The Healing Power of the Mind
A simple daily meditation session can offer significant improvements in physical health, mood, energy levels and more. In fact, published studies show that simple meditation when practiced daily is more effective than anti-depressants in improving mental, physical and emotional well-being. More and more peer-reviewed research on meditation confirms that it is a viable method of improving health and emotional well being, helping not only with anxiety, depression and mental imbalances, but also physical illnesses and health conditions. While there is constant new research and new findings in the field of molecular biology and cancer with new ideas and approaches for cancer therapy, I truly believe that the integration of simple yet profound mind-body methods is what can serve as the “glue,” the dynamic energy behind healing. The longer meditation is practiced over time, the more profound the benefits and results.

A Growing Interest in Meditation and Healing
As more published research on the benefits of meditation for healing emerges from the scientific community, more doctors are likewise recommending meditation for patients with all types of health concerns. My meditation workshop offered at this year’s Society for Integrative Oncology Conference is an example of the growing interest in this important aspect of healing by prestigious medical professionals from around the world. For more information about meditation and other lifestyle recommendations for improving your health, visit www.dreliaz.org/health-solutions/dr-eliaz-recommends/lifestyle.

As an integrative medical doctor and healer, I often integrate Ayurveda modalities and principles into my practice. One specific supplement that I formulated includes several highly revered Ayurvedic herbs which have been shown in scientific studies to be beneficial in promoting healthy metabolic function. The Ayurvedic herbs in this formula help to address blood sugar imbalances and other critical health issues related to diabetes and metabolic health. I formulated this Ayurvedic blend with gymnema leaf, cassia bark, fenugreek seed, holy basil leaf, jambolan seed, and other natural ingredients, which all work synergistically to balance and maintain a healthy metabolic system, thus helping to prevent and control Metabolic Syndrome and diabetes type 2.

Studies of the effects of gymnema leaf have demonstrated its ability to support healthy insulin levels. In Hinduism, gymnema is called gurmar, which means “destroyer of sugar,” and research shows that this plant contains substances which decrease the absorption of sugar in the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and may enhance pancreatic cell growth, further benefiting insulin production in the body, as insulin is made in the pancreas.

Chromium is also included in the formula, as it has been shown to promote insulin sensitivity and have positive effects on carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. In Ayurveda, the practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as “Rasa Shastra.”

Another powerful herb that I’ve added to this metabolic health formula is Cassia cinnamon, or Chinese cinnamon. Cinnamon has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic health systems for thousands of years, and research indicates that cinnamon may reduce fasting blood sugar levels, with polyphenols that help maintain insulin sensitivity. Several human intervention trials have also shown that fenugreek seed positively affects metabolic health, and Jambolan seed contains fatty oils and tannins that can lower blood sugar. Holy basil, called Tulsi in India, is also widely used for a broad range of health conditions, including blood sugar imbalances, and is an essential herb in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic formulas that promote metabolic health all contain unique blends of traditional botanical and mineral ingredients that have been shown to support healthy blood glucose levels, promote reduction of fat absorption, support healthy insulin levels, and help combat sugar cravings. Combining healthy supplementation with a mindful approach to eating and moderate exercise is an essential strategy for promoting metabolic health and a more energetic lifestyle. For more valuable information on preventing and controlling diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, download a wellness guide by visiting www.dreliaz.org/wellness-guide/metabolic.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the powerful ability of DHA and EPA (omega-3 fats in fish oil) to lower inflammation in the body and help maintain appropriate levels of free radicals. Given the positive analysis of the omega-3 fats in fish oil, some doctors do promote the use of these supplements for breast cancer and other conditions that are related to inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease. Since the “Standard American Diet” has been shown to contain drastically low levels of omega-3 fats in comparison to the diets of other cultures and countries, it is important, especially for women, to incorporate proper Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) and omega-3 supplementation into their diet to maintain optimal breast health.

Poly-botanical Breast Health Formula
Another powerful supplement that can help support breast health is one that I formulated using high quality natural ingredients. It works in part by reducing inflammation, actively maintaining various support systems such as immune function and hormone metabolism, and protecting breast cell integrity and function. This comprehensive breast formula integrates leading-edge scientific research together with traditional herbal medicine to create one of the most innovative and comprehensive dietary supplements for helping to prevent and treat breast cancer and metastasis. Using eight clinically tested compounds, this synergistic formula is proven to reduce breast cancer cellular proliferation, promote cellular health, promote healthy hormone modulation, and support healthy immune function.

This breast health formula has been studied at top medical research universities with excellent results, and further studies underway continue to confirm the significant anti-cancer abilities of this unique supplement. The blend contains the antioxidatant flavanoid quercetin, turmeric rhizome extract, Astragalus membranaceus root extract, Scutellaria barbata herb extract, and an advanced formulation of DIM (3,3′- diindolylmethane). DIM, an ingredient found in broccoli, has been extensively researched for its ability to promote cellular health, and support healthy estrogen metabolism. The formula is completed by the addition of three powerful, botanically-enhanced medicinal mushrooms for immune support.

The positive evidence for fish oil, as well as for my polybotanical breast formula and other breast health compounds and ingredients, is substantial and impressive. Whatever treatment path you decide, it’s helpful to know that there are numerous natural adjuncts available which can help improve your clinical outcome.  Whether you decide to supplement with fish oil or another supplement for breast health is a personal decision that should be made with the help of a health care provider experienced in the use of dietary supplementation. By supplementing with natural ingredients which integrate scientific research together with nutrition and traditional herbal medicine, women can better equip their bodies with the materials needed to regain and maintain lifelong health and vitality. For more information about natural breast cancer therapies, visit breasthealthsolutions.org.

Importance of Empowerment
My top recommendation for fighting cancer is first and foremost to create an integrative program that emphasizes empowerment of the patient. Cancer patients need to be empowered so they can use their illness as an opportunity for transformation and change, leading to greater meaning for their life and the lives of people around them. Without comprehensive information on the wide range of available therapeutic and diagnostic options, as well as physical, mental, emotional and psycho-spiritual support from their team of healers, a patient is less able to participate in his or her own treatment program. Such a limitation promotes inequality and fearfulness in the doctor’s office and leads many times to poor clinical outcome.

At my holistic integrative clinic, Amitabha Medical Clinic, we make patient education and empowerment a top priority. We offer numerous in-depth resources and a wide range of holistic support for our patients to learn as much as they can about their best options for achieving optimal health. With guidance from our practitioners, patients are the ones who  decide which treatment protocols are best for them, based on their unique life circumstances. As an holistic clinic, we treat patients as a whole, in body, mind and spirit, to offer comprehensive support for all areas of well being.

By working closely with patients to understand and address their unique health situation, and supporting their health and wellness goals with tailored strategies, a skilled integrative health practitioner acts an equal partner on the path to optimal health. Having such strong support in the form of education, integrative patient-driven recommendations and holistic empowerment, allows for much more positive clinical outcomes for our patients.

New Evidence Proves Power of MCP
At the conference, I also had the opportunity to present important new research on the immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties of Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP), as well as the role of unhealthy galectin-3 levels in various diseases. These findings offer critical, life-saving information to patients seeking safe and effective natural therapies to enhance their treatment programs.

New evidence shows the positive effects of my most recommended anti-cancer nutrient,  Modified Citrus Pectin, in blocking unhealthy levels of galectin-3 molecules in the body. Galectin-3 is produced naturally by our bodies, but new research proves that elevated levels can indicate the presence of serious health conditions like heart disease, fibrosis and metastatic cancer.

Modified Citrus Pectin is the only natural galectin-3 blocker available today. By binding to and blocking excess galectin-3 molecules, Modified Citrus Pectin prevents galectin-3 from wreaking havoc throughout our bodies. These new discoveries give Modified Citrus Pectin even greater potential in the prevention and treatment of many serious health conditions for which there are currently limited or no treatments available. As more research continues on the role of galectin-3 in a wide range of diseases, the usefulness of Modified Citrus Pectin will continue to grow as well, offering new hope and empowerment to patients seeking safe and effective therapies for fighting disease and restoring health naturally.

For more information on cancer prevention and treatment options, the importance of patient education as well as new research on Modified Citrus Pectin, visit www.dreliaz.org.

The authors discuss the effects that cancer therapies have on a woman’s body and sexual function and offer information on aids and medications, practical suggestions and examples from more than 100 women who have experienced female cancer, with recommendations from top sexual health professionals.

The Lovin’ Ain’t Over for Women with Cancer starts a woman off with the four-step AIDA system for reviving her sense of self after breast and other cancers. The book goes on to provide a roadmap that includes how to communicate, getting emotionally and sexually reacquainted with the partner, and having sensual sex. It breaks down the problems and describes solutions so that every woman can tailor her approach.

Clear cut and straightforward in its style and easy to read, this book encourages readers to take the action to make their sex lives as vibrant, vital and fulfilling as they want it to be. The Lovin’ Ain’t Over is helpful for patients, but also for their partners and for medical and mental health professionals working with cancer patients.

The book is written by an internationally-recognized, husband and wife sex counselor team that works with cancer patients and their partners to strengthen their intimacy and sexuality, and has experienced cancer in their own marriage. Barbara and Ralph Alterowitz are certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). They are the founders of The Center for Intimacy After Cancer Therapy – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping couples renew intimacy after treatment. They have written Intimacy with Impotence and other books and articles about cancer and sexuality, contributed to the professional reference guide “Sexual Health”, and are sought-after speakers at cancer support groups and conferences to educate patients and the medical community on dealing with the sexual effects of cancer treatments.

Please check out their informative website at: www.renewintimacy.org.

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TIP SHEET:

Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General, wrote the foreword for the book: “A cancer diagnosis may be received by a woman of any age, in and out of a relationship, and in any sort of relationship. Whoever you are and no matter what your situation may be, you will be able to find yourself in this book…can be viewed as a guide to better living through making informed choices regarding your relationships as well as by maneuvering some of the choices during treatment.”

Reviews from Amazon readers:

Kansas: “Ralph and Barbara Alterowitz …have authored yet another outstanding book recognizing the intimacy issues experienced by women dealing with cancer…I have recommended this book to several cancer support lists as well as a multitude of Medical Oncologists, Urologists, and Radiation Oncologists, and most certainly recommend it to women dealing with such issues as well as organizations who provide support to women with cancer.”

Florida: “…an inspiring resource for anyone who has experienced a serious illness in a relationship. Lovemaking tends to be a delicate issue for most couples, even when they are healthy. For a woman with cancer, physiological changes and psychological shifts add an extra challenge. Ralph and Barbara Alterowitz offer wise council and practical solutions to shows that of course there can be sex after illness!”

California: “This book has something for everyone—from psychological to pharmacological and most everything in between. Whether you are a cancer survivor or a friend or relative of one, you will find solid advice in this comprehensive book. The authors write with knowledge and compassion based on inputs from many women who have successfully survived the disease and gone on to live fulfilling lives.”

They have just put aside a portion of the launch funding to support caregiving organizations. For every person that joins Caregiver Village, they will donate $1 to that persons organization of choice.

The site offers a way to connect with other caregivers through online journals and book clubs, and it provides lots of resources related to caregiving as well as to self-care.

You can be a part of this transformation. All it takes is five simple action steps:

• JOIN – Become part of Caregiver Village and join a community of supportive, positive, life-changing individuals.
• SOLVE THE MYSTERY – Put the “fun” into what is perceived as a terrible drudgery by others. Play the Village Chronicles virtual game, and have a little fun while learning valuable self-care techniques.
• SHARE YOUR STORY – Creating and sharing a journal can be an incredibly helpful experience. No writing expertise required. Everyone’s welcome.
• GET CONNECTED – Join one of the many book clubs within Caregiver Village. You’ll find a group of people ready to help, support, educate and amuse you. They’re waiting just inside.
• FIND RESOURCES – Caregiver Village has a selection of resources selected just for busy family caregivers. Find resources that can make daily caregiving tasks much more manageable. You’ll find links to important organizations as well as exclusive Tip Sheets and Online Training courses designed just for you.

Caregiver Village is designed for families who care for loved ones with ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, autism, cancer, depression, diabetes, general aging, general caregiving needs, heart disease, mental and developmental delays, mental/emotional illness, Parkinson’s, physical disabilities, stroke, surgery, injury or wounds, and war-related injuries.

Image to link, Carevier Village

Mechanism of Action (How MCP Works)
Melnick further explains, “The Modified Citrus Pectin used in this study consists of various polysaccharides that come in contact with different receptors or proteins on the membranes of immune cells. The immune cells become activated as a consequence of this very specific interaction.” Melnick continues, “What I found impressive was the selectivity, and in those cases the magnitude of the effect. For example, polysaccharides derived from mushroom species are known for their immunomodulatory effect. However, in my experience, those effects are considerably lower than observed in the case of T cytotoxic and NK cell activation with this Modified Citrus Pectin.” USDA scientists that co-authored the study analyzed the specific structure of this MCP.

Critical Information for Optimal Immune Support
There are two important aspects to the end results of this study when it comes to NK cells. The first one is how many of our NK cells, a specialized subset of T-lymphocytes that destroy infected and cancerous cells are activated by MCP. In other words, how many are awakened from their “sleep” and ready to fight harmful invaders and cancer. MCP exerted a dramatic 10 fold increase in their activation, greater than the positive control Interleukin-2 (IL-2). Additionally, once the NK cells were activated, their actual functional activity level, and specifically against cancer, was demonstrated to be statistically significant.

MCP’s Multiple Cancer-Fighting Properties
This significant increase in T-cytotoxic and NK-cell activation, together with a remarkable increase in NK-cells’ ability to identify and destroy human leukemia cells, proves that the tested MCP is a powerful immune enhancing agent, with the ability to selectively increase cytotoxic immune activity against cancer and infections. With this new data on Modified Citrus Pectin’s powerful immune effects, together with the extensive research on its ability to block cancer-promoting galectin-3 molecules, we now have a much greater understanding of MCP’s significant benefits in fighting and protecting against cancer. Ongoing research continues to demonstrate that MCP possesses numerous anti-cancer mechanisms of action that work to fight cancer from multiple angles.

I have seen first-hand the transformative power of MCP in helping to fight disease and restore health. While I was recommending MCP in my clinical practice for the treatment of cancer and heavy metal toxicity, I had always known that the benefits reached far beyond what had been scientifically proven at the time. After all, many of my patients who came to me for solutions to their chronic diseases became the vibrant examples of how MCP, used as part of an integrative and holistic health program, had not just added years to peoples’ lives, but quality as well. Thanks to this recent landmark immune study, we now know that the powerful immune supporting actions offered by Modified Citrus Pectin represent a significant factor of this vibrant health equation.”

Source: Ramachandran, C., Wilk, B.J., Hotchkiss, A., Chau, H., Eliaz, I., Melnick, S.J. Activation of Human T-Helper/Inducer Cell, T-Cytotoxic Cell, B-Cell, and Natural Killer (NK)-Cells and induction of Natural Killer Cell Activity against K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells with Modified Citrus Pectin. BMC Complem. Altern. Med.2011, 11:59.

Some Benefits of Tantric Massage

• Strengthen the skin
• Removes fatigue
• Makes one stronger
• Increases Energy
• Induces sleep
• Increases sexual vitality
• Removes Old Age
• Improves sight

Image to link, Health talk buzz

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant belonging to the same family as daisies, and has long been revered by holistic and herbal health care providers for its affinity to support the liver. The seeds contain a powerful antioxidant called silymarin, which is thought to be the most prominent compound responsible for the herb’s beneficial effects. This gentle yet effective herb supports healthy liver function and may also promote the growth of new liver cells.

The study consisted of 50 children divided into two groups – one was given milk thistle capsules during medical treatment and the other received a placebo. After 56 days, children in a placebo-controlled trial showed significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and noticed slightly lower blood markers as well. AST is an enzyme normally found in red blood cells and tissue, but more is produced when organs or tissues are under attack or damaged. Decreased amounts of AST in blood test results mean that the liver is better coping with the influx of toxic chemicals. The results suggest that the herb supported the liver and promoted healthy liver responses to treatment. The researchers concluded that the study “provides preliminary evidence that milk thistle may be a safe, effective, supportive-care agent.” For more safe and effective detox solutions, download a complimentary wellness guide.

Holistic and integrative doctors have known for centuries the health benefits of milk thistle for those who show symptoms of liver stress or who want to cleanse the body. Because of their potent effects on the liver, various comprehensive herbal formulas encourage gentle removal of toxins and heavy metals that accumulate in the body. Various complete formulas contain herbs that promote detoxification by binding to toxins in the circulatory and digestive systems, preventing re-absorption by the body.

In today’s modern world, our livers are bombarded by a multitude of foreign compounds and toxins, supplementing with milk thistle and other natural herbs work synergistically to draw out toxins while supporting the liver. Other prominent herbs include garlic, cilantro, dandelion leaf extract, L-glutathione, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, all which naturally support and assist the body during detox. For more information about effective, natural detoxification and chelation, visit www.safedetox.org.