You start to age the moment you’re born, and you never stop. Over the years you slow down, get wrinkled, and can’t function like you used to. What’s happening? Gradually, your system becomes more and more damaged by free radicals—and, as time passes, you become less efficient at fighting them. The body does wear out, but mostly because of what is done to it.

Recommendations: Take Multi-vitamins wisely, the aim is balance including:

Beta Carotene & Vitamin A: 10,000 iu

Vitamin B complex, including riboflavin, Thiamine (B1) 50 mg, improves moods and mental acuity in women.

Niacin 900 mg, B6, B12, folic acid.

Vitamin ester-C 500-1,000 mg

Vitamin D

Vitamin E: 400-800 iu per day

Tocotrienols are powerful heart and artery protectors. They are powerful antioxidants, and lower cholesterol, protect against cancer, prevent unwanted clots from forming, reverse the plaque in arteries, and prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Aspirin (60 mg).

Blue-green algae + chorella 15 g

Chromium picolinate 200-400 mcg

Coenzyme Q10 (30-90 mg): optimum heart functions

Glutamine powder: 2-8 mg (precursor to gluthathione (helps for cataracts and strong antioxidant.) Higher gluthathione levels were associated with less illness, higher levels of self-rated health, lower body mass index and lower blood pressure. Also, protects & repair DNA.

Iron: 5-15mg. Less is best unless you are anemic, however, absorption is reduced by tea, red wine, and fibre.

Magnesium (200-500mg) & Calcium (800-1500mg) & Potassium.

Zinc Gluconate: 15-50mg (Calcium and high fiber diets flush out zinc), important for immune system.

Acetyl L-Carnitine (500 mg): stimulates the brain to make its own growth factors and to respond to them. Also, good for Alzheimers.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Anticancer fat. 100-300mg

Deprenyl (Eldepryl) 5 mg at bedtime

DHEA 50 mg every other day

Digestive enzymes with lunch and dinner

Garlic (aged & deodorized), avoid raw

Gingko Biloba: 80-120 mg, slows progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Improves mental function. Off limits to pregnant women and children under age 14. Bleeding in the brain has been reported in patients taking gingko along with aspirin, warfarin (coumadin) or other blood thinning medications. 80-120mg.

Green Tea: Enhances liver function and protect arteries. 1-3 cups or 100-300 mg catechins extract/day.

Lipoic Acid: Workaholic nutrient, regenerates glutathione, Functions: helps the body convert food into energy with more efficiency, weight loss, clean up toxins and other byproducts of fat metabolism (antioxidant), anti-aging, protects the pancreatic cells, enhance memory and cognitive function, helpful to prevent cell damage in Alzheimer’s disease. For normals take 100-600mg, for diabetics 300-600mg. May cause rare skin reactions. Good for liver. Milk thistle regenerates liver cells..

Vit C&E, benefits blood sugar metabolism, liver function, metal detoxification, increase energy. Helps diabetics, liver ailments, HIV. 25-600mg.

Lutein: Protects the eyes from macular degeneration & cataracts. 5-10mg. Greens, corn.

Lycopene: cancer protecting, heart & arteries, macular degeneration, prostate and found in tomatoes, guavas, watermelon, pink grapefruits.

Lysine 1 g. Increases acetyl L carnitine levels.

Melatonin 10mg 2 times per week

Molybdenum: trace mineral for arthritis, removes body toxins, lowers copper levels (women). 250-500mcg.

Omega 3-fatty acids: 1000mg, found in salmon, sardines, anchovies, flaxseed, soy flour, wheat germ, walnuts.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC): liver protector & enhancer including PMS and hypoglycemia. 500-1000mg.

Phosphatidylserine (PS): stimulates the brain to make its own growth factors and to respond to them. Improve memory, concentration and mood. 300mg (150mg if you are taking gingko).

Selenium 200-400mcg: cancer prevention.

Taurine: Antioxidant and immune enhancer: protects the eyes from damage, lowers cholesterol, supports healthy bile flow, stabilize heart rhythm, diuretic, lowers blood pressure. Found in mussels, clams, oysters and safe & effective. 1-3grams/day.

Thyroid hormone: .25 grain

Try to have a balanced breakfast every day, Purified water with lemon (for detoxification), Limit red meat and fried food, fresh fruit twice a day, 1 bowl of miso soup daily (soy), juice fast 1 day each month, .35 g of fiber daily.

Researchers in Switzerland found that when healthy but aging mice were given melatonin, their life span increased to 931 days, compared to 755 days for the control group. Melatonin not only prolonged their average life span, but also helped them stay stronger and healthier in an "extraordinary" and "dramatic" way. Melatonin should be avoided by people suffering from lymph type of cancers or autoimmune diseases, pregnant or nursing women, and young children. If you are over 40, and certainly if you are over 60, you may want to use melatonin to boost your immune function and slow the aging process.

Another treatment for aging is DHEA (de-hydro-epi-androsterone). DHEA is produced by your adrenal glands, and is the most dominant hormone in the body. But our blood level of DHEA peaks around age 20, and it declines steadily in the years following. By age 80, we have only 5% of the DHEA we once had. Research indicates that increasing the level of DHEA decreases most of the known markers of aging.

DHEA is virtually nontoxic, as the body seems to use only what it needs. You can also get it by eating yams (not sweet potatoes—they’re not the same.) However, men with prostate cancer or prostatic hypertrophy should not take DHEA. Women with estrogen-dependent cancer may want to avoid taking Dhea. Women should take melatonin and soy products if they consume Dhea. With existing liver disease, take Dhea sublingually. Recent evidence on DHEA and pregnenolone may cause irritability, headaches, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and maybe even cancer. 04/98

Best habit to cultivate: Positive mental expectation of health and longevity. Do what you love and it transforms from work to joy.

Resting: 30 minute nap at midday about 2 p.m. and 6-8 hours sleep each night.

Stress Reliever: Aerobic exercise program.

Exercise: Walking, 45 minute aerobic workout, stair climbing (take stairs instead of elevator when possible), weight lifting, stimulates the production of growth hormone. Study finds walking (2 miles a day) helps men live longer by increasing mortality, decreasing heart disease and strokes and cancer.

Get 200 minutes of exercise a week: 30 minutes a day, 40 minutes 5 times a week or an hour every other day.

Glutamate also stimulates the production of growth hormone.

For those undergoing surgeries, note that gingko, garlic, onions, omega–3 fatty acids, fish oils, vitamin E are blood thinners like aspirin. So avoid these before surgery.

Studies of centenarians (people are 100+) indicate that they tend to be independent and active, interested in life, consume alcohol and sweets only in moderation and sleep 7-8 hours a night.

For increase libido and stimulant to nervous system try Muira puama, bird millet, dried ginger rhizome, white mustard, almonds.

Edwin Y. Endo, OD

Healthy diet (free of allergy provoking foods), lots of fiber and less meat. No pork, ham or bacon (especially no sausages, hot dogs, or cold cuts since these are high in phosphates.) Drink less liquid with your meals. Drink more liquids between meals and best to drink filtered or purified water. Best to eat small meals than heavy meals too. Think low sugar and low calorie diet. Avoid foods & environmental elements that gives you allergies. Avoid processed foods, never eat sweets with meals, animal source food in moderation, & eat a raw food with every meal. Vegetable juices are an excellent beverage, use cabbage instead of lettuce, use honey, vinegar, yogurt and molasses for salad dressing, eliminate hydrogenated oils, and eat vegetables as between-meal snacks. Reduce snacks, bread and wheat, peanuts, chocolates, and eliminate any dairy products (milk, ice cream, etc). Avoid sugar and sugar-containing food and drink (ice cream, candy bars, soft drinks, etc.) Best to eat foods in moderation (i.e. don't overeat any particular food. No tropical fruits (citrus, etc,) No nuts of anykind. Peanuts can cause some of the most severe allergies, anc cross react with and help to cross-sensitize children to other things (e.g.: milk, eggs and other foods), so avoid giving anything containing peanuts or peanut oil to children until they are at least 7 years old. Peanut oil is sometimes referred to as Arachis oil or ground nut oil. Be careful of pesticides in grains, yellow and red food dyes, diet colas and sweeteners with aspartame, & MSG. Try to eat organic color-free and preservative-free food and packaged foods should be yeast-free, wheat-free, corn-free, sugar-free, soy-free, gluten-free and avoid fiery spices like paprika and chili pepper (these interact with the lining of the digestive tract and make it easier for allergens in other foods to pass into the body & the allergies flare up.)

Chronic fatique Syndrome: try potassium-magnisium aspartate. Avoid aspartame (Nutrasweet). In place of nutrasweet try the herb Stevia rebaudiana (800-873-8529.)

Try MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane). Essential for healthy cells & tissue, improves immune system, reduce muscle and joint pain, promote healthy hair and nails, and soften and beautify skin, relieves constipation and boost healing of burns and scars, and decrease inflammation. Take with Vit. C and requires trace molybdenum. Also, try Glutathione (a lung-protecting antioxidant).

Take digestive enzymes and healthy bacteria after every meal. This will help to lessen and remove the toxins from the foods that you eat....and you will find that you will have less allergies. Avoid enzymes if you are prone to gastritus or have ulcers.

Take colon cleaning & super-vegi tablets before bedtime.

Take 500mg of magnesium (morning and before bedtime). For nasal stuffiness and snoring, try using Breathe right. This will also help to relieve stress and improve breathing.

Take vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Do not overdose. When you feel sick, take less.

Optional but helpful: ecchinacea (a natural antibiotic-shortterm use only), garlic, pcynogenol (grape seed and pine bark extract, Flour-Essence (Essiac), acidophilus, l-glutamine, Quercetin, Bromelain. Note: fresh garlic and onions may also worsten the allergy condition by affecting the mucous membranes and tissues, so be careful with this.

Exercise

For earache, try low carbohydrate, low sugar-diet, ester Vit C, echinacea (careful with this and short term only), zinc gluconate, citrus bioflavonoids, Vit A, garlic, selenium, elderberry, and folic acid.

De-Acidification: check urine for PH. Neutral urine is desirable. If acidic, take alkaline powders. If alkaline, take natural cranberry juice.

If you should still suffer from occasional stuffy nasal passages, you may want to consult with your Allergist/Internist/Pediatrician and get a Rx for 1.) Nasalcort or Flonase or Rhinocort. New OTC antihistamine nasal spray Astelin. 2.) Claritin (Loratodine), or Allegra (Fexofenadine.) I would avoid decongestants as the rebound effect can be worst.

Other hints:

For indigestion relief: 1. Eat proteins first. Protein foods need lots of hydrochloric acid for proper digestion. Carbohydrate foods do not require hydrochloric acid for digestion, and if carbohydrates are taken first, the protein will remain undigested. Eat salads and breads with the meal or last, never first. 2. Eat small meals, eat slowly and chew well. 3. Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits at the same time. They require a different enzymes to digest. 4. Eat yogurt and other lactic acid foods with every meal including sauerkraut, sourdough bread, cottage cheese, kefir, garlic and tofu. They will help digestion and prevent intestinal putrefaction. 5. Take beneficial bacterial capsules which promotes a healthy colon which in turn guards against harmful bacteria, yeast and viruses, stimulates the function of the entire digestive system, produce essential vitamins, maintain proper chemical and hormone balance. A healthy colon should contain at least 85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria.

Avoid the following: Antibiotics, excessive sugar consumption, stress, drinking chlorinated water, and poor mix of acid and alkaline foods, antacids (which neutralize stomach acid and causes the stomach to produce even more acid), acetaminophen may exacerbate asthma symptoms

AntiMicrobial Formulations

Grapefruit seed extract is a powerful all-around antimicrobial product. It is effective at killing many bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other harmful organisms. NutriBiotic Liquid Concentrate (Citricidal), and Bio/Chem Research, 865 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, Ca 64553 Concentrated extract of grapefruit seed extract. Mountain Home Nutritionals 800-888-1415. Capsules plus 800-225-4345

Please don’t put Bio/Chem research or anyone who carries grapefruit seed extract in jeopardy by diagnosing or treating any health problems. This product is sold strictly as a disinfectant and not as a drug.

Capsules Plus (100mg of grapefruit seed extract, 200mg of Arternisia annua, and 200mg of Echinachea angusifolia. Take one capsule TID

You may try it on:

Sore throat, food poisoning, curb acne,

Travelers diarrhea, sore throats, mouth rinse for ulceration or oral infections: 10-15 drops of NutriBiotic per glass of water

Candida Infections and urinary tract infections: use 15 drops of NutriBiotic per glass of water

Also, consuming beneficial bacteria can enhance your immune system by increasing the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA).

Freeda Vitamins (Moredophilus) 800-777-3737

Progressive Labs (Moredophilus) 800-527-9512

Standard Process (Lactic Acid Yeast)

DDS Acidophilus 800-422-3371

Natren 800-992-3323

In order to repair the ravages of arthritis, the body must be able to produce connective tissue, the primary substance of the cartilage. And to produce connective tissue & build cartilage you need glucosamine sulfate (GS). GS is a dependable medication that helps your body produce healthy connective tissue at the joints, repairing damage that has already occurred and actually reversing arthritis. A newer breakthrough is MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) which helps to reduce join pain. Chrondroitin sulfate (CSA) is effective for relief of arthritic pain. These products can be taken with NSAIDs such as Celebrex or Vioxx. However, don’t expect instant success since cartilage repair takes time. Bovine cartilage contains all the essential sulfates.

Vitamin D may benefit people with osteoarthitis, however, Vit D is toxic in amounts as low as five times the RDA.

Glucosamine sulfate: relieves osteoarthritic pain by re-forming worn cartilage between jointed bones.

Cetyl myristoleate: (CMO) lubricates joints, reduce inflammation, and reduces the autoimune response that 7attacks the body's own joints.

Copper (especially the sebecate form) can help too, However, an overload is associated with osteroarthritis, but a deficiency can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

Use green food therapy like alfafa, barley grass (or juice) which are anti-inflammatory & nutritious, enzyme & chlorophyll rich. I commonly recommend that my arthritis patients take spray-dried barley grass juice, available as GREENS+, Barley Green, Green Magma, or Kyo-Green. Take one to two teaspoons a day or more, up to two to three tablespoons a day.

Fish oils (Essential Fatty Acids, EFA and DHA). For pain relief and easier movements. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (seeds, seed oils and fish oils, some leafy green vegetables). Rheumatoid arthritis is brought on by chronic inflammation. Fish oils decrease both the inflammation and the accompanying pain. GLA (works with EPA and DHA to cool inflammation) and is found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seeds. Nori & wakame are rich in EFA. Salmon & tuna are high in Omega-3.

Sea cucumber

Thymus gland supplements. The thymus gland controls and modulates the immune system. Unfortunately, the thymus gland begins to dry up around age 20 and has almost totally disappeared by age 50 or so. In one study, 24 patients with severe arthritic conditions took thymus gland supplements and reported remarkable improvement, including elimination of strong medications.

Capsaicin ointment. Capsaicin reduces sensations of pain from the nervous system. The first application causes a burning sensation, but this discomfort gradually goes away.

Pantothenic acid. This B-complex vitamin has been found deficient in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In a double-blind study, when 2 grams of pantothenic acid were given, there was a significant reduction in the duration of morning stiffness and degree of disability, as well as severity of pain. Best to take al the B vitamins especially B6 and B3 (niacinamide).

Herbs including bromelain, turmeric and ginger are anti-inflammatory nurtures. For pain relief try Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora), Aniseed Myrtle (Backhousia Anisata), Mountain Pepper (tasmania Lanceolata), Wild Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariffa), yucca, white willow bark, feverfew, devil’s claw, celery, boswellia serrata-for pain & stiffness.

Pregnenolone: for early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

Take enzymes. Digestion is usually impaired in arthritis people especially bromelain and papain. These are needed to break down the sulfates for absorption.

Other nutrients: Vit C, selenium, Vit E, & gamma tocotrienol can decrease the blood concentration of thromboxane, an inflammatory chemical involved in the rheumatoid process. Add antioxidant foods like yellow, orange, and green vegetables, wheat germ, green tea, and citrus fruits. Try also Bioflavonoids, Devil’s claw, Burdock root, adrenal boosting herbal formulas.

A very low-fat, mostly vegetable diet, which is anti-inflammatory. Some studies have shown that arthritis sufferers on vegetarian diets experience noticeable improvement in joint pain. However, some studies have found that as many as one-third of RA suffers are sensitive to a class of vegetables: nightshade plants (solanines) including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc. Also, be careful with citrus, spinach,. beets, zucchini. Forbidden foods: meat, bacon & hotdogs (cause joint inflammation and degeneration in sensitive people), animal fat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, wheat pastries high in sugar & fat, highly salted or spiced foods, refined sugars, honey, molasses, chocolate, vanilla, tropical or semitropical fruits, soda (leach your minerals), artificial drinks, coffee (caffeine), colored and aromatic teas (such as peppermint) and alcohol.

Check for food allergies. Food allergies triggers an inflammatory reaction in the body’s tissues. A leading allergy theory is that susceptible individuals have an intestinal wall that is abnormally permeable, which allows undigested food to leak out into the bloodstream. This undigested food is then deposited in tissue and causes an inflammatory reaction,. Since the body is allergic to these food deposits, it mounts an attack on what was healthy tissue,

Decrease homocysteine levels with Complex Vit B.

Other: Chelation therapy, macrobiotics (Kushi Institute 413-623-5742

What to do:

1. Alleviate joint pain and inflammation try the herbs listed above.

2. Take Bovine Cartilage to rebuild joints.

3. Take enzymes to help with absorption of sulfates.

No one supplement should be considered as a cure-all for arthritis, arthritis and joint pain can be caused by dozen of factors.

There are more than 100 types of cancer—and eventually a full third of us will get one of them.

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One of the best-kept secret of the twentieth century is that most cancer is preventable. It is—if you'll take the steps outlined here. I don't want you to think these are cancer cures, their purpose is to stop it before it starts. Once you have cancer, do not ignore conventional medical procedures.

• Substantially reduce your intake of dietary fats. Don't let more than 20% of your daily calories come from fats.

• Red meat has been linked to non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, colon cancer.

• Eat organic whole foods & organic free-range meats, lots of high-fiber foods—whole-grain cereals, unprocessed soy foods, wholesome herbs, fruits, and cruciferous vegetables & legumes (broccoli, cauliflower & brussel sprouts, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, kelp, garlic, cabbage, kale and turnips. Fruits and vegetables are protective for all the gastrointestinal cancers and all the smoking-related cancers. Avoid meat products like sausages or hot dogs which contain nitrite preservatives. Eat deep-sea fish (halibut, orange roughy, red snapper, sea bass, tuna) which are less likely to be polluted with pesticides. Avoid bottom-feeders.

• Eat foods rich in vitamin A (carrots, spinach, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, and cantaloupe) and vitamin C (asparagus, cantaloupe, oranges & grapefruits, green peppers, and spinach). Eat lots of carrots & carrot juices and apples. Lycopene-a carotenoid found in tomatoes and tomato sauce (not juice) may protect against prostate cancer. Modified citrus pectin helps to stop metastasis of prostate tumors. Aged garlic slows the progression of prostate cancer.

• Eat the cruciferous, dark leafy green vegetables three times a week—cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peas and beans, fruits like cherries, berries and topical fruits, nuts (Vit E), buckwheat and barley for B Vitamins. Raw is best—air and heat destroy many of their active ingredients.

• Avoid smoked, pickled, and salt-cured foods. These all contain nitrosamines as well as other agents proven to cause cancer in animals.

Stop using tobacco in any and all forms. Smoking causes erosion of the cervix in women which are precancerous. Limit alcohol which causes estrogen levels to rise. Avoid drinking tap water.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases your risk of postmenopausal breast cancer by 50-100 percent. Exercise regularly in moderation. Four hours a week can reduce breast cancer risk by 60%.

Avoid dyeing your hair as long as possible. Avoid chemicals that come in direct contact with your scalp.

Take nutrients that stimulate your immune system to fight invading tumor cells. These "immune stimulants" include vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, selenium (Dr. Schrauzer believes that if we consumed adequate amounts of selenium, cancer would be reduced by 75%), garlic (1/2 to 2 cloves), and Omega 3’s: flax oil and fish oils. Take deodorized Aged-garlic (powder or liquid form is best, not the oil form . Also take magnesium. In animal studies, a magnesium-deficient diet was associated with increased cancer rates, while excess magnesium had a preventive effect. Selenium is an antioxidant and works with Vit E.

Vitamin E: New study shows that low doses of Vitamin E reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 32%. However, Vitamin E (like aspirin) may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Currently, Vitamin E is widely recommended for protecting against heart disease and cataracts.

Soy Products: Isoflavonoids (plant form of estrogens). Prevent breast-cancer by blocking the female hormone estrogen (which has been strongly linked to breast-cancer development). Protect against cancers of the colon, lung, skin, and prostate gland.

Take between 40 and 90 grams of shark cartilage under the supervision of your physician. Many diseases and medical conditions—including arthritis and cancer—depend upon the generation of new blood vessels. Shark cartilage can block the proliferation of blood vessels and thus can slow the progress of the disease. Some early evidence has even suggested that shark cartilage may stop cancer!

Take melatonin. Numerous studies have shown that melatonin inhibits the growth of a variety of tumor cells. Melatonin is taken at bedtime, 3-6 mg.

Other treatments include anti-oxidants, soy powder, Green Tea, CoQ10, wheatgrass juice, Pau d’Arco, pancreatic enzymes, carnivora, 714X and Essiac, shark cartilage, gemanium, the Koch therapy, and dozens of other therapy.

Everyone over age 50 should have a fecal occult-blood test every year to check for colorectal cancer. Inexpensive.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): improves your anti-cancer defenses and trims your waistline, fat burning vita-nutrient. Stronger than beta carotene in destroying cancer cells and stronger antioxidant than Vit E.

Anti-breast cancer diet:

Soybean and flaxseed oil-blocks the estrogen receptors in your breasts, eat healthier fats (avoid omega 6 and take more omega 3 (fish oil) and 9 (olive oil), make good estrogens by eating cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, lower insulin levels by avoiding saturated fats, and decreasing your glucose load, eat more fiber, limit alcohol, and exercise. New test may detect breast cancer even before mammograms, a new 30 minute procedure called ductal lavage.

SERMS (new class of estrogen-like drugs seems able to stop breast cancer before it starts. This includes tamoxifen and raloxifene. However, tamoxifen can cause blood clots in the lungs, and increase uterine cancer.

Two new drugs, angiostatin and endostatin show promise. These drugs reduce cancer in mice by reducing the blood supply that feeds tumors.

BEWARE!!The following antioxidants: Vitamin C, E, and betacarotene should be reduced if you are taking chemotherapy drugs since they can counter the desired effect of these therapies to kill cancer cells.

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) may have a link to cancer. Printers, copiers, fax machines, microwave ovens, toasters, and mixers are some of the worst offenders, so move several feed away from them when they are in use. Best to use battery operated equipment near your bedside or unplug all electrical equipment when not in use.

Many gastroenterologists consider colonoscopy the preferred screening tests for colorectal cancer. But they emphasize that regular screening, regardless of method, can significantly reduce your chances of ever having to face colorectal cancer.

Gluthathione can be a potent agent in the prevention of cancer but increasing levels in the acute or active phases of cancer is not recommended.

MGN-3 enhance the activity of the immune system. CompassioNet 800-510-2010

Skin cancer, try SkinAnswer by CompassioNet 800-510-2010. Safely and quickly remove precancerous skin lesions (keratoses)

Simple test: 1. Mix equal amounts of vaginal secretion with hydrogen peroxide 3%, if it foams, then you have a bacterial infection. 2. If the discharge is malodorous, it is probably bacterial vaginosis. 3. If none of the above, but the PH is acidic (less than PH 7) and curdlike discharge, yeast infection.

Yeast infections are commonly due to Candida Albicans, however, baker’s yeast can also lead to a yeast infection. Remedy: douching with plain active yogurt to re-establish a healthy flora and help displace any harmful strains of bacteria. Another remedy: try boric acid. One capsule 600mg everyday for 14 days inserted intravaginally for 14 days. Third treatment: Iodine. One part iodine in 100 parts of water eliminated 100% of Candida Infections

If the Candida infections has spread throughout your body, take fresh strong organic garlic (four to five large, raw cloves every day. After a couple of weeks, decrease to one clove per day, and then tape off completely. In the meantime, take unflavored yogurt and/or acidophilus tablets to re-establish normal bacterial flora.

For systemic bacterial or fungal infection try strongest raw garlic or grapefruit seed extract.

In this country, cataract surgery is the most common operation for Americans over 65—it's performed over a million times a year. 13 million Americans suffer from the age-related macular degeneration-the number one cause of blindness in men and women over 50-leading to over 300,000 cases of irreversible blindness every year. 4 million Americans have some degree of vision impairing cataract, and at least 40, 000 in the US are completely blind due to cataracts. 2 million Americans suffer from glaucoma. However, one in four with this debilitating condition remains undiagnosed, and many of these people will become blind.

As we grow older, the parts of our delicate eye infrastructure break down and wear out and our risk of losing the precious gift of sight increases.

The leading cause of irreversible blindness in those over 50, macular degeneration, is known to be caused by free-radical damage. The primary symptom is a dark spot in the middle of your field of vision. As your eye becomes progressively damaged, the dark spot grows, and you begin to lose all central vision.

A cataract is a clouding or opacity in the crystalline lens of the eye that leads to gradual loss of vision. A cataract forms when the eye is unable to maintain balanced concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium within the lens and is apparently the result of a breakdown in the sodium-potassium pump. This breakdown is usually due to free-radical damage to proteins in the lens.

In the case of glaucoma, there’s a gradual loss of peripheral vision leading, potentially, to total blindness. Since there are usually no symptoms in the early stages, glaucoma often goes undetected until the end stages. Often accompanied by an increase in pressure of the fluid within the eyeball, glaucoma has been linked to nutritional deficiency in the retina and optic nerve, excess metabolic wastes and toxins, and the decomposition of collagen in the eye, largely due to free-radical damage.

Other eye problems are also treatable, if we'll only take the right steps.

Standard practice: For cataracts, usually surgery. For macular degeneration (old-age blindness), usually you laser therapy. For glaucoma, usually eye drops or oral medications with side effects. For dry eye, we usually give you artificial tears.

You can nutritionally reinforce your eye tissues and strengthen them from the inside out. Reduce the free radicals out of your system and promote good vision. To help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye:

But this is only the beginning. Take the following nutritional diet/supplements each day: Low fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A good general multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with the following:

Vit B2 (Riboflavin), 10 to 20 mg

Flavonoids, 100 mg

Vitamin A, 5,000 to 10,000 iu

Beta-carotene, 10,000, alpha, beta cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeanthin.

Vitamin C, 2,000 mg or more. This nutrient protects the lens from damage caused by UV sun rays and heat.

Vitamin E (400-800 units), alpha, beta, delta and gamma forms.

Cysteine (N-acetyle-cysteine), 250-1,000 mg daily: Loss of gluthathione ocurs in all forms of cataracts. High levels of cyteine, another amino acid, stimulates the production of gluthathione in the eyes and the rest of the body. Vitamin C, E and beta carotene work together with gluthathione. Ba Wei Wan 888-842-2049. Cysteine is found in protein-rich eggs. Completely avoiding eggs to reduce cholesterol may rob the body of some important amino acids like cysteine that have anti-cataract properties. It has been shown that when eight eggs per week replaced beef and pork in the diet, cholesterol levels were reduced.

For diabetics, Quercetin (bioflavonoid helpful in diabetic cataracts (1000-3000mg) & chromium (200 mcg)

Riboflavin (vitamin B2, 25-50mg) helps in the production of gluthathione.

Rutin (a bioflavonoid) 250 mg

Selenium

Taurine, 500 mg twice daily

Zinc (15-25 mg.)

Wear 100 % WEAR UV protection eyewear OR SUNGLASSES, Stop smoking/alcohol, caffeine, control blood sugar if you are a diabetic, increase dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and take your antioxidants..

Special Antioxidants: To reverse or prevent cataracts mega-dose antioxidant therapy is required

MaxiVision (contains bioflavonoids, N-acetyl cysteine and selenium. Maxivision is a multi-mineral & vitamin supplement with extra nutrition for the eyes. An excellent source for anyone needing a general vitamin supplement and nutrition for the eyes.

Gluthathione (Glutox): This supplement is questionable, since it is not easily absorbed & may cause gastrointestinal distress.

Billberry: vasodilator, increases tissue and capillary wall strength. (60-160mg.day). strengthen collagen structures in your eyes, quicken your recovery from glare, protect your eyes from sun damage, increases intracellular vitamin C levels, and decreases capillary permeability and fragility.

Grape seed & pine bark extract

Note: Too much calcium supplements may cause snowy, white cataracts years after beginning calcium supplements. Steroids, some tranquilizers and other photosensitive medications may have cataract producing mechanisms. Diabetics tend to develop cataracts (PSC-sorbitol deposits) at an earlier age than others-quercetin and billberry are two potent, natural sorbitol inhibitors.

Are you a slave to chocolate? Such food yearnings are not just a bad habit - they may be a sign of underlying physical problems that can seriously affect your health. Now there is a simple way to control your appetite. In this excerpt from the book, No More Cravings (Warner), Dr. Douglas Hunt shows how a regimen of nutritional supplements can turn chocolate junkies into normal people again.

Do food cravings affect your health? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, there is a good chance that your health is being harmed by food cravings:

1.) Do you find yourself desiring unusual amounts of chocolate or sweets just prior to your menstrual period?

2. ) Do you ever awaken in the middle of the night and head for the refrigerator?

3.) Do you crave coffee or colas?

4.) Do certain foods seem to make you feel '"high?"

5.) Do you manage to include cheese in at least one meal a day?

6.) Do you try diet after diet with no permanent results?

7.) Do you sometimes feel you crave every food in sight?

8.) Do you have difficulty maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet because of your cravings?

9.) Do you ever lie about how much you eat?

10.) Have you ever suffered from bulimia?

CRAVINGS might be viewed as a desire that becomes a passion: When one is deprived of the subject of one's passion -- usually sweets or chocolate -- there is pain. That pain will not disappear until one satisfies the passion. Cravings are a signal of the body's chemical imbalance, and are usually the result of vitamin-mineral deficiencies and food allergies. They are not a problem of the mind, so psychoanalysis, hypnosis and drugs -- which many cravers resort to at great expense ~ provide little benefit.

It is possible to gain control over cravings. My approach is simply to replace the body's deficient supply of minerals and vitamins. If the right nutrients are replenished, the cravings disappear. Finding the correct minerals and vitamins and their proper dosage is the secret. This is what works best for me and my patients. If your problem is mild -- you only crave sweets, chocolate and colas once in a while, perhaps several times a month -- and the cravings last only a few hours, I would have you take two Min-Tran tablets (a mineral supplement) with a large glass of water every three hours during the day, and two additional tablets if the cravings reappear. It may take four or more tablets every three hours to be effective. Obviously, it depends on the intensity of the cravings. Most people report immediate relief after the first dose, and total relief after the second. It is vitally important the doses be taken consistently to keep the cravings fully suppressed.

Almost everyone can tell within an hour if the materials are working. But if you do not experience relief after trying the supplements for a day, I would suggest taking two tablets of Min-Tran and three or four 3000-mg. tablets of desiccated liver every three hours.

Min-Tran is the best starting material for cravings. Call me if you would like to try this nutritional supplement & for pricing information. If you are allergic to iodine, be careful about this or any supplement containing iodine, including kelp.

This may seem like a lot of pills to take, but keep in mind that not as many pills may be needed for every individual and that this dosage level is for several days only and for just occasional usage afterwards.

If your cravings are stronger -- enough to cause weight gain, but not necessarily severe -- and last for days, you may have to intake more oil. The essential fatty acids (in oils) make minerals more available to cells.

Four to six Cataplex F Tablets, along with four Min-Tran tablets, usually stop cravings immediately. If you cannot find a source of Cataplex F, linseed or cod-liver oil capsules may be substituted

Understand that while the types of nutrients we all need may be identical, the amounts can differ. Since your goal is to calculate the dosages of supplements that work for you, remember to take into consideration all of the conditions in your life at the time you experience cravings.

For women, normal physiological conditions to consider include pregnancy, PMS and menopause. In addition, stress and other related conditions may require changing your supplements as you go along.

It is also important to know that each dose of a supplement will only last a limited period of time. The prescriptions I administer usually last four to five hours, but this, too, varies from person to person. In severe stress situations me doses may have to be repeated every one or two hours. On the other hand, some individuals may need only one dose per day.

For the first day or two, make a conscious- effort to keep track of the time when the dosage seems to wear off and your cravings return. Once you have determined a schedule, you can then easily continue the pattern. Once you know the amount of materials that keep your cravings under control, alert yourself to the first signs of cravings and take the medication before they become intense. The longer you wait, the less effective the supplements.

Can you use this formula indefinitely? No. It'd be better to use it intermittently -- begin when you feel the onset of cravings and stop when all urges have disappeared. With prolonged use, you might become unresponsive to the supplements. Also, use the formula in a preventive way. For example, begin the formula three days before you anticipate the onset of pre-menstrual symptoms each month. That way, you can prevent the cravings before they take hold.

From "No More Cravings'', copyright 1987 by Douglas Hunt, M.D. Published by Warner Books, Inc.

Min-tran Tablets (Calcium Lactate, kelp powder, magnesium citrate, alfafa powder, and calcium stearate.)

Cataplex F Tablets (Calcium lactate, defatted wheat germ, carrot powder, honey, vacuum dried bovine prostate, bovine liver powder, magnesium citrate, oat flour, bovine orchic glandular extract, glycine, bovine liver fat extract, flaxseed oil extract, arabic and cellulose gum, potassium paraaminobenzoate, prolamine iodine, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, mixed tocopherols, ascorbic acid, and soy bean lecithin.) Edwin Y. Endo, OD Ph 487-5500

New studies suggest: 1) the foods you crave may depend on your mood. If you have a sudden desire for chocolate, chances are you’re feeling tired or blue. But if you crave a salty snack (or milk products) what your body may need is a complete meal. Women have the strongest food cravings when they’re blue or anxious, while men indulged their cravings more often when they are happy.

Diabetes occurs when your body is unable to properly process sugars and starches. Normally our bodies produce a hormone called insulin that enables us to make use of sugars and starches. But with diabetes, either we don't produce the insulin (Type 1-insulin dependent, autoimmune disorder, juvenile type) or we aren't able to utilize it (Type II-non-insulin dependent, congenital & acquired, adult-onset type). Nearly 12 million Americans have diabetes, 90% of them with the adult-onset type. Close to 12 million Americans have diabetes mellitus, 90% of whom have the adult onset, non-insulin-dependent variety. Complications of diabetes are reduced by 50% by careful control of blood glucose levels. Using self-monitoring of blood glucose levels by the patient themselves and to self-adjust insulin doses in accordance with blood sugar levels, activity, diet, and many other factors will improve control of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. The goal is to achieve the most sugar control with the least insulin. Insulin in excess elevates triglycerides, lowers high density lipoprotein, raises blood pressure, and causes obesity. Health problems emerge when there is too much insulin in our bodies. Also, damage to the nerves (neuropathy), the eyes (retinopathy), and the kidneys (nephropathy) are directly proportional to the degree of blood sugar elevation.

Type 11 usually has too much insulin (the sugar remains high because the bodies can’t use the hormone).Type 1 are insulin deficient. All diabetics can benefit from the following.

If you have diabetes, no matter what form, you'll greatly benefit from doing the following. For type 11, avoid carbohydrates and you avoid the high sugar and the high insulin. For type 1, aim for the least amount of carbohydrate without losing weight. For optimum results administer insulin about a half hour before you eat so that little is circulating in your system when carbohydrates aren’t in your system…how much you put in the syringe will depend on trial and error. In summary, curtail carbohydrates, take vita-nutrients, and keep injections in synch with meals.

Second, get enough good exercise. Exercise enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin and by itself can substantially reduce your need for medication. Exercise also stimulates weight loss when it is necessary. The best forms of exercise are brisk walking, slow jogging, bicycling, or swimming. Do it regularly, at least four times a week, for at least half an hour each time.

Vitamin A, C, & E and the mineral selenium seems to prevent diabetes-related changed to the retina and assist in the prevention of diabetic complications. Three minerals indispensable for good sugar metabolism are zinc, magnesium, and manganese. The deficiencies make the disease even more severe and have health repercussions.

4. Niacinamide (B3). Helps type 1 but not type 11. Niacin (another form of B3 tends to aggravate diabetes. Niacinamide slows the autoimmune cellular destruction in the initial phase of the disease process. Studies have shown that supplementation with chromium and niacin improves glucose metabolism in normal people and could certainly improve it in diabetics. Recommended dosage: 50 mg to 150 mg or 1000-2000. Large doses of niacinamide in the 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg range may cause an elevation in blood sugar level.

4a. Inositol. This B complex constituent joins lipoic acid in reducing the extent of nerve damage from blood sugar. Daily dose: 400-800 mg.

4b. B complex. Benefit to Type 1, particularly vitamin B6, biotin, and pantethine. Best to take the entire B complex, daily dose of 50-100mg of each major B vitamin.

5. Vitamin B-6.(50mg) In one study of 518 diabetics, B6 levels were below normal in 25%. Several studies have shown that vitamin B6 (also called pyridoxine) improves the diabetic condition. It also has been demonstrated in small studies to improve the peripheral neuropathy also experienced by diabetic patients.

6a. Manganese. 25-50 mg.

glucose levels and retards insulin response to ingested glucose. Potassium is often lacking in obese patients undergoing low-calorie diets, and in malnourished children. When it is added, there is marked improvement in utilization of glucose and production of insulin.

8. Vitamin B-12. (100-500mcg) Diabetics likely need larger quantities of B12 than the normal population. It is characteristically lower in diabetic patients and they also develop vitamin B-1 2 anemia more frequently. Often, injections of this vitamin is the preferred 'manner of supplementation. In some studies, B-12 has been demonstrated to improve diabetic retinopathy.

9. Thiamine (B1). Like B- 12, diabetic’s likely need larger intakes of thiamine. Blood levels of this vitamin have been shown to be significantly lower in diabetics taking insulin. Ingestion’s of thiamine have improved the diabetic condition. Dose: 50 mg to 100 mg per day.

11. Onions and garlic have been shown to naturally reduce blood sugar levels. Garlic has also been shown to retard the clumping of platelet in the blood, reduce cholesterol , and triglyceride levels.

12. Bioflavonoids (grape seed extracts, billberry (reduces capillary exudation, improve night vision, and reduce glare, decrease retinal bleeding), quercetin (protection and restoration of capillary function, reduce endothelial permeability, fluid leakage, prevent the conversion of glucose to sorbitol which deposits in ocular tissue resulting in cataracts, vascular dysfunction and neuropathy), rutin, pinebark and grape seed extracts are beneficial plant pigments for diabetics. Help prevent capillary leakage or hemorrhage, & also helpful for inflammatory and allergic conditions. Bioflavonoids are plant pigments usually found in the colored skins of root vegetables (grapes, blueberries, citrus fruits, cherries, red onions.). Ex: Quercetin (1000-5000mg)

13. Omega-3 fish oils have been shown to be helpful in reducing the "stickiness" of the blood platelets, in thinning the blood, and improving blood flow to the retina, thus minimizing the chance of the retina becoming starved of oxygen, a condition called neovascularization. EPA-E (fishoil) can be taken safely by diabetics. Omega -3 oil (500-1000) can be taken daily without adversely affecting blood sugar or total cholesterol levels. Flax seed oil is a superior source of omega-3 oil.

Allergies: A study suggests that children who drink cows milk at an early age are more likely to develop diabetes.

Others: Siberian Ginseng, Chelation therapy, Gingko Biloba (increases blood flow to the brain and may ameliorate vascular eye disease), best herbs that help include gymnema sylvestre (for adult-onset diabetes & helps to regenerate pancreatic cells), fenugreek, and bitter melon. Avocado (also good for heart disease) guards against aftereating increases in blood sugar.

Lipoic acid, alpha-lipoic acid. Treatment of choice for diabetic neuropathy. Lowers type 1 insulin needs. Prevents the cellular injury that leads to diabetic microangiopathy & neuropathy. Functions: helps the body convert food into energy with more efficiency, weight loss, clean up toxins and other byproducts of fat metabolism (antioxidant), anti-aging, protects the pancreatic cells, enhance memory and cognitive function, helpful to prevent cell damage in Alzheimer’s disease. For normals take 100-600mg, for diabetics 300-600mg. May cause rare skin reactions.

Homocysteine: In type ll, homocysteine metabolism is impaired, and can lead to diabetic retinopathy since elevated homocystiene is also a risk factor for this eye condition. High homocysteine causes cell damage, and injured cells within small vessels like the eyes appear to lead to retinopathy, as well as heart disease. Take folic acid, B6 and B12.

For children and adolescents try taking Calcium AEP in the earliest stage of the disease before the autoimmune destruction of the pancreas’ insulin -producing islet cells. Not yet available in US. Germany only. For info call 608-647-6513.

New studies indicate that Type 2 diabetes who took drugs to control hypertension reduced blindness or kidney failure by 24%, and reduced stroke (44%) and death (32%). Thus, lowering blood sugar and hypertension with drugs are important. So, do not stop your medications.

Shark cartilage contains anti-angiogenesis factors that may help to inhibit new blood vessel growth.

Statin Drugs. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Pravachol) helps to prevent diabetes. More good things are being discovered about the statins including their ability to help prevent coronary heart attacks, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease as well.

In addition: do the following

For Proliferative diabetic retinopathy: Genistein, Green tea, Vitamin E. These are anti-angiogenic.

Facts: 20% of people over 65 have diabetes and 92% of these are Type 2. Reduces life expectancy by 5-10 years and 13% undiagnosed in people over 50. People with diabetes are 2X more likely to have heart disease and 2.5X more likely to have a stroke.

Valerian- Anti-insomnia herb.

Hops

Passion flower

Kava kava

Melatonin

Tryptophan-no longer available

GABA

Prozac

Sleep formulations: 800-456-4325 Sedaplex

Avoid afternoon naps

Do not lie on the bed all day and sleep late every morning

Do not eat within 1-2 hours before bedtime

Avoid coffee or tea, chocolates, and soft drinks

Avoid salt

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can also be responsible

High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease/Strokes

High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. It can blow your brains out with a sudden stroke, or gradually destroy your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. It is not a disease, it's a condition, and for most, it is the price we pay for our unhealthy lifestyles. The heart, pumping against the resistance of the blood vessels, generates considerable pressure. This pressure is determined by two factors. First, the volume of blood that the heart is pumping around the cardiovascular system, and secondly, the resistance or tightness of the blood vessels through which this blood must be pumped. Elevated levels of blood pressure are common, and are dangerous as they contribute to both heart attacks and strokes. Some 60 million Americans have high blood pressure (that's a quarter of the population,) Recently, hypertension is anything over 140 for systolic and 90 for diastolic w/ systolic being more important.

In addition, doctors recommend that you lose weight, increase your physical exercise, decrease your salt intake, and restrict your use of alcohol and caffeine. All are important steps. Now new evidence links homocysteine (under 9 is ideal) to heart disease and arteriosclerosis. High concentrations of homocysteine are thought to make the artery walls sticky, allowing blood cholesterol to build up and block the flow blood. 15-30 percent of all patients with blocked arteries have too much homocysteine in their blood. Also, in women, high homocysteine have been implicated in neural tube defects, osteoporosis, diabetes, and theumatoid arthritis. Elevated levels can be reduced by three B vitamins: folate or folic acid (syn), Vit B6 and B12.

Also consider the following:

Go on a very-low-fat, mostly vegetable diet as previously discussed. Numerous studies have shown that substantially reducing the fat in the blood is even more powerful at lowering the blood pressure. Fat should comprise no more than 20% of your total daily intake of calories. Fat elevates blood pressure by increasing the thickness of the blood and stimulating hormones that cause the blood vessels to constrict. Fat also increases weight, which usually raises blood pressure.

Antioxidants. Beta-carotene, Vitamin C & E. Vit C & E contributes to less thickening of the carotid arteries and play a role in preventing the oxidation of LDL and may help to prevent the LDL cholesterol from being trapped in the artery wall and the subsequent development of blockages that can cause a heart attack. Vit E is also thought to prevent break-offs of plaque which can cause heart attacks, and may help in the reduction of heart attacks. However, Vitamin E (like aspirin) may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Quercertin. Black tea, onions, grapefruit, apples.

Increase your intake of potassium. What most patients and even physicians don't realize is that it is not so much the total amount of sodium (salt) that is ingested, but the ratio of sodium to potassium. In our culture, sources of potassium are systematically reduced in our diet by food processing, and sodium is added, throwing the ratios dangerously in favor of sodium. When you increase your potassium intake, you may be able to lower your blood pressure substantially, even without sodium reduction. Drink 8 oz. of orange juice every day. Be sure to eat a bountiful salad of uncooked fresh fruits & vegetables, including tomatoes, every day. Eat one or two apples every day. Oranges, broccoli, spinach, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, potatoes, dried peas, and beans are potassium rich. Use a potassium-based salt substitute. If you have severe kidney problems, check with your physician. These potassium salt substitutes are in the grocery store under the names of Morton Salt Substitute, Nu-Salt, and No Salt. Your body's natural defense against too much sodium is potassium. We know that sodium causes water to now into cells, whereas potassium draws water out. If you are on a diuretic talk to your doctor about taking a potassium supplement, because certain diuretics wash out potassium. Avoid or decrease potassium or salt substitutes if you are taking Aldactone (spironolactone). Licorice can cause low levels of potassium, so do not take licorice if you are on a diuretic.

Take additional magnesium every day, preferably 400-1,000 mg. Magnesium relaxes the blood vessels. reducing the peripheral resistance. Increase your consumption of both potassium and magnesium. I also recommend magnesiurn/potassium aspartate. in addition, you should be eating two or three servings per day of fresh fruits and deep green vegetables. Magnesium is nature's calcium channelblocker—it's just as powerful, without the side effects. Ginseng also relaxes blood vessels & reduces stickiness. Garlic keeps arteries elastic. Take a clove of garlic raw or cooked each day.

Don't Forget Your Calcium: Calcium has been shown to lower blood pressure, and the combination of the two can be used at bedtime to help you do what we all seem to have so little time to do... relax.

Take fish oils, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. With omega-3 in your bloodstream the blood flows more smoothly, with less resistance—and blood pressure falls. Reduces heart disease by 35%. Does not reduce cholesterol, but does reduce triglycerides.

To lower triglycerides: Low fat, low sugar, more fruits and vegetables, (apples, oranges, broccoli, green beans, kidney beans, oatmeal, barley and whole grain bread), high fiber diet, do aerobic exercise every day, take daily fish-oil capsules, avoid beef, pork, poultry, butter, nonskim milk and cheese, organ meats, shrimp, potatoe chips and snack food,s sugary juices, minimize alcohol. Triglycerides lowering drugs include Fibrates (lopid, tricor), Statins (Mevacor, Pravachol), and Niacin(side effects include GI distress, inc blood glucose, and liver inflammation.)

Bioflavonoids: Protects your capillaries, combat oxidation and blood clots, and enhance the action & absorption of Vitamin C. Stabilize collagen and strengthen blood vessels. Prevents all the diseases of aging. Pcynogenol (grape or pine seed): 100-120mg/day.

Soybean products: Antioxidant. Prevent the growth of cells that form artery-clogging plaque and reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Stop smoking. I know this can be tough, but the health results are truly remarkable including a dramatically lowered blood pressure.

Stop caffeine, alcohols, tobacco, sugar, and salt (CATS). Caffeine and alcohol increase stress on your organs, raise blood pressure, and cause you to lose vital nutrients, such as potassium and 13 vitamins. Tobacco is the most dangerous. Nicotine decreases blood circulation, thereby putting even more pressure on the heart to pump harder. Sugar, the kind in most processed foods, is converted into body fat. Salt in excess disrupts the body's balance between sodium and potassium, causing too much fluid to remain in your cells.

Start walking. When it comes to lowering blood pressure, walking for 45 rninutes a day provides as great or greater benefit for older people as a more vigorous workout. Three to five days a week for 20 to 60 minutes will lower blood pressure by 10 points.

Lose weight: About 60% of overweight people who also have high blood pressure see their readings return To normal when they lose weight.

Drink 8 to 10 Glasses of Clean (Purified-not tap) Water: If you deprive your body of water, it responds by conserving (retaining) fluid. You can lose half a pound a week by drinking water. That's up to 26 pounds a year,

Stress: Certain forms of psychological stress (particularly hostility & depression) may increase the risk of a recurrent heart attack.

Incidence of stroke decreased with increasing milk intake. Whereas, dietary calcium from nondairy sources did not appear to provide a protective effect against stroke. Further study needed to confirm this.

For severe high blood pressure: use e a very rigid diet consisting only of brown rice, fruits, and raw or cooked vegetables.

Ticlopidine: reserved for cases in which aspirin is not powerful enough for decreasing blood clot formation

Other suggestions: Grape juice, Hawthorne, Gingko Biloba , apple cider vinegar, Green Tea, Children’s Aspirin (which reduces the chance of clot formation in a narrow artery), Chelation therapy, Vitamin E, Bromelain, Curcumin, Gugulipid, Ginger.

Gingko Biloba protects nerve tissue from damage, especially following seizures or stroke. Use gingko before heart surgery for better recovery.

Diabetes (high blood sugar levels accelerate atherosclerosis), hypertension, obesity, and smoking (which narrows arteries) increase the risk of stroke. Women who do not take estrogen replacement therapy after menopause are prone to develop atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol reducing drugs-Statins (Zocor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Mevacor) reduce stroke risk by 27%, & these have few side effects. Statins also can reduce strokes and help with osteoporosis. Lowers total cholesterol levels by an average of 16-45%. Highly recommended, and currently the best way to lower cholesterol.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): reduces triglycerides, LDL cholesterol & total cholesterol. Reduces fat deposits in arteries.

DASH diet works: diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. (dash.bwh.Harvard.edu)

Grapefruit Pectin, effective as plaque reducing, and anti-cholesterol. ProFibe 800-756-3999.

1. Studies have shown that infusions of magnesium are quite beneficial at preventing dangerous heart irregularities and also strengthening the heart.

2.Combination therapies with non-prescription agents such as coenzyme Q-10, L-carnitine, L-Arginine, vitamin E, and supplements of fish oil can also protect the damaged heart by strengthening it and thinning the blood.

It you are taking a prescription medication for high blood pressure and want to try more natural methods, I have two rules you must follow: I) Do not stop taking your prescription. That could be dangerous. 2} Work with your doctor to explore the natural alternatives.

Choose your health care practitioner wisely. Make sure that the person treating you is someone you listens well and can offer the support you need to make healthy changes in your life. I know you're anxious to feel and look better, so why not survey your eating habits over the next few days. Look for foods (and condiments) that are too high in fat, and be thinking of what you can cut back on or substitute with a healthier alternative. Then give it a try.

You may have to stop the grapefruit juice. If you are taking the prescription drug Procardia (nifedipine) or Plendil (felodipine) to control high blood pressure do not take either one with grapefruit juice. This combination increases the potency of the drug, which could be dangerous. The good news is that orange juice works just fine.

Also, do not take high fiber foods and antacids with medications. Take them 2-3 hours before or after. Some pain relievers such as aspirin, advil, nuprin, aleve orudis KT can reduce the effectiveness of beta blockers. (Inderol, Lopressor)

Save Time Shopping With The Health Food Store Top 10 1. Whole grain breakfast cereals (There's an array of great Lasting cereals that feature whole grains, natural sweeteners, and are low in sodium. These cereals make for a quick and nutritious breakfast.) 2. Mole wheat crackers. 3. Whole wheat pasta (A delicious way to include fiber in your diet. Also look for pasta made from grains, such as amaranth and buckwheat.) 4. Local, unpasteurized honey (Most honey is so processed it's not much different words 'wild" and "unfiltered" on the label. Of course, I prefer organic, too.) 5. Organic pea-nut butter and almond butter (You can buy peanut butter made without hydrogenated oils at almost any supermarket, but peanuts contain a high pesticide residue. For just a few more cents, you can buy Arrowhead Mills Valencia Peanut Butter, which tests free of chemicals. Almond butter is also a delightful alternative to peanut butter.) 6. Organic juices (They are worth it, especially if you're giving juice to your kids or grandkids.) 7. Spaghetti sauce (The sauces sold in health food stores are terrific; plus they contain no sugar and half the sodium of many supermarket brands.) 8. Organic nuts and raisins (Nuts, especially peanuts, tend to be treated heavily with pesticides. Here's your chance to pick up snacks free of chemicals.) 9. Hormone-free meat (The practices allowed in this country for raising cattle and poultry are certainly not in your best interest. On the package, it should say free of hormones and antibiotics. Most countries will not accept American beef because of these additives.) 10. Chicken, turkey, or soy hot dogs (An easy way to add soy to your diet and to expand your non-meat repertoire.)

This report provided to you by Edwin Y. Endo, OD.

Usually age-related, is defined as a progressive deterioration of the central retina called the macula.

Results in loss of central vision, mostly after age 65.

A good general multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with the following:

Riboflavin, 10 to 20 mg, Flavonoids, 100 mg, Vitamin A,

Beta-carotene, Vitamin C,. This nutrient protects the lens from damage caused by UV sun rays and heat.

Vitamin E (400-800units) Recently, new studies indicate too much Vit E should be avoided.

Cysteine (N-acetyle-cysteine), 100-1,000mg twice daily: Important for the maintenance of a healthy retina. High levels of cyteine, another amino acid, stimulates the production of gluthathione in the eyes and the rest of the body. Vitamin C, E and beta carotene work together with gluthathione. Cysteine is found in protein-rich eggs. Completely avoiding eggs to reduce cholesterol may rob the body of some important amino acids like cysteine. It has been shown that when eight eggs per week replaced beef and pork in the diet, cholesterol levels were reduced.

Garlic (1000mg) prevents blood clots and reduce cholesterol.

Omega-3 fats (500-1000mg flax seed) essential for nerve conduction in the retina, reduce cholesterol deposits, and maintain retinal nutrition by keeping blood vessels open & reducing blood clots. However, if taking omega-3 fats, need to take more antioxidants.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2, 25-50mg) helps in the production of gluthathione.

Rutin (a bioflavonoid) 250 mg

Selenium: (100mg) helps in the production of gluthathione.

Taurine, 100-500mg twice daily important in the maintenance of vision and the regeneration of worn out tissues of the visual system.

Zinc (15-25 mg.) Too much zinc can cause copper loss, increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and create cholesterol imbalance.

Preventive Measures: Wear 100 % UV protection eyewear, Stop smoking/alcohol/caffeine, control blood sugar, increase dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (spinach, kale, mustard greens), blood thinners, antivasospasm agents, very low fat and cholesterol diet, antioxidant nutritional supplements, daily exercise.

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain pills (ibuprofen) are not recommended and should be discouraged.

Special Antioxidants: To reverse or prevent macular degeneration mega-dose antioxidant therapy is required & usually for a minimum of 9 months before they repair themselves. One of the main reasons why mega-doses of nutrients are necessary is because they do not absorb nutrients from their foods or vitamin tablets as they once did. The lack of digestive juices impairs the ability to absorb most nutrients.

Grape seed & pine bark extract

Quercetin

Cell damage from the sun can deteriorate the macula, and light-colored eyes may be more prone to damage from sunlight. So wear protective UV protection and a brimmed hat. AMD is more common among whites than among African-Americans and females are at higher risk than males. Woman over age 75 is twice as likely to develop AMD as a man of the same age. Low levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women may also increase risk for the condition.

In summary, don’t wait until age 60 to think about AMD; it may be too late! Macular cells in the eye may begin to break down much earlier in life. So preventive measures should begin as early as possible.

Provided by Edwin Y. Endo, OD

When a woman in her late 40s or 50s, suffering menopausal symptoms, is important to consume foods rich in bonebuilding vitamins and minerals. And be more actively involved in exercise. Sometimes ERT is the best treatment. Moreover, ERT reduces women's risk not only for osteoporosis-related bone fractures but cardiovascular disease as well. Still, for many women, ERT, which increases risk for reproductive cancer, is not the total answer. They may have a family or personal history of breast cancer, or ERT may simply make them feel out of sorts. Beyond ERT, a healthy diet, rich in a wide range of bone-building nutrients, and consistent exercise remain the key to long-term skeletal health. Furthermore, even if women are using ERT or other medical drugs for osteoporosis, they may be able to reduce the prescribed dosage by paying special attention to their diet and exercise. In some cases, women may be able to stop or never start ERT altogether. So no matter whether you are on ERT or not and no matter what your age is, it is time to start taking care of your diet now, and to get on a regular exercise program. Your diet and exercise programs are the foundation for fighting osteoporosis, apart from taking care of your health in general. More women die each year from hip fractures related to osteoporosis than from breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer combined. Early signs of Osteoporosis: chronic back and leg pain (also bone pain in the spine may affect the cranial nerves), loss of bone in the jaw and tooth sockets resulting in frequent dental problems, vision defects or facial tics. Urine test for osteoporosis: ph below 7 (acid) usually means calcium and bone loss. Above ph 7 (alkaline) indicates a low risk. Potassium and magnesium help maintain a favorable acid-base (pH) balance in the blood.

A wide range of minerals, vitamins and plant substances, including boron, copper, magnesium, and zinc, as well members of the B vitamin complex and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, all contribute to maintaining a healthy skeleton. Moreover, a healthy diet rich in bone-building nutrients is important for parents to provide their growing children, to help them develop a strong skeletal structure. That will pay off with healthy dividends, as they grow older.

The foods listed in our table are your best opportunity for sustained health and vitality. Eat as much of these fruits, vegetables and whole grains as you like, preferably at least five to 10 servings daily. Osteoporosis is also related to food-enzyme activity. It can also be the result of poor digestion and enzyme deficiency. If you don’t eat enough fresh plant foods, you probably have low enzymes and poor digestion. Too much protein results in calcium loss by 50%. Over acid blood results from too much red meat, sodas, caffeine foods, and alcohol. Lifestyle influences osteoporosis: too little exercise, too little sunlight, smoking, depression, steroids or antibiotics, and fluorinated water all increase your risk.

One of the overall best activities for women is weight-bearing exercise. Women whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, however, must begin an easy and safe exercise program under medical supervision. Even a slight stress on fragile bones could result in fracture. If you choose weight-bearing exercise, you must start with extremely light amounts of resistance.

We also recommend exercise with water calisthenics, particularly for women whose bones have been weakened. Even if a woman has arthritis, water therapy is excellent. There won't be any load on the joints and she can lie in the water and kick her feet; even just wading in water provides excellent resistance. Wading back and forth in four feet of water can even help heal some fractures. As their bone strength increases, such women can slowly increase the intensity of their exercise.

Dietary and Lifestyle Tips

Phyto-Estrogens High consumption correlated with low risk for osteoporosis and fewer menopausal symptoms. Beans, Miso, Textured Vegetable Protein, Tofu.

Forms of Calcium: carbonate (requires stomach acid to dissolve), citrate (more readily absorbed but need more), gluconate & lactate (contains less calcium per tablet). Unrefined oyster shells, bone meal, or dolomite contain more lead and should be avoided. Recommend calma plus.

In Summary:

1. Get enough calcium and vitamin D

2. Follow and exercise program

3. Eat your fruits and vegetables

 

Whats on the Horizon on other future remedies?

1. Statins: less likely to suffer fractures.

2. Parathyroid hormone (PTH): low doses may increase bone mass or mineral density.

3. Osteoprotegerin (OPG): Increases bone mass by reducing osteoclast production.

4. Phytoestrogens: under study.

 

Edwin Y. Endo, OD revised March 31, 2001