Iron

What is Iron and why do we need it?

Iron is an mineral needed by our bodies. Iron is a part of all cells and does many things in our bodies. For example, iron (as part of the protein hemoglobin) carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. Having too little hemoglobin is called anemia. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen.

Iron is a part of many enzymes and is used in many cell functions. Enzymes help our bodies digest foods and also help with many other important reactions that occur within our bodies. When our bodies don't have enough iron, many parts of our bodies are affected.

Gingerroot

Not just great in stir-fries, ginger is one herb that can do more than add flavor and spice to just about any dish, it also exhibits antioxidant effects and the ability to lessen the formation of inflammation in the body. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called "gingerols" that work their magic on many types of inflammation in the body. A study in the November 2003 issue of Life Sciences indicates that ginger offers free radical protection through one of its many active constituents, called 6-gingerol. 6-gingerol has been shown to significantly inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a highly reactive nitrogen molecule that quickly forms a very damaging fee radical called "peroxynitrite".


Another study in the November 2003 issue of Radiation Research found that mice given ginger for five days prior to being exposed to radiation, not only avoided an increase in free radical damage to fats in the body, but also experienced a far smaller depletion of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. Since the brain contains high levels of fats and is negatively impacted by radiation exposure and free radicals, ginger shows promise in protecting the brain.

According to Dr. Krishna C. Sricastava, ginger is superior to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in alleviating inflammation. This is important since physicians sometimes recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to treat brain disease linked to inflammation. Unlike NSAIDs that work on only one level of inflammation (blocking the substances that cause inflammation), ginger works on at least two mechanisms:

• Ginger blocks the formation of prostaglandins and leukotriences, chemicals that are linked to the development of inflammation in the body; and
• Ginger also has antioxidant properties that actually break down inflammation and acidity in the body.

Ginger, eaten or used as a supplement on a regular basis, can have a protective effect by decreasing inflammation that occurs in the brain. One to ten grams per day of ginger root is an anti-inflammatory daily use.

info "The Brain Wash" by Michelle Schoffro Cook

Potential Sources of Aluminum

• Baby formula
• Baked goods and processed foods
• Binding agents in many pharmaceutical drugs
• Commonly used medications and over-the-counter antacids
• Deodorants
• Food storage wrap like foil and pie plates
• Municipal water supplies
• Pots and pans
• Shampoo
• Skin creams
• Vitamin C supplements

Aluminum

Although not strictly a heavy metal, aluminum is the most abundant metal on the planet. It is naturally found in air, found in air, food, soil, and water. Our bodies can excrete small amounts of aluminum without damage. Some experts estimate that a daily allowance of about twenty milligrams of aluminum often exceeds this amount, sometimes substantially, and with potentially serious consequences.

Aluminum is known neurotoxin agent linked to Alzheimer's disease. Forty years ago, scientists injected aluminum into their brains of rabbits and made startling discovery: aluminum triggered the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, the same type found in Alzheimer's disease. This caused researchers to examine diseased human brains.

Aluminum can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause nerve cell death. Once aluminum enters into the brain, it promotes inflammation by causing the formation of Brian-damaging free radicals and induces numerous toxic reactions, including the disruption of calcium control. Aluminum makes its way into the brain by essentially impersonating iron, thereby tricking the Brian into allowing it to cross the blood brain barrier.

There are abnormally high concentrations of the metal aluminum in the brains of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Some studies indicate that the brains of Alzheimer's patients contain thirty times the levels of aluminum of their healthy counterparts. Their is still debate as to whether aluminum causes Alzheimer's , or it is known that aluminum is so toxic to the brain that it interrupts over fifty brain chemical reactions, and its relationship to Alzheimer's is undeniable.

Additional studies are being done to better understand the toxic effects of elevated exposure to aluminum, and so far the results are frightening. Not only has aluminum been shown to have ties to Alzheimer's but also to the increasing incidence of Parkinson's disease.

Symptoms of Aluminum Excess

• Belching accompanied by head colds
• Colic
• Constipation accompanied by throbbing headaches
• Convulsions
• Cravings for meat
• Excessive perspiration
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Indigestion caused by potatoes
• Loss of taste
• Nausea
• Numbness, stiffness, or loss of sensation in arms/legs
• Poor or failing memory
• Rickets
• Rough skin
• Stitching or burning pain in head with dizziness, relieved by eating

info: "The Brain Wash" by Michelle Schoffro Cook

Adrenal Hypofunction

Primary adrenal hypofunction or insufficiency (Addison's disease) originates within the adrenal gland itself and is characterized by decreased mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid, and androgen secretion. Secondary adrenal hypofunction is due to impaired pituitary secretion of corticotropin and is characterized by decreased glucocorticoid secretion. Secretion of aldosterone, the major mineralocorticoid, is often unaffected.
Addison's disease is relatively uncommon, though it can occur at any age, in either sex. Secondary adrenal hypofunction occurs when a patient abruptly stops taking an exogenous steroid after long-term therapy or when the pituitary is injured by a tumor or by infiltrative or autoimmune processes. With an early diagnosis and adequate replacement therapy, the prognosis for the person with adrenal hypofunction is good.
Adrenal crisis (addisonian crisis), a critical deficiency of meralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, generally follows acute stress, sepsis, trauma, surgery, or omission of steroid therapy in patients who have chronic adrenal insufficiency. A medical emergency, adrenal crisis necessitates immediate, vigorous treatment.

info Handbook of Diseases 3rd Ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Hypothyroidism

This disorder, which is most prevalent in women, usually results from a dysfunction of the thyroid gland caused by surgery, irradiation therapy, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease), or inflammatory conditions, such as amyloidosis and sarcoidosis. Besides an enlarged thyroid, signs and symptoms include weight gain despite anorexia, fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation; menorrhagia; slowed intellectual and motor activity; dry pale, cool skin; dry sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails. Eventually, the face assumes a dull expression with periorbital edema.

(info found @ Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

ALOE -BENEFITS

Eases Intestinal Problems

• Aloe can be effective for treating inflammatory bowel disease. ( Journal of Alternative Medicine)
• Other studies have shown that aloe helps to detoxify the bowel, neutralize stomach acidity, and relieve constipation and gastric ulcers.

Reduces Blood Sugar in Diabetes

• Aloe reduced the blood sugar levels in diabetics (Hormone Research)

Reduces Arthritic Swelling

• Aloe can help prevent arthritis and reduce the inflammation in joints already affected by arthritis. (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association)
• Aloe can also inhibit the autoimmune reaction associated with certain forms of arthritis, in which the body attacks its own tissues.

Helps Heal Wounds

• An animal-based study found that both oral and topical aloe preparations would speed healing. The size of wounds decreased 62% in the animals taking oral aloe compared to a 51% decrease in wound size. (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association)

Supports Surgical Recovery

• Aloe decreases surgical recovery time. "Any wound we treat, whether it's a suturing a cut or removing a skin cancer, heals better with aloe vera on it." (James Fulton, M. D. , Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology)

Screens Out Radiation

• Aloe protects against skin damage from X-rays. Aloe was an effective antioxidant, mopping up the free radical caused by radiation and it protected two of the body's healing agents. (researchers at Hoshi University, Japan, published in the journal Yakugaku Zasshi)

(info was produced by an Independent Enriching Gifts member DKT Enterprises 6/2001)

ALOE RESULTS / BENEFITS - continued.

AIDS Research

• In many of the studies there was an average of 70% improvement in symptoms and laboratory criteria within 3 to 4 months. ( Terry Pulse, M.D. ,Reg McDaniel, M.D., Terry Watson, D.O., Dr. Clumeck)
• Many patients stated that opportunistic infections had stopped and they were able to return to normal activity.
• Lab studies showed that helper lymphocytes rose to three times the pre-treatment levels. HIV-1 virus could no longer be cultures. P-24 antigen levels for the virus dropped or became negative.
• Researchers discovered that Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides alter synthesis and thus the structure of the AIDS virus envelope necessary for infecting lymphocytes. (Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee)
• Studies found that there is suppression of the viral messenger RNA in HIV-1 infected leukocytes. Therefore, the reproduction of HIV-1 is inhibited with a natural and non-toxic substance. ( The Southern Research Institute)

(info produced by Independant Enriching Gifts member DKT Enterprises 6/2001)

ALOE CAN HELP YOU - RESULTS OF CLINICAL STUDIES

Scientific research proves that the mucilaginous polysaccharides is the sole ingredient responsible for all the healing properties attributed to Aloe.

Cancer Research

• Aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides is taken into the macrophage, and this cell is stimulated to release messenger molecules called cytokines (interferon's, interleukines,prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, and stem-cell growth factors).
• All of the immune modulating effects from Aloe contribute greatly to the prevention and healing of malignant cells. (Ian Tizard, Ph.D. and Maurice Kemp, Ph. D., Texas A&M)

Benefits Lung Cancer

• Aloe was the only one of the plant foods that was protective against cancer. "The results of plant epidemiology suggest that aloe prevents human pulmonary carcinogenesis (lung cancer)", and aloe is "widely preventive or suppressive against various human cancers."(Japanese Journal of Cancer Research)

(info by Independent Enriching Gifts member DK Enterprises 6/2001)

ABOUT ALOE

• Aloes are succulent (full of juice or sap; having thick, fleshy leaves or stems) plants.
• They belong to the Lily family
• There are more than 150 species of aloe; most are native to South Africa
• Species vary in height from several centimeters to more than 9m (30 ft)
• Aloes have perennial, strong and fibrous roots
• Aloes have numerous, persistent, fleshy leaves, proceeding from the upper part of the root. The leaves are narrow, tapering, thick and fleshy, with spiny teeth at the edges.
• Leaves are designed to retain water and minimize evaporation
• Many of the species of aloe are woody and branching
• In the remote districts of S.W. Africa and Natal, aloes have been discovered 30 to 60 feet in height, with stems as much as 10 feet in circumference.
• Several species are commercially imported as the source of the aloes used in medicine and cosmetics.
• The sap of some aloe plants can be processed for medical use.
• Powdered aloe juice is a laxative, and aloe vera gel soothes burned and frozen skin
• Aloe provides some 200 bio-active components, including 20 essential amino acids.

(info by Independent Enriching Gifts member DKT Enterprises 6/2001)

Blood Pressure Increase (Hypertension)

Elevated blood pressure -an intermittent or sustained increase in blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg - strikes more men than women and twice as many Blacks than Whites. By itself, this common sign is easily ignored by the patient; after all he can't see or feel it. However, its causes can be life threatening. Hypertension has been reported to be two to three times more common in women taking hormonal contraceptives than those not taking them. Women ages 35 and older who smoke cigarettes should be strongly encouraged to stop; if they continue to smoke, they should be discouraged from using hormonal contraceptives.
Elevated blood pressure may develop suddenly or gradually. A sudden, severe rise in pressure (exceeding 180/110mm Hg) may indicate life-threatening hypertensives crisis. However, even a less dramatic rise may be equally significant if it heralds a dissecting aortic aneurysm, increased intracranial pressure, myocardial infarction, eclampsia, or thyrotoxicosis.
Usually associated with essential hypertension, elevated blood pressure may also result from a renal or endocrine disorder, a treatment that affects fluid status (such as dialysis), or from the use of certain drugs. Ingestion of large amounts of certain foods, such as black licorice and cheddar cheese, may temporarily elevate blood pressure.
Sometimes, elevated blood pressure may simply reflect inaccurate blood pressure measurement. However , careful measurement alone Blood pressure - the force blood exerts on vessels as it flows through the, -depends on cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and blood volume. A brief review of its regulating mechanisms- nervous system control, capillary fluid shifts, kidney excretion, and hormonal changes- will help you understand how elevated blood pressure develops. Elevated blood pressure signals the breakdown or inappropriate response of these pressure-regulating mechanisms. Its associated signs and symptoms concentrate in the target organs and tissues.
(info Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th Edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

Blood Pressure Decrease (Hypotension)

Low blood pressure refers to inadequate intravascular pressure to maintain the body's oxygen requirements. Although commonly linked to shock, this sign may also result from cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or metabolic disorders. Hypoperfusion states especially affect the kidneys, brain, and heart, and may lead to renal failure, change in level of consciousness (LOC) or myocardial ischemia. Low blood pressure may also be caused by certain diagnostic tests- most commonly those using contrast media- and the use of certain drugs. It may stem from stress or a change of position - specifically, rising abruptly from a supine or sitting position to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension)
Normal blood pressure varies considerably; what qualifies as low blood pressure for one person may be perfectly normal for another. Consequently, ever blood pressure reading must be compared against the patent's baseline. Typically, a reading below 90/160 mm Hg or a drop of 30 mm Hg from the baseline, is considered low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure can reflect an expanded intravascular space (as in severe infections, allergic reactions, or adrenal insufficiency), reduced intravascular volume ( as in dehydration and hemorrhage), or decreased cardiac output (as in impaired cardiac muscle contractility). Because the body's pressure-regulating mechanisms are complex and interrelated, a combination of these factors usually contributes to low blood pressure.
(info- Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th Edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

Irritable Bowel Sydrome

Lower abdominal cramping or pain is aggravated by ingestion of coarse or raw foods and may be alleviated by defecation or passage of flatus. Related findings include abdominal tenderness, diurnal diarrhea alternating with constipation or normal bowel function, and small stools with visible mucus. Dyspepsia, nausea and abdominal distention with a feeling of incomplete evacuation may also occur. Stress, anxiety, and emotional liability intensify the symptoms.
(info - Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th Edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

Vitamin K deficiency

The first sign of this deficiency is usually gums that bleed when the teeth are brushed. Other signs of abnormal bleeding, such as ecchymosis, epistaxis, and hematuria, may occur. GI bleeding may produce hematemesis and melena; intracranial bleeding may cause decreased level of consciousness and focal neurological deficits.
(info - Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th Edition -Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

Vitamin C deficiency

This deficiency causes swollen, spongy, tender gums that bleed easily. The gums between the teeth are red or purple. The teeth themselves become loose and may be surrounded by pockets filled with clotted blood. Other findings include muscle and joint pain, petechiae, ecchymosis, splinter hemorrhages in the nail beds, and ocular hemorrhages. Associated effects are anorexia, dry mouth, pallor, weakness, lethargy, insomnia, scaly skin, and psychological disturbances, such as depression or hysteria.
(info- Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms 5th Edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

CORAL LIFE - Neutralizes Acids

EGI's Coral Life offers you the most bio-available form of calcium known in the world. It is COMPLETELY absorbed by your body, unlike synthetic calcium products. Calcium is one of the single most important minerals for your good health.

Coral Like Key Benefits:

• reduces your risk of acquiring osteoporosis and various forms of arthritic conditions
• helps your body utilize minerals more effectively
• neutralizes acidity
• helps to maintain strong bones and teeth
• maintains pH balance throughout your body
• contributes to the strength, health, and function of every single cell
• activates the enzymes for more than 300 cellular activities and metabolic actions

Proprietary Blend:

Coral, Citric Acid, Vitamin D, Ionic Minerals

CROHN'S DISEASE

An acute attack causes severe cramping pain in the lower abdomen, typically preceded by weeks or months of milder cramping pain. Crohn's disease may also cause diarrhea, hyperactive bowel sounds, dehydration, weight loss, fever, abdominal tenderness with guarding, and possibly a palpable mass in a lower quadrant. Abdominal pain is commonly relieved by defecation. Milder chronic signs and symptoms include right-lower-quadrant pain with diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weight loss. Complications include perirectal or vaginal fistulas.

RED HEART ALGAE

Antioxidants play a very important role in the maintenance of your health. EGI's Red Algae is 500-1000 times more potent than Vitamin C and 100 times more effective than Vitamin E. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It crosses your Blood-Retinal and Blood Brain Barrier. Antioxidants limit and severely reduce the oxidation or solidification of substances that accumulate in the body.

ENRICHING GIFTS HEART ALGAE KEY BENEFITS:

• The strongest antioxidant known to science researched and developed within the last decade
• significantly reduces DNA damage to your cells
• helps neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the body
• helps deter the collection of plaque on arterial walls
• helps slow or even prevent the development of arterial blockages
• may significantly reduce your risk of developing Heart Disease
• may significantly reduce your risk of developing many forms of Cancer
• helps reduce the risk of arterial sclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• helps reduce oxidized floating immune complexes (FIC) within the blood stream
• helps protect brain cells from oxidative damages because of its unique ability to cross the blood brain barrier

Proprietary Blend:

Red Algae,GR8-77TM (Proprietary blend of 8 plant enzymes and 77 ionic-form trace minerals)

DAILY DETOXIFICATION

Daily Detoxification reduces toxicity that accumulates in your bowel and G.I. tract from consuming processed foods of any kind. It supports the elimination of parasites as well as harmful GI bacteria, and has a complete herbal blend that supports daily intestinal, liver, and colon cleansing and elimination. Daily Detoxification is a mild herbal cleansing formula, not a laxative.

Daily Detoxification Key Benefits:

• Produces a cleaner, more pH balanced gastrointestinal system, and bowel area
• Reduces toxicity that accumulates in the bowel and G.I. tract from consuming processed food
• Supports the elimination of parasites as well as harmful G.I. bacteria
• Supplies a complete herbal blend to support daily intestinal cleansing and elimination
• Includes the most effective cleansing herbs available
• Decreases the time between bowel eliminations and reduces toxicity potential and constipation

If you exist on a diet of fast food, processed, frozen or canned foods, or any type of cooked food... you may be toxic internally and not even know it. Toxicity contributes to disease and comes from an accumulation of undigested processed foods that we consume daily, prescribed drugs, pollutants, pesticides, and parasites we are exposed to. As a defensive and preventive measure you can cleanse these substances from your body with Daily Detoxification and rid your body of toxins by providing it with gentle cleansing that promotes a healthier internal body environment.

Proprietary Blend:

Turkey Rhubarb, Psyllium Seed Powder, Aloe Vera Powder, Baraberry Root Powder, Cascara Sagrada Powder, Senna Pod Powder, Slippery Elm

METABOLIC COMPLETE

Metabolic Complete is formulated with the most researched nutritional ingredients on the market today, and is standardized to the highest possible potency. This unique and unparalleled formula delivers the highest bio-available form of nutrients and anti-oxidants into the digestive system to support the vital metabolic cell functions of the body.

Metabolic Complete primary use is for the protection of the body against the development of Cancer and Heart Disease. This formulation is based on 2-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling's research on Cancer Prevention and Reversal.

Metabolic Complete with GR8CF-77
KEY BENEFITS:

• Maximum protection from environmental free radical damage
• Supports vital cell functioning with increased nutrition
• Increases nutrient delivery to the cells in a form absorbable at the cellular level
• Provides a complete array of vital nutrients from natural sources to help balance the metabolic systems

The average person severely lacks beneficial amounts of antioxidants in their diet. Metabolic Complete provides you with maximum protection from environmental "Free Radicals" which can damage your body's organs and cells. It supports the vital metabolic cell functions of your body and crosses the blood brain barrier bringing antioxidants to your brain as well as the rest of your body. It is one of the highest antioxidant formulas available anywhere in the world.

Proprietary Blend:

MSM, Norwegian Kelp,CoEnzyme Q10, Grapeseed Extract, White Pine Bark Extract, Cats Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) Shark Cartilage, GR8CF-77 Proprietary blend of 77 ionic -form trace minerals