Asante sana,
Glenn

To start with, urine is the bodily fluid that transports waste from the system (the other waste removing systems are lungs; colon; and skin). Urine is formed in the kidneys and flows down the urinary tract into the bladder. Most of us think that at this point it flows right on out of the bladder. Actually, it accumulates in the bladder until the bladder fills up and then a nerve signal is sent to the brain communicating the need to urinate. When this happens, the bladder automatically contracts and squeezes the urine out into the urethra (this is the tube urine comes out of, whether you are a man or a woman). Some folks flex or tighten their stomach muscles to increase the pressure in order to help fully empty the bladder. There is a “back-flow” valve called sphincters, which prevent the urine from flowing back upward into the bladder. A weakened sphincter, which allows backup, is one contributor to bladder infections. Frequent urination with no increase in the amount of urine is a common symptom of bladder infection.

Most people urinate about 4 to 6 times a day.

More info…

It’s ironic that modern hospitals, which ease suffering and save countless lives, can also be dangerous places that hurt the very patients they’re supposed to help. Each year at least half a million hospital patients are harmed or killed by mistakes that doctors, nurses, and other staff members make, according to recent estimates. At least 3 percent of hospital patients – probably far more – suffer an adverse event serious enough to lengthen their hospital stay. Roughly half of those events are preventable, according to a large Harvard study. Even by the lowest estimates, hospital errors are the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., ahead of car crashes, breast cancer, and AIDS.

Some hospital dangers seem to go with the territory. Hospitals are breeding grounds for infection, including potentially deadly infections resistant to antibiotics. That’s because hospitals house many infected patients and many more who catch infection easily because their immune system is compromised or because invasive devices, such as needles and catheters, can carry germs into the body. Another important danger: Medication mix-ups. The average hospital patient receives ten different drugs; these often have look-alike labels or sound-alike names, and are prescribed by many different specialists who either don’t communicate with one another or who leave notes in handwriting that can be hard to read.

Human error – which exists everywhere – can be disastrous in hospitals. Doctors and nurses who fail to wash their hands between patients can spread infections. Busy nurses may mistake micrograms for milligrams and give wrong drug doses, or mistake one patient for another and give the wrong drug. Surgeons occasionally forget to remove a sponge or clamp before sewing the patient up; a few have even operated on the wrong side of the body.

More info…

If you have two healthy kidneys, you have 100 percent of your kidney function. The human body is so amazing. This is more than you really need. That is why some people are born with one kidney, or give one of their healthy kidneys to a loved one, and are able to lead a normal, healthy life. So you see, even with declines in kidney function, you can still be healthy with 50 percent of your kidney function, if it remains stable. But many people with 50 percent of their kidney function have a kidney disease that will continually get worse. You will have some serious health problems if you have less than 20 percent of your kidney function. If kidney function drops below 10 to 15 percent, you cannot live long without either dialysis or a transplant. Damage to the kidneys may happen quickly, as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases are slow and silent. It can take many years for the damage to become apparent.
Here are some of those slow, silent destroyers of healthy kidneys:

More info…

Several types of alternative therapies exist, including herbals, vitamins, and dietary products. Many of the benefits from these products result from their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have received much media attention in recent years regarding cancer prevention. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are good sources of antioxidants, has been reported to lower a person’s risk for some types of cancer. Antioxidant supplements, which contain larger amounts of antioxidants than contained in food sources, have also been reported to decrease a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancer. Specifically, vitamin E and selenium supplements have been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate and colon cancer.

Antioxidants are also used by some patients during cancer treatment in the hopes of reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.

More info…

While life expectancy at birth has increased significantly, life span, which is estimated at 85 to 100 years, has remained about the same. Eliminating the top ten causes of death would increase the life expectancy of people over the age of 65 by about 20 years, but the overall life span would not be affected.

In addition to environmental conditions, a person’s lifestyle is an important factor in how we age. Health behaviors such as not smoking, moderation in alcohol use, adequate exercise and rest, a diet high in fiber content, effectively handling stress, and a positive outlook have all been suggested as a means to better health and longevity. Since our bodies are made up of cells, it is useful to explore how these cells age.

The aging of cells can be classified in three ways: cells that are continuously dividing, cells that are resting but can be stimulated to divide, and cells that are past the replicating phase altogether. Examples of continuously dividing cells include cells in the bone marrow that produce red and white blood cells and the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract. Cells in the liver, parts of the kidney, and the cells lining blood vessels are examples of the second type of cells, also called quiet cells, whose function is to respond to tissue injury.

Aging is not the accumulation of disease, although aging and disease are related in subtle and complex ways. Several conditions once thought to be part of normal human aging have been shown to be due to disease. For example, heart and blood vessel diseases are less common in populations that eat no meat and little fat, and cataract formation in the eye is largely dependent on the degree of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight.

More info…

More info…

However, in light of the many recent, tragic world events that not only have changed how we will live forever, but also highlight just how fragile life is, many of us may now wonder, “What’s the use of putting all this effort into being healthy, when it could all be over in a matter of seconds?”

Good question!

Now, please allow me to provide what I consider to be a good answer.

You see, being healthy is not about doing things to prolong your life. It’s about your quality of life! When we take the concept of “quality of life” into consideration, we open our minds to deeper meanings and a better understanding of what true health and wellness means. Many of the strategies used in acquiring “good health” requires specific actions (or causes, as I like to refer to them) that impact on many aspects of the world/environment around us.

Let me break it down a little further.

Take for example, the person, who has high blood pressure, and eventually realizes that they can neither control, nor treat it effectively with prescription medicines alone. This person has, over a period of 10 or 15 years, tried 4,5, or 6 different medications, prescribed by their doctor, only to see their blood pressure more difficult to control. It seems that the more compliant (you know, doing things exactly as the doctor says) and consistent they are with taking their medications, the more disappointing the results seem.

On top of this, the appearance of various side effects from the medications can begin to manifest. Our friend has finally reached a “point of intolerance”; where no longer can this type of “life” be accepted. It’s kind of like Marvin Gaye said, “ This ain’t living. Makes you wanna holler, throw up both your hands and shout…”

A wonderful and mystical thing happens at this moment. This person begins a process that I have come to understand as Human Revolution.

Now, now.

I know what you’re probably thinking. No, I’m not talking about starting a revolt where society-at-large launches massive efforts to “tar and feather” all doctors. Instead, this, for many of us, it is a new beginning. The start of looking at life, and the world, in a totally different way. In fact, it’s actually becomes a new way of living.

As we, from this point, start to become open-minded to the possibility that somehow, we are not “living” correctly, one by one, new insights into how our bodies are designed to properly function begin to appear. Things start to click in our minds that point to basic, fundamental flaws in many of our diet and /or lifestyle choices that affect our health. We begin to lean so heavily on the words “heredity” and “unavoidable” when we talk about the myriad of diseases and disorders that plague our friends and families.

For the first time, we find ourselves questioning whether there might actually be a connection between our health conditions and some of the ways we have “modernized” our lives with, among other things, processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and diets loaded with saturated fats. Further examination reveals the extent we constantly ignore many blatant and obvious truths, so that we can live our “Great American Way of Life.” You know, “Two chickens in every pot. A car in every garage.”

Oh, now you want to act like you aren’t following me, huh. What’s the matter, did I touch a nerve?

Okay, since you want to play it that way, let me lay out a few examples:

• When was the last time you looked into what a Hot Dog or Lunch Meat is made out of and how it is processed and packaged?
• Why are cigarettes still being legally sold and used, exposing our families, as well as, ourselves to some of the most deadly cancer-causing substances known?
• Do you ever stop and think about how many people are hopelessly addicted to alcohol and tobacco products, yet we don’t make any efforts to make them illegal?
• How can we sit back and allow the planet to be subjected to the massive amounts of pollutants from various industries that disregard their impact on our children and the world they will have to live in?
• What’s the rational behind alcohol, the most deadly drug known, responsible for more death and diseases than any other, being considered socially acceptable?
• Why would anyone knowingly allow substances in commonly used products like toothpaste, which carry a warning on the label stating that “if swallowed, contact Poison Control Center immediately?
• How about the meat and poultry supply in this nation that, across-the-board, is comprised of meat products which are filled with antibiotics and steroids?
• Has it ever cross your mind that America is the wealthiest, most technologically advanced, and informed country in the world, yet the collective health of its citizens merits it to rank 36th on a list ranking the health status of countries around the world?

You could pick any one of the statements above and expand it into a complete column. They each by themselves pose a threat that could nearly wipe out our communities. Yet, they are all circumstances that we find to be acceptable in our everyday lives.

Think about it, we think that it’s actually okay to reward our children for good behavior or good deeds by taking them out for a “Happy Meal.” Now take moment and think about what the “meal” is comprised of. Do you have any idea what a “chicken nugget” is? It’s all the left over, unused parts of a chicken – the parts of the chicken no one in their right mind would go near. Even Good Ol’ Dave, in spite of having had quadruple by-pass surgery as a result of years of him being on a artery-clogging diet (and subsequently died), still encourages you to try his “ double-cheese-bacon burger, with all the toppings!”

As we break it all down, we look around at all of the current “epidemics” in our society’s health. We see Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Kidney Failure, Cancer, AIDS, Asthma, Lupus, etc., etc., etc.

I don’t imply that there aren’t significant treatments, preventive measures, and breakthroughs in research.

I do believe that the “epidemic” nature of these maladies is a symptom that is indicative of the fact that we are living lives that are in conflict with the universal laws that governs all living things in nature.

Now follow me on this.

There is a universal law that, when adhered to, allows living things to grow and thrive in a healthy way. Because people and their environment are inseparable, once life is lived out of “harmony” with the universal law, disharmony and “sickness” is the result. The more we distant ourselves from the harmony that should exist in nature, and violate the natural order of things, the “sicker” we become physically. Hey, after all, consistency from beginning to end! You see, if you are living out of harmony with the universal laws, it impacts your daily life. The thoughts, choices, and actions each day are not ones that tend to be in harmony. Thus, we end up seeing the effects of these causes manifest in the “epidemics” of various diseases and disorders.

I know, I know, this is “deep” stuff. But, please, I only ask you to be open-minded and explore the possibilities.

Once again, it should not be our focus to get more years out of years, but more life out of our years. We all must begin to look at our basic outlook on life, and our respect for the existence of universal laws that govern all life, which insists on order and harmony. In so doing, we can truly make a difference in the quality of life we experience.

As my friend Dick Gregory says, “ I don’t mind dying. I just want to be healthy until I do.”

Remember, I am not a doctor. I just sound like one. If you have a serious health condition, please seek the proper medical attention.

Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

Obviously, the more you know about natural remedies (in particular ones you are interested in using), the better. And the more serious the disease you are attempting to treat, the more care you must exercise and the more you must know. There is no substitute for knowledge as any doctor, researcher, or even an informed patient will tell you.

If there is one thing to keep in mind, it is that natural remedies, especially those used for serious diseases, such as congestive heart failure, depression, cancer, and immune disorders, must be approached with respect and a good physician. Natural remedies work because they have strong pharmacological activity. Although their side effects, if any, are generally much less than those of prescription drugs, natural remedies if abused or overused can also harm you. You should have a highly trained person – a doctor, a pharmacist, or other health professional – to help guide you. They can tell you what you need, how to decide among products and brands, how much to take, what to expect—just as you do when you take prescription drugs. This is what you could expect if you lived in some other countries, where both doctors and pharmacists must be knowledgeable about herbs and supplements, their approved uses, their potential side effects, and how they should be prescribed. In this country, where herbs and supplements have generally been ignored by medical schools, there is no such consumer information or support system. Although this is sure to change in the near future, for the time being, unless you have the benefit of shopping at a place where there is a highly knowledgeable staff, you are on your own.

One of the best things I can suggest you do is to be sure and talk with your doctor. Health professionals can keep you from making a major mistake, because there are limits to your ability to self-diagnose your health problems. It is important that the disease you believe you have is in fact the disease that you actually do have. A health professional can save you from treating something that does not exist or failing to treat something that does. If the natural remedy you choose doesn’t fit the disease, of course it won’t work, and you could be neglecting to recognize and treat a life-threatening disease.

Also as important is the fact that a doctor can help you measure the extent of your success. Although just feeling better is a good indication that a natural remedy is working, it’s best to have concrete evidence that can only be provided by health professionals. Also you should remember that a natural medicine, particularly in the case of cancer, should be part of a comprehensive treatment.

Let’s move on to how to get the best products.

Sometimes walking into a health food store or using mail order catalogues for natural remedies can be a nightmare, even for those of you who might be quite knowledgeable. The range and variety of different products and brands can be confusing. Since the natural products industry is for the most part unregulated, your best bet is to choose products made by large, reputable companies that have been in business a long time and have a lot to lose by putting out an inferior products. If you have doubt or questions, ask the people in your health food store to direct you to the well-established companies with excellent standards for producing quality products.

You also want to be sure to check the label on the herbal products you are considering. Your best guarantee of potency is to look for the word “standardized” on the label. This tells you that the product consistently contains a certain percentage of a specific chemical, which, in most cases, has been shown to be the most active substance. You will find that the manufacture of such products is more rigorous. They are usually more expensive, but generally worth it. Unfortunately cheapest is not always best. It’s true some natural products are overpriced for various reasons. But in the realm of botanical (herbal) medicines, the higher price often reflects higher quality. This issue is not as critical for vitamins. A less expensive vitamin C is apt to be as potent as a more expensive one.

Let me leave you with a list of what I consider to be the ten things you must consider as tips for buying and using natural remedies:

1. Don’t take natural remedies for serious diseases that have been self-diagnosed.
2. If you are taking prescription medications, don’t substitute or add natural remedies without first consulting your doctor or other health professional. A sudden cessation of medication and/or a drug interaction with natural remedies could be hazardous.
3. Buy extracts, liquid, solid, or powdered remedies when possible; they best preserve the potency of the herb’s active properties.
4. Buy a standardized product, as noted on the label, when possible.
5. If possible, buy from a top-quality company, which is usually a large, established company.
6. Don’t take higher doses than the label recommends.
7. Generally buy single-substance products instead of formulas if you are unfamiliar with the general properties of the ingredients in a formula.
8. If you have any unusual symptoms (such as allergies, rashes, or headaches) after taking a natural remedy, stop taking it immediately and see a doctor if symptoms persist or are serious.
9. If possible, take natural remedies with the supervision of a health professional who can monitor your progress.
10. If you are pregnant or nursing an infant, or have a chronic or serious health problem, check with your doctor before taking natural remedies.

Following these guidelines will prove to be most helpful for you and your family on your journey to good health!

The very process of digesting good wholesome and nutritious foods produces toxic by-products that must be efficiently removed from the body. So, you see, even if you feel that you have healthy eating habits, there is something in this column for you too. There is no question that digestion, bowel movements, and urination happens. The problem is that most of us are either too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it, ask questions about it, or share information to those who don’t know.

Well, there’s no shame to my game. Here is some information that could at worst make the quality of your general health better and at best save your life.

Let’s begin by taking a look at the actual digestive process.

When we eat, foods must be broken down into the basic components (fats, starches, carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, etc.) before the body can absorb them and put the nutrients to work. After this “digested” food passes through the system, the undigested waste is to be excreted from the body as feces (bowel movements).
The problems begin for us when this process is not a complete and/or efficient one. Remember there is a total distance of 30 feet from the mouth to the anus (or as they say down South, “From the rooter to the tooter”). The point being that there is a lot of room for something to happen that can disrupt an otherwise normal process. The most obvious obstacle to good digestion begins with what it is we eat. The content, processing, and method of preparation of the foods we eat can greatly impact the ability to have normal digestion from start to finish.

From the moment we start chewing our food, the digestion system begins the job of turning the food into a soupy-type of substance so that the system can extract nutrients to send throughout the body. Once this substance is made, the sugars, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and other good nutrients are sent to the cells of the body.

What happens with what’s left, you ask? Now comes the good part. All of the “stuff” that’s left (waste products) are sent on down the line, so to speak. Once it hits the colon, these leftovers are packed together, and then a form of dehydration takes place where most of the water is removed from it. At this point we now have officially created what is known as feces. Just so you understand what we are dealing with here, our feces consists of the following: water, indigestible fiber, undigested food (you know, corn, little seeds, etc.), dead cells, living and dead bacteria, mucus secretions from the intestines, and bile from the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver.
(By the way, bile contains dead red blood cells that are what gives your bowel movements its brown color).

In an ideal world, all of this waste/feces will continue on “down the line” and leave the body in the form of a healthy bowel movement. But, as I said, this would happen in an ideal world, which very few people live in. So instead we mostly end up with things kind of hanging around far too long in the colon and we end up with the conditions that jeopardize our health. A long list of diseases and disorders that plague our society have its roots in this inefficient process in the colon. As a matter fact, there are medical indications that as much as 90% of all diseases originate in an unclean colon.

While the decaying foods sit in the colon for prolonged periods of time, the waste ferments in the heat of the body temperature (imagine your trash sitting outside during a 98-degree summer heat spell). During this time, more and more waste is added to the pile, gases form, 2nd and 3rd generation toxic chemicals form and subsequently, the colon is a fertile breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, molds, parasites, etc.

There may be periodic episodes of poor elimination experienced by the best of us. However, it is the chronic, long-standing patterns that the majority of us experience that concern me. I recently read an excellent article on “stool-watching” tips that I would like to share with you. Obviously, based on the information in this column, there is a connection between what’s coming out of our bodies and what’s going on inside. Here are some tips to look out for:

•  Black, tarry, sticky stools – Bleeding in your digestive tract
•  Clay-colored stools – Minimal amounts of bile, perhaps due to gallbladder or liver problems.
•  Pencil-thin stool – Could mean a growth or polyp that narrows the passage for stool.
•  Large, greasy, floating stools – Mal-absorption: your digestive system isn’t getting full nutritional use of food.
•  Small, hard, round pellet stools – Constipation.
•  Really bad-smelling stools – Either an imbalance of intestinal bacteria or eating too much animal protein (meats).

As you can see, the potential for the on-set of many health problems can come from poor elimination in one way or another. The factors responsible for poor elimination are ones that we should all be familiar with. They are:

1. Chemical-laced foods, and pollutants in the environment.
2. Over-accumulation of body wastes and metabolic by-products that are not excreted properly.
3. Slowed elimination time, allowing waste to ferment, become rancid, and then recirculate through the body tissues as toxic substances.

There is no question that the key to preventing many of the potential bowel problems is almost always a nutritional one. A high fiber, low fat diet is important to both cure and prevent the problems associated with poor waste elimination.

A few lifestyle and dietary suggestions to keep in mind are:

•  Drink 6-8 glasses of good quality water every day.
•  Fiber, Fiber, Fiber.
•  Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
•  Take a good multi-vitamin/mineral daily.
•  Chew digestive enzymes to prevent constipation and promote digestion.

Just a few of my thoughts on the topic that I felt would be of use to promote the goals and objective set to improving your quality of life.
Remember that I’m not a doctor, I just sound like one. If you have serious medical condition, see your doctor.

Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!