Aim High Not Low: How to Improve Your Metabolism

So you’re feeling a little frazzled, a bit tired, even a tad run down? Doesn’t everyone now and then? Well, a lot of people do, but equally, it may be preventable. There could be a reason why, on top of leading a busy working, family and social life as you may do, you feel physically exhausted now and again. It may be because you’re not looking after your body and maintaining your metabolism as you well as you might.

Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur in the body, not least digestion and the transport of food and energy to and between different cells. And it’s to understand this process – and what you are eating and how you lead your life – as to why you have a ‘high metabolism’ (you digest food and can use it as energy relatively quickly) or a ‘low metabolism’ (your body takes longer to digest food and use it as energy). In a good number cases, the lower a person’s metabolism, the more likely they’ll feel physically tired; the higher the metabolism, vice versa.

Low metabolism – why?

Of course, you use energy from the food you eat and burn fat while you’re physically active, but in reality, you also do so when you’re at rest. And it’s this that essentially defines the kind of metabolism you have, as it’s when you’re at rest your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is measured for how quickly and effectively you burn fat. To that end then, should you realise your BMR is slow and that may ensure why you feel tired too much of the time, there are several reasons why it might be:

  • Diet – all those fatty, processed, sugary foods are doing you no good whatsoever
  • Dieting – yes, that’s right; dieting tends to do little to help your metabolism because low calorie diets force your body into ‘starvation mode’, thus slowing the metabolism down as it attempts to preserve calories instead of burning them; note that when you resume eating after the diet it’ll preserve the calories still – but as fat
  • Sleep hygiene – your body won’t process food and use energy efficiently if you’re not sleeping well and are exhausted
  • Pressure and stress – stress brings on the production of the cortisol hormone which, unfortunately, eventually contributes to body fat
  • Toxicity in the body – toxins and ‘free radicals’ slow down your metabolic rate because, while the body’s converting food into energy, it’s also fighting  hard to eradicate such harmful molecules and micro-organisms
  • Medical factors – weight gain can result from thyroid and adrenal issues and family genetics, thus inevitably slowing down your metabolism (especially as you age).

High metabolism – how?

So to ensure a healthy metabolism what should you be doing? First off, start exercising. It needn’t be difficult; sure, it may be challenging to start with, but say you exercise every day for 10 minutes; eventually you’ll get used to it and, in time, find it relatively easy to slowly increase the amount to 12 minutes, then 15 and then 20. And exercise at work too. Be sure to get up from your desk and walk about every once in a while (preferably up and down stairs) and walk the dog daily if possible. Incorporating such short bursts of energy-use throughout the day will help keep your metabolism ticking over.

And then there’s your diet, of course; this has a huge impact on your metabolism. Indeed, after a night’s sleep (when it naturally slows down), try to start the morning by eating a fresh fruit-based breakfast first-thing, kicking off the day with a boost to the metabolism so you start burning calories as soon as possible – and aim to keep on doing so throughout the rest of the day:

  • Meals – eat smaller helpings at meal times but keep eating throughout the day; fewer but regular helpings will burden your digestion less
  • Snack on fruits – many are ‘negative calorie’ foods, such as apples, asparaguses, avocados, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, berries, cucumbers, grapefruits, lemons, lettuce, onions, oranges, papayas and pineapples
  • Go for lean protein – raw nuts and seeds are rich in protein so are packed with amino acids, ensuring you burn more calories and get your metabolism working harder to break it down as it passes through your digestion system.

Cleansing– why not try supplements?

Why not, indeed! Hopefully it’s now clear that focusing on diet, eating habits and remaining physically active is crucial to improving your metabolism, but who would turn down further help? And if, for whatever reason, you’re incapable of exercising as much as you’d like to or unable to change your diet as much as you might, then supplementation’s a great alternative or enhancement – specifically digestive cleansing supplements.

Available from us at The Finchley Clinic, all three of the following products help eradicate from the body toxins and the like that slow down digestion, thus helping to speed up your metabolism naturally:

Oxy-Powder-120-capsules

Oxy-Powder – a high-quality oxygen cleansing supplement, it oxygenates and cleanses the small and large intestines, leading to an optimal bowel environment to aid a well-functioning metabolism

Mag-07-colon-cleanse

Mag O7 – a colon cleanser that releases nascent oxygen for fast acting (usually overnight) results

Livatrex-new

Livatrex – ideal for liver cleansing, a product designed to support and drive the natural process of detoxifying, flushing and purging the liver of built-up toxins, fatty deposits and more.

Don’t be Deficient: Vitamin D and Men’s Heart Health

With any amount of luck, the year will soon be properly moving on from the cold of winter to the relative warmth of spring and the temperatures will rise for all of us. And with that comes increased daylight. However, for those who work through the night, getting enough daylight hours can be an issue not just in the winter months, but throughout the year. And, don’t doubt it; there can be biological implications if they don’t manage to do so.

Indeed, several clinical studies conducted in recent years have proved that deaths owing to cardiovascular diseases are higher in winter months than at other times of year. The reason for this? Well, it may not just be coincidence because one study suggests that men with low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from a heart attack than those with higher levels of the vitamin in their bodies1. What’s the connection here, you may ask? Well, it’s that Vitamin D’s widely referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – and for good reason. Although an essential vitamin for the human body, it is traditionally derived via exposure to sunlight as it prompts the body to produce the vitamin.

Exposure to sun for around just 15 minutes, three times a week is said to be sufficient to produce enough quantities of Vitamin D for the body. And yet, everyone’s body is different and some, maybe most certainly need far more. Indeed, there’s no question that, for instance, for the majority of the men who took part in the aforementioned study, to eradicate their Vitamin D deficiency and increasing their body’s levels of it would reduce the chance of suffering a heart attack.

What does Vitamin D do?

But what is it that makes Vitamin D so essential? Why do our bodies need it so much? Not only does it play a critical role by encouraging and ensuring the absorption of magnesium and calcium takes place in the body, but also – and perhaps why it has the aforementioned connection to heart health (especially in men) – its presence in the body makes sure there are adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in our blood, which means both these crucial elements are carried to the organs where they’re required for our bodies to function correctly and keep us healthy and well.

Vitamin D supplements

Now, you may be one of the fortunate people who does – and, indeed, make sure you – get a decent amount of ‘sun time’ in the summer; that’s good for sure, so long as you take precautions when the sun’s at its hottest (and its harmful UV rays) are at their most potent at the height of the day. But, even so, it’s probably unlikely you’re actually getting enough Vitamin D from this method alone. And, if that’s the case, what about those poor people who are, for whatever reason, not able to do as you do come the summer months? And those who barely see the sun at all in less warm months when there’s far less daylight?

The truth then is that the vast majority of us could do with a little help in boosting our Vitamin D levels. To that end, supplementation is the ideal avenue to turn to. And one of the best Vitamin D supplements on the market (actually the best-selling for us at The Finchley Clinic) is Vitamin D3 (5,000iu) with Vitamin K2. Not only are its capsules chewable and capable of being taken sublingually, but they also have a terrific apricot flavour and, among all the other attributes and benefits to your body they offer, they’re great for supporting both the skeletal and the immune systems. Indeed, it’s the supplement’s additional ingredient, Vitamin K2, contributes to bone strength and arterial and heart health (reducing calcification or even decalcifying and likely reducing blood pressure).

Moreover, you may also be interested in the following supplements that are also ideal for boosting your Vitamin D intake:

suntrex

Suntrex D3 – a premium quality product created by extracting oil from nutrient-dense lichen plants, it provides support for the immune and nervous systems and promotes good organ, bone and brain health; suitable for vegans.

 

BioMulsion-D

Biomulsion D – A fluid-based Vitamin D3 supplement, it provides maximum strength and convenience in a few tiny drops for those who’d prefer not to take tablets or capsules.

Reference:

1. Giovannucci E., Liu Y., Hollis B. W. and Rimm E. B. ‘25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Men’. Archives of Internal Medicine. June 2008; 168 (11): 1174-1180.

Fighting Allergens and Air Pollutants: Have You Considered A Lung Cleanse?

It’s not unusual to hear or read something almost every day about air pollution. It’s become a part of everyday life. However, there’s a very good reason – air pollution in most towns and cities is real, thanks to a combination of motor exhausts, chemical by-products and all manner of industrial emissions. And the problem is, in addition to what it all does to the natural world of course, none of it does our insides any good. Especially our lungs. Indeed, bad air can cause stress and even serious damage to lung tissue.

It’s not just outdoors

And, unfortunately, it’s not just outside that’s full of toxins; the reality is that indoor environments appear to be just as bad, if not worse, on this score. You may be sceptical, but studies suggest when a baby crawls over a patch of normal carpet they’re likely to inhale the equivalent toxicity of four cigarettes1. Now, that may sound frightening (and, in many ways, it is), but it’s come to be normal in our everyday world. Every environment in the world around us contains a good deal of toxicity which we’re exposed to as soon as we’re born, pretty much up until our dying breaths – and owing to dust mites, mould, mildew and chemicals, that includes indoors as well as outdoors environments.

Don’t doubt it. In the United States alone, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reckons that one in six of homes are filled with airborne pollutants that harm their occupants’ health. Meanwhile, the American College of Allergies has claimed that up to a half of illnesses in the country are down to air pollution indoors not outdoors.

Again, that sounds like a staggering claim to make, but consider just how many of our homes we live in and the offices we work in today are super-insulated and rely on pollutant-spreading air conditioning systems to control air flow. To that end, it’s also been claimed that air inside buildings may contain up to 100 times the toxin level as the air outside them, while a direct correlation has also been found between depression and the high concentrations of mould in homes2.

Animal allergens

Moreover, love animals and keep pets as so many of us do (and why shouldn’t we?), it also feeds the allergen levels in our homes. Conventional wisdom suggests this is all about the kind and length of hair our pets have – the longer haired a cat or dog the more allergens they’ll give off. Yet, while cat or dog allergies are often linked to their hair, that’s only half the truth because it’s often more specifically about the dander beneath the cat or dog’s coat of hair that’s responsible for the allergens. And, in some cases, the source may be the saliva that coats the hair when the animal – in this case usually a cat – lick their fur.

Fair dos, even many of those who suffer from such animal-derived allergens are content to put up with the sniffles and some coughing while living with their quadruped companions – and who would blame them? That said, who wouldn’t advise someone to perform a regular lung cleansing if they’re putting up with either pet-based allergens or respiratory and/ or sinus issues owing to the quality of air in their homes? Why wouldn’t you want to try out something that may prevent you from, at some point, suffering a severe allergic reaction?

Why not try a lung cleanse?

Over the course of human history, naturally-occurring remedies have been relied on by many civilisations, not least indigenous cultures, for respiratory conditions. Plants including the likes of eucalyptus, lungwort, peppermint and osha root are all examples here. Yet, unfortunately, for some people, purchasing such plants individually isn’t always an affordable or practical option, but there is a solution. Rather than buying – or even trying to grow! – this quartet of herbs on their own, you can consume all of them together in one of the most well regarded of lung cleanse supplements, Allertrex – which is available via us at The Finchley Clinic.

Enabling improved respiratory function then, Allertrex is absolutely ideal for a thorough cleansing of your lungs; detoxifying, cleaning and refreshing the fragile linings of the lungs’ bronchial passages and removing from them built-up environmental toxins, damaging organisms and other irritants.

Also, for further natural respiratory support, you might consider these two supplements:

Aerobic-K07

Aerobic O7 – contains nascent oxygen, which prompts the formation of white blood cells, essential for supplying damaged cells (including those in the lungs) with the super-oxide they require for repair and good health.

 

Colostrum-Plus

Colostrum Plus – in addition to supporting both the immune and digestive systems, this product’s great for tackling any type of inflammatory issue, especially allergies and their effect on the lungs.

References:

1. ‘Facts about indoor quality’. Intuitive Environmental Solutions, LLC. 2008

2. Brown University. ‘Household mold linked to depression’. Science Daily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070829162815.htm. Aug 2007.

Supplements Versus Toxins: The Importance of A Liver Cleanse

You’d probably be hard pressed to find anyone who’s unaware their liver processes the toxins they put in their body. Yet it may not occur to many of them that, should they be putting too many toxins in their body, it’ll be putting undue stress, wear and tear on their liver. A healthy liver is vital to ensuring a healthy body; and to ensure a healthy liver, you need to take care of it because, although it may be your body’s toxin processor, it’s not toxic-proof – indeed, nothing is.

Whichever way you look at it then, despite society deeming it normal to maintain a diet of alcoholic indulgence and nutrient-deficient, sugar-rich processed foods, living a toxin-laden lifestyle is not normal biologically speaking. As far as your body’s concerned, it’s abnormal. It overburdens the liver, thus potentially causing problems to the body as a whole, with toxins not just overwhelming the liver but finding their way into all sorts of other nooks and crannies of the body.

To that end, detoxification is becoming increasingly recognised as a sensible, nay necessary activity for the body and, of course, the liver especially. But how do you go about such a toxin cleanse – or, in this case specifically, a liver cleanse? What steps should you follow…?

Step 1: Cut out the toxins

An obvious place to start, sure; but first things first, you have to cut out the processed goods and refined sugars and reduce your alcoholic in-take. By over-indulging in these foods and fluids you might as well be waging war on you liver; that’s how it’ll feel for the poor thing anyway. Call a truce and strike peace with this most essential of your body’s organs – and give it far less to do and the opportunity to have a far easier time of it. How about, instead of the toxic foods and drinks, giving the likes of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables a try? Such toxin-free and liver-friendly foods will help happily push the process along – and tend to taste great too!

Step 2: Give herbs a go

Herb-based remedies have been relied on by specialists in indigenous and other cultures for many centuries as therapies to – wittingly or not – aid in removing toxins from the liver and, therefore, for the stimulation of bile, an alkaline fluid the gastrointestinal system produces to help digestion.

Dandelion-Formula

Granted, herbal remedies don’t detoxify the liver on their own, but they could be said to act as detox agents, as they encourage and help mobilise the natural functions of the liver to start cleansing itself. To that then, consuming herbs like organic dandelion root and leaf and turmeric are an important second step in ensuring improved liver health.

Step 3: Go organic

The drawback with relying on herbal remedies, however, is that they can be pricey. Unfortunately, unless you can find them at affordable prices in a health food shop or online, good quality organic foods in their natural form tend to be expensive – and, don’t doubt it, it’s always best to invest in pure, high quality herbs and extractions. Sure, you might be able to buy discount peppermint extract, for instance – but, if it hasn’t been grown in a natural way and so isn’t genuinely organic, how many of the natural benefits (the whole point of purchasing it) are you going to derive from the product? That said, forking out a small fortune for hard-to-get-hold-of herbs and the like isn’t the only way you to go organic – you could alternatively take the supplement route.

livatrex

And, of all the liver cleanse supplements available, the ideal one to go for is Livatrex – available through us at The Finchley Clinic. An all-natural blend of 100% organic and wild-crafted herbs, its formulation is specifically designed to support and drive the natural process of detoxifying, flushing and purging the liver of built-up toxins, fatty deposits and any accumulated stones.

Latero-Flora-60

Moreover, for a great liver cleanse, you can combine Livatrex with the additional supplements Oxy-Powder and Latero-Flora. The former is terrific for helping to loosen intestinal build-up and so aiding the release of toxic substances from the liver, as well as unwanted waste materials, while the latter helps and supports normal digestive function and assists the body in maintaining beneficial colonies of the ‘good bacteria’ that improve health. A win-win all round then for your liver cleansing efforts!

Brain food: the importance of vitamins and supplements for brain health

Crossword puzzles, reciting times tables to ourselves, learning new skills like a language and all manner of memory tests; many of us like to practice exercises and activities to keep our bonces nimble and in good condition – in short, to maintain our brain health. But it’s not just about the playful rigours we put our brains through in terms of memorising and ‘thinking’; the wellnesses of that organ upstairs is also determined by exactly the same thing all the other organs of the body are – by what we put in ourselves.

Yes, that’s right; what we consume and digest can have a critical impact on our brain health. If your brain’s getting vitamins and minerals it via your diet or supplementation, then it’ll remain more alert, supple and better-performing. And the more then it’ll be able to grow new cells, make new connections and become better at memory function and problem-solving. And who doesn’t want that?

However, before we look at what foods are best to get all those brain-friendly nutrients, consider this – pure, clean water makes up a whopping 85% of the human brain’s weight. There are few better things for brain health, therefore, than making sure you remain hydrated and drink plenty H2O. Indeed, instead of grabbing a coffee – or any other caffeinated/ carbonated beverage – to give you a pick-me-up during the work day, why not go for a bottle of distilled water instead? It’ll be cheaper too!

Brain-boosting berries

So then, just what foods should you make a central plank of your diet for the good of your brain? What are, to put it another way, the brain health foods? Well, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that fresh, organic produce is undoubtedly best, while processed, saturate-fat-filled food is pretty much worst.

In which case then, we’re talking the likes of berries, which – it’s true – have been found via research to reduce or, in some cases, even reverse declining brain function. Among the very best are blueberries, which studies have shown have an innate ability to both boost memory and help ‘keep it young’1, 2. Berries in general, though, are so good for brain health because they’re packed full of antioxidants, which play a vital role in protecting cells in every part of the body – not least the brain – from damage accrued from oxidation and harmful molecules and micro-organisms such as free radicals3. Other berries to consider include blackberries, cranberries, goji berries, strawberries and red grapes.

Other fruits and vegetables – and fatty acids

And, generally speaking, brightly, boldly coloured vegetables are good for brain health, as green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (cantaloupes, carrots, mangoes, oranges and tomatoes among them) tend to contain high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s turned into Vitamin A to do good throughout the body – including the brain, of course. Meanwhile citrus fruits and green, leafy vegetables tend to be rich in Vitamin C – again, great for the brain, as research suggests both Vitamins A and C can help improve memory function and reasoning.

Few fat-related foods are recommended to aid the body’s health, of course, but when it comes to brain health – and more – foods that contain essential fatty acids (EFAs) come highly recommended, as it’s believed they help drive brain growth and development and boost memory. Both seed oils (unprocessed organic olive oil, coconut oil and hemp seed oil) and nuts are fine sources for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; walnuts, in particular, are said to help increase production of serotonin – the neurotransmitter the brain relies on to keep sleep, memory and mood levels under control4.

Brain-friendly supplements

Hopefully, you’ll find that most of the foods suggested above are relatively easy to access and buy; however, if for any reason it’s difficult or not possible to incorporate them into your regular diet (say, for instance, you’re allergic to any of them), then there is another option – supplementation.

And when it comes to brain-friendly supplementation, one route you might look at is Vitamin B supplements. Why? Because studies have shown that certain ‘B vitamins’ (B9/ folic acid, B6 and B12) can play a role in preventing cognitive decline and even dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease5. A powerful reason, indeed, then to try the likes of True Food B Complex, which is available from us at The Finchley Clinic and, with its combination of ‘B family’ vitamins, offers all manner of health benefits in addition to keeping the brain youthful and staving off decline.

Additionally, you might consider these supplements for brain health:

brain-food

Brain Food 120s – a mixture of vitamins, phospholipids and other nutrients to help you maintain focus, concentration and memory.

 

VeganSageB12

VeganSafe B12 – ideal to combat B12 deficiency and its related issues – memory and brain decline, as well as potential anaemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, weight loss, depression, asthma, vision problems and low sperm count.

References:

1. Krikorian R. et al ‘Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults’. J Agric Food Chem. J Agric Food Chem. April 2010; 58 (7): 3996–4000.

2. Carey A. N., Gomes S. M. and Shukitt-Hale B. ‘Blueberry supplementation improves memory in middle-aged mice fed a high-fat diet’. J Agric Food Chemistry. May 2014; 62.18 (2014): 3972-3978.

3. Connealy L. E. ‘The importance of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables’. Natural News. http://www.naturalnews.com/024710.html. Nov 2008.

4. ‘Serotonin’. Pub Chem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/serotonin. Feb 2016.

5. Mercola J. ‘The Importance of B Vitamins for Brain Health and Combating Dementia’. Merocola.com. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/03/17/vitamin-b-brain-health.aspx. March 2016.

NADH – The Unique Energy and Immune Nutrient

NADH is one of those natural products I have regarded as ‘special’ ever since I saw it produce remarkable effects for my father in his later years. It has a valid and rightful place in all of the following categories of the web site…

  • Adrenal Support
  • Anti-Ageing
  • Antioxidants
  • Energy Boosters
  • General Health
  • Heart Health
  • Immune Health
  • Memory Maintenance
  • Mood Support
  • Sexual Health and Libido
  • Sports Performance

So what exactly is NADH?

To answer this, I shall quote from Professor George Birkmayer, who is the world expert on the subject.

The most promising natural substance in our body is NADH, which stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride. NADH is the biological form of hydrogen. It reacts with the oxygen present in every living cell, thus producing energy and water. The more NADH a cell has available, the more energy it can produce, the better it functions, and the longer the cell (and the entire organism) lives.

Is it possible to increase the amount of NADH in the cell by adding NADH from outside? The answer is: yes. This implies that we can increase the energy level in our cells. Due to this, the cells can produce more of all the components essential for life, and thus they will function better and live longer. This is feasible by supplementation with NADH in order to boost the hydrogen taken up by the human body.

The amount of NADH a cell contains depends on the amount of energy it requires. The heart and the brain need the most energy of all our organs. Hence, these organs benefit the most from an external supply of NADH. All other organs, particularly the lungs, the liver, and the kidneys, also get more energy from NADH and function better. The biological hydrogen is the fuel for cellular energy production, and nutritional supplementation can provide our body with more NADH.

It’s one of those products that supports almost every system of the body, and here are a couple of customer reviews on it

I started using NADH 2 weeks ago and can honestly say, I have seen a remarkable improvement in my energy levels, since suffering from chronic fatigue for several years. I have extra energy to accomplish more tasks, I no longer have a foggy head, I am more alert, my nervous system seems much calmer and I am much more relaxed. I have tried numerous products for an improved level of energy, but nothing has given instant results as NADH. In fact nothing has ever made a noticeable difference. For my it has been a God Send and I highly recommend it to anyone requiring a greater level of energy. It is quite expensive but well worth the money.

I have found NADH very useful for people with hypoadrenia and Addison’s disease, I have seen energy, mental focus and sleep all improve. Clients suffering from Fibromyalgia and CFS all note significant changes in energy after a few days of NADH on a dose of 2 a day, then typically 1 per day for long term usage.



With Parkinson’s Disease, ET (Essential Tremor), Dystonia and SPS (stiff person syndrome, often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease) we have never seen notable improvements within 1 month on a dose of 2 daily. This is NOT a complete cure, but we see around 40-50% improvement in symptoms very quickly. We use NADH along other products which seem to provide further improvements – one being Finchley Clinic’s Megahydrate. We usually see results within about 7 days on a dose of 2 tablets per day.



We also find NADH of great benefit, when given to anyone having anyone taking any type of toxic chemical therapies (i.e.. many conventional treatments for terminal illness). Typically we find NADH is capable of minimising some of the negative side effects experienced by people on those therapies – such as chronic fatigue,



Healing goes where energy flows, if there is poor levels of energy there is poor levels of health and low levels of healing. NADH is RAPID ENERGY. As a major building block of cellular life, I have found NADH invaluable when energy for healing is required in a body that is deficient of energy. We find that we cannot get rid of any long term serious problem without raising life force energy in the body.



Some of our younger clients use it when partying all night as their NOW PREFERRED STIMULANT. – NOT that I recommend NADH it for that.



I have also used it in combination with the 12 step programme for clients coming off both alcohol and drug addiction. It takes the edge off the irritability and anxiety caused by the mental obsession as well as helping greatly with the physical addiction. 



All people coming off any type of addiction require some form of therapeutic support and guidance, In my experience for those clients receiving the correct therapeutic support high levels of B1 and NADH positive outcomes are far more frequently observed. 



I explain to my clients Healing goes ONLY where Energy Flows, No Energy = No healing and NADH is the best source of supplemental Energy I have found so far. 

Unfortunately NADH, even sold by us with what I can assure everyone is a very ethical margin, is rather pricey. True, there are cheaper NADH products available if you want to use worthless “NADH” products that don’t work. However we think that the official Professor Birkmayer product, is pretty much the only one that actually works. But now for some good news. We currently have 100 boxes with a short expiry date of End of April 2017, with 33% off, which we agreed to take off the manufacturer’s hands. Please note we also have full expiry date stock available at the regular price for those who prefer that. But it also goes without saying that goods marked as expiring on 30th April 2017 (for regulatory reasons, they have to be given an expiry date) do not suddenly become ineffective from midnight on May 1st 2017.

Click here for more information and to purchase full expiry date product at the regular price

Click here for more information and to purchase the short expiry date stock with 33% off (maximum 6 boxes per household at the present time).

Please note carefully, that NADH Rapid Energy is a SUBLINGUAL product, meaning you put it under your tongue and let it dissolve, which gets the NADH directly into your bloodstream. If you just swallow it, it won’t work.

Is there anything that helps NADH work better still?

Yes. According to Professor Birkmayer NADH (CoEnzyme1), can be enhanced by also taking CoEnzyme Q10. We usually around 100-200mg per day for every 20-40mg (1-2 tablets) of NADH.

Secondly, according to Dr John Gray (famed as the writer of “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus”), NADH creates an increased need for the amino acid Tyrosine (the main ingredients of our products Drive! or Thyroid Support Formula). He claims that taking tyrosine with NADH increased the effectives of NADH. We have not tested this claim, but neither do we dismiss it.

Dr Gray also claims that tyrosine is then ideally balanced with the amino acid tryptophan, which we recommend as Serotone. Again we have not tested this hypothesis, but equally we do not dismiss it.

Wishing Good Health to All

Mark G. Lester

Director – The Finchley Clinic Ltd

www.thefinchleyclinic.com

 

 

The importance of antioxidants for fighting the threat of free radicals

All things considered, the term ‘free radicals’ sounds more like some sort of grassroots political movement than tiny little things that, once inside our bodies, can cause serious disruption and damage. However, don’t doubt it; they’re most certainly the latter. For decades now, free radicals are something that many of us have heard about, but how many of us actually know what they are, the dangers they pose and how to stop them and mitigate their effects?

Fundamentally, what free radicals do in our bodies is to corrupt molecules like fats, proteins and DNA; while antioxidants target and reduce their damage, by scavenging and combating them.

The dangers of free radicals

To be precise, free radicals are actually atoms, ions or molecules, so microscopically small they’re extraordinarily small; but far from insignificant. Indeed, they pose the danger they do because they come with an unpaired electron. This means they’re extremely reactive; they’re constantly searching for something from which they can get another electron to pair with their single electron.

And it’s during cellular metabolism that free radicals show themselves up in the body1, for during this process – when the body’s cells use oxygen to convert food into energy, Adenosine triphosphate(ATP) – free radicals pop up and, via what’s called oxidation, steal electrons from other molecules; everything from proteins to fats and cell membranes to DNA. This then – often referred to as oxidative stress (or damage) – can dramatically alter the make-up of those molecules, thus contributing to the ageing process and aiding the development of countless degenerative diseases. So, the likes of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, hypertension, heart disease and muscular dystrophy can all be caused, in part, by free radical damage.

But how do free radicals get into our bodies in the first place? Well, harmful environmental factors often play a role; pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, toxic metals, industrial chemicals and radiation2. Yet, at the same time, it would be foolish to try to consume no free radicals – it wouldn’t be possible anyway – because, like it or not, at low levels they’re of genuine benefit to the immune system, as it uses them to fend off hazardous pathogens to ensure it functions effectively3.

The power of antioxidants

So, as with many things in nature and inside our bodies, it’s a matter of balance. We require help to ensure the volume of free radicals inside us don’t get out of control; we require something to ensure there’s balance. And that thing is antioxidants. How so? Because by regularly consuming antioxidants, we’re offering up something that actively donates an electron to individual free radicals during oxidation, thereby preventing the latter to cause oxidative stress and major damage to other molecules4.

And, handily, there’s an abundance of antioxidant sources out there. You can consume them by maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet, as many common fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants:

  • Anthocyanins – occurring in berries, red cabbage, grapes and many boldly-coloured foods (indeed, they account for the colour of blueberries and raspberries), anthocyanins actually provide many health benefits5
  • Curcuninoids – effective at activating the immune system, they help promote brain health among many other things

Buffered-Vitamin-C

  • Vitamin C – aids the immune system and general good health; found in oranges, lemons, kiwi fruits, broccoli, cabbage and red and yellow peppers

 

MicroCell-Vitamin-E-100

  • Vitamin E – a common component of multivitamins and supplements, it’s known for its antioxidant properties and naturally occurs in sunflower oil, green vegetables and nuts

 

selenium

  • Selenium – highly important for thyroid health, it can be consumed via nuts, lima beans, chia seeds and brown rice.

Antioxidant supplements

Unfortunately, though, due to the long list of environmental factors that can expose us to free radicals (see above), for some people a decent diet on its own many not be enough to supply them with an adequate number of antioxidants. This then is where supplementation can come to the rescue.

And, if you’re looking for the best antioxidant supplements on the market (and why wouldn’t you be?), you might want to try MegaHydrate. Available from us at The Finchley Clinic, it’s proven to deliver full-body hydration for optimal health – and great protection against free radical damage. This is because it’s rich in silica hydride, the only component known to dramatically increase zeta potential, as well as offering a rich, powerful blend of antioxidants that, together, amount to a free radical-combating effect about 10 times stronger than vitamin C alone.

Other supplements we provide and highly recommend for their antioxidant properties include:

Cell Fuzion – an advanced antioxidant formula that energises the work of mitochondria in the body’s cells (critical to cellular metabolism) to prevent DNA damage

MicroCell Nutriguard Plus – contains comprehensively powerful antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, zinc citrate, alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, beta-carotene and selenium

NADH – aids the supply of ATP to the brain, nerves, muscles and heart, as well as other organs (often also referred to as CoEnzyme 1).

References:

  1. Cadenas E. and Davies K. J. ‘Mitochondrial Free Radical Generation, Oxidative Stress, and Aging’. Free Radical Biology & Medicine. vol. 29, 18 Oct. 2000, pp. 222–230.
  1. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8 (2010): 118–126. PMC.
  1. Gemma C., Vila J., Bachstetter A. et al. ‘Oxidative Stress and the Aging Brain: From Theory to Prevention.’ Brain Aging: Models, Methods, and Mechanisms. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/ Taylor & Francis; 2007. Chapter 15.
  1. Nimse S. B. and Pal D. K. ‘Free Radicals, Natural Antioxidants, and Their Reaction Mechanisms’. RSC Advances, vol. 5, no. 35, 12 Mar. 2015, pp. 27986–28006.
  1. Lila M. A. ‘Anthocyanins and Human Health: An In Vitro Investigative Approach’. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2004.5 (2004): 306–313.

Diarrheoa: Infection, Dehydration, Symptoms and Supplements

We may all think we know what diarrhoea is, but do we? And do we know what causes it, what suffering from it could mean and how dangerous it actually could be?

Generally speaking, diarrhoea tends to refer to the frequent passing of stool that’s of a liquid consistency. Pretty much everybody at some stage is likely to suffer from it, ensuring it affects people of all ages – from children through to the elderly. In most cases, it tends to clear up in a few days and not prove a cause for concern; thus, this is what’s usually referred to as short-term or acute diarrhoea. It’s long-term or chronic diarrhoea then that people should be worried about; if it goes on for more than three weeks it’s more than likely to be symptomatic of a serious bowel function issue.

Diarrhoea causes

Diarrhoea can occur due to a number of different reasons – some more serious than others. Therefore, some cause the acute kind of diarrhoea; others the chronic version:

  • Bacterial infections – usually ingested due to contaminated food or water, they include salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), shigella and campylobacter
  • Viral infections – diarrhoea’s often a symptom of the likes of hepatitis, rotavirus, Cytomegalovirus and Norwalk, as well as simplex and herpes viruses
  • Food intolerances – lactose (milk and dairy-based food) intolerance is the obvious example here, but intolerances to food colouring and other additives are also common
  • Parasites – can be ingested via food and often via water; they include Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia
  • Bowel conditions – irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Celiac disease often result in diarrhoea
  • Medications – on occasions, the likes of antibiotics and antacids, as well as some blood pressure treatments can set off diarrhoea.

When does diarrhoea occur – and for whom?

As established, in most scenarios and for most people, diarrhoea tends to be symptomatic of something else and isn’t usually health-threatening in itself. But that’s not always the case. For the young and the elderly it can be potentially dangerous – and that’s because it’s directly connected with dehydration. Essentially, what happens when you experience diarrhoea is the body uses up a large amount of fluid, which the rest of the body needs to function effectively and correctly.

As children’s bodies are still developing and those of the elderly tend to be weaker and in more advanced decline compared to those in the prime of life and health, significant dehydration can be hazardous for these two age groups. Indeed, in children, diarrhoea (usually caused by rotavirus) commonly fades by its eighth day at most, but a parent’s nonetheless advised to seek medical advice after 24 hours – indeed, in new-borns it may even prove fatal if they’re not rehydrated quickly enough.

All that said, those of all ages ought to be wary of long-term symptoms, of course. If it’s gone on in excess of 72 hours, if it’s accompanied by severe abdominal and/ or rectal pain and if you have a fever (higher than 102°F), it would be a very good idea to see a doctor.

Food and travel advice

If you’re already suffering from diarrhoea:

  • Avoid fibre-based, greasy and mostly sweet foods
  • It’s probably best to cut out dairy products too
  • If the diarrhoea symptoms are particularly strong, you may want to opt for fluids only, returning to soft foods (plain rice and bananas, for instance) in time

When traveling overseas, there’s a good chance you’ll find one or more foods simply don’t ‘agree’ with your digestive system. In this case, there’s not a lot you can do if you’re trying and experimenting with local cuisine. However, to try to prevent catching infections and viruses, you should try to:

  • Avoid drinking tap water, don’t add it to tea and coffee and don’t use it to brush your teeth
  • Avoid buying and consuming food from street vendors
  • Drink bottled water but only if the bottle’s seal hasn’t been broken
  • Only add pasteurised milk to hot drinks

Diarrhoea supplements

When you’re suffering from diarrhoea or if you’re someone who’s susceptible to suffering from it at all regularly, it’s natural to want to rely on – or at least try – something that helps alleviate the symptoms, or even prevent it developing in the first place. So, you may be interested in the following diarrhoea supplements and probiotics available via us at The Finchley Clinic:

OptiBac-Probiotics

Saccharomyches boulardii (formerly OptiBac Probiotics for bowel calm) – a globally renowned probiotic that naturally helps control bowel function during diarrhoea episodes and bring under control Candida and other fungal overgrowths.

 

Bio-Kult-120-Capsules

BioKult – great for intestinal balance and integrity, but especially for sufferers of post-antibiotic diarrhoea, IBS, gut dysbiosis, Candida and ‘traveller’s tummy’; combines very well with and enhances Threelac.

 

OptiBac-Probiotic

OptiBac Probiotics for children & babies – an ideal blend of probiotics and prebiotics for women during pregnancy, babies and children; specifically containing acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and bifidum.

Fats that are Good for You: Omega-3, -6 And -9 Fatty Acids

It’s drummed into us when we’re young – or at least it should be – that fatty foods aren’t good for us. But, actually, that’s not entirely true; not all ‘fatty’ foods ought to be avoided – in fact, you should definitely incorporate some into your diet. Because foods that naturally contain the ‘Omega’ family of ‘fatty acids’ are very good for you, indeed.

Unfortunately, our bodies don’t produce either the Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acids, which is a shame, given they can contribute significantly to human brain development, immunity and regulating blood pressure – among many other things. In fact, because they’re of such use to us, that’s why they’re often referred to as ‘essential fatty acids’ (EFAs); so much can they do to aid our skin, respiration, blood circulation, brain and other organs.

Omega-3

An essential fatty acid, once Omega-3’s digested and spread elsewhere through the body’s blood stream, it can play a critical role in ensuring effective brain function, as mentioned, and may also help your body tackle arthritis1, asthma2, attention disorders3, cardiovascular disease4, cholesterol5, depressive issues6, diabetes7, digestive difficulties, high blood pressure8, macular degeneration, osteoporosis9, skin disorders10 and even some forms of cancer11.

How does it work? Well, the body eventually converts Omega-3 into either docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA); both of them highly unsaturated fats. Given what clinical studies have proven Omega-3 can positively do for the body then, it’s no surprise that it’s believed people lacking sufficient DHA and EPA levels could be at potential risk from Alzheimer’s disease, attention issues, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria (an inborn metabolism error associated with mental disorders) and several other problems.

Naturally occurring in many foods, especially nuts, you can find Omega-3 in the likes of Brazil nuts, canola oil (rapeseed), chia seed oil, grains, flaxseeds and their oil, green leafy vegetables, hempseed oil, mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, wheatgerm oil and raw walnuts and walnut oil.

Omega-6

People tend to consume more of the Omega-6 fatty acid (or linoleic acid) than Omega-3, so it’s important to make sure you get enough of both; as noted above, they’re not referred to as essential fatty acids for nothing – on its own, Omega-6 is believed to promote good skin, heart, circulation and nerve function.In fact, some expert opinion suggests that, perhaps due to how much vegetable oil people consume nowadays, many get a 16:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3, which may be unhealthy12. Thus, a number of experts instead suggest aiming for a 1:1 ratio of the two, if possible12.

Omega-6 naturally occurs in a large number of grains, nuts, oils and green leafy veggies, among them broccoli, chia seed oil, cottonseed oil, grapeseeds, hempseed oil, kale, lettuce, olive oil, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, purslane, safflower oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil and wheatgerm, as well as some raw vegetable oils – but raw and cold pressed vegetable oil’s best as cooking the oil tends to negate its positive Omega-6 effects.

Omega-9

Another of the Omega fatty acids worth mentioning, Omega-9 is classed as a non-essential fatty acid. Monounsaturated oleic and stearic acid, as it’s scientifically referred to, is ‘non-essential’ because it’s naturally created – or synthesised – in the human body; at least, when the body’s consuming enough Omega-3 and Omega-6 it is.

If you’re not receiving satisfactory amounts of those two fatty acids, then it’s wise to alter your diet in order to ensure you’re resplendent in Omega-9 as well – not least as it’s believed to helpmaintain cardiovascular health and immune function. To that end then, Omega-9 fatty acids occur naturally in the likes of almonds, avocados, cashew nuts, chia seed oil, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios and olives and olive oil.

Fatty acid supplements

Unfortunately, of course, it may be that for whatever reason you’re not able to adjust your diet as much you’d like to get your fill of essential and non-essential fatty acids (for instance, should you have a nut allergy). Fear not, though, for salvation can be found in supplements – indeed, do check out the fatty acid section on our website because not only are the following three Omega-related supplements available from us at The Finchley Clinic, but many more as well:

Omegas

Complete Omegas 3:6:7:9 Gel Caps – easy to swallow gelatine capsules that provide the optimal ratio of the Omega fatty acids, including Omega-7 (from sea buckthorn), which on its own helps to nourish and replenish skin and mucous membrane tissue.

Mega-GLA-180-Capsules

Mega GLA Complex – contains Omega-6, along with Vitamin E to improve stability, the latter also acting as an antioxidant to help protect cells from oxidative stress.

BioCardio

BioCardio – derived from anchovies and sardines and flavoured with natural orange oil, this product can be consumed neat or mixed with water or juice to provide both EPA and DHA direct, crucial for maintaining heart health.

References:

1. Fortin P. R., Lew R. A., Liang M. H., Wright E. A., Beckett L. A., Chalmers T. C. and Sperling R. I. ‘Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis’. J Clin Epidemiol. Nov 1995. 48 (11): 1379-90.

2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ‘Health Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Asthma’. March 2004. Publication No. 04-E013-1.

3. Richardson A. J. and Montgomery P. ‘The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder’. Pediatrics. May 2005. 115 (5): 1360-6.

4. Wang C., Harris W. S., Chung M., Lichtenstein A. H., Balk E. M., Kupelnick B., Jordan H. S. and Lau J. ‘n-3 Fatty acids from fish or fish-oil supplements, but not alpha-linolenic acid, benefit cardiovascular disease outcomes in primary- and secondary-prevention studies: a systematic review’. Am J Clin Nutr. July 2006. 84 (1): 5-17.

5. McKenney J. M. and Sica D. ‘Prescription omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia’. Am J Health Syst Pharm. March 2007. 64 (6): 595-605.

6. Su K. P., Huang S. Y., Chiu C. C. and Shen W. W. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. Aug 2003. 13 (4): 267-71. Erratum in: Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. March 2004. 14 (2): 173.

7. Mita T., Watada H., Ogihara T., Nomiyama T., Ogawa O., Kinoshita J., Shimizu T., Hirose T., Tanaka Y. and Kawamori R. ‘Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces the progression of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes’. Atherosclerosis. March 2007. 191 (1): 162-7.

8. Morris M. C., Sacks F. and Rosner B. ‘Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials’. ACP J Club. Jan-Feb 1994.120 Suppl 1: 8-10.

9. Vanek C. and Connor W. E. ‘Do n-3 fatty acids prevent osteoporosis?’. Am J Clin Nutr. March 2007. 85 (3): 647-8.

10. University of Maryland Medical Center. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids overview’. The University of Maryland Medical System.

11. Augustsson K., Michaud D. S., Rimm E. B., Leitzmann M. F., Stampfer M. J., Willett W. C. and Giovannucci E. ‘A prospective study of intake of fish and marine fatty acids and prostate cancer’. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. Jan 2003. 12 (1): 64-7.

12. Simopoulos, A. P. ‘Evolutionary aspects of diet, the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and genetic variation: nutritional implications for chronic diseases’. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. July 2006. 60 (9): 502–507.

Toxin Reduction: Why You Should Consider A Chemical and Heavy Metal Cleanse

Toxins. Everybody’s heard of them, but how many of us are actually familiar with them? How many of us really know what they are, where they come from and just how many of them may be inside our bodies and doing us harm? If you’re unfamiliar with the topic of toxic chemicals and ‘heavy metals’, you might want to read on…

Toxins derived from food

Unfortunately, research suggests a good deal of the toxins that get into our bodies do so because we consume them in what we eat and drink. For instance, it’s worryingly common for industrial contaminants (the likes of dioxins, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs) and naturally-occurring contaminants (say, the bacterial Escherichia coli or E. coli and the fungi-derived aflatoxin) to find their way into our food.

By way of example then, although it’s eaten daily by billions of people around the globe, white bread contains chemicals that surely nobody would otherwise willingly put through their digestive and other bodily systems, what with the likes of chlorine, acetone peroxide, benzoyl peroxide and nitrogen dioxide all being used as regular oxidising agents in white bread’s flour. Meanwhile, like it or not, humble old table salt is often criticised by experts for its toxic effects on the body – so much so, in fact, the US nutritional organisation The Centre for Science in the Public Interest once referred to salt as ‘the single deadliest ingredient in the food supply’1.

And worth considering too is that in the United States ‘good’ gut bacteria-killing antibiotics are used (and therefore fed to) livestock as many as eight times more than they’re used to inoculate humans against disease2. This means that in that in the US alone, should you try to avoid antibiotics – because, among other things, they do no good at all for maintaining the all-important gut flora in your intestines – it’s still likely you’ll be consuming the chemicals they contain should you eat meat and drink milk.

Plus, like it or not, vegetarians don’t get off scot-free here because, beverage-wise, studies suggest as much as 70% of the coffee produced around the world features toxic pesticides – apparently just one cup could well contain in excess of 2,000 different gastrointestinal (and potentially carcinogenic) irritants. Something to consider the next time you think of stepping into that high-street coffee shop?

Toxins derived from elsewhere

As you may have guessed by now, the number of harmful toxins – chemicals and dangerous ‘heavy metals’ – that find their way into our bodies is pretty staggering. And it’s not just because they’re present in so much of the food and drink we buy and consume, but also all around us in our everyday environments.

For example, it’s often said that young children ought not to be mollycoddled in terms of the cleanliness of their environments so their immune systems develop normally and can work effectively in later life; however it’s also important to be aware of the facts here. Research has found that crawling about on a normal home’s floor will expose a baby to the likes of dust mites, mould and mildew – fair dos, you might say; yet this accounts for daily contamination in the infant’s lungs equivalent to four cigarettes3.

And speaking of looking after children, a study published in 2011 found that 10% of women of childbearing age possess a worryingly large amount of mercury in their bodies – it even concluded that some of them may have ‘potentially hazardous levels’ of the metal in their bloodstream3. Meanwhile, nowadays you’ll find another potentially dangerous chemical, fluoride, present in everything from infant formulas to toothpaste and mouthwash to bottled water even. Is fluoride really that hazardous? Well, one scientific study suggests that, once in the body, it can act as an endocrine disruptor that negatively affects the bones, the brain and the thyroid and pineal glands, as well as your blood sugar levels4.

And finally, there’s no question that, given so many of us spend so many hours in homes, offices and travel compartments installed with air conditioning, we should be aware of how potentially harmful today’s indoor environments can be. Believe it or not, a 1992 study discovered that indoor air pollution accounts for 1.6 million deaths annually (one loss of life every 20 seconds); the direct causes for these deaths being chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and pneumonia5. Now that’s surely something to make you think!

Toxin cleanse via supplements

Happily, however, it’s not all bad news on the toxin front. The modern lives we lead may expose us to wanton levels of toxic chemicals and ‘heavy metals’, but that’s not to say we can’t do anything about it. In addition to trying to ensure your diet is as natural and organic as possible (thus free of processed foods with all their potentially harmful, unnatural chemicals), you can easily perform a regular toxin removal via toxin cleanse supplements. Indeed, you’ll find the following three products – among many more – available on our website here at The Finchley Clinic. Why not check them out and discover just how much good they can do you…!

natural-toxin-remover

ORËÁ – a natural toxin remover that aids the elimination of the likes of lead, mercury, arsenic, biotoxins and solvents from the blood, organs, glands and cellular tissue.

green-magma

Green Magma (Barley Grass Powder) – an organic extract of young green barley juice; regular use of this product could well improve digestion, increase energy and aid detoxification.

crystal-energy-detoxification-supplement

Crystal Energy – a detoxification supplement that ensures the toxins in your body are rendered harmless and then effectively and naturally removed.

References:

1. Jacobson M. F. ‘Press conference on salt: the forgotten killer’. Center for Science in the Public Interest. Feb 2005.

2. Epstein S. S. ‘Potential public health hazards of biosynthetic milk hormones’. Int. J. Health Serv. 1990 20 (1): 73-84. Erratum in: Int. J. Health Serv. 1991 21 (2): 373.

3. ‘Blood and hair mercury levels in young children and women of childbearing age’. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 2001. 50 (08) 140-3.

4. ‘National Research Council Findings’. Fluoride Alert. http://fluoridealert.org/researchers/nrc/findings/. 2006.

5. Morris R. D., Audet A. M., Angelillo I. F., Chalmers T. C. and Mosteller F. ‘Chlorination, chlorination by-products, and cancer: a meta-analysis’. American Journal of Public Health. July 1992. Vol. 82 No. 7 pp. 955-963.