Vitamin E has an Important Role

Vitamin E has long been known to have an important role in the all over health of the body. Some studies have associated sufficient intake levels with the prevention of many serious health problems, and research still continues to delve into the many effects of this important nutrient.

One thing that researchers do know for sure, according to recent studies published by the United States Department of Agriculture, most people do not consume the daily requirement of this important vitamin.

Vitamin E protects Vitamin A in the body, allowing it to perform its essential functions. Furthermore, Vitamin E is also one of the anti-oxidants that serve to protect the cells of the body from the damaging free radicals, which are waste products from the making of energy.

Uncontrolled free radicals are thought to contribute to a variety of serious diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Vitamin E is also thought to have a role in DNA repair and in the body’s natural immune system.

It is important to note here that vitamins, minerals and other nutrients play important roles in the body at the correct levels of intake, meaning that more is not always better. Mega-dosing is something that should always be discussed with a physician, not a salesperson.

Supplements can play a vital role in making sure that the body receives the nutrients it needs to be healthy and strong, as well as in the protection of the body from the numerous diseases and health problems associated with the failure to consume the proper daily intake levels of important vitamins and minerals. But, like any other medicine, using supplements inappropriately can be dangerous.

As many people pay attention to reducing fats in their diets, they may unwittingly be reducing their daily intake of Vitamin E, as Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils and nuts, as it is in dark, leafy green vegetables. Maintaining optimum levels of health means that we must be honest with ourselves.

We know that there are certain foods we should eat – such as fresh vegetables and fruits. But, often we do not, pressed by time or simple through a lack of desire, many of us simply do not consume near enough of these important foods. In these circumstances, supplements may be the best choice to ensure that the body gets what it needs to be strong and healthy.

There are many types of supplements on the market. Understanding what you are looking for will help you to make the best decision about which supplement is best for your individual dietary needs.

Review of Vitamin E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E in humans, and is a powerful biological antioxidant. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Studies are underway to determine whether vitamin E might help prevent or delay the development of those chronic diseases.

What foods provide vitamin E?

Vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are the main dietary sources of vitamin E. Fortified cereals are also an important source of vitamin E in the United States. The table of selected food sources of vitamin E suggests foods that contain vitamin E.

What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin E for adults?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group. The 2000 RDAs for vitamin E for adults, in International Units (IUs) are: 22 IU for men and women over age 19 including pregnant women, and 28 IU for lactating women.

The RDA for vitamin E is based on the alpha-tocopherol form because it is the most active, or usable, form. Unlike other vitamins, the form of alpha-tocopherol made in the laboratory and found in supplements is not identical to the natural form, and is not quite as active as the natural form.

The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine states that most North American adults get enough vitamin E from their normal diets to meet current recommendations. However, they do caution that low-fat diets can substantially decrease vitamin E intakes if food choices are not carefully made to enhance alpha-tocopherol intakes.

When can vitamin E deficiency occur?

Vitamin E deficiency is rare in humans. There are three specific situations when a vitamin E deficiency is likely to occur. It is seen in persons who cannot absorb dietary fat, has been found in premature, very low birth weight infants (birth weights less than 1500 grams, or 3 1/2 pounds) and is seen in individuals with rare disorders of fat metabolism. A vitamin E deficiency is usually characterized by neurological problems due to poor nerve conduction.

Who may need extra vitamin E to prevent a deficiency?

Individuals who cannot absorb fat may require a vitamin E supplement because some dietary fat is needed for the absorption of vitamin E from the gastrointestinal tract. Anyone diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, individuals who have had part or all of their stomach removed, and individuals with malabsorptive problems such as Crohn's disease may not absorb fat and should discuss the need for supplemental vitamin E with their physician. People who cannot absorb fat often pass greasy stools or have chronic diarrhea.

Very low birth weight infants may be deficient in vitamin E . These infants are usually under the care of a neonatologist, a pediatrician specializing in the care of newborns, who evaluates and treats the exact nutritional needs of premature infants.

Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism that results in poor absorption of dietary fat and vitamin E. The vitamin E deficiency associated with this disease causes problems such as poor transmission of nerve impulses, muscle weakness, and degeneration of the retina that can cause blindness. Individuals with abetalipoproteinemia may be prescribed special vitamin E supplements by a physician to treat this disorder.

Current Issues and Controversies about Vitamin E

Vitamin E and heart disease

Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease. Researchers are fairly certain that oxidative modification of LDL-cholesterol (sometimes called "bad" cholesterol) promotes blockages in coronary arteries that may lead to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. Vitamin E also may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack.

Observational studies have associated lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intake.

• A study of approximately 90,000 nurses suggested that the incidence of heart disease was 30% to 40% lower among nurses with the highest intake of vitamin E from diet and supplements. The range of intakes from both diet and supplements in this group was 21.6 to 1,000 IU (32 to 1,500 mg), with the median intake being 208 IU (139 mg).
• A 1994 review of 5,133 Finnish men and women aged 30 - 69 years suggested that increased dietary intake of vitamin E was associated with decreased mortality (death) from heart disease. But even though these observations are promising, randomized clinical trials raise questions about the role of vitamin E supplements in heart disease.

• The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) Study followed almost 10,000 patients for 4.5 years who were at high risk for heart attack or stroke. In this intervention study the subjects who received 265 mg (400) IU of vitamin E daily did not experience significantly fewer cardiovascular events or hospitalizations for heart failure or chest pain when compared to those who received a sugar pill. The researchers suggested that it is unlikely that the vitamin E supplement provided any protection against cardiovascular disease in the HOPE study. This study is continuing, to determine whether a longer duration of intervention with vitamin E supplements will provide any protection against cardiovascular disease

Vitamin E and cancer

Antioxidants such as vitamin E help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer. Vitamin E also may block the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens formed in the stomach from nitrites consumed in the diet. It also may protect against the development of cancers by enhancing immune function. Unfortunately, human trials and surveys that tried to associate vitamin E with incidence of cancer have been generally inconclusive.

Some evidence associates higher intake of vitamin E with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer and breast cancer. There is evidence that vitamin E may reduce the size of cysts in women with fibrocystic breast disease, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. However, an examination of the effect of dietary factors, including vitamin E, on incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer in over 18,000 women from New York State did not associate a greater vitamin E intake with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.

A study of women in Iowa provided evidence that an increased dietary intake of vitamin E may decrease the risk of colon cancer, especially in women under 65 years of age. On the other hand, vitamin E intake was not statistically associated with risk of colon cancer in almost 2,000 adults with cancer who were compared to controls without cancer.

At this time there is limited evidence to recommend vitamin E supplements for the prevention of cancer.

Vitamin E and cataracts

Cataracts are growths on the lens of the eye that cloud vision. They increase the risk of disability and blindness in aging adults. Antioxidants are being studied to determine whether they can help prevent or delay cataract growth.

Observational studies have found that lens clarity, which is used to diagnose cataracts, was better in regular users of vitamin E supplements and in persons with higher blood levels of vitamin E. A study of middle aged male smokers, however, did not demonstrate any effect from vitamin E supplements on the incidence of cataract formation. The effects of smoking, a major risk factor for developing cataracts, may have overridden any potential benefit from the vitamin E, but the conflicting results also indicate a need for further studies before researchers can confidently recommend extra vitamin E for the prevention of cataracts.

What is the health risk of too much vitamin E?

The health risk of too much vitamin E is low. A recent review of the safety of vitamin E in the elderly indicated that taking vitamin E supplements for up to four months at doses of 530 mg or 800 IU (35 times the current RDA) had no significant effect on general health, body weight, levels of body proteins, lipid levels, liver or kidney function, thyroid hormones, amount or kinds of blood cells, and bleeding time.

Even though this study provides evidence that taking a vitamin E supplement containing 530 mg or 800 IU for four months is safe, the long term safety of vitamin E supplementation has not been tested. The Institute of Medicine has set an upper tolerable intake level for vitamin E at 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) for any form of supplementary alpha-tocopherol per day because the nutrient can act as an anticoagulant and increase the risk of bleeding problems. Upper tolerable intake levels represent the maximum intake of a nutrient that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals in the general population.

Some food sources of vitamin E

Vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables are good dietary sources of vitamin E. Food manufacturers fortify many foods with vitamins and minerals. It is important to read the nutrition facts panel of the food label to determine whether a food provides vitamin E.

• Wheat germ oil, 1 Tb: 26.2 IU ~ 90% of Daily Value (DV)
• Almonds, dry roasted, 1 oz: 7.5 IU ~ 25% DV
• Safflower oil, 1 Tb: 4.7 IU ~ 15% DV
• Corn oil, 1 Tb: 2.9 IU ~ 10% DV
• Turnip greens, frozen, boiled, 1/2 c: 2.4 IU ~ 8% DV
• Mango, raw, 1 fruit: 2.3 IU ~ 8% DV
• Peanuts, dry roasted, 1 oz: 2.1 IU ~ 8% DV
• Broccoli,frozen, chopped, boiled, 1/2 c: 1.5 IU ~ 6% DV
• Kiwi, 1 medium fruit: 0.85 IU ~ 2% DV
• Spinach, frozen, boiled, 1/2 c: 0.85 IU ~ 2% DV

Information provided by
National Institutes of Health

Article Created: 2001-02-26
Article Reviewed: 2001-02-26

Your Body Is Able To Support The Healing Process

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, aside from keeping the internal processes of the body healthy, strong and functioning well, also serve to promote the healing of wounds, both on the external and inner surfaces of the body. The rate at which wounds heal and the quality of the repair tissues depends upon adequate nutrition. There are several vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that affect the healing process.

Vitamin K is essential to the very first step of healing a wound – stopping the bleeding, via the clotting of the blood. Without Vitamin K, healing would not proceed, as the blood would not clot. Vitamin K partners with the mineral calcium in the production of the body’s primary clotting agent, thrombin.

One of the most important vitamins involved in the healing of wounds is Vitamin C. It is particularly helpful in the growth and development of new tissues, in part because it also supports the health and function of the body’s many tiny capillaries that are responsible for taking oxygen and nutrients to the far reaches of the body.

Another aspect of its importance in the growth and development of new tissues, thus in wound healing, as well as the maintenance of existing tissues, has to do with its role in collagen production. Collagen is what makes the scar that holds a wound together and makes up the connective tissue of the body. Collagen supports the structure of the skin. Vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen, meaning that Vitamin C has a great part in literally holding the body together.

Zinc is another mineral important to wound healing. There are more than 300 enzymes in the body that require zinc to perform their tasks. Many of these enzymes relate directly to the healing of wounds, such as the production of collagen. Zinc plays a role in the body being able to make use of certain proteins and in cell division.

However, it should be noted, too much zinc can interfere with the healing of wounds. That is because the body operates on a chemical system that has a delicate balance, and too much zinc interferes with how the body uses copper and other substances, thus throwing off the balance that is necessary for the best wound healing.

Copper, a mineral, is also significant to the process of healing wounds. Copper has many roles in the body, including being a component of numerous enzymes. In terms of healing, one of its most important roles is in the formation of collagen, which is essential to the wound healing process.

The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we consume daily are what support all of the processes of the body and the mind. The healing of wounds is essential to the body, and proper nutrition is what allows the process of wound healing to operate at peak performance, meaning that wounds heal as well and as quickly as they should. Dietary supplements are an affordable, safe and convenient way to make sure that your body is able to support the healing process (by MES).

Vitamins, Minerals, and Your Healthy Skin

Everybody wants to have healthy skin. Mostly healthy skin tend to be cosmetic in nature – healthy skin is beautiful, and keeps us looking younger than our years – there are practical health benefits to maintaining the health of our skin.

The reason of the skin is to act as a barrier. It serves to prevent bacteria, viruses and other contaminants from entering the body and causing infection, illness and disease. There are so many vitamins and minerals that help to keep skin healthy, and thus able to serve its vital role in the protection of the body.

Antioxidant vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are very important to healthy skin because it is these vitamins that share in the responsibility of controlling the damage that free radicals, byproducts of energy production within the body and of environmental contaminants, produce.

Among the several types of damage done by free radicals is the destruction of collagen and elastin, which are fibers that support the skin. As these are damaged, wrinkles and a lack of that youthful firmness can occur. Vitamin C also plays a part in the production of collagen, making it essential to the function and look of the skin. Recent studies have found that Vitamin C and E, used together may help to repair sun-damaged skin.

Vitamin A has its own important role in skin health and beauty, in addition to its anti-oxidant properties. In terms of diet, even small deficiencies can negatively affect skin, causing flakiness and dryness.

Dryness can make lines and wrinkles that much more apparent. Its primary use, however, is as a topical solution for the treatment of severe acne and the reduction of lines and wrinkles themselves. Recent research has found that a topical solution that contains both Vitamin A and Vitamin C can, in some cases, reverse damage done by the aging process and by sun-damage.

Deficiencies in the Vitamin B complex can leave the skin prone to cracking, bleeding and dangerous skin lesions, that allow all manner of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to easily enter the body. But in terms of strictly cosmetic concerns, even a little shortage of the Vitamin B complex can result in scaly and poorly textured skin. Topical preparations have been found to play an important role in the hydrating of skin cells, leading to noticeably firmer, healthier looking skin.

Vitamin K has been found to relieve those awful dark circles under the eyes. Some research has found that creams made up of both Vitamin K and Vitamin A are more effective than those that just contain Vitamin K, but researchers are still following up on these results.

Minerals important to the look and health of the skin include selenium, copper and zinc. Selenium, whether used as a topical solution or taken in the form of a dietary supplement is thought to play a role in the prevention of skin cancer. Copper, zinc and Vitamin C work together to form elastin, which helps to support skin, keeping it firm and healthy.

Topical solutions and dietary supplements can help to keep skin healthy and youthful in appearance. However, it is important to recognize that these are powerful substances, and using them within the standard guidelines of dosage is essential to good health. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and the results of too much are not pretty. Used correctly, however, your skin can look better than ever.

Mesothelioma - Cancer Nutrition

What we eat and how we treat our bodies on a daily basis have a very powerful effect on our health and quality of life. Following a healthy diet could impact your cancer survivability. Building a diet from health-giving foods requires no doctors' appointments, waiting rooms, or health insurance, yet it provides the fundamental building blocks needed for a healthy immune system. While proper nutrition is not intended as a replacement for traditional treatments, eating health-giving foods may help stimulate your immune system, deter cancer growth and lessen the negative side effects of traditional therapies.
Many nutrients found in plant foods have been linked to reducing cancer risk. For example, diets rich in the phytochemical lycopene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, fiber-rich diets have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer, and choosing a diet low in fat helps to prevent breast and other types of cancer.

Although cancer can affect many different parts of the body, the foods that prevent cancer and deter cancer growth are generally the same from one to the next. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes all have important nutrients, particularly substances called phytochemicals which may strengthen or enhance the body's immune system. Some research has shown that people who eat a diet free of animal products and one low in most fats have a significantly lower cancer risk. Such a diet might also inhibit cancer growth in those individuals already diagnosed with cancer.

A healthy diet always has less than 20 percent of the calories coming from fat. Carbohydrates should be complex and selected from foods with low glycemic indices. Cancer cells exclusively metabolize glucose (sugar) for their energy, so the avoidance of sugar and highly refined carbohydrates that easily turn into sugar is a "must" for any anti-cancer diet.

Protein should be mostly from plant, not animal, sources (e.g. soy). Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed, flax oil or fish oil should be taken daily in adequate amounts. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking and trans-fats (all foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils and fats) should be avoided or eliminated.

Loss of appetite can be a side effect of cancer, which in turn causes weight loss. Without proper nutrition, the body becomes weak and it is harder to fight caner cells. There are some methods that can help stimulate appetite. They include:

Eating small meals five to six times a day.
Limiting liquids around mealtime to avoid feeling full quickly. Take liquids at least 30 minutes before meals.
Eating high-protein foods such as cheeses, milk, yogurt, eggs, beans or meats, nuts, puddings.
Helping family members plan meals you would like to eat.
Eating high-protein, high-carbohydrate snacks between meals.
Drinking juices or milk shakes between meals.
Eating in pleasant surroundings in the company of friends and family.
Avoiding the area where food is being prepared if aromas bother you.
Serving cold foods if odors bother you.
Planning light exercise before meals.
Trying new recipes.
Drinking a glass of wine or juice before meals.
Avoiding cigarette smoke or smoking, which can affect your sense of smell, thus changing sense of taste.
Other methods of appetite stimulation includes the use of medications approved as appetite stimulants. The medications are Megace (megesteral acetate), Marinol (drenabinol), Seroshin (recombinant human growth horemone).

Megace is a hormone that has been shown to help increase appetite and weight. Some of the common side effects are high blood pressure, a rise in blood sugar, fluid retention, bloating, constipation, fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, and blood clots.

Marinol is an antinausea medication that increases appetite and improves mood. Common side effects include dizziness, confusion, and sleepiness.

Serostim is a growth hormone that increases weight and reverses muscle wasting. It is usually well tolerated, but side effects include headache, fluid retention, nausea, and allergy.

Evaluating Your Nutrition
Management of weight loss or lack of appetite is aimed at increasing food intake. To monitor your success you may want to keep a food diary to keep a record of what and when you ate. This can help pinpoint what situations and foods work the best for you. You may also want to record your weight regularly to note any unusual changes and to feel good about your successes.

Be sure to notify your nurse and/or physician if you are unable to drink fluids, you feel dizzy when standing, you are unable to take solid foods, or there is a significant change in your diet habits.

More Good Foods
You may wish to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your cancer fighting diet.

Fruits
Fruits are rich in fiber, Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Typically, fresh whole fruit has more fiber and nutrients than fruit juice.

Vegetables
Vegetables contain a host of antioxidant phytochemicals, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin, iron, calcium and fiber. Include dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, collards, kale, mustard and turnip greens, chicory, spinach and leaf lettuces in your meals daily. Colorize your diet with red, orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, squashes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, peppers. Gourmet mushrooms (not button) like porta bella and oyster mushrooms contain specific immune system nutrients.

Whole Grains
Grains include bread, pasta, cereals, corn, millet, barley, bulgur, buckwheat, grits and tortillas. Grains are rich in fiber, minerals and B-vitamins, however, processing removes much of a grains nutrient value. Choose whole grains and avoid refined white four and its products.

Legumes
Legumes are another name for beans, peas and lentils. These foods are good sources of fiber, protein, resistant starches, iron, minerals and B-vitamins. Beans, when combined with whole grain rice, pasta or bread, are as complete a protein as meat. Soy beans are complete protein by themselves (read more about Mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, or both. Occasionally, a patient may not have mesothelioma symptoms at diagnosis. Other less common symptoms include weight loss, fever, night sweats, cough, and a general feeling of not being well. Mesothelioma symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include swelling, pain due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen cavity, weight loss, and a mass in the abdomen. Other mesothelioma symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia (a lowered red blood cell count), and fever.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because many of the mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions, including lung cancer and other types of cancers. At the time of diagnosis, your doctor will first do a physical examination and complete a medical history, including asking about the possibility of prior exposure to asbestos.

Although there is no early detection test for mesothelioma, there are several tests that can be used to help in making the diagnosis of mesothelioma, including a chest x-ray, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. A chest x-ray yields an image of the lungs that will show many types of abnormal changes. A CT scan (computed tomography) is a type of x-ray, but it uses a computer rather than film to create detailed images.

An MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer but does not utilize radiation to create a clear image. These tests help your doctor differentiate mesothelioma from other lung tumors as well as determine where the tumor is and its size.

Your doctor may need to remove a tissue sample from the tumor (a biopsy) or draw fluid (aspirate) from it to confirm it to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done in several ways.

The simplest way to obtain tissue samples involving making a small incision and placing a flexible tube in the area of the tumor. This is called a thoracoscopy if it is done in the chest area. A laparoscopy is the same procedure, but done in the abdominal cavity. A tube that is that is attached to a video camera is placed so that the doctor can look inside the body. A tissue sample may be taken at the same time. Sometimes, however, a more extensive surgical procedure may be advisable. A thoracotomy can be done to open the chest to take a tissue sample and, if feasible, to remove most or all of the visible tumor. If this procedure is done in the abdominal cavity, it is called a laparotomy.

At other times, a mediastinoscopy may be done in which a very small incision is made just above the sternum (breast bone) and a tube inserted just behind the breast bone. This lets the doctors look at lymph nodes. This are small, bean-shaped structures that are an important part of the body's immune system, and they contain cells that help your body fight infection as well as cancer. This test will give the doctor more information on the type of cancer and whether it has spread to other areas. The tissue samples taken in these procedures are analyzed by looking at them under a microscope in order to determine whether the tumor is a mesothelioma or some other type of cancer. (Find out more)

Reiki as an Alternative Healing Process.

Reiki as an Alternative Healing Process

Maybe you are not familiar with Reiki, don’t worry, you are not alone.

To start with, Reiki is associated with natural holistic healing or a healing where pharmaceutical drugs and medical surgeries are just an alternative in case the system of holistic healing fails.

Reiki is an early form of energy healing in which a participant serves as a channel for Universal Life Force. The Reiki participant opens himself/herself as a channel for an energy that comes from a higher source to aid healing or correct a person’s aura. This is believed to be beneficial for the body, mind, and soul or the Indian system called chakra.

Reiki got its principle from the thought that the universe has an energy that gives form, structure, and health. This force is also called Chi by the Chinese martial artists. It is said to be capable of healing anything because its energy comes from the basic fundamental levels of reality.

It also teaches that the energy flows are affected by the thoughts of a Reiki practitioner. For instance, if he/she thinks of negative things, this will manifest diseases and unfortunate events. If he/she thinks the other way around, good health and fortune will come. These are facilitated to help the patients believe whatever positive thoughts they have in their minds.

To have an idea of how the healing process is conducted, here is an example: usually, the healer performs some hand rituals and eventually places it over a sick person. Then he will perform some massage from mid hair, and he will make some scooping actions like he is smoothing a bedspread. This movement is intent to correct the person’s aura. There are other Reiki masters that just place their hands directly to the patient and keeping it there as long as necessary.

They are also capable of healing from a distance, or also called Reiki remote healing. The healer will just ask for an object that will represent the ill person and they will treat that said object just like he is treating the person. They are also capable of healing and blessing objects such as cars and computers.

Reiki is definitely a different healing process compared with others. It is up to you if you will believe in their methods.

Article about Reiki written by Hector Milla; editor of http://www.maestroreiki.com/, a website about Reiki therapy and related, plus they have recently published a free online guide with weight loss tips, visit at http://www.maestroreiki.com/weight-loss-tips/ , Thanks for reproduce this article in you web site or ezine keeping a live link.

Alternative Medicine for Fatty Liver

Fatty Liver

What is it?
Fatty liver is also known as NASH, which stands for Non- Alcoholic Steatorrhoeic Hepatosis or Non-Alcoholic-Fatty-Liver-Disease (NAFLD) but don’t be put off by these big terms – they just mean that your liver is being invaded with fat! Fatty liver or NASH, is very common in overweight persons, over the age of 30.

It contains an excessive amount of fat and the normal healthy liver tissue is partly replaced with areas of unhealthy fats. In such a liver, the liver cells and the spaces in the liver are filled with fat so the liver becomes slightly enlarged and heavier. The liver has a yellow greasy appearance. There may be discomfort over the liver, which is situated in the right upper abdominal area. There may be gallstones composed of cholesterol and bile salts. It is often possible to see the excess fat in the liver in an ultrasound scan of the liver. There may also be elevation of the liver enzymes.

Liver dysfunction is very common and an increasing problem.

Fatty Liver: Note it is slightly enlarged and yellow in color and "shiny" or "greasy" in appearance because it is congested by fat	Severe Fatty Liver: This is a more severe degree of fatty liver and is more often due to incorrect diet, alcohol excess or obesity

The healthy liver is much redder in color and has a uniform texture. If we cut the liver up into tiny slices and magnify it many millions of times you will see that it is full of spaces that are red-pink color because they are full of blood. The rows of liver cells form the walls of the spaces. As the blood flows through these spaces the liver cells remove the toxins, dead cells, micro-organisms and fat from the blood stream. Thus we call the liver the filter and cleanser of the blood stream. If the liver spaces and liver cells are full of fat, then the liver is not able to filter and cleanse the blood stream efficiently and the blood stream will become overloaded with toxins and fat. It is best to work on reversing this problem as if left unchecked poor liver function can lead to further problems such as autoimmune conditions and Diabetes type 2

How do you know if you have a fatty liver?
• You will probably be overweight, especially in the abdominal area
• You will find it very hard to lose weight
• You may have elevated cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood
• You may have Syndrome X
• You may have diabetes type 2
• You will be very tired
• You may have problems with your immune system

The consequences of a fatty liver
The healthy liver regulates fat metabolism and is the major fat-burning organ in the body. Indeed the healthy liver not only burns fat, it can pump excessive fat out of your body through the bile into the gut. Thus, if your liver is healthy you will not have much difficulty in controlling your weight. Conversely a liver which is fatty is doing the opposite of what it should be doing. A fatty liver is storing fat when it should be burning fat and removing excess fat from your body. Indeed a fatty liver becomes a warehouse for fat and if it is allowed to progress for many years, the liver may finally become just a “bag of fat” with dire consequences for your health and longevity.

How common is fatty liver?
In the USA the incidence of fatty liver is 15 to 20% of the general population and is much higher than this in obese individuals. Fatty liver is the most common cause of abnormal liver function tests in the USA. It can also occur in children.

Can you reverse a fatty liver?
Yes indeed you can and you will find inspiration in the testimonial from Dr Eanelli. Click here for his inspiring testimonial. Conventional or orthodox medicine has no specific therapy or drug treatment to reverse a fatty liver. Indeed many drugs such as cholesterol lowering drugs can exert toxic effects on the liver cells.

The article in the Journal Medicine Today encouraged a gradual reduction in weight which has been shown to improve liver function and reverse liver damage. However the authors warn against very rapid weight loss from fad diets or radical surgery which may have a negative impact upon the progression of liver injury. The good news is that gradual weight reduction , with as little as a 5 to 10% loss of initial body weight over 6 months is recommended. In general the treatments discussed in the Medicine Today article were somewhat uninspiring and I am pleased to tell you that in reality there is much that can be done to reverse the condition of fatty liver.

So, fatty liver can be reversed but this can take some time - years in some cases. If you are overweight & find it very difficult to lose the excess weight it is important to look at all the factors relevant to your present weight & state of health.

Apart from diet and nutritional deficiencies, the most important factors are –

• Insulin resistance or Syndrome X

• Fatty Liver Syndrome
The liver contains an excessive amount of fat and the normal healthy liver tissue is partly replaced with areas of unhealthy fats.

• Toxicity
You may have a build-up of fat-soluble toxins (such as insecticides & pesticides), drug metabolites or waste products of metabolism in your fatty tissues and liver. This slows down the metabolism of the fatty parts of your body & also over-burdens your liver. This means that the liver burns fat less efficiently. Gentle and regular detoxification is very helpful when trying to lose weight. Drinking plenty of water, raw vegetable juices and Livatone formulas will help the detoxification process.

How long does it take to see results?
The liver has become a fat storage organ rather than a fat burning organ - so this situation must be reversed before actual weight loss can occur. Obviously this will depend on the extent of the fatty liver as to how long this will take. Also be prepared for the fact that you will more than likely hit a 'plateau' - where weight loss will stop or slow right down - this may go on for weeks or a month or two - Don't be discouraged at this time - the fat loss is occurring - but is going from within your liver so you may not see any visible fat loss from the body - stick with it! It is at this time that people will tend to give up thinking that that's it - they won't lose anymore - not true! - you must be diligent and patient - the symptoms you are experiencing have taken years to develop and cannot be reversed by a couple of weeks of "dieting" Yo Yo dieting is not advisable as the weight lost will return plus more and the metabolism will slow.

My Doctors said there is nothing that can be done?
Many Doctors still do not make the link between the traditional western diet and fatty liver. Many simply brush over the condition, telling patients there is nothing that can be done and that it will simply be ‘monitored’. Meanwhile the condition gets worse and worse as the functional liver tissue slowly gets replaced by fat over the years. If left unchecked, a severe inflamed fatty liver can lead to scarring of the liver tissue (cirrhosis).

Is the Doctor correct? Can nothing be done? The answer is a resounding ‘NO!”
Thankfully the liver is one of the most resilient organs in the body. It is capable of much self healing if given a chance.

My "enzymes" are raised what does this mean?
The elevated liver enzyme results indicate that there is inflammation and damage to the liver cells and their membranes. Liver enzymes are normally contained within the liver cells, and only when the cells are damaged and/or inflamed, do the enzymes leak into the blood stream. This can occur due to a fatty liver, alcohol excess, some medications such as long term antibiotics, and pain killers, oral synthetic Hormone Replacement, viral infections of the liver such as hepatitis C & B, auto-immune hepatitis, hemachromatosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, exposure to toxic chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, organic solvents and incorrect diet.

Luckily the liver cells are very resilient and with proper diet and supplements they will repair and the enzyme levels will slowly come down over time in the case of simple fatty liver. This may take some months. It is also not uncommon for the enzyme levels to fluctuate up and down before they decrease.

What to do about fatty liver syndrome

Treatment
The body needs to be provided with the correct nutrients required by the metabolic and detoxification pathways to effectively improve the liver function. This needs to be a combination of correct eating principles that should be followed generally as a way of life and the correct supplementation to give the liver/thyroid etc what it needs and nothing that it doesn't need as these 'extras' will only weigh it down even more.

Diet
• Follow the 12 week eating plan in "Can't Lose Weight? Unlock the secrets that are keeping you fat" by Dr Cabot to kick start the metabolism. Then maintain the 12 vital principles of eating for a healthy liver found in Dr Cabot's "The Liver Cleansing Diet" as a way of life.

• Reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates from sugar and bread, pastry, pasta, noodles, cakes, biscuits and desserts. This will easily be achieved by following "Syndrome X" eating Plan which helps to prevent cravings for these foods.

• Increase the amount of raw fruits and vegetables
• Use raw vegetable juices – see my book titled “"Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"”
• Avoid deep fried and processed foods

Raw Juices
Dr Cabot has known about the incredible healing power of raw juices from a very young age. Her grandmother’s life was saved by raw juicing back in the 1930s. Raw juices are an incredible powerful healing tool and can improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys. This increases the elimination of toxins and waste products from the skin.

Appropriate juice recipes found in Dr Cabot's "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" book. Recommended juices are:

• ‘Liver Tonic Juice’ page 116
• ‘Liver Cleansing Juice’ page 116
• 'Antibiotic juice' p 45
• 'Immune Dysfunction' p103
• 'Infections' p105

Dairy
To lose weight, improve your liver function you must avoid ALL dairy foods including milk, cheese, cream, butter, ice cream, yogurt, chocolate etc the fat content of milk is actually quite negligible in terms of weight loss. - dairy foods contain high levels of antibiotics, steroids and artificial growth hormones as this is what the herds are treated with in today's high tech dairies to prevent disease and boost milk production. As with humans where substances go through into breast milk it is the same for cattle - only they neglect to tell you this in the advertisements when they are telling you how great milk is. If you need further info on this please visit www.notmilk.com.

Try some different brands and varieties of soy as they vary greatly. The fresh soy products in the dairy cabinet are much lighter and not as strong in taste as the long life products. There are also rice milks and oat milks to try

• Avoid ALL margarines and similar type spreads
• Avoid deep fried and fatty foods.
• Avoid sugary processed foods and drinks
• Limit chicken and turkey that is not free range as this contains artificial growth hormones, antibiotics and steroids that increase the livers workload.
• Drink 2 liters of water each day.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners see www.dorway.com

Healthy Sweetener Use Guide

Sweeteners to avoid:
Aspartame
Neotame
Sucralose (Splenda)
Acesulfame-K (Sunette, Sweet & Safe, Sweet One)
Cyclamates
Saccharin

Sweeteners to Use:
Stevia *
Barley Malt
Evaporated Cane Juice
Fruit Juice
Rice Syrup
Honey
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) *
Amasake
* Safe for Diabetics
*****************

Dr Cabot's recommended supplement program for fatty liver

• Liver tonics
Essential is a specific and heavy duty liver tonic, one which contains a high dose of the herb Milk Thistle with a high standardised concentration of the active ingredient Silymarin. This heavy duty liver tonic would also contain additional supporting nutrients such as other herbs, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and vegetable extracts to improve the liver's ability to detoxify and burn fat.

This tonic could be combined with a general liver tonic that contains all the vital ingredients to enhance liver function. A good, all-purpose comprehensive herbal liver tonic consists of specific herbs and amino acids which will improve elimination and the reduction of waste via a cleansing effect on the bowel.

• Fiber
Increased consumption of fiber will speed up the passage of toxins out of the bowels and reduce the ability of these toxins to recirculate back to the liver. It will also assist the action of pumping fats and cholesterol out through the bowel actions. You can ensure you are getting enough fibre by taking a soluble fiber supplement. A good fiber product will contain soy fiber, rice bran, vegetable powders, slippery elm and peppermint will gently allivate any constipation symptoms while improving bowel tone and function. It can be added to soy, rice or oat milk, and fruit smoothies, or added in with the favorite breakfast cereal. Start on a small dose and gradully increase the amount. It is also important to drink at least 8 glasses of purified water everyday and some people will need to drink up to 12 glasses daily. Water should be drunk gradually throughout the day, in-between meals.

• Selenium
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant mineral that works synergistically to assist in protection against further damage to liver cells. A good selenium product should be combined with other other antioxidant nutrients; this may help to protect the liver from damage. It may be helpful for those with viral infections of the liver or auto-immune diseases of the liver as well as fatty liver. You would need to consume at least 200mcg daily.

• MSM with Vitamin C
MSM (Methyl-Sulphonyl-Methane) is an organic form of sulphur, which may assist in softening and preventing further scar tissue. Sulphur is a vital component of healthy bile and is eeded to produce the powerful antioxidant called glutathione.Vitamin C will neutralize free radicals generated during the phase 1 detoxification pathway in the liver and reduce toxic damage and chemical overload. Toxic chemicals are far less dangerous if there is plenty of vitamin C in the liver. It also helps the liver to regulate cholesterol levels and improves immunity

Absorption of vital nutrients & active ingredients is superior from powders, as compared to compressed tablets which often pass through the gut without being dissolved or absorbed. Start slow with the supplements at only a 1/4 of the dose and build up to the full dose recommended, over 2-3 weeks.

Other supplements that may be of assistance:

• Weight loss or blood sugar supplement
A specific combination of herbs such as gymnema and bitter melon, combined with minerals such as chromium, zinc, selenium and lipoic acid, may help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels; thereby reducing hunger and cravings. Try and use a supplement that contains ingredients at therapeutic doses and does not contain any caffeine. We recommend you avoid thermogenics based on caffeine, as this will aggravate unstable blood sugar levels and fatigue.

• Protein Powder
The most effective quality whey protein concentrate should have extra amino acids added; the most important are taurine and glutamine along with the trace mineral chromium, which will assist with sugar cravings. Consuming a powdered protein concentrate is a low fat and low carbohydrate alternative that is easily digestable and will provide you with instant energy. It may be added to breakfast cereals, used to make 'smoothies' or mixed with water or non dairy milks such as soy, almond, oat or coconut. A good protein concentrate is sweetened with the natural herbal sweetener 'Stevia' and may be enjoyed at any time of the day giving an invaluable alternative to a high carbohydrate snack or meal.

Recommended books by Dr Cabot

• “Can’t Lose Weight? Unlock the secrets that are keeping you fat" By Dr Cabot
This new book contains a 12-week metabolic weight loss plan to overcome the fat storing chemical imbalance of Syndrome X. This revolutionary new book is the only book that covers ALL THE HIDDEN CAUSES that stop you from losing weight including fatty liver.

• “"Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"” by Dr Cabot
Dr Cabot’s new book contains carefully designed juices to help with common health problems such as-
• Chronic fatigue
• Liver problems including fatty liver and hepatitis
• Weight excess
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Skin and hair problems
• Allergies and immune dysfunction
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Recurrent infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome & constipation
• Headaches & migraines

Raw juices are an incredible powerful healing tool and can improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys. This increases the elimination of toxins and waste products from the skin. The fresh raw vegetable juices are vitally important. It is good to use both whole fruits and vegetables in the diet as well as the juices as the juices provide an easily absorbable form of nutraceuticals that are very beneficial for the liver.

Juices made freshly from raw fruits and or vegetables have unique healing & rejuvenating properties. For those who feel they need an extra boost there is nothing better than having a raw juice everyday. It will brighten up the day by providing extra energy & endurance. Juices are unique because they allow the gut to receive very concentrated amounts of phyto-nutrients that could not be obtained by eating a normal amount of raw vegetables & fruits.

Juices are high in --- Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, living plant enzymes to aid digestion & vitamin K in green leafy vegetables

Dear Dr Cabot,
My son who is 18 years old has a fatty liver and is 30 kilograms overweight. We have a family history of type 11 diabetes and I am worried that he is heading in that direction. He craves sweet foods like biscuits, ice-cream, cakes and candies. He seems to be always hungry and tired. I had no idea that he could have a fatty liver at this young age but the doctor found it on an ultrasound scan. The doctor also surprised me when he told us that he sees fatty livers in children as young as 10 to 12 years of age! There were streaks of fatty infiltration through his liver, which the doctor pointed out to us on the ultrasound scan. His liver enzymes were slightly raised. The doctor told us that he must lose weight and start to exercise, but it is very difficult because he is always tired and hungry. What do you suggest?
Thank you

Answer from Dr Cabot:
Your son has the condition called “NASH”, which stands for “Non-Alcoholic- Steatorrhoeic Hepatosis”. Due to modern day diet and lifestyle factors this condition has become very common. I often say it is because the “food keep getting faster and faster, and we keep getting slower and slower”

It is true that your son must lose weight and start to exercise, but special techniques are required to achieve this easily.

They are –
Improve the liver’s ability to burn fat
Follow the 12 week eating plan in "Can't Lose Weight? You Could Have Syndrome X" to kick start the metabolism
Avoid all fatty foods such as deep fried foods, processed meats.
Avoid refined sugars as found in cakes & biscuits.
Take raw vegetable juices every day – see juice recipes in the ""Raw Juices Can Save Your Life"" Book
Take a strong liver tonic, a fiber supplement and MSM with Vitamin C at recommended doses everyday.

By improving his liver function and stabilizing blood sugar he will have the energy to exercise. In those with a fatty liver, there is often excessive and constant hunger because of high blood sugar levels, which cause high blood insulin levels. High levels of insulin make you feel hungry. Thus we need to reduce his levels of blood sugar and insulin.

To do this he needs to do the following:
Ensure that he eats first class protein with every meal (3 times daily) – such as lean red meat, free range chicken, eggs, seafood, or legumes.

Make sure that this is combined with cooked vegetables and raw vegetable salad. Dressings may consist of cold pressed oils, balsamic vinegar or citrus juices. It is best to minimize the ingestion of carbohydrates especially those containing refined flour and sugar such as many breads and breakfast cereals. Take a good quality protein powder in water as a snack or breakfast accompaniment.

The "Syndrome X" diet in my book 'Can't lose Weight? Unlock The Secrets That Are Keeping You Fat" will tell you how to reduce his starchy carbohydrates and increase quality protein.
Take a supplement containing the herbs Gymnema Sylvestre and Bitter Melon combined with chromium picolinate, lipoic acid, carnitine fumarate, selenomethionine, magnesium aspartate, manganese, zinc and vitamin E to lower blood sugar and insulin levels thereby reducing excessive hunger and increasing energy levels.

These strategies will make it much easier for him to lose weight, as his hunger will be greatly reduced. If he becomes hungry offer him protein, vegetables and salad. Three to four pieces of fruit daily are acceptable.

Unless specific strategies to improve the liver function and reduce blood sugar and insulin levels are followed, his chances of success are not high. Try to get him involved in enjoyable sports such as walking, rowing, golf or swimming.

By: Doctor Cabot (www.doctorcabot.com)

Alternative Medicine - Colon Cleansing Kit

"During thirty years as a practicing herbalist,
I've cured myself of three terminal illnesses and
I've done more colon cleanses than I can count.
I've made this site to share my knowlege
and to provide the Colon Cleansing Kit™,
a product I've made from those experiences."

Below is an excerpt from Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management, 1980, by Dr. Bernard Jensen, DC, ND, Ph.D. "The heavy mucus coating in the colon thickens and becomes a host of putrefaction. The blood capillaries to the colon begin to pick up the toxins, poisons and noxious debris as it seeps through the bowel wall. All tissues and organs of the body are now taking on toxic substances. Here is the beginning of true autointoxication on a physiological level. This accumulation can have the consistency of truck tire rubber. It's that hard and black." Note: On this page we have presented an overview of what is known and unknown about the Colon Cleansing Kit and colon cleansing in general. Please read through all the information and make a decision as an informed consumer.

The Colon Cleansing Kit is a five-day program formulated to cleanse intestinal accumulation from the entire digestive system including the stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon). It also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, if you are not satisfied with your results you may return it for a full refund less shipping and handling. View photos of bowel movements from this cleanse.

Quick look at the Colon Cleansing Kit:
A five-day program formulated from traditional cleansing
herbs formulated to remove intestinal debris

100% Organic and Ethically
Wild-Harvested Herbal Ingredients

Requires a five day, liquid only, fast

Hundreds of people have seen very similar results
to the ones shown in the photos on this site. view photos

Each kit comes with a detailed and clearly
informative User's Guide and Dosage Calendar

General overview of the Colon Cleansing Kit
The Colon Cleansing Kit is a five-day intensive intestinal cleansing program that works by using two herbal formulas. The first, Digestive Stimulator, comes in capsule form and works gently to support normal bowel function. The second, Toxin Absorber, is a powder that is drunk five times per day after being mixed with Organic Apple juice. The herbs in this formula have been traditionally used for their strong absorptive properties and work powerfully to draw hardened mucus build-up and fecal matter out of the intestinal tract. You will be required to fast during these five days or the Toxin Absorber will simply bind to the food you are eating and not the waste you are trying to remove.


Benefits of the Colon Cleansing Kit
A generally accepted benefit of colon cleansing is based on the theory that the hardened mucus that is lining the intestinal wall greatly reduces one's ability to absorb nutrition. Because you are not able to absorb proper nutrition this feeds the cycle of craving more food and stronger flavors. When in fact what your body really wants is better nutrition. Unless this cycle is broken, no amount of will power will successfully change one's dietary habits in the long run.

After removing this intestinal build-up, it has been observed that people feel the body has returned to a more natural state. It has also been observed that people have much greater discernment of how foods actually affects them. This opens the possibility to fully appreciate the "true taste" of foods. At this point, people have found they can easily make dietary changes and really feel (& taste!) the difference!

"I had been drinking city water for several months when I started my fast. On the third day, I woke up in the night and my water tasted like pure poison!! What it actually is!! I couldn't believe I'd never tasted it before." - Shalom Volchok, owners son

Other benefits that have been reported to us include deep emotional catharsis leading to an amazing clarity. One theory on this says that emotions can become trapped along with the intestinal debris and when they are released one may relive old emotional experiences leading to a great freedom of internal energy.


The experience of colon cleansing by Martha Volchok, AHG.

"...I observed all of my bowel movements and studied them as a scientist would. After my first cleanse, I got out just what Dr. Jensen showed in his book, Tissue Cleansing through Bowel Management. Not only that, but popcorn kernels came out and I hadn't eaten any popcorn in years! Having something come out after all those years, gave me more faith in Dr. Jensen's work. I reasoned that if the popcorn was that old, how old was the rest of the stuff coming out? Surely some of it was from that same time period.

I understand even more, now, after years of observing the material that comes out whenever I do colon cleansing. I have observed that the material coming out now has become progressively lighter, less smelly, and of a consistent texture; rather than initial dark, hard, rubbery, foul smelling stuff. There was time when I would see some chunks of the hard rubbery stuff mixed in with the type of stuff I see today. Whenever I do my yearly cleanse now, I see clearly the striations on the outside of stool that reflect the same indentations from different parts of the intestinal wall; both small and large (colon). Could this be an actual thin layer that had accumulated directly on the intestinal lining? These markings are never present on my everyday bowel movements. The stool from my colon cleanse has a thin, outer layer that is decidedly a different, deeper color than the inside of the stool. It is also much firmer and cannot be pulled apart; whereas the inner portion of the stool looks remarkably like the Toxin Absorber drink and it is possible to pull apart easily (see photo)." (read full article here)

By: Martha Volchock

Alternative Medicine, one solution we have

Many people want to know more about medicine. They read literatures, ask someone else, try one or another way to help other people solve their problems, especially concerning the disease. Alternative medicine becomes one solution we have to help other people face their problem. Before we see the doctor, I think it's better if we try to heal ourselves using alternative medicine. Of course we should know more about the disease and appropriate medicine.