Healthy Bodies

It’s always frightening when cancer comes knocking, but especially so when the door on which it knocks is close to home.

Someone very dear to me was recently treated for cancer and thankfully so far everything appears to be fine. She had the tumor removed in its entirety and is now undergoing chemotherapy as a preventive measure.

Sadly, although chemotherapy is extremely effective at destroying any possible remaining cancer cells, it also happens to kill healthy cells in droves too.

As a matter of fact, many people (especially those with very chemo-resistant, aggressive cancers) are as harmed by the chemotherapy drugs as they are the cancer itself! Since the drugs so severely weaken the immune system while at the same time killing off healthy cells, this can threaten the patient’s life just as the disease does.

But the exciting news is that some groundbreaking research has recently been done which shows what appears to be a VERY effective way to help keep your body as strong and healthy as possible during chemotherapy, as well as issuing a warning about the absolute WORST thing to do during the process.

Here’s the scoop for surviving chemotherapy:

Of mice and men

A study recently conducted on mice at the University of Michigan indicates that the level of intestinal health is a primary factor to successfully completing and surviving chemotherapy.

The study gave mice lethal injections of chemotherapy that would, if given in a proportionate dose, kill most adult human beings, too.

But they also gave some of the mice an injection of a molecule called “Rspo1” or “R-spondon1.” This substance activates stem cell production in the intestinal wall, and these stem cells are “superstars” that can help rebuild damaged tissues faster than the chemotherapy can destroy them!

The result?

Between 50-75% of the mice who were given R-spondon1 survived the fatal chemotherapy dose!

Now, although this study was performed on mice and not yet on men, mice are nearly identical to humans in terms of biology, gene expression, endocrine system function and more…so they’re a pretty darn good indicator of what would happen in a human.

Surviving Chemotherapy: Get some R-spondon1…or make your own?

Now, even though this study used an injection of R-spondon1 as the “catalyst” of stem cell production in the intestinal lining, this truth your cells already possess the ability to produce R-spondon1 on their own! In fact, your intestinal wall contains cells that are regenerated every 4-5 days in a normally healthy person.

But what determines the health of those stem cells more than anything else is your GUT BACTERIA.

That’s right. If your gut bacteria are in a healthy balance, the genetic expression of your intestinal cells is also normal and healthy. If your gut bacteria are out of balance (favoring harmful bacterial), the gene expression of your intestinal cells will be hampered, which in turn will slow or downright cripple the regeneration potential of your intestinal cells.

This is also why imbalanced intestinal flora is also linked to inflammatory intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s, IBS and colitis.

The flip side—the anti-life substances

The word antibiotic means “anti-life” and this has taken on a whole new meaning.

First of all, it’s a known fact that antibiotics “work” by killing off bacteria in your body. But since they don’t know the difference between healthy and dangerous bacteria, they kill ALL bacteria—and that includes your healthy intestinal bacteria.

This can be especially dangerous for someone going through chemotherapy.

You see, although the research in the study I quoted above did not directly address antibiotics, since the ability to survive chemotherapy is SO dependent on a strong level of healthy gut bacteria, and antibiotics kill off your friendly flora, it only follows that the kind of gut bacteria “obliteration” caused by antibiotics could potentially prove to be harmful or downright fatal to a chemotherapy patient.

This is especially a concern because many cancer patients are, you guessed it, prescribed antibiotics as an infection-preventive measure while they undergo chemotherapy!

This could truly be life threatening. You see, while neither the antibiotics nor the chemotherapy drugs would in and of themselves be deadly, the combination of the absence of healthy gut bacteria and the highly-toxic chemotherapy drugs could multiply the toxicity and potentially be fatal.

A healthy gut is key to surviving chemotherapy and beyond

Clearly, a healthy gut is where it’s at in terms of staying healthy from head to toe during chemotherapy and beyond!

And the good news is it’s very easy to help nourish YOUR gut and encourage the development of a strong population of protective friendly flora.

Here are three very effective measures you can take:

Eat for a strong flora balance

This is far and away THE #1 most important cancer-fighting measure you can take. 

The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society estimate that at least 30-35% of all cancers are related to a poor diet!

Here’s why a good diet has such a profound effect on cancer prevention and treatment:

First of all, having a diet comprised of meals that are easy to digest and contain lots of alkaline foods (like fruits and vegetables) not only helps to nourish your friendly flora, but they can help eliminate built-up toxic wastes in your body too.

This means you’re a much less attractive home to cancer to begin with and can make it difficult for it to thrive!

The nutrients in a healthy diet play a big part too.

Antioxidant vitamins (like Vitamins C and E) and minerals (like selenium) can actually help prevent and repair DNA damage that may otherwise develop into a cancerous tumor!

Plus, Vitamins A, D and folate all encourage healthy, proper cell growth—which is crucial during chemotherapy!

 And many of the phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties and are potent antioxidants as well.

Now, having this ever-important healthy diet is not only easy, but it tastes great too!

One way is to follow the Great Taste No Pain health system

Both the Great Taste No Pain and Great Taste No Gluten systems will show you how to create healthful, nutritious meals (featuring many of the anti-cancer nutrients mentioned above) that are not only positively delicious, but are also easy to digest!

When your digestion is accomplished easily and thoroughly, not only will you be helping to eliminate toxic waste build-up, but you’ll also help maximize your body’s absorption of cancer-fighting nutrients from your foods.

Get a daily dose of friendly bacteria!

In addition to a healthy diet like I mentioned above which nourishes your friendly flora, probiotic supplementation is vital to achieving this possibly life-saving goal of a strong flora balance.

And Super Shield’s 13 strains of friendly bacteria are up to the task!

As soon as they arrive “on the scene,” Super Shield’s impressive “army” lines your intestinal walls, helps crowd out unhealthy bacteria, and helps keep your digestion smooth (so carcinogens and dangerous bacteria can be eliminated with your bowel movements).

This will help keep your intestinal flora balance where it needs to be and help build a strong, cancer-fighting immune system!

Ditch the cancer sticks

What many smokers don’t realize is that in addition to causing lung cancer and encouraging the development of many other cancers, smoking also destroys your gut flora!

Plus remember you are not the only one you’re harming with your smoke–the dangers of second-hand smoke are documented and very real.

Countless times I have had to hold my breath when entering a building because I don’t want to breathe in the poison from all the smokers huddled at the entrance puffing away.

If you smoke, please quit already.  Millions of people have done it before you and it’s not impossible.

If you need help, that’s fine.  There are lots of stop smoking programs and aids out there.  Pick one and put that cancer-loving habit behind you for good.

If you are faced with having to undergo chemotherapy, or want to do all you can to prevent cancer from knocking on YOUR door, having a healthy gut is not only a good idea, it’s VITAL.

Please, for yourself and for your loved ones, take care of that humble intestinal tract and it will take care of you.

I think that’s the nicest holiday gift you could give yourself.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

Most Popular Related Posts:

>> How to STOP a cold in its TRACKS (naturally!)
>> The very FIRST thing you should do to treat a fever naturally 
>> At last! REAL relief for painful cramps & periods

If you are like most women, you think that painful periods and cramps are just a part of life as a woman.

A friend of mine recently posted this quote to Facebook:

Instead of getting periods, can girls just get a text once a month from Mother Nature saying, “You’re not pregnant. Have a nice day.”

Although I giggled when I read it, painful menstrual periods (also known as dysmenorrhea) are NOT a laughing matter.

On the contrary, symptoms of dysmenorrhea can range from debilitating cramps to nausea and vomiting to even passing out!

Let’s take a closer look at this problem that is not funny and is a LOT more common than you think, as well as some safe, natural ways to get relief.

 

You’re not alone– Dysmenorrhea: its numbers are greater than you think

Depending on what source you’re looking at, there is a HUGE disparity in estimates of how common dysmenorrhea really is. Standard medical literature generally reports that it affects about 30-50% of menstruating women.

But direct studies of women in their reproductive years tells quite a different story—to the tune of about 80% or more. One study conducted in a physician’s waiting room surveyed 581 women aged 18 to 45, and 90% reported significant menstrual cramping!

The most common reasons for the significant difference between sources include:

Women are embarrassed to report the problem to their doctors
Women think it’s “normal” and thus not worth mentioning
Many doctors don’t typically ask about cramping and other menstrual difficulties
But the fact remains that dysmenorrhea is a major cause of missed school days in adolescent girls, as well as the reason behind missed work days in adult women. One gynecology textbook states that dysmenorrhea-related work absenteeism accounts for 140 million lost work hours!

Two types of misery

There are two types of dysmenorrhea—primary and secondary.

Secondary dysmenorrhea can be the result of a number of different gynecological problems. Things like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or complications from an IUD insertion can all cause or worsen painful menses.

Primary dysmenorrhea on the other hand is more of a stand-alone condition—it’s having painful periods and cramps that are not related to another specific sickness or condition.

Primary dysmenorrhea can be broken down into two categories—congestive or spasmodic.

Congestive dysmenorrhea is typically characterized by a dull aching pain in the pelvic region for the one or two days prior to menstruation, and usually subsides once menstruation starts.

Spasmodic dysmenorrhea causes vise-like cramping of the uterine muscles. They usually begin at the onset of menses and continue for four to six hours or more.

Here is a list of ALL the symptoms of the two categories of primary dysmenorrhea—see how many sound familiar to YOU:

Congestive dysmenorrhea                            Spasmodic dysmenorrhea
Dull, aching pain                                                        Sharp, vise-like cramps
Lower back pain and tender pelvic region      Gripping pains in lower abdomen
Bloating                                                                         Sharp pains shooting to inner thighs or low back
Weight gain                                                                  Fatigue
Tender breasts                                                           Faintness to the point of passing out
Headaches or migraines                                         Hot and cold flushes
Irritability                                                                    Nausea and vomiting
Worsens with age, especially in the 30s and 40s Diarrhea, constipation, bowel urgency
Headaches
Worse in teens and 20s
Improves with age and childbearing

What’s the deal? It’s all in your prostaglandins

 

One of the primary instigators behind dysmenorrhea is a culprit called “prostaglandins.”

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances. They function as messengers in a variety of your body’s natural activities and physiological responses including inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, blood clotting, dilation of your blood vessels and your immune system functioning.

When they’re working like they should, prostaglandins (PGs) are vital to gynecological health. A balance of PGs—including a small amount of the inflammation-causing PGE2 and PGF2 alpha—are necessary for normal menstruation to take place.

But dysmenorrhea occurs when there is a “tidal wave-like” release of these inflammatory prostaglandins just before the onset of your period—in other words, you get an extreme exaggeration of normal menstrual symptoms, aka “a period on steroids.”

This also explains why dysmenorrhea can have such a wide variety of symptoms like I listed above.

You see, your inflammatory PGs can sneak out of your uterus, get absorbed into the bloodstream and sail through your body, wreaking their havoc everywhere from head to toe.

That’s why you can also see symptoms like headaches, tender breasts, digestive problems, etc.

And although the inflammatory PGs typically get destroyed fairly quickly once they reach the bloodstream, often they have enough time to cause their harm before their demise.

Painful periods and cramps: It’s not a mystery

This cascade of inflammatory PGs might seem like a mystery to you, but it’s really not, especially when you understand how the different types of prostaglandins are “born.”

Here’s what I mean:

Prostaglandins are made from fatty acids that you take in with your diet, and the type of fat you eat largely determines the type of prostaglandin that is created.

Inflammatory prostaglandins are created from inflammatory-type fatty acids—specifically Omega-6 EFAs.

On the other hand, prostaglandins that decrease inflammation are derived from the natural anti-inflammatory Omega-3 EFAs.

Your body’s ability to make enzymes is also key here.

You see, the process of creating both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory PGs requires the same types of enzymes in your body.

But if these enzymes are “tied up” making a bunch of inflammatory PGs, there is little left for your body to create the anti-inflammatory ones…in other words, the inflammatory PGs are “enzyme hogs.”

 

The typical treatment

The typical medical treatment for dysmenorrhea is, you guessed it, pain drugs, specifically NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Although they can be helpful, many women report that these drugs don’t work for them, or lose their effectiveness over time. In those cases, many times women will take larger and larger doses, to the point where they can exceed safe dose levels!

And let’s not forget the potential side effects of NSAIDs including gastritis, leaky gut syndrome and liver damage.

Safe, natural and effective answers

The great news here is you can help ease the horrors of dysmenorrhea in ways that are FAR safer than relying on NSAIDs and other drugs.

Here are 4 strategies that can help spell tremendous R-E-L-I-E-F for YOU:

1)      Get sources of Vitamins C and B6, niacin, magnesium and zinc.

These nutrients are enzyme cofactors that are needed by your body to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

Here are great food sources of each:

Vitamin C:  Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, sweet peppers, strawberries, oranges and spinach

Vitamin B6 and niacin: Whole wheat and whole grain foods, brown rice, oats, liver, green leafy vegetables, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and beans

Magnesium: Dairy products, seafood, oats, nuts, seeds and brown rice

Zinc: Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and whole grains

2)      Increase your intake of Omega-3 EFAs

As I mentioned earlier, Omega-3 EFAs are the building blocks for anti-inflammatory PGs, so it’s vital to make sure you have an adequate supply to help keep dysmenorrhea at bay.

Unfortunately, our typical diets are brimming with inflammation-causing Omega-6 EFAs and grossly deficient in Omega-3s.

The daily 2-capsule dose of VitalMega-3 gives your body 1,200 mg of inflammation calming Omega-3 fatty acids, including 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA–the two all-important Omega-3 EFAs highly recommended by experts.

VitalMega-3 can help reduce inflammation from head to toe, including inflammation associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia and dysmenorrhea!

3)      Eat a well-rounded diet and avoid bad fats & refined carbs

Refined carbs and bad fats (especially trans-fats) can interfere with your body’s enzymes that make anti-inflammatory PGs…thereby giving the “upper hand” to inflammatory PGs and making dysmenorrhea symptoms even WORSE!

So to have a chance at relief from dysmenorrhea, it’s crucial to have a diet that includes a variety of real foods while avoiding processed foods, fast food and “the whites”–foods made with white flour and sugar.

That will help ensure that you’re limiting refined carbs and bad fats AND getting a variety of nutrients that your body so desperately needs.

But that’s only half of the puzzle.

The other half is to make sure your body is actually absorbing those nutrients…and that comes from efficient digestion. And what can help you achieve both of these important goals is the Great Taste No Pain

Both Great Taste No Pain and Great Taste No Gluten feature hundreds of delicious recipes and ideas for enjoying nutrient-loaded real foods that taste outstandingly good.

Plus they show you the best foods to eat together to help encourage pain-free, efficient digestion and maximum absorption of those crucial nutrients your body needs.

4)      Helpful herbs

Certain herbs can help interrupt the inflammatory tidal wave that is associated with dysmenorrhea, especially turmeric, fresh ginger and fresh garlic.

So be sure to incorporate these into your diet as much as possible!  And note that Great Taste No Pain and Great Taste No Gluten also give you great recipe idea featuring these anti-inflammatory superstars!

Ladies, know this:  Dysmenorrhea is much more common than you think, it’s no laughing matter, and most importantly, IT’S NOT NORMAL!

If you’ve been suffering each and every month, it’s time for you to finally get some relief.

Take the bull by the horns and see just how great YOU can feel with the natural measures I’ve suggested above.

To your health,

Sherry

Most Popular Related Articles:

>> How to STOP a cold in its tracks (works EVERY time!)
>> What you don’t know about lyme disease: Prevention & detecting it early
>> The very FIRST thing you should do when anyone on your family gets a fever
>> New hope for fibromyalgia sufferers

As I was driving around my local area running errands over the weekend, I swear I counted 24 flu shot signs within a 5-mile radius of my house.

“Flu shots here every day!”

“Free flu shots!”

“Get your flu shot now-walk-ins welcome!”

“Get a flu shot and save 10% on any purchase.”

Countless droves of people flock to the pharmacy or their doctor’s office, roll up their sleeve and take the needle jab…

• Because after all, flu shots will prevent you from getting the flu, right?
• And lots of people die from the flu every year, right?
• Plus flu shots are safe, right?

I’m sorry to say that the answer to all of the above questions is NO.

Here’s the scoop on why you should think twice before answering the beckoning call of the flu shots signs and getting in line with your sleeve rolled up.

Will flu shots prevent you from getting the flu?

The answer to that is: Maybe in some cases.

You see, there are several strains of flu in existence each year, and when the flu vaccines are designed for manufacturing, scientists guess which strains may be more prevalent in a given year when deciding which ones to put in your syringe.

If they guess right, maybe some cases of the flu can be prevented.

If they guess wrong, the shot is completely bloody ineffective.

Plus even if they guess right, vaccination does NOT mean immunization.  That is, the flu shot’s period of effectiveness varies from person to person, so you CAN get the flu even AFTER getting a flu shot!

How’s that for a kicker?

Plus ALL vaccines depress your immune system functioning for up to several weeks, which means you are FAR more susceptible to flu varieties for which you have not been vaccinated, plus the other whole slew of colds, bugs and infections floating around!

So you might be looking at bronchitis, upper respiratory infection or a stomach bug…which you might NOT have contracted if you DIDN’Tget a flu shot.

Don’t lots of people die from the flu each year?

The answer to that is: NO.  And here’s why:

First of all, many respiratory illnesses are simply diagnosed by doctors as “the flu” without any testing ever being done to see if an actual flu virus is present!  So countless people suffering from various other illnesses have, in fact, been wrongly counted as “flu victims.”

Plus in many cases of death especially in the elderly, “flu” is cited as the cause, when in fact death was truly caused by pneumonia or a combination of illnesses.

And here’s the most telling fact of all—flu statistics are consistently overstated by the CDC each and every year.

You see, the CDC lumps deaths due to influenza and pneumonia together when they cite statistics.  So right from the get-go the numbers are inflated.

Here’s the actual statistics for 2007 (the most recent year for which stats are shown on the CDC’s site):

Total deaths due to influenza and pneumonia: 52,717

But then when you drill down further into their report you see that a whopping 52,306 of those deaths were due to pneumonia and only 411 due to influenza!

And the vast majority of those flu cases (293 out of 411) were elderly people whose general state of health and immune system health are likely to already be compromised.

Flu shots are safe, right?

 The answer to that is a resounding NO!

First of all, as I mentioned above ALL vaccinations depress your immune system functioning for up to several weeks, leaving you susceptible to a variety of other illnesses.

Plus vaccinations inject proteins directly into your bloodstream and this is not good.

You see, since your body is designed to break proteins down into their smaller individual amino acids in the digestive tract before they are absorbed into circulation, shooting full-blown proteins into your blood vessels with a vaccine (and bypassing the GI tract) puts your immune system on high alert and can eventually elicit inappropriate immune responses.

That’s why many people find themselves developing asthma or allergies when they never had a problem with them in the past!

And the flu shot ingredients themselves are the most unsafe thing of all.  Hold on to your hat while we take a look at…

Ingredients in flu shots:

Thimerosal: Almost all flu shots, as well as other vaccines, contain Thimerosal, which is a mercury preservative.  Mercury is extremely toxic to the human body which can affect your brain functioning, lead to autoimmune diseases and has been linked to autism.

Ethylene glycol:  Another term for this is antifreeze. Ethylene glycol and its toxic byproducts can affect the central nervous system, as well as your heart and kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal.

Phenol:   Also known as carbolic acid, this is used as a disinfectant and dye. Phenol was originally used as an antiseptic in surgery but it use was abandoned because it caused skin irritation. Before and during World War II, phenol injections were used by Nazi Germans as a means of fast execution!

Formaldehyde: This is the primary solution used for embalming, but in vaccines it’s a preservative.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen (cancer causer) and it can also cause allergic reactions

Aluminum:  Aluminum is another toxic metal, and it’s used in flu shots to “promote antibody response.”  It also happens to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.  Studies have shown that people who received 5 or more flu shots during a 10-year period have a 10 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who had fewer than 2 flu shots.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics like Neomycin and Streptomycin are added to flu shots to kill any bacteria that may be present.  But antibiotics also kill off your friendly flora, where 70% of your immune system resides, and can cause allergic reactions in many people.

And now for…

The flu strains themselves:  In the US, a typical flu shot contains 3 viruses—2 “A” strains and 1 “B” strain. These strains are cultivated in animal proteins such as rabbit brain tissue, monkey kidney tissue, pig blood, chicken embryo, embryonic guinea pig cells and calf serum.  Not only do these un-broken down proteins taunt your immune system like I mentioned above, but heaven help you if you’re allergic to any of them—the result could range from severe discomfort to death.

And let’s not forget this growing concern:  Most pharmacies are very eager to administer flu shots, but VERY FEW are equipped to handle an emergency allergic reaction.

A safer approach—prevention is the key

When it comes to the flu as well as cold, bugs, infections, etc. prevention is the key, my friend.

When you help your body fight and prevent illness from within and enhance the health of your immune system, it is FAR less likely that you will have to worry about illness to begin with, let alone having to resort to depending on dangerous flu shots to “create health!”

Here are 7 strategies to help strengthen your immune system, prevent sickness and help fight any existing cold, flu or infection you may have now:

Sickness Fighting Strategy #1: Vitamin C  

Vitamin C boosts your immune system by helping to increase the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies.  It also increases your level of interferon, which is the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

Good sources include parsley, broccoli, bell peppers, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and Brussels sprouts.  You can also buy Vitamin C supplements just about anywhere.

Sickness Fighting Strategy #2: Vitamin E

Although it’s not as popular as vitamin C, vitamin E plays an important role in the health of your immune system.

The main cells of your immune system are T cells and B cells.  Helper T cells patrol your body, waiting to attack a dangerous invader.  Regulatory T cells protect your healthy cells.  And B cells create antibodies when you do get sick to help prevent that sickness from entering again.  (Think: Chicken pox)

As you age, your T cells and B cells don’t work as well as they used to, so your immune system is weaker.  But vitamin E has been shown in studies to significantly increase T cell and B cell activity, thereby making your immune system stronger.

Good sources are spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, mustard greens, cayenne pepper, almonds, sunflower seeds, asparagus and bell peppers.  Vitamin E supplements are also readily available.

Sickness Fighting Strategy #3: Garlic 

Garlic is a natural immune system booster.  It stimulates the production of infection-fighting white cells and enhances the efficiency of antibody production.

There’s a catch, though:  To get the full benefits of garlic, you have to eat it raw (or very lightly cooked).

Typical garlic pills, tablets, oils and capsules, especially the odorless ones, usually have had the active enzymes in the garlic that provide the health benefits processed out.

But never fear–there are a great many ways to enjoy garlic and get its full immune system charge (more on that below).

Sickness Fighting Strategy #4: Oregano 

The oils in this delicious spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

In addition to enjoying oregano in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, oil of oregano is also available at health food stores and many grocery stores.

Sickness Fighting Strategy #5: Zinc 

Similar to garlic, this powerhouse mineral increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, and helps white cells release more antibodies.

Good sources of zinc include beef, oysters, crab, turkey, scallops, oats, yogurt, venison and spinach.

Note that although zinc supplements and lozenges are available, too much zinc can backfire on you and inhibit your immune system.  It’s best to aim for 15-25 milligrams a day which you can easily get from a healthy diet (more on that below).

Sickness Fighting Strategy #6: Probiotics 

Nothing enhances your immune system like a healthy dose of the same beneficial bacteria that reside in your gut and make up about 70-80% of that immune system!

The key is taking a probiotic supplement that has a wide variety of bacteria strains (more strains = more ways to enhance your health) AND ensuring that those bacteria are actually alive when you take them.  (Many supplements have been on warm store shelves for months and it’s very likely that some or all of the bacteria have died.)

Super Shield probiotic formula delivers on both of those important points.

Super Shield contains 13 potent strains of beneficial bacteria, each of which has its own specialty on how it enhances your health and helps strengthen your immune system to better fight colds, flu and many other illnesses.

And the Granddaddy of them all:

Sickness Fighting Strategy #7: Eating real foods 

You can take all the immune-enhancing supplements in the world, but if your diet is poor, you’re cutting your own throat in these 3 ways:

• A poor diet creates acid waste in your body, which makes is next to impossible for you to absorb nutrients you need.  So supplements you do take can pass right through you.
• A poor diet nourishes the harmful bacteria in your gut, while starving the helpful ones.  This can make your immune system function practically non-existent.
• A poor diet also encourages an acidic pH.  When your body is in a state of acidity, it can’t effectively heal itself or fight illnesses.

Now, if having a healthy diet sounds about as interesting to you as watching paint dry, you’re in luck.

Because the Great Taste No Pain system will prove you wrong!

The Great Taste No Pain manuals will teach you how to structure delicious, low acid meals featuring real foods that not only taste good but are good FOR you.

And the recipe book is packed with 112 scrumptious dishes, many of which feature immune-enhancing oregano and garlic (including my outstanding spaghetti sauce!), as well as natural dietary sources of vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc.

Now if you’re gluten sensitive, not to worry.  I have you covered with Great Taste No Gluten.

Put the 7 Sickness Fighting Strategies to work for you, and chances are excellent that you’ll eventually find yourself saying, “Gee, I can’t remember the last time I got sick!”

And more importantly, “Who needs dangerous flu shots anyway?  Not me!”

To your health,

Sherry 

Most Popular Related Articles:

>> Stop a Cold in its Tracks! BEST Cold Remedy EVER!
>> The VERY FIRST thing you should do when anyone in your family gets a FEVER

Most Popular right now:

>> Palette Wood 3-Hour Baby Gate (with link to plans!)
>> Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (these are INCREDIBLE!)
>> Palette Wood Fireplace Surround (looks just like re-claimed wood!)

If you have another minute, here are our most popular posts to date:

>> Top 10 Teacher Christmas Gifts (written by a teacher!)
>> The Three Time Management tips that SAVED MY LIFE
>> Talking About the Birds & the Bees…with Your Husband!

 

P.S. May I ask a favor? Would you follow us on Pinterest or like us on Facebook? It’s a great way to keep in touch!

 

Nearly 6 million Americans (90% of which are women) suffer what is arguably one of the most baffling conditions known to man.

Fibromyalgia.

The symptoms run far and wide—pain and tenderness in the back, neck, shoulders, hips and more. The pain is often so bad it causes loss of sleep, so people who have the condition frequently have fatigue too.

And, as if THAT isn’t enough, at least half of the people with fibromyalgia also suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms–including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea.

Fibromyalgia sufferers can also experience extreme sensitivity to touch, migraines, bladder problems, temporomadibular joint (TMJ) problems, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, nasal congestion and numbness or swelling in the hands or feet.

Many times they have depression too. With the way they feel most days, it’s no wonder.

The various fibromyalgia faces and triggers

The American College of Rheumatology bases the diagnosis of fibromyalgia on just 2 things—soft tissue pain of at least 3 months duration and 11 out of 18 paired tender points.

Unfortunately that means some people are wrongly diagnosed with it, and thus have not received the RIGHT treatment for whatever their real problem is…and so they continue to suffer.

For those that are rightly diagnosed, there is not just one single issue behind the condition, so it truly becomes a mystery for both doctor and patient alike.

Instead the triggers and contributing factors to fibromyalgia can include the following:

1. Circulating immune complexes (CICs)

In an ideal world of good digestion, foods would be broken down into their individual amino acids, glucose molecules, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.  These particles are small enough to be absorbed through the intestinal wall into your bloodstream, where they can get your liver’s blessing and sail around your body to provide nourishment where you need it.

However, when your digestion is poor, molecules of food that have not been adequately broken down to be used for nourishment bully their way through your intestinal wall, enter your bloodstream, taunt your immune system and create inflammation from head to toe.

These “too-big” food particles are known as circulating immune complexes (CICs) and are a leading cause of fibromyalgia.  They are also the root cause of many food sensitivities.

2. Emotional and physical trauma

Fibromyalgia can be a physical manifestation of emotional trauma.  People with fibromyalgia have a higher history of chronic stress as well as emotional, physical and/or sexual trauma than people without the condition.

Many times fibromyalgia sufferers can pinpoint a traumatic event that occurred just before the initial onset of symptoms such as the death of a loved one, an accident or a severe illness.

3. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when some of the bacteria from your LARGE intestine “slide up” and get into the SMALL intestine—and this can spell trouble.

You see, the different types of bacteria that live in the large vs. small intestines each have different functions, and when they’re in the wrong place, they do the wrong job!

For example, most carbs are absorbed in your small intestine.  The only exception is dietary fiber — that passes on to the large intestine.

The bacteria in your large intestine break down fiber and as they’re doing that, gas is produced. The bacteria usually absorb most of the gas, and any excess is passed as a small amount of flatulence.

However, with SIBO some of the fiber-digesting bacteria from your large intestine get into in the small intestine. As a result, fiber that you eat begins to be broken down too SOON — in the small intestine.

Since your small intestine isn’t equipped to handle this and it doesn’t have the right bacteria to absorb the gas that’s produced, you can get some serious bloating, excessive gas and pain as a result.

Plus having bacteria in your small intestine that are from “the wrong side of the tracks” also confuses your immune system.

You see, your immune system is on the ball–it knows pretty quickly when things aren’t quite right somewhere in your body.  The problem is your immune cells sometimes are not the sharpest pencils in the box.

And in this case, when they detect the large intestinal bacteria in the small intestine, instead of saying, “Oh, it’s just some misrouted guys from down below,” they instead act as if they’ve caught an invader and launch an attack which can produce bloating, gas and pain.

This can also lead to serious inflammation which can manifest itself as fibromyalgia.  Experts estimate that at many as 8 out of 10 people with fibromyalgia also have SIBO.

4. Nutrient deficiencies

Without proper nutrition, the energy production and waste elimination cycles in your cells cannot function correctly—and that can lead to the diffuse inflammation that is seen with fibromyalgia.

Especially important here is Vitamin D.  At least half of the people with fibromyalgia are deficient in Vitamin D.

The most vulnerable people to Vitamin D deficiency are those in the northern climates where the weather is colder and they’re not outdoors naturally making Vitamin D from the sunshine as much as those in the south.

5. Candida overgrowth

Candida overgrowth in the gut can also be a causal factor in the development of fibromyalgia.

Candida is a normal inhabitant in your gut and when you have a healthy flora balance, Candida is kept in check and is harmless.

But if it instead is allowed to grow out of control, it becomes a dangerous fungus which can “eat away” at your gut wall and get into your bloodstream.  From there it can take root in just about any of your organs or tissues, create inflammation and upset their ability to function properly.

When that includes your muscles and connective tissues—hello fibromyalgia.

Many different causes but just ONE answer?

Although fibromyalgia can have many different causes or contributing factors, the typical medical solutions are unfortunately typically limited to ONE option–drugs that are supposed to provide symptomatic relief.

These usually include anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants (seizure drugs) and sleeping pills.

But sadly most fibromyalgia sufferers get only limited relief, if any, from the drugs.  One study showed that 90% of people treated with anti-inflammatory drugs were still symptomatic after 3 years!

And of course that’s not even considering the side effects from the drugs that they’ve had to suffer with as well.

Long-term use of anti-inflammatories can lead to gastritis and other GI problems (on top of the IBS symptoms that many sufferers already have), and sleeping pills (like Ambien) can cause drowsiness, stomach upset, dependence, headaches, memory problems and even hallucinations.

Anticonvulsants can lead to liver or kidney damage or decrease the amount of platelets in your blood (so your blood can’t clot as well).  They can also cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, tremors, skin rashes and weight gain, plus birth defects in pregnant women.

Antidepressants are no peach either.  Some of the common effects of antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa include:

• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset
• Weight gain

Plus the elevated levels of serotonin caused by these drugs in some cases can cause changes in your cell neurons that can be classified as brain damage!

 Take that bull by the horns!

As much of a “monster” as fibromyalgia may be, when you take natural measures that SAFELY address not only the symptoms of it but also the possible underlying causes, you can feel a WHOLE lot better from head to toe!

Here are measures you can take to help make a tremendous difference in how you feel.  Now keep in mind that they all might now apply to your individual “version” of fibromyalgia, so it’s important to keep trying until you see what works for you.

1. Look and listen

Step one is to look at and listen to your body for clues about what may be causing your fibromyalgia. 

Many sufferers have unresolved emotional issues or post-traumatic stress.  If that applies to you, counseling with a skilled therapist can make a big difference.

Also, you can get tested for food and environmental allergies, SIBO, imbalanced hormones and nutritional deficiencies, all of which can be a cause or contributing factor to fibromyalgia.

 

2. Foods to avoid

Certain foods have been shown to worsen fibromyalgia symptoms in some people.  While these are not “universal offenders” some people have been helped by avoiding the following:

• Aspartame (NutraSweet)
• Food additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates
• Refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, white rice)
• Caffeine
• Dairy
• Nightshade vegetables (bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant)

3. Consider supplementing with Vitamin D

At least half of the people with fibromyalgia have Vitamin D deficiency, and many have seen their symptoms literally disappear once supplementation was started!

The dosage recommended by most experts is 1,000 – 2,000 IU.

 

4.  Encourage efficient digestion and a more alkaline pH

Poor digestion is a major contributing factor to CICs and SIBO, both of which can stir up fibromyalgia like I mentioned above.  It can also cause poor nutrient absorption which is also a concern for people with fibromyalgia.

Plus when lots of acid creating foods are eaten (and foods like this are ABUNDANT with our “Standard American Diet” or SAD–appropriate acronym), the acid residue from those foods can get absorbed into your bloodstream from the intestines.

From there they are carried all over your body where they can encourage inflammation and pain…and when they settle in your muscles and connective tissues, they can come out as fibromyalgia.

So to fight (or help prevent) fibromyalgia, it’s essential to eat foods and meals that are digested easily and minimize acid wastes!

And that is precisely what you will learn to do with the Great Taste No Pain health system.

The Great Taste No Pain guides will show you how to help clear acid wastes from your body by eating delicious, nourishing foods in the combinations that make for easy digestion and assimilation.

That means you can help cut fibromyalgia right off at four of its sources!

Plus you can feel the difference in many other ways too–fewer digestive problems like IBS, heartburn or gas, more energy and everyone’s favorite–lose excess weight without even TRYING!

 

 

5.  Try acupuncture or chiropractic treatment

Many people have reported tremendous relief from fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatment.

 

6.  Supplement with probiotics

Probiotics can help fight SIBO and Candida overgrowth, both of which can trigger fibromyalgia symptoms.

It’s important to use a formula which contains both bifidobacterium species (for the colon) and lactobacillus species (which beef up the small intestine)—that way you’re covered from one end of the intestinal tract to the other.

Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula is up to this important challenge.
Super Shield’s 13 strains of beneficial bacteria can help fight SIBO safely and naturally from within by restoring and maintaining the flora balance in both your small and large intestines.

With a proper flora balance, that will help carbohydrates (and ALL your foods) to be broken down where they’re supposed to be, without the resulting horrible gas and bloating.

Plus Super Shield can help keep digestion smooth, which can help prevent toxins and improperly broken down food molecules from getting into your bloodstream and taunting your immune system.

In addition, two of the powerhouse strains in Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus) have been shown to be extremely effective in fighting Candida overgrowth!

 

7. Consider supplementing with Vitamin C and/or CoQ10

Vitamin C boosts immune function, helps detoxify your cell pathways and has antiviral effects, all of which can be helpful to someone with fibromyalgia.

Plus CoQ10 is necessary for energy production, immune function, repair and maintenance of your tissues and enhanced cell functioning.

3,000 mg. of Vitamin C and 100 mg. of CoQ10 per day are the dosages recommended by experts.

 

8. Balance your Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids

The Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in your body work together to use and control inflammation.

You see, Omega-6 EFAs activate your body’s defense mechanisms like blood clotting, inflammation and allergic reactions, and you need those during emergencies such as when you sustain an injury or ingest something dangerous.

Then when the “emergency” is over, Omega-3 EFAs come in and cool down inflammation, produce calmness in your nervous system and reduce cholesterol and clotting in the blood.

This process works perfectly as long as you have about a 5:1 ratio of Omega-6: Omega-3 EFAs in your body.

But the typical American gets truckloads of inflammation-causing Omega-6 fatty acids in our typical diets and WAAAY too few Omega-3s, causing our ratios to shoot through the roof and leading to a state of constant, chronic inflammation.

And we have the inflammatory diseases (including fibromyalgia) to prove it!

But you can help reduce inflammation and pain dramatically by replenishing your Omega-3 supply with a high quality fish oil supplement like VitalMega-3.

Just 2 capsules a day gives you 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA–the dosage and ratio of these Omega-3 superstars that has been recommended by experts for inflammation relief as well as high blood pressure.

 If you suffer from the agony of fibromyalgia, your days of feeling hopeless and going from one pain-filled day to the next can be over very soon.

See for yourself how much better you can feel when take safe, natural measures to alleviate your symptoms and most importantly, help tackle fibromyalgia at some of its common underlying causes!

And when you’re feeling better, write and tell me about it.  I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

Most Popular Related Articles:

>> Stop a Cold in its Tracks! BEST Cold Remedy EVER!
>> The VERY FIRST thing you should do when anyone in your family gets a fever

Most Popular right now:

>> Palette Wood 3-Hour Baby Gate (with link to plans!)
>> Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (these are INCREDIBLE!)
>> Palette Wood Fireplace Surround (looks just like re-claimed wood!)

If you have another minute, here are our most popular posts to date:

>> Top 10 Teacher Christmas Gifts (written by a teacher!)
>> The Three Time Management tips that SAVED MY LIFE
>> Talking About the Birds & the Bees…with Your Husband!