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Clear Up Tinnitus with Food

October 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Amanda Box

I have some great news for those who suffer with that annoying buzzing or ringing in the ears. Clearing up tinnitus really can be as simple as eliminating certain foods!

Millions of Americans are plagued by tinnitus, but most do not recognize a direct connection between their affliction and the foods they eat. Some of the most common food or additive culprits that trigger tinnitus are:

MSG

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer common in most processed foods and a staple in oriental foods. It is an excitotoxin, which causes neurons in the brain to “excite” until their death. Putting it plainly, MSG kills neurons in your brain.  MSG is also tied to migraine headaches and allergic reactions.

Artificial Sweeteners

The artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet or Equal) acts nearly identical to MSG in the brain.  Aspartame is also an excitotoxin, speeding neurons to their death.  Other chemical based sweeteners like saccharin (Sweet and Low) and sucralose (Splenda) can also cause allergic responses that can result in tinnitus, plus a whole host of other health issues.

Sugar

Refined sugar is an obvious contributor to high blood sugar levels in the body. According to a 1984 study (1), 82% of the study participants with inner ear problems also had elevated blood sugar levels. Other studies have shown that 84% to 92% of those who suffer with tinnitus also have a disorder called hyperinsulinemia (2) Hyperinsulinemia is also known as prediabetes or insulin resistance.  It is typically caused by a heavy daily intake of carbohydrates and sugar. Avoid sugar at all costs if you having ringing in the ear!

Hydrogenated oils

These unnaturally saturated fats increase cholesterol deposits in the arteries.  These deposits inhibit blood flow, which is crucial for tinnitus.  Adequate blood flow maintains healthy cells and removes toxins from the inner ear.

The Plague of Oriental Foods

I really enjoy oriental food.  Whether it be Chinese, Thai, Korean, or Vietnamese – I love it all.  Unfortunately, most oriental food contains at least one of the above listed “tinnitus causing” ingredients.

Years ago I spent 2 summer months in Thailand.  I can still recall the sites and the wonderful smells of the street foods, which I adored.  Many of the those that traveled with me would hit up the local McDonalds or KFC (Yes, they have McD’s and KFC in Thailand. Crazy!)   Not me!  I became addicted to trying all the different food offerings.  I noticed, however, that I was getting frequent dull headaches.  I would also hear  “noise” whenever I was in a silent room.  I attributed it to the stress of traveling and adjusting to a new time zone. But, there was another contributing factor I was unaware of.

My all time favorite dish I ate nearly every day was called Som Tom.  It was a green papaya salad that had a salty, sweet and sour dressing with a kick of Thai pepper.  They make the salad fresh each order in a mortar and pestle.  I wanted to be able to replicate it when I returned to the states so I began to observe how they made it.  I recognized all the ingredients except a white powder they sprinkled in at the end.  I knew it wasn’t salt, so I asked my Thai friend what it was.  She said it was a special spice that made all food taste better.  It was at that moment that I realized it was MSG. From then on, I had them leave the “special spice” out.  They believe it is harmless and always looked confused by my request, but I knew better.

It wasn’t long before the headaches and the tinnitus ringing stopped. I took note of the correlation and have never knowingly consumed MSG since.

Thankfully, my reaction to MSG was mild compared to most. But, I still go out of my way to avoid MSG.  I have found that preparing my own oriental dishes rather than eating out, is the best way to do that.

I am going to share with you my two favorite oriental recipes to prepare.  The first is a version of Som Tom, my favorite dish from Thailand. Som Tom traditionally contains green papaya (unripened papaya), but it is very hard to come by.  If you’re lucky enough to find it, then by all means use it.  I use cucumber instead because it has a similar texture and you can buy it anywhere.

Som Tom is very good for you.  My Thai friend Joy would always say that it makes you “slim.”  This is because it contains virtually no carbohydrates, no fat and has very few calories. You can even make it “sugar free” by substituting stevia for the sucanat.

Thai Cucumber Salad

  • 2 Cups of Shredded Cucumber or Green Papaya
  • ½ Cup of Shredded Carrots
  • 5 Cherry Tomatoes cut into halves
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 ½ tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 ½ tbsp sucanat (for sugar free use 1/2 packet of Nu Naturals stevia)
  • 1 Thai chili chopped (less or none according to taste)
  • 2 Tbsp of peanuts (optional)

Mix the lime juice, fish sauce, sucanat (or stevia), chilies, and garlic in a bowl. Although traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, you can mash the garlic and chilies with a fork to release their flavor.

Now add the shredded cucumber, carrots and tomatoes.  Toss well.  Top with the peanuts and serve.

Korean Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Salsa

My husband begs for this dish.  Actually, we are making it tonight per his request.  It’s a great dish for men, because they typically want their portion of meat. Since the marinade is made from scratch, there are no hidden tinnitus triggers like MSG or refined sugar.  Sesame oil adds such a great flavor and is a healthy unsaturated fat.

Korean BBQ Beef

  • 1/2 cup of Braggs Liquid Aminos (or fermented soy sauce like Shoyu)
  • 3 tbsp of Sesame Oil
  • 3 tbsp of Sesame Seeds
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 packet of Nu Naturals Stevia or 3 tbsp of honey
  • Splash of rice wine vinegar
  • 1 lb of beef sliced thin (any cut of steak will work)

Mix all the above ingredients together and marinate the beef for at least 2 hours.  Grill to your preferred temperature for red meat.  Slice when cool.

Pineapple Salsa

  • 1 pineapple chopped
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • ½ jalapeño seeded and chopped
  • ½ lime juiced
  • Dash of salt

We like to grill our pineapple beforehand.  You don’t have to do this, but it adds a nice grilled flavor and sweetness to the pineapple.  We cut the pineapple into round slices, grill until slightly browned and then chop.

Toss all the above ingredients in a bowl.  The flavor gets better as the night goes on. It’s also fantastic with tortilla chips.  Be careful – it’s addicting!

Wrapping it all up

You need two more things to “wrap” this dish all together:

  • Rice (optional, skip if you want to go low carb)
  • Boston Bibb or Butter Lettuce

I typically let everyone build his or her own wraps.  Start with the lettuce, then add the rice, beef, and then top with the pineapple salsa.  Wrap it like a burrito and eat!  My mouth is watering knowing I’m just a couple hours away from indulging in this myself!

You really can “eat” your way to tinnitus relief.  Cooking from scratch and avoiding tinnitus triggers is the best way to do just that.

I hope you enjoy my recipes! I would love to here about any modifications – or trial and error attempts! 

 

Amanda Box is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a graduate of Clayton College of Natural Health. She’s been in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years and currently has a Naturopathic consulting practice in Sioux Falls, SD.  Her passion is helping others achieve wellness of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. If you don’t have a good local naturopathic doctor to turn to for your personal needs, Dr. Amanda does phone consultations! She can help you with weight loss, detox/cleansing, acute and chronic illnesses, skin and body care, grocery shopping, pantry overhauls, and more! Visit her blog “My Life in a Healthnut Shell” at http://amandabox.blogspot.com/ for contact info.
(1) May 1984 issue of “Acta Oto-Laryngologica”
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12970590

 

 

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes & Eating Ideas, Recipes, Slideshow, Tinnitus, October 2012 Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Home Cures That Work for Low Testosterone

September 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Dr. Scott Saunders

Last week, Mitchell and Tracy came in for their test results.  They are both in their early 50s and wanted to take a look at their hormone levels.

  • She was having some symptoms of menopause.
  • He was concerned about being angry all the time, and super aggressive.  He described getting angry over nothing. For example, he had just experienced “road rage” a few days before the appointment and purposely crashed into a car that cut in front of him!

The results of their tests were very surprising:

  • She had very high male hormones and no detectable female hormones.
  • He had no detectable testosterone (low testosterone), and very low DHEA.

She should have been growing a beard, and he should have been growing breasts!

Role of Testosterone

Testosterone is an essential hormone for male development. Long-term studies in American GIs indicate that the healthiest levels of testosterone range from 400-600 ng/dl, which is just above average.  Testosterone levels peak in the early 20’s and decline by about 1% per year after 40.
But, signs of low testosterone can appear at any age. These signs of low testosterone include:

  • A decline in physical energy, strength, and stamina
  • More aches and pains in the bones and joints
  • Less initiative and mental aggressiveness, or even depression

Interestingly, erectile dysfunction doesn’t seem to correlate well with testosterone levels.  Testosterone has very little effect on erection and only about a 25% correlation with libido (sexual or desire).

Testosterone and Sexual Desire...


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Filed Under: Dr. Scott Saunders, Low-Testosterone, September 2012, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Balance Low Testosterone Naturally

September 1, 2012 By 1 Comment

By Amanda Box

Low testosterone is one of those subjects that is typically whispered under someone’s breath.  Its lack of recognition is comparable to “erectile dysfunction.”  It is as if higher testosterone has become synonymous with masculinity!

But, there is absolutely no reason for this subject to be so hush, hush!  A decline of testosterone as men age is as normal as its increase during puberty!  It happens to EVERYONE!!  So now that I’ve tried my best to relieve the stigma, let’s talk about low testosterone.  What causes it, what are its symptoms, and how do you remedy it naturally?

The Causes of Low Testosterone

Like I stated above, low testosterone does come with age.  Men as early as 40 can start feeling the effects of low testosterone.  Some have labeled it “Male Menopause” or “Andropause.” Whatever you want to call it, it is real and it definitely deserves more attention.

But, low-T is not entirely simple. Let me explain.

  • Age doesn’t just equal a lower production in free testosterone.
  • It is the shift in the hormone production cycle that ultimately reduces testosterone.

As a man ages, the enzyme that converts his free testosterone into DHT (di-hydroxy testosterone) becomes more prevalent.  You may recognize the hormone DHT, especially if you’re lacking in the hair department.  Excess DHT likes to bond to both hair follicles and the prostate to can cause baldness and prostate problems.  This conversion leaves less free testosterone in the body and more DHT, which is not a healthy balance.

Estrogen is another hormone that competes with free testosterone.  If a man has too much estrogen, it tells the brain to turn the production of testosterone down.  Everyone has seen a man with too much estrogen.  Many times they look “soft” and may have visible breasts and a protruding belly.

What causes the spike in estrogen? Well, the cause can also be the effect – and vice versa.   Stored fat from overeating can trigger the body to convert more of its testosterone to estrogen.  Once the balance of estrogen is too high, the overall production of testosterone decreases.

The opposite can also happen. Estrogenic compounds exposed to or ingested, can cause the body to grow breasts and store excess fat. Again, the rise in estrogen turns down the production of testosterone. This is why, many times, just supplementing with testosterone may not fix anything.  Balancing all the hormones is key, not just increasing testosterone.

Estrogenic compounds (xenoestrogens) are everywhere and are dangerous for anyone to be exposed to – man, woman, or child.  They can cause hormone disruptions which precludes many health problems.  Some examples of products containing xenoestrogens include:

  • Any food containing soy
  • Cosmetics
  • Sunscreens
  • Fabric Softeners
  • Plastic Containers

Low-T Symptoms

Before I list the obvious symptoms of low testosterone, I want to remind you again that every man will experience it in his lifetime.  Symptoms or no symptoms, you may have low testosterone. I believe it is important for every man to get his testosterone levels checked in his 50s.  There is more and more research coming out confirming the connection between low testosterone and the increased likelihood of many diseases and even death.

Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor and her colleagues at the University of California San Diego tracked 800 men in California with ages ranging from 50-91.  They concluded from their study that men with low testosterone had a 33% greater risk of death over the next 18 years of their live, than men with higher testosterone.

Many other studies have been performed connecting low testosterone to a whole host of health problems.  Those include:...


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Filed Under: Low-Testosterone, September 2012, Slideshow, The 7 Rungs of the Health & Wellness Ladder Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cause and Effects of Low Testosterone

September 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Dr. Richard A. DiCenso

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is one of a family of hormones called androgens. Best known for their masculinizing effects, androgens first kick into action during the embryonic stages of life. An embryo is conceived when a female egg is fertilized with a male sperm. Androgens are a naturally occurring sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands and other tissues. Androgen plays a key role in regulating certain bodily functions, including the growth spurt at puberty. It is believed to regulate the function of many organs, including the reproductive tract, kidneys, liver and muscles. The egg and sperm each donate a single sex chromosome to the embryo, an X chromosome from women, and an X or Y chromosome from men.

If the combination of these sex chromosomes is XX, then the embryo will be female. If it’s XY, the embryo will be male. Though in fact, it’s not until the sixth week of development that XX or XY embryos are anatomically defined. Before this the human fetus is essentially sexless, possessing a set of “indifferent” genitalia. One interpretation of this is that all embryos begin as female. Testosterone makes the difference, influencing the growth of male genitalia, while the female component of the indifferent genitalia degenerates.

Testosterone tends to be identified with masculine stereotype

According to some, the intimate association between testosterone and male identity starts early. This inference that testosterone equals male, while absence of testosterone equals female, is well-entrenched in the layers of our culture.  But, the reality is that testosterone is a girl’s hormone, too.

We have been conditioned to box our hormones into those that belong to men, and those that belong to women. Estrogen and progesterone are the so-called female sex hormones, and testosterone, the so-called primary male sex hormone. With that we assign our hormones impossible gender roles. But of course, gender is not that simple and nor are our hormones.

It turns out men and women produce exactly the same hormones, only in different amounts. Men’s bodies generate more than twenty times more testosterone than women, an average of 7 milligrams per day. Women, via mainly their ovaries and adrenal glands, make a tiny 3/10 of 1 milligram of testosterone per day.

But it may come as a surprise to know that women’s ovaries primarily produce testosterone, from which estrogen is then made. This ovarian production accounts for one-quarter of the total circulating testosterone in a woman’s body. At first glance, this might appear to suggest that women naturally have less estrogen than men.However, with the help of an aromatase enzyme, estrogen is also produced in your fat and muscle cells both before and after menopause. Aromatase is an enzyme found in the liver, responsible for the conversion of the androgens into the estrogens. Inhibiting aromatase can cause the body to produce less estrogen and maintain a higher testosterone state.

Your estrogen levels are not totally dependent on your ovaries, there are a lot of other factors that come into play, like your diet and body composition.

While these numbers may appear to be a bit confusing at first, they basically translate to the fact that women have about 1/10 the amount of testosterone found in men.

Conversely, men’s bodies produce their own estrogen, converted by their tissues from their testosterone. In reality, testosterone is as much a woman’s sex hormone as it is a man’s.

What Does Testosterone Actually Do?

Testosterone is considered to be the principal male hormone, playing an important role in the development and maintenance of typical masculine characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass and a deeper voice. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle, bone mass and the growth of body hair.

So, why would women want testosterone? The fact is, women produce it too, and it has more positive influences than you might think. Testosterone is essential for health and well-being in women, as well. In women, studies show that it helps maintain muscle and bone and contributes to sex drive or libido and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Is More Testosterone Better?

Not necessarily! In fact, over the past decade researchers have found elevated testosterone levels to influence a person’s tendency towards...


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Filed Under: Low-Testosterone, September 2012, Slideshow, Special Feature Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Low Testosterone Causes Life Threatening Diseases

September 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Why the condition Low-T could be sabotaging your life beyond preventing you from lighting your fire…

“The time to hesitate is through…no time to wallow in the mire…”  ~Jim Morrison

If you…

  • Could stand to lose a few pounds…
  • Don’t have the energy you used to…
  • And seem to always get that “bug” that goes around…

Then, friend, you’re going to need to check this out!

Because although those things are a sure sign of aging…you may not have to just lie down and take it.

And if you do feel drained of energy, sport a mighty gut that resembles a “baby bump,” have circulatory issues or other head-scratching health concerns, the answer could be found in your old pal testosterone.

That’s right, buddy – the very same hormone that caused therapy-inducing embarrassment during your formative years (we needn’t go into details of just how the testo became your sexual manifesto) may be striking again…This time sabotaging your precious health instead of your social life.

Gaining an understanding of how testosterone affects you is only the first step, the main thing is to take action and get it under control so it never embarrasses you again or worse – causes disease.

Yes – you read that right – low testosterone levels can increase your chances of getting heart disease, diabetes, dementia and other age-related conditions!

Fortunately, it’s preventable if you know what to do…and you will – if you stick with me here…because the time to hesitate is through!

Major advances have been made that can help you carve out a safe path around these pitfalls and enjoy life far into your Golden Years without worry, depression, or contempt. A little common sense along with a few natural remedies can eliminate age-related health problems for life.

Testosterone: The good and the bad

Testosterone is an oddball hormone to say the least…

Essentially, this steroid is built with cholesterol. It’s found in utero and right after we’re born. But one of its most memorable entrances comes during puberty.

The embarrassment of developing “pizza face” as the facial hair begins to grow under testosterone’s influence…the cracking, popping voice as the larynx begins to grow and mature…and of course – the psychological turmoil that came with all these changes.

Then, as its levels balance and the maturity settles, testosterone gives us our competitive edge, confidence, energy, and – ahem – sex drive.

And although most gals have only 1/7 the amount as us fellas, ladies – you’re influenced quite a bit by what little’s there! Of course, we all have more or less depending on our genetic make-up.

Then, as we men age this oddball hormone turns on us again.

Testosterone giveth and testosterone taketh away…

Funny thing is – once it balances in your system, testosterone begins to get ironic on you.

That confidence, energy, sex drive, and edge – it just zaps them and quietly takes them away from you – then it gets even more vicious and increases your risk of certain diseases.

So here’s a health flash for you:

The best indicator of your overall good health can be found in your sex drive, libido, mojo, machismo, virility…whatever you care to call it. If you can’t or no longer have the desire to “light that fire,” then it could be a sign of degrading health.

But who ever said you shouldn’t have sexual energy, health and virility as you age?

You can if you make a few dietary changes and refocus your mind…

Great health comes from combining natural remedies based on scientific proof, and a little common sense…wrap that up with some positive thought and you have a healthy package – a gift that keeps on giving your whole life.

Ignore proper nutrition and testosterone could easily have its way with you…

But, just what causes this hormonal ruckus?

It’s all about the X’s and Y’s

There are two sperm types, X or Y.

  1. The X is the largest chromosome storing the most genes to control life’s complex biological processes.
  2. The Y chromosome on the other hand only stores a small amount of genetic information.
  3. In combination…XX = Female and XY = Male.

Simply put, every human needs one X chromosome for life…but only males need the Y.

It makes a dude a dude!

At only 6 weeks after conception, the Y chromosome starts the development of male testes, which begin making testosterone.

And this hormone is more than a game changer; it’s also a brain changer!

Because cognitive thinking processes and critical psychological development is triggered by testosterone.

Earlier I said a downgraded libido may indicate degrading health…

Why, then, is the libido such a strong indicator of male health and vitality?

Because a healthy libido means everything is working smoothly. Your mojo defines your health and your health defines your mojo!

The secret to controlling age-related disease and illness is simply to prevent the weakening of the processes keeping your cells energized and “growing.” Life extension experts believe one day we will crack the “immortal gene.” Having better understanding how our environment, nutrition and lifestyle factors all play together is the key.

And part of that key to understanding is eating right…

Here’s a great libido boosting recipe you’ll love!

Mojo BBQ Roast

What you’ll need:

  • 2 pounds of organic grass fed beef or Bison meat
  • 2 eggs
  • 5 crushed garlic gloves
  • 2 teaspoons of freshly crushed sage
  • ¼ cup of ground flax seeds
  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats
  • 2 tables spoons EV olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon raw sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne
  • 1 tablespoon of natural BBQ sauce (with no HFCS)

Sauce:

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ natural organic catsup (no HFCS)

What to do:

  1. Mix together, place into a well oiled (EV coconut oil) glass baking dish. I use a 6 x 10 size.
  2. Mix sauce and pour over meat. Cover with foil and bake 350 degree for about an hour.
  3. Serve with broccoli and couscous.

Eating testosterone friendly foods does more than nourish…it can also slow or prevent…

Pandemic Testosterone Deficiency (TD)

.

Low testosterone levels are typically defined as less than 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) of total testosterone and less than 5 ng/dL of free testosterone.

Testosterone Deficiency (TD) is wide spread in today’s male population and responsible for many health problems and concerns. It’s important to note that testosterone production increases rapidly at puberty and decreases rapidly after age 50.

It’s estimated that more than 13,000,000 American males have testosterone deficiency (TD) and less than 10 percent get help for it.

Studies reveal men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to suffer from testosterone deficiency (TD).

We know the primary purpose of testosterone is to develop male reproductive organs . . . testosterone also supports 10 other vital male qualities.

Testosterone Supports 10 Secondary Qualities:

  1. Muscles
  2. Bone Mass
  3. Fat Distribution
  4. Hair Patterns
  5. Laryngeal Enlargement
  6. Vocal Chord Thickening 
  7. Healthy Mood
  8. Fertility
  9. Sex Drive
  10. Cellular Energy

To reverse testosterone deficiency (TD), you need to know what causes it.  Already missing the extra X chromosome, man needs all the help he can get from testosterone. We know nutrition is key, but this will do you no good if your cells are exposed to toxins. Most men’s cells are chocked so full of environmental and dietary toxins that there isn’t any room for nutrients.

Before you can do any good, you’ll first have to eliminate the poisons attacking your cells and causing diseases.

6 Chemical Terrorists Wreaking Hormonal Havoc:

  1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
  2. NutraSweet (Aspartame)
  3. Hydrolyzed Protein
  4. Hydrogenated Oils (Trans Fats)
  5. Sodium Fluoride
  6. Biphenol A (BP-A)

Aspartame, MSG and hydrolyzed protein are excitotoxins that destroy neurons. Exposing yourself to any of these toxins is the same as exposing your cells to chemical warfare. Bio-hazardous chemicals like fluoride, BPA and trans-fats have also been proven to cause brain and reproductive damage. 

Animal studies have shown pregnant mothers exposed to small doses of glutamate have children who develop reproductive health problems during puberty, such as shrinking testicles. There is evidence these excitotoxins also trigger hyperactivity and result in low cognitive performance. The neurons get so over-excited they literally burn up and die, shutting down hormone signaling as well as brain function.

The FDA claims your brain is protected by a blood-brain-barrier, however this is incorrect. Not only can these excitotoxins cross your blood-brain-barrier and enter your brain directly, there are also parts of your brain without a blood-brain-barrier at all, such as your hypothalamus – the part of your brain that performs a variety of functions but most important – it links your endocrine system with your central nervous system.

So it’s up to you to keep you hypothalamus healthy and working properly.

Here are a couple excellent food choices for maintaining a health hypothalamus:

  1. Sprouted whole grains/seeds
  2. Raw Vegetables
  3. Raw Fruits
  4. Raw nuts
  5. Fish

Basically, there are certain health hazards that come with age. Yet these hazards can be avoided – or at the very least, indefinitely put off – by paying close attention to what you put in your body.

Here’s an age controlling recipe that might just be your fountain of youth:

Chyawandwich

What you’ll need:

  • 2 pieces of sprouted seed bread
  • 1 tablespoon of Chyawanprash (5,000 year old Ayurvedic practice, its an Indian jam blended with age-defying herbs and spices. It can easily be found online.)
  • 1 tablespoon raw almond butter (vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, folic acid)
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil (good fats)

What to do:

Lightly toast the bread just enough to melt the coconut oil into both halves, then spread the Chyawanprash on one slice and the almond butter on the other slice. Make a sandwich and enjoy.

How to Level the Playing Field Naturally

Eat right, exercise and educate yourself on why you’re feeling the way you do to determine the best course of action to fix it.

Your body is a remarkable and complex machine that has the power to heal itself as long as you respect it and treat it right.

Having lower testosterone – or rising estrogen – levels doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel – it just means you need to take extra special care of yourself and find out how to replenish your youthful past.

Keep nutrient rich foods in your diet and stay out of the funeral pyre. Instead of getting old, make sure you’re growing old so when the time comes, you’ll be able to light that fire!

Filed Under: Healthy Recipes & Eating Ideas, Low-Testosterone, September 2012, Recipes, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Effective Pain Management: 4 Tips To End The Suffering

November 1, 2011 By 2 Comments

Tim was in pain for as long as he could remember.  His back began hurting years ago and never went away.  He had seen multiple doctors who only prescribed him narcotic pain medications, which didn’t really work, or they suggested surgery, which rarely works.  When he came into my office, I tried a different method for getting rid of his pain: I gave him a book.

The book Healing Back Pain, by John Sarno, MD, explains Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) and how to get rid of it. Tim has now been pain-free for several years!

Why Do You Have Pain?

Most physicians treat pain without trying to find out the root cause.  There is always a reason.  I will repeat that…There is always a reason for pain!  We may not be able to always find the reason for your pain, but most of the time, it is possible.

There are four primary reasons for pain:

  1. Inflammation
  2. Poor circulation
  3. Muscle spasm
  4. Nerve pain

Each of these primary pain triggers has a different set of reasons for causing pain and, therefore, different ways of treating it effectively.

Pain From Inflammation

The repair mechanism of the body contains hormones that act as “inflammatory mediators,” which switch on the four signs of inflammation:

  • Redness
  • Heat
  • Swelling
  • Pain

If there is some injury to the body, these reactions are essential for fighting infection, preventing excessive blood loss and repairing any damage.  However, when there is no injury and these mediators are activated, they can actually do a great deal of harm.  These are all the “-itis” diseases:

  • Arthritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Myositis
  • Bursitis
  • Arteritis
  • Pneumonitis
  • Others

The first part in the disease name describes a location and the second part, or the “-itis” describes inflammation.  For example, “Arth-“ refers to joints and “-itis” means inflammation, so “arthritis” is inflammation in the joints.

Inflammation Pain Treatment

The best treatment for inflammation is...


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Filed Under: Dr. Scott Saunders, Pain Management, November 2011, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Fibromyalgia Syndrome – “Doctor, I hurt all over!”

March 1, 2011 By 4 Comments

Fibromyalgia is not a disease; it’s a “syndrome” which means that is just a collection of symptoms.  The problem is that there may be many different causes of the same symptoms so it is very difficult to diagnose and treat, but when the cause of the fibromyalgia symptoms is known, then the treatment can be very effective.

Marilyn is in her 50’s, an interior decorator and very active in her community. Over a year before she came to see me, she suddenly “got sick.”   She had been to many doctors trying to get her health back.  She was in pain all the time and felt such a profound fatigue that she could no longer function in any of her activities.  Her hormone, liver, kidney, and metabolic tests were all normal so her doctors told her it was all in her head.  However, when we did further testing she was found to have a significant amount of mercury and lead on a provoked urine test.  She started a chelation protocol and gradually improved.  Though her heavy metal tests are now normal, she is still not.  However, she is on no medications and is able to continue most of her activities.

In this case, a fibromyalgia cause was found.  Heavy metals can prevent the production of energy in cells to create the symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Nerve cells are especially sensitive.   Moreover, it has been found that certain combinations of heavy metals, like mercury and lead, may have ten times the effects of either one alone.  The symptoms don’t all resolve immediately upon removing the metals because damage has been done that need to be repaired, which can take years in the nervous system.

There are many other potential causes of fibromyalgia syndrome besides heavy metals. This is by no means a complete list, only a sampling of possibilities:...


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Filed Under: Dr. Scott Saunders, Fibromyalgia, March 2011, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Removing Sexual Disorders and Improving Intimacy… Naturally

February 1, 2011 By 3 Comments

Men let’s talk straight about “sex” and, please, women listen in…

Fact is men who have sexual performance concerns will turn to anything for a solution, which is the reason arousal drugs sales are so incredibly successful. Yet, they are far from being a cure.

Read the warning labels. These drugs are only meant for short-term use, at best, and even when properly prescribed these drugs can kill you. To make matters worse, the easy availability of these drugs and their bootleg counterfeits has become a huge public health concern.

Read on to learn a better way.

Just considering the sheer numbers of men and women who continue to suffer from sexual performance problems is startling.

In a 1992, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference on Impotence estimated between 10-20 million men in the U.S. have Erectile Dysfunction (ED). That estimate jumps to 30 million if you count men with partial erectile dysfunction.

Taking prescription drugs is a real problem in our American culture. Even the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported 106,000 patients die from properly prescribed drugs every year and more than 2,000,000 suffer serious side effects1. The moral of this story is, “Say no to drugs.”

Before I reveal some proven safe and effective ways to increase your sexual prowess and all that, it’s vital I point out that if you’re frustrated by sexual performance, you may be unaware of “deeper underlying health concerns.”

A major study carried out in four countries revealed prevalence of male impotence increased by 10% per year of age. Additionally, increased risk was associated with diabetes, heart disease, lower urinary tract symptoms, heavy smoking, and depression2.

In this study, sexual impotence increased with age from 2% in 18 year old men up to an amazing 39-48% in men 70 years and older3.

According to the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted6 major disease rates remain high, the cost of medical care is the highest in the world and all this is due to under-nutrition — NOT drug deficiencies.

In the ultimate search for a natural cure, you must consider your whole lifestyle, diet and environment and not just your symptoms — no matter what they may be.

If you suffer from sexual impotence, you could pop a Viagra, or similar PDE-5 inhibitor class drug. If you survive the side effects, at best you’ll have a 35% chance you’ll be able perform sexual intercourse, despite your remaining in poor overall cardiovascular health (the likely cause of your sexual disorder).

Or, you could take the nutritional approach using whole plant-based foods scientifically proven to have a “natural” overall healing benefit.

As far as which “magic pill” leads to successful intercourse faster, patients reported that:

  • Only 35% treated with sildenafil succeeded within 14 minutes
  • Only 21% treated with vardenafil within 10 minutes
  • Only 16% treated with tadalafil within 16 minutes

Viagra (sildenafil ), made by Pfizer is similar to Eli Lilly’s Cialis (tadalafil) and GlaxoSmithKline’s Levitra (vardenafil). All three of these drugs work the same way and have the same toxicity profiles.

The big question is, is it really worth the risk? Apparently, millions of people think so, but do they even have half the facts?

By the way, PDE stands for Phosphodiesterase. PDE is a natural enzyme that is needed to break down nitric oxide in your tissue cells. PDE-5 Inhibitors block that natural breakdown of nitric oxide, prolonging erections for unnaturally long periods of time.

Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate ejaculation, maintain erection and also helps your eye “retina” to expand and contract, as well as many other biological functions.

Are There Any Good Medical Uses For PDE-5 Inhibitors Other Than Risky Recreational Drugs?

One medical use does seem promising for those patients who had radiation therapy for prostate problems. It appears if the patients use a PGE-5 inhibitor drug within 18 to 36 months after prostate radiation therapy, then they’ll have a better chance of restoring erectile function4. There you have it, a medical use. BUT, they are NOT designed to be like “sex candy.” These are serious prescriptive medications.

Here are some of the extra risks PDE-5 inhibitors bring to your bedside:

  • Headache pain
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Indigestion problems
  • Sinus issues
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Diarrhea

Very sexy guys . . . NOT!

PLUS, these arousal drugs can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and trigger heart attack, stroke, chest pain, heart palpitations and SUDDEN DEATH, which is really NOT the way to go!

As I mentioned before, the PDE-5 inhibitor drugs block PDE enzymes from doing their normal biological function. PDE is involved in the constriction and dilation of your eyes’ retina, allowing you to focus properly.

That’s why vision problems is one of other “bizarre and totally unwanted effects” of these arousal drugs: PDE-5 Inhibitors block the enzyme that regulates a critical function in “all your cells,” not just the penis.

This adverse side effect is so serious they have a new warning label for it called “non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy” (NAION).

Short of experiencing sudden and total blindness while making love, many men taking these sexual arousal drugs also experience hallucinations of blue-green colored halos around objects for several hours accompanied by eye pain.

Using Natural Herbs Can Provide The Same Benefits, But Without The Risks

Here’s a hand full of common remedies people have used successfully for thousands of years to help with sexual disorders.

The point here is to address your underlying cause of sexual impotence first, which is usually “lack of cardiovascular health,” then consider using proven natural remedies instead of dangerous designer drugs like PDE-5 Inhibitors.

By properly using natural plant-based remedies such as Ashwagandha, Horny Goat weed, Maca, Yohimbe root, Ginseng, Catuaba bark, Tongkat Ali, Tribulus, Passion flower and Miura Puma, along with healthy lifestyle modifications you can ignite your sexual libido, boost youthful vitality and transform overall health.

Natural aphrodisiacs are reported to work great with little or no risk. Always ask your doctors about “unexpected reactions” with the medications you may be already taking and never suddenly stop taking a prescription unless under a physicians care.

Recapturing your sexual prowess using herbal aphrodisiacs is safer, less expensive and they work with you and your mate in a “natural” way, which sexually active people report is more intimate.

Artificially stimulating your sex impulse by blocking brain, tissue and whole body chemistry with drugs is not to be taken lightly. Death from using PDE-5 inhibitor drugs are rarely reported, but the risks are real.

Keep in mind, sexual impotence is a sign of a weakened circulatory system. The same biological factors causing erectile dysfunction (ED) are the same factors that cause heart disease and risk of heart attack. Erectile dysfunction (ED) usually appears 1 to 5 years before more obvious signs of cardiovascular health disease of which the next sign can be death.

.

Whatever problem you are facing, work through it as a couple. Not just figuratively, but literally. It’s easy to begin to feel very alone when you’re at odds with your partner. But, by simply holding hands with your partner can make you feel loved and supported enough to get through whatever unsexy problem falls in your path.

The Whole Hearted Truth

The biggest risk people take with their health is by simply NOT taking control of it. Taking control can be fun and educational. You wouldn’t tell your child to make an important decision that will affect the rest of his or her life without looking into the matter completely, now would you? Then, why would you?

The key to renewed sexual vitality is to first love yourself enough to strengthen those primal healing connections naturally, without drugs.

Improving your sexual health means you need to nurture your health at the cellular level first. Healthy cells give you healthy organs, sexual drive and overall superior health and vitality. It couldn’t be simpler!

Now that you know you can have renewed sexual vigor and vitality, start investing whole heartedly in your relationship with a more endearing, positive and intimate manner.

It is a good idea is a to talk to your health professional about curing “the real cause” of your sexual impotence before you risk your health, vision and life on resorting to these popular arousal drugs.

It may also surprise you to know that countless males have sexual impotence because of adverse effects of “other prescriptive drugs” like SSRs, antidepressants and even asthma breathers.

As you eliminated all other possibilities, the real cause will become more obvious.

Truth is you may be suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels or other conditions that would NOT make you a safe risk even for just one night of chemically induced sex.

High Risk Sex Vs No Risk Sex

They say even if you smoke, or were a smoker, wear glasses or are over the age of 50, that you could go blind within 24 hours of popping a Viagra. Why even take the risk when there are proven ways to help your situation improve naturally?

On the other hand, if you’re “un-lucky” enough to experience some of these serious side effects you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

So, if you’re planning on having sex with arousal drugs, then make sure you not only have an eager date, but that you’re also able to secure a good lawyer, too. Or, maybe just date a good lawyer who’s willing to take your case on contingency.

Wait there’s more! The FDA just issued another health alert concerning Viagra, Cialis and Levitra’s (All PDE-5’s) adverse effects. Sudden hearing losshas been reported by enough men that they had to make more label changes. I imagine there must have been an awful lot of lawsuits to make that happen.

Think of it from your mates point of view: you got dizzy passed out, woke up with a headache whining about blue fuzzy halos everywhere as your ears ring, your hearing stops, you go blind and, finally, you have heart palpitations and suddenly die of a massive stroke. Was it worth it?

NOT!

Blind, deaf and paralyzed . . . Hmmmm, you know there is a better way!

Taking control of your real biological age—not your age in years—can mean the difference between enjoying sex at 50, 75 or at 100.

Making smart dietary choices, using the simple plant-based remedies and enjoying walks together can cure and transform your love life faster than you think.

Sexual disorder or dysfunction  is NOT part of the “normal” aging process.

While enhancing your sex life imagine turning-back your biological age too.

Improve your cell health and everything else quickly follows suit.

Healthy living backed up by a mostly plant food-based diet is the best way to ensure strong sexual performance levels throughout your entire lifespan5,6.

Reference:
  1. Lazarou J, Pomeranz BH, Corey PN: “Incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients.” JAMA 1998;279:1200.
  2. Nicolosi A, Moreira ED Jr, Shirai M, Bin Mohd Tambi MI, Glasser DB.: Epidemiology of erectile dysfunction in four countries: cross-national study of the prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction. Urology 2003 Jan;61(1):201-6
  3. Parazzini F, Menchini Fabris F, Bortolotti A, Calabro A, Chatenoud L, Colli E., Landoni M, Lavezzari M,, Turchi P, Sessa A, Mirone V.: Frequency and determinants of erectile dysfunction in Italy Eur Urol 2000 Jan;37(1): 43-9
  4. BJU Int 2006;98:1255-1258.
  5. SOURCE: Bacon, C. Annals of Internal Medicine, August 2003; vol 139: pp 161-168.
  6. Campbell, T. Colin (2006). The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health. Benbella Books. ISBN 1-932100-38-5
Martin Jacobse (Big Pharma Corporate Arm), a hearing and speech specialist of 30 years, was first inspired by the natural home remedies used by his Cherokee Grandmother. He has since expanded his interests into naturopathic, alternative and energy medicine. Excited to share his findings and close the gap between the medical profession and natural home remedies, Jacobse found a passion as an independent medical researcher and ghost writer, dedicating his life to getting the word out as a consumer health advocate for Barton Publishing. Jacobse spends his free time practicing the healing art of magnetic Qigong, publishing books and enjoying the quiet of a small horse ranch near the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.
Filed Under: Big Pharma Corporate Arm, Sex, February 2011, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hypertension – “The Silent Killer?”

September 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Vital Signs 101

Dave initially came in over a year ago wanting help to get off of his medications for diabetes and hypertension.  He was getting weak and tired, partly because numbness and tingling in his feet kept him up at night.  His blood pressure was poorly controlled, even on three medications.  Over the next six months he was able to get it down from about 220/110 to 146/88 – after stopping his medications.  At the same time, he lost weight, feels better and has more energy, plus he sleeps all night because his feet don’t hurt.  Dave had a metabolic syndrome that often causes the blood pressure to go up.  He was taking medication for each symptom of the syndrome, none of which helped his condition.  When we addressed the underlying condition the blood pressure finally improved.  While it’s important to look at hypertension, it’s more important to look at the cause.

The best way to look at blood pressure is as a “vital sign” like the temperature.  If you came in to my office and your temperature was 102 degrees Fahrenheit, I could diagnose “hyperthermia” (fever) and prescribe a medication to lower your temperature.  If I just sent you home with a prescription for Ibuprofen I could miss a serious infection.  A doctor needs to address not the fever, but rather the cause of the fever.  The temperature will drop by itself when an infection is treated.

Stalk the Silent Killer

Blood pressure is similar.  There are hundreds of reasons why your blood pressure might go up (WrongDiagnosis.com lists 398). When you find and treat the cause, then the blood pressure will come down to normal without ever taking a pill for it – just like curing a pneumonia will bring your fever down without Ibuprofen.  Remember, hypertension isn’t the cause of illness, heart disease, stroke, or arterial disease. It’s just an associated symptom.

Dave was put on...


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Filed Under: Dr. Scott Saunders, High Blood Pressure, September 2010, Slideshow Tagged With: , , , , , ,