HealthBeat News

Author: Wellness Club

  • Big Pharma Buys Big Government In $80+ Billion Deal

    Must Corporate Wealth Always Lead To Greed And Corruption?

     

    Opinion By Nurse Mark

     

    The debate leading up to the passage of President Obama’s Health Care legislation was fierce, acrimonious, and expensive – and now new details are emerging, showing how expensive, who was spending what and why they were spending it.

    It is no secret that Big Pharma is beyond wealthy. The largest of the pharmaceutical companies have bigger budgets than many small and even medium sized countries. Collectively, they can, and apparently do, buy and sell governments.

    A recent news article published in Bloomberg Businessweek offers some startling and disturbing information about the wealth and influence that these mega-corporations wield.

    Here is a small excerpt from the Bloomberg Businessweek article “Drugmakers Vowed to Campaign for Health Law, Memos Show” By Drew Armstrong on May 31, 2012:

    Drugmakers led by Pfizer (PFE) Inc. agreed to run a “very significant public campaign” bankrolling political support for the 2010 health-care law, including TV ads, while the Obama administration promised to block provisions opposed by drugmakers, documents released by Republicans show.

    The internal memos and e-mails for the first time unveil the industry’s plan to finance positive TV ads and supportive groups, along with providing $80 billion in discounts and taxes that were included in the law. The administration has previously denied the existence of a deal involving political support.

    While this sort of behavior is not restricted to the Democrat party (Republican politicians could probably be expected to be just as mesmerized by the glitter of Big Pharma’s gold and just as eager to offer “deals” in exchange for it) it seems just a little bit unethical to me, as it must have seemed to the Obama Administration since the article tells us “The administration has previously denied the existence of a deal involving political support.” If this deal were not unethical, why would the administration feel a need to deny it?

    I invite you to follow the link above and read this article for yourself. Here also is a link to a statement by Congressman Joe Pitts who is investigating this affair; http://pitts.house.gov/press-release/investigation-reveals-white-house-role-backroom-health-care-deal

    What’s right? What’s wrong? Who knows! But one must ask: Just what good could have been done with $80 billion dollars had it been put to a different, more honorable use?

  • Dr. Myatt’s Guide To Detoxification

    Are you ready to feel younger and more energetic than you have in years… or maybe even your entire life ?

     

    Detoxify Your Body from the Harmful Effects of Environmental Pollutants, Intestinal Waste and Parasites, Drugs, Food Additives and Impure Thoughts to Increase Your Health, Vitality and Life Expectancy Today!

     

    From: The Desk of Dr. Dana Myatt

    To: Sincere Health-Seekers Everywhere

     

    Hidden Toxins are Everywhere, Including Your Body

     

    The world around us is filled with toxic chemicals. We encounter these chemicals in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the cosmetics we apply to our skin, the household cleaners we scrub with, the pesticides and synthetic fertilizers we spray or sprinkle in our gardens and dozens of other sources. Other toxins are actually produced in our bodies, the end-result of cellular metabolism (cell waste products). There is really no escaping exposure to toxins, and in addition to the internally-derived toxins, many of the external toxins also find their way into our bodies.

    How do we know that humans absorb any significant amount of these toxins? Since 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started measuring levels of environmental toxins found in people. (The National Adipose Tissue Survey, or NHATS). The study looked at fat samples from people all over the country and measured the level of toxins present. In 1982, for example, they looked for 54 different environmental toxins, and their results were shocking. Five toxic chemicals were found in 100% of the samples and another 9 toxins were identified in 91 percent of all samples. These toxins included nasty chemicals like benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, DDE and dioxins. PCB’s, substances which are highly toxic to the immune system, were found in 83% of all samples. A total of 20 toxic chemicals were identified in 76% of all samples — and remember, these “samples” were fat tissue taken from real people! “Environmental toxins” aren’t just in the world around us, they are in our own bodies.

    Toxins Have Been Killing You Slowly For Years

    The question isn’t “does your body contain toxic chemicals,” but rather, how many of these chemicals are in your system and what effect do they have on your health?

    Toxins in the body are known to cause cancers, neurological diseases, autoimmune conditions, deceased immune function, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities and fibromyalgia. And those are just the diseases that we KNOW are associated with body toxicity! There are many other conditions that appear to be associated, if not outright caused, by the accumulation of toxins in the body. Fatigue, headache, anxiety and depression, skin conditions (acne, eczema), rashes, Attention Deficit Disorder and even heart disease are all related to stored toxins in the body.

    Imagine What Can Happen When These Toxins are Removed

    If you suffer from an illness, removing stored toxins in the system will go a long way toward cure. In many cases, detoxification IS the cure, especially when the disease is caused primarily by toxicity.

    Even if you feel perfectly well, the presence of toxins in your body decreases your level of health and vitality. A gradual but certain decline in immune function, for example, might not be noticeable at first. But why wait until you have allergies, or catch colds more often, or are diagnosed with cancer? Regular detoxification will not only help prevent disease but will also reveal new levels of energy and stamina you didn’t even know you were missing!

    What is Involved in a Detoxification Program?

    In order to understand what a “good detoxification program” looks like, you need to know a little bit about how the body processes toxic substances. There are five major organs of detoxification and all five of these must be functioning in top form in order to properly remove toxic substances. These organs include the colon (large intestine), liver, kidneys, lungs and skin. Of these five, the liver and colon are considered the two “major players” in the detoxification process. Toxins that are not removed are stored in fat, bones, soft tissue and individual cells (which means every place in the body)!

    SO, a thorough detoxification program must get all five detoxification organs in top form AND must pull toxins out of storage.

    Total Body Detoxification Produces Faster and More Impressive Results than “Bowel Cleansing” Programs

    There are a number of “detoxification programs” on the market. Many are downright silly, but some are pretty good. The problem that I see with all of them is that most only address one detoxification system. As you’ve just learned, there are five detox organs which all work together to process and remove toxins from the body. Why would we think that a great “detox program” would involve only one of the five?

    For example, there is a popular “bowel cleansing program” on the market. As far as bowel cleansing goes, this is a good program. But even thoroughly cleaning the bowels does not ensure that the liver’s detox pathways are working correctly, and the liver must process toxic chemicals into non-toxic chemicals long before they reach the bowel. Nor will a “clean colon” pull stored toxins out of fat, bone and soft tissue. A well-functioning colon, accomplished by some form of “colon cleanse,” is certainly part of a good detox program, but it is not the whole of it. If you want to really remove toxins from your body, a Total Body Detoxification program is the only way to go.

    Forget Fasting, Coffee Enemas, and Eating Tofu Burgers — Real Detoxification is Easier Than You Might Think

    I won’t try to fool you: a Total Body Detoxification program requires more work than simply swallowing a couple of supplements and drinking a special tea. After all, if toxins are still coming in at a brisk pace (for example, by way of impure food), then all the cleansing in the world won’t be able to remove poisons faster than they are introduced. A real detoxification program requires attention not only to the eliminative organs, but also to removing sources of incoming toxins.

    On the other hand, the body is a remarkably forgiving organism when we give it a break, and a Total Body Detoxification is not as difficult as you might think. Although in extreme cases, extreme measures are sometimes necessary, most people can safely and effectively detoxify without doing strange and difficult things like coffee enemas, fasting, daily hour-long saunas or strenuous exercises. A few special nutritional formulas and supplements, several simple daily health practices, some minor but important diet changes and a positive attitude are all that is necessary to perform a powerful “detoxification program” which will remove much of the toxic waste that has accumulated in your body. As a result, you will find yourself feeling stronger and more energetic. Many little “nagging problems” will disappear, and even if you don’t have any current health complaints, you will be hedging your bet against disease.

    Design a “Do It Yourself” Total Body Detox Program

    Don’t be foolish: if you have a serious medical condition, get professional help and guidance for your detoxification program. If you are in otherwise good health and want to undergo a Detox Program for preventive measures, here are my guidelines.

    First, remember that you have five organs of elimination, all involved in the detox process. A Total Body Detox program will get each of these five organs in better working condition. Here’s how:

    General Diet and Lifestyle:

    Diet: Don’t eat junk! No sugar, white flour, soda pop, fruit juice (unless fresh made and even then, there’s more benefit in the fresh fruit). Milk isn’t a health food, but cheese is OK. Plenty of protein and non-starchy vegetables with modest fruit (berries are best). Blueberries, salmon, lemons, “greens” (kale, beet green, etc.), walnuts, garlic and onions, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) and tomatoes (especially tomato paste) are Super Foods.

    The “phytonutrients” in plants are important all the time, but especially during detoxification where they regulate liver enzymes, improve bowel function and serve as antioxidants. The recommended daily intake is 10-18 servings of veggies per day, preferably organic. I have found this level of intake all but impossible to obtain without supplementation. A green food concentrate such as Greens First, one scoop per day (it tastes great in a Super Shake, mentioned below), provides the nutrient equivalent of 10+ servings of veggies. Although I highly recommend this formula on a daily basis, it is especially important during a Total Body Detox program.

    Lifestyle:

    I.) Exercise: 30 minutes minimum of exercise that gets you breathing harder than usual, preferably outdoors.

    II.) Sunshine: minimum 10 minutes per day of “real” sunlight. The scare stories about sunlight causing cancer are unfounded (unless you are foolish and stay out for hours until you burn).

    III.) Sleep: 8 hours per night, especially during Detox but in general, 8 hours is a healthful routine.

    Now for the specific organs of detoxification:

    For the LUNGS: Daily deep breathing exercises, performed for 10 minutes, twice per day. (This assumes that you have good air to breathe. If you live in a polluted city, these exercises should be performed in a building with a good air purifier, or next best, get to a park or place with a lot of trees and green growing things. Plants purify the air.) Breathing exercises can include aerobic activity (which increases the depth of respiration), singing, blowing up balloons, or deliberate “belly breathing.” (A true deep breath should make the belly expand).

    For the Kidneys: Pure H2O (that would be water!), 64 ounces per day or more if you are working outdoors doing sweaty manual labor. The kidneys remove water-soluble toxins. When the urine is dilute (from drinking sufficient water), the toxins are diluted and do not damage the kidneys or bladder on their way out of your system. But with too little water intake, the toxins removed by the kidneys can be sufficiently concentrated so as to damage kidney function. When this happens, the kidneys become less able to remove toxins.

    If you own a well, do you have it tested annually? Don’t assume that your well water, which was good last year, remains so over time. An annual water test is highly recommended, even in areas of known water quality. If you live in a city or drink municipal water, don’t (drink the water, that is)! Purified water or spring water is an alternative, or purchase a water filter for your home drinking water.

    For the SKIN: Daily skin brushing, using a soft-bristled skin brush (available at most health food stores) or a loofah (but use this only in the shower; it is too coarse to use dry). The skin brush, however, should be used on dry skin. Brush from head to toe, excluding the face. A “tip to toe” skin brushing should take about 5 minutes. Follow with a warm (not hot) shower and use pure soap. (Castile soap is a good one, but Dove and Ivory are acceptable). Saunas and steam baths are also highly skin-detoxifying if you have them available.

    Surprising at it may seem, the skin is the largest organ of elimination in the body. Sweat (or perspiration if you’re a female), has the same composition as urine only more dilute. Be assured that if you have skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or other irritations, you have a condition of internal toxicity that needs to be corrected. When the liver, kidneys and colon are not able to remove toxins efficiently, the skin “picks up the slack,” and those removed toxins cause skin diseases of all types.

    For the LIVER: As one of the two MAJOR detox organs, the liver deserves special attention. Here is how to increase the detoxification processes of the liver.

    Protein. The liver has a high requirement for protein. With today’s foolish government-blessed “food pyramid” recommending 6-12 servings of carbohydrate foods per day, many people are actually protein deprived. Inadequate protein slows the liver’s detox abilities to a grinding halt. Be sure to get high quality protein every day, beginning with breakfast. Like steak and eggs? Go for it. Eggs in any form, especially farm-raised eggs cooked with yolks still runny, are a liver-lovin’ treat. Beef, fish (especially salmon) and wild game are the healthiest meats. Whey, especially the kind processed with the immune factors intact, is a “Super Food” for the liver. I recommend during a Total Body Detox that you have one Super Shake every day, either as a meal replacement or for a snack.

    Special nutrients. The liver’s detoxification pathways require particular nutrients including vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, magnesium, methionine and inositol. Certain herbs also help stimulate liver detoxification, including milk thistle, dandelion and black radish. My favorite formula which contains these important liver detox nutrients and herbs in the correct amounts is Lipotropic Complex. Any detoxification program should include these liver-protecting and stimulating substances.

    For the Colon: As the second MAJOR detox organ, the colon also deserves special attention.

    Fiber. Soluble and insoluble fiber should be taken daily, not just during detox. The minimum recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams (but 40+ is better). The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) contains an average of 10 grams. Some foods that you might think are high in fiber, such as lettuce, actually contain very little fiber. Most people get a lot less fiber than they think, but good colon health depends on adequate fiber intake.

    There are a number of fiber formulas available. The best ones include both soluble and insoluble fiber. Read labels and aim for an additional 10 grams of fiber per day from supplemental fiber. (Start by adding 5 grams per day for a few days, then increase to 10. A sudden increase in fiber consumption can cause intestinal discomfort). An easy, inexpensive way to get this amount of both types of fiber is to use EZ Fiber (now called Fiber Complex). We formulated this fiber supplement especially to provide the very best blend of soluble and insoluble fibers in a great-tasting powder. Ground flax seed meal can also be used, as it includes both types of fiber AND important Omega-3 fatty acids.

    Activated charcoal. As great as increased fiber is at improving bowel movements and hence the elimination of toxins through the bowel, nothing compares to activated charcoal for it’s ability to adsorb toxins and carry them out of the body. Nothing. During a Total Body Detox program, when the body is releasing toxins at a fast rate, you should consume 10 grams (1 TBS.) of activated charcoal twice per day OR (alternate plan), 20 grams at bedtime. This would require 40 capsules of charcoal per dose.

    Charcoal is messy. It sticks to everything it touches, which is why it is so amazing at removing toxins. The easiest way that I’ve found to take it is to put it in a screw-top jar with some crushed ice and water and shake, then drink with straw. a bit more water can be added when you are done to “rinse” the ice and get the last bit of charcoal. And yes, your teeth and tongue will be black when you finish, but a good tooth-brushing (preferably with baking soda instead of toothpaste which contains toxic fluoride) will take care of this in short order. The inconvenience is well worth the health benefit of this amazing detoxifier!

    Five Proven Formulas That Detoxify and Rejuvenate The Entire Body

    As you have seen, much of a Total Body Detox can be accomplished by diet and lifestyle improvements. Still, there are several formulas which perform Detox functions above and beyond what can be obtained from food and lifestyle practices alone. I believe that these five supplemental formulas should be a part of any serious Total Body Detox program.

    1.) Fiber can be easily obtained by using Fiber Complex.

    2.) For the Liver: Lipotropic Complex, providing the necessary nutrients and support herbs to enhance liver detoxification pathways. Dose: 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals.

    3.) For the Bowel: Activated Charcoal. Above and beyond the increased fiber, this provides a super-high-test toxin binding substance that will tightly bind and carry released toxins out of the bowel via the stools. (NOTE: your stools will be black, so don’t get spooked! It’s the charcoal). Dose: 2 to 6 caps, 2 times per day. Continue for 3 weeks.

    4.) For Cellular Detox: Chlorella. This particular algae increases removal of cellular waste products plus it binds and removes many heavy (toxic) metals from the system. Dose: 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Also, Modifilan is an excellent product for detoxification reportedly developed in Russia by scientists at the State Rehabilitation Institute, where victims of the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe underwent treatment.

    PLUS:

    5.) Multiple vitamin/mineral formula with antioxidants. A High-potency, hypoallergenic multiple vitamin/mineral/trace mineral formula supplying target doses of antioxidant vitamins, B complex vitamins, selenium, magnesium, calcium and molybdenum, all of which are particularly important to detoxification. Make sure that your multiple provides optimal doses of these nutrients. (See optimal dose chart here). Maxi Multi is formulated to contain target levels of all of these nutrients. Please note: if you take separate formulas, expect to take a minimum of 9 capsules per day to obtain therapeutic daily doses. There is no such thing as a “one a day” vitamin formula. Small amounts of these nutrients are called “fairy dust” because they are insufficient to do anything important in the body but they make the supplement label look impressive!

    And a bonus: High Omega-3 Fish oil: Dose: 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals OR take 1 TBS. of fish oil with a meal. While not by itself detoxifying, Omega-3 fatty acids are so important to health that they should be a part of everyone’s daily regimen – and especially important for those undergoing detoxification. Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Marine O3 is ultra pure and highly concentrated, allowing for less capsules to be required for a good daily dose.

    What about Laxatives and Parasite Formulas?

    Many “bowel cleansing” programs include laxatives and an herbal “parasite formula,” but I don’t generally recommend them as a necessary part of a good Total Body Detox program.

    The increased fiber intake plus more veggies and less junk food normalizes bowel function, whether one tends toward diarrhea or constipation. If you are not having at least one generous bowel movement a day after several days, try adding 3A Magnesia to your program. Begin by taking one capsule with dinner. If you do not have a happy B.M. the next morning, take 2 caps the next evening with dinner. Increase by one capsule per day until you have a generous bowel movement in the morning. Again, many people will not need this with the addition of fiber, veggies and Omega-3 oils.

    As to parasite formulas, most herbal capsules are not strong enough to eradicate common parasites. The addition of high fiber and charcoal does a number on many such pests anyway. If bowel or systemic symptoms persist after the detox program that lead you to believe you may have intestinal parasites, a simple stool evaluation should be performed so that targeted therapy (as opposed to shotgun therapy), can be initiated.

    Still Have Questions?

    If you have questions (simple ones!), please email me. If you have complicated questions or a serious medical history that requires supervision during detox, I am available for medical consultations by telephone. Either way, I wish you a health and happiness-producing Total Body Detoxification Program!

    P.S. The “Full Monty” Total Body Detox program should last 3-4 weeks, but continue the multi vitamin/mineral formula, Omega-3 fish oil and Fiber Complex combination indefinitely— they are part of an ongoing healthy lifestyle!

    In Health,

    Dr. Myatt

  • Magnesium Oil – For Lots Of Reasons

    Super Concentrated Magnesium Solution from an Ancient Sea Bed

     

    By Dr. Myatt

     

    “What the heck is this and what is it used for?”

     

    That was my question when I heard about this product at a medical conference.

    Here’s what I have been able to find about so-called “Magnesium Oil.”

     

    First, this product isn’t really an “oil.” There is no fat or oil in it at all. Instead, it is a concentreated solution of magnesium chloride (magnesium salt), mined from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in the Netherlands. It is used topically (applied to the skin) and it feels oily when first applied but the oily feeling quickly subsides and what is left is a dry, salty residue.

    It turns out there is a lot of speculation and claims about what this product does, but little proof. Still, people who have used it seem to feel that it works. Here’s the back-story.

    Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in energy processes, nerve function, enzyme activation, and protein formation. It relaxes muscles and dilates (widens) blood vessels. It is a prevalent mineral in bone, second only to calcium. Magnesium is known as “nature’s calcium channel blocker” because it dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It functions in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body including the Kreb’s cycle where ATP (energy) is produced. In other words, magnesium is VERY important to normal physical function.

    Magnesium is also estimated to be the single most common mineral deficiency in the adult US diet. An estimated 80% of adults are magnesium deficient. That’s a lot!

    So… we have a big need for magnesium, we can’t live without it, and we don’t get enough of it in our diet. For all magnesium does, and for as safe as it is, it is one mineral that I HIGHLY recommend be supplemented in the diet. That’s why I include 500mg of magnesium in my Maxi Multi multiple vitamin/mineral formula.

    Taken internally, magnesium is useful for normalizing blood pressure and cardiac rhythm, strengthening bones and improving energy levels. It is used medically for osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, mitral valve prolapse, cardiovascular disease, calcium oxalate kidney stones, asthma, migraine, PMS, diabetes, COPD, sickle-cell disease, restless leg syndrome and acute muscle spasm. No doubt about it, magnesium is super-important.

    You can take magnesium as a supplement, but at higher doses it can cause diarrhea. This tends to limit the amount of magnesium that a person can supplement orally, although I find that most people tolerate therapeutic oral doses quite well.

    The topical form of magnesium — magnesium oil — is supposed to be a superior delivery system, working in a fast-acting manner to relive muscle aches and pains. If it is indeed absorbed through the skin, then it would also be expected to do anything that oral magnesium would do, only possibly much faster and probably with no chance of diarrhea. That makes the idea of transdermal magnesium quite attractive.

    Ah, but Here’s The Rub

    We know that many substances pass through the skin because the skin is a semi-permeable membrane. Drugs, ingredients in cosmetics and many other topically-applied substances make their way into the blood stream. Not everything applied to the skin can enter, however. That’s the “semi” permeable aspect of skin.

    Proponents of magnesium oil claim that some of the magnesium does in fact enter the body. If true, magnesium oil could be highly effective for use as a muscle anti-spasmodic, delivering the magnesium right where it is needed. It could also be useful in asthma, heart attack and any situation where magnesium’s known effect is needed quickly. That’s because, if absorbed through the skin, the magnesium should wind up in the blood faster than magnesium taken through the digestive processes.

    I cannot find any legitimate study which verifies that a super-saturated solution of magnesium is in fact absorbed throug the skin. There is one unpublished study reportedly done by Norman Shealy MD. But a single, unpublished study does not “proof” make. Nor does a bunch of unsubstantiated advertising claims.

    However, Dr. Jonathan Wright, an holistic M.D. that I respect, gave magnesium oil the nod at a recent medical conference I attended. Magnesium oil is inexpensive and non-toxic, so I decided to make it available and start collecting feedback. So far the results have been promising.

    Some patients who have used it for muscle aches have reported fast reductions in discomfort.
    One patient with asthma, which often responds to IV magnesium, felt quick relief.

    Does it work? I don’t know. But if you have any condition which is known to respond to oral magnesium, you might want to give this product a try.

    Do be sure to email and let me know of your experience with it. User feedback may be all that we have to go on for a long time because the product is inexpensive and unpatentable. (Meaning that no company has any financial incentive to actually perform a study).

    We are now able to offer you:

    Life-Flo Pure Magnesium Oil Magnesium Chloride Brine

    Pure Magnesium Oil is 100% pure magnesium chloride brine from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in the Netherlands. It can be used daily, is non-greasy, and leaves no unpleasant odor.

    Suggested Use: Spray 4-5 sprays onto your skin and massage the area. After a while you may see a slight white residue forming on the areas where you have applied the spray. That is salt that has stayed behind on the skin and can be wiped or washed off. Add 2 oz to your bath or foot soak and soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. It can also be used as a deodorant..

    Ingredients: 100% pure magnesium chloride brine from the Ancient Zechstein Seabed in the Netherlands.

    Find it here: N360 – Magnesium Oil – 8 Oz. Spray Bottle. $12.97

  • Ubiquinone, Ubiquinol, CoQ10: What’s Real, What’s Not.

    CoQ10 – Fact, Fiction, Hype, And Hocus-Pocus.

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    I was speaking with a regular HealthBeat reader and WellnessClub member the other day, and she asked if I had seen an emailed article recently sent out by a group called “Off The Grid News” that purported to describe “A Dirty Secret About CoQ10.” She was understandably concerned about some of the claims and assertions made in the article. While I am familiar with the blog, having followed their often very good writings for several years, I had not seen this most recent post – but I promised I would look into it.

    I didn’t have to look hard to find the email she referred to – and some things about it jumped out at me immediately.

    First, it was not an article by Off The Grid News. In smaller print above the big, bold headline proclaiming status as a “Special Report” was this disclaimer: “Off The Grid News occasionally sends emails like this one to introduce major advertisers to our loyal readers and valued customers.”

    So, this isn’t a true “news” article, it is a paid advertisement by a “major advertiser” – a company wanting to sell you something.

    The advertisement, known in the ad industry as a “long-copy sales piece,” contains plenty of impressive-sounding information. Unfortunately, much of it falls into the half-truth and hype categories. There is however enough truth mixed in to make everything seem quite plausible and believable. It was well-written sales copy!

    The ad starts by proclaiming that most doctors are unaware of the effects of CoQ10 deficiency (that may be so, though research into CoQ10 has been ongoing since it’s discovery over 50 years ago) and that Big Pharma is actively suppressing research on it.

    Now, Big Pharma may be doing many bad things, but suppressing research on CoQ10 is not one of them.

    In fact, when the first statin drugs were being tested in the 1980’s the pharmaceutical companies recognized that these drugs depleted CoQ10 levels, and combination drug that would combine a statin with CoQ10 was considered. This were turned down by the FDA and has not been offered since then because doing so now would be to admit there is a problem with statin drugs.

    There are plenty of major studies both published and ongoing into the use and benefit of CoQ10 – and Big Pharma is actually involved in some of them. Big Pharma would love to figure out a new way to synthesize the stuff!

    The ad goes on to say that CoQ10 “fuels your heart.” This one falls into the “half-truth” category. CoQ10 is involved in the metabolism and energy production of every cell in your body – that’s true. But it is not a “fuel” – it is a necessary player in the complex cellular process that allows your cells to use their fuel – which is either glucose or ketones.

    The ad goes on to make much about “natural” versus “synthetic” CoQ10, telling us that we must use only the “trans-form” of CoQ10, and also that we must ensure that it was made using “yeast fermentation” because this is “the most effective form.”

    This, again, is in the “mostly, partly true” category.

    The ad then goes on to tell us why their brand of CoQ10 is the best because it meets all these requirements, is used by folks just like you (just read the testimonials!), is guaranteed to be wonderful, is really, really affordable, and it will make you feel younger and healthier than ever before.

    Well, here is a very brief summary of what you need to know about CoQ10 so you can make an informed decision when you are shopping:

    • CoQ10 was discovered in 1957. It is also known as “Ubiquinone.”
    • In the mid 1970’s, a Japanese chemical company perfected industrial fermentation technology to produce pure CoQ10 in commercial quantities. This is known now as the “yeast fermentation” process and produces “trans,” or “natural” CoQ10.
    • Until recently, almost all available CoQ10 was produced by this one Japanese company. There is now a manufacturing plant in the USA producing CoQ10 – it belongs to this same Japanese company, the Kaneka Corp.
    • Japanese industrial giants Nissin, Asahi and Mitsubishi are also known to produce commercial quantities of high-quality CoQ10.
    • The “reduced” form of Ubiquinone is called “Ubiquinol.” The body converts these substances back and forth in a cyclic manner as they each perform their specific functions in cellular metabolism.
    • The CoQ10 form Ubiquinol tends to be unstable. Recent advances have allowed a more stable form of Ubiquinol to be made available and it is being marketed heavily as being “New” and “More Bio-Absorbable.”
    • There is another form of CoQ10 that is produced from tobacco stems and potato leaves and is considered to be the “cis” form. It is known as “solanesol” and is widely produced as an alternative to “yeast fermentation” CoQ10 by manufacturers in Korea and China. It is cheaper but less effective and absorbable.
    • There is also a fully synthetic analog of CoQ10 called “Idebenone” that is produced by a Swiss pharmaceutical company and marketed under the drug names Catena and Sovrima.
    • Other research advances are promising us “more bio-available” forms of CoQ10, including water-soluble and “nano” forms – but for now much of this is marketing hype and wishful thinking.

    The chemical giant Kaneka Corp. makes much of the high quality CoQ10 available today, in both the Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol forms. They have chemical factories in both Japan and Texas. They do not sell their CoQ10 directly to consumers – they sell to other supplement manufacturers who use it to formulate their own products.

    Kaneka allows users of it’s CoQ10 to boast about this ingredient, taking advantage of Kaneka’s marketing and advertising efforts, by letting them use the trade mark “KanekaQ10™” on formulations which contain it. However, Kaneka does not require this branding, and some supplement manufacturers prefer not to disclose the source of their ingredients. If you see the trade mark “KanekaQ10™” on a product you can be sure that there is at least some of it present (but no guarantee how much…) – but if the trade mark is not there, the product may still contain either “KanekaQ10™” or a good quality CoQ10 from one of the other big manufacturers (Nissin, Asahi or Mitsubishi).

    So, how can you know what you are getting, quality-wise? Price.

    In the world of CoQ10, price, not promises, is still what determines quality.

    The Japanese chemical giants tightly control pricing for CoQ10 – and even though retail prices have come down slightly since Kaneka Corp began manufacturing this substance in Texas, they have a very tight cartel in place to control wholesale pricing just as OPEC does with crude oil.

    If you find CoQ10 supplements being sold at unusually cheap prices there will be a good reason – quality. The product may contain Chinese or Korean (or other) semi-synthetic CoQ10, or the amount of CoQ10 contained may not be what is on the label.  Some unscrupulous manufacturers may use the trade mark “KanekaQ10™” on their formulations but actually put only a tiny amount in the product, making up the difference with another, cheaper form of CoQ10.

    Beware also of couple of other common ploys: one promises novel new delivery systems or “improved bio-availability” that allows smaller amounts of CoQ10 to be “just as effective” as larger doses, and the other is to use nasty fillers, colorings, dyes, oils, preservatives and impurities in the creation of the product in order to keep costs as low as possible and profits high.

    Is “Made in USA” a guarantee of quality? Maybe, maybe not.

    We know that there is one chemical factory in Texas that makes CoQ10 – it is the very same company that makes the very same CoQ10 in Japan. If “Made In USA” means that the product is in fact made here of all US materials then this probably means quality is good. But a product made here with CoQ10 produced in Japan is likely to be equally good quality.

    On the other hand, product “Made in USA” with CoQ10 and other materials from somewhere like China or Korea must be looked at with suspicion. How will you know? Again, price.

    More CoQ10 “Hype” to beware of:

    “bio-identical to that produced naturally within the body” – While this is true, it is just another way of saying that it is derived from yeast fermentation.

    “up to 5 times greater absorption than other varieties” – Really? What “other variety” is that? Got proof? This may be true, but it is more likely hype.

    So what can you believe?

    CoQ10 – Ubiquinone – is a vital nutrient: no argument there!

    Ubiquinol, the reduced form of Ubiquinone, is also a vital substance – that the body makes from Ubiquinone.

    Only a very few people might benefit from using the reduced form, Ubiquinol, instead of Ubiquinone despite the advertising hype surrounding this newly available form of CoQ10. There is only one human study so far showing the effectiveness of this new form, versus the hundreds of peer-reviewed studies showing the effectiveness of Ubiquinone.

    Dr. Jonathan Wright has jumped onto the Ubiquinol bandwagon but Dr. Alan Gaby, who lectures with Dr. Wright, prefers the tried-and-true form Ubiquinone. Given the hundreds of studies proving the benefit of Ubiquinone versus the one for Ubiquinol Dr. Gaby’s comment was: “when it comes to CoQ10, I’ll leave with the girl I came with!”

    The molecules that are Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol are what they are: no amount of “improved bio-availability”, “nano-particle technology”, “micronization”, or other scientific-sounding mumbo-jumbo will make a better molecule. If the molecule is actually changed, then it’s not CoQ10 anymore!

    As with any supplement, the most expensive supplement is the one that doesn’t work! Be sure to get the very best quality or you will be wasting your money – no matter how “good” the price is.

    How can the average person negotiate the minefield of quality control when it comes to supplements like CoQ10?

    Easy – you let someone like Dr. Myatt look after that for you. Known as “The Dragon Lady” in the supplement industry because of her no-compromise approach to quality, her medical knowledge and biochemistry background allow her to ask the hard questions and demand straight answers from her suppliers. She isn’t easily impressed, and is never swayed by hyper and advertising claims. If Dr. Myatt offers a product you can be sure that it meets her strict standards for purity, potency, and effectiveness! It may not be the cheapest, but you can be sure that it is the best – and is your health worth the cheapest, or is it worth the best?

  • Proven Heart-Healthy Nutrient You Don’t Get Enough Of

    Fiber: The “Non-Nutrient” That’s In The News Again

     

    By Dr. Myatt

     

    It’s not a “sexy supplement” or a “new breakthrough” even though Conventional Medicine is acting like they’ve just discovered it’s benefits.

    In fact, it’s not even officially classified as a nutrient.

    But Americans get only 10% of the amount we consumed 100 years ago, and our health may be seriously suffering as a result.

    What is this important “non nutrient” that we’re missing? Dietary fiber.

    You’ve probably seen the “news” recently quoting a study of nearly 400,000 people, conducted by the National Institutes of Health and American Association of Retired People and published in The Archives Of Internal Medicine.

    It shows that men aged 50 and older who ate the most fiber were up to 56 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and respiratory ailments, compared to those who ate the least.

    For women aged 50 and up, a high-fiber diet lowered risk of death from these causes by nearly 60 percent.

    WOW – I’ll have some of that – sign me up!

    If fiber was a patented drug we would be hearing all about it, with doctors writing prescriptions for it like they do for blood pressure or cholesterol pills – but it’s not, so it doesn’t get much respect from Conventional Medicine or Big Pharma.

    “Fiber” refers to a number of indigestible carbohydrates found in the outer layers of plants. Humans lack enzymes to break down most types of fiber, so they pass through the digestive system relatively unchanged and do not provide nutrients or significant calories.

    In spite of this indigestibility, fiber has a surprising number of health benefits. In fact, as the recent NIH / AARP study confirms, consuming adequate daily fiber is one of the most important health measures anyone can take.

    Twenty-Five Health Benefits of Fiber — Who Knew?

    There are numerous “sub-classes” of fiber, but the two main types are I.) soluble and II.) insoluble fiber. Both types are beneficial to health and both typically occur together in nature. They each offer independent health benefits. Here are twenty-five known health benefits that fiber provides.

    Bowel Benefits:

    1.) Relieves constipation. Insoluble fiber absorbs large amounts of water in the colon. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Most people who increase fiber intake will notice improved bowel function in 31-39 hours.

    2.) Relieves diarrhea. It may seem paradoxical that a substance which helps constipation also helps diarrhea, but that’s just what fiber does. Insoluble fiber binds watery stool in the colon, helping turn “watery” into “formed.” Fiber is known to offer significant improvement to those with diarrhea.

    3.) Helps prevent hemorrhoids. Constipation is a leading cause of hemorrhoids. Because fiber-rich stools are easier to pass, less straining is necessary. Diets high in fiber have been shown to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids.

    4.) Reduces risk of diverticular disease. In cultures that consume high-fiber diets, diverticular disease is relatively unknown. That’s because high fiber intake “exercises” the colon, prevents excess bowel gas and absorbs toxins, all of which lead to the “bowel herniation” disease known as diverticulitis. Increased fiber intake is currently recommended in Western medicine as primary prevention for the disease.

    5.) Helps Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is characterized by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating constipation/diarrhea. Regardless of type, increased fiber intake has been shown to improve IBS symptoms.

    6.) Improves bowel flora. “Flora” refers to the “good bugs” (healthy bacteria) that colonize the large intestine (colon). Antibiotics, drugs, food allergies, high sugar diets and junk food alter this “bowel garden” in favor of the “bad bugs.” Certain types of fiber are rich in substances the “feed” bowel flora and help keep the balance of good bacteria in the colon at a normal level.

    7.) Helps prevent colon cancer. Although research has been controversial, observational studies in the 1970s showed that African natives consuming high-fiber diets had a much lower incidence of colorectal carcinoma. Since the “risk” of increased fiber consumption is so small, the “US Pharmacist,” states…

    “…with no clearly negative data about fiber, it makes sense to increase fiber intake just in case the positive studies did reveal an actual link. The patient will also experience the ancillary benefits of fiber consumption, such as reduction in cholesterol (with psyllium), prevention of constipation, and reducing risk of hemorrhoids.”

    8.) Appendicitis: studies show a correlation between the development of appendicitis and low fiber intake. A diet high in fiber may help prevent appendicitis.

    Whew… that’s just the bowel benefits! Fiber also helps prevent heart disease in multiple ways.

    9.) Lowers Total cholesterol. According to the FDA, soluble fiber meets the standard for reduction of risk from coronary heart disease. Psyllium husk is also able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease as it contains a soluble fiber similar to beta-glucan.

    10.) Lowers triglycerides. Higher dietary fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels.

    11.) Raises HDL. Fiber may even raise HDL — the “good cholesterol” — levels.

    12.) Lowers LDL Cholesterol. In addition to total cholesterol, increased fiber lowers LDL — the “bad cholesterol” — levels.

    13.) Aids Weight loss. Fiber helps prevent weight gain and assists weight loss several ways. The “bulking action” of fiber leads to an earlier feeling of satiety, meaning that one feels satisfied with less high-calorie food when the meal contains a lot of fiber. Fiber helps bind and absorb dietary fat, making it less available for assimilation. This means that some fat may be “lost” through the digestive tract when the meal is high in insoluble fiber.

    14.) Lowers Overall risk of Coronary Artery Disease. Perhaps because of a combination of the above-listed lipid-normalizing factors, some studies have shown an overall protective effect of higher fiber intake against coronary heart disease.

    Fiber also benefits blood sugar levels and diabetes…

    15.) Helps Type I Diabetes. Eaten with meals, high-fiber supplements like guar gum reduced the rise in blood sugar following meals in people with type 1 diabetes. In one trial, a low-glycemic-index diet containing 50 grams of daily fiber improved blood sugar control and helped prevent hypoglycemic episodes in people with type 1 diabetes taking two or more insulin injections per day.

    16.) Improves Type II Diabetes. High-fiber diets have been shown to work better in controlling diabetes than the American Diabetic Association (ADA)-recommended diet, and may control blood sugar levels as well as oral diabetic drugs.

    One study compared participants eating the the ADA diet (supplying 24 grams of daily fiber) or a high-fiber diet (containing 50 grams daily fiber) for six weeks. Those eating the high-fiber diet for six weeks had an average 10% lower glucose level than people eating the ADA diet. Insulin levels were 12% lower in the high-fiber group compared to those in the ADA diet group. The high fiber group also had decreased  glycosylated hemoglobin levels, a measure of long-term blood glucose regulation.

    High-fiber supplements such as psyllium, guar gum and pectin have shown improved glucose tolerance.

    More systemic benefits of fiber:

    17.) Gallstone prevention. Rapid digestion of carbohydrates leads to fast release of glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream. In response, the body releases large amounts of insulin. High insulin levels contribute to gallstone formation. Because dietary fiber slows the release of carbohydrates (and corresponding insulin), fiber helps prevent gallstone formation.

    18.) Kidney stone prevention. Low intakes of dietary fiber have been found to correlate with increased kidney stone formation, and higher intakes of fiber appear to be protective against stone formation.

    19.) Varicose veins. “Straining at stool” caused by fiber-deficiency constipation, has been found in some studies to cause varicose veins. Populations with lower fiber intakes have higher rates of varicosities.

    Fiber may even be important in prevention of certain types of cancer…

    20.) Colon Cancer Prevention. Diets higher in fiber have been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

    21.) Breast cancer prevention. Higher fiber diets are associated with lower breast cancer risk. Some studies have shown up to a 50% decreased risk with higher fiber intakes. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  breast cancer reoccurrence.

    22.) Pancreatic cancer prevention. High fiber diets are associated with lower risk of pancreatic cancer.

    23.) Endometrial cancer prevention. Higher fiber has been shown in some studies to protect against endometrial cancer.

    24.) Prostate cancer prevention. Diets higher in fiber may be associated with lower risk of prostate cancer. After diagnosis, a high fiber diet may decrease the risk of  prostate cancer reoccurrence.

    25.) Cancer prevention in general. Some studies have found that high fiber diets help prevent cancer in general, regardless of type.

    Recommendations vs. Reality – How Much Do We Need?

    The average daily American fiber intake is estimated at 14 to 15 g, significantly less than the American Dietetic Association recommendation of 20 to 35 g for adults, 25 g daily for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 g for boys ages 9 through 18. The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.

    Based on dietary intakes of long-lived populations (who typically consume 40-60 grams or more of fiber per day), many holistic physicians recommend aiming for a minimum of 30 grams of daily fiber.

    In my clinical experience, I find that most people over-estimate their fiber intake because they are unaware of the fiber content of many of the foods they eat (see http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/rate_your_plate.htm).

    Since fiber has proven itself to be such an important “non nutrient” for good health, increased dietary consumption and/or supplementation can be considered a wise choice for optimal health and disease prevention.

    Beware of so-called “healthy foods” that claim to be “high fiber” – whole wheat bread products, granola bars, even “high fiber” pasta – many of these foods have only marginally more fiber than their regular counterparts, with every bit as much carbohydrates.

    We wrote about this “honesty in labeling” problem in a recent HealthBeat News article called Low Carb Lies.

    To help those who would like to increase their fiber intake while keeping their carb intake under control we have developed some great recipes: Dr. Myatt’s Blueberry Muffins, Dr. Myatt’s Fiber Bread, and Dr. Myatt’s Super Shakes.

    Dr. Myatt has formulated an excellent fiber supplement – check out EZ Fiber!

    Find more information about Psyllium Here.