Here are few healthy and natural alternatives. Some are product recommendations, and some are do-it-yourself projects.

Love Your Lips

In a small container, mix a dollop of honey, agave nectar, or real maple syrup. Add a spoonful of sugar and mix well. Using your finger, spread the mixture over your lips and gently massage dry and dead skin away. Not only will this leave your lips feeling insanely soft, it also tastes good! Lock in the moisture with your favorite all-natural lip balm. (I like Badger’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm in Sweet Orange. With organic ingredients like fair trade cocoa butter, extra virgin olive oil, and aloe, your lips will be kissably soft.)

Care For Your Face

Many store bought exfoliates are harsh and will irritate your skin. You can make your own, gentle facial scrub with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen! If your skin is sensitive (like mine), the sugar you use on your lips may be a little too rough. Many people use oats or almonds as well, and if you have dry, tough skin, that may work great for you. But if you are like me, try this gentle alternative: Poor some coffee grounds into a small container and moisten with a little bit of pure olive oil. Spring for the good stuff. Real Italian olive oil is more likely to be just that, and not watered down with other oils or harmful chemicals like its grocery store alternative. Mix well and apply to your clean face. Gently massage in circular motions for a minute or so, and rinse. The coffee grounds will scrub away flakey skin and leave you feeling invigorated, while the olive oil works to moisturize your skin, leaving your face feeling as soft as a baby’s bottom.

Cleanse Your Body

My personal favorite product on the market is Doctor Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint. I have used this since I was a little girl. It smells delicious, leaves your skin feeling fresh and tingly, and is made from fair trade, natural ingredients. It is so natural that you can use it not only on your body, but on your clothes and even your dishes!  In fact, the only ingredients are water, saponified organic coconut, organic palm and organic olive oils (w/retained glycerin), organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, fair trade peppermint essential oils, citric acid, and vitamin E! You can even make your own castile soap fairly easily. Buy a few bars of pure, unscented castile soap, and shave them into flakes.  Try a cheese grater if you have one! Add about two cups of flakes to about 6 cups of boiling water and melt down. When it begins to cool, add any moisturizing elements like aloe, or add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance. Pour the mixture into any bottle you have laying around (old olive oil bottles or wine bottles work wonderfully!), and voila!

Care For Your Hair

The “no-poo” method has been on the rise in the world of natural hair care. If you are not familiar with no-poo, it involves replacing shampoo with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water that you scrub your scalp with and massage through your hair to clean and smooth, followed by conditioning with a 50/50 mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. I know, this sounds stinky, but the scent of the vinegar vanishes once you rinse your hair, and if you are concerned about a lingering odor, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with some water, shake well, and spritz on your hair. Personally, I am not a fan of this method. I have fine, oil prone hair, and I prefer to lather, rinse and repeat. If you are like me, there are plenty of natural products on the market. I am partial to Nature’s Gate brand Herbal Shampoo. This stuff smells phenomenal, and the ingredients are derived from sources like coconut, yarrow, sage, jojoba, and thyme.

Clean Cosmetics

Cosmetics are the big bad of the beauty world. Most drug store brands are tested on animals, and even prestige brands contain heavy metals that are hazardous to your health! If you take good care of your skin, you will find yourself needing less and less product. Instead of treating acne spots with harsh chemicals, try a dab of your favorite all natural toothpaste. This will dry those bad boys right out and they will disappear in no time. If you are still feeling a little blotchy and you want to cover some spots or even out your skin tone, think twice before reaching for that foundation. Even popular mineral foundations include things like titanium dioxide, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer claims may be a carcinogen to humans. It is really hard to find cosmetics that contain safe, natural ingredients. Try Ecco Bella brand. Their concealer only contains the following ingredients: castor oil, isopropyl palmitate derived from palm oil, candelilla wax, beeswax, organic calendula oil, organic chamomile oil, organic jojoba oil, and vitamin e. It does contain the dreaded titanium dioxide, but as it is not in the form of a powder, it should have no negative effects on your person. For a pop of color on the lips, check out offerings from Badger or Hemp Organics. A lot of folks are also fans of the Burt’s Bees tinted balms, but keep in mind that they are now owned by Clorox, who tests on animals.

Easy Peasy Fragrance

Did you realize that the propylene glycol in the fragrance that has been added to your deodorant and shampoos is industrial antifreeze? Or how about the fact that the sodium lauryl sulfate in your fresh smelling detergents and soaps is also an ingredient in garage floor cleanser? There might be acetone in your fancy perfume or cologne, not to mention benzyl acetate, which is only one of the carcinogens found in an incredible number of fragrances. Do you still want to douse yourself in that stuff before leaving the house? No, probably not. But we all want to smell nice, don’t we? Instead of using nasty anti perspirants full of aluminum and anti-freeze, try one of the rock crystal deodorants from your local health food store. These are free from aluminum, parabens, and alcohol, and come in a variety of 100% natural scents. Instead of shelling out $100 at the perfume counter, consider essential oils. You can easily find them online, and most health food stores and metaphysical shops sell them in a variety of scents. Mix and match a few drops in a bottle of water, shake well, and you have yourself a sweet smelling perfume that you can feel good about. If you don’t want to make your own, Auric Blends has a vast array of amazing scents. Egyptian Goddess is their best seller, and for a good reason. This stuff is out of this world! I am also partial to their Patchouli-Amber blend. No matter what you are looking for, they are sure to have a scent to suit you in their line of roll on, solid, and all natural perfumes.

Bio: Melissa Cohen is a travel writer for Excellent Hotels from Portland, Maine. She is passionate about clean, natural, organic living.

Here are few healthy and natural alternatives. Some are product recommendations, and some are do-it-yourself projects.

Love Your Lips

In a small container, mix a dollop of honey, agave nectar, or real maple syrup. Add a spoonful of sugar and mix well. Using your finger, spread the mixture over your lips and gently massage dry and dead skin away. Not only will this leave your lips feeling insanely soft, it also tastes good! Lock in the moisture with your favorite all-natural lip balm. (I like Badger’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm in Sweet Orange. With organic ingredients like fair trade cocoa butter, extra virgin olive oil, and aloe, your lips will be kissably soft.)

Care For Your Face

Many store bought exfoliates are harsh and will irritate your skin. You can make your own, gentle facial scrub with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen! If your skin is sensitive (like mine), the sugar you use on your lips may be a little too rough. Many people use oats or almonds as well, and if you have dry, tough skin, that may work great for you. But if you are like me, try this gentle alternative: Poor some coffee grounds into a small container and moisten with a little bit of pure olive oil. Spring for the good stuff. Real Italian olive oil is more likely to be just that, and not watered down with other oils or harmful chemicals like its grocery store alternative. Mix well and apply to your clean face. Gently massage in circular motions for a minute or so, and rinse. The coffee grounds will scrub away flakey skin and leave you feeling invigorated, while the olive oil works to moisturize your skin, leaving your face feeling as soft as a baby’s bottom.

Cleanse Your Body

My personal favorite product on the market is Doctor Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Liquid Soap in Peppermint. I have used this since I was a little girl. It smells delicious, leaves your skin feeling fresh and tingly, and is made from fair trade, natural ingredients. It is so natural that you can use it not only on your body, but on your clothes and even your dishes!  In fact, the only ingredients are water, saponified organic coconut, organic palm and organic olive oils (w/retained glycerin), organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, fair trade peppermint essential oils, citric acid, and vitamin E! You can even make your own castile soap fairly easily. Buy a few bars of pure, unscented castile soap, and shave them into flakes.  Try a cheese grater if you have one! Add about two cups of flakes to about 6 cups of boiling water and melt down. When it begins to cool, add any moisturizing elements like aloe, or add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance. Pour the mixture into any bottle you have laying around (old olive oil bottles or wine bottles work wonderfully!), and voila!

Care For Your Hair

The “no-poo” method has been on the rise in the world of natural hair care. If you are not familiar with no-poo, it involves replacing shampoo with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water that you scrub your scalp with and massage through your hair to clean and smooth, followed by conditioning with a 50/50 mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. I know, this sounds stinky, but the scent of the vinegar vanishes once you rinse your hair, and if you are concerned about a lingering odor, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with some water, shake well, and spritz on your hair. Personally, I am not a fan of this method. I have fine, oil prone hair, and I prefer to lather, rinse and repeat. If you are like me, there are plenty of natural products on the market. I am partial to Nature’s Gate brand Herbal Shampoo. This stuff smells phenomenal, and the ingredients are derived from sources like coconut, yarrow, sage, jojoba, and thyme.

Clean Cosmetics

Cosmetics are the big bad of the beauty world. Most drug store brands are tested on animals, and even prestige brands contain heavy metals that are hazardous to your health! If you take good care of your skin, you will find yourself needing less and less product. Instead of treating acne spots with harsh chemicals, try a dab of your favorite all natural toothpaste. This will dry those bad boys right out and they will disappear in no time. If you are still feeling a little blotchy and you want to cover some spots or even out your skin tone, think twice before reaching for that foundation. Even popular mineral foundations include things like titanium dioxide, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer claims may be a carcinogen to humans. It is really hard to find cosmetics that contain safe, natural ingredients. Try Ecco Bella brand. Their concealer only contains the following ingredients: castor oil, isopropyl palmitate derived from palm oil, candelilla wax, beeswax, organic calendula oil, organic chamomile oil, organic jojoba oil, and vitamin e. It does contain the dreaded titanium dioxide, but as it is not in the form of a powder, it should have no negative effects on your person. For a pop of color on the lips, check out offerings from Badger or Hemp Organics. A lot of folks are also fans of the Burt’s Bees tinted balms, but keep in mind that they are now owned by Clorox, who tests on animals.

Easy Peasy Fragrance

Did you realize that the propylene glycol in the fragrance that has been added to your deodorant and shampoos is industrial antifreeze? Or how about the fact that the sodium lauryl sulfate in your fresh smelling detergents and soaps is also an ingredient in garage floor cleanser? There might be acetone in your fancy perfume or cologne, not to mention benzyl acetate, which is only one of the carcinogens found in an incredible number of fragrances. Do you still want to douse yourself in that stuff before leaving the house? No, probably not. But we all want to smell nice, don’t we? Instead of using nasty anti perspirants full of aluminum and anti-freeze, try one of the rock crystal deodorants from your local health food store. These are free from aluminum, parabens, and alcohol, and come in a variety of 100% natural scents. Instead of shelling out $100 at the perfume counter, consider essential oils. You can easily find them online, and most health food stores and metaphysical shops sell them in a variety of scents. Mix and match a few drops in a bottle of water, shake well, and you have yourself a sweet smelling perfume that you can feel good about. If you don’t want to make your own, Auric Blends has a vast array of amazing scents. Egyptian Goddess is their best seller, and for a good reason. This stuff is out of this world! I am also partial to their Patchouli-Amber blend. No matter what you are looking for, they are sure to have a scent to suit you in their line of roll on, solid, and all natural perfumes.

Bio: Melissa Cohen is a travel writer for Excellent Hotels from Portland, Maine. She is passionate about clean, natural, organic living.

Childhood Flu Vaccine Inhibits Development of T-Cells
A newly published study in the Journal of Virology adds additional weight to the case against routine influenza vaccinations. Researchers have found that vaccinating children annually against the flu virus interferes with the development of virus-specific killer T cells. This means that the annual flu vaccine may protect children against the actual viruses in the vaccine, but at the same time makes them more vulnerable to any other virus that they are exposed to.

Support Your Immune System Naturally
As an integrative medical doctor, I believe that you can support your immune system naturally with a combination of healthy nutritional choices and targeted supplements for immune support. It is generally not necessary to introduce viruses, chemicals and heavy metals into our bodies in the form of a vaccination.

Common sense and scientific research tell us that one of the most important strategies for staying well is to wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and running water for 20 seconds is the most effective way to cleanse your hands of all kinds of germs.

It is also important to get enough sleep (greater than 7 hours per night), get moderate exercise and not overwork (less then 10 hours per day).

Nutritional approaches to a healthy immune system include eating plenty of green vegetables, reducing or eliminating consumption of refined sugars and processed foods, and supplementing with immune boosting vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals.

Immune Support Supplements
You can support your body’s innate health mechanisms with certain scientifically-researched formulas and compounds that combine cutting edge science with traditional wisdom. These will offer comprehensive health support whenever you need it most: during the winter season, when under stress, while travelling and for daily protection. Here are some of my top recommendations for supporting immune health during the winter and year round.

One of my top recommendations is a blend of six medicinal mushrooms with additional immune boosting beta glucans. The mushrooms in this formula have been used for thousands of years to promote optimal functioning of the immune system and support overall health. However, this formula is unique because the mushrooms are cultivated in the US on a blend of powerful immune supporting herbs which enhance the mushrooms’ natural immune boosting properties. When combined in a comprehensive formula with additional beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms are an excellent way to boost your body’s natural defenses and combat infection, especially on a long term basis. Mushrooms are also of great benefit during times of acute stress or infection, as they can be taken in frequent doses with no known side effects.

Another recommendation is a Tibetan herbal formula made with a blend of 19 rare and powerful botanicals that contain a multitude of health-promoting tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids and essential oils. This traditional formula has “cooling” properties that support balanced immune function, increased circulation and healthy antioxidant activity.

Last, but most importantly is Modified Citrus Pectin, the first natural Galectin-3 blocker. Scientists are now finding that blocking harmful excess Galectin-3 molecules in the body is critical in promoting cellular health and long term wellness. In addition to binding and blocking Galectin-3 throughout the body, research demonstrates that regular use of Modified Citrus Pectin offers powerful immune support and also safely detoxifies harmful heavy metals and environmental toxins without side effects.

Integrative medicine treats the whole person, rather than the symptom or illness. As a result, these and other natural health solutions offer powerful immune support while simultaneously promoting overall health and protecting against chronic illness over the long term.  And that’s an area where many conventional solutions fall short.

Water is important in our lives because:

• Transports nutrients and oxygen into cells
• Moisturizes the air in lungs
• Helps with metabolism
• Protects our vital organ and to to absorb nutrients better
• Regulates body temperature
• Detoxifies
• Protects and moisturizes our joints

It is necessary to replenish water removed to keep the water balance.

1. Drink before thirst. The sensation of thirst indicates some degree of dehydration. Only a 1% loss reduces the ability of performance. 6% can put lives at risk.
2. To consume half a liter of water or any drink specifically designed to train an hour before
3. Drink the same amount of training after 20 minutes but not water but a drink with carbohydrates and electrolytes.
4. We should consume a minimum of 1ml of water per calorie consumed. Intake 2000 calories required consumption of 2 liters. Admitting that the water supply of food to 50% of the total volume would require an absolute minimum of 1 liter a day to consume.

Image to link, Portalhunt

Many of us are at a loss as to how to go about the job. There is no ready guide to follow but some tips can come handy. For example, the first most important thing to check for is whether the consulting nutritionist has a legal license or not. It is not mandatory for nutritionists to be certified which increases the chances of people getting duped. However, if the state in which you reside thinks it to be essential for practicing nutritionists to held a license then check with him or her first regarding that.

Look into his or her educational background to check for the authenticity of the degree. Try to deduce how much knowledgeable the person really is and whether he or she is confident enough to pass you an advice on nutrition. After all it is the matter of health and no compromise should be made on that front. At the same time, try and find out the working experience of the nutritionist. If he or she falls under good nutritionists in Vancouver, then the goodwill can be heard from some previous clients as well. Cross the references to silent the doubts.

However, it is unlikely to follow whatever the nutritionist suggests you. No one understands your health better than you and so be rational enough to question the nutritionist’s advice. The good nutritionists in Vancouver will not force anything upon his or her patient. Whatever the nutritionist prescribes you, see to it that it conforms to your health.

It is rightfully said that first impressions are the last impression. Whether it is a doctor or a nutritionist, a patient needs to trust the person in order to undergo a successful treatment. Comfort is a big factor and the trained and good nutritionists will try to be approachable and open. As the patient, if you can’t share, it is better to switch to someone else.

Money is also an important factor in the entire scenario. Good nutritionists in Vancouver make it a point to charge rightfully for their services. Before taking the service of one, check whether the nutritionist will charge a hectic fee compared to the services or his or her fee will be a part of any insurance policies that you have undertaken. Reputed nutritionists generally ward off any kind of hidden cost to keep their names clean of any blemish.

The secret to good health is correct amount of nutrition intake and it is only an experienced nutritionist who holds the key to a healthy life.

Meditation

Winter time is an excellent time for retrospection, meditation and exploration of deeper issues. To do this, we need to slow down. In fact, we are usually so busy that we are not even aware of how neurotic our thoughts and actions are. When we slow down through meditation, relaxation, or simply taking some time off, we may be overwhelmed by the recognition of how fast and full our lives really are. If we can take the time to truly relax and slow down, the winter season can provide a profound opportunity for internal insight and deep introspection. This process may naturally give rise to “stuff” that is stuck under the surface of our mundane activities; issues, thoughts or patterns we may have been avoiding with our ongoing busy-ness. Simply allow these issues to arise, unfold and slip away as you calm your mind with simple meditation and breathing practices. Allowing this process to unfold during the winter season can have a much different quality than the peeling process that we engage in during our spring and fall cleanse. The end result may be similar but different organ systems, emotions and patterns are involved. This level of mind/heart medicine is an integral part of true integrative health and the winter season is an excellent time to experience meditation’s holistic benefits.

Organs

According to the principles of TCM, winter is associated with the element of water and influences the health of the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, bones (including bone marrow) and teeth. In TCM, the kidneys are the primary source of vitality, energy and heat as well as vital essence. Energy is drawn from this source during times of stress and anxiety or when the body requires healing. During the coldness of winter, it is critical to maintain healthy kidneys and adrenal glands through proper diet and supplementation, good hydration, as well as energetic practices such as yoga and Tai Chi, which help keep your core warm and well nourished.

Emotions

According to TCM, winter is inactive, cold and damp in nature, relating to feelings such as fear and depression which tend to exert more influence during this season. In Western medicine, many people are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a particular form of depression/anxiety that occurs during the darker months primarily due to lack of sunshine exposure. Women often experience this condition more than men and it results in poor mood, lack of energy, irritability, weight gain due to overeating and fatigue. In addition to supplementing with Vitamin D-3, I recommend opening your curtains during the day to allow any sunlight to come in and taking brisk walks (in the sunshine if possible) to improve circulation and blood flow. Meditation practices which help to calm the mind and heart are also extremely valuable during the winter season.

Warming, Nourishing Foods

In icy winter months, people tend to exercise less, remain more sedentary and crave calorie-dense comfort foods. It’s important however to pay close attention to the amount and type of food you eat during this time, in order to avoid unhealthy weight gain. According to TCM, it is also important to avoid too many raw foods during winter because they tend to cool the body and can deplete our digestive “fire” which is the ability to assimilate food efficiently. I recommend eating warming foods, while cooking them longer and at lower temperatures with less water. Emphasize soups and stews, root vegetables, plenty of dark leafy greens, kidney and black beans, walnuts, black sesame seeds, whole grains, and seaweeds. These specific foods help to fortify the kidneys, uplift the emotions, nourish the body, keep you warm and help you to conserve energy.

Supplements

Botanicals and nutrients which promote immune health during the winter are important adjuncts for surviving cold and flu season. High quality medicinal mushrooms are potent immune modulators, along with vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D-3. Other powerful immune supplements include Modified Citrus Pectin and a Tibetan Herbal Formula with over 3 decades of clinical research. Purified Honokiol (magnolia bark extract) can help with mood support and a comprehensive digestive formula can keep digestion strong and support nutrient absorption for optimal nourishment. Other herbs emphasized by TCM in the winter include tonifying root herbs, for their warming, grounding and strengthening properties.

Healing Practices

People are more susceptible to colds and flu during the winter season, as the cold weather challenges the immune system. The main treatment modalities in TCM are acupuncture and moxabustion (the burning of Moxa herb, mugwort, around specific acupuncture points), Qi Gong (precise exercises to enhance the flow of vital energy), specific dietary recommendations, as well an extensive pharmacopeia of herbal medicine. All of these therapies have great value during the winter, as they help to relieve stagnant energy caused by a lack of activity and the cold weather. Practitioners of TCM also advise resting as much as possible during the winter, which helps replenish the kidneys and restore essential energy. Getting to bed early and rising after the sun has risen will help you preserve your warmth and vitality.

Traditional Chinese Medicine reflects an innate connection to nature with each season presenting opportunities for transformation, healing and growth. The winter season allows for deeper introspection and nourishment, so that our seeds and intentions can develop internally before they blossom into the spring. So stay warm, hydrated and nourished, and give yourself the extra time and space to slow down, rest and meditate in this profound season of stillness. For more valuable tips to help you stay healthy this winter and beyond, visit www.dreliaz.org.

“High Galectin-3 Diseases”

Extensive research on Galectin-3 is rapidly expanding our understanding of chronic, “age-related” diseases. In small amounts, Galectin-3 molecules in the body play a role in growth processes, and are not considered dangerous. But when Galectin-3 levels are elevated beyond normal ranges, they wreak havoc on our systems, causing metastatic cancer, congestive heart failure, debilitating inflammation, fibrosis, organ damage and much more. Every few days, a new scientific paper is published linking excess Galectin-3 in the body with the progression of deadly and debilitating illnesses, from metastatic cancer and congestive heart failure, to diabetes II, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and much more. In May 2011, a groundbreaking Galectin-3 mortality study involving over 8,000 people was presented at a European conference. The results of this study demonstrate that elevated Galectin-3 in the body increased overall mortality three-fold in the general population.  Overall mortality was close to 15% in the group with the highest Galectin-3, compared to only 4-5% in the group with the lowest levels. With the advancement of a simple new Galectin-3 blood test, experts estimate that a new category of diseases known as “High Galectin-3 Diseases” will soon be established, utilizing the Galectin-3 test for screening and analysis.

No Way to Accurately Measure Risk….Until Now

Until now, there has not been an easy or reliable method for people to accurately determine their risks and progression of cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening illness. That’s why the new Galectin-3 test is so a valuable for patients and doctors. Galectin-3 is an active biomarker, which means it is both a major cause, as well as a byproduct, of numerous deadly disease processes. Therefore it is an extremely important biomarker for analyzing the risk and progression of chronic diseases such as heart failure and cancer — essentially any condition related to inflammation, fibrosis, abnormal cellular growth and other detrimental disease processes. It is now clear that testing and blocking the harmful effects of elevated Galectin-3 is critical in protecting against life-threatening conditions.

Modified Citrus Pectin’s Life-Saving Role

This is where Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP), derived from citrus peels, plays a vital life-saving role. MCP is the only proven natural Galectin-3 inhibitor as demonstrated in published research, with the unique ability to enter the blood stream and block excess Galectin-3 throughout the body. MCP has been extensively researched and shown to to combat cancer growth and metastasis, control inflammation and fibrosis, and effectively reduce cardiovascular disease risks and damage to multiple organs. These important benefits make MCP especially useful during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as it can help increase effectiveness while reducing the damaging side effects of severe inflammation and fibrosis caused by these conventional cancer treatments.

Most of Modified Citrus Pectin’s life-saving benefits are attributed to its unique ability to enter the blood stream and target excess Galectin-3 molecules, binding to the receptors on the surface of these rogue molecules and effectively blocking them. Regular pectin is unable to achieve these remarkable benefits, due to its relatively large molecular weight and size. The right Modified Citrus Pectin, however, has been enzymatically modified to a very specific molecular weight range and structure, giving it the ability to enter the circulation and actively attack excess Galectin-3 throughout the body. In addition, published research demonstrates that MCP is a powerful immune stimulator as well as a safe chelator of heavy metals and radioactive particles. Modified Citrus Pectin is completely safe and poses no risk of toxic side effects (since it is a fiber, it may cause mild digestive upset at high dosages).

This multitude of scientific and clinically researched benefits make Modified Citrus Pectin one of the most important daily supplements for protecting against chronic illness and promoting long term health. As ongoing research continues to validate and expand this important body of information, Modified Citrus Pectin is earning an esteemed reputation world wide as the first, and so far only, natural ingredient proven to bind and block Galectin-3 throughout the body. If you are concerned about your risks of chronic illness, or are currently battling any of these life-robbing conditions, ask your doctor about the new FDA approved Galectin-3 blood test. And most importantly, include Modified Citrus Pectin into your health program as a safe yet powerful daily health supplement. To learn more about Modified Citrus Pectin, visit www.MCPRecommends.org.

Dangerous drug interactions and common drug-induced illnesses are a hidden epidemic in the United States. Unqualified use and abuse of prescription drugs is becoming commonplace as many doctors prescribe multiple meds because either they don’t have the time to fully diagnose, or worse, they are pressured to prescribe (sell) highly profitable drugs. In the United States alone adverse drug interactions cause death, injury or hospitalization to more than 2 million people each year and that number could be the tip of the iceberg, as millions of cases go undetected or unreported.

Are Your Meds Making You Sick? A Pharmacist’s Guide to Avoiding Dangerous Drug Interactions, Reactions and Side Effects is a highly accessible and clearly formatted quick reference for the layperson. Written by Robert S. Gold, RPh, MBA, a clinical hospital pharmacist and affiliate instructor of clinical pharmacy at Purdue University with over 27 years of experience, Are Your Meds Making You Sick, shows readers how to protect themselves by learning to think like a clinical hospital pharmacist. Gold lists “16 Rules of Safe Medication Use” that can help prevent the most common adverse and dangerous drug interactions. He then gives specific examples and scenarios featuring the thirty-six drugs that are the most prevalent offenders and explains how even seemingly good drugs can harm a patient’s kidney, liver, brain and heart if the patient’s medical history and physical vulnerabilities are not taken into account.

As the U.S. population ages and there is a steady increase in the number of prescribed and OTC medications and alternative remedies, the topic of drug interactions becomes more important and newsworthy. Not only is Gold a pharmacist, but the author has personal experience dealing with dangerous prescription drug interactions. When Gold’s own father began suffering side effects from medication, his expertise in the field made for a lifesaving diagnosis. As a pharmacist for over 27 years, however, Gold realized that most people don’t have the experience and knowledge to identify adverse drug reactions or common drug-induced illnesses.

Are Your Meds Making You Sick? A Pharmacist’s Guide to Avoiding Dangerous Drug Interactions, Reactions and Side Effects is written so that anyone can use and access the information to protect themselves and their loved ones against adverse drug interactions, reactions and harmful or lethal side effects. Gold uses a captivating forensic or “detective” style to walk the consumer through case histories of dangerous drug interactions in which he explains to the reader what went wrong and what dangerous drug interaction was involved. This device immediately engages readers and, by encouraging them to look with him for a solution to the problem presented, gives them a quick, practical understanding of the subject.

No other book on the market offers the scope and clarity of Are Your Meds Making You Sick? A Pharmacist’s Guide to Avoiding Dangerous Drug Interactions, Reactions and Side Effects. By learning to think like a clinical hospital pharmacist we become aware of the common signs and symptoms of drug-induced illnesses and how to avoid them.

###

TIP SHEET:

This book reveals:

1. the 16 rules for safe medication use
2. how mixing drugs can hurt the kidneys and liver
3. how to avoid being one of the 2 million people hospitalized each year for drug interaction side effects

Category: Health & Fitness
Publication Date: November 2011
ISBN 978-0-89793-570-8 / Paperback $16.95
5½ x 8½ inches / 240 Pages

Published by Hunter House
Distributed by Publishers Group West
This book will be available in bookstores nationwide or may be ordered by calling 1-800-266-5592. To request a review copy or author interview contact publicity@hunterhouse.com or call (510) 865-5282 ext. 309.

A new blood test that measures circulating levels of Galectin-3 as a risk factor in progressive heart failure is now approved by the FDA and covered by most health insurance. This test can also help to determine risks of damage in other organs including the liver, lungs, brain, kidneys, and others, as well as progression of cancer.

MCP Activates Powerful Immune Responses
Groundbreaking research also demonstrates the ability of a specific form of Modified Citrus Pectin to greatly enhance immune function. During my presentation, I shared a study that shows how a specific type of MCP activated B-cells in a dose-dependent manner, and induced a highly significant dose-dependent activation of T-cytotoxic cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The NK-cell’s cancer-killing activity was demonstrated against live leukemia cancer cells. The study is published in the journal, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

MCP for Detoxification
Exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins is common, and a large number of diseases are known to be related to high levels of heavy metal toxicity. To determine levels of toxicity, a heavy metal body burden analysis is often suggested by doctors. When the toxic burden is high, I recommend a gentle, yet highly effective heavy metal detoxification program using Modified Citrus Pectin. MCP is clinically proven to significantly reduce dangerous heavy metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, without lowering levels of essential minerals.

The Medical Community’s Growing Demand for Proven Natural Therapies
These new discoveries give Modified Citrus Pectin greater potential in the prevention and treatment of many serious health conditions for which there are currently limited or no treatments available. The information presented in this lecture generated significant interest and enthusiasm among A4M attendees. The overwhelmingly positive feedback I received from doctors and practitioners signals a growing demand in medicine for research-based natural therapies that can help fight our most serious health conditions, safely and effectively. For more information on Modified Citrus Pectin, download a complimentary wellness guide by visiting www.mcpreport.com.

Each year like clockwork around the holidays we see patients suffering from health issues, including back pain, gastrointestinal problems, gallbladder attacks and depression. Many of these ailments are related to patterns of eating and lack of exercise.

For many people, overeating and under-exercising are year-round problems that are amplified over the holidays. For instance, we often see patients suffering from back pain triggered by stress this time of year. Stress affects the adrenal gland, triggering excess adrenaline that can weaken ligaments in the lower back that hold bones in place.

We also see a link between depression and increased sugar intake; and between gallbladder attacks and overindulgence in high-fat foods over the holidays. I have had patients who have gone to the emergency room with pain and tightness between the shoulder blades thinking they were having a heart attack. When, in fact, they were having an acute gall bladder attack. Gallbladder attacks can mimic heart attacks.

The holidays are a time when many of us get away from regular eating and exercise routines and overindulge in rich, fattening and sweet foods. It is also a time when people tend to eat foods that are not part of their regular diet and mix them in combinations that can cause digestive and other problems. For instance, mixing proteins and starches and in large quantities can cause severe indigestion. Enzymes released in the mouth to break down starches like breads and pastas can neutralize stomach acids responsible for digesting meat and other proteins. Food that cannot be digested completely literally rots in the stomach, releasing toxins and causing pain, bloating, and other symptoms.

Following are some tips for changing holiday habits to help people feel healthier and more energetic, relieve stress and avoid painful episodes of back pain and gastrointestinal distress:

1. Try not to mix many different kinds of foods, particularly carbs and proteins, at one sitting. Try eating one type of food, such as meat, then taking and break for an hour or so before eating another type, such as sweets and other carbs. The European style of eating small portions in courses is a good model.
2. Make regular exercise part of your daily routine. Getting up in time to work out in the morning can greatly relieve stress. Make it a point to walk, move and stretch frequently throughout the day, especially when you are going from party to party or meal to meal. A brisk walk and a couple of yoga moves can do wonders to help you manage stress, stay flexible and digest your food through the holidays.
3. Choose foods that promote health, such a fresh fruits, vegetables and yogurt, and avoid eating too much sugar and rich, high fat foods all at once. The stomach is responsible for 70 percent of the immune system and requires 1 trillion bacteria to properly digest food. Keep that in mind to help you eat a healthy balance of foods.
4. Slow down and chew food thoroughly.
5. Drink lots of water to aid digestion.
6. Avoid bombarding your system with unfamiliar foods. Over the holidays we visit the homes of friends, family and neighbors and eat foods that are outside of our normal eating patterns. Eating too many unfamiliar foods at once can cause all kinds of digestive problems, so take it easy and eat small quantities.
7. As you make exercise part of your routine, whether it is walking, running, yoga, Pilates or another form, pay attention to your posture and gait (walk). One of the ways stress manifests itself is through poor posture and improper movement. Improper gait makes exercise and even simple movements inefficient, and increases risks of injury.

To help patients correct improper gait, I developed the Chi Rope, a set of exercise handles that combine sound, weight, magnetism and vibration to enhance the body’s homeostasis (balance). The system can be used for walking, jumping rope or in conjunction with a daily regiment such as Pilates, yoga and running. We even developed an exercise called the stomach elixir to help relieve gastrointestinal problems. Restoring balance helps relieve stress and restore energy, vitality and efficiency.

After overindulging over the holidays, many people resolve to exercise more and eat healthier. Why not resolve to eat better and exercise going into the holidays, and keep it up in the New Year? It will be a huge step toward staying healthy all year.

—————————————————————————————————————————

About the Author: Dr. John L. Lombardozzi is an expert in functional health and inventor of The Chi Rope, a patented exercise device to help improve balance and energy and correct uneven gait associated with pain, stress and fatigue. A lifelong athlete and inventor, Dr. Lombardozzi studied yoga, Pilates and martial arts while building custom motorcycles. Following a back injury, he became a chiropractic physician specializing in kinesiology and biomechanical movement. Dr. Lombardozzi earned a degree from Life Chiropractic College and has practiced chiropractic medicine for 14 years. For more information, visit www.ChiRope.com.