HealthBeat News

Category: Family Health

  • A New Use For Silver Gel Hand Sanitizer!

    By Nurse Mark

     

    We have warned of the dangers of commercial hand sanitizers in previous articles – they contain perfumes, alcohol, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals and they even pose a fire risk!

    So we recommend ASAP 365 – 24 ppm Silver Gel for use as a hand sanitizer instead. With it’s non-prescription strength of 24 ppm (parts per million) it is gentle enough for everyday use and safe even when used multiple times daily, while being potent enough to be highly effective as an antimicrobial hand sanitizer. The 1.5 fl oz tube is perfect for purse or pocket and is a must-have for your natural first aid kit.

    This is a very popular product, and we have long assumed that customers are using it as a hand sanitizer. Boy, were we wrong!

    A customer recently wrote to tell us the following story:

    Dear Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark,

    I work in a high-stakes, high-stress job. Usually this is not a problem, I’m used to it – I even like it.

    However, a little while ago the stress really got ramped up: I was working on a proposal for a really big account, and it was almost done – I was fairly satisfied that it should be ready to present very soon. Then my boss called – and I could hear panic in his voice.

    “The XXXX client just flew into town – and they are on their way here with our company president and the chairman of the board. They want to be fully briefed on your proposal, and they want it right now. Meet us in the conference room with your proposal – I’ll stall them: you have one hour.”

    That might have been OK – after all, like I said, I was about 98% ready to go on it – but then he ended the call with “you know how much is riding on this deal – you can make us or break us. Don’t screw it up or we’re finished!”

    Suddenly I began to feel very, very nervous. I had my notes, and I was confident with my work. But this was to be a presentation on short notice for very high stakes.

    My “12 hour deodorant” quit early. As I was gathering up my materials I began to notice that not only was I sweating, but I was not smelling very good. I didn’t have any deodorant with me and no time to go get some. What could I do?!?

    I keep your silver gel hand cleaner with me always – in my desk, in my briefcase, and in my purse since I spend a lot of time meeting with people and shaking hands. You know how that is… it can be icky sometimes and your silver gel lets me feel safe and clean.

    Since I didn’t have any better idea, I put some of the silver gel on my underarms, and… SHAZAM! – odor gone! I don’t mean just a little gone, but gone, gone! WOW! At least now I could concentrate on my work instead of being worried that I smelled like a skunk!

    I grabbed my presentation, met the boss and the president and the chairman and the client in the boardroom and totally aced the presentation. I came up “smelling like a rose” in every way! We got the contract, and you have got a believer in the power of silver gel. I will never be without it now!

     

    Wow! Could a story be any more dramatic!

    Of course there is every reason that silver gel should be a perfect deodorant – it is safe for use on sensitive skin and it is highly effective against the bacteria that are the cause of most unpleasant and embarrassing body odors.

    Though it is not specifically recommended for such, there is no reason not to try silver gel anywhere that odor might form – underarms, groin, under breasts, in skin folds, even feet.

    Larger people with skin folds that become sweaty and irritated can benefit since silver gel will help prevent infection in these difficult areas.

    Been sitting in a car for a few hours on your way to a meeting and need to “freshen up”? Give it a try – you might be surprised and impressed!

    Need to go from all day in hot, closed “office shoes” to open-toed pumps and no chance to wash feet? Try a quick cleanse with silver gel.

    Try it wherever – it is safe on all skin areas – and do write and tell us about your success story!

    Order ASAP 365 – 24 ppm Silver Gel here

  • Is There A “Silver Bullet” For Disease?

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Yes, Maybe There is!

    In today’s frightening world of SARS, MRSA, Ebola, HIV, hepatitis B, herpes, candida, and even the terrifyingly antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” everyone is looking for the “Silver Bullet” – the one miraculous treatment for all these things – something that works, and doesn’t have side-effects just as bad as the disease it is treating. Oh, and it should be inexpensive too…

    Has this wonderful, elusive “Silver Bullet” been right under our noses all this time? Yep, looks like it has…

    Silver has been used as an antimicrobial throughout history.

    Ancient Phoenicians kept water and other liquids in silver coated bottles to discourage contamination by microbes.

    Many readers may remember the days of fresh milk in “real” glass bottles – and that granny would place a silver coin in the bottle to preserve freshness and prevent spoiling.

    The expression “Born with a silver spoon in the mouth” is rooted in old tradition – as the children of wealthy parents would be given a silver spoon to suck and teethe on, and the wealthy have long known the benefits of silver dishes and cutlery in preventing food-borne illness.

    Silver containing drops have been applied to the eyes of newborns since the late 1800′s to prevent blindness caused by infection – though this practice has declined as drug companies insist that their patented antibiotic drops be used instead.

    During the early years of the 20th century silver was used in the treatment of wounds and silver-containing creams are used today in the treatment of burns.

    Silver is a natural, powerful antibiotic – it is bactericidal, and kills fungus and viruses on contact. (1, 2) Researchers have stated:

    Silver nanoparticles have mainly been studied for their antimicrobial potential against bacteria, but have also proven to be active against several types of viruses including human imunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and monkey pox virus.

    and,

    SNP [Silver NanoParticles] also exhibited good antifungal activity (50% inhibition at 75 microg/mL with antifungal index 55.5% against Aspergillus niger and MIC of 25 microg/mL against Candida albicans).

    Colloidal silver is not known to be toxic at any dose – though prolonged ingestion of large amounts may cause a cosmetic condition known as argyria – an otherwise harmless bluish discoloration of the skin.

    There is even research that suggests that colloidal silver may be an effective treatment for breast cancer! (3) A Mexican study in 2010 concluded:

    “The present results showed that colloidal silver might be a potential alternative agent for human breast cancer therapy.”

    Another group of researchers found that silver showed promise as a treatment for hepatitis B: (6)

    CONCLUSIONS:
    Silver nanoparticles could inhibit the in vitro production of HBV RNA and extracellular virions. We hypothesize that the direct interaction between these nanoparticles and HBV double-stranded DNA or viral particles is responsible for their antiviral mechanism.

    There are even some authorities who claim that Colloidal Silver is effective against the Ebola virus. It must be noted however that our government sources such as the FDA and CDC have stated that silver is useless, dangerous, ineffective, and must not be used to treat such things as Ebola (or anything else!).

    Here at The Wellness Club we cannot find solid scientific evidence that Colloidal Silver has been specifically effective against the Ebola Virus. However, since it is so highly effective against many other difficult viruses and bacteria, and because Big Pharma and Big Medicine has nothing else to offer except some elusive, highly experimental drugs, you can be sure that we are keeping a supply on-hand for ourselves – just in case!

    Colloidal Silver is a Safe and Natural Antibiotic

    Colloidal Silver has been used in Western medicine since the 19th century as an anti-microbial agent for its wide range of bactericidal, fungicidal and anti-viral properties. Unlike other heavy metals, colloidal silver is virtually non-toxic to humans and animals and has a long history of successful use in medicine and public health. Colloidal silver is useful for speeding wound healing, preventing infection in burn patients, treating intestinal infections, purifying water and preserving beverages.

    As a Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Colloidal Silver kills over 650 different disease organisms including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spore-forming bacteria, fungus and yeasts including Aspergillus, Candida albicans, viruses, protozoal parasites, 95% of 72 strains of herpes virus, and the malaria-causing Plasmodium berghei. The medical literature reports that colloidal silver routinely kills bacteria known to be antibiotic-resistant, often at surprisingly low concentrations.

    Colloidal Silver is useful for:

    • Intestinal infections
    • E. coli infections
    • Sinus infections
    • Food poisoning
    • The common cold and other viral infections
    • Thrush (candida)
    • Ear infections
    • Herpes
    • Burns
    • Skin infections

    Suggested use: one teaspoon, twice per day. For topical use, apply undiluted.

    Colloidal Silver can also be used in a spray form, to combat nasal and sinus infections, or even as a safe and beneficial moisturizing nasal spray.

    There are a lot of colloidal silver products on the market, and even instructions for do-it-yourself colloidal silver. Quality however is a concern and it is wise to get your colloidal silver from a trustworthy source with a reputation for quality. Once again, as with most supplements, price can be an indicator of quality and “bargain brands” are no bargain if they contain no silver or are not pure, or may even have adulterants or contaminants!

    Dr. Myatt offers a physician’s grade of colloidal silver in both liquid and vertical spray (nasal spray) forms – find more information here.

    Regarding Hand Sanitizers:

    “Hand sanitizers” have become popular in recent years, but few people know their actual contents or risks.

    Most hand sanitizers contain substantial concentrations of alcohol. While alcohol is effective as an antimicrobial, it is also harsh on skin – as anyone who has ever accidentally rubbed alcohol into a cut or scratch can attest! Alcohol also poses serious poisoning risks to children.

    Most hand sanitizers also contain a variety of other chemicals, from perfumes to pesticides. That’s right, pesticides!

    A common chemical used in hand sanitizers is triclosan – which was first registered with the EPA as a pesticide in 1969. (4) While it is effective as an antimicrobial, it is being found to have thyroid and hormone-disruptive effects. (5)

    Triclosan has been shown to disrupt thyroid homeostasis in mammalian models (Paul et al. 2010; Rodríguez and Sanchez 2010), and current human exposure levels are in the range of those predicted to have this activity based on laboratory tests (Rotroff et al. 2010). Triclocarban has been shown to amplify endogenous androgen response in mammalian models (Chen et al. 2008).

    These are not products that we should be slathering on our hands with out thought for their dangers!

    Fortunately, there is an alternative!

    ASAP 365 – 24 ppm Silver Gel Soothes Damaged And Injured Skin And Promotes Healing.

    It is a highly effective, safe, everyday, natural healing alternative to chemical-laced hand sanitizers.

    Dr. Myatt recommends colloidal silver gel both for it’s valuable effects in soothing and healing damaged skin and for daily use as a non-toxic hand sanitizer. This gel rubs in quickly and easily, is non-greasy, and contains no perfumes or dangerous chemicals. It is a valuable addition to a natural first-aid kit for treating minor burns, wounds, fungal and bacterial infections – there are even those who swear by colloidal silver fir the treatment of “Cold Sores” and “Fever Blisters”, and scientific research supports their belief in it’s effectiveness! (1)

    ASAP 365 Silver Gel, with it’s non-prescription strength of 24 ppm (parts per million) is gentle enough for everyday use and safe even when used multiple times daily, while being potent enough to be highly effective as an antimicrobial hand sanitizer. This 1.5 fl oz tube is perfect for purse or pocket and is a must-have for your natural first aid kit.

    ASAP 365 – 24 ppm Silver Gel is effective, safe, and inexpensive – Dr. Myatt and I carry this with us whenever we travel and use it often – and we don’t use chemical-laden “hand sanitizers”!

    Why not keep these “Silver Bullets” in your medicine cabinet, ready for use at the first sign of infection. If you catch something and need to order them, it’s already too late!

    References:
    1.) Galdiero S, Falanga A, Vitiello M, Cantisani M, Marra V, Galdiero M., Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy. sgaldier@unina.it, Silver nanoparticles as potential antiviral agents. Molecules. 2011 Oct 24;16(10):8894-918.

    2.) Jain J, Arora S, Rajwade JM, Omray P, Khandelwal S, Paknikar KM. Centre for Nanobioscience, Agharkar Research Institute, India. Silver nanoparticles in therapeutics: development of an antimicrobial gel formulation for topical use. Mol Pharm. 2009 Sep-Oct;6(5):1388-401.

    3.) Franco-Molina MA, Mendoza-Gamboa E, Sierra-Rivera CA, Gómez-Flores RA, Zapata-Benavides P, Castillo-Tello P, Alcocer-González JM, Miranda-Hernández DF, Tamez-Guerra RS, Rodríguez-Padilla C., Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, N, L, México. Antitumor activity of colloidal silver on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Nov 16;29:148.

    4.) http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm

    5.) Robin E. Dodson, Marcia Nishioka, Laurel J. Standley, Laura J. Perovich, Julia Green Brody, and Ruthann A. Rudel, Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products, Environ Health Perspect. 2012 July; 120(7): 935–943. Published online 2012 March 8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404651/

    6.) Lu L et al, Silver nanoparticles inhibit hepatitis B virus replication. Antivir Ther. 2008;13(2):253-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18505176

  • Essential Lab Tests For Health And Longevity

    Dr. Myatt’s Longevity Lab Profile

    Americans LOVE medical tests. This isn’t just my professional opinion after twenty–three years in practice, it has been proven. In fact, we spend more on medical testing than any other country in the world

    In spite of all the "looking" and testing, the average American lifespan is 78 years, 11 years behind the longest-lived industrial nation and 51st in the world.(33) All our testing isn’t helping us live longer or even better. Much of this testing is a bust.

    So, am I recommending that we forgo ALL medical testing? Heck no! A simple chemistry screen and CBC (complete blood count) annually can tell us a lot about one’s general state of health and help us make early "course changes" to avoid problem. I always recommend these simple tests annually. They are inexpensive and easy, "cheap health insurance" in my opinion. I get mine done twice per year.

    However, in examining the scientific literature and looking for the most important markers to follow, there are several tests that emerge as being true "longevity markers." These tests have an "optimal range" that is smaller (tighter) than the conventional medical range. Stay within that range, and your risk of "all cause mortality" is dramatically diminished.

    SO, on that note, I present the simple collection of tests that I consider an indispensable part of an anti-aging / longevity program.

    1.) hgA1C optimal range: 5.0-5.4

    Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of the amount of hemoglobin’s exposure to plasma glucose. It is now considered the "Gold Standard" for monitoring blood sugar levels because it reflects what the average blood sugar levels have been for the preceding three months or so.

    Conventional reference ranges are typically 4.0-5.6, with 5.6-6.4 considered "pre diabetes." However, one large study found that an hgA1C outside the 5.0-5.4 range was associated with an increased risk of death from all causes. This is called "all cause mortality." (1)

    2.) TSH optimal: 0.5-1.4 (check thyroid hormones below 0.5 to evaluate for hyperthyroid)

    Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is a measure of the amount of TSH that is being put out by the pituitary gland in order to stimlate thyroid hormone output. In conventional medicine, it is considered the "Gold Standard" screen test for thyroid function.

    I have actually seen many patients with abnormal thyroid hormone levels (free T3 and free T4) who had normal TSH levels. I have also seen patients with abnormal TSH levels who had normal thyroid hormone levels. This makes me question TSH’s "Gold Standard" position as the best screen for thyroid hormones. I personally prefer to also test the thyroid hormones directly the first time I evaluate thyroid function. I also look at "reverse T3" which can block thyroid utilization even in the presence of normal thyroid levels. But, I digress.

    The standard “normal” range for TSH on lab tests is about 0.5 to 4.6 mIU/L. This range reflects two standard deviations around the US mean, meaning that 95% of the population falls in the “normal” range. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that TSH values in this range are health or normal.  In fact, many people with “normal” TSH live with symptoms of hypothyroidism.

    Research demonstrating that many people are thyroid-deficient and that improving thyroid status can dramatically improve health has been conducted in Europe:

    The HUNT study of 25,000 healthy Norwegians found that those with a TSH level of 1.5 to 2.4 were 41% more likely to die over the next 8 years than those with TSH below 1.5; those with TSH 2.5-3.4 were 69% more likely to die.(2)

    3.) hs-CRP (highly sensitive C-reactive protein). Optimal range <1.3.

    Inflammation is recognized as an important mechanism of cardiovascular injury. Subtle inflammation as measured by hs-CRP, is highly associated with heart disease risk and with an increased risk of death from all causes. (3-19)

    It should be noted that hs-CRP was an “emerging risk factor” back in 1998 when I first reported on it in HealthBeat. Many physicians had not even heard of the test, including cardiologists. I advised my patients to get the test even though it wasn’t yet covered by insurance. Today, ordering an hs-CRP is “standard of care” and a routine part of most conventional cardiac risk profiles. But it should also be a routine anti-aging marker since it is associated with all-cause mortality.

    4.) Ferritin optimal range 25-80; slightly < 50 may be ideal.

    Ferritin is an iron storage protein and is a measure of  body iron stores. High (even "high normal”) iron levels increase free radical production and are highly associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. Serum ferritin was one of the strongest risk predictors of overall progression of atherosclerosis. (20-29)

    5.) Vitamin D (optimal range: 50-60 nmol/liter)

    There is a strong association between vitamin D levels and all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality was 26% higher among those in the lowest vitamin D quartile compared with those in the highest quartile with optimal vitamin D status above 32.1 ng/mL after controlling for baseline demographics. (30-32)

    You can Order your Longevity Lab Profile here:

    References

    1. Carson AP, Fox CS, McGuire DK, Levitan EB, Laclaustra M, Mann DM, Muntner P.Carson AP, Fox CS, McGuire DK, Levitan EB, Laclaustra M, Mann DM, Muntner P. Low hemoglobin A1c and risk of all-cause mortality among US adults without diabetes. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2010 Nov;3(6):661-7. doi: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.110.957936. Epub 2010 Oct 5.
    2. Asvold BO et al. Thyrotropin levels and risk of fatal coronary heart disease: the HUNT study. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Apr 28;168(8):855-60. http://pmid.us/18443261.
    3. Yeh ET. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a risk assessment tool for cardiovascular disease.Clin Cardiol. 2005 Sep;28(9):408-12.
    4. Paoletti R, Bolego C, Poli A, Cignarella A. Metabolic syndrome, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2006;2(2):145-52.
    5. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first Cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2002 Nov 14;347(20):1557-65.
    6. Association of serum C-reactive protein and LDL:HDL with myocardial infarction. J Pak Med Assoc. 2006 Jul;56(7):318-22.
    7. Barac A, Wang H, Shara NM, de Simone G, Carter EA, Umans JG, Best LG, Yeh J, Dixon DB, Devereux RB, Howard BV, Panza JA. Markers of inflammation, metabolic risk factors, and incident heart failure in American Indians: the Strong Heart Study. J Clin
    8. Clearfield MB. C-reactive protein: a new risk assessment tool for cardiovascular disease. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005 Sep;105(9):409-16.
    9. Goicoechea M, de Vinuesa SG, Gómez-Campderá F, Aragoncillo I, Verdalles U, Mosse A, Luño J. Serum fibrinogen levels are an independent predictor of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 and 4. Kidney Int Suppl. 2008 Dec;(111):S67-70.
    10. Gotto AM Jr. Role of C-reactive protein in coronary risk reduction: focus on primary prevention.Am J Cardiol. 2007 Mar 1;99(5):718-25. Epub 2007 Jan 10
    11. Kalogeropoulos A, Georgiopoulou V, Psaty BM, Rodondi N, Smith AL, Harrison DG, Liu Y, Hoffmann U, Bauer DC, Newman AB, Kritchevsky SB, Harris TB, Butler J; Health ABC Study Investigators. Inflammatory markers and incident heart failure risk in older adults: the Health ABC (Health, Aging, and Body Composition) study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010 May 11;55(19):2129-37.
    12. Ridker PM, Stampfer MJ, Rifai N. Novel risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis: a comparison of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, lipoprotein(a), and standard cholesterol screening as predictors of peripheral arterial disease. JAMA. 2001 May 16;285(19):2481-5.
    13. Libby P. Inflammation and cardiovascular disease mechanisms. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Feb;83(2):456S-460S.
    14. Mora S, Rifai N, Buring JE, Ridker PM. Additive value of immunoassay-measured fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels for predicting incident cardiovascular events. Circulation. 2006 Aug 1;114(5):381-7. Epub 2006 Jul 24.
    15. Munk PS, Larsen AI. Inflammation and C-reactive protein in cardiovascular disease. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2009 Jun 11;129(12):1221-4.
    16. Onat A, Can G, Hergenç G. Serum C-reactive protein is an independent risk factor predicting cardiometabolic risk. Metabolism. 2008 Feb;57(2):207-14.
    17. Ridker PM, Rifai N, Cook NR, Bradwin G, Buring JE. Non-HDL cholesterol, apolipoproteins A-I and B100, standard lipid measures, lipid ratios, and CRP as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. JAMA. 2005 July 20;294(3):326-33.
    18. Shlipak MG, Ix JH, Bibbins-Domingo K, Lin F, Whooley MA. Biomarkers to predict recurrent cardiovascular disease: the Heart and Soul Study. Am J Med. 2008 Jan;121(1):50-7.
    19. Yu H, Rifai N. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and atherosclerosis: from theory to therapy. Clin Biochem. 2000 Nov;33(8):601-10.
    20. Alissa EM, Ahmed WH, Al-Ama N, Ferns GA. Relationship between indices of iron status and coronary risk factors including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in Saudi subjects without overt coronary disease. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2007;21(4):242-54. Epub 2007 Aug 7
    21. Ahluwalia N, Genoux A, Ferrieres J, Perret B, Carayol M, Drouet L, Ruidavets JB. Iron status is associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaques in middle-aged adults. J Nutr. 2010 Apr;140(4):812-6. Epub 2010 Feb 24.
    22. de Godoy MF, Takakura IT, Machado RD, Grassi LV, Nogueira PR. Serum ferritin and obstructive coronary artery disease: angiographic correlation. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2007 Apr;88(4):430-3.
    23. Depalma RG, Hayes VW, Chow BK, Shamayeva G, May PE, Zacharski LR. Ferritin levels, inflammatory biomarkers, and mortality in peripheral arterial disease: a substudy of the Iron (Fe) and Atherosclerosis Study (FeAST) Trial. J Vasc Surg. 2010 Jun;51(6):1498-503. Epub 2010 Mar 20
    24. Kiechl S, Willeit J, Egger G, Poewe W, Oberhollenzer F.Body iron stores and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis: prospective results from the Bruneck study.Circulation. 1997 Nov 18;96(10):3300-7.
    25. Lee KR, Sweeney G, Kim WY, Kim KK. Serum ferritin is linked with aortic stiffness in apparently healthy Korean women. Crit Pathw Cardiol. 2010 Sep;9(3):160-3
    26. Mainous AG 3rd, Diaz VA. Relation of serum ferritin level to cardiovascular fitness among young men. Am J Cardiol. 2009 Jan 1;103(1):115-8. Epub 2008 Oct 17.
    27. Menke A, Fernández-Real JM, Muntner P, Guallar E. The association of biomarkers of iron status with peripheral arterial disease in US adults. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2009 Aug 3;9:34.
    28. Valenti L, Swinkels DW, Burdick L, Dongiovanni P, Tjalsma H, Motta BM, Bertelli C, Fatta E, Bignamini D, Rametta R, Fargion S, Fracanzani AL. Serum ferritin levels are associated with vascular damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2011 Aug;21(8):568-75. Epub 2010 Apr 13.
    29. Zacharski LR, Shamayeva G, Chow BK. Effect of controlled reduction of body iron stores on clinical outcomes in peripheral arterial disease. Am Heart J. 2011 Nov;162(5):949-957.
    30. Melamed ML, et al. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and the Risk of Mortality in the General Population. Arch Intern Med 2008; 168: 1629-1637.
    31. Saliba W, Barnett O, Rennert HS, Rennert G. The risk of all-cause mortality is inversely related to serum 25(OH)D levels. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Aug;97(8):2792-8. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-1747. Epub 2012 May 30.
    32. Durup D, Jørgensen HL, Christensen J, Schwarz P, Heegaard AM, Lind B. A reverse J-shaped association of all-cause mortality with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in general practice: the CopD study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Aug;97(8):2644-52. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-1176. Epub 2012 May 9.
    33. CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html

  • Summer’s Here – Avoid This Common And Debilitating Illness

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Ever hear of “Beaver Fever”?

    Yes, it’s a real disease, and despite it’s funny name it brings misery to millions worldwide. Summer is here now, and that means that more Americans will be catching this disease and suffering it’s nasty effects too.

    You can learn more about this protozoan infection and how to prevent it and deal with it here on our website: Giardia

  • Flu? Or Cold? How To Know.

    By Nurse Mark

     

    It seems there is nothing that can make folks feel more miserable than the common cold.

    Most folks feel so awful when they have a cold that they become convinced that they are suffering from “the flu.”

    This is so common that many people tend to use the terms interchangeably – to most folks, “cold” and “flu” are one and the same.

    That’s too bad, because the differences are really very important – influenza (the flu) can be a life-threatening illness. A cold is not.

    That is not to minimize the suffering that accompanies the common cold – it is a truly miserable experience – but it is called the “common cold” for a good reason – it affects people frequently and commonly – old and young, rich and poor, no one is spared.

    How to know the difference between a “flu” and a “cold”? Here’s a chart that will help.

    Symptoms

    Cold

    Flu
     
    Fever Rare Characteristic high fever
    (100-102 degrees F); lasts three to four days
     
    Headache Rare Prominent
     
    General Aches, Pains Slight Usual; often severe
     
    Fatigue, Weakness Quite mild Can last up to two or even three weeks
     
    Extreme Exhaustion Never Early and prominent
     
    Stuffy Nose Common Sometimes
     
    Sneezing Usual Sometimes
     
    Sore Throat Common Sometimes
     
    Chest Discomfort,
    Cough    		 Mild to moderate;
    hacking cough    		 Common; can become severe
     

    Complications

    		 Sinus congestion
    or earache    		 Bronchitis, pneumonia

     

    Here’s another look at colds and flu, and at whether or not an antibiotic is something that you really need: Hurry – Get An Antibiotic Before You Don’t Need It!

    And for those of you who just want to know “What can I do about it?” here’s the short course:

    1.) Eat an Immune-Boosting Diet. The two major dietary causes of immune suppression are sugar intake and food allergies.

    2.) Practice simple home and hygiene techniques.

    • Wash your hands frequently. You don’t need expensive "hand sanitizers" – simple, pure soap is fine and silver gel like ASAP 365 – 24 ppm Silver Gel is a highly effective, safe, everyday, natural healing alternative to chemical-laced hand sanitizers.
    • Cover your mouth and nose — preferably with a tissue — when you sneeze or cough.
    • If you are sick take the day off!
    • Keep your house humid.
    • Get regular exercise – it stimulates the immune system.

    3.) Strengthen your immune system with supplements.

    • Take an optimal potency vitamin/mineral supplement every day.
      Here are the nutrients of particular immune-enhancing importance, and they should all be found in a good multiple nutrient formula:
      * vitamin C
      * vitamin E
      * beta carotene
      * vitamin A
      * vitamin D
      * zinc
      * selenium
      (Please Note: These nutrients and more are found in optimal amounts in Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Multi vitamins)
    • Supplement with additional immune-boosting herbs including Echinacea, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi), Ligustrum, Goldenseal and Garlic. Learn more about Dr. Myatt’s Immune Support formula .

    If you do catch something, start Dr. Myatt’s Acute Immune Protocol right away.