Two Things About Your Pet's Nose You Should Know

April 23, 2012 | 53,155 views | + Add to Favorites

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Listen as Dr. Karen Becker discusses everything you ever wanted to know about your pet’s nose.

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By Dr. Becker

There's been a myth floating around for years about what it means if your dog's or cat's nose is warm instead of cool, or dry instead of moist.
A warm dry nose by itself doesn't mean your pet is sick or has a fever.
In fact, your dog or cat's nose can be moist and cool one moment, and dry and warm the next, and it doesn't mean that he's sick.
It's all perfectly normal.
Now if your pet has other symptoms, like for instance loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, or other obvious signs of illness, then a dry, warm nose goes along with those other symptoms of systemic illness.
The time for a second look is if your pet's nose is changing texture.
For example, if it becomes flaky or crusty or you notice a change in the color.
If the nose is not only dry but the skin is also cracking, or if it's getting lighter in color … if you can see scabs, open sores, non-healing cracks or fissures, or other types of skin irritation … those are all things that you'll want your veterinarian to take a look at.

Your Pet's Nose Can Change Color for a Variety of Reasons

The color of your pet's nose can be black, pink (a pink nose is also called a Dudley nose), liver colored, or the same color as your dog's or cat's fur. Nose color is determined by genetics.
Some noses fade during the colder months and return to their normal color during the summer months. This is a condition known as 'snow nose' or 'winter nose.'
Certain breeds have noses that go from black to brown or pink as the dog ages. This is thought to be a result of the breakdown of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that produces pigment. Since tyrosinase is also temperature-sensitive and works more efficiently in warmer weather, this could also explain the 'winter nose' color some dogs get when the weather gets cold.
If you happen to have an orange or calico kitty, you might notice that black spots appear on the nose and lips as your pet gets older. This is a totally normal change veterinarians call lentigo simplex, and it's no cause for concern.

Lentigo Simplex

Sometimes the nose will go lighter when the pet is sick and return to a darker color once health is restored. If a pet gets a scrape or other abrasion to the nose, often the nose skin will turn pink as the healing process is occurring, and then the darker natural color will appear as the scab wears away.
Contact dermatitis can also cause your dog or cat to lose pigment on the nose. Some pets have sensitivity to plastic food and water bowls, and continued exposure can cause the nose to lighten in color. Sometimes the lips will also become inflamed.
I recommend you use stainless steel food and water bowls, because aside from the potential for plastic hypersensitivities, plastics wear down over time, and the material in plastic bowls can leach into your pet's food and water.
The immune disease called vitiligo can also turn a dog's nose pink, but there are usually other signs of this disorder occurring at the same time, like your dog can have white hairs or entire patches of white hair all over her body.
With vitiligo, the immune system attacks the pigment-containing cells of the body that are responsible for color. Certain breeds seem more likely to develop vitiligo than others including Dobermans, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dachshunds.

Caring for Your Pet's Pink Nose

Whether your dog's nose is naturally pink or has turned pink either temporarily or permanently, you'll need to protect him from sunburn during the summer. You can apply a safe sunscreen when your dog will be out in the sun. It is important that you cover up pink noses during hot summer months.
There is a technique and actually a permanent solution to a pink nose some pet owners have opted for, but I don't recommend it.
Some veterinarians will suggest that you have your dog's nose tattooed black. I think this should be done only if your dog lives outdoors full time (which I absolutely don't recommend) and can't avoid contact with direct sunlight.
Otherwise, this is an unnecessary procedure and must be done under anesthesia.

Signs of a Nose Problem

If you notice a nasal discharge, swelling, an unpleasant smell from your dog's nose or the area around it, or if your pet seems to be having trouble breathing, it's time to call the vet.
These signs can point to a foreign object or a foreign body, an infection, or even a nasal tumor. If your pet's nose has a discharge from just one nostril, there could be a foreign body stuck up in there.
Other signs of an irritant, a foreign object, or a tumor in the nose include sneezing, pawing at the nose, or nosebleeds. Nasal polyps or tumors will often coincide with a bloody discharge or mucus from the nose.
You might also notice your pet's breathing is noisier than normal, and you can sometimes see a bulge or a lump on one side of the face or nose.

Diseases Affecting the Nose

Pemphigus complex is a group of very serious autoimmune skin diseases that affects both dogs and cats. There are two main types: pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus erythematosus. Both start with patches of red skin on the face, including the nose and ears. The foliaceus variety often spreads to other parts of the body, including the feet, central body, core, and paws.
Pemphigus erythematosus involves only the face, head, and footpads. The red patches rapidly turn into blisters, and then pustules, which can become crusty and cause the hair to stick to them. They look like oozing, crusty sores. Areas of skin depigmentation are also seen with both of these disease processes.
There is a third type of pemphigus called pemphigus vulgaris, which is rare. Blisters and ulcers can form on the lips, nostrils, and eyelids with this particular disorder and it can also involve the nail beds, which can cause the nails to fall out.
Discoid lupus erythematosus is another autoimmune disease that can occur in dogs, but doesn't happen in cats. It's more common in certain breeds including Collies, German shepherds, Huskies, Shetland sheepdogs, and Brittany spaniels. It is thought to be a milder version of the systemic form of lupus, and limits itself only to the face. First the nose loses pigmentation, and then often it develops cracks and sores, non-healing fissures, as well as some crusting.

Lupus

Another type of nose disorder is called zinc-responsive dermatosis. It's caused by a zinc deficiency and is prevalent in Huskies, Doberman pinschers, Great Danes, and Alaskan malamutes.
In zinc-responsive dermatosis, the dog's hair thins and a scaly, crusty rash can develop on the face that is most obvious on the nose, around the eyes, even in the ears, and around the mouth.
Crusting also appears on the elbows and hocks in some dogs. These areas can become callused and crack easily.
It's important to make sure your dog has a confirmed case of zinc-responsive dermatosis before you discuss supplementing zinc with your vet. Zinc toxicosis is actually more prevalent than zinc-responsive dermatosis due to pet owners over-supplementing with zinc, incorrectly assuming their dog has a deficiency.
Other nutritional deficiencies can also cause changes in nose tissue, especially omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, which can cause the nose tissue to become thickened and dry.
Omega-3 fatty acids are sensitive to heat and light, and their potency decreases over time when food is stored. It's no wonder that most pets consuming dry, kibbled food end up with essential fatty acid deficiencies.
Nasal solar dermatitis, also known as Collie nose, is a condition seen most often in sunny areas of the U.S. It primarily affects herding breeds including Collies, Aussies, and Shelties. With exposure to sunlight, the skin between the nose and muzzle first becomes quite irritated looking, the hair falls out, then the skin begins to ooze and crust over.
If the condition is allowed to continue with repeated sun exposure, the skin actually breaks down. And in serious cases, the nose can become just a big, giant, non-healing wound that's incredibly painful. Certainly, skin cancer has been known to develop out of advanced cases of this particular disease.
There are other systemic conditions which can affect the health of your dog's nose. The most common is hypothyroidism, which leads to a thickening of the nose and a leathery appearance.

Keeping an Eye on Your Pet's Nose

Checking your dog or cat's nose should be a normal part of your at-home wellness exam. Getting acquainted with the look and shape of your pet's nose when it's healthy is important, because then you'll be able to determine when a problem pops up and it becomes unhealthy.
You need to look for any unusual signs like nasal discharge, especially and certainly if it goes from clear to mucus-y or bloody. You also need to stay alert for excessive dryness, crusting, or loss of pigmentation.
I also recommend you watch the nose as your pet breathes. Dogs and cats are nose breathers when at rest. If the nostrils flare more than normal, your pet could be having a breathing problem.
If you notice anything unusual about your pet's nose, especially if you are seeing other signs of illness, I certainly recommend you make an appointment with your veterinarian.
As some of you know, topical ointments applied to the nose are often totally useless, because they become oral supplements in a matter of seconds to minutes in most dogs and cats.
The only supplement I recommend applying to your pet's nose while you're waiting for your vet appointment is natural vitamin E. You can actually poke a vitamin E capsule to open it, squeeze out the contents, and apply it to your pet's nose until you can be seen by your vet.
Other creams and salves can be fairly irritating to your pet's nose, so I don't recommend you apply other products unless you have specifically been told to do so by your veterinarian. 

Smart Meters

Smart MetersSmart Meters

Remedy for inflammation, flu, fevers, colds and infections Wednesday, January 30, 2013 by: Alexandra Du Toit, TRUE Earth Mama

1,507 274 (NaturalNews) The super cleansing tonic is an antibiotic, destroying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is also a potent anti-viral and anti-fungal/yeast formula, and will increase blood and lymph circulation to every part of the body. It is so effective that it is said to be the cure for colds and the flu, and is the herbal preparation of choice against Candida. This basic formula dates back to medieval Europe and the plagues. Benefits of each ingredient: (All organic of course!) Garlic is a broad spectrum antibiotic. Unlike chemical antibiotics that kill off millions of friendly bacteria that your body needs, Garlic only targets the invading bacteria and even promotes and increases your healthy bacteria. Garlic is also a powerful anti-fungal and literally destroys any antigen, pathogen and any harmful or disease causing micro-organism. Onion is garlic's next of kin and has similar but milder actions. Together they are a tremendous fighting duo. Horseradish is a potent herb for the sinuses and lungs. It opens up the sinus passages and increases the circulation there, where most doctors agree, the common cold and influenza often start. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a tremendous circulatory stimulant. Cayenne (peppers) is the most powerful circulatory propellant known. It simply sends the antibiotic and disease fighting properties of the other herbs where they're needed most. Turmeric clears infection and reduces inflammation inside of the body. It blocks cancer from developing. Especially helpful for those with joint pain. Apple cider vinegar: There surely must be something really healthy in using apple cider vinegar, since The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. It is said that he had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh, ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulfur, iron, and fluorine. Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps in regulating blood pressure and reduces bad cholesterol. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction. Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid which is very helpful in fighting fungal as well as bacterial infections. This acid helps relieve joint pains by dissolving uric acid deposits that form around joints. This dissolved uric acid is gradually eliminated from the body. Organic super cleansing tonic recipe Ingredients (Organic): 1 32 oz. bottle of organic spple cider vinegar 1/4 cup chopped garlic 1/4 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup chopped habanero peppers (or hottest peppers you can find) 1/4 cup grated ginger 1/4 cup grated horseradish 2 Tsp. turmeric Instructions: Blend and strain Pour liquid back in bottle Compost everything else You can store the tonic in a cupboard for long periods of time. There is no need to keep in the refrigerator. Drink a shot at the first signs of a cold or flu. For sore throats, gargle a little. It can also be used mixed with olive oil for a salad dressing. Or a shot full on you stir fry. Sources for this article include: http://www.naturalpedia.com/ www.naturalnews.com About the author: Alex is a TRUE Earth Mama, helping others tune into their most natural state while bringing harmony and balance into all areas of their lives in order to THRIVE. Please check out Alex's Blog! http://www.trueearthmama.com/blog.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/038879_inflammation_fever_remedies.html#ixzz2JYYGJofa

Rense & Jeffrey Smith - Virus Gene Found In GMO Crops

Rense & Jeffrey Smith - Virus Gene Found In GMO CropsRense & Jeffrey Smith - Virus Gene Found In GMO Crops   

5 Ways To Beat Cancer

anuary 31, 2013 by ERIN SCHUMACHER

5 Ways To Beat Cancer

Today more and more individuals are diagnosed with some type of cancer. But aren’t we all programmed to think: “This could never happen to me.” And yet it does. Yes, it can happen to you. And between you, your partner and you best friend, one of you may get it. So what exactly is going on in the world? Cancer is a relatively new disease and cause of death in the history of mankind.



The cancer institute online is dedicated simply to cancer statistics and occurances. Their rates between 2007 and 2009 extrapolate that over 40% of all men and women today will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. That is almost 50%!
First, what exactly is cancer?
The body is made up of trillions of cells. The cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. It’s a tightly controlled process. Cancer, on the other hand, is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. It can happen anywhere in the body - lungs, bones, breasts, etc.
Here is an interesting fact: Cancerous cells cannot survive in an oxygenated environment.
Lets flip this around. It means that a low cellular oxygenation level in newly-formed cells are actually going to turn cancerous. In 1931 Dr. Warburg won his first Nobel Prize for proving cancer is caused by a lack of oxygen respiration in cells. He stated in an article titled The Prime Cause and Prevention of Cancer that "the cause of cancer is no longer a mystery, we know it occurs whenever any cell is denied 60% of its oxygen requirements."
This is the prime cause of cancer.
Of course there are secondary causes of cancer but lack of oxygen seems to be the #1. He then goes on to elaborate that “the prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar. All normal body cells meet their energy needs by respiration of oxygen, whereas cancer cells meet their energy needs in great part by fermentation.”
In summary, this means that cancerous cells are anaerobes (without oxygen) and healthy cells are aerobes (with oxygen).
What reduces oxygen levels in cells?

1. Buildup of cellular toxicity which then damages the cellular oxygen respiration mechanism within cells.
2. Poor blood flow in the form of red blood cells clumping which slows down the bloodstream and restricts flow into capillaries.
3. Lack of proper building blocks for cell walls that don’t allow nutrients into the cells.
4. An acidic environment in the body.

Some people use chemo and radiation therapy to kill cancer. However, they also cause damage to healthy cells and overload them with toxins, which in turn leads to the result of cancer in normal cells! And you may have heard, cancer usually returns more than once to people unless they have made changes in their lives!
So, What are 5 Ways You Can Decrease Yours Odds of Getting Cancer!?
1. Detoxify your body (decrease cellular toxicity and increase oxygenation to cells) Eliminating environmental toxins from your diet (by eating organically grown foods and avoiding chlorinated/fluoridated water) and your surroundings (by using non-toxic, natural cleansers, cosmetics, furniture, building materials, and clothing) will go a long way toward eliminating cancer from your life. There are a variety of ways to detox your body via water fasts, juice feasts (where you drink only fruit and vegetable juices for a set number of days), and full-on detoxification programs.
2. Exercise (increase blood flow) One cause of poor oxygenation is poor circulation. If cells are oxygen starved they are more likely to become cancerous. So, when one exercises and increases circulation, oxygenation improves and more nutrients will be carried into the cells.
3. Proper eating habits (to create proper building blocks for cell walls) Diet is a crucial weapon in your cancer-fighting arsenal. You should eat organic whole foods whenever possible to reduce toxins. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids from organic cold-pressed flax oil or fish oil.

Cancer thrives on sugar and refined grains. Cut them out as much as possible, and don't use artificial sweeteners as they are not healthy. Recently, new healthy sweeteners such as stevia, xylitol, and Laknato have become widely available.
4. Eat mainly alkaline foods Foods that are acidic to the body consist of: meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, junk food, soda, alcohol, coffee, grains, and cereals. These foods you want to minimize in your diet. Alkaline foods, on the other hand, consist mainly of fruits and vegetables. A good percentage to aim for is 75% alkaline foods and 25% acidic foods. This may be challenging in the beginning because many people’s diets are the exact opposite. Once this becomes a bit more natural, a general guideline to shoot for is: 45% cooked fruits and vegetables, 30% RAW fruits and vegetables and 25% grains, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, or poultry.
There have, in addition, been research that shows the benefits of a 100% raw food diet in the treatment of cancer. The Gerson institute in San Diego, California provides an alternative to treating cancer. The Gerson Therapy is a natural treatment that activates the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, vegetarian diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and natural supplements. Over the past 60 years thousands of people have been cured of ‘incurable diseases’ including: cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and auto-immune disorders. Talk about food as medicine!
5. Support your body’s ability to use oxygen to make energy A nutrient vital in the production of energy in a cell is CoEnzymeQ10. If a cell doesn’t have CoQ10, it can’t produce energy. Also, research shows that (high-quality) Omega-6 oils increase oxygen transfer into cells.
Remember, the more ways you attack cancer, the better your chances are of beating it. The best alternative cancer clinics in the world use multiple supplements and holistic treatments. They don't do just one thing. If possible, do the same yourself.

Cancer can be beaten. Never doubt that. People succeed all the time. The best way to beat cancer, though? PREVENT it!
Sources:
cancerfightingstrategies.com
cancer.gov
Erin Schumacher is a Certified Natural Health and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner (CNHP; CHNP) She specializes in detoxification programs, internal cleanses, and helping clients build strong immune systems. She also travels internationally to do raw food workshops, yoga retreats, and personal coaching. In addition, Erin is a Certified Power Yoga Instructor and a Certified Raw Food Chef from the SunKitchen. She currently lives in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. For more information, visit ErinSchumacher.net.

Soursop Fruit 100 Fold Stronger At Killing Cancer Than Chemotherapy Reference Sources

The Hidden Connection Behind Viruses, Vaccines and Cancer

The Hidden Connection Behind Viruses, Vaccines and CancerThe Hidden Connection Behind Viruses, Vaccines and Cancer

Posted on:

Tuesday, January 29th 2013 at 5:00 am

Written By:

Dr Tyson Perez

Mainstream medicine tells us that the hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer which is why it is so necessary for US newborns to be vaccinated within hours of birth.  We are told that the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is supposedly so prevalent in our population, causes cervical cancer which is why there is such a push to vaccinate girls and boys in the US as early as 9 years old. Let's not forget about Simian Virus 40 (SV40) which is known to have contaminated polio vaccines and is associated with a wide variety of human cancers.  Conventional wisdom tells us that viruses cause cancer.  But is this true? Let's investigate the story further.
The first recorded cases of HBV infection occurred following the administration of the smallpox vaccine containing human lymph to shipyard workers in Germany in 1883. HBV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.  It is estimated that over 2 billion people worldwide have been infected and that approximately 350 million are chronic carriers.  Chronic HBV infection is believed to cause up to 80% of all hepatocellular carcinomas.  Sounds scary right?  But when you look deeper you find that, in the US, HBV is found predominantly in adults who are either I.V. drug users or engaging in high-risk sexual behavior.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that only 0.1-0.5 % of the US population are chronic carriers.  This is due, in large part, to the fact that only about 5% of acute HBV infections ever become chronic.  In other words, about 95% of people clear the infection and never become chronic carriers.  But those who do become chronic carriers will definitely get liver cancer right?  No.  The CDC estimates that only about 25% of those with chronic HBV infection die prematurely from liver cancer or cirrhosis decades after the initial infection.
Is it possible that over those decades, other factors could have caused or, at least contributed, to their liver disease?  Ok, but if the mom tests positive for Hep B, her infant will definitely get infected right?  Wrong again.  According to the CDC, there is only a 10% chance that a mother who tests positive only for the Hep B surface antigen (s-antigen) will infect her baby.  Additionally, does it make sense to indiscriminately vaccinate newborns if mothers have already tested negative for Hep B?  It does if your motivation is ease of access.    
HPV is recognized by mainstream medical authorities as the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the US with an estimated 20 million persons infected and over 6 million new infections annually.  They state that in the 1980s, cervical cancer cells were discovered to contain HPV.  Although there are more than 100 types of known HPV, only a few are considered oncogenic or cancer causing.  

• Read the conclusion to "The Hidden Connection Behind Viruses, Vaccines and Cancer"

Dr. Tyson Perez, DC is a chiropractor in Carlsbad, CA where he specializes in pediatric, prenatal and family care.  You can visit his websites www.WestCoastChiropracticCarlsbad.com and www.SanDiegoScoliosisCenter.com.

XylitXylitol in the News: Reading Beyond the Headlinesol in the News: Reading Beyond the Headlines

Xylitol in the News: Reading Beyond the HeadlinesXylitol in the News: Reading Beyond the Headlines

Posted on:

Wednesday, January 30th 2013 at 5:00 am

Written By:

Dr. Ellie Phillips

Earlier this month a study called the "Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial" was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Several of my dental friends contacted me, concerned to find out what was going on. If you look closely at the study, the results are not surprising, but the amazing thing was how quickly it reached the front page of the New York Times Health Section.  I guess the conclusion of the study may seem shocking at first glance, because researchers found xylitol did not significantly reduce cavities in adults who are at high risk for decay.
The researchers confirmed xylitol has been shown to be successful in reducing cavities for over 50 years in Europe, Asia and even in the US. These studies, however, have mainly focused on children and adolescents, so this new study took a look at adults in the US with a high rate of cavities. The hypothesis was that 5 grams of xylitol could stop new cavities in selected clinic patients. After two and a half years, the conclusion was that xylitol had only reduced decay by 10%, which was not significant.
The results did not surprise me, nor a well-respected lecturer, Dr Graeme Milicich from New Zealand. His comment was, "Water can put out a fire, but a cup of water is not going to deal with a house fire. The people selected in this study were high-risk patients, so throwing a cup of water at the problem, without any other intervention, is obviously not going to deal with it". The patients in this study had serious decay problems and many had half their teeth missing. They experienced about 4 new cavities a year, yet it does not appear anyone addressed their lifestyle or other risk factors.
Xylitol's main benefit is its alkalizing ability. You can do a pH test in your own mouth and show that 100 percent xylitol quickly alkalizes your mouth to protect your teeth from acidity and sugars. This is why we recommend eating xylitol mints or gum after eating, after drinking and after snacking. If you eat xylitol and then sip diet soda or a 20 oz energy drink, the xylitol will have no chance to protect you. Most Americans snack frequently, particularly when it comes to sipping drinks.
To benefit from xylitol we must understand how teeth become damaged and how xylitol prevents the damage. If 5 pills a day could stop cavities – it assumes "cavities happen", which is not the case. Acidity is the pivotal risk factor for cavities. Acidity is from plaque and also from foods and especially drinks that lower mouth pH. Older adults with cavities usually have acidic saliva due to hormonal change, pregnancy, stress, medications, or a depressed immune system. In the age-range of this study, many patients would have acidic or insufficient saliva to counter acidic attacks from eating or drinking. Only with the correct xylitol protocol and correct home care regimen could these patients have avoided cavities.
Anyone can test with pH paper and see how xylitol (mints or gum) can alkalize the mouth within minutes of an acidic challenge, to stop acidic damage and help protect teeth.  This study used xylitol without any education, which is similar to giving a couple of "diet pills" to obese patients without any dietary advice, and then being shocked that they didn't work!
Cavities are not a mystery or phenomenon – they are the progressive destruction of teeth to a point where the tooth caves in, allowing an infection to enter and destroy the tooth under the enamel. To prevent cavities, you must get rid of cavity-producing bacteria and protect teeth from acidity that weakens the outer enamel. The amount of daily prevention must outweigh the amount of damage to a tooth. I describe this as being like a bank balance, the outcome between how much you deposit each day vs. how much you withdraw. If the amount of damage to teeth exceeds the amount of help you give each day – you will end up with cavities. If you offer more protection than damage, cavities will stop.  For adults with decay, it is important to control acidic damage from snacking habits. Xylitol offers us all a simple and delicious tool, but it is the person who must make the effort, use xylitol to limit damage, and understand that even xylitol is  not a magic pill!
Another benefit of xylitol is that it can loosen plaque and improve daily tooth cleaning. Useful as this is, you still need well-formulated mouth rinses, good toothpaste and effective brushing habits. Additionally, xylitol must reach a minimum daily dosage, and Dr Milgrom's studies at the University of Washington in 2002 indicated a dosage between 6.5 and 10 grams xylitol is required, and frequency is important. This is why you find so much information about how to use xylitol, how to clean your teeth, and which mouth rinses work with xylitol, etc on our websites.
This study was definitely at odds with the outcome that many of us, as dentists, have professionally witnessed with adult patients. We have prescribed effective protocols with xylitol that have allowed patients to escape a lifetime of cavities and dental problems. When used with proper education and application, xylitol can be an amazing oral health adjunct, especially for mouth acidity or dry mouth issues. The study admitted several problems, including "illogical" reversals, errors in one of the examination sites, and data that was "unusable". There were some positive results– for example there was a 10-20% reduction in cavities in some groups, and the study showed ethnic variations, which may be interesting and could uncover cultural habits or unknown genetic factors.
The researchers in this study admitted decades of powerfully positive results using xylitol for preventing cavities in kids' teeth. Hundreds of good and Evidence Based studies have shown it works to protect children and adolescents (see for yourself - go to Google Scholar and type in "xylitol" and "caries" and you will see the hundreds of studies showing xylitol's incredible effect on preventing and reversing tooth decay). Isn't it fascinating that the ADA and the media appear to have completely ignored those great stories, but picked a negative one and raced it to the NY Times in one day!
I wish the media had been excited in the 1970s to tell mothers how xylitol prevents transmission of cavities to children (how many teeth would we have saved?) or the study last year that shows how wiping baby teeth during eruption can give long-term protection from cavities. I wonder why the ADA could not have commented on this most recent article – explaining what was lacking and using this as the perfect platform to discuss the dental dangers of sipping energy drinks, fruited waters, athletic drinks, juices and sodas.
Today we have an epidemic of tooth decay in 2 year olds, 52 million school hours are lost to dental disease annually, 80% of teenagers have fillings and 50% of 30 year olds have gum disease. NOW is the time to start encouraging the American public to improve their oral health and use xylitol to help reduce the staggering burden of disease in the US. Xylitol offers an easy and exciting method to help raise our standard of oral health – yet the unfortunate NY Times headlines will surely push us backwards on this path.

Dr. Ellie Phillips DDS has specialty training in Pediatric and Advanced General Dentistry. She is author of, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, a founding member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health and creator of Zellies, a mission-driven company that empowers people to take control of their health and prevent dental disease by providing 100% xylitol products alongside good oral health education.

Dr. Mercola Discusses Vitamin C

Dr. Mercola Discusses Vitamin CDr. Mercola Discusses Vitamin C   

Garchen Institute In prison Khenpo Munsel Rinpoche taught me this: “The extent of your realization will be known when you encounter difficult circumstances. You will not know the extent of your realization when things go well.” When you find yourself in a troublesome situation, when you are in great pain, when an intense emotion arises, only then will you know where you are at with practice. He added: “Adverse circumstances reveal your hidden faults.” If you are able to hold awareness unwaveringly during such a time, and thus if you are not carried away by the force of the emotion, it is a sign that you have gained experience in practice. If you were to practice mindful awareness with great diligence for just a month, if you were to recognize even the slightest thought and not allow your mind to wander off into delusion for that time, even in such a short time you would witness great changes. Fierce afflictions would not faze you so much any more, because you would have gained personal experience in observing the illusory play. There is in fact just one remedy necessary—mindful awareness. It is the single sufficient remedy that transforms difficulties inside and out. --H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

Garchen Institute

In prison Khenpo Munsel Rinpoche taught me this: “The extent of your realization will be known when you encounter difficult circumstances. You will not know the extent of your realization when things go well.” When you find yourself in a troublesome situation, when you are in great pain, when an intense emotion arises, only then will you know where you are at with practice.
He added: “Adverse circumstances reveal your hidden faults.” If you are able to hold awareness unwaveringly during such a time, and thus if you are not carried away by the force of the emotion, it is a sign that you have gained experience in practice.
If you were to practice mindful awareness with great diligence for just a month, if you were to recognize even the slightest thought and not allow your mind to wander off into delusion for that time, even in such a short time you would witness great changes.
Fierce afflictions would not faze you so much any more, because you would have gained personal experience in observing the illusory play. There is in fact just one remedy necessary—mindful awareness. It is the single sufficient remedy that transforms difficulties inside and out.

--H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

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Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms and Diagnosis

Posted by Dr Sircus on December 8, 2009 | Filed under Magnesium, Medicine

65

Magnesium Thirst Magnesium Hunger

We thirst for magnesium rich water.

Magnesium deficiency is often misdiagnosed because it does not show up in blood tests – only 1% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the blood.

Most doctors and laboratories don’t even include magnesium status in routine blood tests. Thus, most doctors don’t know when their patients are deficient in magnesium, even though studies show that the majority of Americans are deficient in magnesium. Consider Dr. Norman Shealy’s statements, “Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency” and that, “magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient.” The truth he states exposes a gapping hole in modern medicine that explains a good deal about iatrogenic death and disease. Because magnesium deficiency is largely overlooked, millions of Americans suffer needlessly or are having their symptoms treated with expensive drugs when they could be cured with magnesium supplementation.
One has to recognize the signs of magnesium thirst or hunger on their own since allopathic medicine is lost in this regard. It is really something much more subtle then hunger or thirst but it is comparable. In a world though where doctors and patients alike do not even pay attention to thirst and important issues of hydration it is not hopeful that we will find many recognizing and paying attention to magnesium thirst and hunger which is a dramatic way of expressing the concept of magnesium deficiency.
Few people are aware of the enormous role magnesium plays in our bodies. Magnesium is by far the most important mineral in the body, After oxygen, water, and basic food, magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies, vitally important yet hardly known. It is more important than calcium, potassium or sodium and regulates all three of them. Millions suffer daily from magnesium deficiency without even knowing it
In fact there happens to be a relationship between what we perceive as thirst and deficiencies in electrolytes. I remember a person asking, “Why am I dehydrated and thirsty when I drink so much water?” Thirst can mean not only lack of water but it can also mean that one is not getting enough nutrients and electrolytes. Magnesium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Chloride and Sodium are some principle examples and that is one of the reasons magnesium chloride is so useful.

Magnesium Torment (Deficiency)

You know all those years when doctors used to tell their patients its all in your heads were years the medical profession was showing its ignorance. It is a torment to be magnesium deficient on one level or another. Even if it’s for the enthusiastic sport person whose athletic performance is down magnesium deficiency will disturb sleep and background stress levels and a host of other things that reflect on the quality of life. Doctors have not been using the appropriate test for magnesium – their serum blood tests just distort their perceptions. Magnesium has been off their radar screens through the decades that magnesium deficiencies have snowballed.

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

The first symptoms of deficiency can be subtle – as most magnesium is stored in the tissues, leg cramps, foot pain, or muscle ‘twitches’ can be the first sign. Other early signs of deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As magnesium deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary spasms can occur.
A full outline of magnesium deficiency was beautifully presented in a recent article by Dr. Sidney Baker. “Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. With regard to skeletal muscle, one may experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, muscle soreness, including back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and jaw joint (or TMJ) dysfunction. Also, one may experience chest tightness or a peculiar sensation that he can’t take a deep breath. Sometimes a person may sigh a lot.”
“Symptoms involving impaired contraction of smooth muscles include constipation; urinary spasms; menstrual cramps; difficulty swallowing or a lump in the throat-especially provoked by eating sugar; photophobia, especially difficulty adjusting to oncoming bright headlights in the absence of eye disease; and loud noise sensitivity from stapedius muscle tension in the ear.”
“Other symptoms and signs of magnesium deficiency and discuss laboratory testing for this common condition. Continuing with the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, the central nervous system is markedly affected. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity and restlessness with constant movement, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and premenstrual irritability. Magnesium deficiency symptoms involving the peripheral nervous system include numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations, such as zips, zaps and vibratory sensations.”
“Symptoms or signs of the cardiovascular system include palpitations, heart arrhythmias, and angina due to spasms of the coronary arteries, high blood pressure and mitral valve prolapse. Be aware that not all of the symptoms need to be present to presume magnesium deficiency; but, many of them often occur together. For example, people with mitral valve prolapse frequently have palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and premenstrual symptoms. People with magnesium deficiency often seem to be “uptight.” Other general symptoms include a salt craving, both carbohydrate craving and carbohydrate intolerance, especially of chocolate, and breast tenderness.”
Magnesium is needed by every cell in the body including those of the brain and is one of the most important minerals when considering supplementation because of its vital role in hundreds of enzyme systems and functions related to reactions in cell metabolism, as well as being essential for the synthesis of proteins, for the utilization of fats and carbohydrates. Magnesium is needed not only for the production of specific detoxification enzymes but is also important for energy production related to cell detoxification. A magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every system of the body.

Like water we need magnesium everyday. There is an
eternal need for magnesium as well as water and when
magnesium is present in water life and health are enhanced.

One of the principle reason doctors write millions of prescriptions for tranquilizers each year is the nervousness, irritability, and jitters largely brought on by inadequate diets lacking magnesium. Persons only slightly deficient in magnesium become irritable, highly-strung, and sensitive to noise, hyper-excitable, apprehensive and belligerent. If the deficiency is more severe or prolonged, they may develop twitching, tremors, irregular pulse, insomnia, muscle weakness, jerkiness and leg and foot cramps.
If magnesium is severely deficient, the brain is particularly affected. Clouded thinking, confusion, disorientation, marked depression and even the terrifying hallucinations of delirium tremens are largely brought on by a lack of this nutrient and remedied when magnesium is given. Because large amounts of calcium are lost in the urine when magnesium is undersupplied, the lack of this nutrient indirectly becomes responsible for much rampant tooth decay, poor bone development, osteoporosis and slow healing of broken bones and fractures. With vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), magnesium helps to reduce and dissolve calcium phosphate kidney stones.
Magnesium deficiency may be a common factor associated with insulin resistance. Symptoms of MS that are also symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle spasms, weakness, twitching, muscle atrophy,  an inability to control the bladder, nystagmus (rapid eye movements), hearing loss, and osteoporosis.  People with MS have higher rates of epilepsy than controls.  Epilepsy has also been linked to magnesium deficiencies.[1]
Another good list of early warning symptoms is:

Suggestive early warning signs of magnesium insufficiency:
Physical and mental fatigue
Persistent under-eye twitch
Tension in the upper back, shoulders and neck
Headaches
Pre-menstrual fluid retention and/or breast tenderness

Possible manifestations of magnesium deficiency include:
Low energy
Fatigue
Weakness
Confusion
Nervousness
Anxiousness
Irritability
Seizures (and tantrums)
Poor digestion
PMS and hormonal imbalances
Inability to sleep
Muscle tension, spasm and cramps
Calcification of organs
Weakening of the bones
Abnormal heart rhythm

Severe magnesium deficiency can result in low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Magnesium deficiency is also associated with low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia). Magnesium levels drop at night, leading to poor REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycles and unrefreshed sleep. Headaches, blurred vision, mouth ulcers, fatigue and anxiety are also early signs of depletion.

We hear all the time about how heart disease is the number one health crisis in the country, about how high blood pressure is the “silent killer”, and about how ever increasing numbers of our citizens are having their lives and the lives of their families destroyed by diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and a host of other chronic diseases

Signs of severe magnesium deficiency include:

Extreme thirst
Extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Sores or bruises that heal slowly
Dry, itchy skin
Unexplained weight loss
Blurry vision that changes from day to day
Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections

But wait a minute, aren’t those the same symptoms for diabetes? Many people have diabetes for about 5 years before they show strong symptoms. By that time, some people already have eye, kidney, gum or nerve damage caused by the deteriorating condition of their cells due to insulin resistance and magnesium deficiency. Dump some mercury and arsenic on the mixture of etiologies and pronto we have the disease condition we call diabetes.

Magnesium deficiency is synonymous with diabetes
and is at the root of many if not all cardiovascular problems.

Magnesium deficiency is synonymous with diabetes and is at the root of many if not all cardiovascular problems.
Magnesium deficiency is a predictor of diabetes and heart disease both; diabetics both need more magnesium and lose more magnesium than most people. In two new studies, in both men and women, those who consumed the most magnesium in their diet were least likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to a report in the January 2006 issue of the journal Diabetes Care. Until now, very few large studies have directly examined the long-term effects of dietary magnesium on diabetes. Dr. Simin Liu of the Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health in Boston says, “Our studies provided some direct evidence that greater intake of dietary magnesium may have a long-term protective effect on lowering risk,” said Liu, who was involved in both studies.
The thirst of diabetes is part of the body’s response to excessive urination. The excessive urination is the body’s attempt to get rid of the extra glucose in the blood. This excessive urination causes the increased thirst. But we have to look at what is causing this level of disharmony. We have to probe deeper into layers of cause. The body needs to dump glucose because of increasing insulin resistance and that resistance is being fueled directly by magnesium deficiency, which makes toxic insults more damaging to the tissues at the same time.
When diabetics get too high blood sugars, the body creates “ketones” as a by-product of breaking down fats. These ketones cause blood acidity which causes “acidosis” of the blood, leading to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to coma and death. It is also called “diabetic acidosis”, “ketosis”, “ketoacidosis” or “diabetic coma”. DKA is a common way for new Type 1 diabetics to be diagnosed. If they fail to seek medical advice on symptoms like urination, which is driving thirst they can die of DKA.
Oral magnesium supplements reduce erythrocyte[2] dehydration.[3] In general optimal balances of electrolytes are necessary to maintain the best possible hydration. Diabetic thirst is initiated specifically by magnesium deficiency with relative calcium excess in the cells. Even water, our most basic nutrient starts having a hard time getting into the cells with more going out through the kidneys.

Autism and Magnesium Deficiency

When dealing with autism spectrum and other neurological disorders in children it is important to know the signs of low magnesium: restless, can’t keep still, body rocking, grinding teeth, hiccups, noise sensitive, poor attention span, poor concentration, irritable, aggressive, ready to explode, easily stressed. When it comes to children today we need to assume a large magnesium deficiency for several reasons. 1) The foods they are eating are stripped of magnesium because foods in general, as we shall see below are declining in mineral content in an alarming way. 2) The foods many children eat are highly processed junk foods that do not provide real nutrition to the body. 3) Because most children on the spectrum are not absorbing the minerals they need even when present in the gut. Magnesium absorption is dependent on intestinal health, which is compromised totally in leaky gut syndromes and other intestinal problems that the majority of autism syndrome disorders. 4) Because the oral supplements doctors rely on are not easily absorbed, because they are not in the right form and because magnesium in general is not administered easily orally.
Modern medicine is supposed to help people not hurt them but with their almost total ignorance of magnesium doctors end up hurting more than they help for many of the medical interventions drive down magnesium levels when they should be driving them up. Many if not most pharmaceutical drugs drive magnesium levels into very dangerous zones and surgery done without increasing magnesium levels is much more dangerous then surgery done with.
The foundation of medical arrogance is actually medical ignorance and the only reason ignorance and arrogance rule the playing field of medicine is a greed lust for power and money. Human nature seems to be at its worst in modern medicine when it should be at its best. It is sad that people have to suffer needlessly and extraordinarily tragic that allopathic medicine has turned its back on the Hippocratic Oath and all that it means.

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[1] http://www.nhfw.info/magnesium.html

[2] Red blood cells are also known as RBCs, red blood corpuscles (an archaic term), haematids or erythrocytes (from Greek erythros for “red” and kytos for “hollow”, with cyte translated as “cell” in modern usage). The capitalized term Red Blood Cells is the proper name in the US for erythrocytes in storage solution used in transfusion medicine.

[3] J. Clin. Invest. 100(7): 1847-1852 (1997). doi:10.1172/JCI119713. The American Society for Clinical Investigation

Dr. Mark Sircus, Ac., OMD, DM (P)

Director International Medical Veritas Association
Doctor of Oriental and Pastoral Medicine

Emergency Preparedness 101

Emergency Preparedness 101

Dear Reader,

During the past few years, we've seen how circumstances beyond anyone's control can change everything in the blink of an eye. Just ask residents of New York or New Jersey, for example, many of whom are still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Sandy. Whether it's a cataclysmic weather event affecting millions or an isolated incident, such as a neighborhood power outage, I can assure you that people who are prepared for the worst do best. That's why I encourage you to take a little time this week to prepare home medical and/or evacuation kits.

Living in Southern California's earthquake country for years has taught me the value of preparation. We all take for granted working telephones, computer access, and hospital availability. But when communication lines go down, leaving phones and computers useless, or when roads are flooded or impassable, making a trip to the emergency room impossible, what do you do?

With a home medical kit, you'll be able to take care of minor problems. And, even if disaster never strikes where you live (and I sincerely hope it doesn't), it never hurts to have the supplies you need on hand to treat cuts and bruises and deal with other small emergencies.

In addition, I highly recommend taking a little time to make up an evacuation kit in the event you are ever forced to leave your home.

Why Being Prepared Is So Important

Like most of us, you probably have bandages, pain relievers, ointments, and similar products in your home already. The point of having a home medical kit is twofold. One, it keeps all these things in one place, so you can find them in an instant when they're needed. You don't want to have to search your cabinets for hydrogen peroxide or a gauze bandage when a medical emergency strikes.

The second point of having a medical kit is to help you see which products are expired, so they can be replaced in a timely fashion. In particular, I strongly urge you to take the expiration dates on medication seriously. Consuming expired medication is very risky. So, while putting your kit together, make a list of expiration dates from products that have them, including batteries. Note the dates on your calendar, and tape the list to your kit. Every few months, it's especially important to rotate extra medication kept in your home medical kit with medication you keep elsewhere in your home.

What to Include in a Home Medical Kit

Based on my own experiences and those of several patients, here's a starter list of what to include in your medical kit:

Basic Medical Kit

	•	Adhesive tape
	•	Antiseptic wipes
	•	Bandages (several different sizes and shapes)
	•	Burn gel
	•	Calamine lotion
	•	Cold packs (disposables are fine)
	•	Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
	•	Elastic bandages
	•	Eye pads
	•	Eye wash
	•	Face masks (N-95 rated NIOSH)
	•	First-aid manual
	•	Flashlight and spare batteries
	•	Hydrogen peroxide
	•	Medications and nutritional supplements (4-week supply)
	•	1% hydrocortisone cream
	•	Pain relievers
	•	Phone numbers and contact names (for emergency)
	•	Plastic or latex gloves (several inexpensive pairs)
	•	Rubbing alcohol
	•	Safety pins
	•	Scissors (small pair)
	•	Soap (nothing fancy, just a plain bar of soap)
	•	Sterile gauze
	•	Thermometer
	•	Triple-antibiotic ointment
	•	Tweezers

Please feel free to add or subtract to suit your personal needs. As my patient Lou discovered, the last thing you want to be doing in a crisis is searching for things you can't leave behind.

Remember, this is a basic, impersonal list. Your own needs may vary. Some medications, for example, need to be refrigerated, in which case you'll want to have extra cold packs and a small cooler on hand to keep them fresh if the power goes out or if you have to evacuate. One good way to identify all the elements for your medical kit is to make notes throughout the day about what you use regularly, and add each item to your list.

If you have a pet, don't forget about its medication and first-aid needs. Each situation is different, so I suggest talking with your veterinarian about what to include beyond the obvious, such as medicine. Your dog, for example, may require a muzzle if it's injured and you're attempting to help it.

When It's Time to Evacuate

In addition to a medical kit, I also recommend having an evacuation box ready to go. The contents really depend on your own needs, but you may want to include practical items, such as the following:

Basic Evacuation Kit

	•	Assorted toiletries
	•	Books
	•	Bottled water (as much as you feel you can carry)
	•	Changes of clothing, including a spare pair of comfortable shoes
	•	Comb and/or hairbrush
	•	Deck of cards
	•	Lightweight blanket
	•	Paper towels
	•	Pillow
	•	Short-wave radio (with extra batteries)
	•	Toilet paper
	•	Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
	•	Towel
	•	Water purifier tablets or travel water purifier
	•	Your favorite energy or meal-replacement bars

It may be easiest to pack the medical kit and the evacuation items in an old suitcase or backpack. That way, you'll need to grab only one item before leaving.

One more thing: We all have something we can't do without, whether it's medication, a cherished scrapbook, or important documents. I strongly urge you to take a long, hard look at your surroundings and consider what you could and could not leave behind in case of an evacuation. I think we've all seen the faces of heartbroken people who've survived disasters but lost everything in the process. A safety deposit box at your bank is one solution. Or you could purchase a portable, fireproof safe. The method you choose to preserve your memorabilia and documents is a personal decision. The important thing is to do something now to prevent tragedy later.

Last, but not least, pet owners need to do a bit more work. Have carrying cases or kennels, spare leashes, a blanket or two, food and water (unless you want to share yours) as well as bowls, treats, and toys, or other comforting reminders of home, ready to go. Keeping the pet's first aid kit inside a carrying case or kennel will spare you from having to search for it during a time when every minute may count. Just be sure to rotate food and medicine regularly to avoid ending up with stale or expired products.

It may seem like a chore, but making up a home medical kit is one of those things many people don't appreciate until they discover -- too late -- that they could have really used one. In fact, when you put yours together, consider making a duplicate version for your car. Being stranded in an automobile can be just as devastating as being forced to leave your home on short notice.

We sometimes think these tragedies happen only to others. But the truth is, there are no guarantees. As my patient Connie said, "It's better to be prepared for disaster than to become one." And I completely agree.

Thrive in Health & Wellness,

Iodine is Required for Health

                What Is Iodine?

by Edward Group
Global Healing Center

You’ve probably heard of iodine before, but you may not be aware of exactly what iodine is and the immense history behind the use of this vital element. From the various types of iodine to the amount required for optimum health, there is a lot to know about this water-soluble trace element.
Iodine is Required for Health