Posts
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Don't you just love drug companies?
Another excellent article from Dr Mercola, for the complete transcript follow the link on the left.
For rough UK figues just divide by six. Still shocking isn't it.
The number of reports of serious problems, including deaths, linked to medications hit a record in the first three months of this year.
The FDA received nearly 21,000 reports of serious drug reactions, including over 4,800 deaths, over that period. Two drugs accounted for a disproportionately large share of the problems -- heparin, a tainted blood thinner from China that caused an international safety scandal, and Chantix, a new anti-smoking drug from Pfizer.
Chantix had the most reports of any medication. Earlier this year, the FDA warned that Chantix may be linked to psychiatric problems, including suicidal behavior.
Serious drug reactions are ones that cause hospitalization, require medical intervention, or place a life in jeopardy. The total of 20,745 cases reported from January to March was 38 percent higher than the average for the previous four calendar quarters, and the highest for any quarter. Fatalities accounted for 23 percent of the cases.
So if the year carries on at the same rate we will have in the UK roughly 14000 serious drug reactions including 3200 deaths due to prescription drugs.
So how come the British press run articles on 'quack' complementary therapies such as homeopathy when the death rate is ZERO? So, it's not okay to spend money on what press thinks is quackery but it is okay to die with prescription drugs - the worold has gone made!
For rough UK figues just divide by six. Still shocking isn't it.
The number of reports of serious problems, including deaths, linked to medications hit a record in the first three months of this year.
The FDA received nearly 21,000 reports of serious drug reactions, including over 4,800 deaths, over that period. Two drugs accounted for a disproportionately large share of the problems -- heparin, a tainted blood thinner from China that caused an international safety scandal, and Chantix, a new anti-smoking drug from Pfizer.
Chantix had the most reports of any medication. Earlier this year, the FDA warned that Chantix may be linked to psychiatric problems, including suicidal behavior.
Serious drug reactions are ones that cause hospitalization, require medical intervention, or place a life in jeopardy. The total of 20,745 cases reported from January to March was 38 percent higher than the average for the previous four calendar quarters, and the highest for any quarter. Fatalities accounted for 23 percent of the cases.
So if the year carries on at the same rate we will have in the UK roughly 14000 serious drug reactions including 3200 deaths due to prescription drugs.
So how come the British press run articles on 'quack' complementary therapies such as homeopathy when the death rate is ZERO? So, it's not okay to spend money on what press thinks is quackery but it is okay to die with prescription drugs - the worold has gone made!
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Problems with IBS
A programme for IBS?
IBS is a distressing problem yet a recent trial at Manchester University showed that hynpnotherapy can be greatly beneficial in easing symtoms. Here at Wishing Well we have added to these results by combining hypnotherapy with a herbal product called Marshmallow and Chamomile combination which soothes and tones the digestive tract. This is a product from Nature's Sunshine so you can be assured that the products are organically sourced and extrememly potent.
IBS is a distressing problem yet a recent trial at Manchester University showed that hynpnotherapy can be greatly beneficial in easing symtoms. Here at Wishing Well we have added to these results by combining hypnotherapy with a herbal product called Marshmallow and Chamomile combination which soothes and tones the digestive tract. This is a product from Nature's Sunshine so you can be assured that the products are organically sourced and extrememly potent.
Friday 1 August 2008
Are you Getting Enough?
Bananas that is!
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has shown that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But giving us energy isn't the only way a banana can help us to keep fit. Eating bananas on a regular basis can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Here are some other benefits of bananas….
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier (also found in Nature’s Sunshine – Synerprotein).
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 pupils at a school in Middlesex were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: Bananas are high in fibre, so including them in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Losing Weight: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up which stops you reaching for chocolate and biscuits to get you over the ‘sugar dip’. Less junk food = more weight loss/stability.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has shown that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But giving us energy isn't the only way a banana can help us to keep fit. Eating bananas on a regular basis can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Here are some other benefits of bananas….
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier (also found in Nature’s Sunshine – Synerprotein).
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anaemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anaemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 pupils at a school in Middlesex were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: Bananas are high in fibre, so including them in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Losing Weight: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up which stops you reaching for chocolate and biscuits to get you over the ‘sugar dip’. Less junk food = more weight loss/stability.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Tuesday 15 July 2008
Super Green Algae - A powerhouse of Nutrition!
Super Algae
Stock #1056 (100 capsules)
Super Algae is a unique green-foods supplement
containing a rich blend of sea vegetation. Super Algae
is especially beneficial for vegetarians or malnourished
individuals due to the generous amount of vegetable
protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, carotenoids,
vitamins and trace minerals provided in one source.
Super Algae stimulates immune function, increases
white blood cell count, binds with and eliminates
carcinogens from the intestinal tract, promotes the
growth of healthy colonic flora, and strengthens liver
and kidney function.
Super Algae contains numerous phytonutrients, some
of which may be helpful in the treatment of
degenerative conditions such as AIDS, Alzheimer’s,
cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc. Super Algae is also
beneficial for treating anaemia, bacterial and viral infections, candidiasis, chronic
fatigue, dyspepsia, obesity, and conditions of malnutrition and toxicity.
Klamath Lake blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae), also known as “wild
blue-green algae,” is a high-quality fresh-water algae, rich in bioavailable nutrients.
Blue-green algae, obtained from the Klamath Lake in Oregon, contains a rich blend of
protein, all 22 amino acids, and vitamin B12, making it one of the highest concentrated
food sources available.
Klamath Lake algae has a bitter flavour which, according to traditional Chinese
medicine, affects the “heart-mind” system, making it useful for improving concentration
or overcoming depression. This type of algae is also cooling, drying, mildly diuretic,
and acts as an anti-depressant, neuro-stimulant and general relaxant. Klamath Lake
algae has also been shown to improve stagnancy in the liver. This type of blue-green
algae is ideal for the depressed, overweight, untoned person, or those with a constitution
reflecting “dampness, excess or heat.” Bitter foods supply energy through burning fat,
support mental alertness and focus, strengthen reproductive ability, and provide a
general feeling of balance and wellness.
Due to its ability as a neuro-stimulant, Klamath Lake algae offers significant benefit in
the treatment of amphetamine, cocaine and other neuro-stimulant addictions, and is
being considered as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. Researchers have employed moderate
to large doses of Klamath Lake algae for arthritis, cancer, candidiasis, multiple
sclerosis, and other degenerative conditions. In fact, scientists from the University of
Hawaii have isolated a substance in blue-green algae called cryptophycin, which
appears to be responsible for killing cancer cells. Klamath Lake algae, when used alone,
should be used with caution by those having a “cold” constitution, especially where
there is “dryness,” frailty, weakness, and/or a type of mental “spaciness.”
Spirulina is a type of fresh-water blue-green algae composed of approximately 65-71%
protein, making it one of the richest vegetal sources of protein known. These proteins
are biologically complete, containing all 8 essential amino acids in their proper ratios.
Spirulina contains an extremely high level of the fatty acid GLA, as well as substantial
amounts of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. GLA and its corresponding prostaglandin
PGE1have been researched extensively for their immunostimulating activity. Spirulina
is an excellent source of beta-carotene (1,700mg/kg), vitamin B12, potassium and
chlorophyll. In fact, spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, which is
typically found only in animal tissues. One teaspoon of spirulina can provide as much as
2½ times the RDA for B12and over twice the amount of B12found in an equivalent
serving of liver. Spirulina also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, inositol,
niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
Spirulina has been the subject of numerous studies in Europe and Japan, and has been
proven helpful for various ailments, including anaemia, cataracts, diabetes,
gastrointestinal problems, glaucoma, hepatitis, hypoglycaemia, malnutrition, obesity,
overeating, chronic skin outbreaks and weakened immunity. Spirulina has also been
shown to protect the kidneys against damage from strong prescription medication.
Spirulina helps to nourish the body, detoxify the kidneys and liver, build and enrich the
blood, cleanse the arteries, promote the growth of intestinal flora, and inhibit the growth
of bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
According to studies published in Medication and New Drugs, spirulina
supplementation has been shown to slow the loss of white blood cells (leukocytes)
associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments of cancer. Also, patients noted
experiencing less nausea and lassitude from cancer treatments when spirulina was
added. Furthermore, the Regional Cancer Centre in Trivandrum, India, gave spirulina to
44 individuals having developed precancerous lesions from chewing tobacco. After only
1 year, the lesions had disappeared in 20 of those who had eaten the algae, with another
5 showing significant improvement.
Other studies show spirulina may be beneficial for treating obesity and compulsive
eating disorders. The high level of protein, vitamins and minerals in spirulina act to
nourish the body and provide a more satisfied feeling of fullness. Furthermore, spirulina
contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which triggers the release of a hormone in
the cerebral cortex that acts on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite.
Chlorella is nutritionally comparable to spirulina, containing slightly less protein, only a
fraction of the beta-carotene, but more than twice the nucleic acid and chlorophyll
content. The nucleic acid in chlorella contains a special nutrient called CGF (chlorella
growth factor). CGF encourages normal growth without stimulating the growth of
disease mechanisms such as tumours. CGF is most beneficial for healing wounds,
improving growth in children, maintaining health in old age, and stimulating growth
stunted by degeneration or disease, including Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis,
nervousness, palsy, sciatica, seizures and various nerve disorders. Chlorella’s rich
chlorophyll content promotes detoxification and renewal and provides antiinflammatory
properties. The immune-enhancing and antiviral action provided by the
combination of CGF and chlorophyll is especially beneficial for treating fungi and
viruses that sap the body’s resources such as candidiasis, chronic fatigue immune
deficiency syndrome (CFIDS), Epstein-Barr virus and AIDS.
In addition, chlorella’s cell wall has been shown to bind with heavy metals, pesticides,
and carcinogens such as PCBs (polychlorobiphenyls), removing these toxins from the
body. Chlorella’s cell wall also contains complex polysaccharides that enhance the
production of interferon and other antitumour, anti-mutagenic, immunostimulating
compounds.
Super Algae is a unique green-foods supplement
containing a rich blend of sea vegetation. Super Algae
is especially beneficial for vegetarians or malnourished
individuals due to the generous amount of vegetable
protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, carotenoids,
vitamins and trace minerals provided in one source.
Super Algae stimulates immune function, increases
white blood cell count, binds with and eliminates
carcinogens from the intestinal tract, promotes the
growth of healthy colonic flora, and strengthens liver
and kidney function.
Super Algae contains numerous phytonutrients, some
of which may be helpful in the treatment of
degenerative conditions such as AIDS, Alzheimer’s,
cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc. Super Algae is also
beneficial for treating anaemia, bacterial and viral infections, candidiasis, chronic
fatigue, dyspepsia, obesity, and conditions of malnutrition and toxicity.
Klamath Lake blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae), also known as “wild
blue-green algae,” is a high-quality fresh-water algae, rich in bioavailable nutrients.
Blue-green algae, obtained from the Klamath Lake in Oregon, contains a rich blend of
protein, all 22 amino acids, and vitamin B12, making it one of the highest concentrated
food sources available.
Klamath Lake algae has a bitter flavour which, according to traditional Chinese
medicine, affects the “heart-mind” system, making it useful for improving concentration
or overcoming depression. This type of algae is also cooling, drying, mildly diuretic,
and acts as an anti-depressant, neuro-stimulant and general relaxant. Klamath Lake
algae has also been shown to improve stagnancy in the liver. This type of blue-green
algae is ideal for the depressed, overweight, untoned person, or those with a constitution
reflecting “dampness, excess or heat.” Bitter foods supply energy through burning fat,
support mental alertness and focus, strengthen reproductive ability, and provide a
general feeling of balance and wellness.
Due to its ability as a neuro-stimulant, Klamath Lake algae offers significant benefit in
the treatment of amphetamine, cocaine and other neuro-stimulant addictions, and is
being considered as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. Researchers have employed moderate
to large doses of Klamath Lake algae for arthritis, cancer, candidiasis, multiple
sclerosis, and other degenerative conditions. In fact, scientists from the University of
Hawaii have isolated a substance in blue-green algae called cryptophycin, which
appears to be responsible for killing cancer cells. Klamath Lake algae, when used alone,
should be used with caution by those having a “cold” constitution, especially where
there is “dryness,” frailty, weakness, and/or a type of mental “spaciness.”
Spirulina is a type of fresh-water blue-green algae composed of approximately 65-71%
protein, making it one of the richest vegetal sources of protein known. These proteins
are biologically complete, containing all 8 essential amino acids in their proper ratios.
Spirulina contains an extremely high level of the fatty acid GLA, as well as substantial
amounts of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. GLA and its corresponding prostaglandin
PGE1have been researched extensively for their immunostimulating activity. Spirulina
is an excellent source of beta-carotene (1,700mg/kg), vitamin B12, potassium and
chlorophyll. In fact, spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, which is
typically found only in animal tissues. One teaspoon of spirulina can provide as much as
2½ times the RDA for B12and over twice the amount of B12found in an equivalent
serving of liver. Spirulina also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, inositol,
niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium,
manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.
Spirulina has been the subject of numerous studies in Europe and Japan, and has been
proven helpful for various ailments, including anaemia, cataracts, diabetes,
gastrointestinal problems, glaucoma, hepatitis, hypoglycaemia, malnutrition, obesity,
overeating, chronic skin outbreaks and weakened immunity. Spirulina has also been
shown to protect the kidneys against damage from strong prescription medication.
Spirulina helps to nourish the body, detoxify the kidneys and liver, build and enrich the
blood, cleanse the arteries, promote the growth of intestinal flora, and inhibit the growth
of bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
According to studies published in Medication and New Drugs, spirulina
supplementation has been shown to slow the loss of white blood cells (leukocytes)
associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments of cancer. Also, patients noted
experiencing less nausea and lassitude from cancer treatments when spirulina was
added. Furthermore, the Regional Cancer Centre in Trivandrum, India, gave spirulina to
44 individuals having developed precancerous lesions from chewing tobacco. After only
1 year, the lesions had disappeared in 20 of those who had eaten the algae, with another
5 showing significant improvement.
Other studies show spirulina may be beneficial for treating obesity and compulsive
eating disorders. The high level of protein, vitamins and minerals in spirulina act to
nourish the body and provide a more satisfied feeling of fullness. Furthermore, spirulina
contains an amino acid called phenylalanine, which triggers the release of a hormone in
the cerebral cortex that acts on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite.
Chlorella is nutritionally comparable to spirulina, containing slightly less protein, only a
fraction of the beta-carotene, but more than twice the nucleic acid and chlorophyll
content. The nucleic acid in chlorella contains a special nutrient called CGF (chlorella
growth factor). CGF encourages normal growth without stimulating the growth of
disease mechanisms such as tumours. CGF is most beneficial for healing wounds,
improving growth in children, maintaining health in old age, and stimulating growth
stunted by degeneration or disease, including Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis,
nervousness, palsy, sciatica, seizures and various nerve disorders. Chlorella’s rich
chlorophyll content promotes detoxification and renewal and provides antiinflammatory
properties. The immune-enhancing and antiviral action provided by the
combination of CGF and chlorophyll is especially beneficial for treating fungi and
viruses that sap the body’s resources such as candidiasis, chronic fatigue immune
deficiency syndrome (CFIDS), Epstein-Barr virus and AIDS.
In addition, chlorella’s cell wall has been shown to bind with heavy metals, pesticides,
and carcinogens such as PCBs (polychlorobiphenyls), removing these toxins from the
body. Chlorella’s cell wall also contains complex polysaccharides that enhance the
production of interferon and other antitumour, anti-mutagenic, immunostimulating
compounds.
Monday 30 June 2008
Garbage In - Garbage Out!
As I write this I can look out of my window and see the good folk of my local village and beyond queuing to buy their meat at one of the finest butchers for many a mile. I wonder what they would say if I went out and told them “there’s cheaper meat available on the nearby Sunday market’? No doubt, the polite replies would include lines such as “you’re having a laugh – if I go there I won’t know what I’m buying, how long it’s been stored and if it’s actually the meat it says it is.” I would have to agree totally – yet how many of people take that risk with their herbs and vitamins? Did you know for example that most of the world’s ‘cheap’ vitamin E is a synthetic bi-product of the photographic industry? I wonder what the other cheap vitamins are bi-products from? Next time you’re considering the ‘irresistible’ offers in the Sunday supplements or certain TV adverts with 70% sales - remember Gerald Ratner!
Nature's Sunshine the herbal equivalent of the finest fillet steak!
Nature's Sunshine the herbal equivalent of the finest fillet steak!
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Coke/Pepsi is Poison BUT Don't Waste it!
Anyone who knows me will know about my opinions on carbonated drinks and coke in particular (the phosphorous helps to leach calcium out of your bones and leads to osteoporosis). But, even though you are mad to stick coke and pepsi down your throats don’t worry if you have a fridge full of the stuff and don’t want to pour it away as a waste of money! Here are some really useful things to do with the stuff (written from a bloke’s perspective of course.) other than poisoning yourself.
Clean Car Battery Terminals.There's acid in almost all carbonated drinks. And that helps strip corrosion from car battery terminals. Pour some coke/pepsi over the battery terminals and let it sit for a while. Wipe off the residue with a wet cloth.
Clean Your Dirty Toilet Bowl. Got bad stains, a date coming over in an hour and no toilet cleaner? Pour a can of coke/pepsi into the bowl. Let it sit for an hour to let the phosphoric acid work on the stains, then brush to loosen the dirt and flush clean.
Remove Rust Spots From Chrome.If you have an older car that has real chrome trim, chances are there are some small, and some not so small, rust spots developing on the chrome. Take some crumpled aluminum foil, dip it in some cola and rub the rust off the affected area.
Remove Rust Stains in Your Bathtub. Remember how the phosphoric acid worked to clean the toilet bowl? The same acid will remove rust stains in your bathtub. Soak a sponge (preferably one with an abrasive side), in some cola and go to work on the stain.
Clean Grout. Is mould and mildew ruining the look of your shower? Soak a sponge with Coke and work it into the grout. Rinse with water.
Remove Grease From Clothes. Been working on the car all weekend and greased up more than just the engine? Pouring a can of cola into your washer, along with your regular soap powder, is said to help loosen and wash away those grease stains.
Remove Milk Stains From Clothes. Soak the stain with Coke for about five minutes and then wash normally. It should get the stain out.
Remove Blood Stains From Clothes. If you soak the stain with coke/pepsi for five minutes then wash in your machine, the blood should come out, even dried blood that's been there for a while.
Clean Grease From Glass.
That same handy phosphoric acid removes grease and grime from glass, even dried hairspray from mirrors. Just rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
Clean Oil Stains From Garage Floor or Driveway.
Pour coke/pepsi over the stain, let it soak in for a while, then scrub and rinse off with a hose.
Clean Burnt Pans.Ruined you favourite pan? Forget to take it off the stove? If scrubbing won't get it off, try this: boil some coke in the pan and the burnt-on mess should lift right out.
Clear Clogged Drains.If your sink is draining slowly and you don't have any drain cleaner in the house, pour a 2-litre bottle of cola down the drain and let the acids go to work on the clog. Cheaper than drain cleaner!
Loosen Rusted Nuts and Bolts.Soak a rag in cola and wrap it around the rusted-on bolt for a few minutes. The acids and carbonation will help loosen it.
Make Flowers Last Longer.Got your girl some flowers and you want them to survive through the week? Pour about 1/4 cup of clear soda like Sprite or 7-Up into a vase full of water. The sugar helps them to last longer.
Relieve Nausea or an Upset Stomach. I can think of better things to put in my stomach but evidently just leave the can or bottle open for about 30 minutes first, until the coke/pepsi goes flat. The carbonation could have an adverse effect on your stomach symptoms.
Help Prevent Diarrhoea. When you’re desperate for SAFE fluid (i.e. free from bugs) and you're traveling through a country with an iffy water and/or food supply, drinking coke could keep you from making constant trips to the bathroom. The acids in the coke/pepsi help reduce the amount of E. Coli bacteria in your intestines. This inhibits the production of toxins that can cause diarrhoea.
Ease a Sore Throat. By gargling with coke/pepsi you can loosen the phlegm causing the irritation. Remember it’s poison – spit don’t swallow.
Stop a Jellyfish Sting From Stinging. Just pour it on, the acids in cola seem to neutralize the venom in the sting.
Get Chewing Gum Out of a Child’s Hair.
Fancy your chances with that single mum struggling to get gum out of her screaming kid's hair? Come to the rescue with your can of Coke. Soak the kid's hair for a few minutes, then rinse. The gum should come right out.
Strip Dye From Hair.
If your girl comes home crying that her new dye job turned her hair green, wash her hair with Diet Coke. Apparently Diet Coke has the ability to strip and/or fade bad dye jobs.
Use as a Moisturizer.
Mixing a capful of cola with unscented lotion is said to enhance the moisturising
effects.
Keep People From Slipping on Slippy Floors.
If you're having an outdoor get together and you're worried about guests slipping on your back patio, try this trick: use a mop to spread a thin layer of Coke on the slippery surface. It'll dry slightly sticky and tacky.
Any more?
Clean Car Battery Terminals.There's acid in almost all carbonated drinks. And that helps strip corrosion from car battery terminals. Pour some coke/pepsi over the battery terminals and let it sit for a while. Wipe off the residue with a wet cloth.
Clean Your Dirty Toilet Bowl. Got bad stains, a date coming over in an hour and no toilet cleaner? Pour a can of coke/pepsi into the bowl. Let it sit for an hour to let the phosphoric acid work on the stains, then brush to loosen the dirt and flush clean.
Remove Rust Spots From Chrome.If you have an older car that has real chrome trim, chances are there are some small, and some not so small, rust spots developing on the chrome. Take some crumpled aluminum foil, dip it in some cola and rub the rust off the affected area.
Remove Rust Stains in Your Bathtub. Remember how the phosphoric acid worked to clean the toilet bowl? The same acid will remove rust stains in your bathtub. Soak a sponge (preferably one with an abrasive side), in some cola and go to work on the stain.
Clean Grout. Is mould and mildew ruining the look of your shower? Soak a sponge with Coke and work it into the grout. Rinse with water.
Remove Grease From Clothes. Been working on the car all weekend and greased up more than just the engine? Pouring a can of cola into your washer, along with your regular soap powder, is said to help loosen and wash away those grease stains.
Remove Milk Stains From Clothes. Soak the stain with Coke for about five minutes and then wash normally. It should get the stain out.
Remove Blood Stains From Clothes. If you soak the stain with coke/pepsi for five minutes then wash in your machine, the blood should come out, even dried blood that's been there for a while.
Clean Grease From Glass.
That same handy phosphoric acid removes grease and grime from glass, even dried hairspray from mirrors. Just rinse thoroughly with water afterwards.
Clean Oil Stains From Garage Floor or Driveway.
Pour coke/pepsi over the stain, let it soak in for a while, then scrub and rinse off with a hose.
Clean Burnt Pans.Ruined you favourite pan? Forget to take it off the stove? If scrubbing won't get it off, try this: boil some coke in the pan and the burnt-on mess should lift right out.
Clear Clogged Drains.If your sink is draining slowly and you don't have any drain cleaner in the house, pour a 2-litre bottle of cola down the drain and let the acids go to work on the clog. Cheaper than drain cleaner!
Loosen Rusted Nuts and Bolts.Soak a rag in cola and wrap it around the rusted-on bolt for a few minutes. The acids and carbonation will help loosen it.
Make Flowers Last Longer.Got your girl some flowers and you want them to survive through the week? Pour about 1/4 cup of clear soda like Sprite or 7-Up into a vase full of water. The sugar helps them to last longer.
Relieve Nausea or an Upset Stomach. I can think of better things to put in my stomach but evidently just leave the can or bottle open for about 30 minutes first, until the coke/pepsi goes flat. The carbonation could have an adverse effect on your stomach symptoms.
Help Prevent Diarrhoea. When you’re desperate for SAFE fluid (i.e. free from bugs) and you're traveling through a country with an iffy water and/or food supply, drinking coke could keep you from making constant trips to the bathroom. The acids in the coke/pepsi help reduce the amount of E. Coli bacteria in your intestines. This inhibits the production of toxins that can cause diarrhoea.
Ease a Sore Throat. By gargling with coke/pepsi you can loosen the phlegm causing the irritation. Remember it’s poison – spit don’t swallow.
Stop a Jellyfish Sting From Stinging. Just pour it on, the acids in cola seem to neutralize the venom in the sting.
Get Chewing Gum Out of a Child’s Hair.
Fancy your chances with that single mum struggling to get gum out of her screaming kid's hair? Come to the rescue with your can of Coke. Soak the kid's hair for a few minutes, then rinse. The gum should come right out.
Strip Dye From Hair.
If your girl comes home crying that her new dye job turned her hair green, wash her hair with Diet Coke. Apparently Diet Coke has the ability to strip and/or fade bad dye jobs.
Use as a Moisturizer.
Mixing a capful of cola with unscented lotion is said to enhance the moisturising
effects.
Keep People From Slipping on Slippy Floors.
If you're having an outdoor get together and you're worried about guests slipping on your back patio, try this trick: use a mop to spread a thin layer of Coke on the slippery surface. It'll dry slightly sticky and tacky.
Any more?
Monday 23 June 2008
Paw Paw (the history of - relates to previous post)
History behind Paw Paw Cell Reg:
Dr Jerry L. McLaughlin, an Emeritus Professor of Pharmacognosy from Purdue University, extensively studied cancer & related treatments. Dr. McLaughlin has made over 300 scientific presentations and his work is chronicled in over 330-refereed publications, supported by nearly 80 different grants and contracts. For 20 years he obtained and screened more than 3,500 species of plants during a study supported by the National Cancer Institute. During this time he discovered remarkable active ingredients in the twigs of a species of Paw Paw called Asimina Triloba which had powerful anticancer benefits. Dr. McLaughlin soon discovered that the twigs needed to be harvested seasonally to obtain the potency of the active ingredients. Dr. McLaughlin tracked more than 100 cancer patients who used the Paw Paw active ingredients during a one-year period. These patients had tumours representing many different kinds of cancer. The results showed significant reductions in tumour sizes and a significant reduction in tumour antigen levels. Many patients reported “increased energy” as a result of using paw paw. Of those patients who were undergoing chemotherapy, some reported no hair loss, no bone marrow depression and no GI bleeding. Interestingly additional health benefits were noted with patients suffering from cold sores, shingles, toenail fungus, acne, athlete’s foot, eczema and psoriasis. The Scientific research on Paw Paw was being conducted to make a pharmaceutical drug however by the time the research on Paw Paw had been concluded the pharmaceutical company had already invested millions in another anti-cancer drug and decided it would not be financially viable to invest further money in another new drug simultaneously. Nature’s Sunshine were very interested in Dr McLaughlin’s lifetime research and the results of the clinical trial believing it would be better for people to use this remedy in itsnatural form rather than a synthetic drug. Nature’s Sunshine commissioned Dr McLaughlin to work with the company to use his research to develop Paw Paw Cell Reg. Oncologist recommends Paw PawSome of the most encouraging paw paw results are coming from doctors who suggest thatpatients add paw paw to their current health regimens. One of these doctors is Dr. JamesForsythe (oncologist). Dr. Forsythe shares case studies of three patients who haveexperienced improvement while using paw paw.“One participant named Anna has stage four breast cancer. Within just six weeks of taking the paw paw she saw a 50 percent reduction in tumour markers as measured by blood tests.Also, the size of the tumour was reduced significantly. Since she did not change any other treatment protocol, I was convinced that the paw paw was instrumental in improving the condition of her cancer. A second participant named Ed has stage four lung cancer. He went through two years of chemotherapy, but the lung cancer was resistant. Within two months of taking paw paw Ed’s tumour markers also improved, and he experienced a weight gain of five pounds. Before taking the paw paw he was bedridden or was in a wheelchair. Ed’s health has improved to the point that he is now able to walk on his own.The last participant, Byron, has stage four prostate cancer, which spread to other parts of his body. Within six weeks of using paw paw there was a distinct reduction in the tumour masses. A CT scan showed a 25 percent reduction in the tumours. Byron is now in stable condition.”
Ref The Wellness Report40/1
Dr Jerry L. McLaughlin, an Emeritus Professor of Pharmacognosy from Purdue University, extensively studied cancer & related treatments. Dr. McLaughlin has made over 300 scientific presentations and his work is chronicled in over 330-refereed publications, supported by nearly 80 different grants and contracts. For 20 years he obtained and screened more than 3,500 species of plants during a study supported by the National Cancer Institute. During this time he discovered remarkable active ingredients in the twigs of a species of Paw Paw called Asimina Triloba which had powerful anticancer benefits. Dr. McLaughlin soon discovered that the twigs needed to be harvested seasonally to obtain the potency of the active ingredients. Dr. McLaughlin tracked more than 100 cancer patients who used the Paw Paw active ingredients during a one-year period. These patients had tumours representing many different kinds of cancer. The results showed significant reductions in tumour sizes and a significant reduction in tumour antigen levels. Many patients reported “increased energy” as a result of using paw paw. Of those patients who were undergoing chemotherapy, some reported no hair loss, no bone marrow depression and no GI bleeding. Interestingly additional health benefits were noted with patients suffering from cold sores, shingles, toenail fungus, acne, athlete’s foot, eczema and psoriasis. The Scientific research on Paw Paw was being conducted to make a pharmaceutical drug however by the time the research on Paw Paw had been concluded the pharmaceutical company had already invested millions in another anti-cancer drug and decided it would not be financially viable to invest further money in another new drug simultaneously. Nature’s Sunshine were very interested in Dr McLaughlin’s lifetime research and the results of the clinical trial believing it would be better for people to use this remedy in itsnatural form rather than a synthetic drug. Nature’s Sunshine commissioned Dr McLaughlin to work with the company to use his research to develop Paw Paw Cell Reg. Oncologist recommends Paw PawSome of the most encouraging paw paw results are coming from doctors who suggest thatpatients add paw paw to their current health regimens. One of these doctors is Dr. JamesForsythe (oncologist). Dr. Forsythe shares case studies of three patients who haveexperienced improvement while using paw paw.“One participant named Anna has stage four breast cancer. Within just six weeks of taking the paw paw she saw a 50 percent reduction in tumour markers as measured by blood tests.Also, the size of the tumour was reduced significantly. Since she did not change any other treatment protocol, I was convinced that the paw paw was instrumental in improving the condition of her cancer. A second participant named Ed has stage four lung cancer. He went through two years of chemotherapy, but the lung cancer was resistant. Within two months of taking paw paw Ed’s tumour markers also improved, and he experienced a weight gain of five pounds. Before taking the paw paw he was bedridden or was in a wheelchair. Ed’s health has improved to the point that he is now able to walk on his own.The last participant, Byron, has stage four prostate cancer, which spread to other parts of his body. Within six weeks of using paw paw there was a distinct reduction in the tumour masses. A CT scan showed a 25 percent reduction in the tumours. Byron is now in stable condition.”
Ref The Wellness Report40/1
Nature's Sunshine Cancer Programme
Cancer Programme
During the last four years, numerous people across the world have achieved remarkable results using Nature’s Sunshine Cancer Programme. The programme is an arsenal of four products attacking cancer cells by different means and at the same time strengthening the body’s immune ability to defend itself. This programme has been
used for a large variety of different types of cancer. After using the programme for only a few days, many people start to see noticeable benefits including having more energy and skin colour improvement. The four products consist of Paw Paw Cell Reg, Immune Formula, Zambroza and Hi Potency Protease.
Paw Paw Cell Reg
Whilst each product in the programme plays an important role, the key product is Paw Paw Cell Reg which disrupts the energy cycle of cancerous and abnormal cells. The high metabolic rate of these cells stimulates a reaction with the active ingredients in Paw Paw Cell Reg, resulting in inhibiting the cells energy.
Abnormal cells reacting to these active ingredients are then less able to grow and develop. Many cells in this new state become dormant or destroy themselves (apoptosis).
Immune Formula
This combination product effectively increases the white blood count in the
body, helping the body defend itself against abnormal cells and pathogens.
Zambroza
Independently clinically proven to be the most powerful antioxidant product
on the market, Zambroza protects the body against free radical damage which
is the root causes of many health problems including many types of cancer.
Hi Potency Protease
In large concentration Protease (a digestive enzyme) is able to progress from
the stomach into the blood stream and helps break down the structure of the
abnormal cells which are being effectively attacked by the rest of the regimen.
‘Continue with this regimen as long as necessary until 6 months after you
have been given the all clear.’
Q & A
Can you take this regimen during Chemotherapy?
When someone has chemotherapy they will need to stop antioxidant
supplements including Zambroza as antioxidants make chemotherapy (excess
free radical causing drug) less effective. Zambroza should be taken however
leading up to chemotherapy treatment and immediately after the course of
chemotherapy treatment has finished. The other three products in this regimen
are not only safe to take during conventional treatment but they will also enhance
the results.
Enhancing conventional treatment
Sometimes cancerous cells can recognize and reject familiar conventional treatments.
When the chemical enters the cell, the cell pumps the chemical back out before it delivers its desired effect (chemo resistant cancer cells). This pumping mechanism is dependent upon the energy of the cell (ATP). The pump will stop when its supply of energy dwindles. If the chemical can stay in the cell, the treatment will be more effective.
As mentioned above, Paw Paw Cell Reg stops the energy cycle of the cell therefore
making the resistant pumping mechanism redundant and the treatment more effective.
Conventional treatment also results in a low immune system and Immune Formula helps
combat this by encouraging white blood cell production.
Testimonial by Marilyn Navarro - My daughter-in-law, Eva, was diagnosed with cancer in her brain near the pituitary gland. She quickly started on a regimen that included paw paw and we are so thankful she did! Just before starting chemotherapy, Eva had an MRI that showed a secondary tumour near the pineal gland. However, the primary tumour had shrunk notably. The last MRI she had shows no tumour near the pineal and the original tumour continuing to shrink.
During the last four years, numerous people across the world have achieved remarkable results using Nature’s Sunshine Cancer Programme. The programme is an arsenal of four products attacking cancer cells by different means and at the same time strengthening the body’s immune ability to defend itself. This programme has been
used for a large variety of different types of cancer. After using the programme for only a few days, many people start to see noticeable benefits including having more energy and skin colour improvement. The four products consist of Paw Paw Cell Reg, Immune Formula, Zambroza and Hi Potency Protease.
Paw Paw Cell Reg
Whilst each product in the programme plays an important role, the key product is Paw Paw Cell Reg which disrupts the energy cycle of cancerous and abnormal cells. The high metabolic rate of these cells stimulates a reaction with the active ingredients in Paw Paw Cell Reg, resulting in inhibiting the cells energy.
Abnormal cells reacting to these active ingredients are then less able to grow and develop. Many cells in this new state become dormant or destroy themselves (apoptosis).
Immune Formula
This combination product effectively increases the white blood count in the
body, helping the body defend itself against abnormal cells and pathogens.
Zambroza
Independently clinically proven to be the most powerful antioxidant product
on the market, Zambroza protects the body against free radical damage which
is the root causes of many health problems including many types of cancer.
Hi Potency Protease
In large concentration Protease (a digestive enzyme) is able to progress from
the stomach into the blood stream and helps break down the structure of the
abnormal cells which are being effectively attacked by the rest of the regimen.
‘Continue with this regimen as long as necessary until 6 months after you
have been given the all clear.’
Q & A
Can you take this regimen during Chemotherapy?
When someone has chemotherapy they will need to stop antioxidant
supplements including Zambroza as antioxidants make chemotherapy (excess
free radical causing drug) less effective. Zambroza should be taken however
leading up to chemotherapy treatment and immediately after the course of
chemotherapy treatment has finished. The other three products in this regimen
are not only safe to take during conventional treatment but they will also enhance
the results.
Enhancing conventional treatment
Sometimes cancerous cells can recognize and reject familiar conventional treatments.
When the chemical enters the cell, the cell pumps the chemical back out before it delivers its desired effect (chemo resistant cancer cells). This pumping mechanism is dependent upon the energy of the cell (ATP). The pump will stop when its supply of energy dwindles. If the chemical can stay in the cell, the treatment will be more effective.
As mentioned above, Paw Paw Cell Reg stops the energy cycle of the cell therefore
making the resistant pumping mechanism redundant and the treatment more effective.
Conventional treatment also results in a low immune system and Immune Formula helps
combat this by encouraging white blood cell production.
Testimonial by Marilyn Navarro - My daughter-in-law, Eva, was diagnosed with cancer in her brain near the pituitary gland. She quickly started on a regimen that included paw paw and we are so thankful she did! Just before starting chemotherapy, Eva had an MRI that showed a secondary tumour near the pineal gland. However, the primary tumour had shrunk notably. The last MRI she had shows no tumour near the pineal and the original tumour continuing to shrink.
Thursday 19 June 2008
Using Sucralose (sugar replacement)
See my previous post : What are they trying to hide? Dec 2006
Looks like the ban on UK users accessing articles to do with Sucralose via Dr Mercola's website have been taken down.
Read and be afraid!
Or just stop using artificial, synthetic, sugar substitutes.
Link on the left.
Looks like the ban on UK users accessing articles to do with Sucralose via Dr Mercola's website have been taken down.
Read and be afraid!
Or just stop using artificial, synthetic, sugar substitutes.
Link on the left.
Still think multinational drug companies are on your side?
So how many people in Canada, or anywhere for that matter, have died through taking Vitamin C? Come up with any figures yet greater than 0? Thought not. So you couldn't make the following up could you?
What if, just for taking vitamin C, you could be thrown in jail for up to 2 years and fined up to $5,000,000?
That scenario could very well soon become a reality in Canada. The Canadian Government is trying to pass a bill known as Bill C51. According to some interpretations of the bill, it would remove all supplements from over-the-counter availability, by only allowing MD’s to prescribe them as they see fit.
This would mean that if you wanted to take a multivitamin, you would have to book an appointment with your doctor and try to convince your doctor that you are in need of these supplements. If your doctor decides a certain drug would be better for you, then you won't have access to your supplements anymore.
Consequences of the bill could include:
No more supplement stores
Supplements made illegal unless obtained through a prescription; 70 percent of all current supplements on the market could be removed
Fines of up to $5,000,000.00 and/or 2 years in jail per incident of being caught breaking this law
Sources: Dr Mercola's Website. See RSS link on the left.
What if, just for taking vitamin C, you could be thrown in jail for up to 2 years and fined up to $5,000,000?
That scenario could very well soon become a reality in Canada. The Canadian Government is trying to pass a bill known as Bill C51. According to some interpretations of the bill, it would remove all supplements from over-the-counter availability, by only allowing MD’s to prescribe them as they see fit.
This would mean that if you wanted to take a multivitamin, you would have to book an appointment with your doctor and try to convince your doctor that you are in need of these supplements. If your doctor decides a certain drug would be better for you, then you won't have access to your supplements anymore.
Consequences of the bill could include:
No more supplement stores
Supplements made illegal unless obtained through a prescription; 70 percent of all current supplements on the market could be removed
Fines of up to $5,000,000.00 and/or 2 years in jail per incident of being caught breaking this law
Sources: Dr Mercola's Website. See RSS link on the left.
Thursday 17 April 2008
Adverse Drug Reactions - Previous posts part 3
Found the following on the WDDTY website - the figures relate to the USA but for rough UK numbers divide by six - wouldn't you rather look after your health with vitamins, herbs and minerals?
Drug Reactions: Deaths and serious problems triple in 8 years
13 September 2007
The annual rates of serious adverse reactions and deaths from a prescribed drug have almost tripled since 1998.Just 51 drugs – including painkillers and immune system-modifying agents – were responsible for the vast majority of reactions, new figures reveal.In 2005 – the most recent year when figures have been made available - 15,107 people in America died as the result of taking a prescription drug, while 89,842 people suffered a serious adverse reaction, which resulted in disability, hospital care or a birth defect.These reactions – all reported to America’s drug regulator, the Food and Drug Administration – represent an increase of 2.7 times on figures produced in 1998.Overall, the FDA received reports of 467,809 deaths and serious adverse reactions between 1998 and 2005.(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2007; 167: 1752-9).
Drug Reactions: Deaths and serious problems triple in 8 years
13 September 2007
The annual rates of serious adverse reactions and deaths from a prescribed drug have almost tripled since 1998.Just 51 drugs – including painkillers and immune system-modifying agents – were responsible for the vast majority of reactions, new figures reveal.In 2005 – the most recent year when figures have been made available - 15,107 people in America died as the result of taking a prescription drug, while 89,842 people suffered a serious adverse reaction, which resulted in disability, hospital care or a birth defect.These reactions – all reported to America’s drug regulator, the Food and Drug Administration – represent an increase of 2.7 times on figures produced in 1998.Overall, the FDA received reports of 467,809 deaths and serious adverse reactions between 1998 and 2005.(Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2007; 167: 1752-9).
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Previous Post Part 2
Hmmmm........ woke up today to hear the radio full of 'anti-oxidants are bad for you' and the papers full of it as well. Can't help thinking that too many people are taking responsibility for their own health and this worries the multinational drug companies i.e. if you look after yourself you will need less drugs - less drugs sold means less profits so: lets publish a flawed report (see below) frighten the masses and as your food is so processed and polluted and there is no chance you can get all the nutrition you need from food alone then in time you will become sick and need expensive drugs to make you well again........ or am I just seeing another conspiracy?
Anyway the best ripost to all this nonsense can be found in Patrick Holfords latest news letter which I hav e reproduced below complete with all his links and references.
And my final word. How many people have actually died from antioxidant overdose? think we might be talking about the figure ZERO again. Now read my previous post on adverse drug reactions to prescribed drugs - didn't that item on the radio......
Here's Patrick's newsletter...
Headlines in today's papers such as 'Vitamin Pills "Increase Risk of Early Death"' claim that anti-oxidants are not good for you and could even do you harm. But, don't believe everything you read!
What's this review about?
This is the fourth time Bjekalovic and his group have reviewed the effects on selected studies on antioxidants. Anyone following the science of antioxidants over the past 20 years will be aware of a vast number of studies reporting positive results. So, how do you end up with a headline that implies antioxidants increase mortality?
In this review, which is a rehash of their paper published last year in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), they first excluded over 400 trials, that had no deaths. They then decided which trials they liked (low risk bias) and did not like (high risk bias), a factor that has received criticism in mainstream medical journals.
What the experts say
One of the world's leading experts in this field, Dr Balz Frei said "This is a flawed analysis of flawed data, and it does little to help us understand the real health effects of antioxidants, whether beneficial or otherwise," (1)
Dr Bernadine Healey, former director of the National Institute of Health said, "Blenderizing these diverse trials into one giant 232,606-patient-strong study to come up with a seductively simple proclamation is just silly. When the researchers tallied up the mortality from the 68 trials, there was no difference based on vitamin intake. The headlines that these supplements significantly increase the risk of death by 5 percent overall came only when the researchers pulled out the 47 trials they deemed to have been the best executed. Actually, in the 21 randomized trials they peeled off, mortality was decreased by 9 percent among those taking the vitamins." (2)
How did they come up with the reported results?
Not surprisingly, the selection process in today's review excluded many of the most positive studies. For example, quoting the review itself, 'In secondary prevention trials (meaning people with disease) with high-bias risk, mortality was significantly reduced by supplements.' In those they called 'low-bias risk' there was no significant change in mortality.
To report an even more negative result, which is what newspapers often home in on, they also excluded all trials on selenium, which actually reduced mortality the most of all the antioxidants considered.
Beta-carotene
As an example, let's look at beta-carotene, which is given the worst rating. The review states 'Beta-carotene used singly or in combination with other antioxidants had no significant effect on mortality when including all 24 trials' BUT 'After exclusion of high-bias risk and selenium trials, however, beta-carotene singly or combined significantly increased mortality in 12 trials.'
Antioxidants and cancer
Even if we were to accept the exclusion of the so-called high-bias risk trials let's look more closely at the apparently negative studies. A graph of all these trials shows five that skew the results towards a negative (p.167). I thought I'd look closer at these trials. The first was by Dr Correa from the pathology department at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre, and showed a clear protective effective of antioxidant supplements against gastrointestinal cancer. (3)
I decided to contact Dr Correa and he was "amazed", he said, because his research, "far from being negative, had shown clear benefit from taking vitamins". Correa told us there was no way the study could show anything about mortality. "Our study was designed for evaluation of the progress of pre-cancerous lesions", he said. "It did not intend, and did not have the power, to study mortality and has no value to examine mortality of cancer."
Vitamin E and statins
The next, called the DATOR trial, gave people with high cholesterol, high dose vitamin E (750iu) and statins. (4) As nutritionists we caution against this because statins stop you making CoQ10 which results in vitamin E becoming a potentially harmful oxidant. That's exactly what this trial reported, "These results indicate that the antioxidant effect of Vitamin E is attenuated (reduced) when given in conjunction with this statin." So these negative effects of vitamin E might actually be because it's taken with a drug that makes it harmful! Given that the majority of the trials included in this review were on sick people, presumably taking medication, this kind of confounding variable really should be taken into account. It is not.
Selenium's protective effects
The next trial, published on the Mayo Clinic's journal, that skewed the results to a negative reported a positive outcome. (5) It investigated the effect of selenium of oesophageal cancer. It found that 'among subjects with mild esophageal squamous dysplasia (early stage) at baseline, selenomethionine did have a protective effect.' For those with more advanced cancer it did not.
In January this year the authors published a paper 'Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in reducing primary cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis.'(6) Their conclusion was that 'beta carotene supplementation appeared to increase cancer incidence and cancer mortality among smokers, whereas vitamin E supplementation had no effect. Selenium supplementation might have anticarcinogenic effects in men and thus requires further research.'
So, what does all this mean?
Well, if you look at all the studies reviewed, strictly for reducing mortality, not for other benefits, Bjekalovic concludes 'Beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C, used singly or in combination with other antioxidants had no significant effect' although a number of vitamin C studies did report reduced mortality. 'Selenium used singly or in combination with other antioxidants significantly decreased mortality.' (7). Beta-carotene, as we know, is best not taken singly by smokers. Vitamin E in high dose, as we know, should not be taken by those on statins without additional CoQ10. Selenium and vitamin C are most likely to be beneficial.
So, should we throw away our antioxidants?
Certainly not. Personally, I haven't recommended isolated antioxidant supplementation for 20 years and doubt they would produce much effect in sick people with advanced disease states, except for vitamin C at high doses - a subject not examined in this review. Antioxidants are team players. I take a combination of vitamin E, CoQ10, vitamin C, glutathione, anthocyanidins, resveratrol, beta-carotene, alpha lipoic acid and selenium. There's good reason to do so if you look at what's known about their effects in reducing markers of ageing. But these are as well as eating loads of fruit and veg, nuts and seeds.
Wishing you the best of health, and don't forget - if you want to stay ahead of the pack on health and nutrition news then join my 100%health Club.
Join the 100%health Club
To stay informed about health and nutritional issues join our 100%health Club which includes benefits such as a bi-monthly newsletter with detailed reports on the latest health issues as well as discounts on events, books and health products. With 100%health Club you get information you can trust. click here for more information.
References
1. http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/newsarch/2007/Feb07/vitaminstudy.html
2. http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/070304/12healy_print.htm
3. P Correa et al, 'Chemoprevention of gastric dysplasia: Randomized trial of antioxidant supplements and anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy', Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2000), vol 92, pp1881-8.
4. Manuel-Y-Keenoy B et al Impact of Vitamin E supplementation on lipoprotein peroxidation and composition in Type 1 diabetic patients treated with Atorvastatin. Atherosclerosis. 2004 Aug;175(2):369-76]
5. Bardia et al Randomized, placebo-controlled, esophageal squamous cell cancer chemoprevention trial of selenomethionine and celecoxib.Gastroenterology. 2005 Sep;129(3):863-73
6. Bardia A et al Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in reducing primary cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jan;83(1):23-34.
7. Bjelakovic et al, Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases (Review), Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2008
Anyway the best ripost to all this nonsense can be found in Patrick Holfords latest news letter which I hav e reproduced below complete with all his links and references.
And my final word. How many people have actually died from antioxidant overdose? think we might be talking about the figure ZERO again. Now read my previous post on adverse drug reactions to prescribed drugs - didn't that item on the radio......
Here's Patrick's newsletter...
Headlines in today's papers such as 'Vitamin Pills "Increase Risk of Early Death"' claim that anti-oxidants are not good for you and could even do you harm. But, don't believe everything you read!
What's this review about?
This is the fourth time Bjekalovic and his group have reviewed the effects on selected studies on antioxidants. Anyone following the science of antioxidants over the past 20 years will be aware of a vast number of studies reporting positive results. So, how do you end up with a headline that implies antioxidants increase mortality?
In this review, which is a rehash of their paper published last year in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), they first excluded over 400 trials, that had no deaths. They then decided which trials they liked (low risk bias) and did not like (high risk bias), a factor that has received criticism in mainstream medical journals.
What the experts say
One of the world's leading experts in this field, Dr Balz Frei said "This is a flawed analysis of flawed data, and it does little to help us understand the real health effects of antioxidants, whether beneficial or otherwise," (1)
Dr Bernadine Healey, former director of the National Institute of Health said, "Blenderizing these diverse trials into one giant 232,606-patient-strong study to come up with a seductively simple proclamation is just silly. When the researchers tallied up the mortality from the 68 trials, there was no difference based on vitamin intake. The headlines that these supplements significantly increase the risk of death by 5 percent overall came only when the researchers pulled out the 47 trials they deemed to have been the best executed. Actually, in the 21 randomized trials they peeled off, mortality was decreased by 9 percent among those taking the vitamins." (2)
How did they come up with the reported results?
Not surprisingly, the selection process in today's review excluded many of the most positive studies. For example, quoting the review itself, 'In secondary prevention trials (meaning people with disease) with high-bias risk, mortality was significantly reduced by supplements.' In those they called 'low-bias risk' there was no significant change in mortality.
To report an even more negative result, which is what newspapers often home in on, they also excluded all trials on selenium, which actually reduced mortality the most of all the antioxidants considered.
Beta-carotene
As an example, let's look at beta-carotene, which is given the worst rating. The review states 'Beta-carotene used singly or in combination with other antioxidants had no significant effect on mortality when including all 24 trials' BUT 'After exclusion of high-bias risk and selenium trials, however, beta-carotene singly or combined significantly increased mortality in 12 trials.'
Antioxidants and cancer
Even if we were to accept the exclusion of the so-called high-bias risk trials let's look more closely at the apparently negative studies. A graph of all these trials shows five that skew the results towards a negative (p.167). I thought I'd look closer at these trials. The first was by Dr Correa from the pathology department at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre, and showed a clear protective effective of antioxidant supplements against gastrointestinal cancer. (3)
I decided to contact Dr Correa and he was "amazed", he said, because his research, "far from being negative, had shown clear benefit from taking vitamins". Correa told us there was no way the study could show anything about mortality. "Our study was designed for evaluation of the progress of pre-cancerous lesions", he said. "It did not intend, and did not have the power, to study mortality and has no value to examine mortality of cancer."
Vitamin E and statins
The next, called the DATOR trial, gave people with high cholesterol, high dose vitamin E (750iu) and statins. (4) As nutritionists we caution against this because statins stop you making CoQ10 which results in vitamin E becoming a potentially harmful oxidant. That's exactly what this trial reported, "These results indicate that the antioxidant effect of Vitamin E is attenuated (reduced) when given in conjunction with this statin." So these negative effects of vitamin E might actually be because it's taken with a drug that makes it harmful! Given that the majority of the trials included in this review were on sick people, presumably taking medication, this kind of confounding variable really should be taken into account. It is not.
Selenium's protective effects
The next trial, published on the Mayo Clinic's journal, that skewed the results to a negative reported a positive outcome. (5) It investigated the effect of selenium of oesophageal cancer. It found that 'among subjects with mild esophageal squamous dysplasia (early stage) at baseline, selenomethionine did have a protective effect.' For those with more advanced cancer it did not.
In January this year the authors published a paper 'Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in reducing primary cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis.'(6) Their conclusion was that 'beta carotene supplementation appeared to increase cancer incidence and cancer mortality among smokers, whereas vitamin E supplementation had no effect. Selenium supplementation might have anticarcinogenic effects in men and thus requires further research.'
So, what does all this mean?
Well, if you look at all the studies reviewed, strictly for reducing mortality, not for other benefits, Bjekalovic concludes 'Beta-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin C, used singly or in combination with other antioxidants had no significant effect' although a number of vitamin C studies did report reduced mortality. 'Selenium used singly or in combination with other antioxidants significantly decreased mortality.' (7). Beta-carotene, as we know, is best not taken singly by smokers. Vitamin E in high dose, as we know, should not be taken by those on statins without additional CoQ10. Selenium and vitamin C are most likely to be beneficial.
So, should we throw away our antioxidants?
Certainly not. Personally, I haven't recommended isolated antioxidant supplementation for 20 years and doubt they would produce much effect in sick people with advanced disease states, except for vitamin C at high doses - a subject not examined in this review. Antioxidants are team players. I take a combination of vitamin E, CoQ10, vitamin C, glutathione, anthocyanidins, resveratrol, beta-carotene, alpha lipoic acid and selenium. There's good reason to do so if you look at what's known about their effects in reducing markers of ageing. But these are as well as eating loads of fruit and veg, nuts and seeds.
Wishing you the best of health, and don't forget - if you want to stay ahead of the pack on health and nutrition news then join my 100%health Club.
Join the 100%health Club
To stay informed about health and nutritional issues join our 100%health Club which includes benefits such as a bi-monthly newsletter with detailed reports on the latest health issues as well as discounts on events, books and health products. With 100%health Club you get information you can trust. click here for more information.
References
1. http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/newsarch/2007/Feb07/vitaminstudy.html
2. http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/070304/12healy_print.htm
3. P Correa et al, 'Chemoprevention of gastric dysplasia: Randomized trial of antioxidant supplements and anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy', Journal of the National Cancer Institute (2000), vol 92, pp1881-8.
4. Manuel-Y-Keenoy B et al Impact of Vitamin E supplementation on lipoprotein peroxidation and composition in Type 1 diabetic patients treated with Atorvastatin. Atherosclerosis. 2004 Aug;175(2):369-76]
5. Bardia et al Randomized, placebo-controlled, esophageal squamous cell cancer chemoprevention trial of selenomethionine and celecoxib.Gastroenterology. 2005 Sep;129(3):863-73
6. Bardia A et al Efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in reducing primary cancer incidence and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jan;83(1):23-34.
7. Bjelakovic et al, Antioxidant supplements for prevention of mortality in healthy participants and patients with various diseases (Review), Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2008
Thursday 10 April 2008
Still think the Multinational drug companies are on your side?
It struck me recently that there seems to be a lot of articles in the press attacking complementary therapies, especially homeopathy. And then I read that the BBC had removed information about complementary therapies from its website - so what's going on? Are the multinational drug companies worried about something?
Last year I remember an article about someone self-medicating chinese herbal medicine which resulted in kidney failure: naturally there was a big hoo ha in the press. But consider this; apart from the case above how many people died last year from; reiki, hypnotherapy, acupuncure, homeopathy or any holistic therapy you might care to mention? 500? 100? 50? keeping going down and stop when you get to a big fat zero. Can you imagine the fuss if just one person had died, it doesn't bare thinking about.
Now, if you are in North Bucks and want to win a free session (offer ends April 30th 2008) of Reiki, Hypnotherapy or eft what's your educated guess for how many people, on average, die each year due to adverse reactions to prescribed or over the counter medication?
10? more...........100 no keep going............. 1000, that's a lot isn't it but keep going some more....... 2500, still better keep going. The figure that will win you the treatment is a round figure, higher than 4000 but less than 6000.
If you really want to blow your mind then have a read of the following article, printed in the Guardian recently on how much the NHS has to spend because of adverse drug reaction: give me a good herbalist and a dose of reiki anyday...........
The NHS is spending nearly £2bn a year treating patients who have had an adverse reaction to drugs prescribed for them by doctors, according to new figures from the centre-left thinktank Compass.
The amount of money spent on hospital care for those given the wrong medicine or who have reacted badly to a drug could pay for 10,000 new midwives or easily cover the estimated cost of combating MRSA infections, says Compass.
The health minister Dawn Primarolo confirmed to the organisation that 6.5% of hospital admissions are a result of an adverse reaction. Total admissions in 2006 were 16 million, which means that 1,040,000 patients were there as a result of the drugs they were prescribed.
Compass bases its calculation on an average stay of eight days in hospital at a cost of £228 a day. That puts the annual NHS bill at £1,896,960,000 just for those admitted with ill-effects. It does not include those patients who had a bad reaction to their medicines while they were in hospital. If that cost were added in, the bill would top £2bn.
The new figures, which are substantially higher than any previous estimates, have been compiled as part of an investigation into the pharmaceutical industry, its relationship to public health and regulation. "It is increasingly apparent that the lack of effective regulation is costing the taxpayer, and in some cases is causing unnecessary suffering," said Zoe Gannon, who is leading the Compass investigation.
Scandals such as that over the arthritis painkiller Vioxx, which caused heart attacks, and the antidepressant Seroxat, which was found to increase the risk of suicidal thinking in young people, suggest that industry could do more, she said.
"The industry knew about these adverse drug reactions and chose not to accept the responsibility because its ultimate goal is to make a profit," she said. "From our perspective this £1.9bn figure is not completely reducible - we are going to have to accept some adverse drug reactions - but the sheer size of this figure is enormous. It is all about getting a balance between risk and benefit and we feel that the balance is wrong."
Drug companies have huge profit margins, she said - in excess of 14.3% against a business average of 4.6%. Yet the number of genuinely innovative medicines - as opposed to copies of those already on the market - is decreasing.
"The pharmaceutical industry has the upper hand in terms of research and development investment and is always promising the latest miracle drug but too often failing to deliver,"she added.
"Now is the time for a debate about costs and policies about which drugs the healthcare service can afford as people are paying infinitely higher prices - the drugs bill to the NHS now stands at £11bn - for increasingly marginal rewards and higher risk from adverse drug reactions."
Compass's investigation will question whether it is appropriate for the Department of Health to take the lead in relations with the pharmaceutical industry. It will also be calling for a review of progress since the 2005 report of the health select committee. Compass aims to publish its own report in the autumn.
Last year I remember an article about someone self-medicating chinese herbal medicine which resulted in kidney failure: naturally there was a big hoo ha in the press. But consider this; apart from the case above how many people died last year from; reiki, hypnotherapy, acupuncure, homeopathy or any holistic therapy you might care to mention? 500? 100? 50? keeping going down and stop when you get to a big fat zero. Can you imagine the fuss if just one person had died, it doesn't bare thinking about.
Now, if you are in North Bucks and want to win a free session (offer ends April 30th 2008) of Reiki, Hypnotherapy or eft what's your educated guess for how many people, on average, die each year due to adverse reactions to prescribed or over the counter medication?
10? more...........100 no keep going............. 1000, that's a lot isn't it but keep going some more....... 2500, still better keep going. The figure that will win you the treatment is a round figure, higher than 4000 but less than 6000.
If you really want to blow your mind then have a read of the following article, printed in the Guardian recently on how much the NHS has to spend because of adverse drug reaction: give me a good herbalist and a dose of reiki anyday...........
The NHS is spending nearly £2bn a year treating patients who have had an adverse reaction to drugs prescribed for them by doctors, according to new figures from the centre-left thinktank Compass.
The amount of money spent on hospital care for those given the wrong medicine or who have reacted badly to a drug could pay for 10,000 new midwives or easily cover the estimated cost of combating MRSA infections, says Compass.
The health minister Dawn Primarolo confirmed to the organisation that 6.5% of hospital admissions are a result of an adverse reaction. Total admissions in 2006 were 16 million, which means that 1,040,000 patients were there as a result of the drugs they were prescribed.
Compass bases its calculation on an average stay of eight days in hospital at a cost of £228 a day. That puts the annual NHS bill at £1,896,960,000 just for those admitted with ill-effects. It does not include those patients who had a bad reaction to their medicines while they were in hospital. If that cost were added in, the bill would top £2bn.
The new figures, which are substantially higher than any previous estimates, have been compiled as part of an investigation into the pharmaceutical industry, its relationship to public health and regulation. "It is increasingly apparent that the lack of effective regulation is costing the taxpayer, and in some cases is causing unnecessary suffering," said Zoe Gannon, who is leading the Compass investigation.
Scandals such as that over the arthritis painkiller Vioxx, which caused heart attacks, and the antidepressant Seroxat, which was found to increase the risk of suicidal thinking in young people, suggest that industry could do more, she said.
"The industry knew about these adverse drug reactions and chose not to accept the responsibility because its ultimate goal is to make a profit," she said. "From our perspective this £1.9bn figure is not completely reducible - we are going to have to accept some adverse drug reactions - but the sheer size of this figure is enormous. It is all about getting a balance between risk and benefit and we feel that the balance is wrong."
Drug companies have huge profit margins, she said - in excess of 14.3% against a business average of 4.6%. Yet the number of genuinely innovative medicines - as opposed to copies of those already on the market - is decreasing.
"The pharmaceutical industry has the upper hand in terms of research and development investment and is always promising the latest miracle drug but too often failing to deliver,"she added.
"Now is the time for a debate about costs and policies about which drugs the healthcare service can afford as people are paying infinitely higher prices - the drugs bill to the NHS now stands at £11bn - for increasingly marginal rewards and higher risk from adverse drug reactions."
Compass's investigation will question whether it is appropriate for the Department of Health to take the lead in relations with the pharmaceutical industry. It will also be calling for a review of progress since the 2005 report of the health select committee. Compass aims to publish its own report in the autumn.
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