FATTY LIVER: A Direct Path to Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

It has been generally accepted that insulin resistance is the number one cause of rising blood sugar levels in the United States. Insulin resistance simply means your body requires more insulin to bring your blood sugar levels back down into the normal range. Insulin resistance is a precursor to becoming Prediabetic and Diabetic.

But there is something else that occurs during this time of rising insulin resistance which most people are unaware of. It is called “Fatty Liver.” If the condition worsens, it can become a disease known as “Fatty Liver Disease.”  Fatty liver is just what the name implies – the liver becomes clogged with fats which once in your liver, become very difficult to remove.

For a long time the medical world thought that consuming fats caused insulin resistance. However, we now know it is the consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar which increase triglycerides that raises insulin resistance.  Even worse, the consumption of fructose (corn syrup) causes fats to be deposited in your liver, also raising your insulin resistance. So now you have not only a higher insulin resistance, but a clogged liver. The liver is responsible for over ninety functions in the body; it is therefore crucial not to impair its function. Studies show that the more intracellular fat you have in your liver, the more insulin resistant you are likely to become.

Why is the increased insulin resistance such a big deal? Insulin resistance and elevated sugar levels have been connected to nearly every disease and health crisis known: Cancer, Alzheimer, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Strokes, poor immune response, and premature aging.

So why are fatty liver and insulin resistance occurring at epidemic rates - and what can you do about it? Most of the problems can be traced to flawed diet advice, coupled with clever but misleading marketing by the food industry. However, there is also a lack of will power in our food choices, and we as Americans simply eat an excessive amount of food.

As well as limiting the amount of starches and sugars you consume, and reducing the overall quantity of food eaten, there is one ingredient that has shown the ability to not only reduce insulin resistance, but also help clear the fats out of your liver. It is called Humulone, a specialized hops extract.

Humulones consist of three special molecules of the hops flower and has been tested extensively over the past twenty years.

According to double-blind clinical trials, Humulone has the ability to lower blood glucose by improving insulin resistance, while also metabolizing the fat in the liver. These were independent studies done on Prediabetics and Type II Diabetics, and published in peer reviewed medical journals.

When you also consider the proven results of Humulone to lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, reduce body mass (belly fat), and the ability to help repair the kidneys, you are looking at a very unique and special ingredient.

Currently, Humulone is contained in a product called Diabetes Defense which is now available at many doctors’ offices, some specialty vitamin stores, and on-line. Another unique feature of the product is that it is a very powerful anti-oxidant, and it only requires one 100mg capsule per day for most people to see results.

If you can start to modify your diet, exercise, drink water instead of junk beverages, and take a special product like Diabetes Defense, you may just be able to reduce or eliminate the risk of developing one of the deadliest health issues of our generation.

* This product may be purchased online through EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.

Getting Through the Hype of Oregano Oil Products

A lot of research has been done on Oregano Oil and its chief chemical constituent, a phenol called Carvacrol; however, as powerful as Carvacrol is, it is not the whole story. In fact, 100% Carvacrol is proven to be only half as effective as pure 1st distillation Mediterranean Origanum Vulgare Oregano Oil.

This is because the Origanum Vulgare variety of oregano contains 3 other main classes of uniquely balanced chemicals which act synergistically to provide antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-venom, and antiparasitic benefits.

FACT: the highest NATURALLY OCCURING Carvacrol content of Vulgare Oregano Oil is approximately 84%; however, it is sometimes uncommonly recorded at up to 86%, but rarely.

Independent tests showing Carvacrol potency beyond 87% do not denote superiority. These higher numbers merely show that the oil is either not the Vulgare variety (virtually all published scientific data and health claims regarding Oregano Oil are based upon Vulgare studies) or it has been manipulated through Standardization, thereby rendering its healing properties inferior to unadulterated Vulgare oil.

Standardization involves alteration or adulteration in order to increase Carvacrol levels; in the case of Oregano Essential Oil, this does not benefit the consumer and can in fact be dangerous.

There are several different methods used to increase Carvacrol levels:

• Addition of Carvacrol to the water during distillation or to the oil after distillation
• Addition of other chemicals such as carbonic acid after distillation
• Fractionation of the essential oil after distillation ("boiling off" other natural/synergistic components of the oil to make the Carvacrol percentage higher in relation to what is left)
• Double Distillation is used to the same effect as Fractionation
• Use of the wrong oregano variety (anything other than Origanum Vulgare)

FACT: you cannot artificially increase Carvacrol levels without destroying nature’s own balance of healing substances within the oil; the unique balance of the Origanum Vulgare variety is most effective.

In each case above, the natural synergy of the oil is thrown out of balance without regard to the effect on the healing properties or safety of the end product as whole parts of the plant's makeup are removed in ignorance of their function. Also, the vast majority of published scientific studies outlining the medicinal benefits of these oils highlight the efficacy of Origanum Vulgare oil over any other variety.

Now, by considering this information and asking the following questions, anyone can make an informed decision of value for any Oregano Oil; proper labeling should answer these questions.

1. What is the Carvacrol Potency/Percentage? (this will shed light on Standardization)
2. What percentage of the bottle is Oregano Oil?
3. Is the Oregano Oil sourced from Origanum Vulgare?
4. What percentage of the bottle is Carrier Oil?
5. Is the Carrier Oil organic? (Mediterranean Oregano is Biodynamic - beyond organic certification)
6. What is the cost per mL?

See the following table to compare several of the Oregano Oil products available:

Company	Carvacrol Potency (%)	Oregano Content	Oregano Variety	Carrier Content	Carrier Oil Type / Organic?
ENEREX *	80 minimum	40%	Vulgare	60%	Olive / Yes
Hedd Wyn	80 minimum	20%	Minutiflorum	80%	Olive / Yes
Joy of the Mountains	75 minimum	25%	Minutiflorum	75%	Olive / Yes
New Roots C93	90 minimum	18%	Minutiflorum	82%	Olive / Yes
Natural Factors	80 minimum	20%	Vulgare	80%	Olive / Yes
St. Francis 1:3	75 minimum	25%	Hirtum	75%	Olive / Yes
St. Francis 1:1	75 minimum	50%	Hirtum	50%	Olive / Yes
Oreganol P73	76 minimum	25%	Mixed ?	75%	Olive / Yes
Oreganol P73 Super	76 minimum	50%	Mixed ?	50%	Olive / Yes
Now Foods	60 minimum	25%	Vulgare	75%	Olive / No
Organika	40 minimum	25%	Vulgare	74%, 1%	Olive & E / No
Pure-le Natural	20 (diluted)	Varies	Vulgare	Varies	Olive & E / Yes
Pure-le Super	40 (diluted)	Varies	Vulgare	Varies	Olive & E / Yes

* Enerex products can be purchased online through EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.

What We Teach Our Children

I have often wondered how to change the world, even in a small way…how to leave a positive mark, or make a worthwhile difference. I have come to the conclusion that the best way for each of us to impact the world, both now and in the future, is by teaching our children how to become worthy and valued adults. The brain of a young child is like a sponge, which can and will learn from everything that all the body's senses are feeding it. What we teach our children now is key to the future of our country, and ultimately, the world.

Driving to work recently, I took a local route instead of the interstate. Looking around and watching what was going on around me, I made a few observations:

• I saw several vehicles with small children in them, yet the parents were smoking, seemingly unconcerned with the presence of the little ones and the air they had to breathe.
• I saw a few people throwing trash out onto the road, with small children in the car - watching and learning. 
• There were some vehicles traveling with small children in them, without car seats or seat belts.
• There were Moms, driving and putting on make-up in the mirror – with children in the car.
• I saw a few drivers, with small children in their vehicle, who could not get anywhere fast enough, giving unfriendly hand gestures to their fellow drivers while weaving in and out of the traffic. And the little eyes and ears taking it all in.
• Later, stopping for breakfast, I witnessed a mother telling her daughter she was stupid; another screamed at her child; and other parents were shouting and speaking rudely to each other - in front of their children, who are watching, listening, and for better or worse, learning.

Not too long ago, I watched a baseball coach yelling at 9-year old boys to "shut up" while they were on the field. I have watched children steal while the parents knew it. And I have seen parents drink and drive with their children present. On other occasions, I have seen blatant racism in the presence of youngsters.

So - and this is just my opinion, of course - here is what I take from all this:

If smoking parents care so little for the health of their young children (the most susceptible to second-hand smoke) that they will smoke in the car, they are teaching the children it is OK to disregard others for your own personal satisfaction. They are also teaching them it is acceptable to smoke (which 20% of the population does), not to be concerned for the health of  children, or the burden it is going to place on society, along with the message is that it is OK to be self-centered.

If it is normal to throw trash out of the car, we are teaching our children it is OK to disregard the environment, the people, and the animals that make up this world, and that we are not accountable for our actions. We are showing, and thus teaching, our children it is acceptable to harm the places where we live, and then shift the burden to someone else to clean up our mess.

When we disregard proven safety measures to protect our children, or not pay attention to our driving, we put our family, as well as others, at risk. You only have to watch the daily evening news to see another death caused by careless actions - not using a seat belt, not paying attention, texting while driving, driving under the influence, etc. Are we teaching our children it is OK to disregard the safety of others? It would seem so.

When we are rude and disrespectful to others through verbal assault or some hand gesture with significance, we are teaching our children to be rude and disrespectful.

To scream at children or demean them, can only teach them it is normal to scream and demean others. And what does it teach them about how to be parents themselves one day?

If you are racist, you are teaching your child it is OK, we are not all equal, and certain people should have privileges and rights over others.

If we lie, cheat, or steal, or allow our children to do the same, we are teaching them that such behaviors are all acceptable.

There are a lot of truly decent people in this world who try to do the right thing and be good citizens. But sometimes we forget the little eyes and ears of our children are upon us - watching, listening, and learning everything we teach them, directly or indirectly, for better or worse. What we teach them now will determine how they view others, and life in general, and what the world will become. We must all try harder to be the example we want our children to emulate.

Vitamin B3 - Niacin: Help for Cholesterol Issues & So Much More!

Niacin, commonly known as Vitamin B-3, is an essential nutrient which most of us simply do not get enough of through today’s foods alone. Of particular importance is that Niacin is proving beneficial for those on Statin medications for cholesterol control. In numerous studies, Niacin has been shown to lower cholesterol. It diminishes the volume of fat your body breaks down in fatty tissues. In doing so, Niacin reduces the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) that your liver makes and processes, which can also help lower the risk of fatty liver disease.

(NOTE: There is a harmless flushing of the skin that typically occurs in many individuals who take Niacin, but it generally dissipates in about 20 minutes. Taking Niacin with food can help lessen that effect.)

A report from Orthomolecular Medicine New Service (OMNS) reads in part:

“….The safest, most effective, and cheapest treatment for high cholesterol is a vitamin that costs 7 cents per pill. Niacin or nicotinic acid has been safely used for 60 years to control cholesterol, with some 42,000 scientific papers in PubMed describing its benefits and effects….”

Several research studies have been done on Niacin and cholesterol reduction including:

• (Guyton JR, Goldberg AC, et al. “Effectiveness of once-nightly dosing of extended-release niacin alone and in combination for hypercholesterolemia.” Am J Cardiol. 1998;82:737-743.)
• (Guyton JR, Blazing MA, et al. “Extended-release niacin vs gemfibrozil for the treatment of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.” Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:1177-1184.)
• (Morgan JM, Capuzzi DM, et al. “Treatment effect of a controlled-release niacin in patients with hypercholesterolemia”. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther . 1996;1:195-202.)

In addition, there are many other benefits that Niacin has in the body which many of us are not aware of.

For statin users who are typically fatigued, you may be surprised to know that B-3 (Niacin) is critical in the function of converting proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into energy. It has also proven to be a valuable nutrient in improving circulation and boosting memory power, as well as general functioning of the brain.

There are now dozens of studies that show Niacin has been used to improve mental health and memory, as well as being a tremendous aid for diabetes patients in controlling their blood sugar. (Memory loss has been reported as a side effect of statin drugs.)

Niacin is very important in the manufacture of sex hormones in the body, and may play a role for those who are having sexual dysfunction issues (which can be another side effect of statins). The fact that Niacin improves the circulatory system, delivering more blood and more nutrients to areas of the body, may prove to be important in solving the sexual problems one may encounter.

B-3 (Niacin) has been shown to be severely deficient in people with weak muscles, indigestion, skin irritations, or pellagra.

The good news is that typically men and women can get what they need in about 20mg a day of B-3, and being a water-based vitamin, what the body doesn't need is washed out in the form of urine. However, you require a constant supply of Niacin, so, particularly if you are taking statin drugs for cholesterol, be sure to speak with your doctor about adding this.

* Product(s) listed here can be found at EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.

How to Block Fat Absorption from Food

 For many consumers, the foods they love happen to be high in fat or high in sugar (by way of simple carbohydrates). While there have been numerous new products introduced in the marketplace to fight and minimize carbohydrate absorption, there has been little in the way of proven fat blockers.

There has been a drug sold known (as Alli) that blocked the absorption of fat in the diet; however, the side effects were most unpleasant. That all changed when scientists at Grand Valley State University patented FBCx, currently found in the product named FAT DEFENSE produced by Pharma Defense.

What exactly is FAT DEFENSE? Unlike Alli and other products that attempt to block fat, FAT DEFENSE contains a special fiber (FBCx) that actually absorbs the fat in the foods you eat. That is a big difference from all other products, as it simply becomes waste material instead of being absorbed through your small intestine.

The special fiber FBCx in FAT DEFENSE absorbs 9 times its weight in fat and you are easily able to eliminate 500-600 calories a day from your diet. For most people that have a stable weight, removing 500 calories a day results in a safe, one-pound-a-week weight loss, with no other changes in the diet or exercise. That can equate to 50 pounds a year if you lost a pound a week. However….just don’t start cheating and eating more food, since you know you can block the fat you consume!

Of course, adding in any additional exercise or a reduction in food consumption can dramatically increase your weight loss. This is all done without taking stimulants that impact your metabolism, or harsh chemicals that can alter your system. By simply having the fat adhere to this fiber, you can safely reduce your body weight in a nice and steady way.

You simply take two of the FAT DEFENSE capsules prior to consuming foods with fat. FAT DEFENSE then blocks the fat from being absorbed into the system by adhering the fiber to the fat in the food. FBCx in FAT DEFENSE has been clinically proven to absorb up to 9 times its weight in fat.

FBCx has actually been used by many stars, and has been featured on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. For a little over $1 a day, you can be on your way to a healthier and slimmer body. You can find FAT DEFENSE on Amazon, or call 1-800-380-9440 to place an order by phone. 

Make a positive change in your life and start today! 

Degenerative Conditions & Deficiencies

In the simplest of terms, cancer is a destructive growth of cells, often resulting in death. Each day, over 1,500 people are killed by this disease that is most prominent in the modern, everyday population, leading credibility to the idea that it is caused by nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors.

Current medical treatments severely depress the body's natural immune system, and many people actually die from the treatment rather than the disease. It is clear, then, that staying healthy and avoiding the disease is the best way to deal with it.

It is important to begin any health protocol by making sure you are getting all of the 45 essential nutrients your body needs. We recommend the following products, most of which are made by Enerex Botanicals of Canada:

SONA MULTI VITAMIN: Multi vitamin, mineral, enzyme - Optimal levels of essential nutrients. (formulated based on research from the multi-million dollar SONA (Suggested Optimal Nutrient Allowances) Study.
     1 tablet, 3 times per day
 

OMEGA 3-6-9: Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Wild Fish Oils - Important source of essential fatty acids necessary for the health and maintenance of all cells; improves immune function
     1 capsule, 3 times per day

In addition to SONA MULTI VITAMINS and OMEGA 3-6-9, the following supplements, in conjunction with a healthy diet, have been clinically proven in human studies to have a positive effect on your health:

BIO C-500: Ascorbic Acid, Bioflavonoids - Stimulates the immune system, detoxifies the body, helps strengthen mucus membranes.
     1 tablet, 3 times per day

GREENS - Improves the body’s pH balance.  Great source of plant nutrients. Helps to reduce inflammation and improves energy levels. Probiotic culture in the formula is important for digestion and immune function.
     10g serving, one to three times per day

HEAVY METAL DETOX - Aids in removing toxic heavy metals and other chemicals that accumulate in the body that may affect the immune response.
     1 capsule, one to three times per day

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) - Powerful antioxidant; detoxifier; building block for glutathione, an important metabolic enzyme.
     1 caplet, two to three times per day

SERRAPEPTASE  120,000 I.U. - Acts as a powerful anti-swelling, anti-pain supplement.  Digests fibrin, a protective coating around cancer cells that disables immune cells from destroying cancerous growths.  Helps dissolve other dead debris in the body.  Improves circulation, thereby improving the transport of nutrients to the cells.
     1 to 3 capsules, per day – on an empty stomach

* Products listed here can be found at EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.

Look, Feel, and Live Younger!

• Eat more local, organically grown plant foods.
• Healthy eating requires an abundance of dark green, leafy, and brightly colored vegetables, fruits, and other naturally high fiber foods in your diet - such as legumes, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
• Try to ensure that you are consuming at least 60% to 75% raw food.
• Reduce and balance your fat intake. Research shows it is best to keep your daily intake of fat calories under 20% to 25%, with saturated fats to less than 10% of the daily total (the national average is 42%!).
• Be sure to include seeds, nuts, and legumes as a good source of polyunsaturated fats and the essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Drink enough pure, clean water. Adequate water is essential. It improves digestion, transports nutrients, and helps to eliminate toxins.
• Replace other drinks with purified water and herbal teas. Consider adding Aqualyte and/or Ionyte, mineral and electrolyte enhancers, to your drinking water. 
• Take high quality nutritional supplements.
• Numerous studies show that the optimal amounts of vitamins (see The Suggested Optimal Nutrient Allowance - or SONA - Study), minerals, phyto-nutrients, and essential fatty acids can help you feel better, prevent disease, and slow down the aging process. The SONA Multi Vitamin, OMEGA 3-6-9, and GREENS, all manufactured by Enerex Botanicals of Canada, provide the foundation for optimal health.
• Exercise moderately and sensibly. A brisk daily walk is better than strenuous high impact aerobics. Also, light weight-training helps keep your bones strong. One of the best overall ways to exercise is on a mini trampoline. A zero-impact exercise, a trampoline provides many benefits for you and your body. 
• Eliminate all refined and packaged foods. Highly processed foods are full of empty calories. They fill you up (and fill you out!), but are dangerous to your health and well-being.
• Limit your sodium intake. Too much salt throws your minerals off balance, causes excess water retention, and may lead to high blood pressure.  Use unrefined sea salt when necessary.
• Get adequate sleep. Sleep is a basic human need - as important for good health as diet and exercise.  "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."  Benjamin Franklin was right on target.
• Eliminate negative habits - give up excess caffeine and other stimulants, reduce your alcohol intake, and if you smoke, QUIT!
• Replace bad habits with healthy new ones.
• Manage the stress in your life. B STRESS FREE by Enerex is a scientifically formulated product to protect your body from the effects of all forms of stress. Take whatever steps are necessary to reduce stress and create a balanced life. 
• According to Abraham Lincoln, "Most people are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be."  Make up your mind to appreciate the good things in your life and have an attitude of gratitude.

* Products listed here can be found at EssentialVitaminsAndMinerals.com.