WHY TAKE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS?

WHY TAKE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Presented to you bt Diane Frances CNC and by Lawrence Wilson, MD

© Revised, July 2009, The Center For Development

Many people ask why one needs to take vitamins or minerals in dosages exceeding the recommended daily allowances?
Among the reasons are depleted soil, low-nutrient crops, food processing and the use of pesticides and herbicides on our crops. Others include stress, special circumstances like pregnancy, and that we use nutrients for therapy, not just to avoid deficiency diseases. Let us discuss the topic of nutritional supplements in detail.

FALLACIES OF THE RDAs AND MDRs

Government bureaucrats meet periodically to decide the levels of the recommended daily allowances (RDA) or minimum daily allowances (MDRs) of common nutrients. The main criterion is the amount needed to prevent deficiency diseases. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, and B1 deficiency causes pellagra.

While this approach is okay as far as it goes, these recommendations have little to with optimum health. One of every two Americans will contract cancer and 50% of the population by age 40 have a chronic illness. In theory, most of these people meet or exceed the RDAs for nutrients.

The theory of the RDAs ignores more subtle aspects of nutrition such as the effect of vitamin C or zinc on tumor inhibition. This is much harder to measure, so it is ignored. The government requires that companies print the percentage of the RDA on each supplement bottle. This can cause alarm until one understands why the RDAs are inappropriate and often irrelevent.

BIOCHEMICAL INDIVIDUALITY

For optimum health, one needs different concepts of nutrition. One of these is biochemical individuality. The term was coined by Dr. Roger Williams to describe his research finding that nutritional needs vary tremendously from person to person.

From this perspective, averages and standards mean very little. I use hair mineral analysis to assess each person's oxidation rate, stage of stress, trace element levels, toxic metal levels, digestive adequacy, state of the immune system and other factors that can be identified on the test.

I also take into account each person's age, sex, weight and health conditions including pregnancy and acute or chronic illnesses. All these affect one's nutritional requirements.

ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION

Orthomolecular nutrition is related to biochemical individuality. The term was coined by the late Dr. Linus Pauling. It means to give the amount needed of a nutrient, not some average or standard amount.

My recommendations differ from those of many other nutritionist, physicians and orthomolecular physicians in that we use foods and nutrients not just to correct symptoms, but to balance body chemistry. For example, a person in an alarm stage requires more calcium, copper, magnesium, choline and inositol. However, excessive vitamin B-complex or C may be harmful for that person.

A person in the exhaustion stage of stress requires more B-complex and C and less copper. By properly combining nutrients and taking into account mineral levels, ratios and patterns, our programs are more precise and correction deeper and more permanent.



OTHER REASONS FOR HIGH NUTRIENT DOSAGES



I also recommend higher dosages of certain nutrients for other reasons. These include:



1) Most people today are born depleted and toxic. Even if one eats the best food, and one’s health were perfect, most of us are born today with nutritional deficiencies, thanks to deficiencies in our parents. Both nutrient deficiencies, and toxic metals that require extra nutrients for their removal, are passed from mother to child through the placenta.



2) Today's soil is depleted. Many soils are low in zinc, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, calcium and magnesium. This means that although one eats an excellent diet of organic foods, one will not obtain all the nutrients one needs.



3) High-yield crops are deficient in certain nutrients. Ten times the amount of wheat is grown on the same land as was grown 100 years ago. Today's wheat contains about 6% protein whereas 100 years ago it contained 12-14%. Trace mineral levels are similarly much lower due to high-yield farming methods.



4) Modern fertilizers do not supply enough trace elements. One hundred years ago, manures were used extensively for fertilizer. Today, superphosphate fertilizers have largely replaced manures. These contain mainly nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus and are deficient in the trace elements contained in manures.

Superphosphates often act more as growth stimulants. This has contributed greatly to depletion of the soil and crop minerals. This includes organically grown food, although it is much better..



5) Pesticides and herbicides kill soil microorganisms and affect the nutrition of the crops. Soil microorganisms are needed to make minerals and other nutrients available to plants. The result is lower nutrient content. Also, our bodies require extra nutrients to process pesticide residues that remain inside the foods.

Many pesticides are deadly chemicals that severely tax the human system. Some contain lead, arsenic and other toxic metals that slowly accumulate in the body unless and until one follows a health program designed to remove them.

Our laws currently allow sewage and factory sludge to be sold as fertilizer that contains significant quantities of toxic metals. These add greatly to our toxic metal burden and require extra nutrients to help remove them from the body.



6) Long-distance transportation of many foods diminishes their nutrition. Many foods are grown thousands of miles from population centers. They may spend a week on trucks or trains to reach you.

As soon as a food is harvested, the levels of certain nutrients begins to diminish. This is another factor that reduces our nutrient intake and increases the need for supplements.



7) Food processing often drastically reduces nutrient content. Refining of wheat to make white flour removes 80% of its magnesium, 70-80% of its zinc, 87% of its chromium, 88% of its manganese and 50% of its cobalt.

Refining sugar cane to make white sugar removes 99% of its magnesium and 93% of its chromium. Polishing rice removes 75% of its zinc and chromium. Canned food may be quite old. Frozen foods are nutritionally better but not as good as excellent fresh vegetables, meats, dairy and other products.



8) Food additives can further deplete nutrients. Thousands of artificial flavors, colors, dough conditioners, stabilizers and preservatives are added to many foods. While some are harmless and may increase the value of food, many are toxic and can deplete the body of nutrients. For example, EDTA added to some frozen vegetables to preserve the color of the vegetable does so by removing vital minerals from the vegetable so it does not “tarnish”.



9) Weakened digestion and resulting poor absorption of nutrients. A result of eating refined, low-quality food with hundreds of food additives is that most people's digestion is impaired. This further impairs nutrient absorption and increases nutritional needs. This is why in nutritional balancing programs, everyone is given a digestive aid and liver detoxification supplement.



10) Stressful lifestyles deplete many nutrients including calcium, magnesium and zinc. Zinc begins to be eliminated from the body within minutes of a stress. This is why many people have white spots on their fingernails, for example.

Stress causes excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, which reduces digestive strength. This, in turn, reduces nutrient absorption and utilization even further. Thus, anyone under stress will need even more nutrients than those that live a very peaceful and quite existence.



11) Nutritional Supplements For Healing Illnesses. The use of food extracts, isolates and even synthesized vitamin and mineral supplements for healing is extremely well-documented, even if it is denied by some “health authorities”. Literally millions of pages of research document the benefits of supplementary nutrient therapy for a wide range of illnesses.

Much more is written on this website about these methods. Here I just want to introduce the concept of using isolated nutrients, plant extracts and other supplements for healing.



12) Supplements For Mental And Emotional Healing. Many mental, emotional problems and neurological conditions such as depression, anxiety, epilepsy and many others also respond very well to nutrient supplementation programs.

This is another area of nutrition that is sadly overlooked by the psychological professions as well as by modern psychiatry. Their dependence on drugs is for one reason only. They do not understand the connection between nutrients in the brain and behavior. If they did, they would jump on nutritional balancing science, as it is so powerful, safe and, in many cases, quite simple as well.

If they at least acknowledged the toxicity to the nervous system of common metals like copper, cadmium, mercury and others, we would all be far better off. The drugs are a very poor substitute for fixing brain chemistry, which, as stated above, is often not so difficult if one is trained in this area.

In this context, I will add that I offer training to any practitioner who wishes to learn this. Also we offer a Diploma program for anyone who wishes to become a practitioner in nutritional balancing science.



13) Special life situations. Many life situations also require extra nutrition, including:



· Babies, children, the elderly and athletes.

· Anyone who is ill, particularly those with a chronic illness.

· Pregnant women, and even more so, lactating mothers.

· Anyone who is taking certain medical drugs such as blood pressure pills, anti-depressants or birth control pills, for example.

· Anyone who eats refined foods or chemical additives.

· Those who eat in a hurry, eat in their cars or have other eating habits that impair the absorption of nutrients.

· Anyone using over-the-counter drugs that affect the stomach such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aleve, Motrin, Tylenol, Excedrin, etc).



Add up the numbers in these groups and you have most of the population! Yet few health professionals are taught that almost everyone has special nutritional needs that require extra nutrients beyond that which is available from only the highest quality food, eaten in a slow, peaceful manner.



14) Supplements For Mental or Spiritual Development. An important part of nutritional balancing science is that Dr. Eck found that certain nutrients given at the right time in the right quantities will activate the higher centers in the brain. This has to do with helping people to fulfill their true potential as a human being. Most often this does not occur because the nervous system is depleted and toxic.

For example, zinc and selenium in the proper bioavailable forms are among the most important nutrients that usually need to be supplemented. This is due to widespread deficiencies of these nutrients in the soils and foods of the planet.

In addition, the omega 3 fatty acids and kelp or another iodine supplement are critical for development. This can never happen in the same way using toxic drugs or with just the older methods such as relaxation or meditation.

This is a desperate need for planet earth at this time, for which reason I use the words spiritual development. We will only stop wars, starvation and many other problems when most people are functioning at high levels to solve important problems on earth or just being creative.



OTHER SUPPLEMENT TOPICS - HERBS



Commonly used food supplements include over one thousand herbs. Many come from ancient Chinese, Native American or other healing traditions. Herb texts describe many ways to use herbs for healing and nourishment of the body. Dr. Paul Eck, founder of nutritional balancing science, did not use too many herbs for a number of reasons:



1. Inability to balance the body precisely. Because herbs contain many nutrients and other substances, it is not as easy as it is with isolated nutrients to use herbs to precisely balance mineral ratios on a hair analysis. Since this is the basis for today’s nutritional balancing science, the herbs are of less use.



2. They are often a little toxic. For example, aluminum-containing herbs include peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen. They are helpful to settle an upset stomach, but are also somewhat toxic for this reason. A cup of peppermint tea on a regular basis is therefore not ideal though using it once in a while is fine.

All Chinese or Ayurvedic (East Indian) herbs seem to be somewhat toxic. Occasional use is okay, but regular use is not good at all.



3. Quality can vary tremendously. This problem is getting worse as more people want to use herbs, and there are fewer places to grow them that are free of chemicals and other soil contaminants.



4. Since quality varies, dosing of herbs can be difficult. This means that one does not always know how much to take. If the herb is very potent, much less is needed. This can lead to overdoses.



5. Combinations of herbs can be even more toxic or may not mix well in other ways. This is the same problem as mixing medical drugs, to a degree. Herbal combinations can oppose each other or impact one another in harmful ways, although herbs tend to be safer than medical drugs.



6. Cost. Good quality herbs are often costly. Nutritional balancing attempts to keep costs down wherever possible so more people can benefit. This is another reason herbs are not used much in nutritional balancing.



HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES



Homeopathy is a 150-year-old approach to healing that is extremely interesting. It is a type of energetic medicine using thousands of very diluted and “potentized” remedies that begin as common minerals, herbs, and every other substance imaginable. They are prepared in special ways so that eventually just the energy of the substance remains, with little if any of the original compound or substance. When prescribed correctly, which is very difficult, they may have excellent effects on the body and mind. Homeopathic remedies are generally much safer than pharmaceutical drugs. However, they are not easy to use at all. Other problems with them is they do not balance the oxidation rate or mineral ratios, specifically. Therefore, Dr. Eck did not use them and we do not, either. Exceptions in which they can be helpful are:



1. Symptomatic use. For example, one can go to the health food store and find homeopathic remedies for a cold or flu, to assist sleep, improve digestion, reduce pain and so on.

2. In the future, research may reveal other ways to incorporate them into nutritional balancing protocols in limited ways, such as ‘constitutional remedies’ for various mineral patterns. This is not done today, however.



OTHER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS



Today, thousands of other products are sold as food supplements. Some are excellent and may be added to nutritional balancing programs, at times. For more about some of these products, read the article entitled Specialty Products.

Many products at health food and drug stores, however, should be avoided, however, as most contain toxic substances. A second reason to avoid taking too many supplements is they appear to confuse the body and most are very yin in Chinese medical terminology. This is harmful today, even if the supplement itself is beneficial. I know this is confusing, but it is an important as aspect of supplementation. For more on this topic, read the article Yin and Yang Healing.



Supplements to avoid. The following supplements are generally okay for a month or two. However, avoid all prolonged use:



· Fulvic and humic acid products. These will give symptomatic results, but they contain toxic metals in spades.

· All chelation products. These are often extracts of cilantro, chlorella, bugleweed, yellow dock, and may contain EDTA, DMPS, DMSA and other chelators.

· Clay products such as bentonite, zeolite, montomorillonite, azomite and others that popular today as chelators or cleansing products.

· All herbs, as discussed above. A list of safer herbs is given below. Unfortunately, I find very few herbal products that I can recommend besides simple nourishing herbs such as chamomile tea, hibiscus tea and others.

· Most protein powders, cleansing drinks and powders, intestinal cleansers and related products. These tend to be very yin, nutritionally incomplete and should only be used, if at all, for very short periods of time for these reasons. Whole foods are generally much better. For example, one can live on rice for a week if one wishes to do an intestinal cleanse. However, with most nutritional balancing programs, such cleanses and detoxification regimens are totally unnecessary and usually slow down our progress. Exceptions are rare.

· Herbal fruit drinks. A little of these, such as acai, wolfberry and camu camu, and perhaps a few others are good for a short time. However, most are loaded with fruit juices and other sweeteners, so they are very yin, once again. They can also bad and ferment. They will give symptomatic results, but eventually they make the body extremely yin, which is not helpful in the slightest. Most of the others are once again very yin, which is not too helpful though they are nutritious.

· Many food-based nutritional supplements. While some are needed in nutritional balancing science, most are not. They are excellent for symptomatic purposes, but less effective, often, when the goal is to balance the body chemistry precisely. Dosages are often low, odd ingredients cause problems, and the supplements are more costly. For more on this topic, read Food-Based Supplements.

· Avoid all random and symptomatic supplementation. This is very tempting, but in fact, often slows down progress on nutritional balancing programs. Many supplements are not necessary or helpful in almost all instances. Too many confuse the body, are very yin, and easily negate the benefits of the ones that are needed. Symptomatic nutrition is a completely different approach to healing than nutritional balancing, and one that does not go nearly as deep and is not as thorough as nutritional balancing as it does not enhance vitality in the same way.

· All “natural” and “bio-identical” hormones. Unfortunately, these are becoming more and more widely used. They are all drugs, from our perspective, since hormones are supposed to be made inside the body, second by second, in very precise amounts depending on the body’s needs.
Taking hormones from the outside always upsets the body’s natural feedback mechanisms and, in our experience, always slows or even stops progress on nutritional balancing science. Hormone therapy is part of allopathic medicine, which is a totally different approach to health than nutritional balancing science. Please beware and do not use hormone replacement therapy if at all possible. We find we do not need it in 99% of the cases.

· Also beware of alkaline water machines – all brands. One is basically drinking filtered tap water, which is not great. Then the water is passed over platinum and titanium plates. This will impart a little of these extremely toxic metals to the water, as well.
To alkalinize the body, eat plenty of cooked vegetables. Even worse may be alkaline water from water stores. They begin with reverse osmosis water, which is not healthful. Then they add coral calcium, which often contains some toxic metals. The combination drives the toxic metals deep into the body cells, causing severe problems after a year of so.

· Avoid all water from water machines that use reverse osmosis.



HERBS GENERALLY SAFE FOR OCCASIONAL USE



These include acacia gum, agar, alfalfa, aloe vera, angelica root, anise, ash tree, astragalus, balm of gilead, baptisia or wild indigo, barberry, bayberry, bay leaves, bee pollen, bet root, birch, bittersweet, blackberry, black radish and all radishes, black walnut, bladderwrack, blessed thistle, bloodroot, blue and black cohosh, blue vervain, boneset, borage, buchu, burdock root, calamus root, calendula, camphor, capsicum, caraway, cardamom, cassia oil, cayenne, cedar berries, celery root, chia seeds, cinnamon, cloves, comfrey, don quoi, eluthero, dulse, dill, elder flowers, coriander or cilantro to eat but not extracts, corn silk, cranberry, cumin, daikon, dandelion leaves and roots, dill, dong quai, dulse, echinacea, elder flowers, eleuthero, eucalyptus, eyebright, fennel, fenugreek, flax, fu-sho oil, garlic, geranium, ginger, gingko biloba, goldenrod, green magma, gum Arabic, hawthorn berries, hops, horehound, horseradish, horsetail and huckleberry leaf.

Others are hydrangea, hyssop, Irish moss, jojoba oil, juniper berries, kelp, lady’s slipper, lavender, lemon balm, lemon grass, lily of the valley, linseed oil, maple, marigold, marshmallow root, milk thistle, motherwort, mullein, mustard, myrrh, nettles, nutmeg, oat straw, Oregon grape root, pansy, parsley, passion flower, peach, pennyroyal, peppermint, periwinkle, plaintain, pleurisy root, poke, poplar, prickly pear cactus, psyllium, pygium, pyrus communis, radishes (black, white, red, Russian, Spanish and other), raspberry, red clover, red sage, rhubarb, rose, rosehips, rosemary, safflower, sassafras, saw palmetto, senna, shave grass, shepherd’s purse, skunk cabbage, slippery elm, sorrel, spearmint, squaw vine, St. John’s wort, strawberry leaves, suma, sumach berries, sweet basil, tansy, thuja, thyme, tiger balm, turkey rhubarb, turmeric, unicorn root, uva ursi, valerian, violet leaves, watercress, watermelon seeds, wheat grass juice, white oak bark, white willow, wild cherry bark, wild lettuce, wild yam, wintergreen, witch hazel, wood betony, wood sage, wormwood, yarrow, yellow vervain, and yucca.



SUPPLEMENT LEGISLATION



Food supplements in the United States are protected from excessive regulation by the FDA by the Dietary Health and Supplement Education Act of 1994. Though it has been amended, this law essentially classifies supplements differently than drugs as “foods for special use”. Drug companies and their cronies make every effort to regulate supplements out of existence, as supplements often directly compete with drug profits.

Recently, laws were passed in both houses of Congress, led mainly by Ted Kennedy, Dick Durbin, Hillary Clinton and Henry Waxman. The bill requires supplement companies to comply with the same adverse reporting requirements as drug companies. The cost of implementing this bill could drive many smaller supplement companies out of business. And that is the unspoken goal.

The Codex Alimentarius is a second push by international drug companies and some others to reduce our health status further. This way there will be far more demand for patent remedies, which are drugs.

The Codex would also regulate the supplement industry and perhaps eliminate it altogether unless one has a doctor’s prescription. It could reduce the allowable over-the-counter dosages of all vitamins and minerals to levels so low the products won’t be worth producing.

Food supplements often provide 10 to 100 times the Recommended Daily Allowance of a nutrient. They must do so to offset the poor absorption and extra needs of thousands of people.

The Codex rules are already law in parts of Europe and scheduled to begin to take effect in the United States of America in 2009. If we value our freedom to choose and our health, these and similar efforts must be stopped.



References

Many books and websites provide documentation for this article. Listed below are just a few of them:



1. Anderson, M. and Jensen, B., Empty Harvest: Understanding the Link Between Our Food, Our Immunity and Our Planet, Avery Penguin Putnam, 1993.

2. Atkins, R., Dr. Atkins Health Revolution, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 1988.

3. Fitzgerald, R., The Hundred Year Lie, Dutton, Penguin Group, New York, 2006.

4. Hall, R.H., Food For Naught, The Decline in Nutrition, Vintage Books, New York, 1974.

5. Hoffer, A. and Walker, M., Orthomolecular Nutrition, Keats Publishing, 1978.

6. Illich, I., Medical Nemesis, Bantam Books, New York, 1976.

7. Jensen, B. and Andereson, M., Empty Harvest, Avery, Pnguin Putnam, New York, 1990.

8. Pfeiffer, C.C., Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Keats, Publishing, New Canaan, CT, 1975.

9. Santillo, H., Natural Healing With Herbs, Hohm Press, Prescott, AZ, 1989.

10. Schmidt, M., Smith, L., and Sehnert, K., Beyond Antibiotics, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA,1993.

11. Wilson, L., Nutritional Balancing And Hair Mineral Analysis, The Center For Development, 2005, 2010.

Osteoporosis MYTHS: Calcium and Protein

Dr. Mercola and hundreds of other Alternative physicians, Nutritionist like myself and more... have already busted the myth that you need to use a bisphosphonate drug to keep your bones healthy. But there are two other myths that need dispelling:

Osteoporosis is caused by calcium deficiency: Bone is composed of at least a dozen minerals, and if you focus exclusively on calcium supplementation you are likely going to worsen your bone density and actually increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Overconsumption of calcium creates other mineral deficiencies and imbalances, which then increase your risk of heart disease, kidney stones, gallstones, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, obesity, opportunistic infections and type 2 diabetes.

A high-protein diet leads to osteoporosis: The myth that eating a high protein diet will cause calcium loss through the urine is simply false. Consuming plenty of high quality protein, like free-range eggs and grass-fed meats, ensures that you’ll have the amino acids your body needs to form a strong bone matrix.

My Prescription for Bone Health

These simple guidelines will help you maintain or increase your bone strength safely and naturally, without the use of drugs:

Increase your consumption of vegetables based on your body's unique nutritional type. If you find it difficult to eat the recommended amount of vegetables you need daily, you can also try vegetable juicing. Make sure your veggies are fresh, organic, locally grown vegetables that are not genetically modified.

Consume a healthy balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fats, and reduce or eliminate the amount of processed vegetable oils such as corn, canola, safflower, and soy.

Eat according to your nutritional type. This will ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients for your bones, as well as helping to correct your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.

Avoid gluten, a grain protein that has been shown to decrease bone density. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt.

Avoid soda and sugar, which increase bone damage by depleting your bones of calcium.

Avoid steroids, especially if you have asthma or any other autoimmune disease. Steroids increase your risk for osteoporosis.

Consider supplementing with vitamin K2 if you are not getting enough from food alone. Vitamin K2 serves as the biological "glue" that helps plug the calcium into your bone matrix. The dose is about 185 mcg per day.

Get enough vitamin D, ideally from proper amounts of sun exposure. Vitamin D builds your bone density by helping your body absorb calcium.

Exercise. Studies show that exercise is just as important to your bone health as eating a calcium-rich diet. Strength building exercises like weight training are especially helpful here.

Consider natural progesterone[v], which can increase your bone strength. It does this by serving as a growth promoter for the osteoblasts (the cells that build bone). For more on progesterone, please review Complications Regarding Progesterone Cream





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[i] Jarvinen T.L.N., Slevanen H., Khan K.M., Heinonen A., and Kannus P. “Shifting the focus in fracture prevention from osteoporosis to falls” BMJ (January 19, 2008) 336:124-126

[ii] Edelson E. “Bone strengthening drugs may be overprescribed” (January 18, 2008) The Washington Post

[iii] Murphy K. “Splits form over how to address bone loss” (September 7, 2009) New York Times

[iv] Henry J.H., BSc(Hons), Pasco J.A., Sanders M.S., Nicholson G.C., and Kotowicz M.A. “Fracture risk (FRISK) score: Geelong osteoporosis study” (October 2006) Radiology 241:190-196

What You Risk With Fosamax

What You Risk With Fosamax
Presented to you by Diane Frances CNC-and Dr. Mercola

Merck tried to hide the fact that Fosamax is causing jawbone death, a disease now known to oral surgeons as Bisphosphate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) or “Fossy Jaw,” a nasty side effect of Fosamax and related drugs that is difficult to treat.

Essentially, the condition causes your jawbone to rot and decay—quite ironic considering the drugs are primarily taken by people looking to strengthen their bones.

In addition to BRONJ, bisphosphate drugs have also been associated with:

Serious eye inflammation and possible blindness

Liver damage

Atrial fibrillation

Increased risk of ulcers

Esophageal cancer

Renal failure

Skin reactions

Hypocalcemia (blood calcium levels are too low)

With a resume like this, it’s not surprising that Merck may have intentionally tried to keep the side effects of Fosamax under wraps—what drug representative would want to share this information with potential clients?

Merck did the same thing with their tragically dangerous painkiller, Vioxx.

Fosamax: Works on Bone Cells AND Soap Scum

Bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva, are problematic because they stay in the bone indefinitely and disrupt the normal bone regeneration process.

Healthy bones maintain their strength from a continual process of bone breakdown and bone rebuilding. Osteoclasts are the cells that break down your bone, and osteoblasts are the cells that rebuild it.

Fosamax and similar drugs poison your osteoclasts, permanently killing them—the normal bone repair process is halted. So, your bones will indeed get denser. However, denser bones are NOT stronger bones, which is the part they don’t tell you. In fact, eventually your bones become weaker and more prone to fracture.

Why?

Because bone is a dynamic structure that requires the removal of unhealthy bone and REPLACEMENT with new bone to stay strong. Fosamax does NOT build any new bone. It only kills the cells that break bone down, so your bone is not benefitting from its natural regenerative process.

But don’t throw out that Fosamax just yet!

It’s in the same chemical class (phosphonate) as the cleaners you use to remove soap scum from your bathtub. So, maybe you can make use of it in your bathroom after all.

What You Risk With Fosamax

Merck tried to hide the fact that Fosamax is causing jawbone death, a disease now known to oral surgeons as Bisphosphate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) or “Fossy Jaw,” a nasty side effect of Fosamax and related drugs that is difficult to treat.

Essentially, the condition causes your jawbone to rot and decay—quite ironic considering the drugs are primarily taken by people looking to strengthen their bones.

In addition to BRONJ, bisphosphate drugs have also been associated with:

Serious eye inflammation and possible blindness

Liver damage

Atrial fibrillation

Increased risk of ulcers

Esophageal cancer

Renal failure

Skin reactions

Hypocalcemia (blood calcium levels are too low)

With a resume like this, it’s not surprising that Merck may have intentionally tried to keep the side effects of Fosamax under wraps—what drug representative would want to share this information with potential clients?

Merck did the same thing with their tragically dangerous painkiller, Vioxx.

Fosamax: Works on Bone Cells AND Soap Scum

Bisphosphonate drugs like Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva, are problematic because they stay in the bone indefinitely and disrupt the normal bone regeneration process.

Healthy bones maintain their strength from a continual process of bone breakdown and bone rebuilding. Osteoclasts are the cells that break down your bone, and osteoblasts are the cells that rebuild it.

Fosamax and similar drugs poison your osteoclasts, permanently killing them—the normal bone repair process is halted. So, your bones will indeed get denser. However, denser bones are NOT stronger bones, which is the part they don’t tell you. In fact, eventually your bones become weaker and more prone to fracture.

Why?

Because bone is a dynamic structure that requires the removal of unhealthy bone and REPLACEMENT with new bone to stay strong. Fosamax does NOT build any new bone. It only kills the cells that break bone down, so your bone is not benefitting from its natural regenerative process.

But don’t throw out that Fosamax just yet!

It’s in the same chemical class (phosphonate) as the cleaners you use to remove soap scum from your bathtub. So, maybe you can make use of it in your bathroom after all.

Don't Take Another Drug Until You Read How You're Being Conned...

Warning! Don't Take Another Drug Until You Read How You're Being Conned...
Presented to you by Diane Frances CNC and resources by Dr. Mercola
January 28 2010 15,599 views


Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become thinner, more porous and break more easily. Osteopenia is different from osteoporosis -- it is a slight thinning of bones that occurs naturally as women get older and typically doesn't result in disabling bone breaks.
Osteopenia is a condition that only recently started to be thought of as a problem that required treatment. Until the early 1990’s, only a handful of people had even heard of the word. But osteopenia has transformed from a rarely heard word into a problem that millions of women swallow pills to treat.

The term “osteopenia” was never originally meant to be considered as a disease -- it was a research category used mostly because some thought it might be useful for public health researchers who like clear categories for their studies.

But in 1995, a man named Jeremy Allen was approached by the drug company Merck. The pharmaceutical giant had just released a new osteoporosis drug called Fosamax. Since osteoporosis is a serious problem that affects millions of women, the potential market for Fosamax was enormous. But the drug wasn’t selling well.

Allen persuaded Merck to establish a nonprofit called the Bone Measurement Institute. On its board were six of the most respected osteoporosis researchers in the country.

But the institute itself had a rather slim staff: Allen was the only employee.

In 1997 the institute and several other interested organizations successfully lobbied to pass the Bone Mass Measurement Act, a piece of legislation that changed Medicare reimbursement rules to cover bone scans. More and more women got bone density tests (at Merck’s urging), and the very existence of the word "osteopenia" on a medical report had a profound effect.

Millions of women were worried by the diagnosis. And when clinicians saw the word 'osteopenia' on a report, they assumed it was a disease. Merck did not disabuse them of the notion.

There are no long-term studies that look at what happens to women with osteopenia who start Fosamax in their 50’s and continue treatment long-term in the hopes of preventing old-age fractures. And none are planned

Aloe Vera is a Miracle for Digestive Healing

Aloe Vera and Your Digestive Health IS a must have!
Presented to you by Diane Frances CNC-
with research, documents and testimonials by Dr. Bland

Self Care IS Health Care and Nutritional Awareness IS the Key to Your Health

TRUE HEALTH BEGINS IN YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM...Aloe Vera is must have!

Aloe Vera enjoys a centuries old reputation as a remedy for many digestion and gastrointestinal disorders. Through the years many people have reported that taking Aloe Vera has provided relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and other disorders related to problems in the gastrointestinal system. In recent years, science and research has begun to validate what users have known for a long time: Aloe Vera’s healing properties can offer great relief.

Contrary to what the drug companies lead you to believe, there are all-natural remedies that are readily available. Aloe is on the top of that list. It has been proven to treat so many ailments that it is referred to as a miracle plant.

There have been thousands of scientific studies performed on Aloe's healing abilities and still the public has never heard of most of them. The media will never tell you about these scientific findings because the "big money" drug companies will stop them.The drug industry does not popularize aloe because drug companies can't patent an aloe plant (they wish they could!). Aloe has such an amazing chemical composition, proven scientifically, like no other plant.

"In clinical studies of whole-leaf Aloe Vera’s internal and external uses during the past six months, I have personally witnessed mitigation's or complete resolutions of the following:
Abrasions
Colds
Herpes simplex & zoster Staph infections
Acne Colic
Menstrual cramps & irregularity
Ulcerations
Allergies Denture (gum) sores
Nausea
Burns
Epstein-Barr virus
Chronic fatigue
Hypertension
Constipation
Infections Sunburns
Ulcerative colitis
Arthritis Dermatitis
Parasites (especially protozoan infections)
Vaginitis
Radiation dermatitis
Chemotherapy digestive damage
Medication abuse
Viral infections
Diabetes Peptic & duodenal ulcers
Edema
Psoriasis and soooooooooo much more. A Miracle Plant? YES it is just that!

However...NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The Processing of this plant IS Crucial in getting the most of it's healing benefits.

I Highly RECOMMEND "Ultimatealoe" as shown below in this video.
Your degree of healing will surely vary based on the Purity and Type of Processing of this Aloe Vera plant.
Years of using other Aloe products and years of research shows
This Ultimatealoe product below is what is referred to as 150% ...which means it is Delivered in a very Highly concentrated form.
It provide 50% more active ingredients than ANY other Aloe on the market today.I guarantee it!
DELIVERY AND PROCESSING MATTERS!




To purchase this 150% Pure Concentrated Ultimatealoe---
click here to go to SimplyProductSolutions.com
Search= Health and Nutriton or ust type in "ultimate aloe" and get ready for a Healthier Digestive System and so much more!

...I know you must be thinking that no one plant or product could affect - in some positive way - all of the above. If so, it would be a miracle.
Webster defines a miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment; and a divinely natural occurrence that must be learned humanly.”
By this definition, it is no wonder why thousands of Aloe Vera users worldwide have commonly referred to it as a “miracle plant and a miracle healer!"
Is Aloe vera really a miracle plant? Many facts and continued research are available, so you may decide for yourself.
Organized medicine and pharmacology have not embraced Aloe, because it cannot be patented and its usage threatens literally hundreds of prescription and non-prescription drugs.
"Ultimate Aloe" Vera is hypoallergenic and has no known side effects even in large doses."Hedendal, Bruce Eric (DC, PhD). (N.D.). Whole-leaf Aloe Vera, almost a panacea: An overview of one of the most accepted, yet misunderstood, medicinal plans in history. Simply Natural Products.

"The healing benefits of Aloe vera have been recorded throughout the world forthousands of years. The American medical and pharmaceutical communities most likely have not accepted it because it can’t be patented nor a prescription written for it."Alfred Garbutt, D.C.
Perhaps the most remarkable studies concern the effect of aloe fractions on the status of patients with HIV which causes AIDS. The polysaccharide fraction of aloe was shown to exhibit antiviral activity and enhance immune cell function. Danhof, Ivan E. (PhD, MD).

Take a look below at all of the "Ultimate Aloe" vera scientific research.
If you or someone you know is having ANY and I do mean ANY gastrointestinal or digestion problems, then you need to give Aloe Vera a chance to help Heal You... naturally.
It’s not just a folk remedy anymore or something just for the skin!
Aloe Vera is a Powerful Healing Agent!
Aids in the Gastrointestinal Tract, Digestion and Elimination of dangerous toxins

In an article among thousands, “Effect of Orally Consumed Aloe Vera Juice on Gastrointestinal Function in Normal Human Beings”,
Dr. Jeffrey Bland concluded from the results of a trial
That Aloe vera helps in the following ways:
(1) improves digestion without causing diarrhea,
2) acts as a buffering agent and pH balance-which is vital in the healing of ulcers
(3) reduces fungus yeast content-
(4) promotes a more favorable balance of gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria
(5) relieves bloating and gas
(6) improves and strengthens immune functions
(7) improves bowel regularity
(8) increases in energy levels and an improved sense of well-being.

Dr. Bland is just one among thousands of physicians who goes on to stay that
“it can be confirmed that Aloe Vera juice supplementation in normal individuals is well tolerated and did not produce any covert or overt adverse effects on gastrointestinal physiology. Oral supplementation resulted in improved bowel motility, increased stool specific gravity, and reduced indication of protein putrefaction in the colon. Clinical improvements in intestinal function while supplementing with Aloe vera included reduced bloating after meals and reduced flatulence, indicating improved colonic bacterial function.”

Helps with Ulcers...Big Time!
Many studies conducted in Russia involved giving Aloe vera to ulcer patients. The participants’ ulcers were completely healed after using Aloe vera.

Years of referring ALOE VERA juice continues to prove amazing digestive healing powers to so many of my clients....and myself! Many researchers compared their findings to the results of commonly used anti-ulcer drugs and determined that a natural Aloe treatment was just as effective "if not more" than the drugs, but with the added advantage of no toxic side effects. (2)

These results confirm the findings of an earlier study of 12 individuals with peptic ulcers (7 males and 5 females, ages ranging from 24 to 83). They were treated solely with Aloe vera.
Every patient fully recovered from the ulcers within one year of beginning treatment. Moreover, one year after the last treatment no one in the group had suffered a recurrence. (3)

Many of my Simply Younger clients and Researchers believe and continue to find substantial evidence that Aloe may indeed heal the lining of the intestines and stomach in the same way that aloe used as a topical ointment heals wounds and burns. If so, it’s easy to see why many people report that taking Aloe vera cured their ulcers.
Aloe vera also seems to inhibit the production of excess stomach acid and slow down the emptying of the stomach. Since ulcer pain is more common when the stomach is empty, it’s not surprising so many ulcer patients report finding relief after using Aloe vera.

General Digestive Health
Dr. Ivan Danhof, Ph.D., M.D., a gastroenterologist and a leading authority on Aloe vera, believes Aloe vera can be beneficial to the entire gastrointestinal system. He maintains due to its magnesium lactate content, Aloe vera is able to lower activity in the stomach and is effective in reversing both occasional and chronic symptoms in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The acid pH balance has also proven remarkable benefits and healing in Acid reflux disease.
He also feels Aloe vera is helpful because of its anti-inflammatory properties, and uses Aloe vera in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and Acid reflux disease.

Dr. Peter Atherton a research Fellow at Oxford University is another who believes Aloe Vera can be an effective treatment of stomach ulcers and IBS and Acid Reflux.

In an article in the United Kingdom publication, the Daily Mail, Dr. Atherton said,
“Last year a patient asked me if I had heard of Aloe vera as a healing agent. I ordered all current research on it and I was astonished to find 39 out of 40 research papers were positive. Immediately I initiated trials on some of my long term chronically ill patients, suffering not only from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but also psoriasis, eczema and arthritis, who had received no benefit from orthodox treatments.”

As a result, Dr. Atherton found that Aloe Vera seems to work well at healing damaged “epithelial tissue.” Skin represents the body’s largest area of epithelial tissue, but this tissue also lines the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, it is not surprising to find that Aloe vera helps individuals suffering from stomach ulcers or a problem of the bowel lining(4).
In the Daily Mail article, it was also reported that a man who suffered debilitating pain from IBS for more than 10 years finally finding relief after starting a daily regimen of drinking Aloe vera juice. He said the relief was marvelous and for the first time in 10 years he could eat whatever he wanted! Many of my clients who have suffered or suffering with the effects of chemotherapy find Aloe Vera to me a Miracle to their suffering digestive tract. ALOE WORKS!
Success in Treating Colitis
Lastly, a recent double blind, placebo controlled study was conducted of people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. The results were published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. In just, four weeks 47% of the participant taking Aloe vera twice a day experienced a complete remission of the condition or an improvement in symptoms. What’s more, no side effects were reported.

NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE CREATED EQUAL! How Aloe Vera IS Processed IS the key to getting the most healing benefits.
I recommend this company as I found it is the Purest available anywhere! We have tested this product and it is 150% More Concentrated than Any Other I have found.

You need a product that is Very HIGH in Muccopolysaccharides - the active ingredients that work to heal and soothe and irritated or damaged gut lining.

Many aloe vera products contain very little of the herb and may be made, instead, from aloe extract or watered down aloe. Aloe gel, for instance, (which is very effective for soothing sunburned skin) is mostly water. For the digestive tract, I recommend

Once opened, store it in the fridge. Your digestive tract with also benefit from a reputable probiotic supplement.

Probiotics (next posting) are replacement bacteria that re-build levels of the good bacteria in the gut but many products. These will have been wiped out by the drugs you have been taking.Look for a product that is high in the mucopolysaccharides - the active ingredients that work to heal and soothe and irritated or damaged gut lining. Many aloe vera products contain very little of the herb and may be made, instead, from aloe extract or watered down aloe. Aloe gel, for instance, (which is very effective for soothing sunburned skin) is mostly water. For the digestive tract, I recommend the Forever Young brand available from Nature’s Choice on 0208-944 5584. A 1000ml bottle, which should last three months, costs £14.95. Once opened, store it in the fridge. Your digestive tract with also benefit from a reputable probiotic supplement. Probiotics are replacement bacteria that re-build levels of the good bacteria in the gut but many products. These will have been wiped out by the drugs you have been taking.




Bland, Jeffrey, “Effect of orally consumed Aloe Vera juice on gastrointestinal function in normal humans”. Preventative Medicine March/April, 1985
Sotnikovg EP: Therapeutic use of Aloe in experimental stomach ulcers (Lechebnoe primenie Aloe prieksperimental). ’Nych Igzvakh Zhelukka Vrach Deb 6:71-74, June 1984 (Russia).
Blitz JJ; Smith JW; Gerard JR: Aloe vera gel in peptic ulcer therapy: preliminary report. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 62:731-735, 1963.
Atherton, Peter. The Essential Aloe Vera: Buckingham, UK 1997.
Langmead, L, et al.: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlloed trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 19:739, April 2004.

The 100 Most Unhealthy Foods To Eat!

The 100 Most Unhealthy Foods in the American Diet

Looking for some healthier foods to eat than your usual fare?
It may be wise to first figure out what NOT to eat....

*******Coming Soon-Next Post---"What To Eat for Better Health, Healing and Energy"

For now...Here is What NOT to EAT!
Unfortunately, many of the best-tasting foods in America are terrible for us. Whether they are high in calories, fat, sugar, sodium or some other nasty additive...
Here is a list of America’s 100 most unhealthy foods .

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...

Some of the foods on this list are obviously unhealthy,
though you may be surprised by a few. (It is the stealthy ones that can really get us at times.) Also included are beverages, as well as the worst dishes from popular American chain restaurants, to round out the list. Since it would be difficult to rank the foods according to health risk, we have categorized and alphabetized each item.

Common Household Foods
Sadly, some of our favorite household foods top the “should not eat” list. Here are some American favorites that should be approached with cautious moderation.
Baked Beans - Many people keep a stock of canned beans in the pantry. Those that are soaking in sugary syrup, like baked beans, are high in refined sugars and contribute to many health problems.
Campbell’s Condensed Soups and Bottled Sauces - Have you seen how much salt and sodium is in your classic Campbell’s condensed soup? Or your bottled sauces you use to spice things up? Do yourself a favor and try the low-sodium version instead...or
COMING SOON--Learn to Blend Natural Seasonings and Fresh Veggies in a Magic Bullet for Oh So Quick and Healthy Tasty Sauces!

Chicken Pot Pie - No! No! Processed, store-bought pot pies are terribly unhealthy. Pepperidge Farm makes roasted chicken pot pie 1,020 calories and 64 grams of fat and high in sodium. Remember= **Sodium is just another word for MORE SALT!!!!
Hot Dogs - Not only are these a leading cause of choking in children and adults, they contain highly processed meat “byproducts,” whatever that may be. Stay away from foods with such mysterious ingredients. High again in Sodium-Salt...and God knows what else! :-)
Luncheon Meats - Commercial cold cuts are highly processed and packed with unhealthy additive, sodium and nitrates and preservatives. Nasty stuff!
******Better to cook a turkey breasts, or roast beef OR Uncured Ham Yourself and slice it up thin for a much Healthier Protein Intake.
Key Word Here-Uncured Ham.
Uncured Hams are 50% lower in sodium. Big difference! Plus they taste SO Much Better!**********

Ramen Noodles - College students everywhere are scraping by with this inexpensive dish. However, it offers nothing in the way of nutrients, Nothing.... and it is loaded with sodium.
Saltines - These crackers taste good with your soup, but provide only excessive carbohydrates and sodium. Nasty!
White Bread - I recommend ALL my clients to Stay away from ANYTHING WHITE!!! That's Right....No White! Your blood sugars, your digestive system, your brain, your energy levels and your overall health WILL thank you for this vital elimination!
Foods made of mostly white flour are just empty calories and carbohydrate HIGH...which only turns to sugar in the body...resulting in High blood sugar levels .These high starchy white foods are also responsible for Poor Digestive Healt.... As well as High Blood Pressure!.
All starches SHOULD be moderate within your diet. IF you MUST have breads...then find the highest-grain one possible. The more the seeds...the more the fiber.
However= IF you (like myself) are Gluten Intolerant---then Look ONLY for "Gluten Free" products.

White Pasta - The white flour strikes again. Although tasty, this refined product offers too many carbohydrates and too many calories and turns to sugar within the body...once again spiking your blood sugar levels. Notice that "after lunch crash" tired feeling?
Well you ate too many white carbs. :-)
********BETTER TO GET BROWN RICE PASTA---has much more fiber and is lower in carborhydrates...as well as it is gluten free.

White Potatoes - These are the type of potatoes that are commonly used for junk food like French Fries. They contain solanine, which can have a toxic effect on people. Among other things, solanine can contribute to calcium depletion and arthritic pain. Plus this is another high carb food which again...will rise blood sugar levels.
IF you Must have a potatoe...Buy Red Potatoes...more fiber!

Drinks -
Sugared High Carborhydrate Drinks Are Nothing more than Ingesting a Liquid Candy Bar---
Sugared Drinks are responsible for unhealthy blood sugar levels and....and now a leading cause of onset Child and Teen Diabetes!
This instant Sugar Jolt is Dangerous to our Health.... More on this later.

Everything you consume can have positive or negative health consequences, including drinks. While many people are conscious about the food they eat, they forget about the liquid calories in their diet.
Below are some of the unhealthiest Drinks in America!!
Baskin Robbin’s Large Heath Bar Shake - According to Yahoo! Health, this is the unhealthiest drink in all of America. It contains a whopping 2,310 calories, 266 grams of sugar and 108 grams of fat!
Cocktails - What do you get when you combine high levels of refined sugar and unhealthy amounts of hard liquor? You get a cocktail, which was invented by the British Navy so sailors would get drunk a little slower. Like anything, moderation is key, but you would be better off with a glass of red wine than with a cocktail.
Coffee - Need a pick-me-up in the morning? Studies show that a fruit and veggie blended smoothie and a glass of water WILL indeed promote energy...and naturally!
However= One Cup Of Morning Coffee--Only One---followed by a 6 oz glass of water Can Indeed Be a Bowel Stimulate! This is good...Made with SOY and NOT Dairy!
Diet Soda - Don’t assume diet soda is better for you than the regular kind. Sugar substitutes are known to have long-term, unpleasant side effects. Plus, caffeine of any kind is bad for your health.
Eggnog - This creamy drink is a favorite around the holidays. Even without the liquor, it is quite fatty and unhealthy.
Fruit Juice - Most commercial fruit juices are loaded with sugar. In fact, some fruit juices offer more sugar in one serving than a candy bar. Think about that the next time you go for some Hawaiian Punch.
Fruit Smoothie - Just like fruit juice, most smoothies are delicious, yet contain more sugar and high fructose syrup than actual fruit. Be selective when looking for a healthy fruit-based drink. KEEP IT NATURAL! No added sugars! Use ONLY fresh fruits and You Must Have Green Veggies in Your smoothie OR it is still too high in fruit frutose. Your Smoothie Needs to have a Green Color to it...or your blood sugars WILL indeed be effected. Not Good!

*******The Healthiet Morning Energy Jolt Smoothie Recipe is= strawberries, blueberries, apple skins and pears-Not too much now...as you MUST add Green to this....
such kale, spinach, celery,brocolli and red peppers. ADD a dash of Natural Stevia Sweetner. As Green as it may look---This WIll Taste Great! And with all the fiber in this....You Will Have So Much Healthy Energy.
Blended in the Magic Bullet.


OK now..Back to the Bad Stuff again
Irish Coffee - This combines three unhealthy ingredients: coffee, cream and hard liquor.
Liquor - While studies have shown that moderate consumption of beer or wine can offer heart benefts...there is really no reason to drink hard liquor. It is bad for your kidneys, your liver and even a small amount will
Red Bull and all those Energy Boosting Drinks!---So unhealthy!
This drink gives you wings… and extremely high amounts of sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates. This intense energy drink has actually been linked to a few deaths.
*******Listen up, America: France actually banned Red Bull--as it is a very unhealth and dangerous potent tonic ...Now others countries are doing the same. Why aren't we? Sad huh?

Soda - Soda is bad for you on many levels. It usually offers tons of sugar and caffeine, not to mention it isn’t so great on your teeth. It does, however, work well to remove rust from metals. Think about that, won’t you?
Starbucks’ Java Chip Frappuccino - Frankly, you should avoid any beverage at Starbucks that isn’t green tea or water. However, the Java Chip Frappuccino really stands out for its whopping 650 calories. You could eat a greasy cheeseburger from a fast food restaurant and consume less calories!
Whole Milk - Whole milk is not only high in fat, and sugars...but certain brands contain harmful hormones. Snacks

Let’s face it — most of us don’t want to munch on celery stalks when we feel a small rumble in our tummy. However, the following snacks could make that tummy a lot bigger, so don’t overindulge. (Note: Organic Almond Butter on that little celery stick is so tasty and so healthy!
Chocolate - It isn’t just the calories that make chocolate a big no-no. It is also a source of caffeine and some people are quite sensitive to the effects.
Coffee Cake - This sugary baked good definitely tastes great, but it is full of refined sugars, artificial additives and fat.
Cookies - Technically, there are healthy snacks and recipes (Coming Soon!) out there. However, the typical cookies are full of refined flour, refined sugars and more calories than you should ever, ever consume in one nibble.
Corn Chips - Don’t let the word “corn” fool you. This snack does not count as a vegetable serving and are just as bad for you as any other fried, salted snack.
Doughnuts - Artificial flavors, refined sugar and trans fats abound in these devilishly delicious snacks.
French Fries - French fries are not only fatty, they contain acrylamide, which is a known carcinogen.
Ice Cream - Ice cream can be fatty with the whole milk and sugar alone. However, it becomes even worse when you start adding things like chocolate pieces or cookie dough.
If You Must=Opt for Organic low-fat frozen yogurt.... if ...if you must indulge.
Lunchables - This Oscar Mayer product is convenient for lunch or a quick snack, but contains highly processed meats, non-enriched bread and a lots of sodium.
Potato Chips - Most of us realize how bad these are for us, yet they are hard to resist. Potato chips are high in trans fats, calories, salt and the carcinogen acrylamide.

“Health Foods”??? Not really...You are MisInformed!
Some foods are marketed as being healthy and many of us assume they are great additions to our diet.
However, the following items are truly NOT healthy for you and they contain too high amounts of sugar and carborhydrate---Once again resulting in high blood sugar levels...Not good!

Bagel and Cream Cheese - This is a favorite breakfast food for many people. It seems healthier than a big, traditional breakfast. However, the average bagel covered in cream cheese offers 40 grams of fat and tons of carbohydrates.
Bran Muffin - Those looking for a healthy start in the morning often reach for a bran muffin. However, refined flour and sugars are not a healthy source of energy first thing in the morning.
Dried Fruit - Fresh fruit is far healthier than dried fruit, as it takes more dried fruit (and calories) to feel full. Also, many dried fruit products are covered with sugar.
Fruit Cocktail - Fruit is an integral part of a healthy diet. However, you should be buying fresh fruit and not fruit that is soaking in thick, sugary syrups. Not only is the added sugar unhealthy, fruit can lose a lot of nutrients when it is processed and canned. Eating dried fruit has Just As Much Sugar As A Candy Bar...that's right!
Granola Bars - While the word “granola” is often used to describe health advocates, granola bars are often loaded with fatty oils and sugar.
Low-Fat Salad Dressing - While some salad dressings offer a reduced amount of fat, the taste is often salvaged by adding sugar.
Margarine - At one time, margarine was hailed as the healthy alternative to pure butter. However, margarine is loaded with trans fats and is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Microwave Diet Meals - Dead Food! There are many brands, such as Weight Watchers and Lean Cuisine, that claim to offer “healthy” microwave meals. However low in fat they may be, however, they are very processed and salty and high in sodium....No nutritional value at all!
Also, the portions are so small that you are likely to eat again very soon.
Pasta Salad - Pasta is loaded with refined flour, which offers you a quick spike in blood sugar and isn’t so great for your waist line. That, along with high-calorie dressing, makes pasta salad a “health food” you should avoid.
Pretzels - While it is true that pretzels are better for you than potato chips, they only offer empty calories. There are no nutritional benefits to pretzels and some are filled with sugar, which only makes you hungrier.
Protein Bars - Why these food items line the shelves of health food stores is a mystery. They offer a convenient source of protein, yes, but they are also packed with calories and fat and sugar! Eating one of these is once again...just as unhealthy as eating a candy bar.
READ YOUR LABELS! High sugar...high carborhydrate---raising blood sugar levels again!

Tuna Fish Sandwich - This isn’t quite the healthy lunch you thought it was, particularly if you order one in a restaurant. Not only is the mayo high in fat, eating large quantities of tuna exposes you to mercury contamination.
Turkey Burger - Turkey burgers are not necessarily low-fat alternatives to regular hamburgers. In fact, they can be just as loaded with fat and grease. When purchasing patties in the grocery store, compare the turkey burgers to beef burgers and you might be surprised.
Yogurt Cups - Yogurt can be quite healthy if prepared properly and Organic and with less sugar! However, most yogurt cups found in grocery stores, such as the ones with fruit in the bottom, are loaded with sugary corn syrup.
Condiments
It isn’t just the main portions of your meals that affect your health. The condiments you use to improve taste can really add up the calories, fat grams and other unhealthy properties. Below are some usual suspects to avoid.
Butter - Most of us know that butter is bad for us, yet the tempting product haunts us every time we eat a baked potato or piece of bread. If you must succumb to butter, try whipped butter instead. It is lighter and you will use less.
Honey Mustard - While mustard does not offer many unhealthy properties, honey mustard is loaded with sugar and other additives.
ATTENTION= READING LABELS Is CRUCIAL in truly knowing how much sugar and high carbs are in your products. Because IF you have 20 grams of carborhydrate and 10 or more grams of sugar---You Are Indeed Eating a lot of Sugar! We Call This The Hidden Sugars!
Back Labels Do Not Lie...but the front advertising label does! Be Informed!

Jellies/Jams/Preserves - Most brands are big on taste and on refined sugars, unfortunately. Organic, low sugar is the best alternative to mainstream, processed jellies/jams/preserves.
Ketchup - Sure the bottle boasts about the inclusion of lycopene, but you can also get that from fresh tomatoes. Kethcup is a highly processed food that is packed with sugar.
Mayonnaise - This is one of the easiest ways to turn a healthy sandwich into something very fattening. Substitute mayonnaise with something lighter whenever you can. Mustard is a great alternative in many cases.
Sugar - One could write a book about the unhealthy side effects of a diet high in sugar. Oh---there ARE Many, many, many, many Books on the Health Dangers of continual Sugar Intake!

Sugar is hidden in almost EVERY processed food..... so the last thing you should do is keep extra sugar on the table. READ LABELS...IT WILL SHOCK YOU how much sugar is in things.
Processed Salt - Excess sodium is no good for you, so take a stand and banish salt from your table. There are healthy alternatives to spicing up bland food. Use Sea Salt...this is natural and NOT processed. Used sparingly...but it is OK to use!
Soy Sauce - Aside from the fact that soy has its negative aspects, there is a terribly high amount of salt in this popular sauce.
Tartar Sauce - Tartar sauce is actually mayonnaise combined with onions, pickled cucumbers and other ingredients. This is why it is even more fattening than mayonnaise, which is saying a lot.
Allergens
Some foods are unhealthy to us because we are sensitive to them or have a true allergy. A full-blown allergy can in fact be deadly, so it is important that you know how the following foods react with your body.
Dairy Products - Those with lactose intolerance cannot digest dairy products without adversely reacting. A dairy-free diet is encumbering but can be managed by learning how to read labels properly.
Fish - Some children and adults are allergic to certain types of fish. When one allergy becomes apparent, it is recommended that people consult an allergist to find out if they can eat other kinds of fish. Do A Diet Elimination...Fish is Good for you...so long as you DO NOT have a sensitivity to it.
Gluten - Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye products. Some people only experience a mild sensitivity to gluten....however...Gluten for MOST people still causes inflammation. Those with Celiac Disease suffer from an autoimmune disorder that results in intestinal damage and other health problems when gluten is consumed.
MSG - Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a food additive that many people are sensitive to. Symptoms of MSG sensitivity include a headache, nausea, lethargy and more.
Peanuts - Although a severe peanut allergy is rare, it can cause anaphylactic shock almost immediately upon consumption.
Shellfish - Shellfish, such as shrimp, crab and lobster, can cause deadly allergic reactions in some people. This is a rare but serious allergy.
Soy - Soy is regarded as healthy by many, as it can provide protein in a meat-free diet. However, some people have a soy protein allergy. Also, soy has been linked to hormonal shifts in men and women, as well as a higher risk of breast cancer.
Wheat - Most People DO Indeed Have a Reaction to Wheat.
Wheat allergies, commonly confused with the autoimmune disorder Celiac Disease, manifests when anything containing wheat flour is consumed. TRY an elimination and Go Off Wheat.
80% of people who do...Feel sooooooooooo much better!

Applebee’s
Applebee’s touts itself as a friendly neighborhood eatery. However, there is nothing friendly about the calories and fat in the following menu items.
Grilled Steak Caesar Salad - Perhaps you see the words “grilled” and “salad” in this meal’s name and you think it must be somewhat healthy. Think again. This is far from a healthy garden salad - it contains 1,951 milligrams of sodium, 1,190 calories and 75.4 grams of fat!
Riblets With Beans, Coleslaw and Fries - This is a commonly ordered meal at Applebee’s, yet many customers might be shocked to hear the actual nutritional stats. With this hearty meal, you are consuming 2,228 milligrams of sodium, 2,027 calories and 130 grams of fat.
Southwest Philly Roll-Up With Salsa - This one is deceptively healthy looking when compared to a big cheeseburger. However, it contains 2,338 milligrams of sodium, 1,605 calories and 121 grams of fat.
Burger King
To be fair, most of us are aware of how fattening Burger King is when we enter the drive-thru. However, the following figures may keep you from caving to temptation again.
Double Whopper - Ah, this flame-broiled burger tastes even better with two patties. However, it only increases the unhealthiness. Try 920 calories and 57 fat grams on for size!
Double Whopper With Cheese - What happens when you put cheese on the worst sandwich at Burger King? You are now looking at 1,020 calories and 65 grams of fat.
King Size French Fries - Most people always round out a meal at Burger King with fries. With the largest size, you will also be adding 540 calories and 25 grams of fat to the meal.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s is similar to Applebee’s in its fare. Sadly, it also offers some of the worst meals and side orders. Below are the worst offenders.
Awesome Blossom - Some consider this to be the worst menu item at any American restaurant. Mind you, this is only considered an “appetizer” and yet it contains 6,360 milligrams of sodium, 2,710 calories and 203 grams of fat!
Boneless Buffalo Chicken Salad - Oh dear, another deceptively unhealthy “salad.” This one offers 4,040 milligrams of sodium, 910 calories and 58 grams of fat.
Chicken Crispers - If this list has taught us anything, it’s that the word “chicken” is not synonymous with “lean.” Take this lovely fried dish for example. It has 1,870 calories and 129 grams of fat in it!
Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie - You aren’t going to leave without dessert are you? This one will satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you with 78 more grams of fat.
Kentucky Fried Chicken
You will be hard-pressed to find anything low-fat and healthy on the KFC menu. Even the corn is soaked in butter, after all! While fried chicken is an obvious choice for this list, below are the biggest offenders.
Chicken and Biscuit Bowl - Which genius decided to mix the worst fried foods with white flour breads in one bowl? Well, it is yummy, but it offers 44 grams of fat in one tiny serving.
KFC Original Recipe Chicken - Before you purchase a whole bucket, keep in mind that one thigh piece of the KFC original recipe chicken has 25 grams of fat.
Popcorn Chicken - Who doesn’t love these little things? While tasty and convenient, the Family Size is packed with 1,210 calories and 66 grams of fat.
Poutine - This French Canadian side order isn’t available at all KFC locations. That’s probably a good thing because it has 54 grams of fat in it.
McDonald’s
While McDonald’s is clearly not regarded as a healthy source for food, some of these facts and figures will make you realize just how unhealthy it can be.
Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips - This is touted as one of the more high-end items on the menu, yet it is one of the worst chicken dishes available in fast food. These chicken strips offer 830 calories and 55 grams of fat. Hey, you might as well have a hamburger instead!
Chicken McNuggets (20 Piece) - Not many people try to conquer a 20-piece but if you do, you will have consumed 1,030 calories and 65 grams of fat.
Crispy Chicken Club Meal - Who would have thought that some of the worst offenders at McDonald’s would be chicken items? This one is stuffed with 1,250 calories and 48 grams of fat.
Deluxe Breakfast With Syrup and Margarine - The worst way to start out your day is with 1,330 calories and 64 grams of fat.
Premium Grilled Chicken Meal - Yes, you read that correctly. This grilled chicken meal has 1,130 calories and 41 grams of fat.
On the Border
If you are a fan of Tex-Mex, then you may be familiar with this popular restaurant. The salsa may be the only healthy thing on the menu, unfortunately.
Beef and Chicken Quesadillas - This combo platter has an amazing 1,130 calories and 93 grams of fat.
Border Sampler - You sample a little too much with this meal, as you end up consuming 1,940 calories and 120 grams of fat.
Corona Extra Dinner - “Extra” is the operative word here, as there is an excessive amount of calories and fat. Try 2,040 and 126 grams, respectively.
Dos XX Fish Tacos - Fish tacos sure sound healthier than beef or even chicken, right? Amazingly, this might be one of the worst Mexican dishes around, offering 2,100 calories and 130 grams of fat.
Grande Taco Salad With Taco Beef - Again, this doesn’t sound like it could be the worst thing on the menu. Still, it is loaded with 1,450 calories and 102 grams of fat.
Stacked Border Nachos - Well, at least these warn you by looking unhealthy. These nachos pull no punches with 2,740 calories and 166 grams of fat.
Outback Steakhouse
Don’t be fooled by this theme restaurant. Most Australians will tell you they don’t eat “bloomin’ onions” back home. Still, this place is a guilty pleasure for many Americans.
Aussie Cheese Fries - This one is infamous and can be found on many “worst foods” lists. This side dish contains 2,900 calories and 182 grams of fat!
Bloomin’ Onion - Chili’s commits the same crime with this fried delight. However, the Bloomin’ Onion clocks in at 2,310 calories and 134 grams of fat.
Chocolate Thunder From Down Under - If you have already tried the cheese fries, why not do yourself in with this dessert? It will only add another 78 grams of fat to the meal, after all. Melbourne Porterhouse - This monster steak has 1,230 calories and 99 grams of fat to offer a hungry patron.
Quiznos
These toasted subs sure are delicious. However, they are dangerous to your health. Think of Quiznos as Subway’s evil twin.
Classic Italian Sub - Would you believe a sub sandwich could pack 85 grams of fat in? Yep, this one certainly does.
Tuna Melt - This sandwich may sound harmless enough, but has 118 grams of fat in it. Yikes!
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
This restaurant offers delicious and unique Italian meals. However, its meals contain some of the highest amounts of salt and fat in America.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo - You will be hard-pressed to find a fettuccine alfredo dish that isn’t packed with fat and calories. However, Macoroni Grill is in a league of its own here with 1370 calories and 97 grams of fat.
Chicken Portobello - This is one of the saltiest dishes you can order in a restaurant, boasting 7,300 milligrams of sodium. If that doesn’t deter you, perhaps the 1,020 calories and 66 grams of fat will.
Double Macaroni ‘n’ Cheese - Shockingly, this is actually a kids’ meal and yet it offers 3,450 milligrams of sodium, 1,210 calories and 62 grams of fat!
Spaghetti & Meatballs (With Meat Sauce) - This is a classic Italian dish and probably sounds a little healthier than some of the creamier items on the menu. However, this Macaroni Grill favorite offers 5290 milligrams of sodium, 2430 calories and 128 grams of fat.

OK Now...Get Ready for The Healthiest Foods to Purchase and Always Have Around.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
One Step At A Time...and One Change At A Time Can Indeed Promote Better Health.....InsideOUT...and keep you away from harmful medication side effects.
NUTRITION MATTERS!

Stay Tuned for More Good Eats!

Medication Interactions Can Be Fatal--I survived!

How Medications almost destroyed my health and my life...
and Why it Became My Greatest Empowerment

DID YOU KNOW?
"More than 200,000 people a year die in American hospitals from adverse reactions to medications. Making drug reactions one of the leading causes of death in this country"
--Journal of American Medical Association study, as quoted in the New York Times
What IS Steven Johnson Syndrome Disease SJS
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially deadly skin disease that usually results from a drug reaction. Another form of the disease is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and again this usually results from a drug-related reaction. Drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, amoxicillin, and sulfa antibiotics. In some cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, and in many cases there is no known cause for the onset of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially deadly skin disease that usually results from a drug reaction. Another form of the disease is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and again this usually results from a drug-related reaction. Drugs that have been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), Allopurinol, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and sulfa antibiotics. In some cases, the condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
If you or anyone you love is taking More than ONE MEDICATION
Get this book!
It Could Save A Life!
"WORST PILLS BEST PILLS" -
A Consumers Guide to Avoiding Drug-Induced Death or Illness.

This is My Story...an almost fatal drug interaction.
I hope and pray it will NEVER be your story!

Over 18 years ago I was prescribed more than 6 medications over a period of a year.
Of course it began with one medication at a time...attempting to treat one unhealthy symptom at a time by more than 3 physicians.

My primary MD prescribed the first antibiotic , amoxicillin to treat a sinus infection. Now mind you...no culture was taken...so this may indeed have been a Virus. and NO antibiotic has any benefit to a virus.
So after just 3 days of this nasty antibiotic, the side effect was causing severe digestive cramping and diarrhea and I was NOT getting any better at all. My physician then switched me over to yet another antibiotic called Ceclor. Here already is a NO NO in the world of medication prescribing. Do you see How Interactions begin? Now my body has to TRY to deal with 2 different types of a medications...both with their own separate side effects, a new combination of synthetic ingredients NEVER BEFORE tested together. So now...I am, as thousands of others out there...I am a Guinea Pig being Tested to See what happens! Because Believe me---No one Knows or has a Proven Outcome when 2 medications are combined. Now imagine 3 or 4, or 6 or 13 medications in the body at the same time. Oh my Gosh!!! There is NO testing grounds for this! NONE...NONE...NONE! It is ALL a Guessing Game!
Medication are in a tested One drug at a time!
NOT in combinations to Whatever Drug is next! This should be illegal!
Now Imagine... all the thousands of Untested, Unproven Drug Combinations being administered to Treat or Ease unhealthy symptoms. Physicians are Guessing at these combinations...Guessing with NO Proven Studies or Knowledge as to the Outcome or the many side effects which then Produce more unhealthy symptoms!
PEOPLE REMAIN UNHEALTHY AND CHRONICALLYY SICK because of their medication side effects. THIS IS INSANE...AND SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!

Are You On More than One Medication?

As stated by the Pharma Genetics Industry, document after document-
If YOU are on ONE Medication---we KNOW almost everything about it's side effect
If YOU are on TWO Medications--- we MAY know a lot
If YOU are on MORE than TWO medications--YOU ARE BEYOND MEDICAL SCIENCE!!
Now Did You Hear That? Are you getting this yet?
You Are Beyond Medical Science IF you are on More Than ONE Drug!

Doctors DO NOT Study the Interaction of Drug Combinations...Even Pharmacist ARE NOT TOTALLY SURE!
No one knows Your Drug Combination Outcome OR The Side Effects to come...Until, yes Until your unhealthy side effects present themselves. Oops...Time again to "play around at this drug combination and dosage game.

BE PROACTIVE YOURSELF...BE INFORMED ABOUT EVERY MEDICATION YOU ARE TAKING....AND GET THIS BOOK!
"WORST PILLS, BEST PILLS" a consumers guide to avoiding Drug-Induced Death or Illness.
I Believe Everyone Should Own This Book OR Give it to someone you care about! WHY? Becasue We all Know Someone on More than One Medication...right?
It could Save Your Life or Someone You Love!

NOWLEDGE IS POWER!
And Link Everyone You Know to My Blog!

NEVER...NEVER GO COLD TURKEY OFF ANY MEDICATION!
This shocks the body and serious symptoms can occur.
CONTACT your Pharmacist and they should be able to assist you with lowering your dosages daily or weekly.
Your Drugs Reactions Could Be the Cause for Your Chronic Illness and Unhealthy Symptoms.


OK BACK TO MY STORY...
So now, due to my nasty stomach cramping from the first antibiotic...my doctor switched me over to another antibiotic called Ceclor. Now knowing that it takes at least 2 weeks to have the first drug filtered out of the kidneys to avoid a drug interaction....I now have 2 meds beginning an interaction. Yes I am now a Guinea Pig for this New Untested Drug Combination. Let's see what happens. Because believe me--No One Knows...No One Knew the Outcome.

Now just a few days later...I developed a very small and very irritating, ever so itchy rash in the crease of my one arm. I was soon given another medication to treat the itchiness from the rash called Atarax (This itchy rash symptom should have been the first clue to the beginning of a dangerous drug interaction...but no physician knew the signs...not one)
I felt I needed a second opinion as I did not feel right with the first diagnosis and the way I was feeling about my medication protocol. Yet still...the next physician told me to continue to take the antibiotic and to increase my anti-itch drug because my rash was driving me crazy and it was NOT subsiding. He also told me to continue to take the antibiotic the prior doctor prescribed me for my sinus infection.

A week later I was feeling so much anxiety, nervousness and insomnia. My head felt so weird and dizzy. Like a nervous, throbbing tingling all across my forehead and top of my head. I also had throbbing eye pressure. Obviously I was concerned. I returned to the doctor, described how I was feeling and was once AGAIN administered an anti-anxiety drug called Ativan...which soon I was told to increase the dosage as I could NOT sleep. Soon, still with severe insomnia...I was later prescribed Ambien. (which is very addictive!)
WOW... Knowing Now what I know about Self-Care and the Dangers of Drug Interactions..this is sooooooooo scary! My body was indeed becoming a Ticking Toxic Explosive Time Bomb! It was just a matter of time, before I would be fighting for my life and for hours...No one knew what was happening to me. No one in St. Frances Hospital had EVER seen Steven Johnson Disease before...no one!
How could this Be Health Care? How Could This Even Be Legal?

Now mind you...this was over 17 years ago. A time when I thought eating a Snickers bar with protein peanuts for lunch was healthy. I mean the commercial said it was a "quick pick-me-up intake of protein for those busy days." And as a single mom...I was busy. I had a small but thriving Anti-aging business as a Medical Esthetician...while also raising my beautiful 5 year old daughter. Needless to say...like so many of us...I had no clue of what a good diet was or any concept of what good self care might be... I had no clue how vital nutrition and healthy eating was to the quality of my health. Of course my daughter too was now suffering from my poor food choices. And sad but true...IF we EVER had an uncomfortable symptom....we just headed to the doc's office for an evaluation and usually ended up on another medication to "fix it." Boy, retracing all this now...I cannot believe how ignorant and naive I was back then.

So yes...back then I never even drank water...did not like the taste. We sure drank lots of orange juice, milk and diet soda though. Yuk, Yuk, Yuk!:-(
(Which now I know, all fruit juices are no different than eating a liquid candy bar...they are just a liquid jolt of sugar- dangeroulsy raising blood sugars levles causing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, dizziness and more. And then drinking all this milk daily? Yuk!

Go Read My Posting on Why Is Dairy Making and Keeping You Sick? No wonder I always had headaches and so many digestive symptoms.... my poor daughter too. And our water was giving her a stomach ache. And I thought she just wanted juice instead fo drinking water.
Come to find out=drinking tap water was overly chlorinated and very unhealthy for the digestive and dindeed taste nasty! Unfiltered water is full of dangerous and so much toxic bacteria.
Another Post coming on "Why is Filtered Water So Vital to Good Health and Why is Dehyration Dangerous?" Note= Start drinking 4= 6 oz glasses of filtered water throughout you day... See how you feel. It may amaze you :-)

Another Blog coming on "What ARE Healthy, and Unhealthy Food Types"
Back to my Story
So yes...years ago my daughter and I also ate lots of dairy, assuming this was good protein and calcium for our bones...right? Plus I would go hours without eating anything at all. Well maybe a snickers bar or a cookie or a glass of milk. And knowing what I know now...how in hell could my brain NOT feel dizzy or fatigued with severe headaches and sinus pressure and always dealing with constipation. Milk and cheese creates mucous and congestion. My little girl was now developing the same unhealthy symptoms. Sad huh?

I was so ignorant to any substantial knowledge of good self care, supplementation or healthy foods. And I sure had no idea about "Food Sensitivities or How Sugar and a High Carbohydrate Diet causes major blood sugar highs and lows---creating major Brain Behavior Disorders and symptoms like: dizziness, headaches, mood swings, severe fatigue and depression, gas, bloating, constipation"
Another Blog Coming on "What Going Hours Without Eating Causes Severe Brain Dysfunction and Depression?"

I also had NO fears of taking medications. None. After all, my doctor, a highly trained Health Care Professional had to have all the answers to heal me and teach to live a healthier life...right? I mean he must know what and why and how to prevent me from getting sicker right? He must know have medical evidence that all the drugs I was on would make me better right? WRONG!

In the world of Alternative Medicine and Nutritional counseling...
continually being prescribed medication after medication is called The Medication Train Wreck Effect. I was already there! And thousands of you are living it now, aren't you?
Many of you could already be a walking time bomb of a toxic reaction to a drug.

BE INFORMED! There IS a Healthier Way!

OK BACK TO MY STORY...
So over a period of a year...I was living still with unhealthy symptoms, and now taking 6 medications daily! And I still felt worse than ever! What the heck was going on here?
6 medications and still no signs of good health? This was Crazy! Or was I crazy to believe THIS was my answer to Health.
Supposedly all these toxic meds I was on was now prescribed to treat developing issues like digestive colitis, depression, insomnia and headaches. Actually to find out...all the side effects from all these toxic meds I was on WERE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE of all my continual chronic health issues. I kept getting sicker. This was Madness!

Little did I know at the time, due to my poor diet and busy, busy lifestyle...
I was actually very malnourished dealing with many nutritional deficiencies...severly hypoglycemic with major blood sugar issues.

My body was trying to tell me I was So Nutritionally Out Of Balance...So Malnourished.
If only I had learned somehow, someway, from someone... HOW to decipher all these unhealthy symptoms. All my body wanted me to do was Nourish it with what it thrives on...which is healthy nutrients. Who knew back then...who knew?

Remember...The body is a machine...and Health IS the mechanical process...who knew?

I mean after all...why should I doubt my doctor's diagnosis or remedy?
Isn't it called Health Care?

So now... just 8 months later, taking this Health Care Physician prescribed medication protocol daily...side effect after side effect...still feeling sooooooooo sick, so weak and now so worried.

I ended up in the ER at St. Frances Hospital, in Federal Way. After checking my vital signs and the spreding of this itchy rash...once again I was given yet another medication for pain. I was immediately hospitalized. I had not eaten for days and was completely dehydrated and very, very ill with a rash slowly spreading all over my body. No one knew what was happening to me.

Within 2 hours, nurses and doctors coming in and out with puzzled faces... watched in amazement as my entire body, inside and out was being bombarded with burning toxic blister type sores...they were now beginining to erupt everywhere! They were spreading at a very rapid rate! They were bursting out inside my mouth, down my throat and erupting out the palms of my hands and feet. They were painful, throbbing and they itched and burned like hell! I could not stop itching them! My skin was weeping and bleeding all over from the scratching. Immediately they strapped me down to a hospital bed to prevent me from itching the blisters for fear of infection. It was like the worse case of poison ivy you could imagine. It felt like sharp, hot stabbing, itchy bugs were crawling all over me...inside out. It was terrible! I had to be heavily sedated with pain and steroids. I was so frightened and now so very medicated.

There were moments, being so sedated...twirling in and out of consciousness... I felt like I was literally dreaming...feeling like I was stuck in a terrible nightmare. But I was not..I was living it.... it was real, and it was hell!

IV's were administered everywhere. Everyone was plugging me into this machine, that machine. My internal organs were beginning to develop infections. The deadly toxins from all the medication build up was attacking every cell in my body. I was running a fever of over 104 degrees that lasted for days! I was literally burning up from the inside out!

I so remember feeling and seeing so much fear, panic and concern on the many faces of the doctors and nurses who had NEVER seen this before. This IV, that IV. No one knew what was happening to me! No one knew.

17 years ago Steven Johnson Syndrome Disease had not been validated or researched much. Now it is! Search the Internet now...attorney after attorney has a website to take legal action against this disease and the interaction of drugs due to patient drug abuse.

At one time...I heard a nurse say..."maybe this is aids, her body is shutting down" Yes...that is what I heard! Can you imagine how I felt? I had no idea what was happening to me! I was so scared! I sincerely felt like my body was shutting down and that I was dying. And now I know...my body WAS shutting down from the high level of toxicity and I could have died. No one knew how to control this avalanche. No one knew the outcome.

That is exactly what Steven Johnson Syndrome Disease is. It is an uncontrollable toxic reaction build up and outbreak of medications and it burns organs from the inside out...I survived...many did not!

Finally a new physician entered my room took a scraping culture from one of the toxic sores on my leg. Now Remember--these sores covered over 90% of my body by now. They were everywhere!

Finally, hours later, heavily sedated, strapped down, IV tubing everywhere. A female physician returned to my room and had confirmed I was having a severe drug interaction.

I was diagnosed with a life threatening drug reaction disease called Steven Johnson Syndrome (google this disease--it is shocking!)

I will never forget what this doctor said once they knew the diagnosis.
She leaned over to me...her face and tone very much displayed levels of great concern, regret even fear. She said to me "Diane, you are having a severe drug reaction called Steven Johnson Syndrome. This is very rare which is why it has taken us so long to diagnose. We CANNOT STOP this avalanche of toxic blisters from your body. However we believe we can SLOW IT DOWN and try to control it so it does not damage your internal organs. Steroids and pain medications have been placed into your IV's. Can you try to remember your past medication history? What medications have you been taking and when?" (Why the hell wasn't a physician concerned about my drug history way back when. When they were so eager to keep prescribing me more meds! This was Crazy!!! Come to find out...the continual drugs they kept prescribing me was the cause for the severity of this toxic avalanche)

So, this doctor continued to say "We are so sorry you are in this state Diane. We are trying to control this outbreak and will try to make you as comfortable as possible until this subsides. We are sorry for the arm restraints but your uncontrollable scratching could lead to infections. We need to prevent you from itching these blisters. Can we contact your family?"
That was almost word for word. I will NEVER forget it! I was so scared. My body and all the sores looked so terrible.

I was still getting sicker by the minute...and they all knew it.
Many of my internal organs were now becoming infected. I was developing kidney infections, urinary and severe bladder infections, gum and mouth infections, swelling and inflammation was in every joint. The burning inside me was unbearable. I was in so much pain!
My face swelled to where it hurt from the stretching of my skin. My eyes were burning like fire. Soon the congestion in my lungs led to pneumonia. It was obvious...no one knew how to stop this...no surgery, no drug...it was a growing and thriving, fast paced disease. I feared I was going to die!

How could this be happening at the care of physicians who took an oath "to do no harm?" I mean they prescribed these meds to bring me back to better health right?

Hospitalized now for almost 2 weeks, day after day, IV after IV, physicians struggling to get control of this toxic burning avalanche. I was in a living hell and they knew it! I'm sure they HAD good intentions...however...they Lacked Knowledge in the dangers of drug interactions and they lacked Knowledge in the Power of Nutrition...and I was now paying a very high price for their ignorance!
Self Care IS Health Care...NOT more and more toxic medications.

Finally after 11 days in the hospital, the meds beginning to be reduced, the blisters had stopped erupting and I had a sense, for the first time...that this thing...this disease was subsiding. Still not knowing what, or if any internal damage was done, I still told the doctor I was leaving the hospital the next day. Against their medical recommendation...2 days later, I willingly checked myself out of the hospital. I do not even remember how or who took me home. All I know is I knew...it was time for me to go.

I just knew, deep inside , with such a strong spiritual calling...I needed to return home to do my own research and discovery of self care. Despite the struggle with the physicians to still remain hospitalized...and still very weak and sick...I signed all the necessary paperwork for my dismissal and I left.

Without any doubt...I knew My Responsibility, somehow, someway was to figure out Why and How this happened to me and How to Prevent this from EVER happening again.
Not just for myself...but also for the safety of my young daughter who had already endured too many years of being over medicated with antibiotics and steroid sprays for chronic sinus infections. I needed to figure this out so I could slowly learn how to wean Michele off all "her drugs" and begin new ways of living and healing ourselves, without the dangers of medications again.
SOMETHING WAS WRONG HERE...AND SOMETHING HAD TO CHANGE!

Now remember...at the time this was all happening to me...I had a small 5 year old daughter to raise. I was divorced, self employed as a Medical Esthetician with an in-home studio. Her father was immediately contacted and Michele was now in his care until we could figure all this out. And I might add, and even until this day...Michele's father has always been a loving, dependable and strong support system for her and for me. Thank God he was there to take care of her then. He temporarily lived back at the house to prevent any additional worry and stress on Michele. It was worrisome enough that her mom was not at home and in the hospital. I still was more worried about Michele's health and being on all the meds "she" was on and what to do next.

Eventually Michele came to the hospital to see me. I vaguely remember...however I do remember trying to hide all the open blister sores still all over my body, trying to cover them with those dang scratchy bed sheets. Even the sheets touching the sores was painful...however I did not want Michele to see them. They were disgusting to see. Being so medicated...I barely remember her visit. I do remember her father holding her in his arms and the disturbing look on her face. She was so young, so not sure of what was happening to me. I could not hold her...as the sores were all over my arms. I cried when she left, as even now as I write this...my eyes are tearing up. How sad for both of us. But what a Gift all this suffering ended up to be in our lives.

Also, the ONLY place these toxic blisters did not spread or break out was on my face. Yes...my face was spared. Swollen, infected and puffy eyes...but no facial scarring or blisters. Thank God!

Most cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome blisters Do spread to the eyes and face. Causing internal scarring and even blindness. Now I know I was the lucky one in so many ways...so many ways. . Google this disease--It may save your life or someone you love.

So now back at home...still so weak and with so many unanswered questions and concerns. My daughter spending most of her days after school with her father until I could regain my strength...

Here is where I would begin to enter a world of diligent research about the Dangers of Medications verses the Life changing benefits of Nutritional Awareness, Healthy Diets and Alternative Medicine. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! What a life-saver!

This world of knowledge would soon Change my life and redirect my career in guiding others with Hope and a safer and healthier way to live.

My Greatest Gift, not just to myself...but as a mother...for the first time I had such a sense of ease, a sense of relief, a sense of empowerment. I KNEW without a doubt HOW to develop better health for my young daughter. A child who'd already experienced too many years of chronic infections and overuse of antibiotics and toxic meds at the hands of Western Medicine. No More! I would NEVER place her at risk with dangerous medication intake again.

Within 3 months, Michele and I both began to experience first hand, the amazing benefits of using diet and nutritional supplementation as remedies for treating sickness, unhealthy symptoms and strengthening our weakened immune systems.

Day after day, week after week I was amazed at the incredible healthy changes that were occurring within our body's. My entire life and Michele's up until then had suffered with so many chronic health issues and drug side effects. Now we were both becoming symptom free, medication free and on our way to better health.

I was astonished, after so many years of suffering...and all those trips to the doctors... Years with Not One Doctor EVER speaking to us about Nutrition, Diet or anything other than medications. They had no idea How to Help Us Develop Better Health.
I mean isn't it called Health Care?
What is Health Care anyway?

Seems it should be called Medication Care...Not Health Care.

Taking several Medications with dangerous side effects is Poor Health....Not Health Care.
One drug generally ALWAYS leads to another....agree? Been there?
Something is Wrong here? Don't You Agree?

I wish Physicians were better informed as to Keeping us Healthy, or teaching us better self care...than just treating our symptoms with toxic and dangerous medications.


Who'd of thought...My deepest fears and painful Suffering would indeed become my Greatest Gift to myself, my daughter, my friends and to the many clients and people who pass my way and suffering and Open to The Power of Alternative Medicine and Supplementation?

Now 15 years later, in my late 50's...and my daughter at 25...
We both continue daily to live a medication free, very healthy lifestyle. Daily...and I do mean daily (which is the key).... we continue to practice firsthand the amazing benefits of diet and nutrition in maintaining our health and away from the need of ANY harmful medications.
Yes...we are both healthy, happy, slim and symptom free.

However, life may still throw our way at times a bit of flu bug, a cold virus...but very rarely.

When this does occur...WE DO NOT resort to ANY antibiotics or medications. Instead we double up on our OPC-3 antioxidant supplement, we increase our Probiotic intake, increase our Omega III's...drink more water and hot tea to quickly rid this toxic bacteria from within the body and soon we are back up and feeling great!

Did you know?

Give The Power to Your Body...Naturally...and it Will Heal You.
Toxins and bacteria will undoubtedly enter the body...Our job with these toxins is to rid them out of the body as quickly as possible in order to prevent secondary infections. The quicker these toxins are eliminated from our cells...the quicker our unhealthy symptoms disappear.

Stay Tuned so YOU too can Learn and Practice Better Self Care---

Be Patient...with yourself.

NUTRITION HEALS...Let food be your medicine.

ARE YOU READY FOR CHANGE...READY TO FEEL BETTER?
WELCOME TO NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE...It is Life-Changing!

One Step at a time...with willingness to make diet changes and a few supplementations...
You Can Learn to Live and Feel Healthier.

Without Change...There IS No Change. :-)


So Stay tuned and keep checking in and out of My Healthy Blog.

Til when,
Many warm and healthy blessings come your way....

Because I have been there...I care.

Diane Frances CNC