Welcome to the WorldWide Health Information Site Your source for information about your health issues as well as LYCIUM BARBARUM (Goji Berry) Information
"No man can always be right. So the struggle is to do one's
best, to keep the brain and conscience clear, never to be swayed by unworthy motives or inconsequential reasons, but
to strive to unearth the basic factors involved, then do one's duty." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Before we start I need to share some important information
Seek medical advice – What I’m going to share with you is for your information to help educate you and not
meant to replace the care from your doctor or other health care provider and is not meant to advise you to a treatment on
any disease. You should always seek medical advice.
Never take yourself off any medication, only do it under the supervision of your
health care provider.
No company or person (well Deb does) other than myself endorses this site and its links, GojiMan
LYCIUM BARBARUM does not cure anything! It is not a drug or herbal
medicine. A highly standerized Goji product should be a whole food product!!!
Food Compounds Proven Time and Again
In 400 BC, Hippocrates (c460 BC - c377 BC), the father of modern medicine told students: “Let thy food
be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food. Each one of the substances of a person’s diet acts upon his body and changes
it in some way, and upon these changes his whole life depends.” This statement has echoed down through the ages
and is truer today. Hippocrates knew that whole food choices are the best medicine…
1) Helps flush the toxins from your body at the cell level. (The bad air we breathe, Cleaning solutions, Pesticides, Soaps,
Cosmetics, etc...) Read about some of these toxins in The Dirty Dozen - Ingredients to AVOID in personal care products. You will be shocked... 2) Helps restore DNA communication between cells 3) Helps balance pH in your body
By doing the above your cells can function in the way they are suppose to, letting your body make you healthy. Goji does
not help physical issues. If cells are dead nothing in the world can make them work. May GOD bless you (no
matter the GOD you worship or your beliefs) and you find abundant health for you and your loved ones. I hope
you enjoy this site and find some good use of it. Thank you GOD for giving us Goji and thank you for coming
to visit me. Gojiman...
Every day we use products we think are safe, but the truth is products are NOT always
safe - and manufacturers don't have to tell us so. Ever since 1938 - when the FDA granted self-regulation to the cosmetics
industry - such products can be marketed without government approval of ingredients, regardless of what tests show. Most of
the 25,000 chemicals used have not been tested for long-term toxic effects. In a typical day, you may be exposed to over 200
chemicals, many of which are suspected of causing cancer or juggling hormones.
If you choose to take Goji Juice to help flush these toxins, be sure
you purchase a quality, highly standarized not pasteurized product. Not all goji is the same so be careful.
If the pills we take are so great, why are so many diseases on an increase. Look how many diseases we have today that
were not around before the mid 60’s. Type II diabetes is out of control. Children as young as 10 years old are now coming
down with it. The pharmaceutical companies promote their pills and do everything they can to stop alternative medicine. For
them it is all about money. Look at all the ads the pharmaceutical companies put on TV these days. They create new symptoms
and products every month. To hear them you can take a pill for everything you need, the problem is their pills don't cure
anything either. They don’t tell you that in the process of taking their pills you are killing your liver and many other
organs.
Want to save money? Proper diet, exercise, hydration (with water) and reducing stress do so much to help your body stay
healthy and keep you off those pills. Add to that a quality highly standardized not pasteurized Goji juice and you’re
well on your way to better health. Stay away from processed foods, sugar, and salt, just to name a few. There is nothing out
there that in and of itself does everything. But hydration, Goji, and exercise will do a lot for your body and help it to
stay healthy and let your body fight off disease's.
Drug companies will always give you this with all the side effects and problems
Or for better health, a lot of the time this can work
The Goji berry has no known harmful side effects for 3000 years... Can the drug companies say
that?
God has provided us with the Goji berry not some scientist thinking he knows
what is best for you and working for a drug company that is all about profit. I trust in God more than a drug company! The
choice is yours.
Click on the Goji juice at any time to return to the
top
WHAT IS THE GOJI BERRY?
Simply put, it is the World's Most Powerful Anti-aging Food!
The Goji berry has been growing in the Himalayas for 50,000 years. It
has a 3000 year history in Himalayan Medicine, it's been used for 2000 years in Chinese Medicine, and it has modern, documented,
scientific proof that validates everything claimed during those thousands of years.
No plant on earth grows under more stressful conditions than the goji
berry. Goji grows in the Himalayas between 10,000 and 12,000 feet and has been found as high as 24,000 feet, surviving temperatures
of 20 below, unpredictable precipitation, fighting disease, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and environmental free radicals.
It is a hearty berry with an incredible will to live. When we eat plants with all these properties and defense mechanisms,
many of these protective effects are transferred to us. Scientists have found that Goji may be the richest source yet found
of polysaccharides necessary for proper immune function and biochemical defense systems.
When researchers began studying all 8,000 therapeutic plants of the
Himalayas, they came to realize that the Goji that originated in the Himalayas might well be "the most powerful and important
natural health discovery ever made."
"No medicinal plant in all of Asian
medicine can approach Goji for its incredible diversity of legendary benefits."
Goji Goes Around The World
If you have not yet heard of goji, you are not alone. The secrets of its nutritional
benefits have remained a mystery to most of the world until now.
GOJI MEANS "HAPPY"
Based on countless hours of scientific research, - it has been discovered 38 different reasons to take goji on a daily basis.
Here are just a few:
1. The berry helps increase your energy and strength, especially fighting disease. 2. You'll have better
energy, better sleep, and feel better. 3. The berry helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. 4. The berry helps relieve
insomnia. 5. The berry helps improve immune response. 6. The berry helps improve memory and alleviates anxiety. 7.
The berry promotes cheerfulness. 8. The berry helps balance blood sugar levels. 9. The berry supports healthy Liver
& Kidney function. 10. The berry helps maintain healthy Blood Pressure.
Why Himalayan Goji Berries?
Just as there are many varieties of grapes for wine making, there are
many varieties of goji as many as 41 species growing in Tibet alone.
Scientists found that there are thousands of chemical elements
in the makeup of herbs that appear to have therapeutic or protective effects that cannot be explained and the Goji berry seems
to be packed with them. They came up with an ingenious idea that would allow them to positively identify and catalog each
type of goji berry, using a kind offingerprinting technique they borrowed from astrophysics.
Each berry contains unique characteristics that distinguish it from
any other type goji berry. The goal was to find the one-true-goji berry that had been discovered by the early Himalayan healers.
They used a spectrometer. This is a modern analytical device that measures how energy is either absorbed
or reflected in the molecules. From the Spectral Signature scientists are now able to determine the chemical nature
of the active compounds in the goji berry.
This is how they identify, isolate, and harvest only the special goji berries with the active principles in
exact balance for the most potent and powerful purity. Be sure the Goji Juice you purchase is of a highly standarized type
and has the Spectral Signature of the one-true-berry.
Lycium barbarum - Goji's real name
GOJI BERRY - MATRIMONY VINE Latin: LYCIUM BARBARUM
L. Synonym: L. HALIMIFOLIUM
General: hairless shrub
with long, weak, generally sparsely thorny, arched or climbing branches, 1-6 m tall, often forming large, tangled clumps.
Leaves: alternate or
in bundles of up to 3, short-stalked, entire, dull, elliptic to lanceolate, ovate, or oblanceolate, up to 7 cm long and 3.5
cm wide on vigorous young shoots, or only 1.5 cm long and 3 mm wide on older ones, the tips blunt or rounded.
Flowers: about 1-3
from leaf axils, on stalks 0.7-2 cm long. Calyx bell-shaped to tubular, ruptured by the growing fruit, the 3 to 6 lobes short,
triangular. Corolla lavender or purplish, 9-14 mm long, with 5-6 broad, spreading lobes shorter than, or about equaling, the
tube. Anthers opening lengthwise, much shorter than the slender filaments. Flowering time: June-September. Fruits: berries,
fleshy, ellipsoid or ovoid, 1-2 cm long, red. Seeds 10 to 20, somewhat compressed, with strongly curved embryo.
Distribution: Native
of Asia and S.E. Europe, commonly cultivated in the U.S., and occasionally escaping.
Edible Uses: The fruit of matrimony
vine is edible raw or cooked. It is a berry about 2 cm in diameter, and has a mild sweet liquorice flavor. Only the fully
ripe fruits should be eaten. Young shoots are edible cooked. Used mainly as a flavoring, they can also be lightly cooked for
3 - 4 minutes and used as a vegetable, the flavor is somewhat cress-like but has also been described as peppermint-like. The
leaves are a tea substitute.
Medicinal Uses: A sweet tonic decoction
made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It acts mainly on the
liver and kidneys. The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes,
poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and
is dried for later use. The root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood
pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal hemorrhages, nosebleeds,
tuberculosis, coughs, asthma etc. It is applied externally to treat genital itching. The bark is harvested in the winter and
dried for later use.
The plant has a long history of medicinal
use, both as a general, energy-restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems
to diabetes. A tonic tea is made from the leaves. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very
rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds.
It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being
investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing
the growth of cancers.
Other Uses: The plant can be grown as
an informal hedge, succeeding in maritime exposure. It has an extensive root system and can be planted to stabilize sandy
banks.
HOW GOJI JUICE WORKS
Goji's four unique polysaccharides, or phytonutrient compounds, work
in the body as directors and carriers of the instructions that cells use to communicate with each other. These polysaccharides
are "Master Molecules" and command and control many of the body's most important defense systems (See the list of benefits
of polysaccharides below).
Goji of Himalayan quality exhibits a balanced polysaccharide profile and a uniquely potent Spectral Signature.
It is the true descendant of the original goji of legend.
Top 8 Benefits of
Bioactive Polysaccharides
1. Neutralize the
side effects of chemotherapy and radiation 2. Help normalize blood pressure 3.
Help balance blood sugar 4. Combat autoimmune disease 5. Act as an anti - inflammatory
6. Balance immune function 7. Lower cholesterol and blood lipids 8. Increase calcium
absorption
THE FOUR MASTER MOLECULES YOUR BODY NEEDS
Make sure your Goji Juice is carefully standardized to deliver a consistently high level of perfectly balanced
and fully-active polysaccharides, and the 4 Master Molecules that your body needs on a daily basis for optimal health and
longevity!
Sun-dried goji berries could be used, yet it is well-known that a great deal of nutrient quality can be lost
during dehydration, storage, and shipment. The fresh, unpasteurized, non-dehydrated form is of utmost importance to
experience the full benefits!
What Makes GOJI Juice so Great for Your Health?
Research has revealed goji contains polysaccharides, amino acids, trace
minerals, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and more.
Goji Berries contain:
4 types of polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. These
polysaccharides are "Master Molecules" and command and control many of the body's most important defense systems.
Goji is an Adaptogen
The Bovis Energy Scale
See how Goji compares with other products on the market.
Thanks to a French researcher in the 1930's by the name of Antoinne Bovis,
we have a means to measure the "life force" or "natural earth energy" present in water, plants, rock formations
and the like. For example, human beings show a reading on the Bovis scale of 6,500. Scientific research has correlated
the clockwise or right spin of atoms and molecules with a Bovis reading below 6,500 is neutral for human life (i.e. life-depleting),
and anything registering above 6,500 is essentially energy invigorating or enhancing to us.
Environmental readings below 6,500 are the effect of underground streams,
geological faults, and Earth's magnetic grids. Several of Earth's energy vortices exceed 2,000,000 Bovis.
Goji Juice shows a reading of 355,000 on the Bovis Scale...the highest
reading that many health professionals have ever reported receiving.
Why is ORAC important?
An ORAC unit (oxygen radical absorbance capacity scale) is defined as
a measure of the ability of antioxidants to absorb oxygen “free radicals” in the body. The ORAC assay integrates
the strength and duration of antioxidant protection for a product into a single numerical value, and has been shown to highly
correlate with the level and the time of protection in cells, body tissues and blood levels. There is a near perfect correlation
between the ORAC value and the antioxidant and immune system protection in the body. So ORAC is important because it is
an indication of a foods ability to provide the body and blood with immune enhancing factors (antioxidants) that combat oxidizing
(rusting) of the bodies cells, membranes, and tissues; in a word – anti-aging potency.
Goji Juice shows a reading of 25,000 on the Orac Scale... 10 times
the value of Blueberries. A truly amazing product!
In a world where science is recognizing "energy nutrition" more and more, and
its crucial role in releasing properties that let the body heal itself, these stats are a powerful confirmation of Goji
Juice.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
First and foremost, Goji Juice works
and it tastes delicious! When people use the highly standerized product, the benefits to their health and well-being quickly
become evident.
It is now clear that the Himalayan Healers who first discovered the benefits of the goji berry thousands of
years ago, and the Chinese Herbalists who considered the goji berry to be their most important food for the human body were
right! It does have a uniquely positive impact on virtually every aspect of human health, unlike any other product we have
ever seen.
Science continues to backup the historical usage of the goji berry with 79 different independent studies now
published proving its benefits. These studies cover many aspects of health including skin health, vision improvement and enhancing
the immune system. You can view abstracts of these studies by going to http://www.pubmed.org/ and typing in the Latin name for the goji berry, Lycium barbarum.
Were always hearing something about
some new herb, or acupuncture, or fung-shui born in ancient China but as modern, with-it, well-read people, living in times
of great scientific discovery and research, we tend to be skeptical and suspicious of things we can dismiss as Chinese fables,
so we need to know that investigations have taken place, and analysis and scientific findings have proven something, before
we can take it seriously. After all, they use chopsticks in China and we're not going to give up our forks. Now this is the
scientific part of the story, so you need to pay attention. Under the microscope, goji has revealed itself to be one of the
most nutritionally-dense foods on earth. Scientists have found that there are thousands of chemical elements in the makeup
of herbs that appear to have therapeutic or protective effects that cannot be explained the Goji berry seems to be packed
with them. They came up with an ingenious idea that would allow them to positively identify and catalog each type of goji
berry, using a kind of fingerprinting technique they borrowed from astrophysics. Each berry contains unique characteristics
that distinguish it from any other type goji berry. The goal was to find the one-true-goji berry that had been discovered
by the early Himalayan healers. They used a spectrometer. This is a modern analytical device that measures how energy is either
absorbed or reflected in the molecules. They gathered plants from all over Asia, Mongolia, and Tibet, and identified the fingerprints
of each selection and this is how they can identify, isolate, and harvest only the special goji berries with the active principles
in exact balance for the most potent and powerful purity. From the Spectral Signature scientists were able to determine the
chemical nature of the mysterious active compounds in the goji berry. They found that certain types of elements could cause
profound and beneficial changes in the human body. These compounds are produced by some plants as an effective defense mechanism
against attack by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, pollutants, and environmental free radicals. So what happens is this
we eat these plants with all the defense mechanisms, many of these protective effects are transferred to us. Now the plants
that produce the highest levels of these protective compounds are the ones that must survive under great stresses extremes
of temperature, high altitude, and wildly unpredictable precipitation. No plant on earth grows under more stressful conditions
than the goji. The elements they found in the goji were different and more active than anything they had ever seen before.
Scientists found that goji may be the richest source yet found, of polysaccharides necessary for proper immune function and
biochemical defense systems. When researchers began studying all 8,000 therapeutic plants of the Himalayas, they came to realize
that the Goji that originated in the Himalayas might well be the most powerful and important natural health discovery ever
made. Goji berries capture the full spectrum of nutrients from some of the richest soil in the world, and are allowed to achieve
full natural ripeness in the warmth of the Himalayan sun. Nowhere on earth is closer to the sun than the Himalayas, and the
Goji vine has flourished in the Himalayan valleys for 50 million years. The fruit serves as storage batteries for the life-giving
qualities of the sun, releasing the sun's goodness when the fruit is eaten.
Modern Scientific Studies
Many of the legendary health-giving properties of lycium barbarum
(goji's Latin name) are today being confirmed in modern scientific studies, and this has led to the possibility of even more
far-reaching benefits.
Click on a specific area of interest to see for yourself! (You will be taken to the Pubmed.org website)
Effect of sugars on maturation rate of vitrified-thawed immature porcine oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci. 2007 Mar 30; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 17478061 [PubMed - as supplied
by publisher]
[A study on the preventive effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the development of alcoholic fatty liver
in rats and its possible mechanisms.] Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;15(3):204-8. Chinese. PMID: 17407712 [PubMed
- in process]
Determination of organophosphorus pesticides in Lycium barbarum by gas chromatography with flame photometric
detection. J AOAC Int. 2007 Jan-Feb;90(1):271-6. PMID:
17373460 [PubMed - in process]
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides regulate phenotypic and functional maturation of murine dendritic cells. Cell Biol Int. 2006 Dec 30; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 17289406
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Effect of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on age-related oxidative stress in aged mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Dec 28; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 17224253 [PubMed
- as supplied by publisher]
Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress in rats. Int J Biol Macromol. 2006 Nov 17; [Epub ahead
of print] PMID: 17166579 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Studies on extraction, isolation and composition of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006
Oct;31(19):1603-7. Chinese. PMID: 17165585 [PubMed - in process]
Determination of aldoses and ketoses by GC-MS using differential derivatisation. Phytochem Anal. 2006 Nov;17(6):379-83. PMID: 17144244 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn on protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension
model of glaucoma. Exp Neurol. 2006 Oct 10; [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 17045262 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
[The features of distribution of polysaccharide and lipid in the developing anther of Lycium barbarum L] Fen Zi Xi Bao Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 2006 Apr;39(2):103-10. Chinese. PMID: 16944580 [PubMed - in process]
Hot water-extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of hepatocellular
carcinoma cells. World J Gastroenterol. 2006
Jul 28;12(28):4478-84. PMID: 16874858 [PubMed - in process]
Cytoprotective effects of Lycium barbarum against reducing stress on endoplasmic reticulum. Int J Mol Med. 2006 Jun;17(6):1157-61. PMID: 16685430 [PubMed
- indexed for MEDLINE]
Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of antioxidant ability and DNA damage in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2006 May;126(5):365-71.
PMID: 16679745 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Effects of light and plant growth regulators on growth of normal and hairy root of Lycium barbarum in vitro] Zhongguo
Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jan;31(2):106-10. Chinese. PMID: 16570792 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced
DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats. Life Sci. 2006 Jul 10;79(7):613-21. Epub 2006 Mar 6. PMID: 16563441 [PubMed
- indexed for MEDLINE]
Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of insulin resistance in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2005 Dec;125(12):981-8.
PMID: 16327243 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Resolution of carotenoid isomers in Lycium barbarum L. by heuristic evolving latent projection] Se Pu. 2005 Jul;23(4):415-7. Chinese. PMID:
16250456 [PubMed - in process]
[Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on tumor microenvironment T-lymphocyte subsets and dendritic cells
in H22-bearing mice] Zhong
Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2005 Sep;3(5):374-7. Chinese. PMID: 16159572 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Therapeutic effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on irradiation or chemotherapy-induced myelosuppressive
mice. Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2005
Apr;20(2):155-62. PMID: 15869449 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on human hepatoma QGY7703 cells: inhibition of proliferation and induction
of apoptosis. Life Sci. 2005 Mar 18;76(18):2115-24. PMID: 15826878
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Study on the extraction process of polysaccharide from Lycium barbarum] Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Dec;27(12):948-50. Chinese. PMID:
15807251 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Transfer of transformed chloroplasts from Nicotiana tabacum to the Lycium barbarum plants. Cell Biol Int. 2005 Jan;29(1):71-5. Epub 2005 Jan 26. PMID: 15763502 [PubMed
- indexed for MEDLINE]
Antioxidant activities of some common ingredients of traditional chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis, Lycium
barbarum and Poria cocos. Phytother Res. 2004 Dec;18(12):1008-12.
PMID: 15742346 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Fasting plasma zeaxanthin response to Fructus barbarum L. (wolfberry; Kei Tze) in a food-based human supplementation
trial. Br J Nutr. 2005 Jan;93(1):123-30. PMID:
15705234 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[The study on the effect of LBP on cleaning hydroxygen free radical by EPR technique] Zhong Yao Cai. 2004 Aug;27(8):599-600.
Chinese. PMID: 15658825 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Experimental study on the enhancement of murine splenic lymphocyte proliferation by Lycium barbarum glycopeptide. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci.
2004;24(5):518-20, 527. PMID: 15641709 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Role of exogenous Ca2+ in the somatic embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum L.] Zhi Wu Sheng Li Yu Fen Zi
Sheng Wu Xue Xue Bao. 2004 Jun;30(3):261-8. Chinese. PMID: 15599021 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts from Lycium barbarum. Life Sci. 2004 Nov 26;76(2):137-49. PMID: 15519360 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Identification of monomenthyl succinate, monomenthyl glutarate, and dimenthyl glutarate in nature by high performance
liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J
Agric Food Chem. 2004 Jun 2;52(11):3536-41. PMID: 15161227 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Comparison of plasma responses in human subjects after the ingestion of 3R,3R'-zeaxanthin dipalmitate from wolfberry
(Lycium barbarum) and non-esterified 3R,3R'-zeaxanthin using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. Br J Nutr. 2004 May;91(5):707-13. PMID: 15137922 [PubMed - indexed for
MEDLINE]
Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum. Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Apr;4(4):563-9. PMID: 15099534 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE]
[Study on protective action of lycium barbarum polysaccharides on DNA imparments of testicle cells in mice] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2003 Nov;32(6):599-601. Chinese.
PMID: 14963914 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Ultracytochemical localization of calcium and ATPase activity on the 2,4-D induced somatic embryogenesis of
Lycium barbarum L.] Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 2003 Dec;36(6):414-20.
Chinese. PMID: 14724931 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Identification and quantification of zeaxanthin esters in plants using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Nov 19;51(24):7044-9. PMID:
14611169 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Investigation on occurrence of lycium barbarum pests and its natural enemies at Ningxia] Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jun;26(6):391-4.
Chinese. PMID: 14528676 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[A rapid method for the identification of four different features of gouqizi by FTIR spectrometry] Guang Pu Xue Yu Guang Pu Fen Xi. 2001 Dec;21(6):787-9.
Chinese. PMID: 12958895 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Advances in immunopharmacological study of Lycium barbarum L.] Zhong Yao Cai. 2000 May;23(5):295-8. Review. Chinese. No abstract
available. PMID: 12934598 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
A polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum upregulates cytokine expression in human peripheral blood
mononuclear cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 2003 Jun 27;471(3):217-22.
PMID: 12826241 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Isolation and purification of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its antifatigue effect] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2000 Mar 30;29(2):115-7. Chinese. PMID:
12725093 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Studies on the active polysaccharides from Lycium barbarum L.] Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Mar;36(3):196-9. Chinese. PMID: 12580087 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE]
[Physico-chemical properties and activity of glycoconjugate LbGp2 from Lycium barbarum L.] Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Aug;36(8):599-602. Chinese. PMID: 12579937
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Studies on the glycoconjugates and glycans from Lycium barbarum L in inhibiting low density lipoprotein (LDL)
peroxidation] Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Feb;36(2):108-11.
Chinese. PMID: 12579875 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[The regulation of Lycium barbarum on apoptosis of rat spleen in vitro] Zhong Yao Cai. 1999 May;22(5):250-1. Chinese. PMID:
12575078 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Effects of pure and crude Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on immunopharmacology] Zhong Yao Cai. 1999 May;22(5):246-9. Chinese. PMID:
12575077 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Inhibition the growth of human leukemia cells by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2001 Nov;30(6):333-5. Chinese. PMID: 12561612
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Effect of lycium barbarum L on defending free radicals of mice caused by hypoxia] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2002 Feb;31(1):30-1. Chinese. PMID: 12561568 [PubMed
- indexed for MEDLINE]
[Study on the composition of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its effects on the growth of weanling mice] Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2002 Apr;31(2):118-9. Chinese.
PMID: 12561548 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effects of polyamines on organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum calli. Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 2001 Sep;34(3):191-6. PMID: 12549220 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE]
[The effects of Ag+ on the absorption of trace metal ion during the somatic embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum.
L.] Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 2001 Jun;34(2):127-30. Chinese.
PMID: 12549105 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Quantitative stereologic analysis of metabolize dynamic of protein and DNA during somatic embryogensis in Lycium
barbarum L.] Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao. 1999 Sep;32(3):297-300.
Chinese. PMID: 12548812 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Separation of standard proteins and actual samples using cross-axis counter current chromatography] Se Pu. 2001 Mar;19(2):188-90.
Chinese. PMID: 12541673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Studies on chemical constituents in fruit of Lycium barbarum L.] Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 May;26(5):323-4.
Chinese. PMID: 12528521 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
[Extraction and isolation of active component for inhibiting PC3 cell proliferation in vitro from the fruit
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Under the microscope, goji has revealed itself to be one of the
most nutritionally-dense foods on earth. Recent scientific studies authenticated and published in the following journals
have validated why the ancients treasured goji:
British Journal of Nutrition
International Immunopharmacology
Journal of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Journal of Ethmopharmacology
China Pharmacology and Toxicology
Chinese Herb News Magazine Research Communications
Research Communications Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology
Chinese Patent Herbs
Chinese Herbs Nature Reviews Drug Discovery
Chinese Oncology Magazine
Hygiene Research Physiology
Physiology Academic Journal
Chinese Stomatology Magazine
And many more
GOJI & PETS
How Important are our pets?
We know intuitively that pets enrich
our lives, so it is not suprising that a growing number of scientific studies are demonstrating the positive effects that
animals can have on human health and development. Here is a partial list of the health benefits of pet ownership, as reported
by the Delta Society, a non-profit foundation that promotes research on the bond between humans and their animals:
Pet owners have lower blood pressure (Friedmann, 1983, Anderson, 1992)
Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners (Anderson, 1992)
Pet owners have better psychological well-being (Serpel, 1990)
Seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not (Siegel, 1990)
Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality by 3%(Friedman, 1980)
Children's cognitive development can be enhanced by owning a pet (Poresky, 1988)
Americans in 2006 spent $17 billion on veterinary care and medicine for their pets.
An Epidemic of Chronic Pet Illness
The last few decades have witnessed
an alarming increase in chronic pet disease. These illnesses, many of which were virtually unknown in the 1960s, include persistent
skin and ear allergies, digestive upset, glandular disorders of the thyroid, adrenals and pancreas, seizures, gum and teeth
problems, degenerative arthritis, kidney and liver failure, and all types of cancer across all ages and breeds of dogs and
cats. These physical signs of illness have been accompanied by a record number of behavioral and emotional disorders including
irrational fears, aggression, difficulties in training and inability to pay attention.
All of these conditions are linked by one common factor; a breakdown of the immune system that is essential for keeping
your pet strong and disease- free.
It has been strongly suggested that the precipitous decline in pet immune health may be a result of the widespread use
of nutrient-poor, highly processed commercial pet foods. Instead of treating the underlying causes of illness by supporting
the immune system. many veterinarians tend to address only the symptoms with antibiotics and cortisone, thereby allowing the
disease to progress.
Goji works the same on your pet as it does on people. Cells are cells and thus Goji helps detoxify them. It is not selective
by sex, race, or species.
Goji's powerful antioxidants are unique polysaccharides harness your pet's immune system to help fight illness, chronic
disease, major injuries and even signs of aging.
GOJI IN THE NEWS
Woman's World - 2007 - Chinese miracle berries for perfect health!
GoodHealth and Medicine Magazine - December, 2006 - Go for Goji!
Australian Woman's Golf - December, 2006 - Berry is the Latest Super Food
Famous Magazine - December - 2006 -
Beauty Therapist Magazine - November, 2006 -
Australia Madison Magazine, November 2006 - Check out the newest berry on the antioxidant
block--the goji. Hailing from the Himalayas, the goji berry has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to promote longevity.
Chiropractic Wellness & Fitness Magazine - September, 2006 - The Magic of the Goji Berry
Canada AM (Canada's "Good Morning America" equivalent) - August, 2006 - Dr Earl Mindell
shares the goodness of Goji with millions of viewers.
Breakthroughs in Health Magazine - August, 2006 - Goji: Power Health Benefits from a Tiny
Red Berry
NBC TODAY Show - "Gym Juice" - July 24, 2006 - Goji berries have been bottled into a juice
that is chock-full of the fruit that Tibetans believe fights depression and cancer and even prevents signs of aging.
TIME Magazine - July, 2006 - Superfruits: Goji Berry is Breakout Superfruit of the Year
ABC News, July 2006 - Nutritionist Dr. Earl Mindell, author of the bestselling book, "The
Vitamin Bible", believes he has discovered an anti-aging secret in the juice of a tiny, red berry called goji. "I've never
seen anything like this," says Dr. Mindell.
WoW Magazine - May - 2006 - A health Magazine from Thiland
KITV-4 News Report, Hawaii - February 20, 2006 - Goji Berries Contain Property To Help Prevent
Macular Degeneration
Chicago Wellness Magazine - Dec./Jan. 2005 - Dr. Earl Mindell Speaks Candidly About Health
In America
Australian Harper's Bazaar - September 2005 - Beating cellulite with the help of Goji!
LA Times - Monday July 18,2005 - Lycium (Goji) May Repress Some Cancer Cells
Kevin Trudeau Natural Cures Newsletter - January 2005 - referring to only 3 juices, one
of which is goji juice "I believe you will see spectacular health benefits!"
Specialty Food Magazine - Food Trends: October 2004 - Hollywood's newest darling isn't a
sultry starlet, rather a berry. The Goji berry, considered one of the more nutritionally rich foods in the world.
The Shaw Report From Entertainment Weekly Magazine - July 2004 - What's In? Goji Berries!
In Touch Magazine - July 2004 - Why Is Hollywood Wild For This Berry? Goji Berries Help
Stars Look Younger!
Woman's World - 2004 - The Amazing Asian Super-Juice That Can Add 20 Years to Your Life!
About Diabetes
Type I diabetes – Juvenile
Type II diabetes – Adult onset
Over 15 million Americans have Type II diabetes
Insulin increases the permiability of many cells to potassium, magnesium and phosphate ions. The effect on potassium is
clinically important. Insulin activates sodium-potassium ATP in many cells, causing a flux of potassium into cells. Under
certain circumstances, injection of insulin can kill patients because of its ability to acutely suppress plasma potassium
concentrations.
Receptor sites are gateways to accept proper instructions for the cells.
Insulin is a Hormone Glucagon is a Hormone
Cells need Glucose (sugar) for energy
Glucagon Receptors in the Liver stimulates Glucose production
The Islets of Langerhans in the Pancreas produce Insulin & Glucagon
Insulin Receptor’s open Glucose Transporter
When a person takes in a high load of sugar, the sugar stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. The targets for insulin
are muscle, fat, and liver cells These cells have insulin receptor sites on the outside of the cell membrane. For most people,
when insulin has bound to the receptors, a cascade of events begins, which leads to sugar being transported from the blood
into the interior of the cell. In Type II diabetics, even when insulin is present on the cell membrane, the process doesn't
work. The glucose is never taken up into the cell and remains in the bloodstream.
Normally the carbohydrates (starches & sugars) you eat are broken down into glucose and other simple sugars. Glucose
is absorbed into the blood stream to be used by cells for energy. Cells need glucose to work, and blood glucose rises after
food is eaten. Insulin is then released from the pancreas as blood glucose levels increase. Cells have receptor sites on the
outside, and when insulin attaches to the receptor sites, a pathway is made and glucose goes into the cell. Insulin opens
the cells like a key. Glucose goes from the blood into the cells and the blood glucose stays in the normal range. Excess food
is generally converted into fat and stored.
The liver is responsible for glucose production and insulin is the regulatory agent of that production. A high blood sugar
content causes the pancreas to release insulin, and the insulin should signal the liver to stop making sugars. But, in diabetics,
there's resistance to that signal and the liver keeps producing glucose. Hyperglycemia leads to glucose toxicity.
All cells need glucose for energy. When a person has diabetes, food is broken down in the normal way. Glucose is also produced
and absorbed into the blood in the normal way. In Type 2 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas don't produce enough insulin
or the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, meaning the receptor sites do not let the insulin in, so glucose is
shut out. Glucose remains in the bloodstream, the cells starve for energy, and serum glucose levels rise. Responding to hyperglycemia,
the pancreas initially produces more and more insulin. But no matter how high blood insulin levels rise, the cell receptors
don't recognize it.
The human body wants blood glucose (blood sugar) maintained in a very narrow range. Insulin and glucagon are the
hormones which make this happen. Both insulin and glucagon are secreted from the pancreas, and thus are referred to
as pancreatic endocrine hormones. Note that the pancreas serves as the central player in the relationship that insulin and
glucagon have to each other. It is the production of insulin and glucagon by the pancreas which ultimately determines if a
patient has diabetes, hypoglycemia, or some other sugar problem.
Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by islet cells within the pancreas. They are both secreted in response to blood
sugar levels, but in opposite fashion!
Insulin is normally secreted by the beta cells (a type of islet cell) of the pancreas. The stimulus for insulin secretion
is a HIGH blood glucose...its as simple as that! Although there is always a low level of insulin secreted by the pancreas,
the amount secreted into the blood increases as the blood glucose rises. Similarly, as blood glucose falls, the amount
of insulin secreted by the pancreatic islets goes down. Insulin has an effect on a number of cells, including muscle,
red blood cells, and fat cells. In response to insulin, these cells absorb glucose out of the blood, having the net
effect of lowering the high blood glucose levels into the normal range.
Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets in much the same manner as insulin... except in the opposite
direction. If blood glucose is high, then no glucagon is secreted. When blood glucose goes LOW, however, (such
as between meals, and during exercise), more and more glucagon is secreted. Like insulin, glucagon has an effect on
many cells of the body, but most notably the liver. The effect of glucagon is to make the liver release the glucose
it has stored in its cells into the blood stream, with the net effect of increasing blood glucose. Glucagon also induces
the liver (and some other cells such as muscle) to make glucose out of building blocks obtained from other nutrients found
in the body (e.g., protein).
Our bodies desire blood glucose to be maintained between 70 mg/dl and 110 mg/dl (mg/dl means milligrams of glucose in 100
milliliters of blood). Below 70 is termed "hypoglycemia". Above 110 can be normal if you have eaten within 2
to 3 hours. That is why your doctor wants to measure your blood glucose while you are fasting... it should be between
70 and 110. Even after you have eaten, however, your glucose should be below 180. Above 180 is termed "hyperglycemia"
(which translates to mean "too much glucose in the blood"). If you have two blood sugar measurements above 200 after
drinking a sugar-water drink (glucose tolerance test), then you are diagnosed with diabetes.
The Cause of Diabetes.... In order to understand a potential cure for diabetes, it is necessary to look briefly at
the cause. In insulin-dependent diabetes, the diabetic's body fails to make insulin, a hormone essential to the metabolism
of glucose. Glucose enters the blood stream from the food that we eat and, in the presence of insulin, is taken up and "burned"
by cells that require this essential fuel. In the absence of insulin, however, glucose accumulates in the blood causing the
condition known as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), while the cells starve for fuel. Without taking insulin injections, the
diabetic will slowly starve to death despite abnormally high blood sugar levels. Why does a diabetic's body fail to produce
insulin? Within the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans produce insulin in response to blood glucose. These islets are tiny
insulin factories that sense the level of glucose in the blood stream, and produce insulin in precise proportion to that level.
Therefore, following a meal, blood sugar levels will rise significantly, and the islets will release a large amount of insulin.
This insulin will cause body cells to take up the sugar, causing blood sugar to quickly return to its normal range. Once blood
sugar is in the normal range, the islets will reduce the output of insulin to an idling state. In this way, the islets adjust
their production of insulin on a minute-by-minute basis, always producing just enough insulin to deal with the amount of blood
sugar presently in the blood stream. In insulin-dependent diabetes, the islets are destroyed by the person's own immune
system, which mistakenly identifies these essential cells as foreign invaders. This self-destructive mechanism is the basis
of many so-called autoimmune diseases. Once the islets are killed, the ability to produce insulin is lost, and the overt symptoms
and consequences of diabetes begin. Why Insulin is Not a Cure.... Some people think that injecting insulin is a cure for
diabetes. Unfortunately, it is not. Insulin allows a diabetic to survive, but the effects of crudely controlled blood sugar
levels lead to the many devastating consequences of the disease. Unlike the precise matching of blood sugar and insulin levels
that occurs normally, a diabetic's insulin injections cannot be precisely and continuously adjusted to maintain safe sugar
levels. When an excess of injected insulin drives blood sugar levels too low, the diabetic risks an immediate dramatic
reaction that may include confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. When injected insulin is below the required
amount, blood sugar levels rise, leading to damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Most diabetics are
forced to operate at abnormally high blood sugar levels to avoid the more immediate and dramatic consequences of low blood
sugar. Insulin is not a cure for diabetes. A cure must restore the person's ability to adjust insulin production minute-by-minute
to precisely match the uncontrollable variations in food intake, exercise, and stress, all of which are a normal part of living.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus: There are several types of diabetes. The most common are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes
is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas makes little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes take insulin by injection
in order to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age, but it most often occurs in children and young adults. People
with type 1 diabetes are prone to develop ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a state of absolute or relative insulin deficiency aggravated by ensuing hyperglycemia,
dehydration, and acidosis-producing derangements in intermediary metabolism. The most common causes are underlying infection,
disruption of insulin treatment, and new onset of diabetes. DKA is typically characterized by hyperglycemia over 300 mg/dL,
low bicarbonate (<15 mEq/L), and acidosis (pH <7.30) with ketonemia and ketonuria.
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder of insulin resistance. One function of the pancreas is the production of insulin. The insulin
does not lower the blood glucose because the cells are resistant. These cells have fewer insulin receptors. Some people with
type 2 diabetes do not need insulin to achieve blood glucose control. For these people, diet, exercise and medications are
effective. Still other people with type 2 diabetes need insulin to achieve optimal blood glucose control. Your diabetes
treatment plan is designed to help you avoid hyperglycemia. But everyone has occasional episodes of high blood sugar. The
most common culprits include:
Eating too much Exercising less than you planned to Physical stress, such as a cold, infection or the flu Emotional
stress, such as family conflict or workplace challenges Forgetting to take your medication Problems with your insulin,
such as not giving yourself enough insulin or using a bottle of insulin that's gone bad
What to watch out for: Paying attention to the early signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia can help you treat the condition
promptly. Watch for:
Frequent urination Increased thirst Dry mouth Blurred vision Fatigue Nausea Long periods of hyperglycemia
can damage your nerves, blood vessels and various organs. Left untreated, high blood sugar may turn into diabetic ketoacidosis
or diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome — both life-threatening conditions.
Heart Smart
There’s so much information out there about cholesterol. But what is cholesterol?
It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that’s produced by the liver. It also comes from animal foods that we eat
like meat, whole milk, cheese, butter and eggs.
Everybody needs some cholesterol to develop cell walls and help with other important body functions. But too much cholesterol
can be bad for your health and can put you at risk for heart disease.
What's the Difference Between LDL and HDL Cholesterol?
Why is LDL cholesterol considered "bad"? When too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build
up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a
thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a
narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. The levels of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood are
measured to evaluate the risk of having a heart attack. LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL is the optimal level. Less
than 130 mg/dL is near optimal for most people. A high LDL level (more than 160 mg/dL or 130 mg/dL or above if you have two
or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease) reflects an increased risk of heart disease. That's why LDL cholesterol is
often called "bad" cholesterol.
Why is HDL cholesterol considered "good"? About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density
lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against
heart attack. (Low HDL cholesterol levels [less than 40 mg/dL] increase the risk for heart disease.) Medical experts think
that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts
believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup.
What is Lp(a) cholesterol? Lp(a) is a genetic variation of plasma LDL. A high level of Lp(a) is an important risk factor
for developing fatty deposits in arteries prematurely. The way an increased Lp(a) contributes to disease isn’t understood.
The lesions in artery walls contain substances that may interact with Lp(a), leading to the buildup of fatty deposits.
The triglyceride connection Triglyceride is a form of fat. It comes from food and is also made in your body. People
with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level. Many
people with heart disease also have high triglyceride levels. People with diabetes or who are obese are also likely to have
high triglycerides. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dL are normal; levels from 150–199 are borderline high.
Levels that are borderline high or high (200–499 mg/dL) may need treatment in some people. Triglyceride levels of 500
mg/dL or above are very high. Doctors need to treat high triglycerides in people who also have high LDL cholesterol levels.
What Are Healthy Levels of Cholesterol? Your total blood cholesterol level Your total blood cholesterol will fall
into one of these categories:
Desirable — Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline high risk — 200–239 mg/dL High risk — 240 mg/dL
and over Here is some more explanation about each of these categories. Desirable If your total cholesterol is less
than 200 mg/dL, your heart attack risk is relatively low, unless you have other risk factors. Even with a low risk, it's still
smart to eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and also get plenty of physical activity. Have your cholesterol
levels measured every five years — or more often if you're a man over 45 or a woman over 55. Borderline high risk People
whose cholesterol level is from 200 to 239 mg/dL are borderline high risk. About a third of American adults are in this (borderline)
group; almost half of adults have total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL.
Have your cholesterol and HDL rechecked in one to two years if:
Your total cholesterol is in this range. Your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL. You don’t have other risk factors
for heart disease. You should also lower your intake of foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol to reduce your blood
cholesterol level to below 200 mg/dL. Your doctor may order another blood test to measure your LDL cholesterol. Ask your doctor
to discuss your LDL cholesterol with you. Even if your total cholesterol is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, you may not be at high
risk for a heart attack. Some people — such as women before menopause and young, active men who have no other risk factors
— may have high HDL cholesterol and desirable LDL levels. Ask your doctor to interpret your results. Everyone's case
is different. High risk If your total cholesterol level is 240 or more, it's definitely high. Your risk of heart attack
and stroke is greater. In general, people who have a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL have twice the risk of coronary
heart disease as people whose cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL. You need more tests. Ask your doctor for advice. About 20
percent of the U.S. population has high blood cholesterol levels.
Your LDL cholesterol level Your LDL cholesterol level greatly affects your risk of heart attack and stroke. The lower
your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk. In fact, it’s a better gauge of risk than total blood cholesterol. Your LDL
cholesterol will fall into one of these categories:
LDL Cholesterol Levels Less than 100 mg/dL Optimal 100 to 129 mg/dL Near Optimal/ Above Optimal 130 to 159 mg/dL
Borderline High 160 to 189 mg/dL High 190 mg/dL and above Very High The key point to remember is, the lower your
LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk. Your doctor may prescribe a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, regular exercise
and a weight management program if you're overweight. If you can't lower your cholesterol with these efforts, medications
may also be prescribed to lower your LDL cholesterol. Check these categories and the goals for treatment that can lower your
risk of heart attack. LDL level at which to consider drug therapy
LDL Level Goal People without coronary heart disease and with fewer than two risk factors 190 mg/dL or higher* 160
mg/dL or lower People without coronary heart disease and with two or more risk factors 160 mg/dL or higher 130 mg/dL or
lower People with coronary heart disease 130 mg/dL or higher** 100 mg/dL or lower *In men less than age 35 and premenopausal
women with LDL cholesterol levels of 190 to 219 mg/dL, drug therapy should be delayed except in high-risk patients such as
those with diabetes.
**In coronary heart disease patients with LDL cholesterol levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL, the doctor should consider whether
to initiate drug treatment in addition to the American Heart Association Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet.
If you don't know if you have other risk factors for heart disease, check out the American Heart Association's list. Your
HDL cholesterol level
In the average man, HDL cholesterol levels range from 40 to 50 mg/dL. In the average woman, they range from 50 to 60 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol that's less than 40 mg/dL is low. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at high risk for heart disease. Smoking, being
overweight and being sedentary can all result in lower HDL cholesterol. If you have low HDL cholesterol, you can help raise
it by:
Not smoking Losing weight (or maintaining a healthy weight) Being physically active for at least 30–60 minutes
a day on most or all days of the week People with high blood triglycerides usually have lower HDL cholesterol and a higher
risk of heart attack and stroke. Progesterone, anabolic steroids and male sex hormones (testosterone) also lower HDL cholesterol
levels. Female sex hormones raise HDL cholesterol levels. Cholesterol ratio
Total blood cholesterol is the most common measurement of blood cholesterol. It's the number you normally receive as test
results. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Knowing your total blood cholesterol level
is an important first step in determining your risk for heart disease. However, a critical second step is knowing your HDL
or "good" cholesterol level. Some physicians and cholesterol technicians use the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol
in place of the total blood cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that the absolute numbers for total blood
cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels be used. They're more useful to the physician than the cholesterol ratio in determining
the appropriate treatment for patients. The ratio is obtained by dividing the HDL cholesterol level into the total cholesterol.
For example, if a person has a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL and an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL, the ratio would be
stated as 4:1. The goal is to keep the ratio below 5:1; the optimum ratio is 3.5:1. Your triglyceride level
Your triglyceride level will fall into one of these categories:
Triglyceride Level Classification Less than 150 mg/dL Normal 150–199 mg/dL Borderline-high 200–499
mg/dL High 500 mg/dL or higher Very high Many people with high triglycerides have underlying diseases or genetic disorders.
If this is true for you, the main therapy is to change your lifestyle. This includes controlling your weight, eating foods
low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, exercising regularly, not smoking and, in some cases, drinking less alcohol.
People with high triglycerides may also need to limit their intake of carbohydrates to no more than 45–50 percent of
total calories. The reason for this is that carbohydrates raise triglycerides in some people and lower HDL cholesterol. Use
products with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Guidelines for a Healthy Heart:
Here's an excellent reason to keep your body cholesterol levels within a healthy range. Too much of this fat-like substance
builds up on the walls of the arteries that carry blood to the heart and makes them stiff. Cholesterol buildup is the most
common cause of heart disease, and it happens so gradually that you're not even aware of it. Talk to your doctor today about
healthy cholesterol levels. Some people have never been checked, and a simple blood test by your doctor will help you see
where you stand.
To help keep yours arteries plaque-free:
Limit your cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg per day
Limit calories from saturated fat and trans fat to less than 7% of your total calories per day.
Control your weight, especially men with waists more than 40 inches and women with waists larger than 35 inches. (To
lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you take in)
Take at least 4 oz high quailty standerized Goji juice a day
An Action Plan for better health:
Part of your heart health plan includes being physically active on a regular basis - or it should. Before you begin
or return to ant exercise program, talk first with your doctor about your plans. Vigorous activity can actually help raise
HDL cholesterol (the "good" type) and lower LDL (the "bad" type). People who exercise also have a lower risk for high bllod
pressure than do inactive pepole. Maybe you haven't started an exercise program yet because you have fears of exercising
with heart disease. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate level of exercise, or a cardiac rehabilitation program where
your exercise is directed and monitored. Even light, daily activities such as walking your dog can help you keep up with a
heart-healthy regimen. Of course, more vigorous aerobic exercise is best for cardiovascular fitness and conditioning. Such
activities include walking briskly, swimming, and cycling.
What is pH?
pH (the power, or potential, of Hydrogen) = the unit that indicates the hydrogen density of acid and alkaline water. Water
becomes acidic with increased hydrogen ions (H+), and alkaline with increased hydroxyl ions (-OH). The measuring unit of acidity
and alkalinity is indicated by pH values, e.g., pH 7 is considered neutral. Each numerical increment indicates 10 times more
hydrogen or hydroxyl ions. For example, an increase of 1 in a pH table means 10 times more alkalinity. A decrease of 1 means
10 times more acidity.
The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution is very important for living things. This is because, since the hydrogen
ions are positively charged they alter the charge environment of other molecules in solution. By putting different forces
on the molecules, the molecules change shape from their normal shape. This is particularly important for proteins in solution
because the shape of a protein is related to its function.
The concentration of hydrogen ions is commonly expressed in terms of the pH scale. Low pH corresponds to high hydrogen
ion concentration and vice versa. A substance that when added to water increases the concentration of hydrogen ions(lowers
the pH) is called an acid. A substance that reduces the concentration of hydrogen ions(raises the pH) is called a base. Finally
some substances enable solutions to resist pH changes when an acid or base is added. Such substances are called buffers. Buffers
are very important in helping organisms maintain a relatively constant pH.
Note that each decrease in pH by one pH unit means a tenfold increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions.
The pH level of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. The entire metabolic process depends on an alkaline
environment. Chronic over acidity corrodes body tissue, and if left unchecked will interrupt all cellular activities and functions,
from the beating of your heart to the neuron firing of your brain. In other words, overacidity interferes with life itself.
It is at the root of all sickness and disease.
More and more research is showing that low oxygen delivery to cells is a major factor in most if not all degenerative conditions.
Nobel laureate, Dr. Otto Warburg of Germany, won his Nobel Prize for his discovery of oxygen deficiency in the CANCER growth
process. As stated above, when pH is off and our bodies are running more acidic, our cells are getting less oxygen. Cancer
thrives under an acid tissue pH/oxygen deficient environment. Is it any wonder today that cancer rates are up?
To recall how important oxygen is to your life, just stop breathing for a minute. Get the idea? Each cell in your body
can breathe fully or not. Which it is depends upon having an optimum pH balance. Do you think keeping an eye on your body
pH might be important in your life?
Your Brain. Your brain needs fuel to run, and the fuel it uses is glucose. But unlike other cells, your brain can't store
glucose. It depends on the second to second supply from the bloodstream - a bloodstream that is affected by pH, which controls
the efficiency of INSULIN, which allows sugar to enter into cells which in turn controls blood sugar levels.
Your HEART. William Philpott M.D. in his 'Biomagnetic Handbook' made an important body pH/electrical connection. As the
pH of the blood goes more acid, fatty acids which are normally electro-magnetically charged on the negative side switch to
positive and automatically are attracted to and begin to stick to the walls of arteries which are electro-magnetically charged
on the negative side. (And as science states, opposites attract.) It should start to make sense that a society which over-emphasizes
food that could push blood to be more acid will have a high rate of heart disease. And so it goes.
pH control impacts every biochemical process in the body including...
ENZYMES which are part of that biochemical process. There are hundreds if not thousands of enzyme processes which take
place in the body. Many are so specific that they are like complex square pegs that need to "fit" into specific square holes
in order to carry out their duty. If blood pH is off balance even a little, some important pegs are not "fitting" their respective
slots. Enzyme function and thus life itself begins to suffer.
MINERAL ASSIMILATION is affected by pH. Minerals have different pH levels at which they can be assimilated into the body.
Minerals on the lower end of the atomic scale can be assimilated in a wider pH range, and minerals higher up on the scale
require a narrower and narrower pH range in order to be assimilated by the body. For example….
Sodium and magnesium have wide pH assimilation ranges. It narrows somewhat for calcium and potassium. Narrows more
for manganese and iron. More for zinc and copper. More for iodine.
Iodine, which is high up on the atomic scale, requires near perfect pH for its assimilation into the body. Iodine you may
know, is one of the most important minerals for proper functioning of the THYROID. But, the thyroid doesn't get access to
iodine unless the body pH is near perfect. With a society in a largely pH unbalanced state, one would suspect a lot of thyroid
problems. Malfunctioning thyroids have been connected to arthritis, heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, depression, overweight,
fatigue and more. Are you starting to see the basic metabolic picture evolving here?
Due primarily to agricultural soil depletion and over-acidic food consumption, mineral deficiency is a large problem facing
most people today. And mineral deficiency relates to the quantity of life energy or, more specifically, electricity, in our
bodies. Body mineral content and balances control the quantity of electricity in our bodies. The speed at which the electricity
flows is controlled by the body's pH balance.
pH Balance and the Mineral Connection
There are complex biochemical processes taking place in the body constantly in an attempt to keep blood pH as near perfect
as possible. These are known as the pH buffering systems. These buffering systems need a good balance of minerals to work
effectively. If we are getting inadequate mineral intake from the food we eat, we are going to start having problems with
our pH balancing systems. And if our pH is unbalanced, what is the result? Well, by now you should start having a good idea.
Pick your disease, choose your unbalance. Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, allergies, obesity,
just name it. If you don't feel good, one of the basic things that stands between you and perfect health is your body's pH.
Your basic metabolic body balance.
Minerals are as important as, if not more important than, vitamins. Minerals are co-enzymes which help vitamins function.
In the absence of minerals, vitamins can't do their job. Many minerals are referred to as trace minerals, which might make
it seem as though they are of little importance, but nothing could be further from the truth. Minerals and their deficiencies
have been implicated in a wide range of off-balance health conditions. Here are some examples:
Supplementing a diet with sufficient chromium and vanadium can help prevent diabetes and has been seen to reverse diabetes
in those already diabetic, as vanadium is reportedly able to replace insulin in some cases.
Copper deficiency is implicated in aneurysms (brain, aortic, etc.)
Magnesium is quite possibly the most important mineral for the reduction of coronary heart disease. (The latest "cutting
edge" research shows that heart disease is really a function of heart muscle acidosis.)
Boron helps keep calcium in the bones, helps women preserve and make estrogen, and helps men keep testosterone. Boron affects
alertness. Boron can help eliminate arthritis.
Potassium and magnesium (along with organic sodium) are some of the most important minerals for rebalancing the electrical
properties of the cell, for eliminating excess acidity, and for helping to balance calcium.
Magnesium helps conduct electrical messages between all the neurons of the body.
People get irrational when potassium levels are low.
Zinc is involved in over 200 brain enzyme interactions.
Drinking zinc mixed with distilled water can stop anorexia nervosa in a day.
Zinc deficiency symptoms include loss of taste and smell.
Zinc deficiency in children results in moodiness, depression, irritability, photo phobia (light sensitivity), antagonism,
temper tantrums & learning problems.
Children who do poorly on achievement tests tend to have low iron levels. These children also display disruptive, impulsive
and irritable behavior in the classroom. Children who have high lead levels do more poorly overall. Most of these children's
mineral imbalances go undiagnosed and instead are medicated with drugs.
Likewise, ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder can often be eliminated by balancing nutritional trace minerals. There is no
need to drug our children.
Cigarette smoke is rich in cadmium (the blue color in the smoke). Cadmium is the most neurotoxic substance known to human
beings. A low zinc/high cadmium ratio is implicated in learning disabilities.
Zinc is needed to balance cadmium.
Too much copper is an irritant to the brain.
High manganese levels show statistically high correlation with violent behavior., while lithium balances and helps control
manganese. The cities of the world with the highest lithium concentration in their water show the lowest homicide rates.
The trace element rubidium cures manic depression.
The right ratio of copper to zinc in the cell acts as an antioxidant.
This information shows just a teeny fraction of how minerals and mineral imbalances can affect your health. Much of this
information is buried in professional journals, there for the taking. It appears that due to politics and the influence and
strength that the medical/drug industrial complex has over the suppression of information, these things stay buried.
If this type of information, along with the other things we know, could be assimilated into our society, whether through
the efforts of individuals or that of our government, and if people like doctors, psychiatrists, and dietitians were to act
on it, we could lessen violence in our society, raise academic achievement, and greatly reduce outlays of public money for
Medicare and Medicaid. We could see our health insurance premiums drop to about $50 dollars a month for a family of four because
we could eliminate our need for expensive hospital visits and treatments excepting emergency care for accidents.
Without a doubt, the single most important thing you can do for your health is to supplement your diet with broad spectrum
trace minerals. They are that important.
Ulcerative Colitis
If you are living with ulcerative colitis (UC), you’re not alone. Approximately half a million people in the United
States are going through exactly what you are.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that affects the colon or large intestine. In people with UC, the innermost lining
of the intestine, called the mucosa, becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores. These sores bleed and produce pus and
mucus. The inflammation causes the intestine to empty frequently, which results in bouts of bloody diarrhea and abdominal
cramps. Some patients may experience fever.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Approximately 1 million Americans have IBD — half
of whom have UC. Both men and women have an equal chance of being affected.
Ulcerative colitis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 30 and also between the ages of 50 and 70. However, the
disease can occur at any age.
Age of onset:
15-25 = 38%
25-35 = 27%
35-45 = 17%
45+ = 19%
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
The cause of ulcerative colitis is probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors.The term ulcerative colitis
was coined in 1888 to describe a ragged ulcerative surface in the colon. Since that time, physicians have conducted extensive
research on the disease. Studies have examined what genes and environmental factors play a role in the development of ulcerative
colitis. Researchers are also trying to find new and improved ways of treating the disease.
But despite all the research that has been conducted, doctors are still unsure of why and how ulcerative colitis develops.
It is probably some combination of a person’s genes and how the immune system in the intestine reacts to an environmental
or infectious agent.
Immune dysfunction: Ulcerative colitis is marked by an abnormal response in the immune system. Usually, various cells
and proteins protect the body from infection. However, in ulcerative colitis the immune system reacts inappropriately. Researchers
believe that once the immune system is turned on, it does not know when or how to turn off. This results in inflammation.
Genetics: A person’s genes can play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis. Studies have shown that up
to 20% of people with ulcerative colitis have a close relative with either ulcerative colitis or another gastrointestinal
condition called Crohn’s disease. You can find more information about Crohn’s disease at CrohnsResource.com.
Environmental factors: Doctors know that ulcerative colitis is not caused by stress or sensitivity to certain foods
or food products. However, both can aggravate symptoms in some people.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
The most common ulcerative colitis symptoms are:
Diarrhea Rectal bleeding Urgency to have a bowel movement A
feeling that you still need to have a bowel movement after having one (tenesmus) Passage of mucus Crampy abdominal
pain You may also experience fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and loss of body fluids and nutrients.
Half of people with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms. Others experience more severe symptoms, such as frequent
fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms often come and go. The period of time between flare-ups is called remission. Remission can
last several months or even years.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes
in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract) so that he or she can accurately diagnose your ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis
Your doctor will take several steps in order to accurately diagnose ulcerative colitis (UC). These steps will also help
rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a bacterial or viral infection, and make sure you don’t have
another gastrointestinal problem like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease. To do this, your doctor will look
at your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and perform several tests. Below are descriptions of some tests
your doctor may perform.
Stool examination: Infections of the colon can sometimes mimic ulcerative colitis. Analyzing a stool
sample can help your doctor eliminate possible bacterial, viral, or parasitic causes of your diarrhea. Your doctor may also
check the stool sample for blood, which could mean the intestine is bleeding.
Blood tests: Your doctor will perform blood tests to look for several things. Blood tests can check for
anemia, which may indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum. Your doctor may also order blood tests to look at your white blood
cell count and other markers, which would indicate an infection or inflammation.
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: These tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis
or to determine the extent of the inflammation inside the intestine. During either test, the doctor inserts a long, flexible,
lighted tube with a camera at the end called an endoscope into the anus to see the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube
is connected to a computer and TV monitor. The test allows the doctor to see any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the
colon wall. The doctor may also take a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon to examine with a microscope.
Barium enema x-ray: During this procedure, an enema is used to fill the colon with barium, a chalky white
solution. The barium will show up white on the x-ray, allowing your doctor a detailed view of the colon, including any ulcers
or other abnormalities.
Complications of Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can cause problems in parts of the body other than the colon. While the majority of ulcerative colitis
(UC) symptoms will occur in the intestine, the disease can also cause problems in other parts of the body. Some people experience
arthritis, eye problems, liver problems, osteoporosis, skin rashes, and anemia. No one really knows why problems occur outside
the colon, but some doctors believe that the dysregulation within the immune system also triggers inflammation in other parts
of the body.
Below is a brief description of some possible complications associated with ulcerative colitis.
Arthritis: Between 15% and 20% of adults and 10% to 25% of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develop joint
inflammation in the hands and feet, which, in many cases, will worsen as intestinal symptoms worsen.
Eye problems: Like arthritis, when intestinal symptoms flare up, people with ulcerative colitis often experience inflammation
of the whites of the eyes. But even when symptoms are not active, the person may still experience inflammation of the inside
of the eye. As a result, symptoms such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and headache may occur. Some doctors believe
that patients with ulcerative colitis should undergo routine eye examinations.
Liver problems: Between 1% and 3% of ulcerative colitis patients have symptoms of mild to severe liver disease. Patients
may experience inflammation of the liver, inflammation of the bile ducts, and the replacement of functional liver tissue with
scar tissue.
Colon cancer: People who have ulcerative colitis for a long time are at an increased risk for developing colon cancer.
A person’s level of risk for developing cancer depends on how long he or she has had ulcerative colitis and how much
of the colon is affected. A person’s risk for developing cancer starts to increase between eight and ten years after
ulcerative colitis symptoms first appear. Therefore, doctors may recommend that people who have had ulcerative colitis for
at least eight years have a colonoscopy every one to two years.
During the colonoscopy, the doctor will take samples, called biopsies, of the lining of the colon to see if there are any
signs of cancer. One of the first signs of cancer is a condition called dysplasia. Dysplasia is the abnormal growth or development
of cells — that is, cells are not their normal size or shape. While these cells are not themselves malignant, they are
considered to indicate a “premalignant” state, with the patient being at particularly high risk for the development
of colon cancer. Depending on the extent of dysplasia, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the entire colon (colectomy).
General Information About Colon Cancer: Colon cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
tissues of the colon. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system. The digestive system removes and processes
nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the
body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first 6 feet of the
large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the rectum and the anal canal. The anal canal ends
at the anus (the opening of the large intestine to the outside of the body).
Other problems associated with ulcerative colitis include abdominal distension, severe bleeding from ulcers in the intestine,
and rupture of the bowel.
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Despite available treatments, there is still an unmet medical need for ulcerative colitis patients. The type of treatment
you receive will depend on how severe your symptoms are. Avoiding certain foods that aggravate symptoms may be helpful for
some patients. Many people use medication to treat their symptoms, and in severe cases, some people may need surgery.
Who Treats Ulcerative Colitis
The first step to getting the proper ulcerative colitis treatment is to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disease.
Ulcerative colitis is primarily treated by gastroenterologists — doctors who specialize in diseases of the digestive
tract. As a first step, some patients go directly to a gastroenterologist, while others see their primary healthcare provider
(family practitioner, internist, or pediatrician) who may refer them to a gastroenterologist.
The important thing to remember is that you should select a doctor with whom you are comfortable. Ulcerative colitis is
a chronic illness, so it is important that you develop a long-lasting and positive relationship with your doctor.
You can find a physician by calling your insurance company or by looking in the following directories, which are available
at your local library.
American Medical Directory
Directory of Medical Specialists
Ulcerative Colitis Medications
At this time, there is no medication that can cure ulcerative colitis (UC). However, your gastroenterologist may recommend
medication to help you manage your symptoms. The goals of medical treatment for ulcerative colitis are the following:
To achieve relief of symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain To control symptoms by reducing inflammation
and healing intestinal damage To reduce the need for surgery To improve quality of life Below are descriptions
of several types of medications that your doctor may prescribe for your ulcerative colitis. You should discuss this information
with your gastroenterologist and refer to their package insert.
Antidiarrheal Medications: Patients who have mild diarrhea may be prescribed antidiarrheal drugs. Your doctor may prescribe
several antidiarrheal agents, including loperamide (Imodium®*). In severe cases, your gastroenerologist will closely monitor
you if you are taking these antidiarrheal drugs to avoid triggering toxic megacolon, a serious complication. If you are dehydrated
because of diarrhea, you will be treated with fluids and electrolytes.
Anti-inflammatory agents: The most common anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates,
which are aspirin-like drugs that contain 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). These drugs can be taken orally or rectally, through
an enema or in a suppository. How you take the medication will depend on the location of the inflammation in the colon. Most
people with mild or moderate UC are treated with this group of drugs first. Your gastroenerologist may prescribe one or more
of the following aminosalicylates: mesalamine (Asacol®*, Pentasa®*), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®*), olsalazine (Dipentum®*),
and balsalazide (Colazal®*).
Biologics: Biologics are the latest form of therapy for the treatment of UC. These therapies selectively interact with
processes in your body to treat a number of diseases and their symptoms. To date, biologics have been used to successfully
treat many people with a variety of inflammatory disorders. REMICADE® (infliximab) is the only FDA-approved biologic for UC
treatment. REMICADE is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, achieving clinical remission and mucosal healing, and eliminating
corticosteroid use in patients with moderately to severely active UC who haven't responded well to other therapies. Please
read Important Product Information.
Immunomodulators: Drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran®*) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol®*), or 6-MP, have been used
to maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and decrease the need for steroids. However, this class of drugs may take up to
three to six months to produce maximal effect. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, liver problems,
interference with the bone marrow’s ability to make platelets and red and white blood cells, and reduced resistance
to infection. If you take these drugs, you may need to have your blood count monitored on a regular basis. Cyclosporine has
been given to some people who suffer severe flare-ups and have not responded to corticosteroid therapy.
Steroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, and budesonide, have been used for many years to
reduce inflammation in patients who have not responded well to 5-ASA medications or who have moderate to severe ulcerative
colitis. Corticosteroids can be given orally, intravenously, through an enema, or in a suppository, depending on the location
of the inflammation. Patients often see an improvement in their symptoms within days after starting steroids. While steroids
are effective in the short-term control of a flare-up, it is not recommended that they be used for a long time because of
side effects. Side effects can include weight gain, acne, facial hair, hypertension, osteoporosis, hip joint damage, diabetes,
mood swings, and an increased risk of infection.
*Indicated trademarks are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
Risk of surgery increases with duration and extent of disease.The risk of surgery increases with the duration and extent
of disease. Many people with ulcerative colitis (UC) may never require surgery. Currently, there is no medicinal cure for
ulcerative colitis, and 25% to 40% of ulcerative colitis patients will eventually have their colons removed because of severe
illness, risk of cancer, massive bleeding, or rupture of the colon.
Your doctor may recommend surgery for a number of reasons. Perhaps you have not responded to medical treatment, or the
side effects of corticosteroids or other drugs are threatening your health. If you do have to undergo surgery, you may have
one of two common procedures.
Ileostomy: During an ileostomy, the surgeon creates a small opening in the abdomen, called a stoma, and attaches the
end of the small intestine, called the ileum, to it. The stoma is about the size of a quarter and is covered by a pouch. Waste
travels through the small intestine and exits the body through the stoma and into the pouch. The patient empties the pouch
as needed.
Ileoanal anastomosis: Ileoanal anastomosis is a fairly new procedure that allows the patient to have normal bowel movements
because it preserves the anus. The colon is still removed, but the doctor creates an internal pouch from the small bowel and
attaches it to the anal sphincter muscle. Waste is stored in the pouch and is passed through the anus in the usual manner.
Complications:
As with any surgery, there are complications that can happen. The two most common complications are small bowel obstruction
and pouchitis, an inflammation of the pouch. An obstruction of the bowel will cause crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In most people, this can often be treated with intravenous fluids and by allowing the bowel to rest. However, some people
may require surgery to eliminate/remove the obstruction.
Pouchitis: In pouchitis, patients may experience diarrhea, urgency to have bowel movements, the feeling that they still
need to have a bowel movement right after having one, and, occasionally, abdominal cramps, fever, and joint pain. Pouchitis
is usually treated with an antibiotic for three to six weeks. In a small number of patients, pouchitis becomes chronic, requiring
them to take long-term antibiotics and/or other medications. Which surgery you have will depend on the severity of the disease
and your needs, expectations, and lifestyle. If your doctor has said you need surgery, it is important that you get as much
information as possible about the different procedures and what to expect from each. Talk to your doctor and nurses, and ask
if they can help you contact other patients who have undergone these procedures.
Toxic megacolon: In some cases, ulcerative colitis patients may need emergency surgery. This is usually done to treat
a condition called toxic megacolon, a severe complication that involves damage to the entire thickness of the intestinal wall.
With toxic megacolon, the normal contractile movements of the intestinal wall temporarily stop, preventing the contents of
the intestine from emptying. If your doctor suspects that you have toxic megacolon, he or she will have you stop taking all
antidiarrheal drugs. You will be hospitalized and receive all fluids, nutrition, and drugs intravenously. You will be closely
monitored, and if your condition does not improve within 24 to 48 hours, your doctor will likely recommend emergency surgery
to remove all or most of the large intestine.
Healthier Living With Ulcerative Colitis
Some people experience flare-ups during times of physical and emotional stress.While ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease
of the intestine, its effects can be felt in many parts of your body. Diarrhea and blood loss can cause anemia, fatigue, and
nutritional deficiencies. Having to deal with a chronic illness or living in fear of a flare-up can cause stress. That’s
why it is important to take steps to lead a healthier, stress-free life.
Emotional stress is not thought to cause ulcerative colitis. However, some people do experience a flare-up of symptoms
during times of physical and emotional stress. Managing your stress may help prevent flare-ups.
Similarly, while no particular food is known to cause ulcerative colitis, many people have found that their symptoms are
aggravated by certain foods. Eating smart can help prevent foods from aggravating a flare-up.
Alternative Ulcerative Colitis Therapies
Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs, vitamins, or alternative medications.Traditional drugs and treatment
for people with ulcerative colitis (UC) usually include drug therapy and surgery. However, these kinds of treatments can sometimes
cause unwanted side effects. Alternative medicine, also called holistic medicine, is an approach to healing which looks at
the body as a whole. Some alternative therapies that have been used to complement conventional treatment include relaxation
training, vitamin therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, and homeopathy. You should discuss any alternative treatment with your
physician before you begin.
Relaxation Training: You may have already discovered that stress can exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms. Relaxation
training includes techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga, and can be used to reduce stress
and to manage chronic pain.
Vitamin Therapy: Research is currently underway looking for a link between vitamin therapy and ulcerative colitis. Specifically,
researchers are trying to find out if certain nutrients that produce antioxidant enzymes can help neutralize excessive free-radical
production, which can be found in people who have ulcerative colitis.
Life with Ulcerative Colitis
Living with a chronic illness like ulcerative colitis (UC) can be challenging. There will be times when the disease affects
you both physically and emotionally. That’s why it is important to focus on treating your mind and your body. Treatment
involves more than just taking your medications — it involves eating a healthy diet, reducing stress whenever possible,
staying physically active, and getting the support you need from your healthcare team and the people around you.
Eating Smart: Ulcerative Colitis Diet Tips
Proper nutrition is important to help ensure that your body stays healthy. Maintaining good nutrition is one way you can
lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s important to make smart food choices.
There is no evidence that any particular food causes ulcerative colitis (UC). But some people may find that certain foods
make their symptoms worse. Consider keeping a symptoms diary to see which foods aggravate your symptoms. For example, some
people find that spicy or high-fiber foods make symptoms worse. If this is the case, you may want to eat soft, bland foods
during a flare-up, instead of raw vegetables or spicy dishes.
Diarrhea and bleeding can cause nutritional deficiencies and rob the body of fluids and electrolytes. Proper nutrition
is important to ensure that your body stays healthy. Eat a variety of foods — making sure they are ones you can tolerate
— to ensure that you are getting a variety of nutrients. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration, so it is equally important
that you drink plenty of water, especially during warmer weather.
The following are tips for healthy eating: Make sure you are not skipping meals. Try eating several smaller meals during
the day instead of three large ones. Eat a variety of foods from all food groups. The Food Guide Pyramid can tell you about
the food groups and how much of each you should eat in a day. Ensure that you have daily intake of an adequate level of
calories, proteins, and nutrients.
Your doctor or a nutritionist who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can help you make the right
dietary decisions.
Managing Stress With Ulcerative Colitis
Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) is not easy. You will have good days and bad days. Although it may not be easy, it
is important to try to control your stress whenever possible and maintain a positive outlook.
It is important to remember that you did not do anything to cause your illness. Ulcerative colitis is not caused by anything
you ate or your personality. Some people report that stressful events precede a flare-up. This is probably because stress
affects your body in many ways — most importantly, it decreases your resistance to inflammation. People with ulcerative
colitis also report that they experience stress or anxiety as a result of ulcerative colitis symptoms.
There are many ways to manage stress — some people meditate, others like physical activity, and still others like
to talk about their feelings. Find the way that works best for you.
Seek Support For Ulcerative Colitis: Speaking to a therapist who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
or other chronic illnesses helps some people, while finding a support group for IBD patients helps others. Both allow you
to discuss your feelings with someone who understands what you are going through. For additional support, visit the Crohn’s
& Colitis Foundation of America.
Get Educated: Sometimes a chronic illness can make you feel like your life is out of your control. One way to regain
control is to learn everything you can about ulcerative colitis. By educating yourself, you will better understand what is
going on in your body and be able to take an active role in your treatment.
Let It Out: You don’t have to be happy all the time. Sometimes it’s OK to feel sad or frustrated. So allow
yourself a “bad” day once in a while. Then put those feelings aside and remember that even though ulcerative colitis
is often unpredictable, people still live active, successful lives.
Travel Tips
When you have ulcerative colitis (UC), traveling can be stressful. But with a little planning, you can have a stress-free
trip.
Find a doctor in the town or towns you will be visiting. Your regular doctor can help you locate someone in the cities
you will be visiting. Make sure you have enough medication. Call your doctor and ask for a refill of your prescription. Talk
to your doctor about a plan of action in case you experience a flare-up while away. When you're en route, whether it's
by car or plane, these tips can help make your traveling relaxing.
Always carry your medication with you. If you are traveling by plane, pack your medication in your carry-on bag. If
you are flying or traveling by bus or train, request an aisle seat for easy access. Talk to some friends who have been
to the city or attraction, and try to find the best bathrooms.
Support Resources
Looking for more information about ulcerative colitis (UC)? This section lists websites and several books that are available
that can tell you more about ulcerative colitis.
Websites: Clicking on any of the links below will take you to a website to which our site's Privacy Policy does not
apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with that website. The links are provided for informational purposes
only and do not represent an endorsement, direct or implied, of the websites to which you will be directed.
Zonderman J, Vender R, Bertolucci, B. Understanding Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Jackson, MS: University Press
of Mississippi; 2000.
Gotschall EG. Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health through Diet. Kirkton, Ont.: Kirkton Press; 1994.
Banks PA, ed. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Fact Book. New York, NY: Hungry Minds, Inc.; 1984.
Scala J. The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut: The Complete Nutritional Guide to Ileitis, Colitis, Crohn’s Disease,
and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. New York, NY: Plume Publishing; 2000.
Stein S, Hanauer S, Rood R, eds. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Guide for Patients and Their Families. Philadelphia, PA:
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers; 1998.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the knee's biggest enemy. Caused by injury, disease, or just the passing of time, arthritis causes the pain
and joint damage that can lead to hip and knee replacement.
What is arthritis? Arthritis is the number one cause of chronic disability in the United States. Affecting nearly 40
million Americans, it refers to more than 100 diseases that cause pain, stiffness and swelling from the inflammation of a
joint or the area around joints.
The three basic types of arthritis that may cause hip and knee pain: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis (most commonly
rheumatoid arthritis), and traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Traumatic arthritis
Number affected in the U.S.
about 16 million (most common type of arthritis)
over 2 million (most common type of inflammatory arthritis)
not known
Who is likely to get condition
usually middle-aged and older people
75 percent are women; most often begins between 30 and 60, but can develop at any age
people who have experienced a hip injury or fracture
Definition
joint disease that gets worse over time; does not cause swelling in joints (not inflammatory)
inflammatory condition (causes joint swelling) in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue that lines and
cushions the joints
from an injury which leads to a condition called avascular necrosis: blood supply to the ball portion (the femoral head)
of the thighbone is cut off
Why it causes pain
cartilage that cushions the bones of the hip starts to erode, eventually allows the bones of the joint to grind or rub
together
cartilage wears away and the cushioning fluid in the joint (the synovium) becomes inflamed (swollen) inflammation causes
chemicals to be released that damage the cartilage and bone of the affected joint
lack of blood supply causes the ball portion (the femoral head) of the thighbone to wither and surrounding cartilage deteriorates
and bones grind or rub together
Symptoms
pain and stiffness
pain and swelling
pain and other symptoms
What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most common type
of arthritis affecting about 16 million Americans, usually middle-aged and older people. This is a noninflammatory degenerative
joint disease characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage that cushions the bones of the hip starts
to erode, eventually allowing the bones to grind or rub together and causing hip pain and stiffness.The exact cause of osteoarthritis
is unknown.
What is rheumatoid arthritis? In some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium becomes inflamed.
This inflammation causes chemicals to be released that thicken the synovium and damage the cartilage and bone of the affected
joint. This leads to inflammation of the synovium causing pain and swelling.
What is inflammatory arthritis? This chronic disease results when, for unknown reasons, the immune system mistakenly
attacks the tissue that lines and cushions the joints. As cartilage wears away, the knee often becomes stiff and swollen.
A well-known example is rheumatoid arthritis.
What is traumatic arthritis? The culprit here is a serious hip injury or fracture that can lead to a condition called
avascular necrosis. In avascular necrosis, the blood supply to the ball portion (the femoral head) of the thighbone is cut
off and the bone begins to wither. As a result, the surrounding cartilage begins to deteriorate, producing pain and other
symptoms.
What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is the second most common type of arthritis affecting 3.7 million Americans, mostly
women; 70 to 90 percent of people who develop this disease are women aged 20 to 50. Fibromyalgia is a disease involving pain
in muscles or joints with no clinical signs of infection. It is often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, and usually
does not require surgery.
What causes arthritis? The causes of the 100 types of arthritis are unknown. Because there are so many different forms
of arthritis, the causes are likely to vary. Scientists are currently examining how the roles of major factors including genetics
and lifestyles affect the development of arthritis.
What changes occur in the cartilage of an arthritic hip? In a healthy hip, cartilage cushions the area surrounding
the hip ball and socket to allow easy movement without pain. In an unhealthy hip, the cartilage is damaged or worn away causing
pain from bones rubbing and grinding together.
What changes occur in the cartilage of an arthritic knee? In a healthy knee, cartilage protects and cushions bone surfaces
that come together at the joint allowing bones to move without friction. In an unhealthy knee, cartilage is damaged or worn
away causing pain from bones rubbing together.
What are some of the symptoms of arthritis? The type of pain caused by arthritis depends on the type you have. Pain
from arthritis can be continuous or intermittent. Pain may occur after activity or exercise but it may also happen even if
you've been resting and still for a period of time. Pain may be concentrated in one spot or you may feel it all over your
body. Joints may feel stiff and difficult to move. Daily chores such as climbing stairs and opening cans may become a challenge.
You may notice that pain is more severe during certain times of the day or after performing certain tasks. Some kinds of
arthritis cause swelling or inflammation. The skin over the joint may appear swollen and red, and feel hot when touched. Arthritis
may also cause fatigue or weariness. Read Easing the Pain to learn more about pain management.
How can I know if I have arthritis? Early diagnosis and treatment tailored to an individual's needs are crucial in
slowing or preventing damage to joints. Only a physician can determine if you have arthritis and what type it is. Arthritis
is diagnosed based on the overall pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical exam, x-rays and lab tests. Your doctor
will start by taking your history and doing a complete physical exam. Your doctor may observe you while standing, sitting,
lying down, etc. and watch how well you walk around the room. He or she will also examine your hip and knee carefully, looking
and feeling for details that offer clues about your condition. He or she will ask you where it hurts and how long you’ve
had the pain. He or she will want to know if you fell or suffered any other trauma to the hip. The location of the pain
is often a tip-off of the condition you have. The source is not always what you'd think. Pain that truly comes from a hip
problem is often located in the thigh or groin area. In other cases, hip pain may be a signal of a problem elsewhere in the
body. If the pain is more in the buttocks than the hip, for example, it may actually be the result of a problem in the back.
And, while hip pain that travels down the leg may be the result of infammation in the hip joint, it can also be a sign of
sciatica (a condition usually caused by a pinched nerve in the back). If the pain travels below the knee, it could be a sign
of disease in the nerves or blood vessels. In women, pain in the hip or upper leg may stem from several other causes, including
tumors of the uterus or ovaries, endometriosis (the presence of uterine tissue elsewhere in the body), or pelvic inflammatory
disease (infection in the reproductive organs). Your doctor will also observe your posture while standing, sitting, and
lying down, and watch how well you walk around the room. He’ll check for bruises, discoloration, areas of muscle wasting,
and any curvature of the back. These observations all offer clues about your condition. He may order x-rays to rule out
a fracture or detect osteoarthritis. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can confirm the presence of avascular necrosis
or soft tissue damage. If he thinks you have an inflammatory condition or infection, he may order blood tests.
What are the treatment options for arthritis? Because there are so many types of arthritis, each type of arthritis
has different symptoms and treatments. The good news is there are many ways to help control arthritis. Care for arthritis
often involves more than one type of treatment. Treatment may vary over time and may be different depending on the kind of
arthritis. Consult your doctor to discuss the best treatment options for you. There are three basic categories of treatments,
and your plan may involve one, two, or all three. Brief details are provided here and you can also go to individual sections
for each option. Click the links to these sections for detailed information that may help. Lifestyle Changes: It's hard
to make changes in your life, but altering some small daily habits can make a big difference to the way your feel every day.
Think about:
Medication : Many drugs, both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, are used to treat arthritis. Common medications
are aspirin-free pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease modifiers, and sleep medications.
Exercise: Regular exercise is important to keep the body moving and flexible. It may lessen pain, increase movement,
reduce fatigue, and helps you look and feel better.
Heat or Cold: Use of heat or cold over joints may provide short- term relief from pain and stiffness.
Pacing Activities: Pacing helps protect your joints by alternating periods of activity with periods of rest so that
your joints don't tire from the stress of repeated tasks.
Joint Protection: Joints can be protected by learning to use them in ways that avoid excess stress. One way of doing
this is to avoid using sore and weak joints. Unless larger joints are sore, for example, it is best to use them when carrying
heavy items. The second method is walking with assistive devices like a cane. Lastly, weight control helps ease pain by reducing
stress on your joints.
Self-Help Skills: You can learn ways to better manage how arthritis affects you emotionally by talking about your feelings
with family members and friends, doing mental exercises, and by joining your local arthritis support group.
Surgery: Most people will not need surgery, but in many cases surgery may be effective in minimizing or eliminating
pain when other treatment methods have failed. Not all surgical procedures are alike. In fact, many advances have been
made recently allowing surgical procedures that are much less invasive. Such minimally invasive procedures are revolutionizing
the way patients experience and recover from surgery. New procedures may allow for: less postoperative pain, a faster recovery
period, and a shorter hospital stay.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America, after heart disease and cancer, and medical researchers expect the
prevalence of stroke to grow as the overall population ages and as the number of stroke-prone minorities increases. Of
the 750,000 primary and secondary strokes that occur annually in this country (USA), two-thirds are in older patients, and
Hispanics and African Americans face a higher risk than Caucasians. Approximately one-third of all stroke survivors will have
another stroke within five years, according to the National Stroke Association.
Cause of a Stroke
A STROKE IS CAUSED by anything that stops blood flowing into your brain. Blood clots and burst blood vessels stop blood flow
to the brain. Your brain like every other part of your body needs blood to survive. This blood brings food and oxygen to brain
cells which they need to work - just like a computer chip needs electricity to work. When a clot forms in your brain, blow
flow past it is stopped like an accident on a highway stopping other cars getting past. This robs areas further on of vital
blood killing them and whatever processing used to be done there is lost. So for example, if an area that moves your left
arm gets clotted and dies you won't be able to move your left arm anymore. Bleeds into the brain also stop blood flow as they
both clot and swell preventing blood flow and causing a stroke.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is a condition or habit that increases your chance of developing a disease. You may already be familiar with
some risk factors for heart disease.
These include:
• Age • Being overweight • High cholesterol
You may want to ask your doctor about others.
Risk factors that you cannot change:
• Your age • Family history (genetics) • Race • Gender
For example, you are at higher risk for heart disease if you:
• Are male and over age 45 • Are female and over age 55 • Your family has a history of heart
disease
Risk factors you can manage to help stay healthy. These include:
• Being overweight • High cholesterol • High blood pressure • Lack of exercise •
Diabetes • Smoking
What having more than 1 risk factor can mean for you.
Your risk of heart disease increases if you have multiple risk factors. For example, if you have the following 3 risk factors: •
High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Diabetes You have a 6.2 times greater risk of developing
heart disease than if you faced none of these risk factors.*
Diagram adapted from: Kannel WB. Importance of hypertension as a major
risk factor in cardiovascular disease. In: Genest J, Koiw E, Kuchel O, Boucher R, Nowaczynski W, Rojo-Ortega JM, eds, Hypertension:
Physiopathology and Treatment. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1977:888-910.
To help protect your heart, you should work with your doctor to address the risk factors that you can manage. Have your
cholesterol checked regularly. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and 1 in 5 adults has high cholesterol.
Managing your risk factors can lower your risk of heart disease. Heart attack or stroke are examples of heart disease. *Risk
shown above is compared with the baseline risk for a 40-year-old male nonsmoker with total cholesterol of 185 mg/dL, SBP of
120 mm Hg, no glucose intolerance, ECG-LVH negative, and a probability of developing cardiovascular disease of 15/1000 (or
1.5%) in 8 years.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
Very often just before a major stroke there are warning signs like the rumblings before a volcano. The symptoms are exactly
the same as for a full stroke but they last for less than 24 hours. For example, sudden weakness of an arm that lasts for
less than a day and magically clears up. These warning signals are not to be ignored. You need to seek medical attention immediately
because timely therapy can prevent a full blown stroke before it happens! Mini strokes are called Transient Ischemic Attacks
in medical speak. It means that you have suffered a temporary loss of blood flow to a part of brain which was not sustained.
However, without treatment of the cause you're at risk for 'the big one' that's permanent. That's why it's so important not
to ignore a mini stroke and to go get help right away.
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine ( they offered to call
paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food
- while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called
later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a
stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't
die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally.
He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours,
which is tough.
Symptoms of a Stroke
If you see or have one or more of these symptoms, don't wait, call 911 right away!
Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts!
RECOGNIZING A STROKE:
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR Read and Learn! Sometimes
symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may
suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE. T
* Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE(Coherently) (i.e. . It is sunny out today) R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it
goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks,
call 911 immediately !! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
Common Colds & Influenza
What a Common Cold Is
A common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose. Colds also involve the sinuses, ears, and bronchial
tubes. The symptoms of a common cold include sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough, hoarseness,
and mild general symptoms like headache, feverishness, chilliness, and not feeling well in general. Colds last on average
for one week. Mild colds may last only 2 or 3 days while severe colds may last for up to 2 weeks. A cold is a milder illness
than influenza. However, mild cases of influenza are similar to colds. Adults average 2 to 3 colds per year and children 6
to 10, depending on their age and exposure. Children's noses are the major source of cold viruses. Virus particles can travel
up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) through the air when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes, and even secondhand smoke can make
you more likely to get sick. Cold viruses live only in the noses of humans and not in animals except chimpanzees and other
higher primates.
Causes:
Most colds are caused by rhinoviruses (the name comes from "rhin," the Greek word for nose) that are in invisible droplets
in the air we breathe or on things we touch. More than 100 different rhinoviruses can infiltrate the protective lining of
the nose and throat, triggering an immune system reaction that can make you throat sore, your head ache, and can make it hard
for you to breathe through the nose. Cold viruses can only multiply when they are inside of living cells. When on an environmental
surface, cold viruses cannot multiply. However, they are still infectious if they are transported from an environmental site
into the nose. Air that's dry - indoors or out - can lower your resistance to infection by the viruses that cause colds. And
so can being a smoker or being around someone who's smoking. People who smoke are more likely to catch a cold than people
who don't - and their symptoms will probably be worse, last longer, and are more likely to lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia.
But despite what old wives' tales may have you believe, not wearing a jacket or sweater when it's chilly, sitting or sleeping
in a draft, and going outside while your hair's wet do not cause colds.
Reducing the Risk of Catching a Cold
Limit contact with known cold sufferers, especially during the first three days of their illness. Practice preventive measures
which keep cold virus from entering the nose:
Wash hands after contact with cold sufferers and objects and surfaces they may have contaminated.
Keep fingers out of the eyes and nose.
Avoid having cold sufferers cough and sneeze on you or in your direction.
Try to steer clear of anyone who smokes or who has a cold.
What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Every year in the United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about
36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions,
are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of Flu
Symptoms of flu include:
fever (usually high)
headache
extreme tiredness
dry cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Complications of Flu:
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic
medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza viruses are spread from person to person, primarily through respiratory droplet transmission (e.g., when an infected
person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to an uninfected person). The typical incubation period for influenza is 1--4
days, with an average of 2 days. Adults can be infectious from the day before symptoms begin through approximately 5 days
after illness onset. Children can be infectious for >10 days after the onset of symptoms, and young children also can shed
virus before their illness onset. Severely immunocompromised persons can shed virus for weeks or months.
Uncomplicated influenza illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of constitutional and respiratory signs and symptoms
(e.g., fever, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis). Among children, otitis media, nausea,
and vomiting also are commonly reported with influenza illness. Uncomplicated influenza illness typically resolves after 3--7
days for the majority of persons, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks. However, among certain persons,
influenza can exacerbate underlying medical conditions (e.g., pulmonary or cardiac disease), lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia
or primary influenza viral pneumonia, or occur as part of a coinfection with other viral or bacterial pathogens. Young children
with influenza virus infection can have initial symptoms mimicking bacterial sepsis with high fevers, and febrile seizures
have been reported in up to 20% of children hospitalized with influenza virus infection. Influenza virus infection also has
been uncommonly associated with encephalopathy, transverse myelitis, myositis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and Reye syndrome.
Respiratory illnesses caused by influenza viruses are difficult to distinguish from illnesses caused by other respiratory
pathogens on the basis of signs and symptoms alone. Reported sensitivities and specificities of clinical definitions of influenza
infection that include fever and cough in studies primarily among adults have ranged from 63% to 78% and 55% to 71%, respectively,
compared with viral culture. Sensitivity and predictive value of clinical definitions can vary, depending on the degree of
co-circulation of other respiratory pathogens and the level of influenza activity. A study of older nonhospitalized patients
determined that the presence of fever, cough, and acute onset had a positive predictive value of only 30% for influenza, whereas
a study of hospitalized older patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease determined that a combination of fever, cough,
and illness of <7 days was 78% sensitive and 73% specific for influenza. A study of vaccinated older persons with chronic
lung disease indicated that cough was not predictive of influenza virus infection, although having a fever or feverishness
was 68% sensitive and 54% specific for influenza virus infection. These results highlight the challenges of identifying influenza
illness in the absence of laboratory confirmation.
Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown.
Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Most patients
with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes
fibromyalgia symptoms may include muscle twitches and burning sensations. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia,
and it shows up in people of all ages. To help your family and friends relate to your fibromyalgia symptoms, have them think
back to the last time they had a bad flu. Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. In addition, they felt devoid of
energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. While the severity of symptoms fluctuate from person to person,
FMS may resemble a post-viral state. This similarity is the reason experts in the field of FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS) believe that these two syndromes may be one and the same. Gulf War syndrome also overlaps with FMS/CFS.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Associated Syndromes
Pain - The pain of FMS has no boundaries. People describe the pain as deep muscular aching, throbbing, shooting, and stabbing.
Intense burning may also be present. Quite often, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning and you may hurt more in
muscle groups that are used repetitively.
Fatigue - This symptom can be mild in some patients and yet incapacitating in others. The fatigue has been described as
"brain fatigue" in which patients feel totally drained of energy. Many patients depict this situation by saying that they
feel as though their arms and legs are tied to concrete blocks, and they have difficulty concentrating, e.g., brain fog.
Sleep disorder - Most FMS patients have an associated sleep disorder called the alpha-EEG anomaly. This condition was
uncovered in a sleep lab with the aid of a machine which recorded the brain waves of patients during sleep. Researchers found
that most FMS patients could fall asleep without much trouble, but their deep level (or stage 4) sleep was constantly interrupted
by bursts of awake-like brain activity. Patients appeared to spend the night with one foot in sleep and the other one out
of it. Sleep lab tests may not be necessary to determine if you have disturbed sleep. If you wake up feeling as though
you've just been run over by a Mack truck – what doctors refer to as unrefreshing sleep – it is reasonable for
your physician to assume that you have a sleep disorder. Many FMS patients have been found to have other sleep disorders in
addition to the alpha-EEG, such as sleep apnea (as well as the newly discovered form of interrupted breathing called upper
airway resistance syndrome, or UARS), bruxism (teeth grinding), periodic limb movement during sleep (jerking of arms and legs),
and restless legs syndrome (difficulty sitting still in the evenings).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Constipation, diarrhea, frequent abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea represent symptoms
frequently found in roughly 40 to 70% of FMS patients. Acid reflux or gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GRED) also occurs with
the same high frequency.
Chronic headaches - Recurrent migraine or tension-type headaches are seen in about 70% of FMS patients and can pose a
major problem in coping for this patient group.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome - This syndrome, sometimes referred to as TMJ or TMD, causes tremendous jaw-related
face and head pain in one quarter of FMS patients. However, a 1997 published report indicated that close to 75% of FMS patients
have a varying degree of jaw discomfort. Typically, the problems are related to the muscles and ligaments surrounding the
jaw joint and not necessarily the joint itself.
Other common symptoms - Premenstrual syndrome and painful periods, chest pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory
impairment, numbness and tingling sensations, muscle twitching, irritable bladder, the feeling of swollen extremities, skin
sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur. Patients are often sensitive to odors,
loud noises, bright lights, and sometimes even the medications that they are prescribed.
Aggravating factors - Changes
in weather, cold or drafty environments, infections, allergies, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states),
stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion may all contribute to symptom flare-ups.
Possible Causes
The cause of FMS remains elusive, but there are many triggering events thought to precipitate its onset. A few examples
would be an infection (viral or bacterial), an automobile accident or the development of another disorder, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus, or hypothyroidism. These triggering events probably don't cause FMS, but rather, they may awaken an underlying
physiological abnormality that is already present. What could this abnormality be? Theories pertaining to alterations in pain-related
chemical transmitters (particularly substance P, nerve growth factor, serotonin, and norepinephrine), immune system function
(e.g. abnormally elevated levels of cytokines that form the communications link between your immunologic and neurologic systems),
sleep physiology, and hormonal irregularities are under investigation. In addition, modern brain imaging techniques are being
used to explore various aspects of brain function. The body's response to exercise, stress, and alterations in the operation
of your autonomic nervous system (the one that operates in your peripheral tissues) are also being evaluated. Substance P
and nerve growth factor are increased threefold and fourfold (respectively) in the spinal fluid of people with FMS, but researchers
are working to figure out why these elevations exist. With regards to genetics, its role in FMS is also the focus of many
investigations.
Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Traditional treatments are geared toward improving the quality of sleep and reducing pain, which means that a sleep study
may aid with individualizing your therapy. Deep level (stage 4) sleep is crucial for many body functions (such as tissue repair,
antibody production, and the regulation of various neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system chemicals). Therefore, the
sleep disorders that frequently occur in FMS patients are treated first because they may be a strong contributing factor to
the symptoms of this condition. Medications that boost your body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters
that modulate sleep, pain, and immune system function) are commonly prescribed in low doses, such as amitriptyline, cyclobenzaprine
and Cymbalta. Ambien, Lunesta, clonazepam, and trazodone are just a few of the medications that may be used to aid sleep.
Ultram may help with the pain, although stronger opioids may be needed for treating moderate to severe pain. Muscle relaxants,
anti-epileptics (such as Neurontin and Lyrica) and other drug categories may be prescribed as well. In addition to medications,
most fibromyalgia patients will need to use other treatment methods as well, such as trigger point injections with lidocaine,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, relaxation/biofeedback techniques, osteopathic manipulation,
chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, or a gentle exercise program.
What is the prognosis?
Long term follow-up studies on FMS have shown that it is chronic, but the symptoms may wax and wane. The impact that FMS
has on daily living activities, including the ability to work a full-time job, differs among patients. Overall, studies show
that FMS may be equally as disabling as rheumatoid arthritis.
Self Help Strategies
Lifestyle modifications may help you conserve energy and minimize pain. Learn what factors aggravate your symptoms and
avoid them, if possible.
Canada's #1 Nutritionist speaks about Goji
Lorna Vanderhaeghe, has been researching on the subject of nutritional medicine for over 25 years, she is the author of seven
books including the best-selling books The Immune System Cure and Healthy Immunity. She has for many years been writing and
editing for Alive magazine or as Editor-in-chief for Healthy Living Guide, Canada's number one health newsstand magazine.
She has been researching and writing on the subject of nutritional medicine for almost two decades working along side some
of the most brilliant researchers and doctors. For over 5 years she worked at the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine and the
Canadian Schizophrenia Foundation. She has a Web Site with a wealth of information about health and hormone help. I highly recommend a visit to the site.
The following is her comments from one of her newsletters.
Goji Facts: I have had hundreds of emails from readers asking my personal opinion of goji. There is a tremendous amount
of research into Lycium barbarum also known as goji. Over 79 studies have been published. Critics of goji say the research
is mainly Chinese and only one human study has been performed but if most herbs, nutrients or plant extracts had this much
research Chinese, or animal or test tube I think we would be proud. Yes, North American research would be good. Some trials
are underway here in the U.S. but in the meantime let's look at the current research and why goji has a lot to offer. After
doing research for this article I will definitely be including goji in my nutritional program. For those who have experienced
bizarre storms this winter, especially the North West we should make sure our survival kit includes goji along with water
and flashlights. The following research facts will show you why:
Goji (pronounced GoGee) is renowned in Asia as one of the most nutrient-rich natural foods. Also called Lycium barbarum,
goji has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for as long as Chinese history has been recorded. Goji's legendary health
and longevity benefits have been handed down from generation to generation for considerably longer.
Goji's ancient story goes as follows: During the Tang Dynasty (around 800 AD), a well had been dug beside a wall near a
famous Buddhist temple that was covered with goji vines. Over the years, countless berries had fallen into the well. Those
who prayed there had the ruddy complexion of good health, and even at the age of eighty they had no white hair and had lost
no teeth, simply because they drank the water from the well.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine goji is believed to enhance the immune system, improve eyesight particularly age-related
macular degeneration, boost the production and activity of sperm, and enrich yin. Goji berries are eaten raw, or as a juice
or wine.
Goji is a powerful antioxidant. One human trial found that goji increased zeaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. In fact, in
December 2006, a new study on goji was just published also identifying its anti aging properties. The study concluded that
goji could be used to compensate the decline in the body's antioxidant capacity and immune function that are accelerated by
age-induced free radical activity. The Research. The reason I believe your survival kit should contain goji is because goji provides a significant percentages of your daily
nutritional requirements including carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber
Goji berries contains:
11 essential and 22 trace minerals including calcium, selenium, zinc, iron, potassium
amino acids
Vitamins including Vitamin C, B2,
8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides
Essential fatty acids including linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid. It is the only berry source of omega 3s
Phytosterols including betasitosterol. You know from my earlier books how important sterols are to the immune system and
cholesterol lowering
The carotenoids: beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and xanthophyll (77% of the carotenoids
found in goji are zeaxanthin)
Over one third of the constituents of goji are polysaccharides which have a potent effect on the functioning of the immune
system
Goji Research:
Goji is being used in cancer trials. The world renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York has dedicated
an entire page on their website to goji. In particular, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center noted that data from one study involving
75 cancer patients suggest that Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides may be beneficial when used with certain cancer treatments.
Goji helps with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is one of the most common eye diseases of elderly and the leading
cause of blindness in North America. Recently macular degeneration has been found in people as young as 25. Lutein and zeaxanthin
are recommended in the prevention and reduction of AMD. A human trial was designed to determine the concentration of zeaxanthin
in the blood after the consumption of a single dose of native zeaxanthin palmitate from Goji. Independent of the diet participants
ate, zeaxanthin concentrations increased significantly and peaked after 9-24 hours with the addition of goji. The Research
Goji improves the immune system. Most likely the immune system effects of goji are due to the special polysaccharides,
sterols and key antioxidants found in this special food. The Research
Goji induces immune responses in serious disease The Research
Goji helps the body adapt to stress from exercise and improves fatigue The Research
Goji's polysacharides help to regulate immune responses The Research
Goji's has been shown to inhibit LDL peroxidation. (LDL is the "Bad"cholesterol) Goji does not lower cholesterol but may
well inhibit the production of LDL. Some believe it is goji's omega 3 content that is helping to improve LDL levels. The Research
Goji Fights Lipid Peroxidation In Two Ways The accumulation of lipid peroxides in the blood can lead to cardiovascular
disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Our blood contains the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to
fight against lipid peroxidation, but levels of SOD decrease as we age. In a Ningxia Medical University study, goji berry
consumption was accompanied by a remarkable 40 percent increase in SOD levels, and a decrease in lipid peroxides of an impressive
65 percent. An investigation by Huang Y et al. (1999) in China found that lipid peroxidation was also significantly inhibited
by goji's flavonoids.
As I stated above, based on the available research, I will be including goji in my nutritional program. There are many
ways to consume the goji berry. One of the best and most enjoyable ways to get your daily dose of polysaccharides is using
a standardized juice made from fresh goji berries.
GojiMan speaks out
Feb 01 2007 - I want to share with you my feelings about Goji. This is my
personal opinion and from my heart no company or someone with an agenda has influenced me to say this.
I have been a medical professional for over 38 years. I care about people. I was introduced to Goji Juice in Mar 2005.
I was skeptical (a very healthy thing) but not closed minded. I read as much as I could about Goji. I still take the juice.
I learned all I could about the company that I am purchasing it from.
I have heard so many wonderful testimonials and I have seen how it has affected so many people in a wonderful way. The
first and to me the most important thing is, I haven’t seen anything to indicate and have not heard that Goji harms
you in any way. There are no known major contraindications or side affects and this is after 3000 years usage in the Himalayans
and Chinese medicine (can the drug companies make that statement? They have problems after a few years and there isn't a drug
made by man that doesn't have some side affect or long term problem). Most of the time affecting the liver. That is why the
drug ads all say "If you have liver problems consult your physician." "A small number (usually 2 to 5%) may experence the
following problems (they list several issues). What if your the 2 to 5%? (If you are on Coumadin [rat poison] and start Goji,
your Doctor needs to monitor you closely and adjust the level, but as long as you are monitored you will be safe. In fact
I have always seen the doctor lower the dose. Goji does not thin the blood itself. It makes whatever meds you’re on
work more affectively by flushing the receptor sites of the cells.) Will it help everyone? I don’t think so, and their
will be some that don’t notice a benefit even if they are getting some. This is true with medicine let alone a nutritional
product. Goji is made by GOD, not some scientist thinking what your body needs and mixing a formula that treats
the symptom instead of the disease. That is why when you get on medications you start with one and it fixes the symptom but
that leads to other health issues (caused by the drug) and the next thing you know is your on 10 different ones. Will Goji
get rid of your medications? I can’t say because everyone is different and Goji doesn’t work on physical issues.
If cells are dead it doesn’t restore them. Your doctor will be the one to monitor and control that. Don’t take
yourself off any medication only do it under the supervision of your health care provider. I will say this, by using Goji
you have nothing to loose and a very strong possibility of having better health.
I am going to address how I feel about the "placebo" affect and Goji. Anytime you deal with people’s health you will
have a placebo affect on some. I have a few key points to share with you. 1) Animals do not have a "placebo" affect. There
are a lot of testimonials regarding great results with pets. 2) Lab work does not understand the "placebo" affect. I have
seen in 7 to 8 weeks on Goji remarkable turns in regards to people and their blood work improving and a lot going to normal
and this is on people who have had problems for years. 3) Diabetics monitoring themselves see better blood sugar levels with
time. That doesn't work under the "placebo" affect. 4) even if the person is having a placebo affect for the things that they
can (sleep, pain relief, energy...). What’s wrong with sleeping better, having more energy, less and or no pain, not
feeling the side affects of Chemotherapy. I have seen for the most part people feeling better in general. They are doing better
and without the use of drugs that all have side affects and don't always work on every patient. The results very and time
of response to Goji varies due to the pollutants in ones body, your metabolism, the amount of Goji you take, the quality of
the Goji, and your health issue. It may have taken years for your illness to take hold and we want instant results. I have
seen fast results a lot of the time but usually it takes a couple of months for the toxins to flush and see wonderful benefits.
Give it time.
Are there some people out there scamming people? You bet! People are people and some will take advantage of others. Are
there some drug companies and other medical device companies scamming people? You bet! The dollar is powerful… Are drug
companies upset about any product that can affect their bottom line? You bet! In my 38 years I have seen a lot. You would
be amazed on how some medical care choices are made.
When you are choosing Goji be sure of the company’s ethics and the quality of the juice.
I know some people will attack Goji and its usage. One has to ask “What is the agenda behind the attack”? Remember
there are always two sides to the story (including this one) and anyone can turn something into the way they want it to be
presented to you, even if it is wrong. Will I fall on the sword to defend Goji? No, if I am shown different than my present
beliefs I will change my support for it but for now I recommend it and believe it does flush toxins from your body, restores
DNA communication, and helps balance pH. I believe what people share with me in reguards to how they are more healthly on
Goji.
I will not be bribed by anyone. I will not make decisions based on friendships or relationships. Not all medical professionals
are that way. They are people as well and some make bad decisions and look out for their best interest above all else and
sometime that isn’t in your best interest. There is good and bad in everyone. That includes companies as well. I would
hope and like to think most people and companies do what is right but there are some that don’t. Be careful, and may
you have an abundant life full of joy and happiness, with great health.
Disclaimer: The statements and information on this website and its links have not
been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Each person is different and the way you react to
a certain product may be significantly different from others who have used the same product. Therefore, the information provided
on this web site and its links is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease and should not
be used as a substitute for your own physician's advice.
Information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It
is not intended to act as a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified health care provider or any information
contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment
of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.
You should always consult your health care professional before taking any dietary, nutritional,
herbal, homeopathic supplement, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any
medication without first consulting your physician.
By doing the above your cells can function in the way they are suppose to, letting your body make you healthy.
If the pills we take are so great, why are so many diseases on an increase. Look how many diseases we have today that
were not around before the mid 60’s. Type II diabetes is out of control. Children as young as 10 years old are now coming
down with it. The pharmaceutical companies promote their pills and do everything they can to stop alternative medicine. For
them it is all about money. Look at all the ads the pharmaceutical companies put on TV these days. They create new symptoms
and products every month. To hear them you can take a pill for everything you need, the problem is their pills don't cure
anything either. They don’t tell you that in the process of taking their pills you are killing your liver and many other
organs.
abstract of the study... 
full text of the study... 
No paper of the study...
Americans in 2006 spent $17 billion on veterinary care and medicine for their pets.
pH (the power, or potential, of Hydrogen) = the unit that indicates the hydrogen density of acid and alkaline water. Water
becomes acidic with increased hydrogen ions (H+), and alkaline with increased hydroxyl ions (-OH). The measuring unit of acidity
and alkalinity is indicated by pH values, e.g., pH 7 is considered neutral. Each numerical increment indicates 10 times more
hydrogen or hydroxyl ions. For example, an increase of 1 in a pH table means 10 times more alkalinity. A decrease of 1 means
10 times more acidity.
More and more research is showing that low oxygen delivery to cells is a major factor in most if not all degenerative conditions.
A STROKE IS CAUSED by anything that stops blood flowing into your brain. Blood clots and burst blood vessels stop blood flow
to the brain. Your brain like every other part of your body needs blood to survive. This blood brings food and oxygen to brain
cells which they need to work - just like a computer chip needs electricity to work. When a clot forms in your brain, blow
flow past it is stopped like an accident on a highway stopping other cars getting past. This robs areas further on of vital
blood killing them and whatever processing used to be done there is lost. So for example, if an area that moves your left
arm gets clotted and dies you won't be able to move your left arm anymore. Bleeds into the brain also stop blood flow as they
both clot and swell preventing blood flow and causing a stroke.
A common cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose. Colds also involve the sinuses, ears, and bronchial
tubes. The symptoms of a common cold include sneezing, runny nose, nasal obstruction, sore or scratchy throat, cough, hoarseness,
and mild general symptoms like headache, feverishness, chilliness, and not feeling well in general. Colds last on average
for one week. Mild colds may last only 2 or 3 days while severe colds may last for up to 2 weeks. A cold is a milder illness
than influenza. However, mild cases of influenza are similar to colds. Adults average 2 to 3 colds per year and children 6
to 10, depending on their age and exposure. Children's noses are the major source of cold viruses. Virus particles can travel
up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) through the air when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes, and even secondhand smoke can make
you more likely to get sick. Cold viruses live only in the noses of humans and not in animals except chimpanzees and other
higher primates.
Most colds are caused by rhinoviruses (the name comes from "rhin," the Greek word for nose) that are in invisible droplets
in the air we breathe or on things we touch. More than 100 different rhinoviruses can infiltrate the protective lining of
the nose and throat, triggering an immune system reaction that can make you throat sore, your head ache, and can make it hard
for you to breathe through the nose. Cold viruses can only multiply when they are inside of living cells. When on an environmental
surface, cold viruses cannot multiply. However, they are still infectious if they are transported from an environmental site
into the nose. Air that's dry - indoors or out - can lower your resistance to infection by the viruses that cause colds. And
so can being a smoker or being around someone who's smoking. People who smoke are more likely to catch a cold than people
who don't - and their symptoms will probably be worse, last longer, and are more likely to lead to bronchitis or even pneumonia.
But despite what old wives' tales may have you believe, not wearing a jacket or sweater when it's chilly, sitting or sleeping
in a draft, and going outside while your hair's wet do not cause colds.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
FMS (fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown.
Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons – the soft fibrous tissues in the body. Most patients
with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes
fibromyalgia symptoms may include muscle twitches and burning sensations. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia,
and it shows up in people of all ages. To help your family and friends relate to your fibromyalgia symptoms, have them think
back to the last time they had a bad flu. Every muscle in their body shouted out in pain. In addition, they felt devoid of
energy as though someone had unplugged their power supply. While the severity of symptoms fluctuate from person to person,
FMS may resemble a post-viral state. This similarity is the reason experts in the field of FMS and chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS) believe that these two syndromes may be one and the same. Gulf War syndrome also overlaps with FMS/CFS.
Lorna Vanderhaeghe, has been researching on the subject of nutritional medicine for over 25 years, she is the author of seven
books including the best-selling books The Immune System Cure and Healthy Immunity. She has for many years been writing and
editing for Alive magazine or as Editor-in-chief for Healthy Living Guide, Canada's number one health newsstand magazine.
She has been researching and writing on the subject of nutritional medicine for almost two decades working along side some
of the most brilliant researchers and doctors. For over 5 years she worked at the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine and the
Canadian Schizophrenia Foundation.