Health Newsletter


Shop IVL for great supplements at the best prices!


Quality, Affordable Dental Plans

 

Instant Health Insurance Quotes  



 

 

 

 

 

 Auto-Intoxication: The Cause of Most of Today's Diseases!

 Posted by:   (PhysicianChoice

 

 BETA SITOSTEROL: A BREAKTHROUGH IN PROSTATE HEALTH

 Posted by:   (PhysicianChoice

 

 DHEA Relieves Postmenopausal Symptoms

 Posted by:   By Maureen Williams, ND (BotanicChoice

 

 Skin Cancer

 Posted by:  Audrey Kunin, M.D.   (DERMAdoctor)

 

 

 Also see profile and reviews on featured shops:

DentalPlans - Quality Affordable Dental Care with 3 Additional Months FREE!       Profile...

 
800 CONTACTS - FREE shipping and CONTACT lens case with every online order!      Profile...
 
VisionDirect - Up to 70% off on Bausch & Lomb, Freshlook, Acuvue, TruColour, Biomedics lenses!      Profile...
 

Drugstore - Save up to 60% on hundreds of products!       Profile...

Gaiam - Shop for health products!     Profile...

VitalityMedical - discount coupons for medical supplies   Profile...

QualityHealth - Free coupons for brand name products you and your family use every day!   Profile...

Revival Soy - The #1 Doctor-Recommended Soy Protein Supplement   Profile...

Relax The Back - Zero Gravity Recliners, Tempur Pedic Mattresses, Sleep and Back Comfort accessories   Profile...

Make Me Heal - The best source for Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Eyelid Surgery, Face Lift, Liposuction, Male Breast Reduction, Mastectomy (Breast Cancer Surgery), Rhinoplasty, Tummy Tuck products.

Allergy Be Gone - Allergy and asthma relief superstore, dehumidifiers, air filters and other products!    Profile...

Selmedica - offering Addiction, Anxiety/Depression, Men's & Women's Health, Pain Relief, Sexual Health, Skin and Scalp Care supplements   Profile...

Native Remedies - natural and homeopathic remedies for ADHD, depression, symptoms of menopause, immune system deficiencies and other conditions!   Profile...

Lens.com - Contact Lenses at up to 70% off

Goldshield - Joint Health, Cardiac Health, Weight Loss, Multivitamins and Immune system boosters      Profile...

911 Health - Hottest Discounted Health Products      Profile...

Xooma - Xtreme X2O. Hydrate, Mineralize & Revitalize with ultimate Body Fuel!

Organica Research - Try Ultimate All-Natural Body Colon Cleanser!

HealthierYOU - Trouble Sleeping? New drug-free breakthrough works fast and works all night. Save $5.95 today.    Profile...

Institute For Vibrant Living - Megastore for Anti Oxidants, Allergy Relief, Cardiovascular, Detoxification & Digestive Health products!   Profile...

NursingStation - Discounted Nurse's merchandise   Profile...


Skin Cancer

Posted by:  Audrey Kunin, M.D.   (DERMAdoctor )



Skin cancer is the most common of cancers, affecting an estimated 1.3 million Americans each year. With rates of newly diagnosed cases rising at a rate of 4 to 5 percent annually, skin cancer continues to be is a veritable epidemic. Three cancers of the skin comprise this category of sun-induced cancer: the basal cell (BCC), the squamous cell (SCC) carcinoma, and of course malignant melanoma.

Ultraviolet exposure and sun damage is the leading factor to developing skin cancer. Damaging rays create cellular DNA damage and ultimately skin cancer. Under normal circumstances, skin has a repair system that literally cuts out damaged DNA and replaces it with new, healthy code. Genetics play a role in one’s ability to repair the damage. But too much ultraviolet damage may simply overwhelm the system.

Obviously lighter skin is more prone to becoming sun burned. Red heads and fair blondes with blue eyes are notorious for developing skin cancer. A lifelong history of sun exposure places one at higher risk. Take for instance those raised on farms, veterans of WWII who were stationed in the South Pacific, construction workers and basically anyone who spent a lot of time outdoors. In addition, patients who are immunosuppressed, especially transplant patients, are quite likely to see rapid and early development of skin cancer (particularly squamous cell carcinoma). Regardless of race, anyone can develop skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common skin cancer, newly diagnosed cases of BCC will affect an estimated 800,000 Americans this year. That said, most have never heard of this form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas earn their name from the location deep within the epidermis in which they form, the basal (or basement) layer. Basal cell carcinomas are traditionally slowly growing tumors of the skin. While they can grow quite large and invade spaces to which they’re adjacent, they rarely metastasize to other areas of the body.

BCCs often look pearly. Pink or flesh-toned bumps (papules) slowly rise above the skin’s surface. It’s the pearlescent quality that gives them away. Given enough time, a basal cell carcinoma may go on to form a central ulceration (sore). Early basal cell carcinomas (superficial spreading basal cell aka SSBCC) resemble reddish dry skin patches that simply won’t heal over months or even longer. They may also develop a pearly quality.

It’s not unusual for patients claiming a longstanding “acne” bump that’s been present for months, or years to find out it’s really a BCC. Acne resolves spontaneously, skin cancer does not.

Diagnosis of a BCC involves a skin biopsy. Whether performed as a simple shave biopsy or a deeper punch, the basal cell carcinoma has easy diagnostic features. There is no concern about the spread of a BCC if cut through during the biopsy, unlike melanoma.

Treatment of a basal cell carcinoma is relatively straightforward.

  • Simple Excision

    The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic and the visible area of skin cancer with a small margin of normal skin is excised and sutured closed. This allows the pathologist to determine if the entire skin cancer was removed.

  • ED&C x 3

    An abbreviation for electrodessication and curettage, the affected area is cauterized and scraped 3 times after being numbed with a local anesthetic. A quick, simple method, ED& C x 3 is ideal for larger skin cancers on the torso (less excised skin), and for handling skin cancer on elderly or infirm patients unlikely to be able to care adequately for a large sutured area. The downfall is that no pathological confirmation certifying 100% eradication of the skin cancer exists. Typically ED&C x 3 has a 75-80% rate of successfully eliminating the BCC. Given the slow growth rate and the tendency for BCCs to remain localized, ED&C x 3 is an excellent option under the proper conditions.

  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery

    Named for namesake and creator Dr. Frederick Mohs, this form of excision combines surgical excision with immediate surgical confirmation that the tumor has been fully removed. Under local anesthetic, the visible cancer is removed, processed for surgical path and microscopically accessed, all at the same time in the specialist’s office. Should any remnant skin cancer remain, the edges are gradually removed, evaluated, etc. These steps are repeated as necessary to assure complete removal of the skin cancer and to preserve healthy uninvolved tissue. Mohs surgeons are typically dermatologists who have undergone an additional 1-2 years of training in this area. Mohs is particularly ideal for skin cancer involving the central face where protecting cosmetically important areas such as the nose is vital and is now the standard of care.

  • Aldara

    A topical immune response modifier originally used to treat genital warts. The drug’s ability to provoke local tissue production of tumor-fighting interferons and tumor necrosis factor-alpha has taken this medication to the forefront of basal cell carcinoma treatment. Multiple studies show the ability of topical imiquimod to resolve early SBCCs and more advanced basal cell carcinomas, and in 2004 the drug was approved to treat actinic keratoses (AKs), potential precursors of squamous cell carcinoma. Patients who are unable to undergo surgery and have very small BCCs may be potential candidates for this therapy.

Less commonly used treatment options include laser destruction, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy with 5-fluouracil, and photodynamic therapy (Levulan Kerastick for early BCCs). And there are ongoing clinical trials involving biologic agents similar to Aldara, PEPOO5 (which affects an enzyme that plays a role in cell development), and Celecoxib, a Cox-2 inhibitor..

Patients who have had a basal cell carcinoma should undergo a follow-up skin exam at least every 6 months for the first 5 years out from the time of treatment. I often revisit every 3 months for a few visits to keep my eye on ED& C sites to monitor for recurrence. It is during this time frame that the BCC would be most likely to recur. But it’s important to realize that skin in the same region is more at risk for developing an entirely new skin cancer. A complete skin examination is recommended, not just a spot check of the surgery site.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Affecting about 200,000 in the U.S. per year, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a more dangerous form of skin cancer as it’s associated with a small risk (less than 1%) of spreading to other areas of the body. This results annually in approximately 2000 deaths.

Squamous cell carcinoma arises on sun-exposed, sun damaged skin. The more sun exposure, even cumulative sun acquired from routine “tanning” is associated with a higher risk of developing SCC. Squamous cell carcinoma may also form on areas exposed to chemicals, thermal burns, radiation, and occasionally within vaccination scars. Arsenic exposure is an uncommon though important risk factor. Arsenic was found in “old fashioned” cough and cold treatments predominantly in the Southeastern U.S. More recently, arsenic exposure is typically associated with pesticide use.

Typically looking like a hard, sometimes scaly or crusty red bump or nodule, squamous cell carcinoma continues to grow in height and diameter until removed. Ulceration, itching and bleeding may develop. Squamous cell carcinomas may arise from precancerous skin changes known as actinic keratoses that resemble chronic reddish brown scaly patches on sun-exposed skin.

Due to the somewhat higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin to metastasize (spread to other areas of the body), the best option for treatment is one that guarantees complete removal. Straightforward excision or Mohs micrographic surgery would both be appropriate options. Here again, in patients who may be unable for some reason to undergo a full excision, other options may be appropriate in certain cases. These include laser destruction, ED&C x 3, radiation therapy, cryosurgery and treatment with 5-fluoruracil. Clinical trials are ongoing with the use of biologic therapies alone and with retinoids as well.

Follow-up again mirrors that of basal cell carcinoma patients. Because of the low potential for metastasis, quarterly skin checks are best. It’s important to remember that if one form of skin cancer develops, the level of sun damage has been reached that patients are at higher risk to develop any or all of them. Vigilance is the best bet for early detection and intervention.

Melanoma

By far the most lethal of these 3 skin cancers, melanoma is responsible for 7400 deaths a year in the U.S. Arising from pigment producing cells known as melanocytes, melanoma is associated with moles (medically termed nevi). The vast majority of moles are visible on the skin, and brown in color. Rarely, moles may be pink or red, (amelanotic) and there are even moles which can be hidden internally, such as at the back of the eye.

Fortunately, moles don’t change into Melanoma overnight. Gradually moles will go through a series of changes (some faster than others) known as dysplasia. The greater the degree of dysplasia, the more likely the mole may turn into melanoma.

Early detection is key since melanoma is almost 100 percent curable if discovered early. Famous people who have survived melanoma include Troy Aikman, Sam Donaldson and Senator John McCain.

While easy to detect, many symptomatic moles go ignored. According to The Melanoma Research Foundation, every hour of every day of the year an American dies of malignant melanoma.

While the American Academy of Dermatology doesn’t expect the general public to be home dermatologists, there are 4 signs to know that can save your life. These are the ABCDs of melanoma.

A: Asymmetry. The mole is not completely even in appearance.
B: Border. The margins should be even and smooth, without ratty or projecting edges.
C: Circumference. The mole should be nice and round, without jagged or sharp edges
D: Diameter. The size of the mole should not be more than 6mm measured across the mole. This is the size of a pencil eraser.

Other signs to pay close attention to include rapid mole growth, formation of a sore, and itching or bleeding within the mole.

The above signs and symptoms do not automatically mean the mole is malignant or even dysplastic. But, these are definitely a reason to seek out a dermatology evaluation.

Biopsy of a suspicious mole should consist of a full excision around the area unless the mole is so large that this is impossible for some unusual reason. The excision would be performed under a local anesthetic and the area closed with stitches. If melanoma were diagnosed, unless the margins were significantly clear (a minimum of a 5mm border), then a reexcision would be performed.

The prognosis for melanoma is based upon the depth of the mole (how deeply it has grown). Further work-up and treatment are based upon this very important measurement. That is why simply shaving through a suspicious mole or lasering it off without a path report is inappropriate.

As for follow-up, for “routine” simple excision took care of it melanoma patients, certainly a complete skin examination (CSE) performed every 3 months, ultimately extending to no longer than once a year is appropriate for melanoma patients. I also include an ophthalmology appointment (looking for hidden moles at the back of the eyes), chest x-ray, blood work and sometimes a CT scan (patient history dependent).

Melanoma tends to have some genetic predisposition. For anyone with a primary family history of melanoma (parents and sibs), a complete skin examination and eye exam once a year is a starting point. Those who have large number of moles or dysplastic nevus syndrome (multiple changing moles) would be screened more often.

When it comes to prevention, by now everyone is more than familiar with these tips. Let me just recap those steps we simply can’t do without:

  • Sun Avoidance – Try to avoid being outdoors during the hours of 11-3 when sun is at its strongest..

  • Sunscreen Use – Only use broad-spectrum screens or blocks that protect against UVA and UVB rays. An SPF 15 should be considered entry level minimum protection, so skip those products with an SPF of less than 15. Try DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 (the latter is ideal for anyone with a prior history of skin cancer or AKs).
  • Tanning Bed Avoidance – The smoking ban of the new millennium? Skip the tanning beds; they’re far more dangerous than an unprotected day at the beach.

  • UV Treated Sunglasses – Protecting the eyes makes sense; helps prevent ultraviolet damage against melanoma as well as helps save your sight.

  • SPF Treated Clothing – It’s so easy to do. Throw in a packet of Rit Sun Guard Laundry Treatment UV Protectant in with your laundry and give your clothing an SPF 30 (over a mundane SPF 4).

  • Don´t Forget The Lips - The darkest shade of lipstick has only an SPF of 5, leaving lips vulnerable at best. Actinic damage followed by BCCs or SCCs may result. Apply a separate sunscreen made specially for the lips. Consider trying DERMAdoctor POUTlandish Hyper Moisturizing Lip Paint .

  • Complete Skin Examination – Don’t have access to a dermatologist? Take advantage of any number of free skin cancer screenings performed across the U.S. every May during Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

  • Awareness – Being aware is half the battle. Don’t ignore symptoms.

Rapid growth of a mole, itching, bleeding, crusting, or sore formation within ANY skin lesion should be checked. The good news is that when most patients follow up on these signs, either the lesion isn’t melanoma/skin cancer or they get their condition diagnosed in the early stages when it’s curable. It’s easier than you think to help save your life.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this important information. I hope you have found this article informative.

<Back to top>


Auto-Intoxication: The Cause of Most of Today's Diseases!

Posted by:   (PhysicianChoice

Most people are shocked to learn that the average person holds between 5 and 10 pounds of putrefied fecal matter and other foul material in the body.

At the beginning of this century our average life span was only 45 to 50 years. The science of medicine has made tremendous strides and now we live much longer. In is not unusual for a person to reach the age of 90 or even 100 years.

With this new found longevity we observe many chronic degenerative conditions that were relatively unknown just decades earlier. Cancer, arthritis, circulatory problems, Alzheimer's disease, auto-immune problems, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome - the list goes on and on. Many people become what Dr. Jeffrey Bland calls "the walking wounded" - not sick enough to be considered very ill but not truly well either.

What is the reason for this widespread disability? One of the major factors is the dysfunction and imbalance of our bowels causing the problem of auto-intoxication - the relentless release of toxins from within the body. From the time of Hippocrates, ancient healers have emphasized vital importance of bowel health. "The death of a person starts in the bowels" they taught us.

Auto-intoxication is currently the number one source of misery and decay in society today. Through it comes a host of uncleanness, with its entourage of imbalance, derangement, perversion, sickness and disease. Auto-intoxication becomes a powerful master over the body, robbing the inhabitant of clear thinking, discrimination, sound judgement, vitality, health and happiness.

The Function of the Bowels

To get an idea of just how important normal bowel function is to the overall state of health, let's explore the inner workings of the intestinal tract. The intestinal tract is to us what the roots are to a tree. It has two main functions:

1. Digestion and absorption of nutrients, providing fuel and building blocks necessary for our continued function and survival.
2. Elimination of undigested food, waster products, harmful microorganisms and toxins, thus preventing various harmful effects in the body.

Our intestinal (or gastro-intestinal) tract is a pipe that extends anywhere from 25 to 30 feet, beginning with the mouth and ending with the rectum. As food moves from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, it undergoes the transformation that leads to the absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste.

The function of the digestive system includes a series of finely orchestrated steps that are aided by digestive enzymes, stomach acid, beneficial bacteria and normal peristaltic movement of the intestinal muscles.

What Can Go Wrong With Your Digestive Tract

Unfortunately, most of us do not have healthy bowels. Just look at how many people suffer from heartburn, indigestion, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms are extremely common, with well over 60 million Americans purchasing laxatives and antacids, spending over $1 billion one these drugs every year.

Two reasons for this are lifestyle and eating habits. We do not eat the right foods, get enough exercise, fresh air or sunshine. The food we eat is not whole, but processed. The use of "junk food" - high in sugar and fat, but low in fiber is widespread.

Alcohol, antibiotics, painkillers and other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, disrupt normal bowel function. Plus, as we get older, there is definite decline in the level of digestive enzymes produced in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. This leads to decreased digestion and absorption of nutrients and increased accumulation of putrefied fecal matter in the intestinal tract. Undigested food material and metabolic waste buildup lead to auto-intoxication and set the stage for disease.

Unable to survive in this toxic environment beneficial bacteria die. They are replaced by pathogenic organisms, such as parasites and yeast, especially Candida Albicans - a condition known as dysbiosis. This leads to changes in permeability of the intestinal wall, producing a "leaky gut syndrome", which allows the absorption of many toxic chemicals into the blood stream. As a result, the total toxic load of the body is increased which places an additional burden on the liver and the kidneys, our main organs of detoxification and elimination.

The result is that instead of being an organ responsible for supplying nutrients and eliminating waste, our intestinal tract turns into a gigantic waste dump that increases the toxic burden on our already overtaxed body.

Most people are shocked and revolted to learn that an average person has between five and ten pounds of putrefied fecal matter, dead microorganisms, undigested food remnants, slime, fermentation byproducts and other foul material in their body. Just imagine the amount of toxins produced by this poisonous "cocktail."

Toxic waste is absorbed into the blood stream and gets deposited in all the tissues. As the detoxification system becomes overwhelmed, more waste is retained in the body. Toxins accumulate in the tissues, interfering with normal cellular metabolism, causing degenerative changes and even cellular death.

Poor Intestinal Health Can Lead to Life Threatening Diseases

Because the body is amazingly resilient, impaired digestion, poor absorption and a general deterioration of the intestinal tract can go for years without producing any definitive symptoms. When symptoms first appear they are usually general and non-specific and can include: decreased energy, headache, fatigue, reduced resistance to infections and minor digestive problems, such as bloating, gas, belching, indigestion and constipation. Most of us either ignore these early manifestations of bowel dysfunction or suppress them with antacids, gas relievers, laxatives and numerous other drugs peddled by the pharmaceutical industry.

As the bowel function continues to deteriorate, more serious problems appear. They range from asthma and allergies to arthritis and cancer. They include auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and lupus. Irritable bowel disease (IBS), Crohn's disease and colitis may appear. Chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and hives are common.

In short, faulty digestion, poor absorption, altered intestinal permeability, bacterial imbalance and massive amounts of auto-intoxication can be traced to most chronic conditions known today.Some of us may not develop serious life-threatening diseases from the intestines, but almost all of us will suffer from auto-intoxication caused by fecal matter buildup. The risk increases with every passing year as we consume more meat, white flour, sugar, coffee, antibiotics and prescription drugs.

A Simple 4-Step Program to Restore Optimal Intestinal Health
The good news is that none of us has to suffer from intestinal decay. You can stop further deterioration by changing your diet to include more whole foods and avoid junk food, sugar, refined carbohydrates, medications and alcohol.

Drink enough clean water, at least 8 glasses a day. That is in addition to any juices, coffee, tea and other beverages that you might drink.

To reverse bowel degeneration you should follow a simple, yet powerful 4-step program of cleansing and detoxification.

Step 1 - Intestinal Cleansing - You must start this process by eliminating the disease causing accumulation of fecal matter, undigested food, putrefied remains of the dead microorganisms and other waste products from the intestine. They have to be removed as soon as possible.

This is accomplished by using a combination of herbs that literally scrub the intestines clean while providing gentle and natural stimulation of peristaltic movement. The end result is complete removal of al the waste and debris from your intestine, leaving it clean, healthy, vital and able to support your health.

The herbs in the Intestinal Cleanser™ are all natural and, unlike laxatives, they are not addictive even if used for a long time.

Step 2 - Cellular Cleansing - Now that the intestines is clean, the same has to be done for the rest of the body to support the liver and kidneys and remove stored toxins from the blood and tissues.

Cellular Cleanser™ does just that with the help of 15 different herbs, such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion root, Echinacea and many others. These herbs strengthen the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and speed up the removal of toxins from your cells, making them healthier and more vital.

Step 3 - Yeast and Parasite Elimination - One of the major sources of bowel dysfunction is overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms, such as yeast, parasites, viruses and bacteria. Reducing the amount of these "unfriendly bugs" improves the health of not only the colon, but of the entire body.

Yeast & Parasite Eliminator™ is a combination of Artemesia annua, grapefruit extract and caprylic acid in a specific blend. These natural substances are deadly for yeast as well as parasites and pathogenic bacteria, yet they are gentle and non-irritating unlike many of the drugs used to treat the intestines.

Step 4 - Restoring Healthy Flora - After reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms it's important to replace them with friendly bacteria. Besides keeping the "bad" bugs at bay, these good bacteria synthesize vitamins, such as B12, biotin and Vitamin K. They break down toxins and support the immune system. In addition, they manufacture short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are essential for colon health, and they play a role in preventing colon cancer.

Healthy Flora™ provides major friendly bacteria, such as L. acidophilus, B. Bifudus, L. Brevis, L. Bulgaricus, L. Casie, L. Plantarum and L. Rhamnosus. It also contains fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a substance that nourishes and supports good bacteria and helps them grow.

A unique ingredient of the Healthy Flora™ is lactoferrin, an enzyme that prevents utilization of iron by yeast and parasites. Since they need iron for growth, lactoferrin effectively prevents them from growing and proliferating.

By restoring the proper balance of microorganisms, Healthy Flora™ also helps to eliminate the leaky gut syndrome (deterioration of the intestinal wall).

Radiant Health Starts from Within
The problem of unhealthy bowel toxicity and auto-intoxication is universal, affecting every one of us. If you suffer from indigestion, belching, gas or constipation - you have it. If you have ever taken antibiotics, painkillers or other medications - you have it. If you ever have had a drink of wine, beer or liquor; eaten cookies, candy bars or cake - you have it. So the question is not whether or not you have it, but how bad is it?

We spend a lot of time and effort keeping our body clean on the outside. What would your skin be like if you didn't take a shower for a month? A year? This might give you some idea of the state of cleanliness of your intestine.

What do we do to promote and maintain healthy, clean bowels? Absolutely nothing!

No wonder that in all my years of practicing medicine I have never seen a patient with a perfect digestive system. That is why I place every patient I have on the Super Detox Program™ , a complete body detoxification system, as a matter of routine.

You can either continue to do nothing and wait until your bowels start causing serious problems or fight back and reverse this disease-causing intestinal dysfunction with the Super Detox Program™, the same program that I have been recommending to my patients for many years.

I recommend following the Super Detox Program™ at least once per year, whether or not you have any digestive symptoms. The reason is simple - cleansing your bowels and eliminating the source of chronic auto-intoxication is probably the single most important factor for long term health and longevity. I am sure you will be pleased with the results.

Patients who practice intestinal health restoration report improvement in energy and well being, improved bowel movements, elimination of heartburn, bloating and constipation. They become more resistant to infections, such as colds and flus. There is increased memory and mental clarity. Skin becomes softer and free of blemishes. In fact, it's as if the entire body is rejoicing from the release of constant pollution.

Again, the Super Detox Program™ is a four-step program that addresses the four essential areas of detoxification. Step 1 is the Intestinal Cleanser™ (for removal of solid fecal matter in the colon), Step 2 is the Cellular Cleanser™ (for removal of stored toxins in the organs, such as the liver and kidney), Step 3 is the Yeast & Parasite Eliminator™ (for removal of the yeast and parasites that inhabit the body), and Step 4 is the Healthy Flora™ (to replenish the intestinal tract with "good" bacteria).

As a special way to introduce the Super Detox Program™ to you, I have arranged for Physician's Choice to give you an introductory offer to good to pass up.

When you order Steps 1 and 2, they'll give you Steps 3 and 4 absolutely FREE. That's a $159.80 value for only $79.90!

As spectacular as these results my be, the most important benefit is that you eliminate the main source of imbalance and dysfunction in the body and start on the path of continued good health. By stripping down the old, toxic, disease-causing mucus lining of the bowel, you improve your chances for long and disease-free life.


<Back to top>


 

BETA SITOSTEROL: A BREAKTHROUGH IN PROSTATE HEALTH

Posted by:   (PhysicianChoice

Millions of men suffer from prostate enlargement and over 32,000 men died from prostate cancer in 1998. Early this year, a bill was proposed in the United States Congress to create an Office of Men’s Health within the National Institutes of Health. The sponsors cited the need for increased education and prevention of diseases affecting men; primarily prostate problems. 

An Epidemic in Prostate Problems

There is no question that prostate problems have reached truly epidemic proportions. More cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men than breast cancer in women - over 400,000 every year. The number of newly diagnosed cases is expected to continually increase in the future, with a corresponding increase in the death rates. It is estimated that the number of deaths attributed to prostate cancer will exceed 40,000 per year.

BPH on the Rise

Similarly, the number of men affected by Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate, is on the rise. Well over 30 million American men suffer from this problem.

A medical textbook calls BPH a “universal phenomenon among aging men.” Aging in this case refers to what many would consider a fairly young age - just 40 years old. Up until then, the prostate tends to remain completely normal, about the size of a walnut. But about the age of 40, the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply, which leads to the increase in size.

Many experts believe that it is not a coincidence and the increased frequency of prostate cancer is definitely related to greater incidence of BPH. Careful monitoring of the prostate gland is crucial. This means that by preventing or treating BPH early, you may reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

The Normal Prostate

Your prostate normally looks like a small doughnut and is located just under your bladder. The urethra, the flexible pipe that connects your bladder to the outside, passes right through the middle of your prostate gland. As your prostate increases in size, it begins to compress the urethra, causing various urinary problems; an increase in urgency and frequency (some men have to get up 3, 4 even 5 times during the night to urinate). Plus, there is a decrease in the urine stream and a man often feels that his bladder is not completely empty at the end of the urination. At times, a man may even have to wait a while before urination begins or even have to strain to start urinating. Sometimes, there is such a feeling of urgency that you may seem to have an inability to “hold it” (when a man has to urinate immediately, or the consequences could be quite embarrassing). In addition, most men also experience a decline in their sexual desire and performance.
This process usually develops slowly, over a period of 5 to 10 years. During this time, a man usually has no symptoms at all; mistakenly believing that his prostate is fine. When the gland reaches a certain critical size, however; the symptoms then become quite obvious.

What MakesYour Prostate Grow?

Why does the prostate start growing, as men become older? There are a number of factors. First of all, most men have various deficiencies of certain nutrients that are important for prostate health. Secondly, all older men undergo certain hormonal changes; such as an increase in Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of Testosterone (the male sex hormone) and increase in Estradiol (the female hormone.)

These changes cause the cells of the prostate to divide and multiply, causing the gland to become larger. By the age of 50, nearly half of all men already have BPH. By the age of 80, almost all men have it; which is why there are over 30 million victims suffering from BPH in this country alone.

You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence!

Fortunately, in most men the proliferation of prostate cells does not lead to cancer; hence the name - benign enlargement of the prostate. Yet, as more and more men develop BPH, there is a definite trend toward an increasing incidence of prostate cancer.

Many doctors, especially in Europe, think that there is a relationship between these two conditions. That’s why European physicians aggressively treat men who have BPH. Unfortunately, most doctors in the U.S. either do not share this opinion, or else do not have the means to actually affect the process of prostate enlargement. All of their treatment methods, both surgical and pharmacological, are not directed toward restoring prostate health. All they do (when they work) is to try to help relieve the symptoms.  

The situation is quite different in Europe. For over 30 years, European doctors have been using certain natural substances that have been shown in medical studies to not only improve the symptoms of prostate enlargement, but to actually reverse the process and actually shrink the prostate gland to normal size! The results are much more impressive with the natural substances than with the drugs and without any of the harmful side effects.

For example, many studies have shown that Saw Palmetto has successfully decreased the size of the prostate gland in over 60% of patients studied. Pygeum Africanum was even more successful - over 70% of patients experienced a reduction in the prostate size. When Pygeum was combined with an extract of Stinging Nettles, the results are even more impressive - close to 80%!

The secret of these successes is the fact that these botanical herbs contain a number of useful substances that positively affect prostate health; such as phytonutrients, bioflavonoids, essential oils, minerals and perhaps most importantly, Beta sitosterol. It is the favorable combination of these substances that encourages the reduction of prostate size and elimination of symptoms.

Beta Sitosterol: a Powerful Ally in Prostate Health

While every ingredient is important, some studies have indicated that Beta Sitosterol by itself can be helpful in combatting prostate problems. Beta-sitosterol has a number of properties that make it uniquely suitable for improving the health of the prostate gland.

Beta Sitosterol inhibits the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. DHT is one of the main contributing factors to BPH. The prostate of an older man has up to 4 times higher DHT concentration than that of a younger man. In addition, Beta Sitosterol also inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which facilitates the production of estradiol. Estradiol levels invariably increase with age. This is considered to be another important factor in BPH.

Several studies have proven the benefits of Beta Sitosterol on prostate health. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a review of 31 years’ worth of studies, including 18 different international trials and involving 2,939 men. The evidence suggested that standardized amounts of Beta Sitosterol and Saw Palmetto extracts “improves urologic symptoms and flow measures.”

At the Hospital Ambroise in Paris, France, for example, Dr. Champault and two of his colleagues performed a classic double-blind study on 110 men, involving Beta-sitosterol. They concluded that Beta-sitosterol “would appear to be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of BPH.”

Historically, other substances have been used to improve the health and function of the prostate gland. Nutrients such as Zinc, a mineral that is absolutely essential for a healthy prostate; amino acids Alanine, Glycine and Glutamic Acid; Ginseng; Pumpkin Seed Extract; essential oils, certain B vitamins and Lycopene are all very important to promoting prostate health.

Lycopene can Greatly Reduce Your Risk of Prostate Cancer

Lycopene is a carotenoid similar to beta-carotene. It can not be produced by the body and therefore must be included in the diet. Levels of Lycopene usually decline with age, which is unfortunate, because it is a very powerful antioxidant. It is twice as effective as beta-carotene and 100 times more effective than vitamin E in counteracting harmful free radicals. In men, Lycopene is normally most highly concentrated in the prostate and testes, as well as in the liver, kidney, lungs and adrenal glands. Numerous studies have shown that daily intake of Lycopene can greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer; by up to as much as 47%!

Searching for a Solution

At this time, there is no effective treatment for prostate cancer. If you do have prostate enlargement, however and you want to support a healthier prostate, there is no better way to do it than by giving your prostate all of the nutrients it needs for optimum prostate health. Or, if you do not yet have BPH, it is only a matter of time before your symptoms appear. If you are a man over 40, it is not a question of whether or not you will develop BPH, but rather a question of when it will happen to you.

Protect Yourself with the New & Improved Super Prostate Formula™!

Virtually all known nutrients that are important for prostate health are present in a special product called the Super Prostate Formula™. In addition to Saw Palmetto, Pygeum Africanum, Stinging Nettles, Ginseng, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Alanine, Glycine Glutamic Acid and Essential Oils, the Super Prostate Formula™ also provides cancer-fighting Lycopene and 315 mg of Beta Sitosterol.

Beta Sitosterol is a proven powerful promoter of prostate health. In my experience, the Super Prostate Formula™ has been 90-95% effective in the past; not only at reducing the symptoms of BPH, but also at improving the size, health and function of the prostate gland. Now, with the addition of 300 mg to the existing 15 mg of Beta-sitosterol, the Super Prostate Formula™ is even more effective!

In addition, the Super Prostate Formula™ contains Bioperine®, which has been proven to dramatically boost the absorption of nutrients. This increases their bioavailability to your body.

I not only give the Super Prostate Formula™ to my patients who already suffer from an enlargement of the prostate; I also routinely suggest it to men who are 40 years of age or over, whether they have symptoms or not. Being a man over 40, I even take it myself. 

Since prostate enlargement is inevitable, it does not make sense to be passive and just wait for the symptoms to appear or become worse. I prefer to take an active role and help prevent prostate problems by utilizing the body’s natural healing powers and the combination of natural nutrients in the Super Prostate Formula™.

REFERENCES:
Journal of the American Medical Association; [v.280] 1998
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology; [v. 18] 1984
Guide to Living Longer & Healthier, Achieving Optimal Health; Allan Magaziner, D.O.
The American Academy of Family Physicians’ Family Health & Medical Guide; Robert Kelly, M.D., M.S.
Food - Your Miracle Medicine; Jean Carper
The American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer, revised edition; David G., Md. Bostwick
Prostate Health in 90 Days : Cure Your Prostate Now Without Drugs or Surgery; Larry, Ph.D. Clapp

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

<Back to top>

 


 

DHEA Relieves Postmenopausal Symptoms

Posted by:   By Maureen Williams, ND (BotanicChoice

A modest amount of the adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may increase diminished hormone levels in postmenopausal women and relieve postmenopausal symptoms, according to a study published in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:1495–501).

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstrual cycles end. As the functioning of the ovaries decrease, so do the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the major female sex hormones. Early in menopause these hormonal changes cause women to experience symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Changes in other body tissues and organs occur later due to prolonged absence of estrogen and progesterone. Low levels of female hormones contribute to age-related changes such as bone loss, thinning of the vaginal walls, thinning of skin, reduced bladder muscle tone, and altered cognitive function.

DHEA is a hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands, but the ovaries produce 10 to 30% of a woman’s DHEA before menopause. DHEA is converted in the body to testosterone and estrogen. It has a direct effect on immune function, and is suggested to have other direct actions that are not well understood. The activity of the adrenal glands also decreases with aging, and DHEA levels are lower in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. The results from some preliminary studies suggest that DHEA supplementation might increase levels of hormones that decrease with menopause and relieve some menopausal symptoms.

In the current study, 20 healthy postmenopausal women who were not using hormone-replacement therapy were given 25 mg of DHEA per day for one year. Ultrasound evaluation of the uterus was performed at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 12 months of treatment; blood levels of various hormones were evaluated before and every 3 months during the study; and women rated their menopausal symptoms using a questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment.

Levels of DHEA, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone all increased progressively throughout the study period. Although estrogen replacement therapy causes thickening of the uterine wall (endometrium) and increases the risk of endometrial cancer, no change in endometrial thickness was observed in this study. Several other hormone levels were also noted to change significantly toward premenopausal levels, although the implications of those changes are not entirely clear. Furthermore, symptom questionnaire scores were significantly better at the end than at the beginning of the study. All of these changes were observed in women in both early and late stages of menopause.

The results of this preliminary study demonstrate that DHEA supplementation can increase hormone levels in postmenopausal women toward premenopausal levels. They further suggest that women’s quality of life may be improved by DHEA supplementation after menopause. The increases in estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA levels observed in this study were 20 to 45% less than those observed in studies using 50 mg of DHEA per day, leading some to suggest that 25 mg per day might be a safer amount to use as a supplement. Controlled trials of varying amounts are needed to determine the safest and most effective way to use DHEA as a supplement after menopause.


 

<Back to top>       <Back to home page>
 

Copyright ©2003 ESCC, Inc. All Rights Reserved.