Important message about NEW Compensation Plan!

In recent months Akuna has been working long and hard to make significant improvements that would drive your business, allow you to further develop and grow your organization, and of course, maximize your profits.

It is Akuna’s pleasure to introduce some exciting changes for Akuna Canada /USA Inc. effective as of this February 2011:

1.  Prices of all products have been reduced by 25% (of retail cost)!

• A case of Alveo has been reduced from $240.00 to $180.00.
• A case of Onyx Plus has been reduced from $160.00 to $120.00.
• A set of Take a Plaster has been reduced from $88.00 to $75.00.

2.  New discount system has been introduced:

• 140 – 420 points = 20% discount
• 421 – 1400 points = 25% discount
• 1401 points – more = 30% discount

3.  New Welcome Pack has been introduced

4.  New Gold Pack has been introduced

5.  New bonuses and exciting incentives for all distributors!

6.  Simplified ways to become a Leader faster!

7.  New bonus price is now $0.4125 per point.

Akuna hopes that these changes will serve as tools to help you effectively expand your independent Akuna business.

You may download  New Compensation Plan 2011. 

 

Until next time…stay healthy

Katarzyna

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Onyx Plus launched in Canada

Akuna is pleased to inform you that Onyx Plus has been launched in Canada.

Onyx Plus t is an advanced-formula multi-mineral supplement that delivers essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and zinc in a liquid form that is easy for the body to absorb, process and utilize. The minerals in Onyx Plus will strengthen your bones and immune system and reduce the risks of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and kidney disease.

To celebrate the launch of Onyx Plus on the Canadian market, Akuna has created three special offers, valid in both Canada and the USA.

For more information click  Onyx Plus now available in Canada

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

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Trace Minerals (Part 2)

Zinc

Zinc formulations have been used since the time of Ancient Egyptians to enhance wound healing.  The clinical significance in human nutrition and public health was recognized relatively recently.  It’s deficiency in humans was first describes in 1961, when the consumption of diets with low zinc was associated with “adolescent nutritional dwarfism” in the Middle East.  Since then, the deficiency of zinc has been recognized by a number of experts as an important public health issue, especially in developing countries.

Zinc is also an essential trace element for all forms of life.  As it is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes and plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes.

Numerous aspects of cellular metabolism are zinc-dependant.  Zinc plays important roles in growth and development, the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction, in the structure of proteins and cell membranes.

The immune system is adversely affected by even moderate degrees of zinc deficiency.  It was found that severe zinc deficient depresses the immune function.  Zinc is required for the development and activation of T-lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection.  When zinc supplements are given to individuals with low zinc levels, the numbers of T-cells lymphocytes circulating in the blood increase and the ability of lymphocytes to fight infection improves.  Zinc supplements are often given to help heal skin ulcers or sores, but they do not increase rates of wound healing when zinc levels are normal.

There is no single laboratory test that adequately measures zinc’s nutritional status.  Medical doctors who suspect a zinc deficiency will consider risk factors such as inadequate caloric intake, alcoholism, digestive diseases, and symptoms such as impaired growth in infants and children when determining a need for zinc supplementation.  Vegetarians may need as much as 50% (1.8 mg/daily) more zinc than non-vegetarians because of the lower absorption of zinc from plant foods, so it is very important for vegetarians to include good sources of zinc in their diet.

Zinc is found in oysters, and to a far lesser degree, in most animal proteins, beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.  A turkey’s neck and beef’s chunk or shank also contains significant amount of zinc.  Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, have been known to decrease zinc absorption.  Fortunately, a healthy diet can provide you with as much zinc as you need.  However, the truth of the matter is that only about 30% of the zinc that you intake can get absorbed by your body.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that humans also require in trace amounts, although its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined.

Although trivalent chromium is recognized as a nutritionally essential mineral, scientists are not yet certain exactly how it functions in the body.

Chromium has long been of interest for its possible connection to various health conditions.  Among the most active areas of chromium research is its use in supplement form to treat diabetes, lower blood lipid levels, promote weight loss, and improve body compositions.

It is believed that chromium affects glucose metabolism by enhancing the effects of insulin.  Insulin is secreted be specialized cells in the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose levels, such as after a meal.  A decreased response to insulin or decreased insulin sensitivity may result in impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes.  However, the value of chromium supplements for diabetics is inconclusive and controversial.  Randomized controlled clinical trails in well-defined, at-risk populations where dietary intakes are known, are needed to determine the effects of chromium on markers of diabetes.

The effects of chromium supplementation on blood lipid levels in humans are also inconclusive.  The mixed research findings may be due to difficulties in determining the chromium status of subjects at the start of the trails and the researchers’ failure to control for dietary factors that influence blood lipid levels.

Some claim that chromium supplements reduce body fat and increase lean (muscle) mass.  Yet a recent review of numerous studies that examined the effects of 200 to1,000g/day of chromium on body mass or composition found no significant benefits.  Another recent review of randomized, controlled clinical trails did find supplement of chromium picolinate to help with weight loss when compares to placebos, but the differences where small and of debatable clinical relevance.

Chromium I widely distributed in the food supply, but most foods provide only small amounts.  Processed meats, whole grain products, ready-to-eat bran cereals, green beans, broccoli, and species are relatively rich in chromium; however the content of the mineral is substantially affected by agricultural and manufacturing process.

Absorption of chromium from the intestinal tract is low, ranging from less than 0.4% to 2.5% of the amount consumed, and the reminder is excreted through bodily waste.  Vitamin C and niacin might enhance the mineral’s absorption.  Absorbed chromium is then stored in the liver, spleen, soft tissue, and bone.

 

Until next time…Stay Healthy

  

Katarzyna

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Trace Minerals (Part 1)

How much do you know? By Milan Frohlich, MSc., A.Sc.T., R&D Scientist Akuna Regulatory Affairs Coordinator

We have all heard at some point or another that minerals are important to our health.  However, not all of us are sure of why this is the case.  This lack of information may be a factor why an estimated 90% of North Americans suffer from a mineral deficiency or imbalance. 

Thanks to the extensive research conducted regarding the relationship between minerals and our health, it has become evident that sustaining a balanced level of minerals in every organ, tissue and cell of the human body may be prominent key to maintaining a healthy existence.  Unfortunately in today’s world, naturally occurring, nutrient-rich foods are becoming a thing of the past.  Fortunately, thanks to all this research and development, we can turn to nutritional supplements to support our health.

We tend to hear a lot about minerals such as calcium and magnesium but are often not familiar with the importance of some of these minerals which our bodies also require.  Trace minerals or trace elements are generally, uncommon minerals that practically all organisms need in minute quantities in order to trigger the production of enzymes and hormones for growth, reproduction and health maintenance of the animal or plant body. 

Nutritionally speaking, trace minerals by definition are those which are required by the human body in micro amount, i.e. in 100 milligrams (mg) dosages per day, or less.

Below is a closer look at three trace minerals, their function and their importance to the human body.

Manganese

The natural importance of manganese was discovered in 1936-37, when researches reported the development of bony malformation in poultry fed on a manganese-free diet.  Later studies also demonstrated the relationship of manganese to growth, bone development, reproduction, and the functioning of the central nervous system.

Manganese is an essential trace nutrient in all forms of life.  The human body contains about 10 to 20 mg of manganese, which is widely distributed throughout the tissues, stored mainly in liver and kidneys.  It plays an important role in a number of physiological processes as a constituent of some enzymes and an activator of their enzymes which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  In combination with choline, it helps in the digestion and utilization of fat.

Manganese helps to nourish the nerves and brain and assist in the proper coordinative action between the brain, nerves and muscles in every part of the body.  It is also involved in normal reproduction and function of mammary glands.

On the other hand, manganese deficiency has been observed in a number of animal species.  Signs of manganese deficiency include impaired growth, impaired reproductive function, skeletal abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance, and altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.  In humans, demonstration of a manganese deficiency syndrome has been less clear. 

A child on long-term total parenteral nutrition (fed intravenously) lacking manganese developed bone demineralization and impaired growth that were corrected by manganese supplementation.  However, the human body obtains sufficient manganese through normal dietary intake, so a deficiency syndrome is rare. 

It has been documented that women with osteoporosis have increased plasma levels of manganese and also an enhanced plasma response to an oral dose of manganese. Estimated average dietary manganese intakes range from 2.1 – 2.3 mg/day for men and 1.6 – 1.8 mg/day for women. 

People eating vegetarian diets and western diets emphasizing whole grains may have manganese include whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables, and teas.  Foods high in phytic acid, such as beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and soy products, or foods high in oxalic acid, such as cabbage, spinach, and sweet potatoes, may slightly inhibit manganese absorption.

 

To be continued…

 

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

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New Akuna Product – “Take a Plaster”

Take a Plaster – Bamboo’s strength and vitality.

Wood vinegar plasters were developed to help revitalize the body and promote better health and longevity.  Wood vinegar plasters are totally natural, safe and easy to use.

 Wood vinegar plasters:

– soothe pain and reduces swelling 

– strengthen the immune system 

– relieve fatigue 

– improve the quality of sleep 

– improve metabolism

 

Your body is bombarded constantly by environmental pollutants and attacked by toxins present in food and drinks.  Such substances build up in your body continuously.  If not removed, the substances can become toxic waste accumulating in your body and contributing to the occurrence of various diseases and brain dysfunctions. 

Accumulated toxic waste tends to affect and disturb all systems in your body and so to predispose your body organs, joints and tissues to inflammations.  Once the microorganisms that induce inflammation start to proliferate, the disease begins to develop.  And when the waste substances present in your body reach a certain level, you can experience fatigue, restlessness, brain and nervous disturbances and other health problems.

Benefiting from the experience and well-proven procedures of traditional Chinese medicine, Take a Plaster detox patches help cleanse your body of toxic waste.

There are over 360 reflection points on the surface of the human body.  More than 60 of them are located on the soles, which traditional Chinese medicine regards as the “second heart” of the body.  Toxins travel through your body during the day and accumulate in the reflection zones of your feet.  Wood vinegar essence extracted from some tree species has the capability to absorb toxins through the reflection points on the soles.

And it is this principle fostered by traditional Chinese medicine that is used by the new Akuna product – the Take a Plaster patch.  As the blood circulating through your body passes through your feet, the patches applied to the soles absorb toxins accumulated in the body.  The harmful substances are thus removed in a natural manner and it is easier for blood to flow through the legs and feet.  In this way your body will attain the optimum health.

 

Main ingredients:

 
Wood vinegar improves blood circulation and exerts an osmotic effect facilitating the transfer of toxins through cell membranes, whereby it helps significantly in removing harmful substances via pores on the soles.  Wood vinegar also has the capacity to remove toxins from swollen body parts and relieves other problems that cause swelling.

Bamboo vinegar is a very rare and valuable by-product of bamboo carbonization. It features exceedingly good absorption and sterilization properties.  In fact, bamboo vinegar is believed to be three times as efficient as wood vinegar. Its favorable herbal properties can be used to remove unwanted harmful waste substances and toxins from human body.

Tourmaline transfers the cleansing and liberating energy with its stabilizing and purging effect to the whole nervous system.  In the product, tourmaline removes blocks and improves blood circulation and metabolism.  As a consequence, tourmaline is also efficient in relieving stress, improving vigor and strengthening the immune system.

 

Additional ingredients:

Dextrin, carapace powder, vitamin C, vegetable fibers

 

FAQs

How long should I use the plasters for?

The duration of use depends on how often you have used similar products or procedures in the past, and how unwell you feel.  If you have not used any detox methods before or for a long time, it is advisable to use them for at least one month.  However any detoxifying is good for your body so even using them for two weeks may provide benefits.

How do the plasters work with other Akuna products?

Take a Plaster detox plasters complement nicely the existing comprehensive series of Akuna natural health products, i.e. Alveo and Onyx Plus.  The plasters do not supersede any of the existing products.  On the contrary, their interaction makes for a better quality of human body care.  This extended product range provides a unique method of prevention, health care and attainment of a higher level of health status optimization.  Now the detoxification plasters constitute an integral part of the series of Akuna’s self-care products.  In other words, Take a Plaster help you take care of your own health.

Can I use the plasters anywhere else on body?

Plasters can be used on any part of the body where you experience discomfort, such as knees, shoulders, back, etc.  The color of the sheet will change according to the condition of your health.  Initially the plaster sheets may appear darker but with regular use, the sheets will progressively get lighter and lighter, indicating a steady improvement in your health.

Who can use Take a Plaster wood vinegar plasters?

It can be used by everyone for easy and effective detoxifying.  Please note that due to a lack of scientific evidence they are not recommended for children or pregnant women.

What side effects do Take a Plaster plasters have?

Unless you are allergic to the ingredients, until now, no side effects have been noted.  There are no known adverse reactions during the use of these plasters.

 
Manufacturing process
Take a Plaster plasters are manufactured in a GMP and ISO certified facility.  Akuna’s Scientific Board inspects the Take a Plaster manufacturing process on an ongoing basis and sees to it that all criteria are strictly complied with.

The effects, efficacy and safety of detoxification products made of purely natural materials have been proved in practice by millions of people during centuries of use of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

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Cleaning the organism by Dr. Sohrab Khoshbin (Part 2)

Ten tips on how to eat well and live healthy:

1.   Do not eat until you are genuinely hungry.  When you are hungry our stomach will tell us that it needs food.  This means the stomach is empty from the previous meal and is ready to digest a new meal.  If you eat when you are not hungry or continually eat and mix semi digested foods with new ones, it will cause the mixture to stay in the stomach pouch for a longer time.  This causes purification and fermentation of foods leading to health problems.

2.   Do not over eat.  The stomach has a limited capacity for food and needs some space for mixing and digestion.  If it is completely full, it cannot function properly.  The stomach is located beneath heart, and when the stomach is full it expands and applies pressure on the heart.  The process leaves very little space for the heart to beat at its proper pace.  Too much pressure can cause the heart to palpitate or to beat at irregular intervals.  Always stop eating before you feel full.  It takes approximately 20 minutes for the stomach to let your brains know you are in fact full and that it is best at that time to stop eating.

3.   Take liquids before solids.  Foods that are less difficult to digest and require less time should be eaten first.  After the easier swallow food has been consumed, start with harder to chew foods that need more time for digestion.  The food, which is more solid and has the lower water content, should be taken after the food, which has highest water content.  Soup and vegetables should be taken before the main meal.

4.   Do not drink while you are eating.  Water, juices or carbonated drinks should not be taken with a meal as they dilute the stomach juices and enzymes and interrupt digestion process.  This causes gas, bloating, pain, constipation and toxicity of the whole body.  Undigested food goes into the intestines and then into the colon where it putrefies and ferments to create more gas and acid, which is then re-absorbed, into the bloodstream.  Water and all kinds of drinks can be taken half an hour before and about two hours after the meal.

5.   It is best to chew each bite of food 20-30 times.  Chewing food is a very important process in proper digestion.  Dieticians recommended chewing solid food to the extent.  This ensures for proper breakdown and causes the food to change to the more liquid for before making for a more simple digestion process.  Many problems and diseases are caused by not chewing food adequately.

6.   Do not mix different food groups together and try to eat a single food group at one time.  There are different groups of food in nature, for instance fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.  Most of the food we consume is complex, but in order to have better digestion it is best not mix proteins with carbohydrates or fats with proteins.  For example, the traditional North American dish of steak   and potatoes in not a good mixture for healthy digestion and nutrients absorption.  If a potato, which is carbohydrate, gets served with vegetables it makes an ideal food combination.   Carbohydrates and vegetables also make a good combination.  A proper combination of the right foods makes for over all healthy digestion.

7.   Do not eat any processed or manufactured foods.  Any food that has been altered by the process using heat or the adding of chemicals to preserve or add flavor or is vitamin enriched is not healthy to eat.  For example, white bread does not have any food value left in it nor do cold cuts which are full of chemicals and coloring.  All added chemicals are hazardous to your health.

8.   Add lots of fiber to your meals.  The human digestive system is a long tube which should be filled with a large amount of fibrous foods.  Fiber absorbs water and cleans the digestive track.  A lack of fibers in your diet causes many kinds of disorders and diseases; from constipation to cancer.

9.   Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.  Our body is made up of 65% to 70% of water.  Without an adequate amount of water, the body does not function optimally and there is a general lack of energy and concentration.  All nutrients and vitamins must be dissolved in water in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream.  The amount of water to be drink is based on the body weight of the individual; for each kilogram of weight, one ounce of water is needed.  Note that too much water is also not recommended as it flushes the nutrients out of your body. 

10.   Exercise.  Exercising makes the muscles strong and keeps the bones dense.  It stimulates the lymphatic system keeping the fluids moving so it works better at keeping us healthy.  Our lymphatic system is responsible for waste collection and immunity protection.  It does not have a pumping system like our bloodstream has to the heart; therefore, the speed of fluid movement is very low.  Regular exercise keeps the continual appellation of toxins through the lymphatic system removing them from the body.

Until next time… Stay healthy

Katarzyna

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Cleaning the organism by Dr. Sohrab Khoshbin (Part 1)

“We have to treat the causes of illnesses by cleaning and balancing our organism” – Dr. Sohrab Khoshbin

There are several organs that expulse invading toxins from our remarkable organism – the human body.  The most important role in this process belongs to the liver, which is responsible for all chemical activity in the body. In particular it is active in the processing of digested food.  The liver makes the most serious “decisions” in food absorption.  The most significant and remarkable organ has the capability to regenerate itself. I f we only had half of our liver, it would still be capable of performing all its function.

Liver has a very important role in our organism:

•  Deprives the organism of toxic substances as well as from adverse fat in fried and chemically processed foods
•  Fulfills 24 regular tasks
•  The emotions such as anger, irritation or stress have a negative impact on liver activity

The other very important organ is the intestine, which escorts waste (the mass of sediments) from our body.  Our health depends, among other things, on regular elimination.  If sediments stay too long in our intestines, toxins are being created.  After time they get into our bloodstream which results in the poisoning of the organism.  This can lead to various illnesses such as migraine headaches or even cancer.

The kidneys also play an important role for toxin removal (in liquid form).  In Chinese medicine, the kidney is called “essence of life” which suggests our vital energy originates from this organ.  We can view the entire state of our organism functioning on the surface of our skin.  Skin blemishes and irregularities indicate that there are problems with digestion and toxicity.  Almost all skin illnesses originate from inside our organism and are signaled by various inflammations and eczemas.

The face is particularly revealing about our state of health.  Skin disorders on the upper lip give information about current stomach conditions and the lower lip points to adversities and intestines.  Blemishes found between the eyes alert to adverse conditions of the liver and stomach; if found on the tip of the nose, it can signal a heart problem.  The eyes are considered to be a reflection of the state of health of the body.

On the basis of iris research, many illnesses can be diagnosed, even in their initial stage before any symptoms are known.  The clarity of the eyes reveals the condition of the liver; if they are congested it means the liver is stressed with toxins.  If there are corners of the eye filled with veins it points to the heart being in less than optimum health.  If crusts appear in the corner of the eyes, it indicates that the liver is attempting to get rid of excessive amounts of fat.

It is necessary to observe the organism attentively because it informs us about all illnesses and balances disturbances so treatment can be administrated early before any serious damage occurs.  A traditional treatment of illnesses often depends on a successful elimination of symptoms.  This is only the suppression of the illness from an outside observance and only good for a short time period.  As the cause of illness is not clearly understood, it is difficult to be cured.  Ailments will continue and often in an intensive form.  It is necessary to look for a treat the cause and not only eliminate the effects.

As we know, the majority of civilization illnesses are the result of an improper way of life and excessive quantities of toxins in the organism; and to treat only the symptoms will never provide good results.  Alveo is an ideal herbal product that helps prevent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

There are two kinds of Alveo: peppermint and grape.  Aside from being different flavors, there is no difference between the two.  Each will clean and nourish our organism, creating a balance.  Both of them contain the same herbs.  The Peppermint Alveo is better for people who have stomach problems, especially for those that suffer from an abnormal production of acids.  The juice from grapes could have stimulating affects; while the peppermint in an alleviative.

The causes of imbalances in the organism:

•  Hypoxia of particular organs
•  Environmental pollution
•  Consumption of processed food containing chemical substances
•  Toxic compounds in our organism
•  Overeating
•  Insufficient physical activity
•  Shortage of vitamins and minerals
•  Stress, intensity and concern
•  Inability to relax

Alveo prevents illness and keeps the organism healthy because:

•  It is natural
•  Acts positively for the gastrointestinal tract (Siberian Ginseng, Alfalfa)
•  Supports digestion processes and the absorption of nutrients (Cardamom, Passionflower, Peppermint)

 

To be continued…

 

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

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Herbs in Alveo (Part 2)

CAYENNE
Capsicum frutescens
A natural stimulant, cayenne seemingly aids circulatory function by feeding the necessary elements info the cell structure of the arteries, veins, and capillaries so that these regain some of the elasticity of youth, allowing the blood pressure to adjust itself to normal.  It also simulates the digestive system, and it has been used for treatment against stomachaches, cramps, gas, indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea and various fevers. Rich in carotenoids and vitamins C and E: these antioxidants are thought to protect against free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.  Cayenne also appears to be useful in enhancing the activity of various immune systems.  Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, seems to be able to deaden painsensing nerves, even when the cause remains present.

 

CINNAMON
Cinnamomum verum
Long coveted as a healing aid for stomach upset, heartburn and gas, chronic diarrhea, rheumatism, kidney ailments and abdominal pain cinnamon has been used by homeopathic medical practitioners for diarrhea, hemorrhage and cancerous tumors.  For years Asians have promoted its use against heart problems, dental pain and urinary problems, believing that can kill certain bacteria and fungi, improve digestion and help to regulate blood sugar.  Said to fortify the immune system, cinnamon has been used to stimulate the respiratory and circulatory system, alleviating bronchial coughs, relieve menstrual discomfort and calm the central nervous system.

 

FENNEL
Foeniculum vulgare
One of the oldest medical plants; fennel have reportedly been in use for over 4,000 years.  Alleged to stimulate the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, it is useful as a digestive aid, and seems to remedy mild spasms in the stomach and intestines, a feeling of fullness, and intestinal and gastric distress.  It also claims to have a calming effect on bronchitis and is a superb remedy for coughs and stubborn mucus.  In Asian medicine, fennel is recommended for instances of anemia, bloating, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, hernia, and skin diseases.

 

FO-TI
Polygonum multiflorum
This herb has been known and honored in Asia for centuries as a tonic for kidney and liver functions and it is believed to be a natural antioxidant and free-radical scavenger.  It has been shown that it has the ability to strengthen tendons, ligaments, bones, the lower back, and the knees.  It also has been reported to prevent premature aging, as well as being beneficial in decreasing blood sugar levels in diabetics, and can act as a natural diuretic.  High cholesterol, heart conditions, poor circulation, insomnia and chronic bronchitis are among all the conditions that Fo-Ti alleges to help.  Providing strength, resilience and stamina. Fo-Ti is usually recommended as a superior herb for athletes, offering increased energy while rejuvenating the body and acting as a natural anti-inflammatory.

 

GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the most powerful antioxidant known today and as such is said to help prevent degenerative conditions of the heart, arteries, eyes, ears and other organs, as well as shielding the brain from the effect of stress, toxins and aging.  For hundreds of years, traditional Chinese physicians have used ginkgo biloba to treat impotence.  It is thought that ginkgolides act by reducing inflammation around small airways in the lungs, and in doing so can offer some aid to asthma and allergy sufferers.  Ginkgo biloba is the most broad-spectrum medicine that is known today.  It contains so many different active ingredients that no single one of them can account for all of the extract’s healing powers.  Instead, they act synergistically – creating an overall effect that is greater than the sum of all of its parts.

 

GOTU KOLA
Centella asiatica
Rich in vitamins A, B, E, G, and K as well as magnesium, Gotu Kola has long been helpful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, heart problems, dysentery, insomnia, eye conditions, exhaustion, inflammation, high blood pressure, diarrhea and problems with urination.  Often referred to as, “food for the brain”, taken on a regular basis, this herb has become known as the “key to longevity” in humans, and seems to be able to enhance intelligence and improve memory, increasing mental and physical power, combining stress and improving the reflexes.  Gotu kola nourishes the nervous system, especially the brain, boosting energy levels, helping to fight depression, and reducing sleep disorders. Contemporary Western herbalist have long cited the wound-healing actions of Gotu kola.

 

GUARANA
Paullinia cupana
Guarana figures prominently in the social and medicinal culture of the Amazonian Indians.  The seed of guarana has for hundred of years been uses as a general tonic and treatments for many ailments.  It holds fast to the claim that it has stimulating effect on the body, as well as having the ability to dispel pain.  Guarana has also developed the reputation of being somewhat of an aphrodisiac.  South Americans reportedly have used guarana to treat a long list of ailments such as: chronic or infectious diarrhea, headaches (including migraine), pain associated with rheumatism or menstruation, water retention (using as diuretic or “water pill”) and hence as an aid in weight loss, fever, malaria, heat stress and many other ailments.

 

 

To be continued…

 

Until next time…Stay Healthy

Katarzyna

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Soft Drinks and Osteoporosis

The health debate is on…

Dr. Jaromir Bertlik N.D.
Chairman of Scientific Advisory Board

One cannot deny the fact that good nutrition results in better health.  We are familiar with the dangers of trans-fats, preservatives, additives, coloring and high-sugar consumption in our diets; now, researches are pointing fingers to yet another potential health risk: the correlation between drinking cola and the weakening of bones.  Can the classic all-American refreshment be responsible for weakening our bones?  Research conducted in recent years leads to some surprising results…

In a Wall Street Journal article (October 16, 2007), Betsy McKay writes that some studies have linked the consumption of cola, the most popular soft drink, and poor bone-mineral density”.  A 1994 study based on 127 teenagers published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, and a 2000 study based on 460 high school students published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, both showed a connection “between consumption and bone fractures in physically active teen girls.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a Tufts University study, which reported to have “measured bone density and analyzed eating habits” and which found a “significant impact on women who drank more than three colas a week”.  On the other hand, the researches in this study, which was funded by the US Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Health, also showed “no evidence” that bone tissue is harmed by the “occasional” cola.

Taking all this research into account, the bottom line is best summarized by Katherine Tucker, an epidemiologist at Tuft University’s USDA Nutrition and the lead author of the cola study.  Tucker has simplified by stating “the more cola that women drank, the lower their bone mineral density was”.

Is Cola the Culprit?
While so many studies have found a correlation between cola consumption and weak bone density, scientists cannot agree on why this is the case.  Some argue that the caffeine, sugar, phosphoric acid and carbonation in cola impair calcium absorption in the bones.  One can take into consideration the sugar-factor alone; an average can of soda contains about ¼ cup of sugar!  Another reason cola is the culprit is due to its effect on insulin levels, which is augmented by the fact that sugar (along with caffeine) drains the body of B vitamins, magnesium and zinc.  Based on recent studies, certain B vitamins are thought to promote stronger bones by lowering homocysteine (an amino acid) levels, which would otherwise impair collagen’s ability to hold bones together.  Magnesium plays a role in calcium metabolism and zinc aids with collagen formation.  Together, the interruption of these functions sets the stage which results in the reduction of bone health.

The Ugly Truth…
The truth is that everyone is at risk of developing osteoporosis, irrelevant of gender.  This can be a debilitating disease and the resulting pain can lead to depression, restrictive ling disease (shortness of breath due to poor posture and squashed lungs) and ultimately, even pneumonia.  An estimated 52 million men and women aged 50 and above will have osteoporosis or be at an increased risk of having low bone mass by 2010 and by 2020, that number will skyrocket to 61 million.  In addition to osteoporosis patients are more likely to sustain hip fractures that those without the condition and further, “Approximately 20% of individuals with hip fractures will die the year after the fracture usually from surgery complications, such as pneumonia or blood clots in the lung”.  In fact, a woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.  Below are some important health statistics, related to men and women:

Men

• Approximately 2 million men live with osteoporosis and there are still 12 million more at risk of developing the disease 
• Osteoporosis progresses 12 years slower in a man than in a woman
•  The medical community tends to ignore the prevalence of osteoporosis in men and are therefore less likely than women to be diagnose
•  ¼ of all men over the age of 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related bone break

Women

• While by their late 60’s men and women lose bone mass at similar rates, women face higher bone loss in their 50’s than men do
• ½ of all women over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis fracture before they die
• After menopause, the risk for women – especially white and Asian with small0thin frames – of developing osteoporosis increases
• 2% of college-aged women may already have osteoporosis and another 15% of women in this age group may have already lost significant bone density

True for both men and women

• Smoking and excessive alcohol increases the risk of developing the disease.

How can you reduce the chances of osteoporosis?

• The chances of developing osteoporosis can be sharply reduced through dietary restrictions and lifestyle changes – all of which would essentially     promote better health
• The increased consumption of vegetables will positively result in increased antioxidants in the body
• Always opt for low-glycemic nutrition
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight because fat cells generate more inflammation
• Akuna offers a comprehensive, preventive approach to health aging for men and women – see which products are right for you.

 

Until next time…Stay Healthy

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Cholesterol and Inflammation by Dr. Jaromir Bertlik (Part 2)

What does all this have to do with inflammation?

Blood sugar is controlled in a very narrow range.  Extra sugar molecules attach to a variety of proteins that in turn injure the blood vessel walls.  This is what I refer to as repeated injury to the blood vessel wall and this is what leads to inflammation.  When you “spike” your blood sugar level several times a day, every day, it is exactly like taking sandpaper and sanding down the walls of your delicate blood vessels.

But for now, let’s go back to the sweet roll: That innocent looking goody not only contains sugars, it is also baked in one of many omega-6 oils such as soybean.
Chips and fries are also soaked in soybean oil; processed foods are manufactured with omega-6 oils for longer shelf life. While omega-6s are essential to the human body as they are part of every cell membrane, controlling what goes in and out of the cell — they must be present in direct correlation and balance to the omega-3s.

If this balance shifts due to excess consumption of omega-6s, the cell membrane produces chemicals called cytokines that directly cause inflammation. Today’s mainstream western diet has produced an extreme imbalance of these two fats.  The ratio of imbalance ranges from 15:1 to as high as 30:1 in favor of the omega-6s.  That’s a tremendous amount of cytokines causing inflammation.  In today’s food environment, a 3:1 ratio would be optimal and healthy.

To make matters worse, the excess weight you acquire from eating these foods creates an overload of fat cells that in turn produce large quantities of pro-inflammatory chemicals adding to the injury which your body is already enduring.  The process that began with what seemed as an innocent sweet roll turns into a vicious cycle which over time creates heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and finally, as the inflammatory process continues unabated – Alzheimer disease.

Who would willfully expose him/herself repeatedly to harmful foods and other substances that are known to cause injury to our bodies?   Only smokers perhaps, but they made their choice willfully.  The rest of us are simply following the mainstream dietary recommendations and consuming foods that are low in fat and high in polyunsaturated fats and carbohydrates, completely oblivious to the fact that we are indeed causing repeated injury to our blood vessels. 

It is this repeated injury that creates the chronic inflammation leading to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity. 

Let me repeat that: the injury, and subsequently, the inflammation in our blood vessels are caused by the low fat diet that has been recommended for years by mainstream medicine.

My recommendations:

• Choose complex carbohydrates such as colorful fruits and vegetables.
• Eliminate or at least cut down on the inflammation-causing omega-6 fats like corn and soybean oil and the processed foods that are made from them. Animal fats contain less than 20% omega-6s and are much less likely to cause inflammation than the supposedly “healthy polyunsaturated oils”.  The belief that saturated fat alone causes heart disease is just that: a belief and not a fact.  Actually the belief that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol at all is fairly weak itself.  Today, we now know that cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease, and therefore any concern about saturated fats simply sounds absurd.  As absurd as the fact that the whole cholesterol theory led to the no-fat/low-fat recommendations that in turn created the very foods which are currently causing the epidemic of inflammation.  We are now facing an epidemic of arterial inflammation leading to heart disease and other silent killers.
• Choose the wholesome foods your grandmother served and not those of your mother which came from grocery shelves filled with manufactured and processed foods.  By eliminating inflammatory foods and adding essential nutrients from fresh unprocessed food to your diet, you can reverse the damage caused to your arteries and your body.
• Choose AKUNA products to help eliminate and prevent inflammation and future disease and use them daily.  The ingredients in all Akuna products are natural; this means that our bodies can digest them in the correct physiological forms and many of the ingredients are also well known for their ability to eliminate toxins from the body.  In my naturopathic practice I have had unparalleled results with the Akuna products therefore I recommend regular use of Alveo and Take Plaster at the least.  However, if you have access to other Akuna products such as Onyx Plus, MasterVit, Pinky or Cleanse Plus, I also recommend the regular use of those.
• Improve the quality of life for your children as well by improving their diets.

There is no escaping the fact that as we continue consuming prepared and processed foods, the more we expose ourselves to the risk and dangers of inflammation.  The human body cannot process, nor was it ever designed to process foods packed with sugars and soaked in omega-6 oils.  There is but one answer to quieting inflammation, and that is to return to consuming food close to its natural state.

With great health – Dr. Jaromir Bertlik

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