How to Support Immune System During Cancer Therapy

"Never deny a diagnosis, but do deny the negative verdict that may go with it." - Norman Cousins 

For James

Cancer diagnosis is probably the worst thing that can happen to you. It comes as an incredible shock to the patient and it is a no lesser shock to the patient's relatives. What follows the diagnosis cannot be described in words. No one can understand the fear unless he or she has been diagnosed. 

A cascade of questions follows the diagnosis. Why me? What went wrong? How did this happen? What caused it? Could I have done something differently? Is there anything I can do to slow the progress of the disease? What are my chances? Can I be cured? How can I mitigate side effects of chemotherapy? What can I eat? etc. etc. etc.

Fear, guilt, uncertainty about the therapy and its outcome follow the patient like a dark shadow. 

Once the therapy has been chosen by the oncologist, the patient has to deal with horrifying side effects. Depending on the type of therapy or the drugs used, the patient experiences 

• weakened immune system
• high blood pressure
• anemia 
• loss of appetite 
• changes in taste
  
• indigestion
  
• constipation
  
• diarrhea
  
• nausea 
• vomiting
• increased urination 
• kidney dysfunction 
  
• muscle loss
  
• skin and nail changes
• hair loss
• fatigue
• confusion
  
• overall weakness
  

to name the most common and visible ones.

Patients who asked their oncologist for nutritional advice are often told that they can eat anything they want but might need to lose weight if they are obese. The more lucky ones are told to try the Mediterranean diet that is known for its overall health benefits.

Why is food even important during cancer treatment? 

We all need nutrients, but people undergoing cancer therapy even more so. They need to build up strength and stamina, strengthen their immune system, and nourish their bodies that are being weakened by cancer and the cancer treatment drugs. Some foods might be better than others, so how do we choose the right ones?

Although the food industry does not want us to know, many of the food items that we consume daily contain unhealthy ingredients, some of them carcinogenic or cancer growth promoting. Some of the worst foods and substances for cancer patients or anyone who wants to stay healthy, for that matter, include:

• sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cornflakes, cakes, cookies, pastry, donuts, or ice cream
  
• processed meats like hot dogs, corned beef, ham, bacon, or summer sausage
• fried, deep fried and charred foods 
• conventional dairy 
• alcohol. 

Anything processed and packaged is full of added sugar, high fructose syrup, or artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, preserving agents, artificial coloring, chemical flavors, and flavor enhancers. Just check the list of ingredients. Some ingredients might not even be listed if they are present at an incidental level. Some are listed as "spices," "flavors," "natural" or "artificial flavoring" that can combine countless chemical ingredients and are usually considered to be the manufacturer's protected "secret" formulas. 

Understanding how fast food, junk food, and packaged foods of all kinds, are affecting our bodies, we all shall agree that in order to prevent chronic disease, heal from cancer, or stay healthy for as long as possible, we must eat food that is full of vital nutrients and free from disease- or inflammation-causing chemicals. 

Nutrition is complicated but many nutritionists would suggest that patients eat a low-glycemic diet and add more fruit and vegetables, preferably organic, to their daily meals. They could also add some organic fish and chicken, mushrooms, beans, whole grains, nuts, healthy fats, and spices to their meal plan. However, because of their high carbohydrate content, legumes, grains, root vegetables, fruits, and even some nuts, should be limited. And since patients are usually very dehydrated, they should drink plenty of filtered water and organic green tea.

But what if the therapy makes it impossible for the patient to even hold the food down? 

I am an advocate of a raw food lifestyle that includes foods like raw fruits, vegetables and sprouted nuts and seeds that are rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and various health promoting phytonutrients but I am aware that raw food is not optimal for everyone. I understand that roughage in raw foods might cause some discomfort in patients with compromised digestive tracts due to chemotherapy or radiation. However, turning a salad into a green juice, healthy smoothie or a nutritious raw soup, would make the raw food more easily digestible and still deliver the nutrients needed for optimal health. Use a juicer or blend the ingredients in a blender, add a few drops of virgin olive oil, some chopped fresh herbs and organic spices, and voilà! Your raw soup is ready. A certified nutritionist may help you find the best recipes to suit your condition. 

Some immune system-modulating nutrients, like vitamin C and vitamin D for instance, can be supplemented daily. However, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, high doses of antioxidants might interfere with the treatment making it less effective. Mega doses of vitamin C delivered intravenously, on the other hand, will have the desired oxidative effect and work to destroy the cancer cells. 

Supplements like 

• modified citrus pectin (Pectasol) 
• graviola extract 
• liposomal glutathione 
• curcumin
• sulforaphane 
• medicinal mushrooms 
• mistletoe (Iscar/Iscador)
• fiber 
• laetrile 
• molecular hydrogen 
• pancreatic enzymes
• probiotics 
• alpha lipoic acid
• berberine 
• thymoquinone (compound from the nigella sativa seed)
• green tea 
• melatonin (that not only improves sleep but also supports the immune system),  

to mention only a few, are also often included in the alternative cancer treatment protocols since they all support the patient's immune system. Some compounds, like the glutathione, are used as an adjunct to chemotherapy, while others, like the thymoquinone for instance, are contraindicated around active tumor-directed therapy. Always consult your oncologist before adding a new supplement to your daily routine since some supplements may interfere with the cancer medication. 

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut can help restore healthy gut microbiome and help with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Natural solutions like ginger tea made of sliced fresh ginger rhizome and purified water, might help the patient manage nausea without horrible side effects. 

Patients undergoing cancer therapy may experience severe dehydration. They must replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are vital for maintaining key bodily functions. The best way to replenish the lost electrolytes naturally is to add a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt and some freshly pressed lemon juice into a glass of purified water. Fresh coconut water straight out of a fresh young coconut works as well. By all means avoid sports drinks since they are either loaded with sugar or are full of artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Dr. Lodi, whom I consider to be one of the most interesting personalities in the field of integrative oncology, has a full protocol for cancer patients that involves, among others, raw food, juicing, detoxification, and fasting. The patient must change the "terrain" in which cancer proliferates, and make his own body inhospitable to new cancer cells. 

"Cancer is not a single cellular disease. Indeed, it's a multifactorial event which happens differently in each person." - Dan Rubin, Naturopathic Oncologist 

Oncogenesis is a complex process and cancer cells are very tricky, but patients can learn new strategies that promote healing and recovery, and prevent cancer from spreading throughout the body or from coming back once the patient is declared cancer-free. 

To support the immune system, healthy eating habits are vital for any patient undergoing cancer therapy, but in order to heal, the whole lifestyle must be changed. 

A health coach would suggest

• weight loss (where necessary)
• balanced blood sugar (balance and monitor)
• balanced hormones 
• fasting or fasting-mimicking diet 
• increased physical activity (wherever possible)
• meditation to increase emotional well being
• stress control
• restorative sleep
• infrared sauna
• hyperbaric oxygen 
• lymphatic drainage  
• holistic dental care and dental detox
• heavy metal detox 
• liver detox
• colon cleanse 
• treatment for parasitic infestation 
  
• environment free of toxins and harmful chemicals
• life free of toxic and destructive relationships
• emotional detox and trauma therapy (where necessary).

If you want to heal, surround yourself with people you can trust. Find a support group. Find a registered nutritionist who understands cancer. Stop watching the news on TV. Resolve your conflicts. De-clutter your house. Find a hobby that would enrich your mind and soul. 

All this might seem overwhelming at first but you can do it gradually, one item at a time. Ask for help. Hire a coach. Hire a personal trainer. Mobilize family members to do the tasks you are unable or not willing to do anymore. Create an environment in which you can heal and return your body to a healthy equilibrium.

Your disease is not some kind of punishment that you deserve. It developed over time in an environment that wasn't conducive to health. The medical team that is taking care of you can only provide the necessary medication but to get healthy, you might have to revise your beliefs and change your habits. Qualified people can show you how to do this but no one can do it for you. You are the master of your own universe.

Learn about your disease. Do your own research. As Dr. Lodi says, you are not your diagnosis. You can activate your healing potential, but the healing will take time, so be patient. Be consistent. Trust in your body's ability to heal. You are magnificent. Persevere! Don't ever give up.

By Dominique Allmon

Post scriptum 

I wrote this short article for my husband who was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma in October 2021. His immunotherapy began in January 2022. We did a lot of research and were completely inundated with often conflicting information at this initial stage of his treatment. My first visit to the cancer treatment center left me speechless. It was a very long day since we had to drive for 250 miles to get the treatment but there was time for a quick lunch at the center's cafeteria. The cafeteria was a place where patients and their relatives, doctors, nurses and the center's personnel would normally have lunch. There was hardly anything I wanted to eat. Like in most American coffee shops, there were a few ready-made salads, some sandwiches, pasta and not too many healthy dishes on the menu. What shocked me the most, however, were the sugar loaded cakes and deserts. Information that sugar is really a toxic, cancer cells-feeding  substance seemed to have escaped those who run that establishment. It was very sad to watch the patients who just received their chemotherapy session eat the poison that gave the cancer cells new fuel. 

Old habits die hard and there is nothing more difficult than changing the way people eat. If you were diagnosed with cancer, you need to reconsider your choices. In many cases you will have to give up many of your favorite foods and exercise self-discipline. Your healing journey will probably be the most difficult thing you have ever experienced, so stay strong.

My husband James receiving his first immunotherapy infusion in January 2022

As I mentioned above, my husband James was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma. The cancer spread to the lungs, but there was more. He had cancerous lesions on his skin. The initial immunotherapy he received in the first three months of 2022 completely cleared his skin but did not help much with kidney cancer. Although the tumor was shrinking at first, it began to grow again after almost one year of treatment. In 2023 James developed pancreatitis and his treatment had to be stopped. Also, his liver enzymes were not optimal. After a few weeks without the medication he felt better so the cancer therapy was resumed only to be terminated again for the same reasons. In addition, a botched dental procedure led to infection that was difficult to manage. 

In October 2023 his oncologist decided that there was nothing else she could do for him. Her statement had a nocebo effect on my husband. He was exhausted and lost all hope. Tragically, he gave up. He did not even consider alternative treatments and was moved to palliative care. James passed away in December 2023, a little more than two years after his first diagnosis. He was 70 years old.

Cancer is a very complex disease. We seem to understand how cancer cells thrive in the body and why, but the gap between the understanding of the disease and curing it seems too wide for so many patients. Cancer cells need glucose in order to survive, but when there is not enough glucose, they thrive on glutamine. They are probably the most adaptive cells in the human body because they can evolve and change how they respond to their environment. They learn to evade the immune system and often become resistant to cancer therapies. 

To starve the cancer cells one would need to stop eating completely and as suggested by Dr. Lodi, patients would need to go on a 40-day, or even longer, water fast. This is a very radical approach that does not come without risks. Water fasting is difficult and should not ever be done without medical supervision. The outcome would probably depend on the patient's constitution, age, affected organs and the damage already done by cancer in the body. Some cancers are detected when it is already too late, and yet, some people go into remission and recover completely. There is always hope but the outcome is always unpredictable. 

Dominique Allmon©2023 

Dr. Lodi's Green Juice Recipe 

Also of interest:   

Foundation For Metabolic Cancer Therapies 

An Oasis of Healing

Nutrition and Cancer  

Prevail Over Cancer Learning Center 

*I am not affiliated with Dr. Lodi or any other organization or institution mentioned here. 

Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. You must consult your oncologist before including any nutritional supplement, bioactive compound, or herb into your daily routine. Some supplements, herbs and even foods might interact with your medication or can cause allergic reactions. Caution is advised. Consult a skilled nutritionist for proper dosage and timing of nutritional supplement. 

Sugar Addiction And How To Break It

Sugar consumption is on the rise all over the world. This fact has horrendous implications since the metabolic syndrome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes in adults, and alarmingly early onset of Type 2 diabetes in children, are only few consequences of sugar consumption.

Scientists have demonstrated that refined sugar is a highly addictive substance. One study found that the extremely sweet taste can surpass the cocaine reward even in people who are addicted to heavy drugs. In another study scientists demonstrated that quitting sugar can be as difficult for some people as quitting nicotine or alcohol.

Are you addicted to sugar?

Addicts seldom admit that they have a problem and often find justification for their behavior.

• Do you always eat dessert? 
• Do you always have to have something sweet in your house?
• Do you make excuses to take just one more piece of that delicious cake?
• Do you struggle to say no when you are offered something sweet? 
• Do you have sugar "attacks" where you feel you must have something sweet or you will not make it? 

If you eat sweets on regular basis try to give them up for a day or two and see what happens. If you develop headaches and mood swings the chances are that you are addicted.

A few years ago one of my favorite nutritionists, Patrick Holford, devised clever nutritional strategies for people who wished to quit their addictions. 

Quitting any kind of addiction is not an easy process. The withdrawal symptoms are often unbearable and can make it difficult for anyone to give up the stuff he or she is addicted to - be it nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, heavy drugs or even sugar. While drugs or alcohol are considered harmful to our health, sugar addiction is often trivialized, neglected or not even recognized as such. Worse, many people do not even know that sugar is harmful to health. Many do not know that they are addicted.

What is sugar?

Sugar is the generalized term used for sweet, short-chain, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food to sweeten and improve the taste. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Together with starches and fiber, sugars belong to the class of carbohydrates that are necessary to provide energy and regulate protein and fat metabolism, among others.

All sugars are either monosaccharides (simple sugars) or disaccharides. Simple sugars are easily and quickly digested and utilized by the human body, but there is a difference in the way liver processes glucose and fructose. (This is a vast subject that requires another article.) Disaccharides such as sucrose or the common white table sugar, on the other hand, require enzymes in order to be converted into simple sugars that are then utilized by the body.

Sucrose, which is composed of the monosaccharides fructose and glucose, is found in sugar beets, sugar cane, sorghum, maple syrup, molasses, and pineapple. It is composed of one molecule of fructose and one molecule of glucose and can be metabolized in a healthy body.

Sucrose is used extensively to sweeten food and beverages, but even people who do not add sugar to their diet may be consuming large amounts of so called "hidden" sugar that is added by the food industry into ever growing amount of foods. Salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, peanut butter, baby formula, bread, sausage, luncheon meat, etc. all have sugar added to them.

Addiction to sugar begins very early in life and is constantly reinforced by millions of dollars spent on advertising all over the world by the food industry. Average person living in America consumes more than one hundred fifty pound of sugar per year! It is estimated that only thirty pounds come from sugar that people are consciously adding to their food. The remaining amount comes from industrially produced foods and drinks.

Why should you quit sugar:

• Sugar can make you fat! Sweets and foods with added sugar deliver incredible amount of empty calories and no fiber or nutrients to keep you nourished and satiated. As soon as you had your sweet fix you normally crave for more. You not only eat more calories than you can burn, but sugar promotes belly fat that once there is probably the most difficult to lose.
• Excess sugar consumption has the same toxic effect on liver as does alcohol. In fact, increased sugar consumption had the same detrimental effect on health as the consumption of alcohol and could be responsible for hypertension, myocardial infarction, insulin resistance, obesity, malnutrition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and pancreatitis.
• Sugar suppresses the release of  the human growth hormone or HGH. Consumption of sugar, especially within two hours after workout, causes hypothalamus to release the inhibitory hormone somatostatin. Somatostatin from the hypothalamus inhibits the pituitary gland’s secretion of the HGH and the thyroid stimulating hormone. 
• Sugar disrupts the immune system. In the 1970s the Noble Prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling discovered that the vitamin C increases the body's ability to fight infections. He also found that sugar inhibits this ability. In order to be able to fight bacteria and viruses, our white blood cells must accumulate vitamin C at the 50-fold concentration all the time. Vitamin C is constantly being moved through the cell membranes into the white blood cells all over your body. Dr. Pauling discovered that glucose, which has similar chemical structure as the vitamin C, can replace vitamin C concentration in the white cells. In fact, when blood sugar rises to 120 after a consumption of cakes, candies or sodas, the ability of white cells to fight infections decreases by about 75%! Moreover, it can take up to six hours to restore optimal levels of vitamin C in the white blood after consumption of sugar. 
• Sugar depletes vital nutrients or interferes with their absorption. Levels of vitamin D, calcium, chromium, and magnesium in the body are affected the the high intake of sugar.
• Sugar can increase risk of cancer. Researchers have found that sugar in the intestine triggers the formation of a hormone called GIP. GIP is controlled by a protein called β-catenin that depends entirely on sugar levels in the body. This in turn, increases insulin released by the pancreas. Researchers found that there is a strong correlation between β-catenin and the cell's susceptibility to cancer formation. Moreover, research also shows that high sugar consumption lowers the survival chance of breast cancer and colon cancer patients.
• Sugar can damage your heart and shorten your life. In 2013 the Journal of American Heart Association has published a study confirming that sugar affects pumping mechanism of the heart and can potentially increase the risk of heart failure. Researchers found that a glucose metabolite called glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) that is derived from sugar and from starch was responsible for the changes in the muscle protein of the heart. These changes could eventually lead to heart failure. 
• Sugar contributes to premature aging. When sugar enters your system it has the tendency to bind to fats and protein molecules in your body. This process is know as glycation. It results in the production of advanced glycation end products known as AGEs. These molecules cause damage to connective tissues and are responsible for chronic inflammation. But AGEs are not only responsible for processes that are "hidden" deep inside our bodies. They also are the cause or visible aging. Collagen and elastin are the proteins in skin that are responsible for the health and youthful appearance. These proteins are also most susceptible to the glycation process. 

It is probably much easier to enumerate reasons for quitting sugar than to quit this sweet addiction. Like many people I have a very sweet tooth and cannot imagine a festive dinner menu without dessert, but I also know too well that sugar is not good for me. It is enough for me to look into a mirror the next day after I satisfied my sugar cravings the night before. The skin looks inflamed and the joints feel stiff. I know that if I continued eating sweets for another day or two things would get even worse. So I quit for a week or two only to get tempted again.

Young people can recover from the sugar binge much faster and may not even gain weight, but with age the damage done by sugar becomes more obvious and almost irreversible. So, how do we quit sugar cravings?

Sugar craving exist on two levels:

• physiological, where it manifests itself as an addiction to sugar, the chemical substance that affect entire body chemistry
• emotional, where it manifests itself either as craving for comfort and happiness, or as a reward for a particular type of behavior.

To successfully quit sugar we must understand and address both, the physiological and the emotional  dependence on sugar.

If you are addicted to sugar you must understand that there is no one-fits-all solution to addiction. Every human being is unique and will power and self-motivation are not always enough. However, everyone can implement a few simple steps that would gradually re-set the addicted brain and re-program body chemistry.

The Break-Sugar-Addiction Program

The plan involves two aspects of our physiology: brain chemistry and blood sugar balance. Deficiency in certain neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, often leads to sugar craving. Fluctuation in blood sugar leads to cravings and energy crashes.

• The very first step to recovery from sugar addiction is a gradual change of diet. Begin your personal program by conscious reduction of sweets and desserts you consume. Sweets and desserts are the obvious, identifiable sugar sources. This would mean that you have to remove sugar and sweet foods from your pantry and change your shopping habits. Stay clear of cookies, candy, cakes and ice cream, and less sugar to your coffee and tea. Going a cold turkey does not work for everybody so you may need to replace your desserts with sweet fruit that at least has vitamins and minerals, and has a form of sugar that can be digested by the body. Try to replace fast food with high quality protein and add fresh vegetable to your menu. At the same time you should supplement your diet with high quality multivitamin and mineral formula. Vitamins and minerals will help you nourish your body and may help reduce  cravings. In addition you should take a high quality Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to restore flora in the intestines.
• Removal of sugar from the diet may cause mood swings, low energy, or headaches. To balance the brain chemistry supplement with L-tryptophan and 5-HTP. These two supplements will help the brain to produce the mood enhancing serotonin. To support blood sugar balance take a chromium supplement. Also, add sugar-balancing cinnamon to your diet.
• To control sugar cravings supplement with saffron extracts and amino acid L-glutamine. The suggested dose of L-glutamine supplement is 500mg, 3-4 times a day, best taken on empty stomach about 30 minutes before a meal, or when you feel your blood sugar is very low and you feel like having something sweet. The sugar craving may vanish within minutes and you will not even feel jittery or stressed. 50-100 mg standardized saffron extract will help boost dopamine levels in your brain and decrease carbohydrate cravings.

Many nutritionist suggest that we should consume foods that have low glycemic load, or the GL. The GL tells us how a particular food will affect the blood sugar balance. Foods with high GL will cause sugar spikes and cravings. Foods with low GL convert slowly into glucose and encourage body to burn fat. A low glycemic diet will keep you nourished and satiated and will not only help you break your sugar addiction, but also lose weight.

Depending on your current situation you may need to consult a certified health practitioner who will help you break the sugar addiction. A certified nutritionist will help you create a healthy nutrition plan. He or she will also help you clear candida that may also be the cause of your sugar cravings.

If your craving for sugar is mostly emotional you will need to address the underlying emotional issues. Yoga, relaxation and meditation in combination with supplemental magnesium, L-tryptophan and 5-HTP may help a lot, but you may have to see a therapist to understand why your emotional problems are causing addiction. And if you reward yourself with a large piece of cake, you should probably change your strategy. Try a large bowl of fresh strawberries the next time you feel that you need a reward.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2017

Post scriptum

 

Many people who wish to break the sugar addiction resort to artificial sweeteners to satisfy their love and craving for the sweet taste. The only artificial sweetener that I would take is stevia. Stevia is made from the leaves of South American plant Stevia rebaudiana. Studies demonstrated that stevia may actually lower blood sugar levels and improve the function of insulin.  

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The Antioxidant Power of Spirulina

Spirulina* is a green food supplement made of single-celled blue-green algae from the genus Anthrospira that floats freely in highly alkaline waters. Two species of the algae are used to produce spirulina supplements: the Anthrospira platensis and the Anthrospira maxima. The algae are believed to be one of the oldest organisms on our planet. The species used to produce nutritional supplement spirulina are cultivated all over the world in specially designed water farms.

Nutrients

The blue-green algae has been valued as a food source for a very long time. Aztecs discovered its nutritional properties and used it as their staple food. It was also consumed by the Mayas and the Olmecs.

• The blue-green algae is probably the most concentrated source of nutrition. It is the best source of complete protein. It contains 18 amino acids including lysine, threonine, phenylalanine, and methionine.
• It is rich in vitamins, especially of the B group including B12. This makes the spirulina supplements perfect food for vegans whose diet normally does not include sufficient amount of the vital vitamin B12. Some research suggests, however, that the vitamin B12 in spirulina is an analog form of vitamin B12 which is not easily absorbed by the human organism.
• The high chlorophyll content makes it a perfect plant source of bio-available chlorophyll for the human body. Chlorophyll which has a similar structure to human hemoglobin, carries oxygen which enriches our blood, helps to normalize digestion and to keep our intestines healthy.
• The blue-green algae is rich source of minerals. Among others it contains zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, and selenium. The algae is very high in calcium and iron. Unlike other supplement sources, the iron in spirulina is easily absorbed by the human body. Spirulina is low in sodium and iodine.
• The blue-green algae is high in GLA or gamma linolenic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid used by the body to fight allergies, decrease inflammation, and prevent skin damage, among others.
• One of the characteristics of this algae is its high content of carotenoids, especially beta carotene. In fact, its beta caroten content is ten times higher than that of carrots. 10 grams of spirulina provide 23,000 IU of beta carotene which is 460% of the RDA recommendation. It also contains astaxanthin, fucoxantin, and zeaxantin. The total content of mixed carotenoids is about 0.37 per cent.
• The blue-green algae contains very high levels of SOD, or superoxide dismutase enzyme. SOD has a remarkable ability to fight free radicals and to retard aging.
• The algae also contains only 15 to 25 percent of carbohydrates. Two main polysaccharides, glycogen and rhamnose, are easily absorbed by the body and do not cause insulin spikes. 

Spirulina as an antioxidant 

An ongoing research is being conducted all over the world. Spirulina may be the best antioxidant available to us. It is a highly complex superfood. Its high content of mixed carotenoids and the SOD enzyme, as well as selenium, makes spirulina a valuable antioxidant supplement. Spirulina also contains vitamin C and vitamin E which are both known for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of these nutrients is well researched. They work in synergy and seem to be most effective when acting together. In spirulina they all come in a natural proportion and are not synthetically manufactured to compose an antioxidant formula.

Like beta carotene and selenium, SOD effectively decreases the generation of free radicals in the body and reduces oxidative stress. It fights the superoxide, which is the most ubiquitous and aggressive free radical in the body.

Researchers also found that the algae contains the water soluble phycocyanin, a pigment that gives it its blue hue. Phycocynin is considered to be a free radical scavenger that protects liver and the kidneys from the oxidative damage. Phycocynin is also a powerful immune system modulator and is believed to alleviate the damage caused by radiation. The Russians successfully used spirulina to treat the victims of post-Chernobyl radiation.

Health benefits of spirulina

High nutrient content makes spirulina a superfood supplement. Although there are some conflicting findings, spirulina is generally believed to :

• help control weight
• improve digestion
• detoxify the body
• build muscles
• reduce inflammation
• reduce cholesterol
• enhance immune system
• inhibit viral replication in the body
• lower the risk of certain cancers
• inhibit growth of tumors in the body
• help digestion
• improve the skin
• assist with the PMS
• alleviate malnutrition

Daily dosage 

The suggested dosage is 500mg three to four times daily. Total daily dose of spirulina should not exceed 5,000 mg. Spirulina comes in the form of tablets, capsules, or a powder that can be mixed with juice or water, or added into smoothies. Spirulina has a very strong detoxifying effect and may cause Herxeimer reaction* in the body. It is sensible to begin supplementation with a small dose and increase the dosage gradually over a period of few days.

A caution is advised while buying spirulina supplements. Always consider buying spirulina from a certified, organic source as spirulina is subject to contamination. Because some allergic reactions have been observed, consult your health care provider before commencing supplementation. Discontinue use if condition worsens.

By Dominique Teng

Dominique Teng©2016

* The Anthrospira species of algae were once classified in the genus Spirulina hence the resulting confusion between the name of a nutritional supplement and the name of a species. Spirulina species belong to a genus of the Cyanobacteria in the Kingdom of Bacteria. In the older literature we still find the terms Spirulina platensis and spirulina maxima.

* Herxheimer reaction occurs in the body when a large amount of toxins flood the body as a result of a rapid detoxification.

 

Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Healing with Vitamins

Many chronic conditions can be alleviated with nutrition and nutritional supplements. The FDA suggested daily doses of nutrients. These doses are minimal, but necessary in order to maintain health and avoid disease. For those who suffer from chronic disorders the doses of nutrients have to be increased in order to correct imbalances or alleviate conditions caused by lifestyle choices and inadequate nutrition. 

When purchasing a nutritional supplement, consider its bio-availability. Choose food state supplements, preferably raw, freeze-dried fruit and vegetable extracts. 

Nutritional supplements are vital, but it is absolutely necessary to remember that they can never replace a wholesome diet. Increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and detoxify on regular basis to alkalize your body. This is vital as the pathogens can only thrive in highly acidic, poorly oxygenated environment. 

In radiant health,

Dominique Allmon

Also of interest: Do We Really Need Nutritional Supplements?

Vitamin K - An Extraordinary Anti-Aging Nutrient

Learn how vitamin K strengthens bones, protects arteries, and prevents liver and prostate cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Unlike many other nutrients, vitamin K did not receive much attention in the past. New research, however, indicates that this vitamin is one of the most amazing anti-aging nutrients available to us. An ongoing scientific research suggests that vitamin K may play a significant role in preventing certain cancers and the Alzheimer's disease.

What is vitamin K? 

Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that can be found in nature and made in the body. Phylloquinone, or vitamin K1, is the natural form of vitamin K that is found in plants such as dark green leafy vegetables, alfalfa, and kelp. Menaquinone, or vitamin K2, is the vitamin K produced by the bacteria in our intestines. Menadione, or vitamin K3, is a synthetic compound that has the chemical structure of the natural vitamin K. This form of vitamin K, however, is regarded as toxic because it generates free radicals.

Vitamin K was discovered in 1929 by a Danish researcher Henrik Dam. He noticed that chicken that were fed a fat-free diet were susceptible to hemorrhage. Moreover, blood taken from these birds coagulated very slowly. Intrigued by this observation, he investigated this strange phenomena and found out that a particular substance was necessary for the blood to coagulate. The chickens in his experiment lacked it because that substance was found only in the fatty foods. He named that substance "coagulation vitamin" using the German spelling, hence the name vitamin K.

Vitamin K is easily destroyed by extreme heat, light, alkaline substances, strong acids, radiation, and oxidizing agents. Some research, however, shows that cooking does not significantly diminish vitamin K content in vegetables. 

Vitamin K is absorbed from the upper small intestine with the help of bile salts and pancreatic juices and carried to the liver where it is utilized in the synthesis of prothrombin - a key blood clotting factor in the body. Vitamin K is stored in small doses within the body. The highest concentrations are found in the liver, the pancreas, and in the bones. Any excess of this vitamin is excreted. High intake of vitamin E and calcium interferes with the absorption of vitamin K. 

Functions of vitamin K

• The most important and best studied function of vitamin K is it role in the blood clotting process. Vitamin K is required for the synthesis of the coagulating factors, mostly the blood-clotting protein prothrombin.
• Vitamin K protects the heart because it prevents the calcification of the aorta and the heart valves.
• Vitamin K is responsible for bone health. Low serum levels of vitamin K are normally associated with lower bone mineral density and indicate an increased risk of hip fracture. Supplementation with vitamin K may improve bone mass in postmenopausal women. Research shows that when vitamin K is taken together with vitamin D3, it can prevent osteoporosis.
• Vitamin K regulates calcium levels in the body. I helps keep calcium in the bones and out of the arteries. Scientists suggest that by regulating calcium, vitamin K may reverse hypertension and reduce the susceptibility to stroke.
• Research shows that vitamin K has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting interleukin-6, a substance that affects the immune system and is responsible for the inflammatory processes in the body.
• According to the latest research conducted in Japan, vitamin K may be involved in blood sugar control. Pancreas has very  high concentrations of vitamin K and researchers discovered that this vitamin has some effects on insulin and glucose concentrations in the body. Laboratory tests showed that insufficient levels of vitamin K in the body interfere with the clearance of glucose causing release of too much insulin. This discovery may be of great importance in diabetes prevention and treatment.
• Studies demonstrated that vitamin K is a powerful antioxidant. It fights free radicals in the liver and protects linoleic acid from oxidation. It may be useful in preventing liver cancer. Research conducted in Germany also shows that vitamin K may prevent prostate cancer.
• Vitamin K supports the brain and the nervous system. Scientists discovered that vitamin K is required for the synthesis of the fats called sphingolipids that are critical in the formation of the myelin sheath - an outer wrapping around the nerves. This discovery may be useful in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Nutritional sources of vitamin K

Most dietary vitamin K come from vegetable especially from dark leafy greens such as kale, chard, and collards and from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Blackstrap molasses, fermented soy products, and polyunsaturated oils also contain significant amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is also found in egg yolks, cow liver, fish liver, yogurt, and Swiss cheese. 

Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin K is very rare and is associated with impaired absorption rather than with inadequate diet. Deficiency occurs when the body cannot absorb this vitamin from the intestines or when the intestinal flora has been destroyed by prolonged treatment with antibiotics. People suffering from cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and cholestasis may become deficient. Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency usually include tendency to bruises, nose bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, gum bleeding, and heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.  

 

Recommended daily dose

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin K is 80 µg per day for adult men and 65 µg per day for adult women. No more than 50 µg per day may be administered to the newborn babies to prevent hemorrhage. 

A healthy, balanced diet usually provides 75 - 150 µg of vitamin K in its natural, bio-available form.

Warning

Although there is no known toxicity associated with high doses of the naturally occurring vitamin K1, synthetic forms of this vitamin should be avoided. High intake of vitamin K is not recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin. Their diet should not contain more than 120 µg of this vitamin.

By Dominique Allmon

 

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease.

Vitamin K - An Extraordinary Anti-Aging Nutrient by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Health Benefits of L-Theanine

Stress and Anxiety Relief

For many people stress and anxiety are the symptoms of their high-powered day to day existence. If not managed properly, chronic stress and anxiety may cause many disorders, including insomnia, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cognitive impairment. There are many pharmaceutical drugs on the market that promise to bring peace of mind and relieve the symptoms of anxiety, but many people prefer to look for natural alternatives out of fear of side effects and possible addiction.

One of the most powerful natural antidotes to stress is L-theanine. L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid) is a non-protein forming amino acid found almost exclusively in the green leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The only other significant source in nature is the Boletus badius mushroom also known as Bay bolete. Among other active compounds, Bay bolete contains substantial amounts of L-theanine.

L-theanine was first isolated in Japan, where green tea is part of the culture since inception of Buddhism in the 6th century. Green tea was used traditionally by the Buddhist monks to keep them calm and awake during long hours of meditation. Researchers found out that caffeine ingested in green tea had a different effect on the mind and the body that had the same amount of caffeine from coffee. The excitatory effect of caffeine in green tea was offset by the calming action of a compound that was named theanine. L-theanine constitutes about 50 per cent of the dry protein weight of green tea.

L-theanine is a powerful stress and anxiety reliever. It effectively reduces both, mental and physical, stress. About 30-40 minutes after ingestion, it induces tranquility and a state of deep relaxation without causing any drowsiness or forming a chemical dependence. In fact, it helps improve attention and concentration.

L-theanine is one of the few known substances that can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. It exerts subtle changes in the brain chemistry by altering the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid).

L-theanine induces state of well-being and relaxation in four ways:

• it stimulates the production of alpha waves in the brain
• it increases the levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the brain
• it lowers the blood pressure
• reduces heart rate

Encephalographic measurements (EEG) show that L-theanine increases the brain activity within the alpha frequency band (8-13.9 Hz). The alpha state of the brain indicates relaxation, relaxed focus, and increased serotonin production. The slowest alpha waves are associated with the so called twilight state - a deep relaxation state that is usually experienced between sleep and waking. People who meditate begin to access the unconscious mind at this stage of relaxation.

The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA is considered to be the brain's own tranquilizer. It helps to reduce the excess of stress hormone adrenalin and calm down. It also controls the levels of noradrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain. Insufficient levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, tension, depression, and insomnia. L-theanine increases the secretion of GABA thus helping the brain to calm itself. 

L-theanine has been shown to reduce the blood pressure in individuals with elevated blood pressure. It did not, however, affect individuals with normal blood pressure which means that in only acts where there is lack of balance.

Other benefits of L-Theanine

While L-theanine received the greatest attention as a natural anti-anxiety drug, it also has many other benefits as it restores chemical balance in the body:

• alleviates depression
• supports concentration and mental performance
• helps focus attention on critical tasks
• improves learning
• protects the body from stress damage caused by the hormone cortisol
• improves quality of sleep when taken 30 minutes before bed
• protects the brain from damage done by glutamate and caffeine
• supports the immune system by increasing the activity of T-cells
• assists in weight loss by promoting thermogenesis
• reduces levels of lipids in the blood
• lowers blood pressure in people with a high blood pressure
• relieves physical and mental symptoms of PMS
• protects the liver from damage caused by alcohol
• slows down the growth of certain tumors

L-theanine has remarkable cognitive effects. Research shows that L-theanine increases brainwave activity that is normally associated with attention and concentration. It helps to stay centered in spite of stress. Studies show that the substance has remarkable ability to minimize interference from distracting outside stimuli helping at the same time to focus attention. Subjects in the study were able to concentrate on important tasks without getting distracted.

While L-theanine is not a sedative, it significantly improves the quality of sleep and prolongs the duration of deep sleep. 200-400 mg taken about half an hour before bed time, can help to unwind and fall to sleep because L-theanine has the capacity to change the beta brainwaves to alpha waves. One wakes up rested and refreshed. L-theanine can safely be taken together with melatonin and 5-HTP to improve sleep patterns. Magnesium and the amino acid glycine can strengthen the calming effect without causing grogginess. 

L-theanine appears to act as an antagonist to glutamate receptors and may be useful in treating depression. Stress and depression activate stress hormones known as glucocorticoids. These hormones disrupt brain chemistry and affect mood and memory. Glutamate seems to play a major role in the process. In depressed people glutamate levels in the brain are out of balance. Based on research, drugs that suppress glucocorticoids have been proposed as an effective treatment of depression. L-theanine blocks certain signals produced by glutamate and suppresses harmful effects of glucocorticoids helping to restore chemical balance in the brain.

Research shows that L-theanine may protect the brain from the damage caused by a stroke. It also helps to preserve brain functions such as blood flow in a stroke affected brain area. Moreover, L-theanine protects brain cells against the toxic damage caused by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. After a stroke excess of glutamate in the space between the cell receptors is believed to cause the increased neuronal death. L-theanine appears to modulate this damage. Laboratory tests show that there was no damage in the brains where L-theanine was present before the stroke. These findings also bring hope to the Alzheimer's disease research, as the glutamate toxicity is associated with the neural damage that occurs in Alzheimer's disease. Together with other compounds found in tea, L-theanine counteracts the neuro-toxicity of the harmful beta-amyloid protein commonly found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. It helps increase the activity of an enzyme that breaks dawn this protein.

L-theanine has been demonstrated to support overall cardiovascular health. It prevents lipid peroxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Peroxidation of lipids is believed to be one of the causes of atherosclerosis.

Japanese researchers have found that L-theanine minimizes the harmful effect of alcohol in the liver where alcohol is converted to extremely toxic chemical known as acetaldehyde. L-theanine seem to accelerate the digestion of acetaldehyde and to block the harmful free radicals. It increases the levels of glutathione that is normally depleted by the consumption of alcohol and restores the detoxifying capacity of the liver.

L-theanine may also find an application in complementary cancer therapies. It not only inhibits the growth of certain tumors, but also enhances the activity of pirarubicin, doxorubicin and adriamycin - drugs that are used in chemotherapy, reducing at the same time their destructive side-effects on healthy tissues of the patient. L-theanine seems to decrease the tumors ability to get rid of an anti-cancer drug. More studies have to be conducted, but the Japanese scientists T. Sugiyama and Y. Sadzuka are very optimistic. 

L-theanine is a versatile natural supplement that helps to restore the balance in the mind and the body. It has no known side effects. It relaxes, restores mood, and rejuvenates. In Japan, where stress is ubiquitous and people even die from work related stress (karoshi death), L-theanine was approved as a food additive in 1964.

There are many products on the market, but only products containing Suntheanine® are worth buying. Suntheanine® is enzymatically synthesized L-theanine of highest purity and efficacy. The suggested dose is 200-400 mg a day. 

Although L-theanine is safe and has no known side-effects, please, consult your health care provider before beginning supplementation.

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2012

 

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Health Benefits of L-Theanine by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

What is diabetes and how does it affect the body?

Diabetes is a very common, serious condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high as the body has difficulties to utilize it properly. Diabetes occurs

• when the pancreas does not produce any insulin
• when the insulin production is insufficient
• when the insulin produced by the pancreas does not work properly (insulin resistance)

There are many forms of diabetes, but the two most common are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells, the pancreatic beta cells. This type of diabetes afflicts children and young adults, although the disease onset can occur at any age. People with this type of diabetes require daily injections of insulin to survive. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes.

The majority of all diabetes is Type 2 diabetes (estimated 85%-95%), which in many cases can be prevented or reversed. People with type 2 diabetes cannot effectively use the insulin they produce, but can often manage their condition through diet, exercise, and supplementation, although many go on to require medication, including insulin, to properly control blood glucose levels. It is estimated that 60 per cent or more of type 2 diabetes could be prevented. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance - a condition where the body cells cannot properly utilize insulin. With time the need for insulin in the body rises, but the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Research shows that exercise and moderate weight loss can delay or even prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes in adults with the high risk of developing diabetes.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes represent a serious health threat. In 2007 diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the USA. It is estimated that approximately 7.8 per cent of the US population has diabetes. About one quarter of all cases remains undiagnosed. Statistics show that people who are obese are three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than people who manage to keep their weight at optimal levels. 

 

Diabetes can affect every organ in the body. People with diabetes are susceptible to

• cardiovascular disease that may lead to heart attack and stroke
• vision problems including blindness in extreme cases
• nerve damage in the lower extremities that may lead to gangrene and amputation
• kidney damage
• gum disease that may lead to the loss of teeth

To prevent the diabetes related diseases, people with diabetes must make radical changes in their lifestyle:

• they have to lose weight if they are obese and learn to keep their weight in the optimal range
• they have to change their nutrition and follow a healthy meal plan
• they have to increase their physical activity and develop an exercise program
• besides keeping their blood glucose at the healthy level, they must control their blood pressure and their cholesterol levels

Diabetes reversal plan has to involve healthy nutrition and supplementation with blood glucose regulating supplements as well as physical activity. Self-education is vital. When we understand the dangers of diabetes and what is happening in our body when we eat, it is easier to introduce lifestyle changes and follow healthy nutritional plan. These strategies are not only life-saving. They allow people with diabetes to live a more normal, happier lives.

Anti-diabetes action plan involves:

• healthy nutrition
• supplementation
• exercise
• stress control

Nutrition

Obesity is maybe one of the most important factors in developing insulin resistance syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. About ninety per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are obese. It could not be stressed enough that weight loss is vital in reversing in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Weight loss is very important as the fat cells secret pro-inflammatory proteins that interfere with the insulin receptors. There are some risks associated with a rapid weight loss. It is therefore advisable to consult a nutritionist who will be able to assess overall health of a person and devise an optimal nutritional plan. A low glycemic load (GL) diet created by the British nutritionist Patrick Holford as well as the Mediterranean Diet have proven to be most effective for preventing and reversing Type 2 diabetes. Nutrition rich in healthy oils, lean protein, whole grains, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is beneficial to health. It is important to avoid saturated and hydrogenated fat, sugar and all foods with sugar added to it, as well as coffee as it negatively affects the blood sugar levels. For those with a "sweet tooth" choosing a healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners, such as stevia, is important. 

Supplements to regulate blood sugar

• Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by our body. It is present in every cell where it converts glucose into energy. It is both, water and fat soluble. Research shows that it can regulate blood sugar levels. It is also useful in reducing the nerve damage caused by diabetes. As a nutritional supplement it is best taken in its biologically active form as R-lipoic acid. Daily dose is 300 mg.
• Berberine is a bioactive compound derived from various plants. Latest research suggests that berberine has the ability to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes. It helps to increase insulin sensitivity and promote insulin production; it reduces glucose production in the liver; helps to increase glycolysis or the breakdown of glucose; it slows the absorption of carbohydrates from the gut. The suggested dose is 500 mg. In some studies as much as 2,700 mg daily were used to lower fasting and long-term blood sugar levels considerably.
  
• Bitter gourd (Mormodica charantia) is well known in China for its medicinal properties, especially for its ability to regulate blood sugar. At least three active compounds involved in blood sugar regulation have been identified, most importantly charantin and polypeptide P. The Chinese use bitter gourd as vegetable in various dishes or as a tea. In the West an ongoing research is being conducted and the results are very promising as the active compounds appear to regulate sugar metabolism in the body.
• Chromium polynicotinate is an organic form of the non-toxic mineral, essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the body. Chromium helps to restore blood glucose balance. It increases both, insulin binding and insulin effectiveness. Moreover, it increases the number of insulin receptors. Research shows that up to 50 per cent Americans are deficient in chromium. Chromium can safely be taken in a dose of 400-1000 µg per day, which is more than eight times the current allowance. There is no known toxicity even at levels that are ten times higher than the recommended dose.
• Cinnulin PF is a proprietary water soluble extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii). Cinnulin appears to support glucose transport mechanisms and to diminish the blood glucose spikes that normally follow after a meal. The recommended dosage is 250 mg before each meal. It is important to know that cinnamon contains volatile oils that can be toxic if cinnamon is consumed in large amounts over a long period of time. Cinnulin, on the other hand, is extracted in a process in which the toxins found in whole cinnamon are filtered out.
• Magnesium improves insulin sensitivity. Studies suggest that magnesium-rich diet can significantly lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can be mitigated with supplementary magnesium. The recommended dose is 400 mg per day. For a better absorption magnesium is best taken with its co-factor vitamin B6.
• Medicinal mushrooms such as Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) contain compounds that can significantly lower blood sugar. These mushrooms have been used for centuries to successfully treat diabetes in China and Japan.
• Vanadium is an essential trace mineral that is associated with the regulation of blood sugar. Vanadium as vanadyl sulfate has been shown to reduce hyperglycemia and improve insulin sensitivity in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some vanadyl complexes, especially the vanadyl complex of garlic compound allixin, show strong insulin-mimetic activity. An extensive research is being conducted all over the world. Recommended doses of vanadium do not exceed 30 µg. Because the much higher therapeutic doses may be toxic to the body, it is not recommended to supplement with vanadium without supervision of a trained health care provider.
• Zinc is involved in many bodily functions. Among others it is important to normal insulin activity. It regulates the production of insulin by the beta cells in the pancreas and stimulates the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity in the body. A study conducted in Finland shows that zinc helps prevent heart attacks in people with Type 2 diabetes. The recommended daily dose is 15-30 mg. Zinc is best taken with vitamin C and the amino acid histidine.

There are many more herbs and supplements believed to regulate blood sugar. Herbs such as cedar berries, coccinia cardifolia, golden seal root, licorice root, fenugreek, and gymnema are used to support healthy blood sugar. Vitamins A, B complex - especially biotin, C, and E and supplements such as CoQ 10, manganese, and glucomannan are useful in regulating blood glucose. It is important to consult a health care provider before beginning supplementation.

Exercise

Exercise is vital to health in general, and to prevention of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in particular. Regular exercise supports weight loss. It contributes to a better cardiovascular health and optimal glucose economy in the body. Regular exercise helps to increase insulin sensitivity. It is considered that at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is beneficial because the muscles use more sugar and oxygen during exercise sessions. Studies also show that walking as little as 2.2 miles a day may improve cardiovascular health and contribute to a permanent weight loss.

A continued moderate exercise would decrease blood sugar as the muscles store up to twenty times more glucose than they normally do in a resting state. Intense exercise, on the other hand, may have an opposite effect - the blood sugar level may increase. To the body intensive exercise is stressful and it responds to it by releasing stress hormones that call for more glucose to fuel the muscles. It is important to pay attention to the symptoms of too little or too much blood glucose during or after exercise in order to avoid complications. 

Type 2 diabetes and stress

The latest research shows that chronic stress negatively affects blood sugar level in people with diabetes. In people with Type 2 diabetes the blood sugar level goes up. When we are stressed, the body produces stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones cause the blood glucose level to increase as the body needs energy for the "fight or flight" response. In healthy people the blood sugar goes back to normal with the help of body's own compensatory mechanisms. However, when a healthy person suffers from a chronic stress, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases. In people with Type 2 diabetes stress not only increases the blood sugar level, it also prevents the body from releasing insulin. The blood sugar remains elevated for a prolonged period of time causing irreversible damage in the body. It is absolutely vital to learn how to manage stress and relax properly in order to keep blood sugar from spiking. Moderate exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, or autogenic training are very helpful tools for stress control.

As diabetes in on the rise worldwide, it is more important than ever to stay informed and understand this disease. Radical lifestyle changes may be life saving. Healthy nutrition, physical activity, and careful supplementation can help prevent or even reverse Type 2 diabetes and improve the overall quality of life.

By Dominique Allmon

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. Diabetes is a serious condition. Please, consult your health care provider before you begin the natural diabetes reversal program.

Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Cellfood - The Amazing Oxygen Supplement

Improve your health with nascent oxygen

Cellfood® is a safe, prescription-free oxygen supplement that has been used successfully by people all over the world for more than 40 years. Cellfood® is a proprietary blend of 78 ionic minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids including 8 essential amino acids, electrolytes and nascent oxygen suspended in an acidic solution of deuterium sulfate. It is a result of a long research that was first conceived and conducted by Everett L. Storey. 

Everett L. Storey was a scientist involved in the secret American war project known today as the Manhattan Project. He invented the technology that was used to develop the triggering mechanism of the hydrogen bomb. Like many other scientists of the era, he become disenchanted with the results of his work and decided to devote his intellectual powers to peaceful research. Exposed to high radiation during the bomb tests, Storey developed radiation sickness and was wasting from it. However, he created an unique nutritional supplement and was able to cure himself. He was 74 when he died in 1984.

One area of Storey's expertise was the practical application of the deuterium - the only non-radioactive isotope of hydrogen. He believed that the same technology that was used to develop the hydrogen bomb could practically save human lives. Around 1956 he created a formula, that was later given the name Cellfood, and was convinced that his creation was the ultimate solution to end human suffering from disease.

Cellfood® is used to enhance and restore optimal bodily functions. Because of its high Zeta potential and its colloidal structure and composition, Cellfood® is compatible with body fluids such as blood, lymph, and the cerebro-spinal and synovial fluids. Many preexisting conditions can be improved or alleviated because Cellfood® creates aerobic environment in the body and helps the body to mobilize its own defenses. After ingestion it is quickly absorbed through the mucosa. It delivers nutrients and oxygenates and detoxifies the body at the cellular level. It helps to restore the proper body pH and has the remarkable ability to amplify the absorption of other nutrients in the body. 

Cellfood® has the unique potential to split the water molecule in the body into nascent oxygen and nascent hydrogen. Nascent oxygen is a negatively charged singlet atom of oxygen (O-) that binds in the body with the positively charged singlet atom of oxygen (O+) and forms the O2 molecule thus preventing a cascade reaction from so called reactive oxygen species. The O2 molecule binds for instance with the carbon in the body and produces CO2 that is eliminated from the body via the respiratory tract. Nascent hydrogen is used by the body in many bodily processes. Among others, it is used by the body for lubrication, osmosis, transportation of nutrients, reconstruction of the immune system, and in response to systemic inflammation. 

Supplementation with Cellfood® is very easy. The initial dose is eight drops of the concentrate dissolved in a glass of purified water. This dose should be increased to eight drops three times a day taken in a glass of purified water. Because of its acidic taste, some people prefer to take it in a glass of freshly squeezed grape or carrot juice. The mixture should not be allowed to "sit". It should be drunk immediately. It is best taken on empty stomach about 30 minutes before or one hour after a meal. Because Cellfood® increases the absorption of other nutrients, nutritional supplements can be taken about five minutes after the ingestion of Cellfood®.

Cellfood® can be used for detoxification as it initiates the natural detoxification processes in the body. Toxins that have been locked in the body are being released gradually without any distress to the elimination organs. It is important to drink 8-10 glasses of purified water a day and increase the amount if necessary. The initial detoxification dose can be as high as thirty drops a day taken in a glass of purified water. In order to avoid the Herxheimer reaction in the body, the dose should be increased gradually over a period of time after the body's pH has been restored to the optimal 6.4 level. Although Cellfood® can be safely ingested in higher amounts, it is not recommend to begin with high doses as this would lead to toxic overload due to rapid detoxification.

Because Cellfood® facilitates absorption of other nutrients, other products have been developed on the base of Cellfood® concentrate:

• Cellfood® Silica
• Cellfood® Natural Weight Loss Formula
• Cellfood® DNA/RNA (formulation I have only seen in South Africa)
• Cellfood® 100% RDA Multivitamin Spray
• Cellfood® SAM-e Formula
• Cellfood® Skin Oxygen Gel

There are very few supplements on the market that could measure up to Cellfood®. It not only works on the physical level, but helps to restore mental faculties and emotional well being. Taken before sleep, it helps the body to restore and relax completely during the night.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease. Please, consult your health care provider before commencing supplementation.

Cellfood - The Amazing Oxygen Supplement by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.