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Previously, the role that diet plays in the etiology of acne was discussed. In part two, will provide some information on treatment and prevention.

As mentioned before, brewer's yeast taken daily can offer up to an 80% success rate in the remission of acne, but imagine how effective the results could be if diet is controlled as well.

For those who have recalcitrant, chronic forms of acne, there is a derivative of milk protein, called lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is also present in exocrine secretions that are commonly exposed to normal flora, such as within the fluid of tears, nasal and bronchial mucus, gastrointestinal fluids and saliva.

In patients with rosacea or acne have lower levels of lactoferrin in their tear ducts. The surface of the eye provides an inert barrier against infection, and it offers this though antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of  lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin also plays a protective role in the skin, providing antimicrobial action by binding free iron, thus preventing its availability necessary for microbial growth and its survival.

Moreover, the action lactoferrin has on scavenging free iron in body fluids, acts to suppress free radical-mediated damage. 

In a trial using lactoferrin on adolescents came with impressive results. The average decrease in acne lesions was 71% within one month and 95% decrease within two months respectively.

Look for a 200 milligram capsule, taken once daily.

There are different forms of acne, and for if it is the cystic form, then brewer's yeast and lactoferrin may not prove to be all that effective.

For cystic acne, the best approach is to supplement with a quality probiotic. One particular set of strains may not necessarily work as well as another, so it pays to experiment until you find the variety of probiotic strains that work with your body best.

One probiotic product that works quite well for many with cystic acne is called Dr. Ohhira's, Essential Formulas Inc., Probiotics 12 PLUS. In any event, if you have used antibiotics within the last year or two, it is imperative to take a quality probiotic for at least while.

Antibiotics allow opportunitic yeasts to crowd out beneficial bacteria, causing an elevation of androgen activity, and poor glucose management.

Finally, another important measure to prevent acne is to incorporate sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially in the form of EPA and DHA. If you're a vegetarian, then opt to take supplemental forms of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) from borage oil.

These fatty acids, help balance prostaglandins, which are hormone-like fatty acid molecules that a play a regulatory role in inflammatory processess. 

For whatever mysterious reason, the vast majority of dermatologists still share the outdated belief that diet is unrelated to the etiology of acne. Moreover, topical products sold commercially take full advantage the public's immense ignorance about the role of diet and acne.

Conventional approaches to acne are the use of topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical and oral antibiotics for mild to moderate severity. While the side-effects can be well tolerated, they are merely band-aids and do not address the underlying cause of this skin disorder.

Oral isotretinoin, better known as Accutane, is typically prescribed for the treatment of severe nodular acne, treatment-resistant acne, and acne with a risk of physical or psychological scarring. Side-effects from isotretinoin can be quite severe and sometimes even permanent. Some of these include hair loss, eye problems, dry skin, pain in the joints, knee, back and possible organ failure.

Acne is so common among western civilization, it can affect up to 95% of the adolescent populaton. In older men and women, some 40% to 54% have some degree of facial acne.

Acne can be prevented, it's all about diet and the proof comes from two

non-western civilizations, the Kitavan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Aché hunter-gatherers of Paraguay. Based on observations of 1,200 Kitavan subjects examined (including 300 aged 15-25 years), not a single case of acne was found!

Of 115 Aché subjects examined (including 15 aged 15-25 years), over 843 days, no case of active acne was observed. Neither of these non-western civilizations consume refined starches or sugars.

In a pilot study used to determine the short-term effects of a low glycemic load diet on hormonal markers of acne suggested that dietary glycemic load may be one environmental factor contributing to the variation in acne prevalence worldwide. 

It was found in high glycemic load/ insulin resistant group that sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels decreased significantly from baseline, allowing increased androgen activity, a driving force behind sebum production, while insulin growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-I) and insulin growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) significantly increased in the low glycemic load group.

These results suggest that increases in dietary glycemic load may augment the biological activity of sex hormones and IGF-I, suggesting that these diets may aggravate potential factors involved in acne development.

Processed and refined starches and sugars stimulate growth factors which activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway, which increases androgen receptor transcriptional activity. Further, it causes a vast over production of skin cells (keratinocytes) and sebaceous fatty acids (sebum).

Foods that trigger high insulin response stimulates the elevation of free insulin like growth factor I (IGF-1). This action increases basal keratinocytes or production of skin cells.

While this is occuring, the high insulin response also stimulates a reduction in insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). The role of IGFBP-3 is to stop the proliferation of new skin cells, so during hyperinsulinaemia or an excess level of circulating insulin in the blood, reduction of IGFBP-3 contributes to an over proliferation of skin cells.

The pores of the skin, the pilosebaceous ducts can become encased in oil (sebum), essentially blocked by a overcrowding of skin cells, called corneocytes. 

Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as microcomedones and the initial step in the formation of blocked microcomedones (pores) is the obstruction of the pilosebaceous duct by corneocytes.

Corneocytes are cells in the outer skin layer, and can block the opening of the pilosebaceous duct. This occurs when corneocytes are too tightly bound together during the skins natural shedding process. Normally, the skin's adhesion molecules will exfoliate via apoptosis, but instead remain intact.

Dietary stimulated increases in proliferation of basal keratinocytes (which ultimately may become overly cohesive corneocytes) fuels the obstruction of the pilosebaceous duct.

As a result of this, a delay in the normal apoptotic process in corneocytes is a primary mechanism involved in the development of the acne lesion, also known as the microcomedo.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a native microorganism found within the skin's sebum and plays a role in acne inflammation by stimulating skin cells to produce a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Propionibacterium acnes induces tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which in turn increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key enzyme involved in remodeling of acne skin.

High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, without sufficient omega-3 fatty acids contributes to a rise in arachidonic acid levels. Aarachidonic acid can increase the secretion and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in skin cells (keratinocytes).

The human body requires some arachidonic acid, however too much can lead to serious inflammation. Additionally, the higher your insulin levels, the greater the stimulation to increase levels of arachidonic acid.

Brewer's yeast can treat acne by neutralizing excess bacteria, as well as by supporting production of white blood cells, serving to reduce inflammation in the philosebacious ducts.

In 1989, a German study evaluated the effects of brewer's yeast on various forms of acne. This randomized, controlled double-blind study involving 139 patients was studied in comparison with a placebo over a maximum period of five months. Over 80% of the patients were considered to be healed or considerably improved taking brewer's yeast, while the corresponding figure for the placebo group was only 26%.

The development of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance elicits a pathological rise in serum concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids (NEFAs), which causes an over expression of the Epidermal Growth Factor receptor (EGFR). This causes a deranagement in the opening of the philosebacious ducts.

There is still more to cover, especially in regard to treatment and prevention of acne. Look out for part 2 of this discussion.

Medical school breeds dogma. This dogma is in the form of so many outdated theories still in practice today. With a very few questioning unproven methodologies, and it's no wonder sickness is spread wide and far.

Many theories, taught as 'fact' are repeated enough to become a perceived fact. It makes the process of educating the 'educated' a little more difficult that it ought to be.

Perceptions from false teachings keep the blind harming the blind, and one of the most unfortunate examples of this, is the orthodox view of genetics. It is taught that genetics are a predetermined future. This means that our DNA determines the sort of diseases we are prone towards.

I have always found the standard teachings of medicine to be short sighted and self limiting. Medical school conjures up a view of dread and disease with little hope of a positive outcome.

Maybe your like me, who has found countless news and magazine articles on health to be a little bit on the depressing side. Medicine today has much to do about disease mongering, and that diet and lifestyle have limited potential to prolong life. We are told to regularly screen ourselves for a disease that we have "little control" of, which ultimately will be managed by a myriad of pharmaceutical cocktails.

We are told that at the time of birth we are dealt with genes we have to live with and that certain diseases are forthcoming.

Naturally, to me all of this is simply rubbish. Instead of genetic roulette, I vouch for the field of epigenetics, which literally means "above the genes."

Scientists understand only 1% of the human body, so it makes little sense to make absolute assertions about anything within the genetic code, making scientific reductionism a hazard to our health. Today, we are finally beginning to understand that the body is not a mechanical unit, but more of a field energy force, governed by quantum mechanics, hence the success of the placebo effect.

It is interesting to note that many pharmaceuticals accomplish little beyond the placebo effect, making drug approval passage somewhat of a dubious process.

Everything from behaviors to hormonal states are thought to be passed down from parent to offspring without change in the DNA code or maintenance of the parental environment. While it certainly appears this way, the truth is, there is something we can do to change our genetic behavior.

DNA contains the instructions for all the parts of the body, yet it is only half of the story. The DNA in our bodies is wrapped around proteins, called histones. Both the DNA and histones are covered with chemical tags, these actually shape the physical structure of the genone and are called the epigenome.

The epigenome wraps around inactive genes, making them unaccessible, while the epigenome relaxes active genes, allowing their accessibility.

So while DNA remains fixed, the epigenome constantly reacts to the diet and environment, allowing a complete change in genetic expression.

Epigenetic modulation plays a critical role in cellular aging. Two major epigenetic codes are DNA methylation and histone modifications, including acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Environmental factors such as dietary components can regulate gene expression by altering epigenetic modifications.

This means that we can slow down the aging process with appropriate dietary and environmental protective measures.

One shining example of this is how mitochondrial function is modified by supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine in young and old rats. 

Young 3 to 5 month-old and 22 to 28 month-old rats were given a solution of acetyl L-carnitine in their drinking water for one month. Upon examination of their liver parenchymal cells, acetyl L-carnitine significantly reversed the

age-associated decline of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Cardiolipin, which declines significantly with age, is also restored. Acetyl L-carnitine increases cellular oxygen consumption. This is very significant, as our oxygen typically declines with age. This oxygen consumption of the older rats was brought up to the level of young rats.

In the untreated older rats, (not supplemented with acetyl L-carnitine), the cellular glutathione and vitamin C levels were nearly 50% lower than in the cells of the acetyl L-carnitine supplemented group. However, there was an increase in oxidative stress in the treated groups.

Fortunately, oxidative stress driven by acetyl L-carnitine can be completely offset with the addition of lipoic acid. In its reduced form, lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant, and like acetyl l-carnitine, also increases intracellular ascorbate and glutathione concentrations.

Lipoic acid and acetyl l-carnitine have been found to act together in reversing age-related metabolic decline and also reduce indices of oxidative stress. It is believed that this combination can extend animal life up to 30% longer. Just from my own personal experience, my oxygen capacity is far greater than it used to be.

doi: 10.1073/pnas.261708898 PNAS February 19, 2002 vol. 99 no. 4 1870-1875

Some other marvelous ways to alter genetic expression through epigenetics is taking a super nutrient called Sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a nutrient found heavily in broccoli sprouts.

When cancer wreaks havoc in the body, a destructive process called deacetylation causes DNA to wrap too tightly around histones, turning off important gene sequences. An important process called apoptosis, which is a cellular self-destruct sequence is supposed to occur when a cell is no longer viable.

During deacetylation, healthy programmed cell death can no longer occur, allowing abnormal cells to grow out of control.

Cancer is a proliferation of cells mitigated by a fungal contamination. Sulforaphane is a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor, and works marvelously as a cancer prevention agent.

The reversible acetylation of histones is an important mechanism of gene regulation. During prostate cancer progression, specific modifications in acetylation patterns on histones are apparent. Targeting the epigenome with sulforaphane is an obvious choice for cancer prevention, yet it offers a myriad of other benefits.

Sulforaphane helps restore defunct antioxidant systems in several organ systems, including the skin. Sulforaphane increases the transcription of certain enzymes to increase glutathione synthesis in the body.

In the liver, there is a protein system that holds the transcription factor nrf2. Sulforaphane binds to this protein system and releases nrf2, a transcription factor which can bind to specific promoter regions of DNA and turn on transcription of genes for detoxification enzymes.

In male pattern baldness, there is a sharp decline in glutathione, which is a critical antioxidant for the removal of toxins. Sulforaphane can restore the antioxidant system in skin cells, possibly protecting against hair loss.

Sulforaphane is also capable of treating asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) in ways once thought to be impossible. So as you can see so far, it really is possible to change genetic expression.

If you haven't already heard, vitamin D can regulate over 2,000 genes in the body. Several studies have shown that optimal levels of vitamin D will prevent premature death from all causes.

If a mother has sufficient vitamin D prior to full embryonic development, chances are far greater the child will be born healthy. Eighty percent of those born with type-I diabetes have a vitamin D deficiency. Does this sound like genetics to you?

Other super nutrients are resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, the mineral magnesium and much more.

Besides incorporating dietary measures, another important consideration is to be certain you are not carrying a burden of heavy metals, courtesy of the dentist or from vaccinations, such as the flu shot.

Just as many organizations exist to raise money for cancer research, now there are fund raising campaigns for autism spectrum disorders. Just as there are "no" cures for cancer, they'll proclaim that the cause of autism is 'unknown.'

It's the mercury, and how do we know? Amish people rarely get vaccinated, and the only case of Amish autism I have heard of involved an amish receiving a vaccine.

Since the early 1980's autism has been rising steadily, right in line with the increase in the number of childhood vaccinations. In America for instance, children are recommended to receive 49 doses of vaccines before they reach six-years old. Prior to 1980's, the number of vaccines given were one-quarter of what they are today.

Naturally, the makers of vaccines claim that these medical 'wonders' are proven safe. I disagree, as there are no studies that show their safety over a significant of period time, much less the dangers of administrating several vaccines all at once. With additives such as aluminum, bacteria, formaldehyde, Thimerosal (mercury), and viruses, vaccinations appear more akin to population control than disease prevention.

I'm not suggesting population control is at work here, perhaps it's a case of blindness. Usually when you combine greed with lawsuit immunity, vaccine makers have the goose that lays the golden egg. Imagine a perfect business in which the government mandates everyone to consume your product, completely free of medical liability.

This phenomenol business model is not likely to go away anytime in the foreseeable future. Instead, we're probably going to witness new dangerous vaccines, such as the recent HPV vaccine for girls. Anyone ever heard of iodine? It will reverse cervical dysplasia.

Researchers have made comprehensive genetic studies, and of course they have found nothing. The real cause is mercury exposure, and there are a few ways to acquire it. If a mother has a mouth full of mercury amalgams, the fetus in utero can absorb up to 30% of her mercury.

Autism also relates to an iodine deficiency. Autistic children were found to have iodine levels 45% lower than normal. Iodine deficiency can lead to both thyroid problems and mental retardation, and the researchers say their findings are consistent with studies suggesting altered thyroid function both in autistic children and their parents.

It is unfortunate that average iodine levels in the United States have dropped

significantly in the last few decades. This is probably due to fortification of bromide in breads instead of iodine, and salt restriction advocacy groups discouraging the use of salt, which is typically iodized.

Alterations of cortical neuronal migration and cerebellar Purkinje cells have been observed in autism. Neuronal migration requires triiodothyronine (T3) which is converted from thyroxine (T4) by fetal brain deiodinases. If there isn't enough iodine this process cannot take place.

Essentially, low thyroid function can cause autism, and it shouldn't be a surprise that mercury inhibits thyroid function.

Besides iodine, yet another halogen mineral was found to be deficient in autistic children. Between the ages of three and six were found to have reductions in levels of lithium, as well as the mothers of three to eight-year-old autistic children.

A shortage of lithium during pregnancy adversely affects fetal development and especially brain development. Low levels of lithium are linked to

aggression and decreased sociability. Bear in mind that lithium protects against glutamate toxicity, which is driven by free radicals of fatty acids in the brain.

Because fatty acids in the brain are constantly under attack in autism, supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids will help sustain brain function and allow for better behavior. Fatty acid supplements can markedly improve the behavior of autistic children.

Declining levels of vitamin D over the last 20 years is another factor in the recent increase in autism incidence. This connection has not been explored in depth, however it is likely to be a factor considering the effects of estrogen and testosterone have on vitamin D metabolism.

One of the most effective methods to resolve mercury poisoning is the use of a relatively new fat-soluble antioxidant called OSR. OSR stands for Optimize, Strengthen, and Rejuvenate.

OSR is a product associated with Dr. Haley who has conducted research on the link between autism and mercury exposure, it is marketed as a generalized antioxidant.

OSR is generally only distributed through doctors. However, the following website will sell it to the public.

http://shop.startlivingwelltoday.com/products.asp?dept=47

What makes OSR remarkable is its ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, which is 192,400. This is extremely high when compared with blueberries which is well known for its high ORAC value of 2,400. Moreover, OSR is a fat soluble antioxidant, which is where the antioxidant activity really matters most, especially for mercury toxicity.

Another important consideration in the treatment of autism is to avoid dietary allergens, especially gluten and milk casein. In addition, would avoid all grains that contain gluten. Leaving off refined starches and sugars is important as well. Mercury toxicity helps breed yeast overgrowth, and eliminating these foods will go a long way towards recovery.

In the practice of integrative medicine, it has been found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows considerable improvement in children with autism.

In a recent study, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was found to be remarkably effective for children with autism. Treatments consisted of 10 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber at 1.3 atmopsheres, for one hour per day, five consecutive days for two weeks. SPECT scans of each patient’s brain were taken before and after the hyperbaric treatments to quantify physical changes to the brain tissue.

The SPECT scan showed an increase to blood flow and oxygen to the temporal lobe. SPECT scans of patients taken before hyperbaric treatments showed a significant amount of dormant activity while scans taken of patient brains after hyperbaric indicated an increase in brain activity and blood flow. After hyperbaric therapy, dormant brain regions were replaced with greater functioning tissues and represented a scan more similar to a healthy individual.

In yet another study, measuring the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic children ages 1-11 yrs, researchers found a total effectiveness of hyperbaric in 93.6 % of study participants.

Another very useful treatment for autism involves supplementation of RNA extracted from saccharomyces cerevisiae. Parents with autistic children have found marked improvement in their children who use these products.

These unique RNA products were developed by microbiologist, Dr. Amy Yasko, who has authored two books about autism and brain diseases, called
"The Puzzle of Autism" and "The Power of RNA."

Consult Dr. Yasko's website for more information.

 www.longevityplus-RNA.com

Finally, optimizing intake of iodine, vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, a natural source of B-vitamins as well as magnesium will go a long way in helping towards a recovery. I strongly suggest the use of magnesium oil as those with autism always suffer from a shortage.

There's a lot wrong with the dental profession. In fact, just about everything is wrong with the dental profession. Just a few examples are mercury-filled amalgams, root canals and any sort of dental filling material imaginable.

It's a good idea to remove existing root canals and to definitely avoid getting any new ones. One obvious question is, what does one do when the existing ones are removed? Absolutely nothing, at least for a little while--because the body will start producing blood clots which are intermediates for bone mineralization. In other words, those empty spaces will be filled up with bone in due time.

Why exactly do dentists perform root canals anyway? They will tell you that having a root canal will let you hold on to a dead tooth. The false presumption is that the bacteria is nonexistent, however, nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, root canal 'therapy' is in fact palliative.

Studies on thousands of teeth have demonstrated the presence of bacteria in 80% to 90% of the canals after they have been "sterilized." According to Dr. Weston Price, the primary bacteria found in root canals includes streptococcus, staphylococcus, and spirochetes. He found 90% of the bacteria in the teeth that produced the patients' acute diseases were streptococcus and 65.5% of the time they belonged to the fecalis family.

Further research has found that bacteria and their toxins from root canals can enter the blood stream and travel to any point in the body, and generate disease to that tissue or organ.

The American dental association (ADA), will deny this time and again. It's really no wonder, because the potential liability involved would be insurmountable. Moreover, root canals are extremely profitable--it's just not good business to deny them to patients.

Modern testing procedures have confirmed the work of Dr. Weston Price's research using DNA analysis, making any claim by the ADA that Price's research being "outdated," is an attempt to keep the public blind over the real dangers of root canals.

Dr. Josef Issels of Germany found that in his 40 years of treating terminal, end-stage cancer patients, 97% of them had root canals. He would not initiate his successful treatments until all root canals had been removed.

The bottom line is, bacteria from root canals are extremely toxic, anaerobic bacteria have been found and identified in and around root canals. It is believed by many experts that root canals will lead to some form of an autoimmune disease. Of course, when an autoimmune disease is identified, it is fought with palliative treatments that involve killing the body's defense system instead of killing the source of the infection.

The toxins made by the bacteria that live by the billions in and around root canals contain the most toxic organic substances known. For example, thio-ethers are a 1000 times more toxic than botulism toxin, which used to be considered the most toxic organic substance.

If one has a root canal, toxins leak into the blood stream everytime they chew food. To make matters much worse, most if not all of these patients also have dental fillings. Mercury is the second most toxic substance on the planet, next to plutonium. When mercury or other dental filling material exchanges with bacteria, the harm becomes magnified.

The Toxic Element Research Foundation, headed by Dr. Hal Huggins has uncovered extremely disturbing data concerning the implications of root canal bacteria and various autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, this research has been ignored by mainstream dentists for all the same reasons stated earlier.

In light of all this, one may ask, what can be done about amalgam fillings and existing root canals? It's very important to note that most dentists are ill- equipped in the removal of both amalgams and root canals. Upon the removal of root canals, it is suggested by Dr. Hal Huggins to have a treatment of intravenous ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to help kill of the microbes.

Regarding the removal of amalgam fillings, regardless of their composite material, a special dentist should be sought whom specializes in this extraction process. The reason is that without proper removal, a very potent and residual toxicity can result, creating incalculable turmoil to the patient.

If you're concerned about your existing root canals or amalgam filings, I strongly suggest consulting a dentist who has been trained by Dr. Huggins by calling (866) 948-4638 or by visiting this website http://www.hugginsappliedhealing.com/alliancedentist.php

If you currently have mercury fillings and would like to safely remove mercury from the body without any side-effects, consider taking Humifulvate daily. Doing so can help alleviate some burden until these fillings are removed properly.

The Federal Death Association (FDA), I mean the United States regulators of food and drug agency that was created in mind to regulate our 'safety' has waged a full assault on natural thyroid preparations, which have been available since the early 1800s.

If you haven't already surmised, I'm no fan of the FDA! Their conduct on drug safety is dubious at best, and their tight scrutiny over natural products has been short sighted to say the least. The FDA has made plans to ban Pyridoxamine, a very potent vitamin B6 derivative that inhibits glycation.

The FDA also has their eyes set on banning yet another form of active B6 vitamin called pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P5P). In both cases, to eliminate competition for a recent drug approval that does the same thing, except at a much higher cost!

This spurious agency has already waged an attack on bio-identical hormones, an act that has little to do with safety. Instead it is to protect their pharmaceutical pals, keeping exclusive rights to reap large profits from dispensing dangerous, synthetic, hormones, which are not even really hormones at all, but instead are in fact, deranged, reconfigured molecules that create more harm than benefits.

Unfortunately, most of the public have little idea what the difference is between natural and synthetic hormones, much less natural thyroid.

If you presently take thyroid medication, especially natural forms of thyroid, such as Armour, Nature-Throid or Westroid, then maybe you're already aware that supplies are presently close to zero. The public and even most medical professionals have no idea when or if these natural forms will be available again--maybe never!

If you're currently taking the inferior, synthetics you may not know what you're missing. If you haven't heard, the FDA is putting the "brakes" on natural thyroid availability, which means many have had to turn to ineffective substitutes such as Synthroid, Levothyroxine, Levoxyl, Novothyrox, Unithroid and others.

Most doctors have been led to believe that the "only" important thyroid hormones the body needs is T4 and T3. To the contrary, there are over a dozen types of thyroid hormone. Even worse, many physicans also believe that T4 alone is all that is 'needed.' The false belief is that T4 will sufficiently convert into the more active hormone T3. However, myths live on and are spread wide and deep throughout the medical community.

As far as the FDA is concerned, natural thyroid is an unapproved drug. Nevermind that it's been used successfully for over a hundred years, they've just suddenly decided, for whatever mysterious reason to classify a natural substance, as a drug, not yet bought and paid for to line the FDA's pockets for the usual, exorbitant approval status.

In spite of all this horrible news, there are still a few ways to obtain natural thyroid, just through different channels. While science still does not understand all the reasons why the human body needs more than just T3 and T4, it's quite clear that the other dozen or so hormones have their place as well.

For example,T2 has several critical functions in the human body, which affect energy production and several enzyme systems, many of which appear to prolong lifespan. Most patients feel terrible on synthetic T4 alone.

The best options at this point is to seek out natural, dessicated thyroid preparations while they are still and hopefully available. Standard Process brand makes thyrotrophin, Natural Sources brand makes a raw thyroid product as well. Still, one could order bio-identical thyroid through a compounding pharmacy. Unfortunately, these options are not as inexpensive as Armour thyroid was.

There is some encouraging news however, as efforts are currently underway to keep most of our natural thyroid preparations available. For the latest news, check out http://www.savenaturalthyroid.com/

For several years I have strongly cautioned against mammography, and the opposition to this idea never relents. "Everybody knows" to get regular screenings for breast cancer risk, it's an essential part of early detection--at least that's what the 'experts' say, but is it really true?

Just recently, an independent government study, free of special interests has brought some of the truth to light about mammograms. What they found was that undergoing annual mammograms for women under the age of 50 is a complete waste! However, that's not all that was uncovered.

How about a 57% increase in cancers in the women who had mammograms regularly? No kidding! The researchers compared the groups for invasive

cancer and for every 100,000 women who received multiple screens had 1,268 invasive cancers, compared to those who had only a single screen, having only 810.

These results are not surprising to me at all, and you might be wondering why. There are several reasons why mammography increases breast cancer risk. Throughout our lives, everyone gets cancer, yet most of the time it regresses on its own. In most people, there are microscopic glycoproteins, that regulate cancer and keep it in check. So if a women were to reliably screen for the breast cancer annually, a "positive reading" ensues a panic,  and if you haven't already guessed, some of them opt for a mastectomy!

Granted, there are women who may have special risk, due family history, but does that still warrant the use of mammography? I say no, because it goes beyond spontaneous regression. Every time a women has a mammography, they are exposed to radiation, and this is believed to increase breast cancer by 10% in normal risk women each time.

However, it can be much worse, because those who are genetically linked to increased breast cancer risk, have an over 400% increase in risk when exposed to radiation per mammogram. The mere belief that one has a genetic risk, may in fact predilect themselves into getting breast cancer. If they're looking for trouble, they just may find it!

Researchers know that most tumors simply regress on their own, and this isn't limited to just breast cancer. For this reason, I feel strongly that invasive cancer screening in general is unwarranted. Does this include an annual pap smear, prostate and colon screenings?  Yes, absolutely--none of them should be checked invasively.

Special interests, the media and those who stand to gain, are clearly pro "early detection." The problem is, early detection has little to do with saving lives. I'll dwelve into the how of saving lives in a moment, but first, more about how breast screenings are destructive.

It isn't just the radiation that could lead to more invasive cancer, it's also the compression of the breast. When breast tissue is squeezed tight, as it is done with mammography, it can literally migrate a malignancy closer to bone, where it can metastasize.

Another thing is that mammography isn't really early detection, because by the time a cancer is found in the breast, the signalling process of cancer has already fortified itself in the millions. That all being said, mammography translates into lost breasts and disfigurement, not to mention anguish and financial losses that otherwise could have been prevented with the right information.

What good is it to detect cancer after the fact? Well, there is a lot of money at stake, so it isn't any wonder that mammograms will continue to be promoted for many years to come.

The alternative to mammography is thermography, which can detect changes in temperature that occur years ahead of tumor development. It may also indicate thyroid health as well, which partially lies in the heart of breast cancer development.

The obvious answer to breast cancer in my view is prevention, not early detection. Preventing breast cancer could be as easy as optimizing vitamin D levels, careful control of insulin levels, sufficient intake of iodine, selenium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Of course, it's not always that simple, yet for the majority of women it is. For those who are thought to be at greater risk, due to familial history of breast cancer, there are additional considerations. Be very careful with antibiotics, as these can wipe out beneficial microflora which can increase yeast overgrowth.

Cancer is a fungus, and in particular, it is Candida. When candida is allowed to change into fungal form, it can become systemic, spreading cancer "seeds" throughout the body, and where estrogen receptors are present, it can trigger the spread of this fungus (cancer).

True early detection could be in the form of measuring changes in 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone metabolism. The greater the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone, the less likely an estrogen mediated cancer can develop. Ask your doctor about obtaining a urine test for this estrogen metabolite ratio, it can literally save your life, giving time to act.

That all being said, the regular consumption of Diindolylmethane, can offer extra protection, in addition to iodine in a more favorable ratio of  2-hydroxyestrone and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone. Additionally, when an antibiotic is used, always supplement with a probiotic to help increase beneficial intestinal microflora. This will help keep Candida overgrowth (cancer) away.

What to do if there is a presence of cancer in the breast? Provided it hasn't reached the bone, the most efficient treatment is intravenous, pharmaceutical-grade, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The specific protocol is found here.

If breast cancer has regressed in a patient and they wish it to remain that way, a mushroom called Meshima (Phellinus linteus), is found to be the most potent of all medicinal mushrooms ever tested for cancer.

Meshima inhibits cell adhesion, the ability of abnormal cells to cluster together to form tumors, it inhibits metastases or migration of malignant tissue. In addition, it prevents invasion of healthy cells, so that there are no morphological changes to healthy cells. Finally, it inhibits blood vessel growth, which is stimulated by tumors to nourish their growth.

Recently it has been reported that meshima extract can decrease cancer cell multiplication by up to 78%. Who needs chemotherapy & radiation? Look for a product called Breast-Mate.

What if the cancer successfully migrates to bone? Prognosis for bone cancer is pretty grim, but fortunately there is hope, but that is a topic for another time.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was originally used by placing a patient with the "bends" or nitrogen sickness in a pressure chamber and increasing the pressure to 3.0 atmosphere with 100% oxygen. Not long after, it was recognized that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could also facilitate wound healing in patients with poor circulation.

The first open heart surgeries were performed in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber without the use of heart and lung bypass machines. This is possible because when the body is super saturated with oxygen, all the vital tissues still receive it, so the heart can remain at rest without any detriment to the patient.

Oxygen is a critical substrate in the alleviation of hypoxia, or very low oxygen conditions. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of oxygen have been augmented by administration at doses above normal atmospheric pressure and at higher concentrations. The pressures suitable for cardiovascular disease are typically administered at 1.4 atmosphere of pressure.

While researchers remain mystified at the remarkable effects HBOT has on heart attack, I have long suspected that it works by alleviating the accumulation of acid in the left ventricular tissue. When low oxygen conditions are present (hypoxia) result in tissue acidosis.

When a heart patient has been crippled with cardiac drugs, a series of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments can stimulate various growth factors as well as stem cells, which migrate from the bone marrow to facillitate repair of damaged tissue. Moreover, an environment that is super saturated with oxygen can neutralize microbes and drastically reduce inflammation.

As mentioned in some previous Daily Topic issues on heart disease, magnesium in the form of magnesium orotate is very useful for cardiovascular disease, especially those who have had a heart attack or heart surgery.

Because magnesium orotate is not particulary soluble in water, it delivers magnesium directly to the cells without any gastrointenstinal disturbance. Its effects with respect to arterial plaque are a reduction in calcification of damaged heart tissue, increasing HDL cholesterol, and reduction of the monocyte conversion to macrophages in the endothelium, which is how it prevents plaque formation.

Moreover, in animal research, magnesium orotate therapy have been shown to prevent and reduce arteriosclerosis (stiffening of arteries). Additionally reducing calcification of soft tissue.

Recent research points towards the potential of vitamin D to reduce plaque formation in the arteries. When 375 patients with type I diabetes (insulin-dependent) were assessed for their vitamin D levels, it was found that those whose levels were below 25 nmol/L, the risk rose 3 times greater to develop calcified plaque blockages than those who had levels above 75 nmol/L.

This finding may not be so surprising when considering that Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level. This measure indicates probable blood vessel lining inflammation.

Some interesting studies, more or less ignored by the mainstream showed significant plaque reduction when both iodide and niacin were used. Iodide dissolves waxes, which is essentially what sticky plaque is made out of. Niacin can increase HDL, lowering triglycerides and reduce Lp(a) levels.

In integrative medicine, a treatment known as Plaque-X is used to remove arterial plaque. Plaque-X is the intravenous use of egg derived Phosphatidylcholine. This treatment was originated Europe, however the patent has long expired so its use in conventional medicine has fallen out of favor.

Fortunately Plaquex is still available, and it's also known as essential phospholipid therapy. I had the opportunity to look through a patent using this therapy and had noticed it also has an application for hair loss.

In the patent, it stated that the invention includes a method of achieving hair regrowth in a person suffering from male pattern baldness. In one section, it stated the following, "An elderly male subject with scalp hair loss was treated with liposomes, the subject noticed a significant improvement in hair regrowth after liposome treatment.This was also followed by a reduction in Lp(a) levels.

That stated however, there is an alternative to intravenous essential phospholipid therapy or Plaque-X. It's not lecithin, which normally one would consider when thinking of phospholipids, because the micelles cannot accept all that much lecithin within the blood stream. Fortunately, there is a product that allows the essential phospholipids to enter into the blood stream.

The product in question is natural essential phospholipids (EPL) that is encapsulated in liposomes, allowing for greater absorption through the gut wall. One such brand is Nutricology's LipoPhos Forte.

I intended to write more about heart disease in the future, however for the time being, I will give a deserving break to explore other pressing subjects.

Over many decades, the role of dietary fatty acids in atherosclerosis has been discussed, however the most fundamental cause has been largely ignored. Consumption of refined starches and sugars ranks very high in atheroslcerosis risk.

A number of studies link dietary sugar with adverse changes in lipoproteins and have shown an inverse association between dietary sucrose and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the "good cholesterol." 

A diet high in sugar, consisting of 20% of daily intake is associated with an elevation of plasma triglyceride concentrations. This increase is due to both increased liver secretion and impaired clearance of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), the "bad cholesterol".

Then there is a matter of Fructose and/or high fructose corn syrup, which is found in most processed foods today, especially in sodas and other beverages. It is said that the fast track to atherosclerosis occurs with this consumption.

When overweight men and women were assigned to drink fructose-sweetened beverages as 25% of their energy intake developed atherogenic lipid profiles in just two weeks.

Patients who took fructose had increases in fasting plasma concentrations of Apolipoprotein B (up 28%) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (up 27%). While "regular" LDL also went up. On a side-note, the relationship of LDL to atheroslcerosis is not significant. In other words, when you hear about the so-called "bad" cholesterol, LDL is often mentioned, yet in reality it is innocent!  Only VLDL is bad!

Because fructose is added to so many processed foods today, it is very difficult to avoid them if convenience foods are part of your everyday routine. To help resolve this problem, supplements can be extremely helpful.

An article published in the August, 2006 issue of the American Diabetes Association reported that giving alpha-lipoic acid to mice in whom diabetes was induced, prevented the increase in cholesterol, atherosclerotic lesions and other health afflictions that a diabetic state would create.

One of my all-time, favorite nutrients is alpha-lipoic acid. It is a potent, universal antioxidant which increases levels of endogenous free-radical fighters, including glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

When diabetic and nondiabetic mice were given a diet with alpha-lipoic acid or the same diet without alpha-lipoic acid for twenty weeks, both groups had lower markers of oxidative stress and higher levels of red blood cell glutathione compared to mice that did not receive the compound.

The majority of the diabetic mice who did not receive alpha-lipoic acid began to show signs of lethargy and illness three months within the start of their diabetes. However, all of the diabetic mice who received alpha-lipoic acid appeared healthy throughout the study period.

The authors of the study were stunned, and reported that alpha-lipoic acid completely prevented the increase in plasma total cholesterol, atherosclerotic lesions, and the general deterioration of health caused by diabetes.

During the 20-weeks, the alpha-lipoic acid supplemented diabetic mice had more stable blood glucose levels than at the onset. This improvement is believed to be due to protection or regeneration of the beta cells in the pancreas by alpha-lipoic acid. The mice who received alpha-lipoic acid had a greater number of insulin-producing cells than before.

One might ask, what about established atherosclerosis? In a study on rabbits, given a diet known to induce atheroslcerosis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analysis demonstrated that lipoic acid reduced atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta. In addition, lipoic acid improved vascular reactivity and decreased oxidative stress and expression of key adhesion molecules in the vasculature.

Finally, lipoic acid reduced T-cell content in atherosclerotic plaque.

In humans, high glucose induces the destruction of endothelial cells. Alpha-Lipoic acid effectively reduces high glucose-induced endothelial cell death.

Another terrific supplement is green tea extract. When green tea was given to fructose-fed hypertriglyceridemic, insulin-resistant hamsters, there was a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels. The hamsters were given green tea standardized for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for 4 weeks.

At the end of the study, the fructose/green tea extract group showed a reversal in all metabolic defects, such as elevated serum insulin and apolipoprotein B levels, and decreased serum adiponectin levels. Also they showed improvement in glucose levels during a glucose tolerance test.

Moreover, supplementation of the green tea extract reduced triglyceride content in liver and heart tissues. In conclusion, green tea extract ameliorated the fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemia and the insulin-resistant state.

While antioxidant therapy is quite beneficial, so is oxidative therapy as well. Oxidative therapy is the infusion of oxygen into cells. When cells receive sufficient oxygen, this allows the proper fuel to regenerate endothelial tissue.

The cheapest form of oxidative therapy is high intensity exercise, also known as HIIT or high intensity interval training.

A highly efficient form of oxidiation therapy is called EWOT or exercise with oxygen. EWOT involves breathing in through a nasal tube of high levels of     externally supplied oxygen tank while exercising. Read more about this therapy here.

If a heart patient is in reasonable shape, then either EWOT or HIIT is an excellent option, as well as using a rebounder. However, if the patient is not in any physical condition to exercise, there are other types of oxidative therapy options.

These are CheZone therapy, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation, which is often referred to as UVBI or photoluminescence and Hydrogen Peroxide (H202).

CheZone therapy is a mix of chelation and ozone therapy into one. Studies have shown that after being treated with ozone, oxygen utilization improves as much as 30-40% in patients with chronic conditions.

Ozone is called O3, the third oxygen atom makes it an unstable molecule, yet it is an oxygen donor, allowing for some remarkable medicinal effects. Just like ozone is used in some parts of the world as a deodorizer, it does the same thing in the body. If a patient suffers from low oyxgen levels, this is a highly effective way to infuse blood oxygen levels to rapidly increase healing of endothelial tissue.

More on oxidative therapies and arterial plaque regression in the next Daily Topic.

If you've consumed tubs of margarine and foods containing hydrogenated oils, foods cooked in 'heart healthy' vegetable oils, then you might be interested to learn how to clear out the inevitable arterial plaque lining your arteries.

The cells that line inner part of the arteries are called endothelial

cells. The health of endothelial cells are dependant upon the nutrients and oxygen available to them. These cells are absolutely vital to the circulatory system, as they are responsible for producing nitric oxide, which relaxes the arteries.

Every three months, the body regenerates brand new endothelial cells, however if they are surrounded with plaque, the oxygen and nutrients available are scarce, and although the cells made will be new, the plaque surrounding the previous endothelial cells will remain present and the state of the new cells will not be any healthier than the old cells were.

As, I've stated many times before, dietary cholesterol has nothing to do with heart disease. Regardless of this fact, most doctors believe it's medical 'malpractice' not to prescribe a cholesterol lowering statin drug. The truth is that is only oxidized cholesterol is potentially harmful.

Highly unsaturated fatty acids, known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are extremely vulnerable to oxidation. Most believe they are doing the 'right thing' by avoiding butter and tropical oils and other sources of saturated fat for cooking, however nothing could be further from the truth.

Polyunsaturated oils in some cooked foods become rancid in just a few hours, even at refrigerator temperatures. Yet coconut oil that has been kept at room temperature for a year, is free of rancidity and has no oxidation effects.

In animal experiments, cardiovascular health is endangered when fed linoleic acid, a fatty acid found abundant in vegetable oils and seed oils such as canola oil. When saturated fat is added to experimental animals, their heart health improves.

Think of vegetable oils and canola oil as promoters of lipid peroxidation, a gateway to hair loss and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, these days it's very difficult to avoid these foods, especially if you eat out or purchase processed foods.

A diet largely subsisting of unsaturated fatty acids can suppress the metabolic rate, increasing the incidence of hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. The reason is that these unsaturated fats damage the mitochondria, through respiratory enzyme changes.

Unsaturated vegetable and seeds oils are so prevasive in the market place, yet unfortunately are a severe threat to hair and health. High amounts present a clear danger on the suppression of tissue response to thyroid hormone.

Within plant and seeds oils contain a variety of toxins, thought to protect themselves against animals that eat them. More specifically, they seem to be targeted against mammals and can block protein digesting enzymes.

There are a variety of ways to remove atherosclerotic plaque from the arteries. Firstly, not all plaque is the same, as some of it maybe composed of calcium deposits. On that note, prevention and/or removal of calcification involves one to several nutrients depending on the individual circumstances.

The most important nutrient to prevent calcification of the circulatory system is vitamin K2, known as menquinone. This should not be confused with vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), which is derived from vegetation. Menaquinone or vitamin K2 is derived from bacteria produced in the digestive tract and is also found in organ meats, and certain fermented foods, such as gourmet cheeses.

The lower the K2 level, the greater the risk of coronary calcification. Vitamin K2 containing foods are relatively scarce in modern and processed foods, so when in doubt, supplement with at least 45 micrograms. Be aware that antibiotics lower vitamin K2 levels and anything else that threatens gastrointestinal health.

Calcium initially binds to arterial walls by a transformation of smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall to osteoblast like cells. Menaquinone-4, a type of vitamin K2 derived from animal products, binds to BMP-2, a growth factor known to trigger the transformation. To be on the safe side, use a high potency form of vitamin K2 in the form of MK-4 or menaquionone-4.

If you are vegan, then opt for vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7 or menaquionone-7.

With regard to prevention of vascular calcification, the mineral magnesium has been shown to halt the progression.

One of the most basic and essential nutrients to protect against heart disease is vitamin C. A deficiency of vitamin C can elevate C-reative protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker and predictor of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, it helps to lower Lp(a) levels. When vitamin C is used in its whole, complex form, it contains bioflavonoids, not just ascorbic acid.

The bioflavonoids are critical for the support of the integrity of vessel walls. However, even without the whole complex, vitamin C is very important. In emergency medicine, high dose ascorbic acid administered through IV (intravenous) produces an oxidative effect that helps kill off microbes, bacteria, viral debris (toxins) and can literally reverse arterial plaque.

If you pay any attention to mainstream articles on vitamins, it's rare to hear anything positive. This is because the competition (pharmaceutical companies) and the rest who pay the advertising revenue have a voice in the media. Despite numerous studies reported benefits of vitamin therapies, only the negative articles seem to make the press.

Unlike most animals who manufacture their own ascorbic acid or vitamin C, we humans do not. Most animals synthesize 20 milligrams of vitamin C every day for every pound of body weight. That said, an animal weighing 150 pounds will produce approximately 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily.

Based on that above figure, an optimal amount of vitamin C could range somewhere between 2 to 4 grams depending on your size. The father of orthomolecular medicine, Dr. Linus Pauling proved to the world--at least those who read the research, that a vitamin C deficiency is a strong basis for the development of atherosclerosis.

Some of the factors that perturb the arterial system are viruses, which mainsteam believes to be some sort of non-living protein coatings that transfer genetic material between different species of host cells. The probably reality is that viruses are produced by cells to clean out toxins.

Intravenous vitamin C has been found to be extremely effective at ridding out toxins and as a result, the viruses are gone with them. So while there are a number of viruses reported to be associated with heart disease, it is more of an indication that there is toxic build-up that must be cleared from the cells. 

Vitamin C when administered intravenously can put a flu, or other life threatening virus harmless in a matter of minutes to hours. This includes polio virus and severe types of flu that require hospitalization. Unfortunately, mainstream ignores this and refuses to use it, thus the same is true with heart disease. 

More on preventing and treating arterial damage in the next Daily Topic.