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from Your Nutritional Education Site
"Get Educated and Take Control of Your Health"

1. Quercetin’s Anti-Viral Capacity
2. What do you want to know about Neuropathy (nerve damage)?
3. Gingivitis, Gum Health Linked to Heart & Prostate Disorders
4. Opioid Use and Abuse

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Quercetin’s Anti-Viral Capacity

I've read about this supplement and how it should be added to the supplements you are taking.

Quercetin’s general antiviral capacity has been attributed to three primary mechanisms of action:

Inhibiting the virus’ ability to infect cells

Inhibiting replication of already infected cells

Reducing infected cells’ resistance to treatment with antiviral medication

What food has Quercetin? Berries, and specifically Elderberry.

Not really a "old wives' tale, elderberry has been used for thousands of years.

Do you have an underlying Health Condition and Worry About Your Immunity

The reality is that viruses and other microbes are everywhere.

But they can’t really do anything without you, the host being vulnerable. This formula will give you what you need to not be vulnerable.

Find out more: Advanced Immune Support by Dr. Berg.

More on Immunity and what you can do about your immunity health.

What do you want to know about Neuropathy (nerve damage)?

Are you interested in learning about the cause of your neuropathy, the various ways to relieve the symptoms, or other treatments.

We have many articles on this site and they are all together here

Neuropathy Hub

Gingivitis, Gum Health Linked to Heart and Prostate Disorders

By Jim English, Tango Advanced Nutrition

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes gum tissues to pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to accumulate and triggering an inflammatory reaction that leads to the loss of bone tissues and teeth. In addition to the misery associated with the loss of one’s teeth, new research shows a positive link between the onset of periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, prostatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Periodontitis occurs when bacteria gather and form a “biofilm” that coats tooth surfaces at or below the gum line. These bacteria emit toxins that cause the body to mount an inflammatory response that, in turn, begins to eat away at gum tissues, leading to gingivitis. Eventually, if the source of inflammation is not brought under control, the process can result in the destruction of supportive bone structures (alveolar bone) that play a critical role in anchoring teeth firmly in place. As these retaining tissues break down, once-firm teeth become loose, leading to increasing inflammation, loss of bone and eventually requiring extraction.

Inflamed, bleeding gums and loss of teeth are only part of the damage. Gum disease is essentially an open wound that allows bacteria and their toxins to enter the body.

Inflamed, bleeding gums and the loss of teeth, however, are only a part of the potential damage arising from periodontal disease. Gum disease is essentially an open wound that allows bacteria and their toxins to enter the body and cause widespread damage. Research has established that advanced periodontal disease contributes to atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Conversely, diabetes, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis have been shown to contribute to periodontal disease.

Gum Health and Periodontitis

While periodontitis is recognized as the most common form of chronic infection and inflammation in humans, the number of people in the United States afflicted with periodontitis turns out to be significantly higher than was originally believed. In a recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study, a full-mouth, comprehensive periodontal examination of over 450 adults over the age of 35 was compared with the results of earlier studies that relied on only a partial-mouth periodontal examination. The recent study shows that the previous partial-mouth study methodology may have underestimated the true incidence of periodontal disease by up to 50 percent.(1)

According to Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, “This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem than we all thought. It is a call to action for anyone who cares about his or her oral health. Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and other diseases, taking care of your oral health isn’t just about a pretty smile. It has bigger implications for overall health, and is therefore a more significant public health problem.”

How ‘Jailbreaking’ Bacteria can Trigger Heart Disease

A growing body of research now links gum disease with the onset of heart disease, caused when plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth enter into the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart attack. According to Professor Howard Jenkinson of the University of Bristol, England, oral bacteria can wreak havoc if they are not kept in check by regular brushing and flossing. “Poor dental hygiene can lead to bleeding gums, providing bacteria with an escape route into the bloodstream, where they can initiate blood clots leading to heart disease,” he said.(2)

Streptococcus bacteria commonly live in the mouth, confined within communities termed “biofilms” that are responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease. Researchers have now shown that once let loose in the bloodstream, Streptococcus bacteria can use a protein, called PadA, as a weapon to force platelets in the blood to bind together and form clots.

Inducing blood clots is a selfish trick used by bacteria, Jenkinson points out. “When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria. This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection,” he said. “Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves (endocarditis), or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.”

Professor Jenkinson said the research highlights a very important public health message. “People need to be aware that, as well as keeping a check on their diet, blood pressure, cholesterol and fitness levels, they also need to maintain good dental hygiene to minimize their risk of heart problems.”

Periodontal Disease Linked to Prostatitis

In addition to contributing to development of heart disease, researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine recently reported that initial results from a small sample shows that inflammation from gum disease and prostate problems just might be linked. In their paper, published in the official journal of the American Academy of Periodontology, the researchers described how they compared two unique markers for inflammation: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), which is widely used to measure inflammation levels in prostate disease, and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) of the gums and teeth, an indicator of periodontitis.

A PSA blood level of 4.0 ng/ml in the blood can be a sign of inflammation or malignancy, and patients with healthy prostate glands have lower than 4.0 ng/ml levels. A CAL number greater than 2.7 mm indicates periodontitis.

Like periodontitis, prostatitis also produces high inflammation levels. “Subjects with both high CAL levels and moderate to severe prostatitis have higher levels of PSA or inflammation,” stated Nabil Bissada, chair of the department of periodontics in the dental school. Bissada added that this might explain why PSA levels can be high in prostatitis, but sometimes cannot be explained by what is happening in the prostate glands. “It is something outside the prostate gland that is causing an inflammatory reaction,” he said. Because periodontitis has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers felt a link might exist to prostate disease.

Thirty-five men from a sample of 150 patients qualified for their study, funded by the department of periodontology at the dental school. The participants were selected from patients with mild to severe prostatitis, who had undergone needle biopsies and were found to have inflammation and in some patients, malignancies.

The participants were divided into two groups: those with high PSA levels for moderate or severe prostatitis or a malignancy, and those with PSA levels below 4 ng/ml. All had not had dental work done for at least three months and were given an examination to measure the gum health. Looking at the results, the researchers from the dental school and the department of urology and the Institute of Pathology at the hospital found those with the most severe form of the prostatitis also showed signs for periodontitis.(3)

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids may Reduce Periodontitis

In an article in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health report that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like fish oil, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, shows promise for the effective treatment and prevention of periodontitis.

In a study involving over 9,000 adults, researchers found that omega-3 fatty acid intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), were associated with reduced incidence of periodontitis. One of the study authors, Asghar Z. Naqvi commented, “To date, the treatment of periodontitis has primarily involved mechanical cleaning and local antibiotic application. Thus, a dietary therapy, if effective, might be a less expensive and safer method for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Given the evidence indicating a role for omega-3 fatty acids in other chronic inflammatory conditions, it is possible that treating periodontitis with omega-3 fatty acids could have the added benefit of preventing other chronic diseases associated with inflammation, including stroke as well.”

In their paper the researchers reported an approximately 20 percent reduction in incidence of periodontitis in those consuming the highest amount of dietary DHA. The reduction correlated with EPA was smaller, while the correlation to LNA was not statistically significant. Foods that contain significant amounts of polyunsaturated fats include fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter and nuts.(4)

Summary

Given the increasing prevalence of periodontal disease and the growing body of research connecting periodontal health and systemic health, it is clearly essential to take steps to maintain healthy teeth and gums. According to Dr. Low, “Not only should you take good care of your periodontal health with daily tooth brushing and flossing, you should expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, will conduct the comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

References

1. P. I. Eke, G. O. Thornton-Evans, L. Wei, W. S. Borgnakke, B. A. Dye. Accuracy of NHANES Periodontal Examination Protocols. Journal of Dental Research, 2010.
2. Society for General Microbiology (2010, September 5). ‘Jailbreak’ bacteria can trigger heart disease.
3. Joshi et al. Association Between Periodontal Disease and Prostate Specific Antigen Levels in Chronic Prostatitis Patients. Journal of Periodontology, 2010.
4. Asghar Z. Naqvi, Catherine Buettner, Russell S. Phillips, Roger B. Davis, Kenneth J. Mukamal. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Periodontitis in US Adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2010; 110.

For more information about Prostatitis/Enlarged Prostate 

For more information about Gum Disease

For more information on Periodontal Disease

For Cold Water Fish Oil - Omega 3 Fatty Acids. 

Opioid Use and Abuse
The Opioid Epidemic

Opioids are drugs that were created to work on the nervous system to relieve pain. They were designed for short term use. Continued use of only a few weeks can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop.

Prescription Use

Recreational use of prescription drugs is a serious problem with teens and young adults. National studies have shown that teens are more likely to have abused a prescription drug than an illegal street drug. Many teens think that prescription drugs are safe because they were prescribed by a doctor, but self-medicating with these drugs is just as dangerous and addictive as street drugs. Prescription drugs are only safe for the person prescribed them and no one else. The high potency of some of the prescription drugs creates a high overdose risk.

Opioids:

In the late 1990s, the pharmaceutical companies who created these drugs reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and the medical doctors began to prescribe them at greater rates.

This assurance led to widespread use and misuse of these medications. It has now become clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.

Opioids are genetically referred to as pain killers. These drugs contain opium and opium-like substances and are used to relieve pain.

Some of the well-known brand names and street names:

BRAND NAMES: Fiorional with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine, Empirin with Codeine, Roxanol, Duramorph, Demerol, Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Tylox, Dilaudid

STREET NAMES: Captain Cody, Cody, Schoolboy, Doors & Fours, Pancakes & Syrup, Loads, M, Miss Emma, Monkey, White Stuff, Demmies, Pain killer, Apache, China girl, Dance fever, Goodfella, Murder 8, Tango and Cash.China white, Friend, Jackpot, TNT, Oxy 80, Oxycat, Hillbilly heroin, Percs, Perks, Juice, Dillies

Some of the short-term effects of opioids and other morphine derivatives include: drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, reduced heart rate and constipation.

How does opioid use hurt the body?

Lungs: Opioids interfere with the normal function of the lungs and can result in a greater risk of pneumonia.

Stomach and intestines: Opiates are very well known for causing constipation, even at their normal dosage. The slowdown in bowel function results in symptoms like nausea, bloating, vomiting, and abdominal distention.

Liver: Every drug is broken down and processed by the liver. The liver is therefore heavily stressed by prescription painkiller abuse and can store toxins from the breakdown process.

Kidneys: Chronic use of painkillers for years can have a directly damaging effect on the kidneys, leading to the need for dialysis or transplant. It is not the opiate in the painkillers that disables the kidneys, but the secondary analgesics such as acetaminophen.

Another side effect is tolerance to the drug, meaning that users must increase their doses to achieve the same results, both as a pain reliever or using it for a high.

Continued use of opioids can result in physical dependence and addiction. With all drugs the body must adapt to the presence of the drug. Drugs unbalance the body’s systems but the system balances itself somehow. Withdrawal symptoms occur if the use of the drug is reduced or stopped. You basically unbalance the system again but by taking away the thing that the body was balancing against.

Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes.

The Truth About Drugs

Drugs are essentially poisons. The amount taken determines the effect. A small amount is a stimulant (speeds you up), a greater amount acts as a sedative (slows you down) an even larger amount poisons and can kill. (This is true of any drug. Only the amount needed for the effect differs).

But many drugs have another liability. Drugs also directly affect the mind. They can distort the users perception of what is happening around him or her. Their reactions can thus seem inappropriate and even destructive.

Drugs block sensations - the desirable sensations become unwanted sensations. They can thus wipe out ability and alertness and muddy one's thinking.

Are Addictions a Symptom or a Disease - by Dr. Berg (An educational video AND what you can do about addiction - help re-build the brain chemistry)

What can you do?

There are many programs, too numerous to mention here, who are promising they can get you off of these drugs. Be sure, if you wish to use a program, you fully find out what their methods are and agree with their procedures.

There are some programs that give you another drug that is easier to get off of, but that really is just taking a drug to cover up the symptoms of withdrawal. You then have to get off the second drug. Even it is easier to get off, it is not very healthy to put yet another drug into the body. You have to remember that drugs deplete the body of vitamins and minerals, etc. and the body is already under siege. You don’t want to make things worse.

As with all addictive drugs, you don’t want to throw the body into a spin. You want to slowly withdraw from the drug by working with a medical doctor who can prescribe smaller and smaller amounts. This should be very small amounts, slowly withdrawing in small percentages is best.

To handle any withdrawal symptoms, which are minimized with a slow withdrawal, you can take the nutritional support that will alleviate the symptoms while you get off of the drug. There are many nutrients that will help with anxiety, muscle aches, etc.

Since opioid addiction is now called the opioid epidemic, there are many solutions around to look at and to consider, but an important step is to educate the teens, young adults and others the Truth About Drugs.

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To Your Health

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Sidebar:

Underlying health condition and a weakened immune system?

What is Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans is a scientifically proven biological response modifier (BRM) (BRM defined as “Substances that stimulate the body’s response to infection and disease”). These naturally help normalize this immune response. 

Beta-glucans boosts the immune system in people whose body defenses have been weakened by health conditions.

Learn more and order Immune Defense

Questions? Call 888 758-5590 or 818 252-1038 or Email

If you have any questions about our Nerve Support Formula, please email or call us at (888) 758-5590 (US & Canada)  or (818) 252-1038.

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