Following are 2 brief patient information flyers I wrote 4-5 years ago, 1. detoxification 2. phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification
Detoxification
People have always been exposed to toxins but our modern exposure to contaminants vastly exceeds earlier times. On average Americans now consume 6 kg of food additives each year including colourings, preservatives, flavourings, emulsifiers, humectants and antimicrobials. In 1990 the US environmental protection agency estimated there were 70,000 chemicals commonly used as pesticides, food additives and drugs, in 1992 the US national research council suggested a link between environmental toxins and neurological diseases. In 1997 over 300,000 new chemicals were recorded in the US Chemical Abstracts. The US disease control centre Atlanta in 2001 estimated that 25% of the US population had heavy metal poisoning. These findings and many other investigations confirm a considerable and rising burden of environmental toxins that our detoxification capacity must cope with in addition to the toxins produced by our normal metabolism, dysbiosis and other pathologic by-products if present. This suggests that assisting detoxification is prudent for health maintenance and may be essential for rebuilding health and wellbeing if illness or toxic burden is present. Current knowledge of human physiology dictates that an individual’s health is largely dependent on their ability to detoxify noxious substances and environmental interactions.
When initially undertaking or considering detoxification programs remember to work within your existing lifestyle and values, to be gentle and thorough while consciously supporting the body and minimising stress during detoxification. Further, be aware that if disease is present you may need to repair before cleansing and that many detoxification programs induce a so called ‘healing crisis’ that may actually result from acute poisoning. Rapid detoxification can be hazardous, for example rapidly mobilising arsenic or mercury for excretion can result in increased central nervous system and reproductive organ deposition. Inappropriate fasting may compromise liver detoxification (phase 2) and divert strongly carcinogenic substances into bile that becomes increasing concentrated between meals. Enemas and colonic irrigation result in virtually drinking fluids through the bowel and may disrupt the physical and immune barrier functions of the bowel, this often results in pathogenic material entering the bloodstream. These are just some of the problems associated with common detoxification interventions, many more exist including that detoxification does not normally result in improved health outcomes unless measures to prevent ongoing toxic exposure and accumulation are also undertaken.
Optimal detoxification is achieved gently and progressively while modifying lifestyle factors to lessen our toxic burden during purging procedures so as not to overload our detoxification capacity and merely redistribute toxins or induce toxin related crisis and illness. Temporary fatigue, headaches, bowel upset and irritability or light-headedness in the initial stages of detoxification may be unavoidable but if more than mildly severe or present for longer than a few days this suggests a need to reduce or cease the undertaken intervention and for additional nurturing support with or before further detoxification. Removal of waste material is essential for healthy functioning of our body; the skin is our largest detoxification organ, the lungs and sinuses also have detoxification functions along with the kidneys and colon. White blood cells digest foreign materials in the bloodstream and the lymphatic system clears the debris from circulation, thereby performing crucial detoxification functions. The liver filters all substances absorbed through the digestive barrier into the bloodstream and is central to our detoxification of toxins. The liver performs so many important functions, which if not performed easily or inhibited by common agents such as cimetidine, acetaminophen, alcohol, etc. will affect our wellbeing and may imbalance many body systems.
Detoxification can be helped by many means from mere avoidance of ongoing toxic exposures by environmental control or elimination diets to assisting the normal eliminative pathways through steam baths, sneezing and aerobic exercise for the sinuses and lungs, sweating, sauna, skin brushing and gentle exfoliation for the skin, optimising fluid, protein and urinary ph balance for the kidneys. The colon’s detoxification function is facilitated by ensuring adequate; fluid consumption, fibre, essential fatty acids, stress management and exercise or massage while restricting saturated fat and excessive protein, refined carbohydrates or sugar. More severe methods of detoxification are generally not indicated unless special circumstances exist and should be conducted under professional supervision these measures include; fasting, kidney, liver, gall bladder and bowel flushes or chelating and other special purpose pharmaceutical agents. Prudent detoxification provides for relatively fast improvements in wellbeing and functional capacity for most individuals (normally less than 1 month) and does not replace the initial toxic burden with illness related to the detoxification process or inhibit acquired beneficial adaptations to ongoing toxic exposures. Effective detoxification if coupled with appropriate lifestyle modifications that optimise detoxification functions and reduces or eliminates ongoing toxic exposure is a well documented and biologically very plausible method to improve vitality, physical reserves and health. The following suggested detoxification plans while conservative should still only be performed with the informed consent of your medical practitioner and consideration of your personal characteristics and predicament.
Plan1. Is a partial elimination diet based on a hypoallergenic rice based protein and nutrient drink with added sulfur based amino acid and essential fatty acid supplements. For 7 to 10 days consume only the drink, rice, all fruits except citrus, all vegetables except the nightshade family; potatoes, chilli, green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes with minimum use of oils and fats, preferably only a virgin olive oil, also avoid foods allowed that you suspect you are sensitive to. Eat small frequent snacks every 2-3 hours and ensure adequate fluids consisting of water, herbal teas and juices. Gentle exercise and stretching, sauna, massage, skin brushing with a soft dry brush or loofah and regular bowel motions assisted by functional laxatives like prunes, tamarind and figs, aloe vera and psyillium seeds and husks or other stool softeners. This is a simple partial elimination diet but still requires discipline and may produce withdrawal symptoms from caffeine, sugar, alcohol or other substances for the first few days, however your normal routine without excessive physical stress can usually be maintained unlike juice fasting that requires nearly total rest and relaxation. This program may require modification for people in poor health or on some medications who should be supervised by a health practitioner familiar with the effects of metabolic cleansing. This plan normally results in alleviation of many symptoms and increased energy levels. After cleansing normally for 7 to 10 days it is important to slowly and deliberately reintroduce foods to screen for food sensitivities, this is helped by keeping a diary of consumption and symptoms with knowledge that sensitivity reactions can be delayed for up to 4 days. Plan 2. Is a vitamin C flush, vitamin C is well researched for its ability to detoxify bacterial toxins, environmental toxins and heavy metals. High levels of vitamin C assist detoxification, rebalance intestinal flora and strengthen the immune system. To perform a vitamin C flush take vit C past tissue saturation to induce osmotic watery diarrhoea. This is best achieved by taking a powdered mineral ascorbate that does not affect the body’s ph balance, take 5000 mg every 30 minutes until diarrhea, if no diarrhea after 2 doses, change the frequency to 15 minutes, do not stop with only gas release. The amount of vitamin C needed to saturate the tissues varies on a day to day basis and ranges from 5,000 mg to over 100,000 mg. Plan 3. Another recommended cleansing procedure is low temperature sauna or steam at about 43 to 46 degrees Celsius or aerobic exercise with sufficient intensity to raise core temperature and produce perspiration for at least 45 minutes, performed 2 to 4 times per week, electrolytes, adequate fluid and medical approval are essential. This procedure assists the removal of fat-soluble chemicals from the body including petrochemicals, solvents, drugs and pesticides. Higher heat and shorter durations are ineffective and it is important to shower immediately afterwards and wash with a glycerine based soap such as Neutrogena to prevent resorbing excreted toxins. If extreme toxicity is present all detoxification should only be performed with medical consent and under the supervision of a suitably qualified health professional as the mobilisation and elimination of retained toxins can be quite severe and debilitating.
A simple equation of great practical utility is health equals nutritional and behavioural competence minus toxic load and distress. Recent research on exposure to pesticides and petrochemicals has found endocrine and immune disruption at the low levels many of us are exposed to each day and supports the need for removal of these toxins regularly to prevent illness and maintain health.
Phase 1 and 2 Liver Detoxification
The liver is tasked with neutralising our exposure to environmental pollutants but has not evolved to handle the load imposed by our recent technological developments. Currently we live in a world where normal detoxification pathways lack normal stimulation and abnormal toxic exposures abound (1000’s of new chemicals). Reducing the toxic load the liver must process and optimising detoxification functions are becoming increasingly important measures to restore or maintain wellbeing in the current environmental and personal ecological predicament that most of us now experience. All toxins absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract enter portal circulation to the liver for processing except some lipid soluble toxins and low molecular weight volatile toxins that pass directly into the lymphatic system before entering systemic circulation.
The liver is metabolically the most complex organ in the body and performs many vital functions including energy regulation, blood protein synthesis and immune modulation. A typical liver manufactures over 13000 chemicals and has over 2000 enzyme systems as well as thousands of other synergistic body functions. The liver primarily acts as a fuel filter and detoxifies nearly all endotoxins (produced within the body) and exotoxins (external toxins entering the body) collectively called xenobiotics for excretion. The liver is organised into 3 main lobes, the main lobe organises and humanises virtually all nutrients by enzymatic processing before they can be used. The left lobe regulates and maintains body functions including the metabolism of toxins. The lower lobe is involved with essential fatty acid and fat soluble vitamin storage and the storage of non-excreted environmental toxin like; radioactive substances, toxic elements, pesticides, petrochemicals, insecticides, food preservatives and dyes.
Inefficient liver detoxification produces metabolic poisoning, which is a build-up of xenobiotics and metabolic end products within cells, tissues and organs. These products alter the ph gradient and electrolyte balance within cells and serve as competitive enzyme inhibitors that effectively disrupt the bioenergetics of affected cells. Symptoms of metabolic poisoning primarily reflect poor energy dynamics and include fatigue, hypotonia and biochemical brain disturbances, immune and mitochondrial dysfunctions.
The liver has a vast multitude of detoxification pathways that are broadly grouped into phase 1 or phase 2 reactions. Phase 1 reactions use the mixed microsomal enzymes designated the cytochrome P-450 mixed function oxidase enzymes and other enzymes including peroxidases, hydroxylase and flavin oxygenase. Phase 1 reactions transform mainly fat soluble xenobiotics into water soluble forms for phase 2 conjugation by oxidation reactions that increase the reactivity and potential carcinogenicity of many toxins, as a result of this process carcinogenic oxygen free radicals are generated in significant quantities. Phase 2 reactions are conjugation reactions with polar groups to facilitate kidney excretion in urine; this may or may not be preceded by a phase 1 reaction. The conjugation molecules used by the liver for phase 2 conjugation are glutathione, sulfate, glycine, acetate, cysteine and glucuronic acid, adequate amounts of these molecules are needed for proper phase 2 liver detoxification function. Excessive phase1 liver detoxification or deficient phase 2 reactions tend to result in the production and accumulation of significant quantities of carcinogenic compounds that divert through the liver into the bile where they increase in concentration between meals.
Most toxins, high protein, saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, steroids, citrus and vitamins B2 and 3 stimulate the cytochrome P-450 pathway. High phase 1 activity is induced when the liver is actively trying to remove substances using P-450 and related enzymes. If phase 1 activity is low with average toxic exposure this represents a loss of liver detoxification function and a tendency to accumulate insoluble toxins in the skin, fat stores and nervous system tissues that may rapidly degenerate neuromuscular functions. Inhibition of phase 1 often results from drugs, toxic metals, enterotoxins, and liver damage or nutrient and cofactor deficiencies. Alcohol or ethanol intoxication and detoxification effects relate to an individual’s ability to maintain normal hepatic function, particularly amino acids for neurotransmitter metabolism and energy regulation. Ethanol is metabolised by at least 2 pathways; the inducible P-450 cytochromes and alcohol or aldehyde dehydrogenases, all of which cause oxidative damage.
Phase 2 pathways directly conjugate many water soluble toxins and the highly reactive oxygen species produced by phase 1 reactions utilising glutathione, glucuronic acid or sulfate to produce mercapturate, glucuronate or sulfate conjugates respectively. A high phase 2 capacity is an integral component of oxidative damage protection that also requires simultaneous adequacy of glycine conjugation, when adequate the glycine pathway is more easily used, when there is limited glycine for conjugation this will normally increase the potential for free radical damage. Low glycination even with high phase 2 function indicates an increased burden for the other conjugation pathways, prolonged stress on a pathway will cause free radical damage leading to liver impairment. Low levels of glutathione and antioxidants that remove toxic intermediate metabolites also increase the risk of free radical activity. Sulfation if inadequate specifically compromises the conjugation of biotransformed molecules especially steroid hormones, drugs, xenobiotics, and phenolic compounds. Glucuronidation becomes an increasingly important pathway if sulfation and glycination are compromised and suggests insufficiency of these pathways if used as a main conjugation pathway.
Current expert opinion in regard to liver detoxification suggests that keeping phase 1 detoxification active and inducible is best as it is the primary mechanism for controlling many very dangerous insoluble substances including many carcinogens and other toxic substances that tend to accumulate over time. Inadequate phase 1 activity leads to systemic accumulation of toxins and toxic fats that are associated with the diseases of fatty degeneration; cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonal insufficiency and resistance, fatty degeneration of the organs, gallstones and obesity. Thus despite phase 1 producing often more dangerous products than the original toxin processed it is essential, this obviously requires uncompromised phase 2 conjugation reactions to react with and neutralise the very carcinogenic products of phase 1 reactions. Expert opinion also suggests that optimising the adaptive capacity of phase 2 functions is prudent as insufficiency of phase 2 results in failure to neutralise many soluble toxins and extreme oxidative stress that are strongly associated with almost all degenerative and malignant conditions. Oxidative stress, nutrification and metabolic poisoning are the 3 principal factors that affect mitochondrial efficiency and DNA integrity. Optimal liver detoxification capacity neutralises most xenobiotics, supports homeostasis and reduces mitochondrial stress, this improves energy production and is currently believed of paramount importance to our health, wellbeing and to delay the effects of aging.
Liver detoxification capacity can be increased by reduced exposure to toxic substances and reduced metabolic production of toxins. This may require extensive modification of diet, lifestyle and home or work environments. Adequacy of the urea cycle is also important to the liver’s detoxification capacity as is restoration or maintenance of the physical and immune barriers of the gastrointestinal tract, antioxidant protection and nutritional and environmental integrity. Regularly stimulating hepaticcobiliary flow and decreasing bowel transit time to no longer than 24 hours or improving the capacity and efficiency of complimentary detoxification functions performed by the immune, urinary, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems and the skin are also helpful.
Specific nutrients for phase 1 liver detoxification are; vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, glutathione, branched chain amino acids, flavonoids and phospholipids. Intermediate liver detoxification nutrients are; vitamin A, C, E, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, garlic, onions, bioflavonoids, silymarin and pycnogenal. Phase 2 liver detoxification requires the following amino acids; glutathione, glycine, cysteine, glutamine, methionine, taurine, arginine and N-acetylcysteine, vitamins B2, B5, B12, C, E folic acid, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, magnesium, fish oils, cruciferous vegetables; cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea and adequate dietary protein. Sulfur-containing amino acids and trace elements are important nutrients in nearly all cases of clinical toxicology; meat, beans, eggs, garlic and onions are rich sources and deficiency of these nutrients and lipoic acid can produce a metabolic environment where beneficial antioxidants become potentially hazardous pro-oxidants.
Detoxification
Re: Detoxification
Dysbiosis belongs here also so following it is.
Orthobiosis, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Dysbiosis
Bacteria in the digestive system form one of the body’s largest organs and typically weigh approximately 1.5 to 2 kg. There are more bacteria in our digestive tract than the estimated 3 trillion cells in the human body. Normally 400 to 500 types of bacteria reside in the digestive system with about 20 types making up about 75% of the total. Many of the bacteria within our gastrointestinal tract are harmless, others are normally harmless in small concentrations but become pathogenic if allowed to over-colonise or are stimulated by nutritional deficiency or an environmental trigger to attack and still others are immediately pathogenic. Imbalance in the intestinal bacterial environment is called dysbiosis and an optimal bacterial environment is known as orthobiosis. Our intestinal bacteria are chemical factories with massive levels of active enzymes that produce many metabolic by-products (helpful, benign or toxic) that can be absorbed, metabolised or excreted unchanged.
Bacteria beneficial to our gastrointestinal environment are called probiotics, eubiotics or intestinal flora, the most well known are lactobacillus in the small intestine and bifido in the colon. Prebiotics are substances beneficial to the intestinal flora (probiotic bacteria) the 2 most common are fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, these fibres often greatly increase bifido bacteria in the colon and are antagonistic to many pathogenic bacteria. Prebiotic substances are found in onions, garlic, chicory, artichoke, leeks, bananas, fruit, soybeans, burdock root, asparagus, maple sugar, chives, Chinese green tea and ginseng. Synbiotics is the term used to describe the simultaneous use of prebiotics and probiotics, synbiotics as the name implies often create a synergistic beneficial effect much greater than normally achieved by prebiotic or probiotic ingestion alone.
Dr Metchnikoff a 1908 Nobel Prize recipient first described dysbiosis, the health consequences of dysbiosis and lactobacillus’s immune strengthening action. Some common causes of dysbiosis are; pancreatic insufficiency, stress, environmental chemicals, malnutrition, contraceptives, steroids, antibiotics, energy dense but nutrient poor diet, ileocecal valve dysfunction, low hydrochloric acid levels, poor transit time and anti-inflammatory medications. The most common cause of dysbiosis is the use of antibiotics that tend to be non specific and indiscriminately kill good and bad bacteria. Most people recover from a single round of antibiotics but repeated or varied exposure causes problems for almost all people. Dysbiosis arises from bacteria, yeast and fungal infections, other agents that upset the gastrointestinal ecology such as parasitic infection are usually described by the offending agent or disease mechanism. Pathogenic microbes often produce toxins that directly damage the brush border of the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream and cause system wide effects. Initially white blood cells digest the toxins and the debris is carried away in the lymphatic system but this may substantially stress our metabolic stores, liver detoxification and immune capacity.
There are four patterns of dysbiosis: putrefaction, fermentation, deficiency and sensitisation. Putrefactive dysbiosis results from incomplete digestion of food and is common on a high animal protein and fat diet with low fibre intake, specific bacterial shifts occur with bifido decreasing and other bacteroides increasing causing; production of neurotoxic amines like histamine, octopamine and tyramine; decarboxylation of amino acids, catalysis of tryptophan to indoles, skatoles and phenols; hydrolysis of urea to ammonia by increased bacterial urease; raised stool alkalinity that favours dysbiosis; increases hydrolysis of bile acids and hormones; compromise colonic cells energy and liver detoxification pathways. Putrefaction dysbiosis is implicated in breast and colon cancer as bacterial enzymes change bile acids into 33 different carcinogens and beta-glucuronidase can re-create estrogens within the bowel. Fermentation dysbiosis is characterised by bloating, constipation and diarrhea, fatigue and gas that results from faulty carbohydrate metabolism of sugars, fruit, beer, wine, grains and fibre, fermentation provides food for microbes, often the normal flora has been overtaken by Candida that damages the microvilli and increases intestinal permeability. Deficiency dysbiosis is characterised by low bifido, beneficial E. coli and lactobacillus, this condition is normally associated with low fibre diets and antibiotic use. Sensitisation dysbiosis, occurs when the immune system act abnormally to the digestive process, as when microbes produce toxins that irritate the gut lining and cause immune stimulation of antibody release, unfortunately this process can cause autoimmune disease and trigger genetically determined problems. Commonly, sensitisation dysbiosis results in a local infection that turns into an auto-immune disease associated with specific food sensitivities.
Candidiasis a fungal infection is the most prevalent cause of dysbiosis; it normally produces yeasty smells and is most frequently caused by Candida albicans or sometimes other strains. Candida is found in almost everyone and in small amounts appears to be well tolerated but if colonising the digestive tract will cause havoc everywhere in the body by producing powerful toxins that affect our immune system, hormone balance and thought processes. Candida is normally controlled by our intestinal flora, immune defences and intestinal ph. Symptoms are normally characterised by abdominal bloating, anxiety or depression, constipation and or diarrhea, sensitivity particularly to damp and mouldy environments, fatigue, hypoglycaemia, environmental sensitivity to odours, clouded thinking, insomnia, mood swings, tinnitus, premenstrual syndrome, recurring bladder and vaginal infections and many other rarer manifestations. Infection is often triggered by antibiotic, contraceptive, steroid and excessive sugar consumption.
The re-establishment of orthobiosis is often assisted by use of the 4R Protocol: Remove overgrowths and toxins. Replace harmful foods and stimulate deficient digestive factors. Reinoculate with protective flora and prebiotics. Repair damaged tissues and immune system competence. Probiotic Supplements include: Bifidobacterium strains including; bifidum, breve, infantis, adolescentis, catenulatum, pseudocatenulatum, angulatum and longum. Benefits of Bifidobacteria; prevent colonisation of pathogenic bacteria by competition, produce acids that suppress pathogenic microbes, lessen side effects and diarrhea produced by antibiotics, help infants grow, inhibit pathogenic carcinogens and other toxin formation by pathogenic bacteria, help regulate peristalsis and manufacture B-group vitamins.
Lactobacillus (L.) strains including; acidophilus, bulgaricus, rhamnosus, casei, gasseri, brevis, debreukii, lactis, kefir, yogurti, plantarum, salavarius and reuteri. Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophillus; prevent overgrowth Candida, E-coli, H-pylori and salmonella, aid digestion of lactose and dairy products, improve nutrient absorption, help integrity of intestinal permeability, lessen stress from intestinal poisoning, acidify the digestive tract and help prevent vaginal and urinary infections. Other probiotics are Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactococcus cremoris and Streptococcus strains including; thermophilus, facium, faecali and lactis. Other probiotic benefits include; providing a passive mechanism to prevent food poisoning and infection by competing with pathogenic strains and secreting large amounts of acetic, formic and lactic acid. Lactic acid acidifies the intestinal tract that helps prevent infection and overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Lactic acid secreting lactobacillus and bifidus bacteria assist the bioavailability of minerals. Manufacture biotin, vitamins B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, folic acid, A and K. Probiotics produce short chain fatty acids including butyrate the primary fuel for colon cells, propionate, acetate and valerate. Probiotics also produce antibiotic and antifungal agents, increase the number of immune system cells, have anti tumour and cancer effects, break down bile acids, manufacture antiseptic hydrogen peroxide, help normalise cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, break down or rebuild hormones, convert flavonoids to useful forms and protect from xenobiotics. Digest lactose containing dairy foods and degrade proteins to free amino acids. L. bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus in some yoghurts are not native to humans but stay for up to 12 days, produce biotin and B complex vitamins, increase bifidobacteria and have antitumour effects. L. bulgaricus also has antibiotic and anti-herpes effects. Some other soil-based probiotics are reported but lack research to validate their claims.
Bacterial colonisation and probiotic requirements change with age and probiotic supplements are not all similar, probiotics with the strong research support are L. acidophilus DDS-1, antibiotic resistant L. reuteri and Bifido bifidum or age appropriate Bifido infantis for toddlers. Probiotic supplements need refrigeration and should include FOS or inulin, take separately or as freeze dried combinations. Normal dosage for probiotic supplements is 1 billion bacteria of each species, 1 to 3 times per day.
Orthobiosis, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Dysbiosis
Bacteria in the digestive system form one of the body’s largest organs and typically weigh approximately 1.5 to 2 kg. There are more bacteria in our digestive tract than the estimated 3 trillion cells in the human body. Normally 400 to 500 types of bacteria reside in the digestive system with about 20 types making up about 75% of the total. Many of the bacteria within our gastrointestinal tract are harmless, others are normally harmless in small concentrations but become pathogenic if allowed to over-colonise or are stimulated by nutritional deficiency or an environmental trigger to attack and still others are immediately pathogenic. Imbalance in the intestinal bacterial environment is called dysbiosis and an optimal bacterial environment is known as orthobiosis. Our intestinal bacteria are chemical factories with massive levels of active enzymes that produce many metabolic by-products (helpful, benign or toxic) that can be absorbed, metabolised or excreted unchanged.
Bacteria beneficial to our gastrointestinal environment are called probiotics, eubiotics or intestinal flora, the most well known are lactobacillus in the small intestine and bifido in the colon. Prebiotics are substances beneficial to the intestinal flora (probiotic bacteria) the 2 most common are fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, these fibres often greatly increase bifido bacteria in the colon and are antagonistic to many pathogenic bacteria. Prebiotic substances are found in onions, garlic, chicory, artichoke, leeks, bananas, fruit, soybeans, burdock root, asparagus, maple sugar, chives, Chinese green tea and ginseng. Synbiotics is the term used to describe the simultaneous use of prebiotics and probiotics, synbiotics as the name implies often create a synergistic beneficial effect much greater than normally achieved by prebiotic or probiotic ingestion alone.
Dr Metchnikoff a 1908 Nobel Prize recipient first described dysbiosis, the health consequences of dysbiosis and lactobacillus’s immune strengthening action. Some common causes of dysbiosis are; pancreatic insufficiency, stress, environmental chemicals, malnutrition, contraceptives, steroids, antibiotics, energy dense but nutrient poor diet, ileocecal valve dysfunction, low hydrochloric acid levels, poor transit time and anti-inflammatory medications. The most common cause of dysbiosis is the use of antibiotics that tend to be non specific and indiscriminately kill good and bad bacteria. Most people recover from a single round of antibiotics but repeated or varied exposure causes problems for almost all people. Dysbiosis arises from bacteria, yeast and fungal infections, other agents that upset the gastrointestinal ecology such as parasitic infection are usually described by the offending agent or disease mechanism. Pathogenic microbes often produce toxins that directly damage the brush border of the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream and cause system wide effects. Initially white blood cells digest the toxins and the debris is carried away in the lymphatic system but this may substantially stress our metabolic stores, liver detoxification and immune capacity.
There are four patterns of dysbiosis: putrefaction, fermentation, deficiency and sensitisation. Putrefactive dysbiosis results from incomplete digestion of food and is common on a high animal protein and fat diet with low fibre intake, specific bacterial shifts occur with bifido decreasing and other bacteroides increasing causing; production of neurotoxic amines like histamine, octopamine and tyramine; decarboxylation of amino acids, catalysis of tryptophan to indoles, skatoles and phenols; hydrolysis of urea to ammonia by increased bacterial urease; raised stool alkalinity that favours dysbiosis; increases hydrolysis of bile acids and hormones; compromise colonic cells energy and liver detoxification pathways. Putrefaction dysbiosis is implicated in breast and colon cancer as bacterial enzymes change bile acids into 33 different carcinogens and beta-glucuronidase can re-create estrogens within the bowel. Fermentation dysbiosis is characterised by bloating, constipation and diarrhea, fatigue and gas that results from faulty carbohydrate metabolism of sugars, fruit, beer, wine, grains and fibre, fermentation provides food for microbes, often the normal flora has been overtaken by Candida that damages the microvilli and increases intestinal permeability. Deficiency dysbiosis is characterised by low bifido, beneficial E. coli and lactobacillus, this condition is normally associated with low fibre diets and antibiotic use. Sensitisation dysbiosis, occurs when the immune system act abnormally to the digestive process, as when microbes produce toxins that irritate the gut lining and cause immune stimulation of antibody release, unfortunately this process can cause autoimmune disease and trigger genetically determined problems. Commonly, sensitisation dysbiosis results in a local infection that turns into an auto-immune disease associated with specific food sensitivities.
Candidiasis a fungal infection is the most prevalent cause of dysbiosis; it normally produces yeasty smells and is most frequently caused by Candida albicans or sometimes other strains. Candida is found in almost everyone and in small amounts appears to be well tolerated but if colonising the digestive tract will cause havoc everywhere in the body by producing powerful toxins that affect our immune system, hormone balance and thought processes. Candida is normally controlled by our intestinal flora, immune defences and intestinal ph. Symptoms are normally characterised by abdominal bloating, anxiety or depression, constipation and or diarrhea, sensitivity particularly to damp and mouldy environments, fatigue, hypoglycaemia, environmental sensitivity to odours, clouded thinking, insomnia, mood swings, tinnitus, premenstrual syndrome, recurring bladder and vaginal infections and many other rarer manifestations. Infection is often triggered by antibiotic, contraceptive, steroid and excessive sugar consumption.
The re-establishment of orthobiosis is often assisted by use of the 4R Protocol: Remove overgrowths and toxins. Replace harmful foods and stimulate deficient digestive factors. Reinoculate with protective flora and prebiotics. Repair damaged tissues and immune system competence. Probiotic Supplements include: Bifidobacterium strains including; bifidum, breve, infantis, adolescentis, catenulatum, pseudocatenulatum, angulatum and longum. Benefits of Bifidobacteria; prevent colonisation of pathogenic bacteria by competition, produce acids that suppress pathogenic microbes, lessen side effects and diarrhea produced by antibiotics, help infants grow, inhibit pathogenic carcinogens and other toxin formation by pathogenic bacteria, help regulate peristalsis and manufacture B-group vitamins.
Lactobacillus (L.) strains including; acidophilus, bulgaricus, rhamnosus, casei, gasseri, brevis, debreukii, lactis, kefir, yogurti, plantarum, salavarius and reuteri. Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophillus; prevent overgrowth Candida, E-coli, H-pylori and salmonella, aid digestion of lactose and dairy products, improve nutrient absorption, help integrity of intestinal permeability, lessen stress from intestinal poisoning, acidify the digestive tract and help prevent vaginal and urinary infections. Other probiotics are Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces Boulardii, Lactococcus cremoris and Streptococcus strains including; thermophilus, facium, faecali and lactis. Other probiotic benefits include; providing a passive mechanism to prevent food poisoning and infection by competing with pathogenic strains and secreting large amounts of acetic, formic and lactic acid. Lactic acid acidifies the intestinal tract that helps prevent infection and overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Lactic acid secreting lactobacillus and bifidus bacteria assist the bioavailability of minerals. Manufacture biotin, vitamins B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 12, folic acid, A and K. Probiotics produce short chain fatty acids including butyrate the primary fuel for colon cells, propionate, acetate and valerate. Probiotics also produce antibiotic and antifungal agents, increase the number of immune system cells, have anti tumour and cancer effects, break down bile acids, manufacture antiseptic hydrogen peroxide, help normalise cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, break down or rebuild hormones, convert flavonoids to useful forms and protect from xenobiotics. Digest lactose containing dairy foods and degrade proteins to free amino acids. L. bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus in some yoghurts are not native to humans but stay for up to 12 days, produce biotin and B complex vitamins, increase bifidobacteria and have antitumour effects. L. bulgaricus also has antibiotic and anti-herpes effects. Some other soil-based probiotics are reported but lack research to validate their claims.
Bacterial colonisation and probiotic requirements change with age and probiotic supplements are not all similar, probiotics with the strong research support are L. acidophilus DDS-1, antibiotic resistant L. reuteri and Bifido bifidum or age appropriate Bifido infantis for toddlers. Probiotic supplements need refrigeration and should include FOS or inulin, take separately or as freeze dried combinations. Normal dosage for probiotic supplements is 1 billion bacteria of each species, 1 to 3 times per day.
Re: Detoxification
Thanks for the biology/dietary/chemistry/biochemistry lesson - nothing like a small dose of salmonella to clean out the gut, respiratory tract and a glass of water for a cleansing flush of the kidneys after consuming of course some beer Chang to increase the vitamin, antioxidant and decrease the prostate risk. As for eating/drinking yoghurt and that horrible lactobacillus acidophillus no thank you. I will take my chances with a balanced diet.
Re: Detoxification
+1 for the balanced diet. My father had surgically operated (x2) lung cancer, some chemo and a lot of radiotherapy before he was 40 and was declared hopeless when the malignancy returned and told to prepare for an immenent death. So he maintained a balanced diet by drinking plenty of scotch and smoking 60+/day until mid his 70s, and died on pension day when 82 drinking with his friends, but I still would not recommend it for others.
Re: Detoxification
I wasn't aware you could taste the cultures? Come over and try one of my Mango Lassis. Delicious!charlesh wrote:As for eating/drinking yoghurt and that horrible lactobacillus acidophillus no thank you. I will take my chances with a balanced diet.
I don't have much confidence in the OTC (Over the counter) probiotics supplements which are expensive and I suspect, ineffective. The labels on the brands I have seen indicate they are yoghurt -based. I use Kefir and home-made yoghurt, which are easy to make but may be lacking in some cultures. I've also used 'cabbage water'. The Thais have fermented dishes like 'Bal-a' which stinks to high heaven. They must also have others but I'm not familiar with them.
Since this topic is on detoxing, when breaking a fast I 'seed' using these methods but from both ends. That way I increase the chances that the 'seeding' will take. My feeling and MorSage may correct me, is that people after fasting should drink 'Lassi' or unsweetened yoghurt until they actually feel better and not rely on just half a dozen drinks. In India, restaurants serve Lassi with every meal. Home-made yoghurt is easy to make. 'Kapha' types who are heavier and prone to water retention should avoid dairy products but Lassi is usually not a problem.
I've read that newborns don't have any flora when born but within days they have almost everything they need. It would be simple if the same thing happened with adults!
Do all antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria? What are the Thai Doctors handing out to the public?
Wow. What a tough man he must have been. My father died at 54 from a heart attack on the day his full pension hit his account. Never got to enjoy it. He had peripheral arterial disease from smoking and struggled to walk. Surgeons said "Stop or we will start by removing your toes, then work our way up". He stopped the next day. He also suffered with diabetes and drank too much. It was too late. I understand half those who die from heart attacks do so without having experienced any symptoms, so if you are waiting for your body to tell you when to go and see the Doctor, you are playing Russian Roulette.MorSage wrote:My father had surgically operated (x2) lung cancer, some chemo and a lot of radiotherapy before he was 40 and was declared hopeless when the malignancy returned and told to prepare for an immenent death. So he maintained a balanced diet by drinking plenty of scotch and smoking 60+/day until mid his 70s, and died on pension day when 82 drinking with his friends, but I still would not recommend it for others.
Re: Detoxification
"I've read that newborns don't have any flora when born but within days they have almost everything they need. It would be simple if the same thing happened with adults!"
Not 100% correct but pretty much right, and yes adults seem to be like children if you eat the right foods; inulin containing and some fresh fruits while avoiding excesses of trans and saturated fats the bacteria tend to take care of themselves. Of course this is threatened by loss of digestive wellness, constipation etc.
In regard to seeding with yoghurt both ends and a third prong for the ladies, I do not think it neccesary unless there is actual infection / frank candida and generally caution against enemas. Some people do it until very advanced life daily without problems, others develop principally liver infections (not healing crisis) that can be fatal. Having a clean bowel makes the body and mind feel light and clear for sure but their are better ways of doing it; diet, exercise, breathing exercises, massage, natural stool softeners and gentle laxatives or a vit C flush.
Even though some may feel off about this, the increase 'normality' of m>f anal sex and quack doctors performing ultasounds every month (not for the fees of course but to check on the 'baby' or because they have become technology reliant / lacking skills) is one of the leading reasons for the increase in autism and behavioural problems. As many of the affected children especially, those born with these conditions, (hard to detect) that do not have overt omega 3 deficiency, mercury or other metal poisoning that almost always occurs if a child has 11 or more vaccinations before age 2 as most vaccines have 25mcg of mercury or other metals for a preservative (often labeled under a different name like timersol = a form of mercury more toxic than mercury). Are found to have bowel bacteria in their brains (the brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier and has little immune capacity). How could this happen, maybe the mother had leaky gut syndrome (makes enemas hazardous) this condition is now common in people, or is caused by often needed laxatives or colonics that tend to osmotic and diffusion forces breaking the integrity of the bowel barrier function = step 1. Followed by repetitive ultrasounds that breach the mothers placental barrier and babies blood-brain barrier = step 2. Step 1 + 2 = 'shit for brains' (forgive my sick sense of humour) and a big problem for the child and parents.
Not 100% correct but pretty much right, and yes adults seem to be like children if you eat the right foods; inulin containing and some fresh fruits while avoiding excesses of trans and saturated fats the bacteria tend to take care of themselves. Of course this is threatened by loss of digestive wellness, constipation etc.
In regard to seeding with yoghurt both ends and a third prong for the ladies, I do not think it neccesary unless there is actual infection / frank candida and generally caution against enemas. Some people do it until very advanced life daily without problems, others develop principally liver infections (not healing crisis) that can be fatal. Having a clean bowel makes the body and mind feel light and clear for sure but their are better ways of doing it; diet, exercise, breathing exercises, massage, natural stool softeners and gentle laxatives or a vit C flush.
Even though some may feel off about this, the increase 'normality' of m>f anal sex and quack doctors performing ultasounds every month (not for the fees of course but to check on the 'baby' or because they have become technology reliant / lacking skills) is one of the leading reasons for the increase in autism and behavioural problems. As many of the affected children especially, those born with these conditions, (hard to detect) that do not have overt omega 3 deficiency, mercury or other metal poisoning that almost always occurs if a child has 11 or more vaccinations before age 2 as most vaccines have 25mcg of mercury or other metals for a preservative (often labeled under a different name like timersol = a form of mercury more toxic than mercury). Are found to have bowel bacteria in their brains (the brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier and has little immune capacity). How could this happen, maybe the mother had leaky gut syndrome (makes enemas hazardous) this condition is now common in people, or is caused by often needed laxatives or colonics that tend to osmotic and diffusion forces breaking the integrity of the bowel barrier function = step 1. Followed by repetitive ultrasounds that breach the mothers placental barrier and babies blood-brain barrier = step 2. Step 1 + 2 = 'shit for brains' (forgive my sick sense of humour) and a big problem for the child and parents.
Re: Detoxification
About Thiomersal (spelling error before) this is in most vaccines in Thailand and US still, Dr's often deny this or hide behind FDA approval. Only 20% of H1N1 vaccine in US was prepared without mercury but this was / is recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers. 11 vaccines containing this by age 2 / 700 days formally qualifies for mercury poisoning by WHO guidelines. For 15 years mercury has not been allowed in vaccines in Denmark so alternatives have existed for a long time!
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/thimerosal.php
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/thimerosal.php
Re: Detoxification
In regard to 'shit for brains' and its mechanisms at a maternal and child level see:
http://mindd.org/s/uploads/pdf/ARIRefer ... Manual.pdf
http://mindd.org/s/uploads/pdf/ARIRefer ... Manual.pdf
Re: Detoxification
It would be useful to hear your view on vaccines in general and if it's just opinion or backed by hard science. Perhaps a separate topic?MorSage wrote:...other metal poisoning that almost always occurs if a child has 11 or more vaccinations before age 2 as most vaccines have 25mcg of mercury or other metals for a preservative (often labeled under a different name like timersol = a form of mercury more toxic than mercury).
You mention the 4R's. One of which is 'Reinoculate with protective flora and prebiotics'. This suggests an active protocol, rather than relying on diet. Do you know what the many Spas and Detox centers in Thailand are doing and if there is consensus amongst them or do they do their own thing?
My concern is that, usually around 36-48 hrs after commencing a fast the body starts to 'clean house' and shed toxins. I can understand using clay/psyllium shakes to absorb them but if people cannot take the shakes, how then do you prevent the mobilized toxins overwhelming the liver and/or being re-absorbed, without rapidly excreting them via colonics?
Colonics are commonly given prior to colonoscopies in Hospitals. In what way is this different to colonics given during detoxes? The Gerson healing protocol uses coffee enemas for liver detoxification. Likewise Rodriguez with his Cancer protocol. Decoction enemas are common in herbalism and Ayurveda. While Dr Gabriel Cousens is well known in the raw food and alternative field and highly recommends colonics. The practice does appear widespread. Is the finding of bowel bacteria in some brains (or SFB as you describe it) down to colonics or is this speculation? Wouldn't a bout of diarrhea also create an osmotic soup?
It is believed that a high % of women have a candida problem, when they show up for detoxing. Starving them of sugar and then seeing the resultant effects of 'die-off' tends to confirm its prevalence. How would women and perhaps men detox from candida die-off?
Do orthodox hospitals recognize and test for 'leaky gut'? If not, where would one go to be tested? How on earth did the ancients cope with this problem? Good old Garlic?
Another point worth mentioning regarding detoxification strategies is cautions. i.e. Those who should NOT be juice fasting or who may not actually benefit, such as the weak and emaciated. I believe blood pressure can initially increase before decreasing so perhaps those with excessively high blood pressure should not fast. Blood pressure can also drop very low during fasting so those with LBP may also not be suited. I'm sure there are more.
You mentioned mercury in vaccines. What about fillings and other sources? Some info on heavy metal detoxing would be very educational.
Sorry to burden you with so many questions.
Re: Detoxification
So many question, brief answers are:
Hard science from top medical institutions does not support most vaccines, i.e. most major meta-analysis study on flu vaccination find no benefit of negative outcomes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entre ... %5Bpdat%5D ,
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1272 ... t=Abstract , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entre ... %5Bpdat%5D, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16437500 etc.
but this topic is very big, but a lot of GOOD SCIENCE is not supporting it on many fronts; lack of effectiveness, contaminants including other viruses, poisons, several recnet vaccines have been withdrawn, Australia had a massive increase in childhood flu deaths when changing policy to vaccinate infants decision now RECINDED!!
I do not know what most detox centres / spas are doing for reincoculation but do know that non-refrigirated bacteria prepared without food to sustain it is dead bacteria and relatively ineffective, and am aware of several detox centres that do colonics that have had serious incidents in Thailand recently, including a death from an induced liver infection that is resulting in litigation. The colonic irrigation webpage of the American Medical Assocoation warns against this practice for causing chronic constipation, causing dysbiosis by mixing bacterias from differing segments of the bowel, and being a potential cause of liver /kidney infections.
So called fasting toxin mobilisation tends to be by-products of weaker cells dieing and good and bad beacteria and funguses demise or protein breakdown, plenty of fluids and simple lifestyle measure are very adequate, colonics are good at getting impacted fecal matter out of the last few feet of the bowel but do not speed bowel clearance as against other safer interventions.
Hospitals have been moving away from colonics for decades, usually they use 2 litres of a disaccharide solution to cleanse the bowel these days and not colonics befor colonoscopy (a gold standard test). Colonics are on the way out that they are part of this and that protocol and traditional medicine does not mean they are prudent or risk free, some hospitals occassionally do this (not much in the west now) in special circumstances 'risk to benefit ratio' or other means compromised. etc.
Severe diarrhoea can cause systemic infections that are often life threatening crisises, this is relatively common. Bowel bacteria in brains due to a combination of increased membrane permability and electromagnetic radition is a scientific reality, requires leaky gut, compromised immune respose and ultrasound or electromagnetic radiation like mobile phone (research the way this is going) no phones for kids coming soon.
Everyone has candida it is just how much, killing it with an agent or starving some of it causes a toxic die-off yes but eliminating this is no problem normally unless a very strong toxin has been used causing a massive sudden die-off, again colonics are not needed. Starving candida does no good if the the body cannot be colonised with protective bacteria and immune function made competent after.
After years in hard scientific functional medicine leaky gut tests are becomming common in routine practice, the most common test is a lactulose - mannitol urinary clearance test many Bangkok hospitals do this and home kits are on the internet now. Our ancestors did not have much of this problem because it primarily arises from omega 3 and sulfur based amino acid def. not common in times past.
All fasts need careful consideration and close monitoring, water alone fasts are again not ususally best vegetable juice, with dietary fibre soluble and insoluble and other nutrients tends to be safer and more effective, I think.
Will start a thread on toxic metals, have a patient info flyer I wrote about 5 years ago already.
Hard science from top medical institutions does not support most vaccines, i.e. most major meta-analysis study on flu vaccination find no benefit of negative outcomes http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entre ... %5Bpdat%5D ,
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1272 ... t=Abstract , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entre ... %5Bpdat%5D, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16437500 etc.
but this topic is very big, but a lot of GOOD SCIENCE is not supporting it on many fronts; lack of effectiveness, contaminants including other viruses, poisons, several recnet vaccines have been withdrawn, Australia had a massive increase in childhood flu deaths when changing policy to vaccinate infants decision now RECINDED!!
I do not know what most detox centres / spas are doing for reincoculation but do know that non-refrigirated bacteria prepared without food to sustain it is dead bacteria and relatively ineffective, and am aware of several detox centres that do colonics that have had serious incidents in Thailand recently, including a death from an induced liver infection that is resulting in litigation. The colonic irrigation webpage of the American Medical Assocoation warns against this practice for causing chronic constipation, causing dysbiosis by mixing bacterias from differing segments of the bowel, and being a potential cause of liver /kidney infections.
So called fasting toxin mobilisation tends to be by-products of weaker cells dieing and good and bad beacteria and funguses demise or protein breakdown, plenty of fluids and simple lifestyle measure are very adequate, colonics are good at getting impacted fecal matter out of the last few feet of the bowel but do not speed bowel clearance as against other safer interventions.
Hospitals have been moving away from colonics for decades, usually they use 2 litres of a disaccharide solution to cleanse the bowel these days and not colonics befor colonoscopy (a gold standard test). Colonics are on the way out that they are part of this and that protocol and traditional medicine does not mean they are prudent or risk free, some hospitals occassionally do this (not much in the west now) in special circumstances 'risk to benefit ratio' or other means compromised. etc.
Severe diarrhoea can cause systemic infections that are often life threatening crisises, this is relatively common. Bowel bacteria in brains due to a combination of increased membrane permability and electromagnetic radition is a scientific reality, requires leaky gut, compromised immune respose and ultrasound or electromagnetic radiation like mobile phone (research the way this is going) no phones for kids coming soon.
Everyone has candida it is just how much, killing it with an agent or starving some of it causes a toxic die-off yes but eliminating this is no problem normally unless a very strong toxin has been used causing a massive sudden die-off, again colonics are not needed. Starving candida does no good if the the body cannot be colonised with protective bacteria and immune function made competent after.
After years in hard scientific functional medicine leaky gut tests are becomming common in routine practice, the most common test is a lactulose - mannitol urinary clearance test many Bangkok hospitals do this and home kits are on the internet now. Our ancestors did not have much of this problem because it primarily arises from omega 3 and sulfur based amino acid def. not common in times past.
All fasts need careful consideration and close monitoring, water alone fasts are again not ususally best vegetable juice, with dietary fibre soluble and insoluble and other nutrients tends to be safer and more effective, I think.
Will start a thread on toxic metals, have a patient info flyer I wrote about 5 years ago already.
Toxic Metals
Common Toxic Metals: Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Aluminium
This overview of several common toxic metals is intended to highlight a frequently neglected but important factor in regard to human health and longevity that has increasing relevance due to the ecological circumstances and environmental predicament that we experience within an increasingly polluted world. Today, many people in modern societies are continuously exposed to high levels of toxic metals that have become an integrated part of modern culture. Toxic metals are found within thousands of foods, household and personal products commonly used by consumers and a vast number of industrial and commercial chemicals. In 2001 Atlanta Disease Control Centre estimated that over 25% of the US population currently suffered heavy metal poisoning this may be one of the principal reasons for Americans being the sickest and shortest lived population within the developed world.
Metal health risks usually arise from inadequate intake of essential minerals or exposure to toxic metals but all of the essential minerals can become toxic if in excess. Essential minerals can also become toxic as the ratio of these substances with each other affects their metabolic function and interactions with trace-mineral deficiencies often causing much greater effects than macro-mineral deficiencies by disturbing dependent regulatory pathways. Essential mineral deficiency to toxicity ratios vary from 1:10 to 1:100 whereas all exposure to most heavy metals is toxic including lead, cadmium and mercury. The toxicity of minerals and metals is largely dependent on the chemical property of the element as they tend to displace other essential elements with similar properties but fail to fulfil the physiological function of the displaced element. Mineral imbalances and toxic exposures result in symptoms and illnesses that can very easily be misdiagnosed without even consideration of involvement, as chronic exposure to toxic metals and mineral imbalances frequently produce vastly different illness manifestations compared to acute poisoning and mineral deficiencies respectively.
Toxic metals unlike most toxic chemicals are indestructible and need to be eliminated by bonding to ligands that alter their toxicological properties and excretion or they tend to accumulate over time. Increasing levels initially produce subclinical illnesses and minor disturbances of wellbeing, after which, even small further increases tend to increase the severity and frequency of related illnesses significantly. Toxic metals frequently act as neurotoxins after inorganic to organic transformations that makes them soluble in lipids and facilitates concentration in lipid rich tissues like the brain or cause lipid peroxidation, membrane degeneration and cell death by generating highly reactive oxygen species free radicals. Toxic metals especially lead, mercury and arsenic or less commonly even essential trace minerals like molybdenum can also cause physiological and immune dysfunctions by altering a protein’s functions and or antigenicity that often leads to severe hypersensitivity and allergic immune responses.
Balanced nutrition and heavy metal exposure minimisation are essential to maintain health and wellbeing; avoid exposure by being aware, protecting yourself and read labels carefully, reduce intestinal absorption by fibre rich foods or uncontaminated dietary algal supplements, increase elimination by natural chelating and complexing agents such as methionine, vit C, lipoic acid and ensure sufficient competing nutrients: phosphorous for aluminium, calcium and magnesium for lead, selenium for mercury, zinc for cadmium or chelation and Emblica Officinalis for arsenic. The removal of metal poisons from fatty tissues, which most toxic metals have strong affinity for can further be helped by compounds known as alkylglycerols that are made within our body or can be found in many fish, these compounds particularly assist the removal of mercury from the body and are oil based chelating agents whereas almost all other chelating agents are water soluble.
Testing serum or plasma for toxic metals is very flawed as there is no agreed relationship to body metabolism, whole blood is a good measure of acute toxic metal poisoning but hair analysis is the best method for screening toxic metals and mineral ratios as hair concentrates multivalent metals several 100 fold greater than blood. Red blood cell analysis is good for some essential minerals and acute toxic metal exposure but hair analysis is better for chronic toxic element exposure, trace minerals and calcium status. Hair tends to be good for nutritive mineral assessment as well with knowledgeable interpretation as deficiency of several essential minerals will often raise their level in hair as in the case for calcium and magnesium. Hair mineral analysis however, must be used with caution because of many problems with reliability within and between different laboratories and from contamination, interpretation of questionable relationships and differing reference ranges. This makes recommendations based solely on hair analysis perilous despite detailed diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations accompanying most reports. Calcium stores can be partially assessed by hair analysis that cannot be reliably achieved by other methods and some mineral ratios such as copper to zinc and calcium to magnesium are valid and more important than the absolute values, but many other frequently reported mineral ratios are not supported by appropriate research. The following toxic metal effects and common exposure sources are the most frequently encountered toxic metal threats and include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium and lead. Other potentially toxic metals include barium, boron, beryllium, lithium, nickel, strontium and the very physiologically important iron, copper and chromium can become toxic if in excess or disturbed concentrations but are not detailed herein. Further, toxic metals like ergot and other toxic metals within some medications are not discussed, but please understand that all elements are toxic and lethal in sufficient concentrations.
Mercury Hb, elemental mercury Hb(0) is non-toxic but once energised to Hb2+ it becomes highly toxic. Environmental exposure from natural sources has been tripled by mercury’s use in many modern technologies and mercury tending to concentrate in foods as they pass up the food chain. Dental amalgams are often composed of 50% mercury and are found to release 20ug/d of non-toxic Hb(0) mercury continuously or more with excessive chewing and hot liquids that is partially converted to toxic Hb(2+) mercury and alkyl mercury by gut bacteria leading to increased mercury and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract and toxic mercury absorption. The WHO has set a safe limit of 45 ug/d for foods and drinks thus the presence of amalgam fillings combined with normal intake is a real and insidious threat to health and survival in today’s contaminated environment. Hair analysis is a good measure of long-term mercury exposure as is whole blood for acute exposure. Protection depends on minimising exposure and adequate selenium. Symptoms of mercury toxicity include; mental irritability, insomnia, fatigue, short term memory defects, tremor, stomatitis, gingivitis, weight loss, metallic taste and illnesses principally involving the skin, nervous, gastrointestinal, immune, musculoskeletal and renal systems. Other common associated conditions include; alopecia, birth defects, cataracts, fatigue and speech disorders. Common sources of mercury include: Adhesives, air conditioner filters, algcides, some batteries, calomel body powders, broken thermometers, burning newspaper and building materials, whitening lotions, dental amalgams, fabric softeners, felt, floor waxes, fungicides, germicides, industrial waste, insecticides, laxatives, lumber, manufacture of paper and chlorine, some medications, mercurochrome, paints, paper products, pesticides, photoengraving, polluted water, predator fish, sewage, some soft contact lens solutions, tanning leather, tattooing, contaminated water and wood preservatives.
Lead (Pb) exposure can occur from ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Adequate calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and D reduce lead absorption particularly in adults whereas children need environmental protection from this threat, decreased nutritional and gastrointestinal integrity may increase absorption and toxicity. Lead has an affinity for bone, calcium dependent nerve channels and red blood cells but eventually can enter all cells or is excreted in bile or urine that makes the kidney very susceptible to damage, normal kidney function should be assured before any specific lead or other heavy metal detoxification is commenced. Hair analysis a good measure of chronic exposure as is whole blood for acute exposure. Common symptoms of lead toxicity include; microcytic hypochromic anaemia, renal dysfunction, hypertension, anorexia, muscle pain, constipation, metallic taste and low IQ. Conditions associated with lead toxicity include attention deficit disorder, autism, behavioral disorders, blindness, cardiovascular disease, cartilage destruction, coordination and concentration loss, convulsions, dyslexia, fatigue, hyperactivity, immune suppression, learning disability, liver dysfunction, memory loss, peripheral neuropathies, sudden infant death syndrome and tooth decay. Common sources of lead include: Auto exhaust, some batteries, bone meal; canned evaporated milk, vegetables, fruit and juices; cigarette smoke, coal combustion, colored inks, cosmetics, electroplating, household dust, glass production, hair dyes, industrial emissions, lead pipes, lead-glazed pottery, liver, mascara, metal polish, newsprint, plant and animal foods grown in lead contaminated environments, lead paints, pencils, pesticides, produce sold near roads, putty, city rainwater, PVC containers, tin cans with lead solder, tobacco, some toothpastes, tap water and wine from lead capped bottles.
Arsenic (As) has toxic and non-toxic forms, As3 is the most toxic and As4 is toxic, other organic forms of arsenic are non toxic like the forms found in many foods, especially shellfish and predator fish. Arsenic rapidly clears the blood thus hair analysis is the best measure but it cannot define the toxic and non toxic components of exposure, particularly in seafood consumers. Toxic arsenic symptoms include; peripheral arteriosclerosis, rice-water stools, proteinuria, hyperkeratosis, garlic breath, hyperpigmentation. Toxicity often requires special purpose chelation by DMSA, DMPS, DMPA or Emblica officinalis and protection is based on avoidance of all exposure. Other common arsenic related conditions primarily involve the gastrointestinal and nervous systems and brittle nails, chronic anemia, dermatitis, enzyme inhibition, hair loss, headaches, increased risk of several cancers, low-grade fever, muscle problems, sweet metallic taste and throat constriction. Common sources of toxic arsenic include: Rat poisons, insecticides, automobile exhaust, wine, household detergents, coloured chalk, wood preservatives, wallpaper dye and plaster, burning of arsenate treated building materials, coal combustion, pesticides, foods and water from arsenic contaminated environments. Seafood often is reported a source but most seafood arsenic is non toxic.
Cadmium (Cd) competes with zinc for binding sites leading to enzyme poisoning that often primarily targets the kidneys to cause renal dysfunction and proteinuria. Zinc protects via competition for binding. Cadmium toxicity symptoms include; femoral pain, lumbago, osteopenia, renal dysfunction, hypertension and vascular disease. Other conditions associated with cadmium include; alcoholism, alopecia, anemia; cancer; many bone, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive and kidney diseases; cavities, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, growth impairment, headaches, high cholesterol, hypertension, hyperglycemia, impotence and infertility, learning disorders, migraines, nerve cell damage, prostate dysfunction and stroke. Common sources of cadmium include: Airborne industrial contaminants, nickel-cadmium batteries, ceramic glazes, tobacco and cigarette smoke, colas, electroplating, superphosphate fertilizers, food from contaminated soil, fungicides, polyvinyl plastics, instant coffee, marijuana, processed meat, evaporated milk, motor oil, oysters, kidney, liver, paint, pesticides, galvanized pipes, processed foods, refined wheat flour, rubber carpet backing, silver polish, water and drinks from galvanized plumbing, soldering in food cans and rust-proofing materials.
Aluminium (Al) is a potent neuro-toxin despite being the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust and apparently well tolerated in low doses, human intake is often 5 to 10 mg daily, this is much greater than the safe exposure of the other common metal poisons. Aluminium is commonly found in medicines, cosmetics and is increasingly being released from the environment by acid rain, together these and other exposure factors are becoming of increasing significance to aging populations. Aluminium has strong etiological association with neurodegenerative illnesses especially Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease where aluminium accumulates in the neurofibrillary neuron tangles that characterise these conditions. Phosphorus offers some protection by decreasing absorption. Aluminium toxicity symptoms commonly include; abnormal speech, myoclonic jerks, osteomalacia, progressive encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s. Other associated conditions include many bone, skin, gastrointestinal, nervous, kidney, liver and immune diseases and disturbances, anemia, cavities, energy loss, excessive perspiration, headaches, hyperactivity, inhibition of enzyme system, memory and neuromuscular disorders, reduced intestinal activity, spleen and stomach pain. Common sources of aluminum include: Aluminum cookware, containers and utensils; aluminum foil, antacids, baking powders, bleached flour, ceramics, commercial cheese, cigarette filters and tobacco smoke, color additives, construction materials, cosmetics, some dental amalgams, antiperspirants and deodorants, dust, medicinal compounds, milk products, nasal sprays, pesticides, salt, some toothpastes and vanilla powder.
This overview of several common toxic metals is intended to highlight a frequently neglected but important factor in regard to human health and longevity that has increasing relevance due to the ecological circumstances and environmental predicament that we experience within an increasingly polluted world. Today, many people in modern societies are continuously exposed to high levels of toxic metals that have become an integrated part of modern culture. Toxic metals are found within thousands of foods, household and personal products commonly used by consumers and a vast number of industrial and commercial chemicals. In 2001 Atlanta Disease Control Centre estimated that over 25% of the US population currently suffered heavy metal poisoning this may be one of the principal reasons for Americans being the sickest and shortest lived population within the developed world.
Metal health risks usually arise from inadequate intake of essential minerals or exposure to toxic metals but all of the essential minerals can become toxic if in excess. Essential minerals can also become toxic as the ratio of these substances with each other affects their metabolic function and interactions with trace-mineral deficiencies often causing much greater effects than macro-mineral deficiencies by disturbing dependent regulatory pathways. Essential mineral deficiency to toxicity ratios vary from 1:10 to 1:100 whereas all exposure to most heavy metals is toxic including lead, cadmium and mercury. The toxicity of minerals and metals is largely dependent on the chemical property of the element as they tend to displace other essential elements with similar properties but fail to fulfil the physiological function of the displaced element. Mineral imbalances and toxic exposures result in symptoms and illnesses that can very easily be misdiagnosed without even consideration of involvement, as chronic exposure to toxic metals and mineral imbalances frequently produce vastly different illness manifestations compared to acute poisoning and mineral deficiencies respectively.
Toxic metals unlike most toxic chemicals are indestructible and need to be eliminated by bonding to ligands that alter their toxicological properties and excretion or they tend to accumulate over time. Increasing levels initially produce subclinical illnesses and minor disturbances of wellbeing, after which, even small further increases tend to increase the severity and frequency of related illnesses significantly. Toxic metals frequently act as neurotoxins after inorganic to organic transformations that makes them soluble in lipids and facilitates concentration in lipid rich tissues like the brain or cause lipid peroxidation, membrane degeneration and cell death by generating highly reactive oxygen species free radicals. Toxic metals especially lead, mercury and arsenic or less commonly even essential trace minerals like molybdenum can also cause physiological and immune dysfunctions by altering a protein’s functions and or antigenicity that often leads to severe hypersensitivity and allergic immune responses.
Balanced nutrition and heavy metal exposure minimisation are essential to maintain health and wellbeing; avoid exposure by being aware, protecting yourself and read labels carefully, reduce intestinal absorption by fibre rich foods or uncontaminated dietary algal supplements, increase elimination by natural chelating and complexing agents such as methionine, vit C, lipoic acid and ensure sufficient competing nutrients: phosphorous for aluminium, calcium and magnesium for lead, selenium for mercury, zinc for cadmium or chelation and Emblica Officinalis for arsenic. The removal of metal poisons from fatty tissues, which most toxic metals have strong affinity for can further be helped by compounds known as alkylglycerols that are made within our body or can be found in many fish, these compounds particularly assist the removal of mercury from the body and are oil based chelating agents whereas almost all other chelating agents are water soluble.
Testing serum or plasma for toxic metals is very flawed as there is no agreed relationship to body metabolism, whole blood is a good measure of acute toxic metal poisoning but hair analysis is the best method for screening toxic metals and mineral ratios as hair concentrates multivalent metals several 100 fold greater than blood. Red blood cell analysis is good for some essential minerals and acute toxic metal exposure but hair analysis is better for chronic toxic element exposure, trace minerals and calcium status. Hair tends to be good for nutritive mineral assessment as well with knowledgeable interpretation as deficiency of several essential minerals will often raise their level in hair as in the case for calcium and magnesium. Hair mineral analysis however, must be used with caution because of many problems with reliability within and between different laboratories and from contamination, interpretation of questionable relationships and differing reference ranges. This makes recommendations based solely on hair analysis perilous despite detailed diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations accompanying most reports. Calcium stores can be partially assessed by hair analysis that cannot be reliably achieved by other methods and some mineral ratios such as copper to zinc and calcium to magnesium are valid and more important than the absolute values, but many other frequently reported mineral ratios are not supported by appropriate research. The following toxic metal effects and common exposure sources are the most frequently encountered toxic metal threats and include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium and lead. Other potentially toxic metals include barium, boron, beryllium, lithium, nickel, strontium and the very physiologically important iron, copper and chromium can become toxic if in excess or disturbed concentrations but are not detailed herein. Further, toxic metals like ergot and other toxic metals within some medications are not discussed, but please understand that all elements are toxic and lethal in sufficient concentrations.
Mercury Hb, elemental mercury Hb(0) is non-toxic but once energised to Hb2+ it becomes highly toxic. Environmental exposure from natural sources has been tripled by mercury’s use in many modern technologies and mercury tending to concentrate in foods as they pass up the food chain. Dental amalgams are often composed of 50% mercury and are found to release 20ug/d of non-toxic Hb(0) mercury continuously or more with excessive chewing and hot liquids that is partially converted to toxic Hb(2+) mercury and alkyl mercury by gut bacteria leading to increased mercury and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract and toxic mercury absorption. The WHO has set a safe limit of 45 ug/d for foods and drinks thus the presence of amalgam fillings combined with normal intake is a real and insidious threat to health and survival in today’s contaminated environment. Hair analysis is a good measure of long-term mercury exposure as is whole blood for acute exposure. Protection depends on minimising exposure and adequate selenium. Symptoms of mercury toxicity include; mental irritability, insomnia, fatigue, short term memory defects, tremor, stomatitis, gingivitis, weight loss, metallic taste and illnesses principally involving the skin, nervous, gastrointestinal, immune, musculoskeletal and renal systems. Other common associated conditions include; alopecia, birth defects, cataracts, fatigue and speech disorders. Common sources of mercury include: Adhesives, air conditioner filters, algcides, some batteries, calomel body powders, broken thermometers, burning newspaper and building materials, whitening lotions, dental amalgams, fabric softeners, felt, floor waxes, fungicides, germicides, industrial waste, insecticides, laxatives, lumber, manufacture of paper and chlorine, some medications, mercurochrome, paints, paper products, pesticides, photoengraving, polluted water, predator fish, sewage, some soft contact lens solutions, tanning leather, tattooing, contaminated water and wood preservatives.
Lead (Pb) exposure can occur from ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Adequate calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and D reduce lead absorption particularly in adults whereas children need environmental protection from this threat, decreased nutritional and gastrointestinal integrity may increase absorption and toxicity. Lead has an affinity for bone, calcium dependent nerve channels and red blood cells but eventually can enter all cells or is excreted in bile or urine that makes the kidney very susceptible to damage, normal kidney function should be assured before any specific lead or other heavy metal detoxification is commenced. Hair analysis a good measure of chronic exposure as is whole blood for acute exposure. Common symptoms of lead toxicity include; microcytic hypochromic anaemia, renal dysfunction, hypertension, anorexia, muscle pain, constipation, metallic taste and low IQ. Conditions associated with lead toxicity include attention deficit disorder, autism, behavioral disorders, blindness, cardiovascular disease, cartilage destruction, coordination and concentration loss, convulsions, dyslexia, fatigue, hyperactivity, immune suppression, learning disability, liver dysfunction, memory loss, peripheral neuropathies, sudden infant death syndrome and tooth decay. Common sources of lead include: Auto exhaust, some batteries, bone meal; canned evaporated milk, vegetables, fruit and juices; cigarette smoke, coal combustion, colored inks, cosmetics, electroplating, household dust, glass production, hair dyes, industrial emissions, lead pipes, lead-glazed pottery, liver, mascara, metal polish, newsprint, plant and animal foods grown in lead contaminated environments, lead paints, pencils, pesticides, produce sold near roads, putty, city rainwater, PVC containers, tin cans with lead solder, tobacco, some toothpastes, tap water and wine from lead capped bottles.
Arsenic (As) has toxic and non-toxic forms, As3 is the most toxic and As4 is toxic, other organic forms of arsenic are non toxic like the forms found in many foods, especially shellfish and predator fish. Arsenic rapidly clears the blood thus hair analysis is the best measure but it cannot define the toxic and non toxic components of exposure, particularly in seafood consumers. Toxic arsenic symptoms include; peripheral arteriosclerosis, rice-water stools, proteinuria, hyperkeratosis, garlic breath, hyperpigmentation. Toxicity often requires special purpose chelation by DMSA, DMPS, DMPA or Emblica officinalis and protection is based on avoidance of all exposure. Other common arsenic related conditions primarily involve the gastrointestinal and nervous systems and brittle nails, chronic anemia, dermatitis, enzyme inhibition, hair loss, headaches, increased risk of several cancers, low-grade fever, muscle problems, sweet metallic taste and throat constriction. Common sources of toxic arsenic include: Rat poisons, insecticides, automobile exhaust, wine, household detergents, coloured chalk, wood preservatives, wallpaper dye and plaster, burning of arsenate treated building materials, coal combustion, pesticides, foods and water from arsenic contaminated environments. Seafood often is reported a source but most seafood arsenic is non toxic.
Cadmium (Cd) competes with zinc for binding sites leading to enzyme poisoning that often primarily targets the kidneys to cause renal dysfunction and proteinuria. Zinc protects via competition for binding. Cadmium toxicity symptoms include; femoral pain, lumbago, osteopenia, renal dysfunction, hypertension and vascular disease. Other conditions associated with cadmium include; alcoholism, alopecia, anemia; cancer; many bone, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive and kidney diseases; cavities, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, growth impairment, headaches, high cholesterol, hypertension, hyperglycemia, impotence and infertility, learning disorders, migraines, nerve cell damage, prostate dysfunction and stroke. Common sources of cadmium include: Airborne industrial contaminants, nickel-cadmium batteries, ceramic glazes, tobacco and cigarette smoke, colas, electroplating, superphosphate fertilizers, food from contaminated soil, fungicides, polyvinyl plastics, instant coffee, marijuana, processed meat, evaporated milk, motor oil, oysters, kidney, liver, paint, pesticides, galvanized pipes, processed foods, refined wheat flour, rubber carpet backing, silver polish, water and drinks from galvanized plumbing, soldering in food cans and rust-proofing materials.
Aluminium (Al) is a potent neuro-toxin despite being the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust and apparently well tolerated in low doses, human intake is often 5 to 10 mg daily, this is much greater than the safe exposure of the other common metal poisons. Aluminium is commonly found in medicines, cosmetics and is increasingly being released from the environment by acid rain, together these and other exposure factors are becoming of increasing significance to aging populations. Aluminium has strong etiological association with neurodegenerative illnesses especially Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease where aluminium accumulates in the neurofibrillary neuron tangles that characterise these conditions. Phosphorus offers some protection by decreasing absorption. Aluminium toxicity symptoms commonly include; abnormal speech, myoclonic jerks, osteomalacia, progressive encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s. Other associated conditions include many bone, skin, gastrointestinal, nervous, kidney, liver and immune diseases and disturbances, anemia, cavities, energy loss, excessive perspiration, headaches, hyperactivity, inhibition of enzyme system, memory and neuromuscular disorders, reduced intestinal activity, spleen and stomach pain. Common sources of aluminum include: Aluminum cookware, containers and utensils; aluminum foil, antacids, baking powders, bleached flour, ceramics, commercial cheese, cigarette filters and tobacco smoke, color additives, construction materials, cosmetics, some dental amalgams, antiperspirants and deodorants, dust, medicinal compounds, milk products, nasal sprays, pesticides, salt, some toothpastes and vanilla powder.
Re: Detoxification
Outstanding, MorSage. Thank you. 
Re: Toxic Metals
I appreciate the need for the body to have all the nutrients needed to maintain health. There has been plenty of info in the public domain about soil deficiencies due to over-farming and use of fertilizers and pesticides. Personally, I won't buy any imported American produce because of it. Thailand apparently has some areas where deficiencies in particular minerals exist in the soil. Boron for instance. Do you have any knowledge of this?
Can you advise forum members as to what is a good way to supplement with minerals? My understanding is that many OTC (over the counter) multi-mineral supplements are inorganic (crushed rocks) and the body will not assimilate them. That we should be receiving our minerals in plant form. Are people wasting their money buying OTC supplements?
I take so-called 'superfoods' like Spirulina (easy to assimilate) and antioxidants like Cacao but am not that confident of the source. In Thailand the issuance of 'organic' licences may or may not confer quality. In Australia I believe they have some outstanding organic products but Thai customs tends to protect its own manufacturers.
How do you get vital minerals/nutrients into someone who has a compromised gut/malabsorption? Presumably taking in nutrients via juicing is the best way but are there any caveats with that? For instance, stressed individuals often 'comfort eat'. Do the stress hormones prevent proper assimilation of nutrients given in liquid form? If so, how do you build up someone who is emaciated. Those Ayurvedic 'Air' types who can't put on weight?
Since I'm very interested in these topics and keen to advance my knowledge, it would save you a lot of typing and responding if I knew where the most up to date sources of alternative health knowledge are to be found and if there is some way I can access them. Are there alternative equivalents to PubMed? Or Journals you can recommend? How do those working in this field stay on top of advances?
I appreciate the patience you have shown so far in answering my questions and think the board is extremely fortunate to have someone of your calibre contributing.
Can you advise forum members as to what is a good way to supplement with minerals? My understanding is that many OTC (over the counter) multi-mineral supplements are inorganic (crushed rocks) and the body will not assimilate them. That we should be receiving our minerals in plant form. Are people wasting their money buying OTC supplements?
I take so-called 'superfoods' like Spirulina (easy to assimilate) and antioxidants like Cacao but am not that confident of the source. In Thailand the issuance of 'organic' licences may or may not confer quality. In Australia I believe they have some outstanding organic products but Thai customs tends to protect its own manufacturers.
How do you get vital minerals/nutrients into someone who has a compromised gut/malabsorption? Presumably taking in nutrients via juicing is the best way but are there any caveats with that? For instance, stressed individuals often 'comfort eat'. Do the stress hormones prevent proper assimilation of nutrients given in liquid form? If so, how do you build up someone who is emaciated. Those Ayurvedic 'Air' types who can't put on weight?
Since I'm very interested in these topics and keen to advance my knowledge, it would save you a lot of typing and responding if I knew where the most up to date sources of alternative health knowledge are to be found and if there is some way I can access them. Are there alternative equivalents to PubMed? Or Journals you can recommend? How do those working in this field stay on top of advances?
I appreciate the patience you have shown so far in answering my questions and think the board is extremely fortunate to have someone of your calibre contributing.
Re: Detoxification
Nobody needs "detoxification".
Stick to the Marie Lloyd principle "A little of what you fancy does you good"
Stick to the Marie Lloyd principle "A little of what you fancy does you good"
Re: Detoxification
darwinian maybe you are right, maybe you are wrong, time will tell. I think detoxification needs pretty much relies on what you fancy.
Mr Plum, the following are data-bases that you may find useful, many of these are not free but do provide full-text articles that are really needed to understand what the results really say (definition, measures and methods used). Many other specialised medical and scientific databases are also very useful but tend to be expensive. The best way to get access to a hugh selection is to enroll to do a subject (even if you are not going to complete it) with a good university that will then grant you library rights > access to often very expensive databases, many of which singularly are much more expensive than the subject fees!
AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine)
Searchable index of articles in modalities of complementary medicine (homœopathy, herbalism, chinese medicine, osteopathy, massage, holistic health and nutrition). Not full text, some abstracts.(EBSCO online help)
CINAHL (Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
Index to nursing and some complementary/holistic health literature. Chiefly abstracts with links to the full text nursing collection. Some full text. (Database guide available)
Expanded Academic ASAP
Multidisciplinary source with full text of core Medical and Health titles. Recommended for Pathophysiology, Public Health, Nutrition, some Complementary Medicine, Sociology and General Medicine and Diseases. Most full text. (Database guide available)
HerbMedPro
Evidence based information source linking to the scientific information relating to the use of herbs for health.
Medline Plus With Fulltext
Index to all biomedical including complementary and alternative medicine articles from 1966. To search for complementary medinine only: under Refine Search choose Subject Subset as Complementary Medicine. Article citations and abstracts only. (EBSCO online help)
Office of Dietary Supplements: IBIDS Database
A database of published literature on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Abstracts only, no full text.
ProQuest 5000
Multidisciplinary sources with full text of many core medical and health titles. Recommended for pathophysiology, public health, nutrition, some complementary medicine, sociology, counselling and general medicine and diseases. Most full text.(Database guide available)
Wiley Interscience
Full text publisher databases which include science, medicine, health, physiology, nutrition. Most articles full text.(Database guide available)
Informit Health Collection
Contains fulltext of Australian health perodicals. Find here information aboutthe profession i society, health of the Australian population, and more.
Mr Plum, the following are data-bases that you may find useful, many of these are not free but do provide full-text articles that are really needed to understand what the results really say (definition, measures and methods used). Many other specialised medical and scientific databases are also very useful but tend to be expensive. The best way to get access to a hugh selection is to enroll to do a subject (even if you are not going to complete it) with a good university that will then grant you library rights > access to often very expensive databases, many of which singularly are much more expensive than the subject fees!
AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine)
Searchable index of articles in modalities of complementary medicine (homœopathy, herbalism, chinese medicine, osteopathy, massage, holistic health and nutrition). Not full text, some abstracts.(EBSCO online help)
CINAHL (Nursing and Allied Health Literature)
Index to nursing and some complementary/holistic health literature. Chiefly abstracts with links to the full text nursing collection. Some full text. (Database guide available)
Expanded Academic ASAP
Multidisciplinary source with full text of core Medical and Health titles. Recommended for Pathophysiology, Public Health, Nutrition, some Complementary Medicine, Sociology and General Medicine and Diseases. Most full text. (Database guide available)
HerbMedPro
Evidence based information source linking to the scientific information relating to the use of herbs for health.
Medline Plus With Fulltext
Index to all biomedical including complementary and alternative medicine articles from 1966. To search for complementary medinine only: under Refine Search choose Subject Subset as Complementary Medicine. Article citations and abstracts only. (EBSCO online help)
Office of Dietary Supplements: IBIDS Database
A database of published literature on dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Abstracts only, no full text.
ProQuest 5000
Multidisciplinary sources with full text of many core medical and health titles. Recommended for pathophysiology, public health, nutrition, some complementary medicine, sociology, counselling and general medicine and diseases. Most full text.(Database guide available)
Wiley Interscience
Full text publisher databases which include science, medicine, health, physiology, nutrition. Most articles full text.(Database guide available)
Informit Health Collection
Contains fulltext of Australian health perodicals. Find here information aboutthe profession i society, health of the Australian population, and more.