The Importance of Keeping Your Liver Clean and Supported

Your liver is one of the busiest organs of your body and is involved in many different functions that are critical to overall health. Acting as the main filter for the body, an efficiently operating liver is a gatekeeper to help transport liver nutrients and to purge impurities throughout the body. It is very important that we understand the necessity of maintaining and supporting the liver through cleansing. A clean, efficient liver will help to keep the immune system supported.

Foundational Purposes of Your Liver

This hardworking organ is actually part of your body's glandular system, and is located in the lower right part of your abdominal cavity. It is quite large, weighing an average of three pounds, and is composed of thousands of lobules, a design which creates an effective filter for literally all of the body's blood supply.

Your liver's main function is to filter impurities out of the blood. These include alcohol, medications, and toxins from foods you eat and from environmental sources. However, your liver performs many other necessary tasks as well, including digestive functions such as producing substances that break down fats in our diets, producing bile, making urea (a major component of urine), regulating blood sugar, storing many vitamins and minerals, producing cholesterol, and manufacturing certain critical amino acids. As you can see, this vital organ plays many important roles that are necessary for your good health.

Two of the Liver's Primary Functions

Your liver is essential for proper digestion in the body. Bile, one of the body's main digestive agents, is produced by the liver and transported to the small intestine where the majority of digestion takes place. Bile is stored in the gallbladder when not immediately needed. Bile also plays a secondary role in eliminating toxins from the body. The liver also produces, processes, and stores necessary substances such as protein, fats, and amino acids. Proper digestion and absorption of nutrients cannot occur without an efficiently operating liver.

The circulatory system is also very dependent on the liver. The blood cannot transport oxygen and other nutrients, and cannot properly eliminate waste products, without the functions of this unique and complex organ.

Keeping Your Liver Healthy

There are three main things to remember when it comes to the health of your liver. First, eating a healthy, organic diet that is free of toxins such as pesticides, preservatives, and other harmful chemicals is imperative. Choose foods that are as close to nature as possible, focusing on organic fruits and vegetables and plenty of pure water. A diet high in fat, sodium, sugar and junk food is very hard on your liver. Be cautious about your intake of alcohol and prescription drugs as much as possible. Taking these steps will actually support your liver, and will make it easier for it to do its job well.

Acetaminophen Warning. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is actually one of the hardest drugs on your liver. Using the recommended dosages of Tylenol for as little as four days can actually cause liver damage. And those who consume caffeine with acetaminophen (Tylenol) may even be at a higher risk of liver damage. Acetaminophen often has caffeine added because it enhances the effects of the painkiller. Researchers at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle found that between 1998 and 2003, the percentage of acute liver failure cases attributed to acetaminophen nearly doubled, rising from 28% to 51%. Acetaminophen is currently found in over 600 over-the-counter cold, flu, and headache medications. Some symptoms of acetaminophen overdose/toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and liver enzyme abnormalities. Jaundice is a phase 3 symptom of acetaminophen toxicity. So if you are experiencing an abnormal yellowing color of the skin, it is advised to seek immediate attention from a healthcare professional.Acetaminophen can be found in the following drugs.

• Tylenol
• Excedrin
• Midol
• NyQuil
• Sudafed
• Vicodin

Infants and Tylenol. Tylenol is one of the most over-prescribed drugs for infants and children. Most parents think that because the child's pediatrician says it is ok then there are no worries. However, this is not always true. Tylenol is often given for colds/flu when other meds are also given that may contain acetaminophen. According to a recent study, the use of Tylenol-type pain relievers in babies was linked to asthma (website accessed September 28, 2008: http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/09/19/asthma-child.html). Reading labels is important! Sometimes parents are not aware of the difference between Infant drops and Tylenol for Children and thus infants are given Tylenol for Children. Many use Tylenol for teething but there are safer products (melt-in-the-mouth homeopathic tablets) available to help with the inflammation and pain that comes with teething. I urge caution and advise not to medicate unless it is very necessary.N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), an amino acid, is what is given in hospital for acetaminophen overdose. It's also a wise choice to supplement daily with NAC, especially when taking acetaminophen, as it inhibits the buildup of toxic by-products in the liver, thus limiting free radical damage and antioxidant depletion.

Liver Cleansing is second but just as important as eating healthy. All filters either need to be replaced or cleaned and since having to replace the liver is not preferred, cleaning it and keeping it supported will go miles and miles toward good health. I recommend using a quality liver cleansing product to flush out this critical organ and allow it to operate at peak efficiency. We live in a very toxic world, and the liver is very challenged daily by all the poisons we are exposed to in our diets and environment. Do several liver and gallbladder cleanses to clean the liver and gallbladder, followed by maintenance liver and gallbladder cleanses several times a year.

Third, it is also wise to use a liver support product that will supply your body with organic substances and herbs that are very beneficial and supportive of liver function. Be sure to choose herbs that support the liver and are organic or wild-crafted herbs. Some of the ingredients you want to look for include:

• Dandelion root: Excellent for the liver and the gallbladder, kidneys, and digestive tract as well.
• Wildcrafted chanca piedra: Helps liver health and function by stimulating bile production, as well as by eliminating mucous and obstructions like stones from the liver, kidneys and gallbladder.
• Milk thistle seed: This versatile herb boosts the liver's ability to detoxify the blood and the body of impurities, and can also protect the liver from damage due to viruses and toxins like alcohol and prescription drugs.
• Marshmallow root and leaves: Has excellent anti-inflammatory qualities that aide the liver as well as other internal organs. It also fights bacterial infections and bolsters mucous membrane health in the liver and elsewhere.

Your liver is a very multifaceted organ that can restore and repair itself in amazing ways; yet, if neglected and not supported, it can lead to many unwanted health problems.

Additional Resources:

The Importance of Digestive Health
Wildcrafted Chanca Piedra and Your Liver

Spring Clean Your Body in Ten Easy Steps

As winter loses its gray, icy grip, spring is beginning to make all things new, and our thoughts turn towards cleaning and renewal. For most of us, our bodies need a good sprucing up just as much as our homes and yards. I am often asked what is most important in bringing the body toward health and wellness. Below is a list of ten basic steps that can help restore your health and steer you back towards overall wellness. Spring is a time for "new beginnings." Forget past failures. Begin today!

--Detoxify: Digestive tract health is important to the overall health and wellness of your body. A great place to begin is by cleansing the body of accumulated waste and toxins. I suggest my Optimum Wellness Liver & Gallbladder Cleansing Kit which contains a quality oxygenated colon cleanser together with a liver/gallbladder cleanse. The digestive tract is so critical for the absorption of nutrients and the health of the immune system, as well as for eliminating wastes. If it is unhealthy or constipated, it cannot operate efficiently, and can lead to numerous health problems. The liver and gallbladder are also vital for filtering the body of waste and providing proper digestion. A parasite cleanse will help rid the body of unwanted organisms that interfere with many bodily functions and rob us of nutrients. Many people also experience Candida symptoms. I would suggest performing the Optimum Wellness Candida Cleanse after the above mentioned cleanses.

--Purge your home of chemicals: The quality of indoor air is statistically much worse than most outdoor air. Chemical toxins from cleaning products, carpeting, construction materials, and other sources can alter brain chemistry and contribute to a variety of both mental and physical illnesses. Consider using ionizer air purification to cleanse the air in your home environment. Be careful about hazardous chemicals that may be used in lawn care too. Look for natural fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides. They will provide you with a healthy and weed-free lawn without toxic chemicals.

--Pure water: Drinking and bathing in pure, filtered water is essential. Your body needs ample amounts of water to maximize the function of all your organs and systems. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and bathing in water laced with fluoride, chlorine, and other toxins is dangerous. I suggest Wellness Filters on sinks and the shower.

--Stress reduction: There are many ways to reduce stress in your life, but it is imperative to your wellness that you do so. Physical and mental stress do untold damage to both mind and body. Some suggestions for managing it include: sleeping at least 8-9 hours every night; relaxing with good music; simply resting your mind and body by being quiet and alone for thirty minutes daily; relaxing herbal baths; Pilates; massage; Yoga; prayer and meditation. Find something that you like to do and make a hobby of it. Gardening is one of the best stress relievers that I know.

--Exercise: Getting daily physical exercise is foundational for a healthy lifestyle. Choose something you enjoy -- whether it be walking, biking, using a treadmill, rollerblading -- and be consistent. Rebounding on a mini-trampoline is also an excellent addition to your routine, both increasing circulation and stimulating your lymphatic system,and thus significantly increasing the amount of waste products eliminated from your body.

--Sunshine: On average, about 30-40 minutes of direct sunshine daily, without sunscreen and sunglasses, is recommended. The best times for this exposure are just after sunrise and just before sunset. Our bodies cannot produce vitamin D without sunshine, and this nutrient is critical for wellness (see #7 below). If you should need to be out in the sun for longer time periods, I suggest using an organic sunscreen such as Soleo Organics Natural Sunscreen. For "after sun" care for your skin, AloeCalm and Hydra-Tone are all-natural and very healing to the skin.

--Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for bone health, but is also a preventative factor in cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and many autoimmune illnesses such as lupus and fibromyalgia. Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D, but most people need to supplement with a quality Vitamin D-3 emulsified product. Emulsified means that the Vitamin D oil has been dispersed into microscopic particles to aid absorption and assimilation. The emulsified, liquid form of Vitamin D-3 is a proven form of Vitamin D-3 that helps increase Vitamin D levels in the body.

--Organic Multivitamin/mineral supplement: Everyone needs to consume a foundation organic supplement in this day in age because the foods we typically eat are grown in soil that is depleted of the many vitamins and minerals our bodies need on a daily basis. Be sure to choose a product that is highly bioavailable, and one containing fulvic acid. This amazing natural substance increases the body's ability to absorb nutrients and excrete wastes on the cellular level, which is of key importance to overall wellness.

--Grow your own produce: Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or in a rural area, it is possible to practice organic gardening. This is the best and most economical way to secure nutritious, non-toxic foods. If you choose to eat meats, only consume those that are produced without the use of harmful hormones and antibiotics, and ones that are naturally free-range fed, not grain-fed. Above all, take steps to direct your diet toward being organic and healthy. Eliminate fast food and pre-packaged foods and begin to eat as close to nature as possible.

--Personal care products: Go through your skin and personal care products and get rid of any that are not organic and not made from natural, toxin-free ingredients. The skin can easily absorb such poisons and quickly spread them throughout the body. Replace these products with organic skincare that is nutritious, natural, safe, and will not expose your body to harmful, dangerous chemicals.

Spring cleaning our homes provides a sense of peace, calm, and cleanliness. When cleaning the body, and keeping it clean, the very same sense of peace, calm, and cleanliness will be experienced. Added benefits will be supporting the immune system, providing more energy and less stress. It's just a win-win situation!

Feast on Pomegranates for Health & Wellness

If you are looking for a delicious, healthful food to bring some variety into your diet, a fruit called pomegranate may just fill the bill. My grandmother had a pomegranate tree in her backyard and it was a delight for us children to pick some of the fruit, retire to the shade, and eat the sweet but tangy seeds. It has gained quite a bit of status in the natural circles recently, but its popularity goes back much further than that. The pomegranate has a rich history that includes many references in ancient mythological, religious, and cultural writings. The Jewish people, and later Christians, highly regarded its fruit and considered it a symbol of righteousness. Still today, it is eaten by some Jews on Rosh-Hashanah as part of a ritual to celebrate fruitfulness. It has appeared in Judeo-Christian art, is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, and a legend is believed by some that the pomegranate was the "forbidden fruit" eaten by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.


It is believed the pomegranate was originally native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, but it now grows wild throughout India as well. It is also a popular cultivated crop in Southern Europe and California.

How Can Pomegranates Improve My Health?

Legends and mythology aside, this fruit has been rediscovered in the last few years, and its popularity is now increasing due to clinical studies that have scientifically verified the benefits of the pomegranate and identified some of its healthful components. Israeli food scientists have been particularly active in studying the characteristics and benefits of this fruit. The ancients instinctively knew that the pomegranate was nutritious, and now the modern logical minds of the western world are being convinced too.

The pomegranate fruit, seeds, and juice are a bountiful source of natural goodness. This exotic fruit is very rich in a variety of antioxidants, and in fact is higher in some antioxidants than green tea, red wine, orange juice, or cranberry juice. Pomegranate is a significant source of beta-carotene, polyphenols, tannins, and other bioactive substances that boost the immune system, counteract free radicals, reduce inflammation, bolster the cardiovascular system, and battle cancer. Pomegranate is also high in vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid.


Some of the major benefits of pomegranate include:

Cardiac health: Due to its many antioxidants, pomegranate has been proven in studies to reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and increase HDL ("good" cholesterol). It also acts as a blood-thinner, and thus can reduce risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. One study also indicated an increase in oxygen to the heart muscle for cardiac patients who drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for a three-month period.

Cancer: Researchers are excited about the results of studies that indicate pomegranate's cancer-fighting properties. Specifically, prostate and breast tumors have been shrunk after using compounds in pomegranate, and it is likely that regular consumption of this fruit can prevent cancers such as these and others.

Joint health: Pomegranate is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent as well. Because of this quality, it is very helpful for many individuals who suffer from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Scientists have found that certain properties of pomegranates counteract enzymes that break down cartilage and contribute to arthritis.

Anti-bacterial: Pomegranate is also reported to have compounds that fight off bacteria and viruses. These can help to prevent and defeat the common cold, and other respiratory conditions.


Different Ways to Serve Pomegranate

The taste of pomegranate has been described as a rich, unique blend of sweet and sour. The fruit itself is fleshy and very juicy, and can be fun and very challenging to eat. Many people also enjoy the seeds as a sweet snack. Other ways to use pomegranate include:

• The fruit and/or seeds in a salad.
• In smoothies.
• In pancakes, muffins, and other whole-grain baked goods.
• It can be made into a relish or salsa for dipping veggies.
• Pomegranate can also be made into a syrup, typically mixed with honey or another organic sweetener. This is an excellent topping for pancakes or waffles, or as an alternative way to sweeten a variety of dishes.

As with all foods, remember to choose organic pomegranates if at all possible. There are many different ways to enjoy pomegranate, and a slew of health benefits to reap. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful gift from our Creator.

The Importance of Digestive Health

There is an old saying that states: "Wellness begins in the digestive tract." This is not a common belief for many conventional physicians, but those of us who take a holistic approach towards wellness have been trying to educate about the importance of bowel health for a long, long time. It is here that many vital bodily functions take place including the processing of raw foods, absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of waste. In addition, a good percentage of immune function also occurs in the digestive tract. A properly operating digestive tract is absolutely necessary for good health, and one that is not efficient can lead to a myriad of health concerns and diseases.

Just what organs compose the digestive tract? The major ones include the colon, the small intestine, and the large intestine. The term "colon" is often used in conjunction with cleansing products, which we will discuss in a moment. But the entire digestive tract must be running smoothly for optimal wellness. For example, a complete and effective cleanse will purge the small intestine, which is where most nutrients are absorbed into the body.

When the digestive tract is running the way it was created to, the body is able to absorb maximum nutrition from the foods we eat, and is also able to effectively rid itself of waste products and other unwanted substances. We are designed to eat a diet of organic, whole foods with lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Not only do these foods provide a tremendous amount of usable nutrition, but they also contain a lot of roughage or fiber to keep the digestive tract naturally clean and able to do its job well. This type of diet enables the gut to effectively move unwanted fecal matter and other wastes so that nutrients can be efficiently absorbed and waste effectively eliminated. Unfortunately, what has occurred in many modern cultures, including the U.S., is that our diets have deteriorated. Eating too much junk and overcooked foods that are often full of preservatives and other poisons has left us starving for nutrients and having digestive tracts that are sluggish and unable to perform well. Our bodies are designed to have several bowel movements every day, but many people will only have one or two per week. This creates a very toxic environment in the gut, and thus in the entire body. Sadly, this is one of the main reasons why the incidents of many illnesses, including colon cancer, has surged in recent decades.

How Can I Know How Well My Digestive Tract is Doing?

Constipation or infrequent, irregular bowel movements, are leading symptoms of digestive tract problems. In addition to a poor diet, many Americans have gotten into the habit of postponing bowel movements. This is never a good idea. What happens is the muscles used to move your bowels become weak, and this only compounds the problem of a dirty digestive tract. Other symptoms or results of a clogged intestinal tract include:

• Diverticulitis
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  
• Weight gain
  
• Allergies & Sinus Infections
  
• Intestinal Parasites
  
• Crohn's Disease
  
• Aches and pains
  
• Fatigue
  
• Skin disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
  
• Joint pain
  
• Intestinal cancers

As you can see, poor bowel health can negatively affect many parts of the body, and is a key factor that significantly impacts our overall health.


How Can I Improve My Intestinal Health?

There are several steps that can be taken to deal with a problem gut:

• First, I suggest a thorough and effective digestive tract cleanse, using an oxygenated cleanser. Why oxygen? First of all, it reacts with compacted waste in the intestines turning it into a liquid form that can be more easily eliminated. (Much more effective than herbal cleansers and laxatives.)


• Secondly, oxygenated colon cleansers provide additional oxygen that can be transported throughout the body. Oxygen is an excellent healer, and a lack of it can lead to a diseased environment. Incidentally, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere has dropped dramatically in the last hundred years.


• Use a quality spore-bearing probiotic to restore the balance of flora in the gut. Due to abuse of antibiotic drugs, most people have very low levels of certain helpful bacteria that aide in digestion and absorption of nutrients. Using a probiotic can be a big boost for intestinal health.


• Cleanse your body of parasites by using a organic herbal parasite cleanse product that rids the body of these harmful hitchhikers. A compromised bowel provides an atmosphere where these harmful invaders can thrive, posing numerous threats to your health.


• Eat a healthy diet high in organic fruits and vegetables and other raw foods. It is also critical that you drink plenty of pure water every day. A diet such as this will not only help to reverse poor bowel health but can prevent it as well.


• Finally, get regular exercise every day out in the sun. Walking is effective, safe and only requires good walking shoes. If you cannot get sun every day, then consider using an emulsified Vitamin D-3 product. Exercise supports your health in numerous ways, including keeping your intestinal tract healthy and clean.

More Information

Colon Cancer, Obesity, and Inflammation
FAQs About Oxygen-Based Colon Cleansing
Total Body Cleansing 101

The Case Against Aspartame

NutraSweet. Sounds like a pretty good product -- nutritious, sweet, low-calorie and approved by the FDA. Well, that's what the makers of aspartame (G.D. Searle) and the commercial food and diet industries want us to think, but in truth, this chemical poison is one of the most damaging substances ever introduced into the food chain. Let's take a look at some of the basics about how aspartame affects the body, and how it is cloaked in secrecy and controversy, and never should have been approved for human consumption.

The first thing you need to understand is that aspartame, known by the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is a multi-billion dollar product that is sold directly as a sweetener, but is also used in many consumer products. Thus, many people are exposed to it without even realizing it. The food industry loves this product, and they make a fortune from it. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the makers of aspartame spent megabucks in their efforts to get FDA approval and that some very suspicious things occurred during this process. Consider the following:

• In 1981, a researcher within the FDA was so concerned about data that pointed towards brain tumors caused by aspartame, that he stated he could not recommend its approval.
  
• Studies investigating aspartame's possible link to birth defects were cut off before completion because of "damaging information" about aspartame.
  
• Other studies about aspartame's effects on individuals with mood disorders were also stopped because of a dangerous increase of serious symptoms within the population being studied.
  
• Airline pilots have been warned against using aspartame in over twenty articles in various flight magazines including those published by the Air Force and the Navy. In fact, a hotline was set up for pilots to report adverse reactions to aspartame, and over 600 pilots reported experiencing seizures in the cockpit after using aspartame. How can the FDA ignore such data and continue to approve this toxic substance?
  
• In 1991, the FDA banned the import of the herbal sweetener stevia, and in the last few years resistance against stevia has surfaced in regulatory circles. It is estimated that stevia, which has been proven to be safe for human consumption, is a huge financial threat to the aspartame industry. Thus, it is very interesting that in 1992, shortly after this ban, the FDA approved widespread use of aspartame.
  
• There is also evidence that studies were falsified and misrepresented by G.D. Searle during the FDA pre-approval phase. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon in the world of FDA. Coincidentally, several high-ranking FDA officials that were involved in the ultimate approval of aspartame later moved into jobs with G.D. Searle or other companies linked to aspartame.

What Are the Hazards of Aspartame?

This "natural" substance, as the industry likes to call it, is actually composed of several very toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, seizures, and other serious disorders.

50% of aspartame is a substance called phenylalanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in certain foods. However, when it is isolated from other amino acids, and in high doses as in aspartame, it is very toxic and can cause brain dysfunction and mental retardation, especially in individuals who genetically cannot process phenylalanine (those with PKU).

Another major component of aspartame is methanol, which breaks down in the body into free-radicals formaldehyde and other hazardous substances. Methanol is a neurotoxin or "neuroexciter" that can cause hyperactivity, headaches, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, chest pain, high blood pressure, and other neurological side effects.

Because of its unique chemical structure, aspartame is very easily absorbed by the bloodstream and into organs throughout the body. Because of this quality, some researchers believe aspartame has the ability to trigger or mimic the symptoms of many illnesses including:

• ADD/ADHD
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Diabetes
• Migraines/headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)

Better Choices: Stevia, Agave Nectar & Organic Fruits

If you haven't already, I strongly suggest eliminating all sources of aspartame from your diet and then performing several liver/gallbladder/digestive tract cleanses in order to purge your system. If you need a sweetener, try using the herb Stevia or Agave Nectar from the agave cactus plant. Neither will spike insulin levels, and both are nutritious. Many people like to use freshly juiced organic fruit for use as a sweetener. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much better you will feel, simply by eliminating aspartame from your diet.

Balancing the Thyroid Naturally

The thyroid may be small in size, but it plays a key role in many bodily functions, and a properly operating thyroid is essential to overall physical and emotional wellness. Poor health of the thyroid gland has often been overlooked in conventional medicine, even though it is a much more common health concern than once thought.

The thyroid can be either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), but the incidence of hypothyroidism is generally much higher. In fact, an estimated 13 million Americans (probably a low estimate) suffer from an underactive thyroid, with it affecting more women than men, and risk increasing with age. Hypothyroidism can produce a variety of negative health symptoms.
The thyroid gland is often described as butterfly-shaped, and is located in the neck, just behind and below the Adam's apple. While the thyroid itself is very important, the way this gland interacts with other glands and organs of the body is perhaps even more vital to our health and well-being.

There are two main hormones produced by the thyroid. They are known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and both are very crucial to metabolism and cellular functions throughout the body. T3 is the strongest and most active hormone produced by the thyroid, and it primarily affects cellular metabolism, which ultimately impacts how fast or slow the body functions and the amount of energy we have on a day-to-day basis. T4 plays a lesser but still important role, and must actually be converted into T3 to be useful. The thyroid typically produces more T4 than T3 because its life span is shorter than T3.

A structure in the brain called the hypothalamus is also involved in this process. One of its jobs is to manufacture and release Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH). Then the pituitary gland enters the scene. TRH stimulates the pituitary to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is the agent that nudges the thyroid to release T3 and T4. So, as you can see, this is a cycle that is dependent on the healthy operation of several different glands and organs.


What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?


If the thyroid is underactive, it can really throw off many functions in the body and have a negative domino effect on our health. When the metabolic rate drops, individuals can suffer physically from low energy levels and fatigue, as well as mentally from depression and brain fog. They tend to feel cold most of the time, and the immune system is also compromised, leading to increased chronic illnesses. Other glands in the endocrine system are also affected, and the digestive system is not able to absorb nutrients efficiently, causing additional health problems. Hypothyroidism is associated with numerous conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, infertility, heart disease, weight management, and issues with insulin and processing sugar in the body.





What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Iodine Deficiency

One of the major causes of an underactive thyroid is insufficient amounts of iodine in the body. Approximately 1.5 billion people, about one-third of the earth's population, live in an area of iodine deficiency as defined by the World Health Organization. Iodine deficiency disorder is the most common preventable form of mental retardation known.(1)

Dr. Jonathan Wright has reported compelling data that iodine, in the form of Lugol's (iodine and iodide) can help maintain the correct balance of the three estrogens. Specifically, Dr. Wright has reported that Lugol's solution will help the body metabolize the estrogens to favor the safer form of estrogen -- estriol. Imbalances in estrogen production are associated with weight gain, mood swings and disorders such as diabetes as well as cancer of the breast, ovary, and uterus. Estrogen balance is impossible to maintain when there is iodine deficiency present. (1)

T3 and T4 cannot be produced at adequate levels without enough iodine. Most people need a supplemental form of iodine in order to ensure enough of this critical mineral. Sometimes supplementation with T3 and T4 is necessary too. Be sure to use a natural form, as artificial hormones are mostly in the form of T4 only, and the body cannot recognize and utilize them as well as natural hormones.

Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

Stress, both physical and emotional. Stress management is the best treatment for this. Helpful techniques include regular exercise, stretching, deep breathing, plenty of good sleep, and learning how to relax. Stress of all types is especially hard on the endocrine system, thus directly and indirectly harming the thyroid.

Poor nutrition: Eating a diet high in junk foods, fat, sodium, and other damaging substances can also wreak havoc with the thyroid. Eating lots of organic fruits and vegetables, along with an ample supply of pure water, will keep your thyroid and the rest of your body happy.

Poor liver function: Keeping your liver healthy and supported will also impact wellness throughout the body. Eating well and staying away from junk food, alcohol, prescription drugs, and other toxins is a great place to start improving liver health. The liver plays a significant role in hormonal balance, including thyroid function. Consider a natural liver cleanse regimen on a regular basis.

Fluoridated water: Fluoride is bad for the body in many ways, and one of these is its negative effects on the thyroid. The continual over-exposure to toxic halides -- bromine, fluoride, etc. -- actually cause iodine deficiency and according to Dr. David Brownstein, "they can poison the enzymes responsible for organifying iodine."(1)

Smoking.

Certain drugs, including synthetic lithium.

Too much of certain types of soy in your diet.


How Do I Know if I Have Hypothyroidism?

There are blood tests available that measure levels of T3 and T4, as well as other indicators. However, these are usually not as accurate as we would like for them to be, and it can be difficult to get your physician to order the correct tests, as some are expensive and many insurance companies balk at covering them. The following blood/saliva tests are needed in order to effectively evaluate thyroid function:

• CBC
• Lipid Profile
• Liver Profile
• Thyroid -- --TSH (This lab is only for diagnosis of hypopituitary, not to diagnose or dose your hypo by)
• Free T4 and Free T3 (IMPORTANT: note the word "FREE")
• Thyroid Antibodies (anti-TPO and TgAb. You need BOTH.)
• Ferritin (Do stress FERRITIN, not just RBC)
• Adrenals / Cortisol levels / and Estrogen / Progesterone / Testosterone / DHEA – These need to be done through saliva testing using a Hormone Saliva Testing Kits. DO NOT ask the doc for these tests as testing serum (blood) does not give the accuracy that is needed.
• B-12
• Reverse T3
• Vitamin D -- Specifically 25(OH)D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D
• Histamine Levels
• CRP -- c-reactive protein (They may be resistant about this test but insist on it!)
• Iron Profile
• Urinalysis

There is a fairly accurate home test you can use. All you need is a mercury thermometer. Take your temperature (under the armpit is best) at exactly the same time four mornings in a row. Do it immediately upon wakening, before you get out of bed or move around. If your average temp is less than 97.8, there is a good chance your thyroid is underactive.


Other Resources

Stop The Thyroid Madness
Iodine Why You Need It Why You Cant Live Without It -- 4th Edition by David Brownstein, M.D.(1)
BreastCancerOptions.org
Iodine and Thyroid Articles

FDA Approves Known Dangerous Drug for Use on Children

Federal regulators have pulled a lot of bizarre stunts over the years, but this one is a real head-scratcher. Just over a month ago, the manufacturer of an antidepressant drug called Lexapro (Forest Laboratories Inc.) was brought up on charges for illegally bribing pediatricians to prescribe it for children, for which it was not approved. So what does the FDA do? They announced last week that they had given the green light for Lexapro to be used on patients from 12-17 years of age. To make things even weirder, this ruling contradicts Forest Labs' own statement that Lexapro had not proven itself in studies to effectively maintain control of depression symptoms in adolescents.

The timing of this move makes absolutely no sense, and it screams of corruption and conflict of interest, something the FDA is no stranger to. The really odd thing about this all is that the FDA's ruling actually overrides Forest Labs' findings that Lexapro is ineffective for treating depressed children, and that it is highly dangerous for them as well -- even more so than for adults. If you visit Forest Labs' Lexapro website where their branding mantra is "POWER TO ENJOY LIFE", they have clearly posted an ominous warning right under their Big Announcement:

LEXAPRO is now approved for
acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents aged 12-17.

"Antidepressants increased the risk, compared to placebo, of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."

For the FDA to make the decision to legalize the prescriptions of Lexapro to children under any circumstances is highly questionable, but when it was done in the shadow of the indictment of Forest Labs, it becomes scandalous.

What Kind of Corruption is Going on Here?

The accusations against Forest Labs that were announced last month were the culmination of a five-year investigation by the Federal Department of Justice. Prosecutors found that executives in the company had told their sales and marketing people to push pediatricians to prescribe Lexapro and its chemically similar sister drug Celexa to children and adolescents, even though it had not received FDA clearance to do so. However, this is a common occurrence in the world of Big Pharma, and the practice is called "off-label" prescription and is not technically illegal. However, it is illegal for drug companies to urge physicians to do so.

Yes, it sounds unbelievable, but if a physician wants to use a drug for something other than what it is designed to do because he feels it may "help" his patient, he is legally free to do that in some cases. Where Forest Labs got themselves in trouble, is that they were caught pushing off-label use through illegal "marketing" methods such as offering bribes to doctors in the form of cash, tickets to sporting events and Broadway shows, fishing trips, spa visits, and other expensive perks. Employees of Forest Labs were also instructed to ignore studies that showed less than favorable results of these drugs on kids, and to highlight studies that gave the results the company was looking for. This cat and mouse game is also a very common practice in the FDA/Big Pharma network. Lexapro is Forest's biggest product ($2 billion in annual sales and number 15 on the list of all US drug sales), but apparently they weren't satisfied with that.

Just How Dangerous is Lexapro Anyway?

Many doctors, and thus their patients, have been told by drug company reps that Lexapro is "non-habit forming." However, the truth of the matter is that this toxic drug has over 250 known side-effects, either during use or when stopping use of the drug (withdrawal symptoms). Some of the major side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal: (cramps, diarrhea, constipation difficulty swallowing, vomiting)
• Cardiovascular: (irregular heartbeat, chest pain abnormal EKG, varicose veins)
• Muscle pain
• Aches and pains
• Joint pain
• Loss of balance
  Tremors
• Involuntary muscle contractions
• Psychiatric: (crying fits, auditory hallucinations, abnormal dreaming, depression -- the very thing it is supposed to treat!)
• Asthma and other allergies
• Acne and other skin disorders
• Shortness of breath

Experts also urge caution when withdrawing from Lexapro. Potential problems include many of those listed above, plus:

• Cardiac arrest
• Gastric ulcers
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Increased psychiatric symptoms
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems: (macular degeneration, detached retina)

Google "Lexapro withdrawals" or "weaning off of Lexapro" and you will find literally hundreds of sites and forums of individuals trying to wean off of Lexapro. Drugs.com contains a discussion forum with 314 pages of posts devoted only to people trying who are trying to stop Lexapro. Evidently some have been trying to get off this "non-addictive anti-depressant" from 3 to 8 months, and yet are still having tremendous difficulties in accomplishing their goal.

Unfortunately, as you can see, you can't always trust what your doctor tells you and the FDA continues to show us over and over just how much they really do NOT care about our health and well-being. Be sober and wise about any drug that is prescribed for you or your loved ones. Research and do your "due diligence." For me, I will choose NOT to get my POWER TO ENJOY LIFE from a pharmaceutical drug.