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WATER          

 

Food Supplements' Effects On The Body

AMINO ACIDS: Any of a class of nitrogen-containing acids. Some 20 amino acids are commonly found in animals and humans. Chains of amino acids synthesized by living systems are called polypeptides (up to about 50 amino acids) and proteins (more than 50 amino acids.)


ENZYMES:
Proteins that enable certain biological functions. Enzymes are catalysts: they can accelerate processes in our body, without changing their form. They are essential for various bodily functions, such as digestion and blood coagulation. The lack of certain enzymes can lead to health problems and unbalance the metabolism.

BOTANICALS: Plants used for therapeutic or cosmetic function. Includes medicinal or culinary herbs and spices. Used in fresh, dried or extracted form.

ACETYLCYSTEINE   1,500 mg  a day
Antioxidant.  Stimulates and restores neurons, increases mitochondrial energy, slows dementia, and helps membrane function    A building block for Glutathione (q.v.).   Used in treatment of macular degeneration.

ACIDOPHILUS   2 caps  3  a day
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the good bacteria that inhabit the intestines.  Readers who enjoy a low-fat high-fiber diet should have a large supply of good (aerobic) bacteria and can skip this supplement.  Others should know that a low-fiber diet promotes the bad (anaerobic) bacteria which produce chemicals that cause colon cancer.  Some of the fats in a high-fat diet escape digestion and absorption and end up in the colon where they are oxidized and produce free radicals.  However, low fiber and high-fat diets are bad in regard to bowel cancer only when the transit time through the bowel is slow.  Transit time can be measured by taking a few charcoal tablets and noting when they reappear.  Transit times greater than two days may be a link to bowel cancer.20  If the transit time is greater than four days  cancer risk is greatly increased.  There is also an association between constipation and breast cancer.24

Diet supplements that protects fat from oxidation and destroy free radicals are called antioxidants.  There are several described in this list.  All would be beneficial.  Dietary fiber should be increased.  Some fibers lower blood cholesterol, others decrease transit times.  Those that decrease transit time are:  wheat bran, wheat products, brown rice, cooked lentils, beans, and green peas.  Avoid white bread like the plague.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) intake approaching your bowel-tolerance limit decreases transit time and helps prevent cancer by keeping the bowel slightly acidic which may hinder the formation of carcinogens.  It is also a very good antioxidant.  In addition to acidophilus, acidophilus milk is also beneficial.  L. bulgaricus, the primary Lactobacilli used for Yogurt has demonstrated potent antitumor activity, however it does not colonize the colon and has to be ingested often.27 

Selenium is reported to prevent bowel cancer.20  A high fiber diet may have a tendency wash out minerals so mineral supplements are recommended.  Good bacteria are destroyed by chlorinated water and antibiotics, such as  Amoxicillin and especially Erythromycin.  For further information references 20 and 27 are recommended.

ADAPTOGENS
Adaptogens are botanicals that adapt themselves to the physiological needs of the individual.  They include garlic, echinacea, ginseng, licorice, ginger, schisandra root, ginkgo biloba and others.

ALANINE
Amino acid.  Reported to be useful in treating prostate problems.  See glutamic acid. 

ALKYGLYCEROLS
Promotes the production of white blood cells (leukocytes) including T cells and macrophages.  Source is shark liver oil.

ALLIUM SATIVUM
Chelator.  Herb, garlic (q.v.),  reported to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and stimulate immune response.

ANTHOCYANINS          see proanthocyanins

L-ARGININE    2000 mg a day 2 hrs after eating
Amino acid.  With lysine and ornithine, stimulates pituitary gland production of human growth hormone20, (HGH), which stimulates thymus gland boosting immune response and is claimed to reverse aging process.  Inhibited cancer growth in animals.  Production by the body decreases with age.  Destroys nitric oxide produced around inflamed arthritic tissue.  The nitric oxide destroys T-cells which enhance the production of anti-bodies to fight inflammation.  Earl Mindell6 recommends that arginine be taken in combination with 2000 mg of ornithine and 1000 mg of lysine.  Should not be taken by those who have herpes or schizophrenics.  Sources are nuts, sunflower seeds, chocolate, raisins and brown rice.

ASTRAGALUS    400 mg  1 to 3 a day
Herb claimed to improve immunity and may be beneficial in treatment of heart disease.

L-ASPARTIC ACID
L-Aspartate is an amino acid and chelating agent.  Binds with magnesium to displace calcium build up in arterial tissues.

BHT    250 to 500 mg  a day  ?
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant and food preservative, has been proven to be effective in the treatment and cure of herpes viruses HSV-1 (cold sores), HSV-2 (genital herpes) and herpes varicella-zoster (shingles).22  Requires dietary fat for absorption.  A 1977 study showed that BHT enhances certain animal cancers.  A 1978 study reported BHT to inhibit certain carcinogens. 

BLUEBERRIES
Reported to improve balance, coordination and short term memory in lab animals.  USDA Human Nutrition Res. Center on Aging, Tufts University. Journal of Nutrition, Sept. 15, 1999.

CAPSICUM ANNUM
Herb, cayenne, reported to improve circulation and to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in animals.

L-CARNITINE   1500 to 4000 mg a day in divided doses   *
Amino acid.  Chelating agent.  Synergistic with Coenzyme Q-10.  Vitamins C, niacin, and B-6, and iron are required for synthesis from lysine and methionine by the liver.  Some people are unable to synthesize adequate amounts of carnitine.27  Raises HDL/LDL ratio, decreases risk of liver,  kidney and cardiovascular diseases in diabetes, lowers blood fat level, increases muscular strength and reduces fatigue and angina.  The rate at which fat is made available as fuel for muscle is determined by amount of carnitine in the muscle.  Enhances the effectiveness of antioxidant vitamins E and C.  May have some anti-aging benefits for the brain by reducing lipofuscins.  Lipofuscins are excess fats and wastes from damaged cells.  For Alzheimer's disease L-acetylcarnitine, LAC, may be the best form.27  Choline reduces urinary carnitine excretion.  Alcohol impairs synthesis of carnitine.  Source is red meat and dairy products.  The mirror-image form, D-carnitine which does not occur in nature, may be toxic.  * Those with impaired liver function should seek the advice of a physician on amount of supplement.27

CHOLINE    500 mg  1 to 3 +  a day
Crucial for normal brain function and memory.  Choline becomes changed at the ends of certain brain cell nerves to acetylcholine, a chemical messenger which is lacking in the brain of Alzheimer's disease victims.  Enhances the effect of vitamin E.  Also participates in metabolism of cholesterol and fat and is a chelator.  Deficiency is related to cirrhosis of the liver, hardening of arteries and Alzheimer's disease.  Sources are egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, yeast, liver, wheat germ, and lecithin.  Should not be used by persons who are manic depressive.  The phosphatidyl form of choline may be more readily used by the brain.  Passwater20  recommends 2000 mg of choline and 1000 mg of B-5 be taken by students just before an exam.    CAUTION:  See note 10.

CINNAMON
May help control blood sugar levels by increasing the ability of insulin to metabolize glucose.

COENZYME Q-10    50 to 150 mg  a day  *
Antioxidant and  anti-aging.  Reported to reverse cardiac failure and arrhythmia6.  Studied have shown that CoQ-10 will reduce the diastolic and systolic pressures of those with high blood pressure but has no effect on the blood pressure of those with normal blood pressure.  Required for the production of energy in heart cells.  Reported to be effective in treating periodontal disease,24  angina, diabetes,27  enhance immunity, increase production of antibodies and to enhance the clearance of foreign antigens (phagocytosis).  The complete elimination of lung and breast cancer has been reported in patients taking large doses, 300 to 400 mg a day, for several months.24  Exercise stimulates the production of CoQ-10 by the body.  Blood levels of CoQ-10 decrease with age.  Deficiency is common in cardiac patients.  Mevacor, and other cholesterol lowering drugs, depletes CoQ-10.27  Sources are organ meats, eggs, rice bran, wheat germ, soy products, peanuts, spinach, broccoli, mackerel, and sardines.  No known toxicity.  Safety during pregnancy and lactation not established.  * 300 mg per day given for severe heart disease.27

CRANBERRY JUICE    One or two glasses a day
Helps prevent urinary track infections.6

CRATAEGUS OXYACANTHA
Herb, Hawthorn.  Chelating agent and dilator reported to increase blood flow, and to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and to prevent deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls.

CURCUMIN 
Reported to suppress the development of colon cancer in laboratory animals.

L-CYSTEINE   20 mg  ? a day
Amino acid, antioxidant, and chelating agent.  Synthesized from L-Methionine.  Protects cells from radiation, free radicals, pollution and is claimed to be a chelator for lead and other toxins.  Has high sulfur content.

DHEA   
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally-occurring phospholipid nutrient; a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.  It is the precursor for the manufacture of many other hormones by the body.  In animal test it has been shown to reverse aging, restore youthful vigor, cure cancer, and increase immune response.  Many studies have shown that low DHEA levels in humans correlate to increased risk of cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes and premature aging.  A positive  correlation between DHEA levels and mental acuity in older people has been reported by Baulieu, French endocrinologist and inventor of RU486.  "Alzheimer's patients have 48 percent lower DHEA than control group," (Dr. C.R. Merrill, Lab of Biochemical Genetics, Bethesda, MD).  The anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and anti-tumor actions of DHEA are thought to be due to its inhibition of the G6PD enzyme.  The average blood levels of DHEA in young people are 300 to 500 mcg per deciliter and drops to 30 to 100 mcg per deciliter with age.   

DMAE    100 mg  4  a day
Dimethylaminoethenol (DMAE) is a metabolite of procaine.  Procaine was used in Romania by Ana Aslan in the treatment of age-related problems.  She found that procaine would reduce monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that increases with age and correlates with age-related problems.  Over a period of many years she claimed to have increased the average life span of her patients by 29 years.  Her formula was called Gerovital H3.  Another metabolite of procaine is para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).  DMAE and PABA are claimed to be the oral equivalent of the Aslan injection.14  Recommended daily amounts are 400 mg for DMAE and 200 mg for PABA.  DMAE can cross the blood-brain barrier and is claimed to be superior to choline for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, a brain messenger, and may be beneficial in Alzheimer's and other mental problems.  No data on toxicity.

DIMETHYLGLYCINE (DMG)   100 to 300 mg  a day
Amino acid claimed to increase defense functions, lower cholesterol, aid heart patients and to enhance immune response.20  Synergistic with phycotene.  Sources are liver, seeds, and nuts.

ECHINACEA   400 mg  a day + ? 
Herb reported to stimulate production of T lymphocytes (T-cells), the white blood cells responsible for immunity.

EPA         eicosapentaenoic acid,  see omega-3 fatty acid

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 
Contains 9 percent gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and 72 percent linoleic acid. both of which are omega-6 oils.  Omega-6 is a precursor for the favorable 1 series prostaglandins, hormones widely used by the body. B-6 is required for conversion of linoleic fatty acid to GLA and the GLA to the 1 series prostaglandins and partly to arachidonic acid which leads to inflammatory leukotrienes and production of the unfavorable 2 series prostaglandins.  The available data appears to conflict with claims of reduced inflammation.  Other claims are for reducing high blood pressure, and symptoms of PMS.  A combination of GLA and EPA has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and may be beneficial for treatment of other autoimmune diseases.  It appears that omega-3 oils would be better for reducing inflammation than the omega-6 oils.27   See flaxseed oil.

FATS
No tests have shown any difference in fat consumption between people with and people without coronary diseases.  However, T cell function is impaired by a high fat diet.  Body fat is the storage site for many carcinogens that we get from food and other sources.6  The increased risk of cancer caused by the consumption of margarine can be offset by selenium, and vitamins E and C.  Natural polyunsaturated oils such as canola, soy, safflower and flaxseed are preferred types.  See note 1.

FLAXSEED OIL    1 tablespoon  a day
Unrefined flaxseed oil contains two essential fatty acids.  It is a rich source for alpha linolenic (an omega-3 fatty acid), 58 percent by weight,  and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid).  The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is 1:3.  We consume 10 to 20 times more omega-6 than we need.  Omega-6 is the main oil added to foods during processing and is the main component of the low quality oils found in the grocery stores.  As a result of this our omega-6 to -3 ratio to about 20:1.  The optimum ratio is 4:1.  High levels of omega-6 have been shown to promote the spread of cancer in animals while low levels of omega-3 fatty acids were the most significant factor in the spread of cancer in humans.  Fatty acids are used by the body as components of nerve cells, cellular membranes and for the production of prostaglandins.  They are protective and therapeutic against heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis and others.27  See omega-3 fatty acid.

GARLIC   300 mg  a day + ?  
Reduces platelet clumping, increases immunity, lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and might help relieve pain of arthritis.  Reduces excess glucose in blood which is a causative factor in arteriosclerosis and heart attacks.  Source for germanium.  See SAMC.     

A recent report stated that deodorized garlic was less beneficial than regular garlic.

GINKGO BILOBA   80 mg  3 a day  
Claimed to provide relief from stress, depression, headache, ear-ringing, vertigo, and to improve memory and prevent accumulation of lipofuscin in brain cells.  Increases blood flow to brain.  May be helpful in treatment of hemorrhoids.  Three to six months may be required to show improvement.

GINSENG
Herb, antioxidant, adaptogen.  Reported to inhibit growth of cancer cells, convert diseased cells to normal cells, increase mental and physical endurance and to control blood pressure.  Vitamin C may hinder absorption.  Take two hours before or after taking vitamin C.  If you have high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat do not take ginseng. 

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE    500 mg  2 or ? a day
Aids injured or overworked joints.  Panacea for knee joints of elderly bicycle riders.  A few weeks may be required to show improvement.  Value of other forms of glucosamine such as N-acetyl- (NAG) and -hydrochloride (HCL) have not been shown in any tests.  NAG is quickly digested by intestinal bacteria and HCL is not a nutrient that is utilized by the connective tissue.  Sulfur is an essential nutrient for joint tissue.  The absorption rate for chondroitin sulfate is not over 8 percent due to the large size of the molecule while up to 98 percent of the glucosamine sulfate is absorbed.  The sulfur from glucosamine sulfate is used by cartilage and other joint structures where it stimulates the production of chondroitin sulfate.27

L-GLUTAMIC ACID   500 mg  a day + ?
Amino acid.  With alanine and glycine useful in treating prostate problems.  Required for the synthesis of glutathione.  Synthesized by brain cells from glutamine and then converted to energy for use by the brain cells.  Glutamic acid does not cross the blood/brain barrier.

L-GLUTAMINE   500 mg  4  a day + ?
Amino acid.  Increases human growth hormone, HGH.  Anti-aging.  Crosses the blood/brain barrier and is converted to glutamic acid by brain cells.20  Relieves depression, impotence and fatigue.  Body builders reported to take up to 10 grams a day.

GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ENZYME
A component part of Glutathione Peroxidase one of the body's natural antioxidant enzymes.  Activity is stimulated by the presence of both vitamin E and selenium even though selenium is a component of this enzyme.  It protects the aqueous portion of cells.

L-GLUTATHIONE    50 mg  1 to 2 times a day ?
Amino acid.  Antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, chelator and immunity booster.  Deficiency reported to be the leading cause of cataracts.  Made in the body from cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine.  Selenium and vitamin C6 required for synthesis.  Exercise may increase synthesis in older people.  Production declines with age.  More beneficial for older people than the young.  Contains sulfur.  See selenium.

GLYCINE 
Amino acid.  Useful in treating prostate problems.  See glutamic acid.

GREEN TEA
Reported to contain a variety of antioxidants and to offer protection against cancer, heart disease and stroke in animals.  M. Gaynor, MD, Cornell Univ. Cancer Prevention Center; J. Klaunig, PhD, Division of Toxicology Indiana Univ.  Black tea, which is oxidized green tea, is not as effective.  Oolong tea is only partially oxidized and would be more effective than black tea.

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE
Normalizes blood sugar levels.  Reduces cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglycerides.  Promotes regeneration of beta cells responsible for releasing insulin in the pancreas.  (Ancient Science of Life, 1988; Journal of Ethopharmacology, 1990)

LECITHIN   1200 mg  2 a day
Source for inositol and choline  which also enhance phosphorus levels.  An ounce a day reported to lower cholesterol.  One large egg contains over 2000 mg of lecithin.

LYCOPENE
Antioxidant.  Predominate carotenoid in plasma, and various tissues including the prostate gland.  Reported to be more protective against cardiovascular diseases and some cancers than beta carotene.  "Of 46 fruits and vegetables checked only tomatoes and strawberries offered protection against prostate cancer.  Ten or more servings of tomatoes, tomato sauce or pizza per week caused a 45 percent reduction of prostate cancer.  Lycopene from tomato juice appears to have low bioavailability, but cooking the juice in an oil-based medium enhances intestinal absorption.  Tomatoes, tomato products and strawberries accounted for 90 percent of the lycopene in the diet of those studied."  (Dr. Edward Giovannucii, Harvard Univ. School of Public Health,  Journal of Natl. Cancer Inst. 12-6-95).  Studies have shown a link between low blood serum levels of lycopene, and prostate cancer, bladder cancer, cervical dysplasia (a precancerous condition in women) and pancreatic cancer.  Not a precursor of vitamin A.  Available at health food stores.  However, all studies have used natural foods and not supplements.  May also offer protection against peroxynitrite believed to cause MS.

L-LYSINE   500 mg  a day + ?
Amino acid and chelator.  Required for the synthesis of carnitine (q.v.).  When combined with arginine (q.v.) reported to reverse decline of thymic hormonal activity.  "Deficiency of ascorbic acid and lysine caused arteriosclerosis in laboratory animals.  Adding these two supplements to their diet reversed this condition".16   Source is meat, fish and eggs.

MELATONIN   3 mg a day + ?
Main secretion of the pineal gland.  It preserves T-cell function, corrects reduced thymus activity, aids immune system, delays aging, may be beneficial in some types of depression and offers some protection from breast cancer.  Electric and electromagnetic fields and light shut down production of melatonin in the body.  Low levels of melatonin have been linked to breast cancer and prostate cancer.25   Users of electric blankets and those living near high voltage power lines take note.  Take in evening.  Depression relief doubtful.27

L-METHIONINE
Amino acid and chelator.  Not synthesized by the body.  Required for the synthesis of cysteine and carnitine (q.v.).  A good source  for sulfur, important for the breakdown of fat in liver and arteries.  Digestive aid which helps detoxify harmful agents, aids muscle weakness, prevents brittle hair, beneficial for allergic chemical sensitivities and osteoporosis.  Sources are meat, dairy products, fish and eggs.  High meat and dairy product diets generate excess methionine which is converted into homocysteine, HCY.  HCY damages arteries (arteriosclerosis) and can damage the heart.  Vitamin B-6 helps by regulating the production of HCY.  Vitamin B-12 and folic acid also help control HCY level.                    

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS  
Reported to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and be beneficial in autoimmune diseases.  A study has shown that omega-3 fatty acids have an inhibitory effect on mammary tumors.  Another study has shown that women with the highest consumption of fish tend to have the lowest incidence of breast cancer.  The data for use by diabetics is conflicting and further research is needed.  Another study has shown that a diet low in omega-3 and zinc promotes enlargement of the prostate gland.  This gland produces prostaglandins and tries to compensate for this deficiency by enlarging.  This enlargement can be reduced by adding omega-3 and zinc picolinate to the diet.  Sources for omega-3 are salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, cod, herring, halibut, sardines, flaxseed oil, green vegetables and some nuts.  Fifty percent of the total dietary polyunsaturated fat should be omega-3.  Recent animal studies show that omega-3 fat aids bone growth.  If the same hold true for humans it would prevent osteoporosis.  Animal studies also show that omega-3 protects the body against attack by its own immune system in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.  Since omega-3 fatty acids are blood thinners supplements should not be taken by those on blood thinners.  In this instance whole fish would be better than the oil capsules.  See flaxseed oil.

PHYCOTENE 
Extract from spirulina and dunaliella algae.  Shown to cause cancer regression and to prevent cancers in test animals.  Synergistic with dimethylglycine.

PHYTOCHEMICALS
Many have anticancer properties.  They can induce certain enzymes to destroy certain carcinogens.24  The most potent sources of these enzymes are cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and tomatoes. See lycopene.

PREGNENOLONE   10 mg  2 or ? a day
Pregnenolone is a natural hormone made in the body by the mitochondria.  It is a precursor for all human steroid hormones and is claimed to increase productivity, reduce stress, enhance detoxifying enzymes in the liver and brain, improve mood, and to have a mild anti-depressant effect.  It is also an anti-inflammatory agent.  Further data not available.

PROANTHOCYANIDINE   50 to 300 mg  a day
Bioflavonoids sold under Pycnogenol and Adoxynol trade names.  First reported use in 1543 by Quebec Indians to save crew of French ship.  Claims:  blocks accumulation of cholesterol, prevents cancer, improves skin texture and elasticity, anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant, potentiates vitamin C, reduces capillary fragility, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, and protects against cataracts.  Found in plums, tart cherries, blueberries, cranberries, fruits, vegetables and grapeseeds.  See quercetin, vitamin p.

PROPOLIS   500 mg  1 to 3  a day
Claimed to be anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune system enhancer.  Source is honey.

QUERCETIN   250 to 750 mg  a day 
A bioflavonoid found in red and yellow onions, broccoli, and squash.  Claimed to inhibit bowel cancer, protects against heart disease, cataracts, some major diabetic complications, anti-allergy and to be a cell membrane stabilizer20.  May also offer protection from estrogen induced cancer.  See vitamin p

SAMC
Sallylmercaptocystein (SAMC) is a sulfur compound that forms as garlic ages.  It has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and to decrease the prostate specific antigen, PSA.  (R.S. Revlin and J.T. Pinto, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NY.)  Science News 4-19-97.  Fresh garlic does not have this effect.  Garlic used in test was commercially aged for at least one year.

SAW PALMETTO
Claimed to relieve some prostate problems and urinary tract problems of men and women.

SHARK CARTILAGE   800 mg  2 a day ?
Reported to stop growth and to kill tumors by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels (anti-angiogenesis).  New blood vessels are required to provide food for the tumor and to remove waste products.14 It might be that the waste products cause the tumors to self-destruct.  Also reported to reduce pain in some forms of arthritis.  Those on exercise programs to increase muscle size might be hindered by this supplement.

SUGAR
The per capita consumption of Sugar (sucrose) in the United States is about 125 grams per day.  Each 125 grams when digested becomes 66 grams of glucose and 66 grams of fructose.  Add to this the fructose from fruit and honey, the average daily intake becomes 74 grams per day.  The fructose undergoes reactions in the body leading to acetate, which is then in part converted to cholesterol.17  Tests have shown a direct correlation between the amount of sugar eaten and the level of cholesterol in the blood.  There is also a positive correlation between dietary sugar and breast cancer.  Insulin has an effect similar to estrogen and prolactin.24  Sugar causes increase in urinary excretion of calcium.27

SULFHYDRYL GROUP
Sulfur when combined with hydrogen, form sulfhydryl groups which are effective in removing poisons and toxins.  Foods that contain a relatively large amount of this natural chelator of aluminum and other toxic metals are:  onions, garlic, chives, red pepper, and egg yolks.  Others are asparagus, dry beans, soybeans, and sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds.

ST. JOHN'S WORT   300 mg 1 to 3  a day 
Herb claimed to relieve depression.  0.3% hypericin per capsule.

SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE  (SOD)    
Main antioxidant in the eye lens.  One of the body's two natural antioxidant enzymes.  Zinc, copper, selenium and manganese required for synthesis.  Reduces high blood pressure and prevents cataracts.  In animals of any species those with the highest level of SOD live the longest.  Supplements are poorly absorbed.

TAURINE   500 mg   1  a day + ?
Amino acid.  Helps normalize irregular heart beating and stabilize cell membranes in heart.  "Lowers blood pressure 24 percent in 4 to 16 weeks." (RE: Dr. H. Trachtman, American Journal of Hypertension).  Has been shown to raise acetylcholine levels in animals, reverse macular degeneration and stimulate immune system.  Produced by the body from cysteine.   Vitamin B-6 required for this conversion.  Taurine deficiency causes  congestive heart failure in animals.

THYMUS EXTRACTS
Reported to stimulate production of T lymphocytes (T-cells), a type of white blood cell responsible for immunity against bacterial, and viral infections.27

TUMERIC
Herb reported to prevent blood clots and to reduce cholesterol and the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

TYROSINE   100 to 2000 mg  3  a day
An amino acid reported to aid in treatment of depression and Parkinson's disease.  However a study has shown that restricting tyrosine and phenylalanine in animal diets stopped the spread of cancer.25  Sources are meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts.                                

WATER          8 cups +
A study has shown that those who drink 14 or more cups of fluid eaach day had a greater risk of developing bladder cancer than those who drank 7 cups.  Later it was shown that tap water was the culprit.  Further research pointed to the chlorine in tap water as the culprit that may promote cancer.6 

NOTES
1.  Linoleic acid found in polyunsaturated vegetable oils and diets high in omega-6 fatty acids reported to suppress immune response.  Elimination of partially hydrogenated oils, fats, fried food, and certain polyunsaturated cooking oils from diet is recommended.

2.  Zinc, copper, and manganese may create free radicals if taken with ascorbic acid.  However, from reference 16, "The inactivation of the virus occurs only in the presence of free oxygen, as well as ascorbate, and is blocked by scavengers of free  radicals.....Also the rate of inactivation is increased by even very small concentrations of copper ions.  These facts indicate that ascorbic acid reduces the oxygen molecules to an odd-electron molecule (free radical), probably hydrogen superoxide, HO2 then    attacks the nucleic acid of the virus."  Another report claimed there may be an anti cancer effect from the oxidation of copper by ascorbic acid.  Some  free radicals may serve a useful purpose.

3.  Dosage greater than 10000 IU per day of vitamin A during the first 7 weeks after conception caused birth defects.  Women who are at risk of becoming pregnant should keep their supplemental vitamin A intake below 5000 I.U. or better yet, take carotenes.27  100,000 IU per day can be tolerated by adults with no serious side effects but children who ingest 50,000 IU per day do show toxicity.25

4.  This from a medical journal on oral contraceptives:  "Levels of pyridoxine, folic acid, and most other B vitamins as well as ascorbic acid, calcium, manganese, and zinc, are decreased while   vitamin A levels are increased.  These changes have no known clinical significance and women taking oral contraceptives do not need vitamin supplements."  How about mineral supplements?  Are they saying, "What we don't know won't hurt you?" 

5.  There are nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body, and must be present in the food that is ingested.  They are threonine, valine, methionine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, isoleucine and leucine.

6.  Antioxidants intercept free radicals before they damage cells.  The mechanism for this as reported by T.G. Truscott of Keele University in England may explain the results of studies which show that beta carotene increases cancer in smokers.  First vitamin E  restores free radicals to their harmless state but in the process vitamin E becomes damaged.  Beta Carotene then restores the vitamin E to its original state but in the process it too is damaged.  Vitamin C then repairs the carotene radical and being water-soluble the vitamin C free radical is washed out of the body.  Since smoking destroys vitamin C most smokers would not have enough of this vitamin to protect them from the carotene radical.   (Science News:2-15-97)

7.  On cholesterol, a report from the Netherlands claims that in people 85 years and older the risk of dying during a 10-year study fell by 15 percent for each additional 39 mg/dl increase in their cholesterol.  Cholesterol readings ranged from less than 200 mg/dl  (for 24%), 200 to 250 (48%) to over 250 for the remainder of the group.  (Science News 10-25-97)                          

8.  Patients wearing copper bracelets absorbed 13 milligrams of copper per month.  Absorption through the skin is more efficient

than dietary absorption of copper and could explain their reduced arthritic pain.20  Blood copper level should be monitored.

9.  Those taking blood thinners should not take vitamin K unless under the supervision of a physician.  See note 10 below

10.  Always consult a competent physician before using any of the nutrients listed herein.  For information on publications in the field of Smart Pills write to:   

        Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute,
        P.O. Box 4029,
        Menlo Park, CA 94026.

For a list of those specializing in use of nutritional supplements and new therapies write: 

        American College of Advancement in Medicine
        23121 Verdugo Dr., Suite 204, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
        (714) 583-7666  or search for ACAM on WWW and then use
        area code to find one in your area.  email  acam@acam.org      

                            REFERENCESES

1.  The Merck Manual, 17th Edition, Merck Sharp & Dohme Res. Lab.  1999

2.  Berger, S. M.D. How To Be Your Own Nutritionist, W. Morrow, NY 1987

3.  Giller, R. M.D., Matthews K., Medical Makeover, W. Morrow, NY, 1986

4.  Mindell, E, R.Ph., Ph.D.,  Vitamin Bible, Warner Books, NY,  1985

5.* Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, Simon and Shuster, New York, NY,  1992

6.* Earl Mindell's Anti-Aging Bible, Simon and Shuster, NY, NY,  1996

7.  Colgan, M., M.D., Your Personal Vit. Profile, Quill, New York 1982

8.  Carper, J., The Food Pharmacy, Bantam Books, New York,  1988

9.  Pfeiffer, C., M.D., A Physician's Guide to Health Care,  1975

    Mental and Elemental Nutr., Keats Pub. Co., New Canaan, CT 1975

10.  Weiner, M., Reducing The Risk of Alzheimer's

Stein and Day Publishers, New York,  1987

11.  Smith, L., M.D.,  Feed Your Kids Right, Dell Pub. Co., NY,  1984

12.  Rinse, J., Ph.D.,  Delaying Aging With Nucleic Acids And Other

Biochemicals:  A Survey Of Available Products

American Laboratory     October 1982

13.  Aero, R., Rick, S. Vitamin Power, Harmony Books, New York, NY 1987

14.  Steinman, D., Editor,  Life Extenders And Memory Boosters

Health Quest Publications,  Reno, NV  1993

15.* Science News Magazine.   (weekly publication)

16.  Pauling, L., Ph.D., Vitamin C the Common Cold and the Flu,

W.H. Freeman and Co.,  San Fran., CA 1976

17.* Pauling, L., Ph.D.,  How To Live Longer And Feel Better,

Avon Books,  NY 10019  1987

18.* Cheraskin, E.,MD.,  The Vitamin C Connection, Bantam Bks, NY 1984

19.  Weast, R., Ph.D, Editor,  HB of Chemistry and Physics, 67th Ed.

CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL  1986

20.* Passwater, R.A., Ph.D.,   The New Supernutrition

Pocket Books, NY   1991 

21.  Matzen, R.N.,MD., Lang, R.S.,MD,  Clinical Preventive Medicine

Mosby-Year Book,Inc., St. Louis, MO 1993

22.* Mann, J. A., Fowkes, S. W.,  Wipe Out Herpes With BHT

MegaHealth Society, P.O. Box 1684

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

23.* Brecher, H. & A.  Forty Something Forever,  A Consumer's Guide To

Chelation Therapy and other Heart Savers

Healthsavers Press, Herndon. VA 20172  1997

24.* Pelton, R., R.Ph., Ph.D., Pelton, T., MA, Vint, V.C., M.D.

How to Prevent Breast Cancer,  Simon & Schuster, NY 1995

25.* Simone, C. B., M.D.,  Cancer & Nutri., Avery Publ. Group, NY 1994

26.  Sahelian, R., M.D.,  DHEA: A Practical Guide, Avery Pub Gp NY 1994

27.* Murray, M. T., N.D.,  Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements

Pima Publishing, Rocklin, CA  95677  1996


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