Antioxidants, Free Radicals, General Health & Nutrition

When oxygen attacks: how antioxidants combat reactive oxygen species

The ancient Chinese may well have been on to something (not surprising, given their greatest thinkers were clearly a smart bunch), for the idea behind the Chinese philosophical principle that’s ‘yin and yang’ – that is, the significance of balance and the importance of its attainment and maintenance – holds true to so many things in life and the world around us. Not least when it comes to our bodies and health. Indeed, when you think about healing – returning ill-health to a point of good (or ‘normal’) health – it’s summed up by the quest for balance within one’s body. Healing and good health then could be described as the need for balance within the human body.

In which case, it’s hardly surprising that when the body feels unhealthy it seeks to heal itself; when it feels out of balance, it seeks to rectify things and return to a balanced state. And one of the critical components it calls on and throws into action for this is oxygen. Research confirms that this most commonplace of chemical elements (especially in the body) is crucial not just for generating energy for the body’s cells via a process called cellular metabolism, but also for healing in injured tissues1. Indeed, wounded tissue likes nothing more than converting oxygen into what’s known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) to encourage this healing2. However, there is a downside to this; when the body is out of balance, reactive oxygen species – or, at least, the presence of too many of them in the body – can also be damaging to your health.

 

What are reactive oxygen species?

Why is this? Well, a clue comes in the form of what reactive oxygen species can also be referred to as – pro-oxidants or oxygen radicals. That’s to say, they’re a variety of free radicals. For many that like to keep fit and healthy, that term is likely to set alarm bells ringing; for free radicals can do a lot of damage in the human body, if left to do as they please in an ‘unbalanced’ body that’s not able to use them efficiently to heal tissue.

Specifically, a free radical is a molecule without an electron that, nevertheless, is capable of maintaining its structure. To that end, it spends its existence seeking out another chemical in the body with whom it can ‘pair’ and ‘complete itself’, by trying to gain that chemical’s electron. And, as far as reactive oxygen species are concerned, that chemical is oxygen, as that’s the one they’re naturally attracted to.

 

Forms of reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species, though, are actually made of oxygen. To break it down, oxygen – an element comprising eight protons and eight electrons – isn’t averse to sharing its electrons (thus, it’s reactive), which is the problem. In sharing one electron or more there’s a good chance it won’t have them returned (which technically means it becomes an ion) and when it’s ionised like this it instantly seeks to replace its missing electron(s) – hence it becomes a reactive oxygen species and, yes, becomes dangerous and destructive. Indeed, strictly speaking, there are several different sub-divisions of reactive oxygen species:

  • singlet oxygen – radical and harmful in two ways; this one can induce a cell’s genes to start ‘cell death’ and can oxidise lipids and fatty acids when it comes into contact with them3

 

  • superoxides – much is still to be discovered about these forms of oxygen, but research suggests they like to disrupt the body’s ability to heal wounds and affect its destroying of cells4

 

  • peroxides – in the body, these include the likes of hydrogen peroxide (comprising oxygen and hydrogen) and hypochlorite (oxygen and chlorine); they do good by helping to heal tissue5, but when hydrogen peroxide interacts with reduced metal ions the inevitable result are free radicals and, don’t doubt it, hydrogen radicals can be seriously destructive in the human body6

 

  • hypochlorous acid – as you might expect, this form contains both oxygen and chlorine and via either oxidation or chlorination its are the destruction of target cells by disrupting their membrane structures7.

 

Combatting reactive oxygen species

So how do you go about fighting reactive oxygen species? How can you prevent them from doing all the damage they cause? A good idea to stop them would be by preventing them from being formed in the first place; cutting off the source before it can even do anything – surely that would be the ultimate answer; yes? Unfortunately, too often that’s simply not possible, as frankly, whenever you do, well, practically anything you actually create and use reactive oxygen species.

This is because they’re generated – via energy created by mitochondria in the body’s cells – every single time a muscle contracts; indeed, it’s been proved that high-intensity exercise actually causes their levels to increase, which in turn can bring about fatigue and muscle failure8. That said, they are also created thanks to the body absorbing harmful foreign entities – the likes of alcohol, germs, polluting chemicals, tobacco and its smoke and toxic metals9 – which is something that you can control; the lesson being then to try and avoid these entities as much as possible.

But beyond this there must be a more fundamental, proactive answer? There is – antioxidants. Defined as substances that inhibit oxidation, antioxidants are simply brilliant at neutralising the oxidising efforts of free radicals. And they’re to be found everywhere in the natural world around us. Indeed, the Vitamins A, C and E and the minerals copper, selenium and zinc are all blessed with antioxidant properties and you can get your fill of them by packing your diet with antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, cranberries, elderberries, goji berries, artichokes, pecans, kidney beans and even dark chocolate.

 

Antioxidant supplements

Fair enough, though, you may find it challenging to regularly fill your diet with a good spread of such antioxidant-packed foods as those listed above (the realities of everyday life can get in the way!). In that case then, you may be tempted to turn to naturally-derived (rather than synthetically produced) supplementation to combat the harmful effects of free radicals – reactive oxygen species among them. Indeed, among the antioxidant products you’ll find on sale at The Finchley Clinic, the following are all currently available on special offer:


Cell Fuzion – an advanced antioxidant formula designed to protect and energize mitochondrial function and protect against DNA damage.


Megahydrate Powder – a powerful antioxidant and provides full-body essential hydration for optimal health and well-being.

Super Antioxidant Protection – a powerful formula that supplies key water and fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients; by supporting the body’s major antioxidant pathways, it may protect against free radical damage and premature ageing.

 

References:

  1. Sen C. K. ‘Wound Healing Essentials: Let There Be Oxygen’. Wound Repair Regen. 2009; 17 (1): 1–18. doi:  10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00436.x.
  2. Ohio State University Department of Internal Medicine. ‘Scientists Identify a New Role for Oxygen in Wound Healing’. https://internalmedicine.osu.edu/article.cfm?id=2229.
  3. Triantaphylidès C., Krischke M., Hoeberichts F. A., Ksas B., Gresser G., Havaux M., Van Breusegem F. and Mueller M. J. ‘Singlet oxygen is the major reactive oxygen species involved in photooxidative damage to plants’. Plant Physiol. 2008 Oct; 148 (2): 960-8. doi: 10.1104/pp.108.125690. Epub 2008 Aug 1.
  4. Chen Y., Azad M. B. and Gibson S. B. ‘Superoxide is the major reactive oxygen species regulating autophagy’. Cell Death Differ. 2009 Jul; 16 (7): 1040-52. doi: 10.1038/cdd.2009.49. Epub 2009 May 1.
  5. Jaimes E. A., Sweeney C. and Raij L. ‘Effects of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite on endothelial nitric oxide production’. Hypertension. 2001 Oct; 38 (4): 877-83.
  6. Aprioku J. S. ‘Pharmacology of Free Radicals and the Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species on the Testis’. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility. 2013; 14 (4): 158-172.
  7. Spickett C. M, Jerlich A., Panasenko O. M., Arnhold J., Pitt A. R., Stelmaszyńska T. and Schaur R. J. ‘The reactions of hypochlorous acid, the reactive oxygen species produced by myeloperoxidase, with lipids’. Acta Biochim Pol. 2000; 47 (4): 889-99.
  8. Powers S. K., Ji L. L., Kavazis A. N. and Jackson M. J. ‘Reactive oxygen species: impact on skeletal muscle’. Comprehensive Physiology. 2011; 1 (2): 941-969. doi:10.1002/cphy.c100054.
  9. Pham-Huy L. A., He H. and Pham-Huy C. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health’. International Journal of Biomedical Science: IJBS. 2008; 4 (2): 89-96.
Liposomal Omega 3, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vegan Omega 3

Catch of the day? Where to get Omega-3 fatty acids if you’re vegetarian

Any of our regular customers – or, indeed, any regular reader of this blog – are sure to be aware that just as not all bacteria are bad for us (the intestines, of course, require ‘good’ bacteria among its gut flora), neither are all fats bad for us. A fine example is Omega-3 fatty acids. So much so, in fact, that experts, thanks to a good deal of research, believe this particular group of fats are great for contributing to everything from treating arthritis, dementia and depression to reducing the risk of heart disease and boosting brain health.

The drawback with Omega-3s, though, is that our bodies aren’t capable of synthesising them; we can’t generate them ourselves. Therefore we have to get our fill of them through diet alone – or, alternatively, through supplementation. Now, it’s very commonly known that a great source for them are fish – specifically for the Omega-3 acids that are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which generally appear to offer the most potent health benefits – but there are other sources too. And the best thing about this is for vegetarians and vegans there are alternative dietary (and now supplement) sources for Omega-3.

Omega 3 health benefits

So, what of these benefits then? Well, perhaps more than anything else, Omega-3 fatty acids are of help when it comes to heart health. Not only are they capable of curbing inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body (thus, easing the pressure of work on the heart), but can also lower heart rate and ensure the development of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) is less likely and slow down the build-up of plaque in blood vessels (which could also aid in the prevention of suffering a stroke). Research may also suggest heart attack survivors who’ve boosted their Omega-3 levels experience fewer heart attacks and are less likely to suffer a heart disease-caused death1.

Additionally, increased consumption of both DHA and EPA have the capacity to reduce levels of triglycerides (a specific blood fat that’s linked to heart disease), especially when combined with more exercise and lower intake of alcohol, sugary foods and processed carbohydrates, such as white bread and white rice. And it appears Omega-3s are also capable of lowering blood pressure – to some extent, at least – again, not least by complementing one’s Omega-3 intake with other dietary changes (i.e. less red meat and less salt). And, elsewhere in the body, research suggests that stiffness and pain in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may experience some relief when these fatty acids are combined with anti-inflammatory medication.

In terms of mental health and brain health, there is a wealth of evidence that Omega-3 acids aids depression. We also know that depression levels tend to be lower in countries where higher levels of Omega-3s are particularly common in typical diets. One Professor of Psychiatry who the company director went to listen giving a lecture a few years ago uses it extensively and routinely in his practise with all depression sufferers. Results take a good 8 weeks to become apparent in many cases, so it should not be regarded as an overnight cure, and those who benefit may need to continue to supplements with Omega 3 for good. But even most mainstream medicines for mental health have to be taken for 4-8 weeks to assess their effectiveness, and are often taken on a long term basis , whilst all the while having potentially harmful and dangerous side-effects, whereas side-effects from supplementing with Omega 3’s are almost unheard of. It’s now accepted that that essential fatty acids play a contributory role in brain function and the development of this organ; some too believe, based on research, that they may be able to help alleviate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the suggestion being that they ought to be looked upon as supplementary to traditional treatment for this condition. Finally, it’s also believed that Omega-3s may be able to help with preventing dementia and age-related brain-function decline. More studies need to be conducted in this area, but research does suggest older people with Omega-3-rich diets are less liable to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Omega 3 sources – including vegetarian/ vegan-friendly options

As mentioned above, certain fish are, of course, an excellent source for Omega-3 fatty acids – in particular, DHA and EPA. And some fish deliver higher does than others; high-scoring fish in this regard being the likes of anchovies, herring, mackerel, lake trout, salmon and sardines. To that end, the American Heart Association actually recommends you get at least two servings of such fish each week – perhaps with the emphasis on *at least* there!

All that said, it’s important to note you should try to steer clear of fish that may contain relatively high traces of mercury in your hunt for increased Omega-3 intake – if you’re concerned about this issue, it’s best to opt for catfish, cod, pollock, salmon, shrimp, tilapia and tuna (light canned).

But what about if you’re a vegetarian or vegan? What’s best to turn to boost your Omega-3 levels? Well, a great source are certain algae – yes, it’s both commercially grown for human consumption and, to that end, is considered mostly safe (although it’s probably best to steer clear of wild blue-green owing to potential toxins it might contain). Other vegetarian/ vegan-friendly sources – specifically for the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Omega-3 fatty acid, which can be converted into both DLA and EPA in the body – include broccoli, canola oil, flaxseed oil, spinach and walnuts. Plus, be aware that some food products are also fortified with Omega-3s – be sure check their ingredient details for the levels to which they are.

Omega 3 vegetarian supplements

It may be, however, that if you’re not crazy about fish, or should you be a vegetarian or vegan and find it challenging to get hold of any of the above recommended foods on a regular basis, that naturally-derived supplementation is your best option for driving up your body’s Omega-3 levels. Traditionally, this area has been a challenge for those of a vegetarian/ vegan persuasion, but with the supplement industry and the knowledge around Omega-3 benefits only ever expanding and rising, the market is beginning to cater to more and more people. So, by all means take a look at the ‘Omega-3’ page here on our site for relevant products, but be aware too that, among those products we offer at The Finchley Clinic, you’ll find these two vegetarian/ vegan-friendly options:


Vegan Omega 3 – approved by the Vegetarian Society, this supplement is one of the first available in the UK to give vegetarians and vegans a direct supply of both EPA and DHA derived not from fish but from natural algae; it’s also suitable for daily use and during pregnancy (no added Vitamins A and D) – note that maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants, as well as contributing to the normal visual development of infants up to 12 months of age.


Liposomal Omega 3 – again, the Omega 3 oil this product comprises is derived directly from algae. The supplement’s produced via Liposomal Encapsulation Technology, a new solution for delivering nutrients in supplementation thanks to the nutrients’ encasing in a nano-sized fatty bubble (a liposome), enabling it to pass effectively through the stomach and digestive acids and arrive entirely intact to the body’s cells; precisely where it’s needed.

Reference:

1. Mohebi-Nejad A. and Bikdeli B. ‘Omega-3 Supplements and Cardiovascular Diseases’. Tanaffos. 2014; 13 (1): 6–14.

Aloe Fuzion, Aloe Gold Cherry/ Cranberry, Aloe Gold Natural, Aloe vera

Good on the inside and the out: the many benefits of aloe vera supplements

Long a favourite ingredient of skincare and cosmetic products, aloe vera isn’t just good for your skin and keeping you looking young… you may not know it, but due to its plethora of beneficial components, it can help maintain your health on the inside too. Doubtful? Well, if so; you need to read on, truly. Because, as a natural ingredient, it’s been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for everything from constipation to infections and colic to worm infestation – as well as skin diseases. Nowadays, of course, thanks to its widespread use as an ingredient in cosmetics and food products, its production is one of the biggest botanical industries in the world. But should it be recognised for being more than it is by many? Frankly, the facts speak for themselves…

 

Aloe vera – the lowdown

Believed by experts to be the most biologically active of all the species of the aloe plant, aloe vera actually comprises more than 75 potentially active components; these constituent parts include amino acids (20 of them out the total 22 required by the human body), as well as anthaquinones, enzymes, lignin, minerals, saccharides, salicylic acids, saponins and, of course, vitamins. Here’s a breakdown of what aloe vera contains – its many active components 1:

  • Vitamin A (an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals), Vitamin C (protects the body from cardiovascular disease, eye disease and prenatal health problems) and Vitamin E (another powerful antioxidant), as well as Vitamin B12, choline and folic acid

 

  • The health-aiding enzymes aliiase, alkaline amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, peroxidease and phosphatase

 

  • human-body-enhancing minerals including calcium, chromium, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc

 

  • as many as 12 anthraquinones (laxatives), including aloin and emodin that can operate as analgesics and are capable of anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity too

 

  • the fatty acids beta-sisosterol, campesterol, cholesterol and lupeol, lending aloe vera anti-inflammatory properties

 

  • the hormones that are auxins and gibberellins are also anti-inflammatory and can aid with wound-healing.

 

Aloe vera health benefits

So, thanks to all these components; aloe vera is, on the inside of the body, capable of providing significant help with the following issues, conditions and functions:

 

Constipation

A number of studies have looked into the use of aloe latex from aloe vera as a laxative; as established, its anthraquinones provide it with a potent laxative effective, thus increasing water content in the intestines, leading to stimulation of mucus secretion and bringing about intestinal peristalsis (the contractions that ensure food’s broken down and blended with the intestine’s gastric juices and acidic fluid). Taking one study as an example (among 28 healthy adults), aloe latex achieved a successful laxative effect versus a placebo, ensuring it can be claimed not just to be a natural remedy for constipation but more effective than over-the-counter synthetic medicine specifically manufactured for that purpose2.

 

Digestion

Also because of its laxative benefits (in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties), aloe vera can aid another digestive area; this one being a function rather than an issue, though – general digestion. This is because it helps in the normalisation of acid-alkaline (pH) balance, reduces the formation of harmful yeast while encouraging ‘good’ digestive bacteria and contributing to the regularisation of bowel processing.

Indeed, for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), research has proved that oral consumption of aloe vera twice a day can reduce the level of discomfort (and flatulence)3, while another study on rat subjects with gastrointestinal issues has found that their gastric acid levels considerably decreased thanks to aloe vera4. It should be noted too that extracts of the plant can be deployed to soothe and heal stomach ulcers thanks to anti-bacterial, healing benefits that contribute to the restoration of the stomach lining.

 

Immunity

Among the aforementioned enzymes aloe vera contains, one in particular is of great benefit to the immune system. Bradykinase does a great job in stimulating the immune system and even going so far as to kill infections. Meanwhile, zinc – again, as mentioned, one of aloe vera’s constituent mineral – is essential for effective immune function (it’s crucial for hormone receptors and proteins in the body, which play a key role in healthy immune function); all of this then means the plant is a fine source for combating zinc deficiency.

Additionally, a recent medical report points out that aloe vera is now under consideration for use in dentistry, owing to its efficacy as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent, in addition to its value in boosting the immune system without leading to allergic reactions or side effects5.

 

Diabetes

Finally, one of the major problems that those who suffer from diabetes encounter is the risk of cardiovascular complications. However, there is some evidence gleaned from human and animal subjects that points to aloe vera being effective at diminishing the chronic hyperglycaemia and perturbed lipid profile in diabetes sufferers that can lead to such cardiovascular issues 6.

 

Aloe vera natural supplements

Now, you might very well be aware of how and where to get hold of aloe vera-featuring skincare and cosmetic products, but where should you turn to for extracts of the plant that are suitable for consumption to benefit your body’s insides? Well, one way, of course – and one that’s probably not immediately obvious – is to go direct to the source itself; that is, to grow your own aloe as a potted plant at home. Yes, really. It’s not actually as expensive as it sounds. That said, if purchasing aloe vera seeds and tending to your very own plant seems a little extreme (if then you’d rather buy extracts than seeds to grow them from), then there is another option – natural supplementation. Indeed, among the different, excellent aloe vera supplements you’ll find we sell at The Finchley Clinic are these three following examples:



Aloe Fuzion – the highest quality, most bioavailable and most immunomodulatory version of aloe vera available.



Aloe Gold Natural – made from fresh, whole aloe leaves, this product uses gentle technology that extracts up to 20 times more vital nutrients than most other aloe juice and gels.


Aloe Gold Cherry/ Raspberry – a version of Aloe Gold blended with 7% unsprayed cranberry and cherry juices for a fantastic flavour.

 

References:

  1. Surjushe A., Vasani R. and Saple D. G. ‘Aloe vera: a short review’. Indian J Dermatol. 2008; 53 (4): 163–166. doi:  10.4103/0019-5154.44785.
  2. Foster M., Hunter D. and Samman S. ‘Chapter 3: Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera’ in ‘Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: 2nd edition’. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.
  3. Khedmat H., Karbasi A., Amini M., Aghaei A. and Taheri S. ‘Aloe vera in treatment of refractory irritable bowel syndrome: Trial on Iranian patients’. J Res Med Sci. 2013 Aug; 18 (8): 732.
  4. Keshavarzi Z. et al. ‘The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid- induced gastric ulcer in male rats’. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014 Mar-Apr; 4 (2): 137–143.
  5. Sujatha G., Kumar G. S., Muruganandan J. and Prasad T. S. ‘Aloe vera in dentistry’. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Oct; 8 (10): ZI01-2. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2014/8382.4983. Epub 2014 Oct 20.
  6. Syed T. A., Ahmad S. A., Holt A. H., Ahmad S. A., Ahmad S. H. and Afzal M. ‘Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study’. Trop Med Int Health. 1996; 1: 505–09.
Curcumin, Curcumin Liposomal Liquid

Six of the best: 6 reasons you should try natural curcumin supplements

Spices… what would we do without them? How bland would our food be without them as ingredients? Take, for instance, a curry without turmeric – a yellowy-orange spice that’s a member of the ginger family – what would the impact of a curry be without it? That said, spices like turmeric do far more than merely flavour our food; consumption of them do our health a great deal of good too. For example, the highly active phytochemical in turmeric that’s curcumin (which, in fact, is what gives that spice its colour) is enormously beneficial to practically every part of our bodies. Yes, really. Indeed, so inexhaustible are the curcumin health benefits that you might want to consider introducing it into your diet right now – here are just six of its major benefits:

 

  1. Aids gut health

First up then, while playing a critical role in stimulating the gall bladder to generate and release bile1 (a fluid produced by the liver that aids the digestion of lipids – fats – in the small intestine), curcumin also eases discomfort caused by stomach ulcers because it inhibits stomach acid secretion as well as the activity of pepsin (a digestive enzyme)2.

 

  1. Combats autoimmunity – and autoimmune-related conditions

Research has found that curcumin is adept at ameliorating the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), all of which are either accepted as autoimmune diseases/ conditions or are strongly tied to autoimmunity3. Indeed, in terms of helping to treat IBD4, curcumin appears to be effective in aiding remission in those with inactive ulcerative colitis5, while for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, the phytochemical (in combination with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac) showed high efficacy6. And, if that’s not enough, it appears to help protect against autoimmune diabetes too7.

 

  1. All the ‘anti’s – anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Curcumin can also play an important role in combating infections because of its innate capacity to activate the body’s vitamin D (or calcitriol) receptor protein. Moreover, in anti-viral terms, it helps to combat influenza, adenovirus, coxsackievirus and HIV, as well as reduce hepatitis C gene expression8. Meanwhile, operating as an anti-fungal agent, curcumin (when combined with the alkaloid piperine, a common ingredient in traditional medicine) works effectively against the yeast Candida alcibans bacteria; so often harmful to the gut9. And, when putting its anti-bacterial hat on, it helps protect against septicaemia; as proved by a study on mice, in which subjects exposed to Vibrio vulnificus (a pathogenic bacteria responsible for cholera) experienced a reduction in mortality rates10.

 

  1. Helps treat obesity and diabetes

It’s also been proved through research that curcumin, in bioavailable forms, can considerably contribute to weight loss in overweight people11. And when it comes to treating diabetes, the phytochemical’s capable of lowering blood sugar levels thanks to it stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells12 and preventing insulin resistance. Moreover, it appears to drive up cardiovascular function while driving down oxidative stress in diabetic patients13, in addition to impeding obesity-induced inflammation14. Furthermore, curcumin can help reduce the chance of prediabetes evolving into type-2 diabetes and, at the same time, aid in the improvement of the overall functioning of pancreatic cells15.

 

  1. Fights oxidative stress and is anti-inflammatory

As noted already, the chemical possesses anti-inflammatory qualities; so much so, in fact, that it’s a more powerful anti-inflammatory agent than either of the over-the-counter synthetic treatments that are aspirin and ibuprofen – not least because it inhibits the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) in lung cells16. Indeed, it appears its efficacy here for eye diseases is comparable to corticosteroid therapy17. Moreover, studies have discovered that it protects against oxidative stress, specifically, by impeding lipid peroxidation, as well as by boosting glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and by driving up the activity of the oxidative-damage-combating enzyme that’s catalase in the brain, kidneys and liver.18

 

  1. Benefits the liver and kidneys

Finally, by being so effective at both moderating inflammation and lipid peroxidation as well as boosting antioxidant enzymes (like catalase), curcumin does great work in the liver, in particular, because it can help to prevent alcohol-driven oxidative stress19 – and it’s been proved to play a significant role in the fight to prevent liver disease19. Furthermore, when it comes to the kidneys, it can aid in averting kidney cell damage that would otherwise be caused by taking too much paracetamol20.

 

Supplements

So, with curcumin boasting all these fantastic benefits, you’ll doubtless be wondering just where you can get your hands on it – and easily at that. Well, as mentioned at the outset, curcumin can be found in turmeric, but what if – for any reason – you find it difficult to purchase this spice, or if you’d prefer not to, of course? What if, you’d prefer to purchase curcumin directly? In that case, curcumin natural supplements are undoubtedly your best bet. Indeed, you’re well advised to check out the ‘Curcumin’ page of The Finchley Clinic website, where you’ll find, for example, these three excellent supplements:


Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – developed with a new nano-particle technology, this product ensures much higher absorption of its curcumin content.


Curcumin Forte (Epigenar) – features a micellar formula, which ensures the curcumin is both water- and fat-soluble (185 times more absorbable than standard powder, in fact).


BioCare Curcumin Plus – provides curcumin in a micellised form for maximum efficacy, with antioxidants from pine bark, ursolic acid, sage and ginger.

 

References:

  1. Rasyid A. and Lelo A. ‘The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-bladder function: an ultrasound study’. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999 Feb; 13 (2): 245-9.
  2. Mei X., Xu D., Wang S. and Xu S. ‘Pharmacological researches of curcumin solid dispersions on experimental gastric ulcer’. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Nov; 34 (22): 2920-3.
  3. Bright JJ. ‘Curcumin and autoimmune disease’. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 595: 425-51.
  4. Holt P. R., Katz S. and Kirshoff R. ‘Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study’. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Nov; 50 (11): 2191-3.
  5. Hanai H. et al. ‘Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Dec; 4 (12): 1502-6. Epub 2006 Nov.
  6. Chandran B. and Goel A. ‘A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis’. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov; 26 (11): 1719-25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4639. Epub 2012 Mar.
  7. Aggarwal B. B. and Harikumar K. B. ‘Potential Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin, the Anti-inflammatory Agent, Against Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Metabolic, Autoimmune and Neoplastic Diseases’. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009; 41 (1): 40–59. Published online 2008 Jul 9. doi:  10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010.
  8. Kim K. et al. ‘Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway’. FEBS Lett. 2010 Feb 19; 584 (4): 707-12. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.019. Epub 2009 Dec 17.
  9. Neelofar K. et al. ‘Curcumin as a promising anticandidal of clinical interest’. Can J Microbiol. 2011 Mar; 57 (3): 204-10. doi: 10.1139/W10-117.
  10. Na H. S. et al. ‘Protective mechanism of curcumin against Vibrio vulnificus infection’. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2011 Dec; 63 (3): 355-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2011.00855.x. Epub 2011 Sep 8.
  11. Di Pierro F. et al. ‘Potential role of bioavailable curcumin in weight loss and omental adipose tissue decrease: preliminary data of a randomized, controlled trial in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. Preliminary study.’ Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Nov; 19 (21): 4195-202.
  12. Abdel Aziz M. T. ‘The effect of curcumin on insulin release in rat-isolated pancreatic islets’. Angiology. 2010 Aug; 61 (6): 557-66. doi: 10.1177/0003319709356424. Epub 2010 Apr 14.
  13. Usharani P. et al. ‘Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week study’. Drugs R D. 2008; 9: 243–250.
  14. Woo H. M. et al. ‘Active spice-derived components can inhibit inflammatory responses of adipose tissue in obesity by suppressing inflammatory actions of macrophages and release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from adipocytes’. Life Sci. 2007; 80: 926–931.
  15. Chuengsamarn S. et al. ‘Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes’. Diabetes Care. 2012 Nov; 35 (11): 2121-7. doi: 10.2337/dc12-0116. Epub 2012 Jul 6.
  16. Biswas S. K. et al. ‘Curcumin induces glutathione biosynthesis and inhibits NF-kappaB activation and interleukin-8 release in alveolar epithelial cells: mechanism of free radical scavenging activity’. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2005 Jan-Feb; 7 (1-2): 32-41.
  17. Lal B. et al. ‘Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis’. Phytother Res. 1999 Jun; 13 (4): 318-22.
  18. Agarwal R. et al. ‘Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercury’. Onlinelibrary.wiley.com. 2010 Mar. doi: 10.1002/jat.1517.
  19. Varatharajalu R. et al. ‘Protective Role of Dietary Curcumin in the Prevention of the Oxidative Stress Induced by Chronic Alcohol with respect to Hepatic Injury and Antiatherogenic Markers’. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016; 2016: 5017460. doi: 10.1155/2016/5017460. Epub 2016 Jan 5.
  20. Kheradpezhouh E. ‘Curcumin protects rats against acetaminophen-induced hepatorenal damages and shows synergistic activity with N-acetyl cysteine’. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010 Feb; 628 (1-3): 274-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.11.027. Epub 2009 Nov 15.
Glutathione, Liposomal Glutathione

The grateful eight? 8 top benefits of glutathione to the body

Let’s be honest, the likelihood is you’ve never heard of glutathione. Why should you have? It’s not a vitamin, is it? Well, no. But it is a simple molecule – specifically, a peptide – to be found in every cell in the human body that comprises three amino acids (cysteine, glutamine and glycine). Fair enough; but if it’s as simple as all that, why’s it worthy of mention? Basically, because scientists believe it’s so important to humans and their health that they’ve suggested that the levels of glutathione in the body’s cells are an excellent predictor of life expectancy – that is, how much glutathione you have in your cells may greatly suggest how long you’ll live1, 2. All the more reason to boost your levels of the chemical through natural supplementation so they don’t run too low? Absolutely!

So, what is it about glutathione that makes it so essential to the healthy functioning of the human body? Why is its presence in the body’s cells so significant? Well, the reality is that this little substance helps to do a great many important things – here are eight of the most common and crucial of them…

 

Benefits of glutathione

  1. Fights oxidative stress

You may have heard of the awesome antioxidant properties of both Vitamins C and E, but don’t doubt it; glutathione is just as impressive and important an antioxidant – not least because it likes nothing more than locating itself right inside cells, the ideal position to do this work1. As an antioxidant then, it plays a critical role in reducing oxidative stress. It removes from the body free radicals and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) and defends against the harmful effects of toxic xenobiotics (such as carcinogens, pollutants and drugs); all of which contributes to protecting the body’s cells and DNA from damage and the body’s systems from deterioration and diseases – including, it’s believed, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and some cancers 1, 2, 3. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also great for helping regenerate other antioxidants; the likes of the aforementioned Vitamins C and E.

 

  1. Helps anti-aging

Free radicals, mentioned above, can cause much harm in the body because they like to find other health-benefitting molecules with which to pair off and ensure the latter become useless. To that end, among the myriad problems this can cause is the fact it contributes to the aging process – something then that replenished glutathione levels can naturally mitigate against1. Specifically, it’s believed that when glutathione levels are low, the efficacy of the immune system’s compromised, which speeds up the aging process – and the knock-on effect of this is that, as it ages, the body naturally produces less glutathione to keep itself healthy and, yes, ‘younger’1. Plus, it’s been posited that the drop-off in glutathione generation during the menopause may be a factor in why women tend to age dramatically during this time of life1.

 

  1. May aid brain health

Owing to the fact the brain tends to consume around 20% – that’s one fifth – of the oxygen absorbed into and created in the body, it’s critically important your glutathione levels remain high to ensure reactive oxygen species are detoxified here; indeed, research suggests that unless this takes place effectively the likelihood of the following brain-related diseases increases1:

  • Alzheimer’s disease – in part caused by oxidative stress (proved by the fact that oral Vitamin E intake can slow its progression1, 2), Alzheimer’s is notable for the DNA-binding protein TDP-43 amassing in the nervous system, a result of which is a reduction in glutathione in the body1 (creating then, yes, a vicious circle). That said, glutathione can treat symptoms of the disease – a study proved that in mice, a gluthatione-level-boosting protein increased memory in mice suffering with Alzheimer’s1.

 

  • Parkinson’s disease – again, in part, brought on by oxidative stress (specifically in the nervous system); Parkinson’s, so research has proved, ensures sufferers experience a deficit of glutathione in a specific part of the brain linked to the disease1.

 

  • Huntington’s disease – it seems it may also be possible to thwart this disease, once again caused by oxidative stress (in addition to mitochondrial dysfunction)1, in part by increasing the body’s glutathione levels so as to improve mitochondrial health1.

 

  1. May help fight infections

Reduced levels of glutathione in the body can also worsen the effect of viral infections, as it helps enable the infecting bacteria and parasites to run amok and cause abnormal amounts of oxidative stress in cells1, 2. Moreover, depleted glutathione means, as mentioned, a less effective immune system, which results in more virulent infections and worse inflammation, (certainly, for instance, in the case of influenza, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis and AIDS)1. Additionally, one study has proved that keeping the body’s amino acid cysteine content (and thus the glutathione content) high, enhances the destruction of harmful, infection-causing mycobacteria1.

 

  1. May enhance gut health

The glutathione compound, glutathione peroxidase, is a crucial ingredient in the natural renewal of the gut wall (thereby helping to prevent leaky gut, which occurs when the gut wall becomes weakened)1, while it’s known that the peptide also works to protect the intestinal mucosa from harmful alien elements1. Plus, there may be a linkage between glutathione deficiency and the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – its sufferers appear to experience less activity of the enzymes that feature in the glutathione synthesis process and have reduced levels of the glutathione building block, cysteine1.

 

  1. May help prevent heart disease

Research has showed that an increased risk of heart attack can be linked to deficient amounts of both systemic and cardiac glutathione, as well as reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase in the body1, 2, 3, while cardiovascular disease is, to a large extent, the result of oxidative stress traced to the heart tissues (itself far less likely to take place, as is a stroke, if a body contains healthily high levels of glutathione with all its antioxidant duties1).

 

  1. May treat diabetic problems

There’s a very strong linkage between the accumulation of free radicals in the body and many harmful complications connected to type-2 diabetes (cardiovascular issues and neurodegeneration); thus, increased glutathione intake can definitely limit (if nor prevent) these complications1. Indeed, as with Alzheimer’s disease (above), a vicious circle can be created via glutathione deficiency and type-2 diabetes as, while the former can help cause the latter, type-2 diabetes and high blood sugar go on to reduce the body’s glutathione content1.

 

  1. May combat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Finally, not only has research suggested that antioxidant mechanisms may be compromised in the bodies of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, but also that – unsurprisingly – their glutathione levels may be significantly lower than average1; to match the high demand their bodies have for the chemical then, it more than makes sense to top up their glutathione levels via supplementation.

 

Glutathione supplements

That said, as should now be clear, it makes perfect sense for everybody to try and ensure their glutathione levels are healthily high – so many potential ailments are its deficiency linked to. But how might you go about this? Naturally-derived supplementation is the answer – rather than any unnecessarily artificial alternative. By all means, take a look at the ‘Glutathione’ page on our website to check out the range of products available through us at The Finchley Clinic, which includes the following three examples:

Liposomal Glutathione – supplies the body’s primary detoxifier via a state-of-the-art supplement development process resulting in an extremely highly absorbable form of the chemical.

Epigenar Glutathione HPU – offers a reduced form of glutathione, but in a supplement also comprising zinc, magnesium, Vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, copper SOD and catalase.

Super Antioxidant Protection – a powerful formula that delivers the key antioxidant nutrients that are Vitamins C and E and glutathione, in addition to the key glutathione building-block N-acetyl cysteine as well as Vitamin B2, zinc, manganese and selenium.

 

References:

  1. Kern J. K., Geier D. A., Adams J. B., Garver C. R., Audhya T. and Geier M. R. ‘A clinical trial of glutathione supplementation in autism spectrum disorders’. Med Sci Monit. 2011; 17 (12): CR677–682. Published online 2011 Dec. doi:  10.12659/MSM.882125.
  2. Cascella R., Evangelisti E., Zampagni M., Becatti M., D’Adamio G., Goti A., Liguri G., Fiorillo C. and Cecchi C. ‘S-linolenoyl glutathione intake extends life-span and stress resistance via Sir-2.1 upregulation in Caenorhabditis elegans’. Free Radic Biol Med. 2014 Aug; 73: 127-35. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 May.
  3. Perricone C., De Carolis C. and Perricone R. ‘Glutathione: a key player in autoimmunity’. Autoimmun Rev. 2009 Jul; 8 (8): 697-701. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.020. Epub 2009 Feb 13.

 

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

Supplier of Natural Health Supplements for candida management and colon cleansing