Cilantro - Life Extension

Many people don’t realize that the herb known as cilantro does not come from a plant of that name, but is in fact the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. 

LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE

March 2018

By Garry Messick

Many people don’t realize that the herb known as cilantro does not come from a plant of that name, but is in fact the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. As such, cilantro is related to cumin, dill, fennel, and anise.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Researchers have discovered interesting health-promoting properties in the herb cilantro.

Cilantro has been used in cooking for hundreds of years, and is known for its strong, citrus-like flavor, which pairs well with seasonings such as mint, basil, and turmeric. The tasty herb is also famed for its health benefits, such as:

Anxiety relief

Cilantro has been found to have a significant calming effect, making it a good candidate as a natural treatment for relief of anxiety. In fact, high doses of cilantro extract were found to have effects similar to the popular anti-anxiety drug Valium®,1 but without that drug’s many distressing side effects, such as confusion, hallucinations, agitation, and memory problems.

Elimination of Heavy Metals

The accumulation of toxic metals and chemical elements such as lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic in our bodies can have seriously detrimental health effects, including neurological damage, infertility, heart disease and hormonal imbalances. Cilantro can help counter these effects. It has been found to accelerate the elimination of heavy metals.2 In mice, simultaneous administration of cilantro extract protected against lead-induced oxidative stress.3

Wards off Infection

Cilantro helps protect against a wide range of diseases—including but not limited to salmonella, cholera, and food poisoning—due to its antibacterial properties. Research has shown that essential oil of cilantro is effective against Listeria.4

Fights Diabetes

In an animal study, cilantro extract has been shown to help lower blood sugar and support healthy liver function where diabetes is present.5 In accordance with their findings, the study authors recommend cilantro extract be included in diabetics’ diets.

References

1. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011;43(5):574-7.
2. Acupunct Electrother Res. 1995;20(3-4):195-229.
3. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010;136(3):337-54.
4. Int J Food Microbiol. 2002;74(1-2):101-9.
5. J Food Sci. 2012;77(7):T119-23.

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2018/3/cilantro/page-01

10 natural ways to battle toxin exposure

In the U.S. alone, more than 60,000 chemicals are used in industry, agriculture and household products, none of which require real safety testing. Despite their widespread use, these chemicals pose real harm, and none of us are immune…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

In the U.S. alone, more than 60,000 different chemicals are used in industry, agriculture and household products, none of which require real safety testing. These include flame retardants, pesticides and hydrocarbons and many other everyday pollutants, including byproducts of industrial processes, believed to be responsible for adverse neurodevelopmental conditions.

Despite their widespread use and assumed safety, independent research demonstrates that these chemicals pose real harm, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, babies and children. But none of us are immune…

Common culprits

Here are some of the more common chemicals linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental disorders:

• Phthalates, found in plastics
• Organophosphate (OP) pesticides
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) flame retardants, found in furniture, electronics, household dust
• Combustion-related air pollutants
• Lead
• Mercury
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Many others…

If we want to support health against this constant barrage of harmful chemicals and pollutants, we need strategies to safely remove toxins and heavy metals from our bodies, and prevent their re-accumulation.

Improving our natural detox functions

While cells and certain organs are actually quite good at removing toxins, they simply can’t handle the kind of toxic load we face today. Despite the best efforts of our organs of elimination including the liver, kidneys, skin, immune system, lungs and GI tract, many toxins remain lodged in the body.

In my practice, detoxification is a starting point in the treatment of numerous chronic illnesses, including cancer, Lyme disease, heart disease, autoimmune disease and many others. Gently removing toxins from the circulation and digestion first is a key strategy.

There are a number of important botanicals that support this process, such as modified citrus pectin (MCP) and sodium alginates. These are gentle agents that support the body’s ability to remove toxic metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic, as well as environmental toxins such as certain pesticides. This combination has been clinically shown to safely remove toxic metals without affecting essential minerals as so many other detox agents do.

For deeper detoxification, I recommend additional botanicals and nutrients to support the liver, kidneys, skin and other detox organs. The goal is to enhance the body’s natural detox mechanisms, including the critical process of methylation, and encourage antioxidant activity to help neutralize free radicals generated by toxic body burden. We also want to support the body’s vitality so that we have enough energy during detox.

Here are some ingredients that can support these actions:

1. Milk thistle seed extract
2. Dandelion leaf
3. Cilantro leaf
4. Astragalus root
5. Goldenrod
6. Chinese salvia
7. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
8. Alpha Lipoic Acid
9. L-Methionine
10. Calcium D-glucarate

Of course, an organic diet emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods, lots of green vegetables, and plenty of filtered water and herbal teas also provides critical detox support and supplies important phytonutrients to protect the body’s vital systems.

Regular exercise is another key modality that most of us overlook with our busy schedules. A 20 minute walk everyday can do wonders for your health, and is critical during detox to prevent toxins from getting stuck in transit.

There are also a number of therapies that can help clear the body’s detox channels and support overall health. Infrared saunas or regular saunas encourage sweating, one of our most important detox pathways. Acupuncture can help support the liver and other detox organs. Lymphatic massage is also helpful to get the lymph moving and increase blood flow, important when toxic burden, chronic inflammation or illness cause sluggish lymphatic drainage.

Today, environmental toxicity has become an immediate problem that requires an urgent solution. Yes, we absolutely need more aggressive regulations and protections for consumers. But we also need to regularly support the body’s abilities to eliminate toxins, safely and naturally.

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

http://easyhealthoptions.com/10-natural-ways-battle-toxin-exposure/#

Chelation Treatments for Heavy Metal Toxicity

The term “chelation” (pronounced key-lay-shun) comes from the Greek word chele, which means “claw”.  This may sound strange until you understand that certain agents, known as chelators are able to chemically bond with metals, minerals, or chemical toxins and whisk them out of the body via the urine and feces.

What Is Chelation?

In our increasingly toxic world, this is beginning to be a very necessary step toward wellness for many people.  One of the methods by which people are discovering their heavy metal toxicity is via a test known as hair mineral analysis, usually ordered by a naturopath or an integrative doctor searching for the underlying cause for disease.

People are discovering that their bodies are polluted with heavy metals such as iron, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper and zinc.  Our bodies cannot break down heavy metals, thus creating toxic levels which are playing havoc with health.

Natural therapists have long known that certain agents are able to chelate – grab onto – these heavy metals and pull them out of the body’s blood and tissues.  They form complex molecules that are chemically inert and can be easily excreted without interacting any further with the body.  This is the method by which chelation therapy detoxifies heavy metals.

So Where Are All These Heavy Metals Coming From?

Heavy metal toxicity is due to many different things, including amalgam dental fillings (which are about 50% mercury), lead in paint, tap water, chemical residues in processed foods, petrochemical products, and cosmetics (unless organic).  Mercury is probably the worst offender and those who work in these professions have the highest risk of mercury overload: physicians, pharmaceutical workers, any dental occupations, laboratory workers, potters, hairdressers, painters, printers, metal workers, welders, cosmetic industry workers, battery makers, engravers, photographers, and visual artists.

Dr. Garry Gordon, a leader in the field of chelation says, “No one on Planet Earth is operating at optimal levels without doing something about the toxic metals.  Thus the conclusion I draw is that chelation appears to be a lifetime necessity for all.  There is no chelation that can dent the lead levels of bones unless continued for at least seven years (bone turnover time).”

How Is Chelation Therapy Administered?

Depending on the agent used and the type of metal toxicity, chelating agents may be taken orally or injected into a vein or muscle.

Known Chelators

Note:  It is possible to feel worse after chelation than when you began if you are not well-informed and do not proceed carefully under the care of a competent healthcare practitioner.  You will want to get the hair mineral analysis test done first to see what metals you have a problem with (if any) and this test is usually done with a qualified professional like a naturopath or integrative doctor.  The following list is purely for informational purposes.

Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) is the most widely used and studied chelating agent.  It is a synthetic amino acid first used in the 1940’s as a treatment for lead poisoning.  In the 1950’s physicians began to use it for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. 

In 1980, Drs W Blumer and T Reich headed a study which discovered that people who lived close to a busy road had higher chances of dying from cancer than those who did not live close to a busy road.  They discovered that lead from vehicle exhaust was suspended in dust particles and sediment dust along the automobile artery.  They further found that calcium EDTA helped to eliminate the lead poisoning.  It appears that someone listened to this report – all vehicles manufactured after 1986 in the USA were required to operate completely on unleaded fuel.

However.  Using synthetic chelators with their own toxic side effects is not the best way to chelate.

More Natural Chelation Agents Include:

Homeopathic merc sol – good for the removal of arsenic, iron and mercury.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) – a nutritional supplement that transforms into dithiol dihydrolipoic acid, a chelator of both mercury and arsenic.  It is advised that ALA should be taken with caution by starting at low dosages and supporting its use with a full protocol, which includes clay, to ensure that the heavy metals do actually leave the body.

Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) – derived naturally from seeds and rice bran, is the most potent natural chelator of iron and completely non-toxic. Researchers at Wake Forest University Health Sciences state that “iron chelators may be of value as therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. They may act by depleting iron, a necessary nutrient, and limiting tumor growth.” [Current Topics Medical Chemistry 4: 1623—35, 2004].   IP6 appears to work selectively against cancer cells. Because cancer cells are high in iron content, IP6 directs most of its attention to these abnormal cells by selectively removing iron.  That deprives them of their primary growth factor.  IP6 does not remove iron from normal red blood cells which are tightly bound to hemoglobin.  Unlike cancer drugs, healthy cells are not affected with IP6, so IP6 has very low toxicity. [Deliliers GL, British J Haematology 117: 577—87, 2002]

Furthermore, IP6 actually enhances the anti-cancer effects of Adriamycin and Tamoxifen, two commonly used breast cancer drugs. [Tantivejkul K, Breast Cancer Research Treatment 79: 301—12, 2003]  For further research on IP6 on pubmed.gov, click this link.

Cilantro (Coriander) – a very effective chelator.  Many people suffering from mercury exposure report a reduction in the often-cited feeling of disorientation when they consume large quantities of this popular herb.  It appears to work better when combined with chlorella (see below).

Parsley, Alfalfa, and Chlorella (blue-green algae) – all three are powerful chemical and heavy metal chelators.  They help to get your system more alkaline and purify the blood, making it easier for the body to rid itself of wastes with less discomfort or “healing crisis” (which is often felt when the toxic debris coming out of the cells causes you to feel sick or like you have the flu).

Onions and garlic –  The high sulfur content works to eliminate heavy metals.  Eggs, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage also have high sulfur content.

Food-Grade Activated Charcoal –  Al Sears, MD recommends his patients utilize food grade activated charcoal for detoxifying heavy metals.  He recommends a total of 20 grams per day, spaced apart in two to four doses, over a 12 day period.

A few more tips:  Remember to replace the good minerals which may be lost during the chelation process with a great quality mineral supplement.  Note that it is best to eliminate heavy metals gently – slower is better than faster – so that the body can reabsorb less and avoid flooding the body with toxic metals that can cause you to feel rotten.  I said it up above and I will repeat it here – it is possible to feel worse after chelation than when you began if you are not well-informed and do not proceed carefully under the care of a competent healthcare practitioner.

References:

http://www.gordonresearch.com/answers/chlorella_and_cilantro.html

http://drsircus.com/medicine/essentials-natural-chelation

http://pubmed.gov

Source of this article:  http://marnieclark.com/category/chelation-treatments/

This article is on Healthwise.

Arm yourself against disease with these anti-cancer foods

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by: PF Louis

(NaturalNews) Most of us know the "War on Cancer" is a bad joke that churns revenue for the cancer industry while per capita cancer rates continue to surge. Based on the premise that food should be our first medicine, the cruciferous family of vegetables is the food choice for resisting cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, turnips, rutabaga, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, and watercress.

They all contain glucosinolates, antioxidant compounds that contain sulfur, which have attracted the interest of medical researchers' attempting to determine what makes this class of vegetables resist cancer and promote cardiovascular health.

Tracking the cruciferous cancer fighting compounds

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate (SGS) was isolated in 1992 by doctors Paul Talalay and Jed Fahey of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has also analyzed the phytochemical chain of events that produce isothiocyanates from glucosinolates, one of which is sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane is the active compound that directly eliminates carcinogens from the body and provides a protein that inhibits tumor growth. The process that produces sulforaphane is activated by an enzyme group in cruciferous veggies known as myrosinase.

Myrosinase is released upon biting or chewing a raw cruciferous. Just like all other enzymes, boiling or heating will destroy myrosinase.

Preparing and consuming cruciferous veggies

It's obvious that the less they are cooked, the better your chances are of receiving cancer preventative nutrition from cruciferous veggies. Broccoli and cauliflower can be steamed lightly enough to retain crunchiness and enough of the enzyme myrosinase. Simply putting raw pieces of them on salads would be ideal.

But if your gut flora is stacked well with probiotic bacteria, there's a good chance that they will jump in to help convert glucosinolates into sulforaphane even if the myrosinase enzymes are damaged. You can get the best of both worlds by fermenting cruciferous veggies.

If you're not familiar with fermenting vegetables, you can order a starter culture on line to help out (http://bodyecology.com/control-weight-vegetable-culture-starter.html).

Many cruciferous veggies are juice-able, especially with a slow speed masticating juicer that doesn't heat or shear the enzymes out of whatever is juiced.

Kale, mustard greens, and kohlrabi are easy to juice. Mixing any of those with carrots and apple pieces or adding coriander leaf (cilantro) boost cancer protection even more.

Additional health benefits

Adding cilantro (coriander) leaf to cruciferous juicing or coriander seeds to stir fried or steamed cruciferous veggies, adds another cancer fighting dimension. Dr. Yoshiaki Omura has observed all cancer cells have mercury in them (http://blog.imva.info/medicine/cancer-mystery-medical-science).

Dr. Omura has also observed that cilantro removes heavy metals, including mercury, from the body within two weeks of using it daily. Cilantro or coriander can be taken with cruciferous veggies every day of those two weeks. It's easy to add to your daily juicing routines.

Another spice, cumin or cumin seeds, has also demonstrated liver and stomach cancer prevention with animals in addition to its ability to aid digestion.

Getting back to cruciferous vegetables' sulforaphane, University of Michigan scientists have determined that sulforaphane attacks cancer stem cells without harming healthy cells.

Ironically, it was a Michigan University medical researcher, Dr. Max Wicha, who announced a few years ago to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that cancer reoccurs and spreads from chemotherapy because cancer stem cells remain intact (http://www.post-gazette.com).

Cumin and coriander seeds or leaves (cilantro) can be mixed and matched with a variety of organic cruciferous dishes or juices to satisfy a discriminating palate while serving to protect you from cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Stage your personal war on cancer from the kitchen.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.post-gazette.com

http://bodyecology.com/articles/anti-cancer.php

http://blog.imva.info/medicine/cancer-mystery-medical-science

http://www.medindia.net

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/isothio/

http://www.indepthinfo.com/cumin/health.shtml

http://www.terramadrefarms.com/frontiers-organic-ground-coriander-seed

http://greensmoothiecommunity.com/tag/coriander/

http://www.naturalnews.com/036144_anti-cancer_foods_cruciferous_vegetables.html

Protect Yourself From The Radiation Danger

Dr. Isaac Eliaz | Aug 23, 2013

News reports describing ongoing radioactive water leakage from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant tell us that this tragic story is far from over. Independent analysts point to a series of cover-ups about the level of contamination.

In addition, inadequate efforts by responsible parties to protect people and the environment from dangerous levels of nuclear radiation that continue to leak into the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas have also been kept out of the public record. People living closest to the failed plant are most at risk. Our hearts and prayers are with them — but nuclear experts believe it’s only a relatively short time before ocean currents transport the radioactive seawater to the Americas, the South Pacific and elsewhere. Never before have we experienced this level of nuclear contamination polluting our world’s oceans.

Sorting Out The Truth

So how dangerous is this situation from a public health perspective? This controversial issue is being hotly debated, but one thing is clear: The radioactive elements leaking from the Fukushima plant produce global impacts on our Earth’s ecosystem. Increases in radioactive rainwater, contaminated seafood and soil samples, and other alarming situations continue to crop up worldwide, following the March 2011 disaster. And with the news emerging about ongoing problems at the site, it appears we face unknown consequences from one of the largest environmental disasters in history. Conservative estimates suggest increases in cancer rates in Japan over the next decades, and other consequences are equally concerning.

Until public health experts and nuclear authorities can sort through the true health risks, it’s wise to maintain your body’s natural defenses against this type of low-level, radioactive contamination. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this issue, my best advice is to play it safe without giving in to fear, since stress is so detrimental to the body’s protective systems. These efforts at defense can help boost your overall health and protect against problems related to radiation of all types — especially the radioactive elements leaking from Fukushima like cesium 134 and 137, iodine 131 and strontium 90.

The best way to protect against the damaging effects of any kind of radiation is to consume an abundance of foods and natural supplements. These not only defend against radiation and remove it from the body, but offer numerous other health and immune benefits as well. Natural detoxifiers, trace minerals, antioxidants and immune boosters are among the most important types of nutrients that offer substantial radiation protection.

Kelp Can Help

Kelp has one of the highest mineral contents of any food and includes therapeutic levels of the mineral iodine. Dietary iodine blocks radioactive iodine from being absorbed by the thyroid.

The minerals in kelp help balance this form of iodine and make it much safer than taking high-dose synthetic iodine supplements. Kelp’s minerals also help prevent the absorption of other radioactive isotopes in the body and make them easier to eliminate.

Sea vegetables like kelp provide critical support and protection for the immune system, a part of the body essential during times of stress and exposure to harmful pollution, including radiation. Kelp is also a powerful detoxifying agent, thanks to its high levels of chlorophyll and other nutrients, mainly a substance called sodium alginate. Sodium alginate effectively binds to and removes radioactive particles, heavy metals and toxins from the body and was used to treat Chernobyl victims even years after the accident. However, there’s just one caveat: If your kelp is sourced from the Pacific Ocean, reports show that there is a chance it may be contaminated with radioactive elements from Fukushima. Make sure to inquire about the kelp you purchase to ensure that it is safely harvested from oceans such as the North Atlantic and/or tested for radioactive contamination.

Pectins And Alginates

Two of the most important nutrients that remove radiation from the body are modified citrus pectin (MCP) and sodium alginates. MCP has been shown in clinical studies to selectively remove toxic heavy metals from the body while not affecting the essential minerals. Furthermore, both pectins and alginates were used to treat victims of Chernobyl: They have been proven to bind to radioactive isotopes, heavy metals and toxins, removing them from the body safely. In addition, MCP helps maintain cellular health by protecting against abnormal cellular replication. This is an important consideration because of the significant damage to DNA replication that can result from radiation exposure.

Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and Cordyceps have been proven effective in preventing radiation-induced damage to bone marrow, intestines, internal organs and cells. These mushrooms can help protect against and repair radiation-induced changes in the body, boost immunity, detoxify tissues, regulate healthy cell replication and boost overall health. Look for a comprehensive medicinal mushroom formula that is grown in the United States in controlled conditions for optimal quality and purity.

Antioxidants, Nutrients And Botanicals For Detoxification And Cellular Protection

High-powered antioxidants are very important for protecting against radiation damage. Antioxidants protect DNA integrity, counteract inflammation from toxins and radiation, boost immunity, detoxify the body and promote overall health.

Glutathione is one of the most potent natural antioxidants produced by the human body. It is known to detoxify and protect against heavy metals and radioactive toxins. The best way to supplement glutathione is to take nutrients and herbs that act as precursors to glutathione. These include cilantro, garlic, milk thistle, dandelion, R-lipoic acid, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and whey powder.

I also recommend taking a Phase II detox formula containing a synergistic blend of glutathione precursors and other botanicals and nutrients specifically shown to remove heavy metals and toxins from deep within the body. Additional protective antioxidants include vitamins C, A, and E; selenium; and vitamin D-3. Rosemary and sea buckthorn are two other potent antioxidant botanicals that demonstrate protection from radiation damage.

Zinc, B12, folic acid and magnesium are essential cofactors for numerous detoxification pathways. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage are powerful, nutrient-dense foods that can provide additional cellular protection and detoxification support.

Engage In A Seasonal Fall Cleanse

Seasonal cleansing and detoxification protocols are important to enhance immune function and overall health. In the case of potential radiation exposure, a seasonal cleanse can play a vital role in making sure your detoxification channels are functioning optimally to avoid the accumulation of radioactive particles deep within your tissues and organs.

Stay Healthy And Stress-Free

Overall, the most important thing to do is keep stress levels to a minimum and make sure your body is properly nourished with the right nutrients and botanicals for maximum immune function and detoxification capacity. While these protocol recommendations can help against radiation damage, they also boost overall health, help reduce stress and protect your body from chronic illness over the long term.

For more detoxification and wellness information, visit www.dreliaz.org

http://easyhealthoptions.com/alternative-medicine/protect-yourself-from-the-radiation-danger/

Top 10 Spices with Health Benefits

6 Foods for Natural Heavy Metal Chelation

by Elizabeth Renter
March 14th, 2013
Updated 03/14/2013 at 3:55 am


Heavy metals can do significant damage to the body. Historically, they’ve been used as “an instrument of murder” (in the case of arsenic) and instruments of war. But most people who are exposed to heavy metals in today’s times are through their food, water, vaccines, or the air around them. The good news is that there are natural ways to chelate heavy metals from your body.

In high amounts, heavy metal toxicity can cause numerous symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and even death. In lower amounts toxicity from lead or mercury, for example, can have much subtler effects. In either case, however, ridding the body of these harmful metals is important.

Removal of heavy metals from the body is known as chelation. This word actually comes from the Greek word “claw” and was used because early practitioners saw substances that they believed grabbed a hold of the metals and carried them out of the body through the digestive system. The term stuck.

Fortunately, there are foods with natural chelation properties. In cases of minor exposure, you don’t need to spend a fortune on prescriptions or even supplements in order to restore optimal health. The following are natural heavy metal chelating agents.

• Amino Acids. Amino acids are great at removing metals from the body – so good for meat eaters. These proteins are found in eggs and fish, among other things, and can work to increase liver health and balance enzyme production.

• Cilantro. Cilantro is just one super-herb that can effectively remove heavy metals (aluminum, mercury, and lead in particular) – in only two weeks. Also, because these metals can damper the immune system, cilantro is also recognized as an immune-booster.

• Food-Grade Activated Charcoal - Dr. Al Sears, MD, has his patients use food-grade activated charcoal for general detoxifying; this includes detoxing heavy metals. For heavy metal detoxifying, he recommends a total of 20 grams per day, spaced apart in two to four doses, over a 12 day period. I prefer taking a heaping tablespoon once in the morning, well before breakfast for general detoxification.

• Brazil Nuts: Not necessarily a chelation food, Brazil nuts actually work to restore the good minerals, like selenium and zinc, that may be lost in the chelation process.

• Onions and garlic. The sulfur in onions and garlic can also work to eliminate heavy metals. Along with these, things like eggs, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage also have high sulfur content.

• Chlorella. The superfood known as chlorella can serve as a mild chelation-helper. You can find it in supplement form or as a powder to add to various dishes.

If you’re looking for a more advanced way to cleanse your body of heavy metals, Dr. Edward Group has a great starter heavy metal cleansing kit as well as an advanced kit.

Source:  http://naturalsociety.com/6-foods-natural-heavy-metal-chelation/

How to Detox with Chlorella

January 28, 2013                   

Story at-a-glance

• Exposures to heavy metals and other toxins are now so widespread, regular detoxing is more or less an essential part of life, especially if you’re planning a pregnancy
• Chlorella is a potent detox agent for mercury and other heavy metals. In one animal study, mice given chlorella along with methylmercury excreted about twice the amount of mercury compared to those not given chlorella
• Continuous administration of chlorella has also been found to significantly lower the amount of methylmercury transferred from pregnant mice to their offspring
• Methylmercury is a neurotoxic compound. The two primary sources of mercury exposure is from dental fillings and seafood, which is why pregnant women are advised to abstain from fish and avoid so-called ‘silver fillings’

By Dr. Mercola

Chlorella, single-celled fresh water algae, is often referred to as a near-perfect food, with a wide range of health benefits.

A recent study investigated the effects of chlorella on methylmercury transfer to fetuses during pregnancy. Pregnant mice were fed diets containing either 0% or 10% chlorella powder, along with methylmercury in their drinking water.

Two neonates were randomly selected from each mother mouse within 24 hours of birth, and examined for mercury in the blood, brain, liver, and kidneys. The mothers were also examined for mercury. According to the study:¹

"The blood and brain [mercury] levels of both neonates and mothers in the [chlorella powder] diet group were significantly lower...

The results obtained here revealed that continuous [chlorella powder] intake suppressed [methylmercury] transfer to the fetus, in addition to effective suppressing [methylmercury] accumulation in brains of the mothers."

Methylmercury is a neurotoxic compound widely used in industrial applications. It accumulates in fish, which has led to widespread advisories against fish consumption by pregnant women. In fetuses and developing infants it can have negative effects on attention span, language, visual-spatial skills, memory and coordination. An estimated 60,000 children each year are born at risk for neurological problems due to methylmercury exposure in the womb.
 

Do You Need to Detox?

Heavy metal toxicity, just like chemical toxicity, has become one of the most pressing health hazards of our day. Whether you recognize it or not, your body is assailed by chemicals and heavy metals on a daily basis. The two primary sources of mercury exposure are:

• Seafood
• Dental fillings (mercury amalgams, better known as 'silver fillings')

The average individual has eight amalgam fillings, from which they could absorb up to 120 micrograms of mercury per day. For comparison, estimates of the daily absorption of mercury from fish and seafood are 2.3 micrograms, and from all other foods, air, and water is 0.3 micrograms per day. Adults with four or more amalgams run a significant risk of mercury-related health problems from them, while in children as few as two amalgams will contribute to health problems.

It's important to realize that mercury and other heavy metals accumulate in your body, and your levels therefore increase with age. Such bioaccumulation also poses a direct threat to the developing fetus in pregnant women, as mentioned above.

While detoxing was once considered a 'fad,' in today's world, regular detoxing has become more or less a necessity, especially if you're planning a pregnancy. It's wise for most people to proactively remove metals from their body before becoming plagued by symptoms. If you already have symptoms (see below), then ridding your body of metals may help resolve them.

Cilantro can be used as a synergetic aid along with chlorella. It's particularly useful to take when consuming seafood.

Chlorella's effectiveness was demonstrated in a study last year,² where mice given chlorella along with methylmercury excreted approximately twice the amount of methylmercury in their urine and feces, compared to mice not treated with chlorella.
 

Signs and Symptoms of Mercury Toxicity

As mercury and other heavy metals build up in your body over time, they can produce chronic symptoms that you might never associate with your love for sushi, or your dental fillings. Mercury is especially damaging to your central nervous system (CNS), and studies show that mercury in the CNS causes psychological, neurological, and immunological problems. Some of the symptoms of mercury build-up and toxicity include:

Fatigue	Aching joints	Depression, irritability, anxiety
Digestive distress and reduced ability to properly assimilate and utilize fats	Impaired blood sugar regulation	Female reproductive problems such as menstrual difficulties, infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension and premature birth
Neuron degeneration	Central nervous system damage	Kidney damage

 

Mercury Testing: What You Need to Know

Traditional mercury testing involves testing either your hair, blood, urine, or stool.  

Challenge tests that implement a chelating chemical, such as DMPS or DMSA, are also commonly used. However, all of these tests have drawbacks. They primarily measure total mercury load — and inaccurately at that. But most importantly they don’t give you any information about the forms of mercury in your system or how efficiently you are getting rid of them.

Traditional mercury tests don’t answer questions like, how much of your mercury load is from the seafood you eat? How much from amalgams? How well are your kidneys and liver eliminating it?

The two principal forms of mercury accumulate differently in your body, and are eliminated by different pathways. For example, mercury levels in your hair only reflect the mercury from the fish you eat. But mercury levels in your urine reflect the mercury coming from your dental fillings (plus some of the fish-based methylmercury that has broken down into inorganic mercury). The only way to determine if there is a problem is to compare your hair and urine levels with levels in your blood. So, if mercury testing is to be meaningful, it must measure both of the following:

1. Exposure level: Overall mercury level for each of the two main forms of mercury (methylmercury, related to your fish/seafood consumption, and inorganic mercury, related to dental amalgam exposure)
2. Excretion ability: How well your body is getting rid of each kind of mercury, regardless of your overall mercury level

A newer testing method called “mercury speciation” does just this — it measures both of these factors. This test uses blood, urine and hair to give you a more comprehensive picture of how your body is eliminating mercury and where the process may be blocked. 

This information can be immensely helpful in preparing a successful detoxification plan. For more information about mercury speciation testing, refer to my recent interview with Dr. Shade below.

Download Interview Transcript

 

How to Use Chlorella

Preferably, you'll want to take it in the morning. Many chlorella products are sold in small tablets, typically 500 mg each, which means you should take several tablets a day. According to Ginny Banks, an expert in functional foods and nutraceuticals:

"It's not something that you just take occasionally like some herbs or some supplements. Chlorella is something you want to be taking every day… You need to be getting at least 4 grams each day of chlorella to get the benefits that it provides."

I recommend starting with a lower dose and slowly work your way up to 4 grams. Taking it with food can help alleviate nausea. Mild diarrhea may also occur. For more information and guidance on detoxing mercury, please see my full protocol.
 

To Get the Health Benefits, Make Sure You're Getting a Good Product

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a chlorella product is its digestibility. The key to its detoxing abilities lies within the membrane of this single cell, but the cell wall of chlorella is actually indigestible to humans.

"Broken cell wall" is the term most often used to describe that it has been rendered digestible. If a product does not specify that the cell wall has been broken, you're likely flushing your money down the toilet as the chlorella will simply pass right through you without doing you any good. And detox is certainly not the only benefit that you'll miss out on.

Chlorella has a number of other health benefits. The web site GreenMedInfo has assembled a list of studies³ that found evidence of over 40 different health conditions that chlorella can help to prevent or ease. Here's a sampling of some of the health benefits associated with this green algae:

Repairing nerve tissues	Increasing your energy levels
Enhancing your immune system	Normalizing your blood sugar
Improving digestion	Normalizing your blood pressure
Promoting healthy pH levels in your gut, which in turn helps good bacteria to thrive	Removing potentially toxic metals from your body

 

Overall CAUTION

It is important to realize that any mercury detoxification is a marathon and NOT a sprint. You do NOT want to do this quickly. Even if you believe you are healthy you want to start this process SLOWLY as you could easily cause severe flare ups. I am one of the healthiest people I know and when I did my program I did it over six months. Some people may need to do it far more slowly and may need a few years to effectively eliminate the mercury safely.

Your Most Important Goal: Removing the Source of Exposure

The very first goal is to plug the hole in your leaking ship. You must remove your source of mercury exposure, whether it’s primarily from the seafood you eat or from amalgams (or both). Mercury speciation testing, as described above, can help you identify which source is problematic. There is little point in embarking on a major detox mission if you continue exposing yourself to the offender... that’s like trying to bail water out of a sinking boat. Avoid the consumption of contaminated fish and seafood. Most fish and seafood are now contaminated, unfortunately, but some types are worse than others.  

Avoiding fish is relatively easy, but having your amalgams removed is more involved and costly and must be done with great care. You should do this ONLY with the help of a qualified biological dentist as you can become quite ill if your amalgams are extracted incorrectly.

However, if you have a mouthful of amalgams it is no mystery that you have exposure that ideally needs to be addressed. Just be very careful about jumping from the frying pan into the fire and have your mercury amalgam fillings removed by a non-biological dentist like I did. That mistake caused very serious damage to my kidneys that still troubles me 20 years later. You can find a trained and qualified dentist from the following list:

• International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT)
• International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM)
• ToxicTeeth.org
• Holistic Dental Association
• Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS)
• Huggins Applied Healing

[-] Sources and References

• ¹ The Influence of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5 on the absorption and excretion of methylmercury (MeHg) in Mice, Journal of Toxicological Sciences, Oc
• ² The Influence of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5 on the absorption and excretion of methylmercury (MeHg) in Mice, Journal of Toxicological Sciences, Oc
• ³ Chlorella (Algae), GreenMedInfo.

Source: How to Detox with Chlorella

10 reasons to try a juice cleanse

Monday, December 17, 2012 by: PF Louis

(NaturalNews) Juicing is an essential part of creating health. Whether done as part of a fast or routinely within your weekly food consumption, it may provide more cleansing and nutrients than heavy supplement dosing. And it's cheaper.

All that's required is a good juicer and knowing what vegetables and fruits to use. The latter comes with practice and research. This article will help begin that research. But the juicer part is easy.

Choose an easy to clean, slow speed masticating juicer with one or two augers. An auger is a large screw-like device that "chews" the produce as it forces it through, separating the juice from the pulp.

The high speed centrifugal juicer machines create enough heat, twisting, and torquing to damage many of the enzymes that are necessary for us but lost in cooking and processing foods. The slow speed masticating machines preserve them. (http://www.naturalnews.com/031411_cancer_prevention.html)

Centrifugal juicers usually don't separate the pulp from the juice, and they are much harder to clean. That's enough to discourage any busy or lazy person from continuing with juicing. They also cost more. Slow speed masticating juicers cost considerably less.

Some brands that offer slow speed, masticating juicers are Huron, Omega, and Champion. The more basic the machine, the easier they are to clean by just rinsing with running water.

You should drink the juice shortly after juicing. Even 24 hours in the fridge reduces its potency. You should use only organic vegetables and fruits.

10 reasons why you should juice

(1) Max Gerson created a highly successful system of healing from cancer and other diseases with a huge focus on juicing. He used coffee enemas to detox the liver. At the Gerson Institute, you can expect to drink up to a dozen glasses of freshly produced vegetable/fruit juices daily.

The Gerson method has cured stage IV cancer patients who had gone through immune destroying, mainstream medical treatments unsuccessfully. If it does that, think of what a lesser level of juicing can do for your overall health.

(2) Juicing offers the most compact form of high quantity, plant-based medicine. (http://www.naturalnews.com/022368_juice_Feasting_disease.html)

(3) You can pick and juice the veggies and fruits of your choice according to what you perceive as most beneficial.

(4) The Gerson Therapy includes carrots to "sweeten" the mix along with greens and usually one apple that includes skin and seeds. Greens alone tend to be bitter. The glycemic concerns for raw carrot juice is generally overplayed. (http://www.naturalnews.com/034511_carrots_juicing_health_benefits.html)

(5) Beets also work as sweeteners for greens. Beets are terrific blood purifiers that contain cancer inhibiting qualities. (http://www.naturalnews.com/030052_beets_juice.html)

(6) Kale begs to be sweetened by beets, carrots, or an apple. It's an extremely bitter green that few bother to eat raw or cooked. It is considered the beef of vegetables because of its high protein content with many other nutrients without the toxins of animal protein foods. (http://www.naturalnews.com/035986_kale_beef_plants.html)

(7) Throw a couple of cloves of garlic into the juicer to get garlic's maximum benefits. (http://www.naturalnews.com/029701_garlic_superfood.html)

(8) Cilantro is a proven mercury/heavy metal chelator. It's easy to include a bunch with any other items you juice at any time. (http://www.naturalnews.com/027434_cilantro_natural_detox.html)

(9) Celery is an underrated vegetable. It can provide a considerable amount of juice inexpensively with other veggie/fruit items. (http://www.naturalnews.com/024596_celery_juicing.html)

(10) Apples are the among most sprayed produce items. You can select your own organic apples to make apple juice, or simply use one in each batch of veggies as a sweetener. (http://www.naturalnews.com/033765_apples_brain_power.html)

Bonus reason: Overweight 100 pounds, chronically ill and on lots of medications, Australian futures trader Joe Cross put himself on a 60 day juicing fast. He lost the 100 pounds, the disease, and its required meds. A full length documentary follows him on his USA road trip while he fasted. Here's the documentary trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv3vEXy_EwU).

Sources for this article include:

http://www.everydiet.org/diet/mucusless-diet
http://www.powerjuicer.com/pr/pr-2004-07.html
http://www.bragg.com/about/paul.html
http://www.chipsa.com/gerson_juices.html

Source: 10 reasons to try a juice cleanse

Defend Your Health In A Toxic World

Dr. Isaac Eliaz | Jan 20, 2012 | Comments 11

Today’s modern world bristles with health-robbing toxins. These harmful substances lurk in our food, water, air, household products and the environment.
Luckily, a few simple measures can save your health by helping you avoid these undesirables and boost your body’s natural detoxification defenses.

Toxic Burden

Studies over the past several years reveal that many people’s bodies are burdened with alarmingly high levels of many common, yet dangerous, toxins which are closely linked to numerous chronic illnesses, developmental conditions and behavioral problems. Some of the most prevalent toxins and pollutants found within and around us today include: bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, PFOA, formaldehyde, PDBEs, dioxins and heavy metals. By avoiding exposure to these all-too-common health menaces and taking regular measures to safely detoxify your body, home and surroundings, you can help protect your long-term health and possibly reduce environmental harm:

• Bisphenol-A (BPA): A chemical found in plastic that may mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting endocrine system functions. Each year in the United States, nearly 90 million plastic bottles are produced and purchased, burdening both the environment and your health. BPA from these containers seeps into your beverages at high temperatures, especially in hot weather. To minimize damage to both the planet and your health, try glass or stainless steel bottles and containers, which can be safely re-used by everyone in the family.


• Phthalates: Chemicals that bind other chemicals together and soften plastics. Sources include shampoo, perfumes, soaps, shower curtains and vinyl flooring. Phthalates also may harmfully disturb the endocrine system. Try to avoid using personal care products that contain fragrances which frequently contain phthalates.


• Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): Substance applied to the surfaces of non-stick products. It’s believed that heating non-stick pans and cookware releases PFOA vapors that you may inhale. PFOA has also been found in drinking water sources. Avoid non-stick cookware and opt for stainless steel or cast iron instead.


• Formaldehyde: A glue resin found heavily in constructed wood products, such as particle board, plywood and fiberboard. This chemical is released in vapor through a process known as “off-gassing.” To reduce exposure, purchase exterior-grade pressed-wood products, which release much lower amounts of formaldehyde. Increasing ventilation in your home can also help reduce indoor air levels.


• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): Flame retardants. Although they are in many different products, they get into our bodies primarily from the dust in our homes. Items like televisions and computers contain these chemicals and gradually expel them, letting them concentrate in dust. Breathing in or touching this dust is indeed dangerous, so make sure you regularly clean and dust your house.


• Dioxins: Chemicals produced during combustion, in industrial settings as well as in common incineration and burn processes such as wood fires, backyard waste, diesel exhaust and others. Dioxins also form during bleach processes like paper pulp bleaching, as well as in the manufacture of chemical pesticide/herbicides. Your main route of exposure to dioxins is probably from dioxin-contaminated food. Dioxin accumulates in fat tissues and can increase the risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular illness, reproductive/developmental problems and other degenerative conditions.


• Harmful Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and other metals are industrial byproducts. These are alarmingly present in a large number of everyday sources including food (especially mercury in seafood), medicines, water, bath and household products. Unlike beneficial metals such as copper, zinc and iron, harmful heavy metals are not processed by the body. They accumulate in soft tissues, where they eventually wreak havoc by damaging DNA and disrupting critical biological functions.

Detoxify

Safely detoxifying heavy metals and environmental toxins is critical for long-term health and wellness. As an integrative practitioner, I have witnessed many people improve their clinical symptoms and regain their health with a comprehensive, gentle and long-term detoxification program. My top recommendations for the safe removal of toxins and heavy metals have been well researched and shown to reduce toxic body burden without affecting essential minerals:

• Modified Citrus Pectin: First used in Chernobyl to remove heavy metals and radioactive particles, modified citrus pectin is a gentle yet effective chelator of heavy metals and dangerous toxins from the circulation and digestive tract. It also provides a wide range of additional cellular health benefits.


• Modified Alginates: These seaweed-derived alginates help to bind with heavy metals and environmental toxins and allow the body to safely excrete them.


• Medicinal mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms, in particular reishi and Cordyceps, can help protect against and repair some toxin-induced damages in the body, boost immunity, detoxify tissues, regulate healthy cell replication and boost overall health.


• Antioxidants for Detoxification and Cellular Protection: High-powered antioxidants are crucial for protecting against toxin-related damage. Antioxidants protect DNA integrity, soothe inflammation from toxins, boost immunity, detoxify the body and promote overall health. Glutathione, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, is produced by the body and is known to detoxify and protect against heavy metals and radioactive toxins. The best way to supplement glutathione is to take nutrients and herbs which act as precursors to glutathione. These include cilantro, garlic, milk thistle, dandelion, lipoic acid, N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) and whey powder. I recommend taking a synergistic blend of glutathione precursors and other botanicals and nutrients specifically shown to remove heavy metals and toxins from deep within the body.

However you plan to detoxify from harmful pollutants, a fresh, healthy diet with a focus on organic fruits and vegetables and plenty of pure water and hydration should be your foundation. Don’t neglect this aspect of health. Otherwise, you leave your body virtually defenseless against a world saturated with toxic substances.

http://easyhealthoptions.com/cancer/defend-your-health-in-a-toxic-world/

The Healing Pharmacy In Your Garden

Dr. Isaac Eliaz | Apr 13, 2012 | Comments 6

For countless years, traditional healers have taught the benefits of easing illness with a healthy lifestyle and the use of herbs and botanicals. But don’t think you have to get all your herbs from a jar. Many remarkable healing herbs are growing in your yard. Herbs and spices can be picked a few steps from your front door and used to perk up your cooking and your health.

Medicinal Plants

Today, it’s easy to forget that some of the most beneficial medicinal plants can be found growing in our own backyards. Some are considered pesky weeds even though they are valuable herbs.

While Western medicine relies heavily on prescription drugs, most practitioners of Eastern medicine disciplines, as well as traditional naturopathic doctors and herbalists, consider many herbs and botanicals to be safer — and sometimes more effective — alternatives. As an integrative medical doctor and natural product formulator, I base much of my clinical practice and my formulations on the use of all-natural nutrients, herbs and botanicals which promote health via numerous mechanisms of action. Using medicinal herbs and botanicals in their whole, natural form allows you to benefit from the synergistic effects of complex chemical components such as antioxidants and phytonutrients, as they occur in nature. Surround your home and fill your gardens with healing herbs and plants, and support your health from multiple angles.

Here are some commonly grown herbs and botanicals which offer powerful health benefits.

Thyme

Thyme contains potent therapeutic essential oils and compounds and is considered one of nature’s most powerful antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial plants. Thyme is most commonly taken as a tea, and has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout the centuries. As a decongestant, it is useful in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is a powerful agent for boosting immunity and treating various types of infections. Thyme tea can also help relieve headaches and menstrual pain, and helps alleviate digestive issues.

Garlic

Garlic contains a number of active components, including allicin, alliinase and sulfur compounds, which contribute to its potent antibiotic, antiviral and fungicidal properties. These components make garlic highly potent in protecting against infection, lowering high blood pressure, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system. Garlic can effectively protect blood cells and blood vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, and can naturally decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Garlic’s diverse cardiovascular benefits derive from its sulfur compounds and its high levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that protects against damage to blood vessel walls and reduces levels of oxidizing free radicals in the bloodstream. Vitamin B6 lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage blood vessel walls. Garlic is also a sulfur agent helpful for the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Mint

In addition to carrying a distinct, pleasing fragrance, mint is a cooling herb that can settle the digestive tract or decrease the severity and length of stomach aches and digestive discomfort. The herb can be added to teas, salads or eaten raw to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, hinder the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. Mint is highly useful for clearing congestion of the nose, throat and lungs, helping to provide relief of respiratory distress in people with asthma, colds or allergies.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a popular Mediterranean herb whose leaves and seeds (known as coriander) contain powerful compounds known to efficiently remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. The compounds in this herb bind to heavy metals, loosen them from the tissues, blood and organs, and then assist in transporting these toxins out of the body through the body’s organs of elimination. Cilantro is naturally rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, helping to reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol,” while increasing HDL or “good cholesterol.” The plant’s leaves and stems contain an abundance of polyphenolic flavonoids like quercetin, which have been shown to modulate proteins linked to cell survival and healthy cellular growth/behavior.

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetables, a group of plants including cabbage, collards, cauliflower and kale, that offer powerful health benefits. Broccoli is high in vitamin C, and is a natural source of critical compounds that support health like DIM and indole-3-carbinol. These and other phytonutrients in broccoli help boost immunity, increase DNA repair, protect cardiovascular health, fight against cancer growth and proliferation, and support overall health and wellness. Your mother was right to urge you to “Eat your broccoli!”

Ginger

Ginger has long been used to relieve gastrointestinal issues like nausea, indigestion and infection. Studies show that compounds called gingerols, naturally present in the ginger plant, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Fighting inflammation is perhaps the most critical quality of ginger’s natural healing properties, since chronic inflammation is the precursor to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Ginger is a warming herb that promotes circulation, heat and sweating, helping to clear your body’s systems of toxic buildup and fight infections. Ginger is hearty and can grow outside of its native tropical climate. But if you live in a colder area, simply keep it in a pot and bring it indoors during winter to avoid freezing.

Easy To Grow

There are numerous common herbs, botanicals, fruits and vegetables that can be easily grown from seeds or starters, and provide a multitude of health benefits, especially when eaten fresh. Turning to your garden for safe and natural plant-based remedies is a simple, eco-friendly and affordable way to maintain health and vitality, while building immunity and preventing many common illnesses. Spring is the perfect time of year to cultivate a healing garden, and nurture your blossoming health. For more practical information on all-natural remedies, visit http://www.dreliaz.org/.

http://www.easyhealthoptions.com/alternative-medicine/the-healing-pharmacy-in-your-garden/