled

2010-03-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

Cases of H1N1 Have Dwindled, Seasonal Flu Has Been a No-Show and Doctors Wonder Why
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703429304575095743102260012.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular
By BETSY MCKAY

This has been a flu season like few others.

Normally at this time of year, influenza is rampant in the U.S., prompting hundreds of thousands of people to stay home in the dead of winter with fever, aches and pains.

Now, after raging through college campuses and communities last summer and fall, cases of the new H1N1 swine flu virus have dwindled to a trickle, and run-of-the-mill seasonal flu has barely made an appearance. Not one state reported widespread flu illness to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the week ended Feb. 20, the latest data available. The percentage of all doctors' visits by patients with influenza-like symptoms has dropped from a high of 7.8% in late October—the largest peak since the agency began surveillance in 1997—to 1.8% in late February, well below the norm for flu season.

Doctors and flu experts say the lull is unusual. "This is typically the peak of flu," said James Turner, executive director of the University of Virginia's department of student health. He said the Charlottesville, Va., student health center usually sees as many as 130 students a week complaining of flu symptoms this time of year. Recently, no more than three to five students a week have been coming in with fever, cough or other signs of flu, he said.

It is not clear why there is so little flu, particularly swine flu, going around, experts say. "Surely there's a sufficient number of people who haven't been infected or vaccinated," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

Many scientists say the answer probably has to do with how the flu virus progresses. Influenza comes and goes in waves, normally running from October through May. But pandemic viruses—new viruses that emerge and spread quickly around the globe—often move to a different rhythm, and can reach their busiest stage at unusual times like summer and early fall, although the reason for this isn't understood. Flu has peaked in late February or early March in 20 of the past 26 flu seasons, said Lyn Finelli, the CDC's chief of flu surveillance and outbreak response. But the latest swine flu wave started in August, and peaked in late October, before waning.

Widely publicized preventive measures such as hand washing, and the large national vaccination effort thus far, may also have played a role in the sharp drop off in H1N1 infections, but it is not clear by how much, said Anthony Fiore, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC's influenza division.

By mid-January, swine flu had sickened about 57 million people in the U.S. and killed roughly 11,700—mostly young adults and children—from the time it emerged in late April through mid-January. Young people who ordinarily fight off flu easily ended up in intensive care units on advanced life support. Pregnant women, children, and other people at risk of flu complications stood in line for hours for vaccine, as slow production and delays prompted limited supplies.

In past years, when seasonal flu was the big worry, influenza has typically sickened about 25 million people a year, and directly killed about 8,000, according to the CDC.

The H1N1 flu virus hasn't disappeared, and another wave could still come this winter. "We've had peaks [of flu] as late as May, so we're not out of the woods yet," said Dr. Fiore of the CDC's influenza division. The virus could also mutate, spawning more new infections, though it hasn't done so yet. Flu experts estimate that more than half the country's population may still be vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, either because they haven't been sick or gotten vaccinated.

Some recent statistics could be warning signals. A few states have reported small increases in the percentage of doctors' visits by patients with flu-like symptoms. And the American College Health Association reported for the week ending Feb. 19 its first uptick in swine flu cases on college campuses since mid-December, to 4.1 cases per 10,000 from 2.7 cases per 10,000.

Dr. Turner, who is also president of the ACHA, said the organization plans to decide along with the CDC after getting more data this week whether to warn colleges to promote prevention measures to thwart a new wave that may be on its way. He said he is concerned that college students traveling on spring break could bring the disease back with them to campus. "If there's anytime we're going to see an increase in disease activity, I'd say March or early April is the time," he said.

U.S. and global health officials have recommended that the new H1N1 virus be included as one of three strains in next season's flu vaccine. The CDC's vaccine advisory panel also expanded its recommendation for who should get flu shots to include young and middle-aged adults, among whom death rates from the new H1N1 virus have been higher than for the elderly or children. The change means that all Americans now will be encouraged to get flu shots when the next vaccine is ready in September.

The unusual course this flu season is taking isn't one that public health officials are eager to repeat. Not knowing when the next flu outbreak could occur will mean staying on high alert for much of the year. It would also mean another rush to get vaccine distributed quickly. The CDC, which normally starts tracking flu hospitalizations and deaths in October, will continue to monitor them this spring, summer, and early fall. "We're going to make sure when it hits, we know about it and can describe it," Dr. Finelli said.

Nancy Cox, the CDC's influenza chief, told a vaccine advisory panel last week that the pandemic H1N1 virus is likely to eventually become a seasonal strain, though it is not one yet. Globally, the pandemic virus is still circulating in tropical countries and some parts of Europe, but is waning in most places, according to the World Health Organization.

Flu experts say they don't know why there is so little seasonal flu circulating this year. One theory doctors are debating is that people infected with H1N1 swine flu may produce a chemical in their bodies that protects them against other flu viruses.

The new virus doesn't appear to have completely muscled out other flu viruses, as some past pandemic viruses have. While one seasonal strain appears to have succumbed to the new tide of H1N1, another that is considered particularly hard on the elderly—H3N2—has continued to circulate in pockets of the globe, albeit in small amounts.

While relatively few people are currently seeking out H1N1 shots, the CDC isn't giving up on promoting the vaccine this winter. About 155 million doses of H1N1 vaccine have been distributed so far this flu season, and about 86 million people have been vaccinated—a few million less so far than normally get vaccinated for seasonal flu. The agency is especially urging parents with children under 10 who have only had one dose to get a second, which it says is needed for full protection.

Even if a new wave of H1N1 illness occurs, some experts believe it won't be as large as the one last fall.

That's because millions more people have become immune either through infection or vaccination. "I think we'll have scattered outbreaks in communities that didn't have it," said Dr. Finelli.

...................................

Flu Gazing

What's expected for the future of the H1N1 swine flu virus.

* Flu experts say it is impossible to know if or when there will be another wave of swine flu.
* The flu season may not be over for this year, and swine flu could still return in strength. At least half the population remains susceptible to the flu.
* Some scientists expect any return of the virus won't be as severe as last fall. Millions of people are immune now, either because they were sick or have been vaccinated.
* Vaccine for H1N1 swine flu is still being administered, and next year's shot will include protection against the strain, along with two other seasonal viruses.
* Another possibility: The H1N1 virus could mutate and make the current vaccine, as well as next fall's version, less effective.

菊花枸杞茶明目效果好

2010-02-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

菊花枸杞茶明目效果好
http://health.sohu.com/11/15/harticle17331511.shtml

王大妈今年62岁了，眼神还挺不错的。看书写字从不戴老花镜，穿针引线也没有求过人。王大妈的养生秘诀是常饮菊花枸杞茶。据王大妈说，她小时候常害火眼（即红眼病），连续四年，每年一到夏天，就会染上红眼病，害得眼睛都快瞎了。后来遇上一位老中医，告诉她这个方子，用了几十年，再没有犯过，还躲过几次红眼病大流行，连老伴的“电视眼病”和儿子开车引起的眼疲劳喝了它也给治好了。

　菊花枸杞茶其实不是茶，只是用菊花和枸杞当茶一样泡着喝。菊花要用杭菊花，王大妈庭院里就种着杭菊花，一到秋季，采摘下来，晒干备用。枸杞要买宁夏枸杞，颗粒小，红亮亮的。每次用杭菊花10克、枸杞10克，放入大茶壶内，加入热开水，10分钟后便可饮用。

　　
　　
　　菊花枸杞茶为何有如此功效呢？菊花有疏风清热、解毒明目的作用。枸杞能养阴补血，益精明目。《药性论》载：“补益精诸不足，……明目安神。”现已证实，枸杞有降低血糖的作用，能降低血中胆固醇，阻止动脉粥样硬化的形成，从而达到预防冠心病的目的。
　　
　　看来，菊花枸杞茶能预防和治疗各种眼病，对糖尿病、高血压、冠心病都有好处，最适宜老年人饮用。脾胃虚弱者应注意，在制作时放上几枚大枣，加强健脾作用。
　　　　
2003-04-03 15:23:24

。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。

枸杞
http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/枸杞
维基百科，自由的百科全书

枸杞是茄目茄科枸杞屬（Lycium）的植物，果实称枸杞子，嫩叶称枸杞头，常見種類爲枸杞(Lycium chinense Miller)，而主要的藥用種類爲寧夏枸杞(Lycium barbarum L.)。枸杞有降低血糖、抗脂肪肝作用，并能抗动脉粥样硬化。

早於明代李时珍《本草纲目》记载：“春采枸杞叶，名天精草；夏采花，名长生草；秋采子，名枸杞子；冬采根，名地骨皮。”正如古药书《本草汇言》所载：“枸杞能使气可充，血可补，阳可生，阴可长，火可降，风湿可去，有十全之妙用焉。”故常用作中药，用作中药时功能滋补肝肾、益精明目。主治目眩昏暗、多泪、肾虚腰酸等症。根皮有降压、退热、抑菌作用，功能清热凉血、退虚热，主治虚劳发热、尿血等症。

功能与主治

滋补肝肾，益精明目。用于虚劳精亏，腰膝酸痛，眩晕耳鸣，内热消渴，血虚萎黄，目昏不明。

The Importance of Your Body's pH Balance

2009-12-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/phbalancearticle.html
Each of us is at war and we don't even know it! The private war we each wage is a daily assault on our body by bacteria, virus, fungus, yeasts, and molds. We have entered what might be referred to as critical mass when it comes to this bacterial warfare onslaught being waged against us by stronger and stronger killer bugs and bad bacteria. Our immune systems are becoming weaker and over-taxed in this war. Even the medical profession's first line of defense (the antibiotic) is becoming less and less effective against resistant new strains being created daily as the bacteria mutate. Since Louis Pasteur discovered the germ theory of disease that states germs are the cause of disease, time has proven him correct. But note Dr. Pasteur's dying words: "The germ is nothing, the inner terrain is everything."

The inner terrain referred to in Dr. Pasteur's statement is now being called our biological terrain and comprises our body's digestive tract, lymph system, blood, urinary tract, interstitial and interstitial fluids. Our bodies are alkaline by design and acid by function. Maintaining proper alkalinity is essential for life, health, and vitality. Simply put - an imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and other unwanted organisms. All leading biochemists and medical physiologists have recognized pH (or the acid-alkaline balance) as the most important aspect of a balanced and healthy body. They have long known that the maintenance of an alkaline pH in our tissues and cells is critical to cellular health. In contrast, our digestive tract (except for our normally alkaline mouth) has varying degrees of acid by design, and our urinary tract should be slightly acidic for healthy function.

We live and die at the cellular level. All the cells (billions of them) that make up the human body are slightly alkaline, and must maintain alkalinity in order to function and remain healthy and alive. However their cellular activity creates acid and this acid is what gives the cell energy and function. As each alkaline cell performs its task of respiration, it secretes metabolic wastes, and these end products of cellular metabolism are acid in nature. Although these wastes are used for energy and function, they must not be allowed to build up. One example of this is the often painful lactic acid which is created through exercise. The body will go to great lengths to neutralize and detoxify these acids before they act as poisons in and around the cell, ultimately changing the environment of the cell. Most people and clinical practitioners believe the immune system is the body's first line of defense, but in actuality it is not. It is very important, but more like a very sophisticated clean-up service. We must instead look at the importance of pH balance as the first and major line of defense against sickness and disease and for health and vitality.

If we were to ask "What is killing us?", the answer might be "ACIDOSIS"! It has been demonstrated that an acidic, anaerobic (lacking oxygen) body environment encourages the breeding of fungus, mold, bacteria, and viruses. Let's look at an example. If we were to seal the door to our freezer and then unplug it, come back and open the door in two weeks, what would we find? Mold, bacteria, microscopic bugs. Things will be growing and multiplying. Where did they all come from? They did not sneak in - remember the door was sealed. The answer is . . . "they were always there". It is simply that the environment changed to a more inviting and healthy one for the "critters" to live in. This can be likened to a shift in our biological terrain from a healthy oxygenated, alkaline environment to an unhealthy anaeorbic acidic environment. You see what is healthy for us is unhealthy for the body attackers and what is healthy for them is what is unhealthy for our body.

A state of acidosis is simply the lack of oxygen and available calcium which the body uses to maintain its alkaline balance. Calcium makes up 1.6% of our body weight. It is literally the human glue that holds the body together. Calcium is so biochemically active that it has been likened to an octopus. A calcium ion can hold onto seven other molecules while it grabs onto one molecule of water. No other ion can do this. And it is the right size to easily get in and out of the human cell. As it does this, it takes a chain of nutrients into the cell and then leaves to get more nutrients.

The biggest problem scientists have found is that over time the human body becomes depleted of calcium. A compound called mono-ortho-calcium phosphate is the chemical buffer for the blood. This buffer maintains the alkaline level (or the lack of acidity) in your blood. Without it you would die. If the acidity level of your blood changes even slightly you die immediately. But in order to supply enough calcium for buffering we must have enough calcium being absorbed from our diet or our body will simply rob the needed calcium from our bones and teeth. The more acidic we become, the harder it is for oxygen to be present, so our biological terrain also becomes more anaerobic. Without adequate oxygenation, unfriendly bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungus can live and prosper. Then our cells cannot carry on their life-giving functions in a very efficient manner because our biological chemical reactions need oxygen.

Life and death are in the biological terrain and the battle cry here is to reclaim your biological terrain. This is so important that some practitioners working with the inner biological terrain and its implications to the health of our bodies are beginning to say "There are no specific diseases, only specific disease conditions, and there is only one disease. And that one disease is acidosis."

The human body is very intelligent. As we become more and more acidic the body starts to set up defense mechanisms to keep the damaging acid from entering our vital organs. It is known that acid gets stored in fat cells. After all, if the acid does come into contact with an organ the acid has a chance to eat holes in the tissue. This may cause the cells to mutate. The oxygen level drops in this acidic environment and calcium begins to be depleted. So as a defense mechanism, your body may actually make fat to protect you from your overly-acidic self. Those fat cells and cellulite deposits may actually be packing up the acid and trying to keep it a safe distance from your organs. The fat may be saving your vital organs from damage. Many people have found that a return to a healthy inner biological terrain helps them to lose excess fat.

Osteoporosis is very confusing for many people. Most people think they can eliminate it by increasing their consumption of milk and dairy products. But in the countries where the consumption of dairy products is very low the instances of osteoporosis is very rare. Osteoporosis is an acidosis problem. As the body becomes more acidic, to protect against the event of heart attack, stroke, illness, or even cancer, the body attempts to remain healthy. So, it steals calcium from the bones, teeth, and tissue. As bone mass becomes depleted, this is what we call osteoporosis. As we saturate the body with calcium this brings the alkaline pH up and drops the acid levels down.

One of the first warning signs of an acidic biological terrain is calcium deposits. A little known fact is that there has never been a scientifically proven association between calcium deposits in the body and nutritional calcium. In fact quite the opposite is found in the results of testing calcium deposits of the body. Calcium deposits come not from dietary calcium but from the structural calcium of our bones and teeth!

So if calcium deposits are forming, we know our inner biological terrain is too acidic. Our dietary intake of calcium is not keeping up with the calcium buffering needed and we are actively pulling calcium from our bones and teeth. It all works like a little train, from the bones to the fluids and cells, to the blood. As our biological terrain becomes acidic, our pH level drops. When this happens we start losing calcium out of the blood, the bones, and the tissues. This is a safety mechanism. Now your biological terrain's oxygen level drops leaving you tired and fatigued, allowing fungus, mold, parasites, bad bacteria, and viral infections to flourish and gain a hold throughout the body. It is interesting to note that you often won't have just some of these invaders. If you have Candida you will likely have bad bacteria, fungus, and parasites because they all flourish in the same terrain.

WHAT ARE THE FIRST THINGS WE CAN DO TO CHANGE ALL THIS?

We must get in there and cleanse the body to get it under control. After it is under control, we have to support the body nutritionally to build new cells. We are in an era of malnutrition because the minerals aren't in the soil and they can't possibly get into our food chain. What we have is lots of food but very little nutrient value in it. I've heard experts comment "if you don't want to take supplements, you haven't got a chance". The quality of the supplements you do decide to take will make all the difference in the world because not all supplements are created equal.

Calcium is the one mineral that can really alkalize your body. It produces the calcium buffering compound Mono-ortho-calcium phosphate which raises your pH (makes your biological terrain more alkaline). There are many ways to keep your body's biological terrain at a healthy alkaline environment. These include:

* eating alkalizing foods including lots of green foods and super foods
* limiting our intake of phosphates which bind to calcium and prevent its absorption. Dietary phosphates are commonly found in all carbonated drinks, and in all animal protein.
* Adding dietary calcium in the form of supplementation is generally difficult because of our body's inability to absorb and assimilate most forms of commonly available calcium. The best calcium supplement, which is 95% absorbable by the human body is ionic coral calcium.

This all takes time. It is not easy to reverse acidity once we become too acidic. The extreme importance of cellular environment has been mostly overlooked in the past, but has recently been recognized.

Scientists who describe the environment of our cells measure three conditions of certain body fluids - in blood, saliva, and urine:

1. pH- Acid or Alkaline
2. Antioxidant power
3. Electrical conductivity.

The report that describes the overall environment of your cells based on those measurements, is called your Biological Terrain. The instrument used to test the body fluids is named the Biological Terrain Analyzer. Scientists have found that when the biological terrain is out of the narrow healthy range, the cells can not perform properly and a person is at a higher risk of contracting a wide spectrum of acute and chronic diseases as well as experiencing physical deterioration and more rapid aging.

During this century, despite many technological advances in our society, we have seen many threatening declines. One of the most obvious and dangerous is the nature of food consumption. Food consumption in our most advanced countries has changed from nutritious raw foods to highly processed foods low in nutritional value. Over 100,000 new chemicals have been introduced to our foods, air, and water. All of these changes have put even greater stresses on our body's innate ability to affect the chemistry of our body fluids, and therefore our Biological Terrain. As a result we see huge increases in the incidence of chronic and life-threatening diseases.

Your logical question at this point is, "How can I adjust and maintain my Biological Terrain in the healthy range?"

Fortunately we now have the ultimate nutraceutical to add to our nutritional arsenal. The addition of the nutraceutical, Microhydrin to your diet is simple and safe. It is not a drug. It is a revolutionary nutritional supplement developed by Drs. Gael and Patrick Flanagan, who are known throughout the world for their long history of contributions to health care. Microhydrin™ is a special form of time-released silica hydride powder. Each molecule has an extra electron. When consumed, it releases much needed electrons into your body, improving the condition of all three characteristics which make up our Biological Terrain.

1.

It tends to increase pH-- alkalize body fluids.
2.

It is the most powerful antioxidant available.
3.

It increases electrical conductivity.

BENEFITS OF MICROHYDRIN™:

1. INCREASED pH - Pollution, stress and our consumption of highly processed foods tend to create acidic body fluids, a characteristic compatible with certain diseases. All cellular waste, and most internally generated toxins are acidic. Microhydrin increases the pH of your body fluids like no other alkalizing substance available.

2. INCREASED ANTIOXIDANT POWER - Free radicals are compounds which have lost an electron and which tend to steal electrons from healthy cells, which can cause malignancy, loss of energy, accelerated aging, and other diseases. Damaging free radicals are created by normal activities, but also from contamination of our food, air and water. An antioxidant is a compound that gives up an electron to a free radical, making it harmless. Vitamin C gives up an electron, and becomes a weaker free radical. It then steals an electron from Beta Carotene which becomes a weaker free radical and steals from Vitamin E. Microhydrin, with its extra electron, is the only antioxidant in the world that does not itself become a damaging free radical.

3. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY - Water without minerals will not conduct electricity. Messages from cells to other cells are vital to their functions, but will not be transmitted if minerals are inadequate in the body fluids between and inside the cells. Because our soils and the vegetables we eat are often depleted of trace minerals, our body fluids tend to be low in the minerals necessary to transmit vital messages. This can lead to frequent fatigue, poor mental function, and other diseases. Microhydrin increases the electrical conductivity between your cells to promote better overall health.

You'll have to ask yourself, "is pH balance a luxury or a necessity?" When we get the body alkaline it can function correctly and utilize all nutrients better. The most important thing that you can do for your body is Reclaim Your Inner Terrain. Once you do, the parasites, fungus, mold, yeast, and bad bacteria should begin departing because they cannot exist in a healthy alkaline environment. Our private war against the daily assaults of stronger and deadlier organisms and our fight to stay alkaline will not end with a magic cure. Good health requires getting the proper nutrition on a daily basis.
..............................................................
http://www.snyderhealth.com/summary_Young.htm
OVERACIDITY AND OVERGROWTH OF YEAST, FUNGUS AND MOULDS
by Dr. Robert O. Young, Ph.D.

Dr. Young has degrees in chemistry, microbiology and nutrition, and has spent many years researching the relationship between mycotic infections (yeast, fungus and mould) and the etiology of human disease. His research and articles on microtoxicosis have gained wide recognition in the U.S.A. and he is currently listed in Who's Who for his breakthrough research. He is the vice-president of Research and Development of InnerLight International, where he has developed colloidal and holistic nutrition formulas now being distributed around the world.

ONE SICKNESS, ONE DISEASE: MYCOTIC INFECTION
One of my discoveries is that there is only one sickness, and that is the over-acidification of the blood and tissues caused by an inverted way of eating and living. Our present day civilized food with its abundance of sugar and animal protein, especially meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, causes this over-acidification of the blood. This in turn encourages the proliferation of microorganisms which have a common origin and go through various evolutionary steps, the first one being virus, then bacteria, then fungus and yeast. This is called pleomorphism.

Blood is a living tissue just like your liver and heart. When you take on body fluids or blood of any other person, when you take on a transplant, you are literally taking on the elements of some foreign body.

PLEOMORPHISM
Pleomorphic means "many forms". Pleomorphism is the foundation of microbiology, and it discredits the germ theory which traditional medicine believes in. Microforms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi are all the same organism at various stages of their evolution. The first stage of its evolution which is the primitive stage, is what medical science calls a virus. Viruses are apathological. They are actually composed of a microzyme at the core that is protein encapsulated. As the biological environment becomes overly-acidified, the primitive stage evolves to the intermediate stage, and this is bacterial. This culminates in the final stage which includes the yeasts, fungi and moulds. These forms proliferate and evolve in a compromised biological environment such as acidified blood and tissues. Try a very simple experiment: what happens when you pull the plug on your refrigerator? What appears first? The bacterial forms, then the yeasts, funguses and moulds, and all of a sudden everything just decays, which is what occurs in these final anatomical phases.

CYCLE OF IMBALANCE
I call these phases the cycle of imbalance. In the cycle of imbalance, we have low energy and fatigue, poor digestion, excess weight, unclear thinking, aches and pains, major disorders, and these are all symptoms of this cycle.

ACID-ALKALINE BALANCE
It is very important to have a chemical balance between these acid and alkaline conditions, both in the blood and in the tissues. The acid and alkaline conditions are opposites, and when they are balanced, they cancel each other out. However, it is easy for the body tissues to become too acidic, and this imbalance sets the stage for disease. In scientific terms, the acid/alkaline relationship is known as pH. The pH of the body has a profound effect on the inner environment and the microscopic organisms. The pH of blood and tissues should be approximately 7.3. The pH of saliva and urine should be 6.8 to 7.0. Acceptable medical lab parameters are 5.5 to 6.5 for the urine, but at 5.5 and 6.5 the urine is too acidic.

PURPOSE OF THE KIDNEYS
is to separate the alkalinity from the acidity. The acidity goes out through the urine. The alkalinity is bound by calcium, potassium and magnesium and taken back into the blood to neutralize acidity in the blood and tissues. When you over-acidify, you are stressing the liver, the kidneys and the bladder, and you run out of your alkaline reserves which are needed to chelate or bind these acids. Then you start getting localized problems.

SUGAR, FERMENTATION AND CHRONIC FATIGUE
These microscopic beasties get their energy from blood sugars which our bodies are supposed to be using, and they grow and multiply by eating our bodies' proteins. Their needs can turn into our cravings. One of the favourite foods of these microforms is sugar. They thrive in a declining pH which is acidic, therefore requiring you to eat more pastas, grains, yeast-containing breads, potatoes and especially high fructose fruits and juices, and more sugar in any particular form. Fruit is good, but not in a compromised biological terrain, so when you eat fruit it becomes a food for fungus and fermentation.

TOXIC WASTE PRODUCTS AND CHRONIC FATIGUE
These microforms then poison us with their waste products. The waste products are acetylaldehyde, uric acid, alloxin, alcohols, lactic acid, etc. Chronic fatigue is the fermentation of our glucose in exchange for acids. These acids are known as acetyladehydes which are then broken down into secondary metabolites as alcohol. The result is fatigue - I call it the drunkenness disease. You have just intoxicated yourself due to excess acidification and you have produced alcohol in your system. If you are suffering from lack of energy, all you have to do is change the biological terrain.

REVERSING THE MICROFORMS
These organisms are indestructible - you cannot destroy them. All you can do is change their form, and cause them to retrograde. Bacilli literally evolve backwards out of that cycle when you change the biological terrain. We can control them by retrograding the yeast, fungi and moulds and their bacteria and neutralize their waste products through supplementation and diet. You do that by giving up the very foods that you crave.

PARASITES
These microforms of mould and fungus mixed with the blood cells can be seen through a microscope and these are found in both healthy and non-healthy individuals. Our bodies are moulding, rotting and basically hosting a parasite party. Actually parasites are the side effects of the more serious problem of over-acidification. Why are you so concerned about parasites when you are being fermented or rotted by fungi and yeasts. I find less than 10% of people are infected with flukes or roundworms or flatworms, but I find 100% of the population infected with these higher development fungal forms in live blood analyses. I have yet to find anyone free of this.

FOODS TO AVOID
Very few of us know that pleomorphic bacteria, yeast and fungus and their toxins are characteristically present in stored and fermented food. The following list of foods are high in pleomorphic bacteria, yeast, fungus and mould, and produce mycotoxins which cause specific diseases and should never be eaten. Pig meat including sausage, bacon, salami and ham contain fungus associated with many cancers. Beef, lamb, chicken and turkey contain a variety of different fungi. You need to avoid all mushrooms. There is no such thing as a good mushroom. Mushrooms disperse spores of fungus throughout the blood and tissues. Peanuts and cashews contain over 25 different strains of fungi. Dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice-cream, and butter contain fungi. Eggs, barley, corn, stored grains and cereals, and stored potatoes are fully colonized with fungi. Alcohol contains fungus. Tobacco contains yeast. Yeast in any form such as brewer's yeast or breads should not be eaten. Sugar including honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, sucrose promotes the growth of pleomorphic bacteria, yeast, fungus and mould and suppresses the immune system response up to five hours. Vinegar, caffeine in any form, and high fructose fruits acidify the blood and tissues. When you drink orange juice, the sugars in orange juice are released so quickly into the blood stream that they cannot be oxidized. Therefore they are fermented and the acids that are produced literally anaesthetize the immune system. It shuts it down for three to five hours. Apple juice does the same thing. The problem is excess sugar. Grape juice and grapefruit juice are a little different. Apples, oranges, pears and bananas are more likely to be fermented. The banana get liver spots the same way you get liver spots, through excess fermentation and rotting. If you have spots on your hands, face or arms, if you have moles, these are toxins coming to the surface of the skin. These are acids. This is a manifestation of the one sickness. You have to change the inner terrain, and if you do, these spots will either disappear or change in colour. Hydrogenated oils like margarine and shortening and vegetable oils interfere with normal biochemical processes and increase cholesterol, interfere with liver's detoxification system and interfere with essential fatty acid function.

CYCLE OF BALANCE
The cycle of balance is reflected in these signs: energy, vitality, clear and bright eyes, mental clarity, concentration, a lean and trim body. The first step is to reestablish the internal pH which should be slightly alkaline. The diet should be 80% alkaline, 20% acid. It's a 4:1 ratio. If you have a serious disease, your diet should be 100% alkaline, or at least a 5:1 ratio.

FOOD YOU SHOULD EAT: ALKALINIZING FOODS
We need to eat foods which will actually heal the body. We need to go back to the garden and eat live foods like leafy greens, foods which are high in chlorophyll. For breakfast I eat salad, for lunch I eat salad, and for dinner I have salad. What is good for dinner is also good for lunch, and what is good for lunch is good for breakfast. You have to overalkalize the blood and tissues. You can freely eat dark green and yellow vegetables, root vegetables, freshly juiced vegetable juices, foods with high contents of chlorophyll, nuts like almonds or hazelnuts which are more alkaline. Almonds are high in oxygen especially after they have been soaked for 12 hours. Sprouted grains and beans like alfalfa, mung beans, clover and radish, seeds, essential fatty acids from flax oil, borage oil, and virgin olive oil, soy products like tofu, grains from spelt, millet and buckwheat, herbs, spices, seaweed, lots of onions and garlic and distilled water. Fruits like avocados, lemons, limes and grapefruits are low sugar, therefore less likely to be fermented.

FATS AND CALCIUM NEUTRALIZE ACIDITY
Obesity is thought to be a fat problem, but it is not. Obesity is the way your body reacts to indulgence of foods that create excess fermentation and acids. The fat is retained in order to bind the acidity somewhere away from the organs that sustain life. If we didn't have fats in our diet, we would literally be destroyed by the very acids that we are poisoning ourselves with. When you try to reduce your cholesterol by using drugs, you set yourself up for a heart attack, because you have the acids without the fats and the acids will destroy the cells. Fats bind the acids and neutralize them to prevent them from poisoning the cells. The same thing happens with calcium-blocker medications. In the United States, the FDA warns that if you take calcium-blockers, you are at risk for heart attacks. Why? Because if the body does not have sufficient fats to bind the toxins, it will use calcium to bind the toxins, and if you are blocking the calcium with medications, there is nothing to bind the toxins and you end up with a heart attack.

ARTHRITIS, STONES AND TUMOURS
We have stones because calcium neutralizes excess acidity and stones are formed. Arthritis also occurs because calcium is being utilized to neutralize acidity. Sugar is metabolized by microforms, producing the acid, which is then bound by the calcium and we get calcium deposits in our joints. We also get calcium deposits in the brain or in the breast. Calcium deposits always precede the tumour because it is the first line of defense in neutralizing over-acidification. Osteoporosis is a body response which occurs if there is not enough dietary calcium. It pulls calcium from the bones to neutralize the acidity. If we then take more calcium, as supplements, we get more calcium deposits, we get more stones, and we end up with breast cancer or prostate cancer.

CANCER, HORMONES AND ACIDITY
Cancer is not a virus; it is an acid problem produced by a mould. It is an infection due to excess fermentation in the weakest parts of the body. What causes cancer in cigarettes is the yeast and sugar they use to accelerate the fermentation process in the tobacco leaves. Cancer is not a localized problem that is metastasizing. Cancer is a systemic problem that has localized. We know through research that the supplementation of hormones can be a risk factor for breast cancer. When you supplement hormones, those hormones are subject to fermentation in a body that is out of balance, and when hormones are fermented, they produce an acid which has to be eliminated. These acids are then stored in areas of fatty tissue and what more perfect place to put it than the breast. How can emotion or fear cause rotting processes? Biologically, it's simple. Emotions create acidity through the release of hormones that are then fermented which produces the acid. And we then start craving the foods we should basically avoid.

When someone has cancer, excess proteins are found in the urine because cells are being lysed or destroyed, and those proteins are then being thrown freely into the blood stream and then through the elimination, show up in our urine.

ENZYMES
I do not suggest that you should be taking enzymes. I do not use amylase and protease. I developed an enzymatic formula of a noni complex which is unfermented, with no sugar, with green papaya, garlic and tissue salts.

Source: Consumer Health Organization Of Canada, May 1997, Volume 20, Issue 5

Quercetin

2009-12-25T05:36:00.000-08:00

Quercetin

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide

Updated September 18, 2008
http://nutrition.about.com/od/phytochemicals/p/quercetinprofil.htm

About Quercetin:
Quercetin is a phytochemical that is part of the coloring found in the skins of apples and red onions. It has been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement.
In the Body:
Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant.

It is also a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory. Research shows that quercetin may help to prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer.
Why Use It:
Quercetin's antihistamine action may help to relieve allergic symptoms and asthma symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce pain from disorders such as arthritis. Men who are concerned about prostate problems would also benefit from quercetin. Quercetin may also help reduce symptoms like fatigue, depression and anxiety.
Where To Find Quercetin:
To get more quercetin, you can increase your intake of apples and red onions, which will improve your diet. If you want more quercetin, you can take a dietary supplement. FRS Healthy Energy (buy direct) offers energy drinks with quercetin, green tea extract and vitamins.

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Quercetin is the most abundant of the flavonoids. Quercetin belongs to the flavonoids family and consist of 3 rings and 5 hydroxyl groups. Querctin is also a building block for other flavonoids. Quercetin occurs in food as a aglycone (attached to a sugar molecule). Only a small percentage of the ingested quercetin will get absorbed in the blood.

Quercetin is found in many common foods including apple, tea, onion, nuts, berries, cauliflower and cabbage.

Quercetin has many health promoting effects, including improvement of cardiovascular health, reducing risk for cancer. Quercetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. All these activities are caused by the strong antioxidant action of quercetin. It will help to combat free radicals molecules, which can damage cells.
As many other flavonoids, quercetin prevents the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
The anti-inflammatory action of quercetin is caused by the inhibition of enzymes, such as lipoxygenase, and the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Quercetin also inhibits the release of histamine, which causes congestion, by basophils and mast cells.
Studies have shown that quercetin reduces the cancer risk of prostate, ovary, breast, gastric and colon cells.
Quercetin also seems to reduce the production of uric acid, by inhibiting the xanthine oxidase, thereby easing gout symptoms.
Studies have shown an improved lung function and lower risk of certain respiratory diseases (asthma and bronchitis) for people with high apple (rich in quercetin) intake.

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus

2009-12-25T04:34:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gammaretrovirus that was first described in 2006.[1] XMRV has been isolated from human biological samples, and several reports associate the virus with familial and sporadic prostate cancer.[2][3] A 2009 publication reports a possible association with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Classification and genome

XMRV belongs to the virus family Retroviridae and the genus gammaretrovirus. It has a single-stranded RNA genome that replicates through a DNA intermediate. Its name refers to its similarity to murine leukemia viruses (“MuLVs”). The genome, 8135 nucleotides in length, is 95% identical with several endogenous retroviruses of mice, and is 93-94% identical with several exogenous mouse viruses.[

History

XMRV was discovered by laboratories led by Joseph DeRisi at the University of California, San Francisco, and Robert Silverman and Eric Klein of the Cleveland Clinic. Silverman had previously cloned and investigated the enzyme ribonuclease L (RNase L), part of the cell’s natural defense against viruses. When activated, RNase L degrades cellular and viral RNA to halt viral replication. In 2002, the “hereditary prostate cancer 1” locus (HPC1) was mapped to the RNase L gene, implicating it in the development of prostate cancer.[5] The cancer-associated “R462Q” mutation results in a glutamine instead of an arginine at position 462 of the RNase L enzyme, reducing its catalytic activity. A man with two copies of this mutation has twice the risk of prostate cancer; one copy raises the risk by 50%.[2]

Silverman and Klein hypothesised that “the putative linkage of RNase L alterations to HPC might reflect enhanced susceptibility to a viral agent”,[2] leading to the discovery of XMRV.

Reported disease associations and transmission

Prostate cancer
A link between prostate cancer and XMRV has been hypothesised. Current reports in the scientific literature offer evidence both for and against such a link. In the initial report on XMRV, the virus was detected in cancerous prostate tissues using a microarray containing samples of genetic material from about 950 viruses. The screen indicated the presence of a gammaretrovirus-like sequence in seven of eleven tumours homozygous for the R462Q mutation, but only in one of five tumours without the mutation. After isolation and cloning of the virus, an expanded screen found it present in 40% of tumours homozygous for R462Q and in only 1.5% of those not.[1] XMRV protein was found in the cells of the tumors but not in the actual prostate cancer cells, raising the possibility the virus may indirectly support tumorigenesis.[6] Additionally, a 2009 study reported XMRV infection in 23% of subjects independent of the RNase L gene variation.[7] However, researchers in Germany failed to find any XMRV-specific sequences in the DNA or RNA of samples from prostate cancer patients, and no XMRV-specific antibodies were detected in blood serum samples.[8] Another German study had previously found no XMRV association with non-familial (sporadic) prostate cancer,[9] and no XMRV link was found in Irish prostate cancer patients with the R462Q mutation.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

A study published in Science in 2009 reported that XMRV was found in the blood of 67% of CFS patients but in only 4% of healthy controls. The authors, including Robert Silverman, the co-discoverer of XMRV, suggested the virus could cause CFS or be a passenger co-infection.[4] The study was greeted with cautious optimism by some scientists,[11][12] whilst others, including the co-discoverer of XMRV, Joseph DeRisi, pointed out potential flaws in the research, including the fact that murine leukemia viruses are common contaminants of lab cultures and the need for a third-party lab to validate the results of the study in double blind experiments before claims should be made.[12][13] Previous reports that other types of retroviruses were associated with CFS were not replicated in follow-up studies.

Transmission

XMRV is closely related to several known xenotropic mouse viruses. These viruses recognize and enter cells of non-rodent species by means of the cell-surface receptor XPR1 or SYG1. It has been suggested that XMRV could be sexually transmitted.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

2009-12-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the most common name[1] given to a variably debilitating disorder or disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, and accompanied by the presence of other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months.[2] The disorder may also be referred to as post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS, when the condition arises following a flu-like illness), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), or several other terms. The etiology (cause or origin) of CFS is currently unknown and there is no diagnostic laboratory test or biomarker.[2]

Fatigue is a common symptom in many illnesses, but CFS is a multi-systemic disease and is relatively rare by comparison.[3] Symptoms of CFS include widespread muscle and joint pain; cognitive difficulties; chronic, often severe, mental and physical exhaustion; and other characteristic symptoms in a previously healthy and active person. CFS patients may report additional symptoms including muscle weakness, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, digestive disturbances, depression, poor immune response, and cardiac and respiratory problems.[4] It is unclear if these symptoms represent co-morbid conditions or are produced by an underlying etiology of CFS.[5] All diagnostic criteria require that the symptoms must not be caused by other medical conditions.

CFS is thought to have an incidence of 4 adults per 1,000 in the United States.[6] For unknown reasons CFS occurs most often in people in their 40s and 50s, more often in women than men,[7][8] and is less prevalent among children and adolescents.[9] Full recovery from the condition occurs in only 5-10% of cases.[9]

Whereas there is agreement on the genuine threat to health, happiness and productivity posed by CFS, various physicians' groups, researchers and patient advocates promote different nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, etiologic hypotheses and treatments, resulting in controversy about many aspects of the disorder. The name CFS itself is controversial as many patients and advocacy groups, as well as some experts, believe the name chronic fatigue syndrome stigmatizes, by not conveying the seriousness of the illness, and want the name changed.

Signs and symptoms
[edit] Onset

The majority of CFS cases start suddenly,[29] usually accompanied by a "flu-like illness"[5] while a significant proportion of cases begin within several months of severe adverse stress.[29][30][31] An Australian prospective study found that after infection by viral and non-viral pathogens, a sub-set of individuals met the criteria for CFS, with the researchers concluding that "post-infective fatigue syndrome is a valid illness model for investigating one pathophysiological pathway to CFS".[32] However, accurate prevalence and exact roles of infection and stress in the development of CFS are currently unknown. Many significant risk factors for developing CFS are known, but "definitive evidence that would be meaningful for clinicians is lacking".[33]
[edit] Symptoms

The most commonly used diagnostic criteria and definition of CFS for research and clinical purposes were published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[5] The CDC definition of CFS requires the following two criteria be fulfilled:[2]

1. A new onset (not lifelong) of unexplained, persistent fatigue unrelated to exertion and not substantially relieved by rest, that causes a significant reduction in previous activity levels.
2. Four or more of the following symptoms that last six months or longer:

* Impaired memory or concentration
* Post-exertional malaise, where physical or mental exertions bring on "extreme, prolonged exhaustion and sickness"
* Unrefreshing sleep
* Muscle pain (myalgia)
* Pain in multiple joints (arthralgia)
* Headaches of a new kind or greater severity
* Sore throat, frequent or recurring
* Tender lymph nodes (cervical or axillary)

There are no medical tests or physical signs to diagnose CFS,[9] so testing is used to rule out other potential causes for symptoms.[11] When symptoms are attributable to other conditions, the diagnosis of CFS is excluded. The CDC specifically refers to several illnesses with symptoms resembling those of CFS: "mononucleosis, Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, primary sleep disorders, severe obesity and major depressive disorders. Medications can also cause side effects that mimic the symptoms of CFS."[2]
[edit] Activity levels

Patients report critical reductions in levels of physical activity[34] and a reduction in the complexity of activity has been observed,[35] with reported impairment comparable to other fatiguing medical conditions[36] such as late-stage AIDS,[37] lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the effects of chemotherapy.[38] CFS affects a person's functional status and well-being more than major medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, or type II diabetes mellitus[39][40] The severity of symptoms and disability is the same in both genders[41] with strongly disabling chronic pain,[42] but despite a common diagnosis the functional capacity of individuals with CFS varies greatly.[43] While some lead relatively normal lives, others are totally bed-ridden and unable to care for themselves. Employment rates vary with over half unable to work and nearly two-thirds limited in their work because of their illness. More than half were on disability benefits or temporary sick leave, and less than a fifth worked full-time.[44]
[edit] Pathophysiology
Main article: Pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome

The mechanisms and pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome are unknown.[9] Research studies have examined and hypothesized about the possible biomedical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease, including oxidative stress, genetic predisposition,[45] infection by viruses and pathogenic bacteria, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormalities , immune dysfunction as well as psychological and psychosocial factors. Although it is unclear which factors are a cause, or consequence, of CFS, various models are proposed.[46][47][48]

A 2009 study in Science suggests a link between the retrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers identified DNA of the virus in the blood of 67% of patients, all of whom met both the CDC 1994 and Canadian 2003 criteria for ME/CFS respectively, compared to 4% of healthy controls.[49]
[edit] Treatment
Main article: Chronic fatigue syndrome treatment

Many patients do not fully recover from CFS even with treatment, and there is no universally effective curative option.[50] Diets, physiotherapy, dietary supplements, antidepressants, pain killers, pacing, and complementary and alternative medicine have been suggested as ways of managing CFS. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) have shown moderate effectiveness for many patients in multiple randomized controlled trials.[25][51][52][53] As many of the CBT and GET studies required patients to visit a clinic, severely affected patients may have been excluded.[51]

Patient surveys have found that pacing is reported to be the most helpful intervention.[54][55]
[edit] Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychological therapy often used to treat chronically ill patients,[56] is a moderately effective treatment for CFS[57] that is "useful in treating some CFS patients."[56] Since the cause or causes of CFS are unknown, CBT tries to help patients understand their individual symptoms and beliefs and develop strategies to improve day-to-day functioning.[58]

A Cochrane Review meta-analysis of 15 randomized, controlled cognitive behavioral therapy trials with 1043 participants concluded that CBT was an effective treatment to reduce symptoms of fatigue. Comparing CBT with "usual care," four reviewed studies showed that CBT was more effective (40% vs 26%). In three studies, CBT worked better than other types of psychological therapies (48% vs 27%). The effects may diminish after a course of therapy is completed; the reviewers write that "the evidence base at follow-up is limited to a small group of studies with inconsistent findings" and encourage further studies.[59] A 2007 meta-analysis of 5 CBT randomized controlled trials of chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome reported 33-73% of the patients improved to the point of no longer being clinically fatigued.[57]

CBT has been criticised by patients' organisations because of negative reports from some of their members,[28] which have indicated that CBT can sometimes make people worse.[60] One such survey conducted by Action for ME found that out of the 285 participants who reported using CBT, 7% reported it to be helpful, 67% reported no change, and 26% reported that it made their condition worse.[61] A subsequent survey in 2008 reported that 50% of patients found CBT helpful, 38% reported no change, and 12% felt that it made their illness worse, though it remained among the lowest-rated treatments in the survey despite the significant increase.[54]
[edit] Graded exercise therapy

Graded exercise therapy (GET) is a form of physical therapy. A meta-analysis of five randomized trials found that patients who received exercise therapy were less fatigued after 12 weeks than the control participants, and the authors cautiously conclude that GET shows promise as a treatment.[62] A systematic review published in 2006 included the same five RCTs, noting that "no severely affected patients were included in the studies of GET".[51] Surveys conducted on behalf of patient organizations commonly report adverse effects.[28][60][61][55]
[edit] Pacing

Pacing is an energy management strategy which encourages behavioral change while acknowledging patient fluctuations in symptom severity and delayed exercise recovery. Patients are advised to set manageable daily activity/exercise goals and balance activity and rest to avoid over-exertion which may worsen symptoms. Those able to function within their individual limits are encouraged to gradually increase activity and exercise levels while maintaining established energy management techniques. The goal is to gradually increase the level of routine functioning of the individual.[63] A small randomised controlled trial concluded that pacing had statistically better results than relaxation/flexibility therapy.[64][65] A 2009 survey of 828 Norwegian CFS patients found that pacing was evaluated as useful by 96% of the participants.[55] A 2008 survey of 2763 CFS patients by Action for ME found that pacing was the most helpful treatment, with 84% of patients finding it beneficial.[54]
[edit] Other

Other treatments of CFS have been proposed but their effectiveness has not been confirmed.[66] Medications thought to have promise in alleviating stress-related disorders include antidepressant and immunomodulatory agents.[67] Many CFS patients are sensitive to medications, particularly sedatives, and some patients report chemical and food sensitivities.[56] CFS patients have a low placebo response compared to patients with other diseases.[68]
[edit] Prognosis
[edit] Recovery

A systematic review of 14 studies of the outcome of untreated people with CFS found that "the median full recovery rate was 5% (range 0–31%) and the median proportion of patients who improved during follow-up was 39.5% (range 8–63%). Return to work at follow-up ranged from 8 to 30% in the three studies that considered this outcome." .... "In five studies, a worsening of symptoms during the period of follow-up was reported in between 5 and 20% of patients." A good outcome was associated with less fatigue severity at baseline, a sense of control over symptoms and not attributing illness to a physical cause.[69] Another review found that children have a better prognosis than adults, with 54–94% having recovered by follow-up compared to less than 10% of adults returning to pre-morbid levels of functioning.[70] According to the CDC, delays in diagnosis and treatment can reduce the chance of improvement.[71]
[edit] Deaths

Evidence linking CFS to early deaths is unclear. A systematic review of 14 studies of the outcome of CFS recorded 8 deaths, two were unrelated to CFS, one person died by suicide, and the circumstances of death of the other five were unclear.[69] To date there have been two studies directly addressing life expectancy in CFS. A preliminary study of CFS self-help group members reported a greater likelihood of death at a younger than average age for cancer and suicide[72] but another study of a much larger group with a longer follow-up found that mortality rates of individuals with CFS did not differ from the general population of the United States.[73]
[edit] Epidemiology

Due to the multiple definitions of CFS, estimates of its prevalence vary widely. Studies in the United States have previously found between 4 and 2500 cases of CFS for every 100,000 adults.[74] The CDC states that more than 1 million Americans have CFS and approximately 80% of the cases are undiagnosed.[9] All ethnic and racial groups appear susceptible to the illness, and lower income groups are slightly more likely to develop CFS.[8] A 2009 meta-analysis showed that compared with the White American majority, African Americans and Native Americans have a significantly higher risk of CFS.[75] More women than men get CFS — between 60 and 85% of cases are women; however, there is some indication that the prevalence among men is underreported. The illness is reported to occur more frequently in people between the ages of 40 and 59.[7] CFS is less prevalent among children and adolescents than adults.[9] Blood relatives of people who have CFS appear to be more predisposed.[8][76] There is no direct evidence that CFS is contagious, though it is seen in members of the same family; this is believed to be a familial or genetic link but more research is required for a definite answer.[77]
[edit] Risk factors

A recent systematic review included 11 primary studies that had assessed various demographic, medical, psychological, social and environmental factors to predict the development of CFS/ME, and found many had reported significant associations to CFS.[33] The reviewers concluded that the lack of generalizability and replication between studies meant that "none of the identified factors appear suitable for the timely identification of patients at risk of developing CFS/ME within clinical practice."
[edit] Associated diseases

Some diseases show a considerable overlap with CFS. Thyroid disorders, anemia, and diabetes are a few of the diseases that must be ruled out if the patient presents with appropriate symptoms.[11][13][78]

People with fibromyalgia (FM, or fibromyalgia syndrome, FMS) have muscle pain and sleep disturbances. Fatigue and muscle pain occurs frequently in the initial phase of various hereditary muscle disorders and in several autoimmune, endocrine and metabolic syndromes; and are frequently labelled as CFS or fibromyalgia in the absence of obvious biochemical/metabolic abnormalities and neurological symptoms.[citation needed] Multiple chemical sensitivity, Gulf War syndrome and post-polio syndrome have symptoms similar to those of CFS,[79][80] and the latter is also theorized to have a common pathophysiology.[80]

Although post-Lyme syndrome and CFS share many features/symptoms, a study found that patients of the former experience more cognitive impairment and the patients of the latter experience more flu-like symptoms.[81]

A 2006 review found that there was a lack of literature to establish the discriminant validity of undifferentiated somatoform disorder from CFS. The author stated that there is a need for proponents of chronic fatigue syndrome to distinguish it from undifferentiated somatoform disorder. The author also mentioned that the experience of fatigue as exclusively physical and not mental is captured by the definition of somatoform disorder but not CFS.[82] Hysterical diagnoses are not merely diagnoses of exclusion but require criteria to be met on the positive grounds of both primary and secondary gain.[83] Primary depression can be excluded in the differential diagnosis due to the absence of anhedonia and la belle indifference, the variability (lability) of mood, and the presence of sensory phenomena and somatic signs such as ataxia, myoclonus and most importantly, exercise intolerance with paresis, malaise and general deterioration.[citation needed] Feeling depressed is also a commonplace reaction to the losses caused by chronic illness[84] which can in some cases become a comorbid situational depression.
[edit] Co-morbidity

Many CFS patients will also have, or appear to have, other medical problems or related diagnoses. Co-morbid fibromyalgia is common, where only patients with fibromyalgia show abnormal pain responses.[85] Fibromyalgia occurs in a large percentage of CFS patients between onset and the second year, and some researchers suggest fibromyalgia and CFS are related.[86] As previously mentioned, many CFS sufferers also experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint pain, headache including migraines, and other forms of myalgia. CFS patients have significantly higher rates of current mood disorders than the general population.[87] Compared with the non-fatigued population, male CFS patients are more likely to experience chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and female CFS patients are also more likely to experience chronic pelvic pain.[88] CFS is significantly more common in women with endometriosis compared with women in the general USA population.[89]
[edit] History
Main article: History of chronic fatigue syndrome

In 1934 an outbreak then referred to as atypical poliomyelitis (at the time it was considered a form of polio) occurred at the Los Angeles County Hospital. It strongly resembled what is now called chronic fatigue syndrome and affected a large number of nurses and doctors.[90] In 1955 at the Royal Free Hospital in London, United Kingdom, another outbreak occurred that also affected mostly the hospital staff. Also resembling CFS, it was called both Royal Free disease and benign myalgic encephalomyelitis and formed the basis of descriptions by Acheson, Ramsay, and others.[91] In 1969 benign myalgic encephalomyelitis was first classified into the International Classification of Diseases under Diseases of the nervous system.[92]

The name chronic fatigue syndrome was proposed in the 1988 article, "Chronic fatigue syndrome: a working case definition", (the Holmes definition), to replace chronic Epstein-Barr virus syndrome. This research case definition was published after US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologists examined patients at the Lake Tahoe outbreak.[12][93][94] In 2006 the CDC commenced a national program to educate the American public and health care professionals about CFS.[95]
[edit] Society and culture
[edit] Economic impact

Reynolds et al (2004), estimated that the illness caused about $20,000 per person with CFS in lost productivity which totals to $9.1 billion per year in the United States.[17][96]
[edit] Social issues

A study found that CFS patients report a heavy psychosocial burden.[97] A survey by the Tymes Trust reported that children with CFS often state that they struggle for recognition of their needs and/or they feel bullied by medical and educational professionals.[98] The ambiguity of the status of CFS as a medical condition may cause higher perceived stigma.[99]
[edit] Support groups

A study found that CFS patients in support groups reported no change in negative interactions compared to an improvement in negative interactions reported by those treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.[100] Patients with greater amounts of negative interactions received worse social support on average than disease-free cancer patients or healthy controls which, in turn, led to greater fatigue severity and functional impairment than CBT-treated patients.[100]
[edit] Doctor-patient relations

Some in the medical community did not at first recognize CFS as a real condition, nor was there agreement on its prevalence.[101][102] There has been much disagreement over proposed causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the illness.[103][104][105][106][107] The context of contested causation may affect the lives of the individuals diagnosed with CFS, affecting the patient-doctor relationship, the doctor's confidence in their ability to diagnose and treat, ability to share issues and control in diagnosis with the patient, and raise problematic issues of reparation, compensation, and blame.[108] The etiology is unknown and a major divide exists over whether funding for research and treatment should focus on physiological, psychological or psychosocial aspects of CFS. The division is especially great between patient groups and psychological and psychosocial treatment advocates in Great Britain.[107] Sufferers describe the struggle for healthcare and legitimacy due to bureaucratic denial of the condition because of its lack of a known etiology. Disagreements over how the condition is dealt with by health care systems has resulted in an expensive and prolonged conflict for all involved.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Also called: CFS

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.

Symptoms of CFS include fatigue for 6 months or more and experiencing other problems such as muscle pain, memory problems, headaches, pain in multiple joints, sleep problems, sore throat and tender lymph nodes. Since other illnesses can cause similar symptoms, CFS is hard to diagnose.

No one knows what causes CFS. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it. It can last for years. There is no cure for CFS, so the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms. Medicines may treat pain, sleep disorders and other problems.

Anti-fungal Science

2009-12-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Do Three Meals A Day Keep Fungi Away? Protective Effect Of Being Warm-blooded
October 19th, 2009 at 9:22 am
http://www.impactlab.com/2009/10/19/do-three-meals-a-day-keep-fungi-away-protective-effect-of-being-warm-blooded/

The fact that they eat a lot – and often – may explain why most people and other mammals are protected from the majority of fungal pathogens, according to research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

The research, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, showed that the elevated body temperature of mammals – the familiar 98.6º F or 37º C in people – is too high for the vast majority of potential fungal invaders to survive.

“Fungal strains undergo a major loss of ability to grow as we move to mammalian temperatures,” said Arturo Casadevall, M.D., Ph.D., chair and professor of microbiology & immunology at Einstein. Dr. Casadevall conducted the study in conjunction with Vincent A. Robert of the Utrecht, Netherlands-based Fungal Biodiversity Center, also known as Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures.

“Our study makes the argument that our warm temperatures may have evolved to protect us against fungal diseases,” said Dr. Casadevall. “And being warm-blooded and therefore largely resistant to fungal infections may help explain the dominance of mammals after the age of dinosaurs.”

There are roughly 1.5 million fungal species. Of these, only a few hundred are pathogenic to mammals. Fungal infections in people are often the result of an impaired immune function. By contrast, an estimated 270,000 fungal species are pathogenic to plants and 50,000 species infect insects. Frogs and other amphibians are prone to fungal pathogens, one of which, chytridiomycosis, is currently raging through frogs worldwide. Fungi are also important in the decomposition of plants.

In their study, the researchers investigated how 4,082 different fungal strains from the Utrecht collection grew in temperatures ranging from chilly – 4º C or 39º F – to desert hot – 45º C or 113º F. They found that nearly all of them grew well in temperatures up to 30º C. Beyond that, though, the number of successful species declined by 6 percent for every one degree centigrade increase. Most could not grow at mammalian temperatures. Those that did well in hotter conditions were often from warm-blooded sources.

Dr. Casadevall noted that the current study covered thousands of fungal strains and made use of a computerized database of the Utrecht collection. In the past, this type of research would have required retrieving this information manually, which Dr. Casadevall noted would have been a very time-consuming task.

“This was possible only because we could use bioinformatic tools to analyze the records in the culture collection,” he said. “There is no way to do a study like this without such technology given the enormous numbers of samples and the labor involved.”

The results of the study, he added, could help explain why mammals maintain a seemingly energy-wasteful lifestyle requiring a great deal of food. By contrast, reptiles need only eat once a day or even less often.

“The payoff, however, may be that mammals are much more resistant to soil and plant-borne fungal pathogens than are reptiles and other cold-blooded vertebrates,” said Dr. Casadevall.

This stronger immunity to fungi could explain why mammals rose to dominance after the dinosaur extinction event 65 million years ago. Indeed, the fungal bloom that occurred then may be one reason for the extinction of dinosaurs, a possibility outlined in a 2004 Fungal Genetics and Biology paper from Dr. Casadevall.

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Antifungal drug stops blood vessel growth
http://www.physorg.com/news96895052.html
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered to their surprise that a drug commonly used to treat toenail fungus can also block angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels commonly seen in cancers. The drug, itraconazole, already is FDA approved for human use, which may fast-track its availability as an antiangiogenesis drug.

In mice induced to have excess blood vessel growth, treatment with itraconazole reduced blood vessel growth by 67 percent compared to placebo. “We were surprised, to say the least, that itraconazole popped up as a potential blocker of angiogenesis,” says Jun O. Liu, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology. “We couldn’t have predicted that an antifungal drug would have such a role.”

In their search for antiangiogenesis drugs, the researchers worked with cells from human umbilical cords, a rich source of blood vessels, and exposed them to 2,400 existing drugs - including FDA- and foreign-approved drugs, as well as nonapproved drugs that had passed safety trials - to see which ones could stop the cells from dividing.

“The best outcome was to find an already approved drug that worked, and the fact that we did was very satisfying,” says Liu, whose study appears online in ACS Chemical Biology.

As an antifungal drug, itraconazole blocks a key enzyme for making fungal cholesterol, causing these primitive life forms to become fragile and break apart. It turns out that itraconazole can block the same enzyme in blood vessels, but the researchers aren’t positive if that’s the reason blood vessels stop growing, because related antifungal drugs had much lower inhibitory effect.

“Our screening test did show that cholesterol-lowering statins also appear to stop blood vessel growth,” Liu says, “so there is likely some important connection between cholesterol and angiogenesis.”

While the researchers still must tease out exactly how itraconazole works to stop vessel growth, and test it in animals with cancer, they have high hopes for its use. “Itraconazole can be taken orally for fungal infection, and therefore oral delivery may work for angiogenesis as well,” Liu notes.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

Anti-fungal Medications

2009-12-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.autismcanada.org/antifungalmed.htm

Nystatin was one of the first anti-fungal drugs developed and probably the most commonly used to treat intestinal yeast overgrowth. It is extremely safe due to the fact that hardly any of the drug is absorbed from the intestinal tract. As a result the only side-effects that may occur are mainly restricted to the digestive system and are usually mild. In addition, in rare cases patients may develop a rash as a result of an allergic reaction. Nystatin is available in a number of different forms including, tablets, powder and liquid oral suspension. You can therefore choose the form that suits you best. The liquid and powder forms are probably superior to tablets because they don't need to be digested before they start to work and hence will kill yeast further up the digestive tract. The only drawback to this is the extremely foul taste!

Amphotericin B is similar to nystatin as it is chemically related. As with nystatin it is not absorbed from the intestine in any significant amount so again is very safe. You may hear stories of amphotericin being very toxic or poisonous but don't worry, this is most likely referring to IV use of the drug in hospitalized patients suffering a fungal infection of the blood or severe infection of body tissues. This doesn't apply to its use in the digestive tract. Amphotericin B may be effective in cases where nystatin has failed so it is something to consider if that is the case with you.

Diflucan belongs to a group of drugs called the 'azoles' and unlike the previous two drugs, Diflucan is absorbed by the intestines and is referred to as a systemic anti-fungal drug. Diflucan is a more modern drug than nystatin and amphotericin, it was first used in Europe during the 1980's and licensed in the US in 1990. A lot of doctors and patients have found Diflucan (and other azoles) to be effective where nystatin and amphotericin have failed. It has been found to be very safe considering its systemic action with few side-effects reported by patients.

Sporanox is one of the newest azole drugs being licensed in the US in 1993. It would seem to be similar in safety and effectiveness as Diflucan but may be a more successful treatment for certain species of candida and other fungal infections as Diflucan may be more effective for other species. Unless you have a stool sample tested and a particular species of candida/yeast can be detected and tested for sensitivity to different drugs, it is a matter of trial and error with regards to which will work best for you.

Nizoral (ketoconazole) was the first of the azole drugs to be developed but its use is limited due to the possibility of serious liver damage. As a result, patients must undergo regular liver enzyme tests during treatment to monitor the effects. In cases that have failed to respond to any other anti-fungal agent its use may be justified but otherwise it is probably best avoided.

Lamisil (Terbinafine HCL) is the newest anti-fungal drug in routine use. It is a systemic drug but is unrelated to the other systemic 'azole' drugs. As a result it is an effective treatment as yeast have not yet had chance to develop resistance to it. Lamisil has become more and more widely used since its introduction a few years ago and is set to become the systemic drug of choice, replacing Diflucan. As with most of the systemic drugs there have been instances of adverse effects on the liver and as with Sporanox, Lamisil has recently been linked with congestive heart failure

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Natural Anti-fungal's

Saturated Fatty Acids such as undecylenic and caprylic acids are common medium chain saturated fatty acids used to treat yeast infections. Both are found naturally in the human body in small amounts. Common commercial sources of caprylic acid are palm and coconut oils, whereas undecylenic acid is extracted from castor bean oil. Caprylic acid products are far more common than those of undecylenic acid but don't assume this means it is better, undecylenic acid has far more research data avilable on it and was the treatment of choice for fungal skin infections for a long time before newer drugs arrived (1, 2).

Berberine is an alkaloid found in a herb called barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and related plants as well as in goldenseal, oregon grape root and Chinese goldthread. This herb has long been used in chinese and ayurvedic medicine. Berberine has significant anti-fungal activity and is also effective against some kinds of bacteria. As with all previously covered anti-fungal's, berberine is reported to spare beneficial organisms such as lactobacilli species. An added benefit for some people is its anti-diarrheal action. Research has shown that berberine can effectively prevent candida species from producing an enzyme called lipase which they use to help them colonize (3). Berberine has also been widely shown to have a powerful directly anti-fungal action.

Oregano is familiar to most people as the strong smelling herb commonly used as a seasoning in Italian food. This is usually Oregano marjoram rather than Oregano vulgare that we're interested in here. Oregano vulgare contains a variety of substances that make it an effective anti-fungal. In a study assessing its action against Candida albicans, carvacrol, a major phenolic constituent of the oil, was found to inhibit candida to a greater extent than caprylic acid. It is also highly effective against many bacteria with studies published in the most prestigious medical journals showing it is as effective as many antibiotic drugs.

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a large number of sulphur containing compounds that exhibit potent anti-fungal properties. Among the most studied are allicin, alliin, alliinase and S-allylcysteine. Some studies have found garlic to be at least as effective as nystatin at killing Candida albicans. A point that should not be overlooked is that because of the many different compounds with anti-fungal properties in garlic, yeast and fungi are unlikely to become resistant to it. Garlic also has many other beneficial properties particularly for the cardiovascular system. For treating intestinal yeast infections garlic is available in a number of different forms including, odorless capsules, liquid extract and tablets. However, a study at the National Institutes of Health found that fresh garlic was significantly more potent against Candida albicans. It also found that the fresh garlic could be a suitable alternative to drugs for serious systemic infections in patients with severe immune suppression. Therefore adding garlic to food (raw) or crushing and swallowing raw clothes if you can tolerate it, is a cheap and powerful anti-fungal treatment.

Colloidal Silver is a suspension of silver particles in water (note colloid is defined as a very small particles of one substance suspended (not dissolved) in another) . Silver is a well known anti-microbial, it is commonly used in items such as water filters to kill any microbe that may be in the water, including bacteria, fungi, worms and protozoa. Colloidal silver is said to be effective against up to 650 pathogens including, of most interest to us here, yeast and fungi species including Candida. It works by denaturing the enzyme involved with supplying the organism with oxygen. Chances of resistance to this process are by all accounts, very low. It was used widely to treat infection before the development of antibiotic drugs. It is now classified as a pre-1938 drug by the FDA which means that it is available without prescription. The number of companies offering colloidal silver as an alternative to antibiotic medications is increasing daily. The renewed interest can be explained by the increase in chronic infections and the fact that many microbes are becoming resistant to the commonly used drug treatments.

Cellulase is a relatively new treatment approach for intestinal yeast infections. The cell wall of common intestinal yeast such as Candida species have been found to be made mainly from cellulose. Cellulase is the enzyme that breaks down cellulose and hence, when significant concentrations come into contact with yeast cells the cell wall is irreparably damaged and the organism dies. It's claimed that using this mode of action, the yeast do not release a flood of toxins when they die as occurs with most other anti-fungal agents so that the sufferer does not experience the usual die-off symptoms to any significant degree. The yeast should be unable to develop resistance to cellulase products as they lack the ability to modify their cell wall. As cellulase products have only been around for a few years reports of their effectiveness in practice is limited but they offer a promising alternative to more established treatments.

Plant Tannins are natural substances found in a number of plants such as Black Walnut and a vast array of plants used in traditional eastern medicine. Tannins are what give red wines such as merlots and cabernets their sharp, biting taste. They are also found in the bark of trees that are particularly resistant to fungus such as the redwood tree. They have been demonstarted to have a powerful anti-fungal and astringent action in a multitude of clinical studies. Tannins are one of a number of natural substances tested against pathogens found in stool samples by functional medicine labs. Tannins are available in a number of forms, both isolated and concentrated, to treat intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Ketoconazole antifungal drug

2009-12-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ketoconazole (pronounced /ˌkiːtəʊˈkoʊnəzol/) is a synthetic antifungal drug used to prevent and treat skin and fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients such as those with AIDS. Ketoconazole is sold commercially as an anti-dandruff shampoo, topical cream, and oral tablet, under the trademark name Nizoral by Johnson & Johnson.

Ketoconazole is very lipophilic, which leads to accumulation in fatty tissues. The less toxic and more effective triazole compounds fluconazole and itraconazole have largely replaced ketoconazole for internal use. Ketoconazole is best absorbed at highly acidic levels, so antacids or other causes of decreased stomach acid levels will lower the drug's absorption when taken orally.

Ketoconazole was discovered in 1976 and released in 1981.[1] It followed griseofulvin as one of the first available oral treatments for fungal infections.

Ketoconazole is usually prescribed for topical infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis (yeast infection or thrush), and jock itch. The over-the-counter shampoo version can also be used as a body wash for the treatment of tinea versicolor.[2][3]

Ketoconazole is used to treat eumycetoma, the fungal form of mycetoma.

The side-effects of ketoconazole are sometimes used to treat non-fungal problems. The decrease in testosterone caused by the drug makes it useful for treating prostate cancer and for preventing post-operative erections[4] following penile surgery. Another use is the suppression of glucocorticoid synthesis, where it is used in the treatment of Cushing's disease.[5] These side effects have also been studied for use in reducing depressive symptoms[6] and drug addiction;[7] however, it has not succeeded in either of these roles.[8][9]

Ketoconazole can be prescribed as a 200 mg pill, a 2% cream, a 2% gel,a 2% foam,or 2% shampoo for the treatment of dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, or as a 1% over-the-counter shampoo (Perkhotal) & (Nizoral). However, 2% shampoo is sold over-the-counter in many countries as well.

Ketoconazole is also available as a topical mousse, using patented Versafoam technology, marketed under the brand name Ketomousse. In clinical studies, the Versafoam proved to be a superior mechanism of delivery to the shampoo. Currently it is only available in Europe.

The anti-dandruff shampoo is designed for people who have a more serious case of dandruff where symptoms include, but are not limited to constant non-stop flaking, and severe itchiness.

It is a pregnancy category C drug because animal testing has shown it to cause teratogenesis in high dosages. Until recently, there were two human test cases on record (both during the treatment of Cushing's syndrome)[10][11] and no adverse effects were reported, but this is not a broad enough data sample to draw any meaningful conclusions. A subsequent trial in Europe failed to show a risk to infants of mothers receiving ketoconazole.[12]

This medication is also sometimes prescribed by veterinarians for use on pets, often as 200 mg unflavored tablets that may need to be cut to smaller size for correct dosage.

Ketoconazole is structurally similar to imidazole, and interferes with the fungal synthesis of ergosterol, a constituent of cell membranes, as well as certain enzymes. It is specific for fungi, as the equivalent mammalian pathway, leading to the biosynthesis of cholesterol, is not sensitive to ketoconazole. However, other mammalian cytochrome P450 enzymes can be sensitive to ketoconazole, and inhibition of steroid hormone synthesis is a possible side effect of ketoconazole treatment.

As with all azole antifungal agents, ketoconazole works principally by inhibition of an enzyme, cytochrome P450 14-alpha-demethylase (P45014DM). This enzyme is in the sterol biosynthesis pathway that leads from lanosterol to ergosterol. Fluconazole and itraconazole have been found to have a greater affinity for fungal cell membrane than ketoconazole, and thus lower doses of these azoles are required to kill fungi.

Ketoconazole inhibits growth of dermatophytes and yeast species such as Candida albicans. The rise in the number of HIV/AIDS immune compromised patients has led to an increase in the frequency and significance of opportunistic fungal infections. Resistance to ketoconazole has been observed in a number of clinical fungal isolates, including C. albicans. Experimentally resistance usually arises as a result of mutations in the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Defects in the sterol 5-6 desaturase enzyme reduce the toxic effects of azole inhibition of the 14-alpha demethylation step. Multidrug-Resistance Genes (MDR)[14] can also play a role in reducing cellular levels of the drug. As azole antifungals all act at the same point in the sterol pathway, resistant isolates are normally cross-resistant to all members of the azole family.

A study in mice indicated that ketoconazole may have a stimulatory effect on hair growth.[15] Nizoral shampoo has shown to be beneficial in men suffering from androgenic alopecia. One 1998 study showed that Nizoral 2% worked just as well as minoxidil 2% (brand name Rogaine) in men with androgenic alopecia. Both medicines increased hair thickness and increased the number of anagen-phase hair follicles on the scalp. Researchers were guarded about the meaning of these results, saying that more rigorous studies on larger groups of men should be done to confirm the findings, both to evaluate the ideal dosage and formulation, and to assess the desirability of routine treatment in this condition. Nizoral Shampoo has U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp only, so although Nizoral may be useful as a hair loss remedy, it cannot be endorsed or marketed as one to the general public.[16]

Results so far indicate that both the 1% and 2% dosages have positive hair loss benefits; however the more potent 2% formulation could have better results. Optimal usage is speculated at every third day, leaving the shampoo on the scalp for 3–5 minutes before rinsing. It has been stated that medications capable of maintaining the existing hair population should be regarded as effective treatments for androgenic alopecia. The present data suggest that ketoconazole should enter this group of drugs.

NATURAL ANTIFUNGALS

2009-12-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT (GSE): Grapefruit seed extract has been used in the treatment of human fungal infections. It is more effective at killing yeast than bleach, colloidal silver, tea tree oil and Iodine (Sachs, The Authoritative Guide to Grapefruit Seed Extract, 1997). In the liquid form, it has a bitter taste and must be diluted in water or juice (carrot juice) or baby’s milk. It can be used for topical conditions as well as internal problems. There have been no side effects observed with use of GSE.

D-LIMONENE: found in essential oils of lemons, oranges, grapefruit, caraway, dill, bergamot, peppermint, spearmint, grasses and tomatoes. D-limonene is among a group of chemicals known as monoterpenes. These substances have been shown to cause regression and prevention of recurrence of mammary tumors in rats (Gould. Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy by monoterpenes. Environmental Health Perspective, 1997. 105:5977-5979). They also have a direct tumorstatic effect, meaning they inhibit the growth of tumors, as well has the ability to block the initiation and promotion phases of carcinogenesis (Gould).

CAPRYLIC ACID a fatty acid derived from coconuts. Caprylic acid is safe and effective at killing yeast. Follow directions on the individual product label for correct doses.

PROBIOTICS: indiscriminant use of antibiotics leads to overgrowth of the normal intestinal yeast, which may either initiate problems or compound existing symptoms. By replacing the normal intestinal flora, yeast overgrowth may be inhibited. Probiotics are these normal flora, and include such species as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, among others. These are bacteria used in making yogurt- they are the “live active cultures” you see in the ingredients. They are important for the manufacture of B vitamins. They also protect against radiation damage, cancer, eczema, acne, allergies, and digestion disorders (Chaitow et al. Probiotics, 1995).

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT: Olive leaf extract “has the ability to kill invading fungus rather than merely inhibiting its growth” (Walker, 1997). It contains a phenolic compound called oleuropein, which has antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antibacterial properties (Walker).

GARLIC: Garlic in its natural form is a highly effective, broad-spectrum antifungal (Mowrey, 1986). It can be eaten whole, cooked in recipes, ground up in a carrot juice, or taken as a supplement that offers it in its whole, albeit dried, form.

MALIC ACID: Malic acid is found in apple cider vinegar. Although vinegars and most sauces are not encouraged in an antifungal diet, malic acid is antifungal. One might use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water to consume once or twice a day.

UNDECYLENIC ACID: An organic fatty acid expressed from castor bean oil that, in the older days, was listed and used as a pharmaceutical antifungal agent. Today, it can be found in an over the counter form and used for the same purpose in products such as Formula SF 722 (Thorne Research). It is also used in many over the counter antifungal powders such as those used to treat athlete’s foot and jock itch. It has approximately six times the antifungal activity of caprylic acid (Neuhauser, 1954). It can also be found in UGN: http://www.bioactivenutrients.com/UGN.html

PAU D'ARCO: May be taken in a capsule or a tea. The bark of this rainforest tree is inherently antifungal. Follow individual product directions for proper use.
Tea Tree Oil: A topical antifungal that should never be used internally, although at one time the leaves of the tree were boiled to form a tea that was consumed in order to prevent scurvy. The oil is derived from the indiginous Australian tree, melaleuca alternifolia, and it has been used for centuries as a general antiseptic, meaning that it kills a wide variety of germs (Carson and Riley, 1998). Studies at the University of Western Australia have documented antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of tea tree oil. For skin problems, either direct, full strength application or dilution with water for washing purposes is recommended.

CARROT JUICE (Carrots): An article in The Journal of Microbiology in 1988 discussed antifungal properties of carrots. Despite their carbohydrate content, which can be rather high, say, if a large carrot juice is consumed, we generally feel that the nutritional and antifungal properties of carrots outweighs this concern- enjoy a carrot juice today!

HERBS AND VITAMINS: Most herbs and many vitamins that display health benefits, like the antioxidants (Vit. E, A, C, Zinc, etc.), have antifungal properties (Costantini, 1998). For example, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is added to commercial applesauce to prevent the growth of fungi in the jars and cans. We feel that this ability to inhibit fungi may be more responsible for their benefit than their mere nutritional qualities can provide alone, given the documented ability of fungi to cause disease and illness. Please note that if fungi can cause disease, it would probably not be a good idea to supplement with brewer’s yeast, a common practice in the nutritional arena.

Bacteria

2009-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The bacteria are a large group of unicellular microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals. Bacteria are ubiquitous in every habitat on Earth, growing in soil, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste,water, and deep in the Earth's crust, as well as in organic matter and the live bodies of plants and animals. There are typically 40 million bacterial cells in a gram of soil and a million bacterial cells in a millilitre of fresh water; in all, there are approximately five nonillion bacteria on Earth,forming much of the world's biomass.

The vast majority of the bacteria in the body are rendered harmless by the protective effects of the immune system, and a few are beneficial. However, a few species of bacteria are pathogenic and cause infectious diseases, including cholera, syphilis, anthrax, leprosy and bubonic plague. The most common fatal bacterial diseases are respiratory infections, with tuberculosis alone killing about 2 million people a year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

In developed countries, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and in agriculture, so antibiotic resistance is becoming common. In industry, bacteria are important in sewage treatment, the production of cheese and yogurt through fermentation, as well as in biotechnology, and the manufacture of antibiotics and other chemicals.

Though it was known in the nineteenth century that bacteria are the cause of many diseases, no effective antibacterial treatments were available. In 1910, Paul Ehrlich developed the first antibiotic, by changing dyes that selectively stained Treponema pallidum—the spirochaete that causes syphilis—into compounds that selectively killed the pathogen.

Intracellular structures

The bacterial cell is surrounded by a lipid membrane, or cell membrane, which encloses the contents of the cell and acts as a barrier to hold nutrients, proteins and other essential components of the cytoplasm within the cell. As they are prokaryotes, bacteria do not tend to have membrane-bound organelles in their cytoplasm and thus contain few large intracellular structures. They consequently lack a nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts and the other organelles present in eukaryotic cells, such as the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Bacteria were once seen as simple bags of cytoplasm, but elements such as prokaryotic cytoskeleton,and the localization of proteins to specific locations within the cytoplasm have been found to show levels of complexity. These subcellular compartments have been called "bacterial hyperstructures".

Extracellular structures

Around the outside of the cell membrane is the bacterial cell wall. Bacterial cell walls are made of peptidoglycan (called murein in older sources), which is made from polysaccharide chains cross-linked by unusual peptides containing D-amino acids.[66] Bacterial cell walls are different from the cell walls of plants and fungi, which are made of cellulose and chitin, respectively.[67] The cell wall of bacteria is also distinct from that of Archaea, which do not contain peptidoglycan. The cell wall is essential to the survival of many bacteria, and the antibiotic penicillin is able to kill bacteria by inhibiting a step in the synthesis of peptidoglycan.[67]

There are broadly speaking two different types of cell wall in bacteria, called Gram-positive and Gram-negative. The names originate from the reaction of cells to the Gram stain, a test long-employed for the classification of bacterial species.

Gram-positive bacteria possess a thick cell wall containing many layers of peptidoglycan and teichoic acids. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria have a relatively thin cell wall consisting of a few layers of peptidoglycan surrounded by a second lipid membrane containing lipopolysaccharides and lipoproteins. Most bacteria have the Gram-negative cell wall, and only the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria (previously known as the low G+C and high G+C Gram-positive bacteria, respectively) have the alternative Gram-positive arrangement.[69] These differences in structure can produce differences in antibiotic susceptibility; for instance, vancomycin can kill only Gram-positive bacteria and is ineffective against Gram-negative pathogens, such as Haemophilus influenzae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria. Some cause more serious illness than others.

Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats are usually caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat. But if you have cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny or stuffy nose, you probably do not have strep throat.

Antifungal drug Griseofulvin

2009-11-22T01:35:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Griseofulvin (also known as Grisovin, a proprietary name of Glaxo Laboratories) is an antifungal drug. It is used both in animals and in humans, to treat fungal infections of the skin (commonly known as ringworm) and nails. It is derived from the mold Penicillium griseofulvum.It is administered orally.

Mechanism
The drug binds to tubulin, interfering with microtubule function, thus inhibiting mitosis.

It binds to keratin in keratin precursor cells and makes them resistant to fungal infections. It is only when hair or skin is replaced by the keratin-griseofulvin complex that the drug reaches its site of action. Griseofulvin will then enter the dermatophyte through energy dependent transport processes and bind to fungal microtubules. This alters the processing for mitosis and also underlying information for deposition of fungal cell walls.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

2009-11-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

The Environmental Illness Resource Store
http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-options/treatment-information/probiotics-and-prebiotics/

During treatment for intestinal yeast and/or bacterial overgrowth it is essential that probiotic bacteria are consumed concurrently to restore the proper balance of organisms in the gut. When you undergo anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial therapy when the pathogenic organisms are killed off space within the intestines and along the intestinal wall becomes available for colonization by other organisms. Taking probiotic supplements enhances the chances of these new colonies being made up of beneficial bacteria rather than more pathogenic types. Also of importance to sufferers of environmental illnesses is the fact that recent research has shown that the gut flora is directly linked to the development of allergies to both food and airborne allergens and that improving gut flora could potentially reduce the number and severity of allergies1, 2.

At first the range of probiotic products on the market will likely seem overwhelming and you won't know whether you are getting a good product or not until you learn a little bit more about the subject. The information below will explain a bit about probiotic bacteria, otherwise known as 'beneficial bacteria' or 'friendly bacteria', and provide some basic pointers on what to look for in a probiotic product.

Types of Probiotic Bacteria

The most numerous probiotic bacteria normally inhabiting the small intestine are species of Lactobacilli. In the colon the majority are mainly Bifidobacteria. Most probiotic products consist of one or more species of bacteria from one or both of these types. Some products available mainly in europe may also contain certain beneficial species of E.coli but these are rare at this time.

General Benefits of Lactobacilli:

* Prevent overgrowth of disease-causing microbes: Candida species, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and salmonella.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea
* Aid digestion of lactose and dairy products
* Improve nutrient absorption
* Maintain integrity of intestinal tract and protect against macromolecules entering bloodstream and causing antigenic response.
* Lessen intestinal stress from food poisoning
* Acidify intestinal tract. Low pH provides a hostile environment for pathogens and yeast.
* Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections.

General Benefits of Bifidobacteria:

* Prevent colonization of the intestine by pathogenic bacteria and yeasts by protecting the integrity of the intestinal lining.
* Produce acids that keep the pH balance in the intestine. This acid environment prevents disease-producing microbes from getting a foothold.
* Decrease the side-effects of antibiotic therapy.
* Primary bacteria in infants, which help them grow.
* Inhibit growth of bacteria that produce nitrates in the bowel. Nitrates are bowel toxic and can cause cancer.
* Help prevent production and absorption of toxins produced by disease-causing bacteria, which reduces the toxic load on the liver.
* Manufacture B-complex vitamins.
* Help regulate peristalsis and bowel movements.
* Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

(Source: Digestive Wellness by Liz Lipski, Ph.D., CCN)

Let's take a closer look at some of the most well researched probiotic bacteria and those found most commonly in probiotic supplements.

Lactobacillus acidophilus
By far the most well known species of probiotic bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus which has led many people to refer to probiotics simply as "acidophilus". This status is not without reason as the acidophilus species is the most prevalent in the human intestine and has been the most widely studied probiotic bacteria with research starting on L.acidophilus as long ago as 1925. The best researched single strain of acidophilus is probably the DDS-1 strain. This strain amongst other benefits has been shown to stimulate the immune system, increasing levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which suppress cancerous tumour growth3. Other research has shown that L.acidophilus DDS-1 also alleviates lactose intolerance by producing significant amounts of the lactose digesting enzyme lactase, inhibits gastrointestinal pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as acidophilin and helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin conditions by altering gut flora amongst other things.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that has been receiving a growing amount of attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) now has a wealth of research backing its use, particularly for infectious and allergic conditions. A 2001 study reviewing information regarding probiotics and infectious diseases found that there is a large amount of data showing that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection4. Another study testing the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic illness found that Lactobacillus GG given prenatally to mothers with at least 1 first-degree relative and postnatally for 6 months to their infants reduced the incidence of atopic eczema by half compared to controls5.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus
This organism is slightly different to most probiotic bacteria in that it is a 'transient bacteria'. It is referred to in this way because unlike most probiotic bacteria it doesn't adhere to the intestinal wall and form colonies, rather it simply passes through the digestive system and leaves the body in the stool. It has many beneficial effects as it passes through the digestive tract, however. These include enhancing the digestibility of milk products and other proteins and producing natural antibiotic substances that specifically target pathogenic bacteria whilst sparing friendly species. In this sense L.bulgaricus can be thought of as a helper to colonizing bacteria just as the immune system has T helper cells to support other immune cells. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that L.bulgaricus could suppress inflammatory immune reactions in the intestinal wall thus preventing tissue damage6. In another study a substance produced by L.bulgaricus was shown to stimulate activity in part of the gut immune system called the Peyer's patches which provide defense against pathogenic organisms within the gut7.

Lactobacillus salivarius
L.salivarius has been repeatedly shown to inhibit the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which is responsible for the creation of peptic ulcers8. H.pylori interferes with stomach acid production and/or produces a toxin that directly contributes to ulcer formation. The usual treatment involves taking antibiotics but H.pylori may become resistant to them and there are side effects of prolonged antibiotic use due to the eradication of beneficial bacteria along with the pathogenic bacteria. It has been discovered that L.salivarius produces large amounts of lactic acid that completely inhibits the growth of H.pylori and reduces the associated inflammatory response. The first bacteriocin (natural antibiotic substance) to be isolated and studied at the genetic level was taken from a strain of L.salivarius.

Lactobacillus plantarum
This bacteria is the most prevalent species in most naturally fermented foods. It has the ability to block receptor sites for gram negative bacteria and so is effective as an antibiotic. It is an important player in antimicrobial defense and is effective against both extra and intracellular pathogens. L.plantarum is also capable of digesting semi-digestible fibres such as those found in onions, garlic, wheat, oats, rye and yeast. It may therefore help with digestive problems like gas and bloating. Recent research has shown that L.plantarum has the ability to break down bile acids and lower cholesterol10 and is extremely resistant to stress conditions including high temperature and concentrations of ethanol, extremes of pH and the freeze drying process that would normally kill lactic acid bacteria11.

Lactobacillus casei
This species is commonly found in probiotic dairy foods such as 'live yoghurt', hence the name 'casei' which relates to the milk protein casein. It was reported in Microbiology and Immunology to have the most potent protective activity against the Listeria bacteria. Listeria is potentially lethal with about 30% of victims dying. It is most commonly transmitted through consumption of dairy products and raw vegetables. Like L.salivarius, L.casei, in the form of the shirota strain found in Yakult probiotic yoghurt drinks, has been shown to significantly inhibit the growth of the peptic ulcer causing bacteria H.pylori12. A probiotic drink containing the shirota strain has also been shown to reduce the severity of constipation as evidenced by both patient response to questionnaires and physical examinations13. Finally, a study with malnourished mice showed that L.casei (combined with FOS), when given along with a re-nutrition diet, enhanced the immune response and increased resistance to certain pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract14.

Lactobacillus sporogenes
In a study at the G.B. Pant hospital in New Delhi, India, Lactobacillus sporogenes was able to lower cholesterol levels by 104 points. It produced a highly significant reduction in LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol) levels and a small but significant increase in HDL cholesterol ('good cholesterol'). This study offers the prospect of using L.sporogenes as a side-effect free alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of high cholesterol and heart disease. In a multi-centre double-blind placebo controlled trial, L.sporogenes was found to be nearly twice as effective as placebo in reducing the number of episodes and duration of diarrhea following antibiotic treatment in children15. As well as being used to lower cholesterol, Alternative Medical Review reports that L.sporogenes has been used in the treatment of gut dysbiosis, vaginitis and aphthous stomatitis16.

Bifidobacteria bifidum
This bacteria is one of the major constituents of the normal flora in the colon and is the most common Bifidobacteria species found in probiotic products. It is reportedly well tolerated, reduces the inflammatory response in the colon and stimulates the body's fluid immunity. A study carried out at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY showed that B.bifidum can significantly reduce the intestinal concentration of endotoxin, which is made up of the cell walls of dead bacteria and is toxic if allowed to build up17. In another study B.bifidum of human origin was found to adhere well to the intestinal wall and significantly reduce the ability of pathogenic E.coli to do the same18. Research carried out by the Yakult company who manufacture probiotic drinks showed that their patented strain of B.bifidum had significant anti-oxidant action and was able to protect the intestinal lining from lipid peroxidation in iron overloaded mice19.

Bifidobacteria longum
B.longum is another species of Bifidobacteria commonly found in probiotic products. It is reportedly able to eliminate the nitrates commonly found in foods ingested by humans. Levels of nitrate commonly ingested by humans are unable to kill this species. B.longum has been shown to inhibit the action of vero cytotoxin produced by some strains of E.coli which can cause hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. It achieves this by producing substances that bind to the vero cytotoxins20. B.longum has also been shown to have a protective effect against infection with Salmonella Typhimurium, possibly due to an anti-inflammatory action21.

Bifidobacteria infantis
B.infantis is known to have an inhibitory action on invasive pathogenic bacteria such as E.coli. Research has shown that it achieves this inhibition through more than one mechanism which explains why it is effective against a range of pathogens. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to be caused by organisms called bacteroides which are a normal component of the gut flora. B.infantis has the ability to highly reduce the growth of bacteroides and also significantly inhibit the inflammatory response caused by them in the gut lining22. Other research using formulations containing B.infantis has found it to useful for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Of all the strains of bacteria in the formulation B.infantis was found be one of the species that had colonized the intestines of patients to the highest degree23.

Streptococcus thermophilus
Like L.casei, this bacteria has been shown to aid recovery from malnutrition due to short-term fasting and reduce the associated intestinal atrophy in animal studies24. S.thermophilus is also known to have powerful antioxidant activity, protecting the body from dangerous free radicals which increase in the body due to aging, stress, sugar, antibiotics and other chemicals and toxins. It has also been shown to have anti-tumour activity which is especially effective against colon cancer cells.

Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSO's)
In recent years a different sort of probiotics have become available known as homeostatic soil organisms. These are organisms that live naturally in the soil and used to be ingested regularly by humans before intensive farming methods removed them from the food supply. Most of the organisms found in HSO supplements are transient bacteria meaning they don't colonize the intestines but pass through, providing a number of benefits to us as they do so. Some of these benefits include aggressively killing pathogens, producing specific antigens that act to stimulate the immune system, create superoxide dismutase (SOD) a powerful antioxidant enzyme and help the body to metabolize proteins and eliminate toxins. Some of the benefits over traditional probiotic supplements that HSO's are said to have are there superior ability to survive stomach acid, ability to survive in any intestinal pH and their powerful ability to fight off infections in the GI tract. Many doctors and patients have reportedly had very good results using HSO's but as yet there is little good scientific research regarding their use.

Probiotic Research

Some studies have found that probiotic bacteria work best alone, suggesting that buying a probiotic supplement that contains only a single type of probiotic bacteria might be most effective. In one study, Finnish researchers tested the effects that 11 strains of bacteria (including lactobacillus and bifodobacterium) had on the production of cytokines by the immune system. Cytokines are chemical messengers which in healthy individuals control immune cells, coordinating the response to pathogens and keeping immune activity in check to avoid allergic reactions. The researchers found that all 11 probiotic bacteria strains had an effect on cytokine production when administered alone but had little or no effect when given in combination. So at least in terms of immune function it may be best to choose single strain probiotic products. Interestingly, the most effective probiotic in this study was Streptococcus thermophilus, a strain often found in combination probiotic products but rarely alone.

Choosing a Probiotic Product

Unfortunately choosing a probiotic supplement is not as simple as just picking up the first bottle you find and assuming it will do the job. Some products contain bacteria that are not even known to be normal inhabitants of the human gastrointestinal tract and the bacteria in many have not undergone any testing with regards to their ability to colonize once they reach the intestines. There are a number of factors that will determine the effectiveness of a certain bacteria as a probiotic. Some of these are:

* Ability to survive the manufacturing process.
* Ability to survive heat, light, moisture etc during the time from packaging to use.
* Ability to survive stomach acid
* Ability to attach to the intestinal wall
* Ability to fend off other organisms, survive in the current intestinal environment and successfully colonize.

As you can see, the fragile probiotic bacteria have a lot to deal with if they are to eventually colonize your intestines. It would be naive to assume that every species and strain of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria would be equally effective as probiotics. As a result it is best to research a product before you buy. Look out for the species of bacteria covered on this page but if you see a species that isn't covered listed on a supplement bottle then do some research on that bacteria online yourself to make sure it will be effective. As a rule it is best to look for products that state the specific strains of the bacteria they contain such as L.acidophilus DDS-1 and L.rhamnosus GG, where the DDS-1 and GG respectively are the strains. You can then look for research carried out with that particular strain to assess its effectiveness. The best place online to look for scientific research on probiotic bacteria, or any subject, is the PubMed database which can be found here.

Also of importance is the ability of a products packaging to protect the bacteria from environmental factors such as light, heat, moisture and oxygen. Dark coloured glass bottles protect well from light and heat. Some products use rubber caps under the screw top of the bottle, this offers added protection from oxygen and moisture by providing an airtight seal. However the best protection is offered by products where each dose is individually packaged in a foil sachet. This avoids the situation with a bottle where all the capsules/tablets are exposed to the environment every time you take the top off. Also of importance is how the product is stored in the store. If a product says it needs to be refrigerated, make sure this is the case in the store.

Following these guidelines should increase your chances of purchasing an effective probiotic supplement.

Prebiotics

Where probiotics are the beneficial bacteria found in the intestines 'prebiotics' are special indigestible carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides that feed probiotic bacteria and encourage their growth. Oligosaccharides are found naturally in certain fruit and vegetables, including bananas, asparagus, garlic, wheat, tomatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, onions and chicory. Because of the ability of prebiotics to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria it is worth considering a supplement when there is a need to improve the gut flora. Prebiotics can be taken on their own or with a probiotic supplement. They have an advantage over probiotic supplements in that there is no concern about oligosaccharides being destroyed while in storage or en route to the intestines through the stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The most common types of prebiotics available in supplements are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin and galactooligosaccharides. As well as, or perhaps due to, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, prebiotics have been shown to have a number of other benefits.

Cancer is fungus (Candida) ?

2009-11-20T23:02:00.000-08:00

Skin Cancer Forums at Topicalinfo.org
Pick from forum
http://www.topicalinfo.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=186
Posted - 08/29/2007 : 17:07:18

fforest wrote
One thing I would like to make people aware of here is a drug called Lamisil-Terbinafine...

I have had great results for knocking out my BCC and other skin problems with the methods I have already posted here on this forum..

I still have had a bit of recurring skin problems..I have had a few more of the BCC looking skin lesion's pop up ,which I know are not BCC because BCC takes a bit of time to develop..

A doctor friend of mine recommended that I try a drug called Lamisil-Terbinafine,which is for treating fungus infection..Lamisil-Terbinafine knocks out a whole host of fungus related problems..

My skin condition did not look like I had a fungus problem,my skin looked like it had a pre cancerous red skin lesion..

I have tried every thing else so I thought I might as well try this...I have been taking the 250mg tablets and also putting on the cream with some of the crushed tablets mixed in..

I have been having great results clearing up the last bit of my skin problems with this...

In case you are thinking that this is just a ordinary fungal cream you should know until a few weeks ago this stuff cost 450 dollars for 30 250mg tablets..Now they have generic out and the price is down to like 25 dollars for 30 tablets and the cream is like 10 dollars a fraction of its former price...My main point I want to get across here is this is Strong stuff...

Maybe there is some sort of link between skin cancer and fungus I do not know alls I know is this has been some good good stuff for my skin problems and it does not hurt to use like all the other treatments seem too...

I would highly recommend Lamisil-Terbinafine in your tool box of skin treatments...This suff works slow so you need to give it a few weeks to start working..What works good for one person might not work good for another but but this is worth trying...

sammy
Please be careful using Lamisil. This drug is used primarily for nail fungus. My son aquired this condition when he was at Parris Island. He was given blood tests evry month for 3 months because Lamisil can cause liver damage. This Lamisil Terbinafine seems to be stronger. So I would suggest you talk to the Dr. that recommended it or do some research on the Phys. Desk Ref.

anivoc
interesting thought on the fungus idea. One of the lesions I had on my forehead was suspect to me but behaved differently than the BCC's ( Never bled) When I went to the derm he told me it was a wart / fungus of some sort. I used an over the counter wart removal liquid Salicylic acid and it knocked out that growth.

Certainly fungus's tax the immune system and our immune system weakens as we get older anyway. Knocking out the fungus would help our immune systems fight off other intruders such as skin cancer.. who knows maybe their is a fungus or virus that causes skin cancer like human papillomavirus HPV or genital warts causes cervical cancer.

Mexico Posted - 09/07/2007 : 06:39:22

About cancer and fungus connection.

Here one doctor - an oncologist from Rome - who says all cancer including skin cancer come fom fungus.
See http://www.curenaturalicancro.com/index.php

Here is what he says specificaly about skin cancer:

All skins cancers are always caused by Candida fungus which has adapted itself to metabolizing the most proteinaceous constituents of the epidermis and that can, therefore, only rarely be treated with sodium bicarbonate solutions.

The treatment to choose for epithileomas, basaliomas, and melanomas is iodine solution at seven per cent, as it is capable of precipitating the proteins of the body of the fungus and destroying them completely in a short time. If the lesions are fairly small, they must be painted with the solution 10-20-30 times twice a day for five days and then once for another ten days so that they become very dark. When the eschar is formed and it is higher than the epidermic plane, it is necessary to continue to paint under and above it, even if at first this causes a sharp pain.

This very same operation must be repeated for the second eschar that is formed. At this point, the lesion may be considered destroyed, because after the third cycle it is possible to reach the center of the neoplasia, where the colonies try to resist to the last.

In the presence of a tumor of large dimensions it is necessary to perform a cycle of subcutaneous infiltrations with sodium bicarbonate at five per cent solution under the lesion for the purpose of liberating the tissue from the possible invasion of the deep planes and of the basal lamina before performing the treatment with iodine solution. If this is not done, we risk the fungus, once destroyed at a superficial level, defending itself by trespassing into those levels where a conclusive action of the iodine solution is impossible.

In cases where the tumor has invaded a cutaneous-mucous transitional zone such as the anus, eyelids, vagina, or mouth, it is necessary to perform a preliminary treatment of the mucous area with bicarbonate and then, after the elimination of the colonies existing there, proceed to treat the cutis with iodine solution.

It is appropriate to highlight that the same type of therapy is also to be applied to psoriasis and to the known fungin afflictions.

In fact, the difference between cutaneous mycosis, psoriasis, and tumors consists only of a variation of aggressiveness and thus of depth of rooting, since the causal agent is always the same: a fungus. Sometimes other corrosive salts can be used as a function of the location in the body for the therapy. What is certain is that dermal ointments and lotions are only rarely effective.
This treatment plan I wrote about here

2-3 Eggplants 5-6 dollars
Vinegar 1 bottle 4 dollars
Sunspot cream 1 tube 25 dollars
Hydrogen Peroxide 2 dollars
Cotton balls 1 dollar
orange oil 6 dollars
Dmso-??? many prices under 10 dollars..
Aloe vera jell (whole leaf)??? many prices
Total (around give or take) 50-55 dollars to treat skin cancer

This treatment plan works and it works well it will knock out just about any skin condition you have...I still use parts of it when needed..BUT BUT BUT This treatment plan does not get to the root of the problem..Sense I have beeen taking the Lamisil-Terbinafine I have had no new outbreaks in almost a month..Before I had a new skin disaster out break 2 or 3 times a week...So I am now leaning strongly in the direction of the fungal theory...

Edited by - fforest on 09/17/2007 00:57:15

dan
A practical resource for anti-fungal treatments is at Environmental Illness Resource http://www.ei-resource.org/anti-fungal.asp They describe the foods that should be avoided such as sugar containing foods, moldy foods, and packaged and processed foods. Many problem foods are not obvious, several that I eat are on the list. Also described are six prescription drugs including Lamisil and natural anti-fungals such as coconut oil, berberine, oregano, garlic, colloidal silver, the enzyme cellulase, and plant tannins such as black walnut hull. They mention allergic reactions, liver problems, and congestive heart failure as potential side effects to the prescription drugs. I think coconut oil is a good topical candidate for skin cancer.

rocco
<<<See http://www.curenaturalicancro.com/index.php
Here is what he says specificaly about skin cancer:
All skins cancers are always caused by Candida fungus >>>

Interesting.

While researching nutrition and supplements I did a little reading about probiotics. Probiotic supplements are said to help keep unfriendly bacteria like Candida in check. Overpopulation by Candida is known to cause problems like, among other things rashes and dry, flaking skin, eczema, dermatitis, acne, skin discoloration ...hmmmm, that's a lot of skin related issues?

Is anyone currently taking any probiotic supplements? Anyone have any experience with probiotics - good or bad? If skin cancers indeed have a fungal origin probiotics may be a possible immune system booster/restorer.

Here are a couple of short reads on probiotics....
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/probiotics.htm

http://www.customprobiotics.com/candida.htm

Earl wrote
Posted - 09/18/2007 : 17:32:15
Also, I diagnosed myself with candida a couple of years ago. I took no sugar or starch for a month and felt on top of the world. My candida is associated with tons of skin problems from cysts to dandruff to crusty scabs on my scalp, to jock itch. Many of these problems flare up whenever I fall off the wagon and eat too much sugar. I have found that putting yogurt(homemade works best) directly onto my skin during flare ups helps to immediately regulate my skin and can cure any itch for up to several weeks. I assume in order to totally eliminate some of my problems though, I would have to severely regulate my diet as well.

SIMONCINI CANCER THERAPY - THE ADAPTABILITY MECHANISM OF CANCER
http://www.curenaturalicancro.com/2-adaptability-candida.html
Tumors are perceived as one phenomenon.

Tumors are one phenomenon, but there are many types. Why?

According to official views that see genetic alteration at the basis of neoplastic development, it is possible that the alteration can manifest itself in any environment with all possible typological differentiations.
From the microbiological point of view, instead, it is always Candida that invades various anatomical parts, evoking different reactions as a function of the organs it feeds on. These behaviors are a function of the quantity and quality of the affected tissues. An organ whose connective tissue has been invaded defends itself with cellular hyper-productions that attempt to encyst the fungin colonies which are trying to completely colonize the organism.

It is in this way that the whole histological variety of neoplasias can be explained. The histological variety appears not to be influential in the determination of the cause, which is always and only Candida.
It is in this way that during a neoplastic event some genes can be hyper-expressed - that is, amplified - in a defensive effort determined by hyper-productive needs of the tissue. This reaction is normal and not anomalous at all.

Consider the following example. If we take an inert thorn, for example that of a sea urchin, and we inoculate it first in the skin, then in the bronchi, the bone, brain and in other body areas, we evoke an immune response of a cellular type tending to encyst the thorn, that is, to form some kind of a cocoon in which to enclose it.

By the same token, the immune system interprets fungin colonies beyond a certain dimension as extraneous foreign bodies stimulating an encystment reaction that is produced with the type of cells of the invaded tissue.
The thorn or the fungus can therefore cause, according to the case, an epithelioma, an adenocarcinoma, an osteosarcoma, a gliobastoma, and so on.

In the first moments of the invasion, the organism is able to send mature cells to contain the proliferating fungi: this is the phenomenon of a differentiated tumor. As the colonies become more powerful, and tissues are exhausted, cells become more and more immature up to anaplasia.
Furthermore, the ratio between differentiated tissues and connective tissue existing in an organ determines the reaction capability and thus the degree of malignancy of a neoplasia. The fewer noble cells there are, the more malignant and invasive the tumor becomes.

So, on the one hand we have noble tissue which cannot be attacked (muscles and nerves), and on the other the simple connective tissue. The glandular tissue which is halfway between these two elements, just because it is provided with that complex structure that confers to it a certain ability of encysting the fungi, can oppose their invasion by producing the phenomenon of the benign tumor. For example, if we consider the thyroid, we can see how in this gland neo-formations can take any graduation of malignancy even when they possess benign histological characteristics, as is the case for capsulated follicular carcinoma, long ago called metastasizing benign adenoma.

This can happen because the concept of a 'benign tumor' does not have an absolute value. In this case, even if it is true that fungin cells cannot normally go through the differentiated cells barrier, that does not mean that under particular conditions they cannot be successful.
It is for this reason that such neo-formations are considered 'odd' in oncology. But such oddities can be easily explained with the interpretation key of fungin infection. When the glandular tissue is exhausted, the benign tumor becomes a malignant one.

For all intents and purposes, it is always the same Candida attacking different tissues, each time adapting itself to the type of environment it finds. The specifications usually assigned to the various candidas (Candida Albicans, Krusei, Parapsilosis, Glabrata, Tropicalis and others) underestimate the fact that they all come from one single progenitor which, when it genetically mutates to attack the host, transforms itself into this or that stock.59

* R.L. Hopfer for example found no less than four different Candida species in the post-mortem cultures of a leukemia patient.
* N. Aksoycan demonstrated that seven different stocks of Candida actually have the same antigenic structure.
* F.C. Odds reports how the same Candida stock can colonize different anatomical areas at different times.
* J. Hellstein has found the common clonal origin in Candida Albicans for both commensal and pathogenic stocks.

Antifungal Treatment

The Environmental Illness Resource Store
http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-options/treatment-information/antifungal-treatment/

A small intestinal candida/yeast overgrowth is a common finding amongst environmental illness patients according to lab tests such as the organic acid urinary analysis and gut fermentation profiles, as well as patient repsonses to Dr. William Crook's yeast questionnaire. As a result, anti-fungal therapy is usually a major part of an overall functional/integrative medicine based treatment plan for these illnesses. This is usually made up of three distinct parts, an anti-fungal diet, anti-fungal medications and/or natural products and finally, probiotic supplementation. Most people seem to get the best benefit when treatment involves all three parts, implemented properly at the same time, as they work together to restore the normal balance of organisms in the small intestine. If anti-fungal agents were taken without concurrent probiotic supplementation for example, with the amount of yeast reduced and no supply of beneficial bacteria to replace it, the opportunity is there for pathogenic bacteria to become dominant.

The Anti-Fungal Diet

First outlined by Dr. William Crook in his book 'The Yeast Connection', the anti-fungal diet has been an integral part of treating intestinal yeast overgrowth ever since. The aim of the diet is to reduce intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates as well as moldy foods and yeast products. The reason for reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake is that yeast feed on sugar and ferment it producing alcohol in the form of ethanol (drinking alcohol) and an even more toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. By reducing the amount of sugar in your diet you are also reducing the amount available to the yeast in your intestines. This may help to keep their growth in check and will also reduce the amount of toxic waste products they create as a result of fermentation. Elimination of moldy foods and yeast products is suggested because as a result of an intestinal yeast overgrowth the likelihood of developing an immune reactions to these things is greatly increased. This is as a result of yeast overgrowth leading to leaky gut syndrome and the possibility of "translocation" of the organisms from the intestine into the blood stream and other body tissues where they may cause immune reactions, mainly of the IgG mediated delayed reaction type. As a result, the immune system may cross react with molds and yeasts from your diet.

A typical anti-fungal diet has the following restrictions:

Foods that must be avoided

Sugar & sugar containing foods:
Table sugar (Sucrose) and all other simple, fast releasing sugars such as fructose, lactose, maltose, glucose, mannitol and sorbitol. All honey and sugar syrup type products such as maple syrup and molasses.

Packaged and processed foods:
This includes canned, bottled, boxed and otherwise processed and pre-packaged foods as they more often than not contain sugar of one type or another.

Examples:

Canned - Baked beans, soups, ready-made sauces

Bottled - Soft drinks, fruit juices, condiments/sauces

Boxed/Packaged - Ready-made meals, breakfast cereals, chocolate/candy, ice cream, frozen foods.

Mold and yeast containing foods:

Cheeses: moldy cheeses like stilton are the worst, buttermilk, sour cream and sour milk products.

Alcoholic drinks: beer, wine, cider, whiskey, brandy, gin and rum.

Condiments: vinegar and vinegar containing foods like mayonnaise, pickles, soy sauce, mustard and relishes.

Malt products: cereals, candy and malted milk drinks.

Edible fungi: including all types of mushrooms and truffles.

Processed and smoked meats: sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pastrami, smoked fish, ham, bacon.

Fruit juices: All packaged fruit juices may potentially contain molds. Fresh fruit juices are allowed in moderation due to their sugar content.

Dried fruits: raisins, apricots, prunes, figs, dates etc.

Foods to be eaten in moderation

Grains: Wheat, rice, corn, barley, millet, oats.

High carbohydrate vegetables: sweet corn, potatoes, beans and peas, sweet potatoes, squashes, turnips, parsnips.

Anti-fungal drugs and natural products
For mild cases the diet along with healthier lifestyle choices in general may be enough to resolve the problem, however in moderate to severe problems an anti-fungal drug or a natural product with anti-fungal activity will need to be taken as well. The question of whether to use a drug or a natural product is one for you and your doctor to decide upon. From personal reports and the limited scientific evidence that is available, a lot of the natural products do seem to be as effective as many of the anti-fungal drugs. The exception maybe the systemic drugs which are usually reserved for cases that won't respond to either drugs that only act in the intestine, such as Nystatin, or the natural anti-fungal's. Most doctors treating yeast overgrowth suggest that patients will need to take the majority of anti-fungal's for at least 3 months and some will have to stay on them indefinitely. Of course most will be somewhere in between these extremes. Below we'll take a look at the most common anti-fungal's. and the advantages and disadvantages of each. It should be noted here that with any anti-fungal treatment there is a chance of experiencing what is known as the Herxheimer or "die-off" reaction. This is said to occur as a result of the yeast being killed too rapidly which overwhelms the body with yeast cells and their toxins. Any number of nasty symptoms can arise as a result, most frequently a flu-like feeling or worsening of symptoms already present. The solution to this may be to take a lower dose of anti-fungal for a while or take extra fibre or a product like bentonite clay to help carry the toxins out of the body before they are absorbed.

Drugs

Nystatin
Nystatin was one of the first anti-fungal drugs developed and probably the most commonly used to treat intestinal yeast overgrowth. It is extremely safe due to the fact that hardly any of the drug is absorbed from the intestinal tract. As a result the only side-effects that may occur are mainly restricted to the digestive system and are usually mild. In addition, in rare cases patients may develop a rash as a result of an allergic reaction. Nystatin is available in a number of different forms including, tablets, powder and liquid oral suspension. You can therefore choose the form that suits you best. The liquid and powder forms are probably superior to tablets because they don't need to be digested before they start to work and hence will kill yeast further up the digestive tract. The only drawback to this is the extremely foul taste! The usual dosage of nystatin ranges from 1 tablet or 1/8 of a teaspoon of powder 4 times a day to 8 tablets or 1 teaspoon 4 times a day. Another advantage of this drug is that it is very cheap compared to all of the others. As a result of it being cheap, safe and relatively effective, nystatin is likely to be the first choice treatment for many people and their doctors. The only drawback is that due to its widespread use for decades certain yeast species are becoming resistant to it.

Amphotericin B
This drug is similar to nystatin as it is chemically related. As with nystatin it is not absorbed from the intestine in any significant amount so again is very safe. You may hear stories of amphotericin being very toxic or poisonous but don't worry, this is most likely referring to IV use of the drug in hospitalized patients suffering a fungal infection of the blood or severe infection of body tissues. This doesn't apply to its use in the digestive tract. Amphotericin B may be effective in cases where nystatin has failed so it is something to consider if that is the case with you. The drawback of this drug is the cost, it is significantly more expensive that nystatin and therefore is rarely used as a first line treatment unless a sensitivity test has indicated it to be the most effective in a particular patient.

Diflucan (fluconazole)
Diflucan belongs to a group of drugs called the 'azoles' and unlike the previous two drugs, Diflucan is absorbed by the intestines and is referred to as a systemic anti-fungal drug. Diflucan is a more modern drug than nystatin and amphotericin, it was first used in Europe during the 1980's and licensed in the US in 1990. A lot of doctors and patients have found Diflucan (and other azoles) to be effective where nystatin and amphotericin have failed. It has been found to be very safe considering its systemic action with few side-effects reported by patients. The dosage range is typically from 100 to 600mg a day with period of treatments ranging from a few weeks to many months or in rare cases, indefinitely. Treatment with Diflucan is certainly not cheap, current prices are typically $150-$200 for 30 100mg tablets. With some patients needing up to 600mg or more a day the price will put it out of reach for many if insurance won't pay for it. These prices were from a major online pharmacy, if you shop around you will likely find significantly cheaper sources.

Sporanox (itraconazole)
Sporanox is one of the newest azole drugs being licensed in the US in 1993. It would seem to be similar in safety and effectiveness as Diflucan but may be a more successful treatment for certain species of candida and other fungal infections as Diflucan may be more effective for other species. Unless you have a stool sample tested and a particular species of candida/yeast can be detected and tested for sensitivity to different drugs, it is a matter of trial and error with regards to which will work best for you. Dosages are typically 100 to 400mg a day and prices are comparable to Diflucan, possibly being slightly more.

Nizoral (ketoconazole)
This drug was the first of the azole drugs to be developed but its use is limited due to the possibility of serious liver damage. As a result, patients must undergo regular liver enzyme tests during treatment to monitor the effects. In cases that have failed to respond to any other anti-fungal agent its use may be justified but otherwise it is probably best avoided.

Lamisil (Terbinafine HCL)
This is the newest anti-fungal drug in routine use. It is a systemic drug but is unrelated to the other systemic 'azole' drugs. As a result it is an effective treatment as yeast have not yet had chance to develop resistance to it. Lamisil has become more and more widely used since its introduction a few years ago and is set to become the systemic drug of choice, replacing Diflucan. As with most of the systemic drugs there have been instances of adverse effects on the liver and as with Sporanox, Lamisil has recently been linked with congestive heart failure. Lamisil is marginally more expensive than Diflucan and Sporanox with 30 250mg tablets costing between $200 and $250.

Natural Anti-fungal's

Saturated Fatty Acids
Undecylenic and caprylic acids are common medium chain saturated fatty acids used to treat yeast infections. Both are found naturally in the human body in small amounts. Common commercial sources of caprylic acid are palm and coconut oils, whereas undecylenic acid is extracted from castor bean oil. Caprylic acid products are far more common than those of undecylenic acid but don't assume this means it is better, undecylenic acid has far more research data avilable on it and was the treatment of choice for fungal skin infections for a long time before newer drugs arrived1,2. Both have been shown to be comparable to a number of common anti-fungal drugs. In fact undecylenic acid was the main agent used to treat fungal infections prior to the development of newer drugs and is still prescribed today for some infections. A typical dosage for caprylic acid would be up to 3600mg per day in divided doses with meals. Undecylenic acid is commonly taken in dosages of up to 1000mg per day, again in divided doses. A major advantage of using natural products over drugs is the cost. A months supply of either of these fatty acids will cost only about $20-30 for a quality product.

Berberine
Berberine is an alkaloid found in a herb called barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and related plants as well as in goldenseal, oregon grape root and Chinese goldthread. This herb has long been used in chinese and ayurvedic medicine. Berberine has significant anti-fungal activity and is also effective against some kinds of bacteria. As with all previously covered anti-fungal's, berberine is reported to spare beneficial organisms such as lactobacilli species. An added benefit for some people is its anti-diarrheal action. Research has shown that berberine can effectively prevent candida species from producing an enzyme called lipase which they use to help them colonize3. Berberine has also been widely shown to have a powerful directly anti-fungal action4,5 Cost of treatment with berberine is roughly equivalent to that of the fatty acids.

Oregano
Most people will be familiar with oregano as the strong smelling herb commonly used as a seasoning in Italian food. This is usually Oregano marjoram rather than Oregano vulgare that we're interested in here. Oregano vulgare contains a variety of substances that make it an effective anti-fungal. In a study assessing its action against Candida albicans, carvacrol, a major phenolic constituent of the oil, was found to inhibit candida to a greater extent than caprylic acid. It is also highly effective against many bacteria with studies published in the most prestigious medical journals showing it is as effective as many antibiotic drugs. Usually supplied in oil form, oregano treatment will cost around $25 per month. It is very potent so only a few drops in a glass of water are needed at a time. Higher dosages would be likely to cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a large number of sulphur containing compounds that exhibit potent anti-fungal properties. Among the most studied are allicin, alliin, alliinase and S-allylcysteine. Some studies have found garlic to be at least as effective as nystatin at killing Candida albicans. A point that should not be overlooked is that because of the many different compounds with anti-fungal properties in garlic, yeast and fungi are unlikely to become resistant to it. Garlic also has many other beneficial properties particularly for the cardiovascular system. It has been shown to lower levels of LDL cholesterol and act as an anti-coagulant, lowering blood pressure as a result. Like barberry, garlic has a long history of medicinal use, reportedly dating back as far as 3000 years. For treating intestinal yeast infections garlic is available in a number of different forms including, odorless capsules, liquid extract and tablets. However, a study at the National Institutes of Health found that fresh garlic was significantly more potent against Candida albicans. It also found that the fresh garlic could be a suitable alternative to drugs for serious systemic infections in patients with severe immune suppression. Therefore adding garlic to food (raw) or crushing and swallowing raw cloves if you can tolerate it, is a cheap and powerful anti-fungal treatment.

Colloidal Silver
A colloid is defined as very small particles of one substance suspended (not dissolved) in another. Colloidal silver is a suspension of silver particles in water. Silver is a well known anti-microbial, it is commonly used in items such as water filters to kill any microbe that may be in the water, including bacteria, fungi, worms and protozoa. Colloidal silver is said to be effective against up to 650 pathogens including, of most interest to us here, yeast and fungi species including Candida. It works by denaturing the enzyme involved with supplying the organism with oxygen. Chances of resistance to this process are by all accounts, very low. It was used widely to treat infection before the development of antibiotic drugs. It is now classified as a pre-1938 drug by the FDA which means that it is available without prescription. The number of companies offering colloidal silver as an alternative to antibiotic medications is increasing daily. The renewed interest can be explained by the increase in chronic infections and the fact that many microbes are becoming resistant to the commonly used drug treatments. The dosage of colloidal silver needed to treat yeast overgrowth will vary between products because they may have slightly different concentrations. Prices are similar to the other natural products discussed at about $30 for an 8oz bottle.

Cellulase
This is a relatively new treatment approach for intestinal yeast infections. The cell wall of common intestinal yeast such as Candida species have been found to be made mainly from cellulose. Cellulase is the enzyme that breaks down cellulose and hence, when significant concentrations come into contact with yeast cells the cell wall is irreparably damaged and the organism dies. It's claimed that using this mode of action, the yeast do not release a flood of toxins when they die as occurs with most other anti-fungal agents so that the sufferer does not experience the usual die-off symptoms to any significant degree. The yeast should be unable to develop resistance to cellulase products as they lack the ability to modify their cell wall. As cellulase products have only been around for a few years reports of their effectiveness in practice is limited but they offer a promising alternative to more established treatments. Prices again, are in a similar range to all the natural anti-fungal's.

Plant Tannins
Tannins are natural substances found in a number of plants such as Black Walnut and a vast array of plants used in traditional eastern medicine. Tannins are what give red wines such as merlots and cabernets their sharp, biting taste. They are also found in the bark of trees that are particularly resistant to fungus such as the redwood tree. They have been demonstarted to have a powerful anti-fungal and astringent action in a multitude of clinical studies6,7,8. Tannins are one of a number of natural substances tested against pathogens found in stool samples by functional medicine labs. More information can be found on these tests here. Tannins are available in a number of froms to treat intestinal yeast overgrowth. As previously mentioned they are the active anti-fungal ingredient in many traditional eastern herbal preperations. Black walnut has a very high tannin content and is commonly used to treat infections with Candida sp, parasites and worms. It is widely available from health stores and nutritional supplement suppliers. Tannins are also available in an isolated and concentrated form. Treatment with plant tannins is comparable in cost to most natural anti-fungal agents, being in the region of $15-$30 per month.

Probiotics

It is essential that as the yeast overgrowth is being treated probiotic bacteria are consumed to take the place of the yeast colonies.

Frequent Sneezing & Runny Nose

2009-11-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rhinitis (pronounced /raɪˈnaɪtɪs/), commonly known as a runny nose, is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. The primary symptom of rhinitis is nasal dripping. It is caused by chronic or acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose due to viruses, bacteria or irritants.The inflammation results in the generating of excessive amounts of mucus, commonly producing the aforementioned runny nose, as well as nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. Rhinitis has also been found to adversely affect more than just the nose, throat, and eyes. It has been associated with sleeping problems, ear conditions, and even learning problems.Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine. This increase is most often caused by airborne allergens. These allergens may affect an individual's nose, throat, or eyes and cause an increase in fluid production within these areas.

Histamine is a biogenic amine involved in local immune responses as well as regulating physiological function in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter. Histamine triggers the inflammatory response. As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues. Histamine increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and other proteins, in order to allow them to engage foreign invaders in the affected tissues.It is found in virtually all animal body cells

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com Guide
About.com

Many parents (and doctors) think that a child has a sinus infection at the first sign of a green or yellow runny nose. Instead, these children often just have a viral upper respiratory tract infection (URI), like the common cold, and do not require treatment. In fact, URIs are reported to be 20-200 times more common than a true bacterial sinus infection.

Symptoms of a URI usually begin with a clear runny nose, which may become green or yellow after 2-3 days. Other symptoms can include a fever, cough, headache and decreased activity, although facial pain and facial swelling is not always present in children. These symptoms usually worsen over 5-7 days and then gradually get better. Because they are caused by viruses, URIs do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics won't help your child with a cold get better any faster, and when used unnecessarily, being on antibiotics make it more likely that you will get a secondary infection with a bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics, maker it much more difficult to treat.

It is important to keep in mind that having persistent symptoms, which are lasting 10-14 days, doesn't necessarily always mean a sinus infections though. If the symptoms are slowly improving, then even if they are lasting more than 2 weeks, it is probably still just a viral URI.

First off, it can matter and is important to tell the difference between a cold and allergies, since they are usually treated with different medications. While a cold may not need any treatment at all, or you might use a cold medication with a decongestant and cough suppressant, allergies can be treated with an antihistamine and/or nasal steroid. Also, if you go to your doctor with chronic cold symptoms, then you might be given antibiotics unnecessarily.

Although they have similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy throat, headache and a cough, there are some important clues that can help you tell if those symptoms are being caused by a cold virus or allergies, including that:

although the runny nose from a cold will start off being clear, it often turns yellow or green after 3-5 days, while children with allergies will continue to have just a clear runny nose

a child with a cold will usually get better in 10-14 days, while allergy symptoms might linger through the whole season until the first frost. Although it won't help you this year, if you notice that your child has a runny nose in Autumn and it doesn't finally go away until the weather gets cold and there is a freeze, that is a good sign that he has fall allergies and you will know what to do next year.

# children with a cold might also have a fever and muscle aches your child's symptoms change depending on the weather outside. For example, ragweed counts usually decrease after a heavy rain, so if your child's symptoms improve after it rains, he might be allergic to ragweed. Or if his symptoms are worse on days that are windy, that might also indicate an allergy since pollen counts are often higher on windy days.
# when children have a cold, other household contacts are usually sick too. If your child has been sick for a few weeks and no one else at home has caught it, that is a good sign that it is just allergies. But keep in mind that other family members might have similar symptoms just because they are all allergic to the same things, and so will have allergy symptoms at the same time of year. your child gets similar symptoms at this time of year. This isn't always helpful as you might not have noticed these seasonal patterns in younger children, and school age children and those in day care get sick a lot this time of year anyway.
# children with allergies will often have dark circles under their eyes, called allergic shiners. They might also have a small crease near the bottom of their nose (nasal crease) from pushing their nose up because it is itchy. Inside their nose, the mucosa will often be pale and swollen, while it is usually red and inflamed when you have a cold.

Coconut oil

2009-11-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconut harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Throughout the tropical world it has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry. What makes coconut oil different from most other dietary oils is the basic building blocks or fatty acids making up the oil.

Coconut oil is composed predominately of a special group of fat molecules known as medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The majority of fats in the human diet are composed almost entirely of long chain fatty acids (LCFA).

The primary difference between MCFA and LCFA is the size of the molecule, or more precisely, the length of the carbon chain that makes up the backbone of the fatty acid. MCFA have a chain length of 6 to 12 carbons. LCFA contain 14 or more carbons.

The length of the carbon chain influences many of the oil’s physical and chemical properties. When consumed, the body processes and metabolizes each fatty acid differently depending on the size of the carbon chain. Therefore, the physiological effects of the MCFA in coconut are significantly different from those of the LCFA that are more commonly found in the diet.

MCFA and LCFA can also be classified as saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Coconut oil contains 92% saturated fatty acids. All of the MCFA in coconut oil are saturated. They, however, are very much different chemically from the long chain saturated fatty acids found in animal fat and other vegetable oils.

Because coconut oil has a high amount of saturated fatty acids it also has a relatively high melting point. Above 76°F (24°C) coconut oil is a colorless liquid. Below this temperature it solidifies into a pure white solid.

Coconut oil is very heat stable so it makes an excellent cooking and frying oil. It has a smoke point of about 360°F (180°C). Because of its stability it is slow to oxidize and thus resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to high saturated fat content

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Coconut
(Cocos nucifera)

The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."

The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

*

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
*

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
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Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
*

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
*

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
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Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
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Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
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Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
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Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
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Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
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Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
*

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
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Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
*

Helps protect against osteoporosis.
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Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
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Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
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Improves digestion and bowel function.
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Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
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Reduces inflammation.
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Supports tissue healing and repair.
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Supports and aids immune system function.
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Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
*

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
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Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
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Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
*

Functions as a protective antioxidant.
*

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
*

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
*

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
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Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
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Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
*

Reduces epileptic seizures.
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Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
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Dissolves kidney stones.
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Helps prevent liver disease.
*

Is lower in calories than all other fats.
*

Supports thyroid function.
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Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
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Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
*

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
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Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
*

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
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Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
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Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
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Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
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Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
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Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
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Helps control dandruff.
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Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
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Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
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Is completely non-toxic to humans.

See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above mentioned uses of coconut products.

Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Chest pain

2009-11-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In medicine, chest pain is a number of serious conditions and is generally considered a medical emergency. Even though it may be determined that the chest pain is non-cardiac in origin, this is often a diagnosis of exclusion made after ruling out more serious causes of the pain.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/chest_pain/article_em.htm
Chest pain is one of the most frightening symptoms a person can have. It is sometimes difficult even for a doctor or other medical professional to tell what is causing chest pain and whether it is life-threatening.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003079.htm
Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.

Many people with chest pain fear a heart attack. However, there are many possible causes of chest pain. Some causes are mildly inconvenient, while other causes are serious, even life-threatening. Any organ or tissue in your chest can be the source of pain, including your heart, lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, tendons, or nerves.

Heart problems that can cause chest pain:

* Angina is a type of heart-related chest pain. This pain occurs because your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen. The most common symptom is chest pain that occurs behind the breast bone or slightly to the left of it. It may feel like tightness, heavy pressure, squeezing, or crushing pain. The pain may spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back.
* Heart attack pain can be similar to the pain of unstable angina, but more severe.
* Aortic dissection causes sudden, severe pain in the chest and upper back.
* Inflammation or infection in the tissue around the heart (pericarditis) causes pain in the center part of the chest.

Lung problems that can cause chest pain:

* Pneumonia, which causes chest pain that usually feels sharp, and often gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough
* A blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), collapse of a small area of the lung (pneumothorax), or inflammation of the lining around the lung (pleurisy) can cause chest pain that usually feels sharp, and often gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough
* Asthma, which generally also causes shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing

Other causes of chest pain:

* Strain or inflammation of the muscles and tendons between the ribs
* Inflammation where the ribs join the breast bone or sternum (costochondritis)
* Shingles (sharp, tingling pain on one side that stretches from the chest to the back)
* Anxiety and rapid breathing

Chest pain can also be related to the following digestive system problems:

* Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
* Stomach ulcer (burning pain occurs if your stomach is empty and feels better when you eat food)
* Gallbladder (pain often gets worse after a meal, especially a fatty meal)

In children, most chest pain is not caused by the heart.
Make healthy lifestyle choices to prevent chest pain from heart disease:

* Achieve and maintain normal weight.
* Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
* Avoid cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke.
* Eat a diet low in saturated and hydrogenated fats and cholesterol, and high in starches, fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
* Get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week.
* Reduce stress.

Pneumonia

2009-11-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pneumonia is an inflammatory illness of the lung.[1] Frequently, it is described as lung parenchyma/alveolar inflammation and abnormal alveolar filling with fluid (consolidation and exudation).[2]

The alveoli are microscopic air-filled sacs in the lungs responsible for absorbing oxygen. Pneumonia can result from a variety of causes, including infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs. Its cause may also be officially described as idiopathic—that is, unknown—when infectious causes have been excluded.

Typical symptoms associated with pneumonia include cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty in breathing. Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum. Treatment depends on the cause of pneumonia; bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.

Pneumonia is a common illness which occurs in all age groups, and is a leading cause of death among the elderly and people who are chronically and terminally ill. Additionally, it is the leading cause of death in children under five years old worldwide.[3] Vaccines to prevent certain types of pneumonia are available. The prognosis depends on the type of pneumonia, the appropriate treatment, any complications, and the person's underlying health.

Other types of pneumonia

* Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

SARS is a highly contagious and deadly type of pneumonia which first occurred in 2002 after initial outbreaks in China. SARS is caused by the SARS coronavirus, a previously unknown pathogen.

People with infectious pneumonia often have a cough producing greenish or yellow sputum, or phlegm and a high fever that may be accompanied by shaking chills. Shortness of breath is also common, as is pleuritic chest pain, a sharp or stabbing pain, either experienced during deep breaths or coughs or worsened by them. People with pneumonia may cough up blood, experience headaches, or develop sweaty and clammy skin. Other possible symptoms are loss of appetite, fatigue, blueness of the skin, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, and joint pains or muscle aches. Less common forms of pneumonia can cause other symptoms; for instance, pneumonia caused by Legionella may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, while pneumonia caused by tuberculosis or Pneumocystis may cause only weight loss and night sweats. In elderly people manifestations of pneumonia may not be typical. They may develop a new or worsening confusion or may experience unsteadiness, leading to falls. Infants with pneumonia may have many of the symptoms above, but in many cases they are simply sleepy or have a decreased appetite.[8]

Pneumonia can be caused by microorganisms, irritants and unknown causes. When pneumonias are grouped this way, infectious causes are the most common type.

The symptoms of infectious pneumonia are caused by the invasion of the lungs by microorganisms and by the immune system's response to the infection. Although more than one hundred strains of microorganism can cause pneumonia, only a few are responsible for most cases. The most common causes of pneumonia are viruses and bacteria. Less common causes of infectious pneumonia are fungi and parasites.

Viruses invade cells in order to reproduce. Typically, a virus reaches the lungs when airborne droplets are inhaled through the mouth and nose. Once in the lungs, the virus invades the cells lining the airways and alveoli. This invasion often leads to cell death, either when the virus directly kills the cells, or through a type of cell controlled self-destruction called apoptosis. When the immune system responds to the viral infection, even more lung damage occurs. White blood cells, mainly lymphocytes, activate certain chemical cytokines which allow fluid to leak into the alveoli. This combination of cell destruction and fluid-filled alveoli interrupts the normal transportation of oxygen into the bloodstream.

As well as damaging the lungs, many viruses affect other organs and thus disrupt many body functions. Viruses can also make the body more susceptible to bacterial infections; for which reason bacterial pneumonia often complicates viral pneumonia.

Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by viruses such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and metapneumovirus. Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of pneumonia except in newborns. People with weakened immune systems are also at risk of pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV

Bacteria typically enter the lung when airborne droplets are inhaled, but can also reach the lung through the bloodstream when there is an infection in another part of the body. Many bacteria live in parts of the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose, mouth and sinuses, and can easily be inhaled into the alveoli. Once inside, bacteria may invade the spaces between cells and between alveoli through connecting pores. This invasion triggers the immune system to send neutrophils, a type of defensive white blood cell, to the lungs. The neutrophils engulf and kill the offending organisms, and also release cytokines, causing a general activation of the immune system. This leads to the fever, chills, and fatigue common in bacterial and fungal pneumonia. The neutrophils, bacteria, and fluid from surrounding blood vessels fill the alveoli and interrupt normal oxygen transportation.

Bacteria often travel from an infected lung into the bloodstream, causing serious or even fatal illness such as septic shock, with low blood pressure and damage to multiple parts of the body including the brain, kidneys, and heart. Bacteria can also travel to the area between the lungs and the chest wall (the pleural cavity) causing a complication called an empyema.

The most common causes of bacterial pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae and "atypical" bacteria. Atypical bacteria are parasitic bacteria that live intracellular or do not have a cell wall. Moreover they cause generally less severe pneumonia, thus atypical symptoms, and respond to different antibiotics than other bacteria.

The types of Gram-positive bacteria that cause pneumonia can be found in the nose or mouth of many healthy people. Streptococcus pneumoniae, often called "pneumococcus", is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in all age groups except newborn infants. Pneumococcus kills approximately one million children annually, mostly in developing countries.[11] Another important Gram-positive cause of pneumonia is Staphylococcus aureus, with Streptococcus agalactiae being an important cause of pneumonia in newborn babies. Gram-negative bacteria cause pneumonia less frequently than gram-positive bacteria. Some of the gram-negative bacteria that cause pneumonia include Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Moraxella catarrhalis. These bacteria often live in the stomach or intestines and may enter the lungs if vomit is inhaled. "Atypical" bacteria which cause pneumonia include Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.

Fungal pneumonia is uncommon, but it may occur in individuals with immune system problems due to AIDS, immunosuppresive drugs, or other medical problems. The pathophysiology of pneumonia caused by fungi is similar to that of bacterial pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia is most often caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, blastomyces, Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis jiroveci, and Coccidioides immitis. Histoplasmosis is most common in the Mississippi River basin, and coccidioidomycosis in the southwestern United States.

A variety of parasites can affect the lungs. These parasites typically enter the body through the skin or by being swallowed. Once inside, they travel to the lungs, usually through the blood. There, as in other cases of pneumonia, a combination of cellular destruction and immune response causes disruption of oxygen transportation. One type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, responds vigorously to parasite infection. Eosinophils in the lungs can lead to eosinophilic pneumonia, thus complicating the underlying parasitic pneumonia. The most common parasites causing pneumonia are Toxoplasma gondii, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Ascariasis.

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) are a class of diffuse lung diseases. In some types of IIP, e.g. some types of usual interstitial pneumonia, the cause, indeed, is unknown or idiopathic. In some types of IIP the cause of the pneumonia is known, e.g. desquamative interstitial pneumonia is caused by smoking, and the name is a misnomer.

Bacterial pneumonia

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. In contrast, antibiotics are not useful for viral pneumonia, although they sometimes are used to treat or prevent bacterial infections that can occur in lungs damaged by a viral pneumonia.[citation needed] The antibiotic choice depends on the nature of the pneumonia, the most common microorganisms causing pneumonia in the local geographic area, and the immune status and underlying health of the individual. Treatment for pneumonia should ideally be based on the causative microorganism and its known antibiotic sensitivity. However, a specific cause for pneumonia is identified in only 50% of people, even after extensive evaluation.[citation needed] Because treatment should generally not be delayed in any person with a serious pneumonia, empiric treatment is usually started well before laboratory reports are available. In the United Kingdom, amoxicillin and clarithromycin or erythromycin are the antibiotics selected for most patients with community-acquired pneumonia; patients allergic to penicillins are given erythromycin instead of amoxicillin.[21] In North America, where the "atypical" forms of community-acquired pneumonia are becoming more common, macrolides (such as azithromycin and clarithromycin), the fluoroquinolones, and doxycycline have displaced amoxicillin as first-line outpatient treatment for community-acquired pneumonia.[22] The duration of treatment has traditionally been seven to ten days, but there is increasing evidence that shorter courses (as short as three days) are sufficient.

Viral pneumonia

Viral pneumonia caused by influenza A may be treated with rimantadine or amantadine, while viral pneumonia caused by influenza A or B may be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir. These treatments are beneficial only if they are started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Many strains of H5N1 influenza A, also known as avian influenza or "bird flu," have shown resistance to rimantadine and amantadine. There are no known effective treatments for viral pneumonias caused by the SARS coronavirus, adenovirus, hantavirus, or parainfluenza virus.

Aspiration pneumonia

There is no evidence to support the use of antibiotics in chemical pneumonitis without bacterial infection. If infection is present in aspiration pneumonia, the choice of antibiotic will depend on several factors, including the suspected causative organism and whether pneumonia was acquired in the community or developed in a hospital setting. Common options include clindamycin, a combination of a beta-lactam antibiotic and metronidazole, or an aminoglycoside.[28] Corticosteroids are commonly used in aspiration pneumonia, but there is no evidence to support their use either.

Ethanol

2009-10-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Ethanol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is a powerful psychoactive drug, best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and in modern thermometers. Ethanol is one of the oldest recreational drugs. In common usage, it is often referred to simply as alcohol or spirits.

Ethanol is a straight-chain alcohol, and its molecular formula is C2H5OH. Its empirical formula is C2H6O. An alternative notation is CH3–CH2–OH, which indicates that the carbon of a methyl group (CH3–) is attached to the carbon of a methylene group (–CH2–), which is attached to the oxygen of a hydroxyl group (–OH). It is a constitutional isomer of dimethyl ether. Ethanol is often abbreviated as EtOH, using the common organic chemistry notation of representing the ethyl group (C2H5) with Et.

Ethanol has been used by humans since prehistory as the intoxicating ingredient of alcoholic beverages. Dried residues on 9,000-year-old pottery found in China imply that alcoholic beverages were used even among Neolithic people. Its isolation as a relatively pure compound was first achieved by the Arab chemist, Al-Kindi (Alkindus, 801–873), who unambiguously described the distillation of wine. Jābir ibn Hayyān (721–815) also contributed to the development of distillation techniques, mentioning the flammable vapors of boiled wine.In 1796, Johann Tobias Lowitz obtained pure ethanol by filtering distilled ethanol through activated charcoal.

Antiseptic use

Ethanol is used in medical wipes and in most common antibacterial hand sanitizer gels at a concentration of about 62% (percentage by volume, not weight) as an antiseptic. Ethanol kills organisms by denaturing their proteins and dissolving their lipids and is effective against most bacteria and fungi, and many viruses (including SARS), but is ineffective against bacterial spores.Pure ethanol will irritate the skin and eyes. Nausea, vomiting and intoxication are symptoms of ingestion. Long term use can result in serious liver damage. Atmospheric concentrations above one in a thousand are above the European Union Occupational exposure limits.Ethanol acts in the central nervous system by binding to the GABA-A receptor, increasing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (i.e. it is a positive allosteric modulator).Prolonged heavy consumption of alcohol can cause significant permanent damage to the brain and other organs.

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Alcohols have been shown to be effective antimicrobials, exhibit rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against vegetative bacteria (including mycobacteria), viruses, and fungi but are not sporicidal.it is generally believed that they cause membrane damage and rapid denaturation of proteins, with subsequent interference with metabolism and cell lysis

Disrupting the cell membranes

How does ethanol affect cell membranes?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_ethanol_affect_cell_membranes

1. Ethanol is permeable to cell membranes. Because of the nature of
ethanol as a chemical is it able to get into the cell very easily. This
disrupts the balance of the cells' osmotic environment. Osmosis is the
movement of water. Think about what happens if you fill a balloon too
full. What happens? It expands and stretches the membrane of the balloon.
If you release too much water from the balloon it crumples the membrane
and deflates, no longer keeping it structure. This is the same in a
cell. Ethanol disrupts this flow. It has also been shown that ethanol
can disrupt the ion channels in the plasma membrane. These channels in
the cell membrane help pump ions like calcium and potassium in and out of
the cell which directly control how much water is pumped in and out of
the cell (remember the balloon).

2. Ethanol disrupts water. What I mean by this is that ethanol has the
ability to make hygrogen bonds. These are the weak, yet plentiful, bonds
a hydrogen atom can make with a negative atom like oxygen or nitrogen. If
you don't remember hygrogen bonds, please look them up. They are not
ionic bonds nor covalent bonds, but rather weak attractive forces between
hydrogen and a semi-negative charged oxygen or nitrogen. Hydrogen bonds
are one of the major reasons we have life on earth. Hydrogen bonds give
water its properties including how water molecules organize themselves.
Ethanol get inbetween these water molecules and disrupts their
organization. And yes, liquid water is an organized fluid. Not quite as
organized as frozen water (ice) but organized none the less. When
ethanol disrupts this organization, it too can also disrupt how the
hydrophilic (water loving) regions of the plasma membrane interacts with
the water.

Disrupting these interactions can change the structure of the membranes.
Put that together with an environment where ethanol is also messing up
the proper flow of ions and water and you have an instable environment.
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Alcohol Disrupts Hydrogen Bonding
http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/568denaturation.html

Hydrogen bonding occurs between amide groups in the secondary protein structure. Hydrogen bonding between "side chains" occurs in tertiary protein structure in a variety of amino acid combinations. All of these are disrupted by the addition of another alcohol.

A 70% alcohol solution is used as a disinfectant on the skin. This concentration of alcohol is able to penetrate the bacterial cell wall and denature the proteins and enzymes inside of the cell. A 95% alcohol solution merely coagulates the protein on the outside of the cell wall and prevents any alcohol from entering the cell. Alcohol denatures proteins by disrupting the side chain intramolecular hydrogen bonding. New hydrogen bonds are formed instead between the new alcohol molecule and the protein side chains.

In the prion protein, tyr 128 is hydrogen bonded to asp 178, which cause one part of the chain to be bonding with a part some distance away. After denaturation, the graphic show substantial structural changes.

Food Poisoning & Drinking Alcohol

2009-08-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

Source : http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/HealthIssues/1110384069.html
by David J. Hanson, Ph. D.

“Alcohol with a meal can lower the risk of food poisoning” reports the New York Times. 1 The evidence continues to grow that drinking alcoholic beverages with dinner can either prevent food poisoning or reduce its effects.

Food poisoning appears to be much more common than most people realize because they often incorrectly attribute their symptoms to flu. More serious is the fact that food poisoning can be fatal.

An outbreak of gastroenteritis leading to diarrhea, vomiting and high fever among passengers on a cruise ship was analyzed. Research indicated that the consumption of alcohol by many of the passengers may have been what prevented them from getting sick. 2

A Spanish study of an outbreak of acute salmonella gastric infection among people at a banquet found that “the protective effect of alcohol was strongest for subjects who had drunk more than 40 grams of alcohol, with attack rates being 95% for those who had not drunk alcohol, 78% for those who had drunk less than 40 grams, and 54% for those who had drunk more than 40 grams. 3 A standard drink in the U.S. contains 14 grams of alcohol. A standard drink is a can or bottle of beer (12 ounces) a glass of wine (5 ounces) or a shot of distilled spirits (1.5 ounce). Thus, three standard drinks would equal 42 grams of alcohol.

In a similar incident, Desenclos and his colleagues studied an outbreak of illness caused by people eating oysters contaminated with shigella or salmonella. The researchers found that “After controlling for potential confounders, a protective effect for beverages that have an alcohol concentration >10% was found, but no protective effect was found for beverages with an alcohol concentration <10%.” 4 Thus, it appears that the higher the alcoholic content or proof of the beverage, the more protective it is against food poisoning.

Research has also demonstrated the ability of alcohol to kill salmonella, shigella and E-coli in the laboratory.

Salmonella Bacteria

2009-08-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbsam.htm

Salmonella bacteria cause much of the food poisoning in the world, including an estimated 1,400,000 cases of salmonellosis in the United States each year. In Illinois about 1,500 to 2,000 cases of this foodborne illness are reported each year.

Salmonella is a general name for a group of about 2,000 closely related bacteria that cause illness by reproducing in the digestive tract.

Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals, including birds. Humans are usually infected by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Contaminated foods are often of animal origin, such as beef, poultry, milk or eggs, but any food, including fruits and vegetables, may become contaminated. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal and the contamination should not be expected to be visible.

Person-to-person transmission of salmonella occurs when an infected person's feces, unwashed from his or her hands, contaminates food during preparation or comes into direct contact with another person. Salmonella can also be acquired directly from animals such as pets, birds, fish, dogs, cats and turtles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of turtles smaller than 4 inches wide in 1975 to prevent the spread of salmonella.

Symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, chills, fever, nausea and dehydration. Symptoms usually appear six to 72 hours after ingestion of the bacteria, but can be longer if fewer organisms are ingested. Persons can be infected with the bacteria without having symptoms. Persons with and without symptoms shed the bacteria in their stool, which is why proper handwashing after toileting and before handling food is so important. Children younger than 1 year old, people who have had ulcer surgery or take antacids and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to salmonella infection.

Salmonellosis is seldom fatal (the fatality rate is less than 1 percent). Two or three weeks after being infected with salmonella, one in 10,000 cases develops reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome as a complication. These patients also may develop an inflammation of the urethra and eyes.

Fluids are recommended to prevent dehydration because the diarrhea that flushes bacteria out of the body drains a great deal of liquid. Pain relievers and fever reducers may make the person more comfortable.

Most cases of salmonellosis are not treated with antibiotics. In fact, antibiotics may prolong the period during which the person can infect others. Antibiotics sometimes are prescribed for infants, the chronically ill and the elderly to treat or prevent complications in those at increased risk for invasive disease.

People are far more likely to contract salmonellosis at home than in a restaurant, so be sure to wash hands with soap and water after toileting and before handling foods.

Salmonella bacteria are killed when food is thoroughly cooked. This means cooking ground beef to at least 155 degrees and making sure all food is cooked properly. Once cooked, any food held in a buffet should be kept hotter than 140 degrees. Cross-contamination –where food is contaminated in the kitchen after it has been cooked – may be avoided by using different utensils, plates, cutting boards and counter tops before and after cooking. Cooked food that stands at room temperature for a long time, especially poultry, is at risk.

Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave. Refrigerator temperatures should be kept colder than 40 degrees. Rinse poultry in cold water before cooking. Avoid raw milk, raw hamburger meat and raw eggs (many recipes, such as those for homemade ice cream, call for eggs with no subsequent cooking; substitute pasteurized eggs in these recipes). Food contaminated with salmonella may look, smell and taste normal.

Because fruits and vegetables have now been identified as a source of salmonella, it is important that these food items be thoroughly washed in running water before they are eaten.

Wash utensils and wooden cutting boards thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Salmonella may lie dormant for a year or more and then "wake up" when food is present. They also may live in the cut marks on a wooden cutting board. Use an acrylic board that can go in the dishwasher. If using a wooden board, rub down or spray the board with a solution of one ounce bleach to one gallon water and allow to air dry. Cutting boards for raw meat and poultry should not be used for cheese, raw vegetables and other foods that will not be cooked before being served.

To prevent the spread of salmonella, wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before handling food. Do not allow an infected person to handle food or work in the kitchen.

H1N1 Influenxa A Virus

2009-08-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

Author : LeoWei
Read disclaimer
Disclaimer: Information store at my blog is just for personal use and reference only. The Author and or Blogger should not be held liable for any informational errors,incompleteness, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein.

Author is going to write some info about alternative treatment for H1N1 hope it might work and help. H1N1 influenza getting more and more serious nowadays. Killing lots of people, there is no cure and vaccine at the moment. The only hope to get rid of this infection is your own immune system.

1. Change your eating style, don't eat too much high protein food especially meat, egg, milk, and eat more vegetables & fruits.

2. Drink more clean purify water especially you are having fever, and fruit juice.

3. Try to let your body sweating, it may help to release your body heat and detox. If fever happen to your kids especially like baby, try to transfer your baby body heat to you, by embrace her body with you (skin touching skin). Try rub his/her body with warm/cool water.

4. Sleep and rest more often especially for patient who having H1N1, because when you sleep, it is time your body immune system working to fight the virus. Sleep longer time, do some exercise too if possible. Sleep earlier before 10pm and sleep until you feel enough, no need to wake up so early, but don't too late too must having breakfast.

5. Try to drink some papaya leaf juice, as stated from my earlier post about the benefit of enzyme might help killing H1N1 virus, although there is no evidence and it is no harm to try for it if you agree to do so. (Read Disclaimer). Way to prepare pick one nice looking and clean papaya leaf must green color one, not old one, clean with water, don't boil it, slice into smaller pieces, put into your blender, pour a little bit water, after that filter it and get the juice, it is bitter, can add some water so it won't be that bitter. Twice a day, 1 leaf per time. P.S. Pick from mature papaya tree, not a baby tree for better result.

6. Do some massaging to your body, can help your blood circulation, you will feel more better and relax. increase blood circulation help to boost your immune system, reload your gun bullets with Vitamin C.

You may ignore point 5 if you think it is fake.

That's all .

Thanks for Reading have Fun ..........................

Alcoholic Beverages

2009-08-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol

An alcoholic beverage is a drink that contains ethanol (commonly called alcohol). Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits.

Alcoholic beverages are consumed in almost every nation, and most nations have laws that regulate their production, sale, and consumption.
Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is a psychoactive drug, best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and in modern thermometers. Ethanol is one of the oldest recreational drugs. In common usage, it is often referred to simply as alcohol or spirits.

Ethanol is a straight-chain alcohol, and its molecular formula is C2H5OH. Its empirical formula is C2H6O. An alternative notation is CH3-CH2-OH, which indicates that the carbon of a methyl group (CH3-) is attached to the carbon of a methylene group (-CH2-), which is attached to the oxygen of a hydroxyl group (-OH). It is a constitutional isomer of dimethyl ether. Ethanol is often abbreviated as EtOH, using the common organic chemistry notation of representing the ethyl group (C2H5) with Et.

The fermentation of sugar into ethanol is one of the earliest organic reactions employed by humanity. The intoxicating effects of ethanol consumption have been known since ancient times. In modern times, ethanol intended for industrial use is also produced from by-products of petroleum refining.[1]

Ethanol has widespread use as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavorings, colorings, and medicines. In chemistry, it is both an essential solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. It has a long history as a fuel for heat and light and also as a fuel for internal combustion engines.

Ethanol has been used by humans since prehistory as the intoxicating ingredient of alcoholic beverages. Dried residues on 9,000-year-old pottery found in China imply that alcoholic beverages were used even among Neolithic people.[2] Its isolation as a relatively pure compound was first achieved by the Persian alchemist, Muhammad ibn Zakarīya Rāzi (Rhazes, 865–925).

Two other chemists who contributed to the development of distillation techniques were Geber (Jabir ibn Hayyan) and Al-Kindi (Alkindus). Writings attributed to Geber (721–815) mention the flammable vapors of boiled wine. Al-Kindi (801–873) unambiguously described the distillation of wine.[3]

In 1796, Johann Tobias Lowitz obtained pure ethanol by filtering distilled ethanol through activated charcoal.

Antoine Lavoisier described ethanol as a compound of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and in 1808 Nicolas-Théodore de Saussure determined ethanol’s chemical formula.[4] Fifty years later, Archibald Scott Couper published the structural formula of ethanol, which placed ethanol among the first compounds whose chemical structure had been determined.[5]

Ethanol was first prepared synthetically in 1826 through the independent efforts of Henry Hennel in Great Britain and S.G. Sérullas in France. In 1828, Michael Faraday prepared ethanol by acid-catalyzed hydration of ethylene, a process similar to that which is used today for industrial ethanol synthesis.[6]

Ethanol was used as lamp fuel in the United States as early as 1840, but a tax levied on industrial alcohol during the Civil War made this use uneconomical. This tax was repealed in 1906,[7] and from 1908 onward Ford Model T automobiles could be adapted to run on ethanol.[8] With the advent of Prohibition in 1920 though, sellers of ethanol fuel were accused of being allied with moonshiners,[7] and ethanol fuel again fell into disuse until late in the 20th century.

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http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_alcohol_kill_bacteria
How does alcohol kill bacteria?
Why is ethyl alchohol used in antibacterial gels? how does it kill >bacteria?

Ethyl alcohol, at the concentrations used in most antibacterial preparations, kills bacteria by disrupting membranes and by denaturing proteins. Ethylalcohol is miscible in water (that is, completely soluble). But ethyl alcohol can also dissolve in the membranes of cells. These membranes are composed of lipids, compounds that do not dissolve readily in water. As the alcohol works its way into the membranes, it disrupts their structure and function. Membranes delineate the inside from the outside of the bacterial cell. When the membranes get disrupted, the insides of the bacteria can be lost. Ethyl alcohol can readily get into the bacterial cell because it can pass through the membrane. Once inside the cell in high concentration, it changes the normal solvent of the cell (which is primarily water). In this new solvent, composed of water and ethyl alcohol, proteins no longer fold properly and can be "denatured" (that is, they lose the structure that is necessary for them to have their natural function). Without proper proteins, cells cannot survive.

Ethyl alcohol is also toxic to humans at high enough concentrations. It's also the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, so clearly low concentrations won't kill. Ethyl alcohol is not readily taken up through the skin, so unless we ingest it, it's hard to get dangerous doses of this chemical. So the combination of low toxicity to humans (when used properly) and high toxicity to bacteria (at the high concentrations in which it is used) makes ethyl alcohol a common choice as an antibacterial.

Papain a natural enzyme

2009-07-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Source Adapted from :
http://www.diet-and-health.net/Supplements/Papain.html

Papain is a protein-cleaving enzyme derived from papaya and certain other plants. Enzymes are complex molecules produced in living organisms to catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions within the cell. A number of digestive enzyme supplements are available. The simple ones are extracted from tropical fruits: bromelain from pineapple and papain from papayas. Papain has a mild, soothing effect on the stomach and aids in protein digestion. It is most often used as a meat tenderizer.

Though the exact area of origin is unknown, the papaya is believed native to tropical America, perhaps in southern Mexico and neighboring Central America. It is recorded that seeds were taken to Panama and then the Dominican Republic before 1525 and cultivation spread to warm elevations throughout South and Central America, southern Mexico, the West Indies and Bahamas, and to Bermuda in 1616. Spaniards carried seeds to the Philippines about 1550 and the papaya traveled from there to Malacca and India. Seeds were sent from India to Naples in 1626. Now the papaya is familiar in nearly all tropical regions of the Old World and the Pacific Islands and has become naturalized in many areas. Seeds were probably brought to Florida from the Bahamas. Up to about 1959, the papaya was commonly grown in southern and central Florida in home gardens and on a small commercial scale. Thereafter, natural enemies seriously reduced the plantings.

The latex of the papaya plant and its green fruits contains two proteolytic enzymes, papain and chymopapain. The latter is most abundant but papain is twice as potent. In 1933, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was the leading commercial source of papain but it has been surpassed by East Africa where large-scale production began in 1937.

The presence and effects of proteinases (now termed proteases) in papaya fruit (Carica papaya) latex have been well known since the 1750s (Brocklehurst et al. 1983). But it was not until the 1870's that the importance of papaya latex as a source of enzymes was recognized.

Papain by far is the most widely studied of the cysteine enzymes because of its commercial value. Besides being used as a meat tenderizer other uses of papain include:

* defibrinating wounds in hospitals
* clotting milk
* shrink proofing of wool
* used in pet food to reduce viscosity and increase palatability
* prevents cornea scar deformation
* used in treatments of jellyfish and insect sings
* used to treat edemas, inflammatory processes, and in the acceleration of wound healing
* it is used as an ingredient in cleaning solutions for soft contact lenses
* in low doses in can be used to as an indigestion medicine.

As we can see the uses for papain are diverse and thus it makes it an extremely valuable enzyme.

Papain has been employed to treat ulcers, dissolve membranes in diphtheria, and reduce swelling, fever and adhesions after surgery. With considerable risk, it has been applied on meat impacted in the gullet. Chemopapain is sometimes injected in cases of slipped spinal discs or pinched nerves. Precautions should be taken because some individuals are allergic to papain in any form and even to meat tenderized with papain.

In tropical folk medicine, the fresh latex is smeared on boils, warts and freckles and given as a vermifuge. In India, it is applied on the uterus as an irritant to cause abortion. The unripe fruit is sometimes hazardously ingested to achieve abortion. Seeds, too, may bring on abortion. They are often taken as an emmenagogue and given as a vermifuge. The root is ground to a paste with salt, diluted with water and given as an enema to induce abortion. A root decoction is claimed to expel roundworms. Roots are also used to make salt.

Crushed leaves wrapped around tough meat will tenderize it overnight. The leaf also functions as a vermifuge and as a primitive soap substitute in laundering. Dried leaves have been smoked to relieve asthma or as a tobacco substitute. Packages of dried, pulverized leaves are sold by "health food" stores for making tea, despite the fact that the leaf decoction is administered as a purgative for horses in Ghana and in the Ivory Coast it is a treatment for genito-urinary ailments. The dried leaf infusion is taken for stomach troubles in Ghana and they say it is purgative and may cause abortion.

Studies at the University of Nigeria have revealed that extracts of ripe and unripe papaya fruits and of the seeds are active against gram-positive bacteria. Strong doses are effective against gram-negative bacteria. The substance has protein-like properties. The fresh crushed seeds yield the aglycone of glucotropaeolin benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) which is bacteriostatic, bactericidal and fungicidal. A single effective does is 4-5 g seeds (25-30 mg BITC).

In a London hospital in 1977, a post-operative infection in a kidney-transplant patient was cured by strips of papaya which were laid on the wound and left for 48 hours, after all modern medications had failed.

Plant extracts with a high content of proteolytic enzymes have been used for a long time in traditional medicine. Besides proteolytic enzymes from plants, 'modern' enzyme therapy additionally includes pancreatic enzymes. The therapeutic use of proteolytic enzymes is partly based on scientific studies and is partly empirical. The aim of the current review is to provide an overview of clinical trials of systemic enzyme therapy in oncology, and to discuss the evidence for their possible mechanisms of action. Clinical studies of the use of proteolytic enzymes in oncology have mostly been carried out on an enzyme preparation consisting of a combination of papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin. This review of these studies showed that enzyme therapy can reduce the adverse effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There is also evidence that, in some types of tumours, survival may be prolonged. The beneficial effect of systemic enzyme therapy seems to be based on its anti-inflammatory potential. However, the precise mechanism of action of systemic enzyme therapy remains unsolved. The ratio of proteinases to antiproteinases, which is increasingly being used as a prognostic marker in oncology, appears to be influenced by the oral administration of proteolytic enzymes, probably via an induction of the synthesis of antiproteinases. Furthermore, there are numerous alterations of cytokine composition during therapy with orally administered enzymes, which might be an indication of the efficacy of enzyme therapy.

* Frederick A. Senese. General Chemistry Online! Why is papain an effective meat tenderizer?
* Edgar A. Chavez. PAPAIN-PAPAYA PEPTIDASE I. The Claremont Colleges Joint Science Program
* Morton, J. 1987. Papaya. p. 336�346. In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
* Leipner J, Saller R. Systemic enzyme therapy in oncology: effect and mode of action. Drugs 2000 Apr;59(4):769-80

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Papaya is Tasty Way to Fight Cancer and Poor Digestion
Source : http://www.naturalnews.com/026372_cancer_papaya_enzymes.html
Wednesday, June 03, 2009 by: Barbara L. Minton, citizen journalist

About the author
Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a breast cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.

(NaturalNews) Sweet and succulent with a satiny consistency, papaya was referred to as the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Slice open a papaya and see hundreds of shiny black seeds that all need to get their start in life from the nutrition found in the fruit. This implies that fruit must be power-packed. Scientists have documented this common sense observation by finding that papaya promotes digestive health and intestinal cleansing, fights inflammation, and supports the immune system. It protects lung and joint health, revitalizes the body, and boosts energy levels. Papaya is a potent cancer fighter that is highly effective against hormone related cancers as well as other cancers. New research shows papaya can stop the growth of breast cancer cells, halt metastasis, and normalize the cell cycle.

Papaya was the only studied food found to halt breast cancer

Scientists studied 14 plant foods commonly consumed in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth. These included avocado, black sapote, fuava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. They found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer cell growth. (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May)

Papaya is a store-house of cancer fighting lycopene

The intense orangey-pink color of papaya means it is chock full of cancer fighting carotenoids. Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance. The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive toward oxygen and free radicals. Scientists at the University of Illinois think this anti-oxidant activity contributes to its effectiveness as a cancer fighting agent. Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. They showed that oral lycopene is highly bioavailable, accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localized in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells.

In addition to antioxidant activity, other experiments have indicated that lycopene induces cancer cell death, anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes. Phase I and II studies have established the safety of lycopene supplementation. (Cancer Letter, October 8, 2008)

Prostate cancer was the subject of a study in Australia that looked at 130 prostate cancer patients and 274 hospitalized controls. The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer. In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect. When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy. (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007)

Isothiocyanates found in papaya restore the cell cycle to eliminate cancer

Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanates are found in papaya. In animal experiments, isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon pancreas, and prostate, as well as leukemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms. (International Journal of Oncology), October, 2008)

Researchers in Japan clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of isothiocyanate found in papaya known as BITC, that underlies the relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell death. When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no longer a problem. The researchers established that BITC exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Cancer cells that are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells that are in a state of dormancy. (Forum of Nutrition, 2009)

Enzymes from papaya digest proteins including those that protect tumors

The fruit and other parts of the papaya tree, also known as the paw paw tree, contain papain and chymopapain, powerful proteolytic enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. They promote digestion by helping to break down proteins from food into amino acids that can be recombined to produce protein useable by humans. Proteolytic enzymes protect the body from inflammation and help heal burns. They do a good job of digesting unwanted scar tissue both on the skin and under its surface.

Research has shown that the physical and mental health of people is highly dependent on their ability to produce proteins they can use effectively. However, as people age, they produce less of the enzymes needed to effectively digest proteins from food and free needed amino acids. They are left with excessive amounts of undigested protein which can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the intestinal tract, and a lack of available amino acids.

Eating papaya after a meal promotes digestion, and helps prevent bloating, gas production, and indigestion. It is quite helpful after antibiotic use to replenish friendly intestinal bacteria that were the casualties in the war against the unwanted bacteria. When the intestinal tract is well populated with friendly bacteria, the immune system is strengthened, and can better protect against flu and cancer.

Being a proteolytic enzyme, papain is able to destroy intestinal parasites, which are composed mostly of protein. To rid the body of intestinal parasites, half a cup of papaya juice can be alternated each hour for twelve consecutive hours with the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice.

Papaya contains fibrin, another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom. Fibrin reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system. Fibrin is also important in preventing stokes. Proteolytic enzymes containing fibrin are a good idea for long plane rides to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs. People who sit at a desk all day might want to use proteolytic enzymes too.

Proteolytic enzymes are able to digest and destroy the defense shields of viruses, tumors, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus. Once the shield is destroyed, tumors and invading organisms are extremely vulnerable and easily taken care of by the immune system.

Undigested proteins can penetrate the gut and wind up in the bloodstream where they are treated by the immune system as invaders. If too many undigested proteins are floating around, the immune system becomes overburdened and unable to attend to the other tasks it was meant to do. Proteolytic enzymes can digest these rogue proteins, freeing up the immune system.

Papaya offers luscious taste and super nutrition

Papayas are native to Central America. They were disbursed by Spanish and Portuguese explorers who journeyed to India, the Philippines and Africa. Today, most commercially available papaya is produced in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Papaya adds the sunlight of the tropics to summer drinks while flooding the body with high class antioxidants such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids. It is rich in several B vitamins including folate and pantothenic acid. It contains ample amounts of potassium, and plenty of magnesium, the mineral most deficient in Americans. It is also a good source of fiber.

Try getting some of these nutrients with a Papaya-Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup of whatever kind of milk pleases you
1/4 cup Greek style yogurt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup ice cubes

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a large glass and garnish with lime.

Influenza Infection (Flu) – and Enzymes

2009-07-25T08:13:00.001-07:00

Source Adapted from
http://www.enzymetherapy.at/cms/?p=526Introduction

The beneficial effect of “Oral Enzyme Therapy” on Influenza infection – Flu – is frequently reported by patients as well as by family doctors. There exist no clinical studies with enzyme therapy and influenza. Results from in vitro experiments and animal studies support the probability that some proteolytic enzymes from plants and microorganisms have beneficial effects in prophylaxes and progress of influenza infection.
The rationale is based in the observation that some enzymes from plants like Bromelain, Papain, Ficin, or from microorganisms like V-8 Pronase can cleave the antigenic surface protein Haemagglutinin from the Influenza virus and so reduce the ability to infect the cells. Cleaved Haemagglutinin is phagocyted by Macrophages and Dendritic cells which leads to the production of antibodies. Additionally, some enzymes cleave the receptor for influenza virus on the host cells and reduce so the infectivity.

Enzyme Therapy and viral infections

Until now, oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes like Bromelain, Ficin, Nattokinase, Papain and Pronase (e.g.) has been understood as an anti-inflammatory agent, a pain reducer and a scavenger of misfolded proteins by activating a2macroglobulin which may reduce aging processes in the organism.
Oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes is effective in the treatment of different virus infections. There exist studies showing that acute or recurrent Herpes labialis outbreak can be successful treated (Ansbergs in prep.) The aqueous extract of Ficus carica foils kills such viruses in the culture medium as well (Wang 2004). Enzyme therapy works in Herpes zoster (Klaschka 1994; Hartmane 1996; Uffelmann 1996; Mikazans 1997; Kleine 1995; Pospisilova 1999; Siedler 2000;). The therapy was used in Kaposi’s sarcoma successfully (Dzupina 2000), and (additively) in HIV infection (Jaeger 1990), and showed excellent results in Hepatitis B infections (Romanova 1997; Nikolaev 1998; Volosianko 2000; Vassilenko 2001) or in Hepatitis C infections (Kabil 1997). Ficus tree latex (high concentration of Ficin) is effective in the treatment Papillomatosis (bovine Papillomavirus) of cow (Hemmatzadeh 2003).

Many people know to fight against influenza infection with a relative high dosage of enzymes and a lot of medical doctors confirm this observation.
In the following, the results with the proteases Bromelain, Papain, Ficin, V-8 protease (from Staphylococcus aureus), Pronase (Staphylococcus griseus) Chymotrypsin and Trypsin on Influenza virus infection from “PubMed” are reassembled to discuss a possible connection between oral intake of enzymes and influenza infection.

Structure of Influenza virus (Flu)

Influenza – Flu – is provoked by the Influenza A virus which belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family of enveloped virions and has the capability to infect humans and animals (poultry, dogs, cats, minks, horses pigs, seals whales and waterfowls) and can cause serious illnesses. Under certain circumstances, some influenza-A strains can cross between different species. This virus causes epidemics and pandemics in humans and animals. The repeated occurrence of the disease is driven by its antigenic variability.
Infection by influenza requires binding of the virus to the host cell-surface receptors, endocytosis and fusion of the virus and endosomal membranes. The fusion process allows the release of the viral genome into the cytoplasm of the host cell, whereupon it migrates to the nucleus – the site of viral transcription and replication.

Two membrane glycoproteins, Haemagglutinin – (HA) (Haemagglutinin was named because it is the protein responsible for the ability of influenza virus to agglutinate red blood cells after infection) and Neuraminidase (NA) can be found on the envelope of the influenza virus (Figure 1). Haemagglutinin is the major glycoprotein component and represents approximately 25 – 30 % of total virus protein (Aitken 1980); a single virus particle contains some 500 – 1000 HA molecules (Glick 1991). HA proteins are trimeric glycoproteins embedded in the membrane as spikes on the surface of the virus. Haemagglutinin has two functions in the initial stages of virus infection:
HA binds the virus to host cells by recognizing sialic acid residues of host cell surface glycoconjugates and, following endocytosis, they mediate fusion of virus and endosomal membranes, allowing transfer of the genome transcriptase complex into the cell (Skehel and Wiley 1995).
In addition to its binding and fusion function, Haemagglutinin is the primary target for neutralising antibodies due to its antigenic properties. But prevention of influenza infection (Flu) by conventional methods such as vaccination is limited. The reasons lay:

• In the capability of Influenza A virus to change three amino acids in the Haemagglutinin which can reduce the effectiveness of existing antibodies – antigen drift (Chen 2009).

• The influenza virus can acquire novel surface proteins in Haemagglutinin against which existing antibodies are ineffective – known as antigen shift (Reid 2004; Suzuki 2005).

Way of action of some plant enzymes:
a) Bromelain harvests Haemagglutinin from Influenza virus and can stimulate immunogenity:

When the influenza virus is treated with the protease Bromelain, a soluble trimeric HA ectodomain, known as Bromelain-Haemagglutinin (BHA), is released (Hoffman 1997). Bromelain is used routinely in vitro (Doucett 2005; Kordyukova 2004) to separate Haemagglutinin from the rest of the virus in different influenza strains. Knossow 2006 distinguishes 16 differences HAs (antigenic subtypes) in 16 influenza virus strains (H1 – H16) isolated from the membrane anchor by Bromelain. With these fragments of the influenza virus (BHA) it is possible to produce IgG in animals against the influenza virus (Skea 1993). This effect may be enhanced by enzymes activated alpha2Macroglobulin (after oral enzyme intake) which stimulates immunogenicity of the complex (Ciancolo 2001).
Sub-viral particles of different strains of influenza virions (e.g. A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2) were obtained by using two preparations of bromelain (”Sigma Co., Catalogues’ Nos. B2252 and B5144). A selective ability of Bromelain B5144 was detected to the proteolytic splitting of Haemagglutinin of influenza A and B viruses (Ivanova 2003). From the investigated enzymes by Smirnova 2008 (Thermolysin, Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, Subtilisin Carlsberg, Pronase, Papain, and Bromelain) only Bromelain, Papain and Pronase efficiently deleted HA ectodomains (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Haemagglutinin cleaved by Bromelain, Papain and Pronase induces antibody production. Remaining virus has reduced infectivity.

T-cells isolated from mice which were immunized with HA, proliferate in response of Bromelain-cleaved HA (BHA) and are able to provide help to virus-primed B cells allowing them to produce anti-HA antibodies (Jackson 1994). Vareckova 1995 described better results to grow Monoclonal Antibodies with Bromelain-treated virus particles than with the whole virus or with the Bromelain treated virus without HA or Neuraminidase (NA) fraction. These investigations were done with mice. Lampkin 1995 immunized rabbits with virions which had been partially digested with bromelain and then purified from free BHA. They proposed that the good results of antibody production are possibly due to the remaining HA spikes, which were better exposed and presented to Macrophages or Dendritic cells. Vanlandschoot et al. 1993 compared the protection of mice immunized with a recombinant Haemagglutinin and a Haemagglutinin dissolved from virus by Bromelain. They found a 95-100% protection against the virus by recombinant Haemagglutinin and a 70 % protection with the Haemagglutinin harvested by Bromelain. Doucett 2005 used purified whole virus as well as the major influenza virus surface antigen, Haemagglutinin (HA) to label virus-specific B cells induced by immunization of mice with whole influenza virus in adjuvant. Bromelain-cleaved purified influenza virus Haemagglutinin (BHA) identified a small population of B cells (roughly 1%) only in the draining lymph nodes of virus-immunized mice. Close to 90% of the HA-labelled cells were germinal centre B-cells, many of them show recent cell division in vivo, which demonstrate long running effects.
b) Bromelain, Papain, Ficin and V-8 protease digest Influenza virus receptor on erythrocytes:

Influenza-A viruses possess both Haemagglutinin, which is responsible for binding to the terminal sialic acid of sialyloligosaccharides on the virus cell surface, and Neuraminidase, which contains sialidase activity that removes sialic acid from sialyloligosaccharides on the host cell.
Erythrocytes incubated with Ficin, Bromelain or V-8 Protease (from Staphylococcus aureus) avoid virus binding almost completely. In contrast to these enzymes, Trypsin treatment of erythrocytes reduced virus binding by only about 50%, and alpha-Chymotrypsin treatment did not inhibit at all (Nishimura 1988).

Erythrocytes incubated with Papain do not show viral haemagglutination phenomenon, because the receptors for viral Haemagglutinin on membrane surface are hydrolyzed by Papain (Vojvodic 2000). The degree of infection of host cells depend upon the degree of interaction of the viral Haemagglutinin with its receptors, reduction of the number of cell receptors may reduce infectivity of the virus (Mohsin 2002).

Bromelain, Influenza Virus and Cell Activity

The influence of intact influenza virus and purified detergent solubilized Haemagglutinin (HA) subunits from these virions and BHA on human natural killer (NK) cell activity was examined by Ali 1984. Influenza virus induces the synthesis of Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and elevates cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Purified detergent HA inhibits IFN-alpha activity, whereas BHA did not.
BHA primed mice for cytotoxic T cells which lyses syngeneic cells infected with any type of influenza-A virus. BHA generated A-type virus cross-reactive cytotoxic T cells when added in vitro to spleen cells from mice previously primed with infectious influenza-A virus. These properties imply that BHA has potential as a vaccine for heterotypic influenza-A immunity (Wraight 1985).
Nonacs 1992 investigated the capacity of dendritic cells to act as antigen presenting cells for influenza virus infection. Virus-pulsed dendritic cells were 100 times more efficient than other antigen presenting cells in stimulating cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) formation. Infectious virus entered dendritic cells through intracellular acidic vacuoles and directed the synthesis of several viral proteins. If ultraviolet (UV)-inactivated or Bromelain-treated viruses were used, viral protein synthesis could not be detected, and there was only poor induction of CTLs.
5. Bromelain and pyrogenicity of Influenza virus

Ultraviolet light-inactivated, non-infectious influenza virus is pyrogenic; Pickering 1992 tried to identify the pyrogenic component of influenza virions by disrupting the virus with Bromelain or sodium deoxycholate (DOC). Treatment of infectious virions with Bromelain, under conditions that removed the surface glycoprotein (spikes), destroys their pyrogenicity. The supernatant, containing non-aggregated and modified glycoprotein, was non-pyrogenic either. Disruption of virions with DOC considerably reduced pyrogenicity. Haemagglutinin and/or neuraminidase play a major role in the pyrogenicity of influenza virus (Alluweimi 1994). Daigneault 1992 investigated the activation of neutrophils by Influenza virus. The virus binds with Haemagglutinin to a neutrophil surface glycoprotein through sialic-acid residues at sides distinct from that of FMLP (formylmetionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) and Concanavalin-A. The binding of the virus on the cells is inhibited competitively by BHA (Bromelain released Haemagglutinin). This could be the explanation, why BHA is not pyrogenic.
Trypsin:Chomik 1988 subjected the influenza virus strain to the influence of different enzymes. Inoculation with soluble Trypsin and Trypsin bound to a carrier for different periods of time resulted in decreased Neuraminidase activity and decreased infectivity; however, Haemagglutinin activity was preserved. In contrast, Kido 2003 described that the pathogenesis of the influenza and Sendai viruses is primarily determined by host cellular Trypsin-type processing proteases that activate viral fusion activity and infectivity, summarized by Kido 2003. These observations were confirmed by Ollier 2004 Trypsin treatment of the mammalian cells is necessary for Influenza infection in vitro.

Bromelain & Papain

2009-06-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/ruiyuan1000/product-detailiebEAxVPvGrd/China-Bromelain-amp-Papain.html

Product Description

A. Bromelain
Bromelain is isolated from the stems, leaves and the skin of pineapple by employing modern biological extract technology. It is mainly composed of protease and many others contents. Its activity specification is indicated by GDU/g and the maximum activity specification on can reach up to 3000GDU/g. Bromelain could hydrolyze is the protein and health products, food, cosmetics, forage, leather, industry and so on. Because it has the function of strongly decomposing fibrin and the blood clot, therefore especially is remarkable effect in the medical application.

B. Papain
Papain is a type of vegetable protease which is isolated from the tropical fruit papaya through purification technology and has strong biological activity and the decomposing ability of protein. Papain is widely used in the line of medical application, food industry, leather industry, cosmetic industry, brewing industry, etc. We supply coarse and refined papain, its activity ranges from 50, 000 u/g to 3, 500, 000 u/g. It features good insolvency attenuation10% in normal indoor temperature within a year. It has even better effect under low temperature.
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Leg pain can signal deadly blood clot
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26717787/
Government campaign seeks to warn about hard-to-diagnose 'silent killer'
WASHINGTON - Far too many Americans are dying of dangerous blood clots that can masquerade as simple leg pain, says a major new government effort to get both patients and their doctors to recognize the emergency in time.

"It's a silent killer. It's hard to diagnose," said acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson, who announced the new campaign Monday. "I don't think most people understand that this is a serious medical problem or what can be done to prevent it."

At issue are clots with cumbersome names: A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, forms in large veins, usually a leg or the groin. It can quickly kill if it moves up to the lungs, where it goes by the name pulmonary embolism, or PE.

These clots make headlines every few years when seemingly healthy people collapse after long airplane flights or being in similarly cramped quarters. Vice President Cheney suffered one after a long trip last year. NBC correspondent David Bloom died of one in 2003 after spending days inside a tank while covering the invasion of Iraq.

Risk rises with age
But that provides a skewed vision of the problem. While there aren't good statistics, the new surgeon general's campaign estimates that every year, between 350,000 and 600,000 Americans get one of these clots — and at least 100,000 of them die.

There are a host of risk factors and triggers: Recent surgery or a broken bone; a fall or car crash; pregnancy or taking birth control pills or menopause hormones; being immobile for long periods. The risk rises with age, especially over 65, and among people who smoke or are obese.

And some people have genetic conditions that cause no other symptoms but increase their risk, making it vital to tell your doctor if a relative has ever suffered a blood clot.

People with those factors should have "a very low threshold" for calling a doctor or even going to the emergency room if they have symptoms of a clot, said Galson, who issued a "call to action" for better education of both consumers and doctors, plus more research.

Symptoms include swelling; pain, especially in the calf; or a warm spot or red or discolored skin on the leg; shortness of breath or pain when breathing deeply.

But here's the rub: Doctors are ill-informed, too. For example, studies suggest a third of patients who need protective blood thinners when they enter the hospital for major surgery don't get them. And patients can even be turned away despite telltale symptoms, like happened to Le Keisha Ruffin just weeks after the birth of her daughter, Caitlyn.

Ruffin made repeated visits to doctors and emergency rooms for growing pain in her leg and groin in December 2003 and January 2004, but was told it must be her healing Caesarean section scar.

Finally one night, Ruffin's husband ran her a really hot bath for pain relief — only to have her climb out minutes later with her leg swollen three to four times its normal size, and then pass out.

"I like to call that my miracle bath," Ruffin said, because the sudden swelling proved the tip-off for doctors.

Pieces of a giant clot in her right leg had broken off and floated to her lung. The ER doctor "said if I hadn't made it in when I did, I may not have lived through the rest of the night," recalled Ruffin, now 32, who spent a month in the hospital and required extensive physical therapy to walk normally again.

National spotlight
These clots "tend to fall through the cracks" because they cross so many areas of medicine, said Dr. Samuel Goldhaber, chairman of the Venous Disease Coalition and a cardiologist at Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital.

Grapeseed

2009-06-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.naturalnews.com/025249.html
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Key concepts: Grapes, Grapeseed extract and Cancer

Grapeseed Extract Kills 76% of Leukemia Cancer Cells in 24 Hours

(NaturalNews) A new study conducted at the University of Kentucky in the United States, and published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, found that leukemia cancer cells exposed to grapeseed extract (GSE) were rapidly killed through a process of cell suicide known as "apoptosis."

In these laboratory studies, an astonishing 76% of leukemia cells committed suicide within 24 hours thanks to the ability of GSE to activate a protein called JNK, which regulates apoptosis.

In a healthy person, cancer cell apoptosis is a normal, healthy part of biology. Every living system creates cancerous cells. There are hundreds or thousands of "microtumors" in every human being living today, but cancerous cells in healthy people destroy themselves once they realize they're flawed. This cellular "realization," however, requires healthy cell communication, and that's dependent on the correct nutrients, minerals and proteins being available in the body.

Grapeseed extract appears to accelerate this process in cancer cells, helping them more rapidly assess their own flawed state so they can engage in apoptosis (cell suicide), thus protecting the larger organism (the body).

It's important to note that this recent study was conducted in a lab, not in human beings, so its conclusions cannot necessarily be directly translated into saying something like "grapeseed extract cures cancer," for example. However, it does indicate quite convincingly that if the unique phytochemical molecules found in grapeseed extract can be delivered to leukemia cells with sufficient potency, they may play an important role in cancer cells destroying themselves, thereby protecting the whole organism from runaway cancer.

If the results demonstrated in the labs at the University of Kentucky can be replicated in humans, it could potentially position grapeseed extract as one of the most powerful natural chemotherapeutic agents yet discovered.

Grapeseed extract has been studied and demonstrated to be remarkably effective at killing cancer cells for many different types of cancer, by the way, including cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, skin bowel and stomach.

Eat more grapes?
The conventional cancer community, of course, is quick to warn people not to simply eat more grapes in the hopes that grapeseed extract will help prevent their cancer. But I ask, "Why not?" Unlike toxic chemotherapy, eating grapes has zero negative side effects. At the same time, grapes offer numerous other health benefits, since they are a source of resveratrol and various protective phytonutrients.

Of course, you have to eat grapes with seeds in them, and since the global food supply has become so distorted over the past few years, it's difficult to find grapes with seeds in them. My advice? Buy your grapes from a health food store: Look for organic, seeded grapes. And when you eat them, don't spit out the seeds (obviously). Chew them up, and you'll digest the grapeseed extract that's naturally present in those seeds.

I've talked with conspiracy theorists who believe the seeds were purposely taken out of the grapes in the national food supply for precisely this reason (to remove the anti-cancer nutrients from food, thus keeping people sick). I disagree with that explanation, however: Seedless grapes are simply a product of consumer demand, in much the same way that consumers prefer seedless watermelon. If consumers actually knew about the health benefits of grape seeds, they might think differently, but thanks to efforts by the FDA and USDA, the mainstream public has remained virtually illiterate on nutrition for several decades, and you'll rarely meet an individual who is aware that eating grape seeds is actually good for you.

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http://www.dreamhawk.com/gse.htm

Fourteen years ago an earnest gardener noticed that when he threw grapefruit seeds onto his compost heap they did not rot. Fortunately, being both a doctor and an Einstein Laureate physicist who specialised in finding natural remedies, he investigated. The result was a remarkable discovery The extract he made from the grapefruit seeds may turn out to be the most potent and benign antimicrobial so far discovered.

A few drops of Dr. Harich's grapefruit seed extract, (gse), in a glass of water could put a stop to the flu or a sore throat. It could also help control Candida or gingivitis, and it's been known to banish athlete's foot in a single application. It is highly effective against diarrhoea and food poisoning, it could rid you of worms or parasites, it can even stop you going down with cholera or dysentery when travelling abroad. it is very much more potent than tea tree oil. The best news is it is natural, inexpensive and non toxic.

What was so surprising about Dr. Harich's new discovery was how broad it's uses turned out to be. Conventional antibiotics only kill bacteria. GSE has been shown to inactivate viruses, yeasts, fungi, parasites and worms, as well as bacteria. What's in there that makes it work really isn't known," Dr.: Leo Gallard has been prescribing GSE to New York patients for over 7 years, told Natural Health Magazine, "There's just something unique about this particular substance.

Whatever it does, it does it without debilitating side effects and it has the advantage of being very safe".

Dr. Louis Parish MD, an investigator for the US Department of Health and the FDA, who has treated many people with intestinal problems, including dysentery, believes that GSE, "Gives more symptomatic relief than any other treatment."

"Studies from a list of prestigious institutes have demonstrated grapefruit seed extract to be effective against over twenty disease-causing bacteria, more than thirty fungi, and a host of single cell parasites"
Allan Sachs DC

Leading American chiropractor Allan Sachs DC took part in clinical research on the new extract when it first became available. He and his colleagues drew up a list of criteria and evaluated GSE for each of them. After evaluating it he reported, "I was astounded to find that it scored high marks for each category. Could we have discovered the near perfect antimicrobial? For instance, studies from a list of prestigious institutes have demonstrated GSE to effective against over 20 disease causing bacteria, more than 30 fungi, and a host of protozoa (single cell parasites).

Several of the viruses studied also succumbed to the extract.

Fortunately GSE does not seem to disturb beneficial gut bacteria. One study which tested the effect of GSE on eczema patients (who frequently have fungal and bacterial infections) found that it significantly inhibited Candida albicans and E. Coli, but left the important Bifidobacteria unchanged, and only slightly reduced the Lactobacilli. Their patients' constipation, flatulence and abdominal discomfort all improved.

Remarkably, this botanical extract seems to tackle at least some viruses. It is too early to say how many, William Shannon. head of the Microbiology-Virology Division at Southern Research Institute found that GSE was effective against herpes simplex and one of the influenza viruses. Interlab, a South American laboratory found that it inactivated the measles virus, and the US Department of Agriculture found that it was effective against four animal viruses, including foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. Other laboratory tests have shown that GSE will kill many of the microbes which commonly infect us, including; streptococci, staphylococci, salmonella, pseudomonas, giardia, lysteria, legionella, helicobacter pylori and capylobacter jejuni.

Chronic candiasis can be successfully treated with GSE according to the many clinics and medical practitioners now prescribing it.

"Dr. Leo Galland, who prescribes grapefruit seed extract for
chronic candidiasis has reported
treatment failure in only two out of 297 cases.
And considers it to be a major therapeutic breakthrough
for patients with chronic parasitic and yeast infections."

Regarding resistant patients Dr. Galland commented, "I have had some immuno-suppressed patients taking the preparation for over a year with no apparent development of side effects or drug resistance (resistance of infective microbes to the extract)" Researchers at the Pasteur Institutes hospital in Nairobi have been using with GSE with HIV patients for over two years and report dramatic results with secondary infections, including parasitic infections and thrush. GSE is so safe that you can use a mild solution on a baby's bottom for nappy rash.

Normally GSE comes as a concentrate of which you use a few drops at a time dissolved in a glass of water or juice. To stave off a cold you could drink some in a hot drink, repeating, if necessary a few hours later. In areas where diarrhoea is a problem a little can be taken each morning as a preventative. The concentrate is extremely strong and must always be diluted and never used in the eyes. GSE is incredibly versatile. You can gargle with it for sore throats and gum infections. You can even douche with it. Try adding it to your shampoo to control dandruff.

The only side effect that has been noticed is an occasional mild discomfort when yeast or bacteria begin a 'die off" process. Starting on just a few drops a day and raising it gradually will minimise this. Often taking a probiotic supplement is appropriate as well. For maximum effect they should be taken several hours ap
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Grape Seed Extract May Stop Bacteria Involved in Bad Breath and Gum Disease
Alan Glover | Anti Aging - Hormones, Vitamins & Supplements, Omega-3 - Fish Oil, Cardiovascular, Chronic Diseases, Diabetes, Chronic Heart Failure | Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

A new study suggests that grape seed extract may inhibit the bacteria known to cause bad breath and gum disease.

Periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Thirty to 50 percent of the US population suffers from the condition, which is thought to be the second most common disease worldwide.

In an in vitro study, researchers investigated whether grape seed extract could inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, bacteria responsible for both periodontitis and bad breath. The researchers tested the effects of grape seed extract (97 percent polyphenols) on these two anaerobic bacteria.

The results indicated that grape seed extract exhibited antibacterial activity against the two strains. Moreover, the grape seed extract could penetrate the biofilm that surrounded the bacteria. Biofilms serve to protect bacteria against antimicrobial agents and dental plaque’s biofilm is particularly complex.

Grape seed extract also had an antioxidant activity higher than vitamins C and E, according to measures taken with the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) test. This was important to the findings of the study because gum disease originates due to the bacteria’s presence and its biofilm protection, but the disease progresses because of an excess release of reactive oxygen species that trigger the inflammatory process. Grape seed extract’s antioxidant abilities may quench the free radicals implicated in the progression of gum disease.

The researchers concluded, “These findings indicated that GSE could be used in oral hygiene for the prevention of periodontitis.”

Reference:

Furiga A, Lonvaud-Funel A, Badet C. In vitro study of antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity on oral anaerobes of a grape seed extract. Food Chemistry. 15 April 2009;113( 4);1037-1040. Available online prior to April publication date.

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Grape seed extract may fight Alzheimer’s

A red grape seed extract that packs the punch of red wine—without the alcohol— could help protect against memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease, research in mice suggests. Rodents prone to developing Alzheimer’s-like brain changes showed better cognitive function at 11 months of age — when they would have been expected to already have some memory impairment — if they were given the grape seed polyphenolic extract in their drinking water, researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found. Polyphenolic compounds are antioxidants naturally found in wine, tea, chocolate, and some fruits and vegetables. The mice in the study received levels of polyphenols equivalent to what a person would consume with a daily glass or two of red wine. Animals treated with the extract also performed significantly better on a standard test of spatial learning memory than rodents who didn’t receive it. But the extract did not improve maze performance in control mice, suggesting that it improved cognitive function in the Alzheimer’s prone rodents by reducing brain damage due to plaque formation.

Fatty liver in kids tied to metabolic syndrome
In overweight or obese children, fatty liver disease appears to be a specific risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a precursor of heart disease and diabetes, according to a study appearing in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, studied 150 boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 17 years who had been referred to a specialised clinic for obesity and/or suspected fatty liver disease. The results showed that the kids with fatty liver disease, compared to the control subjects, “had a significantly higher frequency” of abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and high fasting glucose levels—all factors that make up the metabolic syndrome. In fact, 50 percent of the kids with fatty liver disease could be classified as having metabolic syndrome, compared with 15 per cent of those without fatty liver.

Kinotakara

2009-06-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.kinotakara-pads.com/eng/

Kinotakara Pad | The power of nature for wellness at sleep

How is it possible for some tree species to become old (hundred or thousand years) and prosper in partial life-hostile and meager environments? How exactly can these trees transport daily up to 4000 litres water and nutrients from the soil, over their roots and the powerful trunk into the smallest blade tips?

Dr. Kawase Itsuko, a Japanese scientist and inventor of the Kinotakara Wellness pad, observed the trees and the environmental conditions under which they grew up, since her childhood. Particularly the trees in dense forests grow up without outside assistance to giants. Hard conditions and the change of the seasons could not reduce their well-being.
From this Dr. Kawase derived this hypothesis: If trees without assistance become old, it should be also possible for humans to live longer, if they can use the secrets of size and age from the trees for their own well being. Forests are the largest sources of oxygen on our planet. Beyond that trees and plants supply a multiplicity of natural active substances against many diseases. A result of scientific studies of many years, in which a variety of scientists were involved, is that the resinous substances of tree vinegar, which is a main substance of the Kinotakara Wellness Pad, of some trees can activate the self care process of the human body and that the strongly absorbing strength of the tree vinegar can also have a positive influence on different physical operational sequences. More and more humans would like to improve and revitalise their well-being with natural products. Kinotakara Wellness Pads are a natural product, with which you pleasantly take care of your body over night!
Foot massages are popular all over the world, because over the special reflex points which are situated on the bottom of the feet the appropriate internal organs can be affected positively - like eastern and western scientific studies show. Cycle and nervous system are activated by the stimulation of exactly these reflex points pleasantly through which the overall well-being is enhanced.

Alkaline food Vs Cancer

2009-05-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Source : From my(LeoWei) email
Author : Parry Kok B.Eng (Hons) H/P :- 9731 4834
P.S. LeoWei : "True or Fake? May try with no harm. Slightly Alkaline don't too Alkaline."

Under weakly alkaline condition, cancerous cells will not be able to grow,or even to survive.
在弱鹼性體質的狀態下，癌細胞是無法生長、甚至是無法生存的。

Actual case studies, very important, please read patiently and pass this on.
實案例，很重要，請耐心看完，請轉寄哦！！

Even if you have read this before, you should reread this,especially the list of acidic and alkaline food stuff , best to read several times and remembered.
即使看過了還是要再看，尤其下面的酸鹼性食物最好多看幾次，就可以記住了

More that 30 years ago, a Mr Zhang who work in the public sale department of a Taipei Brewery, participated in the brewery overseas study selection examination, and passed with flying colours.
三十多年前有一位服務於公賣局台北啤酒廠的張先生，參加該啤酒場選派技術人員到國外深造的考試，以優異的成績及格。

Before going overseas during the physical examination at a public hospital,it was discovered that he has a tumour growth in his lung of the size of a child's fist, and therefore was not able to go overseas to study.
在出國前經某公立醫院體檢發現，罹患有像小孩拳頭大小的肺部腫瘤，因而不能出國。

The greatly disappointed Mr Zhang has always been suspicious that the diagnosis was wrong. So he went to another hospital for a check-up, the result confirmed that previous diagnosis was not in error.
張先生非常失望之餘，一直懷疑診斷有誤；於是再到另一家醫院檢查，結果還是證實原來的診斷並無錯誤。

For the youthful and healthy Mr Zhang to be stricken down with such terminal illness, in his despair, he rang his old classmate who at the time was Taidong County Government, Huangsun County Mayor's secretary, Mr Wei
當時年輕力壯的張先生得到這樣的絕症，在人生絕望之餘，多次打電話給當時任職台東縣政府黃順興縣長機要秘書的魏姓同學。

Mr Weil rushed to Taipei during his rest day on a Sunday to see Mr Zhang.
魏姓同學便利用星期日趕到台北和張先生見面，

Mr Zhang discussed with Mr Wei in details his despair and pessimism, and entrusted his friend regarding his affairs after his death. Coincidentally, Mr Wei was a good friend of Dr Lu Geling, who was in-charge of the Maijie Hospital, 1945-55, and specialised in the clinical research into cancer cases.
張先生向魏同學詳述相關絕望的詳情和悲觀感受，並請位同學協助其後事，恰逢魏同學與前任馬偕醫院院長1949－55年專精於癌症臨床研究的呂革令博士係知交好友。

He immediately suggested that Mr Zhang went and see Dr Lu for treatment. At first, Mr Zhang said he preferred not to consult anymore doctors, so as not to add further to his misery.
當即建議前往訪求呂博士醫治，起初張先生說不願再看醫生，以免徒增傷悲；

But Mr Wei told him that he had telephoned Dr Lu before to seek his advice and arranged an appointment. Mr Zhang felt obligated and went with Mr Wei to meet Dr Lu.
但魏同學說先前已以電話請教過呂博士並安排好時間，張先生只好偕同前往呂博士住處造訪。

When Dr Lu met with Mr Zhang, Dr Lu said: ' Mr Wei is a friend and introduce you and I to get to know each other. This is destiny. Thank you. Let me ask you do you know why is cancer referred to as terminal illness?'
呂博士和張先生見面就說：「魏先生是我的好友，介紹你和我認識是我們緣份，感謝。我請教你：『癌為什麼叫絕症，你可知道嗎？」

Both Mr Zhang and Mr Wei did not how to answer.
張先生和魏先生都不知道如何作答。

Dr Lu explained: 'There are only two approaches taken by human to treat cancer to date. The first is to destroy the source of the disease. The second is the increase the capability to fight the disease.
呂博士又說：「人類醫治癌症到目前為止只有兩條路，第一條路是消滅病源，第二條路是增加抵抗力。

But the strange thing is that, cancer whether we use Cobalt 60 or other drug to destroy the cancer cells, however, before the cancer cells are killed,the good cells are destroyed first.
但很奇怪的是，癌無論用鈷60或其他藥物去消滅癌細胞，可是癌細胞還沒被消滅，好的細胞卻先被殺死。

On the other hand, no matter we use what nutrients or supplements, before the good cells have a chance to absorb them, the cancer cells have taken them up and it simply speeds up the grow of cancer.
另無論用什麼營養、補藥，好的細胞還未吸收，癌細胞卻先吸收、讓癌長得更快；

Therefore both approaches are doomed to failure, that is why cancer is terminal.'
因此可說上述兩條路都行不通、所以叫絕症。」

Dr Lu continues: 'Human being is most clever, they have successfully landed on the moon. But why is it no one ever question the above two approaches for treating cancer are nothing but self defeating dead-ends, try to seek out a third avenue?
呂博士又說：「人類的聰明連登陸月球也都已經成功，但為什麼沒有人去懷疑上述兩條治癌的路是在鑽牛角尖，另外找第三條路？

When I was conducting clinical research in Majie Hospital, I had many opportunities to work with and being helped by many colleagues in the Hospital. I discovered that the blood tests of 100% of the cancer patients showed that the blood sample are acidic.
我以往在馬偕醫院做癌症临床實驗，並得院內各部同仁協助的機會，我發現癌症病人血液檢查的結果百分之百都是酸性反應。

Those Buddhist monks and nuns who are long term vegetarians and live very close to Nature, their blood are prevalently weakly alkaline and amongst them, there has yet to discover any cancer cases
長期素食、且生活接近自然的佛寺僧尼，由於體質都偏屬優質弱鹼性，所以尚沒有發現罹患癌症的病例。

Therefore, I boldly concluded that under weakly alkaline condition, cancer cells are not able to grow, or even to survive.
因此我大膽的斷定在弱鹼性體質的狀態下，癌細胞是無法生長、甚至是無法生存的。

Mr Zhang, I would suggest that starting from now you reduce your intake of the acidic meaty dishes.
張先生我建議你從現在起少吃酸性的葷食類，

Take more of the alkaline food. In addition you can take green algae and soup made from water chestnuts with shell,
多吃鹼性食物，另外可吃綠藻和帶殼菱角湯，

Modify your physical condition, and try seriously to have a regular life style which is close to Nature;
改變你的體質，並勵行接近自然的良好生活規律；

If you can manage to stay alive for five years, you should have no further problem. I wish you the best of luck.'
如果五年內不死、你就沒問題了，祝福你。」

Mr Zhang follow Dr Lu's suggestion and seriously alter his eating habits.
張先生依照呂博士的建議，認真改變吃的習慣，

Every day, he ate green algae, drank chestnut soup, be optimistic and doing appropriate amount of exercise, and went back to the same public hospital for a check up. It was discovered that not only that the tumour did not increase in size, on the contrary it showed signs of shrinking, and surprised the hospital staff conducting the check-up as a miracle. Five years later, the tumour s shrunk to such a state as to be almost disappear.
每天又吃綠藻、喝菱角湯，樂觀加上每天適當的運動，一年後再到同一公立醫院檢查結果，發現腫瘤不但沒有長大、反而已呈現萎縮狀態，遂令醫院檢查人員驚為奇蹟，五年後竟完全處於萎縮、至近於消失狀態。

After almost 40 years, presently Mr Zhang's health is totally normal, and living a very pleasant life.
經過了將近四十年歲月，現在張先生的健康情況完全正常，生活起居甚為愉快。

Following Mr Zhang, a Mr Chen Tianshou, who was previously Head of the General Administration of the Taidong Provincial Hospital, was similarly diagnosed with lung cancer.
繼張先生之後，有位前台東省立醫院總務課長陳添壽先生，同樣得到肺癌；

When Mr Wei heard of this, he told Mr Chen of the experience of Mr Zhang,and Mr Chen started to follow the instructions of Dr Lu to change his physical condition. The outcome was that he was able to recover fully from the cancer, just like Mr Zhang.
魏先生得知後將張先生的經過轉告陳添壽先生，陳先生乃依照呂博士的建議進行改變體質，結果與張先生同樣癒癌症。

At that time, Mr Lu and his family have emigrated to the United States. After the two cases, he returned to Taiwan and met up with Mr Wei.
那時呂博士全家已移民美國，事後呂博士回來台灣再與魏先生見面時

Mr Wei told Dr Lu about the experiences of Mr Zhang and Mr Chen, and suggested that let the two of them detailed their experiences to Dr Lu in person, so that Dr Lu could publish a report on his self cure body conditioning method.
魏先生將張先生和陳先生的經過告訴呂博士，並提議由他們倆位親自向呂博士陳述，請呂博士發表其改變體質之自療成果報告。

Dr Lu very humbly replied:
呂博士謙虛地回答說：

'I am too old, besides, I do not have any clinical records of the outcomes. I would ask that you tell your friends and relatives, if they are agreeable, then please continue this experience and spread the words … …
我年事已大，且沒有臨床紀錄不能做為成果。請魏先生轉告親友，如果友人認同的話，請他們繼續做體驗並廣為宣導.........。」

One should take care of oneself but should also be caring about others, 85% of cancer patients have acidic in their physical condition
關心自己也要關心別人，85﹪癌症病患屬於酸性體質 ¡¡¨¨

Blood of healthy persons is weakly alkaline in nature, with a pH of about 7.35 to 7.45
健康人的血液是成弱鹼性的，約是pH7..35～7.45左右

Babies' blood is also weakly alkaline
嬰兒也是屬於弱鹼性的體質

As adults mature their blood becomes more acidic in nature
成長期的成人有體質酸化的現象

According to a study of 600 cancer patients, of their bodily fluid, 85% of the patients are acidic .
根據一項六百位癌症病人體液分佈的研究，顯示85﹪癌症病患屬於酸性體質。

Therefore, how to maintain the weakly acidic nature of our body is the first step for moving far away from diseases.
因此，如何使體質維持在弱鹼性就是遠離疾病的第一步。

Acidic physical conditions manifested itself in:
酸性體質的生理表徵
1. Skin without luster 皮膚無光澤。
2. Athlete's foot 香港腳。
3. Feeling tire even with very little exercise, and feeling sleep the moment
one gets on to public buses 稍做運動即感疲勞，一上公車便想睡覺。
4. Easily out of breath going up and down stair 上下樓梯容易氣喘。
5. Fat and with lower stomach protruding, 肥胖、下腹突出。
6. Move slowly and movement lethargic 步伐緩慢、動作遲緩。

Why does the body physical condition turn acidic?
為什麼會形成酸性體質？
1. Excessive intake of dairy acidic food 過度攝取乳酸性食品

a)
meat, dairy products, eggs, beef, ham, etc are acidic food
肉類、乳酪製品與蛋、牛肉、火腿等皆屬於酸性食品。

b)
taking too much acidic food will cause the blood to become acidic and viscous, difficult to flow to the end of blood vessels, leading to cold feet or knee, stiff shoulders and insomnia.
攝取過量的酸性食品血液會傾向酸性而變黏稠，不易流到細血管的末稍，而易造成手腳或膝蓋的冷寒症，以及肩膀僵硬和失眠等。

c)
When one is young and strong, taking suitable quantity of meat is appropriate, but older people it more suitable to have a diet which are primarily vegetables or small fish.
年輕力壯時吃適量的肉類是對的，但老年人則以蔬菜或小魚為宜。

2)
Irregularity in the pace of life will cause the body physical condition to become acidic
生活步調失常會造成酸性體質

a)
Irregular pace in life will lead to mental and physical stress
生活步調失常會造成精神與肉體的壓力。

b)
According to statistics, people who sleep late are more likely to have cancer than normal persons, by as much as 5 times.
據統計，晚睡者罹患癌症的機率比正常人高出五倍。

c)
Human beings originally lead a life with regular tempo in this world, it is not possible to store up sleep or food and not possible to change the order of living by mixing up days and nights.
人類本來就活在節奏的世界裡，無法事先儲備睡眠或飲食，也不能日夜顛倒。

d)
Human organs are controlled by the autonomic nerves, and during day time it is mainly sympathetic nerves activities, and at night it is mainly the parasympathetic nerves which are functioning, If this order is disturbed and reversed, then diseases will result.
人體內臟受自律神經控制，白天主要是交感神經活動，晚上則由副交感神經工作，若使其錯亂及倒置，就亦百病滋生。

3. Emotion over tensed 情緒過於緊張
a)
Civilised society brings stresses
文明社會會造成的壓力。
b)
Job related or mental stresses
工作上或精神上的壓力。
c)
A person suffers mental stress, when the stress is removed and the person relaxes, sometimes this may lead to death, referred to as the syndrome of imperfect adrenal cortex function.
當一個人承受精神壓力後，一旦緊張鬆弛，時會造成猝死，稱為潛在性副腎皮質機能不全症。

4.Physical Stress 肉體的緊張
a)
Before any operation it would be necessary to check to see if the renal cortex does function normally. If the adrenal cortex is lacking, or if the stress imposed by the operation exceeded the ability of adrenal cortex to cope, it could lead to death or other undesirable impacts.
動手術之前應先檢查腎上腺皮質機能是否正常。如果副腎皮質機能較差，或手術壓力遠超過副腎調整功能，則可能造成病人死亡或其他不良影響。

b)
If it noted that patient's face is puffy, it would be necessary to inquire in detail the patient's medical history and medication status, for patients taking adrenal cortical hormone, extra care should be exercise when administering acupuncture.
若發現病患臉部浮腫，需詳加詢問病史及服藥狀況，為長期服用腎上腺皮質賀爾蒙者，施以針灸要特別注意反應。

c)
Stress due to physical labour or exercise in excess, whole night card games,driving etc should be avoided as much as possible
勞動或運動過度，通宵打牌、開車等壓力都應盡量避免。

Appendix: Acidity/alkalinity of Common food stuff
附錄：常見食物的酸鹼性
1.
Strongly acidic food: egg yolk, cheese, cake make with white sugar or persimmon, mullet fish roe, dried cod.
強酸性食品：蛋黃、乳酪、白糖做的西點或柿子、烏魚子、柴魚等。

2.
Mildly acidic food: ham, bacon, chicken meat, squid, pork, eel, beef, bread, wheat, butter, horse meat etc
中酸性食品：火腿、培根、雞肉、鮪魚、豬肉、鰻魚、牛肉、麵包、小麥、奶油、馬肉等。

3.
Weakly acidic food: white rice, peanut, beer, alcohol,oil fried tofu, sea weed, clam, octopus, catfish
弱酸性食品：白米、落花生、啤酒、酒、油炸豆腐、海苔、文蛤、章魚、泥鰍。

4.
Weakly alkaline food: red bean, radish, apple, cabbage, onion, tofu etc.
弱鹼性食品：紅豆、蘿蔔、蘋果、甘藍菜、洋蔥、豆腐等。

5.
Mildly alkaline food: dried radish, soya bean, carrot, tomato, banana,orange, pumpkin strawberry, egg white, dried plum, lemon, spinach, etc.
中鹼性食品：蘿蔔乾、大豆、紅蘿蔔、蕃茄、香蕉、橘子、南瓜、草莓、蛋白、梅乾、檸檬、菠菜等。

6.
Strongly alkaline food: grape, tea leave, grape wine, kelp sprout, kelp, etc. Especially natural green algae which contain rich quantity of chlorophyll are very good alkaline health food, but tea should not be drunk in excess, and best to drink in the morning.
強鹼性食品：葡萄、茶葉、葡萄酒、海帶芽、海帶等。尤其是天然綠藻富含葉綠素，是不錯的鹼性健康食品，而茶類不宜過量，最佳飲用時間為早上。

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