May 2, 2008 - Digestive Problems
A majority of the customers I talk to have some sort of digestive problem.
Many have “leaky gut syndrome”, IBS, IBD, candida yeast overgrowth, or
some sort of parasite. Many of these folks have autoimmune symptoms or have been diagnosed with any number of autoimmune diagnoses: Interstitial Cystitis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, food and chemical sensitivities… and the list goes on and on.
Over 70% of immune-producing cells are created and live in the lining of the small intestine. The following triggers can damage this lining, which can severely
compromise our immune function: NSAIDS and antibiotics, alcohol, viruses, fungus and bad bacteria, parasites, refined sugars, chemicals and heavy metals, food allergies, radiation, stress, trauma and surgery.
Many autoimmune disorders may be complicated by, or originate with, a leaky gut. When the larger spaces between the cells allow too large of protein molecules or microbes and fungi to get into the bloodstream, the immune system perceives them as a foreign invading substance. They begin to make antibodies against them and attack them. If it is food molecules, then food allergies/sensitivities will occur.
Because of a breakdown in cellular communication, these autoantibodies which were created to fight off the invaders can actually attack and inflame healthy tissue.
In our May, 2008 Evenbetternow Newsletter, we will cover this subject in a more comprehensive way, offering a number of ways to build a healthy gut lining. Remember to sign up for our free monthly newsletter on our website.
March 12, 2008 -
Sluggish Thyroid
So many people I talk to have sluggish thyroid function or hypothyroidism. Some of these folks have other complaints, usually of an autoimmune nature -- type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue, interstitial cystitis, heart disease, fibromyalgia, etc – and some are not diagnosed with any disorder, but don’t feel well. Most of these people are told by their doctors that they are fine, because their thyroid blood panels are normal. But they know that they are not ”fine”.
It is estimated that only 1%-2% of thyroid issues are found in a blood test. These are the people who have T4 issues – that is, their thyroid glands do not secrete enough Thyroxin, the thyroid hormone. These people must supplement with a thyroid glandular, either synthetic in nature or from bovine or porcine sources.
Then there is another form of sluggish thyroid. It has been named Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome. It has nothing to do with the thyroid gland or T4 function. It is the body’s inability to convert T4 into T3. It is not a thyroid gland issue, but a thyroid system function issue. For this manifestation of sluggish thyroid, the prescribing doctor gives T3, with amazing results for most people. There are even herbs that are said to be somewhat effective.
Many doctors, however, are not aware of Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome and still operate under old medical concepts and models of thyroid disease.
One of the most accurate ways to check this function is to check your temperature. The ongoing model for a T3 issue (where no other thyroid problem shows up in the blood) is to have symptoms (fatigue, irritability, mood swings, weight gain/loss, constipation) alongside low body temperature – 97.4 or below for three consecutive mornings, immediately upon waking. If you meet these criteria, ask your doctor about Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.
January 15, 2008 – About Vitamin C
Humans, unlike most other animals, can’t make vitamin C in our livers from common glucose. Scientists say that somewhere in the course of evolution we acquired a genetic defect which prevents us from producing an enzyme crucial to vitamin C synthesis.
Animals that can make their own C make a lot of it. A goat weighing 110 pounds will normally make over 9,000 mg (9 grams) of C a day. That would translate into 13 grams for a 154 pound human.
Calculations indicate that back in the day when humans still had the ability to make vitamin C, we probably made about 5 grams a day and got another 4 grams from our diet. On stressful days, when we were running from saber-toothed tigers who wanted to make us their lunch, we surely produced a whole lot more than that.
Even taking the highest quality supplemental C, only about half actually gets utilized. As far as our diet is concerned, fruits and veggies have likely lost up to 50% of their C content in being transported and stored.
The moral of this tale? – Take large dosages of a good, buffered, corn-free C that’s in a reduced form to maximize its safety and antioxidant properties.
We carry an excellent buffered vitamin C called VitaPurtiy Vitamin C Crystals. For more informationa or to order click here.
November 30, 2007 - Lipoceutical™ Glutathione
We have been hearing very positive results from our customers using Lipoceutical™ Glutathione. I have also been using it and find that it expedites my detoxification process.
Glutathione is the cell’s master antioxidant and detoxifying agent. For those who have a heavy toxic burden, these cellular glutathione levels are depleted significantly. For example: One molecule of mercury will deplete one molecule of glutathione. Recent studies have confirmed that the one consistent marker of chronic, degenerative disease is low glutathione levels.
Glutathione deficiency also contributes to oxidative stress, which plays a key role in aging and the pathogenisis of many disorders such as autism, alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and cancer.
Liposomes are small spheres, or liquid bubbles, made from Essential Phospholipids, essential components of cell membranes. Studies in humans show that the absorption of phospholipids is higher than 90%, making Lipoceutical™ Glutathione almost as bioavailable to the body as glutathione injections.
Our next newsletter in December 2007 will further elucidate on the benefits of this wonderful supplement.
September 13, 2007 - The Benefits of Glyconutrition
I never cease to be amazed by the number of positive testimonials we receive from our customers about Optimal Cell Support Glyconutrients.
There have reportedly been many hundreds of clinical studies concerning glyconutrition. Glyconutrients are basically plant-derived sacharrides (sugars) taken from sources such as aloe vera, arabinogalactan ( Larch tree), and some mushrooms. These are not the same sugars as are found in your grocery store alone – just glucose and fructose. These sacharrides mix with proteins to form
glycoproteins that make up the membrane of the cell. These polysacharrides are responsible for cellular communication and act as markers for the immune system to recognize these cells as healthy. In all autoimmune disorders, cellular communication breaks down and the immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. This is what makes glyconutrition so valuable for any chronic, degenerative or autoimmune disorder.
Many of our customers write that they didn’t think that the glyconutrients were helping them until they stopped taking them. They report that their symptoms got much worse after stopping and they realized that the Optimal Cell Support glyconutrients were stabilizing their symptoms and significantly slowing their progression. Upon taking the glycos again, they report the severity of the symptoms decreasing and energy levels much higher.
I really believe that everyone – no matter what condition you are in right now – should check out the possible benefits of glyconutrition for yourself.
http://www.evenbetternow.com/als-glyconutrients.asp.
July 31st 2007 – Cardiovascular Disease And Cholesterol
So much has been written about cholesterol being the most significant marker for heart disease. These findings, from the preliminary results of the Framingham Study in the early 1960’s, have been maintained and promulgated, early on, by vegetable oil and margarine companies, and most recently, by statin drug companies. Cholesterol levels – mainly LDL ( the misnomered “bad cholesterol”) – have been depicted as the main culprit in the epidemic proportion of heart disease within the past 40 years in this country.
The fact, however, remains this: Cholesterol, a vital substance created by the body, needs two criteria, predominantly, to enter the arterial wall – oxidation and inflammation. Oxidation is created by rampant free radical damage and toxic load. Inflammation also has the same triggers and is further enhanced by autoimmune reactions. The reason LDL cholesterol has been given such a bad rap is that it is made up of smaller molecules than HDL. These low-density lipoproteins have a greater tendency to be oxidized. It has nothing to do with cholesterol itself.
Some more statistics and facts: A number of studies have shown – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that in the past eight years in this country about 54% of all those who have died of cardiovascular disease have had normal to low cholesterol levels. So there must be other more significant markers to predict the presence of dangerous levels of arterial plaque.
If you are having a blood panel done by your doctor, ask him/her to chart the levels of CRP (Creative Reactive Protein) and homocysteine. These two levels will determine the amount of oxidation and inflammation. Even if your total cholesterol level is low, you may be at risk with high levels of these two.
We have all been told about diet and exercise, and these are prudent lifestyle choices. But did you know that intense aerobic exercise could actually increase free radical damage? Apart from the lactic acid production, aerobic exercise creates an oxygenation in the body that creates more free radicals. Free radical activity is a normal consequence of metabolism. The more oxygen, the faster the metabolism. Those who exercise “pedal to the medal” should increase their antioxidant intake – Vitamins C and Vitamin E, CoQ10, R-Lipoic Acid, etc.
Please check out our Cardio Support Pak: Products to address the lowering of cholesterol, inflammation and free radical damage. There are also products to address platelet aggregation and enzymatic functions.
June 18th 2007 - The New Scourges For The 21st Century
Several new studies suggest that diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, adding to a store of evidence that links the disorders. The study involves only Type 2 diabetes.
Alzheimer’s affects 1 in 10 people over 65 and nearly half of people over 85. About 4.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with it, and by 2050, the number may reach 20 million by even conservative estimates.
Not everyone with diabetes gets Alzheimer’s, and not all Alzheimer’s patients are diabetic. But in the past decade, several large studies have found that those with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Researchers originally thought that this increase was caused by diabetic cardiovascular problems, blocking blood flow to the brain. More recently, though, scientists link this connection to destructive deposits of amyloid, a type of protein. This amyloid plaque is built up in the brain in Alzheimer’s, and in the pancreas in Type 2 diabetes.
In Type 2 diabetes, there is insulin resistance – that is, insulin is not being used properly to help glucose enter the cells. To compensate, the pancreas makes extra insulin. Too much insulin in the brain can contribute to amyloid buildup. Alzheimer’s has even been called “Type 3 diabetes”.
About 20 million people have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and it is estimated that another 17 million are undiagnosed. An additional 41 million are “pre-diabetic”. These numbers are frightening, really. The result – not only in diabetes – but also in neurodegenerative disorders for aging baby boomers is staggering!
The following is the supplemental protocol for Alzheimer’s and the subsequent support pack we have put together, based on information found in Dr. David Perlmutter’s book, BrainRecovery.com, which is available by clicking here.
May 7th 2007 - New Look And Feel
As many of you already know, we here at EvenBetterNow have completely changed the look and feel of our website.
For some of our loyal customers, the change was (as all changes tend to be) a bit disconcerting. Some customers didn’t even know if this was the same website as before. Navigating it is different and, as is always the case, there were (we’re still working on it) some technical glitches. Thank you for your patience.
Our goals and intentions are still the same as before: To safely and effectively offer information and products of detoxification, nutritional supplementation and cellular renewal for chronic, degenerative conditions. With our new website, we are endeavouring to do this even more effectively than before.
One note of interest and change: we are offering new bentonite clay baths. The children’s bath is called Kids Clear™ (2.5 lbs) and the adult bath is called EvenBetterNow™ Detoxifying Clay Bath (5 lbs). We switched to this clay because we wanted to offer a pharmaceutical-grade clay for children that was free of microbes, bacteria, yeast and mold. These clays are also more user-friendly: No mixing in of herbs, dissolves easily in water, no clay dissolving agents, an easy cleanup and no concerns about clay clogging the drain.
We are also offering a Kids Chelat™ liquid heavy metal chelator that is the same formula as our popular Bio-Chelat™, except with trace minerals added.
March 12, 2007 - FAR Infrared Saunas: A Unique Detoxification Tool
In the last blog I talked about the FAR infrared sauna. Let's explore this a bit further because I believe that the FAR infrared sauna could be the most valuable tool available for detoxifying all types of toxic insults and, when used on a day-to-day basis, maintain this decreased toxic load.
Modern living has created a problem the human body was never designed to handle -exposure to excessive amounts of environmental toxins, especially heavy metal and oil-soluble toxins. Toxic chemicals are bioaccumulating in our tissues faster than we can get rid of them, creating an unprecedented epidemic of chronic disease. Heat causes toxins to be released by cells, and hyperthermic (sweat) treatments have been used by cultures around the world for millennia (American Indians used sweat lodges). Hyperthermic practices are known to reduce levels of organic toxins such as pesticides and PCBs, as well as heavy metals like lead and mercury.
The skin is the body's largest organ and an important part of the body's detoxification system. Saunas melt the fat layer in the skin, allowing the oil to ooze out of the oil glands along with its cargo of accumulated fat-soluble toxins. Over time, it is possible to reduce one's toxic load substantially as well as to keep it low. In addition, water-soluble toxins are lost in the sweat, including heavy metals like mercury.
In addition to cellular detoxification, FAR infrared saunas have been demonstrated to assist with:
o Pain Relief
o Weight Loss
o Cardiovascular Conditioning
o Increasing Circulation
o Lowering Blood Pressure
o Lowering Cholesterol
o Stimulating Immune Response
o Reducing Stress
o Speeding Injury Repair
o Joint Stiffness
o Skin Cleansing
o Reducing Cellulite
Infrared saunas are a completely different experience than a conventional sauna. The infrared heats you rather than the air so the penetration is over one and a half inches deep. This is desirable for healing tissue and releasing toxins. Meanwhile, the air temperature is kept at a comfortable and controllable level - 110 to 140 degrees versus 130 to 180 degrees in a conventional sauna. Much more user friendly!
For further information or to purchase a sauna from High Tech Health please call them at 1-800-794-5355 or go to www.hightechhealth.com. If you mention the name Even Better
Now you will receive a $500 discount on any of their wonderful saunas.
February 14, 2007 - Detoxification Cocktail
Many people ask me how they can avoid the fatigue and other possible "cleansing effects" that an effective detoxification program sometimes brings on.
Let me first say that I fully believe that all disease is the result of cells that have not been given the proper nutrition and that have been subjected to a heavy load of toxins. The acidification of the cellular environment through improper nutrition and toxicity is the terrain in which all disease thrives. One disorder. Thousands of symptoms. As toxins begin to unbind from organs, tissue, brain neurons, etc, they are on their way to be eliminated through the liver, kidney, intestine and skin. As a consequence, many of the symptoms associated with these poisons that had been "safely stored" will again begin to manifest. Fatigue, flu-like symptoms, brain fog, pins and needles in the extremities are just a few possible experiences on the detox journey. They are sometimes the price that is paid when we live an imbalanced lifestyle. But these effects do not have to be intolerable.
Ever since I began doing 30 minute sessions every other day in my far infrared sauna, I have been looking for and experimenting with different "cocktails" that would allow me to open my detoxification pathways and avoid the fatigue I inevitably felt for 4-8 hours afterwards. I believe the following protocol is a viable help for any detox - especially something like the far infrared sauna or the clay detox baths.
Fifteen to twenty minutes before entering the sauna I make a smoothie that consists of organic almond milk. This could also be hazlenut/rice/oat milk. I personally put in a frozen banana (this is optional). I add one scoop of New Greens and one scoop of ImmunoPro Whey Protein Powder. I top it off with one or two scoops of Optimal Cell Support Glyconutrients. I blend the whole thing together and enjoy. The New Greens have a minty taste so it's very good. Since doing this I have had no fatigue - even after an hour sauna - and feel great.
January 18, 2007 - Poor Blood Circulation
The following is an email sent to us recently with C.C.'s response.
Good Afternoon,
My name is Theresa M.and I have just come across your website and the affiliated link with the theautoimmunesite.com. It was very enlightening.
I am 46 years young, but have suffered from Crohn's Disease for over twenty years. At this stage everything on your website for me rings true. I have taken these principles to heart and am trying to practice it in my everyday life. However, I am at the end of my rope and am not working presently. I am unable to sit for long periods of time or stand for long periods of time. My legs are sometimes very weak and the muscles do not seem to be getting the proper nourishment as I usually lose my vitamins by my several trips to the washroom a day (Loose stool).
I have had a foot and a half of my small intestine removed along with my gallbladder in 1992. I receive B12 injections every three weeks but am not on any other medication and have tried to maintain with just diet and exercise.
I have consulted a Paul Chek certified nutrition counselor and she espouses the same principles as your website. However, I am a special case. I have been extremely toxic for over twenty years and although I have started doing organic fruits, vegetables and meats, and probiotics coupled with digestive enzymes, proper fat content, etc. my circulation issues have been getting worse. I used to walk 4km every second day and now I can barely move around my home. I seem to be on the verge of cramping or spasming in the legs all the time. I get cold very easily and the only thing that helps is a hot bath. It is only temporary though.
The problem is that I have no reserve in the muscles or in my system. I have lost twenty pounds (am now 124 pounds) and anything else I try seems to put me over the edge. My circulation is very sluggish when I first get up in the morning. I do Tai Chi exercises to help the bile circulate from the liver and midsection but this is not enough. I believe I am deficient in some vitamins and minerals but nothing shows up on the standard blood tests. Any further specialized blood testing is expensive and I am financially incapable at this point.
Can you suggest anything to help circulation or vitamin/mineral absorption through diet? My girlfriend recommended garlic pills to thin the blood. Most things I take upset the delicate condition of my stomach and cause diarrhea. I cannot afford to lose any more weight but must try to resolve my situation because I need to get back to work.
I am interested in anything you can tell me from your experience. Thank you for taking time to read this, I do appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Theresa M.
Hello Theresa,
There is just so much that you have done and that could be done...
You are a unique situation in that some of the things I would suggest may very well create some sort of a digestive imbalance - at least for a while. However, I do have some thoughts, so I will just begin.
Let's begin with the emotional/mental/spiritual. Poor circulation is often a result of sticky platelets that are formed when physical and emotional toxins create a state of acidosis in the body. When seen under a Darkfield microscope these platelets clump together inhibiting the blood from carrying nutrients and oxygen properly to certain organs and the extremities of the body. It is quite vital to practice self relaxation/prayer/meditation on a daily basis. This will help to eliminate the "mental and emotional toxicity" and actually bring down cortisol or stress hormone levels. High levels of cortisol create an acidic environment where platelets thicken and the heart has to work harder. On a purely physical level, aged garlic extract, non-flushing niacin and nattokinase would be quite beneficial for you. Garlic has been shown to reduce platelet aggregation, niacin is a vasodilator and nattokinase is made from a fermented soy enzyme that breaks down fibrinogen, the clotting element in the blood. Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil reduces inflammation and suppresses the leukotriene responsible for signaling inflammation in the mucosal membrane.
There is a product from Pure Prescriptions (www.PurePrescriptions.com) called S-Enzymes with serrapeptase. These are systemic, proteolytic enzymes. These have 4 times the potency of Wobenzyme-N. S-Enzymes break down insoluble protein by-products that coagulate blood. They thin fluids formed from inflammation and alleviate pain by inhibiting the release of specific pain-inducing amines known as bradykinin.
In addition, I would suggest Moducare sterols/sterolins, plant-derived fats that have had a placebo-controlled, double-blind study showing that it inhibits the IL-6 autoimmune reaction of inflammation and food allergies. This is something that we have found valuable for all autoimmune disorders and symptoms. I highly recommend this if you can tolerate it. Bioactive Colostrum Powder would strengthen your immune system and help heal your gut.
Last, but not least, I would suggest Pharma Clear Detoxifying Bentonite Clay Baths to decrease the toxic load of chemical, industrial, environmental, food additive, viral and heavy metal toxicity. This will help to modulate the autoimmune responses and flush out lactic acid wastes, thus raising alkalinity.
Hope this helps,
C.C. Raphael for EvenBetterNow
December 3, 2006 - Patience Is A Virtue For Autoimmune Disorders
I talk to a lot of folks who have had autoimmune disorders or symptoms for quite a long time. Many of them have gone to different doctors, doing batteries of tests, spending tons (or at least hundreds of pounds) of money and never get a definitive diagnosis. Some doctors even imply that the symptoms their patients are complaining about are "all in their head". The fortunate ones that do get an accurate diagnosis are then almost inevitably given the choice of steroids or some other dangerous pharmaceutical. This treatment may suppress the symptoms for a while and bring temporary relief, but, invariably, our customers tell us that the symptoms come back with a vengeance, and even new autoimmune disorders start to appear.
And so the vicious cycle of conventional treatment goes on and on and on and…
Well, it may seem to many of you that autoimmune disorders are like the energizer bunny: they keep going and going and going. But we are here to say - along with many others - that this does not have to be the case.
Make no mistake about it, however: reversing these symptoms is not a quick fix. As a society we have become used to "instant" everything. Even the type of medical model that we have grown up with uses drugs that immediately suppress or inhibit symptoms. As a society we want it to happen and we want it to happen NOW! This attitude is going to have to drop if we are to realistically face a successful treatment for autoimmune disorders.
Research scientists have found that many disorders exist in the body for 5-20 years before they ever manifest as physical symptoms. The idea that a reversal is going to happen overnight is a misguided idea at best.
Autoimmune disorders are the result of living an imbalanced lifestyle. We have all been subject to a variety of different toxic influences from foods, chemicals, vaccinations, environmental agents, heavy metals, fluoridated water supplies etc. Our bodies were never meant to carry such a heavy load. After many years of this poisonous imbalance we "suddenly" manifest symptoms of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue or a sluggish thyroid or any number of other things.
We are to here to tell you that if you wish to reverse this autoimmune nightmare you have been living you will need to bring your life more into balance, paying close attention to the types of foods you put into this body of yours.
There are six points I wish to make here to help bring life into balance:
1) Decrease the toxic load upon the body so that the immune system does not create an IL-6 response of inflammation on healthy tissue, glands and organs. One of the most inexpensive and yet most effective ways to decrease this load is to take detox clay baths using Pharma Clear Detoxifying Bentonite Clay Baths
2) Alkalize the body with AlkaLife Drops, New Greens Superfood Blend, and Vaxa Buffer pH+.
3) Heal the gut with i-Flora Probiotics and Bioactive Colostrum.
4) Eat whole organic foods
5) Moderate daily exercise
6) Quiet time for self relaxation, prayer or meditation.
|
International Orders!
