A Mangosteen Testimonial I couldn’t Resist Sharing

Mangosteen testimonials are not not all as dramatic as what you’re about to read. This was recently forwarded to me by a colleague of mine, a doctor of naturopathic medicine for many years. I was very touched by it and felt compelled to share it with my readers.

Here it is.

Hi, my name is Kimberly Page, an elementary school teacher and a full time mom of 2 children. I am thrilled to share my testimonial about mangosteen and my special needs son, Josiah. At 1 and one half years of age, my son was diagnosed with Autism. global developmental delays, he has severe sensory integration dysfunction, chronic dermatitis, leaky gut syndrome and dysphagia which severely limits what he can eat or swallow.

The mangosteen was in a powdered capsule form, but can easily mixed with any fruit juice, the only option for Josiah. The benefits being reaped by the xanthones and the healing that is taking place is evident by his physical and developmental progress, but perhaps most significantly is what we can’t see with our own eyes, the internal healing that is taking place. Josiah’s immune system has strengthened, he has greater circulation, his leaky gut has healed, and he has better neuron communication in the brain.

Most dramatically, Josiah has had chronic ear infections since birth. He is now 7 months infection free! His ability to recover from illness is greatly improved. Daily, he makes new sound combinations and occasional new words. He is using sign language to make requests. His affection level and his desire for physical touch and his sustained eye contact is remarkable.

To a mom who sees daily miracles with her precious child, I thank God for the mangosteen fruit. We feel blessed to live in an area where we have access mangosteen.

*A note from the editor*

We know that our product won’t cure or prevent Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s, and related diseases,  but some doctors seem to think that it can slow progression of these diseases, and I have heard of other instances of doctors working with Autistics that they have seen signs of improvement in certain areas.

I was also recently updated that we now have over 2000 known doctors using the whole mangosteen in their daily practice.

Share on Facebook

Mangosteen Contains High Concentrations of Polyphenols

The mangosteen fruit also contains polyphenols, yet another antioxidant property of this amazing fruit. Many people seem to stuck on the fact the mangosteen fruit contains xanthones and that seems to be the topic of focus. While the xanthone rich pericarp certainly has huge benefits, other bio active chemicals  and their many potential health benefits are overlooked.

Polyphenols have many benefits such as anti-aging properties, a particular onel associated with potential cancer prevention is EGCG or epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Polyphenols being an antioxidant may also help to ward off heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol buildup in your arteries. All plant foods are high in this bio active chemical and a person’s intake on a daily basis could equal 1 gram. They are also found in abundance in green tea.

The classifications are flavenoids, tannins, and lignins. polyphenols can also be found in berries, chocolate, wine(tannins), pomegranates, peanuts and walnuts. Fruit skins generally contain high concentrations of polyphenols. They have also been shown to be controller of carbon cyclers which is great new for the global warming trend. Following are some links to further your knowledge of polyphenols and their important role in your health.

http://www.groupepolyphenols.com

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/red-wine-and-cancer-prevention

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/81/1/215S

Share on Facebook

Xanthones, Catechins and Mangosteen – Aid for Cancer?

People may not be aware of the dense amount of catechins found in the mangosteen fruit, a whopping 14% by weight. That is 9 times that found in green tea. Research shows that catechins may be a very effective against cancer along with Garcinone E, an isolated xanthone found to have anti- cancer and anti-tumor properties in lab tests through partioned chromotography using the MTT method.

Catechins are also powerful antioxidants as many paper have been written on the subject as well as numerous studies by the National Cancer Institute among others. Catechins, which are polyphenols, in the family of flavenoids, can inhibit enzyme activities that may lead to cancer. These are also known as Epigallocatechins Gallate or EGCG’s.

Science show EGCG may also help with respiritory issues in general, help maintain cartilage and cardiovascular system. Catechins have also show the ability to chelate copper and iron, metals known to produce free radical in the body and may prevent or inhibit the formation of carcinagens. Another chemical found in green tea and high fiber foods called inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) used together have shown very promising results in pancreatic cancer studies.

A number of doctors I know that work with mangosteen with cancer patients have had good results, although mixed especially in regards to stage 4 cancer patients. To get results, however, the dosage of the mangosteen is high, 4 to 6capsules per day for 30 days. Tests are then given and if positive results are seen, then potentially another 30 days. I know there is now some research being done with later stage cancer patients where it is felt the treatment with the juice perhaps was started too late and the doctors are now working with amino acid in conjunction with the juice as well. I haven’t heard the results as of yet. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment through your doctor or doctors, and decide to try mangosteen, do not stop your current treatments and advise your physician of the addition of this supplement.

Cancer is a very sensitive issue to me personally, as my own father died of lung cancer and his aunt as well. Cancer may have hereditary components, check your family history Being the second leading cause of death in the U.S. per the National Center for Health Statistics, and third in the world.

Doesn’t it make sense to be proactive and take advantage of a product, mangosteen, so high in Catechins and xanthones to possibly prevent cancer for you and your family and loved ones?

Share on Facebook

Chinese Medicine Theory – A Way to Better Health

Chinese medicine theory makes more and more sense as a way to achieving and maintaining better health. My co-author on this site, Dr. Rick Jahn runs a clinic based on his education and practice. Please check out his latest article on this site, click here , which includes a test he offers called “Bio Terrain Mapping“. Below are some articles I fell are not only pertinent, but offer collaboration of Chinese medicine theory in practical application.

The Five (5) Elements of Chinese Medicine

CLICK ON EACH ELEMENT and rollover on each of the 4 CYCLES OF BALANCE to learn more… Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood In Traditional Chinese Philosophy, natural phenomena can be classified into the Wu Xing, or the Five Elements, …

Western Research into Chinese Medicine and Food Reactions

Pretty standard info about allergy and Celiac disease but towards the middle of the interview the good Dr. talks about studies that he is involved with that are taking a hard look at why certain Chinese medicine practices actually blocks the problematic immune system…interesting.

While western medicines tend to treat the symptoms, Chinese medicine looks for the root cause and treats that. For example, in western medical practice one takes an aspirin to treat a headache. In Chinese medicine, the doctor will look for the root cause and treat that. I have witnessed this type of thinking and treatment numerous times with my own aging mother with numerous health problems. She will go to the doctor or hospital, and they will treat symptoms. The problem either never gets resolved or re-occurs. In some of these ailments, I have sought advise from a good friend of mine, Dr. Rick Jahn, a licensed DCM, the treatment he prescribes is much different, and has yielded much better, and more importantly, lasting results.

Share on Facebook

The Silent Killer – Inflammation – By Dr. Rick Jahn

As you age, it’s considered acceptable to begin getting sick. For organs to begin to fail, for health to begin to wain. The problem with this type of thinking seems to put the “blame” on time and age, rather than on ourselves.

In Chinese medicine, the emphasis is on balance rather than on symptom management. The magic in this approach is you have the ability to maintain your health, starting when you are healthy, rather than just doing damage control. We use terminology within Chinese medicine that you may not be familiar with, terms such as “heat” or “fire”. The closest translation to this would be inflammation.

Inflammation is often seen as a “silent killer”, because for the most part, you may not realize you have it. I am not necessarily talking about the kind that may cause shoulder or knee pain. Most inflammation may remain hidden for many years without any pain at all. However it is thought to be at the root of of disorders such as Alzheimer’s, thickening of the blood leading to heart pain, muscle pain, weakness, foggy thinking, and fatigue. It has also been thought to be the cause of of elevated cholesterol, plaque build, free radical damage (which may also lead to many other diseases) and even cancer growth.

Where does this inflammation come from?

It may come from damage to joints, muscles, and organs, but very commonly it can from diet and lifestyle choices. Many of the foods you eat may encourage inflammation. Foods such as meats, rich in arachidonic acids, high glycemic load foods, processed foods, and under-diagnosed low grade food allergies. The good news is, you can help yourself by knowing where you are, and adjusting your diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing imbalances within your body, and creating illness.

What you can do to maintain your health.

I am often asked what can be done to live a longer, happier, healthier life. My answer is simple. However, as with many things, simple to do, is often simple to not do as well. What I mean by that is, it’s just as easy to ignore the facts, and just hope for the best. You may not notice a difference for many years, but when you finally see the error of your ways, a lot of damage may already have been done. The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, holds true.

In my clinic, I use a ” Bio Terran Mapping Test”. To find out more click the link.

http://www.my-health-and-wellness-coach.com/urinalysis.html

This test uncovers imbalances with your metabolic functions. I also use CRPT test to check your C-Reactive Protein levels to check how much inflammation your body may already have. These tests are simple and can be done from the comfort of your own home. They are simple, but very important. If you can discover where your body may be weakening, you can correct your imbalance. Isn’t it a better approach rather than waiting for organ failure or pain?

Once the imbalances have been discovered, and the level of inflammation has been established, it is time to correct the problem. This can be quite simple. If everybody ate perfectly, and exercised, there would still be imbalances. The foods you eat today are different from the food your parents ate. You need supplementation in order to make up for these deficiencies as well as for the additional load of all of the extra chemicals you ingest in the air, your water, and your food. I am not a big fan of simply using a one a day vitamin. Most of them are less than optimal. I have found that whole food vitamins are much more powerful and more bio-available than the properties found in most vitamins.

The research done on the mangosteen fruit is absolutely amazing. I am impressed with the results I have seen in my patients using Xango. In Chinese medical theory, using whole food nutrition is more powerful than isolated properties, because the whole food approach is much more balanced.

Inflammation can be controlled and reduced. My patients are in control of their bodies because they can monitor their body’s functions and maintain balance. Support what needs to be supported, and reduce what needs to be reduced. Simply going to the store and over-dosing on anti-oxidant vitamins can do more damage than good. Balance is the key. Using good quality products, supporting the body where needed, and keeping balance is the key to optimal health. Science and medicine now agree that oxidation and chronic low grade inflammation are the silent killer.

Below is an interesting link to controlling blood sugar without prescription drugs.

http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/2008/09/can-blood-sugar-be-controlled-without-prescription-drugs

Share on Facebook

Doctor of Oriental Medicine – Intrucing My Friend – Dr. Rick Jahn

I’ve mentioned Dr. Rick Jahn previously on the site. He is currently working aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean, doing lectures and classes, and offering treatment, so our contact has been somewhat limited. We met about 4  or 5 months ago in a forum and have become friends and have had many lengthy discussions about health and more specifically, wellness. We have a common interest, to teach others about wellness, what is is, how to achieve it and how to maintain it. It is a take charge, proactive stance towards ones’ own health.

Dr. Rick’s background interested me a great deal as I had spent many years studying martial arts in previous years and it was apparent to me that Asian knowledge and philosophies regarding health seemed far ahead and more practical than the views of most in the west. I  also relate more to their philosophies on spiritual matters. Dr. Rick has a great deal of knowledge in the area of wellness and will be a co-author on the site going forward. I am grateful and fell very privileged to have made his acquaintance. It is our sincere desire to help as many people as possible to get and keep their health on track. So many health challenges we face today are avoidable.

Without further adieu:

My name is Rick Jahn, I am a D.O.M.  You may not of ever heard of that title before, or maybe perhaps you have.  In either case, it stands for Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Some of this incorporates acupuncture, but there is more to it than just acupuncture. DOM’s also do herbal medicine, lifestyle counseling, diet food therapy and at times use exercise as therapy as well.

I guess I should start by telling you about my educational background .I earned my masters of science degree from one of the best TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) schools in the country, and graduated in 2001.  The owners of my school used to run the Cheng Du university hospital in China, and because of that, I was given the opportunity to do some of my internship in China.  In fact, I liked it so much I returned after graduation to stay another year. One of the greatest strengths of TCM is the ability to help people find balance in their health.

Since they did not have lab tests or microscopes thousands of years ago, TCM physicians had to use the power of observation and look for small signs and symptoms to discover where pending imbalances were forming. Most people look for signs of pain or illness as an indicator of an imbalance, but sadly, this is not a good way to look at your health. In fact, often, when you start having these types of manifestations, it is because your imbalance has progressed quite far, and many consider the physical signs to be more of an “end sign” rather than a beginning.

The Real Key to Wellness

The real key to wellness is to maintain health by maintaining balance. This means giving careful attention to your health well before there is pain, or illness.  Proper eating habits, and proper exercise should be part of your wellness plan.  If you wait for signs of illness, it may be too late. Ask any patient with heart disease (a silent killer), kidney failure (you have to lose 50% of function for it to show up on a test!), high cholesterol, diabetes, and the list goes on. Keeping balance, maintaining health, proper intake, proper elimination, proper rest, and adjusting for deficiencies are the secrets to good health.

“The best place to start is by finding out how well your body is functioning now, and the best way to do this is by using a Bio Terrain Test as below.

http://www.my-health-and-wellness-coach.com/urinalysis.html

We all need adjustments in helping your body work more efficiently. Lets face it, most of us do not eat, drink, or rest properly, and even if you do you may not get all the vitamins you need due to the depletion of the soil and the questionable potency of genetically engineered foods. This is a big reason why supplementation is not only suggested, but highly recommended. Though not all supplements are the same. There is a big difference between an isolated vitamin and a whole food, natural supplement. Ask yourself, do you feel better with your current supplement routine? Isolated properties of a vitamin are usually less effective than a whole food supplement. “

Share on Facebook

Heart Attacks and Heart Disease – What Some Doctors Aren’t Telling You Can Kill You!

53 per cent of all Americans will die from heart disease and/or heart attacks. Over half of these have normal or lower than normal cholesterol levels. According to Dr. Scott J Deron,  certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, this is a fact in a study of over 85,000 patients done over a 10 year period. The other factor, twice as important as your cholesterol level, is your highly sensitive or HS C-Reactive Protein level or CRP. Many doctors are familiar with the term, but they aren’t testing for it. A CRP test will measure the amount of low grade or “silent inflammation” in your body.

This information is not new, in 2001, the FDA approved the CRP test as an acceptable test to identify low grade inflammation in the body. So why aren’t doctors offering the test? One theory is that there are no prescription drugs to be prescribed when the CRP results show high risk for heart disease.

The level indicators are as follows:

(1) less that 1 mg / L (in blood) shows low risk of developing heart disease in a CRP test

(2) between 1 mg / L (in blood) to 3 mg / L (in blood) shows average risk in a CRP test

(3) over 3 mg / L (in blood) shows a person to be at high risk in a CRP test

These tests are readily available. Your doctor should have no problem giving you this test, although he or she may ask you why you are requesting it. The test in inexpensive, from $25.00 on the low side to $150.00 on the high side. I can provide you this test through my friend Dr. Rick Jahn as an in home self-lance test for around $50.00. A growing number of studies indicate that this test is a better indicator of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Like all disease linked to low grade inflammation in the body, this may start years before any symptoms appear, e.g., heart attack or stroke. You can easily Google for validation.

An Additional Related Link

• 
  
• [Scientific Contribution] C-Reactive Protein Is Elevated 30 Years …
• 
  

Sometimes I just don’t understand the health-care system in the United States. Highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein has also been linked to dental disease, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Another doctor, Dr. Vaughn T. Johnson, a board certified family physician, has found that mangosteen can be effective in lowering hs C-Reactive Protein levels in patients in his own  studies.

Work with your physician regarding this, CRP levels can read high due to other factors that may be temporary due to injury or other problems that induce low grade inflammation in the body. Your doctor can help determine if high level CRP is a general state that you need to be concerned with or other factors are clouding the picture. Protect yourself by being proactive against heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Share on Facebook

Fibromyalgia – Mysterious and Possible Help – Naturally

Fibromyalgia is not considered a disease as there is no definite known cause. There are numerous theories as to the possible cause or causes, but it is considered a disorder with a set of fairly usual and fairly consistent and predictable  symptoms. The word fibromyalgia means “fibro – meaning fibrous tissues, “my” - referring to muscles, and “algia – which is pain.

Fybromyalgia is more prevalent in women, about 90 percent of the sufferers, can strike between ages 20 and 60, and seems more common in older women. It is not curable, but it is manageable. One theory is that is a sleep disruption disorder, another linking it to muscular,  and can begin following the flu. It may be genetic. Another theory says it may be  immune system related with chronic inflammation underlying, however inflammation is not an actual symptom. Interesting as inflammation normally is a primary cause of pain, which is fibromyalgia’s main symptom.

The symptoms associated most often with this affliction are widespread pain in the back of the head, the face,  neck and upper back, upper chest, can be in the elbows, the hips and the knees. Other symptoms can include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), interrupted sleep – alpha and/or delta wave disturbance associated with deep sleep, anxiety and heightened sensitivities.

Fibromyalgia is now often times diagnosed by rheumatologists. Some commonly accepted criteria are that the pain should be present for 90 days or more, in 4 body quadrants, left and right sides, and above and below the waist. The human body has 18 tender points from the neck to the knees, at least 11 of these should be painful.

Some treatments for fibromyalgia are tricyclics, an antidepressent which helps relieve sleep disorders and muscle pain,  and SSRI’s, which are seratonin reuptake inhibitors, boosting neurotransmitters to the brain. Anti-inflammatories, NSAIDS, are sometimes prescribed, but have little effect other than to slightly reduce muscle pain and stiffness. Steroidal anti-inflammatories have not shown to be effective.

Establishing regular sleep patterns, and anything that would promote better sleep such as reducing stress, meditation, avoiding caffeine etc., can be beneficial. Keep in touch with your doctor for new treatment and ideas and seek out support groups to share ideas with other fellow sufferers.

Oddly enough, mangosteen has helped a number of people. Why this has been effective, I wish I could tell you, we don’t even  understand the cause, mangosteen has an unusual capability to be effective for many health challenges where conventional medicines and treatments are not. I personally know a licensed uses mangosteen as a front line treatment for sufferers of fibromyalgia.

Share on Facebook

Xanthones and Safe Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for extended periods, longer than for example an injury and the time it takes for an injury to heal. Chronic Pain is typically pain lasting three months or more.  Chronic pain may lead to depression and keep one from daily activities in part or altogether. I’ve been through 2 back surgeries, so I have some definite experience with it.

Here in America, we treat chronic pain with powerful drugs, some highly addictive and some dangerous in other ways. Narcotics and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used commonly for moderate and severe pain, narcotics being highly addictive and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which can also have psychological effects over time. In many other cultures, chronic pain has been and is treated with with plant based treatments, and often very effectively.

Chronic pain is noted in diseases like fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, degenerative joint disease,arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, stomach ulcers, AIDS, gallbladder disease, migraines, back pain etc.

The pathophysiology of pain has to do with COX2 or cycloxygenase, which is an enzyme. Cox 2 produces prostaglandins which are cellular messengers, which start the process of inflammation. Inflammation always causes pain. For example if you receive an injury to a foot, the prostaglandins travels from the foot to the spinal cord, and then to the brain, amplifying the message in the brain.

The xanthones in the mangosteen fruit actually shut off the Cox2 gene in the body when it is triggered, per Dr. Frederic Templeman. This is extremely important as normal blood flow is not affected as with the use of COX2 drugs. Chronic pain sufferers also sometimes suffer from allodynia, which is a painful response or perceived pain to something that normally would not be painful, such as a touch on the arm. Chronic pain sufferers may also suffer from another condition called hyperalgesia, where something that normally causes normal pain, is perceived as extreme pain.

Cox2 is also involved in allodynia and hyperalgesia, these types of pain are also known as pathological pain. There are three points in the body where the pain mediators can be interfered with or points of intervention. The first is at the location where the pain is being caused, the second is at a point after the source of pain or the spinal cord, and the third is in the brain. In the first instance, ice for example can be placed on swollen knee, in the second instance, a TENS unit may be used which produces a slight electrical current, or third, a narcotic pain pill which acts in the brain at the sensory cortex.

The xanthones in the mangosteen intervene in all 3 stages of the inflammation and pain. This is huge for anyone suffering from the crippling effects of chronic pain and is safe for all, including children!

Share on Facebook

Mirgaine Triggers And Best Ways to Manage Them

Knowing your migraine triggers may not be simple to determine but can save a great deal of suffering. I am not a migraine sufferer but I have known many throughout my life, including members of my own family. My heart goes out to all who suffer from them. Migraine headaches are known as a form of vascular headaches, although what causes them is still largely unknown. These headaches are more common in women and seventeen per cent of women may experience them in their lifetime while only 5 or 6 per cent of men. 

Migraine headaches are believed to be a combination of dilated blood vessels and a release of chemicals by nerves. There is an enlargement of the temporal artery and the nerves around it are stretched, the nerves releasing chemicals which cause inflammation, which cause pain. The fight or flight response in triggered in the body which is the sympathetic nervous system which responds to pain and stress. Migraines may be hereditary.

Migraine triggers related to foods may include chocolate, caffeine, beer and red wine, mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) commonly used in Asian foods, aged cheeses, avocados, bananas, yeast, fermented foods such as pickles, dairy products, dried meats, peanuts and peanut butter and other foods, and processed foods.  It can also be triggered by lack of food or time between eating.

Migraine triggers may also be lighting, lack of sleep or good quality sleep, stress, hormonal(women), some drugs including certain antibiotics, change in weather, or change in altitude. Cigarette smoke may be a trigger as well. Migraine sufferers may experience nausea and vomiting.

So what can you do to avoid migraines? You can start to keep a log every time a migraine occurs, keeping the above in mind, tracking foods eaten prior, changes in sleep,  unusual stress, climate changes etc. A balanced diet with proper rest and exercise help regardless of these being migraine triggers or not. There are a number of medications on the market, your doctor can help you decide if any of them may help you. I am a big believer in meditation along with deep breathing.

I have known some individuals who have had success with , as the active chemical compounds have powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties. There are a number of different types of migraines and the migraine triggers are different for each person offers some insight on how to best manage them.

Share on Facebook