Blog

Prevent a Toxic 4th of July

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:10:22 +0000

I've noticed some concerning things over the years - especially given my awareness of toxicology and environmental medicine.

While the 4th of July is an impressive display during a brilliant time of year, there are some things you should be aware of.

Concern #1: While fireworks are fun, brilliant and gorgeous to watch, the smoke they create is not healthy at all.
Solution: Be upwind from the smoke as much as possible. Hold your breath when the smoke comes billowing your way. Taking a capsule of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine supports your liver's ability to remove inhaled chemicals and compounds from the fireworks.

Concern #2: July 4th is usually a lot of partying and drinking. Beer definitely goes down well on a hot summer's evening while relaxing watching fireworks.
Solution: Prevent a hangover the next day by drinking plenty of fluids, eating and taking N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine to process the toxic by-products of alcohol.

Concern #3: There is a lot of BBQ'ing on the 4th of July. Those lovely grill marks signal a perfectly grilled steak, hot dogs, chicken, eggplant (ever BBQ those?! You should!). BBQ'ing meats causes cancer-causing heterocyclic amines to be created and absorbed into your body.
Solution: Grill to perfection. Lose the grill marks. Grill on lighter heat for longer times so you can prevent grill marks. Also, take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine to reduce the harmful effects of heterocyclic amines.

Am I making this up? Nope. From research:
"Cooked meat contains many mutagenic/carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HAs), including 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP).....N-acetylcysteine was by far the most protective of the agents investigated."

Protect yourself after this 4th of July with N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine by Seeking Health.

More Information about N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine:

How to take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine:
Take 1 capsule in the AM with a small snack and another capsule in the evening before bed with a small snack. A great small snack to take would be almond butter and celery. This way the N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is more effectively absorbed. Drink with 8 oz of filtered water.

Who can take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?
Breast feeding mothers may take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine.
Pregnant mothers may take N-Acetyl-L-Cystein if they are in their 3rd Trimester.
Exception! If known to have a baby with Down's Syndrome, do not take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine while pregnant.
Children from 6 years and up can take 1 capsule with a snack and a glass of water.
Children aged from 3 to 5 can take 1/2 capsule in some applesauce.

Why should one take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?
Anyone breathing air, eating food or drinking water absorbs toxins into their body on a daily basis.
This nutrient is a crucial one in supporting our liver's ability to eliminate toxins from our body.

How often should I take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?
I recommend N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine to be taken on a daily basis along with a potent multivitamin, pure fish oil and a quality probiotic.
This combination is highly effective in supporting your body's function and eliminating toxins on a daily basis.

I recommend Optimal Multivitamin by Seeking Health for adults and Kid's Optimal Multivitamin for ..well...kids.
ProBiota 12 capsules as a probiotic for those 3 years old and above.
Optimal Fish Oil Liquid for all ages.
We also have Optimal Fish Oil capsules for those who experience belching after consuming fish oil.
This one won't cause fish oil burps as it contains fat digesting enzymes!

Who shouldn't take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?
Pregnant mothers before their 3rd Trimester.
Infants to 2 years old unless otherwise ok'd by your physician.
Those undergoing chemotherapy discuss with your physician.

Why take N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine by Seeking Health and not some other brand?
Great question and a number of answers.
First, it comes in a vegetarian capsule which dissolves easily and provides your body the N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. Tablets are rocks and don't dissolve well. Avoid them.
Second, our capsules do not contain any flow agents such as titanium dioxide or magnesium stearates.
Third, 500 mg of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a great amount so you can give it to your child aged 6 and above with a snack and some water.
Fourth, the capsules open up easily allowing you to put 1/2 capsule into applesauce for a child aged from 3 to 6 years old or those who cannot swallow pills.

Have a great 4th of July! And a healthy one with N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine! Preventing disease and optimizing health is what we like to do at Seeking Health!

Rebooting Your System With A Juice Diet - Bradley R. West ND

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:10:54 +0000

Animals, ancient peoples and many brilliant, traditional and elder doctors have used fasting or juice dieting with incredible success. Fasting is only one part of a total health optimizing program and not a panacea, though many chronic, stubborn or frustrating ailments can often be reduced or eliminated. Even severe conditions such as asthma, allergies, hypertension, lupus, type two diabetes, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, CFS/FMS, acne and IBS have been treated successfully with fasting. Seasonal, periodic or extended juice dieting/fasting can and does act like “a reboot of one’s system” enhancing cellular detoxification and the return of homeostasis, youth and often even unwittingly, a lightening of not only the body, but the mind and spirit.

The ideal time to begin a fast is when hunger disappears or at the first sign of illness, fever or sluggish feelings. A short fast can be implemented at any time and even a one day water-only fast or master cleanse can be very helpful. Choose a weekend or period of time when you can prepare mentally, gather supplies and set up a good game plan. Decreasing stress and activities while making sure to maintain or even increase exercise will be essential to burn fat (ketosis) and retain muscle mass. The more rest during the fast, while also balancing with up to two hours of lower-intensity exercise, the better the results will often be. Walking up and down hills in a peaceful place, yoga, moderate weight lifting and light aerobic activity are ideal. Their energy will often actually increase during this time and can be directed towards detoxification, weight-loss and healing, instead of other highly demanding bodily functions such as immune, digestive and stress responses.

A positive mental outlook towards fasting is important. The benefits include weight release, clearer skin, increased elimination, tissue repair, decreased pain and inflammation, increased concentration, etc., in essence, total rejuvenation. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the satisfaction that one can play a major role in optimizing theirown health.

Only raw, organic juices, broths and pure water should be taken by mouth while fasting and filtered or distilled water are required during this time. Using juice would actually be considered an elimination diet since carbohydrates and nutrients are ingested, thus ketosis and some benefits can be decreased. The quantity of juice and water should be dictated by thirst and symptoms, although drinking at least 6 quarts of fluids is the standard recommendation by most experienced experts (see book recommendations below). Losing vitamins or minerals is not usually of concern during a fast; humans have adapted biochemical mechanisms to exist for long periods without food. Serum potassium levels should be monitored weekly for longer water-only fasts as well as comprehensive blood work and frequent UA’s.

Staying warm and cleansing the skin with lukewarm water is encouraged, but extremes in temperature can be innervating and should be avoided. Dry-brush massage and low-heat FIR saunas to increase lymph flow and detoxification are ideal. This is an ideal time to consider all forms of hydrotherapy as well. Also, avoiding deodorants, most soaps, fumes and synthetic chemicals is essential.

Sunlight is required for healthy cells, mind and body so obtaining between 10-25 minutes per day is recommended. For deeper healing, rest is the most important aspect of the fast, so a nap or two during the day to balance the increased detoxification and exercise regime is a good idea. Less sleep at night will likely be required now due to lack of digestive energy utilization and more day time rest, so this should be expected with longer fasting.

Enemas and colonics are not always necessary during a fast but this will depend on the type of fast and individual health (i.e. water-only fasting would require no daily enema). However, many report daily morning enemas dramatically improve symptoms. If there is concern about constipation, extra emphasis on pre-fast meals of fresh fruit and vegetables will assist with elimination, and a gentle laxative can be used the night before beginning the liquid diet. Colonics and coffee enemas can also be utilized periodically to increase cleansing and detoxification of the liver and skin, in particular.

The body temperature usually drops during a fast, along with decreased blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. This is further evidence of the inherent wisdom of the body to conserve energy. Staying warm will help. Using a hot water bottle to stay warm at night and dressing up during the day as well as increasing exercising will promote warmth and sweating.

Most discomfort during fasting is usually brief as the body works quickly to restore homeostasis. In the beginning, patients may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, a coated tongue, body odors, mild palpitations or mucous discharge. These symptoms are generally normal, encouraged and should only be followed up if extreme or persistent. Fasters may experience all, any or none of these. If symptoms are intolerable and do persist, breaking the fast very slowly with a small amount of orange or watermelon may be all that is needed, and it may be possible to resume fasting when symptoms disappear. Sometimes simply chewing the fruit and then spitting it out can be enough to get back on track and eliminate uncomfortable symptoms or thoughts.

Keeping the mind from focusing on food can be done by reading a book (especially a book on fasting) listening to music, writing a letter, going for a walk or watching a movie. Comedies and/or light-hearted, non-dramatic entertainment and friends are highly recommended at this time. Do not spend too long at any one activity. Balancing rest, exercise and honoring yourself and nature are keys to a successful fast.

It is imperative to avoid coffee, tea, soda, cigarettes, toothpaste (brush only!) or anything else by mouth except pure organic broths and juices, water, herbal teas and perhaps no-sodium carbonated water. Avoid the smell and sight of food if possible. If it is necessary to prepare food for other family members, remind patients to satisfy the senses with the aroma, and remember they have had a lifetime of eating and will again shortly, with renewed senses and gratefulness.

Breaking the fast: “Any fool can fast, but it takes wisdom to break it,” the saying goes, which underlines how important and challenging it is to break a fast. Foods need to be simple, vegan, whole and organic, that are easily digested, eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly (31-50 times per bite!), while limiting the quantity at first, but enjoyed thoroughly! Overeating can undo the benefits derived from a fast and is fairly common even with experienced fasters. So, be VERY careful, make a plan with the healthiest types of foods to start with first. Another key here is to avoid sodium for the first week or two, at least, to avoid water-retention and strong food cravings. It is also an opportune time to identify food allergies and intolerances as foods are reintroduced, so have a plan to do this.

Seasonal juice dieting or fasting is one of the quickest ways to decrease inflammation, increase the elimination of wastes and enhance the reparative processes of the body. Although fasts are generally safe, an appointment for a physical exam or evaluation before undertaking a fast is a must and if there are any medications or any chronic conditions, alterations may be necessary. Having an experienced doctor supervise and guide the process before, during and after is ideal, and can be essential for success. For further reading I recommend books by Herbert Shelton, Paavo Airola, Steven Bailey, Joel Fuhrman and Alan Goldhamer.

About the author:
Bradley R. West, N.D. is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine. His focus and training is in holistic care. With an internship as a Hygienic Physician, Dr. Brad uses detoxification and deep healing through fasting, drainage/homeopathy, nutrition and food-as-medicine, exercise therapeutics, targeted supplementation, bioidentical HRT and functional labwork. His emphasis is on chronic disease treatment, prevention, nature-cure, endocrinology and gastroenterology as well as CFS/FMS. He can be reached via email at BradWestND@yahoo.com and his website is www.DrBradWest.com

What is Fiber? - Bradley R. West ND

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:47:50 +0000

Ever wondered to yourself "What is Fiber?"

Dietary fiber is the term used for the materials in plants that are indigestible and that absorb water while moving through your body. Fiber is classified as soluble or insoluble.

Insoluble fiber has water-attracting properties that help to increase bulk, soften stools and shorten transit time through the intestinal tract. Foods high in insoluble fiber include whole-wheat breads, wheat cereals, wheat bran, rye, rice, barley, most other grains, cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, cauliflower and apple skin.

Soluble fiber is typically found in the pulp of fruits and vegetables and is responsible for supporting our healthy gut bacteria called flora or probiotics. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and ferments as it is not fully digested and this process produces gas but also byproducts that are necessary for a healthy body. These byproducts have many beneficial functions such as acting as a prebiotic (feeding the healthy bacteria which make some B vitamins and fend off bad bacteria), balancing blood sugar, cholesterol and gut acidity (ph) as well as improving the gut wall barrier and immune system. Foods high in soluble fiber include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp.

Dietary fiber may promote a feeling of fullness by slowing digestion leading to an overall decrease in calorie intake. When eaten regularly and in high enough amounts, fiber has been associated with increased diet quality and decreased risk of many diseases. Nutrition experts recommend between 20-35 grams for the average person, per day, as a minimum amount. With children recommended eating at least their age in fiber plus 5 grams. According to National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Americans eat on average only about half this amount or 12-18 grams.

Many commercial fiber products and claims about the content of oat bran and wheat bran (muffins, chips, waffles) actually contain very little fiber. They also may be high in sodium, pesticide residues and chemical additives if not organic. So, reading labels carefully and choosing more fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds and berries (plants!) is highly recommended in order to obtain more fiber and better health. Careful though, too much fiber and increasing too quickly can irritate the system. Lastly, grains are not for everyone, so make sure you are able to digest them well and try different types such as Millet, Quinoa and Amaranth.

About the author:
Bradley R. West, N.D. is a graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine. His focus and training is in holistic care. With an internship as a Hygienic Physician, Dr. Brad uses detoxification and deep healing through fasting, drainage/homeopathy, nutrition and food-as-medicine, exercise therapeutics, targeted supplementation, bioidentical HRT and functional labwork. His emphasis is on chronic disease treatment, prevention, nature-cure, endocrinology and gastroenterology as well as CFS/FMS. He can be reached via email at BradWestND@yahoo.com and his website is www.DrBradWest.com

Imagery and Cancer Treatments: Valuable, Powerful & Beautiful

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:59:21 +0000

If we can cause disease manifesting in our bodies, then why cannot we manifest health????

Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D. came to my medical school last Friday - a small woman with graying hairs and slightly funky clothing. Her appearance was not strikingly powerful. Yet when she stepped up to the podium and began speaking, all eyes were focused on her. She is an eloquent speaker with much to say.

When asked "why do research on imagery as imagery has been used successfully for centuries?" she stated: "I am a scientist in a scientifically driven society. Yes imagery works and we know it works. Science simply backfills what we already know. If we want to change how medicine operates, we must prove that these other options are effective."

She is with all the big wigs of medicine and those who currently shape it: 'Andy' Weil as she calls him, federal government health committees and world famous healers. Interesting mixture...

She stated that 60% of cancer patients are able to look back 16 months and locate a significant life stressor that may have triggered their cancer. She also stated that within 5 years of retirement, many people become ill and die as life loses focus, direction and meaning. Some women become ill when the kids move out of the house for good (I cannot understand that one as my mother was ecstatic!)

So if one can pinpoint a significant stressor in their life which leads to a worsening of their health, then there must be a way in order to reverse that. If we can cause disease manifesting in our bodies, then why cannot we manifest health????

That is a huge statement and one I find extremely powerful. We experience this every day; We see a policeman in our rearview mirrors and get a sick feeling in our gut. We get stressed at work leading to a migraine headache. Someone yells at us and we lose our appetite.

So why cannot we embrace someone and reduce blood pressure? Why cannot we meditate and lose the migraine headache? Why cannot we imagine our immune systems embracing cancer and remove it?

Well - we can. Our ability to perceive allows us to obtain health...and obtain illness.

Imagine this: Your significant other dies. You retire one year later. Your kids are moved out. Two years down the road, you are diagnosed with cancer of your bone marrow. Kids visit you every now and then and bring you flowers. You sit in a nursing home eating, drinking and conversing with folks believing that their last moments are near.

The cancer moves fast and involves many organs. You have no desires. You have no desire to live. Cancer moves on and the treatments only make you feel more ill.

Along comes Jeanne Achterberg, Ph.D. She spends an afternoon with you. This is what she might say and do to help you use the power of imagery:

What I'd like you to do is dive inside you bone marrow and find the cancer. What does it look like? How did it get there? Go inside yourself and see. Close your eyes and go.

You're afraid but you do it. Moments later you open your eyes widely and say you don't want to do that again.

What did you see?

"I saw angry women."

What were they doing?

"They were yelling at me." So this patient wanted to go to counseling and find out more. The counselor asks:

What do you think will quiet the angry yelling women inside your bone marrow?

"A man."

What type of man?

"Well, there is this brute guy who really knows how to handle angry women. He is a fine orator and women respect him."

Ok. So what does this brute do? How will he go inside your bone marrow and talk with the angry women?

"He won't talk with them. He will embrace them until they stop yelling."

That sounds great. Now go inside your bone marrow and have Brute embrace the angry women.

Now isn't that powerful? Another powerful imagery tool is to draw. For example, the patient might be instructed to draw the cancer, draw the body's immune system fighting the cancer, draw the treatment fighting the cancer.

Those three images together speak volumes of how motivated the patient is to live. This simple tool shows with 100% accuracy patients who will die within 2 months. This has been researched.

For example, a patient drew a mountain range for the cancer. Then they drew fish for the immune system. Those two don't flow well together. The patient was told this and desired some assistance. It is then the counselor may step in and help strengthen the patient's imagery.

Cool.

I need to learn these tools and apply them to my patients. Finding the cause of the cancer and treating the cause is the treatment. Pouring chemicals down a throat or in a vein will not treat the cause. If harmful emotions played a part in causing the cancer, they must be addressed. Chemicals don't remove harmful emotions. We do.

In health,

Dr Ben

To obtain a useful tool to improve your skills in imagery and have a professional guide, I highly recommend Dr Achterberg's Intentional Healing Audio Set. (I receive no compensation for this - just thoroughly recommend it).

Struggling with Feelings of Depression and Fibromyalgia. Help?

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:08:59 +0000

"I am 59 and a woman. My son passed in December of 2009. I have done pretty good through the grief. But, am just not able to get to a place where I want to do anything socially speaking. I am isolating and feel sad always. I am not suicidal. I was diagnosed in 91 with hep c and have not taken treatment but do take a livatone product. If I tell my Dr. I am down she will write a script for some anti-depressant. I won't take. I take Vitamin 12, probiotic, spirilina, vit c, calcium, livatone and vitamin d. Last blood work came back good except for estrogen very low. Oh, also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Anyhow, I need something to help with this feeling so down. Tried the St. John's Wort. Didn't do well in my system. I am very chemical sensitive. Thanks so much."

I would start out with Magnesium Plus by Seeking Health and Pantothenic Acid by Seeking Health.

Both of these should help quite a bit with neurotransmitter support.

If you do not eat much protein, I urge you to eat every two hours - even if just a bit of protein. This is key to balancing blood sugar and providing nutrients for your brain so it can make the right neurotransmitters.

If you don't have the time, I then recommend Whey Slim by Seeking Health - take 1 scoop in a smoothie with Fish Oil. I recommend 2 grams of EPA/DHA a day for those experiencing depression, and purified fish oil is my preferred source.

For depression symptoms:

Magnesium Plus:

Consider taking 2 capsules in the AM and 1 capsule in the evening before bed. To learn more about what functions magnesium performs in your body, I would suggest looking at the Learning Center.

Pantothenic Acid:

Consider taking 2 capsules in the AM and 2 capsules at lunch.

Whey Slim:

Consider taking 1 scoop in a glass of water or make a smoothie with frozen berries. Blend the berries and water first, then add the Whey Slim. Blend only for a few seconds. The longer you blend it, the more the beneficial proteins break and get destroyed. So mix by hand or blend for a very short amount of time.

For fibromyalgia symptoms:

The Magnesium Plus and Pantothenic acid will help quite a bit.
Supporting the adrenals helps reduce depression and also reduces fibromyalgia symptoms. These two products do this.

Add D-Ribose.
Take 1 scoop of D Ribose two to three times a day. Mix in 8 oz of filtered water. It tastes good. Those who take Ribose with fibromyalgia usually get quite significant relief. You might be interested in reading the results of this pilot study using d-Ribose for treating Fibromyalgia:

Use of Ribose in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

These suggestions should help you significantly.

Keep me posted and ask if any questions.

In health,
Dr Ben

How to Store Probiotic Supplements Properly

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:15:31 +0000

We get a lot of questions about the best way to store probiotics to maintain their potency. I’ve summarized a couple of the questions that folks ask often below so we can hopefully save you a little time wondering:

Do Probiotics need to be kept cold while travelling or during shipping?

If refrigeration is not available for an extended period of time, probiotics will stay viable at normal room temperature for some time. ProBiota has been tested in real time for potency loss at different temperatures:

Because of the high cost of shipping materials, we unfortunately cannot offer free cold packs and insulating wrap with all of our probiotics. But as the graph shows, in most climates, the probiotics will remain potent for some time during cooler months without refrigeration.

If the climate you live in and the area between where HealthE Goods is located (Bellingham, WA) has daytime temperatures above 80 degrees, we do recommend adding Ice Pack w/ Foil Wrap to your order and selecting Priority, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Overnight Shipping.

There's no cold pack with my probiotics/the ice pack is thawed. Will my probiotics be alright?

The cold packs generally thaw out after 24 hours, but the foil wrap does help to maintain the contents at a cooler temperature even after the pack has “melted.” The ProBiota line of probiotic supplements has been tested to verify that potency is maintained during cold shipping.

As an extra measure, all ProBiota 12 products, Probiota Infant, and Saccharomyces Boulardii by Seeking Health are formulated with ”overages,” extra probiotic organisms are added to ensure that these products will be outstanding probiotic supplements when they arrive at your door.

Any other tips for handling probiotics so they stay good?

Yes. If you can, keep them refrigerated with the lid tightly closed. Avoid handling capsules with your bare hands; it’s best to pour them into the cap and then pour the extra back into the bottle from there. Use a clean, dry, spoon to measure powdered probiotics. Moisture from your hands being introduced into the stored products can damage it.

BPA Exposure Reduced by Probiotics...But That's Not All

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 06:27:39 +0000

I'm sure you know by now that bisphenol a, abbreviated as BPA, causes infertility, cancer, and earlier onset of puberty to name just a few.

News article just came out stating BPA showed up in every urine sample taken from more than 80 preschoolers in two states. That is unacceptable and frightening.

I am going to tell you right now how your child - and yourself - can reduce your exposure to BPA.

We can reduce our exposure of BPA by not:

drinking bottled water
eating canned food
handling receipts (yes - very loaded with BPA)
heating and eating from plastic containers

BPA is everywhere. It is in your blood, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is your developing baby's blood.

How can you reduce your risk to BPA besides trying your best to avoid it?

PROBIOTICS.

Specific probiotics, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei are two beneicial bacterial strains that bind BPA and eliminate it from the intestines.

Researchers found two types of probiotics that bind BPA and carry it out of your digestive system and into the toilet. While this is awesome for you, it is not awesome for the fish or those that drink tap water. BPA just gets right into the fish or right into some other person a month or so later after the water is 'treated.'

Probiotics are excellent at binding BPA so this tells me that all pregnant women need to supplement with probiotics which contain Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei on a nightly basis. Why nightly? Because probiotics have the best chance at establishing residence in your digestive tract after dinner. This is because stomach acid is not as caustic and you are not going to eat for another 8 hours or so giving the probiotics time to attach to your instestinal wall and form colonies.

It also tells me that Infants, Toddlers, Children and Adults need to take probiotics on a nightly basis in order to prevent absorbing this insanely harmful estrogen mimic chemical into the bloodstream.

Why do you need to take, and your baby and children, probiotics every night? Why not just for a week or two? Because beneficial bacteria do not reside in your intestines forever. They stay there only for a short amount of time before they are 'used up' or excreted in the feces. The bulk of stool is not food. The bulk of your stool is bacteria. Ever wonder why when you fast and have not eaten for a day or two days you still have large stools? It is because the bacteria are still in your digestive tract and forming the bulk of your stool - not the food.

Now that you know two strains of beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei, bind BPA and toss it into the toilet along with themselves, you also understand why you need to take it, and give it to others, on a nightly basis. You need to replenish the beneficial bacterial colonies so they can bind tomorrow's exposure to BPA, and the day after tomorrow's.

I should also point out while we are on the topic of probiotics binding BPA, that is not all probiotics do.

Other beneficial aspects of probiotics, not a full list but the ones off the top of my head:

bind the carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (love to BBQ? Hello heterocyclic amines)
bind lead and cadmium which are widespread in drinking water and food
bind aflatoxin which is in your cereals, nuts and seeds
reduce mercury exposure which you get from fish, dental amalgams, water and air pollution
neutralize harmful bacteria's toxins from bad food, water or those living in your intestines
prevent over colonizing of yeasts
support and provide over 70% of your immune system
reduce skin problems in infants
reduce colic in infants
improve absorption of nutrients from food
reduce constipation
reduce diarrhea
reduce allergies in newborns if mother takes probiotics during pregnancy

I recommend three types of probiotics which have a significant amount of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei. When I say significant, I mean Billions. I like products to work.

Infants to 2 year olds: I recommend ProBiota Infant. Give 1/4 teaspoon each day in the evening after breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or dinner. One quarter teaspoon of ProBiota Infant, which naturally tastes great by the way so keep it high in the fridge so kids don't grab it and chow on it (yes, it happens), contains 10 billion beneficial bacteria in a base of chicory. There are no flow agents, preservatives, colors, tablets or anything that I, an expert in envrionmental medicine, would want my own babies and boys to consume.

For Children 2 year old to 4 years old: I recommend ProBiota 12 Powder. Give 1/16 a teaspoon which contains 25 billion beneficial bacteria in 12 strains, including billions Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei.

For Children 4 to Adults: I recommend ProBiota 12 capsules. One capsule contains 25 billion beneficial bacteria in 12 strains, including billions of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus casei. In fact, it is just the same as ProBiota 12 Powder, except in vegetarian capsule form. There are no magnesium stearates, flow agents or anything artificial in this product.

Questions? Comments? Do post a comment below.

I sure would like to hear your thoughts on this article. The power of probiotics is awesome.

Prevent absorption of BPA in you, your kids, your unborn and your loved ones with probiotics.

In health,

Dr Ben.

Protein Powder for Breastfeeding Mom

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 05:59:42 +0000

I am nursing, my baby is 8 month old and dairy free, what would you recommend for protein shake?

I assume the protein powder is for you – not baby?

Nursing is enough for your baby at the moment unless they're asking for more foods. If they are asking for more, you’d feed them steamed mashed organic vegetables.

If you want protein powder for you, I recommend Whey Slim by Seeking Health as it contains highly absorbable forms of amino acids and L-Carnitine which is beneficial for you and your developing little one.

There is no lactose in Whey Slim so if you have lactose intolerance, that is not an issue here.

Do not give baby any Whey Slim as it is a dairy product. We don't want baby eating any dairy until they are at least 1 years old, preferably 2.

I also recommend that you add 2 teaspoons of Optimal Fish Oil by Seeking Health to your smoothie as well. Makes it quite creamy.

The Optimal Fish Oil tastes quite good, free of metals and provides you and your little one EPA and DHA which is highly important for brain development.

I also recommend you take 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day as breastfeeding mothers need to supply themselves and baby. Vitamin D3 is often quite low in mothers and in babies. Your baby will get the vitamin D3 and other nutrients via your breastmilk.

Research shows that infants taking probiotics from birth have less skin problems, improved immunity and digestive function. I highly recommend you consider giving your baby ¼ teaspoon of ProBiota Infant once a day after breastfeeding. Research also shows that babies taking probiotics absorb less toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, BPA, toxins from molds and bad bacteria to name a few.

Given that you are breastfeeding and need to remain healthy as well, I highly recommend you consider taking ¼ teaspoon of ProBiota 12 Powder after dinner. It is important that you don’t absorb toxins and metals from foods and the environment via your intestines because what you absorb goes into your breastmilk and into baby. I should also state that 70% of our immune system comes from our beneficial bacteria.

If your baby is suffering from colic, ear infections, teething, eczema or other ailments, do let me know. I’m well versed being a father of three boys and a physician.

Should you have any further questions, do let me know.

In health,
Dr Ben

Epigenetics: Helping to Explain Positive Outcomes - Bradley R. West ND

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:38:15 +0000

Dietary supplements, botanicals, counseling, homeopathy, physical medicine and most, if not all, other modalities we use in naturopathic medicine and healing often have an unexplainable component. The mechanism of action or in ‘reductionist’ thinking the single element or "magic bullet" is often difficult to pinpoint or is actually multifactorial. This rarely is a problem for holistic-minded practitioners as we accept and understand nature, spirit and "the vis" as a higher order with complex and at times unverifiable mechanisms or systems.

However, the current, dominant, conventional, allopathic-minded paradigm can be a source of frustration on many fronts and does not typically have this understanding. Through our hard work and perseverance and the very nature that the truth cannot be suppressed for ever, this does appear to be changing and our view gaining momentum. The public has begun to embrace and demand natural medicine and organic foods more and more as is evident with the popularity of Whole Foods Markets and other health and nutritional stores and supplements.

In medicine and science, the tide seems to be shifting slightly as well, towards a more open-minded approach that looks at effective holistic or traditional treatments. These might have a long history of clinical evidence or perhaps obvious solid empirical data, such as vitamin D, probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids.

One of the most interesting areas of research in science and biology, particularly genetics and cellular biology, that has recently been receiving attention, is “epigenetics” which helps to explain some mechanisms and part of the mystery. Epigenetics or epigenetic control, a term recently popularized by Dr Bruce Lipton, a US cellular biologist and now author and speaker, refers to it as the ability of diet, lifestyle and even thoughts to change gene expression and physical outcomes. That is, to go above or beyond our predetermined blueprints and actually change our genes.

Lipton refers to the cell membrane as the brain of the cell, and as a key part of understanding epigenetics. Noting this is a key difference from past scientific dogma that claims this status for the nucleus, he makes the observation that to change the cell membrane molecules, made up mainly of fatty acids, even slightly, profound changes take place.

Dr. Steve Folmar says the word epigenetics has had many definitions and these definitions have changed over time. Initially it was used more broadly, but now it has become more narrowly defined to specific molecular phenomena occurring in organisms.[1]

Epigenetics was originally coined by C. H. Waddington in 1942 as a combining of the words genetics and epigenesis.[2] Epigenesis is an older word which has more recently been used to describe the differentiation of cells from their early state in embryonic development. Waddington coined the term when little was known of the physical nature of genes, so he in essence used it as a theoretical model of how genes might interact with their surroundings to produce a phenotype.

Epigenetics has been further described as "the study of the mechanisms of temporal and spatial control of gene activity during the development of complex organisms."[3] So, epigenetics can really be used to describe anything other than the DNA sequence that influences the development of an organism.

A recent study [4] helps illuminate epigenetics where diet was shown to strongly affect genes. 111 healthy, elderly subjects with a high omega-3 (EPA and DHA) intake showed a decreased expression of genes involved in inflammatory and atherogenic-related pathways, such as nuclear transcription factor kappaB signaling, eicosanoid synthesis, scavenger receptor activity, adipogenesis, and hypoxia signaling. This helps to explain another way in which the previous unknown mechanisms of action for all the extreme benefits being seen in fish oil supplementation, for example, may be working.

Results of this nutrigenomics study were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition where subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups that either consumed 1.8 or 0.4 g of EPA plus DHA every day or 4 grams of high-oleic acid sunflower oil per day for six months.

Analysis of gene expression revealed that the high EPA plus DHA supplement resulted in altered gene expression of 1040 genes, while the sunflower oil supplement altered gene expression of 298 genes. The altered genes were involved in inflammatory and atherogenic-related pathways, said the researchers. “Of these genes, 140 were overlapping between the groups, which resulted in 900 uniquely changed genes in the EPA plus DHA group.” “These results are the first to show that intake of EPA plus DHA for 26 weeks can alter the gene expression profiles of PBMCs (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) to a more anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic status,” concluded the researchers.

Though the ability of dietary fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA has been well established to improve the outcomes of many disease states, besides the anti-inflammatory effects via the prostaglandin (eicosanoid) pathways, most of the mechanisms have remained unknown. Epigenetics helps close this gap and begins to explain why one herb, food or nutrient can affect so many systems.

This example and study of omega-3's, which clearly has the ability to improve many chronic conditions without clearly defined reasons, infers that changing the fatty acids in the diet and thus the cell membrane improves genetic expression. This is likely through PPAR and other signals to and from the cell nucleus, altered favorably thanks to a more fluid membrane.

Many top research institutions across the country and globe are studying non-drug therapies and treatments with some outstanding, statistically significant results, published in prestigious journals and are beginning to get more funding from sources such as the NIH.

With the help of time and the subsequent pioneering research and theories like epigenetics that continue to be illuminated, answers to why diet, lifestyle and holistic treatments make such a large impact on our health will become even more apparent and more accepted, confirming what most of us knew all along.

1. Roloff, T.C., Nuber, U.A., 2005 Chromatin , epigenetics and stem cells. Eur J Cell Biol. 84, 123-135

2. C.H. Waddington (1942) (1977). "The epigenotype". Endeavour 1: 18–20.

3. Holliday, R., 1990. Mechanisms for the control of gene activity during development. Biol. Rev. Cambr. Philos. Soc. 65, 431-471

4. M. Bouwens, O. van de Rest, N. Dellschaft, et al. Fish-oil supplementation induces antiinflammatory gene expression profiles in human blood mononuclear cells. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90:415-424

Coffee Enema Benefits: The Complete Guide

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:10:39 +0000

Coffee enema benefits are impressive and far exceed the benefits of drinking coffee.

Sure seems easier, though, to go to a cafe, get a cup of coffee, and read the paper rather than go through all the trouble of a coffee enema.

Yes, it doesn't seem to make sense...unless you understand how your body absorbs and utilizes the nutrients found in an organic coffee enema.

I will give you the short form of Coffee Enema Benefits and then provide detail of each one afterwards.

Coffee Enema Benefits: Quick Facts

Non-stimulating. In fact, they are calming when done properly.
Stimulates bile flow. Caffeine stimulates your gallbladder to release toxic bile - a lot of bile - and bile stores a lot of toxins. This toxic bile gets washed out of your colon when coffee enemas are done properly.
Increases glutathione production. High levels of palmitic acid, found in light roasted enema coffee, stimulates one of the bodies most important detoxification enzymes: glutathione-s-transferase (GST) which stimulates glutathione.
Increases circulation. Theobromine, a stand alone compound and a byproduct of caffeine, is a potent dilator of blood vessels thereby increasing circulation. Poor circulation leads to a buildup of toxins, weak cell metabolism and cellular waste products. Thus, once you place theobromine, and caffeine, directly into your sigmoid colon via the coffee enema, you increase circulation thereby reducing cellular waste, stimulating cellular metabolism and eliminating toxins. Theobromine is found in lightly roasted enema coffees, especially Arabica or Robusta coffees
Stimulates a bowel movement. The water found in the coffee enema stretches out the colon stiimulating the stretch receptors. This signals the body to have a bowel movement. Why is this a plus? You'll learn that in a minute.
Pain Reduction. Pain reduction by coffee enemas was actually one of the first noticed benefits. The pain reduction occurs through a complex of processes which, although theoretical, makes sense and will be explained soon. In short, pain reduction may be due to increased bile flow, circulation and elimination of toxins.
Contains antioxidants. Coffee contains a lot of antioxidants - one of the highest containing levels of any food or product.

Those are the basic coffee enema benefits. While it may seem that only seven benefits are not worthy of going through the entire process of a coffee enema, these seven benefits are extremely powerful - and when combined, even more powerful.

Let's move on to explaining each benefit in detail so you understand why you'd want to do a coffee enema.

Coffee Enema Benefits #1: Non Stimulating
Caffeine from the coffee enema doesn't stimulate you nearly as much if you were to drink it.

Why?

By placing the coffee in your colon vs your stomach, you are significantly reducing the body's ability to absorb the caffeine into your general circulation.

Let me explain.

When you drink coffee, the caffeine and other antioxidants from coffee get absorbed by your intestines and into your main blood vessels. Pretty quickly, you begin to feel the effects of the caffeine: alert, anxious and generally stimulated.

In time, the caffeine in your blood makes its way to your liver where the caffeine is processed by the liver's phase 1 detoxification pathway. Your jitters and feelings of alertness fade - well, they fade slowly if you have a sluggish phase 1 detoxification pathway or they fade quickly if your phase 1 detoxification pathway is fast.

I will tell you right now an important point that is beyond the scope of the benefits of coffee enemas but it is so important that it must be brought to your attention.

Do you drink coffee or any caffeine and you are easily stimulated from it and that feeling lasts for some time? If you answered yes, your body is doing a very poor job at processing toxins, chemicals or other harmful compounds.

This increases your risk of chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, fatigue, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormone imbalances and generalized ill health.

By performing a coffee enema, you are skipping the body's normal absorption of caffeine. By introducing enema coffee into your colon, specifically your sigmoid colon, the antioxidants, theobromine and caffeine are effectively absorbed by the portal venous system.

The portal venous system carries the caffeine and other compounds from the enema coffee right to the liver.

Important point: The higher you insert the enema tube, the less absorption you will get via the portal venous system. This means if you insert the enema tubing more than 10 inches, you will feel the caffeine effect more so than if you inserted the enema tubing between 8 to 10 inches.

This is a benefit. You'll see why in a second.

All the caffeine that is put into your colon via the coffee enema gets absorbed by the hemorrhoidal vein in about 10 to 15 to 20 minutes. I believe the actual lab tested number is 11 minutes and that was determined by Max Gerson, MD.

The hepatic portal system, carries the caffeine from the coffee along with the antioxidants and palmitic acid right to the liver by what is known as the Hepatic Portal Circulation. The liver processes the caffeine, takes the palmitic acid and from that glutathione is indirectly increased and the other antioxidants from the coffee are also directly deposited to the liver.

If you simply drink coffee, the caffeine gets into your stomach, absorbed into the general circulation and increases your heart rate, stimulates and weakens your adrenals, stimulates a bowel movement, depletes minerals through increased urination, restricts your blood vessels and makes you 'crash' in an hour or so afterwards unless you drink another cup of coffee.