AC-11 – Your DNA Repair Shop
By now you've surely heard of antioxidants.
But have you heard of DNA repair promoters?
I hadn't either, until the other night when I heard a news brief about it and then later that same night read about it in Genewize's Lifemap Product Webinar PDF. Since each Genewize Lifemap nutritional formula contains 350 mg of AC-11, I decided to investigate this rising star therapeutic compound.
Here's what I discovered.
AC-11, otherwise known as Uncaria tomentosa (or Cat's Claw) is a South American vine. It's outer bark contains a powerful, natural activator of DNA repair, critical to cellular health and vital to longevity.
AC-11 has been shown to:
* Decrease DNA damage and to increase DNA repair capacity in humans.
* Improve immune system functions.
* Prevent cellular damage (hello anti-aging!)
* Promote DNA repair.
Entire companies have based their product promotions on this one ingredient and claim highly desirable anti-aging outcomes by taking supplements containing AC-11.
Here's what I think.
AC-11 is powerful. And people are just beginning to hear about it's powerful anti-aging benefits.
I see AC-11 stepping into the spotlight with the ranks of Echinacea and Acai in the next 6 months.
And when you look at a company like Monavie, which did a billion dollars in sales in less than 4 years by promoting the therapeutic antioxidant benefits of the Acai berry, I get excited.
As AC-11 slows the aging and improves the health of many people, several companies will benefit greatly from marketing this health giving plant. As long as the harvest is sustainable, I'm looking forward to seeing the AC-11 market grow.
Understanding and Preventing Cancer
February 4th is World Cancer Day. This year, the aim is to raise awareness about prevention. Cancer is said to affect 1 in 3 people. In the UK alone, it is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths. Understanding what cancer is, it's risk factors, learning about prevention and identifying cancers early on, is crucial to reducing the effects of this devastating condition.
What is cancer?
Cancer can be defined as the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells, which invade surrounding tissues. This leads to the destruction of normal healthy cells. In some cases, a cancer can spread to parts of the body far away from where it started. This is called a secondary tumor or metastasis.
To understand why cancers occur, we have to understand how normal cells function.
The most crucial aspect of any cell is arguably its DNA. DNA can be thought of as a biological molecule that acts a blueprint. Just like with a building, the blueprint explains the shape, size and how different parts will interact with each other. DNA tells each cell whether it will be a hair, tooth, skin, heart, brain or any other cell. It also controls how long each cell will survive and tells it when it should start and stop dividing (for the purpose of growth and or repair). Because DNA is so important, our cells have various protective mechanisms to ensure that instructions encoded withinDNA are preserved.
Cancers occur when either our DNA repair mechanisms are damaged or damage occurs directly within the DNA, and the cell is unable to repair it. In human cells we have two copies of DNA, one from each parent. Having two copies essentially provides us with a kind of backup. If a gene (particular areas of DNA that code for specific instruction) gets damaged on one copy, we can rely on the healthy gene on the other copy. The problem occurs when both copies of a gene become damaged. If the damaged gene carries instructions that control the growth of the cell, then this could result in a cell that begins to divide in an uncontrollable manner. It is important to note that in most cancers it is likely damage occurs to multiple sets of genes, also other factors, for example how surrounding cells interact with the abnormal cell, will influence whether a cancer will occur.
DNA damage can occur in any cell in the human body. The type of cell affected determines the type of cancer. The most common cancers in the UK are breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancer.
What causes cancer?
In order to understand what causes cancer, we need to look at what causes damage to our DNA and/or the DNA repair machinery. External factors that have the potential to exacerbate or propagate cancer are often referred to as carcinogens. Examples are:
o Tar and various other chemicals in cigarette smoke
o Excessive alcohol
o Radiation (Ultraviolet, x-rays)
o Viruses
Carcinogens impair our DNA repair machinery. In most cases, the greater the exposure (i.e. the longer you smoke, the heavier you drink, the more time you spend in the sun without protection), the more damage your doing to your DNA's repair mechanisms, and the more you are increasing your risks of developing certain cancers.
Certain viruses have been implicated in causing particular cancers. The most well known example of this is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Particular strains of this virus are known to be cancer inducing. These strains are thought to cause cancer by incorporating it's DNA into ours. This causes damage to our own DNA. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is normally sexually transmitted and so women who have unprotected sex with multiple partners will increase their risk of exposure to this cancer causing virus.
As well as external factors, our own bodies produce molecules that can damage DNA. These are known as free radicals. They are byproducts of normal chemical reactions in cells. Free radicals are energetic molecules, which can attack and damage DNA.
Sometimes, cancers are more prevalent in certain families. This is because defective genes are passed on to successive generations. For this reason, these individuals should be aware of their susceptibility to cancer and be particularly cautious with potential carcinogens.
Cancer Prevention
Cancer is indiscriminate and devastating in its effects. There are things that we can all do that can minimise our risks of developing cancer.It is estimated that 40% of cancers are preventable by making the following lifestyle changes:
o Quit smoking
o Cut back on alcohol
o Avoid burnt food (barbecue included)
o Avoid excessive sun exposureand use sun protection
o Vaccinations for young girls against the HPV virus
o Use condoms if you or your partner have multiple partners
o Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. The greater the variety the better (because you will have exposure to a greater range of antioxidants).
o Maintain a healthy weight
o Get plenty of exercise (exercise has been shown to reduce the risks of developing breast and bowel cancers)
Warning symptoms
Prevention is paramount. However, it is also important to recognise critical warning symptoms. The following is a list of "red flag" symptoms that indicate you may need to be investigated by your doctor to exclude cancer as a potential cause. If you have any of the following, please visit your doctor:
Unexplained weight loss Severe night sweats Coughing up blood Problems swallowing Hoarse voice Rectal bleeding Abnormal vaginal bleeding Urinary symptoms (particularly blood in the urine) Unexplained pain or aching A changing mole on your skin Unusual lumps or swellings
If you have a family history of cancer, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. In some cases, there may be a need for regular diagnostic tests. Prevention is the ideal, but if you have cancer, catching it early can be crucial to successful treatment.
Further information
This article has focused on what cancer is; it's causes, prevention of cancer and red flag symptoms. We will endeavor to provide further articles focusing on specific cancers and articles dedicated to cancer treatments in the near future.
Is Your DNA Damaged – You Might Need DNA Stimulation
OK, so what is DNA?
DNA is the hereditary material of cells which are responsible for development and functioning in humans and almost all other organisms. It is really a code that is divided up into sections. These sections are called genes and they contain the genetic instructionsfor making up our body.
DNA damage is not a rare occurrence, with damage occurring in several ways. Unless we live in bubble, we are not immune to this damage. DNA stimulation has now become one of the major concepts in cancer biology. Cancer is literally the uncontrolled dividing of cells due to damaged DNA and damaged cells can spread and cause serious problems. Many genes that were initially shown to influence lifespan have turned out to be involved in DNA damage repair and protection.
The major causes of DNA damage are; prolonged exposure to radiations like UV rays, X rays or any other radioactive rays, as well as chemical intoxication, nutrition poor diets and poor lifestyle choices also cause damage. When our DNA is damaged within our cells, the affected genes lose important functionality. Stimulating our DNA back to optimum levels ensures proper health and a stronger body to fight disease.
DNA damage occurs everyday in every part of the body. We don't know when our DNA is damaged, only our individual cells in our body know that it is damaged and has to be repaired. In a normal day, damage occurs at the rate of 1,000 to 1,000,000 molecular lesions per cell. Although this is less than 0.01% of our total cells, unrepaired lesions in critical genes can hinder a cell's ability to carry out its functions and this increases the likelihood of tumor formation.
In all cases, the cell tries to repair itself, so let's look at how it gets repaired. The process of repairing the damaged DNA is termed DNA stimulation. Whenever a cell is damaged, this cell orders the DNA near the damaged cell to bind or join with it to help stimulate the damaged DNA. This way, the DNA is stimulated and the cell is restored to normal. This natural process is long but with today's advancement in science and technology, there is no need to wait this long to get your DNA stimulated.
Research has been done in this field and it discovered that external factors can influence the stimulation of DNA in a matter of hours. It was found that delta frequencies, also called binaural beats, monaural beats and isochronic tones, applied through stereo headphones promote healthier cellular activity and DNAs can be stimulated. By listening to delta frequencies, DNA stimulation occurs at a very fast rate, ensuring a speedy recovery and well being.
Although they are not clearly understood, these binaural beats work very efficiently at creating a healing procedure. The main hypothesis is that when two different sine waves are applied to each ear, the brain directly obtains each frequency seperately and then creates its own frequency. This frequency is in the mid delta region and cannot be heard, but it does ensure that the DNA healing occurs rapidly.
It only takes minutes to see the changes occurring in your mind and body when you are subjected to these frequencies. There are several advantages to DNA stimulation using binaural beats. The first is that there is no physical work involved and you don't need any training. Just placing your head phones for a few minutes is enough. The next thing is that it stimulates and repairs DNA very efficiently, faster than any other process. Finally, it works each and every time.
Liver Cleanse With Milk Thistle
Did you know as a liver cleanse milk thistle is well known, especially among alternative practitioners? A growing amount of research indicates that the supplement is beneficial to all of the organs of our bodies, not just our livers. It might even help us look younger. Here's what researchers are saying.
One of the primary causes of wrinkles and the other signs of aging is free radical damage, due mostly to exposure to UV rays from the sun. We need some sun exposure, in order for our bodies to produce vitamin D. If you don't get any sun, supplementation is essential, because low intake of vitamin D increases your risk of heart disease and various kinds of cancer.
Free radicals play a role in heart disease and cancer, too. Skin cancers, of all types, are caused primarily by damage to DNA done by free radical molecules. The solution to free radical damage is the antioxidant.
Antioxidants are present in the fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods. Low intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of all kinds of age-related diseases, as well as a shortened lifespan.
When it comes to a liver cleanse milk thistle constituent's mode of action is unknown. Studies indicate that it has more of a protective or preventative, rather than a cleansing effect, although the seeds have been used for at least 2000 years to treat chronic liver diseases. The seeds are even effective against the ingestion of some poisonous mushrooms and other plants.
When it comes to protecting the skin against UV damage, more is known. UV exposure causes oxidation, inflammation and DNA damage that can lead to cancer or the formation of a wrinkle. The compounds found in the plants, referred to as silymarins, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Whether or not they can repair damage to DNA strands is unclear, but some studies indicate that they can.
If you are thinking about using a liver cleanse milk thistle is the ingredient that is most commonly recommended, but the effectiveness of the cleanser will depend on whether or not the extracts are derived from the seeds or other parts of the plant. The concentration of silymarins is another factor that affects the results.
The better supplements contain an 80-85% concentration of silymarins, but other ingredients must be included to enhance the bioavailability of the compounds. As a liver cleanse milk thistle can only be effective if it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Research indicates that very little is absorbed, unless other compounds are included in the product.
For example, co-supplementation with lecithin (Phosphatidyl Choline) increases the bioavailability of silymarin by ten times. Getting the amount just right is something to leave up to a good supplement manufacturer.
When it comes to the skin's appearance, as we age, research indicates that applying certain antioxidants directly is most effective. So, if you want a liver cleanse milk thistle and lecithin are tops. If you want to get rid of wrinkles or age spots, creams containing coenzyme Q10 are right for you.
To learn more about unique ingredients for healthy skin, and other incredible substances you've probably never heard of, visit my website today.
How Smoking Affects Your Semen – Make Your Semen Thick Naturally
There have been numerous studies to study the correlation between smoking and semen health across the world and it is now known that cigarettes can impair semen quality. Furthermore, it is also known that current smoking while maternal smoking can both affect your sperm or ejaculate.
Why and how cigarettes affects your ejaculate can be because of the following reasons;
an impact on levels of hormones such as testosterone which happens to be the most important hormone regulating your sexual health a reduction in blood supply to the testicles or due to a direct toxic effect upon sperm from the many chemicals in cigarettes, leading to sperm DNA damage
In a recent study conducted in Denmark, the relationship between cigarettes and seminal characteristics was examined and it was found that sperm concentration, volume of ejaculate, the total sperm count and the percentage of motile sperm all decreased as the number of cigarettes per day increased.
Though there could be a lot of other reasons behind low sperm count in men, cigarettes remain one of the major causes and the solution to improve your sperm count remains as easy as quitting cigarettes if you want to improve your fertility.
Apart from this , there are a few natural pills that can help restore your sperm count and improve consistency as well as volume of your ejaculate. These natural pills are packed with essential nutrients and minerals like l-arginine and zinc that play a crucial role in male sexual function and health.
L-arginine not only helps raise testosterone level naturally but also helps you achieve harder and firmer erections. It is one of the reasons why it is called Nature's Viagra. It is used around the globe for treating erectile dysfunction in men.
Over and above, a large volume of ejaculate coupled with a strong PC muscle(which can be strengthened with Kegel exercises) can ensure that you shoot ejaculate with far greater force thereby making orgasms highly intense.
Che out the Best Semen Enhancers that are completely natural and approved by doctors and can improve your fertility as well as volume of ejaculate by as much as 500%.
White Tea and Wrinkles – How White Tea Boosts Skin Collagen Levels
White Tea's Nutrients Protect Against Wrinkles By Enhancing Collagen
Next time you think to run for a mug of your favorite caffeinated beverage, you may want to grab a pot of white tea instead. A new study from Kingston University in Britain shows white tea helps reduce age-related wrinkles. The scientists assayed the beneficial properties of twenty-one various plant and herbal extracts and found that white tea, far more than the rest, had the most potent anti-oxidant properties. White tea is derived from the same plant as many other teas such as green tea, Camilli sinensis, but it is treated differently and undergoes less oxidation. For this reason, white tea contains a higher content of polyphenols, which are anti-oxidants.
A host of tests were completed, running white tea through the gamut and testing the capacity of the herb extracts to prevent the break down of the structural strength of the epidermis, specifically elastin and collagen activity. Both elastin and collagen are abundant parts of connective tissues that are responsible for the strength and elasticity of skin, and thus it's propensity to develop those scary things called wrinkles. Aside from the skin, elastin is also an important structural part of the ligaments, arteries, and lungs. The reduced number of these proteins leads in to wrinkles notoriously associated with age. These proteins that degrade collagen and elastin are called elastases and collagenases, respectively. Elastases and collagenases are widely known to be associated with diseases which cause inflammation, such as arthritis.
The results were astonishing. This antioxidant-rich tea greatly reduced the activity of elastase by 87%, and collagenase by 89%. This wonderful tea also had high anti-oxidant activity and was able to reduce the formation of free radicals by 88%. The super anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity is attributed to the high-concentration of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in white tea. EGCG is a strong anti-oxidant and has many therapeutic properties, as well as anti-cancer properties.
White Tea's Antioxidants Shields Skin From DNA Damage Caused By Ultraviolet Radiation
In a related scientific publication, scientists from Case Medical Center in Ohio found that white tea shields from the Ultra Violet damaging effects of the sun as well. White tea was found to guard Langerhans cells from cell death (apoptosis). Langerhans cells are immune cells that are located in the outer layer of the skin and are the very first to respond to harmful substances, such as, cancerous polypeptides and bacteria. However, because of their proximity to the surface they are extremely sensitive to the destructive effects of Ultra Violet radiation.
Tea extract was topically distributed to an area on the patient's epidermis and thereafter placed under the equivalent of artificial sunlight. The tea was able to preserve the Langerhans cells, which surprisingly still even retained their immune function. It also protected from the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage that always occurs with ultraviolet radiation. Again, the high antioxidant activity in this tea is thought to be a factor in this protection against UV associated damage.
It is important to understand that the same underlying process of oxidative stress in skin cells by ultraviolet radiation also exacerbates skin cancer and wrinkles related to aging. Younger skin is able to resist oxidative stress better than an older person's epidermis and the two of these studies provide demonstrable evidence that antioxidant-rich tea is able to build the skin's resistance against factors that encourage the skin to become aged.
In addition to reducing the amount of wrinkles on your skin, it can also increase weight loss. Studies have shown that it inhibits adipocytes (fat cells) from taking up fat. It also increases lipolysis, or the burning of fat in adipocytes. This means that it can prevent the uptake of new fat into your cells and it can speed up fat metabolism so that is is burned faster.
Feeling Tired and Lack of Energy
Did you know in the 1950s and 60s many of the modern day diseases like auto-immune diseases, HIV/AIDS virus, foot and mouth disease, avian flu and now swine flu and many more were not common? Have you wondered why?
Virus that only attacks animals are now attacking humans, have you wondered why?
There has to be a cellular damage for the virus to enter the cell and order the DNA to reproduce the virus DNA.
What is causing this molecular and DNA damage in our bodies? Is it because of food? Maybe, the trans fat oils used by fast food outlets could be one factor.
Could it be due to lack of nutrition?
I don't think so as I know in the 50s and 60s we only had Vitamin B- complex, and cod-liver-oil, Scots emulsion, pregnant ladies were given calcium tablets and a few others but today if you go to the drug stores all kinds of supplement, vitamins, amino-acids, proteins and enzymes and a wide range of potent herbal products are at your service.
In the 1980s women in the 40s used to have fibroid, now young girls at 15 years of age have fibroid. Believe me as my wife is working at the gynecologist clinic at the medical center in Malaysia and she says it is very common for women who are in the mid 20s to have fibroid.
Cancer in 1900 was 1 in 10,000 today 1 in 4 this means in your family if there are 4 people 1 may have cancer. Why is this so and what are the causes for all these modern diseases?
E-SMOG
What is e-smog?
E-smog is electromagnetic pollution - when you switch on your ceiling fan, air-conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer and all electrical equipments with a motor in it emits low level EMF radiation and there is a cellular damage taking place and it is happening very silently without you realizing it. This cellular damage provides an easy pathway for the many viruses to get into the cells and order our DNA to reproduce the virus DNA thereby choking the neighboring cells of their oxygen thus the demise of the cells.
Free radicals are from the oxygen molecules a free electron is released from a paired electron due to chemical reaction taking place within our body during a digestive process also damages to the cells.
I remember in 1955 my dad bought a radiogram (combination of radio and gramophone which plays music records); we were very fascinated by it. By today's standard the radiogram was very primitive; washing machines were very rare and very expensive to buy one.
It was the in the 60s when new electrical equipments were developed and manufactured, then in the 70s more and more electrical devices were invented and manufactured, for example television which became a common household item.
In the 80s VCR became popular, then in the 90s CD, and VCD, the computers, and cell-phones became very popular. Then DVD in the 2000, hence by 2009 very advanced communication devices using micro-wave frequencies to operate these devices.
From the 50s to the 90s the EMF radiation were passive and mostly goes undetected but the damage was done in a gradual manner but now with a combination of EMF and micro-wave radiation makes it dynamic and we cannot escape exposing ourselves to this damage.
No wonder the young girls who are using cell-phones usually keep their hand-phones in their pocket and their uterus is exposed to the micro-wave radiation thus the fibroid at young age.
Take note even when the phone is not being used but switched on, it is constantly communicating with the relay station, emitting the signals with the power of 1 to 3 watts to and from the relay stations; this means the radiation is an ongoing thing.
The latest e-smog is radiation from wifi, wimax and etc wireless signals cress-crossing everywhere.
Now the big Q, can we live without all these electrical devices especially cell-phones, computers and Internet? I cannot but I am protected from e-smog damage and so you too can be protected.
What Price? Technology
Many alternative health care practitioners are now recommending a detoxification program for most of us over the age of 40. Living in an industrialized society certainly has many benefits in terms of convenience and access to information. There is a plentiful supply of material goods used in the creation of many commercial products including plastics, metals, and other synthetic materials. However, with the manufacturing of such materials, we have the problem of chemical pollution and disposal problems. The toxins we generate threaten our air and water supply. Most well informed people will not even consider drinking unfiltered tap water in our cities.
As a plastic surgeon with over twenty years of experience placing foreign material into people's bodies, I have also become aware of another form of pollution, namely the placement of multiple implants in the body. How does the body deal with the break down of these foreign materials? I have personal experience with a number of these implant materials; including mercury amalgams, breast implants filled with both saline and silicone, a silicone chin implant, and tattoo pigments for eyeliner. In surgical training we are taught that these implants are inert and in general well tolerated by the body unless the implant becomes secondarily infected.
Unfortunately, this is not necessarily true, and I have come to believe from years of experience dealing with silicone breast implants, that there is probably nothing that you can place in the human body that the body will not attempt to break down. Silicone implants in the body are broken down over time through a lipolysis reaction and the engineering data shows that implants regularly fail either by the contents leaking out or frank rupture of the implant elastomer shell usually within 8 to 15 years. The same implants sitting on the shelf are unaffected for they are not exposed to the enzyme systems, which effect the implants inside the body. Just as the nuclear facilities have found it difficult to find containers to contain nuclear waste, plastic surgeons have found it difficult to find containers that will contain saline or silicone gel or other filler material over time. As we go through life, we are all exposed to a variety of pesticides, heavy metals, plastics of all sorts; from those lining aluminum cans to those present on IV catheters. I wonder just how much foreign material is introduced into the human body over a lifetime.
Also complex biofilms that form around implants, add biotoxins to the list of toxins that the body must eliminate in order not to become ill. Of course, natural detoxification and elimination methods do exist to handle much of this load. However, biochemical analysis of the majority of people in industrialized society show high levels of many substances including aluminum, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. It is exactly these lab findings that have lead alternative practitioners to recommend detoxification programs.
Some substances are relatively easy to eliminate from the body and others are more difficult. The toxic effects of silicone gel implants is one such difficult dilemma. The silicone gel that leaks out through the capsule is taken up by the macrophages and is distributed throughout the body. We are not only dealing with this silicone gel, but also with the breakdown products including silicate, which can crystallize in nerve tissue. There are a myriad of other chemicals and heavy metals used in the manufacturing process of silicone gel implants including platinum that may be difficult to eliminate from the body.
The chemistry of silicone in the body is not well studied, but we do know that silicone penetrates cell membranes and interferes with enzyme systems. Based on the paucity of information is no wonder that the systemic diseases associated with the widespread dissemination of silicone throughout the body have not yet been carefully studied. From clinical experience, I can tell you that the disease course is very similar in many of the woman that I see for explanations. It appears that the severity of the disease does correlate with the amount of time that the silicone has been leaking out of the implants. If this process has been occurring for more than ten years, the detoxification process, including the removal of the implants, is less likely to restore the patient to full health than if the implants are removed prior to this time.
In some patients, we also have a complicating factor of a coating of polyurethane placed around the implants, which disassociates itself from the implant and is embedded in the scar capsule surrounding the implant. The break down products of polyurethane are felt to be carcinogenic and the mechanism of the disposal of these products is not yet well defined. Clinically, these women have a different illness than the woman with pure silicone gel leakage. Implant removal often results in a dramatic improvement in their symptoms, provided that the scar capsules with the embedded polyurethane are totally removed.
There is a theory that it is the cumulative effect of these toxins that leads to the free radical formation and subsequent accelerated aging that appears to occur after the age of forty. A whole science of anti-aging theories and technologies is currently being developed. Advanced methods exist to eliminate the free radicals and detoxify the body of a number of chemicals, heavy metals and other contaminants within the body. It is well established that certain conditions within the bowels can lead to "leaky gut" syndrome and allow large molecules to enter the body and produce autoimmune reactions that may affect the joints and other tissues. Given the rapid reversal of arthralgias and conditions such as bursitis after removal of leaking silicone gel implants, and knowing what we know about silicone acting as an adjuvant in the immune system, I feel that we have much to learn about the mechanism of autoimmune disease in relationship to these foreign substances.
The Gulf War syndrome is another example of this with a possible etiology being the adjuvant "squalene" as the initiating agent of this syndrome. The Gulf War syndrome has many characteristics similar to silicone immune dysfunction including not only the autoimmune, but also the neurological components. Could these foreign materials that we introduce to our bodies through vaccines, implants, prosthesis, and ingestion of contaminated food and water sources be contributing to the epidemic of autoimmune disease that we are seeing in our society? Of course, many links have been made toxic chemicals, which are carcinogenic. Detoxification programs including chelation therapy, removal of mercury amalgams, and restoration of gut intestinal flora with elimination of pathogenic flora are a standard treatment of cancer in Europe. We should also consider the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in this country. Heart disease is associated with free radical damage to the heart vessels and does respond to methods that will eliminate free radicals such as chelation therapy. And what of immune dysfunction in general with the variety of viral, bacterial and fungal infections that affect our population? A healthy immune system can not exist if foreign chemicals, heavy metals, and nutritional deficiencies are constantly bombarding it.
It is not what we know, but what we do not know about the effect of this multitude of chemicals, plastics (including silicone), metals, drugs and their metabolites to which we expose our bodies. What are the effects on enzyme systems, cell membranes, DNA damage and interference with repair mechanisms, and the effect on mitochondria energy production? No wonder we currently have epidemics of energy disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and atypical autoimmune diseases, which evade traditional medical understanding.
Take a moment to survey your own life style choices; including dental amalgams, implants, internal prosthetic devices, suture material left within the body, tattoos, hair pigments, personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, after shave lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics, residue from dry cleaning, food additives, drugs and their break down products, and chemical contamination of our food, air and water sources. It is clear that since vast numbers of these contaminants gain access to our bodies, we should encourage government and academic research institutions to study the science of detoxification. It is imperative to prevent contamination as well as to help speed the removal of contaminants from the human body. How many of the degenerative diseases including heart disease, arthritis and cancer are truly preventable given the proper technology of detoxification and education for prevention? How many dollars do we spend every year treating these diseases and what is the cost to society when so many of our citizens are disabled by these conditions? What price are we paying and what price will our children pay?
If this research is not supported, and our government and regulatory agencies do not take the responsibility of passing legislation that will protect us from the chemical pollution of our air, water and food supplies, then WHO will protect us?
As a consumer, you have the power of choice. Some choices that will benefit your health and the environment include non-mercury dental materials, organic foods, purified water, natural body care products and minimilization of dry cleaning. Suggested Reading
The Naked Truth About Breast Implants: From Harm to Healing by Susan E. Kolb, M.D., F.A.C.S. Visit www.TheNakedTruthAboutBreastImplants.com to read about Dr. Kolb's personal experiences and extensive knowledge of the potential dangers associated with silicone and saline breast implants.
Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change by Stephanie Marohn Visit www.goddessshift.com to read about the anthology of over 40 women leaders in diverse fields of human endeavor where Dr. Kolb is a contributing author.
Freckles, Sunspots, Melasma and More
Skin color is a manifestation of genetics and environmental factors. The cells that determine skin color are known as melanocytes. These cells are found throughout the upper layers of the skin and produce granules of melanin pigment. Melanin granules diffuse into the surrounding skin cells known as keratinocytes and protect the cells' DNA from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Contrary to popular belief, a suntan is actually sun damage and does not provide protection from the sun.
What is hyperpigmentation? Many factors can affect the normal function of the melanocyte and therefore cause a variety of pigmentation disorders. Normal, healthy skin is evenly colored and free of blemishes. This results from the synthesis of a normal amount of pigment from melanocytes and its transfer to the outer layers of the skin. Ultraviolet exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, drugs, acne, skin diseases and a genetic predisposition can increase melanin production and cause dark pigmented patches to appear on the skin. This is called hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of all races. What are the different types of hyperpigmentation? Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the face and arms and other sun exposed areas. Freckles are more common in fair skinned individuals as a result of sun exposure. Therefore, they can occur even in children. Freckles are most prominent in the summer but will fade in the winter as old skin cells are shed and replaced by new ones.
Sunspots, age spots, or 'liver' spots are a very common form of hyperpigmentation. They are basically superficial collections of melanin which accumulate in the top layer of the skin. Sunspots occur as a result of cumulative sun damage over many years. They appear as small, dark patches that are commonly seen on the back of the hands, legs and face or other areas that are exposed to the sun. In contrast to freckles, they persist for long periods of time and do not fade in the winter months. It is very important to distinguish the harmless solar sunspot from early melanoma. If the spot is new, contains more than one color or has irregular borders or if in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
Melasma is more commonly seen in women but about 10% of patients are men. It is more frequent in persons with brown or black skin or from Asia, the Middle East, India and South America. Melasma looks similar to age spots but tends to involve larger areas. The lesions can be well-defined or have irregular, so-called, geographic borders and typically appear on the central part of the face i.e. the forehead, nose, upper lip and chin. Melasma is precipitated by hormonal changes as seen in pregnancy, sun exposure and with the use of certain drugs such as oral contraceptives, anti-seizure and anti-malarial medications. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is usually a problem for individuals with darker skin.
It develops as a result of irritation or injury to the skin as seen with acne, psoriasis, eczema and trauma. The darkened areas on the skin are limited to the site of the inflammation and have more indistinct, feathered borders. In this condition, the pigment cells tend to deposit melanin in both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin. How is hyperpigmentation treated? The successful treatment of hyperpigmentation must include the daily use of a sunblock. Freckles, age spots, and other dark skin patches can become darker and more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect the skin from overexposure. This process darkens the areas that are already hyperpigmented. Therefore, it is essential to use an opaque sunblock every morning that contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. Light in the visible spectrum can darken pigment. Even sunscreens with the highest SPF are not effective in blocking visible radiation. A single day of excess sun exposure can undo many months of treatment for pigment disorders.
Bleaches lighten and fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin. Prescription strength creams that lighten the skin contain hydroquinone. Skin bleaching can be a long and tedious process. Therefore, to achieve faster results, hydroquinone has been found to be more effective in combination with other agents. These products include alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and mandelic acid, vitamin A derivatives such as retin-A and Tazorac and Vitamin C. Even alone, these agents can help to eradicate blotchy discoloration as well as exfoliate the discolored skin. Pigmented lesions can be treated by mechanical agents that exfoliate the skin such as microdermabrasion and/or erbium lasers that vaporize the skin. Exfoliation and vaporization remove superficial pigmented skin cells and also facilitate the penetration of bleaching agents. Finally, pulsed light treatments can effectively and precisely treat pigmented lesions. Light is selectively used to target the pigment without damaging the normal surrounding skin.
Concord Grape Juice Improves Memory
Polyphenols are plant-based dietary compounds with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These biological properties of polyphenols reduce the ongoing damage to the DNA in our cells that results from the toxic byproducts of metabolism, including free radicals. Polyphenols have, therefore, been the subject of intense research as potential prevention agents for a variety of human ailments, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer. (The evidence-based role of dietary polyphenols in cancer prevention is discussed in great detail in my soon-to-be-published book, "A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race.")
Foods that are naturally rich in polyphenols include most blue and red berries, grapes (including red wine), pomegranates, walnuts, peanuts, olive oil, green tea, dark chocolate and cocoa, coffee, and beer (as well as other fruits and vegetables).
Recent animal research has suggested that polyphenols derived from grape seeds can reduce the development of plaques in the brain (at least in mice) that are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. Now, a newly published prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical research study suggests that Concord grape juice, which is rich in polyphenols, may be able to improve early memory decline in older adults.
In this small study, which has been published in the British Journal of Nutrition, 12 elderly adults with declining memory were divided into two groups. The "experimental group" received daily Concord grape juice supplements for a period of 12 weeks. The second group, the "control group," received placebo supplements that were identical in appearance to Concord grape juice, but which contained no juice. Neither the 12 patient volunteers nor the research assistants were aware of which patients received grape juice and which patients received the placebo while the study was being conducted.
Standardized, validated tests of memory, and other aspects of cognitive function, were administered to all 12 patient volunteers participating in this study. These cognitive function tests revealed statistically significant improvements in verbal learning skills among the patients who received 12 weeks of Concord grape juice (when compared to the placebo group). Although not statistically significant, improvements were also noted in both verbal and spatial recall among the patient volunteers who received the grape juice supplements in this small clinical study with a brief duration of patient follow-up.
While larger studies, with a longer duration of follow-up, will be required to confirm the findings of this small pilot study, the prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind nature of this small study does give it considerably more predictive power than the much larger dietary survey-based epidemiological studies that are more commonly used in disease prevention research.