Monthly Archives: August 2017

BioCare Vitamin C, Liposomal Vitamin C, True Food Vitamin C, Vitamin C

Fighting Free Radicals, Heart Disease, Skin-Ageing and More: Vitamin C’s Benefits

Of all those essential nutrients we recognise as vitamins, few spring to mind so readily as Vitamin C. Why is that? Is it ‘healthier’ than the others? No, not necessarily; but it is incredibly important we all get our regular fill of it (as this article will outline). Actually, perhaps the reason it’s so mentioned and such a permanent fixture is because we – or rather, our bodies –have trouble with it; that is, they can’t store it naturally, ensuring we have to source it from our food and drink each and every day. And this means, since its discovery in 1930, there’s always been an understandably big to-do about the necessity to get as much Vitamin C as we can from dietary sources.

Just what Vitamin C – or ascorbic acid, to give its more scientifically precise name – does for our bodies makes for a very long list, indeed. It truly is indispensable. First up, it’s a highly effective antioxidant, which means it combats the harmful effects of free radicals1. For, unless stopped by antioxidants, each of these nasty single-electron molecules destroy other molecules – and cells – in the body in its attempt to try and find another electron with which to pair off and ‘complete’ itself. Should they be given a free rein, once they’ve found their way into the body, free radicals can run riot and contribute to serious conditions developing like arthritis, heart disease and even cancer1. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties are absolutely critical in making sure they don’t.

In this way, the vitamin helps to protect and maintain the health of the body’s cells and, thanks to its involvement in the creation of collagen, it plays a crucial role in supporting the structure of connective tissues throughout the body, given that collagen’s a protein involved in the production process of skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels1. Furthermore, Vitamin C’s a contributor to boosting the body’s iron levels (iron being a nutrient that’s a key ingredient of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the organs and cells it needs to reach). And, as if all that wasn’t enough, Vitamin C’s also just as crucial to wound healing here, there and everywhere in the body1.

Benefits of Vitamin C

As should now be clear then, this vitamin’s influence on the body – so long as it’s regularly consumed – is enormous and extremely varied. Its benefits extend into all areas of physical health; to be clear then, Vitamin C can help with all the following ailments:

  • High blood pressure – developing this condition runs the risk of eventually experiencing heart disease and a stroke; eating foods rich in Vitamin C isn’t just good for your overall health, but research suggests especially so for those at risk of high blood pressure2.
  • Skin-ageing – everybody’s skin ages; that’s just a natural rule, right? Well, yes, but it appears that regular Vitamin C consumption may help in the fight to keep your skin appear and feel healthy. Research suggests the higher the intake of the vitamin the less likely someone will experience a wrinkled appearance and the more likely their appearance will reflect healthy skin-ageing3.
  • Gout – a study has shown that Vitamin C can be associated with a lower risk of gout in men; the study’s results proved that, among its subjects, those that took Vitamin C supplementation reduced their risk by nearly a third (31%) and by upping their intake further they cut their risk by nearly one-half4.
  • Urinary tract infection – there may also be evidence to suggest that daily Vitamin C supplementation could reduce the chance of a urinary tract infection (UCI) developing in women while they’re pregnant; presumably because the nutrient is effective at preventing bacteria growing due to it adding a greater acidic content to urine5.
  • Macular degeneration – should you have advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it seems that Vitamin C – in collusion with zinc, beta-carotene and Vitamin E – can work to tackle this eye-destroying ailment (it’s the biggest cause of legal blindness in those over 55 years-old in the United States)6.
  • Asthma – not all studies have found that Vitamin C aids asthma treatment beyond all doubt, yet some research does seem to suggest that it could help reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma7.

Incorporating more Vitamin C into your diet

So much for what Vitamin C can do for your body, but seeing as this water-soluble nutrient isn’t naturally stored in the body, how can you ensure you get enough of it? Well, the traditional and simplest way is to do so through a healthy, sensible diet that’s deliberately rich in as many nutrients as you can reasonably squeeze into it.

To wit, the following foods are all excellent sources for Vitamin C: blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; cabbage; canned and fresh tomatoes; cantaloupe; cauliflower; citrus juices (and other juices fortified with Vitamin C); grapefruit; kiwis; mangoes; oranges; papayas; pineapples; potatoes; red and green peppers; watermelons; winter squash and finally, raw and lightly cooked leafy greens (turnip greens, spinach and more).

Vitamin C supplements

You may feel, however, that you’ll struggle to incorporate a majority, or even several of those above foods into your diet to get your fill of Vitamin C – or should you be a smoker (and are having trouble/ have no desire of giving up) you’ll no doubt find that improving your diet isn’t enough to get all the Vitamin C you need. What to do then? Well, you could, of course, turn to naturally-derived, non-synthetic, nutrient-rich products to supplement your diet’s Vitamin C content. For instance, take a glance out our ‘Vitamin C’ section here at The Finchley Clinic and you’ll see how many appropriate and highly beneficial supplements we stock – three examples of which are:

Liposomal-VitaminC

Liposomal Vitamin C – by deploying state-of-the-art technology, this product’s nutrients are blended with tiny nanoparticles (phospholipids) to ensure its Vitamin C reaches the body’s cells more precisely and simply; also contains aloe vera, potassium sorbate and Vitamin E.

True-Food-Vitamin-C

True Food Vitamin C – offering a potent form of the vitamin (thus large doses aren’t necessary), this product offers a food-based formula so it can be easily absorbed by the body; also comprises citrus bioflavonoids for additional immune support.

Vitamin-C-500mg

BioCare Vitamin C – a bio-available, buffered and low-acid source of Vitamin C; combined with magnesium and bilberry extract, the latter providing flavonoids for a potently high antioxidant content.

References:

  1. ‘Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)’. UmmEdu. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid. Last reviewed: 16 Jul 2013.
  2. Juraschek S. P., Guallar E., Appel L. J. and Miller E. R. ‘Effects of vitamin C supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012; 95 (5): 1079-88.
  3. Cosgrove M. C., Franco O. H., Granger S. P., Murray P. G. and Mayes A. E. ‘Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women’. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct; 86 (4): 1225-31.
  4. Choi H. K., Gao X. and Curhan G. ‘Vitamin C Intake and the Risk of Gout in Men – A Prospective Study’. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Mar; 169 (5): 502–507. doi: 10.1001/archinternmed.2008.606.
  5. Beerepoot M. and Geerlings S. ‘Non-Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Urinary Tract Infections’. Pathogens. 2016 Jun; 5 (2): 36. Published online 2016. Apr 16. doi: 10.3390/pathogens5020036.
  6. Zheng S. J., Rautiainen S., Lindblad B. E., Morgenstern R. and Wolk A. ‘High-dose supplements of vitamins C and E, low-dose multivitamins, and the risk of age-related macular degeneration’. Am J Epidemiol. 2013; 177 (6): 548-55.
  7. Kaur B., Rowe B. H. and Ram F. S. ‘Vitamin C supplementation for asthma (Cochrane Review)’. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001; 4: CD000993.
Maca, Prostate health, Saw Palmetto Complex

Protecting Your Prostate: The Benefits of A Balanced Diet And Supplements

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re bound to have heard of the prostate – even though it’s a gland that only occurs in the male body. Shaped and sized like a walnut, it’s situated between the bladder and the penis and plays a pivotal role in successful sexual activity for a man, being that it produces a proportion of the fluid in semen; specifically, this fluid nourishes and protects sperm.

By and large, though, the prostate has made a name for itself over recent decades because of what can go wrong with it; as men get older the prostate tends to enlarge and, although in two-thirds of those aged over 50 this isn’t an issue, in doing so it can press into the tube that transports urine from the bladder, thus causing urinary problems (benign prostate enlargement). It may also swell due to an infection (prostatitis) or, as is becoming ever more widely known, could be the source of cancer developing in the body. In fact, prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease among UK men – more than 47,000 men in Britain are diagnosed each year and more than 11,000 die from it annually1. Those statistics sound stark – let’s not pretend they don’t – but, if it’s diagnosed early, survival from prostate cancer is more than likely; 90% of those diagnosed early live at least five more years and 65-90% live at least 10 more years2.

Considering those facts then, it becomes obvious it’s imperative for men to check their prostate regularly (feeling for any potential cancerous lumps) and to see their doctor as soon as possible if they think they’ve found anything. That said; every man should also seek to look after their prostate, hopefully aiding the body to ensure cancer and other ailments are kept at bay from the gland. And a highly advisable way to do this is through diet.

Adopting a balanced diet

Just to be clear, sensible, good nutrition on its own is not going to prevent prostate problems, but the chances are adopting a balanced diet that’s nutrient-rich and full of heart-healthy foods in place of those sugary, saturate fat-packed snacks will reduce the risk of such problems taking root and developing2. So, what should such a balanced diet comprise? What are particularly good foods for prostate health? Here are some suggestions:

  • Berries – what recommends the likes of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries is that they’re full to the brim with Vitamin C and antioxidants. So what, you may ask? Well, because antioxidants battle and kill off free radicals, they reduce cancer risk as free radicals are harmful molecules that like nothing more than attacking healthy cells, leaving them vulnerable to cancer3. It’s also believed Vitamin C may be particularly effective in reducing prostate swelling and promoting urination. Also for Vitamin C, you might turn to broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits, mangoes and spinach.
  • Fatty fish – not only do the Omega-3 fatty acids in certain fish (like anchovies, herring, sardines, tuna and wild salmon) do great work in lowering cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and reduce the chances of heart attack, they can also increase prostate health4 and lower the risk of prostate cancer5 – it’s thought this may be because they offer great anti-inflammatory benefits, thus inhibiting potential tumour growth.
  • Brazil nuts – nuts in general contain lots of healthy fats and are good for brain health; however, Brazil nuts are specifically advisable for prostate health owing to their high levels of selenium, according to research6. Additionally, almonds, pecans and walnuts are all thought to be good for men’s general health.
  • Beans, chia and hemp seeds – fantastic for your diet’s protein needs; beans, chia and hemp seeds may promote prostate health owing to all the fibre they contain7 (one cup of such beans comprises around 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fibre). Note that hemps seeds also contain essential amino acids.
  • Green tea – like many nuts, green tea is thought to improve memory and attention span and like fatty fish it’s thought to be good for lowering cholesterol, but (like every food type in this list), evidence suggests it may also promote prostate health; in particular, helping to protect against prostate cancer8.
  • Watermelon – free of saturate fats and sodium and bursting with Vitamins A and C, this colourful, lively food is also an excellent source of the handy antioxidant lycopene; a chemical that not only gives this fruit (and tomatoes) their colour but may well reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer9. Estimates suggest a cup-and-a-half of watermelon comprises between 9-12 milligrams of lycopene.

Prostate supplements

Undoubtedly then, adjusting your diet and including in it the above, wonderfully healthy foods could do your prostate health an awful lot of good. That said, in today’s world it’s not always as easy done as it is said to revolutionise one’s diet and keep it on ‘the straight and narrow’. Some of the healthiest foods aren’t always that simple to come by and, depending on other health issues, certain foods may even be off-limits for some individuals.

In which case, to reduce the risks of prostate-related ailments, you may wish to embellish an improved diet via natural supplementation. Do check out the ‘Prostate Health’ section of our website – where you’ll find a good number of supplements (including the following) available to buy through us at The Finchley Clinic:

Saw-Palmetto-Complex

Saw Palmetto Complex – formerly known as Prostate Complex, this supplement comprises a synergistic offering of ingredients, specifically blended together to support the healthy functioning of the prostate gland and urinary tract; contains saw palmetto, lycopene, zinc, selenium, celery seed, beta sitosterol, l-glycine, l-alanine and Vitamins A and B6.

prostrex

Prostrex Natural Prostate Balance Supplement – a combination of premium herbs, designed to encourage a healthy prostate, support normal urinary function and provide nutrition for ageing; ingredients include organic forms of turmeric, pumpkin seed, smartweed, fulvic acid, stinging nettle and saw palmetto.

maca-180-capsules

Maca – a traditional Peruvian herb that may protect against prostate cancer (and help promote all-round prostate health) owing to its high concentration of glucosinolate, a compound known to contain anti-cancer properties; Maca’s also reputed for combatting fatigue, increasing stamina and libido, supporting the adrenal glands and aiding hormonal system balance.

References:

1. ‘Know your prostate’. NHS Choices. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Prostatehealth/Pages/knowyourprostate.aspx. Last reviewed: 20 Nov 2016.

2. George N. ‘6 Superfoods for a Healthy Prostate’. Everydayhealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/superfoods-for-a-healthy-prostate. Last updated: 19 Feb 2015.

3. ‘Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention’. Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/antioxidants-fact-sheet. Last reviewed: 16 Jan 2014.

4. Dewailly E., Mulvad G., Sloth Pedersen H., Hansen J. C., Behrendt N. and Hart Hansen J. P. ‘Inuit are protected against prostate cancer’. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2003 Sep; 12 (9): 926-7.

5. Reese A. C., Fradet V. and Witte J. S. ‘Omega-3 fatty acids, genetic variants in COX-2 and prostate cancer.’ J Nutrigenet Nutrigenomics. 2009; 2 (3): 149-58. doi: 10.1159/000235565. Epub 2009 Sep 23.

6. Kumi-Diaka J., Merchant K., Haces A., Hormann V. and Johnson M. ‘Genistein-Selenium Combination Induces Growth Arrest in Prostate Cancer Cells’. Journal of Medicinal Food. July 2010, 13 (4): 842-850. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2009.0199.

7. Raina K., Ravichandran K., Rajamanickam S., Huber K. M., Serkova N. J. and Agarwal R. ‘Inositol Hexaphosphate Inhibits Tumor Growth, Vascularity, and Metabolism in TRAMP Mice: A Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Study’. Cancer Prev Res. 2013 Jan. 6 (1); 40–50. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-12-0387.

8. Zheng J., Yang B., Huang T., Yu Y., Yang J. and Li D. ‘Green tea and black tea consumption and prostate cancer risk: an exploratory meta-analysis of observational studies’. Nutr Cancer. 2011; 63 (5): 663-72. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2011.570895. Epub 2011 Jun 11.

9. Soares N. C., Teodoro A. J., Oliveira F. L., Santos C. A., Takiya C. M., Junior O. S., Bianco M., Junior A. P., Nasciutti L. E., Ferreira L. B. et al. ‘Influence of lycopene on cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis of human prostate cancer and benign hyperplastic cells’. Nutr. Cancer. 2013. 65: 1076–1085.

Ginseng, Ginseng Fuzion, Mitoguard, Vyta-Myn Complex

Super Ginseng: The Multiple Health Benefits of The Legendary Plane Extract

Would you believe it if you were told that there’s a plant in existence whose properties are so beneficial for the human body it can help with everything from maintaining good brain function to preventing inflammation; from lowering blood-sugar levels to treating the symptoms of menopause to combating erectile dysfunction. Perhaps not, right? But you ought to because ginseng can do all this – and more.

Having been a favourite herbal remedy throughout the many civilisations of Asia and North America for thousands of years, its fame has spread far and wide in the last century and is now a popular supplement in every corner of the earth. Six million people in the United States alone take ginseng on a regular basis – but just what is it they’re consuming?

Ginseng – the lowdown

As noted, the ginseng plant – belonging to the genus Panax of the Araliaceae flora family – occurs in Asia and the Americas and, in total, there are 11 different species. Perhaps the most reputed and commonly used species as supplement-based extracts are American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Korean/ Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Yet, for all its renown, the plant is yet to meet universal approval across the entire medical community; although evidence continues to mount – not least first-hand proof among ordinary members of the public – of its profoundly beneficial attributes. In which case then, let’s take a closer look at some of the extract’s major health-giving properties.

Positive mood and stress reduction

One of ginseng’s most lauded benefits is its effect on mental outlook and its relaxing properties. When it comes to mood, a UK-based study found that, over the course of an eight-day period, just 200 milligrams of ginseng each day slowed a fall in mood among the study’s participants1, while Indian-based research discovered that Panax ginseng, when consumed by rats, could be used to treat stress-induced illness owing to possessing ‘significant’ anti-stress properties2.

Anti-inflammatory benefits

As you’re probably aware, any chemical or supplement ingredient that possesses anti-inflammatory properties is capable of aiding in the body’s efforts to reduce swelling (in other words, inflammation). How does ginseng excel here? Well, a 2011 study conducted in China (again, on rats) found that Korean red ginseng not only reduced inflammation in their bodies – which, if left untreated, could contribute enormously to the development of many diseases – but also tackled inflammatory damage to their brains3.

Cognitive performance

Let’s be honest; who among us couldn’t do with feeling a little sharper of mind; a little faster of thought; a little more intelligent? Well, evidence suggests that ginseng ably stimulates brain cells, thus helping to improve concentration and cognitive performance. A study showed that the consumption of Panax ginseng root for 12 weeks among people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease impressively improved their mental capabilities – indeed, this trend of improvement continued for three months4. Tantalisingly then, these results suggest ginseng may even have the capacity to be considered a treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Combating sexual dysfunction

One of the most widely considered benefits of ginseng is that it can help men recover a fall in sexual libido. Indeed, a 2008 study using Korean red ginseng appeared to bear out this very fact; out of 28 reviewed but randomised clinical studies of erectile dysfunction, all of them reported positive effects when it came to the consumption of ginseng coinciding with an improvement in sexual arousal5. Furthermore, other research discovered that ginseng works effectively in facilitating penile erections thanks to helping dilate blood vessels and thus relaxing the penis’s erectile tissue6, while the plant’s chemical make-up also works to improve sexual desire directly in the brain by targeting the central nervous system and thus altering activity in the body’s biggest and most complex organ to boost hormonal activity.

Targeting menopause symptoms

Away from what ginseng can do for men, it seems it can also be of significant use to women – or, more specifically, women experiencing the uncomfortable, unflattering and sometimes downright difficult symptoms of menopause. A certain amount of evidence suggests that ginseng can aid them through such menopausal experiences as mood swings, nights sweats and hot flushes during the day, irritability, decreased sex drive (again), weight gain and insomnia – three different clinical trials have suggested that Korean red ginseng can aid in increasing sexual arousal, boost well-being and general health and thus reduce depressive thoughts and behaviour among menopausal individuals7.

Controlling blood-sugar levels

For those suffering from type 2 diabetes, it also appears ginseng may be of major benefit. This is because it can effectively lower blood-sugar levels, so a recent UK-based study found – taking Panax ginseng may result in reduced blood glucose levels just a single hour after glucose consumption, thus underlining the fact ginseng is efficient when it comes to maintaining glucoregulation8. Moreover, ginseng also appears to aid type 2 diabetes sufferers when it comes to boosting their insulin sensitivity (something their bodies are chiefly and dangerously lacking in because of the condition)9.

Boosting immunity

Finally, as if all that wasn’t enough, ginseng is also a dab hand at increasing the efficacy of the human body’s immune system, thus aiding it in its constant fight to keep at bay infection, illness and potential disease. This – rather like its use for driving up sexual libido – isn’t much of a surprise, as ginseng extracts have been used for centuries as an immune homeostasis. Nonetheless, recent research seems to prove it – pointing to the fact that ginseng is capable of regulating every kind of immune cell (including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and the elaborately named natural killer cells). Specific evidence can be gleaned from studies conducted on mice that demonstrated the plant’s ingredients worked to reduce the amount of bacteria present in the animals’ blood, kidneys and spleens, thus helping to safeguard them from septic death owing to inflammation10.

Ginseng supplements

So, should you be convinced of all the beneficial effects for the body and mind ginseng provides (and, as said, those outlined above are far from all of them), where you might be wondering can you realistically get your hands on this most positively potent plant extract? Your best bet is in the form of natural supplementation. By all means visit our website’s ‘Ginseng’ section to see all such products we stock here at The Finchley Clinic – examples of which include:

ginseng-fuzion

Ginseng Fuzion – a ground-breaking ginseng supplement that’s a blend of six different types of powerful adaptogens for maximum benefits.

vytamyn-complex

Vyta-Myn Complex – a specialist multivitamin-mineral blend, comprising boosted Vitamin B5 and Vitamin A, in addition to Siberian ginseng; designed to provide the body with much-needed, considerable nutritional support.

mitoguard

Mitoguard – provides a combination of Korean Ginseng, D-Ribose, CoQ10, B Vitamins, NADH and antioxidants; designed to maintain mitochondria function and support energy balance.

 

References:

  1. Reay J. L., Scholey A. B. and Kennedy D. O. ‘Panax ginseng (G115) improves aspects of working memory performance and subjective ratings of calmness in healthy young adults’. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2010 Aug; 25 (6): 462-71. doi: 10.1002/hup.1138.
  2. Rai D., Bhatia G., Sen T. and Palit G. ‘Anti-stress effects of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng: a comparative study’. J Pharmacol Sci. 2003 Dec; 93 (4): 458-64.
  3. Lee J. S., Choi H. S., Kang S. W., Chung J. H., Park H. K., Ban J. Y., Kwon O. Y., Hong H. P. and Ko Y. G. ‘Therapeutic effect of Korean red ginseng on inflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury’. Am J Chin Med. 2011; 39 (1): 83-94.
  4. Lee S. T., Chu K., Sim J. Y., Heo J. H. and Kim M. ‘Panax ginseng enhances cognitive performance in Alzheimer disease’. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord. 2008 Jul-Sep; 22 (3): 222-6. doi: 10.1097/WAD.0b013e31816c92e6.
  5. Jang D. J., Myeong S. L., Shin B.-C., Lee Y.-C. and Ernst E. ‘Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review’. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Oct; 66 (4): 444–450. 2008 Aug. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2008.03236.x.
  6. Murphy L. L. and Lee T. J. ‘Ginseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide’. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May; 962: 372-7.
  7. Kim H. S., Yoon Y. J., Lee J. M., Lee C. H., Jang J. B., Lee K. S. and Cho J. H. ‘A clinical study on the effect of red ginseng for postmenopausal hot flushes’. J Orient Obstet Gynecol. 2009; 22: 132–139.
  8. Reay J. L., Kennedy D. O. and Scholey A. B. ‘Effects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained “mentally demanding” tasks’. J Psychopharmacol. 2006 Nov; 20 (6): 771-81. Epub 2006 Jan 9.
  9. Gao Y., Yang M.-F., Su Y.-P., Jiang H.-M., You X.-Y., Yang Y.-J. and Zhang H.-L. ‘Ginsenoside re-reduces insulin resistance through activation of PPAR-γ pathway and inhibition of TNF-α production’. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Vol 147; Issue 2; 2013 May; pp 509-516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.057.
  10. Kang S. and Min H. ‘Ginseng, the “Immunity Boost”: The Effects of Panax ginseng on Immune System’. J Ginseng Res. 2012 Oct; 36 (4): 354–368. doi: 10.5142/jgr.2012.36.4.354.
Burbur-Pinella, Detoxification, Liposomal Glutathione, OREA

The Detoxification Lowdown: Removing Toxins from Your Body Naturally

Chances are you’ve heard of toxins. And if you’ve heard of toxins you’ll have probably have heard of detoxification – which, in simple terms, is the practice of removing toxins from the body. A large array of different illnesses can be caused by the consumption and absorption of toxins – or toxic substances – into the body. To that end then, detoxification is all about reducing the opportunity for these ailments and conditions to develop or, should they have already developed, treating them via a number of tests and techniques – many of the latter ideally being derived from natural sources.

What can detoxification do for you?

As noted then, giving your body a detox may prove to be of great benefit should you suffer from one or more of many varied chronic diseases or conditions. What sort of ailments are we talking about here? Well, everything from diabetes to digestive disorders; high cholesterol to low blood-sugar levels; allergies to arthritis; anxiety to depression; and obesity to chronic infections. Essentially, the reason for this is because all these conditions are likely to be – whether you’re aware of it or not – influenced by environmental factors. Of course, some people can be exposed to high levels of toxic substances due to their occupation and living arrangement or merely by accident, but unfortunately in today’s world, billions of us are increasingly being exposed to more and more toxins on a daily basis.

Furthermore, if you’re a long-time sufferer of immunity issues or one or more allergies then there’s a good chance that detoxification – via testing and a resultant toxin cleanse – could do you a lot of good. Indeed, it may be that in these cases, conventional modern, synthetic medicine has both failed to correctly diagnose and successfully treat exactly what’s wrong with you – the likes of chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, environmental illness or fibromyalgia (a body-wide pain-causing condition that also inhibits mental/ memory function). Symptoms to such conditions are obviously very varied, but together commonly include allergic reactions, hypersensitivity to commonplace chemicals and materials, insomnia, reduced resistance to infection, low-grade fever, insomnia, aches and pains and intolerance to particular food ingredients. If you find yourself often – or simultaneously – suffering from these symptoms, don’t doubt it; detoxification could well help.

The origins of detoxification

As you may have guessed, the idea of purifying the body of harmful things that find their way into it isn’t new. Civilisations have for centuries believed in, nay sworn by their versions of detoxification. Indeed, in the practice of medicine across the millennia, fasting has been deployed as a ‘purifying’ technique since the year dot – the ‘father’ of Western medicine, the ancient Greek visionary Hippocrates (on whose name modern doctors take their oath), highly recommended fasting.

You may also be aware that detoxification traditionally plays a prominent role in so-called alternative medicine – much of whose philosophy and techniques are derived from those of age-old civilisations. And now, conventional medicine is also waking up to the power of cleansing the body of toxins and detoxification benefits; appreciating, as it now does, the influential role environmental factors play in a worryingly high number of ailments. Asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity and, indeed, cancer are all examples of such illnesses that are often attributable to (multiple) toxin or allergen exposure. Believe it or not, the United States’ Centers for Disease Control now claims that the cause behind more than eight in every 10 illnesses lies in environmental or lifestyle factors.

It’s not the just the experts who are waking up to the positive power of detox, however; increasingly so large numbers of the public are too. For instance, more and more people are seeking to rid their bodies of ‘heavy metal’ poisoning via detoxification. The toxicity of ‘heavy metals’, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, can do untold damage to the human body.

Toxin bioaccumulation

Meanwhile, through media coverage, people are becoming ever more aware of the dangers posed by synthetic agriculture chemicals, which find their way not just into the food we eat, but also the water we drink and even the air we breathe in. There’s much debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in crops, but the use of pesticides and herbicides in agriculture is far from diminishing – in the US alone, almost 4.5kg of the stuff is in the food supply, per person per year.

To that end, it’s become almost impossible to avoid the toxins present in much of the food, drink and more we consume everyday. The pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops aren’t just present in these crops then, but in the fatty tissue of animals that feed on them and these animals, like it or not, tend also to be injected with synthetic hormones and antibiotics; all of which we, as human beings at the top of the food chain, readily consume. So we’re exposed to the full gamut of harmful chemicals added at the different stages of the agricultural process. Experts refer to this as a bioaccumulation of toxins – and it’s precisely this that, over the years, can cause ailments like asthma, chronic fatigue, hypersensitivity to various chemicals and more. All of which means then that people by the barrel-load are turning to detoxification treatment.

Detoxification treatment

So what does detoxification actually involve? The term ‘toxin cleanse’ has cropped up in this article already, but there are one or two things that should take place before the cleansing proper begins. The first all-important step should be eliminating exposure to as many toxic and/ or allergenic substances and materials as possible. Ideally, this should be informed by tests carried out by a trained healthcare professional. That said (as mentioned above), if conventional medicine and its application has failed to pinpoint the actual cause for a sufferer’s ailments then they might conclude to just start eliminating, one by one, as many toxic sources in their life and the environment around them as they can – as Sherlock Holmes opined, once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth!

So, in this scenario, what should you seek to cut out of your everyday experience? Well, think along the lines of heavy metals and other potentially harmful chemicals you come into contact with; that includes then radiation sources (microwaves and x-rays, for instance); polluted water; pesticide- and herbicide-rich food; unnecessary synthetic medication and drugs; caffeine and alcohol; and perfume and scents. The sort of thinking you should apply here extends even to your teeth – do you have fillings? Depending on your age they may have trace levels of harmful mercury; if so, look to have them removed.

Having taken these steps then, you can now move on to the toxin cleanse. First of all, this takes the form of dietary alterations. Switching to a better all-round diet focused on fresh (preferably) organic food and definitely cutting out sugar-heavy, saturate-fat-packed foods is highly advisable, but adopting specific foods here will also aid detoxification (often those that are high in fibre and low in fat; raw vegetable- and fruit-based foods usually get a big up-tick). It’s best to check with a nutritionist and ask them what they advise for you personally.

Detoxification supplements

The second element in your toxin cleanse could well be naturally-derived nutritional supplements crammed full of vitamins and minerals – and so the amino acids, essential fatty acids and antioxidants that are brilliant for driving the flushing out of the digestive and gastrointestinal systems. It’s common among those seeking detox-focused products to go for those that will aid a liver cleanse or a kidney cleanse, or both; it’s an excellent idea, certainly. For starters, though, you may want to take a look at the ‘Detoxification’ section of our website – indeed, by way of example; at The Finchley Clinic we sell (among many detox-promoting products) the following supplements:

burbur-pinella

Burbur-Pinella – a synergistic combination of the plant extracts Burbur (great for blood, kidney, liver and lymphatic system detoxification) and Pinella (for detoxing the nerves in the brain of aluminium and mercury and supporting the immune system).

liposomal-glutathione

Liposomal Glutathione – supporting detoxification, immune health and skin health, the chemical Liposomal is the body’s primary detoxifier and a potent antioxidant; it’s provided in this supplement via the latest, state-of-the-art technique to ensure product stability.

orea

ORËÁ – a whole-body supplement that aims to remove environmental toxins such as biotoxins, heavy metals and solvents from the blood, organs, glands and cellular tissue.

General Health & Nutrition

A clean colon and a less bloated tummy…

Colosan Colon Cleanser – We have not increased the price in nearly 20 years!!!

In 1999 I began selling an oxygen based bowel and colon cleanser to a few patients – Colosan. My original purpose was to give provide my clients with a product designed to improve the oxygenation of the whole body, for overall optimal health and increased energy, with any colon cleansing effect being a secondary and almost unintended benefit. But in practise I almost immediately started getting good feedback on it primarily for general detoxification, for colon cleansing on higher dosages, and as a healthy non toxic, non irritating approach to relieving constipation, which could be used on an ongoing basis usually on lower dosages.

I originally sold it for £27 per bottle plus £2 postage for a total of £29. If you had told me then that I would still be selling it in 2017, and for less than I charged in 1999, and that some of the customers who had been purchasing it then would still be buying it today, I wouldn’t have believed it. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what has happened.

Colosan Powder vs Capsules

In those days it was only available in the powder form, and the only reason it later became available later in capsules was because of pestering by me as my sway over the supplier increased as the sales increased. These days the capsules outsell the powder by 3 to 1 because of the added convenience, even though the powder is actually much better value for money.

Below is a screen shot of how we were advertising it back in the day. At that time, we didn’t take credit or debit cards, on the internet or by phone and PayPal didn’t even exist! If you wanted it, you had to either pick it up from my clinic in London, or send us a cheque, wait for it to be paid into the bank, and wait for me or my assistant at the time to have time to take the packages that had been ordered down to the post office once or twice a week. Yep, we were pretty professional in those early days.

 

And this is how we were adveritsing it a year later

 

These days, I have to emphasise that we have stepped away from claiming the antimicrobial effects shown in the screen shots above on the web site, as such claims do not comply with the EU Health and Nutrition Directive, which was formulated to protect the pharmaceutical industry . Whoops, that was a typo, we meant consumers. Therefore the comments in the above images, should be disregarded.

Nowadays I would like to think our web site is a bit less naive, even though we are not slick as some of the big boys in the industry.

A bit more about Colosan

Colosan is as its name implies is designed for a sanitary colosan (colo referring to the colon and “san” relating to sanitation, cleanliness etc). Indeed, the cleansing of the digestive tract is an important first step in any health regimen. You have to clean up before you repair and rebuild. By eliminating built up toxins first, you provide the body with an opportunity to restore vitality. There is no better way to clear the colon than with oxygen due to it’s effectiveness and gentleness. Colosan reduces unwelcome matter to carbon dioxide, waste and water.  The gentle oxidising action of Colosan as well as being a cleanser, is a wonderful natural laxative. By comparison, other forms of laxative are cathartics or purgatives. Amphetamines used as diuretics, are addictive and cause the body to dump its’ valuable water. Herbal laxatives work by employing micro toxins, or small poisons, to produce the same effect of purging valuable water in order to flush the digestive tract. These two methods drain the body of necessary fluids in their attempt to wash out the system and do not contribute to good health. For a thorough cleanse, oxygen is a more sensible and gentle method.

Benefits of Colosan

Constipation also creates a perfect environment for candida, bacteria, germs and other toxins. By eliminating the sluggish bowels with Colosan, you can prevent these micro-organisms from proliferating.

Improves Nutrient Absorption – Cleaning the surfaces of the intestines can improve nutrient assimilation. Nature designed the intestines with a maximum amount of surface area. There are thousands of finger like projections called villi. If the villi are caked with muck, nutrient assimilation is impaired.

For detoxification, colosan helps to prevent what is commonly referred to as a healing crisis or detox reaction that individuals undertaking a cleansing will frequently encounter. This comes about as a result of cleaning out the bloodstream, lymph or organs without first cleaning the primary organ of elimination – the colon. By cleaning out the colon with Colosan or Colosan Capsules, this unpleasantry can be a thing of the past.

Healthy People often rely on Colosan for keeping their colon clean. It is often the first thing to resort to if you’re lacking energy, not feeling well or sense a bug coming on. You’ll love the clean aerobic feeling and increased energy

Colon Therapists love Colosan because it enables them to clean the entire 21 feet of the digestive tract as well as loosening the impacted material in the colon. By giving Colosan to their patients prior to the colonic they can effect a more thorough colon hydrotherapy treatment. Taking Colosan after a colonic continues its beneficial effects.

Candida Yeast Sufferers – Revere Colosan saying that it is the only thing that restores sanity. Colosan dissolves the crud that the yeast is growing in and creates an aerobic environment where beneficial flora can thrive and keep candida in check.

Comments from Customers

by Joan B – Date Added: Monday 1 May 2017
I have been using colosan and Mag 07 for a number of years and alternate between the two. My colon health has improved tremendously. I now only need the product when something has upset my stomach or i feel in need of some maintenance. I have happily recommended oxygen health to many others who feedback the same results. thank you for making this product available.

by Simmone G – Date Added: Tuesday 24 January 2017
Hi I have been using colosan for a bit now it works really well in clearing you out. I use 3 heaped table spoons into half a pint of water followed by squeeze of half a lemon. I did however take a break from colosan for 7 days and used oxy-powder as colosan wasn’t giving me the clear out. It still did the job but not quite as good. But I used again and it worked like a charm. It is important the day you use it to eat plenty of fruits and veg and take the colosan on an empty stomach before going to bed and you will get an entire clear out. Please don’t ever stop making this product its saving lives thank you so much.

by Simmone G – Date Added: Monday 21 November 2016
I have used colosan powder and it works fantastic for a good cleansing, I take it at night 3 table spoons with a pint of water and a squeeze of lemon and it works better throughout the night . Don’t ever stop making this stuff it saves lives thank u so much

by Anna B – Date Added: Thursday 27 October 2016
I have used Colosan capsules on and off over the past few years, I switched to the capsules from the powder form for convenience. Personally I found the powder form more effective although stopped using it as I didn’t like the chalky taste! I find that I can experience quite strong reactions to the product when taking higher doses so usually stick to just one or two capsules and would recommend building up to a higher dose if you have a sensitive system.

by Tatiana F – Date Added: Saturday 15 October 2016
Colosan Powder is my best friend for detox days. Over three years together with my husband we follow 5:2 diet promoted by Michael Mosley: 5 days a week we have normal food, 2 days we have one light meal in the middle of the day. We call these two days D-day, Detox-day. A night prior the D-Day we have very light dinner, and before sleep take 1tea spoon of Colosan mixed in 200ml of water. Immediately followed by juice from ½ lemon mixed with 150-200 ml of water. The same repeat nest day before sleep. Using t this “formula” twice a week we can control our weight in norm and enjoy our favourite food 5 days a week. Problem with chronicle constipation disappeared as well as bloating. Water regime is essential key to success: HOT tea with ginger and lemon (honey )

by Maria B – Date Added: Monday 29 August 2016
I take this to support regular bowel movements. I take 3 capsules with 1.5 glasses of water every 3 to 4 days. Have found it not only helps me stay regular, but feel quite clear-headed on the day I take it. I tried 4 capsules once – never again. Had to go to the bathroom about 4 times within 16hrs. 2 capsules just gives a clear-headed feeling.

by Sharon S – Date Added: Thursday 4 August 2016
I have been using both Mag 07 and Colosan for a long time. Personally I find them both t be effective, however for me Colosan has the edge over Mag 07. Nonetheless I buy both because Mag 07 is more economical than colosan

by Navlet S – Date Added: Friday 15 July 2016
I find Colosan very effective. When I travel I take it along with me as its my best friend. I also introduced my sister in law and graundaughter to it, and they also find it very effective. I usually take 1 teaspoon in apple juice. I do not use the lemon juice as recommended on the label, as I have high stomach acid already and am on medication to reduce it, but the colosan works even without the lemon juice.

by Marianna M – Date Added: Thursday 7 July 2016
I have been using this product for several months now and after an initial cleansing of 1 spoon a day for 7 days, I now only use 1 spoonful once a week to keep on top of things. It works very well and I noticed the benefits immediately. Highly recommend it.

by Jill G – Date Added: Monday 4 April 2016
I love this product for constipation. I find it relieves it easily, effectively and gently. I don’t use it on a regular basis but like to have it there for if I need it as I know I can depend on it. I only need to take a teaspoon and would advise to start with the lowest recommended dose when first taking to assess how it affects you as when I increased the dose I had quite frequent trips to the loo! The only downside, in my view, is the taste, which I’d describe as a bit chalky. However, the benefits outweigh it and I am a repeat customer of this product.

Price increases coming soon

We have held the price of Colosan stable for the best part of 20 years! However with the current weakness of the pound against the dollar, we will be increasing the price soon – probably to £31.99 for single bottles. So enjoy it at £27.99 while we can still provide it at this price.

Colosan vs Oxy-Powder vs Mag 07

We get asked all the time which of these three colon cleanse products is the best one. The truth is, if there was one that was the best one, all of the time for everyone, we woudn’t waste our time selling three rival brands. Why would we? The truth is that individual results vary, and no matter what your friend or practitioner has told you about which one is the “best” one, the best one is simply the one that works best for you. That’s my opinion, no matter how much it irritates my suppliers, all of whom want to me tell our customers that their one is the “best” one, or in some cases “the only one” that’s any good.

Combining Colosan / Oxy-Powder / Mag 07 with Colon Hydrotherapy treatment

These products work wonderfully in your own right, but if you are having colon hydrotherapy, the two together will work together splendidly. In fact we have quite a few colonic irrigation practitioners who refer their clients to us for these products, to be used in combination with their treatment.

You can purchase Colosan and all the Oxygen Colon Cleansers here

General note, you may have noticed that a lot of information on our products has been removed recently. The result is that a lot of the product description’s are now extremely vague. This is because of petty interference by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency, and even pettier EU regulations. This is doing huge damage to our sales, and it is very frustrating. We’ve even had to change some of the product images, in order to remove the words “colon” and “cleanser”. This is according MHRA, and the unelected EU officials who created the regulations in order to “protect” you as the consumer. 

We’ve also been forced to remove product reviews. This is also because MHRA and EU say you need to be “protected”. Isn’t it wonderful to be “protected” by them? I have noticed with interest what an amazing job they do at “protecting” us from the damage done to us by orthodox medicines. This would doubtless explain why there are ‘only’ 40,000 deaths per year in the UK as a result of correctly prescribed medications and treatments, and countless more through incorrectly prescribed medications and treatments.

(By the way, you can still write reviews, we keep them in our archives, and you will still get 500 reward points each time you write one).

However in my newsletters I intend to continue to provide my opinion on how our products work and how they help people. I hope there is enough semblence of free speech left that I can continue to at least do that.

Mark G. Lester
Director – The Finchley Clinic Ltd
www.thefinchleyclinic.com

Androtex, Female Fuzion, Nutramedix Libido Support, Sexual Health & Libido

Does Your Libido Need A Boost? Give Natural Supplements A Try

Unfortunately, decreased sexual libido – often referred to as sexual dysfunction (especially in men) – may prove embarrassing to talk about and address for many people, mostly owing to social convention and the natural privacy that tends to surround sexual activity. And, perhaps because of that reason, when things aren’t right in the bedroom, so the saying goes, a good number of people turn to synthetic medication – in other words, tablets – to treat whatever may be wrong. Sure, this keeps things as private as possible, but is it the right solution? Well, in too many cases pills may actually make things worse (they do tend to cause side-effects), so is there anything you can do to stimulate libido in a more natural way? The answer is a resounding yes – there are several different things you can look to try.

Get up and get exercising

This first step shouldn’t come as any sort of surprise when you think about it; physical intimacy is a physical activity so other kinds of physical activity will surely only help when it comes to reinforcing, strengthening and reigniting libido. Indeed, research proves that men suffering from impotence tend to get more out of their specific erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment when they combine it with general, sensible exercise1.

Such beneficial exercise shouldn’t just be restricted to men, though. One of the reasons women tend to experience a loss – sometimes dramatically so – of sexual desire is due to depression (and this can only be exacerbated by side-effects of certain antidepressant medication). Yet, recent research suggests that, thanks to exercise before engaging in physical intimacy, women in such a situation enjoy an increased experience and more satisfying response to the sexual act2.

… And don’t forget to exercise your mind

Don’t doubt it; stimulating your mind with also help with your sexual stimulation – so much of which is down to the effect it engenders in the mind, after all. A sharper, on-the-ball brain will only help. Indeed, a study conducted in the last few years found that, in both men and women, imagination proved hugely beneficial in stimulating arousal – with unstructured fantasies the most successful. Mind over matter, as it were3!

Breathing and stretching exercises

Going back to getting your body into good physical shape, another of the sexual libido tips that’s highly advised is breathing and stretching. Deep breathing is widely regarded to be good for the body; filling the lungs with air so they can pull in oxygen (and emit poisonous carbon dioxide), ensuring the muscles and organs receive extra helpings of that all-important chemical element for the processing of food for cells throughout the body.

Similarly, stretching (so long as it’s sensible and not overdone) is excellent for keeping one’s muscles in good shape – hence why we all tend to have an urge to stretch after waking up from a night’s sleep when our bodies have been in a single position for a good deal of time. And to underline all this, another study among men proved that those of them who undertook 20 sessions of such breathing and stretching exercises did genuinely enjoy increased sexual desire and response compared to those that didn’t4.

Give your body the sunlight it needs

Surely everyone’s aware that sunlight’s good for you. Not only does it boost your Vitamin D levels, which in turn boosts your serotonin levels thus driving up positive outlook by helping the effective regulation of mood, anxiety, appetite, cognition and sleep, but – essentially because of this process – it also encourages sexual activity in both genders5. Specifically, because sunlight stimulates Vitamin D synthesis it also stimulates the body’s neurotransmitter function which inevitably helps stimulate sexual desire and satisfaction. Plus, of course, when you’re outside getting sunlight, you can also get that aforementioned physical and mental exercise. 

And what about chocolate?

What about it, indeed? It’s long been suggested – somewhat light-heartedly, admittedly – that eating chocolate ‘targets’ the same part of the brain (and, thus, can arouse you in essentially the same way) as sexual activity. Is that really true? Well, there may be something in it. Either way, when it comes to libido enhancement, a study found that among Italian women eating chocolate actually coincided with them enjoying higher sexual activity6. So, does the fact chocolate contain so many antioxidants and phytochemicals actually help in the bedroom? Who really knows. Yet, the giving and receiving of chocolate is a time-honoured tradition of, if you will, the ‘mating dance’ performed by human couples, which can surely then only help boost libido – so why turn down the chance of sharing chocolate with your loved one?

Sexual libido supplements

All the same, a far more recognised and far more dependable route to take in attempting to naturally boost your libido is to try naturally-derived supplements, designed and produced specifically for the purpose. If you check out the ‘Sexual Health & Libido’ section here on our website at The Finchley Clinic, you’ll see we sell a selection of such products – suitable for both men and women. Here are three examples for you to consider:

libido-support

Libido Support – created and designed explicitly to improve libido, this supplement contains several natural ingredients traditionally associated with the natural boosting of sexual desire; namely Epimedium leaf extract, Tribulus fruit extract, Jatropha macrantha stem extract, Muira Puama bark extract, Maca root extract, Eurycome root extract and Eustephia bark extract.

andrrotex

Androtex – this product may assist the male body in regulating proper hormone balance to create superior vitality, thus promoting the body’s natural responses; note: no preparation or special timing is required.

female-fuzion

Female Fuzion – a preparation of herbs forming an elixir whose aim is to deliver health and longevity in terms of sexual libido; in essence, a female-focused equivalent to Androtex.

References:

  1. Maio G., Saraeb S. and Marchiori A. ‘Physical activity and PDE5 inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of a randomized controlled study’. J Sex Med. 2010 Jun; 7 (6): 2201-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01783.x. Epub 2010 Mar 30.
  2. Cormie P., Newton R. U., Taaffe D. R., Spry N., Joseph D., Akhlil H. M., Galvão D. A. ‘Exercise maintains sexual activity in men undergoing androgen suppression for prostate cancer: a randomized controlled trial’. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2013 Jun; 16 (2): 170-5. doi: 10.1038/pcan.2012.52. Epub 2013 Jan 15.
  3. Goldey K. L. and van Anders S. M. ‘Sexual arousal and desire: interrelations and responses to three modalities of sexual stimuli’. J Sex Med. 2012 Sep; 9 (9): 2315-29. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02845.x. Epub 2012 Jul 12.
  4. Bay R., Ismail S. B., Zahiruddin W. M. and Arifin W. N. ‘Effect of combined psycho-physiological stretching and breathing therapy on sexual satisfaction’. BMC Urol. 2013 Mar 25; 13: 16. doi: 10.1186/1471-2490-13-16.
  5. Kontula O. and Väisälä L. ‘How does summer affect sexual desire?’. Duodecim. 2013; 129 (13): 1375-8.
  6. Salonia A., Fabbri F., Zanni G., Scavini M., Fantini G. V., Briganti A., Naspro R., Parazzini F., Gori E., Rigatti P. and Montorsi F. ‘Chocolate and women’s sexual health: An intriguing correlation’. J Sex Med. 2006 May; 3 (3): 476-82
Banderol, Lyme Disease, Magnesium Citrate, Samento

Lyme Disease: A Growing Problem – What To Do About It And How To Treat It

You may well have heard of it and, should you live in the UK, not believe it’s a big deal. Well, when you consider the statistics, how you feel about then depends on your interpretation. Certainly for those living outside the UK – in particular North America – it’s a growing issue, even if it’s nowhere near as talked about as it might be. As it maybe should be. In short, Lyme disease could just be the most serious, under-talked-about health problems in the world today.

The rise of Lyme disease

It’s on record that between 2,000 and 3,000 cases of Lyme disease occur in England and Wales every year1, while in the US that figure has even more alarmingly risen by 17,000 in the last 25 years to currently stand at 27,000 cases. That said, Lyme disease isn’t at all new, but it seems to be getting worse. The reasons for this aren’t clear, but it has been posited that it might have something to do with climate change. Warmer weather inevitably speeds up the life cycle of the tick that carries the illness and bites its human hosts, ensuring many of these beastly ticks are able to reproduce more than ever before they die2.

How do these ticks carry the illness? Well, the bites of the ticks concerned, whose habitats include the likes of woodlands and heaths, are laced with a class of bacteria named Lyme borreliosis (or borrelia), which once it infects the human host results in a variety of unpleasant symptoms. We’re talking the lies of headaches, fever and fatigue here3 – and yet, that can be just the tip of the iceberg. In time, anything between months or even years, as Lime disease takes a hold on the body, it can go on to prevent and harm normal function of joints, the heart and the central nervous system4.

The debilitating nature of Lyme disease

Yes, don’t doubt it; Lyme disease can be so debilitating it can disrupt a sufferer’s entire life. Because it can take time to diagnose, it’s far from unusual for it to take hold in the body without you realising it. During this period, the aforementioned flu-like symptoms are common and, thus, unlikely to suggest a sufferer has actually contracted the illness. When this phase passes, however, things tend to get much more serious. It’s now that more advanced and concerning Lyme disease symptoms are likely to surface – the likes of joint pain/ swelling (inflammatory arthritis); nervous system problems (numbness, facial muscle paralysis and memory issues); heart problems (heart muscle inflammation – myocarditis – and potential heart failure) and brain and spinal cord membrane inflammation (meningitis)1.

The trouble, of course, is that because it takes time for these symptoms to assert themselves – and they’re preceded by others that suggest you’ve caught from something far more common and less serious – many people aren’t diagnosed until some time into their suffering. Thus, this can result in extended emotional distress as they simply don’t understand why they’re feeling so debilitated and incapable of living life normally.

Is Lyme disease contagious?

This area is a little sketchy. Officially, there’s no evidence that definitely proves Lyme disease can be passed from one human being to another; indeed, the likelihood of catching it from someone else that has it seems very remote. At least, outside of childbirth – when it comes to whether a mother may be capable of passing it along the womb and on to her unborn child; like it or not, the jury appears to be out5.

There are several first-hand accounts from doctors suggesting it’s possible and there has been the recorded case of American citizen Justine Donnelly5, whom has always suffered from anxiety and memory issues, while her mother was diagnosed with viral meningitis before Justine’s birth. Eventually, the mother was correctly diagnosed with Lyme disease, which it turned out Justine too suffers from. Although it could be a coincidence that both mother and daughter caught the illness entirely separately – by coming into contact with ticks carrying the borrelia bacteria – Justine believes that in her case it was definitely passed on to her in the womb from her mother5.

Treating Lyme disease

All in all then, Lyme disease does sound like a rather worrying, nay frightening condition. In many ways it is, so should you suspect you may not have a bout of flu, but something more, something worse and maybe Lyme disease, then you most definitely should seek a medical consultation and have yourself checked out. It can be adequately treated, that’s for sure; usually by a course of intravenous antibiotics. Indeed, beyond mere ongoing flu-like symptoms, you may be able to spot you’ve been bitten by a Lyme disease-carrying tick owing to a rash coming up on your body – it’ll be a large circular rash (scientific name: erythema migrans), which looks a little like the bull’s eye on a dart board. Such a rash is likely to appear 3-30 days after you’ve been bitten1.

Yet, beyond the post-infectious phase of the illness, it’s likely sufferers will wish to seek treatment of the fatigue symptoms caused by Lyme disease, while for some people large doses of antibiotics don’t suit their gastrointestinal systems at all (often resulting in diarrhoea) and, lest we forget, antibiotics are unfortunately becoming an increasing cause of bacterial infections owing to our over-reliance on them – harmful bacteria are growing ever more resistant to antibiotic medication6.

In which case, like many visitors to this site before you, it could well be you’re very interested – if you’re a sufferer from Lyme disease and its many symptoms – in taking the naturally-derived supplement route to help your everyday life. To that end, the following Lyme disease supplements are all available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

banderol-30ml

Banderol – an extract produced from the bark of the Otoba sp., a tree that’s native to Peru and other parts of South America; it may help support the immune system, often being used for treating candida overgrowth and Lyme disease.

samento-15ml

Samento – deployed throughout the globe to treat Lyme disease, this product’s derived from a variety of the Peruvian herb Cat’s claw (a climbing vine native to the Amazon rainforest); it’s also used in the treatment of candida and viral and bacterial infections.

magnesium-citrate

Magnesium Citrate – magnesium is crucial to the body’s Krebs cycle (the sequence of reactions through which cells generate energy), thus helping to reduce fatigue; it’s no coincidence that fatigue-afflicted long-term Lyme disease sufferers lack magnesium.

References:

  1. ‘Lyme disease’. NHS Choices. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Last reviewed: 31 Mar 2015.
  2. Lavelle M. ‘Lyme disease surges north, and Canada moves out of denial’. The Daily Climate. http://www.dailyclimate.org/tdc-newsroom/2014/09/canada-lyme-disease-spreads. 24 Sep 2014.
  3. Piesman J., Mather T. N., Sinsky R. J. and Spielman A. ‘Duration of tick attachment and Borrelia burgdorferi transmission’. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 25(3); Mar 1987; pp. 557-558.
  4. Hu L. ‘Clinical Manifestations of Lyme Disease in Adults’. UptoDate. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-of-lyme-disease-in-adults. Last updated: 17 Aug 2016.
  5. Lavelle M. ‘Catching Lyme disease in the womb?’. The Daily Climate. http://www.dailyclimate.org/tdc-newsroom/2014/09/gestational-lyme-disease. 22 Sep 2014.
  6. Soffar H. ‘Antibiotics advantage and disadvantages’. Online Sciences. http://www.online-sciences.com/health/antibiotics-advantages-and-disadvantages. 13 Jan 2016.