Many Forms of Health from Zinc

With all the discussion in the past few days about vitamins and minerals, and zinc being attacked in one study, please know that zinc is important for immunity, taste, glandular health, and much more.

We like to suggest out low dose zinc that is combined with food to make it absorb better, and to use this product in several doses rather than one large milligram amount.  Zinc is difficult to absorb.

An aid to regulating brain cell communication

A report published online on September 21, 2011 in the journal Neuron reveals an important role for the mineral zinc in the regulation of brain cell communication.  The finding is the first instance of proof that an element, as opposed to a chemical compound, is used by the nervous system as a neurotransmitter.

In research conducted over half a century ago, high concentrations of zinc were found in nerve cell compartments known as vesicles that package neurotransmitters—the chemicals that facilitate the transmission of impulses between neurons.  Neurons in the brain’s hippocampus, which is the center of learning and memory, were discovered to have the highest levels of zinc.  However, it remained unknown whether the zinc that was found in the cells’ vesicles actually played a role in nerve cell communication.

For the current investigation, researchers at Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology utilized a novel zinc chelator to help bind and remove zinc from hippocampal brain samples derived from mice.  “We discovered that zinc is essential to control the efficiency of communication between two critical populations of nerve cells in the hippocampus,” senior author James McNamara, MD, of Duke University reported. “This addresses a longstanding controversy in the field.”

Although having adequate zinc is essential for nerve cell communication, excessive enhancement of this communication has been observed in animals with epilepsy. “Carefully controlling zinc’s regulation of communication between these nerve cells is critical to both formation of memories and perhaps to occurrence of epileptic seizures,” Dr McNamara stated.

He noted that zinc supplements are widely available and are often used to treat depression and other brain disorders, however, it isn’t known whether supplementing with the mineral changes the brain’s zinc content or modifies the communication between its nerve cells.

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Confirmation of Disease Management Philosophy

“I recently had the opportunity to engage with a guy that works in a main hospital in the area of cancer research. He deals specifically in trialling different pharmaceuticals for the different types of cancers. So I happened to ask him how much effort is put into establishing a cure. His answer was very simple. The pharmaceutical companies which are looking to introduce newer medications use these trials for one reason and one reason only, and that is for cancer management through drug therapy! There is a big difference between cure and management I would suggest.”

This is something we have been writing about since the ’80s and we have seen this become more of a problem as each year goes by.  Today disease ‘management’ is as serious a problem as any disease itself.

You may want to read about another list of concerns that comes from mainstream medicine here.

Garlic and Grape seed > fewer blood cancers

Garlic and grape seed have been excellent warriors in the fight against cancer for an unknown number of years.  Garlic’s use dates back to the early days of Asian medicine and before.  Grapes and their components have been used in ancient times as well.

More about grapes

Now in the day when it seems every food or herb has to be “scientifically” dissected, a new report tells us what we, in natural health, already know.  The sad part is that true to form, the medical researchers always say they have to do more research because they have most likely overlooked the tomes at the Lloyd Library.

What ever the facts here’s the latest –

An article published online on July 29, 2011 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Preventionreveals a link between increased use of garlic, grape and multivitamin supplements and a lower risk of hematologic malignancies, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, leukemia and myeloma.Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington in Seattle examined data from 66,227 men and women aged 50 to 76 enrolled in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) study, which was created to evaluate the impact of dietary supplement use on cancer risk. Responses toquestionnaires completed by the participants between 2000 and 2002 were used to estimate ten year average daily dose of each supplemental vitamin, mineral or specialty supplement consumed prior to enrollment. Five hundred eighty-eight hematologic malignancies were identified among the study subjects through December, 2008 via cancer registry data. Among those who reported using garlic supplements for at least four days a week over three or more years, there was a 45 percent lower adjusted risk of a hematologic cancer compared to those who reported no use. For grape seed extract, the risk was 43 percent lower in those who reported ever using the supplement compared to nonusers. Daily use of multivitamin supplements for at least eight years was associated with a non-significant 20 percent lower risk of hematologic malignancies in comparison with no use. Possible mechanisms for garlic include modulation of carcinogen metabolism, protection against DNA damage, improved antioxidant defenses and DNA repair, and increased programmed cell death of cancer cells. Grape seed is an additional source of antioxidants, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. “This is the first cohort study to suggest a possible role of these supplements in the chemoprevention of hematologic malignancies,” the authors announce. “Our findings suggest a possible role of these supplements in the chemoprevention of hematologic malignancies, but further, controlled studies will need to confirm these findings.” SOURCE Other supplements for cancers are listed as well.

Amputations from IEDS UP Sharply

Quite a few years ago CHI started its Veteran’s Resource Program.  This project received seed money from a Vietnam vet we helped to obtain his full pension.

You’ll find a great amount of information about the problems facing our veterans, especially those who have been fighting in DU covered war zones.

Beyond the risk to health from vaccines, DU, PTSD, amputation levels are on the rise.

In the 1990s I developed an herbal formula for a client of mine who had an amputation secondary to treatment for lung cancer.  Her immunity had been so compromised by chemo and a hobo spider bite on her lower leg  developed an unrelenting wound.

To address the after amputation phantom pain I designed a blend of herbal extracts and flower essences. 

To her and many other since that time much help has been found, drug free.  Rodale Press later  interviewed her for a book about healing and women’s health: New Choices in Natural Healing for Women.

Please contact us if you would like more information about this herbal blend.

SOURCE: CBS Evening News

Keep Your Hair with CHEMO

For many years, in my community health classes, people learned that vitamin E helps your health so that you don’t lose your hair with chemo.

With the correct dose and the correct form of vitamin E, this great vitamin may be of great help to you.

Of course being able to keep up your good food plan is helpful too.

Many clients of mine over the years are walking proof of this.

Vitamin E of course has been wrongly maligned in numerous reports.  The reports however were about inadequate studies.

If you have questions about the benefits of Vitamin E, ask your question here.

Vitamin E is also helpful for menopause symptoms, diabetes, neuropathy (common in diabetes and with chemotherapy), lung health concerns and cardiovascular disease.

More about vitamin E

 

When Antibiotics Fail

The ground turkey recall by Cargill calls to my attention, once again, the failure of factory farming.

Of course one too has to consider Cargill’s connection with GMO. Perhaps these turkeys are raised not only on antibiotics to push up their weight, but also GMO grain in their feed.

Might it be that GMO poultry feed impairs the immune system, which along with double-dosing antibiotics makes it a double whammy for over crowding in the hen-house?

Mainstream medicine is alarmed because of the concerns that antibiotics don’t seem to work when people become ill.

Once again I’d suggest considering something other than fluoride based Cipro: Might it be effective intravenous vitamin C at high dose levels?

Bacteria don’t seem to build up resistance to vitamins.  Vitamins don’t harm you, and they may save your life.

High dose vitamin C is very useful for food poisoning, and its use is medically substantiated.

NB: In 1993 I developed a protocol against “flesh-eating bacteria”  based on the use of herbs, natural products, and vitamins.  The herbal formula in my protocol has been thoroughly tested at Dana Farber.

Zinc Lozenges Proven Effective

The outcome of a meta-analysis published online on June 23, 2001 in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal concludes that zinc lozenges are beneficial in reducing the length of the common cold if the mineral is available in sufficient quantities.

For the review, Dr Harri Hemilä of the University of Helsinki selected thirteen placebo-controlled trials examining the effects of zinc lozenges on cold duration. Three trials tested zinc acetate and five trials tested other forms of zinc in daily doses of greater than 75 milligrams. The remaining five trials evaluated the use of lozenges that contained lower doses of the mineral. While pooled analysis of the five trials that analyzed the effects of less than 75 milligrams zinc found no benefit, zinc acetate consumed in doses higher than 75 milligrams per day was associated with a 42 percent reduction in cold duration. Consuming more than 75 milligrams per day of other forms of zinc was associated with a 20 percent decrease in the length of colds. Dr Hemilä notes that consideration of dosage alone may be a simplified approach to supplementation, because some types of zinc lozenges, including those that contain zinc tartrate or citrate, bind zinc ions tightly, thereby decreasing the level of free zinc ions. Additionally, some brands of lozenges may contain ingredients such as cotton seed oil that can react with zinc ions to create insoluble compounds. “New trials should be carried out to confirm the benefit of zinc acetate lozenges at a dosage of about 80 mg per day, and to examine whether even lower daily doses in appropriately formulated lozenges might be effective,” Dr Hemilä writes. Although no long term adverse effects were observed, high doses of zinc consumed for extended periods of time are not recommended. Nevertheless, Dr Hemilä remarks that 150 milligrams per day zinc has been administered for therapeutic uses for months or years in specific patients, and that a trial involving six weeks of supplementation at this level failed to result in a deficiency of copper (a potential side effect of prolonged intake of high amounts of zinc). “Since a large proportion of trial participants have remained without adverse effects, zinc lozenges might be useful for them as a treatment option for the common cold,” Dr Hemilä writes. “More research is needed on zinc lozenges to find optimal lozenge compositions and treatment strategies.”

Exercise and Bone Health

I can’t stress enough how important it is to exercise and help keep your bones  strong and healthy as you age.

Strong Legs Critical to Health

Exercise Helps Prevent Fracture  

More leg strengthening and toning exercises

When Antibiotics Fail

Pelargonium

Respiratory issues are of concern to many, especially with the many concerns over failed antibiotics.

For quite a number of years I have been using remedies that are specifically ready when either antibiotics fail or you wish to avoid using them.

Here’s a trusted herbal remedy that may be very effective when you are facing a respiratory infection.

An extract from a South African geranium might reduce the length of your next cold by two days if you take it within 48 hours of your first symptoms. A University of Chicago study found that the plant—Pelargonium sidiodes—may weaken viruses and boost your immunity.

Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) for treating acute respiratory tract infections

Umckaloabo is a herbal extract derived from the plant Pelargonium sidoides (P. sidoides) and is available in both tablet and liquid forms. The extract is used for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) where antibiotic use is unnecessary. In the light of inappropriate antibiotic use and increasing drug resistance rates worldwide, the need for an alternative, effective remedy for these medical conditions is crucial.

We reviewed eight randomized clinical trials with acceptable methodologies. Two trials showed that P. sidoides was effective in relieving all symptoms, and in particular cough and sputum production in adults with acute bronchitis. However, a third study showed that the preparation was only effective for treating sputum reduction. Similarly, P. sidoides was effective in resolving symptoms of acute bronchitis in two out of three pediatric studies. In acute sinusitis and the common cold P. sidoides was effective in resolving all symptoms including headaches and nasal discharge in adults when taken for an extended time period. Adverse events were more common with P. sidoides, but none were severe .

There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of P. sidoides in the treatment of ARIs. The herbal preparation may be effective in relieving symptoms in acute bronchitis in adults and children, and sinusitis in adults.  SOURCE

In 1897, Englishman Charles Stevens went to South Africa hoping to cure himself of a respiratory illness.  While there, an African tribal healer gave him a remedy made from Pelargonium sidoides roots (a plant native to the coastal regions of South Africa).  Fully recovered, Stevens brought the remedy back to England where it became popular as Stevens’ Consumption Cure.

In 1920, Dr. Adrien Sechehaye learned of Stevens’ cure.  Over the next nine years he treated more than 800 patients in Switzerland with a homeopathic preparation of P. sidoides roots (EPs 7630).  But with the advent of synthetic drugs, the remedy was forgotten by Western medicine until its recent rediscovery by European researchers.

Today’s formula is a clinically proven preparation of EPs 7630, and the name is derived from the African word “umKhulkane” (meaning respiratory infection).

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