Do Skin Cancer Fears Contribute to Vitamin D Deficiency?
(DrEddyClinic News) The sun is both loved and feared, and many people either worship its life-giving warmth or shun it altogether. As fear of skin cancer related to UV exposure became widespread, individuals around the globe began shying away from natural sunlight. Many skin cancer campaigns urged listeners to avoid sun exposure whenever possible and slather skin with extra-strength sun block http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=33208 in preparation for even the most brief encounter with the sun. While this advice might’ve had good intentions, the results have had other consequences.
Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, researchers are afraid that past recommendations for avoiding the sun may be increasing the rates of hypertension and heart disease. [1] Prolonged exposure to sunlight may increase disease risk as well as speed up the visible signs of aging. Moderate, daily exposure on the other hand can actually prevent these effects. It sounds paradoxical, but most things related to health usually are. Sunlight is also important for maintaining a healthy mood, regulating your sleep cycles, and supporting your immune system. Extreme measures to avoiding sunlight exposure may deprive you of Vitamin D, which is believed to offer a number of essential health benefits. Some of the effects related to vitamin D deficiency http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=33872 include:
1. Increased Blood Pressure
Research has consistently shown that there is a direct correlation between vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure. [2] According to a recent study conducted at the University of Edinburgh, 30 minutes of UV exposure may lower blood pressure http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=99&t=33405 by triggering natural stores of nitric oxide in the skin, which causes small blood vessels to dilate. [3] Other studies have found that people tend to have lower blood pressure during the summer, and the further you live from the equator, the higher the odds are that you will suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. Heart Disease and Stroke
If sun exposure reduces blood pressure, it may also be able to prevent heart disease and stroke http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=33864. [4] High blood pressure is a huge risk factor for these types of health conditions, both of which account for 30 percent of annual deaths across the globe. People at risk for heart disease should probably look into checking their vitamin D levels (ask your doctor for a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test) and possibly supplement with a vegan form of vitamin D3.
3. Immune System Suppression
A deficiency of vitamin D can actually contribute to the suppression of the immune system http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=123&t=32624. [5] This may be why colds and flu often occur during the winter months when people are indoors for the majority of the day.
Vitamin D Guidelines
While it is important to be mindful of UV rays’ potential for skin damage, responsible sun exposure is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Sunlight is ideal for producing natural vitamin D http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=33211, but a vitamin D3 supplement may be necessary, especially during the winter months.
Experts suggest that if the UV index is less than three, it may be fine for most individuals to go out in the sun without protection. When the UV index is three or above, however, protective measures for your skin are encouraged, including sunscreen application http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=118&t=33404 and wearing proper clothing. Experts note that the early morning and late afternoon are the safest times to go out in the sun, while the middle of the day is when UV rays are most intense and have the highest potential for harm.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Skin
Vitamin D is essential, and we need some form of sunlight exposure every day to keep our health and wellbeing running smoothly. At the same time, overexposure can age the skin quickly and contribute to disease risk. Since the skin on your face is thinner than other areas of your body, it is best to apply an organic sunscreen http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=33208 to your face and neck, exposing your arms and legs to the sun for vitamin D production. After about 15 to 20 minutes of mid-day exposure, it may be best to find some type of protection from the direct rays of the sun. This is dependent on your skin type, but most people should avoid being in direct sunlight beyond 30 minutes.
How do you ensure a healthy dose of daily vitamin D? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Julia Medew. Skin cancer fears blinding people to health benefits of sunlight, say scientists http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/skin-cancer-fears-blinding-people-to-health-benefits-of-sunlight-say-scientists-20141118-11p8we.html. The Sydney Morning Herald. November 18, 2014.
2. Tamez H, Thadhani RI. Vitamin D and hypertension: an update and review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22820371. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2012 Sep;21(5):492-9. doi: 10.1097/MNH.0b013e3283557bf0.
3. Vimaleswaran KS, Cavadino A, Berry DJ, et al. Association of vitamin D status with arterial blood pressure and hypertension risk: a mendelian randomisation study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24974252. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014 Sep;2(9):719-29. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587 (14)70113-5.
4. Gouni-Berthold I, Krone W, Berthold HK. Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601865. Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2009 Jul;7(3):414-22.
5. Cynthia Aranow, MD. Vitamin D and the Immune System http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/. J Investig Med. Aug 2011; 59(6): 881-886. doi: 10.231/JIM.0b013e31821b8755.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
The Dangerous Truth about Herbal Colon Cleansers
The Dangerous Truth about Herbal Colon Cleansers
(DrEddyClinic News) Health-conscious consumers are more than willing to spend valuable time and money on natural means of maintaining their health; and many of these consumers subscribe to the philosophy that good health begins in the bowels.
As a result, the natural health supplement industry has recently been flooded with numerous infomercials on natural health, herbal colon cleansers, and detoxifiers. These products may be natural, but are they really effective? More importantly, does buying “natural” necessarily mean buying safe?
According to the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and similar organizations, many herbal colon cleansers could be more than just ineffective. They could be putting consumer health at serious risk.
While there are a handful of safe herbal colon cleansers on the market, most manufacturers choose to include cheap and potentially dangerous ingredients in their formulations. Popular herbal ingredients to be especially wary of include Psyllium, Cascara Sagrada, and Senna.
A host of other potentially dangerous herbal combination’s make their way into these cleansers as well, so be sure to research each individual ingredient in any product before eating or drinking it.
A better option would be to choose a non-herbal cleansing product with a well-documented safety record. In addition to being more effective than herbal cleansers, an oxygen-based cleanser like Oxy-Powder® is much gentler on the digestive tract and offers virtually no risk whatsoever to your health.
There’s a special reason for such a safety record. Oxy-Powder® doesn’t force you to have a bowel movement like chemical laxatives, drug-based enemas, and herbal colon cleansers. These products either irritate the intestinal tract to induce a bowel movement or they basically create a condition similar to incontinence so everything just comes out whether you’re ready or not. Oxy-Powder® on the other hand just helps your colon perform its normal functions of food assimilation and waste disposal.
You see, your colon can become quite clogged from years of eating bad foods (fatty meats, sweets, starchy side dishes, etc.) and the only way you can effectively cleanse the accumulated waste matter from your bowels is with the aid of a quality colon cleansing product. We’ll reveal how an oxygen-based colon cleanser can help you later. For now, let’s learn more about the harmful herbal colon cleansers’ ingredients.
Psyllium
Psyllium is one of the most common ingredients in herbal colon cleansers and especially in over-the-counter “fiber” laxatives. Numerous reports exist concerning serious allergic reactions following the ingestion of Psyllium products. These reactions include labored breathing, skin irritations or hives, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis (constriction of the esophagus leading to choking). Long-term use of products containing Psyllium may also negatively affect absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron.
Perhaps most ironically, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract has also been regularly cited in studies of patients taking Psyllium products. These studies seem to suggest this side effect is especially common in individuals prone to suffering constipation.
An oxygen producing cleanser like Oxy-Powder®, on the other hand, actually converts solid waste into a gas or liquid which makes it impossible for an intestinal blockage to occur. In addition to to organic Germanium-132 and natural Citric Acid http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34110, Oxy-Powder® also contains a specially ozonated compound of Magnesium http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34112 oxides. This key ingredient is like a bonus because it permits you to restore a small amount of the mineral lost from taking a Psyllium or Senna-based herbal colon cleansers.
Oxy-Powder® helps to remove these types of obstructions by liquefying accumulated waste and other organic debris. This effect should not be confused with diarrhea which is caused by viral infection of the bowels. The best part–once your intestines become unrestricted of that awful constipation, they can begin to function as they should with the end result being improvement to your processes of digestion and elimination.
It’s difficult to comprehend why any intelligent person would purchase any herbal colon cleansers with a tendency to actually cause bowel obstruction (otherwise known as constipation) rather than a safe, proven formula like Oxy-Powder® that works to clear away hardened and putrefying fecal matter.
Cascara Sagrada
The name Cascara sagrada is used generically to describe the aged bark of several species of Buckthorn shrub. It’s used as the principal component of many herbal colon cleansers.
Some supplement marketers attempt to sneak Cascara under the smart consumer’s radar by disguising it as part of a “proprietary blend” or by listing it by its lesser-known name “buckthorn bark.” These same companies will sometimes slap on fine-print disclaimers about their products containing this dangerous ingredient, presumably to protect themselves against potential lawsuits. It’s unfortunate they’re not so willing to protect the health of the people taking their shoddy product.
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Cascara and its derivatives from use in non-prescription laxatives due to lack of supportive evidence they were either safe or effective. The FDA however failed to protect consumers from manufacturers who include Cascara in “dietary supplements” under which heading herbal colon cleansers invariably fall.
Oxygen cleansers like Oxy-Powder® are made from minerals instead of plant byproducts so it offers a significantly diminished risk for contamination. You see, plants absorb nutrients from the surrounding environment so if pollution or chemicals are present the herbs can become tainted as well. However, due to modern processing methods and technology, minerals can be easily isolated so you obtain only the pure extract. Furthermore, Oxy-Powder® provides a more predictable effect on the body than herbal colon cleansers made with Cascara or other herbs because, with Oxy-Powder®, you engage in no risk of allergic reaction.
Each person’s internal chemistry can react quite differently to various substances and therein lays one of chief dangers of herbal colon cleansers. For example, some people are lactose intolerant and don’t even realize it, so every time they think they’re enjoying a tall glass of cold milk they are actually irritating their digestive system and possibly contributing to their constipation.
Oxy-Powder® helps the body detoxify by cleansing out toxin-laden waste plus the intestinal mucous that develops as a defensive measure against harmful foods and other material. So, if you err in trying herbal colon cleansers and you’re experiencing harsh side effects, Oxy-Powder® can help you restore intestinal balance by eliminating waste and trace herbal residue.
Senna
Senna is produced from a tropical flowering plant and is a popular ingredient in “diet” or “cleansing” teas as well as many body cleansing supplements. Senna has also been the subject of numerous consumer complaints stretching as far back as 1987.
Between 1992 and 1994, there were at least four recorded deaths of otherwise healthy young females who reportedly used senna-containing teas for extended periods. However, further investigation in these cases was unable to yield sufficient evidence to ban the substance altogether. Regrettably, at least for the time being, this dangerous herbal substance is still readily available in many herbal teas, laxatives, herbal colon cleansers, and a variety of dietary supplements.
By the way, both Cascara and Senna are forms of Anthraquinones-naturally occurring compounds found primarily in plants and certain insects. In addition to their use in low-quality colon cleansers, Anthraquinones have historically been used in the commercial manufacturing of dyes and pigments for the garment industry.
Anthraquinones basically irritate intestinal bacteria to cause bowel contractions. According to the National Institutes of Health, common side effects of Anthraquinone-based stimulant laxatives include brownish urine, severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. This class of laxatives also has a tendency to strip away good intestinal bacteria which normally assist the body’s digestive process.
By contrast, Oxy-Powder® will not impair beneficial bacteria but, at the same time, it helps create an environment unwelcoming to harmful flora so they cannot overpopulate and cause sickness. If the balance of flora in the digestive system is optimal, you can enjoy efficient digestion, increased absorption of vital nutrients, and less chance for a variety of intestinal diseases to develop in the future.
If abused, Anthraquinones can also cause electrolyte imbalances and potassium loss, and because electrolytes play an essential role in creating nerve impulses to facilitate proper muscle function, unbalanced potassium levels can trigger irregular heartbeat and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Oxy-Powder® provides no such side effects–it performs exactly as it should, no more and no less. Oxy-Powder® does not actually induce a bowel movement but merely breaks down old fecal matter so your body can clear it out and begin the healing process. Thereafter, improved biological functions can occur as a matter of course.
Warning Signs for Herbal Colon Cleansers
The majority of herbs used in these products are sourced from foreign sources such as companies in China or India. To generate a profit, these companies are typically using very low-grade herbal powders or solvent extracted herbal derivatives which may be contaminated with a host of heavy metals, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxins.
Furthermore, many of these manufactures utilize the entire plant under the false assumption they can increase profit by not wasting anything. For many herbs however, only specific parts of the plants contain the desired substance in the correct chemical structure or potency. In most cases, herbs also receive radiation before being shipped internationally to reduce the presence of germs, but this practice also tends to greatly reduce their effectiveness. With many of these herbal colon cleansers, you’re basically paying a lot of money for a canister of mostly inert or “dead” mixtures.
Make sure you ask any company from which you purchase herbal colon cleansers if they can provide documentation regarding the source of their herbs and a certificate asserting their product is free of herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, and fumigants and also contains non-irradiated ingredients. Also, try to make sure the product is packaged in pure vegetable capsules instead of capsules manufactured with toxic glues and binders or gelatin capsules comprised of animal-processing byproducts and artificial preservatives.
To compare, Oxy-Powder® http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30713 is encapsulated in vegetable capsules that are gelatin-free, safe, and all natural. Vegetable capsules offer no side effects, are free of preservatives and other chemicals, and promote the organic lifestyle because no animal nor is the environment harmed in their manufacture. Oxy-Powder®’s capsules are vegetarian safe so you can take them knowing they are made with a variety of cultural and religious beliefs in mind. Plus, the cellulosic material utilized in their construction ensures your body can quickly digest the ingredients (namely the Oxy-Powder®) so they can get to work quickly.
Finally, it’s a good idea to avoid herbal colon cleansers containing questionable or hard-to-digest non-nutritive substances such as:
- Magnesium stearate
- Silicon dioxide (common sand)
- Food glaze
- Methylcellulose
- Carnauba wax
- Apple pectin
- Binders or fillers
Ideally, all of the ingredients utilized in a natural colon cleanser should be organically certified, wildcrafted, or at the very least, free of all harmful contaminates.
Summary – A Better, Safer Option
While the facts surrounding herbal colon cleansers may seem disheartening to consumers seeking natural options for maintaining their health, safe alternatives do exist. Unlike herbal or other over-the-counter laxatives, oxygen-based cleansers thoroughly cleanse the walls of the colon and intestines without bringing dangerous or unpleasant side effects.
Several reputable options for oxygen cleansing are available, but Oxy-Powder® is widely considered to be the best. Oxy-Powder® works by releasing nascent oxygen into the bowel using a Magnesium oxide carrier. Simply put, specialized oxygen molecules are locked in place by being bonded to specific forms of magnesium. The Citric Acid, in conjunction with gastric juices, breaks apart these bonds and thus allows the oxygen to escape into the intestines where it gently dissolves impacted waste.
Oxy-Powder® has several other notable advantages over herbal colon cleansers. Besides fully utilizing modern technology in its manufacturing and development, the makers of Oxy-Powder® also provide you with a stronger formula as measured in our Analysis of Oxy-Powder® vs. Competitors’ Products. And remember those convenient vegetarian capsules we just described? Many herbal colon cleansers are sold as a loose powder that must be mixed with water, or worse, with some other ingredient you have to purchase.
Oxy-Powder® http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30713 provides an array of positive health benefits. Oxy-Powder® helps to gently cleanse, flush, and detoxify your colon without the dangerous of embarrassing side effects of laxatives and herbal colon cleansers!
To summarize, Oxy-Powder® . . .
- Helps restore bowel regularity
- Cleanses, refreshes, and detoxifies
- Eliminates fecal buildup clogging your colon
- Promotes renewed vitality and general health
- Supports a healthy immune and digestive systems
- Assists in maximum absorption of vital nutrients
- Aids in efficient, easy bowel movements
Compared to the harsh side effects and potential for danger inherent to using the herbal colon cleansers described above, wouldn’t you rather use a product offering safe, effective results? It must be noted–this information is not intended to dissuade consumers from using natural herbal-based health products. In most cases, natural supplements are still a great and preferred alternative to synthetic drugs.
Let’s face it–herbs are about as natural as you can get. But many herbs and herbal colon cleansers can be just as potent (and potentially dangerous) as pharmaceuticals. So please, do yourself and your body a favor and thoroughly research any colon cleansing product before trying it to relieve constipation symptoms or to improve overall health. Then find an organic colon cleansing product that works and won’t bring more harm than good. Do what’s best for your body so you can enjoy the benefits of restoring or achieving optimal health!
By Dr. Edward F. Group, III, DC, PhD, ND, DACBN
Select References:
California Morbity (1998) “Adverse Reactions Cause the Department of Health Services to Require a Label Notice on Foods and Dietary Supplements Containing Ingredients with Stimulant Laxative Effects”
Available: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/cm/pdf/cm9809pp.pdf
Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR part 310,
[Docket No. 78-036L]
Available: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/78n-036L-nfr0004-vol107.pdf
Centre National De La Recherche scientifique – [Psyllium-associated anaphylaxis and death: A case report and review of the literature]
Available: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=15363332
MedlinePlus – Laxatives (Oral)
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202319.html
MedlinePlus – Herbs and Supplements: Psyllium (Plantago ovata, Plantago isphagula)
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-psyllium.html
MedlinePlus – Stimulant laxatives
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601112.html
(DrEddyClinic News) Health-conscious consumers are more than willing to spend valuable time and money on natural means of maintaining their health; and many of these consumers subscribe to the philosophy that good health begins in the bowels.
As a result, the natural health supplement industry has recently been flooded with numerous infomercials on natural health, herbal colon cleansers, and detoxifiers. These products may be natural, but are they really effective? More importantly, does buying “natural” necessarily mean buying safe?
According to the National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and similar organizations, many herbal colon cleansers could be more than just ineffective. They could be putting consumer health at serious risk.
While there are a handful of safe herbal colon cleansers on the market, most manufacturers choose to include cheap and potentially dangerous ingredients in their formulations. Popular herbal ingredients to be especially wary of include Psyllium, Cascara Sagrada, and Senna.
A host of other potentially dangerous herbal combination’s make their way into these cleansers as well, so be sure to research each individual ingredient in any product before eating or drinking it.
A better option would be to choose a non-herbal cleansing product with a well-documented safety record. In addition to being more effective than herbal cleansers, an oxygen-based cleanser like Oxy-Powder® is much gentler on the digestive tract and offers virtually no risk whatsoever to your health.
There’s a special reason for such a safety record. Oxy-Powder® doesn’t force you to have a bowel movement like chemical laxatives, drug-based enemas, and herbal colon cleansers. These products either irritate the intestinal tract to induce a bowel movement or they basically create a condition similar to incontinence so everything just comes out whether you’re ready or not. Oxy-Powder® on the other hand just helps your colon perform its normal functions of food assimilation and waste disposal.
You see, your colon can become quite clogged from years of eating bad foods (fatty meats, sweets, starchy side dishes, etc.) and the only way you can effectively cleanse the accumulated waste matter from your bowels is with the aid of a quality colon cleansing product. We’ll reveal how an oxygen-based colon cleanser can help you later. For now, let’s learn more about the harmful herbal colon cleansers’ ingredients.
Psyllium
Psyllium is one of the most common ingredients in herbal colon cleansers and especially in over-the-counter “fiber” laxatives. Numerous reports exist concerning serious allergic reactions following the ingestion of Psyllium products. These reactions include labored breathing, skin irritations or hives, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis (constriction of the esophagus leading to choking). Long-term use of products containing Psyllium may also negatively affect absorption of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron.
Perhaps most ironically, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract has also been regularly cited in studies of patients taking Psyllium products. These studies seem to suggest this side effect is especially common in individuals prone to suffering constipation.
An oxygen producing cleanser like Oxy-Powder®, on the other hand, actually converts solid waste into a gas or liquid which makes it impossible for an intestinal blockage to occur. In addition to to organic Germanium-132 and natural Citric Acid http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34110, Oxy-Powder® also contains a specially ozonated compound of Magnesium http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=34112 oxides. This key ingredient is like a bonus because it permits you to restore a small amount of the mineral lost from taking a Psyllium or Senna-based herbal colon cleansers.
Oxy-Powder® helps to remove these types of obstructions by liquefying accumulated waste and other organic debris. This effect should not be confused with diarrhea which is caused by viral infection of the bowels. The best part–once your intestines become unrestricted of that awful constipation, they can begin to function as they should with the end result being improvement to your processes of digestion and elimination.
It’s difficult to comprehend why any intelligent person would purchase any herbal colon cleansers with a tendency to actually cause bowel obstruction (otherwise known as constipation) rather than a safe, proven formula like Oxy-Powder® that works to clear away hardened and putrefying fecal matter.
Cascara Sagrada
The name Cascara sagrada is used generically to describe the aged bark of several species of Buckthorn shrub. It’s used as the principal component of many herbal colon cleansers.
Some supplement marketers attempt to sneak Cascara under the smart consumer’s radar by disguising it as part of a “proprietary blend” or by listing it by its lesser-known name “buckthorn bark.” These same companies will sometimes slap on fine-print disclaimers about their products containing this dangerous ingredient, presumably to protect themselves against potential lawsuits. It’s unfortunate they’re not so willing to protect the health of the people taking their shoddy product.
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned Cascara and its derivatives from use in non-prescription laxatives due to lack of supportive evidence they were either safe or effective. The FDA however failed to protect consumers from manufacturers who include Cascara in “dietary supplements” under which heading herbal colon cleansers invariably fall.
Oxygen cleansers like Oxy-Powder® are made from minerals instead of plant byproducts so it offers a significantly diminished risk for contamination. You see, plants absorb nutrients from the surrounding environment so if pollution or chemicals are present the herbs can become tainted as well. However, due to modern processing methods and technology, minerals can be easily isolated so you obtain only the pure extract. Furthermore, Oxy-Powder® provides a more predictable effect on the body than herbal colon cleansers made with Cascara or other herbs because, with Oxy-Powder®, you engage in no risk of allergic reaction.
Each person’s internal chemistry can react quite differently to various substances and therein lays one of chief dangers of herbal colon cleansers. For example, some people are lactose intolerant and don’t even realize it, so every time they think they’re enjoying a tall glass of cold milk they are actually irritating their digestive system and possibly contributing to their constipation.
Oxy-Powder® helps the body detoxify by cleansing out toxin-laden waste plus the intestinal mucous that develops as a defensive measure against harmful foods and other material. So, if you err in trying herbal colon cleansers and you’re experiencing harsh side effects, Oxy-Powder® can help you restore intestinal balance by eliminating waste and trace herbal residue.
Senna
Senna is produced from a tropical flowering plant and is a popular ingredient in “diet” or “cleansing” teas as well as many body cleansing supplements. Senna has also been the subject of numerous consumer complaints stretching as far back as 1987.
Between 1992 and 1994, there were at least four recorded deaths of otherwise healthy young females who reportedly used senna-containing teas for extended periods. However, further investigation in these cases was unable to yield sufficient evidence to ban the substance altogether. Regrettably, at least for the time being, this dangerous herbal substance is still readily available in many herbal teas, laxatives, herbal colon cleansers, and a variety of dietary supplements.
By the way, both Cascara and Senna are forms of Anthraquinones-naturally occurring compounds found primarily in plants and certain insects. In addition to their use in low-quality colon cleansers, Anthraquinones have historically been used in the commercial manufacturing of dyes and pigments for the garment industry.
Anthraquinones basically irritate intestinal bacteria to cause bowel contractions. According to the National Institutes of Health, common side effects of Anthraquinone-based stimulant laxatives include brownish urine, severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. This class of laxatives also has a tendency to strip away good intestinal bacteria which normally assist the body’s digestive process.
By contrast, Oxy-Powder® will not impair beneficial bacteria but, at the same time, it helps create an environment unwelcoming to harmful flora so they cannot overpopulate and cause sickness. If the balance of flora in the digestive system is optimal, you can enjoy efficient digestion, increased absorption of vital nutrients, and less chance for a variety of intestinal diseases to develop in the future.
If abused, Anthraquinones can also cause electrolyte imbalances and potassium loss, and because electrolytes play an essential role in creating nerve impulses to facilitate proper muscle function, unbalanced potassium levels can trigger irregular heartbeat and other potentially life-threatening conditions. Oxy-Powder® provides no such side effects–it performs exactly as it should, no more and no less. Oxy-Powder® does not actually induce a bowel movement but merely breaks down old fecal matter so your body can clear it out and begin the healing process. Thereafter, improved biological functions can occur as a matter of course.
Warning Signs for Herbal Colon Cleansers
The majority of herbs used in these products are sourced from foreign sources such as companies in China or India. To generate a profit, these companies are typically using very low-grade herbal powders or solvent extracted herbal derivatives which may be contaminated with a host of heavy metals, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxins.
Furthermore, many of these manufactures utilize the entire plant under the false assumption they can increase profit by not wasting anything. For many herbs however, only specific parts of the plants contain the desired substance in the correct chemical structure or potency. In most cases, herbs also receive radiation before being shipped internationally to reduce the presence of germs, but this practice also tends to greatly reduce their effectiveness. With many of these herbal colon cleansers, you’re basically paying a lot of money for a canister of mostly inert or “dead” mixtures.
Make sure you ask any company from which you purchase herbal colon cleansers if they can provide documentation regarding the source of their herbs and a certificate asserting their product is free of herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, and fumigants and also contains non-irradiated ingredients. Also, try to make sure the product is packaged in pure vegetable capsules instead of capsules manufactured with toxic glues and binders or gelatin capsules comprised of animal-processing byproducts and artificial preservatives.
To compare, Oxy-Powder® http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30713 is encapsulated in vegetable capsules that are gelatin-free, safe, and all natural. Vegetable capsules offer no side effects, are free of preservatives and other chemicals, and promote the organic lifestyle because no animal nor is the environment harmed in their manufacture. Oxy-Powder®’s capsules are vegetarian safe so you can take them knowing they are made with a variety of cultural and religious beliefs in mind. Plus, the cellulosic material utilized in their construction ensures your body can quickly digest the ingredients (namely the Oxy-Powder®) so they can get to work quickly.
Finally, it’s a good idea to avoid herbal colon cleansers containing questionable or hard-to-digest non-nutritive substances such as:
- Magnesium stearate
- Silicon dioxide (common sand)
- Food glaze
- Methylcellulose
- Carnauba wax
- Apple pectin
- Binders or fillers
Ideally, all of the ingredients utilized in a natural colon cleanser should be organically certified, wildcrafted, or at the very least, free of all harmful contaminates.
Summary – A Better, Safer Option
While the facts surrounding herbal colon cleansers may seem disheartening to consumers seeking natural options for maintaining their health, safe alternatives do exist. Unlike herbal or other over-the-counter laxatives, oxygen-based cleansers thoroughly cleanse the walls of the colon and intestines without bringing dangerous or unpleasant side effects.
Several reputable options for oxygen cleansing are available, but Oxy-Powder® is widely considered to be the best. Oxy-Powder® works by releasing nascent oxygen into the bowel using a Magnesium oxide carrier. Simply put, specialized oxygen molecules are locked in place by being bonded to specific forms of magnesium. The Citric Acid, in conjunction with gastric juices, breaks apart these bonds and thus allows the oxygen to escape into the intestines where it gently dissolves impacted waste.
Oxy-Powder® has several other notable advantages over herbal colon cleansers. Besides fully utilizing modern technology in its manufacturing and development, the makers of Oxy-Powder® also provide you with a stronger formula as measured in our Analysis of Oxy-Powder® vs. Competitors’ Products. And remember those convenient vegetarian capsules we just described? Many herbal colon cleansers are sold as a loose powder that must be mixed with water, or worse, with some other ingredient you have to purchase.
Oxy-Powder® http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30713 provides an array of positive health benefits. Oxy-Powder® helps to gently cleanse, flush, and detoxify your colon without the dangerous of embarrassing side effects of laxatives and herbal colon cleansers!
To summarize, Oxy-Powder® . . .
- Helps restore bowel regularity
- Cleanses, refreshes, and detoxifies
- Eliminates fecal buildup clogging your colon
- Promotes renewed vitality and general health
- Supports a healthy immune and digestive systems
- Assists in maximum absorption of vital nutrients
- Aids in efficient, easy bowel movements
Compared to the harsh side effects and potential for danger inherent to using the herbal colon cleansers described above, wouldn’t you rather use a product offering safe, effective results? It must be noted–this information is not intended to dissuade consumers from using natural herbal-based health products. In most cases, natural supplements are still a great and preferred alternative to synthetic drugs.
Let’s face it–herbs are about as natural as you can get. But many herbs and herbal colon cleansers can be just as potent (and potentially dangerous) as pharmaceuticals. So please, do yourself and your body a favor and thoroughly research any colon cleansing product before trying it to relieve constipation symptoms or to improve overall health. Then find an organic colon cleansing product that works and won’t bring more harm than good. Do what’s best for your body so you can enjoy the benefits of restoring or achieving optimal health!
By Dr. Edward F. Group, III, DC, PhD, ND, DACBN
Select References:
California Morbity (1998) “Adverse Reactions Cause the Department of Health Services to Require a Label Notice on Foods and Dietary Supplements Containing Ingredients with Stimulant Laxative Effects”
Available: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/dcdc/cm/pdf/cm9809pp.pdf
Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration 21 CFR part 310,
[Docket No. 78-036L]
Available: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/78n-036L-nfr0004-vol107.pdf
Centre National De La Recherche scientifique – [Psyllium-associated anaphylaxis and death: A case report and review of the literature]
Available: http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=15363332
MedlinePlus – Laxatives (Oral)
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202319.html
MedlinePlus – Herbs and Supplements: Psyllium (Plantago ovata, Plantago isphagula)
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-psyllium.html
MedlinePlus – Stimulant laxatives
Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601112.html
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Health Tip: Understanding Dry Mouth
Health Tip: Understanding Dry Mouth
(DrEddyClinic News) -- Dry mouth usually affects older adults, often as a side effect of a health condition or certain drugs including decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers and diuretics, says the American Dental Association.
Symptoms of dry mouth may include a sore throat, a burning sensation, hoarse voice, nasal dryness and difficulty speaking and swallowing. If frequent dry mouth isn't treated, it can lead to tooth damage and decay.
Saliva is needed to keep the mouth moist, get rid of food build-up, and neutralize acids http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8 created by plaque that damage the teeth, the association says.
Dry mouth also can irritate oral tissues. This can lead to inflammation and increased risk of infection http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=136. See your dentist for prompt treatment, the ADA advises.
(DrEddyClinic News) -- Dry mouth usually affects older adults, often as a side effect of a health condition or certain drugs including decongestants, antihistamines, pain relievers and diuretics, says the American Dental Association.
Symptoms of dry mouth may include a sore throat, a burning sensation, hoarse voice, nasal dryness and difficulty speaking and swallowing. If frequent dry mouth isn't treated, it can lead to tooth damage and decay.
Saliva is needed to keep the mouth moist, get rid of food build-up, and neutralize acids http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8 created by plaque that damage the teeth, the association says.
Dry mouth also can irritate oral tissues. This can lead to inflammation and increased risk of infection http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=136. See your dentist for prompt treatment, the ADA advises.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Health Dangers of Chlordane
Health Dangers of Chlordane
(DrEddyClinic News) Chlordane is a man made chemical and popular pesticide that was offered in the United States from 1948-1988. Due to concerns about environmental damage and human health risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of chlordane in 1983, except for controlling termites. It was banned for that use, and all uses, in 1988 but still its effect is felt across the world and in the United States.
How am I Exposed to Chlordane?
Chlordane has been banned for over 20 years so the risk of exposure is gone too, right? Wrong. Chlordane is considered a persistent organic pollutant and the key word is “persistent.” Like plastic, it doesn’t occur naturally nor does it decompose quickly; like an unwanted house guest, it just lingers. Chlordane is unlikely to enter groundwater but only because it fiercely adheres to and pollutes soil particles. If you’ve been to homes that were treated for termites any time before 1988, there’s a good chance chlordane was used. If you were alive when chlordane use was at its peak, you were probably exposed then too.
Chlordane: Found Everywhere?
Persistent organic pollutants, especially chlordane, have affected and polluted nearly the entire world. The University of Hong Kong Department of Community Medicine reports that remnants of persistent organic pollutants have been found in human breast milk in the region. [1] The Chinese Academy of Sciences has warned that the amount of POP’s in China’s water supplies may pose health risks to humans. [2] That might be something to think about before purchasing herbs and supplements produced overseas.
Chlordane still pollutes the environment in the United States. The University of Iowa examined soil samples and discovered that Cedar Rapids Iowa had chlordane soil contamination almost as severe as urban areas of China. [3] Perhaps more depressing, a U.S. Geological Survey found chlordane contamination in soil samples from Yosemite National Park. [4]
In the Pacific Northwest, salmon migrate through rivers to spawn. This is a natural cycle that has been going on for longer than any of us have been around. Unfortunately, this migration process can transport chemicals. The University of Saskatchewan reports that when fish are contaminated with persistent organic pollutants and die, which they all do, their decomposing bodies release the stored chemicals and further contaminate the environment. [5]
In equally depressing news, researchers at the University of Hawaii have discovered concentrations of POP’s, including chlordane, in the blubber of the endangered Hawaiian seal monk. [6]
It’s very sad that America’s heartland, national parks, and wildlife have been reduced to receptacles for toxic waste.
Health Dangers of Chlordane Exposure
Chlordane can affect the digestive and nervous system, it’s also toxic to the liver. High exposure can cause convulsions and death. Low exposure may cause headaches, confusion, vomiting, stomach cramps, vision problems, and general malaise. Based on information from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina reported that exposure to chlordane has been linked to an increase in the development of diabetes. [7] Additionally, exposure to herbicides and insecticides is especially harmful to the thyroid; chlordane is one of the most toxic chemicals in this regard. [8]
Reducing Chlordane Exposure
Because of its persistent pollutant status, we’re still paying the price for the bygone era when chlordane was celebrated and literally dumped all over the country. Many Americans have low levels of chlordane in their body fat, which could remain for a long time. Tests can determine if you have chlordane in your body (or in the soil around your home) but cannot tell when the exposure occurred and what health effects may result. Regardless, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.
The UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences recommends dietary strategies to reduce exposure to toxic compounds such as chlordane. Specifically, consuming organically produced dairy, fruits, and vegetables and avoiding animal products and processed carbohydrates. [9] Washing or heating your food may not be enough. For example, Japan’s Fukushima Analytical Center discovered up to 10% of chlordane compounds can remain after roasting pesticide-exposed coffee beans. [10]
Be cautious when digging near the foundation of homes that may have been treated for termites prior to 1988. Additionally, be wary about letting children play in potentially affected soil.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Hedley AJ, Hui LL, Kypke K, Malisch R, van Leeuwen FX, Moy G, Wong TW, Nelson EA. Residues of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk in Hong Kong http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20199797. Chemosphere. 2010 Apr;79(3):259-65. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.01.047. Epub 2010 Mar 2.
2. Bao LJ, Maruya KA, Snyder SA, Zeng EY. China’s water pollution by persistent organic pollutants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22325437. Environ Pollut. 2012 Apr;163:100-8. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.022. Epub 2012 Jan 11. Review.
3. Martinez A, Erdman NR, Rodenburg ZL, Eastling PM, Hornbuckle KC. Spatial distribution of chlordanes and PCB congeners in soil in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22230089. Environ Pollut. 2012 Feb;161:222-8. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.10.028. Epub 2011 Nov 26.
4. Mast MA, Alvarez DA, Zaugg SD. Deposition and accumulation of airborne organic contaminants in Yosemite National Park, California http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22189687. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2012 Mar;31(3):524-33. doi: 10.1002/etc.1727. Epub 2012 Feb 6.
5. Morrissey CA, Pollet IL, Ormerod SJ, Elliott JE. American dippers indicate contaminant biotransport by Pacific salmon http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22145949. Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Jan 17;46(2):1153-62. doi: 10.1021/es2028058. Epub 2011 Dec 23.
6. Lopez J, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, Littnan C, Pearce R. Persistent organic pollutants in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from the main Hawaiian Islands http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22884537. Mar Pollut Bull. 2012 Nov;64(11):2588-98. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.012. Epub 2012 Aug 9.
7. Everett CJ, Matheson EM. Biomarkers of pesticide exposure and diabetes in the 1999-2004 national health and nutrition examination survey http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20299099. Environ Int. 2010 May;36(4):398-401. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.02.010. Epub 2010 Mar 17.
8. Goldner WS, Sandler DP, Yu F, Hoppin JA, Kamel F, Levan TD. Pesticide use and thyroid disease among women in the Agricultural Health Study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20061368. Am J Epidemiol. 2010 Feb 15;171(4):455-64. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwp404. Epub 2010 Jan 8.
9. Vogt R, Bennett D, Cassady D, Frost J, Ritz B, Hertz-Picciotto I. Cancer and non-cancer health effects from food contaminant exposures for children and adults in California: a risk assessment http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140444. Environ Health. 2012 Nov 9;11:83. doi: 10.1186/1476-069X-11-83.
10. Sakamoto K, Nishizawa H, Manabe N. Behavior of pesticides in coffee beans during the roasting process http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23154763. Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2012;53(5):233-6.
(DrEddyClinic News) Chlordane is a man made chemical and popular pesticide that was offered in the United States from 1948-1988. Due to concerns about environmental damage and human health risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of chlordane in 1983, except for controlling termites. It was banned for that use, and all uses, in 1988 but still its effect is felt across the world and in the United States.
How am I Exposed to Chlordane?
Chlordane has been banned for over 20 years so the risk of exposure is gone too, right? Wrong. Chlordane is considered a persistent organic pollutant and the key word is “persistent.” Like plastic, it doesn’t occur naturally nor does it decompose quickly; like an unwanted house guest, it just lingers. Chlordane is unlikely to enter groundwater but only because it fiercely adheres to and pollutes soil particles. If you’ve been to homes that were treated for termites any time before 1988, there’s a good chance chlordane was used. If you were alive when chlordane use was at its peak, you were probably exposed then too.
Chlordane: Found Everywhere?
Persistent organic pollutants, especially chlordane, have affected and polluted nearly the entire world. The University of Hong Kong Department of Community Medicine reports that remnants of persistent organic pollutants have been found in human breast milk in the region. [1] The Chinese Academy of Sciences has warned that the amount of POP’s in China’s water supplies may pose health risks to humans. [2] That might be something to think about before purchasing herbs and supplements produced overseas.
Chlordane still pollutes the environment in the United States. The University of Iowa examined soil samples and discovered that Cedar Rapids Iowa had chlordane soil contamination almost as severe as urban areas of China. [3] Perhaps more depressing, a U.S. Geological Survey found chlordane contamination in soil samples from Yosemite National Park. [4]
In the Pacific Northwest, salmon migrate through rivers to spawn. This is a natural cycle that has been going on for longer than any of us have been around. Unfortunately, this migration process can transport chemicals. The University of Saskatchewan reports that when fish are contaminated with persistent organic pollutants and die, which they all do, their decomposing bodies release the stored chemicals and further contaminate the environment. [5]
In equally depressing news, researchers at the University of Hawaii have discovered concentrations of POP’s, including chlordane, in the blubber of the endangered Hawaiian seal monk. [6]
It’s very sad that America’s heartland, national parks, and wildlife have been reduced to receptacles for toxic waste.
Health Dangers of Chlordane Exposure
Chlordane can affect the digestive and nervous system, it’s also toxic to the liver. High exposure can cause convulsions and death. Low exposure may cause headaches, confusion, vomiting, stomach cramps, vision problems, and general malaise. Based on information from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina reported that exposure to chlordane has been linked to an increase in the development of diabetes. [7] Additionally, exposure to herbicides and insecticides is especially harmful to the thyroid; chlordane is one of the most toxic chemicals in this regard. [8]
Reducing Chlordane Exposure
Because of its persistent pollutant status, we’re still paying the price for the bygone era when chlordane was celebrated and literally dumped all over the country. Many Americans have low levels of chlordane in their body fat, which could remain for a long time. Tests can determine if you have chlordane in your body (or in the soil around your home) but cannot tell when the exposure occurred and what health effects may result. Regardless, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.
The UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences recommends dietary strategies to reduce exposure to toxic compounds such as chlordane. Specifically, consuming organically produced dairy, fruits, and vegetables and avoiding animal products and processed carbohydrates. [9] Washing or heating your food may not be enough. For example, Japan’s Fukushima Analytical Center discovered up to 10% of chlordane compounds can remain after roasting pesticide-exposed coffee beans. [10]
Be cautious when digging near the foundation of homes that may have been treated for termites prior to 1988. Additionally, be wary about letting children play in potentially affected soil.
by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Hedley AJ, Hui LL, Kypke K, Malisch R, van Leeuwen FX, Moy G, Wong TW, Nelson EA. Residues of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk in Hong Kong http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20199797. Chemosphere. 2010 Apr;79(3):259-65. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.01.047. Epub 2010 Mar 2.
2. Bao LJ, Maruya KA, Snyder SA, Zeng EY. China’s water pollution by persistent organic pollutants http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22325437. Environ Pollut. 2012 Apr;163:100-8. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.022. Epub 2012 Jan 11. Review.
3. Martinez A, Erdman NR, Rodenburg ZL, Eastling PM, Hornbuckle KC. Spatial distribution of chlordanes and PCB congeners in soil in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22230089. Environ Pollut. 2012 Feb;161:222-8. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.10.028. Epub 2011 Nov 26.
4. Mast MA, Alvarez DA, Zaugg SD. Deposition and accumulation of airborne organic contaminants in Yosemite National Park, California http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22189687. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2012 Mar;31(3):524-33. doi: 10.1002/etc.1727. Epub 2012 Feb 6.
5. Morrissey CA, Pollet IL, Ormerod SJ, Elliott JE. American dippers indicate contaminant biotransport by Pacific salmon http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22145949. Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Jan 17;46(2):1153-62. doi: 10.1021/es2028058. Epub 2011 Dec 23.
6. Lopez J, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, Littnan C, Pearce R. Persistent organic pollutants in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) from the main Hawaiian Islands http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22884537. Mar Pollut Bull. 2012 Nov;64(11):2588-98. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.012. Epub 2012 Aug 9.
7. Everett CJ, Matheson EM. Biomarkers of pesticide exposure and diabetes in the 1999-2004 national health and nutrition examination survey http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20299099. Environ Int. 2010 May;36(4):398-401. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.02.010. Epub 2010 Mar 17.
8. Goldner WS, Sandler DP, Yu F, Hoppin JA, Kamel F, Levan TD. Pesticide use and thyroid disease among women in the Agricultural Health Study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20061368. Am J Epidemiol. 2010 Feb 15;171(4):455-64. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwp404. Epub 2010 Jan 8.
9. Vogt R, Bennett D, Cassady D, Frost J, Ritz B, Hertz-Picciotto I. Cancer and non-cancer health effects from food contaminant exposures for children and adults in California: a risk assessment http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140444. Environ Health. 2012 Nov 9;11:83. doi: 10.1186/1476-069X-11-83.
10. Sakamoto K, Nishizawa H, Manabe N. Behavior of pesticides in coffee beans during the roasting process http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23154763. Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2012;53(5):233-6.
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