Nr 219 6 Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (No. 3 is Best)

For centuries, vinegar has been used for various household and cooking purposes.

It is also an ancient folk remedy, claimed to help with all sorts of health problems.

The most popular vinegar in the natural health community is Apple Cider Vinegar.

It is claimed to lead to all sorts of beneficial effects… some of which are supported by science.

This includes weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and improved symptoms of diabetes.

Here are 6 health benefits of apple cider vinegar, that are supported by scientific research

1. Apple Cider Vinegar is High in Acetic Acid, Which Has Potent Biological Effects

Vinegar is made in a two-step process, related to how alcohol is made .

The first step exposes crushed apples (or apple cider) to yeast, which ferment the sugars and turn them into alcohol.

In the second step, bacteria are added to the alcohol solution, which further ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid...… the main active compound in vinegar.

In French, the word “vinegar” actually means “sour wine.”

Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar  also contains “mother,” strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb-like appearance.

Some people believe that the “mother” is responsible for most of the health benefits, although there are currently no studies to support this.

Apple cider vinegar only contains about 3 calories per tablespoon, which is very low.

There are not many vitamins or minerals in it, but it does contain a tiny amount of potassium. Quality apple cider vinegar also contains some amino acids and antioxidants.

Bottom Line: Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting the sugars from apples. This turns them into acetic acid, the active ingredient in vinegar.

2. Acetic Acid is a Potent Antimicrobial and Can Kill Some Types of Bacteria

Vinegar can help kill pathogens, including bacteria .

It has traditionally been used for cleaning and disinfecting, treating nail fungus, lice, warts and ear infections.

However, many of these applications have currently notbeen confirmed by research.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used vinegar for wound cleaning over two thousand years ago.

Vinegar has been used as a food preservative, and studies show that it inhibits bacteria (like E. coli) from growing in the food and spoiling it .

If you’re looking for a natural way to preserve your food… then apple cider vinegar could be highly useful.

There have also been anecdotal reports of diluted apple cider vinegar helping with acne when applied on the skin, but I didn’t find any research to confirm this so take it with a grain of salt.

Bottom Line: The main substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can kill bacteria and/or prevent them from multiplying and reaching harmful levels. It has a history of use as a disinfectant and natural preservative.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar May Lower Blood Sugar Levels, Which is Very Useful For Diabetics

By far the most successful application of vinegar to date, is in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugars, either in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to produce insulin.

However, elevated blood sugar can also be a problem in people who don’t have diabetes… it is believed to be a major cause of ageing and various chronic diseases.

So, pretty much everyone should benefit from keeping their blood sugar levels stable.

The most effective (and healthiest) way to do that is to avoid refined carbs and sugar, but apple cider vinegar may also have a powerful effect.

Vinegar has been shown to have numerous benefits for insulin function and blood sugar levels:

• Improves insulin sensitivity during a high-carb meal by 19-34% and significantly lowers blood glucose and insulin responses .
• Reduces blood sugar by 34% when eating 50 grams of white bread.
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bedtime can reduce fasting blood sugars by 4% .
• Numerous other studies, in both rats and humans, show that vinegar can increase insulin sensitivity and significantly lower blood sugar responses during meals 
• 
  
• For these reasons, vinegar can be useful for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those who want to keep their blood sugar levels low to normal for other reasons.
  If you’re currently taking blood sugar lowering medications, then check with your doctor before increasing your intake of apple cider vinegar.
• Bottom Line: Apple cider vinegar has shown great promise in improving insulin sensitivity and helping to lower blood sugar responses after meals.

• 4. There Are Some Studies Showing That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help With Weight Loss

  
  Given that vinegar lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, it makes sense that it could help you lose weight.
  Several human studies suggest that vinegar can increase satiety, help you eat fewer calories and even lead to actual pounds lost on the scale.
  Vinegar along with high-carb meals can increase feelings of fullness and make people eat 200-275 fewer calories for the rest of the day .
  By reducing calorie intake, this should translate to reduced weight over time.
  A study in obese individuals showed that daily vinegar consumption led to reduced belly fat, waist circumference, lower blood triglycerides and weight loss :
• • 15mL (1 tablespoon): Lost 2.6 pounds, or 1.2 kilograms.
  • 30mL (2 tablespoons): Lost 3.7 pounds, or 1.7 kilograms.
  However… keep in mind that this study went on for 12 weeks, so the true effects on body weight seem to be rather modest.
  That being said, just adding/subtracting single foods or ingredients rarely has a noticeable effect on weight.
  It’s the entire diet/lifestyle that counts… you need to combine several effective methods to see results.
  Overall, it seems like apple cider vinegar may be useful as a weight loss aid, mainly by promoting satiety and lowering glucose and insulin levels.
  But it won’t work any miracles on its own.
• Bottom Line: Studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness and help people eat fewer calories, which can lead to weight loss.

• 5. Apple Cider Vinegar May Have Some Benefits For Heart Health

  
  Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is currently the world’s biggest cause of death .
  It is known that several measurable biological factors are linked to either a decreased or increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  Several of these “risk factors” have been shown to be improved by vinegar consumption… but all of the studies were done in rats.
  These rat studies showed that apple cider vinegar can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels .
  Apple cider vinegar may also contain the antioxidant chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to protect LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized, a crucial step in the heart disease process .
• There are also some studies showing that vinegar reduces blood pressure (a majorrisk factor) in rats .
  Unfortunately, what works in animals doesn’t always work in humans.
  The only human evidence is an observational study from Harvard showing that women who ate salad dressings with vinegar had a reduced risk of heart disease .
  But this type of study can only show an association, it can not prove that the vinegarcaused anything.
• Bottom Line: Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure, but this needs to be confirmed in human studies.

• 6. Vinegar May be Protective Against Cancer

  
  Cancer is a terrible disease, characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells.
  There is a lot of hype online about the anti-cancer effects of apple cider vinegar.
  Some studies have shown that vinegar can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors 
  However, all of the studies on this were done in isolated cells in test tubes, or rats, which proves nothing about what happens in a living, breathing human.
  Additionally, most of the studies were done on rice vinegar, not apple cider vinegar.
  That being said, some observational studies (which don’t prove anything) have shown that vinegar ingestion is linked to decreased esophageal cancer in China, but increased bladder cancer in Serbia .
• Overall… it is possible that apple cider vinegar may help to prevent cancer, but it is definitely premature to make any recommendations based on the current research

• Side Effects, Dosage and How to Use it

  
  There are a lot of wild claims about apple cider vinegar on the internet.
  Some say that it can increase energy levels and have all sorts of beneficial effects on health.
  Unfortunately… many of these claims are not supported by science.
  Of course, absence of proof isn’t proof that something isn’t happening and anecdote often ends up becoming supported by science down the line.
  That being said, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for more studies, since research on natural health products like these are both few and far between.
• From the little evidence available, I think that apple cider vinegar may be useful and is definitely a good candidate for some self-experimentation if you’re interested in it.
  At the very least, apple cider vinegar seems to be safe. There are no side effects noted with normal consumption.
  The best way to incorporate it into your diet is to use it in your cooking… for salad dressings, mayonnaise and that sort of thing.
  Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Common dosages range from 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) to 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) per day.
  Definitely don’t go above that, because excess consumption may have harmful effects.
  It is also possible to take it in pill/tablet form, but I don’t recommend that because a 2005 study showed that the true vinegar content of these supplements was highly questionable 
• There is also a report of a woman having an apple cider vinegar tablet stuck in her throat, which led to esophageal burns.
  It is recommended to use organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother.”
  Apple cider vinegar also has various other non-health related uses like hair conditioning, skin care, dental care, pet use and as a cleaning agent (to name a few).
  These can be highly useful for people who like to keep things as natural and chemical-free as possible.
  At the end of the day, apple cider vinegar appears to be very healthy.
  It’s not a “miracle” or a “cure-all” like some people seem to believe, but it does clearly have some important health benefits, especially for blood sugar and weight control.

Nr 218 Should you go nuts?

Nuts are nature's way of showing us that good things come in small packages. These bite-size nutritional powerhouses are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Here's a look at the pros and cons of different nuts, as well as the best and worst products on supermarket shelves today. Of course, you can get too much of these good things: Nuts are high in fat and calories, so while a handful can hold you over until dinner, a few more handfuls can ruin your appetite altogether. And although nuts are a healthy choice by themselves, they'll quickly become detrimental to any diet when paired with sugary or salty toppings or mixes.

Best nuts for your diet

Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios

The lowest-calorie nuts at 160 per ounce are almonds (23 nuts; 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat); cashews (16 to 18 nuts; 5 grams protein, 13 grams fat); and pistachios (49 nuts; 6 grams protein, 13 grams fat). Avoid nuts packaged or roasted in oil; instead, eat them raw or dry roasted, says Caplan. (Roasted nuts may have been heated in hydrogenated or omega-6 unhealthy fats, she adds, or to high temperatures that can destroy their nutrients.) 

Worst nuts for your diet

Macadamia Nuts, Pecans

Ounce for ounce, macadamia nuts (10 to 12 nuts; 2 grams protein, 21 grams fat) and pecans (18 to 20 halves; 3 grams protein, 20 grams fat) have the most calories—200 each—along with the lowest amounts of protein and the highest amounts of fats.

However, they're still good nuts: The difference between these and the lowest calorie nuts is only 40 calories an ounce. As long as you're practicing proper portion control and not downing handfuls at a time, says Caplan, any kind of raw, plain nut will give you a good dose of healthy fats and nutrients.

Walnuts

While all nuts contain heart-healthy omega-3 fats, walnuts (14 halves contain 185 calories, 18 grams fat, 4 grams protein) have high amounts of alpha linoleic acid (ALA). Research has suggested that ALA may help heart arrhythmias, and a 2006 Spanish study suggested that walnuts were as effective as olive oil at reducing inflammation and oxidation in the arteries after eating a fatty meal. The authors of this study, funded in part by the California Walnut Commission, recommended eating around eight walnuts a day to achieve similar benefits.

Best nuts for your brain

Peanuts

Technically legumes but generally referred to as nuts, peanuts are high in folate—a mineral essential for brain development that may protect against cognitive decline. (It also makes peanuts a great choice for vegetarians, who can come up short on folate, and pregnant women, who need folate to protect their unborn babies from birth defects, says Caplan.) Like most other nuts, peanuts are also full of brain-boosting healthy fats and vitamin E, as well. One ounce of peanuts (about 28 unshelled nuts) contains about 170 calories, 7 grams protein, and 14 grams fat.

Best nuts for disease prevention

Almonds

Relatively low in calories, almonds have more calcium than any other nut, making them a great food for overall health. Plus, they are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps fight dangerous inflammation and possibly health conditions such as lung cancer and age-related cognitive decline.

Best nuts for men

Brazil Nuts, Pecans

Creamy Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, a mineral that may protect against prostate cancer and other diseases. Just one nut contains more than a day's worth, so eat these sparingly: Recent research has hinted that too much selenium may be linked to type 2 diabetes risk. One ounce of Brazil nuts (6 nuts) contains about 190 calories, 19 grams fat, and 4 grams protein.

Pecans are also good for men's health: They're loaded with beta-sitosterol, a plant steroid that may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. One ounce of pecans (18 to 20 halves) contains about 200 calories, 21 grams fat, and 3 grams protein.

Worst snack packaging for nuts

Avoid anything in a tub

We're all for buying in bulk to save money and packaging, but it's important not to snack straight from the box (or in this case, the giant tub) when a craving hits. Beer Nuts' "original" formula—peanuts coated with a sweet and salty glaze—aren't a bad choice themselves (170 calories, 14 grams fat, and 2 grams sugar per ounce), but if you're munching on them at a party or during a "long day of game watching," as the company's website suggests, you'll likely be eating more than the recommended serving size. Not to mention, the Party Mix variety also includes M&Ms and sugary yogurt-covered raisins, for an extra calorie boost. A better bet is Beer Nuts' Original Teaser Peanut Sized bags, each containing just half an ounce of nuts.

Best nuts for your sweet tooth

Try all-natural glazed nuts

Want something sweet and satisfying but without the extra calories and high-fructose corn syrup? Look no further than Sahale Snacks glazed nuts, in flavors like Almonds with Cranberries, Honey, and Sea Salt (160 calories, 11 grams fat, 5 grams protein per ounce) or Cashews with Pomegranate and Vanilla (150 calories, 10 grams fat, 4 grams protein per ounce). They're sweetened with organic cane juice and tapioca syrup, and each contains only 6 grams of sugar per ounce. Just be careful not to eat the whole bag!

Worst nuts for your sweet tooth

Check labels for sugar content

Just because something has nuts in it doesn't make it good for you, says Caplan: "Don't justify eating a Snickers because it's got peanuts in it." Anything coated with or tucked inside layers of sugar, toffee, chocolate, or ice cream isn't going to give you much nutritional benefit, and the calories can quickly add up, she says.It's not just candy, though: Beware of seemingly healthful varieties, like Planters Sweet 'N Crunchy Peanuts. Although they still have just 140 calories and 8 grams fat per ounce, the second and third ingredients after peanuts are sugar and butter. In fact, one ounce contains 13 grams of sugar (in just a 28-gram serving size). Considering peanuts only have about 2 grams of sugar naturally, that's 11 grams of added sugar in just one handful, out of a recommended 25 for the whole 

Best nuts for a salt craving

Look for 'lightly salted'Nuts are, of course, available unsalted. But to satisfy a salty craving without going overboard, look for in-between varieties like Planters Lightly Salted peanuts, almonds, and cashews (45-55 mg sodium), or Wonderful Pistachios Lightly Salted (80 mg). Check ingredient labels, too: Some brands, like Back to Nature Salted Almonds (75 mg sodium), conta

Worst nuts for a salt craving

Steer clear of BBQ or boiled nuts

If you're watching your sodium intake, watch out for hot and spicy or barbecue flavors too. Kar's Nuts Blazin' Hot Peanuts, for example, contain 370 mg of sodium per ounce (along with 160 calories and 14 grams fat)—a whopping 15% of your daily recommended value, in just one handful!

Beware boiled peanuts, as well: This Southern treat is made by soaking fresh, raw peanuts, in their shells, in a salty brine. Sodium amounts will vary based on the exact preparation, but Margaret Holmes Peanut Patch boiled peanuts, for example, contain 390 mg per ounce.

Worst nut butter

Skip added oils and sugars

Major brands have eliminated trans fats from their nut butters, but most still contain hydrogenated oils (high in saturated fat) to increase spreadability and prevent separation. Some "natural" product lines swap hydrogenated oils for palm oil, also high in saturated fat. Skippy Natural with Honey, for example, contains 200 calories, 16 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated), and 5 grams sugar per 2-tablespoon serving.Nutella's creamy chocolate-hazelnut combo is terrific for an occasional treat—but it's hardly part of a "balanced breakfast," as its commercials say. Two tablespoons contain just 200 calories, yes, but 21 grams of sugar. In fact, sugar and palm oil are the product's first ingredients, even before hazelnuts

Nr 217 Sugar

Nr 216 Can graviola (soursop) cure cancer?

What is graviola?

Graviola comes from a tree in the rain forests of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Annona muricata. It is also known as custard apple, cherimoya, guanabana, soursop and brazilian paw paw. The active ingredient is thought to be a type of plant compound (phytochemical) called annonaceous acetogenins.

Graviola and cancer

Overall, there is no evidence to show that graviola works as a cure for cancer. In laboratory studies, graviola extracts can kill some types of liver and breast cancer cells that are resistant to particular chemotherapy drugs. But there haven’t been any studies in humans. So we don't know whether it can work as a cancer treatment or not. 

Many sites on the internet advertise and promote graviola capsules as a cancer cure but none of them are supported by any reputable scientific cancer organisations.

We do not support the use of graviola to treat cancer. Our advice is to be very cautious about believing information or paying for any type of alternative cancer therapy on the internet.

What is graviola used for?

People in African and South American countries have used graviola to treat infections with viruses or parasites, rheumatism, arthritis, depression, and sickness. We know from research that some graviola extracts can help to treat these conditions. In many countries, people use the bark, leaves, root, and fruits of this tree for traditional remedies.

Possible side effects of graviola

We don’t know much about how graviola affects the body. But some researchers are concerned that particular chemicals present in graviola may cause nerve changes and movement disorders when taken in large amounts. The nerve changes may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Laboratory research has found that some substances in graviola cause nerve damage and that these substances can cross into the brain from the bloodstream.

One research study has shown that people in the Caribbean who had large amounts of graviola in their diet were more likely to develop particular nerve changes and were also more likely to have hallucinations. It is unlikely that drinks or foods containing graviola could harm you when taken as part of a normal diet. But always talk to your doctor before taking any kind of complementary or alternative therapy.

Disclaimer: This article and others on this site are for information purposes only and not intended to treat, prevent or diagnose any diseases; consult your holistic doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Nr 215 See what happens to your body when you eat 3 dates daily

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you started eating dates? Probably not. Most people don’t think about dates very much and particularly about the health benefits. But dates are pretty amazing and this little fruit can provide some exellent health benefits.. If you start eating three dates a day, here is what you will start to see.

The Nutrient-Rich Date

The first thing you’ll notice is that dates have some great nutritional benefits. You don’t need to take all those vitamins when you are eating three dates a day. They contain copper, potassium, fiber, manganese, vitamin B-6 and magnesium.

Dates Improve Digestive Health

Dates are great foods for digestive health. If you have problems like IBS, constipation or many other digestive and GI problems, dates can help. Part of it is the fiber that they contain and they have been shown to reduce your risk of colon cancer and more. Dates are even recommended treatments for hemorrhoids.

Dates as Pain Relievers & More

Because dates have so much magnesium – which is an anti-inflammatory – they can work to relieve pain and help swelling. Studies have shown that the magnesium in dates can help reduce arterial inflammation and that lowers your risk for heart disease as well as a host of other inflammation caused conditions like Alzheimer’s, arthritis and more.

Dates for a Healthy Pregnancy

A study done at UST tested how well dates helped with labor and delivery. The researchers tested 69 women and came to the conclusion that if the women ate dates during the last four weeks of their delivery that the labor and delivery was more favorable. Dates also help with weight loss after pregnancy

Dates for High Blood Pressure & Stroke

The magnesium that is in dates is also helpful when it comes to lowering high blood pressure. So many people are on blood pressure medication in the United States, all the while this fruit might make those meds unnecessary. The potassium that is in dates is also helpful, because it helps the heart work more smoothly and reduces blood pressure as well.

In addition, there has actually been research to determine whether or not dates had any impact on stroke risk. In fact, there have been no less than seven studies that prove that magnesium decreases your stroke risk by about 10% for every one hundred milligrams of magnesium you ingest on a daily basis.

The research was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and clearly shows that dates can lower stroke risk.

Dates Make the Brain Work Better

There have also been studies done on the ingredients in dates and their relation to brain health and it has been shown that when you have enough vitamin B6 in your system, your brain actually works better. That means that you have more focus, more accurate memories and can access information faster. Dates help keep your mind sharp and ready to learn.

Disclaimer: This article and others on this site are for information purposes only and not intended to treat, prevent or diagnose any diseases; consult your holistic doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Nr 214 15 reasons why sweetpotatos are perfect for all and diabetics

Sweet potatoes come from the same order like regular potatoes, but they belong to different family and species. You can call it a unique type of potato that comes in various different colors, resembles yams and has superb nutritional values. The most common sweet potato is the one with yellow-orange or white/cream flesh.

The sweetness of the sweet potato comes from the beta-carotene. Our bodies use it to produce vitamin A, which is why it is referred to as Provitamin A. If you happen to stumble upon purple-fleshed sweet potatoes, you should buy them immediately because they are outstandingly rich in antioxidants (more than blueberrie

15 Nutritious Facts:

1. Perfect for Diabetics: Sweet potatoes have natural sugars that help diabetics lower and
stabilize their insulin resistance and regulate their sugar levels.

2. Digestion: Dietary fibers are important for healthy digestive tract, and sweet potatoes
are abundant in them. They help in colon cancer prevention and relieve constipation.

3. Prevents Emphysema: Smokers get emphysema (damaging of the air sacs) and are
deficient in Vitamin A. The carotenoids in sweet potato that the body uses to produce 
Vitamin A help in the regeneration of the respiratory system.

4. Immune System: Vitamin D is important for the functioning of the thyroid gland,
for the teeth, skin, heart, nerves, bones and energy levels, and sweet potatoes are a potent
source of Vitamin D.

5. Healthy Heart: The heart function can be improved in overall with the help of the
potassium content, which negates the sodium impact and helps with blood pressure and 
balances electrolytes.
The Vitamin B6 in the sweet potato can help to prevent strokes, heart attacks and
degenerative diseases.

6. Healthy Muscles and Tissues: The potassium contents can help athletes to reduce
cramps and
swelling, can provide them with energy and relaxes their muscle contractions. They
also regulate
nerve signals and heartbeats.

7. Anti-Oxidant: The carotenoids like beta-carotene helps with gout, arthritis,
and asthma,  reduce aging effects and protect against breast and lung cancers.

8. Fetal Development: It is very important for pregnant women to consume 
folic acid if they want a healthy fetal tissue and cell development, and sweet 
potatoes are a  rich source  of folic acid.

9. Anti-Stress: The potassium content regulates the body’s water balance,
increases oxygen flow and normalizes heartbeats, while the magnesium content 
functions as anti-stress agent.

10. Vitamin C: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, a vitamin crucial for the
functioning
of the entire body.

11. Anemia: Since sweet potatoes are rich in iron they help fighting anemia
because the iron plays an important role in the production of white and red 
blood cells.

12. Youthful Skin: If you want to boil your sweet potatoes use the water left
for your skin.
 It can sooth irritated spots, cleanse your pores and absorb impurities. The
Vitamin C will
help in collagen production while Vitamin E will improve the skin complexion.
Plus, you can
remove wrinkles, puffiness of eyes and dark circles with the help of anthocyanins.

13. Premenstrual Symptoms: Treat severe premenstrual symptoms with
the help of the manganese and iron present in sweet potatoes.

14. Quality Hair: The beta-carotene in sweet potato promotes hair growth
and prevents problems like dandruff and damaged hair.

15. Minerals: Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vital minerals such as
potassium, manganese, magnesium calcium and iron, which are important for 
the carbohydrate, protein and enzyme metabolism.

However, if you have a history of oxalate urinary tract stones, you may
have to avoid sweet potatoes or consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: This article and others on this site are for information purposes only and not intended to treat, prevent or diagnose any diseases; consult your holistic doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Nr 213 10 Root Causes Of Fibromyalgia

Gluten Intolerance: Gluten has been liked to more than 55 diseases and is often called the ‘big masquerader’. The reason for this is that the majority symptoms of gluten intolerance are not digestive in nature but rather neurological such as pain, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, fatigue and depression.

Candida Overgrowth: Candida is a fungus or yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your intestines. However, when overproduced, candida breaks down the wall of the intestines and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into your body causing a host of unpleasant symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues and pain. Virtually every one of my patients with fibromyalgia has had Candida overgrowth.

Thyroid: More than half of the people with thyroid issues have no idea they have one and 90% of these have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland. It is vital that your doctor check six different blood markers to measure your thyroid gland’s function. It’s imperative that your doctor use the optimal levels rather than the standard reference range when assessing and diagnosing thyroid disorders. Getting my patient’s thyroid levels into an optimal range, typically alleviates their fatigue, brain fog, sleep disturbances and depression.

Vitamin Deficiencies: Magnesium, vitamin D and B12 deficiency are the most common vitamin deficiencies I see in those who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have had several patients completely reverse their fibromyalgia symptoms with magnesium alone. The best way to measure magnesium is a red blood cell (RBC) magnesium level, which can be tested through any conventional lab.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Leaky Gut: There are more bacteria in us and on us then there are of our own cells. When these bacteria get out of balance through use of antibiotics or a sugar-rich diet we can lose our ability to digest and absorb nutrients, particularly B12. Gluten can cause SIBO and leaky gut and SIBO and leaky gut can lead gluten and other food intolerances. It’s a catch-22 and a vicious cycle. You must ‘fix the gut’ first in anyone with fibromyalgia or any chronic illness.

Adrenal Fatigue: Adrenal fatigue is a result of the chronic stress whether real or perceived. Chronic pain is a stress to the adrenal glands, though typically not the initial adrenal stressor. The initial stressor is usually something such as food intolerances, Candida, mercury toxicity, vitamin deficiencies or mycotoxins. My goal is to support the adrenals with adaptogenic herbs while we search for the root cause of the stress and correct it.

Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins are very toxic substances produced by toxic molds. Only about 25% of the population carries the genes to be susceptible to the effects of mycotoxins. Conventional environmental mold testing only tests for levels of mold spores and does not test for mycotoxins. I use a urine mycotoxin test in my clinic to determine if someone has been exposed to toxic molds.

Mercury Toxicity: I recommend that all my patients find a biological dentist and have their mercury amalgam fillings removed. Mercury is toxic to our bodies and can be one piece of the puzzle for those with fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders and cancer. I then recommend heavy metal testing using a pre and post DMPS urine challenge test.

MTHFR Mutations: This is a genetic test you can get though any conventional lab. The more mutations you have at the MTHFR gene the less able you are to methylate and detoxify particularly toxins such as mercury and lead. The more mutations you have at this gene the higher your requirements for methyl-B6, methyl-B12 and folinic acid in order to keep your detoxification pathways working properly.

Glutathione Deficiency: Glutathione, a molecule, is the most critical part of our body’s detoxification system. Glutathione gets recycled in our body unless our toxic burden gets to high or we lack GSTM1 and GSTP1, the enzymes needed to recycle and produce glutathione. Taking glutathione or the precursors (NAC, alpha lipoic acid, milk thistle) often help my patients dramatically with fatigue.

Disclaimer: This article and others on this site are for information purposes only and not intended to treat, prevent or diagnose any diseases; consult your holistic doctor before making major changes to your diet or lifestyle.