studies show reishi mushrooms benefit people stricken with a variety of ailments from high blood pressure to aids

ailed in ancient Eastern medicine as the “mushroom of immortality” and the “medicine of kings,” you’d expect reishi to offer you some pretty astounding health benefits, right? Your assumptions are correct. This prized fungus may be able to boost your immune system, fight cancer, ward off heart disease, calm your nerves and relieve both allergies and inflammation.

“Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all,” writes Rebecca Wood in her book “New Whole Foods Encyclopedia.” She goes on to explain reishi’s wide range of uses: “An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky-gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis and other infectious diseases. It is used as an aid to sleep, as a diuretic, as a laxative and to lower cholesterol.” It almost seems too good to be true.

How can one fungus help the human body in so many ways? Traditional Eastern medical science explains reishi’s wide range of medicinal applications better, perhaps, than mainstream medicine ever could. According to Eastern thought, the body needs to defend itself against threats to its “equilibrium.” These threats can be physical, such as viruses and bacteria that cause infection; emotional, such as stressors that cause anxiety; or energetic, in that they reduce alertness. Whatever the threat, reishi helps the body maintain its defense against these threats to its equilibrium, helping the body to maintain balance. In this sense, diseases like heart disease and cancer mean that the body is out of balance, which is why an equilibrium-enhancing remedy such as reishi can help so many diverse ailments.

Skeptics can doubt the previous explanation as Taoist “mumbo jumbo,” but laboratory research proves many of reishi’s medicinal applications. As Dr. Andrew Weil writes, reishi “has been the subject of a surprising amount of scientific research in Asia and the West.” Research shows that the polysaccharide beta-1,3-D-glucan in reishi boosts the immune system by raising the amount of macrophages T-cells, which has major implications for people suffering from AIDS and other immune system disorders.

This immune-boosting action also works wonders in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as the T-cells are then able to fight cancer cells more effectively. However, reishi may help the body defeat cancer in not just one, but four ways. In addition to boosting the immune system, the glucan in reishi helps immune cells bind to tumor cells. Many experts believe that it also actually reduces the number of cancerous cells, making it easier for T-cells and macrophages to rid the body of them. Another substance in reishi, called canthaxanthin, slows down the growth of tumors, according to “Prescription for Dietary Wellness” author Phyllis A. Balch and other experts. As a result of these amazing anti-cancer abilities, laboratory research and traditional medicinal usage of reishi to fight cancer is so positive that the Japanese government officially recognizes it as a cancer treatment.

Besides cancer, reishi can help and treat another of America’s top killers: cardiovascular disease. The protection reishi offers against heart disease and stroke is truly remarkable because it helps prevent so many different risk factors, due to its high content of heart-saving substances like sterols, ganoderic acids, coumarin, mannitol and polysaccharides. Experts believe that the ganoderic acids in particular lower triglyceride levels, remove excess cholesterol from the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce platelet stickiness and even help correct arrhythmia. In fact, for 54 people with hypertension unresponsive to medication, taking reishi extract three times a day for four weeks was enough to significantly lower blood pressure, according to a study reported by Burton Goldberg in “Heart Disease.” Just imagine how the incidence of cardiovascular disease could be reduced if using reishi really caught on in the Western hemisphere.

While you protect your body against infectious disease, cancer and heart disease, your use of reishi can also help relieve your everyday discomforts. Do you have allergies? Japanese researchers discovered that the lanostan in reishi acts as a natural antihistamine. Do you suffer from muscle aches or arthritis? Dr. William B. Stavinhoa of the University of Texas Health Science Center found that reishi is as powerful as five milligrams of hydrocortisone, but with minimal side effects. What about anxiety or insomnia? According to “Mind Boosters” by Dr. Ray Sahelia, the reishi mushroom can calm the mind, as well as improve memory, concentration and focus. With all these benefits, reishi truly is the “medicine of kings.”

Different types of reishi

Though there are six different types of reishi, all classified by color, herbalists generally call red reishi the most potent and medicinal variety, and thus it is the most commonly used form of reishi in North America, Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. In the wild, the mushroom grows on deciduous trees in heavily forested areas of China and Japan, but it’s now easily and widely cultivated commercially, so you don’t have to venture into the forest to enjoy the benefits of what “Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook” author James Green calls a “remarkably beneficial fungus for the human body.”

However, keep in mind that reishi isn’t exactly the kind of mushroom you’ll want to put in your next salad, either. Since it’s more than 90 percent indigestible fiber, reishi has an extremely wood-like texture and to top it off, it’s unpleasantly bitter. In spite of this bitter flavor, many reishi enthusiasts use ground reishi to make a life-enhancing tea or even use the mushrooms in soups. For the less daring, many health food stores offer reishi capsules, tablets and extracts, and Japanese research suggests taking vitamin C along with it may enhance reishi’s medicinal effects.

So, how much reishi should you take? In the “Vitamin Bible for the Twenty-first Century,” vitamin expert Earl Mindell advises an average dose of 100 milligrams of reishi extract daily to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation and ease joint pain. On the other hand, Dr. Linda B. White recommends up to three 1,000-milligram tablets up to three times per day in her book “The Herbal Drugstore.” Because of this wide range of dosage suggestions and additional risks it might pose for pregnant or lactating women (even though reishi has no known toxicity) you should check with a physician, preferably a naturopath, before adding reishi to your regimen. Similarly, you should be aware that reishi does have some side effects, including abdominal upset, dizziness, nose bleeds and dry mouth and throat, according to “Natural Pharmacy” author Schuyler W. Lininger. In other words, it’s up to you and your naturopath to decide which dose of reishi is right for you.

The experts speak on reishi:

Reishi’s wide range of medicinal applications

Health Benefits: Reishi indeed sounds like a cure-all. An immunostimulant, it is helpful for people with AIDS, leaky gut syndrome, Epstein-Barr, chronic bronchitis, and other infectious viruses. It is used as an aid to sleep; as a diuretic; as a laxative; and to lower cholesterol. Reishi mushrooms are antioxidants and liver protectants..

All about beauty

Stress. A word that holds such relevance to us all in today’s hectic world. Endless commitments; hours to work; relationships to juggle. Stress can not only affect us all on an emotional level, but it can also have an impact on our skin. So many women come to me with skin concerns and often stress can be one of the most common causes of breakouts, dry skin or the early onset of lines and wrinkles.
This week I thought I would offer a little therapy (skin therapy that is!), and practical advice on how to limit the stress on our skin and help us all achieve that beauty holy grail of looking younger for longer.
UVA and UVB are the most ageing stressors to skin and we are exposed to them daily, whether the sun is shining or not. Protecting your skin from the damaging effects of these rays will maintain the health of our skin cells. As well as the damaging rays of the sun we are also subjected to other environmental and emotional assaults that can stress our skin causing damage that can accelerate ageing.
Pollution is hugely damaging. A study by the University of Birmingham and the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan of female office workers and female highway toll station workers showed increased oxidative skin damage in the toll workers exposed to daily traffic exhaust and cumulative traffic density, compared to the office workers.
And studies performed by the Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Japan on healthy workers revealed escalating oxidative skin damage in female workers was significantly related to increased workload and psychological stress. If you’ve ever spent your day at work daydreaming of all the benefits of a life of leisure now you can add one more.
A clinical study conducted by Estee Lauder also showed that happily married women look better for it. The study of healthy married women showed that those who felt emotionally stressed and didn’t perceive themselves as happy had slower skin barrier recovery rates than their happily married counterparts.
Interesting stuff so what can we do to protect ourselves? My top tips are:
- Use an SPF every day. You can use a sunscreen or make sure your moisturiser or foundation contains one.
- Look out for antioxidants in skincare products as these provide protection from pollution and free radicals and boost the condition of skin cells.
- If you want to comfort and uplift your skin, look for products with comforting scents and texture, such as reishi mushroom extract and ginseng – these really help to lift you both emotionally and nurture your skin.

Cancer and Mushrooms...Immune Support!

(NaturalNews) Welcome to part one of my exclusive interview with George Vaughan, M.S. George is a botanist specializing in mycology and the founder of Mushroom Harvest (www.mushroomharvest.com), a company offering certified organic whole medicinal mushroom powders in bulk powder and capsule form.Working from a private acreage in the forested hills of Southeast Ohio, this mushroom connoisseur cultivates and distributes his own ultra-potent proprietary strains of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms in the world. With over 20 years of mycological experience to his credit, you can be sure the mushrooms produced by George and the Mushroom Harvest team easily stand among the most powerful healing and disease busting weapons found in nature.In the NaturalNews spirit no product, money, or anything else has changed hands between anyone associated with Mushroom Harvest and myself. Further, I have no interest - financial or otherwise - in the sale of any product supplied by Mushroom Harvest. This interview is based solely on product merit and the company's outstanding dedication to service and quality. As an exclusive offer, however, Mr. Vaughan is offering a special 20% discount to NaturalNews readers who are lucky enough to catch this article. Read on for details.Adam: Hi George. I'd like to start at the beginning. What sparked your interest in mushrooms, or more specifically medicinal mushrooms?George Vaughan: I first became interested in mushrooms by hunting for them in the woods. I later developed an interest in natural healing and started college as a pre-med with the intention of applying to Bastyr Naturopathic College. I eventually became very interested in the biology of not just animals, but plants and fungi as well. My interests eventually intertwined as I began learning of the medicinal properties of mushrooms.Adam: Great! You offer mushrooms in their whole, unadulterated form – straight from Mother Nature. Can you tell me why you chose this route over the seemingly more profitable extract method? I have seen mushroom extract go for upwards of eighty dollars for a small bottle of capsules.Vaughan: There are numerous reasons, because there are numerous constituents. We offer the whole mushroom so that the whole range of medicinal benefits from the mushrooms is available in the product. Many extracts are just focused on the 1,3 beta-glucan constituents, which are the main immune stimulating constituents of the mushrooms. However, there are many other constituents in these mushrooms that have medicinal properties as well from lowering cholesterol to relieving asthma.Adam: So with the whole food you are getting the full spectrum of bioactive compounds, whether they are known by science or not. An extract will not necessarily include anything but a higher concentration of the intended compound, such as a particular beta-glucan like you mentioned. Because you are getting that full spectrum of compounds in a balanced ratio, the whole food seems like the best method for prevention of disease. Perhaps extract would be useful in the reliable treatment of a specific ailment. Is that accurate?Vaughan: It depends on the ailment. Many of these compounds work synergistically and are more effective when taken together than when isolated and taken alone. In a disease such as cancer, the beta-glucans will help to increase the number of white blood cells to attack it. The essential sugars, such as Mannose, will help the WBC's recognize the cancer cells, and some of the triterpenes will be directly cytotoxic to the cancer cell. In the case of cancer, there are several compounds that help to combat the cancer in different ways. In the case of neuron re-growth, an extract focused on the diterpenes of Lion's Mane would allow the patient to consume a smaller amount of the medicinal preparation.Adam: Wow, so I guess it's not quite as simple as I thought!You offer your powder in both pre-encapsulated and bulk powder form. The capsules are pretty obvious, but what are some of the ways the powder can be consumed, and how does this fit into your own routine?Vaughan: The powder can be swished down with water, mixed with applesauce or oatmeal, blended into fresh juices, added to soup, or used to make teas or extracts. People take them in all sorts of ways. I usually consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of the powder before breakfast and dinner.Adam: Or for the smoothie fans out there, it can go right in your smoothie!Vaughan: Exactly! That's a very popular way to take the powder.Adam: You mentioned extract, and I'd like to focus on that for a second. If people make their own extract or tea, they can save a lot of money and still get the advantage of concentrated components. Is this hard to do?Vaughan: No, making an extract isn't hard to do. The traditional way of preparing medicinal mushrooms has been to simmer them in water for 1 - 2 hours until the water has been concentrated down by half, i.e. a hot water extract. The most typical way of producing extracts with a long shelf life is to make a double extract by first soaking the mushrooms in 90 - 95% alcohol for 2 weeks, removing the mushrooms and then simmering them in water for 1 - 2 hrs. Once the hot water extract has cooled, it is combined with the alcohol extract. The alcohol needs to make up at least 20% of the extract to prevent spoilage.Adam: Very useful information. Now I would like to focus on what I see as your flagship product, the 14-mushroom blend. Can you list the different species of mushrooms included in this blend?Vaughan: Blazei, Cordyceps, Enoki, True Tinder Polypore, Agarikon, Reishi, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Oyster, Birch Polypore, Suehirotake and Turkey Tail.Adam: Wow, that was fast! I see you have been taking your Lion's Mane.I've done my fair share of research, and that is virtually every medicinal mushroom I have read about and then some. Personally, I haven't seen anything like that offered anywhere else.Vaughan: We wanted to be able to offer a blend that would be a really potent immune stimulator. Studies have shown that a combination of medicinal mushrooms usually results in a stronger immune response than any one mushroom taken alone. The various medicinal mushrooms all have slightly different 1,3 beta-glucans which all illicit a different response from the immune system.Adam: So it doesn't get much better than 14 different species all improving your health in their own way, and even synergizing with each other! Broadly speaking, what kind of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other medicinally useful compounds are present in this blend? What are your mushrooms made of?Vaughan: Mushrooms are extremely good at absorption and tend to be very rich in minerals and vitamins. All of these mushrooms are especially rich in ergosterol, which is a precursor to vitamin D. In addition to the 1,3 beta-glucans, there are many other constituents in these mushrooms that have medicinal properties including triterpenes, diterpenes, essential sugars, glycoproteins, and potent antioxidants.There are hundreds of different triterpenes that have been found in the different medicinal mushrooms. Over 120 different triterpenes have been isolated from Reishi alone. These different triterpenes have been found to have unique properties varying from triterpene to triterpene. Triterpenes have been found to protect the liver, protect the kidneys, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, inhibit histamine release and be anti-inflammatory, provide relief from asthma and allergies, and interfere with the replication of HIV. Some triterpenes have been found to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and others have been found to be directly cytotoxic to cancer cells. As mentioned earlier, the diterpenes of Lion's Mane have been shown to support the nervous system and stimulate the production of nerve growth factor and thus facilitate the growth of neurons. Some studies are indicating that Lion's Mane improves memory and may even slow the onset of dementia.Many of these mushrooms are also rich in the "essential sugars" that are the building blocks for very significant parts of the immune system including antibodies and receptor sites used for communication between the various white blood cells. Essential sugars make up 3 – 10% of each antibody our bodies produce. Some of these essential sugars, such as Mannose, are found in medicinal mushrooms in long chains. Many people seem to have a deficiency in these essential sugars which leads to a decreased ability of the immune system to produce antibodies and recognition sites leading to an impairment of the immune system's ability to communicate and for white blood cells to recognize microbes and cancer cells.Mushrooms are also very rich in a variety of antioxidants. The ORAC values of many of the medicinal mushrooms have been shown to be as high or higher than the superfruits, such as goji berries, - 50,000 for chaga (higher than mangosteen juice), 15,000 for maitake (similar to Noni juice), 12,000 for cordyceps and 4,000 for reishi (similar to pomegranates and higher than blueberries). You can see these mushrooms are just loaded with beneficial constituents, and this is why we prefer to offer the whole mushroom rather than to isolate any single component.Adam: So needless to say, here is a man who knows his mushrooms! Not only that, but your enthusiasm is contagious. Mushrooms really are miraculous little things, aren't they? Some people call them the food of the gods.Vaughan: Food of the gods, yes. Whether you look at them from a culinary perspective, a medicinal perspective or a biological perspective, they truly are amazing.Adam: Plus all of your mushrooms are certified organic, right?Vaughan: That's correct. We grow all of the mushrooms in our products here at our certified organic farm in Southeast Ohio. There are no imported ingredients in any of our products. Some of the "organic" mushroom products on the market displaying the USDA organic symbol are actually made from mushrooms grown in China. Though it would be significantly more profitable for us to buy the mushrooms from China and then just package them, we would rather make a product that we know is as pure and potent as possible. Even the grain we use to grow the mushrooms with is from certified organic farms here in the U.S. It is not required to use certified organic grain to be able to have your mushrooms certified as organic, but once again we don't want to produce a product we don't believe in. Mushroom growers have an exemption from the organic grain requirement that organic dairy and beef producers have to follow. But why? As I stated earlier, mushrooms are extremely good at absorption. We don't want to be growing mushrooms with grain that has been sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals. That just doesn't make sense to me when people are using mushrooms for healing.Adam: Excellent. And it's dedication like that which makes your company NaturalNews material. Before we go on, I would like to mention that many of our readers here at NaturalNews are raw foodists, or follow raw principles. Is this a raw product, or do you use heat sterilization? What are your thoughts on heat sterilization, and what kind of effects does it have on a mushroom?Vaughan: We have both steamed and un-steamed powders available. The logic behind steaming the mushrooms is to "activate" them by helping to loosen the 1,3 beta-glucans off of the cell walls and make them more available. I wouldn't be surprised if the steaming does destroy some beneficial non-heat stable properties that we don't know about yet. The previously mentioned constituents are all heat stable up to 300F, but I imagine there is still a lot that hasn't been discovered about mushrooms yet. If someone prefers to take raw mushroom powders, taking the powders on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals will help to cleave the 1,3 beta-glucans off the walls. This is basically submitting them to an acid treatment in the stomach which helps to break the bonds.Adam: Interesting. Speaking of sterilization, do you perform bacterial assays on your powders to make sure we aren't getting more than we bargain for?Vaughan: Yes, all the powders, steamed and un-steamed, are sent off to a third-party lab that tests them for a variety of microbes. That is just a routine part of our Sanitary Standard Operating Procedures and part of HACCP program. We don't clear any lot of powders for shipment until we have received the test results back from the lab. We test for total bacterial counts, mold, yeast, E. coli, Clostridium, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. Fortunately, growing the mushrooms ourselves allows us to make sure they are grown in as clean of a manner as possible.Adam: Great. Can you give us your website and contact phone number?Vaughan: Our website address is (www.mushroomharvest.com) and our phone number is (740) 448-7376.Adam: And you have put forth a special, NaturalNews exclusive offer for those readers who catch this interview. How can readers take advantage of this offer?Vaughan: If a reader would like to order and receive the NaturalNews Reader Discount of 20%, they can just call (740) 448-7376, place their order over the phone and let us know that they are a NaturalNews reader.Stay tuned in the next few days for the second half of this NaturalNews exclusive interview with George Vaughan, an authority in medicinal mushrooms and the founder of Mushroom Harvest (www.mushroomharvest.com) , a supplier of ultra-potent strains of the most powerful organic medicinal mushrooms in the world. In part two, we will talk in detail about a few of the different species found in George's one-of-a-kind 14-mushroom blend and what makes his mushrooms the most effective on the market.
About the authorAdam Miller is a student of life who has dedicated literally thousands of hours of personal research on top of formal institutional training in Dietetics to learn the secrets of achieving vibrant health and extended lifespan. His passion and dedication is in bringing the best ideas for self-empowerment through nutrition and nutraceuticals as well as alternative therapies, technology, and information to the public through various means.

Reviews of medical mushrooms

Review of Medicinal Mushrooms Advances: Good News from Old Allies: Mushrooms are not just for elevating gourmet meals, but for improving health. Macrofungi offer enormous, yet largely untapped, medicinal potential. This review article outlines the past uses and future possibilities of a "non-green revolution."HerbalGram. 2002;56:28-33 (Ganoderma 5, lucidum 4)The Fifth International Mycological Congress.: One of the largest world gatherings of mycologists took place in Vancouver, B.C., at the University of British Columbia, August 14-21, 1994. "Mycostock 94" it wasn't, but a great time was had by all 1HerbalGram. 1995;33:54 (Ganoderma 4, lucidum 4)New Anti-viral Compounds from Mushrooms: HG 51 Mycology New Anti-viral Compounds from Mushrooms by Paul Stamets A new class of anti-viral compounds has been.......
More info: http://content.herbalgram.org/new-mark/herbalgram/search.asp?s=Ganoderma+lucidum&p=1

Stunt Girl Krista Bell Lives Life On The Edge

LOOKING at Canadian beauty Krista Bell it is easy to imagine her in the movies.
With her long blonde hair, lithe figure and stunning features, it seems only right that she earns her living in front of a camera.
But while she has worked with huge stars such as Halle Berry, Ian McKellen and Matthew Broderick, Krista is not just another spoilt acting diva, she is the woman who makes stars like Pamela Anderson, Denise Richards and Sarah Michelle Geller look like the all-action girls that they appear to be on screen.
Krista is a top female stunt performer, having worked on a string of top movies and TV shows including Snakes On A Plane, Fantastic Four and Smallville, and despite the dangers, she loves every minute of her high-octane job.
She said: "I love the work I do, I mean, you do have to be constantly aware of the fact that things can go wrong.
"The risk factor is always there, but that's OK because I love anything extreme.
"Even when I am not working I don't ever really relax, I go snowboarding, motocross, downhill mountain-biking, and recently rock climbing."
The 29-year-old has been working on movie blockbusters for the last six years and says she has always wanted to do something physical for a living.
As a child she said she was always happiest when she was doing something athletic, so when she combined that with her love of movies, her choice of career was obvious.
She said: "It was definitely my love of pushing my body to the limits and my passion for the film industry which sparked my interest in stunts.
"But I was never sure how to pursue it so I decided to move to Toronto to train for the WWE as a wrestler, which was a great base for the work I do now.
"Then The Rock was in Vancouver doing a movie called Walking Tall and somehow became aware of my skills and interest in stunts.
"That's when I got my first break and I haven't looked back."
Now Krista spends her days throwing herself from horses, vehicles and buildings, landing herself in hospital quite a few times but only with, in her words, "minor injuries" such as concussion and a broken hand.
But there is no way such dangers are ever going to put Krista off being a stunt woman.
She simply sees the hazards as part of the job she loves, although she does admit that she does have to stay alert. She said: "It's important to always be on your toes and ready for anything.
"I did a stunt on one film where I am on a bicycle and a van almost hits me. Just as the van reaches me, I get ratcheted off the bicycle, creating the illusion that I've been hit so hard that I fly through the air.
"On the first take, that ratchet did not go off, leaving me on the bike. Fortunately the van was not in that shot so I was okay."
Krista also has to keep herself in prime physical fitness to be able to do the stunts she does and that means a gruelling daily exercise regime even when she is not working on a movie.
She said: "Every day I train to improve my skills and better myself. Along with a regular schedule of going to the gym, jogging and yoga, I train at martial arts, boxing, weapons and trampoline.
"Being motivated, focused and disciplined in a career like this is extremely important and keeping myself ready and prepared for what they need of me on set is as much a full-time job as work itself.
"I also try to eat properly to keep my energy up and take various supplements.
"One of my favourites at the moment is is a product called Mikei Red Reishi Capsules.
"I've been using themfor a couple of months. They really help keep my energy up while working long hours on set and I seem to feel less stressed out.
"I would recommend them for anyone looking for a boost to their general well-being."
But for Krista, leading such an active life doesn't leave much room for a boyfriend.
She said: "I just don't have the time for a relationship, my work schedule is so busy and I travel all over the place."

Recognize early symptoms of liver cancer prevent liver cancer

An early omen:(1) Liver Depression card. The spirit of the reasons for including non-poor, not Shu Xijin, feel pain and other symptoms, often the first sign of latent card.(2) liver pain. Pain not obvious, for a time, is implicit in the deep Duntong.(3) loss of appetite, abdominal distension, weakness. Is the secondary liver cancer symptoms. If known as chronic liver cirrhosis over 40 years of age, suddenly appeared above aura symptoms should immediately further examination.In short, closed when the deep Duntong, anorexia, nausea and liver cancer is the earliest sign, once the development of liver persistent pain, has been non-early.Second, liver cancer prevention methods:First, completely cured precancerous disease, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, especially hepatitis B and liver cancer have to put an end to the soil.Second, do not eat moldy food, in particular by aflatoxin contamination of peanuts, corn and cereal.Third, eat more fresh vegetables, fruit and meat, fish.Fourth, improve immunity, strengthen the immune surveillance system, which is the eradication of cancer early can be served ginseng, Yun-Ling, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium bacteria, mushrooms, Bellamya purificata, bamboo shoots, kelp, shepherdspurse, such as cuttlefish.Fifth, and maintain progressive, optimistic attitude, hepatic veins to ease circulation of qi and blood, not stranded Health cult poison cancer.

What is Ganoderma (Linghzi/Reishi)

There are more than 38,000 varieties of Mushrooms known to mankind. Out of this, about 2000 varieties are fit for human consumption. In that, about 200 varieties have therapeutic (medicinal) properties. The predominant variety in this group is GANODERMA LUCIDUM. It is also called Reishi ( in Japanese), Lingzhi ( in Chinese) or Chaga ( in Russian). The DXN technology combines SIX best varieties out of this 200, to achieve highest therapeutic values.

KING OF HERBS For ages, GANODERMA is considered the KING OF HERBS and also as MIRACLE MUSHROOM. It is due to the unique composition of active elements and to the miraculous health benefits it offers. Scientifically, it is known to possess the following properties, which are unique in nature.
A1- SUPERIOR HERB : Gano has been categorized as the best of the Superior Herbs, known to man. By this quality, Gano is able to provide NUTRITIVE as well as THERAPEUTIC benefits to the body at one go. There are more than 640 herbs used by man and Gano belongs to the most superior class of the herbs.
ADAPTOGEN : This term refers to the herbs which when consumed, satisfy the following three conditions.
There should be NO SIDE-EFFECTS ( or Toxicity ) even on long term as well as large quantity consumption.
The benefits of consumption should not be restricted to a few organs ( or tissues ) ; but should be effective on ALL THE CELLS in the body.
There should be a NORMALIZING effects on the body as a whole.
DXN GANODERMA ACTIVE ELEMENTS
DXNGanoderma is known to contain more than 200 active elements. Some are Nutritive and others are Therapeutic in function.
NUTRITIVE : Proteins, Amino acids, Vitamins, Minerals and dietary Fiber. They are all essential nutritional elements to build the body strong and healthy. THERAPEUTIC : Five important active elements are noted for their therapeutic benefits. They are as follows :
Polysaccharides (PSP) : They are excellent in activating the bodys immune system at all levels. Once activated, the immune system CLEANSES the body of all toxic matters. These toxins include harmful chemicals as well as harmful germs. Polysaccharides protect the cell wall. It increases the Oxygen levels in the blood. It effectively reduces the tumor cells and prevents the spread of cancer.
Organic Germanium ( OG ) : DXN Ganoderma is one of the richest sources of Organic Germanium ( 6000 ppm ) which is very rare. This OG is good in BALANCING the bio-chemical factors as well as bio-electric factors in the body. Thus it balances the body functions. It improves oxygen supply to the cells- particularly for the brain cells.
Adenosine: It acts as a REGULATOR of all hormone functions in the body. It also improves blood circulation, removes blocks in the vessels, Corrects acidity, controls cholesterol and reduces free-fat. It reduces obesity. It enhances the energy levels. Reduces mental stress and thereby improves work efficiency.
Triterpenoids : There are more than 112 types of Triterpenoids in DXN Ganoderma, which is a rich source. They are BUILDERS of the cells. They activate the inactive cells, improve all the digestive functions, strengthen the muscles of the Heart and the Liver cells. It is excellent in preventing a wide range of Allergies. It improves the natural healing ability of the body.
Ganoderic Essence ( GE ): It is a combination of various vegetable essences present in gano. GE is known to take care of the health of skin. Internally, it acts like beta carotenes and other anti-oxidants, thus preventing the cell degeneration. The ageing process is thus delayed, retaining the youthfulness for a long period. It strengthens the immune system and keeps full alert against infections attacking.
The presence of all the five important active elements in a single mushroom makes Ganoderma a special herb

Smart Fuel: Shiitake Mushrooms

Once relegated to the Asian foods section of grocery stores, shiitake mushrooms have emerged a prominent contender in the produce aisle, promising to add a little extra oomph – and even some medicinal benefits – to vegetable socks, soups and noodle dishes.
Although this fungi is an excellent source of selenium and a good source of iron, protein, dietary fiber and vitamin C, shiitake mushrooms are much more revered for their combination of antioxidants and other compounds, so much so that they have been used in Asian medicine for the past 6,000 years!
Specifically, shiitake mushrooms contain a polysaccharide known as lentinan that is thought to shore up the immune system, particularly in people who have a compromised immune system due to HIV, AIDS or other immunodeficiency disorders. In addition, lentinan has also been shown to offer a protective benefit against certain cancer types by increasing the population of reticular cells (a type of immune cell that actively seeks out and ingests bacteria, cancer cells and other cell waste) and drawing T lymphocytes (another immune system heavy hitter) to prevent cancer cell proliferation.
In addition, mushrooms are also an excellent source of L-ergothioneine – containing roughly 13 mg per 3 oz serving – or about forty times the amount of top L-ergothioneine heavy hitter wheat germ. What’s the big deal about L-ergothioneine? Well, this powerful antioxidant – which is only available via dietary resources – is thought to play a key role in both energy regulation and in protecting cells from free radicals and their associated oxidative damaging (think wrinkles, skin damage, and general aging of the entire body). Even better news? L-ergothioneine remains intact in mushrooms during cooking.
But are there any drawbacks to indulging in your favorite fungi? Well, yes. It should be noted that shiitake mushrooms contain a naturally-occurring compound known as purines that can cause excess accumulation of uric acid in the body, which in turn can lead to gout or the formation of kidney stones. However, this is generally not a problem for the majority of the population and shiitake mushrooms – and other sources of purines – should only really be of concern to those already suffering from kidney problems or gout.
When selecting shiitake mushrooms (a name that can be interchanged for similar reishi/linghzi and maitake mushrooms), look for those that are firm, plump and clean with no dark spots or “bruises.” Since the mushrooms are porous, they should be refrigerated in a paper bag – where they can stay fresh for about a week – and cleaned before preparation only with a damp paper towel (as opposed to being rinsed or submerged in water, which can cause them to become soggy). However, if you find that your mushrooms have become dried out during storage, placing them in a bowl of water for 30 minutes can do wonders to revive them!

Introducing North America to the World’s 1st Healthier Coffee Since April 2004

Founder, Chairman of the Board
Mr. Leow is a visionary, the man behind the mushroom. Mr. Leow founded Gano Excel™ in 1995 and has been the driving force of our mission "Bringing Health and Wealth to Every Family." As a research scientist, Mr. Leow first became interested in orchid plantations and the medicinal properties of various mushroom (fungi) species in Malaysia in 1983. Twelve years and several studies later, Mr. Leow founded Gano Excel™ as a way to promote the healthy qualities of the Ganoderma Lucidum or Red Mushroom. This quiet, unassuming professor has built Gano Excel™ from a small farm in Malaysia to one of the most formidable network marketing companies in the world. It is his unique qualities and commitment of vision that will secure Gano Excel™ as the solid company it is now and in the future.
In 1983, Malaysian scientist Leow Soon Seng identified six varieties of Red Ganoderma Lucidum demonstrating a high therapeutic value. He further determined that the Malaysian climate with its saturated humidity and constant temperature, averaging 85° F or 30° C, was highly conducive to Ganoderma cultivation. Using tissue cultured from the original 6 superior specimens he isolated, Mr. Leow was able to produce exact replicas with identical properties and potency. Germinated in a rich growth medium (blended from paddy husks, brown rice flour and rubber tree scraps) and cultivated in a highly controlled environment; Mr. Leow was able to consistently produce a nutrient-dense, organic Ganoderma Lucidum extract that would ensure the highest therapeutic value possible.

ORGANIC GANODERMA PLANTATION
Gano Excel owns and operates the world’s largest environment-friendly, organic Ganoderma Plantation. Our enclosed planting sheds utilize sophisticated and modern technology that protects the Ganoderma from its natural enemies while preserving a pristine growth environment.
Ganoderma takes approximately 3 months to mature; and the cultivation process is closely supervised so that the Ganoderma is harvested only when the nutrients have reached their apex. Even exposure to the sun is tightly controlled in order to produce the highest quality mushrooms possible with the greatest therapeutic value.

What can cause high blood sugar

Some herbs for diabetes can effectively improve this common disease together with drug medication. Treating diabetes with natural herbs can be quite complicated because more than one healing aspect are involved. Therefore, you need to take a few types of herbs for diabetes and Ganoderma Lucidum is one of them.
Diabetes happens when blood sugar level constantly stays at a higher level. This disease can lead to many other diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, food ulcer and even impotence.
Conventional treatment for diabetes uses drug medications to suppress sugar level. Before taking any herbs for diabetes, you too must begin your treatment with medication. It helps to quickly reduce sugar level and maintain it. However, medication doesn’t cure it. It only controls this disease and prevent other associated health problems.
There are 2 groups of medication.
The first type forces the already weakened pancreas to produce more insulin hormone to reduce sugar level. The second type suppresses the absorption of sugar in intestines, thus maintaining sugar level in the blood.
However, long term consumption of diabetes medication causes two main side effects. One is the hardening of blood vessels, causing stroke and heart disease. The other side effect is the interference with fats metabolism, causing a patient to become fatter.
As you might have seen, some diabetes patients under long term medication are still affected with kidney failure and stroke. The recommended treatment for diabetes is to combine western medication with herbs for diabetes prescribed according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
TCM looks at diabetes from a different view. It regards diabetes as a disease of too much heat in the body. TCM divides it into 3 groups, namely:
Upper part (lung) heat
Middle part (stomach) heat
Lower part (kidney) heat
According to each specific case, TCM doctor will prescribe the suitable herbs for diabetes to uproot the actual cause of this disease. In the above 3 cases, the main healing functions of these herbs are:
Reduce body heat
Enhance kidney energy
Enhance “yin” energy
Boost body energy
With these healing principles, the first recommended herbs for diabetes are Five Leaves Ginseng herb (Rhinacanthus Nasutus) and White Crane Lingzhi herb (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum). These herbal plants effectively reduce body heat of the upper, middle and lower part. Both can help to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol too.
The second herb is Cordyceps Sinensis. This precious fungus is proven to improve kidney energy. It was used since ancient times by the Chinese to improve weak body constitution.
The third supplement for diabetes is bee Royal Jelly. This natural supplement has the highest content of natural hormones. It helps to increase “yin” energy of the body. In TCM, “yin” is associated with body fluid such as blood, hormones, saliva, eye tear and joints fluid. Therefore, taking Royal Jelly helps to naturally increase the insulin hormone produced by pancreas.
The fourth herb is Ganoderma Lucidum. This herb helps to boost body energy for the fourth healing requirement. That’s why Ganoderma Lucidum is one of the important herbs for diabetes.
Although Ganoderma Lucidum alone is not enough, it does help to improve a diabetes patient’s blood circulation and increase their immune system. This prevents the disease from worsening.
If a patient can take all these four herbs for diabetes together with western medication, healing chances are greatly increased. However, they must take note of the following…
Reduce sugar and sweet food intake
Don’t get angry and stressful
Exercise regularly
With the above lifestyles kept in mind, taking herbs for diabetes certainly improve this common disease in the long run.

Method for extracting oleaginous substances from ganoderma lucidum (linghzi) spores

The present invention relates to a method for extracting the oleaginous substances from sporoderm-broken Ganoderma/linghzi spores using SCF-CO2. The method contains the steps of breaking the Ganoderma/linghzi spores by a mechanical means to obtain the sporoderm-broken spores; and extracting the oleaginous substances from the sporoderm-broken spores using a supercritical fluid - carbon dioxide (SCF-CO2) extraction method. Before breaking the spores by a mechanical means, there may be steps of inducing germination of Ganoderma/linghzi spores by incubating the spores in a nutritional solution and activating the Ganoderma/linghzi spores by placing the germination-induced spores in a well ventilated culture box kept at constant temperature and humidity to obtain the sporoderm-broken spores. As for SCF-CO2, the preferred supercritical conditions include 5 M to 60 M Pa of pressure; 32 DEG C to 85 DEG C of temperature; and 5 kg/h to 80 kg/h of flow capacity rate. The total extraction time in SCF-CO2 is between 0.5 hour to 6 hour. The method produces approximately 37% by weight of oleaginous substances from the sporoderm-broken Ganoderma/linghzi spores. These oleaginous substances are transparent and contain the special fragrance of Ganoderma/linghzi spores. There is no trace of deposit, solvent residue, or oxidization in the oleaginous substances.

The Need for Complementary Alternative Cancer Therapies

Mushroom Extracts increase the activity of natural killer cells in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (Ahn WS et al 2004). A Ganoderma lucidum (linghzi/reishi)polysaccharide extract known as ganopoly (1800 mg, three times daily before meals for 12 weeks) boosted natural killer cell numbers in advanced-stage cancer patients (Gao Y et al 2003).
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 68 patients with advanced (stage III or IV) non-small cell lung cancer, polysaccharide peptides (PSP) isolated from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor (340 mg, three times daily for four weeks) significantly improved blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts, serum IgG and IgM, and percentage of body fat compared to the control group (Tsang KW et al 2003).
In a case series of eight patients with various cancers (mostly stage II-IV), a combination of maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) MD-fraction and whole maitake powder resulted in a positive response in 23 of 36 cancer patients. Cancer regression or significant symptom improvement was observed in 69 percent of breast cancer patients, 63 percent of lung cancer patients, and 58 percent of liver cancer patients. The study found a less than 10 percent to 20 percent improvement in leukemia, stomach cancer, and brain cancer patients. In addition, when maitake was taken in addition to chemotherapy, immune-competent cell activities were enhanced 1.2 times to 1.4 times compared to chemotherapy alone (Kodama N et al 2002).

Natural Stress Relief Herbs

Long term stress can be horrible for our health; it keeps us from sleeping, zaps our energy, makes us look and feel older, and can contribute to various health problems. That’s why it’s important to take time for stress relief. One way to do this is by using natural herbs. You can use them in tea or supplement form to help you feel calm and relaxed. There are a lot of remedies for stress out there; here are some of the most effective:
Kava kava. This herb has not only been used for stress relief and relaxation, but also for easing anxiety and curing insomnia. The effects are considered to be similar to the prescription drug valium, but generally without the “mental fog” feeling. Since the effects are so potent, you should be careful what you do after taking it until you know how it affects you.
Lavender. Lavender has an analgesic (pain relieving) and calming effect. You can massage the oil into your skin, put drops of it in a bath, or just rub a small amount on your temples for a soothing and relaxing effect.
Valerian. This is one of the most widely used herbs for curing insomnia. It calms the nervous system, making you feel calm and relaxed instead of stressed. In addition, since it helps you get a great night’s sleep, you’ll feel more refreshed and ready to face the next day.
Reishi. This is a great supplement to take if you find your stress is caused by a constantly racing mind. This herb produces a calm, clear mind and helps cure anxiety without making you feel sleepy or sedated. It can also help you sleep if you have trouble “turning off” your brain at night.
Unlike prescription drugs, most herbal supplements require longer periods of time to notice the full effect. If taken properly and with patience, these herbs can provide a natural and effective alternative to drugs with fewer side effects. Talk to your licensed health care practitioner before starting any herbal supplement because they may have drug interactions.

Natural Cures for Cardiac Arrythmias

The heart is an amazing organ. It is designed to beat within a basic rhythm, which ensures that it accomplishes its task of moving blood through the body with maximum efficiency.But when something disturbs that normal rhythm, an arrhythmia occurs. A number of things could cause this irregular beating: a failure of electrical impulses within the heart; scarring from previous heart attacks; a drug reaction; a disruption in body chemicals such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium; or a malfunction of the thyroid gland.Many people experience “skipped heartbeats,” or what feel like heartbeat fluttering, when they become sleep-deprived, experience periods of emotional stress, or overexert themselves physically. In these cases, rest and relaxation can help restore normal rhythm.Arrhythmias might make you feel anxious, but most are not life-threatening. Whether or not an arrhythmia is serious depends on what is causing it. If structural deformities or heart disease is present, the arrhythmias are symptoms of a greater problem.If you experience arrhythmias, see your doctor to rule out structural abnormalities or the presence of disease. One non-drug option for people with arrhythmias may be a outpatient surgical procedure to destroy certain muscle fibers responsible for the disturbed beat. In the case of life-threatening arrhythmias, doctors may recommend the implantation of a pacemaker.
Herbal Remedies
Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum)
This South Pacific root can ease the anxiety that is a major cause of cardiac arrhythmias. And while kava-kava does produce relaxation, it doesn’t have the side effects that pharmaceutical sedatives often do. Typical dosage: up to six 400-or 500-milligram capsules per day (look for supplements with 55 percent kavalactones); or 15 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day. Caution: Do not take when pregnant, nursing, depressed, or operating machinery or vehicles.
Valerian (Valweiana officinalis)
Many people with arrhythmias suffer also from insomnia, due either to their anxiety about the disorder or other worries. Valerian is another sage but potent herb for anxiety associated with arrhythmias. Precisely because it’s so potent, it’s the one to choose as a sleep aid. Typical dosage: 50 to 100 milligrams of standardized extract containing 0.8 percent valeric acid two or three times per day; or 20 to 60 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Continued use of valerian can cause headaches, which can be avoided by taking a break of two or three days every two weeks.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Time-honored, gently relaxing chamomile is often consumed in pill or tea form to soothe anxiety. Typical dosage: 50 to 75 milligrams of product standardized to one percent apigenin content two or three times per day; or 10 to 40 drops of tincture three times per day; or 3 or 4 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
A superior cardiovascular herb, hawthorn helps lower blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. In clinical trials, it has proven its ability to treat heart failure and minor arrhythmias. Typical dosage: up to 750 milligrams per day of extract standardized to 1.8 percent vitexin-2′rhamnoside or 10 percent procyanidins; or up to nine nonstandardized 500- or 600- milligram capsules per day; or 10 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried berries in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: Hawthorn increases the effects of some heart medications; if you are taking any, consult your doctor before adding hawthorn to your regimen.
Reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum)
This medicinal mushroom has long been used in China as a general heart tonic, as well as for a host of other conditions. If your arrhythmias are caused by stress, reishis is a good choice to add to your routine because it acts on the many body systems that can be affected by stress. Typical dosage: up to five 420-milligram capsules per day; or up to three 1,000-milligram tablets up to three times per day.
Therapy at the Table
You’ve heard it before and you’ll likely hear it again: Diet is a crucial factor in any aliment involving the heart. Cardiac arrhythmia has been linked to food allergies. By all means, consult an allergist, but because these sensitivities are subtle and often elude conventional allergy tests, you may need to work with an experienced practitioner–a clinical nutritionist or naturopathic doctor–to identify them. Meanwhile, here are some foods you can emphasize and some you can cut back on or eliminate.
THE “DO” LIST THE “DON’T” LISTChicken AlcoholCold-water fish CaffeineFresh fruits Fried foodsGarlic Herbal stimulants such asOlive oil ephedra and guaranaOnions High-fat dairy productsRaw almonds MargarineRaw vegetables PeanutsTurkey Red meatWater–6 to 8 glasses per day Soft drinksSugar
Supplements to Help Keep the Beat
The following nutrients may help ease arrhythmias:* Calcium chelate plus magnesium. Calcium is essential for maintaining a regular heartbeat and ithelps all the body’s muscles repair after exercise. Magnesium should always accompany calcium formaximum effectiveness of both minerals. Low levels of these two nutrients can occur in people witharrhythmias. Typical dosage: 5oo to 1,500 milligrams of calcium combined with 400 to 800 milligramsof magnesium per day.* Coenzyme Q10. This nutrient is an overall heart tonic. Typical dosage: up to 400 milligrams per day.* L-carnitine. This nutrient reduces levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, while boosting thedelivery of oxygen to the heart muscle during times of stress. Typical dosage: 1,000 milligrams perday in divided doses.* Selenium. This nutrient acts as a powerful antioxidant in heart tissue, especially when paired withvitamin E (see below). Typical dosage: 2oo micrograms per day.* Vitamin E. This partner of selenium helps prevent heart tissue damage and naturally thins the blood.Typical dosage: 200 to 800 IU per day.* Potassium. This mineral helps ensure proper ratios of body chemicals called electrolytes, which areoften deficient in people experiencing arrhythmia. Typical dosage: aim for about 3,500 milligrams ofpotassium per day. Caution: Have your blood level for this mineral checked by a doctor before decidingon your dosage, because too much potassium is dangerous. A wide range of conditions and medicationsmust bot be combined with potassium supplements.* Fish oil. Combine this easily obtainable supplement with vitamin E (or increase your consumption ofcold-water fish) and you’ve got a potent heart tonic. Typical dosage: 100 to 400 milligrams per day.
All Stressed up and Nowhere to Vent
During times of stress, your adrenaline starts pumping and directly affects your heartbeat. Relaxation therapies such as medication, biofeedback, massage, and gentle exercises can help control conditions such as arrhythmia. Your health professional can refer you to relaxation classes given at your local hospital. Community recreation centers are also a good place to seek such classes.

Healthy Coffee USA Launches Founders Club

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthy Coffee USA, Inc., the marketing arm of Healthy Coffee International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: HCFE) launches USA Founders Club.
The USA Founders Club is designed to attract sales leaders and serious individuals to participate in the pre-launch of Healthy Coffee USA in the North American market in June 2008.
Membership will be limited to the first 300 members, who will take the lead in the marketing of Healthy Coffee products in the USA. Aside from a share in the 1% bonus pool of total USA sales for the first 3 years, many other incentives are offered.
Healthy Coffee USA features the first 100 members in its website http://www.healthycoffee.com/, under USA Founders Club.
Among the first Founders Club members include Dr. Gerry Barranda MD; networking leaders Minh and Julie Ho and Jude Marfa; businessman Riggies Tang; entrepreneurs Mercedita Santos, Minerva Gutierrez and Frank and Celly Adamo; engineer Ed Serna; realtors Jody Land and Ditas Pahl; music celebrity Bert Sagum of the Society of Seven; internet marketer Dave Wilcox; civic leaders Ting Joven and Dr. Ben Calderon MD; prominent dentist Dr. Merle Yaneza; and financial planners Dodi Cruz and Norman Viray
"We are attracting a lot of professionals to our business because of the healthy coffee story, and the opportunity it provides to create a monthly residual income. When you have a product that people consume 3 to 4 times every day, and get paid from all your customers and distributors every month, you have a winner," said Mr. Rick Aguiluz, Founder and CEO of Healthy Coffee International, Inc.
Healthy Coffee International, based in Newport Beach, CA, has adopted the network marketing system through its marketing arm, Healthy Coffee USA, and is now preparing for its national pre-launch in June 2008.
About Healthy Coffee International
HEALTHY COFFEE INTERNATIONAL, INC. is focused in bringing health to the world's largest and most popular drink, coffee. The secret is to combine the health benefits of Ginseng and Reishi in a delicious instant gourmet coffee drink, making its Healthy Coffee the most powerful Healthy Coffee in the world.
About Healthy Coffee USA, Inc.
HEALTHY COFFEE USA, INC. adds the business opportunity component to Healthy Coffee by providing an opportunity for the average person to own a coffee distribution or coffee house business without the big capital and overhead, and be able to market globally via the internet. Its website is http://www.healthycoffee.com/.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes forward-looking statements concerning the future performance of our business, its operations and its financial performance and condition, and also includes selected operating results presented without the context of accompanying financial results which are not yet available. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to our objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives, as well as statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations. We caution that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from the assumptions, estimates or expectations reflected or contained in the forward-looking information, and that actual future performance will be affected by a number of factors, including economic conditions, technological change, the integration of acquisitions, regulatory change and competitive factors, many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, future events and results may vary significantly from what we currently foresee. We are under no obligation (and we expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or alter the forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For Further Information, contact : Ernie Delfin (949) 209-8850,
email: info@healthycoffee.com. Healthy Coffee USA, Inc.

Naturopathic adjunctive cancer-care clinic

Supervising naturopathic doctors (ND) and fourth-year clinic interns at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC), the teaching clinic at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), have had their hands full this winter. “Winter is always a terrible time for colds and flus,” says Zeynep Uraz, ND and RSNC supervisor. Patients seeking relief often end up in lines at walk-in clinics and emergency waiting rooms. With no cure for the common cold or flu, however, they would do better to stay home and rest, or pay a visit to an RSNC intern or a naturopathic doctor.
“We get sick when our immune systems become stressed or overburdened,” says Zeynep Uraz, ND. Uraz explains that to prevent viruses from gaining the upper hand, the body needs certain tools to buttress its immune system. Potential patients can stop that next cold bug in its track by making a few diet and lifestyle adjustments. “Viruses and bacteria are all around us, and our immune systems are designed to constantly identify and attack them,” Uraz emphasizes. “But most people’s immune systems aren’t performing as well as they could be.”
Naturopathic doctors emphasize prevention, and treating the cause of illness. Hand washing is one of the simplest ways to prevent the cause of infection. In addition, Uraz emphasizes that stress is a huge factor, since it depresses the immune system. Getting enough sleep and scheduling downtime are key components of prevention.
In addition to personal hygiene and stress management, diet plays a significant role in bolstering immunity. “The immune system needs to be fed enough nutrients to stay strong and keep doing its job. Eat lots of garlic and onions, the less cooked the better. Have fewer sugary candies, snacks and drinks, including store bought fruit juices,” Uraz says.
Many people claim they try to eat healthy, but may not be doing all they can to stay healthy and productive. It takes some effort to eat right, incorporating at least five daily servings of various brightly coloured vegetables and fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, while also nixing sugary drinks and junk foods. No daily multivitamin will make up for poor dietary habits.
In addition, vitamin C and zinc can help keep the immune system strong, and vitamin D can help the body fight upper respiratory infections. Since the body primarily manufactures vitamin D from UV rays, it may be appropriate to supplement during the winter months. “Many people can benefit from nutritional counselling, and have questions about supplements,” says Uraz. “Everyone is different. Consulting a naturopathic doctor can help ensure you’re eating as well as you think, and taking supplements that are safe and appropriate for you.”
Herbs such as echinacea, reishi and astragalus can boost immunity and help prevent viruses from taking hold. Keep in mind, herbs that are best taken for the prevention of symptoms may not be appropriate to take if and when the infection sets in. “I choose botanicals to match the patient’s symptoms,” says Uraz. “Some herbs are great for coughs but not for fevers or congestion or runny nose. Every herb has potential side effects, so the patient’s health status and medical history has to be considered.”
Boosting immunity does more than help prevent illness. Even the healthiest people get sick occasionally. Antibiotics, however, only kill bacterial infections, and have no impact on viruses. The only way to cure a virus is to give your immune system the time and tools to regain the upper hand. Supporting a vigorous immune response helps fight off the infection in less time. Rule number one is to drink plenty of fluids. Warm, caffeine-free and sugar-free drinks are best. Avoid sugary drinks such as fruit juices and soda, which can actually depress the immune response. In addition to popping vitamin C and zinc, physical therapies such as cayenne foot baths and mustard plasters can provide relief. Based on your symptoms and health status, an ND can suggest herbs that are appropriate for you.
“Listen to your body,” advises Uraz. “You’ll feel tired, and that’s your body telling you to rest. Besides, it’s better to stay home from work while you’re contagious.” That advice applies to the gym as well. Sniffling, coughing and fevers should never be brought into an environment where many people gather and share equipment. Proponents of the idea that it’s good to “sweat out” a cold would be wise to stick with hot baths and showers. A little light exertion, away from others, is fine once recovery is underway. Gently raising your body temperature will kick the immune system into high gear. Going overboard in the gym will just kick it while it’s down.
“The bottom line is that patients should do whatever they can to keep their immune systems strong. You’re far more likely to get sick if your diet and lifestyle aren’t balanced. Don’t hesitate to get help if you need it.”Heather Gibson is a Communications Officer at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

Ganoderma tsugae mycelium enhances splenic natural killer cell activity and serum interferon production in mice.

icaEffects of the water-soluble extract of Ganoderma tsugae mycelium (GT), its alcohol-insoluble subfraction (GTI), and its alcohol-soluble subfraction (GTS) on splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity and serum interferon (IFN) production were assessed in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of GT (4-200 mg/kg) or GTI (1-50 mg/kg), but not GTS, augmented the NK cytotoxic activity in a dose-dependent manner in C3H/HeN mice. This augmentation of splenic NK cytolytic activity was not mouse-strain-dependent. The serum IFN titers of mice were also elevated after i.p.-doses of GTI. The GTI-induced serum IFN was reduced by either IFN-(alpha+beta) antiserum or IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody in vitro. The treatment with antiserum neutralizing IFN-(alpha+beta) resulted in a 70% reduction of GTI-induced IFN, while monoclonal antibody against mouse IFN-gamma, moderately neutralized the GTI-induced IFN (50%). These results demonstrated that both the splenic NK activity and serum IFN [IFN-(alpha+beta) and IFN-gamma] titers are elevated by Ganoderma tsugae mycelium extracts in mice.