But here’s the cool part: vitamin K2 doesn’t just help vitamin D do its job, it also has its own special power. It’s like a traffic director for calcium, a mineral that makes your bones strong. You see, calcium can be a bit clumsy – if it doesn’t have someone guiding it, it might end up in the wrong place, like your blood vessels instead of your bones. That’s where vitamin K2 comes in. It makes sure calcium goes where it’s supposed to – to your bones, making them strong and healthy.

Now, some really smart researchers looked into this and found something amazing. In a fancy medical journal called the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, they wrote about how taking vitamin K2 and vitamin D can help stop CAC from getting worse, especially in people who are at higher risk of heart problems. This means that by taking these vitamins, you might be giving your heart some extra protection against heart attacks and maybe even living longer and healthier. So, just like superheroes, vitamin K2 and vitamin D are here to save the day for your heart!

K2 and Vitamin D Slow Down the heart disease

Researchers found that vitamins K2 and D can help slow down a problem called coronary artery calcification (CAC), which is like a buildup of tiny pebbles in the tubes that carry blood to your heart. They discovered this by looking closely at a study called the Aortic Valve Decalcification Trial, or AVADEC for short. In this study, 389 patients who were around 71 years old were given either vitamins K2 and D or a fake pill (placebo) for 24 months.

At first, the study didn’t show much difference between the people taking the vitamins and those taking the placebo when it came to the buildup of pebbles in a valve in the heart called the aortic valve. But when researchers looked at a smaller group of people with a lot of pebbles already in their heart tubes (those with a high CAC score) and people who were taking a type of medicine called statins, they found something interesting.

In this smaller group, the people who took vitamins K2 and D had fewer bad things happen to their hearts, like heart attacks or surgeries, compared to those who took the fake pills. And for those who were already taking statins, the vitamins really made a difference – they helped slow down the buildup of pebbles in the heart tubes. So, it seems like vitamins K2 and D might be like a shield for your heart, especially if you already have a lot of pebbles in there or if you’re taking statins.

The study mentioned something important: so far, no research trials have been able to prove that they can slow down the buildup of pebbles in the heart tubes, called coronary artery calcification (CAC). They also found that the more pebbles someone already had in their heart tubes at the beginning of the study, the faster the pebbles grew over time.

But here’s where it gets interesting: in the study, they noticed that the people who were at high risk because they already had a lot of pebbles in their heart tubes seemed to benefit the most from taking vitamin K2. It’s like the vitamins were really helping those who needed it most. The researchers think that maybe the effect of the vitamins is most obvious in people who already have a lot of pebbles, and they also think that maybe the study wasn’t long enough to see a difference in people with fewer pebbles. So, it’s like they’re saying, “Hey, maybe the vitamins work best for those who really need them, but we need more time to be sure.

In the study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9237441 , they used a special type of vitamin K2 called menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which is found in foods that have been fermented, like certain cheeses and natto (a type of fermented soybean). Before this study, other research found that taking 180 micrograms (mcg) of this type of vitamin K2 every day for three years helped make the arteries less stiff in women who had gone through menopause, especially those whose arteries were already very stiff.

The main person in charge of the study, Axel Diederichsen from Odense University Hospital in Denmark, said they’re planning to do another study to see what happens when people with severe coronary artery calcification take vitamins K2 and D3. He explained that they’re curious to find out more, especially about how not having enough vitamin K2 might affect the buildup of pebbles in the heart tubes. They already know that having a lot of pebbles in the heart tubes can make someone more likely to have a heart attack or die, so they want to see if these vitamins can help.

Vitamin K2 is like a superhero for your heart

It’s really important for keeping it healthy. It works together with some special proteins in your body, like matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin, which are like the helpers in this superhero team.

MGP does something amazing – it grabs onto calcium in the cells of your heart tubes and takes it away, like cleaning up calcium buildup on the walls of your blood vessels. Then, vitamin K2 steps in and helps move that calcium to where it’s needed – your bones! It hands the calcium over to osteocalcin, which helps keep your bones strong by sticking the calcium in place.

The glutamic acid in MGP is like the commander of this whole operation. It’s super important for keeping your blood vessels healthy by stopping too much calcium from building up. When calcium builds up in your blood vessels, it can make them hard and narrow, which can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. So, by making sure MGP is working well, vitamin K2 helps keep your heart and blood vessels in good shape.

MGP, a special protein in your body, needs to go through a process called carboxylation to become active and do its job properly. This process involves adding something called a carboxyl group, and that’s where vitamin K2 steps in to help. Vitamin K2 works together with an enzyme called gamma-glutamyl carboxylase to make sure MGP gets carboxylated. Once this happens, MGP becomes active and can start grabbing onto calcium ions.

Activated MGP acts like a protector for your blood vessels. It grabs onto calcium and stops it from building up where it shouldn’t, like in the plaques that can form in your arteries. Instead, it helps put the calcium back into circulation where it’s needed.

At the same time, vitamin K2 also helps with another important job: making your bones strong. It does this by activating another protein called osteocalcin, which helps stick calcium into your bones, making them denser and healthier. So, by working together, vitamin K2 helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy by making sure calcium goes where it’s supposed to – out of your blood vessels and into your bones.

Glutamic acid in MGP, along with vitamin K2, plays a crucial role in keeping your blood vessels healthy. It stops calcium from building up in your arteries, preventing them from getting hard and narrow. At the same time, it helps make sure that calcium is used properly to make your bones strong. This shows how important it is to get enough vitamin K2 to keep both your heart and bones healthy.

Double Protection: Keeping Arteries Clear and Bones Strong

A two-pronged approach to keeping your blood vessels clear and your bones strong involves vitamin K2. This vitamin activates two important proteins, enabling the transfer of calcium from your arteries to your bones. Without enough vitamin K2, this process can’t happen, which increases the risk of calcium buildup in your arteries.

Research has shown that people with higher levels of vitamin K2 are significantly less likely to develop severe calcium buildup in their arteries or die from heart disease over several years. For example, in one study, those with the highest intake of vitamin K2 had a 52% lower risk of arterial calcification and a 57% lower risk of heart disease-related deaths over a seven- to 10-year period.

In another study, called the Prospect Study, following 16,000 people for 10 years revealed that each additional 10 mcg of vitamin K2 in the diet led to a 9% decrease in cardiac events. Similarly, research from Edith Cowan University found that individuals with a diet rich in vitamin K had a 34% reduced risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or PAD-related hospitalization.

Moreover, when looking specifically at vitamin K2, those with the highest dietary intake were found to have a 14% lower risk of hospitalization for illnesses related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to those with the lowest intake. A review of clinical studies in 2023 further emphasized the importance of consuming vitamin K-rich foods or supplements for maintaining vascular health.

When researchers looked specifically at the data for vitamin K2, they discovered that individuals with the highest dietary intake of vitamin K2 had a 14% lower risk of being hospitalized for illnesses related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to those with the lowest intake.

A review of clinical studies in 2023 emphasized the importance of vitamin K in cardiovascular health. It highlighted that consuming foods rich in vitamin K or taking vitamin K supplements can help maintain vascular health. The review noted that vitamin K plays a crucial role in preventing vascular calcification by regulating the carboxylation of specific proteins that depend on vitamin K. These proteins, including MGP and osteocalcin, are essential for proper calcium metabolism in the body, benefiting both vascular health and bone strength.

MGP, in particular, is a powerful inhibitor of vascular calcification produced by various cells in the body. When MGP is carboxylated, it binds strongly to calcium ions, preventing them from being deposited in places like the walls of arteries, where they don’t belong. This helps keep blood vessels healthy and prevents the buildup of harmful calcium deposits.

The Impact of Vitamin D on Heart Health

Vitamin D, known as a steroid hormone, plays a significant role in heart health. It helps to reduce oxidative stress in your blood vessels, which is important for preventing heart disease. Additionally, a study conducted in Norway and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that maintaining a regular intake of vitamin D can notably decrease the risk of death in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

A study https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/3/1161/4794886 followed about 4,000 patients diagnosed with stable angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by coronary heart disease, for 12 years. They found that those with vitamin D blood levels ranging from 16.8 to 40 ng/mL (42 to 100 nmol/L) had the lowest risk of mortality.

The researchers explained that vitamin D may benefit the heart by influencing various processes such as endothelial function, fibrosis, and inflammation, all of which are relevant to the progression of narrowing of blood vessels and the stability of fatty plaques. Additionally, vitamin D helps regulate many genes, with its main role being to maintain proper levels of calcium in the body.

Recent studies have shown that genetically higher levels of calcium in the blood can increase the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. Vitamin D may play a role in modifying this risk by allowing for safer intake of dietary calcium, thus reducing the likelihood of heart problems.

Other studies have also emphasized the significance of vitamin D in both preventing and treating heart disease, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding and repairing damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. Vitamin D3 specifically aids in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule essential for controlling blood flow and preventing the formation of blood clots in the vessels.

The most effective way to ensure you have enough vitamin D is by getting sensible exposure to sunlight. However, this can be challenging, especially during winter or if you live in northern areas where sunlight is scarce. In such cases, taking a vitamin D supplement is recommended to maintain optimal levels.

It’s essential to measure your vitamin D level regularly, ideally twice a year, to determine the right amount of sun exposure or vitamin D3 supplementation needed. According to data from GrassrootsHealth’s D*Action studies, maintaining a vitamin D level between 60 ng/mL and 80 ng/mL is optimal for overall health and disease prevention. However, for specific conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, higher levels may be recommended.

The cutoff point for sufficiency is typically around 40 ng/mL, equivalent to 100 nmol/L in Europe. To ensure adequate levels, aim for measurements between 150 to 200 nmol/L in Europe. Regular monitoring of your vitamin D levels can help tailor sun exposure and supplementation strategies to meet your individual needs and maintain optimal health.

Collaboration of Vitamins K and D Alongside Magnesium and Calcium

Achieving the right balance of magnesium, calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 is crucial for optimal heart and overall health. The safest approach is to include more foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K2 in your diet, along with sensible sun exposure.

An imbalance, such as excessive vitamin D without enough vitamin K2, can lead to overabsorption of calcium, potentially causing calcium deposits in the heart and kidneys. Additionally, low magnesium levels can contribute to vascular calcification. Therefore, when supplementing with vitamin D3, it’s important to ensure adequate intake of both vitamin K2 and magnesium to maintain proper function.

Magnesium and vitamin K2 work together synergistically. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure, an important factor in heart health, and also supports the metabolism and synthesis of vitamin D. Studies have shown that magnesium and vitamin K2 enhance the absorption of vitamin D and reduce the risk of calcium deposition in the coronary arteries.

Are You Getting Sufficient Vitamin K2?

Determining if you’re getting enough vitamin K2 can be challenging because there’s currently no direct test available for measuring it. Instead, vitamin K2 levels are indirectly assessed through a test that measures undercarboxylated osteocalcin, but this test is not yet widely available.

As a general guideline, if you have conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, or diabetes, you may be deficient in vitamin K2. It’s believed that many people are deficient and could benefit from increasing their intake of vitamin K2-rich foods. These include certain fermented foods like natto, certain cheeses like Brie and Gouda, and grass-fed organic animal products such as egg yolks and liver.

If you’re taking statin drugs, which can deplete vitamin K2, you might also be deficient. For supplementation, a daily intake of around 150 mcg of vitamin K2 is recommended, although some suggest slightly higher doses, up to 180 to 200 mcg. Vitamin K2 is generally considered safe, so there’s no risk of overdosing. However, if you’re taking vitamin K antagonists, which reduce blood clotting, you should avoid MK-7 supplements.

The post Vitamins D3 and K2 and correlation with Coronary Artery Disease appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

A daily cup of tea could help improve your health late in life, but if you’re not a tea drinker, there are other ways to incorporate flavonoids into your diet. Flavonoids are naturally occurring substances found in many common foods and beverages, such as black and green tea, apples, nuts, citrus fruit, berries, and more. These substances have been known to provide numerous health benefits, and recent research suggests they may be even more beneficial than previously thought.

Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and plant products such as tea, wine, and chocolate. These compounds can be classified into six different types, each with unique benefits and ways of breaking down in the body.

Flavonoids are rich in antioxidants, which help the body fight off toxins and protect against oxidative stress. Eating a diet rich in flavonoids can help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing certain chronic conditions.

Study on Flavonoids and Heart Health

A study conducted by the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute and supported by the Heart Foundation examined the impact of flavonoids on the cardiovascular health of elderly women. The study found that women who consumed a high level of flavonoids in their diet were far less likely to have extensive build-up of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). AAC is a predictor of cardiovascular risk, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as late-life dementia.

Australian Study Lead By Ben Parmenter

A study supported by the Heart Foundation focused on 881 elderly women with a median age of 80 years and found that those who consumed a high level of flavonoids in their diet were less likely to have extensive build-up of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). AAC is the calcification of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body responsible for supplying oxygenated blood from the heart to the abdominal organs and lower limbs. AAC is a predictor of cardiovascular risks, such as heart attack and stroke, and has been found to be a reliable predictor for late-life dementia.

According to Ben Parmenter, the lead researcher of the study and a researcher at ECU Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, while there are many dietary sources of flavonoids, some foods have particularly high amounts. The main contributors are black or green tea, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, red wine, apples, raisins/grapes, and dark chocolate.

Although black tea was the primary source of flavonoids in the study due to the age of the participants, Mr. Parmenter stated that people who don’t drink black tea can still benefit from flavonoids. “Out of the women who don’t drink black tea, higher total non-tea flavonoid intake also appears to protect against extensive calcification of the arteries,” he said. This implies that flavonoids from sources other than black tea may be protective against AAC when tea is not consumed. This is essential as it allows non-tea drinkers to still benefit from flavonoids in their diet.

Mr. Parmenter added that AAC is a major predictor of vascular disease events, and this study shows that intake of flavonoids that could protect against AAC is easily achievable in most people’s diets, even in populations where black tea is not the primary source of flavonoids.

The Role of Flavanoids

There are many different types of flavonoids, such as flavan-3-ols and flavonols, which the study indicated appear to also have a relationship with AAC. Participants who had a higher intake of total flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, and flavonols were 36-39% less likely to have extensive AAC. The study found that black tea was the main source of total flavonoids for the cohort, but other foods, such as blueberries, strawberries, oranges, red wine, apples, raisins/grapes, and dark chocolate, also had high amounts of flavonoids.

Flavonoids help regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your body. In other words, they help your body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors.

Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidant agents, which help your body fight potentially harmful molecules. Additionally, flavonoids may help reduce inflammation, which is one of your body’s immune responses to allergens, germs, toxins, and other irritants.

Eating a diet rich in flavonoids may help you manage high blood pressure, decrease your risk of cardiovascular events, and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some research also suggests that flavonoids may have potential as anticancer drugs.

Which foods have flavonoids?

Many plant-based foods contain flavonoids. Here are the six types of flavonoids and examples of foods that contain them:

• Flavanols: onions, kale, grapes, red wine, tea, peaches, berries, tomatoes, lettuce, scallions, and broccoli.
• Flavan-3-ols: white tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, apples, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, cocoa, and chocolate products.
• Flavones: parsley, red peppers, celery, chamomile, and peppermint.
• Flavanones: lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit.
• Isoflavones: soy, soy products, and some legumes like fava beans.
• Anthocyanins: red and purple grapes, red wine, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.

While black tea was the main source of flavonoids in the study, ECU Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute researcher and study lead Ben Parmenter notes that people can still benefit from flavonoids without drinking tea. Those who don’t drink black tea can still benefit from flavonoids by consuming other dietary sources.

The study found that higher total non-tea flavonoid intake also appears to protect against extensive calcification of the arteries, indicating that flavonoids from sources other than black tea may be protective against AAC when tea is not consumed.

Conclusion

The study’s findings suggest that flavonoids, particularly those found in black tea, may help protect against cardiovascular disease and late-life dementia. The research also shows that flavonoids are easily achievable in most people’s diets through a variety of foods and beverages. So, if you’re not a tea drinker, don’t worry – you can still benefit from flavonoids by adding other flavonoid-rich foods to your diet, such as berries, citrus fruit, and nuts.

The post Start Drinking Tea – Black Tea and Other Favorites May Boost Your Health in Later Life appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

Well, the key to a healthy microbiome is variety. You need to feed it a diverse range of foods to keep it happy and balanced. Start with a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes. And don’t forget to incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. These foods support the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut, which is crucial for your immune system.

On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid sugary drinks and overconsumption of alcohol. And be mindful of any medication you’re taking, especially those that are long-term, as they can also affect your microbiome.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to gut health. You’ll need to experiment with different approaches to see what works best for you. So, keep your maintenance varied and interesting, just like your microbiome! Trust us, your gut will thank you.

When it comes to gut health, we now know that a thriving microbiome is essential for overall well-being. But with so many factors impacting our gut flora, from stress to medication to diet, how can we ensure we’re giving it the care it needs?

The starting point is simple: a healthy, diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods. But even with these changes, some may need a little extra help. Enter probiotics, the buzzworthy supplement that boosts the levels of good bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics

But wait, there’s more! Prebiotics, non-digestible foods that stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria, are the perfect partner to probiotics. By providing a ready source of food to our good bacteria, prebiotics ensure that the balance is tipped in their favor.

Postbiotics

And for the truly advanced gut health enthusiast, there’s postbiotics. These compounds are produced by our good bacteria as they feed on prebiotics, and are essential for supporting gut function and overall health.

But no matter your level of gut health knowledge, the message is clear: a thriving microbiome is crucial for optimal well-being. So start with the basics, and explore the many options available to ensure your gut is happy and healthy.

Postbiotic formulas deliver the by-products that your healthy bacteria normally produce when they are present in your gut in high levels and in the process create an environment that causes the bacteria that normally makes them to thrive. It is an exciting development in gut health. When you are choosing a probiotic formula, choose a product that contains a combination of prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic to give your gut flora exactly what it needs to support the result that you are seeking to achieve.

ENTER IGY

A new development in supporting optimal gut health, has a strange name but comes from a not-so-strange source: eggs! As most of us know by now, egg yolks are a rich source of vitamin D and zinc, but what you may not know is that they also contain a potent immune molecule called IgY (immunoglobulin yolk). This important nutrient acts as the egg’s immune system by working to bind and destroy bad bacteria.

Until recently, the only way to get the benefit of IgY was to consume raw egg yolks. Not a particularly enjoyable activity, and potentially risky because of possible exposure to salmonella infections. However, a recent breakthrough by a biotechnology company has found a way to extract a highly purified form of IgY from the egg yolk. This means that we can

now get the benefits of IgY without having to consume a few raw eggs each day. My company, SRW Laboratories, developed a unique immune formula using IgY called Imm’ Defence that combines Igy with immune-supporting vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc.

Scientists are most excited about IgY because it targets and binds to bacteria and viruses, facilitating the elimination of bad bacteria in the gut to speed recovery times and free up the immune system to do its day-to-day job. This is an incredibly exciting development for gut health because, for the first time, we can target the bad bacteria in the gut and at lower levels which, in combination with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics gives your gut the very best chance to be healthy and shifts the balance of dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance) in your favor.

USING EVERY TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX

Given the link between a healthy microbiome and our gut health, brain, liver, muscle, skin, bone and overall health it is becoming more evident to researchers that focusing on this key area of our health should be a priority for us all.

Avoiding the overconsumption of alcohol and sugary foods and eating a healthy varied diet is the first place to start, but you can stack the odds in your favor and improve your gut flora by supplementing with probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and now IgY. Using all these tools at our disposal, we have a manageable way to build a healthy and thriving microbiome that will support and strengthen our overall health.

GREG MACPHERSON is a pharmacist, biotechnologist, cellular health expert and author of, “Harnessing the Nine Hallmarks of Aging: to live your healthiest life.” For more than a decade, he has been working in the biotechnology sector, specifically focusing on the aging process at the cellular level. This work led him to discover ways to harness the nine identified, scientific hallmarks of aging, which is the premise of his book that addresses the natural aging process, how to age more favorably and simple strategies to slow the aging process and build a functional healthspan.

Beyond theory and concept, Macpherson has used his entrepreneurial spirit to further develop solutions to this new paradigm of aging, described in his book, by launching SRW Laboratories, a science and research based company that curates the latest biotechnology research to formulate natural products designed to help slow the onset of aging and disease, and develop evidence based solutions for those who are experiencing age-related health concerns or who want to improve their healthspan. SRW, which stands for Science,

Research and Wellness, is Macpherson’s natural world laboratory that will develop the preventative formulas for cellular health from nature required to slow down the aging process based on the nine hallmarks of aging, which include mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition and cellular senescence, to name a few. With aging being the single biggest risk factor for developing disease, Macpherson’s mission to slow the aging process at a cellular level could help millions of people delay the onset of diseases associated with advanced aging like Alzheimer’s and heart disease and increase healthspan.

Important Microbiome Study

This study explores the link between the gut microbiome and brain function, particularly in relation to anxiety and depression. The researchers found that there is a bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain, with the gut microbiome affecting brain function and vice versa. They suggest that targeting the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and other interventions could have potential therapeutic benefits for mental health. Link to the full study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5031164/

The study investigated the relationship between gut microbiome and various metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed stool samples from over 1,000 participants and sequenced the DNA of the microbes present in the samples.

They found that the composition of gut microbiome was significantly different between individuals with and without metabolic diseases. Specifically, people with metabolic diseases had fewer types of beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria in their gut microbiome.

The study also found that diet plays a crucial role in shaping the gut microbiome. A diet high in fat and low in fiber was associated with a less diverse and unhealthy gut microbiome, while a diet rich in fiber and plant-based foods was associated with a more diverse and healthy gut microbiome.

Furthermore, the study discovered that changes in the gut microbiome can have a significant impact on metabolic health. In an experiment, the researchers transplanted gut microbes from healthy individuals into mice with metabolic diseases, and the mice showed improvements in their metabolic health.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy and diverse gut microbiome through diet and lifestyle choices in preventing and managing metabolic diseases.

The post Revolutionary Breakthrough: Unleashing the Power of Your Gut with the Latest Microbiome Discoveries! appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

But then I came back from Brazil and I ballooned up to 115 kg. So yes I am an obese 100 % vegan now. I don’t understand how that could happen. YOu see all these vegans stuffing their mouths with so much vegan food and they are still lean.

I have decided to really track what I eat now and ask you people for your comments…. I was exercising for a while each day, p90x etc….and it helped a bit but not a lot. I thought I must eat too much food. But today, for example I consumed only freaking 1400 calories.

I am 42 yo, weight 115 kg, my height is 187 cm….yeah I am obese, or at least this program says I am and I believe I really am. I am not overweight anymore, I AM FREAKING OBESE!!!! And it is disgusting.

I input all my data in this TDEE Calculator and here is what I got

As you can see my ideal weight is around 80 kg, which I had 20 years ago. I would not feel good at such low weight, because I like to be strong. So my ideal weight is around 100 kilos. Like I was 4 years ago. Then suddenly I ballooned to 115 kilos.

I decided to document all my daily food intake and exercise. Today I eat big home made pizza, 3 oranges and  5 persimmons and drank 3 glasses of water…. I thought I went overboard with pizzy, but no…I was still 200 calories under recommended 1600 calories. I am using myfitnesspal.com, great program.

Today was 18th of december, I even put  30 minutes of yoga in.  They say if I eat like today  this will happen……..You’d weigh 107.1 kg in 5 weeks . Yeah right

You’d weigh 107.1 kg in 5 weeks

From my experience I simply do not believe this program, or similar programs. I just don’t loose weight. It does not happen. I will try to update this article each day for a week. But something is wrong with my body. I never seen obese vegan, that eats to clean as me and is so overweight.

The post How to lose weight – Mystery of being vegan and obese appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

Apparently the consumption of vitamin K2 and D3 immobilizes calcium from heart, and vessels which lowers blood pressure. This guy in the video was completely cured of hypertension.

These two vitamins also apparently cure arthritis, because they pull out calcium from joints etc.

You should try this. I am getting pain in my knees myself at 40 yo, and I was praying to god for a cure, is that maybe my cure?

Here is one of the comments from the youtube from another user:

 So, I went to naturopathic doctor and she recommended 5000 IU of D3, vitamin K2 and spending time outside.  After about a month, arthritis is gone, I do not need beta blockers and my blood pressure is 115/60 average (I even measured 110/50 ) with as little as 45 heart beats at rest, almost like athlete!

Maybe this is worth trying. I will definitely try this if I get in more pain with my knees…

The post Wanna Get Rid Of High Blood Pressure And Arthritis in 1 Month? appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

He claims that the heart disease is the new thing and that it appears in most civilized countries, like for example USA. He advises to lower your cholesterol under 140 and you will not be have to afraid of coronary heart disease.

He has 114 cholesterol level and he feels really healthy. Even though there are new studies, that claim how cholesterol is a healthy thing, I personally try to not put it in my body. SO vegan food is without cholesterol. I strongly believe that new diets that are based on a lot of meat, can be really harmful for your body.

Check this video about him, you will love it

The post 100 Years Old Vegan Heart Surgeon’s Advice, That Might Save Your Life appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

If your loved one has the same problem, you should try this. Doctor Newport claims that coconut oil helps also patients with :

• dementia
• ALS
• epilepsy
• autism
• schizophrenia
• Parkinson disease
• etc

But you need to buy pure coconut oil, non hydrogenated one. I recommend pure 100% raw coconut oil that has not been heated in any way.

Here is the video:

The post This woman cured her husband of Alzeheimer disease with this simple natural ingredient appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

When metals are lodged in the body, the body will not remove them on its own. Products called chelators must be used. Chelating agents pull metals and then; your body must eliminate them.
Chelation can be a dangerous act if done improperly.
Dosing with chelator for only a short period of time raises the risk of redistribution of metals and toxins.
Cutler claims low, frequent doses must be given continuously based on their life so the chelator can pull the toxins out, and we do not risk redistribution after every dose.

The doses are low so that the body can keep pace with the elimination. Cutler method enables that metals are safely removed, and no further damage occurs.
Cutler uses mainly 2 chelators.

DMSA and ALA (alpha lipoic acid). ALA is taken every 3 hours around the clock; DMSA is every 4 hours.
The chelators are taken for at least 72 hours, that means taking 24 doses of chelators if we are taking ALA.
Every period of 3 days is called a “round” and every round is followed by a break of at least equal time (3 + days).
Usually, changes can be seen after 1-5 rounds.

Generally, all side effects are easy to manage and the ACC protocol should not produce negative symptoms.
Supplementation of Vitamins and Minerals

Basic supplements can help support your child during chelation and help them effectively eliminate toxins.

The following should be given 3-4 times per day:
– Vitamin C: 500-1000 mg/day divided into four doses.
– Magnesium: 400 mg/day per day divided into four doses.
– Zinc: 30-50 mg/day divided into four doses.
– Fat soluble supplements are given once per day:
– Vitamin E: 400 IU/day (d-alpha tocopherol, not dl-alpha tocopherol),
If there has been no exposure to mercury within the past 3 months (vaccines, broken cfl bulb, amalgams) you can start with any chelator.

If there has been mercury exposure you must begin with either DMSA or DMPS for 3 months, neither of which can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier. These will reduce the total body burden before ALA is introduced.

The chelators are given around the clock
DMSA every 3-4 hours
DMPS every 8 hours
ALA every 3 hours.
For 3 days. Optional: ALA can be given every 4 hours for 2 stretches at night during the parent sleep schedule only.
This is allowed because the body metabolizes slower at night.
Chelation often takes between 100-300 rounds. That is like 2 – 6 years or more…The improvements you see will generally keep you motivated.

The post Chelation – Andy Cutler Protocol Explained appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I am getting there…

I am still doing P90x3 and I bought new variable dumbbells, so I could increase my weight for p90x3 eccentric upper and eccentric lower.

Also I replace olive oil for frying with coconut oil….

GEtting there, I am sick of being fat.

I will do a review of my new dumbbells system soon….

The post Hit my record low 103.9 kilos – 10 kilos loss in 4 months appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I have learned that after doing P90X3 each day, you gradually start losing fat in the body. So your weight stays the same usually. Before doing P90X3 my weight was fluctuating a lot up and down and very quick, same day or 2 days I could go up to 3 kilos. But now not anymore. I lost like 6 or 7 kilos and that happened between 1st and 2nd month. After 30 days, I did not see any difference. But in secodn month suddenyl the weight started to drop off. You basically build more muscle. So that might be the reason you dont se quick weight loss.

However, after you do exercise each day, you don’t need to eat so much. Furthermore, you do not binge because you think oh, I will not be able to do exercise easily when I am full of food.

The exercises are not boring at all. Tony Horton is a great teacher. And you start to see him as a super person, he being like almost 60 yo and still in such a good shape.

I do not eat so much food like before now after 90 days, I need a little less. Furthermore, in the last few weeks I can cheat sometimes, eat some sweets that would usually make me fat immediately. However, like I said before, you lose fat in the body and increase your muscles, so your body does not immediately push all the calories in the fat cells.

I have learned that exercise is the thing to lose weight, if you don’t want to go fully raw vegan path and lose weight that way.

I am eating vegan food, with high raw fruit intake each day. I have been doing this for long time, many years. I really recommend P90X3. I am not sure if it is the right choice for elderly people with bad hips and knees, but for people under 50 it is a great exercise. You can also adjust some moves, so they are not so hard on your joints.

And wear shoes with soft soles, not running shoes, regular training shoes. Of course, yoga you will be doing barefoot. Same goes for pilates x excercise….

The post My thoughts after doing P90X3 for 90 days appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I just took this pic of my right arm, there is a noticable difference I think from before. I think P90X3 is something that will stick with me. It is really a good workout and includes Yoga too, that I love. I mean look at Tony Horton, he is like a god at 55 years old. Look at his muscles. His hair is another topic, he claims he does not dye his hair… I mean who would believe him. But his muscles.

Having more muscles is much more attractive to girls for sure. I mean you have better chance getting laid with toned muscular body than with fat blubber around your waist. I never had muscles at the bottom of my biceps. I got this with P90X3…

Or maybe I am just imagining? I am finishing BLOCK 3 soon, so I will finish 90 days doing P90X3 in 2 weeks. I am looking forward to do more P90X3…

The post Look at my guns, Tony Horton is the man appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I skipped only one workout in all 60 days. I tried my best. I could not cope with few workouts like MMX especially, so I took little breaks of few seconds. But other than that I managed to do most of the workouts.

I did not change a lot in my diet. I just started to eat more fruit than before. I increased the fruit intake for like 15 % or more.

I also did not buy 1 bar of chocolate per week, no chocolate anymore. Also I bought 1 loaf of bread instead of 2 per week. I eat vegan like 95% of the time. Sometimes I eat a little cheese.

I am kind of disappointed. I was thinking I will be seeing a lot of muscles. I ate also raw protein almost each day.

When I started to loos weight I saw that I did not have strength anymore. I was better and had more energy at the beginning of P90X3, so I was thinking I am loosing muscle mass. I eat like 1500 calories per day I think or less. In the last 3 days I tried to increase the caloric intake. I felt my strength

is coming back but also my weight.

I am not satisfied. I wanted to see muscles. But it is hard when you are 40 years old. I guess 30 minutes just isn’t enough. Here are my result pics. I lost approx 14 pounds in 60 days, a lot has to do with higher fruit intake, no chocolate. Everything else is almost identical.

I started to eat the same food, like apple strudel that my grandma made for me. And quickly I came up from 106 kilos to now 107,5. This is the same food that caused my weight to ballon so quick from 100 to 110 in just few weeks.

I dont know why my granda puts in the apple strudel, maybe too much oil and sugar?

So here are my pics in 3 angles. Please comment and try to give any advice.

The post Results after 60 days of P90X3 appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

Few months back I came across Sun Warrior Warrior Blend vegan protein powder. I bought it on Amazon, because I could not find any cheaper anywhere else. It is raw protein powder and vegan at the same time. What that means  is that it is really healthy for your body. I have been reading comments on Amazon and people really love it. Many claim that they had the same problem as I did, they could not digest regular milk proteins. They had nausea, stomach pain etc. Same symptoms I had. But when they tried Sunwarrior raw protein powder, they loved it.

I get no bloating, I feel very good after taking this powder. Warrior Blend Vanilla taste very bad I must say. But you can mix it with fruit in smoothie and you will not feel any bad taste. It taste like pea, because it is made from pea protein, hemp protein etc. This particular version with Vanilla flavour taste the worse from all other Sunwarrior products. You have to mix it with fruit or something.

I am not sure how much muscle I have build, but it is way better than whey protein. It has zero ill effects on my body. I bought 3 different types, vanilla, chocolate and rice vanilla version.

I just love it and I recommend it fully.

It contains no animal products, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, added sugar, wheat, or yeast, free of solvents, GMOs, radiation, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, or artificial colors

The post Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Vanilla Review appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I thought there was only 1 percent xylitol in this swetener. But in fact it was relly 100% xylitol. And xylitol has low glycemic index, even diabetics can use it. Remembering in the past, people who did not like sugar had to go for aspartame, which is a poison.

But now we have a definitive solution and it is perfect for teeth. Dentist recommend xylitol against caries, because it kills bacteria and helps remineralizing your teeth. What that means, it means that your teeth pull the minerals from your saliva and build enamel where it is damaged. So your teeth gets less sensitive etc. I havent tested that in practivce because I just got this stuff. But I will report back after few months, because I am making my own toothpaste for years now.

Xylitol has a third of the calories of regular sugar and is recommended for diabetics. You can use it for coffee, tea, cakes, anything that requires sugar. Gone are the days when the sugar was the only option, even the brown sugar is obsolete now.

And it tastes exactly like sugar. If you give xylitol to somebody, he will not know the difference.

The post Xylitol Sweetener Review appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I tried few years back, I would say 6 years back and I failed again because of my teeth.

But enogh about me, lets talk about Vitamix. I bought it through German ebay. The price is the cheapest I could find around. And every real smoothie nut needs vitamix. That is like the raw food must have. I am using currently some cheap ass blender. I need to start making me some icecreams, maybe some raw food cake and of course fruit smoothies.

Vitamix has the strongest motor and blade, so it completely grinds all the food. I see chunks in my smoothie, not really chunks but the smoothie is not smooth. I am looking forward getting it. I never dished out so much money for some home appliance. Never. Maybe the next step is a juicer or something.

Vitamix must be multimillionare company. I mean everybody is buying this machine. I will post some videos soon. I am looking forward to it.

Bye

The post Jesus Christ I just bought myself a Vitamix 5200 for 575 Euros appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

This alternative works just as effectively. My burping and acid reflux have completely disappeared. Can you believe that doctors often teach us that acid reflux stems from insufficient stomach acid? In reality, Betaine increases stomach acid, and it works. When I sense acid rising in my throat, I simply take one pill, and my stomach eventually feels better – no more burping or acid rising.

The company behind this product is called HIGHER NATURE, offering 90 vegetarian capsules, each containing 300 mg of Betaine HCL.It’s truly remarkable; once again, the doctors’ assumptions are incorrect. You can effectively alleviate your acid reflux using a simple natural pill.

Unlike Betaine HCL with pepsin, which has an unpleasant odor, this alternative has no noticeable smell. Essentially, if you suffer from acid reflux, you don’t necessarily need pepsin. Just take one pill as needed, and your symptoms will subside. I should note that I’m not asserting it will work for everyone. While it helped me, it might also help you. If you experience severe acid reflux, it could potentially provide relief.

Transforming My Acid Reflux Journey: A Vegan-Friendly Solution

Unveiling the Vegan Alternative for Acid Reflux Relief

Allow me to share my journey with you – a journey of unexpected discoveries and transformative relief. I, like many others, struggled with the discomfort of acid reflux. The constant burping, that burning sensation creeping up my throat – it was becoming a daily battle. Little did I know that my quest for relief would lead me to an eye-opening revelation about the source of my discomfort.

The Pepsin Predicament: A Vegan’s Dilemma

I started off using Betaine HCL with pepsin, believing it to be my beacon of hope. However, little did I know that pepsin, the enzyme I was relying on, was derived from pig stomachs. The realization hit me hard; as a vegan, this conflicted with my values. I knew I had to find a better way – an animal-friendly solution that aligned with my beliefs.

A Game-Changing Discovery: Vegan Betaine HCL

That’s when I stumbled upon a game-changing alternative – a vegan-friendly Betaine HCL. The results were nothing short of remarkable. My burps vanished, and the acid reflux that had become an unwelcome companion seemed to dissipate. It was a relief I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom: The Betaine HCL Revelation

What intrigued me even more was the twist in the tale. Doctors had always taught us that acid reflux was a result of inadequate stomach acid. Yet here I was, increasing my stomach’s acid levels with Betaine HCL, and the discomfort was fading away. It was a revelation that turned conventional wisdom on its head.

A Natural Solution: Vegan Betaine HCL at Work

Now, whenever I felt that familiar surge of acid threatening to climb up my throat, I had a simple, natural solution – a vegan Betaine HCL capsule. The relief was almost magical; my stomach would calm down, the burps would cease, and the acid reflux would retreat. It was as if I had finally found the missing piece of the puzzle.

Higher Nature’s Vegan-Friendly Betaine HCL: The Ultimate Relief

The product that came to my rescue was from a company called Higher Nature. Their vegan Betaine HCL supplement, packaged in a bottle of 90 vegetarian capsules, became my trusted companion. Each capsule contained 300 mg of the powerful Betaine HCL, and it worked wonders without the unpleasant smell that often accompanied the pepsin version.

Redefining Treatment: Beyond Pepsin for Acid Reflux Relief

This experience made me question the status quo. Did we really need pepsin to tackle acid reflux? My personal journey seemed to suggest otherwise. With the focus shifted solely to Betaine HCL, I found relief without any compromise.

Embracing the Change: A Call to Action

It’s important to note that our bodies are unique, and responses may vary. While this vegan-friendly supplement worked wonders for me, it might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. For those dealing with severe acid reflux, the effects could range from reduced burping to alleviated pain.

Holistic Wellness: The Vegan Betaine HCL Advantage

So, I encourage you to embrace the change. If acid reflux has been a constant struggle, why not give the vegan Betaine HCL a chance? By choosing the pepsin-free version, you’re not only making a positive change for yourself but also taking a stand for animal welfare.

Beyond Acid Reflux: Vegan Betaine HCL and Holistic Wellness

And there’s more. This vegan Betaine HCL can be seamlessly integrated into your wellness routine. Consider pairing it with a high-quality probiotic to address issues like candida and other potential parasites within your body. It’s a holistic approach to well-being that empowers you from the inside out.

Unlocking the Secrets: Details About Vegan Betaine HCL

What sets this vegan-friendly Betaine HCL apart? Let’s delve into the details:

• It’s a hydrochloric acid supplement that supports natural stomach acid levels, aiding in protein digestion and mineral absorption.
• Betaine hydrochloride, the active ingredient, acts as the acidic form of Tri-Methyl Glycine (TMG), enhancing its effectiveness.
• The recommended intake is 1-3 capsules to be taken immediately before or during a meal, ensuring optimal results.

In Conclusion: Your Path to Acid Reflux Relief

In conclusion, my journey led me to an unexpected yet transformative solution – a vegan-friendly Betaine HCL that breathed new life into my struggle against acid reflux. With Higher Nature’s innovative product, you can bid farewell to discomfort and embrace a chapter of well-being that celebrates both your health and your values. Trust me, sometimes the simplest choices can yield the most profound results.

The post Betaine HCL Vegan Version without pepsin review appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

There are some really lovely people, promoting raw food outthere on youtube. I would say the liferegenerator is the best one of them. Also the guys who organized raw food fest in Woodstock every year is an amazing guy.

But then comes the ugly and bad people. Ugly is of course Durianrider, I just get sick watching his videos, his language, gestures are so offensive, it is just amazing.

Durianrider is the most offensive raw foodist I think. His speaking, everything about him is offensive. I like him being vegan and stuff, but after seeing some of his videos, I just want to slap the shit out of him. He criticizes every person, making fun of people and stuff. But he is not the bad guy, just offensive and unwatchable. So if you have a good stomach, watch his videos, because he is not a bad guy or evil. But he blindly promotes that raw food diet and claiming it having no sideefect on people who have actual side effects. That is what I hate about him. I could never be a friend with a guy like that. Just makes me puke.

Then there are the bad people. I would say Matt Monarch, Wolfe are the biggest scammers I would say. They even sell deer antler extracts, colostrum and other disgusting shit just to make money. And Matt Monarch wife seems to me just a wacko. So be careful here. Also there is a strong evidence that he is faking youtube views. I am in internet marketing and I believe that 100%. His videos jumped from average few thousand to 500000, only few of them. In very short period of time.

I know it is hard to scam youtube views, but it is possible. I dont want to waste my time speaking about David Wolfe, you can read more about him on internet, just a bad guy.

The post The good, bad and the ugly of raw food appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I mean he is not an authority I think and he will only loose subscribers doing so. I think that is a bad marketing approach. I know they guy needs money, but he is doing seminars all over the world anyways. So that is lame, I am not even visiting his youtube page anymore.

Lame

The post Many health “teachers” are charging now for youtube posts appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

I did liver flush for many times, at least 15 I would say. I felt better for a day or so then everything came back. So I stopped doing it. But going through gulping large quanitieis of olive oil was so disgusting, I gave up. I haven’t done liver flush for at least 5 years.

But I am sad he passed away. Some people think he was assasinated, but hey, he was just a small fish in the ocean.  I suspect cancer or something similar, but nothing was disclosed.

RIP brother, let the angels guard you.

The post Andreas Moritz passed away! Sad news – author of liver flush protocol appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.

For killing the Candida you can use Betaine HCl with pepsin enzyme. Betaine HCl increases stomach acid so a stomach will contain more acid to fight off Candida yeast. It will also not destroy probiotics that you should day in this process of healing.

Step one

take 500 mg off Betaine HCl on an empty stomach. This is what recommends Mark Hyman. He claims that people overlook the importance of Betaine HCl. From my personal experience that is true. People think that if you experience acid reflux you must have too much acid in your stomach. But that is not true in fact you don’t have enough acid that is why your food is not digested in the stomach and you burp it up into your esophagus. So it is recommended to start with one pill of betaine HCl that is usually 350 mg and then increase the amount gradually. The most I took were two pills at the same time. I’m afraid to take more for now but some people recommend that you take up to treat a thousand milligrams of betaine a day. Other people recommend that you take one pill after each meal.

Step two

Take the probiotics to supplement one hour after taking betaine HCl. The betaine HCl will increase the acid inside the stomach so the probiotics supplements will be able to do its job. The University of Maryland medical school recommends taking probiotics with at least one to 2 billion live cultures each day.

Step three

Consume probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, soy, miso.

Step four

Avoid foods that cause Candida to grow. You should definitely avoid as much as possible white sugar, white flour, processed foods if possible avoid gluten altogether. The foods that contain gluten is all kinds of wheat products, like bread and pasta etc. Consume whole foods, the foods that are not processed, avoid processed salt, by sea salt that is unprocessed instead.

Buy Betaine HCL Vegan here

Buy Vegan Probiotics

The post How to cure Candida with betaine HCl and probiotics appeared first on Alternative Complementary Medicine.