Monthly Archives: March 2018

Candida, Candizolv, Probiotics, Wild Endive Formula A

Combating candida: how much do you know about yeast infections?

It’s a fact; it’s hard to prevent some living organisms taking residence on or inside of your body. Sure, it’s far from pleasant to contemplate, but it’s reality; many of our bodies contain a bug of some kind at any one time. Like it or not, the intestinal tract is often home to a good number of harmful organisms and bacteria, one of which is the yeast infection known as candida albicans.

Now, everybody has some amount of candida in or on their bodies, like it or not, but should you have too much (referred to as candida ‘overgrowth’), then its influence can be negative and harmful to your health; an imbalance of candida may affect your mouth, skin and genitals and not just cause discomfort but even prove life-threatening. Yes, really.

So, with all that in mind, here follow some further must-know facts about yeast infections (and, in particular, those concerning candida)…

 

Candida occurrence in – and on – our bodies is common

As noted, there’s no immediate cause for concern when it comes to candida in or on the human body; it’s normal, both on the skin and in the gastrointestinal tract. And this is because, so long as you’re healthy, your immune system and – especially in the gut – the symbiotic bacteria are effective at keeping candida and many similar fungal species in check, in balance and not enabling them to ‘overgrow’. The trouble then comes if your immune system’s compromised; should that be the case, the result could be candida overgrowth and unpleasant symptoms.

 

You may find a yeast infection in your mouth

Far from appealing it may be, but it’s entirely likely that, should you suffer from a yeast infection at all, there’s a decent chance it’ll strike you orally. In this form, it’s commonly referred to as thrush (similar vaginal infections in women are due to a slightly different kind of yeast, in fact). It’s especially common in new-born babies but tends to move on quickly in this instance. Yet, like it or not, candida overgrowth can occur in around 25 percent of all adults, most often as a result of poor oral hygiene. Studies have found that where plaque, tartar and amalgam fillings are present, there’s a chance candida will be too1.

 

Vaginal yeast infections aren’t easy to tackle

If you want to prevent yeast infections afflicting your body then one of the best practices is undoubtedly the practice of good hygiene. That said, though, supposedly good-health-ensuring washing practices of the female genital areas may have the opposite effect. For instance, frequent douching may lead to yeast infections and even over-the-counter-bought medication products marked as anti-fungal have, now and again, been possible causes of vaginal candidiasis2. Additionally, intrauterine contraceptives (such as coils inserted into the uterus) appear to potentially result in candida infections3.

 

Asthma inhaler use could spur on candida

For asthma sufferers, inhalers are crucial for alleviating their symptoms, of course, but unfortunately research suggests that, among adults, use of an asthma inhaler for more than six months could possibly lead to oral candidiasis4. To be fair, though, for anyone the use of an inhaler or any kind of oral ‘appliance’ (such as dentures, retainers and mouth guards) could possibly help expose them to candida.

 

There’s a connection between candida and diabetes

Yes, bad news for those who already have to deal with living with diabetes on a daily basis – although they may already be aware of it already – because they’re more likely to develop a genital yeast infection than the diabetes-free. Why is this? Well, quite simply, the increased blood glucose levels that diabetes sufferers experience allow for the sort of terrain that enables yeast growth. Moreover, as diabetes has a tendency to lessen immune responses, the likelihood or repeat infections is high. Plus, while women are likelier to get Candida albicans and Candida glabrate infections, men who aren’t circumcised might well become infected with Candida balaritis5.

 

Candida feeds on carbs

Diet, as you may have expected, influences the candida levels present in your body’s digestive tract. To wit, if you want to reduce the chances of candida overgrowth here, you may want to curb the carbs. Research seems to suggest that a diet rich in carbohydrates makes it more likely someone will develop candida overgrowth than consumption of a diet rich instead in amino acids, fatty acids and proteins – it seems candida levels can get a boost instantly after anyone eats carbohydrates7.

 

Candida boosts the risk of developing MS

This one should be a big, glaring lighthouse-flashlight of a warning of candida overgrowth because, yes, the chances of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) appear to rise following a candida infection. The evidence? A case-control study made the link between MS and candida infection thanks to proving that, among its test subjects, MS sufferers experienced higher overall blood serum levels of candida than those without MS8.

 

Probiotics can provide protection from candida

It’s only fair to say that once it’s set up home in or on your body, candida can prove stubborn to shift, yet can usually be eliminated in two to six months; although whatever you turn to for treating an infection needs to be combined with a low-sugar and non-alcohol diet.

And, indeed, the especially good news is that there are many probiotic- and non-probiotic supplements on the market specifically produced to help prevent and fight candida overgrowth – and yeast infections, in general. Among the high-quality, natural candida supplements available through us at The Finchley Clinic are the following:

Candizolv – our suppliers inform us that this supplement is definitely effective against candida overgrowth; fat soluble, it establishes itself in the fat cells of your body, but is slowly released over time to weaken all fungal yeast cells, no matter where they are within the body

Wild Endive Formula A – maintains an acceptable balance of candida toxins, aiding the work of the liver, for those who may be concerned about a possible ‘die-off’ when undergoing a candida cleanse.

 

 

Fivelac – similar to Threelac but packing more of a punch (it contains five anti candida probiotic strains instead of three), this supplement’s a good candida fighter; not suitable for vegans as it contains a small amount of lactose.

 

References:

  1. Muzurovic S., Babajic E., Masic T., Smajic R. and Selmanagic A. ‘The relationship between oral hygiene and oral colonisation with Candida species’. Med Arh. 2012; 66 (6) :415-7.
  2. Ekpenyong C. E., Inyang-etoh E. C., Ettebong E. O., Akpan U. P., Ibu J. O. and Daniel N. E. ‘Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis among young women in south eastern Nigeria: the role of lifestyle and health-care practices’. Int J STD AIDS. 2012 Oct; 23 (10): 704-9. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2012.011382.
  3. Güdücü N., Gönenç G., Içi H., Yiiter A. B., Basüllü N. and Dünder I. ‘Clinical importance of detection of bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginalis, candida albicans and actinomyces in Papanicolaou smears’. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2012; 39 (3): 333-6.
  4. Pinto C. R., Almeida N. R., Marques T. S., Yamamura L. L., Costa L. A. and Souza-Machado A. ‘Local adverse effects associated with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with moderate or severe asthma’. J Bras Pneumol. 2013 Jun-Aug; 39 (4): 409-17. doi: 10.1590/S1806-37132013000400003.
  5. Nyirjesy P. and Sobel J. D. ‘Genital mycotic infections in patients with diabetes’. Postgrad Med. 2013 May; 125 (3): 33-46. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2013.05.2650.
  6. Fidel P. L. Jr. ‘Immunity to Candida’. Oral Dis. 2002; 8 Suppl 2: 69-75.
  7. Hoffmann C., Dollive S., Grunberg S., Chen J., Li H., Wu G. D., Lewis J. D. and Bushman F. D. ‘Archaea and fungi of the human gut microbiome: correlations with diet and bacterial residents’. PLoS One. 2013 Jun 17; 8 (6): e66019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066019. Print 2013.
  8. Benito-León J., Pisa D., Alonso R., Calleja P., Díaz-Sánchez M. and Carrasco L. ‘Association between multiple sclerosis and Candida species: evidence from a case-control study’. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2010 Sep; 29 (9): 1139-45. doi: 10.1007/s10096-010-0979-y. Epub 2010 Jun 17.
Natural protein supplements, Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein, Pure Pea Vegan Protein

Perfect for protein: 10 protein foods for vegans and vegetarians

Like it or not, we can’t get away from it; Western culture has a love affair with eating protein – especially in the UK. And this has ensured that vegans and vegetarians seem to receive little respite from all the questions they get about their choice to go meat-free – in spite of the fact that it’s relatively easy to cater a non-meat diet so one might receive enough of the muscle-building and low blood sugar-combating nutrient that’s protein.

And, when you look into it, all of the non-meat protein options that are possible really shouldn’t come as any surprise. After all, so-called incomplete proteins (such as nuts and whole grains) are capable of blending together to generate ‘complete protein’, which is then brimming with all nine of the essential amino acids that the body very much needs but isn’t capable of producing on its own.

Here follows then a list of some of the best vegan/ vegetarian foods available for providing the human body with health-giving protein:

 

Chia seeds

(2.5 grams of protein per tablespoon)

Serving suggestion: add them to a vegan smoothie

On their own, chia seeds don’t contain an abundance of protein (but some, certainly), yet they do feature the essential amino acids we need – yes, all nine of them. Moreover, as they’re capable of stabilising blood sugar thanks to their combined protein, fat and fibre content, they’re an all-round nutritious food, to say the least. Plus, the specific Omega-3 fatty acids they also comprise (alpha-linolenic acid) can help contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease.

 

Soybeans (and soy products)

(2-21 grams of protein per half-cup)

Serving suggestion: dry roasted soybeans as snacks or in nut and dried fruit mixes, tempeh can be steamed or pan-fried are feature instead of meat in a sandwich, while edamame (immature soybeans in a pod) works as an appetiser and soymilk is ideal with oatmeal.

Owing to how much bang for your buck soybeans deliver in the protein department, they undoubtedly make for great snacks – indeed, a half-cup’s worth of delicious dry roasted soybeans is packed with as much of 18 grams of protein. In terms of other soy-derived products, you might opt for steamed soybeans (4 grams protein per half-cup), tofu (10 grams protein per half-cup) or soy milk (2 grams protein per half-cup), not least as they also offer magnesium, a mineral which is great for aiding muscle development, energy generation and carb metabolism.

 

Hemp seed

(3.3 grams of protein per tablespoon)

Serving suggestion: hemp seeds can be added to both cereals and salads (just sprinkle them on top) or in mixed into shake-drinks, ideally after workouts.

Don’t be put off by the marijuana connotation, hemp seeds aren’t intoxicating in the slightest, yet they’re hugely nutritious. Brimming with fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids, they’re capable therefore of contributing to the battle some have to face against heart disease, metabolic syndrome and obesity.

 

Quinoa

(4 grams of protein per half-cup)

Serving suggestion: you might try pairing quinoa with vegetable beans as a constituent part of a meal, while it can also be used as an excellent ingredient in the making of a veggie burger.

There are few trendier foods around today than this ancient grain (approximately 1,400 different quinoa products are in existence; yes, really!). So, what’s the appeal? Well, it possesses more protein than many similar grain-based food and is rich in fibre, heart-healthy unsaturated fats and the L-arginine amino acid; the latter being likely to promote muscle growth as opposed to that of fat in the body.

 

Spinach

(5 grams of protein per cup)

Serving suggestion: there’s actually many things you can do with a serving of spinach, but there’s probably nothing better than adding it old favourites like omelettes, salads and stir-fries.

 

Peas

(8 grams of protein per cup)

Serving suggestion: add them as a vegetable side as you would to a meat-as-protein meal (without meat, peas are great protein providers for any meal)

Popeye may not like it, but common, too-often-considered-bland peas contain more protein than spinach, relatively speaking. Should you enjoy a ‘cup’ portion of them a day, they’ll also account for 100 percent of your daily intake of Vitamin C, aiding the healthy maintenance of your immune system, among other things.

 

Lentils

(18 grams of protein per cup)

Serving suggestion: give them a go in a soup

Lentils are a terrific option for vegans and vegetarians when it comes to their protein needs. One ‘cup’ serving offers as much protein as three eggs, while their high fibre content ensures they sate hunger very effectively and can reduce fat gain too. Moreover, studies suggest that those whose diets comprise at least four servings a week of legumes enjoy lower cholesterol levels and weight reduction.

 

Shelled pumpkin seeds

(9 grams of protein per ounce)

Serving suggestion: add them to salads or rice dishes or eat them raw

Great for the minerals that are the energy-boosting magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, pumpkin seeds are also packed full of protein – how’s that for a mainstay of Hallowe’en more used to scaring the kids!

 

Almonds

(6 grams of protein per ounce)

Serving suggestion: as they can help you burn fat and carbs during workouts, have a daily serving of almonds before you pop to the gym

Terrific for weight-loss – as much as anything else, that is – the tasty nuts that are almonds have been found in studies to be more effective than a mixture of complex carbohydrates and safflower oil in reducing one’s weight, as part of a calorie-restricted diet. Indeed, this research discovered that in less than six months, the consumption of almonds had contributed to weight loss and reduction in body mass index (BMI) of 62 percent among test subjects.

 

Cashews

(5 grams of protein per ounce)

Don’t just stick to almonds when it comes to your nut-derived protein, though; not only are we talking about the superior protein contributions cashews can make here, but also the fine source of magnesium and biotin they offer. The former mineral’s great for relieving constipation, augmenting cognitive function and improving the immune system, while the latter contributes to the good health of hair and nails.

 

Natural protein supplements

Alternatively, of course, you may find there’s a number of the above foods that simply aren’t for you; you simply can’t eat them – perhaps because of a nut allergy, for instance. In that scenario you can boost your nutritional intake (in addition to non-meat protein foods) through high-quality, naturally derived supplementation. The following examples are both available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

Pure Vegan Pea Protein – a blend of protein derived from golden pea kernels; it’s vegan-certified, lactose, gluten and cholesterol free, features no artificial flavours and no dairy or sweeteners.

Organic Cold Milled Hemp Protein – a tasty, raw, 100 percent-certified organ protein food that contains even more of the nutrient than meat, fish, eggs, dairy and soya; easy to digest and cholesterol-free.

Anti-ageing, Antioxidants, MegaHydrate, MegaHydrate Powder

MegaHydrate: the mega dietary supplement

Designed, created and manufactured in a cutting-edge manner, MegaHydrate is full of health-giving potential, that’s for sure. Indeed, its antioxidant credentials are so revered, it’s said that this entirely naturally-derived supplement offers among the highest antioxidant potentials of anything you might consume (including ‘superfoods’ that could be classed as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and so on). Basically, MegaHydrate operates by reducing the surface tension of water within the body and at a cellular level, thereby increasing hydration within the body’s cells. In bringing about optimal hydration then, it’s able to encourage the body to more effectively eliminate toxins and metabolic by-products and ensure hugely important nutrients are delivered to cells, exactly where they’re needed.

And, to get further into the science, MegaHydrate’s capable of doing this because one of its main ingredients, silica hydride, is the only antioxidant compound in existence that doesn’t convert itself into a pro-oxidant following the donation of its electrons – instead, it combines with other hydrogen or water atoms, to form non-hazardous gas or water, respectively.

 

MegaHydrate health benefits

So, just some of the health benefits offered by MegaHydrate are:

 

Boosts negatively-charged hydrogen ion levels

MegaHydrate is terrific at combatting free radicals, in part, because it’s a super-concentrated source of negatively-charged ions, ensuring that it has a pronouncedly low oxidation reduction potential (OAP) – in layman’s terms then, this means that, as an antioxidant, it’s highly likely to donate electrons to combat free radicals’ hazardous activity in the body.

 

Might slow down ageing

Thanks to its capacity for hydrating you, this is a supplement that can undoubtedly increase moisture levels throughout the body. Not only is this healthy in general terms (there are few healthier things for the body to be good supply of than water), but also particularly good news for your appearance; hair, skin and fingernails will likely look glossier and shinier.

 

Increases hydration elements’ absorption

As a detoxifier, MegaHydrate can thanks its effectivity on its ability to enable rapid hydration and nutrient uptake in the body’s cells. This capacity of the supplement can be traced to its creation as a product that deliberates mimics the huge-health-giving waters to be found in highly-elevated regions of the world, to be found in places as diverse as Ecuador, Pakistan and Germany. What is it specifically about the properties of these waters? Well, it’s down to the specific structure of the frozen glaciers in these parts of the world from which it’s derived.

 

Could offset the fact we drink less water as we age

It’s a fact that millions of us naturally have less of a desire to – and feel we need to – drink less water as we get older, but it does us no good; not least because our imbibing of tea, coffee, carbonated eater and energy drinks tends to increase (or, at least, far from diminish) as we age. The result is merely reduced hydration and, yes, too little water in the body.

 

Combats the harm incurred by drinking caffeine and alcohol

As noted, drinking caffeine really does very little good for the body and surely practically everybody knows this to be true of alcohol. Indeed, on its own, consuming too much caffeine is only likely to lead to anxiety, dehydration, dizziness, headaches, insomnia and stress. Happily, though, these negative effects are something else MegaHydrate’s capable of counteracting.

 

Drives up negatively-charged hydrogen ions

Don’t doubt it, these negative ions are great for boosting a sense of well-being and overall health. Why? Well, they’re critical for the maintaining of the body’s energy balance; without them, its cells won’t be capable of counteracting free radical generation, which – as you may very well be aware of by now – is responsible for cellular damage and curtaining the life of all-important cells.

 

Enhances zeta potential of blood cells

Through its principle ingredient, silica hydride, MegaHydrate augments what scientists call ‘zeta potential’ in our blood cells. It’s because this chemical compound increase the charge, the stability and charge between blood cells (the zeta potential) that MegaHydrate ensures there’s more surface area for blood cells in the body’s blood and this ensures toxicants like bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pollutants can be removed, while ‘cleansing waters’ can more easily make their way to and fill cells owing to this increased surface area.

 

Increases your antioxidant levels

Just a single serving of MegaHydrate will supply you with more antioxidant goodness than many ‘superfoods’ including the likes of green tea, leafy greens, wheat grass and many fruit and vegetable juices. It’s this considerable antioxidant activity then that the supplement can provide that’s liable to aid in an array of health benefits; everything from improved memory and energy levels to better sight and hearing and longevity to the likelihood of chronic disease improvement.

 

 

Boosts your oxygen intake

As noted, the supplement naturally pushes cells apart (thanks to the activity of its negatively-charged atoms) and that creates a spaciousness that drives up the fluidity in the lymph system, thus drawing more oxygen into these cells. Among many other things, this supports the liver in its work to remove toxins.

 

MegaHydrate supplements

So then, both of the (entirely naturally-derived) MegaHydrate supplements that follow are available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

MegaHydrate – an amazing anti-aging and energy boosting remedy that’s claimed to be 800% more effective than other known products or foods

MegaHydrate Powder – arguably better value for money than the supplement in its original capsule form, offering a higher dosage than the latter.

Aniseed Formula, Detoxification, Latero-Formula, Paratrex

The importance of a natural cleanse: how to remove toxins effectively

Nowadays, it seems you can’t pick up a newspaper or surf the Internet without quickly coming across an article that purports a new, dynamic cleanse will be your gateway to good health for the rest of your life. If only that were true. Yet, it is true that cleanses undertaken for specific reasons, thereby seeking specific results, and featuring specific foods/ drinks to consume (or, alternatively, cut out) are well worth your time. And there’s little that’s new about the idea either.

Toxin cleanses and fasting programmes involving the likes of herbs and natural nutrients have been around for centuries, if not millennia, in different civilisations; relied on not just for wellbeing but also insisted on for spiritual purposes by religions. And the reality is that, with so many toxins and harmful organisms in the air, water and environments all around us, it’s all too easy for us to breathe them in, drink, eat and consume them every day of our lives. And, to be honest, that reality’s only getting worse, which means that it’s more important than ever to try and cleanse our livers, colons and other organs of these entities on something like a regular basis.

All that said, whatever the newspapers and ill-informed web articles say, there’s nothing to match a toxin removal that involves fully naturally-derived sources of nutrition – in fact, it’s the only way to do it properly. Here are some very good examples…

 

Liver cleanses

Nowhere in the digestive tract can afford to be overrun by harmful toxins, least of all the liver, which is absolutely critical to the rest of the system for effective natural detoxification. To cleanse the liver – and help it along in its own work then – various foods you might consume include wheat grass and dandelion greens1, 2, as well as beets, carrots, celery, lemons and limes3. Meanwhile, spicier foods like cayenne, cumin, curry, rosemary and turmeric are all good here too4, as well as, drinks-wise, apple juice and simple, purified water (as opposed to coffee, milk and carbonated drinks).

 

Candida cleanses

Candida is a type of yeast that can find its way throughout the body and on the skin; on occasions, it’s especially a problem for women, not least because its overgrowth can cause an infection of thrush in the mouth of throat. Not nice. A candida cleanse aims to get the levels of the yeast in the body back under control by removing many of the sugars that cause it to ‘over-grow’.

So, that means avoiding all kinds of sugar for the duration of the cleanse – indeed, natural foods including (dried) fruits, fruit juices, refined flour and wheat foods, yeast-based foods (of course) and natural sweeteners like agave nectar and raw honey5. Moreover, alcohol’s definitely out, as are old favourites like cheese, picked vegetables and soy sauce. And, while undertaking one, a candida cleanse is only enhanced by consuming organic oregano oil and a probiotic (perhaps Latero-Flora; see below).

 

Cleanses of harmful organisms

To remove harmful organisms, in general, from the body, there are a number of herbs you should make a beeline to consume for a good overall cleanse. For instance, American wormseed, black walnut hull, clove and wormwood are great for creating an environment in the intestines and wider digestive system that’s hostile to toxins and harmful organisms6. Moreover, probiotic supplements (again, see below) are highly advised for helping ensure gut microbiome balance7.

 

Liquid cleanses

While they’re effective, such natural cleanses as outlined above do involve playing about with your diet and altering it for a short period, which inevitably is going to interfere with your energy levels. Should you prefer the idea of a general cleanse that’s not going to get close to ‘wiping you out’ for a while then, a liquid cleanse may be the answer8. As opposed to the others mentioned, it’s all about consuming good amounts of fresh organic fruit juices and vegetable juices, in addition to the likes of oils (coconut, flaxseed, hempseed, pumpkin seed and sesame seed), miso soup, pureed soup and, of course, purified water.

 

Toxin removal supplements

As already pointed out in this article, probiotics especially – but also detoxification-focused supplements in more general terms – can be great additional sources of nourishment (for vitamins and minerals) during cleanses and, should you not fancy going the cleansing route, for helping remove toxins and harmful organisms from your body on an everyday basis. The following then are all available through us at The Finchley Clinic (along with many more):

Paratrex – a supplement that combines herbs and proteolytic enzymes to help eradicate parasites from the body, but in a somewhat slower and gentler manner (thanks to its botanical ingredients) than the harsher approach you’ll find with prescription pharmaceuticals; it’s ideal for this purpose when combined with the following two supplements …

Latero-Flora – a probiotic that primarily contains a unique strain of Bacillus laterosporus, a naturally occurring organism that populates the intestines with beneficial bacteria to help maintain a healthy colon.

Aniseed Formula – a botanical food supplement for maintenance of a parasite-free ecology in the body; in addition to aniseed, it contains cranberry, celery seed, fennel, licorice, peppermint, pomegranate, thyme and turmeric.

 

References:

  1. Drewnowski A. and Gomez-Carneros C. “Bitter taste, phytonutrients, and the consumer: a review”. Am J Clin Nutr. (2000): 1424-1435.
  2. Tokusumi Y. and Takagi Y. “Ectosymbiotic role of food bacteria for paramecium: bacterial detoxification of paramecia-killing toxin contained in wheat grass powder”. Zool Sci. (2000): 341-348.
  3. Koumbi L. “Dietary factors can protect against liver cancer development”. World J Hepatol. (2017):119-125.
  4. Singh U. P., Singh D. P., Maurya S., Maheshwari R., Singh M., Dubey R. S. and Singh R. B. “Investigation on the Phenolics of Some Spices Having Pharmacotherapeutic Properties”. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy 4.4 (2004): 27-42.
  5. Nikawa H., Nishimura H., Hamada T. et al. “Effects of dietary sugars and saliva and serum on Candida biofilm formation on acrylic surfaces”. Mycopathologia (1997) 139: 87.
  6. Bor T., Gyawali R. and Ibrahim S. A. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Essential Oils and Combination of Copper and Lactic Acid on the Growth of E. coli O157:H7 in Laboratory Medium”. Foods. (2016): 5 (1).
  7. Surendrannair M., Amalaradjou M. A. and Venkitanarayanan K. “Antivirulence Properties of Probiotics in Combating Microbial Pathogenesis”. Adv Appl Microbiol. (2017): 1-29.
  8. Huber R., Nauck M., Lüdtke R, and Scharnagl H. “Effects of One Week Juice Fasting on Lipid Metabolism: A Cohort Study in Healthy Subjects”. Complement Med Res. (2003): 7-10.

 

Adrenal Support, Drive!

Famous five: 5 essential factors for good adrenal health

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and play a critical role in the production of a multitude of hormones in your body. The adrenals comprise the endocrine system and are responsible for activating your stress response and regulating adrenaline and cortisol, which aid in energy and sleep; the adrenals also have a part in the reproductive process. Imbalance of the adrenal system is problematic to health and ranges from mild disorders, such as adrenal fatigue, to life-threatening conditions such as Addison’s disease. Too much or too little adrenal hormone production results in various symptoms including fatigue, weakness and digestive disturbance. Restoring adrenal health involves proper diagnosis, medical intervention and lifestyle changes.

 

Diagnosis

First up, you’re highly advised to get yourself checked out with a local GP so, should you be suffering from something serious, you can receive a physical examination, be diagnosed and the steps taken by medical professionals, as necessary. It’s possible that a physician may order an adrenocorticotropin simulation test, as well as a corticotropin-releasing hormone test; together these would be taken to determine the cortisone levels in your body and to discover whether yours are too high or too low, depending on whether the pituitary gland is secreting the right amounts of this all-important and highly influential hormone. You may be subjected to blood-hormone-level tests, ultrasounds and x-rays too; the results of which would also reveal whether your may require medical treatment in addition, no doubt, to lifestyle changes to normalise your adrenal function.

 

Diet

For sure, in the case of poor adrenal health, one of the lifestyle changes you’ll be strongly urged to make will be to your everyday diet. So, within this, what changes would be on the menu, so to speak? Well, there’s a good chance you’ll be advised to focus not just on specific foods but to eat according to a daily schedule, so you can maintain decent energy levels throughout the day. This would be to keep up blood sugar levels during your waking hours; should you miss meals, for instance, your blood sugar levels will drop off and put unavoidable stress on the body’s adrenal glands.

To wit, it may well be suggested for you to consume three sensibly balanced, evenly and regularly spaced meals during the day, as well as two snack-times in between them. Food-wise, the emphasis would be on natural sugar sources rich in adrenal health vitamins (all fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains; saturated fat-heavy, processed foods like cakes, crisps and carbonated drinks would be out).

 

Rest

Should you find you’re suffering from adrenal-focused issues, or even a serious condition attributable to these glands (possibly in conjunction with thyroid gland problems too), then good, decent rest becomes key, as you’ll be low on energy and in need of restoring energy levels so you don’t wipe yourself out and make yourself even less well.

The advice you’ll likely receive then is to fix a sensible, reliable and very regular sleep schedule (‘sleep hygiene’ now ought to be a focus in your life), as well as small, well observed breaks throughout the working day; you really do have to observe the fact that, for the good of your health, you need to rest more. This may mean taking 15-20-minute lie-downs or, even better, power naps every now and again. It’s not just about relaxation and energy restoration; it’s also all about balancing out the cortisol levels in your body because they’ll have been altered due to the adrenal disorder(s) you’re experiencing.

 

Exercise

Exercise as well as rest highly advised, not least because it may be you ought to lose. This is because adrenal glands generate excessive amounts of the hormone aldosterone, which can result in the medical issue called hyperaldosteronism. This sees far too much sodium and potassium than the body can handle, inevitably raising your blood pressure. Should you be suffering from adrenal issues that could or have given rise to this condition then, in addition to medical treatment, it’s likely you’ll be advised to engage in light but regular exercise – as well as to try and cut down on your sodium intake, for obvious reasons. Such light exercise as bike-riding, jogging or even walking is usually advised to aid the body’s regulation of cortisol levels when the adrenals aren’t productive enough.

 

Vitamins and supplements

Finally, the fifth factor that can make a big difference when it comes to combating adrenal problems is the consumption of the right vitamins in the right amounts – and potentially then, supplements. Vitamins are a no-brainer for good adrenal health, frankly; experts suggest consuming lots of fresh fruit, vegetable and good, solid sources of protein are essential on a daily basis to ensure you get all the vitamins you can. For instance, we’re talking the likes of Vitamins C, E and several of the B vitamins (green vegetables and citrus fruits) and protein sources for the B vitamins and the crucial nutrients that are iron and selenium.

Of course, though, there is the possible likelihood that, owing to necessary restrictions you have to make to your diet, you’re not able to tailor it exactly as you’d like. In terms of sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for improved adrenal health, then you can turn to fully naturally-derived supplements for these adrenal health vitamins and more. The following adrenal health supplements are all available through us at The Finchley Clinic (why not take a look at our specific ‘Adrenal Health’ page to check out more?):

Nutramedix Adrenal Support – a proprietary blend of extracts from five adaptogenic plants (schisandra, astragalus, snow rose, ginseng and rhodiola), which combine in supplementary form help maintain healthy adrenal function.

Drive! (180 capsules) – consists of Tyrosine with supportive co-nutrients which provide important co-factors for improved energy, balanced brain chemistry, combatting depression, and supporting the adrenal and thyroid glands.

Eleuthro Formula – a powerful tonic and rebuilding effect on the adrenal glands, which is designed for super-sensitive people who want to avoid the more stimulating herbs and/ or licorice.

02-Zap, Oxygen Products, Ozonated Olive Oil, Skin care

Healthy skin’s the thing: how ozonated olive oil is so good for your skin

If you’ve never come across ozonated olive oil, the combination of ozone and olive oil may sound like something of an odd combination; they’re strange bedfellows, surely?

Indeed, olive oil tastes terrific and offers many particularly nutritious properties, while although ozone tends to trigger fear and dread in many people’s minds (owing to the inevitable thought of the depletion of the all-important ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere), it obviously plays a critical role up there between terra firma and space.

In fact, ozone (a pungent blue gas in its most natural form) is crucial because of its air-cleansing capabilities and, although toxic when inhaled, it can be treated and combined with olive oil to forms half of a hugely therapeutic product – not least for the surface of the skin.

 

Ozonated olive oil – what is it?

As so often happens with scientific breakthroughs, ozonated olive oil was discovered quite by accident. Back in the early 1900s, tuberculosis was often treated by having sufferers breathe in ozone through olive oil. Once this concoction was found to be more effective as a salve treatment for the skin (and so on; see below), the ozone-containing oil was transformed into a gel, ensuring the ozone could be held and prevented from escaping for longer.

Indeed, in this form, ozonated olive oil really began to become popular after the legendary engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla first marketed it in 1904, which led to pharmacies throughout the world selling it as ‘Glycozone’. Popular in Europe, especially, for many decades, its use for treating a wide variety of ailments is now growing throughout the United States, which has ensured further research into what ozonated olive oil is capable of has ramped up like never before.

 

How is it manufactured?

Ozonated olive oil is produced via cold-pressing virgin olive oil through a process called ‘ozone injection’. This sees ozone bubbled into the olive oil – actually, for several months to thoroughly complete the process. And that’s a moot point because, while lesser companies tend to rely on low-quality ozone (a corona generator) to create the product, potentially resulting in contamination of the oil, highly respected manufacturers of ozonated olive oil instead opt for the best possible quality (a cold plasma generator); so, obviously, buying only well-reviewed products from reliable manufacturers is definitely the way to go.

 

Ozonated olive oil benefits

Of all the ailments that ozonated olive oil is popular for treating, skin problems and conditions are usually top of the list. Used as a topical treatment then, it can be applied directly to the skin as would be a salve or cream; its advantages being its capacity, thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, to sterilise and clean wounds, cuts and bites and stimulate cell regeneration:

  • Candida and thrush – candida is a form of infecting-yeast that can cause much irritation in the body, not least vaginitis in pregnant women or those who commonly take antibiotics, and the same yeast is responsible for the mostly-female-afflicting condition that’s thrush; candida and (especially) thrush then can be treated by swabbing an affected area with a cloth daubed in ozonated olive oil to reduce symptoms and infection

 

  • Burns, cuts, bites and wounds – a big treatment focus for ozonated olive oil are minor burns, lesions, bites and the such like (including insect bites and chapped lips); indeed, many people use ozonated olive oil products for this alone and why not, especially when recent research has found that guinea pigs treated with it to recover from wounds showed significant success over those treated with products containing totally unrelated ingredients1

 

  • Athlete’s foot – sufferers of Athlete’s foot or nail fungi may want to soak they feet in water for about 10 minutes, dry them thoroughly and then apply ozonated olive oil to the affected areas; this process ought to be repeated a few times each week for a three-week-period (indeed, beyond when affected areas show signs of improvement)

 

  • Acne and eczema – as it’s excellent for increasing the rate of healing and, thus, reducing inflammation and easing irritation, ozonated olive oil’s ideal for applying as a topical massage product to the skin, its natural antioxidant properties ensuring it combats toxins and lactic acid emanating from pores to cleanse the skin’s surface, while its antibacterial capabilities ensure it can treat acne, eczema and psoriasis effectively

 

  • Diaper rash – finally, ozonated olive oil’s also great for treating diaper rash on babies’ skin; as it contains no potentially harmful chemicals that a baby may encounter (and be allergic to) via other skin treatments, thus it’s an entirely naturally-derived treatment to ease discomfort and swelling.

 

Ozonated olive oil supplements

As made clear, ozonated olive oil is today readily available and very popular, yet it’s important to seek it out in its best possible versions. To wit, we urge you to check out the following – fully naturally-derived – products available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

O2-Zap – contains the highest saturation of ozone and oxygen ever developed; for best results, use the supplement on alternate days (or as needed) to moisturise, condition and re-oxygenate the skin’s tissue and promote its natural beauty and health.

Medcare (Ozonated Olive Oil) – can be used practically anywhere on the body (except the eyes) for symptomatic relief of acne, bites, fungal infections, haemorrhoids, impetigo, psoriasis, ringworm, skin yeast, stings and vulvovaginitis.

 

Reference:

  1. H.-S. Kim. ‘Therapeutic Effects of Topical Application of Ozone on Acute Cutaneous Wound Healing’. J Korean Med Sci. 2009 Jun; 24 (3): 368–374. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2009.24.3.368.