Saturday, July 28, 2007

Enzymes - The Key to Optimal Digestion

Enzymes - The Key to Optimal Digestion
by Jerry Ryan, Ph.D.

Several folks have spoken with me lately regarding digestion problems. We all have suffered at one time or another from the pains of improper digestion - heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea. However, many of the medications that we are given to correct a problem in another area of our body can cause an unpleasant reaction in the digestive system.

The most common problem that I am asked about is constipation. I feel that much of the cause of this digestive upset stems from improper diet. Secondary causes include the dehydrating effects of certain medications, such as pain medications, antidepressants, and others. The dilemma of constipation is that it sets up the body for illness as a result of the retained stool in the bowel. The body continues to try to absorb nutrients from the waste products. The process actually reintroduces toxins to the body. Much of this disturbance in digestion can be helped by taking supplements that contain high levels of digestive enzymes.

These enzymes are vital to the proper breakdown and absorption of foods. They are classified in three categories - amylases, lipases and proteolytic enzymes. Amylases assist in carbohydrate digestion, a process that begins with the saliva in your mouth. Lipases help the body dissolve and absorb fats. Proteolytic enzymes are those which aid the body in assimilation of proteins. As you can see, each group of enzymes plays a substantial role in achieving overall nutrition. A shortage of any one enzyme can lead to problems.

Many times, our fast-paced lifestyle helps generate the digestive dilemma. Eating too quickly, not chewing your food enough times (Mom was right about that), or a diet lacking in fresh foods can cause inadequate levels of enzymes to be ingested or produced by our body. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward correcting trouble with digestion. For example, pineapple and papaya contain bromelain and papain respectively, two key enzymes for protein absorption. Most foods contain the enzymes necessary to digest them. However, refining, processing and cooking foods at high temperatures destroys these vital substances. Therefore, it may be very helpful to use a supplement to aid in the digestive process.

A complete digestive aid needs to contain ingredients which will digest all types of food. To ensure that a supplement is complete, it should contain the following:

Betaine Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) - a pH balancing enzyme derived from beets used to digest meats and animal proteins. Pepsin - the natural enzyme that breaks down proteins and whose function depends on the contents of HCL. Bromelain and Papain - powerful enzymes found in pineapple and papaya that act to break down the proteins into amino acids. Pancreatin - a collection of enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the part of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Pancreatic enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Lipase - aids in fat digestion, while complex carbohydrates are digested by a combination action of mylase and mycozyme. Amylase and Protease - two potent digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas, that digest carbohydrates and protein. Ox Bile - improves fat digestion and combats constipation through the stimulation of the bile flow and improves functioning of the gallbladder.

If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website address at http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com or email me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com with your questions.

About the Author

Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. is a Natural Health Coach who teaches individuals and group classes on the scientifically documented benefits of natural health techniques. He is also an internationally published author and has been a guest speaker at such places as NIKE World Headquarters. For more information, his website is http://www.JerryRyanPhD.com

Article Source: www.GoArticles.com

Thursday, July 19, 2007

The cheapest way to raise your good cholesterol

Second Opinion Health Alert
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July 18, 2007
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The cheapest way to raise your good cholesterol

Last week, I told you about the incredible healing abilities of the herb goldenseal. This often-overlooked herb can actually raise your HDL cholesterol over 6%. HDL is the healthy cholesterol that helps your body metabolize LDL cholesterol correctly. It can be very difficult to raise HDL levels. But there's another common herb that works even better than goldenseal. It's available everywhere. And it's cheap.

That herb is garlic. We've known for some time that garlic is great for keeping your blood free of clots. And we've even known that it can lower your bad cholesterol levels. But new research shows that it can raise your HDL levels - significantly.

In the new study, the researchers placed 150 patients with high lipids on a therapeutic diet. Then they divided the participants into three different groups. They gave the first group 400 mg of garlic (equal to one mg of allicin, a key component in garlic). They gave the second group a different aromatic herb. And they gave the third group a placebo.

The researchers followed the groups for six weeks. The garlic group's cholesterol dropped 12.1%. Their LDL cholesterol dropped 17.3%, and their hard-to-raise HDL cholesterol rose by a whopping 15.7%. The aromatic herb and placebo groups did not have any favorable changes.

Unfortunately, you don't see government and Big Pharma calling for the entire population to take garlic supplements as they do with statins. Yet the results are telling. You just don't need a statin drug. Garlic is cheap and highly effective. Between Healthy Resolve's Advanced Cholesterol Formula, garlic, red yeast rice, Seanol, goldenseal, and fiber, you have the ability to lower your LDL cholesterol, raise your HDL cholesterol, and even improve your overall health without any side effects.

Yours for better health and medical freedom,
Robert Jay Rowen, MD

Ref: Kojuri J, Akrami M, et al. "Effects of anethum graveolens and garlic on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic patients," Lipids Health Dis, 2007 Mar 1.

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Second Opinion Health Alerts are a complimentary e-mail service from the Second Opinion health newsletter written by Robert J. Rowen, MD.

Copyright © 2007 Soundview Communications, Inc.

We have a strict anti-spam policy! We know how important your privacy is to you. That's why we do not share email addresses with anyone.

To contact us:
Second Opinion
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Friday, July 13, 2007

Forget Prescription Drugs! A Natural Cure for High Blood Pressure

Forget Prescription Drugs! A Natural Cure for High Blood Pressure
By Joe Barton

True or False? You need prescription medication to lower high blood pressure? False!

However, most people believe you need to take common high blood pressure (hypertension) prescriptions to combat your high blood pressure. Unfortunately, high blood pressure sufferers pay millions of dollars each day to take medications with harsh side effects. Some of these hypertension drugs include: Diuretics, Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Alpha Blockers and Vasodilators. Side effects could include: kill nutrients in body, risk of asthma symptoms, speed heart rate, depletion of taste, rashes, cold symptoms, kidney problems, headaches, nausea, weight gain, and growth of hair. Who wants to deal with these? Besides, I thought this was suppose to help people who suffer from high blood pressure. Does this sound better?

All doctors agree that treating high blood pressure naturally is also a way to improve your health and lower your blood pressure. In fact, thousands of people each day lower points on their blood pressure with natural (non-pharmaceutical) foods, vitamins and supplements. Here's what one of our reader's said,

"I found your information on prevention and control of Blood Pressure to be extraordinary as a lay primer for people of all ages. It is quite comprehensive and thorough, addressing completely not only the known medical facts concerning high blood pressure but also alternative means of prevention and control."

True or False? All I need to do is lose weight to control my high blood pressure? False!

However, most people believe if they control their weight; they control their blood pressure.
Here are some other significant causes of high blood pressure:

Heredity: Do any family members suffer from hypertension? If so, you are at risk.

Race: African Americans are most at risk. However, all ethnicities are on a rise.

Gender: Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure.

Age: As we become older, it is more difficult to control your blood pressure.

Salt Intake: Sodium intake has been linked with high blood pressure sufferers.

Smoking: Smokers will often times be more at risk for hypertension.

A Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are required to sit a lot at your profession… your risk rises.

Pregnancy, Diabetes and Alcoholism can also contribute to hypertension.

True or False? I can start to naturally cure my high blood pressure today? TRUE!

However, many people think you need to wait till your next doctor visit and tests before you start taking your high blood pressure serious. Life is too precious and unpredictable to wait when you are dealing with a disease that kills almost 60,000 Americans each year.

Start naturally treating your High Blood Pressure Today with these twelve tips!

1. Exercise for 30 minutes at least 4 times a week! Exercise equals a strong, efficient heart.

2. Loss that extra 15! This appears impossible… however, you would be surprised what will happen if you eat smaller portions and keep exercising!

3. Pass on the salt! Sodium reduction is a key to your high blood pressure treatment!

4. Grains are great, fruits are fabulous, and vegetables are vivacious!

5. Reduce your intake of alcohol.

6. Pack the potassium. Potassium is essential for lowering your blood pressure. Eat bananas, citrus fruits, low-fat milk and some vegetables.

7. More Magnesium! Potassium and magnesium usually go hand-in-hand for lowering blood pressure. Eat whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and most nuts.

8. Calcium is King! This mineral will be a god-send to hypertension sufferers. Consider low-fat dairy products and calcium supplements.

9. Garlic has become a popular supplement! It is no wonder; it has great benefits to help your high blood pressure.

10. How about Hawthorn? No, not the writer… the herb! Sprinkle this herb on any dish and watch those blood pressure numbers plummet.

11. Multi-vitamins are loaded with vitamins that benefit your health and lower your blood pressure.

12. Relax! I know it sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people forget about this.

Finally, these twelve tips will help you reclaim back your life and health. However, don't stop with these twelve. You need to continue to educate yourself and understand what you are against. High blood pressure is a disease that can be deadly. Please take a few minutes and check out our high blood pressure/hypertension website. You would be amazed what other readers are saying!

Lastly, if your doctor has prescribed a blood-pressure lowering drug or combination of drugs for you and you are currently taking them, Do Not stop all at once or without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your intention to treat your blood pressure naturally. For more information, check out our website.

Lower Your Blood Pressure Website

Joe Barton writes for Barton Publishing Inc., a natural health company specializing in educating people of numerous health remedies and safe, and affordable cures. To educate yourself more on hypertension and lower your score today visit Lower Your Blood Pressure Website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Barton