Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies

Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies

Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies

Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies Art of Acupuncture & Integrated Therapies
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    • Home
    • Acupuncture Specialties
    • Acupressure & Massage
    • Other Specialties
    • Healthful Tidbits
    • Blog - Hormone Disruptors
    • Hormone Help
    • Blog-Anxiety & Depression
    • Health & Vitality Blog
    • About Us
    • SMART NUTRIENTS
    • TRAVEL SMART AND HEALTHY
    • FIBROMYALGIA AND CFS
    • ALLERGIES
    • WOMEN'S HEALTH PROBLEMS
    • Menopause
    • CHOLESTEROL
    • HEART HEALTH
    • Longevity
    • SLEEP
    • ALKALINE/ACID FOOD LIST
  • Home
  • Acupuncture Specialties
  • Acupressure & Massage
  • Other Specialties
  • Healthful Tidbits
  • Blog - Hormone Disruptors
  • Hormone Help
  • Blog-Anxiety & Depression
  • Health & Vitality Blog
  • About Us
  • SMART NUTRIENTS
  • TRAVEL SMART AND HEALTHY
  • FIBROMYALGIA AND CFS
  • ALLERGIES
  • WOMEN'S HEALTH PROBLEMS
  • Menopause
  • CHOLESTEROL
  • HEART HEALTH
  • Longevity
  • SLEEP
  • ALKALINE/ACID FOOD LIST

MENOPAUSE

Menopause Basics

Generally,  women   experience  the  end  of  all  menstrual  bleeding  and  the  start  of  menopause  between  the  ages  of  48  to  52, but  some  go  through  the  change  as  early  as  their  late  30's  and  40's.. Women   can  expect  to  live  one   third   of   their  adult  lives  after  menopause,  due  to  better  health   and natural   holistic   health  support.


Some  women   have  genetic  good  fortune.  Even  after  entering   menopause,  they  continue  to  make  enough  female   hormone   precursors     from   these  precursors  in   their  adrenal   glands,  and  to  make   enough   estrogen  from  these   precursors  in  their  fat  deposits,  so   that  they  do  not  experience   any   symptoms  or  at  most,  only   temporary  hot  flashes.  These   women   are   only   about   two  or  three   out   of   fifteen  and  on  the   older  side  of  the   norm   when   they   experience   the   change,  fifty-one  or  fifty-two.  


Strenuous   dieting   at   this  age  is   the  worst   way  to  preserve   one's  long  term  health  and   grace.   Estrogen  is  stored  in   the   body's   fat  cells.  Some  researchers  differentiate   between   the   Thin   Women's  Menopause   and   the  Plump   Women's  Menopause,  the   latter  usually   being   far  less  symptomatic.  

In  populations  where  women  don't  get  carried   away  with  wearing  a  size  six   dress   when   they're  fifty-five   and   they   still   do  regular   exercise   and  they  are  not  smoking,  bone  fractures   are  not  much  of   a  problem,  according   to  research  at  University  of  California ,  San  Diego.


Menopause Cause

Menopause  is  caused  by  the  ovaries  no  longer  producing  estrogen.  Perimenopause  is  the  period  before  menopause,  which  occurs  approximately  between  the  ages  of  35   to  50,  but  is  more  commonly  thought  of  as  the  five  to  ten  years  before  menopause   It  is  characterized  by  several  years  of  irregular  cycles  with  no  ovulation  since  the  ovaries  are  at  the  end  of  their  egg   supply.  Without  an  egg's  presence ,  progesterone  is  no  longer  produced  and  therefore  perimenopause  is  frequented  by  estrogen  dominance,  with  side  effects  ranging  from  water  retention,  weight  gain,  mood  swings,  to  fibrocystic  breasts,  fibroids  or  endometrial  cancer,  according  to  traditional  medical  thinking. 


There   is   research   and   experience   with   thousands   of  women   that   shows   that   there   is   a   nonpharmaceutical   way   to    dramatically   and   permanently   alleviate   the   symptoms   of   menopause   by   eating   a   diet   that   brings   the   body's   cellular   pH   to   a   healthy   alkaline  level.   The   important   and   proven   results   create   a   balanced   cortisol   level   and   reduced   output   of   insulin,   the   hormones   most   responsible  for   belly   fat   and   weight   gain,   plus   an   increase   in   oxytocin   the   feel   good   hormone.   While   estrogen,   progesterone   and   testosterone   are   major   players    in   menopause,   there   are   three   other   players  

that   are   equally  important   and   they   are   insulin,  cortisol   and   oxytocin. 


                                   INSULIN

 Insulin   is   a   major   hormone   and   it  can   affect  many   other   hormones   including  estrogen,  progesterone   and   testosterone.  so   when  it   is  out   of   balanced   it   effects   these   other   ones   too.   

     Women   can   become   insulin-resistant   as   they   approach   menopause    mostly   because   their   bodies   can   no   longer   deal   with   high   amounts   of   carbohydrates.     Which   means   that   the   carbs   that   were   once    tolerated,   are   nor   longer   tolerated,   even   healthy   ones   like   fruit,   whole   grains,   potatoes   or   brown    rice   and   will   put   on   pounds    where   before   they   didn't.

When   cells   can't   soak   up   the   extra   glucose   because   of   insulin   resistance,   the   liver   has   to   deal   with   it   by   converting   it   into   fat.  

     Insulin   resistance   lurks   beneath   many   of   the   most   common   symptoms   you   experience   during   menopause   including   hot   flashes,   fatigue,   difficulty    concentrating   and    weight   gain.   All   of   these   are   early   symptoms   of   insulin   resistance.  Insulin   resistance   is   also   linked   to   other  health  problems   such   as   diabetes,   polycystic   ovary   syndrome,   high   blood   pressure,   abnormal   cholesterol,   breast    cancer,   and   endometrial   cancer   and   has   been   implicated   in   Alzheimer's   disease.   With   a   combination   of   keto   and   alkaline   eating   it   helps   regulate   insulin   and   reverse   insulin   resistance   in   one   important   way;   it   shifts   the   body   into   ketosis,    which    restores    it    to   an   insulin-sensitive   state.  This   diet   works   by   keeping   the   body's   carbohydrate   stores   almost   empty.    Your   body   starts   burning   its   own    body   fat   for   energy,    helping     to    loose    weight   quickly.   It   also   burns   fat   that   is   consumed   through  diet,   such   as   healthy   fats.


    With   insulin   sensitivity   there   is   less    weight   gain,   it   lowers   risk   of   cardiovascular  disease,   Alzheimer's    disease   and   dementia.     Hot   flashes   or   night   sweats   don't    tend   to  occur.    It   rebuilds    bone   health   so   there   is   less   frailty   and  osteoporosis.   Craving   become   a   distant   memory   and   there   is   more   energy. 

 

                                CORTISOL

     Cortisol   is    the   key   stress    hormone   and   one   that   is   the   immediate   responder   in   times   of   danger   and   stress.  Cortisol   increases   the   amount   of   blood   sugar   available   for   fuel   and   revs   up   heart   rate   in  stress.   After   the   danger   passes   it   also   functions    as    the   cleanup    crew   to   lower   inflammation,   a   damaging   side   effect   of   the   stress   response.   This    is   when    it   serves    as    the    body's    natural   anti-inflammatory    hormone.   

    But   when    cortisol   stays   elevated   in    the    body    for   too    long   due   to   chronic,   unresolved    stress,  over   time   it  starts   to   suppress   immunity,  leading   to   an  increase   to   colds   and   other  illnesses.   It   throws   gut   flora   out   of   whack  and   chronic   elevated   cortisol   can   lead   to   rapid   aging,   depression,   adrenal   fatigue,   feelings   of   burnout   and   emotional   problems.   It   robs   the   body   of   DHEA,   progesterone,   estrogen,   and   testosterone.   The   net   effects   are   increased   glucose   production,   decreased   lean   muscle   production,   imbalances   of   estrogen   and   testosterone,   low   sex   drive   and  desire   and   burnout.   

    When   cortisol   levels   rise,   you're   likely   to   have   food   cravings.   In   women,   those   cravings   tend   to   be   strongest   for   carbs,   especially   sweets   when   you're   feeling   sad   or   moody,   and   crunchy   salty   chips   when   you're   stressed   and   irritated.  

     During    menopause,   the   body's   reduced   ability   to   control   spiking   cortisol  (   with   its   effect  of   reduced   insulin   sensitivity)   is   what   contributes   to   hot   flashes,   night   sweats,   weight   gain,   mood    swings,   anxiety,   insomnia   and   more.   Cortisol   is   directly   related   to   weight   gain.   Switching   to   more   alkaline   foods   and   lifestyle   habits   curtails   levels   of   cortisol,   which  then   helps   to   curtail   symptoms   of   menopause.     You    have   got   to   stay   alkaline   and   to   make   sure   you   can   check  your   urine   pH   with   pH   test   strips   that  can   be   bought   at   a   pharmacy.   Test  your   urine   first   thing   in   the   morning   and   through   out   the   day.   Your   urine   pH   goal   should   be   in   the   7   range   in   the   morning.   


                              OXYTOCIN 

This   hormone   is   produced   by   the   hypothalamus   and   secreted   from   the   pituitary   gland   and   other   tissues,   including   the   heart,   uterus,   and  ovaries,   and   is   the  hormone  of   love   bonding   and   connection.   It   counterbalances   cortisol's   negative   effects.   In   2008,  Japanese   researchers   demonstrated   that   if   you   take  a   mouse   and   knock   out   the  oxytocin   receptors   on   its   cells,   the   mouse   becomes   obese,   even   without   eating   any   more   food   than   it   usually   does.   In  another   study,   reported   in   2013,  showed   that  if   you   give  humans   or   mice   extra   oxytocin,  the   hormone   prevents   insulin   resistance   and   triggers   weight   loss.   Chronic   sugar   intake   reduces   the  amount   of   oxytocin   that   your   body   makes   in  response  to   food. 


Oxytocin   is    the   hormone   of   love,  bonding,   and   connection.   It's   the   hormone   that   fills   us   during   childbirth   so   we   fall  madly   in   love   with   our   newborn.   It   also   surges    with   orgasm,   laughter,   play,   hugging,   caressing    your   pet   and   giving.   It's   an   anti-aging   hormone   too.   Oxytocin   is   commonly   activated   by   warm   temperatures.   Researchers    have   found   that  warm   environments    and   induced   sweating   activate   specific   oxytocin    producing    parts    of   the   brain.  Socializing  churns   up   the   oxytocin    when    you're    in   large    social   gatherings.   Exercise   also   increases     Oxytocin   and    helps    counterbalance    cortisol's   negative   effects.   Oxytocin   is   very   involved   in  satiety  and   the  happy   feeling   of   being   full   and   satisfied   after   a   meal.   When  you   eat   there   are   various   hormones   that   are   stimulated,   including   insulin,   leptin   and   cholecystokinin   (CCK).    As   digestion   begins,   leptin   and   CCK   signal   the   brain   via   the   vagus   nerve,   the   neural   "highway"   that    runs   up   and   down   the   trunk   of   your   body   and   shuttles    hunger    and   appetite    impulses   between   your  brain   and   gut.   In   response,   the   hypothalamus   (the   appetite   control   center   in   the   brain)   releases   oxytocin,   which   then   helps    produce   that   happy,   full   feeling   in   your   tummy.    Suddenly   you're   less   hungry.   


In   a   2013   review   of   the   effects   of   Acupuncture   on   the   neuroendocrine   system,  showed   yet   again,   that   it   stimulates   the   release   of   endorphins    and    oxytocin    leading   to   the   reduction   of   stress   and   pain.


Vitamin  C   is   an   easy   way   to  optimize   and   increase   your   levels   of   oxytocin.  One   2002   study   found   that   it  improved   mood   and   reduced   stress.    It   is   found   in   citrus    fruits,   green   peppers,   tomatoes,   cauliflower   and   cabbage   which   are   all   good   alkalinizing   foods   too. 


Vitamin   D   is   actually   technically   a   hormone.   Research   shows    that    the    three    brain    hormones    that   affect    social   behavior,   serotonin,   oxytonin   and    vasopressin    are   activated   by   vitamin   D.   Some    researchers    believe   that   autistic   children    have    low    levels    of   oxytocin    because    they   are   deficient   in   vitamin  D.   


The    reason    oxytocin    is   an   anti-aging   hormone   is   that   it   increases   cellular   regeneration   and   health,   plus    prevents   microbes    from    invading    the   cells.

Discomforts of Menopause

Discomforts  of  menopause,  including  hot   flashes,   night   sweats,  insomnia,  poor   memory   or  poor   concentration,  depression,  easily  irritated   and   anxiety   can  be  relieved   with   Acupuncture  and  needle  free   acupuncture   along   with   diet   and   herbal   supplements.


NEUROTRANSMITTERS  AND  HORMONES


Hormone   changes   affect   neurotransmitters.   When   neurotransmitters   are   out   of   balance,   this   affects   mood,  cognition,   attitude,   coping   skills,   energy,   sleep,   overall   health   and   more.


Serotonin  

When   estrogen   falls,    levels   of   serotonin   drop,   the   feel   good   neurotransmitter   and    this   will   affect   our   mood    and    we   easily   get   irritated   and   our   appetite   increases.   Healthy   gut   bacteria   helps   boost   brain   levels   of   serotonin   so   you  want   to   eat   plenty   of   probiotic   rich   foods,   such   as   fermented   foods,   yogurt   with   active   cultures   of   friendly    bacteria.   Also   foods   containing   the   amino   acid   tryptophan   such   as   turkey,   dairy,   dates   and   sunflower   seeds   can   help   boost   serotonin.   Also   flaxseed   oil,   cold   water   fish   and   walnuts   are   recommended   to   help   elevate   serotonin   levels.

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Dopamine   and   Testosterone


Dopamine   is   another   neurotransmitter   that    affects   pleasure,   motivation,   drive   and   enthusiasm.   When   it   falls   it   is   linked    to   a   sense   of   emptiness,   sadness,   irritation    and   boredom.   When   it   is   released    it   triggers    the   production    of   testosterone   a   critical   hormone   for   sex   drive.   Foods    that    help    elevate    dopamine    levels    through    nutrients    are   beets,   edamane,    nuts,   eggs,   dairy,   meat    and    chocolate.


Gaba   and   Progesterone


Gamma-aminobutyric   acid   (GABA)    gives   your    brain    the   peace   and   calm   it   needs.    Progesterone    acts   on   GABA   receptors   in    the    brain,   but   as   progesterone   declines   with   age,   so   does   GABA.    This   leaves    you    prone   to   anxiety,   depression,   and    poor   sleep.    Foods   that   boost   GABA   are    cherry   tomatoes,   kefir,   shrimp,   green    tea,   lemon   balm,   ahwaganda,   and   any   food   high   in   omega-3   fats,   such   as   salmon.   GABA   supplements   can    be   taken   at   night   to   promote   sleep   if   needed.   


General Recommendations for Menopause

    The   goal   of   any   menopausal   health   program   should   be   twofold:  to   eliminate   the   bothersome    symptoms   of   menopause   and   to   prevent   the   degenerative   ailments   of   osteoporosis   and   heart   disease,   that   are   associated    with   the   postmenopausal   period.


Diet

In   various   societies,   older   women   traditionally   eat   certain   foods    to   remedy   menopausal   side   effects.   In   the   south  Seas,  for   example,   once   a   day   women   of    menopausal   age   eat   papaya,   which   contains   phytoestrogens.   Studies   are   beginning  to   show   that   these   plant   compounds   can   be   helpful   in   menopause.

    Traditional   diets   in   Japan   also   are   rich   in   phytoestrogens.   According   to   studies   of   Japanese    women   with   traditional   Japanese   diets   show   that   these   women's    bodies    contain   levels   of   plant   estrogens   100   to  1,000   times   the   level   found   in   Western   women.   It   may   be   the   reason    these    women   don't   have    hot   flashes   is   that   they   are   eating   a   lot   of   weakly   estrogenic    substances   all   the   time.     These   women   also   have   less    incidence   of   breast   cancer,   and   one   of   the   reasons   that   is   being   suggested   for   this   is   that   there   are   other    things   in   the  plant   foods   that   are   anticarcinogenic.   In   these   studies   the   higher   estrogen   levels   were   associated   with   intake   of   soybeans,  soy   products   such   as   tofu   and  miso   and   boiled   beans.   Note   here   about   the   soy   products.   First   for   a   long   time   they   weren't   GMO,   where   the   plants   are   modified   to   survive   being   heavily   sprayed   with   herbicides   and   pesticides.   Also   they   are    fermented    forms   of  soy   which   is   more   digestible   for   humans   and   alters   some   of   the   substances   that   aren't    healthful . 

     Here   in   the    west   when    we   have   soy   it   is   usually   not   fermented   and   people   drink   soy   milk   for  health   benefits   or  as   an   alternative   to   cow's   milk,   but   one   can   get   heart   palpitations   from   drinking   too   much   soy   milk   and   eating   too  much   soy.


   Seeds   are   also   high   in   essential  fatty   acids .   A   deficiency   of   these  oils   may   be  responsible   in  part   for   the   drying  of   the   skin,   hair,   vaginal  tissues    and    other    mucous    membranes    that   occur   with   menopause.   Good   sources   are   flaxseeds,  chia   and   pumpkin   seeds.   Flax   seeds   are     also    mildly   estrogenic   and   are   more   digestible   when   they   are  ground.  They  should   all   be   soaked   for   at   least   15   minutes   before   mixing   them   in   drinks,   yogurt   or   salads. 


Dong  quai,  a  chinese   herb,  contains   plant   sterols   that   have   estrogen   like   effects.   Plant   estrogens   are   estimated   to   be  much   weaker  in   strength   then   regular  estrogen   but   they   may   have   the   good   type   of   estrogen   E3  estriol   or   a   form   of   it.   Dong   quai,   is   available  in   health   food   stores   in   various   forms.   Ginseng   is   helpful   in   opposing   fatigue   and  depressive   symptoms.  American   ginseng   is  calming.   Vitamin  E   is   commonly   used   to   relieve   hot   flashes   along   with  primrose  oil.  Evening   primrose   oil   contains   gamma-linolenic   acid,   which   helps   mediate   hormonal   activity.   Women   also  obtain   relief   from   hot   flashes   and   sweats   through   acupuncture.   If  you   want  to  go   the   natural   way   it   would   be   helpful  to   consult   an   acupuncturist   who   is   also   a   natural   path   so   they   can   help   you   with   the   best   herbs   and   with   the   doses,   like   here   at   Sunnyslope  Healing  Arts. 


GET   OFF   GLUTEN   AND   GRAINS


Gluten   is   found   in   wheat,  rye,   barley,   malt,   brewer's   yeast,   and   oats.   It   is   a   protein   and   can   interfere   with   digestive  health   and   eventually   gut   bacteria.   It   can   trigger   heartburn,   autoimmune   disorders,   neurological   and    behavioral   issues,   skin   issues,   osteoporosis,   chronic   fatigue   and   other   conditions.   


Gluten   is   not   the   same   as   it   was   decades   ago.   Modern    farming   practices   have   blended   varieties   of   wheat   to   create   hybrids   that   grow   faster,   yield   more,   are   more   resistant   to   insects    and   creat   fluffier   bread.   But   they   are  higher  in  gluten   and   Americans   eat   grains   for   breakfast,  lunch   and   dinner   they   are   eating   a  lot  of   gluten.  Our   digestive   system   has   a   hard   time   digesting   this   much   gluten   and   the   new  hybrids   of   grain.  


Another   reason   to   reduce   or   eliminate   grains    is    because   of   myocotoxins.   They   are   some   of   the   most   prevalent    toxins    in   the   environment   and   are   chemicals    produced   by   fungi,   that  often    contaminate   grains,   nuts,   beans,   fruit,   and   coffee   beans.    Breathed   in   or   ingested    via   food,   mycotoxins   cause   symptoms   such   as   weakened   immunity,   fever,   pneumonia  like   symptoms,   heart    disease,   asthma,   sinusitis,   cancer,   memory   loss,   vision   loss,   chronic   fatigue,   skin   rashes,   depression,   ADHD,   anxiety,   and   liver   damage.   


There   are   many   different   types   of   myocotoxins.   One   very   interesting    form,   zearalenone  (ZEN),   is    considered   a   "mycoestrogen.   This   is   because   it   has   a   molecular   structure   similar   to   estrogen.   It   can    activate   estrogen    receptors   and   create    reproductive    system    changes    in    both    animals    and   humans.   


ZEN   has   been   used   since   1969    in   the   U.S.   cattle   industry   to   boost    animal   growth   rates,   but   it   has    been   banned   by   the   European   Union.   It   has   been   linked   to   beast   enlargement  in   humans.   ZEN   has    been   shown   to   promote   breast   cancer   cell   growth   in   estrogen-receptor   positive   cancers.   It   is   also   now   connected   to   precocious    puberty    which   is   puberty    that    begins    before   age   eight   in   girls.   


Zen   is   found   in   grain   products    including    breakfast   cereal,   bread,   pasta,   beer,  and   processed   foods.   So  it   is   wise   to   leave   wheat,   barley   and    corn   out   of    your   diet.

HOT FLASHES

 Hot   flashes,   night   sweats   and  insomnia   from   the   hot   flashes   are   difficult   to   deal   with   and   are   a   result  of  the  decreasing  estrogen  being  produced   by   your   body.  They   are   even   more    severe   when    there   are  hormone   disrupting   pesticides  in   your  body   adding   to   the   hormonal   changes   at   this  time.  The   liver  can   get   bogged   down   with   having   to  process   the   pesticides  and   toxins,  making   one   more   vulnerable  to  hot  flashes,   because   estrogen   is   processed   in   the  liver.   A   balance   of  estrogen   and   progesterone   or   progesterone   supporting   supplements   or  herbs   is   necessary   to   help   with   relieving   hot   flashes.   If   the  supplemental   estrogen   is   not   challenged   with   some   form  of   progesterone,  the   risk   of  cancer  may   increase.   


Research   has   shown   that   bio  identical   hormone   replacement   is  safe  and    does  not   cause   cancer.   The   big   fear   that    was   promoted   in   the   news   and   media    was   about    supplementing    synthetic   estrogen   and   progestin   which   was   causing  a  lot   of   problems   for   women   but   they  did   not   differentiate   between   synthetic  hormones   and   natural   hormones   nor   how   important   it   is  to  balance   the   two.    However,   if   you    want    to   avoid   taking   hormones   there   are   herbs   and   supplements   that   can   help   you   through   the     change.  


ASPARAGUS   OFFERS   DETOXIFICATION   SUPPORT   AND   EASILY   ASSIMILABLE   FOLATE   FOR   HELP   WITH   HOT   FLASHES   AND   IRRITABILITY


   Asparagus   boasts   the   highest   glutathione   levels   of   any   food   and   this   is   important   because   glutathione   is   concidered   by   some  to   be   unmatched   in   removing   poisons   or   toxins   from   the    body.

This   makes   it   helpful   with   hot   flashes   and   irritability   because  it  is  assisting    the   liver   in   its   job    and   helping   it   process   all  the  hormone   changes.   Also  in  Traditional  Chinese   medicine   when   the   liver   and   or   the   liver   energy   is  not   healthy   the   person   is  prone  to   more   anger   and   irritability.

    Asparagus   also   contains   folic   acid   and   it  is  important   for   many   things.   Research   suggests   we   need   folate  to  synthesize  DNA,  DNA   repair   and   to   methylate   DNA    and   must   be   supplied    through   the   diet.

Humans   cannot   synthesize   folates   except   from   the   diet.   This   folic   acid   from   asparagus   has   been    shown   to   be    helpful   for  hot   flashes,   depression   and   widely   lowers   homocysteine   reducing   risk   for   heart   disease   and   cancer. 


       POWER   OF   MACA


Maca   is   an   herb   from  Peru   and   has    been   an   important   staple   for   native   Peruvians.   In    scientific   research,   it   has   been   found   to   have   healing   powers.    It  is   very   alkalizing   so   it   helps   with   the   impact   of   burnout   and   chronic   stress.   Maca   also   supports   hormone   balance,   sex   drive,  and   mood   and   it   decreases   hot   flashes.   According   to   scientific   research   it   improves   female   reproductive   hormone   function,   boosts   memory,    eases    depression,   anxiety,   PMS,   and   other   menopausal    symptoms,   improves   libido,   enhances    energy    and    fights    fatigue,   helps   in   the   treatment   of   osteoporosis   and   metabolic   syndrome,   reduces   blood   glucose   levels,   works   as   an   antioxidant,   lowers   blood   pressure,   protects    the   liver   and   immune   system,   fights   tumors    and   optimizes    ovarian    function.    Perhaps   it   is   the   reason   Peruvian   women   are   so   hearty,   healthy   and   tough.  

OSTEOPOROSIS

The  best  natural  defense  against  osteoporosis   is   to  keep   the  acidity   of   your   blood   in   proper  balance.  If   you  don't,  your  body  will,  by   removing   calcium   from   your  bones   to   defend   the  pH  balance  in   the  blood.  Blood  acidity  is  caused,  first   and   foremost,  by  chronic   stress.  Therefore,  it  is  of   the   utmost   importance   for  any   woman   over  forty-five  faced   with   a   high   stress   profession  or  personal   demands   to  commit   herself   to   some   restorative   relaxation   measure.  Acupuncture   and   holistic   therapies   can   restore   a   deep   relaxation   and   the   Japanese   needle-free   magnet   acupuncture   treatment   will  also,  turn   your   body   from   acidic   to  alkaline.   Smoking,  alcohol,  and   coffee  also   raise   acid   levels   in   the  blood.   Carbonated   sodas   and   beef,  both   of   which   have   a   high   phosphorus   content,   are   particularly   dangerous   for   postmenopausal   women.  A  diet  that   emphasizes   vegetables,   complex   carbohydrates,   fiber,   fish,   and   vegetable   proteins   are   suggested.


If   your   diet    is    too    acidic    because    say    you're   a   habitual    diet    cola    drinker    then    your    body's    overall   pH   load   becomes    overly   acidic   and   can   result   in   something   called   chronic   low -grade   acidosis.   This   indicates   extreme   acidity   in   your   body.    With   it,   a  lot   of  your   mineral   levels,   such   as   magnesium,   calcium,   and   potassium,   are   likely   to   be   low.    This   is   where   negative   impacts   to   your   health   hit  hard.  


ALKALINITY    IMPACTS     BONE    HEALTH


If   your    diet   doesn't   supply   enough    alkaline   minerals   or   they   become   depleted   from   a   continued   acidic   eating   pattern   and   lifestyle   over   time,   your    body   is   forced   to    pull   alkalinizing    mineral    buffers   (calcium   and   magnesium)   from   its   primary    mineral    storage    reserves   -  your    skeleton-   in    order    to   provide   vital    minerals    throughout    your   system   to   maintain   blood   pH   balance.   In   a   study   published   in   2005   in   The   Journal   of   Clinical   Endocrinology   and   Metabolism,   both   pre  and   postmenopausal    women   and   older    men    eating   an   acid-forming    diet    were    found    to   have   lower   bone   mineral   density   in   the   spine   and   hip.   


But   is   you   eat    more   alkaline   fooods,   particularly   vegetables,   your   bone   density   increases,   protecting   you   from   bone   crippling   osteoporosis.   Many   studies   have   been   done   supporting   this   conclusion.   They   found    women   who   ate   a   vegetable   rich   diet   were   able   to    boost    their    bone   mineral   density.   In   these   studies   they   found   that   vegetables   were   an   important   form   source   of   calcium   and   minerals.   In   contrast,   other    studies   have   shown   that   diets   high   in  dairy   foods   actually   case   a   reduction   in   bone   density.


Taking   calcium   supplements   alone   cannot   undo   the   damage   by   the   loss   of   estrogen   during   the   period   of   accelerated  bone  loss.  And   contrary   to   conventional   wisdom,   exercise   by   itself   is   also   ineffective   in   preventing   bone   loss.  These   were   the   results   of   a   study   on   prevention   of   postmenopausal   osteoporosis   reported   in   the   New   England   Journal  of  Medicine   in   1991.  The   two   regimens   together,   however,    were   found   to   be   effective.   An   exercise   program   plus   calcium  supplements   slowed   or  stopped   bone   loss.   the   best   results    were   obtained   when   estrogen   was   combined   with   exercise:  Bone   mass    was   increased.  and   other   symptoms   like   hot   flashes   and   sleeplessness   improved   after   three   months.


Vitamin  K  has  been  found   to  inhibit  the  precipitous  loss  of  calcium  in  postmenopausal   women  by  up  to  50  percent,  in  a  study  from  the  NE.   Dark  green  leafy  vegetables  like  broccoli  and  brussels  sprouts  are  sources  of  Vitamin  K.   

CONTROVERSY OF OSTEOPOROSIS

Some   researchers   disagree   with   prevailing   theories   about  supplemental  calcium  being  beneficial  for  osteoporosis   because  of  the  following   information.

 Eskimos   have   the   single   highest  rate  of  osteoporosis   worldwide,  yet   they   consume   more   calcium   than   any   other  culture on   Earth.  Their  diet  is   composed   primarily  of   fish,   walrus   and   whale  and   it  provides   them   high   amounts   of   calcium  ( over  2,000  mg   a  day )  because   they   boil  and   consume   the   bones.   Eskimo   calcium   intake   is   twice   the  US  RDA.  Their  vitamin  D   needs   are   also   met   through   their   diet   which   is   rich   in  calcium   and   protein. 


Norway,   Europe,  and   America   are   right   behind   the   Eskimos   in   terms    of   osteoporosis   prevalence.  Also   nations   with  previously   low-dairy   and   protein   consumption   rates   who   later  rated   high   in   dairy   and   protein   consumption   ( due  to  fast  food   modernization),  osteoporosis   incidence   increased.  Africa   has   the  lowest  osteoporosis   worldwide,   as    well  as   the   lowest  protein   and   calcium   consumption.. 

WHAT TO DO ?

Stop   taking   Calcium  or  limit   daily   intake   at  400 mgs.   Here's   why .  Osteoblasts   are  special   cells   in   charge   of  growing   new  bone  for  you.  Studies   show   if   we   give   them   too   much   calcium,   we   greatly   hamper   the   bone   regeneration   process.  High   calcium   intake   overburdens   osteoblasts,   leading   to   a   lack   of   bone   regeneration.   A   12   year   Harvard   study   of   nearly  78,000   women,   found   that   women   who   drank   milk   three   times   a   day   actually   broke  or  fractured   more   bones  then   woman   who   drank   little   to   no   milk   at   all.   Their  hypothesis   is   that   processing   excessive   amounts   of   calcium   causes    osteoblasts   to   die   prematurely.   

So  avoid   taking   calcium   or   take   under  400 mg   with   an   equal   amount   of   magnesium.  Calcium   without  an  equal  magnesium   is   not   absorbed   and   is   harmful.

TAKE HORSETAIL & CUCUMBER

Our  bones  need  other  minerals  besides  Calcium  and  magnesium.  Silica  is  a  an  important  mineral  for  the  whole  body.  From  our  skin  to  our  arteries  to  our  bones.  It  has  been  found  in  some  studies  that  silica  is  the  most  important mineral  for  increasing  bone  density.  Horsetail  is  the   richest  source  of  bone  growing  silica  at  7%  by  weight.  Silica  from  horsetail  is  the  most  important  mineral  for  increasing  bone  density.  Experience  has  proven  it  to  dramatically  speed  up  recovery  from  bone  fractures,  torn  ligaments  and  injuries.  In  a  human  study,  122  Italian  women   took  horsetail  showing  noticeable  improvement  in  bone  density.


People  report  no  side  affects  from  taking  it,  but  research  shows  some  people  with  kidney  disease  may  not  tolerate  it.  For  dosage  in  taking  horsetail  it  is  best  to  consult  a  holistic   physician   who  can  test  your  body  for  the  right  dosage.


Numerous  studies  show  bones  release  calcium  to  buffer  acidic  blood  PH,  caused  by  eating  acidic  food.  Cucumber  helps  osteoporosis  on  two  fronts   as   the   most   alkaline  and  silica   rich   vegetable   of  all.   It  is  a  good  habit  to  start  out  your  day  with  eating  a  whole  cucumber.

NATTO & VITAMIN K2

Natto   is   the   best  digestible  food  source   of   Vitamin  K2,  an  important  nutrient   to   stop   and   reverse  osteoporosis.   There  are  two  kinds  of  vitamin  K   and  it  is  important  to  understand   the  difference   between  them.  Vitamin  K1  is  the  type  found  in  dark  leafy  greens  like  kale  and  Swiss  chard,  however  we  only  absorb  10%  of  K1  from  dark  leafy  veggies.  Vitamin  K2  is  hard  to  get  from  food  with  exception  of   natto.   A  single  package  of  natto,  about  40  grams,   has  approx  340  mcg  of  vitamin  K2.  Manufactures  produce  K2  supplements  also  but  it  occurs  naturally  in  natto  and  has  many  beneficial  enzymes  as  well,  like  nattokinase.  


A  study  in  the  Journal   of  Nutrition,   found  women  who  ate  more  than  four  packets  of  natto  per   wek reduced  bone  loss  on  the  thigh  bone  by  80%   Natto  or  K2  is  essential  for  those  with  osteoporosis.   Studies  reveal  vitamin  K2  to  be  more  effective  at  building  bone  than  calcium.  Also  a  study  from  the  Netherlands  showed  that  those  in  the  highest  third  of  vitamin  K2  intakes  were  52%  less  likely  to  develop  calcification  of  the  arteries.  K2  puts  calcium  back  in  the  bones  where  it  belongs.  A  healthy  intestinal  tract  can  produce  vitamin  K,  but  in  most  people  it  is  not  produced   efficiently,  therefore  it  must  be  supplemented  by  food  or  supplements.        

ALKALIZE YOUR BODY

Give  up  the  highly  acidic  nature  of  soda  and  coffee.  They  are  to  blame  for  the  osteoporosis  surge.  Our  parathyroid   gland  signals  bones  to  release  calcium  ( which  is  alkalizing )  when  we  become  overly  acidic.   Diet  coke  and  most  sodas  have  an  average  PH  of  2,8;  acidic  enough  to  clean  rust   off your  car.   Your  blood  PH  must  remain  precisely  at  7.4  or  you  will  die  in  a  few  minutes.   So  when  you  drink  a  soda  the  body  leaches  calcium    from  the  bones  to  correct   an  overly  acidic  condition.  The   Framingham  Osteoporosis  Study   found   women   who  drank  cola  everyday   have  lower   bone  density  than  those  who  drank  it  less  than  once  a   month.  


Coffee     One  cup   of   coffee  shows  no   loss   in  calcium,  but  habitual  drinkers  showed   higher   losses  of   calcium   in   their   urine  as  the  body   tries  to  alkalize  by  releasing  calcium.    Green  coffee   or   Yerba  Mate  is  a  better  choice  to  maintain  alkalinity  for  stronger  bones.

VITAMIN D 3

Although  osteoporosis  is  spreading   through  almost  all  cultures,  it  appears  that  environments  with  low   levels  of  sunlight  have  a  higher  incidence  of   osteoporosis.   Vitamin  D 3   is  suggested  for  bones   and  it   can  be  easily  supplemented  with  drops   or   capsules   or   15   minutes  of   sun  on  both  sides  of  your   body  morning  9  to  10 am  or  evening  4  to  6pm.    



WEIGHT-BEARING   EXERCISE


Walking   is  a  healthy  exercise,  but  it   appears   that   the  stress  on  your  bones  is  not  enough  to  keep  those    bones  strong.  Studies   show  that  Tai  Chi   and  Qigong   are  excellent   weight  bearing  exercises   to  prevent  osteoporosis.   In  Qigong  and  Tai  Chi  we  bend  at   the  knees   putting    weight   over  bone.   A   good  osteoporosis   protocol    includes   30  minutes  of   one  of  these  daily.

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