Saturday, August 27, 2011

Virgin coconut oil hailed as cure for Alzheimer’s



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TREE OF LIFE. A farmer in Dumaguete City climbs up a 20-foot coconut tree to gather coconut sap known as tuba which his wife will cook into coco sugar or ferment into coconut gin called “lambanog” to provide livelihood to his family. The tree is known for its many other uses, which makes it one of the most versatile trees in the tropics. Coconut Week ends Sunday with an exhibit and sale of coconut products at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. MANDY NAVASERO/CONTRIBUTOR
After previous claims as an antiseptic, AIDS cure, anti-infective, cholesterol-basher, and remedy for various aches and pains, coconut oil is now being hailed as a possible miracle cure for Alzheimer’s.
The American physician, who has been dubbed “Dr. Coconut” for his tireless research into and championing of coconut oil’s healing properties, is back in the country bringing the latest breakthrough in the management of Alzheimer’s and other neurological conditions.
Dr. Bruce Fife presented his evidence at the ongoing 10th Coconut Festival in Mandaluyong City,  relating the remarkable recovery of Steve Newport, 58, from five years of progressive dementia after just 35 days of taking virgin coconut oil (VCO).
Fife has written all about it in his book, “Stop Alzheimer’s Now.”
Newport’s case history
Newport was diagnosed when an MRI scan showed his brain had shrunk, a classic case of Alzheimer’s disease, the progressive, degenerative form of dementia that involves the loss of brain functions and extreme behavioral changes.
Newport’s wife Mary, who is a neonatal doctor at Spring Hill Regional Hospital in Florida, then began a relentless quest to seek a cure that would arrest his deterioration.
“It has been a nightmare to watch his decline and I feel helpless to do anything but watch it happen,” said Mary.
In May 2008, Mary stumbled on a company that was enlisting volunteers to test a new drug for dementia-stricken patients. But like all experimental drugs, the company preferred subjects with moderate forms of the disease, based on how they scored in the MMSE (mini-mental state exam), a standard test of mental status used to screen for Alzheimer’s.
Newport took the test twice and failed. He scored too low, shown to be on the border of severe dementia, to qualify as an experimental subject. Mary was devastated.
MCT miracle ingredient
Possessed of a research background, Mary was able to dig up the results for the new drug called AC-1202 (later known as Axona). She learned from the journal, BMC Neuroscience, that the active ingredient in the drug was MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), an oil that is used to treat epilepsy and also placed in hospital feeding programs for newborns.
Bingo! She knew as a pediatrician that babies needed to develop their brains with the right brain foods and MCT was found in great quantities in VCO, the oil extracted from the fresh meat of coconuts.
Intuitively, she started Newport on a feeding program. Instead of using Axona at $100 per month with 1 dose a day, Mary used VCO—at a cost of $10 a month—giving him 2 tablespoons of a mixture of VCO and its pharmaceutical isolate, MCT, with every meal.
Because of the high amounts of saturated fat in this diet, some have expressed concern about how this could affect blood cholesterol levels.
According to Fife, Newport’s tests have dispelled this notion and in fact his cholesterol levels have actually improved with the good cholesterol (HDL) going up and the bad cholesterol (LDL) going down.
In 18 months, Newport’s severe dementia was totally arrested. He scored high enough in the MMSE tests to be considered to be in the mild range of Alzheimer’s.
Tale of hope, persistence
Inspired by her husband’s recovery, Dr. Mary Newport travels all over the United States telling her story of hope and persistence. She encourages the medical scientific community to keep on with their research into the use of MCTs as a therapeutic aid in treating Alzheimer’s, as well as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders.
In March 2009, the experimental drug AC-1202 was renamed Axona and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a medical food for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with no therapeutic claims.
When Axona finally came out, it caused intestinal distress and diarrhea among some patients. Others reported that the drug’s effects wore out after only a few hours that they still had to take coconut oil to maintain their ketone levels. Ketones are organic compounds that result when body fat is broken down for energy.
Fife explained that drugs become ineffective after some time and coconut oil, converted into ketones, decrease the formation of free radicals that damage the cells. Hence, coconut oil is especially important for those taking medications.
“Following the Newports’ example, many people with neurologic disorders are now incorporating coconut oil into their diets with good results,” said Fife.
Brain food
He said if any food could be labeled as brain food it would be coconut oil.
According to Fife, coconut oil, converted into ketones, acts as a superfuel to the brain and normalizes brain function, stops the erratic signal transmissions that leads to seizures, and improves cognition and memory.
The MCTs in coconut oil are converted into ketones, which act as high-potency fuel for the brain. The ketone MCTs provide energy to the brain and stimulate healing and repair, he said.
The chemical structure of the MCTs and fatty acids in coconut oil enable them to pass through the blood-brain barrier, which ordinary food or oil cannot break into, he said.
Revived coco industry
Fife credits his visits to the Philippines as triggering his pursuit of coconut research. He said his first visit in 2004 was an eye opener for him. He was amazed at the warm reception he got from his Philippine audience.
“They were thanking me for reviving the coconut industry,” he said.
It was the economic implications for the people that have spurred Fife to continue his research into the health benefits of this tropical food endemic to the country, so much so that the American health community has dubbed him “Dr. Coconut.”
Fife has established a nonprofit organization, Coconut Research Center, to educate the public on the health and nutritional aspects of coconut. He has documented his researches in two books, “Coconut Cures” (2005) and “Coconut Water” which he has made available online in www.coconutresearchcenter.org.
The author has been active in the coconut industry for 35 years, and is a director of the Philippine Coconut Authority governing board.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Natural, inexpensive remedies within our reach


By: 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Curiosity is good. Perhaps you are just a little bit curious about the natural cures from everyday substances that can make life better for you. Here are a few.
CASTOR OIL AND BEER. Castor oil has been used for ages to cure constipation. Just 1 tbsp daily is enough to ease your bowels. But if you are looking for an instant cleanse, mix 1/3 cup castor oil with 1/3 cup beer. Stir and drink. Over the next 30 minutes, finish the beer slowly.
EPSOM SALT AND WATER. A simple colon cleanse can be done at home. Mix 2-3 tsp of Epsom salts (available in health-food stores) in a glass of warm water. Lie on your left side for ½ hour. Experience a successful emptying of your colon! Note: Consult your doctor before doing a flush.
CINNAMON VS. DIABETES. Experts are quick to point out the factors that contribute to diabetes: Chemicals in food, lack of exercise, genetic weaknesses, poor eating lifestyle. It has been estimated that millions of people are suffering from diabetes while totally unaware of it—until it’s too late.
Apart from bitter gourd (ampalaya), turmeric (luyang dilaw) and the everyday spice called cinnamon are considered herbal aids against diabetes. Simply mix ½ tsp of cinnamon in a glass of warm water. Sip the tea anytime of the day, especially after having dessert. Cinnamon has the ability to control blood sugar at a consistent rate.
FLAX SEED OIL VS BREAST CANCER. Is there such thing as a natural breast cancer cure? Flax seed oil (known as linseed oil) is effective in the fight against breast cancer. Canadian researchers have been studying its effectiveness for many years. It appears that a little bit of flax seed is effective in killing breast cancer cells. While there’s no conclusive scientific proof yet, encouraging stories from patients have not stopped coming.
One concoction that is said to be effective is a mixture of flax seed oil with soy protein, in the form of a shake. Remember that flax seed contains high levels of dietary fiber as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Try including whole flax seeds on your oatmeal or cereal as a preventive.
CROCODILE PROTEIN PEPTIDE AS ANTIBIOTIC. It was BBC News that reported this phenomenal find—a discovery made by a BBC science producer filming a documentary on salt water crocodiles in Australia. According to the report, despite injuries to crocodiles, their wounds rarely got infected. In tests, the crocodile blood sample showed that an anti-microbial peptide was present. The peptide, a natural chemical made of amino acids, acts like a natural antibiotic similar to the ones found in frogs.
Transfer factors and cancer
Mother Nature always provides. A unique code called transfer factor immune system found inside the colostrum (mother’s milk) which acts as a protector can now be scientifically replicated in a capsule to help more human beings. Manufactured by 4LIFE, a US company, transfer factor is now considered an ally in the fight against disease.
In the animal kingdom, this immune intelligence is passed on to the young. For example, the cow transfers its immune knowledge, built over years of exposure to elements, through its milk to its calf. The same goes for the hen, etc.
Thus, we can say that colostrum’s transfer factors are safe and beneficial to humans.
Let’s listen to the story of 35-year-old Julius Cortes, diagnosed with Stage 2 larynx cancer. After two years, the disease had progressed to stage 4. Desperately seeking natural cures, he started taking transfer factor for six months. He has been in remission for three years now.
Elsa Abella was diagnosed with severe rheumatic heart disease and was advised to undergo surgery. Unable to afford the procedure, she opted to try transfer factor. After three months, his heart valve was diagnosed as normal, thereby not requiring surgical intervention. (4LIFE Phils, Frank & Emy Uy Tesy, 09228948728. Visit www.aimhealthy.my4life.com)
It’s amazing, isn’t it? We have no reason to fear any life-threatening diseases. A natural medicine cabinet is within our reach. As time passes, more discoveries and practical applications will be made.
AFFIRM TODAY: “Acclaim a miracle today!”
Love and light!

Are you in good shape for sex?


By: 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sexual health and your sex life should be discussed when talking about fitness, health, and wellness, to encourage exercise in sedentary people who are not motivated by the other benefits of an active lifestyle.
Aside from improved over-all health, recent studies have shown that exercise can improve one’s sex life, meaning one’s sexual relationships and activities.
Lifestyle modification
Several studies have shown that lifestyle modification—controlling weight, exercising, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking—can help prevent erectile dysfunction. In fact, Ridwan Shabsigh, director of the division of urology at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, requires exercise before resorting to medical options (like testosterone replacement) for middle-aged to older men with erectile dysfunction.
He recommends 200-210 minutes of cardio workout, and strength, flexibility and balance exercises. A 2003 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that physical activity and leanness were the two factors required for good erectile function. And a study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that weight gain can make a man susceptible to erectile dysfunction.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin revealed that women who exercised vigorously for 20 minutes increased their vaginal responses by 169 percent. A study published in American Fitness showed that men had higher testosterone levels after short and intense bouts of exercise.
Weight management
Exercise plays a major role in weight management, and normal weight can help one perform better during sex. If you can carry yourself well, you can easily have sex without discomforts like back pain caused by extra weight.
Having a high fitness level allows a high sexual capacity. If you have enough strength, endurance and flexibility, you can definitely satisfy your partner. But what exercises should you focus on to manage your weight?
Get enough cardio exercises like brisk walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for least 150 minutes per week, as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. This type of exercise will help you sustain and enjoy sexual activity for longer periods.
Do strengthen training at least twice a week, focusing on exercises that target your major muscle groups like push-ups, squats and rows. You need to strengthen the lower body, low back, abdominals, chest, shoulders and back to hold various positions without getting easily fatigued.
Flexibility also plays a great part in sex. If you have tightness in a particular area like the back, hips and shoulders, then try a yoga class or make an effort to stretch more.
Your core muscles can be developed by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Perform Kegel exercises (the feeling of stopping the flow of your urine) several times a day or join a Pilates class, since its focus is on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Body image
Stress is considered as one of the main factors that can decrease sexual activity. Even light to moderate exercise can help relieve stress after a hard day’s work. It might be good to do stress-relieving exercises with your partner to increase the physical and emotional connection that may play an important role during sex.
Exercise can also help improve confidence, self-esteem and body image. A healthy mental state plays a huge part in one’s sexual performance. You become more secure, and this prevents tension and self-criticism during a sexual act. Having feelings of insecurity (like feeling unattractive, overweight and weak) can lead to partner issues.
Email the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com.