MSM

MSM is a natural sulfur present in food and the human body. It must be consumed each day to maintain the health of many body functions including connective tissue and immune function. MSM has been recommended specifically to people concerned with joint health. Conditions seen in the clinic have responded to oral MSM doses of 250-750 mb/day: 1. Allergies - Oral MSM moderates a variety of allergic responses (pollens, foods, etc.) Antiallergy medication and desensitization may be sharply reduced. 2. Hyperacidity - MSM relieves symptoms without serious, untoward side effects. 3. Drug Hypersensitivity - individuals sensitive to aspirin, non-steroidal anti-arthritic agents (i.e., Naprosyn, Indocin, Motrin or ibuprofen), and antibiotics were drug tolerant when MSM was given within an hour before or concurrent with the sensitizing drug. 4. Constipation - to date, over 50 subjects with chronic constipation have gained prompt and continuing relief by supplementing with 100 to 500 mg or MSM per day. 6. Antiparasitic action - tests suggests that MSM has activity against a variety of medically important parasites, including Giardia, Trichomonds and round worms. Policosanol Natural Cholesteral Control An elevated cholesteral level is one of the most significant risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease as it can lead to atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries." If atherosclerosis occurs near the heart it can greatly increase the risk of heart attack, and if the arteries of the head and neck are affected the person faces a potential stroke. Atherosclerosis in turn can lead to another risk factor - high blood pressure - as more blood is required to pump blood through the partially blocked vessels. Sugarcane wax extract or policosanol is the most effective and by far the most extensively studied natural approach to lowering cholesteral. The extract has a remarkable safety profile. It is virtually free of negative side effects. Policosanol has been proven safe and effective with diabetics and even patients with existing liver conditions. Policosanol was administered for 8 weeks at 10 mg per day and showed a similar effect to 20 mg per day of lovastatin in lowering LDL or "Bad Cholesteral". Policosanol however was found to have a greater impact in raising the HDL or "Good Cholesteral" than lovastatin. The mechanism of action is extraordinary. Unlike the statins, which interfere with cholesterol production by inhibiting an enzyme, sugarcane wax extract instead improves the binding of cholesteral to receptor or sensor sites on the liver cells. The liver receives the message that the body has enough cholesteral therefore, it does not overproduce. Garlic Cardiovascular Benefits Garlic supplementation can lower total serum cholesteral levels by about 10 percent to 12 percent. The combination of lowering LDL and raising HDL can greatly improve the LDL to HDL ratio - a significant goal in trying to prevent heart disease and strokes. The two key areas of interest are its ability to enhance immune function and improve cardiovascular health. Regarding heart disease, garlic prevents arteriosclerosis on many different levels. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of dying from a heart attach or stroke. Recent studies indicate that garlic is an effective antibiotic agent against many bacteria, including Streptococcus. Preparations that produce the most allicin are viewed by many experts, including the German Kommission E as the most beneficial. Basically, there are three types of garlic extracts available: fresh, aged and dried. 1. Aged means the garlic is cut up, the material soaks in alcohol for 24 months and then is encapsulated. Aged garlic products will not release any allicin. 2. Dried extracts simply dry the sliced garlic and encapsulate the material. When ever you cut or slice garlic, the allicin is activated. After the activation, the material continues to change and break down. Manufacturers of dried garlic extracts can only guarantee allicin content at the time of manufacture. 3. Fresh, unharmed garlic is the best possible choice. Eating clove garlic every day may not be the most aromatic or feasible alternative. Supplements supplying fresh garlic, standardized for allicin content, are the most effective products available. Garlick extract supplements should provide a daily dose of at least 10 mg of allicin or a total of allicin potential of 4,000 mcg daily. This is equal to about 4,000 mg of fresh garlic.