The Truth About Taking Zinc Lozenges for Colds

The Truth About
Taking Zinc Lozenges for Colds

Zinc lozenges are a popular remedy for a cold. But do they really work?

For years, scientists have conducted studies on zinc. And for years they’ve gotten conflicting results. Some studies showed that zinc works. And some studies showed it doesn’t.

But recently, one group of researchers conducted a meta analysis of all the published studies on zinc. They discarded any studies with poor methodology. What they were left with were double-blind, placebo-controlled studies totaling 1,387 participants.

The researchers looked at all the different factors that could have affected the outcome of the studies — what kind of zinc, what form it was in, what dose… everything. When all was said and done, they finally had some answers about zinc that made sense. 

Here’s what they discovered…

The ONLY Forms Of Zinc That Can
Stop A Cold In its Tracks

There are several kinds of zinc that you can take for colds. But only two kinds of zinc are actually effective against colds. 

The best kind is zinc acetate. It’s the only kind of zinc that consistently slashes the duration of a cold in half.  Zinc gluconate was the second best choice, but zinc acetate worked much better.

None of the other kinds of zinc were effective at fighting colds.

Why are zinc acetate and zinc gluconate effective and other kinds aren’t? Because they both release zinc in the form of a positively charged ion. The ionic form is what makes the difference in whether zinc can cure your cold or not.

How does ionic zinc cure your cold? Well, first, zinc is a powerful antiviral agent, especially against rhinoviruses. Next, ionic zinc helps your white blood cells fight cold viruses, too. It boosts their production of interferon-gamma, which is your body’s primary defense against all viral infections.

Ionic zinc also stops the cold viruses from spreading in your body. You see, cold viruses get into your cells by attaching to a microscopic molecule that moves between cells. The molecule is called ICAM-1. And if a cold virus attaches to it, ICAM-1 smuggles the virus inside the cell. Ionic zinc blocks this process and stops cold viruses from entering and infecting your cells.

And finally, ionic zinc fights colds by minimizing stuffiness, congestion, sneezing and a runny nose.  How?  It inhibits the release of histamines that trigger those symptoms. In other words, it behaves just like the antihistamines some people take when they want to get rid of a runny, stuffy, congested nose.

Once researchers learned that ionic zinc was more effective than non-ionic zinc, they wanted to know which compound was best at releasing zinc in its ionic form. They wanted to know what dose was effective.  And they wanted to know which form was best.

As I mentioned above, they discovered that zinc acetate was best. Zinc acetate releases 100% of the zinc in an ionic form. Zinc gluconate was second best. It only releases 70% of its zinc in the ionic form. 

The researchers also found that you need at least 75 mg of zinc acetate a day to fight colds. And finally, they found that zinc is only effective when cold viruses are exposed to zinc for at least 20 minutes at a time. 

Since zinc needs 20 minutes of exposure to fight colds… pills, syrups, or sprays simply won’t work. You need slow-dissolving lozenges that release the zinc right where the viruses are.

Here’s What You Don’t Want In
Your Zinc Cold Remedies

Other common forms of zinc (zinc citrate, zinc glycinate, and zinc tartrate) release little to no ionic zinc.  As a result, they are completely useless for fighting colds. 

And don’t be fooled by combinations, either. If you choose a product that combines zinc gluconate and zinc glycinate, you’re wasting your money. 

Not only do you get less zinc gluconate per dose, the glycine interferes with the release of ionic zinc from the zinc gluconate. Only 57% of zinc is released in ionic form. That’s way less than the 70% released by zinc gluconate on its own. 

And it’s even worse when manufacturers combine zinc gluconate with zinc citrate, zinc aspartate, or zinc tartrate. These combinations result in 0% of the zinc being released in ionic form. That’s right – zero.  No wonder so many of these zinc remedies don’t work!

And finally, when you’re selecting lozenges, check for palm kernel oil and cottonseed oil. If either of these oils are in the ingredient list, don’t waste your money. Why?  Because they bind to zinc during the manufacturing process and prevent it from being released in ionic form.

Suddenly all of these conflicting study results make sense, right? As soon as I read the meta-study, I knew exactly what kind of zinc to recommend to my patients and readers — zinc acetate, in lozenge form.

But there was just one problem with zinc acetate lozenges. I couldn’t find any that were commercially available! That’s why I turned to my friends at Advanced Bionutritionals.

The ONLY Type of Zinc
You Should Take to Fight a Cold

I shared what I had learned about zinc acetate, and I’m happy to report that Advanced Bionutritionals has now developed the very first zinc acetate lozenge — Advanced Zinc Lozenges.

Advanced Bionutritionals did their best, and the taste is fine.  But I’m not going to lie. You will still have a slight metallic taste and drying sensation on your tongue. But you know what? I take that as a good sign. That means the lozenge is working.

“Down to the Last Lozenge Guarantee”

I’m so sure that you’re going to be thrilled with Advanced Zinc Lozenges that you won’t need their famous “down to the last lozenge” guarantee.

If you aren’t happy with Advanced Zinc Lozenges… if you don’t feel like they’re working… if anything about the product doesn’t thrill you… just send it back for a refund. It doesn’t matter if you’ve taken one day or the full week’s supply. Just send back whatever you have left and you’ll get your money back.  All of your money back.  Every penny. Including shipping!

That’s right — we even refund the shipping charges! No questions asked, no exceptions, no fine print.

To staying strong and healthy,

Frank Shallenberger, MD

Dr. Frank Shallenberger is compensated by Advanced Bionutritionals for his work in formulating and endorsing this product.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Monsanto’s BT-Toxins Found to Kill Human Embryo Cells

...you'll be interested to know that Monsanto's Bt-toxin is far from 'safe' as the chemical company claimed it would be when filing their papers with the FDA. New research from Canada show that BT toxins are showing up in pregnant women, and low and behold - they are killing human embryo cells.

Bt toxins are prominent in genetically altered crops such as corn, soy, wheat, and others, called Cry1Ab - and they can be lethal. Not only do these cry-toxins target the kidney cells of developing human fetuses, but when Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac are combined with RoundUp, they can delay apoptosis of human cancer cells. What's worse, glyphosate, the main ingredient in RoundUp, also causes necrosis - i.e. the death of human tissue, and this happens even when the substance is found in much smaller amounts than what is currently being used on our agricultural crops. The stuff is still carcinogenic in the parts per trillion range.

Read more >>

Source: www.organicconsumers.org

THE WEBSITE THE MEAT INDUSTRY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO SEE

MEAT.ORG

*Click on picture to watch video

Infrared ‪Sauna‬ for Health

HEALTH TIP: “Far Infrared” (FIR) is a band of light produced by the sun, not visible to the human eye but detectable as heat. This is the heat you feel that penetrates and warms your skin when you stand in the sun, and it is the same heat you miss when you walk into the shade on a cold winter day. FIR heat is a completely safe form of naturally occurring energy that heats objects by a process called “direct light conversion,” which warms only the object and does not raise the temperature of the surrounding free air. This type of energy travels up to 3 inches deep into the body and increases circulation and nourishes damaged tissue.

With a FIR sauna, your body receives a deep detoxifying sweat that is sustained at about 120 degrees as compared to the 180 degrees that would be required from a traditional steam sauna. By creating an “artificial fever,” FIR heat has a positive effect on the immune system. Often misunderstood, fever is a natural healing response of the body. The function of the immune system is increased naturally during a fever, while viral and bacterial growth is slowed. Last night, I felt like I might be getting sick, so I sat in the sauna about 45 minutes (as I do almost every night). Voila! After I got out of the sauna, I felt better and never got sick.

A 2001 study by Dr. Masakazu Imamura (published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology) indicated that 30 minutes in the FIR sauna can burn upwards of 600 calories. As your core temperature increases, the body works hard to cool itself, and there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories. The increased metabolic rate causes extra toxic waste products to be purged from the body through the skin, during perspiration. The skin is often referred to as the “third kidney” because it is believed to be responsible for eliminating 30% of the body’s toxic waste.

In 1989, German medical researchers reported in "Dermatol Monatsschrift" that a single whole-body session of infrared-induced hyperthermia lasting over one hour had ONLY beneficial effects on subjects with hypertension. Each subject experienced a rise in core body temperature to a maximum level of 35.5 degrees Celsius (100.5 Fahrenheit). All of the subjects in one experiment had significant decreases in arterial, venous, and mean blood pressure that lasted for at least 24 hours.

Infrared heat also increases the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreases joint stiffness, and increases blood flow.

Source: CancerTruth

More Resources and Information:

www.sunlighten.com/infrared-sauna-health-benefits.html:

• Detoxification
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Anti-Aging & Skin Purification
• Pain Relief
• Improved Circulation
• Relaxation
• Cell Health
• Wound Healing
• Weight Loss

6 Benefits Of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Far Infrared Heat Therapy

Balancing your Body's pH

Your Body is Acidic. Here is what you Need to Do

The body maintains a delicate acid-alkaline balance. Everything from healthy cells to cancer cells to soil quality and ocean life is affected by pH.

The term pH stands for “potential hydrogen” which is the measure of hydrogen ions in a particular solution. In the case of our bodies, that solution refers to our body’s fluids and tissues.

The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is and ranges from 0 to 14. Seven is neutral. Below 7 becomes increasingly acidic, above 7 increasingly alkaline.

Proper pH varies throughout your body for many reasons. For example, your bowels, skin and vagina should be slightly acidic–this helps keep unfriendly bacteria away.

Saliva is more alkaline. While your urine is normally more acidic, especially in the morning.

In addition, your body regularly deals with naturally occurring acids that are the by-products of respiration, metabolism, cellular breakdown, and exercise.

By far the most important measurement is your blood. For optimal cellular health, your blood pH must be slightly alkaline with a pH between 7.365 and 7.4. A basic understanding of how our bodies maintain an alkaline blood range is important for good health. Your body doesn’t just find the balance it works extremely hard to create it.

Most people are bathing their cells in an inflammatory acid bath multiple times per day with tons of sugar, processed foods, and factory farmed animal products.

One of the biggest casualties of that type of diet is the toll it takes on the body, especially the digestive system, liver, and kidneys. Inflammation, allergies, arthritis, skin problems, constipation, bowel issues, stress (physical & mental) and chronic disease like cancer absolutely love this diet.

Excess acidity also sets the stage for bad bacteria (like yeast and fungus) and even viruses that wreak havoc on our health.

Therefore, maintaining pH balance  is one of the important tools to optimizing your health.

Home Remedy To Correct Your PH Balance

Ingredients

2/3 tsp. baking soda

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar

Directions

Mix everything together.  The acid/base combination will immediately begin to fizz.

Continue adding baking soda until the fizz stops and then fill the glass with  8 oz. of filtered water.

Drink this all in one sitting.

This  remedy will help neutralizes the pH and create an alkaline-forming environment in your body.

You have our permission to reprint this article via creative commons license if you attribute us with a live backlink to this article. - Organic Health

Source: http://organichealth.co/your-body-is-acidic-here-is-what-you-need-to-do/

9 Signs You Have Magnesium Deficiency and How to Cure It

Source: www.justnaturallyhealthy.com/

Magnesium is arguably the most important mineral in the body. According to Dr. Norman Shealy"Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency and it's the missing cure to many diseases." Not only does Magnesium help regulate calcium, potassium and sodium, but Magnesium (Mg) is essential for cellular health and is a critical component of over 300 biochemical functions in the body. Even glutathione, your body's most powerful antioxidant that has even been called "the master antioxidant," requires magnesium for its synthesis. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of this and millions suffer daily from magnesium deficiency without even knowing it.

Most Common Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms

Many people that are magnesium deficient may not even know it. But here are some key symptoms to look out for that could indicate if you are deficient:

Leg Cramps
70% of adults and 7% of children experience leg cramps on a regular basis. But leg cramps can more than a nuisance; they can also be downright excruciating! Because of magnesium's role in neuromuscular signals and muscle contraction, researchers have observed that magnesium deficiency is often to blame. More and more health care professionals are prescribing magnesium supplements to help their patients. Restless leg syndrome is another warning sign of a magnesium deficiency. To overcome both leg cramps and restless leg syndrome you will want to increase your intake of both magnesium and potassium.

Insomnia
Magnesium deficiency is often a precursor to sleep disorders such as anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness. It has been suggested that this is because magnesium is vital for GABA function, an inhibitory neurotransmitter known to "calm" the brain and promote relaxation. Taking around 400mg of magnesium before bed or with dinner is the best time of day to take the supplement. Also, adding in magnesium rich foods during dinner like spinach may help.

Muscle Pain / Fibromyalgia
A study published in Magnesium Research examined the role magnesium plays in fibromyalgia, and uncovered that increasing magnesium consumption reduced pain and tenderness and also improved immune blood markers. Oftentimes linked to autoimmune disorders, this research should encourage fibromyalgia patients because it highlights the systemic effects that magnesium supplements have on the body.

Anxiety
As magnesium deficiency can affect the central nervous system, more specifically the GABA cycle in the body, it's side effects can include irritability and nervousness. As the deficiency worsens it causes high levels of anxiety and in severe cases depression and hallucinations. Magnesium is needed for every cell function from the gut to the brain, so it is no wonder that it affects so many systems.

High Blood Pressure
Magnesium works partnered with calcium to support proper blood pressure and protect the heart. So when you are magnesium deficient, often you are also low in calcium and tend towards hypertension or high blood pressure. A study with 241,378 participants published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition uncovered that a diet high in magnesium foods could reduce the risk of a stroke by 8%. This is profound considering that hypertension causes 50% of ischemic strokes in the world.

Type II Diabetes
One of the 4 mains causes of magnesium deficiency is type II diabetes but it is also a common symptom. UK researchers, for example, uncovered that of the 1,452 adults they examined low Mg levels were 10.51 times more common with new diabetics and 8.63 times more common with known diabetics. As expected from this data, diets rich in Mg has been shown to significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes because of magnesium's role in sugar metabolism. Another study discovered that the simple addition of magnesium supplementation (100 mg/day) lowered the risk of diabetes by 15%!

Fatigue
Low energy, weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Most chronic fatigue patients are also magnesium deficient. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that 300 – 1,000 mg of Magnesium per day can help, but you do also want to be careful as too much Mg can also cause diarrhea. If you experience this side effect you can simply reduce your dosage a little until the side effect subsides.

Migraine Headaches
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to migraine headaches due of its importance in balancing neurotransmitters in the body. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have proven that 360 – 600mg of magnesium daily reduced the frequency of migraine headaches by up to 42%.

Osteoporosis
The National Institute of Health reports that, "The average person's body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, and about half of that is in the bones." This is important to realize, especially for the elderly, who are at risk of bone weakening. Thankfully, there's hope! A study published in Biology Trace Element Research uncovered that supplementing with magnesium slowed the development of osteoporosis "significantly" after just 30 days. In addition to taking magnesium supplement, you will also want to consider getting more vitamin D3 and K2 to naturally build bone density.

To learn more about how to increase your Magnesium naturally in your food check out our article on Magnesium Benefits Plus Top 10 Magnesium Rich Foods!

Read more>>

FAQ about Vitamin D

Source: And They Lived Happily Ever After

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Vitamin D:

What is the function of vitamin D?

• Regulation of bone health, calcium, and phosphorus
• Regulation of immune function
• Regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular health
• Regulation of insulin and blood sugar
• Regulation of muscle composition and muscle function
• Prevention of cancer

How is vitamin D made?

It is produced in the body when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun contact the skin, triggering the creation of vitamin D, called vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements isn’t usable until converted in two separate chemical processes occurring within the body. The first occurs in the liver and converts vitamin D to calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and the second occurs primarily in the kidney to form the physiologically active calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D).

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is formed in fungi like mushrooms and D3 (cholecalciferol) is formed in the skin when contacted by UV light. Vitamin D2 is converted to cholecalciferol (D3) only after UV light strikes it in the skin and is then hydroxylated in the liver to become calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3). Calcifediol is again hydroxylated in the kidneys becoming calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), which is the most active hormone form of vitamin D3.

What events can indicate a need for more foods rich in vitamin D?

• Muscle aches and muscle weakness
• Frequent falls, particularly among older persons
• Bone pain, frequent bone fractures, or soft bones
• Stunted growth in children
• Asthma in children (especially severe asthma)
• Impaired cognitive function, especially among older persons
• Lowered immunity
• Chronic low energy and fatigue
• Depression, particularly among older persons
• Presence of any autoimmune disorder
• Lack of exposure to sunlight for any reason, including geography, use of sunscreen, or wearing of protective clothing

Read more>>

Toxic Chemicals in Products We Use Every Day

Posted Sep 8, 2014 by Alesia Lucas in Find Safer Products

You may be new to the toxic chemicals fight. Welcome! We’ve been working hard to get our leaders and retailers to get tough on toxic chemicals found in everyday consumer products. Yes, you read that right, toxic chemicals are lurking in the products we use every single day.

Hard plastic water bottles and soda cans are a common hangout for toxic chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA). Researchers have linked early exposure to BPA with health problems like: abnormal development of the brain, behavioral changes, cancer, early onset of puberty, reproductive harm, insulin resistance, diabetes and heart disease. BPA has enjoyed widespread popularity in plastic and canned food linings for decades. But now, due to concerns about leaching and hormone disruption, BPA is flirting with outlaw status.

Do you like to clean?

We’ll take that as a no, but eventually we all come in contact with trichloroethylene(TCE). This heavy-duty industrial solvent can cut through grease, wax, gunk, and even silicones. You will find TCE in industrial solvents, paint removers, correction fluid, rug cleaners, spot removers, and drinking water.

One of the best ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in our homes is by dusting frequently, vacuuming with a HEPA filter and removing your shoes at the door (which can track in heavy metals and pesticides).

You may want to avoid nonstick pans too…

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) used to coat non-stick pans appears as fumes when pans are overheated and flakes off as the coating decomposes. The EPA considers PFOA alikely human carcinogen. Scientists have also shown PFOA to alter development of mammary tissue in lab rats. In humans, PFCs including PFOA are also associated withlow sperm counts.

Yikes…

The flame retardant family is full of contradiction and mystery. “Flame retardants” are supposed to slow and prevent fires, but the problem is they don’t actually prevent fires. On the other hand, their widespread presence in everyday items like couches, children’s products and electronics has been linked to cancer and harm to the developing brain.

Researchers estimate that children can ingest up to ten times more toxic chemicals than adults because of their tendency to put their hands and other objects into their mouths, and because they spend time close to the ground.

Formaldehyde has endeared itself to product manufacturers and undertakers because of its uncanny ability to preserve and embalm. Formaldehyde is known to cause upper airway cancer, leukemia, respiratory illness, and asthma.

Shocking, but there’s more

Formaldehyde (and formaldehyde releasing chemicals) can be found in shampoo and lotion, “wrinkle-free” shirts and bedding, composite wood products (like particle board) used to make furniture (including cribs and changing tables), cabinets, countertops, and other building materials.

Toxic chemicals are everywhere. It is very hard to avoid them, but here are some tips to cut down on our exposure to toxic chemicals.

Do you spray tan?

Spray tan mixtures contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Never heard of it? It was originally used during X-rays, but once people realized it could dye skin, an industry was born. Sunless tanning lotions and sprays had their “magical” ingredient.

DHA has been linked to cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. So, you may want to think twice before entering the spray tan room.

Our next chemical is one you’ve surely heard about before–lead. Lead is a notorious neurotoxin from way back, causing brain damage since ancient times.

Many believe it was the ancient Romans’ indiscriminate use of lead in food vessels, wine, and makeup that led to their downfall. You’d think we would have learned this lesson by now.

Lead is linked to brain, kidney, and heart damage in both adults and children. Even in small amounts, lead can lower a child’s IQ, shorten his or her attention span, and increase their levels of hyperactivity and aggressive behavior…

Lead loves to keep us guessing by popping up in inappropriate places. Researchers have discovered lead lurking in juice boxes and children’s jewelry.

We’re putting a stop to this!

By following these tips you can limit your exposure to toxic chemicals a great deal so don’t worry.

Avoiding chemicals is easier than you think, but we still need leadership from Congress and retailers to make sure chemicals are safe before they end up in our homes, products, environment and communities. Join our movement now!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates on the campaign. While you’re at it join our email list too! http://saferchemicals.org/ 

Free Online Guided Meditations

Free Online Guided Meditations  
By Chad Foreman

(1) Introduction & Mindful Breathing

2) Chakra Meditation

3) Recognising Awareness and its True Nature

4) Awakening Meditation

www.thewayofmeditation.com.au/guided-meditations.html