Tag Archives: Digestion

Chlorella

Posted on 5 November, 2008 by | 7 Comments

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single celled fresh-water, microscopic algae, measuring between 2 and 8 micons in diameter. It is one of the oldest forms of plant life on the planet.

Fossils of chlorella have been found that are over 3 billions years old. It has the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant and this gives it its characteristic emerald green colour. The name chlorella is derived from the Latin for leaf (green) and small. Discovered in 1890 by Beyerinck, chlorella was not studied closely until the 1940s.

Nowadays, chlorella is cultivated in man-made filtered fresh water ponds. With the favourable conditions of strong sunlight, pure water, clean air, the remarkable algae multiplies at an incredible rate, reproducing four times in twenty-four hours.

Chlorella is one of the most scientifically researched foods and has many clinically attested health benefits. Although it has yet to gain popularity in the UK, it is claimed that in Japan chlorella is taken regularly by 30% of the population. There it is regarded as a functional whole food, rather than a dietary supplement.

Nutritional profile

Chlorella consists of approximately 60% protein in the form of amino acids. It is superior to animal proteins such as meat and eggs, because the body has to break these down into their component amino acids before it can utilise them for its own particular types of protein. Chlorella is considered a complete protein because it contains all 8 essential amino acids

Chlorella is a perfect food that provides nearly all of the body’s nutritional needs. A single gram typically contains the following nutrients:

Beta Carotene 1.8mg Calcium 9.76mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 15µg Copper 0.8µg
Riboflavin Vitamin B2) 0.048mg Iron 1.08mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 0.26mg Magnesium 3.99mg
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 17µg Manganese 19.4µg
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 17µg Phosphorus 0.22mg
Vitamin B12 1.26µg Potassium 9.27mg
Vitamin C 0.15mg Selenium 7µg
Vitamin E 0.09mg Sodium 0.3mg
Biotin 1.91µg Zinc 11.2µg

Health Benefits

Cancer – Chlorella contains beta-carotene, which has been shown to destroy cancer cells. It also provides antioxidant vitamins C and E and selenium. Chlorella increases levels of inteferon, one of the body’s greatest natural cancer defences, which in turn stimulates the activity of T-cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat bacteria, viruses, chemicals and foreign proteins.

Cardiovascular health – Chlorella is the richest natural source of chlorophyll, which has a structure almost identical to that of haemoglobin. Chlorophyll cells have a magnesium molecule at the centre and this mineral is essential for the heart to function properly. Chlorella is also a good source of Omega-3 oils, which are known to protect against heart disease. Research programs have indicated that regular use of chlorella helps guard against heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Anaemia – Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells and is effective against anaemia.

Digestion – Chlorella contains digestive enzymes. It also causes the friendly lactic bacteria in the gut to multiply at four times the usual rate, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. The indigestible shell acts as a bowel fibre, stimulating peristalsis. Chlorella also strengthens the intestine and relieves chronic constipation.

Detoxification – The indigestible outer shell of chlorella binds with heavy metals and other toxins in the body and removes them. This cleansing of the blood, bowel and liver begins after chlorella has been taken regularly for 3 months or more depending on the amount taken.

Alzheimers – The use of aluminium in deodorants and cooking utensils has been incriminated in Alzheimers disease. Regular long term use of chlorella cleanses the system from such heavy metals. A greater supply of oxygen to the brain aids alertness and mental focus in Alzheimers’ patients and those suffering from dementia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Immunity – Chlorella induces higher levels of interferon and stimulates macrophages, cells that actively protect against disease by digesting foreign substances in the body. Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) unique to chlorella stimulates healing and replacement of cell tissue.

Wound healing – The high amount of chlorophyll accelerates wound and burn healing when applied topically. Chlorella also promotes the healing of diabetic skin ulcers, which can lead to amputation if they become infected. This is thought to be due to an increased production of TNF which promotes fibroblasts, the cells the body uses to repair wounds. Taking chlorella on a regular basis over a long period of time will increase the body’s ability to heal itself of cuts, scrapes, rashes and more serious wounds without the need to apply it externally.

Arthritis – Because chlorella is very alkaline, it helps to neutralise the body’s pH, which is frequently too acidic as a result of consuming too many processed foods and fizzy soft drinks. Arthritis is one condition associated with an acidic constitution. Chlorella also contains vitamins A C and E and Selenium, which together combat arthritis. Chlorella’s outer wall contains glucosamine, which cartilage, tendons and ligaments rely on for constant renewal.

Promotes growth in children – CGF stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones for growth.

Anti-ageing – Not only does it contain powerful antioxidants, chlorella has an abundance of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which are associated with anti-aging.

Culinary Use – Chlorella extract can be added to dough to improve the appearance and flavour of bread and to keep it fresher for longer. It can also improve the flavour of other foods, such as wine, cakes, biscuits, pasta, rice.

Dosage

For general maintenance, a daily dose of 3-4 grams is recommended. If it is being taken to relieve actual symptoms, the dosage should be increased to 5-6 grams. It is best taken about half an hour before meals for the optimum digestive benefits.

Conclusion

Chlorella can safely be taken by adults, the elderly and children aged over two years. It contains all the components essential to life, making it the most nutritionally potent wholefood available. Because it is a whole food, rather than a concentrated extract it can be taken in large amounts with no unpleasant side effects. In fact, chlorella has not been found to have a single detrimental affect on human health.

Jemma Morriss

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Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Posted on 4 November, 2008 by | 1 Comment

What are EGIDs?

EGIDs are caused by having too many Eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the Esophagus (Eosinophilic Esophagitis), in the stomach (Eosinophilic Gastritis), in the intestine (Eosinophilic Enteritis) and in the large intestine (Eosinophilic Colitis). Eosinophils do occur in small numbers naturally in everybody and they help fight infections caused by parasites and play a role inallergic response. A normal range of eosinophils in the blood is between 0% and 5% of the total white blood count. Eosinophils are normally absent in the esophagus, and very low in the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When there are too many eosinohphils, inflammation and tissue damage can occur.

Patients with EGID may experience a variety of symptoms including nausea, chest pain, heartburn, food impaction, poor appetite, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, weight loss, regurgitation, vomiting, inadequate weight gain, and diarrhea.

The effects of this disease can be huge. Some patients (at the present time, mostly children) can manage their illness on a restricted diet, omitting just a few foods to handle their symptoms, but others have so many triggers to their illness that they are forced to omit vast numbers of foods from their diet, leaving out whole foods groups. Sometimes, patients can tolerate so few types of food that they need to receive an elemental formula, not unlike baby milk in its appearance. If they are unable to consume enough formula orally they are fed via tubes placed surgically in their stomachs or through their noses. Many EGID patients also need medication to control the disease and these can range from antihistamines to steroids, some of which bring with them their own side effects.

EGID is not just a physical illness it is also an emotional one. Unless you know someone with this illness it is difficult to understand the emotional roller coaster that patients and families find themselves on. Symptoms can flare up provoked by necessary medications for other common ailments (such as antibiotics) causing pain and suffering for the patient. Children have to live among their peers and families watching them eat while they sit with them (sometimes receiving their meals via a feeding tube). Imagine your own birthday party, but not being able to eat your cake with the other children. Children with EGID are different and the problems they face with the stigma of this illness, particularly when they have obvious signs of the illness such as feeding tubes, can be as difficult as dealing with the illness itself. Other children’s lack of understanding of the condition can mean a lack of empathy and even cruelty.

Unfortunately the knowledge and treatment of this illness in the United Kingdom is severely lacking. Much of the advice and support and research into the disease happens in the United States. Diagnosis of this illness is a huge part of the battle as many family doctors are unaware of the disease and diagnosis can sometimes take years putting an immeasurable amount of stress on the family of the patient and can leave the patient suffering with debilitating and painful symptoms for a long time. Because the symptoms of EGID can mimic other illnesses, and can sometimes just be a natural part of growing up, patients often have to fight for their diagnosis as doctors are reluctant to perform the necessary tests to diagnose the disease (which can really only be diagnosed by taking biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract). Some doctors may not even consider EGIDs as possible diagnosis. Patients can be sent away with their parents being told that “it is nothing, they will grow out of it”, they can be given incorrect (and potentially damaging) treatments through mis-diagnosis, and even told that the parents are “being neurotic, mentally unstable and even suffering from Munchausen’s by Proxy” (and in these cases Social Services are sometimes involved).

We feel this cannot be allowed to continue and this is why TEDS has been formed. We hope to offer advice and support to patients and families on their road to diagnosis and then dealing with the disease after diagnosis by offering practical advice on tips when dealing with the disease and emotional support at difficult times. We aim to do this via our website (currently under construction), help line and the introduction of local support groups.

At the present time we are working towards gaining charitable status to allow us to make a real impact on this illness by raising awareness of the disease, providing assistance to those families in need and hopefully funding research. With the support from experts in the field of study.

With your help we can make a difference to this illness. As yet there is no cure for EGID but we live in hope everyday, and until that day comes with your help we can make a real difference to people living with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease.

EGIDs – Information from T.E.D.S

© T.E.D.S

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Stomach acid

Posted on 28 October, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Going home from work in the car the other night Rachel our product adviser was having a touch of an “acid attack”. With it being Rachel, who knows her Onions, the rest of us took particular interest in what she did to relieve her acid symptoms. Rachel’s remedy is to open up an acidophilus capsule or two and ingest the contents there and then. If this is a regular occurrence she recommends taking them as directed on the pack regularly in any case.

I attended a seminar years ago in which Sky Linenger of FSC was speaking. One of his pet subjects at the time was “Ban the Anti-Acid” which he pronounced in his fascinating American accent. He then went on to explain how reflux was caused by the need for more acid in the stomach, not less, and that taking anti-acids, in the long run, compound the problem. He went on to introduce me to the notion of taking more HCL to strengthen what was going on in the gut. I found it fascinating and have been hiding my Dads “Settlers” ever since.

Here is the official statement from Amanda Ross of Nutrition & Healing (www.wrightnewsletter.com)
Many expensive, high-tech patent medications have been designed to eliminate heartburn pain by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. There are also many low-tech, over-the-counter remedies. The theory that underlies all of these treatments is that acid reflux is caused by too much acid in our stomachs. The problem is, that theory is almost always wrong. Heartburn almost never signals too much acid, and it may often be associated with producing too little. That means, for many people with acid reflux, the best treatment may not be less acid, but more. This may sound like throwing gasoline on smoldering embers, but many knowledgeable physicians have successfully treated tens of thousands of people with natural, inexpensive acid supplements (along with various other natural remedies) for the better part of a century. The first step to eliminating the pain of heartburn is to have your stomach function tested. If the test results indicate low levels of stomach acid, you might want to consider working with a natural medicine physician on supplementing with either betaine hydrochloride-pepsin or glutamic-acid hydrochloride-pepsin before meals. I usually recommend taking one caps (5, 7 1/2, or 10 grains) before each meal. After two or three days, if there are no problems, use two capsules in the early part of the meal, then three capsules several days later. The dose is gradually increased in this steplike fashion until it equals 40 to 70 grains per meal. Please keep in mind that treatment with hydrochloric acid can be dangerous and should be used only when testing indicates a need. If this is the case, the process should be carefully monitored by a physician. Though problems occur rarely, they can be severe.

Hydrochloric acid should never be used at the same time as aspirin, Butazolidin, Inodicin, Motrin, or any other anti-inflammatory medications.

What is stomach acid?

Stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid, is secreted by cells lining the stomach to help break down food as part of the digestive process and to ward off infection. Mucus coats the cells of the stomach lining to protect them from being damaged by acid and enzymes. Any disruption in the layer of mucus can result in damage that leads to a stomach ulcer.

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Digestive Health

Posted on 27 October, 2008 by | 1 Comment

Digestive problems are on the up. Constipation, IBS, food intolerances… the list goes on and on. Rather than struggle, why not take a look at natural approaches to gut health?

One Step Ahead…

If you’ve been visiting health stores for more than 10 years, you’ll know that these shops have been stocking specialist digestive health products for decades. Just think back to the 1980s -where else could you buy specialist dietary products such as wheat-free products or nondairy foods? Nowadays these foods are more widely available, but it’s still worth taking a look at what your health store offers – you’re bound to find something different from the mainstream – especially when it takes months, if not years – for a proper diagnosis to be made about what digestive problem you might have…

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Combat Candida

Posted on 27 October, 2008 by | 2 Comments

Candida Albicans is just another name for yeast, and this exists naturally in every healthy digestive system. Yeast is ok in it’s place but when it begins to take control of the digestive system, the likelihood is that nothing short of nutritional warfare will put it back where it belongs. For this reason it is best to seek the diagnosis and advise of a qualified nutritionist before you set out.

Canny stuff this Candida. Did you know, for instance, that left unchecked – a local infection of Candida Albicans can spread to a systemic invasion in which the Candida cells convert to an invasive fungal form sprouting roots and branches? Armed in this way it can penetrate the digestive tract causing more serious damage leading to an increased array of symptoms such as Chronic Fatigue, poor digestion, severe itching, poor concentration, feeling sick all over, headaches, reactions to strong aromas and depression. Not pleasant.

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Acidophilus and Rhamnosus reduces infection

Posted on 21 October, 2008 by | 2 Comments

A new study, from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children has found that a combination of Acidophilus Rosell-52 and Rhamnosus Rosell-11 (ie: Lifeplan Acidophilus and Rhamnosus) halved the risks of Helicobacter Pylori colonisation of the digestive tract in preliminary tests.

Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium which weakens the gastric mucous layer of the stomach and is one of the major risk factors in the development of stomach ulcers and also some gastric carcinomas.

Researchers suggested that the way in which the lactic acid bacteria reduced H.Pylori infection was either by “simple competitive interaction between probiotics and H.Pylori on gastric mucosa or the possible suppression of H.Pylori urease, which is a crucial enzyme for H.Pylori viability”.

Current treatment for stomach ulcers include antibiotic double or triple therapies, which can have side effects such as diarrhoea, poor compliance and an increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance.

Also, there has been a pilot study carried out in Poland by Dr. Bielanski which shows that Acidophilus and Rhamnosus enhances the eradication of H.Pylori in patients under conventional treatment, while considerably reducing treatment associated side effects.

Therefore there is increasing evidence to suggest that Acidophilus and Rhamnosus should be used alongside or as a replacement for conventional medication for stomach ulcers to improve the eradication of H. Pylori and to reduce the risk of infection, which may lead to gastric cancer.

Institut Rosell has pioneered the development of probiotics since 1932 and their supplements are supported by clinical studies.

  • They can specifically help to:
  • Restore and maintain intestinal microflora balance which can be disturbed (changes in dietary habits, travel, stress, age, antibiotics)
  • Enhance intestinal transit
  • Modulate the immune system
  • Restore vaginal microflora balance
  • Enhance lactose tolerance (dairy)

Why not try Lifeplan Acidophilus and Rhamnosus, which contains the two lactobacilli strains, Acidophilus Rosell-52 and Rhamnosus Rosell-11.
This product contains 4 billion bacteria and is now in a vegetarian capsule.

For more information please contact Julie Lamble, Nutritionist by
TEL: 01455 556281 or email at nutrition@lifeplan.co.uk.

Julie Lamble of Lifeplan
© Lifeplan Products

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Herbs and plants that heal

Posted on 6 March, 2007 by | 5 Comments
Spring time, new growth and lots of weeding. Our herb garden at home is rather large and at the moment rather leggy.

However I’ve been appreciating some of the wonderful world of herbs and plants that surround us and from which we derive our natural herbal products. Here are a few of my favourite products under the spotlight:

Calendula – a tincture, made from the common marigold plant, and a wonderful antiseptic for home use. You can get it as a cream or ointment. Use it for rashes, cuts, scratches and abrasions after bathing the wound or skin to clean it. For babies and toddlers we have baby wipes with chamomile and calendula. Another popular use of calendula is in toothpastes and deododorant.

Slippery Elm is a herbal remedy traditionally used for indigestion, dyspepsia, heartburn and flatulence, for soothing for coughs and sore throats.You can make Slippery Elm tea with one teaspoon of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Let it steep for at least five minutes to extract the oils of this herb. Others take Slippery Elm as a night time drink (the malted version is great for this) stirred into hot milk or milk alternative, it is very soothing for the stomache and can also be purchased in pill form.

Fennel There is a very good reason why most Indian restaurants have a bowl of fennel seeds on the table or as you leave. Fennel is traditionally known to cleanse and calm the digestive system, freshen the breath and may also supress the appetite a little, so don’t serve before the meal! This calming effect is one of the benefits of the ever popular Fennel tea. There are many different brands of Fennel tea or infusion, sometimes combined with other flavours. The lovely aniseed flavour makes fennel tea really pleasant as a drink in any form. Because of its breath sweetening properties and great taste, fennel is also used alot in toothpastes, and makes a great alternative to peppermint.

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repensis, is a small palm with rough “teeth” along the 20 -or- so leaves, which give it it’s name. It is generally associated with prostate health. Prostatic hypertrophy in men can be most uncomfortable and can affect frequency and control of urination. Saw Palmetto is most often found in the form of herbal capsules or liquid tinctures. Follow label directions for regular use to help maintain prostate health.

Tea Tree oil and it’s benefits are generally well known. Tea tree is the common name for the resinous material from the Australian Melaluca tree. It has volatile oils that have a camphor-like fragrance. There are masses of products which use it as an ingredient to help us benefit from its natural antiseptic qualities. From the essential oil itself to the many creams and ointments it is one of the better treatments for athlete’s foot fungus and is often considered more effective than drug therapy. For this, apply the oil twice a day to the area between the toes affected by fungus. Tea Tree can be used in so many ways as a general antiseptic. I use it for mouth ulcers and oral care so is often used in toothpaste. It is also popular as a hair rinse to guard against head lice and, diluted a little, to dab on spots on your skin to dry them out.

Nature’s healing properties – how amazing and we only see the tip of the ice berg.

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Heartburn

Posted on 19 July, 2005 by | 1 Comment

Do you get heartburn?

Its a killer isn’t it? Although I know anti-acids, settlers etc are the wrong answer in the long run, I wanted a run down on exactly what is happening and how to help my body rather than make matters worse.

The problem is with the esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Many of the foods we eat relax this valve allowing stomach acid reflux into the esophagus. The foods which are primarily to blame include; alcohol, caffeine, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, and spearmint plus spicy and fatty foods. Large meals can aggravate heartburn too just by the shear pressure on the sphincter.

I don’t get heartburn as bad as some others I know, and it can be a symptom of a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). So if you get heartburn twice a week or more, go see the doc.

I always thought it was an old wives tale that chewing gum relieved heartburn, but apparently not. The stimulation of saliva production can help neutralize acid reflux, but don’t chew peppermint or spearmint gum as these are heartburn triggers.

Night time is the worst, and after a large meal! Someone suggested raising the head of the bed 6 inches or so to enable gravity keep the stomachs acids where they should be. And of coarse not eating for those few hours before sleeping, you shouldn’t really anyway as those calories are not needed. The other old wives tale I came across was that you don’t get heartburn if you sleep on your left side? I’m wrong here too, it does help, though I haven’t tried it yet, not sure how as its nothing to do with your heart?

Let me know if you know!

Thanks

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Fenugreek

Posted on 24 June, 2005 by | Leave a comment

One of the Q&A’s that passed my desk today – quite interesting I thought? The surprising properties of herbs and spices – amazing.

Q: I have been taking fenugreek to help my hormones and to increase energy. Now I read that it also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. How much do I need to take to gain these benefits? And is there anything else fenugreek is good for?

A: Fenugreek is a plant that is native to southeast Europe and west Asia. Its small seeds, which have a bitter taste, are often used in Middle Eastern or North African cooking. But generations of Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans have also used fenugreek for its many medicinal properties.

As you have learned, the spice can improve cholesterol levels. In a 24-week study where subjects were given 25 g a day, “good” HDL cholesterol rose by 10 percent, while “bad” LDL cholesterol steadily decreased.

Studies have also shown that fenugreek can help stabilize blood sugar in diabetics. It works so well that sometimes it can cause the blood sugar to dip too low, so be sure to talk to your doctor before trying it for this condition.

Fenugreek can also aid digestion. Occasionally it can cause diarrhoea, though. Decreasing your dose should alleviate this side effect. In addition to seeds and capsules, fenugreek also comes in powder and gum forms.

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