The importance of oxygen to the body

Oxygen. We all know what it is, right? One of the first elements on the periodic table and represented there by the letter ‘O’. The one-part to hydrogen’s two that, together, make up water. And, maybe most important to us and all living things on this planet, the air-bound, colourless, odourless gas that we breathe in and without which we can’t survive. But why is that? Why can’t we live without oxygen? Just why is it so important to us? And what happens – and what can we do – when we don’t get enough of it?

Aerobic and cellular respiration

As many are aware, via the act of breathing (respiration) the body takes in oxygen and releases waste gas from its lungs, namely carbon dioxide. This is what’s specifically referred to as aerobic respiration; that’s to say, it refers specifically to the breathing in and consumption of oxygen to help create energy in the body to feed our cells. How does this happen? Well, as the air you’ve breathed in reaches your lungs, it makes its way into their microscopic air sacs (alveoli) and, from there, the oxygen slips through their shallow walls and passes into the bloodstream1, through which it’s transported to the body’s millions of different cells where it plays its critical role in the process of converting vitamins and nutrients into energy (referred to as cellular respiration)2,3. And it’s from this process that, along with water, the body creates CO2 as a by-product.

Oxygen health and deprivation

Now, obviously, the higher the oxygen content in the body, the higher the rate of activity its cells can perform at. So when the body takes in more oxygen, the more hydrated it becomes and the better it can function. And, naturally, the healthier it is too4. For instance, using a study conducted on laboratory mice as an example, a group of these mice were proved, by receiving supplemental oxygen, to have developed better immune function, a higher count of T cells (a type of white blood cells that play an important role in immunity) and actually lived around twice as long as a comparative group that had received normal levels of oxygen5.

So much for high levels of oxygen intake, but what if you’re not getting adequate oxygen in the first place? Well, under that scenario, suffering health problems are pretty much guaranteed6. In fact, maybe one of the unexpected truths of oxygen deprivation is it doesn’t just occur suddenly (in the manner of choking or drowning), but can also occur over the long-term; say, months or even years. How so? A common cause is that levels of poor quality indoor air7 and outside air pollution (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ground-level ozone) are ever rising8.

Oxygen cleansing

Finally, you may not know it, but there’s another – far less well known – way oxygen can do your body a lot of good. That is, helping to cleanse your body of impurities, not least those present in the colon. These impurities get into our bodies via the water and fluids we drink, the foods we eat and often too the different environments we live in – so, yes, via the air we breathe. But the inherent goodness of oxygen (its natural health-supporting and cleansing abilities) does a terrific job in combining with our bodies’ in-built self-healing mechanisms, ensuring impurities, blockages and the like can be removed.

oxy-powder-capsules

Indeed, a product formulated with soothing oxygen that’s achieved great results for people by gently cleansing and detoxifying their digestive tracts is Oxy-Powder (120 capsules). It’s one of the major oxygen cleansing products on the market and is available through The Finchley Clinic – and needless to say, we highly recommend it. Other colon-cleansing products we sell that leverage the power of oxygen include both Mag 07 Oxygen Colon Cleanse (a fast-acting, vegan-friendly digestive-system-cleanser and supplement that’s designed to release oxygen over a 12-hour period; available in 180 capsules, 120 capsules, 90 capsules and as a powder) and Colosan powder (a magnesium based colon-cleansing product that oxygenates the bowels at the same time).

References:

1 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. ‘What Happens When You Breathe?’ U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 17 July 2012. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.

2 Alberts B., Johnson A., Lewis J. et al. ‘How Cells Obtain Energy from Food’. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002.

3 Hyperphysics. phy. ‘Cellular Respiration’. Hyperphysics, n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.

4 Nhlbi. nih. ‘What Is Oxygen Therapy?’ National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 24 Feb. 2012. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.

5 Hatfield S. M. et al. ‘Immunological mechanisms of the antitumor effects of supplemental oxygenation’. Science Translational Medicine.­­­ Vol. 7, March 4, 2015, p. 277 ra30. doi: 10.1126/ scitranslmed. aaa1260.

6 LaValle, J. B., and Lundin, S. Yale. ‘Cracking the Metabolic Code: 9 Keys to Optimal Health’. North Bergen, NJ: Basic Health Publications, 2004.

7 Environmental Protection Agency. ‘Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality’. (n.d.): 5-12. EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, Aug. 2014. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.

8 AirNow. ‘Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics’. AirNow.gov, 28 Jan. 2016. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.

Dealing with arthritis conditions – it’s not just drugs and surgery

For many of us, getting old and our joints becoming painful and affecting our mobility is just a part of ageing. We hope we won’t get arthritis but accept we may, so it’ll simply be what happens when we reach an advanced age.

Today, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, with more than 20 million afflicted people experiencing severe limitations in their daily lives1. Staggeringly, it accounts each year for almost one million hospitalisations and nearly 45 million outpatient visits2 – and it’s been estimated the financial cost of arthritis is close to $100 billion, almost half of which is in loss of earnings.

But is all this inevitable? Well, there are actually several different forms of arthritis, thus the causes are complex. But, equally, that means nobody afflicted by arthritis should give in to the disease – as there also various forms of treatments available with the potential to greatly improve sufferers’ quality of life.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The two most often-suffered forms of the condition are osteoarthritis (or non-inflammatory arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis (or inflammatory arthritis). The most common form of all is the former. Potentially affecting hands, wrists, feet, the back, hips and knees of sufferers, it afflicts more than three in every 10 women by the time they reach 65 years of age. And it can be caused, in part, by obesity and sedentary lifestyles, as well as previous joint trauma.

For its part, rheumatoid arthritis sees the body’s immune system attack its own tissues – not least joints in the fingers, wrists elbows and knees (potentially leading to deformity if left untreated). But why does the immune system do this? It could well be because a sufferer lacks certain minerals in their body (e.g. potassium, calcium and magnesium). Indeed, if you’re not getting enough – of the right form of – calcium in your diet (irrespective of whether you drink milk or not), your body won’t produce enough synovial fluid, which is what lubricates the joints. And, without effective lubrication, the bones in joints will rub against each other and result in cartilage decay and an inflammation response.

Moreover, if somebody’s suffering from arthritis it also means they’ll have too many toxins in their body and, owing to the onset of the condition, it’s likely one of the places that the body chooses to dump these toxins will be the joints – these toxins that will cover and coat chronosytes, the cells that produce synovial fluid, hence the fluid won’t effectively be produced doubly over. Plus, of course, it’s these toxins that the immune system is aiming for when it attacks the body’s tissues and, here in particular, the joints.

Treatment

1. Medication

For rheumatoid arthritis, a likely form of treatment is biological medication, which will doubtless involve injections; however, the most common medical treatment comprises ‘disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs’ (DMARDs). Taken as tablets, they look to ease symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease. They work by blocking the effectiveness of the immune system’s chemicals when they attack the body’s joints. Typical DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and sulfasalazine.

2. Surgery

To reduce pain or correct deformities, surgery is an option that’s sometimes turned to, for example:

  • carpal tunnel release – to treat abnormal bending or remove inflamed tissue lining the finger joints by cutting a ligament so pressure on a nerve is relieved or finger tendons released
  • arthroscopy – to remove inflamed joint tissue via the insertion of a thin tube with a light source into the joint and then removing the damaged tissue using special surgical instruments inserted through other small cuts in the skin
  • arthroplasty – to replace parts of or all of a joint (i.e. hip, knee or shoulder) for someone with advanced rheumatoid arthritis; the latest replacement joints tend to have a lifespan of 10-20 years.

3. Physiotherapy

This form of treatment is well regarded for improving fitness and muscle strength and the flexibility of joints among arthritis sufferers. Physiotherapy may also provide effective pain relief via heat packs or ice packs or via transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which sees a small electrical pulse applied to an affected joint to numb the nerve endings.

4. Complementary therapy

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis try complementary therapies – such as massage, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic therapy – for short-term relief from symptoms.

5. Supplements

Finally, for those suffering from the effects of arthritis, boosting the body’s mineral content through specific arthritis supplements could also be highly beneficial. All the following supplements are available through The Finchley Clinic and come highly recommended for arthritis sufferers:

MSM-90-tabletsMSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) aids in cartilage formation and collagen generation, helping to maintain joint and muscle health, while it may also assist liver detoxification in the body and aid immunity; available in tablet form (1,000mg – 90 tablets, 180 tablets, 250 tablets and 500 tablets), as a warming balm and in powder form (200g, 454g and 900g)

 

 

OsteoplexOsteoplex (90 capsules) contains nutrients that help strengthen the skeletal system, bone health and the function of nerves and muscles, including magnesium, boron, Vitamins D and K, beta carotene and calcium citrate

 

 

NutracoolNutracool is an all-natural rub-in formula that provides soothing relief from strained muscles and joint and knee tenderness.

 

 

References:

1 CDC.gov. 2016. Arthritis. At A Glance Reports. Publications. Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis.htm.

2 Yelin, E., Cisternas, M., Pasta, D., Trupin, L. “Direct and Indirect Costs of Musculoskeletal Conditions in 1997: Total and Incremental Estimates Revised Final Report” (July, 2003).

 

IBS and muscle-strengthening: what Vitamin D supplements can do for you

Now that we’re in the summer months, it seems fitting to take this opportunity to talk about Vitamin D. Perennially associated with sunshine, Vitamin D’s an umbrella term for a group of fat-soluble secosteroids, two notable examples of which are vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol) and D2 (ergocalciferol), whose most common consumption method is through the skin via the UVB radiation of the Sun’s rays. Also relatively well known is that if young children are deficient in Vitamin D it can lead to rickets, a form of the bone-softening condition osteomalacia.

But what else? What else do we know about Vitamin D? Well, for a lot of people, that’s probably about it, even though, predictably enough, that’s really only the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, recent research has linked deficiency of this particular vitamin to two – intriguingly – very different but widespread ailments: irregular bowel syndrome (IBS) and loss of muscle strength in post-menopausal women.

That ‘leaky gut’ feeling

Our intestines are home to a whole host of Vitamin D receptors, which enable the nutrient’s presence there to protect the intestines’ lining, thereby preventing inflammation and so-called ‘leaky gut’ and, thus, the development of IBS. The condition doesn’t just result in discomfort, diarrhoea, pain and embarrassment, but is often linked to stress, anxiety and depression – research results have shown that its sufferers can often demonstrate undeniably higher levels of anxiety and depression than non-suffers1. Potentially affecting people’s quality of life then, IBS is a big deal – not least because at least one in five people (20%) suffer from the syndrome.

And IBS’s link to Vitamin D deficiency shouldn’t be understated – a recent study for the British Medical Journal discovered that more than four in five (82%) of IBS patients were deficient in it. Unsurprisingly then, supplemented Vitamin D was proved to do them a great deal of good. According to the conclusion of the three-month study, those who’d taken Vitamin D supplements not only saw increased levels of it in their bloodstream, but their final results also suggested a big correlation between their Vitamin D status and improved ‘quality of life’2.

Build up your muscle strength

Only a fool would suggest that the menopause isn’t a complicated and often difficult time in a woman’s life. And, with all the hormonal changes going on in the female body at this point, bone health can become an issue. Many may not be aware, though, that muscle strength – or lack of it – can also be a concern thanks to ‘the change’. Both during and after menopause, oestrogen levels decrease and this can result in sarcopenia – a gradual, ongoing drop in muscle mass.

Is this enormously serious? Well, inside muscles, Vitamin D acts on special receptors, helping to drive up the mass and strength of the muscle as well as becoming involved in protein synthesis, which enables muscle contractions; thus, it plays a critical role in healthy muscle function. All this means that, due to Vitamin D deficiency, post-menopausal women can be at risk of potential frailty (and so reduced mobility) as well as frequent falls. And it can also help drive that particularly unpopular side-effect of menopause, weight gain – because it leads to a lower metabolism.

Inevitably then, help can come from boosting Vitamin D. A recent nine-month study, conducted at Sao Paulo State University in Brazil, found that post-menopausal women who had received Vitamin D3 supplementation enjoyed a 25% increase in muscle strength, while conversely, a similar group of volunteers receiving a placebo instead actually lost muscle mass – and experienced twice as many falls as those taking Vitamin D3.

Optimisation through supplementation

The results of these studies, as well as the fact IBS and muscle softness among post-menopausal women is common, is sadly not surprising (at least in this country) when one considers that four in every 10 (39%) of UK adults experience low vitamin D levels when the sun’s at its weakest in the winter. Indeed, ageing adults (the most likely to spend a good deal of time indoors) are most vulnerable to this nutrient deficiency4.

It’s pretty clear then that most people could probably do with optimising their Vitamin D levels. The trouble is, of course, this is easier said than done, as for half the year in many parts of the world (and, again, certainly in the UK), there isn’t much in the way of sunlight from which to gain it. So the answer? Supplementation. Happily, there are many supplements that contain Vitamin D on the market and, through The Finchley Clinic, you can get hold of the following examples, all of which we obviously recommend:

Vitamin-D3

 

  • Bio-D – liquid-based; 100 ius of Vitamin D per drop
  • Bio-Mulsion – also liquid-based; 1,000 ius of Vitamin D per drop
  • Vitasorb D – 12.5 ius of Vitamin D per drop (low dosage for children and sensitive individuals)
  • Suntrex D3 – vegan-friendly, lichen-derived form of Vitamin D

 

References:

11 Hyun Sun Cho et al (2011) “Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. Gut Liver. 5 (1): 29–36

12 Tazzyman S. et al (2015) “Vitamin D associates with improved quality of life in participants with irritable bowel syndrome: outcomes from a pilot trial”. BMJ Open Gastro 2: e000052.

13 The North American Menopause Society (NAMS). “Vitamin D3 supplementation helps women build muscle even after menopause: new study demonstrates vitamin effectiveness in reducing degeneration and risk of falls.” September 2015.

14 NICE. “Vitamin D: increasing supplement use in at-risk groups”. November 2014. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph56 Accessed 30/10/2015

Combating candida: a natural way to keep at bay enemy yeast

Many of us have experienced it. Tiredness or even exhaustion and, at the same time, stomach pain and unease in the digestive system. Few of us perhaps would draw a direct line between the two; many of us would probably think that a feeling of lethargy and indigestion and a more than usual amount of gassiness occurring together was a coincidence. But there’s a good chance they’re not. There’s a good chance we may be experiencing the effects of candida overgrowth.

Candida albicans is a single-celled organism that likes to live on our skin and in our digestive tract, especially our intestines. If allowed to remain in the latter unchecked the result can be candida overgrowth, which often sees the tiny yeast-like organisms create multiple different types of toxin (more than a hundred, in fact), all of which can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Needless to say, when this happens it can cause us harm.

Indeed, it appears that infections due to the presence of candida in our bodies are rising – estimates suggest that around 25,000 people in the United States alone develop them each year. Yet, despite this, the efficacy of medication prescribed to treat these infections is slipping as they’re becoming increasingly drug-resistant1.

Candida overgrowth – causes and symptoms

Naturally, for people who manage good, balanced diets, exercise regularly and get an appropriate amount of rest, intestinal issues don’t tend to crop up very often and candida overgrowth doesn’t often affect them. This is because their candida levels are successfully regulated by their immune systems and the presence of other microbes (‘good bacteria’) in their digestive systems.

So it’s when somebody’s immune system becomes suppressed that candida over-grows, causing an imbalance in the intestines and, as mentioned, enabling it to spread elsewhere in the body2. In addition to poor diets (with an overabundance of carbohydrates and high sugars), the onset of diabetes, stress, pregnancy and even the use of antibiotics and birth control medication can help cause candida overgrowth3. Symptoms sufferers may experience commonly include abdominal pains, indigestion and excessive gas; irritability, tiredness and trouble concentrating; anxiety and mood swings; cravings for sugars and breads; skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and acne; and oral or vaginal thrush4.

Treatment suggestions

So what can we do about it if too much candida’s taken up residence in our bowels and is spreading to other parts of our bodies? If traditional medication is proving less and less effective a weapon to fight its overgrowth, what can we turn to?

Some experts have recommended consuming lavender oil, colloidal silver or garlic; however, research for these natural remedies have so far proved rather inconclusive. For many experts, the smart money’s instead on supplements for candida, not least because they contain naturally-derived ingredients (indeed, research has suggested that for sufferers from thrush who’ve undergone repeat treatment from antibiotics but still experience a recurrence of symptoms, probiotics can be very helpful5).

And, at The Finchley Clinic, we have many supplements available that we recommend trying to combat candida – it goes without saying that, of course, some may work better for some people than others, but we highly recommend all of the following:

Threelac

 

References:

1 Hickman, M. A. et al. “The ‘obligate diploid’ Candida albicans forms mating-competent haploids”. Nature. 494.

2 O’Meara, T. R. et al. “Global analysis of fungal morphology exposes mechanisms of host cell escape”. Nature Communications. 6 (6741).

3 Ecandidacom. (2016). Ecandidacom. Retrieved 4 July, 2016, from http://www.ecandida.com/candida-albicans

4 Ghthealthcom. (2016). Ghthealthcom. Retrieved 4 July, 2016, from http://www.ghthealth.com

5 Richardson, A. “Natural remedies for the treatment and prevention of vaginal thrush infection”. bodykind blog. 05/082009.

Medcare: the single skin condition solution

So, it finally feels like summer’s on the way here in London, which for most of us means one thing above all else: sun. We love to spend time outdoors on sunny days, don’t we? And many love to get a tan too. The downside to that, of course, is that we have to be careful just how much sun we expose our skin to – obviously too much can be bad for our health. And for that, of course, we use the likes of sun cream as protection.

Some of us, however, are unlucky and can suffer from minor or major skin complaints out of the sun as well – in many cases these are temporary; in other cases they afflict sufferers all the year round. Again, there are all sorts of different treatments for these various complaints. So, you might conclude, it’s all covered, right? Well, maybe not. Because, you may not know it, but there’s a product on the market that, when applied to one’s skin, can treat a huge variety of different skin conditions – from swelling and redness to cuts and bruises, from skin wounds and ulcers to sore muscles, and even from haemorrhoids to, yes, sun burn.

The wonder of Ozonated Olive Oil

medcare-ozonated-olive-oil

Medcare (Ozonated Olive Oil) is available via The Finchley Clinic and is unsurprisingly a very popular product. Basically put, this gel treatment can be used for almost any skin condition, in part, because it’s so good at reoxygenating skin tissue topically, which means it operates as a therapeutic antioxidant, forcing toxins and lactic acid out of the pores of the skin and so cleaning and sterilising the epidermis – and that means it’s terrific for facial application too.

In actual fact, Ozonated Olive Oil – or Medcare, its brand name – isn’t a new product at all. Its first recorded use as a topical skin application dates back to Edwardian times more than a century ago; thus, its beneficial effects are well established and highly recognised. It takes its name from its production process, which sees ozone bubbled through olive oil for a continuous period of time to produce the off-white paste recognisable as Medcare. Originally, this process was extremely long-winded (it took as much as three to six months, 24 hours a day), but in recent years thanks to state-of-the-art equipment the manufacture time has been greatly reduced, ensuring the product is more widely available for those who’ll benefit from it.

Medcare – so many benefits

Neither restricted by an expiry date nor requiring refrigeration, Medcare is bought by many of our customers to treat the symptoms of thrush, while others find it particularly great for the likes of athlete’s foot and other forms of ringworm and skin fungi, as well as eczema and alopecia. Indeed, why not check out its reviews section on our website? You’ll see just how popular it is because of just how much it’s helped our customers’ different skin ailments.

Aside from the aforementioned ways Ozonated Olive Oil for skin can be used, it can also be applied to help with all of the following:

  • bed sores
  • candida and tinea versicolor (skin yeast)
  • carbuncles
  • diaper rash
  • increasing both cellular function and cellular memory
  • makeup removal
  • moisturising the face
  • reducing cellulite
  • reducing scarring
  • sebaceous (sweat) gland infections
  • stimulating skin cell growth
  • wrinkles

So, wherever on your body you’re suffering from epidermis – or exterior oral – issues, why not try out Medcare (Ozonated Olive Oil); the chances are your skin will thank you for it!

Brilliant B12: why Vitamin B12 is so crucial to your body

Vitamins. We’re constantly bombarded in the media and on the Internet by calls to boost our vitamin levels, aren’t we? Let’s be honest, only a fool wouldn’t take heed of them and not recognise the importance of all those A-Z multivitamins’ importance in seeing our bodies work as they should. But while many people are good at making sure they get enough of the likes of Vitamins A, C and D, one nutrient in particular they may not pay as much attention to – and, thus, not get enough of – is Vitamin B12.

In fact, in just the United States alone, it’s estimated that nearly one in four people suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency1. What are they missing out on then? What are they putting themselves at risk from? And what can taking more B12 do for them? Well, don’t doubt it, this is one vitamin that plays an enormous role in ensuring our bodies function as they should – it’s involved in a whole host of different good things that go on in our bodies. Here’s just a taster…

Heart protection

Surely nobody needs convincing of the importance to your body of a healthy heart. In which case, you shouldn’t take lightly the fact B12 plays a prominent role in maintaining the health of your heart and whole cardiovascular system. One of the reasons for this is that the vitamin’s excellent at removing from your blood a threatening protein named homocysteine which, left alone, can damage your arteries resulting in inflammation and, potentially, heart disease.

Nerve damage prevention

Should your nerves become so damaged they die, thus signals to and from the brain become disrupted, you could develop a nerve-related condition which would likely seriously affect your health. The answer? Preserving the protective covering of your nerves – otherwise known as myelin sheaths – which ensures they’re not harmed by free radicals and toxins in your blood. Don’t doubt it; B12 is massively important in maintaining the health of your nerves’ myelin sheaths.

Bone strengthening

It’s also believed that consuming B12 may be good news for preserving or building up the strength of your bones. Research has suggested that those who suffer from osteoporosis – the bone-debilitating condition – may well have higher levels of homocysteine and lower levels of B12 in their bodies than those with healthy bones2.

Energy release

Taking time to rest and maintain a good diet are, of course, highly advised in order to remain well and full of beans, but making sure you’re not deficient in certain vitamins is also well known to be important. And one of these vitamins is, yes, B12. It’s one of the nutrients that, once consumed, actively releases energy into your body’s cells, ensuring they don’t go hungry and make you feel tired and weak.

Good for positive mood

Mental health is, of course, as important as physical health. And here lies another of the benefits of Vitamin B12. If you’re experiencing ‘the blues’ and feeling down, again it could well be you’re not getting enough B12; its existence in the brain can help provide a chemical called serotonin, which plays a critical role in regulating your mood. Indeed, a study of diabetic patients who’ve experienced a side effect of depression from the treatment drug Metformin revealed that those who took B12 to combat this reported a more positive outlook3.

Enhances physical health of the brain

In addition to being good news for your mental health, B12’s also important for maintaining your brain’s physical health – because it protects nerve cells. Indeed, Alzheimer’s sufferers, contrasted with those of a certain age whose memories are still sharp, tend to have lower levels of B12. The vitamin then, it’s believed, is important in protecting brain cells’ myelin sheaths, which Alzeheimer’s patients often lack. Research has also suggested that via targeted nutritional intervention (including upping B12 levels), cobalamin deficiency – which may play a role in the onset of dementia – could well be reversed4.

How to boost your B12 intake

So, no question then, B12 is one very crucial vitamin. If you feel you may be deficient in it and could benefit from upping your levels of intake, you’ll be pleased to discover it’s readily available via The Finchley Clinic as a supplement. Through us, you can purchase Vitamin B12 in:

Vitamin-B12-Sublingual-Powder

So whichever way is easiest and best for you, we can help you get the Vitamin B12 you need.

 

References:

1 McBride, J. (2016). B12 Deficiency May Be More Widespread Than Thought. usdagov. Retrieved 27 May, 2016, from http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/000802.htm

2 Ebesunun M. O., Umahoin K. O., Alonge T. O., Adebusoye L. A.. Plasma homocysteine, B vitamins and bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a possible risk for bone fracture. Afr J Med Med Sci. 2014 Mar; 43 (1): 41-7.

3 Biemans E., Hart H. E., Rutten G. E., Cuellar Renteria V. G., Kooijman-Buiting A. M., Beulens JW. Cobalamin status and its relation with depression, cognition and neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using metformin. Acta Diabetol. 2014 Oct 15.

4 Osimani A., Berger A., Friedman J., Porat-Katz B. S., Abarbanel J. M. Neuropsychology of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly demential patients and control subjects. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2005 Mar; 18 (1): 33-8.

From supplements to acupuncture: your options for ulcerative colitis treatment

For many, conditions affecting the digestive system and, in particular, the colons are something they don’t find easy to discuss or even face up to. However, such illnesses need to be taken seriously. For instance, within 10 years of their original diagnosis, almost one-third of those who suffer from an active form of ulcerative colitis require surgery for a colostomy1.

Treatment shouldn’t be taken lightly then for the likes of ulcerative colitis – a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which intermittently inflames and causes ulcers on the innermost wall of the colon. But equally, surgery is far from the only option; indeed, depending on the timing of diagnosis, there may be several other avenues to explore in treating the condition, not only to alleviate symptoms but hopefully to force it into remission.

Surgical treatment

As mentioned above, surgery for non-responsive patients may prove inevitable, especially if ulcerative colitis has unfortunately developed into colorectal cancer. Standard surgery comprises two stages, although recently some doctors have favoured a three-stage approach – however, research could suggest this latter approach may not be as safe as the former2, 3.

Pharmaceutical treatment

Long before it may be decided surgery’s the only course of action for an afflicted patient, though; drugs are commonly deployed to fight the condition. This, depending, of course, both on the condition’s severity and patient responsiveness, often involves corticosteroids. Often, through treatment of such drugs, nearly one-third of patients (30%) enter remission after one year4, 5.

Acupuncture treatment

It’s perhaps understandable that, when it comes to treating a condition like ulcerative colitis (which, if left unchecked, can get dramatically worse), some may be sniffy when the word acupuncture is mentioned; others may be downright against its suggestion at all. However, two relatively recent studies point to potentially positive results from acupuncture as ulcerative colitis treatment.

The first attested that, in addition to a drug commonly used for ulcerative colitis, the heating of an acupuncture site (otherwise known as moxibustion) lent patients suffering from mild to moderate symptoms ‘greater relief and symptom reduction’ than those who received the drug alone6. The second suggested that patients whom received (again in addition to a traditional drug) Kuijiening plaster – to treat the ulcerative colitis-related spleen-yang deficiency – enjoyed better results than those whom merely had the drug treatment7.

Supplement treatment

Finally, if studies suggest we should consider the positives of acupuncture in treating ulcerative colitis, then surely we ought also to take seriously research – and patient testimonials – that clearly state treatment through supplements and probiotics can pay dividends. With studies suggesting probiotic supplementation is favorable8, sufferers may consider Restore (for Gut Health), which promotes the strengthening of the tight-junction barrier in small and large gut membrane cells for an optimal gut environment,or the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (a natural and safe supplement that scientific research has concluded helps provide bowel health, comfort and function – it’s also recognised as the number one probiotic for managing diarrhoea).

Oxy-Powder-capsules

This supplement is available directly through the Finchley Clinic, as are others that can help treat ulcerative colitis, such as Oxy-Powder (which promotes optimal colon health and aids in cleansing and oxygenating the intestines) and Colostrum Plus (which promotes digestive health, tackles inflammatory problems and supports the immune system). When trying supplements, of course, it should be noted that no person’s body is the same and so results can vary – but then so can most other forms of treatment. Evidently, when it comes to ulcerative colitis, depending on your diagnosis (and your doctor’s advice), there are many options of treatment available – certainly not just surgery.

 

 

 

References:

1 Nieminen U, Jussila A, Nordling S, Mustonen H, Färkkilä MA. Inflammation and disease duration have a cumulative effect on the risk of dysplasia and carcinoma in IBD: a case-control observational study based on registry data. Int J Cancer. 2014 Jan 1; 134 (1): 189-96. doi: 10.1002/ijc.28346.

2 Hicks CW, Hodin RA, Bordeianou L. Possible overuse of 3-stage procedures for active ulcerative colitis. JAMA Surg. 2013 Jul; 148 (7): 658-64. doi: 10.1001/2013.jamasurg.325.

3 Dayan B, Turner D. Role of surgery in severe ulcerative colitis in the era of medical rescue therapy. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 Aug 7; 18 (29): 3833-8. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i29.3833.

4 Mehta SJ, Silver AR, Lindsay JO. Review article: strategies for the management of chronic unremitting ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Jul; 38 (2): 77-97. doi: 10.1111/apt.12345.

5 Reinisch W, Sandborn WJ, Panaccione R, Huang B, Pollack PF, Lazar A, Thakkar RB. 52-week efficacy of adalimumab in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who failed corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressants. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2013 Jul; 19 (8): 1700-9. doi: 10.1097/MIB.0b013e318281f2b7.

6 Zhang LC, Zhang S, Zhong W, Long JX, Li XN, Chen LS. Observation on clinical effect of ZHUANG medicine mediated thread moxibustion combined with medication for patients with ulcerative colitis. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2013 Oct; 38 (5): 399-402.

7 Huang L, Cai Z, Zhu Y, Wan H. Treatment of ulcerative colitis with spleen and kidney yang deficiency by kuijiening plaster: a randomized controlled study. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2013 Jul; 33 (7): 577-81.

8 De Greef E, Vandenplas Y, Hauser B, Devreker T, Veereman-Wauters G. Probiotics and IBD. Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2013 Mar; 76 (1): 15-9.

Detoxification: don’t end up head-banging over heavy metals

They’re everywhere – in the food we eat; the fluids we drink; the environments we work and live in; the equipment we work with; and, yes, the air that we breathe. They’re toxic metals and we can’t avoid them. They work their way into our bodies whether we like it or not. But are they something we should be concerned about – are they really that hazardous? And, if so, how can we rid ourselves of them?

In the article Conquering Candida, Sherridan Stock, who I consider to be one of the UK’s, if not Europe’s finest experts on the subject of candida overgrowth, refers to heavy metal toxicity as a major (but not the only) cause of the problem. I can also state that it’s one of the main reasons why those with chronic fatigue, severe candida problems or other related problems such as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) don’t get better. But it’s worse than that – heavy metals are bad for everyone, and pretty much everyone benefits from doing something to chelate them out of their body.

First things first, though, when we talk about toxic – or ‘heavy’ (i.e. dense) – metals, what are we referring to? Well, there are several of them, but by way of example and for the sake of brevity, the three we’ll focus on here are cadmium, lead and mercury. Like all heavy metals, they’re naturally occurring and become concentrated as a result of human-caused activities, ensuring they enter plant, animal and human tissues via inhalation, diet and skin and/ or eye contact. Owing to their high levels of toxicity they poison the human body by damaging it at the cellular level through oxidative stress and secondly by being highly neuro-toxic.

Heavy metal toxicity is commonplace, bordering on ubiquitous, and people should be anxious about it, it affects every aspect of optimal well being, and this is not an overreaction. Our view is that almost everyone has been exposed to toxic metals to some degree or another. Getting them out of the body is not a quick process, but it can be done.

Cadmium

The biggest risk of exposure to cadmium is via food (derived from largely industrial areas) and cigarette tobacco; indeed, the latter may be the most dangerous way to consume the element, as the lungs tend to absorb cadmium more efficiently than the stomach – although cadmium levels are generally lower in tobacco than in foods1. Cadmium contamination is also possible via fertilisers, hazardous waste sites and nickel-cadmium batteries. Like mercury, it’s also used in dentistry and sometimes also present in jewellery worn adjacent to the skin. In no way whatsoever does the human body require cadmium, but it’s also slow to exit the body, ensuring it can take root and seriously affect the reproductive and cardiovascular systems, as well as the brain, eyes, kidneys and bones.

Lead

This is of particular interest to me (Mark Lester, Company Director) as I have recently been diagnosed with this, and I will discuss below what I am doing about it.

No doubt about it, lead can be extremely toxic. Perhaps the headline danger of its consumption is the effect it can have on the brain, and the brain-gut axis (which will be the subject of a future blog / newsletter). Indeed, it’s said that lead poisoning can affect this organ in a similar way to narcotic drug abuse2, suppressing the immune system and so leading to many different issues and ailments such as anaemia, palsy and kidney disease, as well as increasing blood pressure3.

Unfortunately, all sorts of everyday items can contain harmful amounts of lead (such as cigarettes, old piping, car batteries, paints, pesticides, PVC plastics and – at times – cheap toys), highlighting the need for us all to be vigilant. For instance, exposure to lead dust/ flakes from piping in aged buildings and some industrially-applied paints have caused many public health incidents down through the years, leading to the necessary implementation of different regulations.

Mercury

This is a subject that has been the subject of entire books – some written by holistic dentists. Put simply, we should always avoid direct contact with mercury. Famously an important component in thermometers, it can also be found in many other things common to everyday experience, including dental fillings and seafood. It’s especially dangerous – and to be avoided then – when consumed through tainted food, but notoriously can be absorbed by those working in industrial jobs in the likes of coal power plants. Mercury is used as a preservative in vaccinations, and one (of several) reasons I am opposed to vaccinations is because this is such a toxic component.

As our bodies have no use for it, exposure to any amount of mercury is toxic. Once in the body, though, mercury is very hard (but not impossible) to get rid of. It will reside in the blood, bones, fatty tissues, brain, spleen and kidneys. Once again it also affects the gut-brain axis referred to above. It can contaminate breast milk and, in worst case scenarios, afflict the nervous system to such an extent as to cause serious muscular spasms. Short-term exposure can cause the likes of diarrhoea, fever and vomiting; long-term exposure, the likes of neurotic and kidney disorders and inflammation of the gums and mouth.

Diagnosis

There are various tests available for heavy metals – breath tests, urine tests and hair analysis tests. But be warned, all of these tests have one serious flaw. They test whats coming out of the body, but do not necessarily show you how much is still trapped inside. This is why although I am not opposed to these tests I am not going to provide links for testing them. I spent good money on these tests, and they still failed to pick up my own lead toxicity, which was diagnosed I believe correctly through less orthodox testing.

How to remove the heavy metals

 

ORËÁ. Originally marketed as ZNatural, this is the product we’ve sold the longest and have had the most feedback on. This was  original liquid zeolite product developed by Dr Harvey Kaufman. It is capable of reaching all the cells and tissues in the body and penetrating the blood-brain barrier, in working to remove heavy metals and other toxins. As well as the web page, I have also previously blogged about this product here and there is an excellent video on the research done on it’s forerunner as ZNatural here.

 

zeotrexZEOTREX – Developed by Another liquid zeolite product developed by Dr Edward Group. It differs from ORËÁ in that it  also contains herbs and iodine to assist with heavy metal detox. There’s information about it on our web site, as well as a nice little YouTube video produced by the suppliers found here

 

 

SEALANTRO – Sealantro is a proprietary blend of Chlorella, Seaweed (Chondracanthus chamissoi) extracts, and Cilantro leaf extract forrmulated to support healthy detoxification. It is considered a vital part of Dr Lee Cowden’s world famous programme for the treatment of Lyme Disease.

Interestingly, for my own lead toxicity issue, the products that tested best with my kiniesiologist for my lead toxicity were Zeotrex, Sealantro, and Chlorella. As toxioc metals tend to bind tightly to the tissues of the body, I plan to take all three for at least 6 months, and I am also giving myself regular enemas to further my own detox – I have been experimenting with coffee enemas alternating with Spirulina and Chlorella. ORËÁ did not test well for me – although this does not diminish my faith in it based on both the feedback I have had from customers as well as the research, so I will get it tested again in a few months in case the situation has changed.

 

References:

1 Jarup, L. (1998). Health effects of cadmium exposure – a review of the literature and a risk estimate. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. 24: 11–51.

2 Manto M. (2012). Toxic agents causing cerebellar ataxias. Handb Clin Neurol.; 103: 201-13. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-51892-7.00012-7. Review.

3 Zeqiri N, Zeqiri S, Skenderaj S. (2012). Blood pressure evaluation at the workers exposed to lead. Med Arh.; 66(2): 92-3.

Combating adrenal fatigue: keeping your endocrine system in balance

Perhaps now more than ever before in history, millions of people across the world are living hectic, time-constrained lives. What’s the result of this? Increasingly so, many of us complain of being tired near constantly – not just mentally and because of too little sleep, but a more general, physical sense of fatigue.

Is this a construct of our minds because we’re working so hard and too often not getting enough sleep, or is there something more, something deeper to it? Scientific research hasn’t definitively backed it up so far, but it’s such a common complaint that a term has been coined for the condition – US nutritional specialist Dr James M. Wilson has called it ‘adrenal fatigue’1.

The adrenal glands and the endocrine system

Adrenal fatigue is inevitably associated with the adrenal glands. The human body has two adrenal glands, one of which sits atop one of our kidneys; the other atop the other. They’re a part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones. Other organs of the endocrine system include the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, thymus, pancreas and the testes/ ovaries. In turn, hormones, as you may well know, are critical among other things in regulating our growth, sleep, moods, metabolism and sexual development and fertility.

The thinking behind adrenal fatigue is that the functioning of the adrenal glands and the hormones they produce is disrupted. These hormones include steroids, cortisol and adrenaline. Obviously the functioning of the body requires these hormones to be produced and regulated correctly, otherwise our health is affected. In which case, adrenal fatigue suggests their disruption leads to symptoms such as poor sleep hygiene, increased food cravings (not least for sugar and salt) and regular physical lethargy.

Where does adrenal insufficiency fit into this?

When we’re talking about adrenal fatigue, it’s important not to confuse it with another established condition, namely adrenal insufficiency. The latter – a manifestation of Addison’s disease – similarly disrupts the work of the adrenal glands, but is specifically due to nutritional imbalances in the body and is often stress-related.

So how can you tell apart adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)? By the symptoms. The latter’s symptoms can to be far more dramatic and hazardous than those attributed to the former: fatigue, irritability, erratic energy levels, headaches, nervousness, anxiety, inflammation, weakened immunity, frequent respiratory infections, allergies, alcohol intolerance, anaemia, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Conventional treatment of Addison’s often involves hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

How can you keep your endocrine system in balance?

So, unlike for adrenal insufficiency, you can combat adrenal fatigue and its systems by actively working to keep your endocrine system in balance. There are several ways to do this – and it would be smart to adopt as many of them as possible:

  • eat well – try to avoid caffeinated drinks and foods, fruit juices, and alcohol; instead opt for natural foods with proteins and whole grains, as well as vegetables
  • rest – plain and simple; especially if you’re experiencing sleep issues, give your body a break
  • exercise – cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands when you feel stressed (and so possibly when you’re suffering from adrenal fatigue too) and drives up blood pressure, but when this occurs the glands may unhealthily pump out too much cortisol and push your blood pressure level too high; exercise is effective at decreasing cortisol levels2
  • adrenal fatigue supplements – the following are available through The Finchley Clinic, all of which we advise you consider taking:

Licorice Formula

  1. Licorice Formula or Licorice Formula A (the latter contains damiana as opposed to the guarana and Korean ginseng found in the former; thus Licorice Formula A may be better for those that find guarana/ Korean ginseng over-stimulating)
  1. NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride – the active coenzyme form of Vitamin B3)
  1. Adrenal Support(a proprietary blend of extracts from adaptogenic plants schisandra, astragalus, snow rose, ginseng and rhodiola)

Note: to promote hormone balance naturally, best results may be achieved by combining one of these supplements with Vitamin C and Vitamin B Complex.

To close, consider these wise words from Dr James M. Wilson: “The cost of adrenal fatigue is untold in the loss of productive hours, creative ideas, sound business decisions and other intangibles such as happiness”. In short, it’s not an uncommon complaint at all – and can be combatted by following the steps outlined above, so why would you choose to battle on through life without doing so?

 

References:

1 Wilson, J. M. (2016). https://adrenalfatigue.org. Retrieved 9 May 2016, from https://adrenalfatigue.org/about-james-l-wilson-dc-nd-phd/

2 Alghadir, A. H. and Gabr S. A. (2016). https://nih.gov. Retrieved 9 May 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26311923

Hair loss and Silica

Hair loss and Silica

We get asked quite often about which products we recommend for hair loss (as well as the health of nails and skin). Hair loss is a complex issue, and could easily be the subject of an entire book, and we have an entire category populated with the products that may help here. But we’ll keep this simple. Women especially should always discount the possibility of iron deficiency, and supplement with iron if necessary. Note: please only supplement if you have been diagnosed with low levels of iron – don’t just guess – as iron is one of the rare minerals where if you take too much it won’t just come out when you pee, and taking too much can be toxic.

However, where iron deficiency is ruled out, our top pick is usually Silica Plus, which unlike iron is safe for everyone to take. (Oh, and by the way, you can take Iron and Silica if you are losing your hair). A quick glance at the reviews shows that those who can be bothered to write one (typically, and frustratingly this is only around 0.25% of customers with all products) typically report tremendous benefits for hair loss. We’ve been selling this product ever since we started our online shop, and whilst it’s never been one of the top sellers, we had quite a few people report that it helps with hair loss, as well the health of nails, prevention of wrinkles, and especially joint problems, arthritis and so on. Here’s a quick summary of what it helps with, and what to combine it with for optimal results.

If you need silica, you are likely to say “yes” to some of the following questions…

Do you have more wrinkles than you think is appropriate for your time of life?
Is wrinkle prevention high on your list of concerns for the future?
Is your skin tone not what it could be?
Is your skin dehydrated?
Do your fingernails peel?
Do you have joint pain or arthritis?
Is your hair weak or brittle?
Is your hair thin or thinning?
Are your gums inflamed?

So how can silica help?

  • Silica strengthens hair and gives it shine
  • Silica ensures that your skin is moisturised from the inside, leaving it health any supple
  • Silica gives strength to nails – improving their health and appearance
  • Silica helps strengthen joints and tendons
  • Silica helps reduce inflammation of the gums

More detailed information on silica

Bones, Teeth and Gums

Osteoporosis is a common symptom of aging, caused by calcium being leached from the bones leaving them brittle and weak. Supplemental calcium on its own is not enough, other minerals are needed and silica can help the body repair brittle bones. The symptoms of osteoporosis are mainly seen in women after the menopause but the degenerative process occurs much earlier in life. With osteoporosis a lack of calcium in the bone matrix leads to weakened and thinned bones which are susceptible to being broken by a minor injury or even normal stresses and pressure.
Bones are made up of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and silica. Silica’s function is the depositing of minerals, especially calcium into the bones to strengthen them. Therefore it can speed up the healing of fractures and help prevent them in the first place.   Research has also shown that when the body has short supply of calcium, it can convert silica to calcium that is needed by the bones. Silica may also help with cartilage and joint inflammation and deterioration. Silica can stimulate bone formation so can be used as a preventative against osteoporosis.
Silica also has benefits for teeth and gums by hardening tooth enamel, preventing cavities and helping to preserve teeth. Silica guards against bleeding gums and also prevents recession of the gums that leads to loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss. Therefore silica can be used to maintain the integrity of teeth and gums.
Hair, Skin and Nails
There has been a recent interest in silica in the cosmetic industry as they have realised that shampoos, conditioners and creams containing silica are beneficial for healthy hair, skin and nails. However the benefits can also be seen when silica is taken internally.
Silica is a major component of hair as hair is almost as rich in silica as healthy bones. Silica helps to prevent baldness and stimulates healthier hair growth. A silica supplement can help revitalise hair by making it shinier and stronger.
As we get older, the amount of silica in the body becomes exhausted leading to brittle nails. Nails are complex protein structures that grow on average 4-5mm per month. When there is a mineral deficiency, the rate of growth slows down so the fingernails can be the first sign of a silica deficiency. Minerals will be removed from the nails before the bones so it is possible to stop the process before the minerals are leached from the bones and cause much greater health problems. Silica helps make the nails harder, shinier and less likely to break.
Skin also requires silica, as the supporting collagen underneath the skin enhances elasticity and beauty. Collagen is mainly made up of silica so the more silica available the more effectively the collagen can work and give a brighter complexion to the skin. Studies have shown that once the body is provided with enough silica, collagen levels are elevated and the texture of skin improves.
Silica can help the body deal with dry skin and other skin conditions, brittle nails, hair thinning, dandruff and burns including sunburn.
Anti-Aging
The body’s natural level of silica declines as we age causing bone density to decrease, dry and wrinkled skin, weak teeth and gums and hair loss to occur.
Tissue degeneration accelerates due to aging when connective tissue cannot retain moisture. Silica can help slow the degenerative process of connective tissue. Collagen’s ability to retain moisture is what gives connective tissue its ‘bounce’ and will slow down premature aging. Collagen contains large quantities of silica so if the body has enough silica, the collagen helps the skin look younger. Therefore a silica supplement inhibits the aging process of the skin by supporting the structure of connective tissue.
Vascular System
  
Silica is involved in maintaining blood vessels and is present in the heart, lungs, liver and the blood itself. Silica strengthens and stimulates the vascular system, lowers blood pressure and increases elasticity of blood vessels. Silica also helps improve arteriosclerosis, where the arteries become hardened leading to heart attacks and strokes. Silica can support the cardiovascular system as studies have shown people without heart disease have much higher levels of silica in their arteries.
Silica maintains the structure and permeability of the arteries so can help regulate blood pressure and avoid coronary problems.
Respiratory Conditions
Silica helps repair and maintain lung tissue, and contributes to the elasticity of the lungs. It also protects lung tissue from pollution that is inhaled, something we are all exposed to everyday. Silica acts as a cough decreasing agent and to tone the upper respiratory tract. Silica can reduce swelling in the nose, pharynx and larynx because of its positive action on the lymphatic system.

How is it best to take Silica Plus?

Like many nutrients, silica is best absorbed in a colloidal liquid form. Taken on 15 drops 3 x per day, Silica Plus is a two month supply of liquid silica with additional ingredients which help with its absorption, along with trace minerals. For this who are interested, there is more information on Silica Plus on the web site.

What products combine well with Silica Plus?

1) Oxygen Elements Max

A healthy oxygenated environment helps Silica Plus do it’s job even better. We supply a number of liquid oxygen products, but we usually recommend customers to combine Silica Plus with Oxygen Elements Max, made by the same company. Indeed Silica Plus was originated formulated to be Oxygen Elements Max’s sister product. Although Silica Plus can and does work by itself the increased oxygen enhances ALL the potential benefits of Silica Plus.

2) MSM

We can’t finish this newsletter without giving a quick shout-out for the benefits of MSM. For problems of the hair, skin and nails, MSM (nutritional sulphur) can also be helpul. According to one one of the pioneers of MSM – Bill Rich –  “wrinkles are caused by a lack of sulphur in the skin”. This is of course over simplistic, and there other factors that contribute to skin aging. Nevertheless healthy levels of sulphur do contribute to healthy radiant hair and skin, and supplementing with MSM has countless additional health benefits besides. But as always I know I am on borrowed time, so I’ll save that discussion for another day.

 

Best wishes
Mark G. Lester – Company Director

www.TheFinchleyClinic.com

Supplier of Natural Health Supplements for candida management and colon cleansing