April / May 1999
( to: Health Newsletter Archive )
Greetings once again to all of you - our valued subscribers, customers, and business associates! Welcome to the April / May, 1999 edition of the Archangel Health Newsletter, "One of the longest running internet e-zines dedicated to health, fitness, and nutrition!"
We have added several hundred new subscribers in March and April and we wish to thank all of our readers for making this publication a success!
Featured in this month's issue:
- HEALTH BYTES: Facts & Tips For Better Living!
- THE HERBAL CORNER: Featuring "Saint John's Wort"
- FEATURED ARTICLE: Your Immune System
- HEALTH RESOURCES: Focus on Immune System Health
- PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH:
Xtra Antioxidants - Immune Supporting Nutrients
Multi-Pure MP750SC Water Filter System - HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH: Strawberry Spring Salad
- APRIL PRODUCT SPECIAL BUY:
** HOT ! ** Proanthenols Bio-Complex ** HOT ! **
Highly Potent Antioxidant Nutritional Supplement
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HEALTH BYTES
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ANOTHER REASON TO QUIT SMOKING -- Second hand cigarette smoke causes about 50 percent of all lung disorders in children under age 5, according to a massive federal study. Specifically, young children in homes where adults smoke at least a pack a day were twice as likely to have asthma, two and a half times as likely to have chronic bronchitis, and almost three times as likely to wheeze frequently.
FOOD ALLERGIES AND RASHES -- If your child has an itchy, inflamed skin rash that will not go away, ask your doctor to test him or her for food allergies. According to a new study in the Journal of Pediatrics, as many as one-third of children with chronic, difficult-to-treat atopic dermatitis - the medical term for skin rash - have food allergies that may contribute to the condition. Identifying and avoiding the problem foods (typically soy, eggs, fish, milk, wheat, or peanuts) may help alleviate the rash, researchers say.
FLOSS THOSE TEETH -- Researchers at the Temple University Schools of Dentistry and Medicine in Philadelphia say there is a possible link between bacteria in dental plaque and heart disease. Data suggests that the bacteria triggers clumping in blood platelets, a key step in the development of artery blockage.
FUTURE ANTI-CANCER DRUG? -- Emory University researchers are taking a hard look at a promising new anti-cancer drug - cough medicine. Scientists say noscapine, a cough suppressant long used in South Africa, Japan, and Sweden, is highly effective at suppressing the rampant growth of cancer cells that characterizes many malignant tumors. Kequiang Ye of Emory's School of Medicine says three weeks of treatment with noscapine dramatically reduced the size of breast tumors in lab mice, eliminating some tumors entirely. The compound was also effective against bladder tumors. Although the drug's anti-cancer properties have yet to be tested in humans, scientists say noscapine could be a particularly attractive cancer treatment because it can be taken orally and because, based on its use as a cough suppressant, it appears to have few of the unpleasant side effects common to most anti-tumor compounds.
GINSENG IMPROVES VITALITY -- Ginseng was commonly used in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality. Panax Ginseng root has been used for centuries by the Chinese for conditions of weakness, tiredness, low resistance, stress, debility, convalescence, aging and poor metabolism. It has also been used to improve physical performance and work capacity, help prevent exhaustion, and stimulate the immune system. More than 300 papers have been published on ginseng. Seven European clinical studies showed that ginseng use increased alertness, concentration, and both visual and motor coordination.
WHOLE WHEAT -- When adding more fiber into your diet, be sure that the bread you buy is labeled "whole wheat bread." If it's not labeled as "whole wheat," it is essentially the same as white bread. Both are made from refined wheat flour and have about 1/2 gram of fiber in a slice (whole wheat bread contains about 1-1/2 grams of fiber per slice). The only real difference is color. Manufacturers often add caramel coloring or molasses to wheat bread to darken its hue.
FOODS THAT FIGHT CANCER -- Fruits and vegetables offer the strongest and most consistent evidence for diet's role in reducing your risk for most cancers. Nutrients, fiber, and other chemicals contained in fruits and vegetables may work together. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene, may help block cell damage caused by free radicals. The B vitamin folic acid may inhibit transformation of normal cells into malignant cells and strengthen your immune system. Fruits and vegetables also contain virtually no fat and most contain fiber. In addition to nutrients and fiber, fruits, vegetables, and grains contain phytochemicals which are naturally occurring plant chemicals. In this newest and most promising area of research, phytochemicals appear to prevent some cancers and inhibit spread of malignant cells.
SALT SUBSTITUTE? -- Lemon juice is a great substitute for salt. The acid content of lemon juice stimulates taste buds, and the potent flavor conceals the need for salt. Add grated lemon peel to dishes for even more of a citrus zing.
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THE HERBAL CORNER
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Did you know that ST. JOHN'S WORT:
- fights anxiety and depression?
- possesses antiviral, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties?
- can be effective against sleep disorders and insomnia?
- is an anti-inflammatory agent?
- supports / boosts the immune system?
St. John's Wort has a complex and diverse chemical make-up. Hypericin and pseudohypericin have received the most attention, because of their contributions to both the antidepressive and antiviral properties of the plant. That is why in Europe, most modern St. John's Wort extracts are standardized to contain measured amounts of hypericin. These extracts are now widely used worldwide for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Like the use of valerian root and kava for anxiety, St. John's Wort offers a gentler and less toxic alternative to many prescription antidepressants. For persons with milder forms of depression, this herbal treatment offers a logical alternative to drugs such as Prozac, that are being overprescribed in the United States.
Aside from hypericin, the other active constituents in the herb (there are over 50) include flavonoids, tannins, xanthones, and proanthocyanidins. The tannins are responsible for the astringent effect for wound healing. The flavonoids provide for the herb's anti-inflammatory effects. The xanthones act as an antidepressant, and possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, and diuretic properties. Hypericin increases capillary blood flow and is a MAO inhibitor.
Saint John's Wort has many other uses. Studies show that it may also be an effective immune system booster for fighting infections, countering the herpes simplex and flu viruses, and is being investigated as a natural treatment for those suffering from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Research also indicates that St. John's Wort may improve perception and clarify thinking processes and can be effective in the treatment of incontinence and bed-wetting in children. Externally it is used on cuts as a disinfectant and to relieve inflammation and promote healing. The essential oil can be applied to sprains, bruises, and varicose veins. The herb has been used to relieve menstrual cramping, sciatica, and arthritis. It has a favorable action on the secretion of bile and thus soothes the digestive system.
Parts used: plant tops and flowers. Saint John's Wort can be found in tea, extract, essential oil, and tablet forms.
If you are pregnant or lactating, or taking anti-depressants, check with your health care professional before taking St. John's Wort. Also, due to the photosensitivity of St. John's Wort, your exposure to the sun or ultraviolet light should be limited.
Please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/t5017b.htm for information regarding "Tranquilon" a unique, high-quality herbal and mineral nutritional formula (with St. John's Wort) for immune and central nervous system support.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
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Modern, conventional medicine battles disease directly by means of drugs, surgery, radiation, and other therapies, but true health can be attained only by maintaining a healthy, properly functioning immune system. It is the immune system that fights off disease-causing microorganisms and that engineers the healing process. The immune system is the key to fighting every kind of invader or insult to the body, from that little shaving nick to the assorted variety of viruses and bacteria that seem to abound these days. Even the aging process may be more closely related to the functioning of the immune system than to the passage of time.
In its simplest terms, the task of the immune system is to identify those things that are "self" (that naturally belong in the body) and those that are "nonself" (foreign or otherwise harmful substances), and then to neutralize or destroy that which is nonself. The immune system is unlike other bodily systems in that it is not comprised of a single, physical structure, but a network of complex interactions involving many different organs, structures, and substances, among them: white blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic system, specialized cells found in various body tissues, and specialized substances called serum factors present in the blood. Ideally, all of these components work together to protect the body against infection and disease.
The human immune system is functional at birth but it does not yet function well. In large part this is because immunity is something that develops as the system matures and the body learns to defend itself against different foreign invaders, called "antigens." The immune system has the ability to learn to identify, and then to "remember," specific antigens that have been encountered. It does this through two basic means known as "cell-mediated immunity" and "humoral immunity."
Cell-Mediated Immunity
In cell-mediated immunity, white blood cells called T-lymphocytes, or T-Cells, identify and then destroy cancerous cells, viruses, and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. These T-Cells mature in the thymus gland and it is there where they "learn" what should be tolerated (self) and what should be destroyed (nonself). The thymus, a small gland located behind the top of the breastbone, is a major component of the immune system. In the thymus, each T-Cell is programmed to identify one particular type of invading enemy. Not all prospective T-Cells make a successful passage through the thymus. Those whose programming is imperfect (for instance, those that mistakenly identify self as nonself) are eliminated. The ones that do make it are released into the bloodstream to search out and destroy antigens that correspond to their programming. They attack the antigens in part through the secretion of proteins called cytokines. Interferon is one of the better known types of cytokines.
Humoral Immunity
Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies. These are not cells but special proteins whose chemical structures are formed to match the surfaces of specific antigens. When they encounter their antigens, antibodies either damage the invasive cells or alert the white blood cells to attack. The antibodies are actually produced by another group of white blood cells, the B-lymphocytes, or B-Cells, which are manufactured by and mature in the bone marrow. When a B-Cell is presented with a particular antigen, it engineers an antibody to match it and stores a blueprint of the invader so that it can initiate the production of antibodies in case of subsequent exposure, even if a long period of time elapses in between. For this system to work, each B-Cell must come into existence prepared to produce an almost infinite variety of different antibodies, so that it can match whatever antigen it is presented with. This is made possible by a mechanism known as "jumping genes." Inside the B-Cells, the genes that determine the chemical structure of the protein to be produced can be shuffled around and linked up in an astronomical number of different combinations. As a result, any B-Cell is capable of producing an antibody molecule to match virtually any foreign invader. It is the phenomenon of humoral immunity that makes immunization possible.
Because of their crucial role in all aspects of cell-mediated and humoral immunity, white blood cells are considered the body's first line of defense. White blood cells are larger than red blood cells, can move independently in the bloodstream, and are able to pass through the cell walls. This enables them to travel quickly to the site of an injury or infection. There are several different categories of white blood cells and each of them performs a specific function.
The Lymphatic System
Another important component of immunity is the lymphatic system, which is a system of organs (including the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and the lymph nodes) and fluid called lymph. Lymph circulates through the lymphatic vessels in the body and also bathes the cells. The lymphatic system provides a kind of continuous cleansing that operates at the cellular level. It is through the lymphatic system that fluid from the spaces between cells is drained, taking with it waste products, toxins, and other debris from the tissues. The lymph flows through the lymph nodes, where the macrophages, a class of white blood cells that surround, ingest, and destroy invaders, perform their filtration activities.
Weakened Immunity
Weakening of the immune system results in increased susceptibility to virtually every type of illness. Disorders of the immune system can range from the less serious, such as mild allergy, to the life threatening, such as more serious allergy, transplant rejection, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. Some common signs of impaired immune function include: fatigue, listlessness, repeated infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea, oral thrush, and systemic candidiasis. It is estimated that healthy adults in our society have an average of two colds per year. Persons who have significantly more colds and infectious illnesses than that are likely to have some problem with immune function. Complex and marvelous as it is, the immune system can work as it should only if it is cared for properly. This means getting all the right nutrients and providing the right environment, plus avoiding those things that tend to depress immunity. Many elements of the environment we live in today compromise our immune systems' defensive abilities. From every day stress to the chemicals in household cleaners; overuse of antibiotics and other drugs; pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in the foods we eat; and exposure to environmental pollutants, all place a strain on the immune and other systems of the body.
Recommendations
If you suffer from a depressed immune system, you should take an inventory of the factors that may be comprising your immune function and take necessary steps to correct them. Three of the most common immune suppressors include an incorrect diet, especially one that is high in fat and refined processed foods, inadequate physical activity, and stress. To boost the immune system: begin a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably raw), plus fish, nuts, seeds, grains, and other foods that are high in fiber; consume "green" drinks daily; avoid animal products, processed foods, sugar, and soda; use natural detoxifying agents and colon cleansing regimens; get sufficient sleep and avoid stress; drink purified water; get regular moderate exercise (T-Cell production is stimulated by exercise); avoid overeating; refrain from over-the-counter medications and do not take any drugs except those prescribed by your doctor; if you are prescribed antibiotics for an infection, use the whole bottle unless otherwise directed by your doctor; and supply your body and immune system with adequate amounts of nutrients that promote proper immune function. Some of the most valuable include: Vitamins A, C, and E; the herbs St. John's Wort, ginseng, suma, astragalus, bayberry, hawthorn, licorice, ginkgo, goldenseal, chlorella, garlic, barley, kelp and other sea vegetation; and the minerals zinc, calcium, iron, and germanium.
For a list of natural alternative health products that are known to effectively boost the immune system and fight infections, please visit: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/cat01.htm
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HEALTH RESOURCES
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Site #1: CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
** http://www.cancerresearch.org/ **
The Cancer Research Institute was founded in 1953 to foster the science of cancer immunology, which is based on the premise that the body's immune system can be mobilized against cancer.
Site #2: NAT'L INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
** http://www.niaid.nih.gov/ **
The NIAID part of the National Institutes of Health, supports biomedical research to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, asthma and allergies.
Site #3: CHRONIC ILL NET
** http://www.chronicillnet.org/ **
ChronicIllnet is the first multimedia information source on the web dedicated to chronic illnesses including AIDS, cancer, Persian Gulf War Syndrome, CFS, autoimmune, heart, and neurological diseases.
Site #4: AMERICAN AUTOIMMUNE RELATED DISEASES
** http://www.aarda.org/ **
AARDA provides information about autoimmunity and autoimmune related diseases, including patient information, current news articles, research, questions and answers, and more.
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THE PRODUCTS-OF-THE-MONTH
- XTRA ANTIOXIDANTS
Broad-Spectrum Antioxidant Nutrients
Boosts the Immune System - MULTI-PURE MP750SC WATER FILTER
750 Gallon Capacity
Solid Carbon Block Filtration
XTRA ANTIOXIDANTS from Life Plus is a special antioxidant formula that supplies nutrients known for protecting body cells and the immune system from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of such things as the foods we eat, smoke and pollution, faulty metabolism, the air we breathe, among others. These free radicals invade the body and cause health problems. XTRA ANTIOXIDANTS supplies vitamins A, C, and E, the minerals Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Manganese, plus synergistic herbs and other associated nutritional factors. It is these nutrients that the body needs in increasing amounts to keep the immune system operating at peak performance while fighting the damaging effects of disease-causing free radicals. XTRA ANTIOXIDANTS is featured on our web site at: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/x6124b.htm
If you are looking for a state-of-the-art, high quality water filter, that will effectively reduce or eliminate a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants, then the Multi-Pure MP750SC may just be the system for you! The MP750SC is a 750 gallon capacity countertop water purification system, housed in stainless steel. It employs a patented solid carbon block filter cartridge (NOT carbon granules) that blocks particulate matter down to the 0.5 micron range. The MP750SC has been tested and certified by several state health authorities and the National Sanitation Foundation (http://www.nsf.org) for effective contaminant reduction! If you truly desire spring-fresh, delicious drinking water that cannot normally be obtained from tap, bottled, distilled, or even spring-fed well water, then check-out the Multi-Pure MP750SC filter system. Please visit http://www.aomega.com/mpure/index.htm for additional information.
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HEALTHY RECIPE-OF-THE-MONTH
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Strawberries are the stars of this simple salad. Any salad greens can be used, but we liked the peppery taste of the Italian-blend with the sweetness of the berries.
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups quartered strawberries
- 1 (10-ounce) bag Italian-blend salad greens (about 6 cups)
- 4 teaspoons toasted pine nuts
2. Combine strawberries and greens. Add vinegar mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with nuts. Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 2 cups salad and 1 teaspoon nuts).
CALORIES 98 (41% from fat); FAT 4.5g (sat 0.6g, mono 2.4g, poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 4.5g; CARB 14.3g; FIBER 3.5g; CHOL 0mg; IRON 1mg; SODIUM 76mg; CALC 17mg
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APRIL PRODUCT SPECIALS FROM LIFE PLUS
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The "Buy 4 Get 1 FREE" specials for the month are:
(for ASAP members only, buy 3 get 1 free!)
PROANTHENOLS BIO-COMPLEX - These powerful super-antioxidant tablets are 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and they help protect your body against "invaders" that can damage the cells in your body and cause diseases, aging, and cancer. They are effective for strengthening your immune system and supporting the joints, connective tissue, and the collagen in your skin. Proanthenols can act as an anti-inflammatory substance and have helped many people with arthritis and even auto-immune disorders!
Choose from these three sizes:
- Product #1950 - 60 HP Tablets, 100 mg - $45.50
- Product #0197 - 60 Tablets, 50 mg - $24.50
- Product #1946 - 240 Tablets, 50 mg - $91.50
This sale usually occurs only once a year, so those of you that rely on the Proanthenols Bio-Complex should stock up now and SAVE!
PRODUCT ORDERING: The easiest and fastest way to order is via our secured online order form at: https://id3487.securedata.net/aomega/secure/lptrans.htm (If you are already a Life Plus member, please remember to include your Member ID (PIN) when completing the order form - thanks!). Orders may also be placed directly with Life Plus. Please see http://www.aomega.com/ahs/ordering.htm for additional information.
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If you know someone who might benefit from the information contained herein, please feel free to forward this newsletter on to them or point them to http://www.aomega.com/ahs/newsletters/nl040599.htm - we would greatly appreciate it!
If you would like additional information or if you have a health question or concern, please send an e-mail to us at ahs-news@aomega.com. Do you have a favorite health-related web site or health topic you would like to see covered in our newsletter? Just write to us and let us know what it is and we'll consider including it in a future issue.
May God Bless You and Your HEALTH!
Darrin and Sandi Quiles
Archangel Health Store
AlphaOmega Marketing
Archangel Health Store: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/index.htm
Health Newsletter Archive: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/news.htm
Win a FREE Health Product: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/win.htm
Fitness Article Archive: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/fitness.htm
Copyright © 1999 by Sandi and Darrin Quiles. All rights reserved.
Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.
