2022 Updates - https://www.alswinners.com/2022-index-and-links.html
I am having a hard time finding new material to add. I will add new items of interest when I come across something important for ALS and caregivers.
Jan - Detoxing the liver
Jul - Damaging toxins, lead, mercury, PFOS
Oct - Oregano essential oil for immune system and much more
Dec - Flavonoids for ALS, the brain and many other health issues
January 2022 update
Liver information and detox ideas
Note from Kay: It is quite well established that in ALS, the liver is severely damaged. The first part of this article was published by Dr. Mercola on 12-25-2021. The balance is an article I had on my computer but likely have never shared about 15 ways to detox the liver.
Your Liver Can’t Signal for Help – Until It’s Often Too Late
Your liver endures a tremendous amount of stress and toil, 24 hours a day. Hidden from sight, it doesn’t provide many clues as to its well-being. Yet it depends on you to give it the care it needs. Are you doing all you can?
Your liver might just be the most underappreciated organ in your body.
It is your body’s largest internal organ and one of its important functions is to help remove toxins and harmful substances. Unlike your gall bladder or appendix, you can’t live without your liver, at least not for very long.
And unlike some other organs in your body, such as your heart and lungs, it can be difficult to measure how well your liver is working. That is, until it falls to about 10 percent of its healthy working capacity.
Your liver can’t skip beats or produce a cough to warn you when it needs help…
Just because it sits quietly in your body most of the time doesn’t mean it can thrive without special care. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago, a healthy person’s liver did just fine without extra support, but today we live in a different world.
Today your liver confronts – and must overcome – challenges it’s never faced before.
Live Without Your Liver? Don’t Bet Your Life on It
Your liver serves many life-supporting functions
Your liver, which is made up of two main lobes, is located beneath your diaphragm and on top of your stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Besides its primary role of protecting your body from harmful substances, your liver plays other key roles, too.
Your healthy liver:
After your liver breaks down harmful substances, they enter your blood or bile and leave your body either through your
kidneys and urine or your feces after traveling through your intestines.
Normally, all these functions go on like clockwork, without much support on your part. But today many potential threats to your liver’s well-being prevail…
One of Your Liver’s Worst Enemies Isn’t What You Might Expect
I’m guessing many people would say their liver’s worst enemy is alcohol. Yes, alcohol is harmful to your liver, but there’s another substance that’s equally so – and far more pervasive.
Unlike alcohol, this other substance can be found in some form in nearly every processed food in your grocery store.
Fructose, the most damaging type of sugar to your body, is particularly hard on your liver, much like alcohol:
Corn sugars can damage your liver much like drinking alcohol
Fructose is a cheap form of sugar that’s found in thousands of food products and drinks. It’s often deliberately disguised by the use of many different names, so the only way to steer clear of it completely is to avoid eating processed foods.
I believe fructose and other non-fiber carbs are important factors behind the rising rates of liver issues and at least 30 other health concerns. Tragically, even children are now showing signs normally associated with alcohol abuse from their consumption of fructose!
Other Silent Slayers of Liver Function
Unfortunately, fructose isn’t the only challenge your liver has to deal with. Plenty more lurk in your home, water, and the air you breathe. Chemicals in plastics like phthalates and BPA/BPS, flame-retardants, and formaldehyde may be found in your:
Many people don't realize how their living environments can impact their livers
These contaminants enter your body through your skin or your lungs, or from the food and beverages you consume.
No matter how they enter your body, they end up in your bloodstream and your liver must process them.
Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, we are exposed to far more chemicals in our food, as well as in our living and working environments.
Yet your liver hasn’t changed – it hasn’t evolved to keep up with the increase in challenges. You still depend on it, day in and day out, to help minimize the effects of potential contaminants.
15 Tips for Detoxing Your Liver
From www.healthdietbase.com
The liver is an essential organ that helps to keep the human body free of toxins. It performs important functions in almost every part of your body, from balancing your cholesterol levels to filtering your blood. Painkillers, prescription medications, alcohol, and other toxins can overload the liver and reduce its ability to function. Detoxing your liver helps to flush out toxins and improve the health of your liver. Here are 15 tips for detoxing your liver.
1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat diseases of the liver and gall bladder. It’s been used by Europeans to heal various liver-related ailments as far back as 2,000 years ago! The plant got its name from the milky fluid that oozes from the leaves when they are crushed.
One of milk thistle’s active compounds is called, silymarin, a potent antioxidant that is several times more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E. It is used to reduce inflammation, inhibit the production of toxins, and prevent further damage to the liver. Of all the silymarins found in milk thistle, silybin has been found to be the most effective in the promotion of liver health. This is why milk thistle supplements contain high doses of silybin.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments and illnesses. It is thought to improve the function of the stomach, colon, liver, bladder, and kidneys. Make your own apple cider vinegar by crushing some fresh apples and filtering the liquid, before allowing it to cure into vinegar. Alternatively, you can buy bottled apple cider vinegar at most health food stores and supermarkets. Use the vinegar to make a warm cleansing drink for your liver by adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water.
Here’s another recipe you might want to try. You will need:
Seal the jar, refrigerate it overnight, and you have a detox drink you can consume the next day!
While apple cider vinegar is usually easy and safe to use, there might be some things you’ll want to keep in mind. Since undiluted apple cider vinegar can be harmful to the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract, you’ll want to be sure to dilute the vinegar. Try to keep your apple cider consumption to under eight ounces a day as anything over that could potentially decrease your potassium levels. Also, if you are allergic to apples, you will not want to use apple cider vinegar to detoxify your liver.
If you have been prescribed certain medications, especially drugs like cardiac glycosides, diuretics, insulin laxatives, and diabetes or blood pressure medications, you will want to be careful when using apple cider vinegar for detoxification. If you are taking these types of medications, it is always a good idea to check with your health care provide before beginning a regimen that could potentially have harmful effects. Even though apple cider vinegar is made from natural sources, it could still interfere with these types of medications.
3. Garlic - Garlic contains nutrients and Allicin, a compound that helps to aid the process of liver detoxification. Garlic helps to flush heavy metals, nitrogen, and excess hormones from the liver. Cooking garlic can reduce the potency of the nutrients, but the strong flavour of raw garlic can be off-putting for many people. One solution is to try taking garlic capsules, preferably 2-3 times a day while you are performing your liver detox.
When ingesting the garlic capsules, it is best that they are coated so they have a less chance of upsetting your stomach. If your stomach still gets upset when taking a capsule, you can try to take an antacid along with it.
Garlic which is an herb, is normally completely fine for you to use in your detoxification process. However, as with other herbs, there may be some things to keep in mind when using garlic. Although it is not very common, some people have been known to have had an allergic reaction to garlic.
You might want to double check with your health care provider if you are taking certain medications especially for tuberculosis (TB) or HIV/AIDS as garlic can interfere with the absorption of certain kinds of medications specifically for these illnesses. Also for women taking birth control pills, garlic may actually decrease the effectiveness of the pill.
4. Grapefruit seed extract - Grapefruit seed extract contains powerful antioxidants that help to flush toxins from the body, including the liver. Grapefruit seed extract can be expensive, but you only need a few drops 2-3 times a day. If you don’t want to spend money on grapefruit seed extract, try eating a couple of whole grapefruits every day during your liver detox. The results may not be as powerful as using the extract, but grapefruits contain antioxidants that can help to cleanse your liver.
Grapefruit seed extract is processed from grapefruit seeds and pulp and is a byproduct of producing grapefruit juice. In order to reduce the acidity and bitterness of grapefruit juice and extract, vegetable glycerin is added to the final product.
Grapefruit has long been known to interfere with certain medications so it is good to use caution when taking grapefruit seed extract in the detoxification process of your liver. Grapefruit juice has been known to decrease how quickly certain medications are broken down by the liver which can actually increase the side effects of certain medications. You’ll want to be especially cautious if you are taking medications for the following conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction and also if you are taking any kinds of sedatives. Other kinds of medications that may have an altered effect when taken with grapefruit are blood thinners such as Coumadin and also medications that contain caffeine.
5. Dandelion Root - Dandelions are flowering weeds with a wide range of medicinal uses. The roots and leaves of dandelion plants have long been used to make herbal remedies, tinctures and tonics to help cleanse the liver, improve digestion and purify the blood. Dandelions are packed with important nutrients, including calcium, potassium and a variety of vitamins. Dandelion root contains properties that increase the production of bile, which helps to eliminate toxins from the liver.
Dandelion root is available as a tea, tincture, supplement and powdered extract. You can also buy dried dandelion root, which can be prepared in a similar way to fresh coffee. As dandelion root is a powerful diuretic, you must drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Dandelion root can also produce a mild laxative effect, making it ideal for flushing out your whole system.
6. Turmeric - Turmeric is a popular spice that gives curried dishes their striking yellow color. Turmeric is also commonly used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions including coughs, colds, viruses, infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, high cholesterol levels, excess mucous, nasal congestion, and various skin complaints. Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, as well as several health-enhancing nutrients including iron, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin B6 and fiber. These powerful properties combine to improve liver function, protect and regenerate liver tissue, aid digestion, reduce digestive gas, reduce cholesterol, boost the immune system, improve circulation, and purify the blood.
Turmeric is also an effective aid for detoxing the liver. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have made it to this list! Curcumin, the very thing that gives turmeric its bright yellow color, is a phytochemical responsible for its detoxifying effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which helps to eliminate liver toxins and repair damaged liver cells. Liver detox is made more effective when turmeric is combined with ginger, which helps to boost circulation and reduce congestion.
Turmeric is available as a supplement, extract, or tea. To make turmeric tea, you need:
What makes this tea great is that many of ingredients aid in liver detoxification. Black pepper and coconut milk allow the body to better absorb the turmeric. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory. And lastly, raw honey is rich in antioxidants that promote digestive health.
7. Lemon - Lemons are packed with vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, phosphorous, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. The juice, fruit, and peel of lemons are often used in natural remedies and herbal infusions due to their potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Lemon is commonly used to treat sore throats, tickly coughs, fever, colds, blocked sinuses, indigestion, constipation, tinnitus, and rheumatism. Lemon is also thought to help prevent kidney stones, high blood pressure, and chronic stomach problems.
Lemons contain powerful antioxidants, known as bioflavonoids, which help to cleanse the liver, purify the blood, and strengthen the immune system. Adding the juice of half a lemon to a cup of warm or cold water gives you a cleansing drink to help flush toxins from your liver and digestive system. Have a glass of this every day to keep your liver happy.
Below is a more effective way of preparing lemon water for liver detoxification. For this you will need:
Alternatively, you can buy lemon tea or dried lemons to make a refreshing drink.
8. Green Tea - Lauded as one of the world’s healthiest beverages by both nutritionists and research scientists, green tea is also helpful for detoxing the liver. Green tea originated in China and has long been known in Asia for its many health benefits. Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant called Camellia sinensis. The leaves of the plant are not fermented when being made into green tea which leaves the antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols completely intact. Because green tea is one of the least processed beverages, all of its amazing antioxidants called catechins are nearly poured right into your cup. These catechins which are crucial components when it comes to protecting cells from damage, are also helpful in assisting the liver with the detoxification process.
When you use green tea to detoxify your liver, it is recommended that you drink four to five cups a day. Some people don’t like the taste of green tea and if you still want to experience the powerful detoxification effects of the beverage, you can opt for capsules or liquid supplements. Something to keep in mind regarding green tea is that it does contain caffeine. If you are trying to detox your body from caffeine, you can try drinking decaffeinated green tea. Also, if you take the capsules or supplements, they contain caffeine. It is always best to get the capsules or supplements from a reputable source and you might want to check with your health care provider to ensure they are safe for you to take.
9. Avocados - Considered a super-food, avocados are rich in nutrients and help the body to produce a compound called glutathione which is necessary for the liver to get rid of harmful toxins in the body. If you have chronic liver disease, your body is probably low on glutathione. Eating avocados can help increase this important compound and help to heal the liver.
Avocados, which are technically a fruit since they grow on a tree and reproduce with a seed, may get a bad rap at times because of their high fat content. However, the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated and is the healthy fat good for maintaining health cholesterol levels. Avocados also provide about 20 vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimum health. If you consume avocados, you are also helping your body to absorb fat-soluble nutrients. Avocados are a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E and antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals in the liver which can further protect liver cells and keep this vital organ free from harm.
Avocados are eaten in a variety of ways and can replace foods that aren’t so good for you like mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. They taste great on sandwiches, in salads or topped with fresh salsa. Whether you mash them, whip them, slice or dice them, avocados are a great food to eat during the liver detoxification process. They are one food you will want to keep on eating after your detox to help protect and heal the liver.
10. Cabbage - Eating cabbage, which is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods, contains glucosinolate that helps to stimulate the activation of important detoxifying enzymes known to flush out toxins from the liver. There are many foods in the cabbage family including Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower that can also be good when detoxing the liver. These foods contain sulfur which is known as a cleansing mineral. More importantly, cabbage and the other foods in its family are full of sulfur-containing amino acids. These amino acids, including taurine, methionine and cysteine are essential when it comes to clearing the pathways during a liver detox. If you are eating a lot of cabbage and other vegetables that contain sulfur, you may want to note that eating a lot of fruit might cancel out those benefits since eating fruit can interfere with sulfur metabolism.
While a variety of cabbage can be eaten during a liver detox, only green cabbage contains high amounts of chlorophyll which is known to be important for strengthening the liver. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable which also contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate and Omega 3 fatty acids which are all beneficial for optimum health. In order to get the best benefit, be sure to eat organic, raw cabbage. You can also drink raw cabbage juice as a way to detox your liver. If you juice the cabbage yourself, you will want to be sure to drink the juice right away or else it will lose pertinent vitamin content.
11. Walnuts - You might not think of eating nuts as a way to help detox your liver but they contain high density lipoproteins that help to protect against fatty liver disease. These lipoproteins also reduce levels of C-reactive protein that helps to lower inflammation in the liver. This is important because inflammation of the liver is often a precursor to liver damage.
Some nuts, especially walnuts, contain large amounts of the amino acid known as arginine which help to rid the liver of harmful toxins like ammonia. Walnuts also contain high amounts of glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which are both necessary for effectively detoxifying the liver. One important thing to remember about eating walnuts during a detox is that you want to chew them well, turning them into liquid before swallowing. Because walnuts are a food with low levels of toxicity, extracts from the hulls of walnuts are often used in special formulas made to cleanse the liver from toxins. Protein, antioxidants and healthy unsaturated fats can also be found in walnuts and are all essential for liver health and function. Unsaturated fats are especially important as they help to protect the liver against fat accumulation and aid in building healthy cell membranes around liver cells.
Other nuts that can be healthy for the liver include Brazil nuts, pecans and almonds. Peanuts are usually not a good food when it comes to liver health. When eating nuts for health benefits, make sure to only eat them unsalted and in their rawest form.
12. Seaweed - If you think seaweed is strictly reserved for dieters or health nuts, then you will never look at this superfood the same way again. Not only is seaweed high in nutrients and low in calories, it also contains hardcore detox properties that cleanses the liver. In fact, a study from McGill University concluded that seaweed is an effective detox agent against radioactive chemicals like strontium. Seaweed, kelp, in particular, contains a high concentration of algin, which helps rid the body of radioactive particles in the body.
Of course, unless you live near a melted down nuclear power plant, seaweed’s radioactive detox properties is useless. But the goodness of seaweed doesn’t stop there. Seaweed is also helps flush out heavy metals like cadmium and lead in the body. Green seaweed is rich in chlorophyll, one of nature’s most potent detoxifier. Chlorophyll contains a special kind of fiber that binds and flushes out toxic chemicals from the body, especially unwanted substances in the liver. To round up, seaweed is the only food that contains the broadest range of minerals, around 10 or 20 times more than any vegetable.
But before you go and start hoarding seaweed from the local grocer, make sure you’re getting the highest quality seaweed from a reputable source so you can take full advantage of its detoxifying properties.
13. Onions - The liver is without a doubt one of the most abused organs in the body. The liver filters out all the unwanted substances in the body so if you’re serious about taking care of it, then you might want to start adding more onions to your diet. You see, apart from containing a long list of essential vitamins and minerals that protect the body from free radicals, onions also contains sulphur, a compound that not only purifies the liver from toxic chemicals and environmental toxins, but also helps flush out a wide range of poisons ranging from pesticides to alcohol.
Onions are also one of the best sources of anticancer compounds including phenolics and flavonoids. Research shows that shallots, yellow onion, and Northern red onions inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body. Onions are believed to cut the risks of developing colon and liver cancer. It also contains a higher level of special antioxidants that protect the body from certain types of cancers. That said, not all onions offer the same level of anticancer and liver-detoxifying properties. Western Yellow onions contain 11 times more antioxidants than the Western White so it’s important to research which varieties offer the highest anticancer properties.
There are several ways to incorporate onions into your diet. Onions are quite versatile and can be a part of any meal. You can caramelize them in low to medium heat and add them to omelets, salads, sandwiches, and pretty much any vegetable ditch. Chopped raw onions can be combined with tomatoes, cucumber, and toasted pita bread to create a Mediterranean salad. Don’t forget to drizzle it with olive oil and lemon juice! You can also make an Italian salad by mixing sliced onions, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Finish it off by drizzling it with olive oil. Maximize the detoxifying properties of onions by using garlic-infused olive oils when preparing salads.
14. Artichoke - Another of nature’s heavy-duty liver detoxifier is artichoke. Artichoke is known to boost bile production in the liver. This in turn helps normalize health and digestive function and prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
Artichoke as a liver-friendly detoxifier is actually old news. In Europe, most doctors prescribe artichoke extracts to those suffering from liver-related diseases since the 18th century. Most holistic practitioners are also turning to artichoke to cleanse the liver from toxic chemicals.
Recent studies prove the benefits of artichoke on liver health. In 2010, a study featured in the Biological Trace Element Research links consumption of artichoke leaf extract with reduced fat and cholesterol levels in liver. An earlier study that appeared in Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology shows that consuming artichoke extract before being exposed to liver-damaging toxins prevent injury to the liver. An Italian research published in Nutrition and Cancer revealed that artichoke extract demonstrated a capability to protect liver cells from damage, mainly due to their antioxidant effects. They also discovered that artichoke extract prevented the growth of cancerous cells in the liver.
Artichoke belongs to the milk thistle family. Apart from being a hardcore liver detoxifier, artichoke also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and is rich in phelonic acid compound known as cynarin. Cynarin is believed to be responsible for artichoke’s cholagogue and choleretic properties. Cholagogue is a substance that promotes the discharge of bile from the system while choleretic stimulates the liver’s bile production.
Cholagogue and choleretic are extremely important in the overall health of the liver. How? People suffering from liver problems tend to excrete inadequate amounts of bile and most times, the bile is not properly transported to the gallbladder. This causes an increased risk of liver damage. By adding more artichoke to your diet, you supply the body with helpful compounds that repairs, reinvigorate and detoxifies the liver.
15. Fennel and Fennel Seeds - Fennel for better liver health? You better believe it! Fennel and fennel seeds are not only high in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, they are also used traditionally to detox the liver from harmful chemicals.
Fennel is used to treat a wide range of health problems ranging from a simple case of indigestion to chronic flatulence. It also helps dissolve kidney stones and neutralize uric acid in the tissues, making it a great herbal treatment for those suffering from gout or arthritis. This carminative herb helps aid in removing mucus and phlegm buildup in the lungs, and even removes mucus from the intestinal tract. It contains natural cleansing properties for the colon, liver, and gallbladder. It’s one hardworking super food if we ever saw one!
Fennel seeds, on the other hand, have been used for decades to treat a wide range of liver diseases. In fact, fennel seeds are often taken as tea because it helps disengage any blockages in the liver, spleen, and biliary bladder. Fennel seeds are not only potent liver detoxifiers but they also dissolve kidney stones.
Fennels contain a multitude of phytonutrients that give it its antioxidant properties. Perhaps the most important of these when it comes to liver health is anethole. Anethole has been shown in many studies to prevent cancer and protect the liver from injury. The fennel bulb, which is rich in fiber, can decrease cholesterol levels and removes cancer-causing toxins from the colon, which reduces your risk for colon cancer.
Fennel and fennel tea are used to treat jaundice and reverse the ill effects of alcohol consumption on the liver. And to wrap up the amazing, wonderful nutritional value of fennel and fennel seeds, they prevent water retention and improve the body’s metabolic rate leading to… you guessed it – weight loss!
You can use all parts of the fennel including its base, stalk, and leaves to detoxify your liver. Here are some ideas on how to prepare it:
July 2022
Dr. Mercola posted an extremely valuable article on June 29, 2022 on toxins. Since his articles only stay up for 48 hours, I have copied it here for your review. After you have read it, watch the movie Dark Waters if you doubt the dangers in the world around us.
3 Toxins Have the Largest Impact on Your Life Span
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked June 29, 2022
Story at-a-glance
Your biological age can provide a good clue about your longevity, far more so than your chronological age. Your biological age refers to the state of your cells — they can be younger or older than your calendar age, which means you're aging slower or faster than expected.
Environmental exposures have a lot to do with biological or cellular aging and, according to a December 2019 study1,2 published in The Journals of Gerontology, lead, mercury and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are the three toxins shown to have the greatest impact on your life span.
While glyphosate was not included in this study, my guess is it would probably be a top contender as well, considering it disrupts normal body functions, especially your gut, and appears to enhance the damaging effects of other toxins.
According to Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D., a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, glyphosate worsens virtually all modern diseases which, of course, will shorten your life. That said, lead, mercury and PFOS have repeatedly been identified as significant contributors to chronic ill health and are certainly among the most pervasive and concerning toxins out there.
The Dangers of Lead Are Well-Recognized
As one might expect, the December 2019 study3 found that "biological age was elevated relative to actual age in people who had chronic disease," while those participating in a wellness program showed signs of slowed aging.
"This observation suggests that biological aging is modifiable," the researchers note, and that lowering your biological aging rate is "a sign of healthy aging." Strong predictors of biological age were measures of metabolic health, inflammation and toxic accumulation, with lead, mercury and PFOS being the most influential predictors.
Importantly, there is no known safe exposure to lead, which often affects young children and lower socioeconomic groups the hardest. Epidemiological studies have revealed African-American children have a higher incidence of lead poisoning, potentially from a slightly different way of metabolizing the heavy metal.
Lead and calcium are chemically very similar, making lead a competitor at the cellular level and disrupting many different bodily systems. In your neurological system, it may disrupt neurons that use calcium to transmit information.
The presence of lead will cause some neurons to fire more and decrease the signals in others. This may alter neurological development in the brains of children who have absorbed lead from their environment.
The Public Health Heroes Who Fought to Lower Lead Exposure
One of the leaders in the fight against lead was the late Dr. Herbert Needleman, a pediatrician who saw firsthand the damage lead does to children. After years of treating children and observing the long-term effects of exposure, he maintained that a slow buildup of lead in the system could trigger symptoms even in the absence of overt poisoning.
As lead-based paint and gasoline were the biggest contributors to lead poisoning in children, Needleman and public health expert and colleague Dr. Philip Landrigan began lobbying to remove lead from these products. The industry fought back using paid experts to pick apart and publicly lambast the research. The industry also went after Needleman personally, trying to discredit him and destroy his career.
Another prominent player was geochemist Clair Patterson, Ph.D., who before he died in 1995, fought the oil companies to have lead removed from gasoline. Even when it was added to gas in the 1920s it was known to cause neurological damage. Still, the process was pursued as it enabled the oil companies to net greater profits.
In 1965, Patterson published the book, "Contaminated and Natural Lead Environments of Man,"6 in an attempt to bring the dangers of lead gasoline on health and environment to light.
Again, the industry brought to bear its influence to discredit the science and the man in an effort to maintain profits at the cost of human health. But despite the overwhelming odds, Patterson ultimately succeeded and was instrumental in bringing forth the 1975 U.S. mandated option of unleaded gas at the pumps.
In 1986, Patterson's persistence triggered the removal of lead from all gasoline in the U.S. altogether. As a result, Americans' blood lead levels dropped nearly 80% by the late 1990s. In my view, Patterson is one of the greatest unrecognized public health heroes of the 20th century.
Lead Exposure Continues To Be a Concern
The elimination of leaded gasoline didn't get rid of all lead exposures, however. As noted in a June 26, 2019, article7 in The Guardian, "hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. remain at risk of exposure to lead, which causes cognitive and behavioral deficits."
Subsequently, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated as many as 24 million U.S. residences built before 1978 still contained lead hazards, and in June 2019 announced $330 million in grants will be distributed to clean up lead and other safety hazards in low-income housing communities. In October 2021, HUD said 34.6 million homes in America still have lead-based paint somewhere in them.
A 2017 study also noted that many children with elevated lead levels remain undiagnosed. An estimated 1.2 million cases of elevated blood lead levels were thought to have occurred between 1999 and 2010, yet only 606,70910 were reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during that time, suggesting significant underreporting.
According to the authors, "Based on the best available estimates, undertesting of blood lead levels by pediatric care providers appears to be endemic in many states." Indeed, many pediatricians are likely to overlook factors such as lead exposure when faced with neurologically challenged children. This is a travesty, as your child's condition will surely continue to decline unless the lead accumulation is addressed and reduced through a comprehensive detoxification program.
Strategies to Avoid Lead Poisoning
The issue of preventing lead poisoning is a pressing matter, whether you have young children in your home or not. Harvard Medical School offers the following suggestions to protect yourself and your family against lead exposure:11
The Dangers of Mercury
When it comes to mercury, two of the most prevalent sources are dental amalgam and seafood. Amalgam emits mercury vapor even after it is implanted into the body. This mercury is bioaccumulative and crosses the placenta to accumulate in fetuses, as well. Dental amalgam's mercury is a known health risk, especially for children, fetuses, nursing infants and people with impaired kidney function.
Mercury-based dental amalgam also pollutes water via dental clinic releases and human waste; air via cremation, dental clinic emissions, sludge incineration and respiration; and land via landfills, burials and fertilizer. Once in the environment, dental mercury converts to its even more toxic form: methylmercury and becomes a major source of mercury in the fish people eat.
For several years now, I've been working with Charlie Brown and the Consumers for Dental Choice to eliminate the use of amalgam in the U.S. and around the world. Europe paved the way for global change by banning the use of amalgam fillings in pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of 15 as of July 1, 2018.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has been dragging its feet, but there are finally signs of movement. November 13, 2019, a scientific advisory panel gathered to review the science on mercury. Consumers for Dental Choice brought several talented speakers to testify.
The science committee, by consensus, called on FDA to end its silence on amalgam, and to start getting information about amalgam's risks to American patients, especially to vulnerable populations.
In 2022 Brown announced that the Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed to amend the treaty to call for the end of the use of amalgam — or mercury fillings (also known, misleadingly, as "silver" fillings) — in deciduous teeth of children under 15 and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
According to a private email from Charlie Brown of Consumers for Dental Choice to me, the amendment will take effect December 25, 2022. "This treaty amendment, plus the ongoing exit of the major amalgam manufacturers creates the momentum we need to wipe out amalgam use. On to victory!" Brown added.
The question now is whether the FDA will continue protecting the amalgam business at the expense of public health — which it has done for decades — and ignore the conclusions of its own scientific body. There are signs that the FDA may be coming around, though: In September 2020, the U.S. FDA issued a safety communication to warn about the use of dental amalgam in certain high-risk populations.
The FDA warned that the following groups "may be at greater risk to the potential adverse health effects of mercury exposure":
Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
Women who are planning to become pregnant
Nursing women and their newborns and infants
Children, especially those younger than 6 years of age
People with preexisting neurological disease
People with impaired kidney function
People with known heightened sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components of dental amalgam
The warning came due to concerns that these populations could be exposed to harmful levels of mercury vapor from the fillings, and the potential for mercury to convert to other harmful mercury compounds in the body. In addition, they cited concerns about whether "the degree of accumulation of mercury from dental amalgam results in negative (adverse) health outcomes."
Avoid Amalgam at All Cost
Regardless of what the FDA decides, it's crucial to avoid amalgam if you want to protect your health and that of your children. Here are some general tips and guidelines:
1. Find another insurance company or plan that pays for mercury-free fillings in all teeth, without exceptions or LEAT clauses.
2. If your current dentist is still using mercury in his or her practice — even if they also offer mercury-free options — seek out a dentist that offers only mercury-free fillings for all patients. And, be sure to inform your dentist about the reason you're transferring.
The reason for this is because dentists who still use amalgam end up using it on people who rarely have any other choice, either because they cannot afford to pay the difference, or their state or government program dictates they can only receive mercury.
This unfair practice needs to end, and the quicker we can get all dentists to go 100% mercury-free, the sooner these programs will be forced to change. So, selecting a 100% mercury-free dentist is an altruistic choice on your part, which will help those whose voices are so often ignored.
3. If you have mercury fillings, be sure to consult with a biological dentist who is trained in the safe removal of amalgam.
PFOS Contamination Is Pervasive
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances18,19 (PFAS) are widely used chemicals that make products water-, oil-, grease- and stain-resistant. The chemicals are also used in firefighting foam. One type, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), is commonly found in older nonstick cookware.
PFOA and its cousin PFOS are associated with a wide array of health problems, including cancer, immune and thyroid dysfunction, low birth weight and more. Making matters all the worse, these chemicals take thousands of years to degrade and are found in groundwater across the country. As such, they're a considerable environmental threat.
Research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2007 found PFAS chemicals in the blood of more than 98% of Americans tested. PFOS was phased out starting in 2000. However, thanks to their persistence in the environment, they're still showing up in the strangest places — including food.
How do they get into your food? One is by way of sewage sludge, applied to farmland. Documents obtained by The Intercept reveal 44 samples of sewage sludge tested by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection all contained at least one PFAS chemical.
Another route is nonstick food wrappers. Research27,28 published in 2017 revealed 33% of fast food wrappers and containers contain fluorine, which suggests perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) were used to give the paper that slick surface, and earlier studies29,30,31 have confirmed fluorinated chemicals can migrate from the packaging into the food.
Moreover, food testing by the FDA (performed in 2017 as part of its Total Diet Study32 and presented at the 2019 meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) reveals PFAS chemicals are in the U.S. food supply,33,34,35,36,37 and at levels far exceeding the advisory limit for PFOA and PFAS in drinking water (there's currently no limits in food).
Of the 91 foods tested for 16 types of PFAS, 10 were found to contain the chemicals.38 As reported by PBS:39
"PFOS, an older form of PFAS no longer made in the U.S., turned up at levels ranging from 134 parts per trillion to 865 parts per trillion in tilapia, chicken, turkey, beef, cod, salmon, shrimp, lamb, catfish and hot dogs."
How to Avoid Toxic PFCs
To minimize your family's exposure to toxic PFCs, avoid products that are stain-resistant, waterproof or nonstick, or that have been treated with flame retardant chemicals. The Environmental Working Group's "Guide to Avoiding PFCS"40 offers many helpful tips. Other suggestions that will help you avoid these dangerous chemicals include avoiding:
Items that have been pretreated with stain-repellants, and opt out of such treatments when buying new furniture and carpets.
Water- and/or stain-repellant clothing -- One tipoff is when an item made with artificial fibers is described as "breathable." These are typically treated with polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer.
Items treated with flame retardant chemicals -- This includes a wide variety of baby items, padded furniture, mattresses and pillows. Instead, opt for naturally less flammable materials such as leather, wool and cotton.
Fast food and carry out foods -- The wrappers are typically treated with PFCs.
Microwave popcorn -- PFCs not only may present in the inner coating of the bag, but they also may migrate to the oil from the packaging during heating. Instead, use "old-fashioned" stovetop popcorn.
Nonstick cookware and other treated kitchen utensils -- Healthier options include ceramic and enameled cast iron cookware, both of which are durable, easy to clean and completely inert, which means they won't release any harmful chemicals into your home.
Oral-B Glide floss and any other personal care products containing PTFE or "fluoro" or "perfluoro" ingredients -- The EWG has an excellent database called Skin Deep you can peruse to find healthier options.
Unfiltered tap water -- Unfortunately, your choices are limited when it comes to avoiding PFASs in drinking water. Either you must filter your water or obtain water from a clean source. Both solutions can be problematic and/or costly.
While many opt for bottled water, it's important to realize that PFASs are not regulated in bottled water, so there's absolutely no guarantee that it'll be free of these or other chemicals. Bottled water also increases your risk of exposure to hazardous plastic chemicals such as bisphenol-A, which has its own set of health risks.
Most common water filters available in supermarkets will not remove PFASs. You really need a high-quality carbon filtration system. The New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute recommends using granulated activated carbon "or an equally efficient technology" to remove PFC chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS from your drinking water. Activated carbon has been shown to remove about 90% of these chemicals.
Live Longer by Lowering Your Biological Age
If you're interested in living healthy for longer, minimizing toxic exposures is a crucial component, and the three toxins reviewed here — lead, mercury and PFOS — appear to have the greatest impact on biological aging. That said, other basic lifestyle factors such as diet cannot be overlooked.
As demonstrated in the featured study in The Journals of Gerontology, things like HbA1c also play an important role. High HbA1c is indicative of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, both of which take a tremendous toll on your health and longevity.
Insulin resistance is at the heart of most chronic disease, and once it transitions into full-blown diabetes, you open yourself up to a variety of complications, including an increased risk for heart disease and Alzheimer's. So, in addition to avoiding toxic chemicals and heavy metals, you'll also want to avoid foods high in sugar and synthetic chemicals.
This means ditching processed foods and most restaurant food for home cooked whole food, ideally organic. You can also optimize your insulin sensitivity through resistance training (blood flow restriction training being particularly effective) and time-restricted eating.
October 2022
Oregano for Your Immune System and Much More
BY Joseph Mercola September 19, 2022
(Kay’s note: I found this article on Epoch Times on 9-20-2022. I have used the DoTerra Oil of Oregano for sinus issues for quite some time, but never diffused it, but will start diffusing today as Kim’s struggles with sinus issues since having skin cancer removed from his nose last year. Doterra is one of the highest quality essential oils you can buy. I use them but don’t sell them. Oregano is one of the hot oils and must be diluted to go on the skin. However, I never diffused it when using it on my feet but touch the nose with it and you will wish you hadn’t. So dilute it for any kind of skin issues.)
Your immune system is a complex network responsible for defending your body against pathogens. Consider including this herb to fight the common cold and support your gut microbiome.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Although popular in Greece and Italy, it was not brought to the U.S. until after World War II when pizza began trending, increasing the sale of the herb by 5,200% between 1948 and 1956.
Another variety of oregano more familiar to Mexican meals is called Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens). It is from a different botanical family and is sometimes called Mexican marjoram, likely since oregano is a close relative of marjoram.
Marjoram is in the same genus as oregano, but it is a different species with a gentler aroma and flavor. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, but marjoram is best used fresh. Dried oregano has a subtler flavor than the pungent taste of the fresh leaves.
Origanum vulgare is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. It is easily grown in your garden, enjoys full sun and is a low maintenance plant that attracts butterflies. It blooms between July and October with pinkish-purple or white flowers.
Oregano essential oils have been studied extensively as the plant and oil have a rich history in traditional medicine,[6] beginning in the Middle Ages when the leaves were chewed to help reduce the pain of rheumatism, toothache and indigestion. The ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and the herb was used in China for fever and upset stomach.
Oregano Is a Potent Antioxidant with High ORAC Value
The herb is rich in phenols, which are natural phytochemicals that have beneficial antioxidant effects.[7] The two most abundant are thymol and carvacrol. An antioxidant is a term used to describe a compound that counteracts unstable molecules. These are called free radicals and are naturally produced during oxidative metabolism.
One lab analysis of the antioxidant ability of foods is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The measurement was used to demonstrate that foods high in antioxidant capacity could help slow the process of aging in the brain and body.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported studies published in 1999 that showed high-ORAC foods could help prevent long-term memory loss, raise antioxidant serum levels and protect capillaries in an animal model against oxygen damage. Nutritionist Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., contended:
“If we can show some relationship between ORAC intake and health outcome in people, I think we may reach a point where the ORAC value will become a new standard for good antioxidant protection.”
According to Natural Products Insider, in 2012, the USDA removed the ORAC Database for Selected Foods citing evidence that the values have no relevance to the effect of specific compounds on human health.[13] According to the USDA “ORAC values are routinely misused by food and dietary supplement manufacturing companies to promote their products and by consumers to guide their food and dietary supplement choices.”
Prior, who was the senior researcher at the USDA for 35 years, disagrees, calling it unfortunate that ORAC has sometimes been misused, “… but that does not necessarily mean that the information is not useful if used appropriately. In too many cases, the goal has been to obtain the highest antioxidant value. It is not always the case that more is better and, in some cases, using individual antioxidant compounds, more may be detrimental.”
The list of foods has since been taken offline but is available for download. Fresh oregano has an ORAC value of 13,970 and dried herb a value of 175,295. A comparison list of fresh herbs places oregano just below marjoram, thyme and sage in a list of herbs.
Separating the phytochemicals from plants and using them individually raises the potential of experiencing side effects. The antioxidant compounds found in the whole oregano plant or essential oil work synergistically to provide a host of health benefits from the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Have You Considered Oil of Oregano for the Common Cold?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, each year there are more than 1 billion people who contract a cold in the U.S. and up to 20% of people got the flu. Rhinovirus is one of the most common viruses that cause the common cold. However, other viruses can also cause cold symptoms, including coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of oregano essential oil or oregano oil extract against upper respiratory infections. One 2019 study looked at a blend of oregano, thyme and salvia oils against upper respiratory tract viruses, including adenovirus 5, rhinovirus, influenza and RSV. The blend showed strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus and two of the three strains of influenza.
Rosmarinic acid has been identified as a major antioxidant in oregano, and research has demonstrated it can inhibit seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in patients using two independent mechanisms — inhibition of the inflammatory response and scavenging reactive oxygen species.
Data also show that French oregano tablets rapidly reduced symptoms in patients with the common cough and cold. The research found that it was effective in a dose-dependent manner and was superior to the conventional treatment used during the study.
Oregano Supports Your GI Tract
Your immune system is largely supported by the beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, referred to as your gut microbiome. Oregano oil can have an impact on supporting your gut microbiome and treating bacterial overgrowth.
Norovirus triggers nearly 1 in every 5 cases of gastroenteritis that lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Each year approximately 900 people die from norovirus in the up to 21 million cases reported. Using cell cultures from small animals, researchers found that carvacrol can drop viral infectivity within 15 minutes of exposure.
Oregano oil and carvacrol are also active against bacterial agents in the kitchen that can lead to food poisoning. For example, another study found oregano essential oil could remove staphylococcus aureus biofilms on stainless steel.
Finally, oregano oil also shows activity against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This condition can develop after surgery, disease or medications have slowed the intestinal tract, which then sets up a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Excess harmful bacteria can cause malnutrition, diarrhea and weight loss.
In one review of the literature, researchers found that more than 38% of people with irritable bowel syndrome also had SIBO. Another study gathered participants who tested positive for SIBO and offered herbal therapy or rifaximin, currently used for traveler’s diarrhea caused by E. coli.
The results showed that 46% using the herbal treatment with oregano oil had a negative follow-up as compared to 34% using the medication. In the participant group, 31.8% showed no response to rifaximin and were subsequently offered herbal rescue therapy. Of those, 57.1% had a negative follow-up after completing the treatment. The researchers concluded: “Herbal therapies are at least as effective as rifaximin for resolution of SIBO by LBT [lactulose breath test]. Herbals also appear to be as effective as triple antibiotic therapy for SIBO rescue therapy for rifaximin non-responders. Further, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and explore additional alternative therapies in patients with refractory SIBO.”
Oregano Oil Treats Several Skin Conditions
Nearly 25% of all fungal infections worldwide are caused by dermatophytes. Skin infections are difficult to treat and are growing resistant to conventional medications. One study published in 2020 evaluated the efficacy of a wide range of essential oils against Microsporum and Trichophyton, two common fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and ringworm. They found that of the 65 essential oils tested, oregano was in the top five most potent.
Another study found the combination of oregano oil, heat and salt was an effective treatment for athlete’s foot caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. And another team of researchers successfully used oregano and thyme essential oils as a fumigant against fungi attacking stored grain, finding it was an effective alternative to chemicals.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil make it an option for treating acne and eczema. One study evaluated this alternative treatment in the lab and an animal model, finding when oregano was formulated as a nanoemulsion it exhibited superior healing and antimicrobial properties as compared to the antibiotic control.
Wound infections present a significant health care challenge, costing Medicare up to $96.8 billion every year.[40] One study[41] demonstrated that the combination of turmeric and oregano extracts may be an effective addition to wound care dressings for diabetics and non-diabetics. Using relatively low concentrations, it demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A second study incorporated oregano essential oil into antimicrobial wound dressings and found concentrations at 5% inhibited all the tested strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA and E coli.
Pain and Swelling Respond to Oregano Oil
A chronic inflammatory response is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have studied the effect carvacrol can have on the suppression of the inflammatory response. In 2010,[43] researchers found that carvacrol could manipulate heat shock proteins in the lab and in an animal study to boost protective T-cell responses and down-regulate the inflammatory response.
Later, researchers used an animal model to demonstrate the phytonutrient carvacrol could reduce pathogenic T-cell responses, which suggested it offered a novel opportunity to develop “a dietary based intervention in chronic inflammatory diseases.”
By 2018, researchers were looking at the effect carvacrol had on fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which play a role in the chronic inflammatory process found in rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers discovered the phytochemical could inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and prevent the activation of several pathways that may be involved in inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil have made it a popular addition to skincare products. One study looked at the biological activity in a human skin cell model and found evidence that suggests oregano essential oil not only is a promising candidate as an anti-inflammatory, but one with anticancer properties as well.
Take Care When Choosing Your Oil
Oregano oil can be purchased as an extract or an essential oil. The essential oil is made from dried shoots and leaves and is extracted using steam distillation. The essential oil can then be mixed with a carrier oil and used on the skin.
Oregano oil extract, also called oil of oregano, can be made at home by simply adding chopped leaves to olive oil and heating the mixture in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to release the natural oil from the oregano leaves. This is stored for one to two weeks before the leaves are drained, and the oil is stored in an airtight container. Oil of oregano can also be purchased in liquid or capsule form.
When purchasing your oregano oil, take care to check the label to make sure it’s made by a trusted manufacturer that sells pure, organic oils, as many “bargain” brands can be adulterated. Also remember that oregano oil must be used with a carrier oil. My top carrier oil choices are olive, coconut or jojoba. When you’re ready to use it, remember to test it on a small area of your skin, first, to be sure you don’t have a local allergic reaction.
Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde writes[49] that the ideal ratio when diluting oregano oil for topical use is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a vaporizer or diffuser to help relieve the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and coughs.
However, the oil should be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing, and it should not be given to babies or children. People who have high blood pressure or a heart condition should also avoid using oregano oil.
December 2022
Flavonoids Are the Key to a Sharp Mind
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked December 08, 2022
Story at-a-glance
Flavonol-Rich Foods Slow Cognitive Decline
In one particular study, they analyzed the diets of 961 participants between the ages of 60 and 100, who were followed for an average of 6.9 years as part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, to determine how diet affected cognitive ability in old age.
None had signs of dementia at the onset of the study. Diet was reported using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive performance was assessed annually through 19 standardized tests. As reported by the authors:
"Higher dietary intake of total flavonols and flavonol constituents were associated with a slower rate of decline in global cognition and multiple cognitive domains.
In continuous models adjusted for age, sex, education, APOE-ɛ4, late life cognitive activity, physical activity, and smoking, total flavonol intake was associated with slower decline in global cognition β estimate=0.004, episodic memory β=0.004, semantic memory β=0.003, perceptual speed β=0.003, and working memory β=0.003 …
Analyses of individual flavonol constituents demonstrated that intakes of kaempferol and quercetin were associated with slower global cognitive decline [β=0.01 and β=0.004], respectively …
Results suggest dietary intakes of total flavonols and several flavonol constituents may be associated with slower decline in global cognition and multiple cognitive abilities with older age."
Participants with the highest daily flavonol intake got about 15 milligrams a day, equal to approximately 1 cup of dark leafy greens, whereas those with the lowest intake only got about 5 mg a day.
For reference, the average daily flavonol intake for American adults is estimated to be between 16 and 20 mg,4 so this study also shows that many elderly aren't getting enough fruits and vegetables.
Focus on Whole Foods
A key detail to keep in mind here is that they were not looking at supplementation. Only food. Nutritional researchers who spoke with CNN5 about the findings stressed that foods contain many other bioactive compounds, and we cannot be absolutely certain that it was these specific compounds that warded off dementia.
If you want to preserve your cognition, focus on eating whole foods.
It's a worthwhile warning. Oftentimes, it's the synergistic effect between compounds in whole foods that create the "magic." So, the take-home message here is that fruits and veggies are good for you, especially your brain. So, if you want to preserve your cognition, focus on eating whole foods.
The Many Health Benefits of Quercetin
By now, many of you will be familiar with quercetin. The late Dr. Vladimir Zelenko popularized quercetin supplements for the early treatment of COVID-19 after access to hydroxychloroquine was restricted.
Both quercetin and hydroxychloroquine are zinc ionophores, meaning they shuttle zinc into the cell. Zinc, in turn, has potent antiviral activity. Early on, this was thought to be the sole reason why quercetin worked against COVID. Later on, researchers discovered a number of other mechanisms of action that also have beneficial impacts on the infection.
For general long-term health, however, you can get quercetin from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including onions and shallots, apples, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants and green tea.
The quercetin content in any given food is largely dependent on light exposure, so depending on the country you're in, different foods will top the list of most quercetin-rich. Aside from slowing cognitive decline, quercetin has also been shown to be helpful in the prevention and/or treatment of:
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels and fat accumulation around the waist that raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke)
Certain kinds of cancer, in particular leukemia, and to a lesser degree breast cancer
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Gout
Arthritis
Mood disorders
Aluminum-induced neurodegenerative changes, such as those seen in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Longevity, thanks to its senolytic benefits (clearing out damaged and worn-out cells)
Quercetin's Mechanisms of Action
Among its mechanisms of action are:
Antioxidant activity — Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage from harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Quercetin acts as a free radical scavenger, and its activity can be further enhanced by vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory activity and cardiovascular benefits
Anti-allergy activity by inhibiting release of histamine and other allergic substances
Immunomodulation — For example, it modulates NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune system component involved in the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that occurs during a cytokine storm
Antiviral activity — It's been found to reduce replication of many viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B23 and C,24 Streptococcus pneumoniae,25 influenza,26 SARS-CoV-2,27 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)28 and common cold viruses.
It also boosts interferon response to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting the expression of casein kinase II (CK2).30 CK2 is an enzyme that is fundamental to controlling homeostasis at the cellular level. There is evidence that it down-regulates the ability a cell has to generate Type 1 interferon when attacked by a virus.
Quercetin is also a zinc ionophore, i.e., a compound that shuttles zinc into your cells, and zinc, in turn, has potent antiviral activity. By attenuating oxidative damage, it also lowers your risk of secondary bacterial infections, which is the primary cause of influenza-related deaths
Anticancer activity — Quercetin inhibits cancer growth, increases apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, and increases autophagy, your body's natural clean-out process
Anti-blood clotting activity; inhibits platelet aggregation
Research has also highlighted quercetin's epigenetic influence, and its ability to:
Health Benefits and Sources of Kaempferol
Like quercetin, kaempferol also has anticancer effects, selectively inhibiting the growth of cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Good sources of kaempferol include spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, chives, dill, tarragon, onions, wild leeks, asparagus and berries.
Kaempferol is also found in ginkgo biloba. In fact, kaempferol is considered to be one of its most important constituents. Ginkgo is a tree native to China that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In 2008, research was published showing kaempferol-rich ginkgo biloba extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.
Ginkgo biloba's ability to improve memory and cognition, and prevent or treat dementia has also been studied for decades. In one study, Ginkgo was shown to protect the brain against the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride,38 which has been linked to Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments.
According to Cleveland Clinic,39 an adult dose of 120 to 600 milligrams (mg) of ginkgo biloba per day seems to be effective for addressing memory problems. In general, Ginkgo is believed to positively affect your body by increasing blood supply, reducing blood viscosity, boosting neurotransmitters and reducing harmful free radicals.
A Few Notes on B Vitamins
A word of caution related to ginkgo biloba: Its seeds contain ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), an "antivitamin" that may lead to neurological problems in certain people, particularly those who are deficient in certain B vitamins.41
B vitamins are also useful in helping to reduce brain shrinkage and prevent degenerative brain diseases. In particular, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 have been shown to play a powerful role in preventing Alzheimer's. High levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to brain shrinkage and an increased risk of Alzheimer's. B vitamins are known to suppress homocysteine.
In a 2010 study, 42 participants received relatively high doses of folic acid, B6 and B12. Two years later, those who had received the vitamin-B regimen suffered significantly less brain shrinkage compared to those who received a placebo.
According to the authors:
"The accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment can be slowed by treatment with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins."
Diet Is Paramount
In closing, I want to reiterate that getting fixated on supplements is far from ideal. You'll get the biggest bang for your buck by focusing on eating a whole food diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, ideally organically or biodynamically grown.
What's good for your body is also good for your brain, and vice versa. Synergistic effects are also part of the equation, and those are virtually impossible to tease out. You can trust, however, that you're getting those benefits if you're eating a variety of real, unprocessed food.
I am having a hard time finding new material to add. I will add new items of interest when I come across something important for ALS and caregivers.
Jan - Detoxing the liver
Jul - Damaging toxins, lead, mercury, PFOS
Oct - Oregano essential oil for immune system and much more
Dec - Flavonoids for ALS, the brain and many other health issues
January 2022 update
Liver information and detox ideas
Note from Kay: It is quite well established that in ALS, the liver is severely damaged. The first part of this article was published by Dr. Mercola on 12-25-2021. The balance is an article I had on my computer but likely have never shared about 15 ways to detox the liver.
Your Liver Can’t Signal for Help – Until It’s Often Too Late
Your liver endures a tremendous amount of stress and toil, 24 hours a day. Hidden from sight, it doesn’t provide many clues as to its well-being. Yet it depends on you to give it the care it needs. Are you doing all you can?
Your liver might just be the most underappreciated organ in your body.
It is your body’s largest internal organ and one of its important functions is to help remove toxins and harmful substances. Unlike your gall bladder or appendix, you can’t live without your liver, at least not for very long.
And unlike some other organs in your body, such as your heart and lungs, it can be difficult to measure how well your liver is working. That is, until it falls to about 10 percent of its healthy working capacity.
Your liver can’t skip beats or produce a cough to warn you when it needs help…
Just because it sits quietly in your body most of the time doesn’t mean it can thrive without special care. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago, a healthy person’s liver did just fine without extra support, but today we live in a different world.
Today your liver confronts – and must overcome – challenges it’s never faced before.
Live Without Your Liver? Don’t Bet Your Life on It
Your liver serves many life-supporting functions
Your liver, which is made up of two main lobes, is located beneath your diaphragm and on top of your stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Besides its primary role of protecting your body from harmful substances, your liver plays other key roles, too.
Your healthy liver:
- Produces bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats
- Helps regulate the levels of sugar, protein, and fat entering your bloodstream
- Clears your blood of drugs, alcohol, and other potentially harmful substances
- Processes nutrients absorbed by your intestines during digestion
- Produces cholesterol, proteins, and clotting factors to help your blood clot
- Regulates many of your hormones
- Neutralizes highly reactive oxygen molecules, or free radicals
After your liver breaks down harmful substances, they enter your blood or bile and leave your body either through your
kidneys and urine or your feces after traveling through your intestines.
Normally, all these functions go on like clockwork, without much support on your part. But today many potential threats to your liver’s well-being prevail…
One of Your Liver’s Worst Enemies Isn’t What You Might Expect
I’m guessing many people would say their liver’s worst enemy is alcohol. Yes, alcohol is harmful to your liver, but there’s another substance that’s equally so – and far more pervasive.
Unlike alcohol, this other substance can be found in some form in nearly every processed food in your grocery store.
Fructose, the most damaging type of sugar to your body, is particularly hard on your liver, much like alcohol:
- Fructose must be 100 percent broken down by your liver. Glucose on the other hand only needs to be partially broken down before it can be utilized.
- Fructose is metabolized directly into fat that gets stored in your liver and other internal organs and tissues as body fat, which leads to mitochondrial malfunction
Corn sugars can damage your liver much like drinking alcohol
- Fructose produces toxic metabolites and superoxide free radicals when it is metabolized, that can lead to inflammation in your liver
Fructose is a cheap form of sugar that’s found in thousands of food products and drinks. It’s often deliberately disguised by the use of many different names, so the only way to steer clear of it completely is to avoid eating processed foods.
I believe fructose and other non-fiber carbs are important factors behind the rising rates of liver issues and at least 30 other health concerns. Tragically, even children are now showing signs normally associated with alcohol abuse from their consumption of fructose!
Other Silent Slayers of Liver Function
Unfortunately, fructose isn’t the only challenge your liver has to deal with. Plenty more lurk in your home, water, and the air you breathe. Chemicals in plastics like phthalates and BPA/BPS, flame-retardants, and formaldehyde may be found in your:
Many people don't realize how their living environments can impact their livers
- Furniture and carpeting
- Vinyl floor coverings
- Building materials
- Paint
- Mattresses
- Vinyl shower curtain
- Children’s toys
- Plastic water bottles and containers
- Grocery store receipts
- Scented personal care products
These contaminants enter your body through your skin or your lungs, or from the food and beverages you consume.
No matter how they enter your body, they end up in your bloodstream and your liver must process them.
Compared to 20 or 30 years ago, we are exposed to far more chemicals in our food, as well as in our living and working environments.
Yet your liver hasn’t changed – it hasn’t evolved to keep up with the increase in challenges. You still depend on it, day in and day out, to help minimize the effects of potential contaminants.
15 Tips for Detoxing Your Liver
From www.healthdietbase.com
The liver is an essential organ that helps to keep the human body free of toxins. It performs important functions in almost every part of your body, from balancing your cholesterol levels to filtering your blood. Painkillers, prescription medications, alcohol, and other toxins can overload the liver and reduce its ability to function. Detoxing your liver helps to flush out toxins and improve the health of your liver. Here are 15 tips for detoxing your liver.
1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat diseases of the liver and gall bladder. It’s been used by Europeans to heal various liver-related ailments as far back as 2,000 years ago! The plant got its name from the milky fluid that oozes from the leaves when they are crushed.
One of milk thistle’s active compounds is called, silymarin, a potent antioxidant that is several times more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E. It is used to reduce inflammation, inhibit the production of toxins, and prevent further damage to the liver. Of all the silymarins found in milk thistle, silybin has been found to be the most effective in the promotion of liver health. This is why milk thistle supplements contain high doses of silybin.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar has been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments and illnesses. It is thought to improve the function of the stomach, colon, liver, bladder, and kidneys. Make your own apple cider vinegar by crushing some fresh apples and filtering the liquid, before allowing it to cure into vinegar. Alternatively, you can buy bottled apple cider vinegar at most health food stores and supermarkets. Use the vinegar to make a warm cleansing drink for your liver by adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey to a cup of warm water.
Here’s another recipe you might want to try. You will need:
- Apple cider vinegar
- 1 quart filtered water
- ½ pc. lemon, thinly sliced
- ¼ pc. cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs mint
Seal the jar, refrigerate it overnight, and you have a detox drink you can consume the next day!
While apple cider vinegar is usually easy and safe to use, there might be some things you’ll want to keep in mind. Since undiluted apple cider vinegar can be harmful to the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract, you’ll want to be sure to dilute the vinegar. Try to keep your apple cider consumption to under eight ounces a day as anything over that could potentially decrease your potassium levels. Also, if you are allergic to apples, you will not want to use apple cider vinegar to detoxify your liver.
If you have been prescribed certain medications, especially drugs like cardiac glycosides, diuretics, insulin laxatives, and diabetes or blood pressure medications, you will want to be careful when using apple cider vinegar for detoxification. If you are taking these types of medications, it is always a good idea to check with your health care provide before beginning a regimen that could potentially have harmful effects. Even though apple cider vinegar is made from natural sources, it could still interfere with these types of medications.
3. Garlic - Garlic contains nutrients and Allicin, a compound that helps to aid the process of liver detoxification. Garlic helps to flush heavy metals, nitrogen, and excess hormones from the liver. Cooking garlic can reduce the potency of the nutrients, but the strong flavour of raw garlic can be off-putting for many people. One solution is to try taking garlic capsules, preferably 2-3 times a day while you are performing your liver detox.
When ingesting the garlic capsules, it is best that they are coated so they have a less chance of upsetting your stomach. If your stomach still gets upset when taking a capsule, you can try to take an antacid along with it.
Garlic which is an herb, is normally completely fine for you to use in your detoxification process. However, as with other herbs, there may be some things to keep in mind when using garlic. Although it is not very common, some people have been known to have had an allergic reaction to garlic.
You might want to double check with your health care provider if you are taking certain medications especially for tuberculosis (TB) or HIV/AIDS as garlic can interfere with the absorption of certain kinds of medications specifically for these illnesses. Also for women taking birth control pills, garlic may actually decrease the effectiveness of the pill.
4. Grapefruit seed extract - Grapefruit seed extract contains powerful antioxidants that help to flush toxins from the body, including the liver. Grapefruit seed extract can be expensive, but you only need a few drops 2-3 times a day. If you don’t want to spend money on grapefruit seed extract, try eating a couple of whole grapefruits every day during your liver detox. The results may not be as powerful as using the extract, but grapefruits contain antioxidants that can help to cleanse your liver.
Grapefruit seed extract is processed from grapefruit seeds and pulp and is a byproduct of producing grapefruit juice. In order to reduce the acidity and bitterness of grapefruit juice and extract, vegetable glycerin is added to the final product.
Grapefruit has long been known to interfere with certain medications so it is good to use caution when taking grapefruit seed extract in the detoxification process of your liver. Grapefruit juice has been known to decrease how quickly certain medications are broken down by the liver which can actually increase the side effects of certain medications. You’ll want to be especially cautious if you are taking medications for the following conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, erectile dysfunction and also if you are taking any kinds of sedatives. Other kinds of medications that may have an altered effect when taken with grapefruit are blood thinners such as Coumadin and also medications that contain caffeine.
5. Dandelion Root - Dandelions are flowering weeds with a wide range of medicinal uses. The roots and leaves of dandelion plants have long been used to make herbal remedies, tinctures and tonics to help cleanse the liver, improve digestion and purify the blood. Dandelions are packed with important nutrients, including calcium, potassium and a variety of vitamins. Dandelion root contains properties that increase the production of bile, which helps to eliminate toxins from the liver.
Dandelion root is available as a tea, tincture, supplement and powdered extract. You can also buy dried dandelion root, which can be prepared in a similar way to fresh coffee. As dandelion root is a powerful diuretic, you must drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Dandelion root can also produce a mild laxative effect, making it ideal for flushing out your whole system.
6. Turmeric - Turmeric is a popular spice that gives curried dishes their striking yellow color. Turmeric is also commonly used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions including coughs, colds, viruses, infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, high cholesterol levels, excess mucous, nasal congestion, and various skin complaints. Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, as well as several health-enhancing nutrients including iron, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin B6 and fiber. These powerful properties combine to improve liver function, protect and regenerate liver tissue, aid digestion, reduce digestive gas, reduce cholesterol, boost the immune system, improve circulation, and purify the blood.
Turmeric is also an effective aid for detoxing the liver. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have made it to this list! Curcumin, the very thing that gives turmeric its bright yellow color, is a phytochemical responsible for its detoxifying effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which helps to eliminate liver toxins and repair damaged liver cells. Liver detox is made more effective when turmeric is combined with ginger, which helps to boost circulation and reduce congestion.
Turmeric is available as a supplement, extract, or tea. To make turmeric tea, you need:
- 2 tsp. fresh turmeric, peeled and finely grated
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- ½ to ¾ tsp. powdered cinnamon
- 1 pinch powdered black pepper
- ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. pure raw honey or preferred sweetener
- ¼ cup coconut milk or preferred milk
What makes this tea great is that many of ingredients aid in liver detoxification. Black pepper and coconut milk allow the body to better absorb the turmeric. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory. And lastly, raw honey is rich in antioxidants that promote digestive health.
7. Lemon - Lemons are packed with vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, phosphorous, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. The juice, fruit, and peel of lemons are often used in natural remedies and herbal infusions due to their potent antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Lemon is commonly used to treat sore throats, tickly coughs, fever, colds, blocked sinuses, indigestion, constipation, tinnitus, and rheumatism. Lemon is also thought to help prevent kidney stones, high blood pressure, and chronic stomach problems.
Lemons contain powerful antioxidants, known as bioflavonoids, which help to cleanse the liver, purify the blood, and strengthen the immune system. Adding the juice of half a lemon to a cup of warm or cold water gives you a cleansing drink to help flush toxins from your liver and digestive system. Have a glass of this every day to keep your liver happy.
Below is a more effective way of preparing lemon water for liver detoxification. For this you will need:
- 1 pc. lemon, preferably organic
- ¼ liter hot water
- ¾ liter cold water
- Salt
Alternatively, you can buy lemon tea or dried lemons to make a refreshing drink.
8. Green Tea - Lauded as one of the world’s healthiest beverages by both nutritionists and research scientists, green tea is also helpful for detoxing the liver. Green tea originated in China and has long been known in Asia for its many health benefits. Green tea comes from the leaves of the plant called Camellia sinensis. The leaves of the plant are not fermented when being made into green tea which leaves the antioxidant chemicals called polyphenols completely intact. Because green tea is one of the least processed beverages, all of its amazing antioxidants called catechins are nearly poured right into your cup. These catechins which are crucial components when it comes to protecting cells from damage, are also helpful in assisting the liver with the detoxification process.
When you use green tea to detoxify your liver, it is recommended that you drink four to five cups a day. Some people don’t like the taste of green tea and if you still want to experience the powerful detoxification effects of the beverage, you can opt for capsules or liquid supplements. Something to keep in mind regarding green tea is that it does contain caffeine. If you are trying to detox your body from caffeine, you can try drinking decaffeinated green tea. Also, if you take the capsules or supplements, they contain caffeine. It is always best to get the capsules or supplements from a reputable source and you might want to check with your health care provider to ensure they are safe for you to take.
9. Avocados - Considered a super-food, avocados are rich in nutrients and help the body to produce a compound called glutathione which is necessary for the liver to get rid of harmful toxins in the body. If you have chronic liver disease, your body is probably low on glutathione. Eating avocados can help increase this important compound and help to heal the liver.
Avocados, which are technically a fruit since they grow on a tree and reproduce with a seed, may get a bad rap at times because of their high fat content. However, the fat contained in avocados is monounsaturated and is the healthy fat good for maintaining health cholesterol levels. Avocados also provide about 20 vitamins and minerals that are essential for optimum health. If you consume avocados, you are also helping your body to absorb fat-soluble nutrients. Avocados are a great source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E and antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals in the liver which can further protect liver cells and keep this vital organ free from harm.
Avocados are eaten in a variety of ways and can replace foods that aren’t so good for you like mayonnaise, sour cream and butter. They taste great on sandwiches, in salads or topped with fresh salsa. Whether you mash them, whip them, slice or dice them, avocados are a great food to eat during the liver detoxification process. They are one food you will want to keep on eating after your detox to help protect and heal the liver.
10. Cabbage - Eating cabbage, which is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods, contains glucosinolate that helps to stimulate the activation of important detoxifying enzymes known to flush out toxins from the liver. There are many foods in the cabbage family including Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower that can also be good when detoxing the liver. These foods contain sulfur which is known as a cleansing mineral. More importantly, cabbage and the other foods in its family are full of sulfur-containing amino acids. These amino acids, including taurine, methionine and cysteine are essential when it comes to clearing the pathways during a liver detox. If you are eating a lot of cabbage and other vegetables that contain sulfur, you may want to note that eating a lot of fruit might cancel out those benefits since eating fruit can interfere with sulfur metabolism.
While a variety of cabbage can be eaten during a liver detox, only green cabbage contains high amounts of chlorophyll which is known to be important for strengthening the liver. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable which also contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate and Omega 3 fatty acids which are all beneficial for optimum health. In order to get the best benefit, be sure to eat organic, raw cabbage. You can also drink raw cabbage juice as a way to detox your liver. If you juice the cabbage yourself, you will want to be sure to drink the juice right away or else it will lose pertinent vitamin content.
11. Walnuts - You might not think of eating nuts as a way to help detox your liver but they contain high density lipoproteins that help to protect against fatty liver disease. These lipoproteins also reduce levels of C-reactive protein that helps to lower inflammation in the liver. This is important because inflammation of the liver is often a precursor to liver damage.
Some nuts, especially walnuts, contain large amounts of the amino acid known as arginine which help to rid the liver of harmful toxins like ammonia. Walnuts also contain high amounts of glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which are both necessary for effectively detoxifying the liver. One important thing to remember about eating walnuts during a detox is that you want to chew them well, turning them into liquid before swallowing. Because walnuts are a food with low levels of toxicity, extracts from the hulls of walnuts are often used in special formulas made to cleanse the liver from toxins. Protein, antioxidants and healthy unsaturated fats can also be found in walnuts and are all essential for liver health and function. Unsaturated fats are especially important as they help to protect the liver against fat accumulation and aid in building healthy cell membranes around liver cells.
Other nuts that can be healthy for the liver include Brazil nuts, pecans and almonds. Peanuts are usually not a good food when it comes to liver health. When eating nuts for health benefits, make sure to only eat them unsalted and in their rawest form.
12. Seaweed - If you think seaweed is strictly reserved for dieters or health nuts, then you will never look at this superfood the same way again. Not only is seaweed high in nutrients and low in calories, it also contains hardcore detox properties that cleanses the liver. In fact, a study from McGill University concluded that seaweed is an effective detox agent against radioactive chemicals like strontium. Seaweed, kelp, in particular, contains a high concentration of algin, which helps rid the body of radioactive particles in the body.
Of course, unless you live near a melted down nuclear power plant, seaweed’s radioactive detox properties is useless. But the goodness of seaweed doesn’t stop there. Seaweed is also helps flush out heavy metals like cadmium and lead in the body. Green seaweed is rich in chlorophyll, one of nature’s most potent detoxifier. Chlorophyll contains a special kind of fiber that binds and flushes out toxic chemicals from the body, especially unwanted substances in the liver. To round up, seaweed is the only food that contains the broadest range of minerals, around 10 or 20 times more than any vegetable.
But before you go and start hoarding seaweed from the local grocer, make sure you’re getting the highest quality seaweed from a reputable source so you can take full advantage of its detoxifying properties.
13. Onions - The liver is without a doubt one of the most abused organs in the body. The liver filters out all the unwanted substances in the body so if you’re serious about taking care of it, then you might want to start adding more onions to your diet. You see, apart from containing a long list of essential vitamins and minerals that protect the body from free radicals, onions also contains sulphur, a compound that not only purifies the liver from toxic chemicals and environmental toxins, but also helps flush out a wide range of poisons ranging from pesticides to alcohol.
Onions are also one of the best sources of anticancer compounds including phenolics and flavonoids. Research shows that shallots, yellow onion, and Northern red onions inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body. Onions are believed to cut the risks of developing colon and liver cancer. It also contains a higher level of special antioxidants that protect the body from certain types of cancers. That said, not all onions offer the same level of anticancer and liver-detoxifying properties. Western Yellow onions contain 11 times more antioxidants than the Western White so it’s important to research which varieties offer the highest anticancer properties.
There are several ways to incorporate onions into your diet. Onions are quite versatile and can be a part of any meal. You can caramelize them in low to medium heat and add them to omelets, salads, sandwiches, and pretty much any vegetable ditch. Chopped raw onions can be combined with tomatoes, cucumber, and toasted pita bread to create a Mediterranean salad. Don’t forget to drizzle it with olive oil and lemon juice! You can also make an Italian salad by mixing sliced onions, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Finish it off by drizzling it with olive oil. Maximize the detoxifying properties of onions by using garlic-infused olive oils when preparing salads.
14. Artichoke - Another of nature’s heavy-duty liver detoxifier is artichoke. Artichoke is known to boost bile production in the liver. This in turn helps normalize health and digestive function and prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
Artichoke as a liver-friendly detoxifier is actually old news. In Europe, most doctors prescribe artichoke extracts to those suffering from liver-related diseases since the 18th century. Most holistic practitioners are also turning to artichoke to cleanse the liver from toxic chemicals.
Recent studies prove the benefits of artichoke on liver health. In 2010, a study featured in the Biological Trace Element Research links consumption of artichoke leaf extract with reduced fat and cholesterol levels in liver. An earlier study that appeared in Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology shows that consuming artichoke extract before being exposed to liver-damaging toxins prevent injury to the liver. An Italian research published in Nutrition and Cancer revealed that artichoke extract demonstrated a capability to protect liver cells from damage, mainly due to their antioxidant effects. They also discovered that artichoke extract prevented the growth of cancerous cells in the liver.
Artichoke belongs to the milk thistle family. Apart from being a hardcore liver detoxifier, artichoke also helps stabilize blood sugar levels and is rich in phelonic acid compound known as cynarin. Cynarin is believed to be responsible for artichoke’s cholagogue and choleretic properties. Cholagogue is a substance that promotes the discharge of bile from the system while choleretic stimulates the liver’s bile production.
Cholagogue and choleretic are extremely important in the overall health of the liver. How? People suffering from liver problems tend to excrete inadequate amounts of bile and most times, the bile is not properly transported to the gallbladder. This causes an increased risk of liver damage. By adding more artichoke to your diet, you supply the body with helpful compounds that repairs, reinvigorate and detoxifies the liver.
15. Fennel and Fennel Seeds - Fennel for better liver health? You better believe it! Fennel and fennel seeds are not only high in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, they are also used traditionally to detox the liver from harmful chemicals.
Fennel is used to treat a wide range of health problems ranging from a simple case of indigestion to chronic flatulence. It also helps dissolve kidney stones and neutralize uric acid in the tissues, making it a great herbal treatment for those suffering from gout or arthritis. This carminative herb helps aid in removing mucus and phlegm buildup in the lungs, and even removes mucus from the intestinal tract. It contains natural cleansing properties for the colon, liver, and gallbladder. It’s one hardworking super food if we ever saw one!
Fennel seeds, on the other hand, have been used for decades to treat a wide range of liver diseases. In fact, fennel seeds are often taken as tea because it helps disengage any blockages in the liver, spleen, and biliary bladder. Fennel seeds are not only potent liver detoxifiers but they also dissolve kidney stones.
Fennels contain a multitude of phytonutrients that give it its antioxidant properties. Perhaps the most important of these when it comes to liver health is anethole. Anethole has been shown in many studies to prevent cancer and protect the liver from injury. The fennel bulb, which is rich in fiber, can decrease cholesterol levels and removes cancer-causing toxins from the colon, which reduces your risk for colon cancer.
Fennel and fennel tea are used to treat jaundice and reverse the ill effects of alcohol consumption on the liver. And to wrap up the amazing, wonderful nutritional value of fennel and fennel seeds, they prevent water retention and improve the body’s metabolic rate leading to… you guessed it – weight loss!
You can use all parts of the fennel including its base, stalk, and leaves to detoxify your liver. Here are some ideas on how to prepare it:
- Sauté fennel and onions and serve as a side dish
- Toss fennel with avocados and orange slices for a fresh salad
- Braise fennel and eat them with scallops
- Add slices of fennel into your sandwiches
July 2022
Dr. Mercola posted an extremely valuable article on June 29, 2022 on toxins. Since his articles only stay up for 48 hours, I have copied it here for your review. After you have read it, watch the movie Dark Waters if you doubt the dangers in the world around us.
3 Toxins Have the Largest Impact on Your Life Span
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked June 29, 2022
Story at-a-glance
- Environmental exposures have a lot to do with biological or cellular aging and, according to a December 2019 study, lead, mercury and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are the three toxins shown to have the greatest impact on your life span
- Biological aging is modifiable. Avoiding toxic exposures is one important aspect, but your diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors also play a role. One key for longevity is maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity, as insulin resistance is a hallmark of most chronic diseases
- Lead and calcium are chemically very similar, making lead a competitor at the cellular level and disrupting many different bodily systems
- Two of the most prevalent sources of mercury are dental amalgam and seafood. Europe paved the way for global change by banning the use of amalgam fillings in pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of 15 as of July 1, 2018
- PFOS are associated with a wide array of health problems, including cancer, immune and thyroid dysfunction, low birth weight and more
Your biological age can provide a good clue about your longevity, far more so than your chronological age. Your biological age refers to the state of your cells — they can be younger or older than your calendar age, which means you're aging slower or faster than expected.
Environmental exposures have a lot to do with biological or cellular aging and, according to a December 2019 study1,2 published in The Journals of Gerontology, lead, mercury and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are the three toxins shown to have the greatest impact on your life span.
While glyphosate was not included in this study, my guess is it would probably be a top contender as well, considering it disrupts normal body functions, especially your gut, and appears to enhance the damaging effects of other toxins.
According to Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D., a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, glyphosate worsens virtually all modern diseases which, of course, will shorten your life. That said, lead, mercury and PFOS have repeatedly been identified as significant contributors to chronic ill health and are certainly among the most pervasive and concerning toxins out there.
The Dangers of Lead Are Well-Recognized
As one might expect, the December 2019 study3 found that "biological age was elevated relative to actual age in people who had chronic disease," while those participating in a wellness program showed signs of slowed aging.
"This observation suggests that biological aging is modifiable," the researchers note, and that lowering your biological aging rate is "a sign of healthy aging." Strong predictors of biological age were measures of metabolic health, inflammation and toxic accumulation, with lead, mercury and PFOS being the most influential predictors.
Importantly, there is no known safe exposure to lead, which often affects young children and lower socioeconomic groups the hardest. Epidemiological studies have revealed African-American children have a higher incidence of lead poisoning, potentially from a slightly different way of metabolizing the heavy metal.
Lead and calcium are chemically very similar, making lead a competitor at the cellular level and disrupting many different bodily systems. In your neurological system, it may disrupt neurons that use calcium to transmit information.
The presence of lead will cause some neurons to fire more and decrease the signals in others. This may alter neurological development in the brains of children who have absorbed lead from their environment.
The Public Health Heroes Who Fought to Lower Lead Exposure
One of the leaders in the fight against lead was the late Dr. Herbert Needleman, a pediatrician who saw firsthand the damage lead does to children. After years of treating children and observing the long-term effects of exposure, he maintained that a slow buildup of lead in the system could trigger symptoms even in the absence of overt poisoning.
As lead-based paint and gasoline were the biggest contributors to lead poisoning in children, Needleman and public health expert and colleague Dr. Philip Landrigan began lobbying to remove lead from these products. The industry fought back using paid experts to pick apart and publicly lambast the research. The industry also went after Needleman personally, trying to discredit him and destroy his career.
Another prominent player was geochemist Clair Patterson, Ph.D., who before he died in 1995, fought the oil companies to have lead removed from gasoline. Even when it was added to gas in the 1920s it was known to cause neurological damage. Still, the process was pursued as it enabled the oil companies to net greater profits.
In 1965, Patterson published the book, "Contaminated and Natural Lead Environments of Man,"6 in an attempt to bring the dangers of lead gasoline on health and environment to light.
Again, the industry brought to bear its influence to discredit the science and the man in an effort to maintain profits at the cost of human health. But despite the overwhelming odds, Patterson ultimately succeeded and was instrumental in bringing forth the 1975 U.S. mandated option of unleaded gas at the pumps.
In 1986, Patterson's persistence triggered the removal of lead from all gasoline in the U.S. altogether. As a result, Americans' blood lead levels dropped nearly 80% by the late 1990s. In my view, Patterson is one of the greatest unrecognized public health heroes of the 20th century.
Lead Exposure Continues To Be a Concern
The elimination of leaded gasoline didn't get rid of all lead exposures, however. As noted in a June 26, 2019, article7 in The Guardian, "hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. remain at risk of exposure to lead, which causes cognitive and behavioral deficits."
Subsequently, in 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated as many as 24 million U.S. residences built before 1978 still contained lead hazards, and in June 2019 announced $330 million in grants will be distributed to clean up lead and other safety hazards in low-income housing communities. In October 2021, HUD said 34.6 million homes in America still have lead-based paint somewhere in them.
A 2017 study also noted that many children with elevated lead levels remain undiagnosed. An estimated 1.2 million cases of elevated blood lead levels were thought to have occurred between 1999 and 2010, yet only 606,70910 were reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during that time, suggesting significant underreporting.
According to the authors, "Based on the best available estimates, undertesting of blood lead levels by pediatric care providers appears to be endemic in many states." Indeed, many pediatricians are likely to overlook factors such as lead exposure when faced with neurologically challenged children. This is a travesty, as your child's condition will surely continue to decline unless the lead accumulation is addressed and reduced through a comprehensive detoxification program.
Strategies to Avoid Lead Poisoning
The issue of preventing lead poisoning is a pressing matter, whether you have young children in your home or not. Harvard Medical School offers the following suggestions to protect yourself and your family against lead exposure:11
- Was your home built before 1978? If so, get it inspected to determine whether it has any lead paint
- Lead paint removal should be done by a certified professional to ensure safety. The dust is highly toxic. For more information on this, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Lead-Based Paint Resources" page12
- Get your water tested for lead
- Be mindful of the fact that certain household objects may contain lead. For information about lead-containing products and recalls, see the Consumer Products Safety Commission's website13
- Get your child tested for lead. Ideally, all children should be tested at ages 1 and 2, and again at ages 3 and 4 if you live in an older home. It's also recommended to test your child's level whenever there's concern about exposure. A level of 5 mcg/dL or higher is considered dangerous
The Dangers of Mercury
When it comes to mercury, two of the most prevalent sources are dental amalgam and seafood. Amalgam emits mercury vapor even after it is implanted into the body. This mercury is bioaccumulative and crosses the placenta to accumulate in fetuses, as well. Dental amalgam's mercury is a known health risk, especially for children, fetuses, nursing infants and people with impaired kidney function.
Mercury-based dental amalgam also pollutes water via dental clinic releases and human waste; air via cremation, dental clinic emissions, sludge incineration and respiration; and land via landfills, burials and fertilizer. Once in the environment, dental mercury converts to its even more toxic form: methylmercury and becomes a major source of mercury in the fish people eat.
For several years now, I've been working with Charlie Brown and the Consumers for Dental Choice to eliminate the use of amalgam in the U.S. and around the world. Europe paved the way for global change by banning the use of amalgam fillings in pregnant or nursing women and children under the age of 15 as of July 1, 2018.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has been dragging its feet, but there are finally signs of movement. November 13, 2019, a scientific advisory panel gathered to review the science on mercury. Consumers for Dental Choice brought several talented speakers to testify.
The science committee, by consensus, called on FDA to end its silence on amalgam, and to start getting information about amalgam's risks to American patients, especially to vulnerable populations.
In 2022 Brown announced that the Fourth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury agreed to amend the treaty to call for the end of the use of amalgam — or mercury fillings (also known, misleadingly, as "silver" fillings) — in deciduous teeth of children under 15 and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
According to a private email from Charlie Brown of Consumers for Dental Choice to me, the amendment will take effect December 25, 2022. "This treaty amendment, plus the ongoing exit of the major amalgam manufacturers creates the momentum we need to wipe out amalgam use. On to victory!" Brown added.
The question now is whether the FDA will continue protecting the amalgam business at the expense of public health — which it has done for decades — and ignore the conclusions of its own scientific body. There are signs that the FDA may be coming around, though: In September 2020, the U.S. FDA issued a safety communication to warn about the use of dental amalgam in certain high-risk populations.
The FDA warned that the following groups "may be at greater risk to the potential adverse health effects of mercury exposure":
Pregnant women and their developing fetuses
Women who are planning to become pregnant
Nursing women and their newborns and infants
Children, especially those younger than 6 years of age
People with preexisting neurological disease
People with impaired kidney function
People with known heightened sensitivity (allergy) to mercury or other components of dental amalgam
The warning came due to concerns that these populations could be exposed to harmful levels of mercury vapor from the fillings, and the potential for mercury to convert to other harmful mercury compounds in the body. In addition, they cited concerns about whether "the degree of accumulation of mercury from dental amalgam results in negative (adverse) health outcomes."
Avoid Amalgam at All Cost
Regardless of what the FDA decides, it's crucial to avoid amalgam if you want to protect your health and that of your children. Here are some general tips and guidelines:
1. Find another insurance company or plan that pays for mercury-free fillings in all teeth, without exceptions or LEAT clauses.
2. If your current dentist is still using mercury in his or her practice — even if they also offer mercury-free options — seek out a dentist that offers only mercury-free fillings for all patients. And, be sure to inform your dentist about the reason you're transferring.
The reason for this is because dentists who still use amalgam end up using it on people who rarely have any other choice, either because they cannot afford to pay the difference, or their state or government program dictates they can only receive mercury.
This unfair practice needs to end, and the quicker we can get all dentists to go 100% mercury-free, the sooner these programs will be forced to change. So, selecting a 100% mercury-free dentist is an altruistic choice on your part, which will help those whose voices are so often ignored.
3. If you have mercury fillings, be sure to consult with a biological dentist who is trained in the safe removal of amalgam.
PFOS Contamination Is Pervasive
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances18,19 (PFAS) are widely used chemicals that make products water-, oil-, grease- and stain-resistant. The chemicals are also used in firefighting foam. One type, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), is commonly found in older nonstick cookware.
PFOA and its cousin PFOS are associated with a wide array of health problems, including cancer, immune and thyroid dysfunction, low birth weight and more. Making matters all the worse, these chemicals take thousands of years to degrade and are found in groundwater across the country. As such, they're a considerable environmental threat.
Research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2007 found PFAS chemicals in the blood of more than 98% of Americans tested. PFOS was phased out starting in 2000. However, thanks to their persistence in the environment, they're still showing up in the strangest places — including food.
How do they get into your food? One is by way of sewage sludge, applied to farmland. Documents obtained by The Intercept reveal 44 samples of sewage sludge tested by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection all contained at least one PFAS chemical.
Another route is nonstick food wrappers. Research27,28 published in 2017 revealed 33% of fast food wrappers and containers contain fluorine, which suggests perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) were used to give the paper that slick surface, and earlier studies29,30,31 have confirmed fluorinated chemicals can migrate from the packaging into the food.
Moreover, food testing by the FDA (performed in 2017 as part of its Total Diet Study32 and presented at the 2019 meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) reveals PFAS chemicals are in the U.S. food supply,33,34,35,36,37 and at levels far exceeding the advisory limit for PFOA and PFAS in drinking water (there's currently no limits in food).
Of the 91 foods tested for 16 types of PFAS, 10 were found to contain the chemicals.38 As reported by PBS:39
"PFOS, an older form of PFAS no longer made in the U.S., turned up at levels ranging from 134 parts per trillion to 865 parts per trillion in tilapia, chicken, turkey, beef, cod, salmon, shrimp, lamb, catfish and hot dogs."
How to Avoid Toxic PFCs
To minimize your family's exposure to toxic PFCs, avoid products that are stain-resistant, waterproof or nonstick, or that have been treated with flame retardant chemicals. The Environmental Working Group's "Guide to Avoiding PFCS"40 offers many helpful tips. Other suggestions that will help you avoid these dangerous chemicals include avoiding:
Items that have been pretreated with stain-repellants, and opt out of such treatments when buying new furniture and carpets.
Water- and/or stain-repellant clothing -- One tipoff is when an item made with artificial fibers is described as "breathable." These are typically treated with polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer.
Items treated with flame retardant chemicals -- This includes a wide variety of baby items, padded furniture, mattresses and pillows. Instead, opt for naturally less flammable materials such as leather, wool and cotton.
Fast food and carry out foods -- The wrappers are typically treated with PFCs.
Microwave popcorn -- PFCs not only may present in the inner coating of the bag, but they also may migrate to the oil from the packaging during heating. Instead, use "old-fashioned" stovetop popcorn.
Nonstick cookware and other treated kitchen utensils -- Healthier options include ceramic and enameled cast iron cookware, both of which are durable, easy to clean and completely inert, which means they won't release any harmful chemicals into your home.
Oral-B Glide floss and any other personal care products containing PTFE or "fluoro" or "perfluoro" ingredients -- The EWG has an excellent database called Skin Deep you can peruse to find healthier options.
Unfiltered tap water -- Unfortunately, your choices are limited when it comes to avoiding PFASs in drinking water. Either you must filter your water or obtain water from a clean source. Both solutions can be problematic and/or costly.
While many opt for bottled water, it's important to realize that PFASs are not regulated in bottled water, so there's absolutely no guarantee that it'll be free of these or other chemicals. Bottled water also increases your risk of exposure to hazardous plastic chemicals such as bisphenol-A, which has its own set of health risks.
Most common water filters available in supermarkets will not remove PFASs. You really need a high-quality carbon filtration system. The New Jersey Drinking Water Quality Institute recommends using granulated activated carbon "or an equally efficient technology" to remove PFC chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS from your drinking water. Activated carbon has been shown to remove about 90% of these chemicals.
Live Longer by Lowering Your Biological Age
If you're interested in living healthy for longer, minimizing toxic exposures is a crucial component, and the three toxins reviewed here — lead, mercury and PFOS — appear to have the greatest impact on biological aging. That said, other basic lifestyle factors such as diet cannot be overlooked.
As demonstrated in the featured study in The Journals of Gerontology, things like HbA1c also play an important role. High HbA1c is indicative of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, both of which take a tremendous toll on your health and longevity.
Insulin resistance is at the heart of most chronic disease, and once it transitions into full-blown diabetes, you open yourself up to a variety of complications, including an increased risk for heart disease and Alzheimer's. So, in addition to avoiding toxic chemicals and heavy metals, you'll also want to avoid foods high in sugar and synthetic chemicals.
This means ditching processed foods and most restaurant food for home cooked whole food, ideally organic. You can also optimize your insulin sensitivity through resistance training (blood flow restriction training being particularly effective) and time-restricted eating.
October 2022
Oregano for Your Immune System and Much More
BY Joseph Mercola September 19, 2022
(Kay’s note: I found this article on Epoch Times on 9-20-2022. I have used the DoTerra Oil of Oregano for sinus issues for quite some time, but never diffused it, but will start diffusing today as Kim’s struggles with sinus issues since having skin cancer removed from his nose last year. Doterra is one of the highest quality essential oils you can buy. I use them but don’t sell them. Oregano is one of the hot oils and must be diluted to go on the skin. However, I never diffused it when using it on my feet but touch the nose with it and you will wish you hadn’t. So dilute it for any kind of skin issues.)
Your immune system is a complex network responsible for defending your body against pathogens. Consider including this herb to fight the common cold and support your gut microbiome.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Oregano is an herb with a potent antioxidant capacity that not only is high in the phytonutrients carvacrol and thymol, but has one of the higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) measurements in the herb family
- Oregano oil can be purchased as an extract or essential oil. The extract, oil of oregano, can also be made at home from fresh leaves. Take care when purchasing oils since some manufacturers sell adulterated products
- The extract and essential oil can be used topically to help treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. Data show diluted oil can be used in wound care dressings to prevent infections and topically to treat pain and swelling
- Oil of oregano is a popular treatment for the common cold and can be used to support beneficial bacteria in your small intestines by treating bacterial overgrowth and norovirus that triggers gastroenteritis
Although popular in Greece and Italy, it was not brought to the U.S. until after World War II when pizza began trending, increasing the sale of the herb by 5,200% between 1948 and 1956.
Another variety of oregano more familiar to Mexican meals is called Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens). It is from a different botanical family and is sometimes called Mexican marjoram, likely since oregano is a close relative of marjoram.
Marjoram is in the same genus as oregano, but it is a different species with a gentler aroma and flavor. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, but marjoram is best used fresh. Dried oregano has a subtler flavor than the pungent taste of the fresh leaves.
Origanum vulgare is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. It is easily grown in your garden, enjoys full sun and is a low maintenance plant that attracts butterflies. It blooms between July and October with pinkish-purple or white flowers.
Oregano essential oils have been studied extensively as the plant and oil have a rich history in traditional medicine,[6] beginning in the Middle Ages when the leaves were chewed to help reduce the pain of rheumatism, toothache and indigestion. The ancient Greeks used it to treat skin conditions and the herb was used in China for fever and upset stomach.
Oregano Is a Potent Antioxidant with High ORAC Value
The herb is rich in phenols, which are natural phytochemicals that have beneficial antioxidant effects.[7] The two most abundant are thymol and carvacrol. An antioxidant is a term used to describe a compound that counteracts unstable molecules. These are called free radicals and are naturally produced during oxidative metabolism.
One lab analysis of the antioxidant ability of foods is called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The measurement was used to demonstrate that foods high in antioxidant capacity could help slow the process of aging in the brain and body.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported studies published in 1999 that showed high-ORAC foods could help prevent long-term memory loss, raise antioxidant serum levels and protect capillaries in an animal model against oxygen damage. Nutritionist Ronald L. Prior, Ph.D., contended:
“If we can show some relationship between ORAC intake and health outcome in people, I think we may reach a point where the ORAC value will become a new standard for good antioxidant protection.”
According to Natural Products Insider, in 2012, the USDA removed the ORAC Database for Selected Foods citing evidence that the values have no relevance to the effect of specific compounds on human health.[13] According to the USDA “ORAC values are routinely misused by food and dietary supplement manufacturing companies to promote their products and by consumers to guide their food and dietary supplement choices.”
Prior, who was the senior researcher at the USDA for 35 years, disagrees, calling it unfortunate that ORAC has sometimes been misused, “… but that does not necessarily mean that the information is not useful if used appropriately. In too many cases, the goal has been to obtain the highest antioxidant value. It is not always the case that more is better and, in some cases, using individual antioxidant compounds, more may be detrimental.”
The list of foods has since been taken offline but is available for download. Fresh oregano has an ORAC value of 13,970 and dried herb a value of 175,295. A comparison list of fresh herbs places oregano just below marjoram, thyme and sage in a list of herbs.
Separating the phytochemicals from plants and using them individually raises the potential of experiencing side effects. The antioxidant compounds found in the whole oregano plant or essential oil work synergistically to provide a host of health benefits from the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Have You Considered Oil of Oregano for the Common Cold?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, each year there are more than 1 billion people who contract a cold in the U.S. and up to 20% of people got the flu. Rhinovirus is one of the most common viruses that cause the common cold. However, other viruses can also cause cold symptoms, including coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
A few studies have evaluated the efficacy of oregano essential oil or oregano oil extract against upper respiratory infections. One 2019 study looked at a blend of oregano, thyme and salvia oils against upper respiratory tract viruses, including adenovirus 5, rhinovirus, influenza and RSV. The blend showed strong antiviral activity against rhinovirus and two of the three strains of influenza.
Rosmarinic acid has been identified as a major antioxidant in oregano, and research has demonstrated it can inhibit seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in patients using two independent mechanisms — inhibition of the inflammatory response and scavenging reactive oxygen species.
Data also show that French oregano tablets rapidly reduced symptoms in patients with the common cough and cold. The research found that it was effective in a dose-dependent manner and was superior to the conventional treatment used during the study.
Oregano Supports Your GI Tract
Your immune system is largely supported by the beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, referred to as your gut microbiome. Oregano oil can have an impact on supporting your gut microbiome and treating bacterial overgrowth.
Norovirus triggers nearly 1 in every 5 cases of gastroenteritis that lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Each year approximately 900 people die from norovirus in the up to 21 million cases reported. Using cell cultures from small animals, researchers found that carvacrol can drop viral infectivity within 15 minutes of exposure.
Oregano oil and carvacrol are also active against bacterial agents in the kitchen that can lead to food poisoning. For example, another study found oregano essential oil could remove staphylococcus aureus biofilms on stainless steel.
Finally, oregano oil also shows activity against small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). This condition can develop after surgery, disease or medications have slowed the intestinal tract, which then sets up a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Excess harmful bacteria can cause malnutrition, diarrhea and weight loss.
In one review of the literature, researchers found that more than 38% of people with irritable bowel syndrome also had SIBO. Another study gathered participants who tested positive for SIBO and offered herbal therapy or rifaximin, currently used for traveler’s diarrhea caused by E. coli.
The results showed that 46% using the herbal treatment with oregano oil had a negative follow-up as compared to 34% using the medication. In the participant group, 31.8% showed no response to rifaximin and were subsequently offered herbal rescue therapy. Of those, 57.1% had a negative follow-up after completing the treatment. The researchers concluded: “Herbal therapies are at least as effective as rifaximin for resolution of SIBO by LBT [lactulose breath test]. Herbals also appear to be as effective as triple antibiotic therapy for SIBO rescue therapy for rifaximin non-responders. Further, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and explore additional alternative therapies in patients with refractory SIBO.”
Oregano Oil Treats Several Skin Conditions
Nearly 25% of all fungal infections worldwide are caused by dermatophytes. Skin infections are difficult to treat and are growing resistant to conventional medications. One study published in 2020 evaluated the efficacy of a wide range of essential oils against Microsporum and Trichophyton, two common fungi responsible for athlete’s foot and ringworm. They found that of the 65 essential oils tested, oregano was in the top five most potent.
Another study found the combination of oregano oil, heat and salt was an effective treatment for athlete’s foot caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. And another team of researchers successfully used oregano and thyme essential oils as a fumigant against fungi attacking stored grain, finding it was an effective alternative to chemicals.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil make it an option for treating acne and eczema. One study evaluated this alternative treatment in the lab and an animal model, finding when oregano was formulated as a nanoemulsion it exhibited superior healing and antimicrobial properties as compared to the antibiotic control.
Wound infections present a significant health care challenge, costing Medicare up to $96.8 billion every year.[40] One study[41] demonstrated that the combination of turmeric and oregano extracts may be an effective addition to wound care dressings for diabetics and non-diabetics. Using relatively low concentrations, it demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
A second study incorporated oregano essential oil into antimicrobial wound dressings and found concentrations at 5% inhibited all the tested strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA and E coli.
Pain and Swelling Respond to Oregano Oil
A chronic inflammatory response is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers have studied the effect carvacrol can have on the suppression of the inflammatory response. In 2010,[43] researchers found that carvacrol could manipulate heat shock proteins in the lab and in an animal study to boost protective T-cell responses and down-regulate the inflammatory response.
Later, researchers used an animal model to demonstrate the phytonutrient carvacrol could reduce pathogenic T-cell responses, which suggested it offered a novel opportunity to develop “a dietary based intervention in chronic inflammatory diseases.”
By 2018, researchers were looking at the effect carvacrol had on fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which play a role in the chronic inflammatory process found in rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers discovered the phytochemical could inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and prevent the activation of several pathways that may be involved in inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of oregano oil have made it a popular addition to skincare products. One study looked at the biological activity in a human skin cell model and found evidence that suggests oregano essential oil not only is a promising candidate as an anti-inflammatory, but one with anticancer properties as well.
Take Care When Choosing Your Oil
Oregano oil can be purchased as an extract or an essential oil. The essential oil is made from dried shoots and leaves and is extracted using steam distillation. The essential oil can then be mixed with a carrier oil and used on the skin.
Oregano oil extract, also called oil of oregano, can be made at home by simply adding chopped leaves to olive oil and heating the mixture in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to release the natural oil from the oregano leaves. This is stored for one to two weeks before the leaves are drained, and the oil is stored in an airtight container. Oil of oregano can also be purchased in liquid or capsule form.
When purchasing your oregano oil, take care to check the label to make sure it’s made by a trusted manufacturer that sells pure, organic oils, as many “bargain” brands can be adulterated. Also remember that oregano oil must be used with a carrier oil. My top carrier oil choices are olive, coconut or jojoba. When you’re ready to use it, remember to test it on a small area of your skin, first, to be sure you don’t have a local allergic reaction.
Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde writes[49] that the ideal ratio when diluting oregano oil for topical use is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil. A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a vaporizer or diffuser to help relieve the symptoms of allergies, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis and coughs.
However, the oil should be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing, and it should not be given to babies or children. People who have high blood pressure or a heart condition should also avoid using oregano oil.
December 2022
Flavonoids Are the Key to a Sharp Mind
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola Fact Checked December 08, 2022
Story at-a-glance
- Recent research found elderly individuals who ate the most flavonoids had the slowest rate of cognitive decline
- Kaempferol and quercetin were both associated with slower global cognitive decline
- Quercetin is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including onions and shallots, apples, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants and green tea
- Good sources of kaempferol include spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, chives, dill, tarragon, onions, wild leeks, asparagus and berries
- Kaempferol is also one of the most important constituents in ginkgo biloba, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. A 2008 study found kaempferol-rich ginkgo biloba extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Ginkgo biloba’s ability to improve memory and cognition has also been studied for decades
Flavonol-Rich Foods Slow Cognitive Decline
In one particular study, they analyzed the diets of 961 participants between the ages of 60 and 100, who were followed for an average of 6.9 years as part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, to determine how diet affected cognitive ability in old age.
None had signs of dementia at the onset of the study. Diet was reported using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive performance was assessed annually through 19 standardized tests. As reported by the authors:
"Higher dietary intake of total flavonols and flavonol constituents were associated with a slower rate of decline in global cognition and multiple cognitive domains.
In continuous models adjusted for age, sex, education, APOE-ɛ4, late life cognitive activity, physical activity, and smoking, total flavonol intake was associated with slower decline in global cognition β estimate=0.004, episodic memory β=0.004, semantic memory β=0.003, perceptual speed β=0.003, and working memory β=0.003 …
Analyses of individual flavonol constituents demonstrated that intakes of kaempferol and quercetin were associated with slower global cognitive decline [β=0.01 and β=0.004], respectively …
Results suggest dietary intakes of total flavonols and several flavonol constituents may be associated with slower decline in global cognition and multiple cognitive abilities with older age."
Participants with the highest daily flavonol intake got about 15 milligrams a day, equal to approximately 1 cup of dark leafy greens, whereas those with the lowest intake only got about 5 mg a day.
For reference, the average daily flavonol intake for American adults is estimated to be between 16 and 20 mg,4 so this study also shows that many elderly aren't getting enough fruits and vegetables.
Focus on Whole Foods
A key detail to keep in mind here is that they were not looking at supplementation. Only food. Nutritional researchers who spoke with CNN5 about the findings stressed that foods contain many other bioactive compounds, and we cannot be absolutely certain that it was these specific compounds that warded off dementia.
If you want to preserve your cognition, focus on eating whole foods.
It's a worthwhile warning. Oftentimes, it's the synergistic effect between compounds in whole foods that create the "magic." So, the take-home message here is that fruits and veggies are good for you, especially your brain. So, if you want to preserve your cognition, focus on eating whole foods.
The Many Health Benefits of Quercetin
By now, many of you will be familiar with quercetin. The late Dr. Vladimir Zelenko popularized quercetin supplements for the early treatment of COVID-19 after access to hydroxychloroquine was restricted.
Both quercetin and hydroxychloroquine are zinc ionophores, meaning they shuttle zinc into the cell. Zinc, in turn, has potent antiviral activity. Early on, this was thought to be the sole reason why quercetin worked against COVID. Later on, researchers discovered a number of other mechanisms of action that also have beneficial impacts on the infection.
For general long-term health, however, you can get quercetin from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including onions and shallots, apples, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants and green tea.
The quercetin content in any given food is largely dependent on light exposure, so depending on the country you're in, different foods will top the list of most quercetin-rich. Aside from slowing cognitive decline, quercetin has also been shown to be helpful in the prevention and/or treatment of:
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels and fat accumulation around the waist that raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke)
Certain kinds of cancer, in particular leukemia, and to a lesser degree breast cancer
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Gout
Arthritis
Mood disorders
Aluminum-induced neurodegenerative changes, such as those seen in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Longevity, thanks to its senolytic benefits (clearing out damaged and worn-out cells)
Quercetin's Mechanisms of Action
Among its mechanisms of action are:
Antioxidant activity — Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage from harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Quercetin acts as a free radical scavenger, and its activity can be further enhanced by vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory activity and cardiovascular benefits
Anti-allergy activity by inhibiting release of histamine and other allergic substances
Immunomodulation — For example, it modulates NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune system component involved in the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that occurs during a cytokine storm
Antiviral activity — It's been found to reduce replication of many viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B23 and C,24 Streptococcus pneumoniae,25 influenza,26 SARS-CoV-2,27 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)28 and common cold viruses.
It also boosts interferon response to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting the expression of casein kinase II (CK2).30 CK2 is an enzyme that is fundamental to controlling homeostasis at the cellular level. There is evidence that it down-regulates the ability a cell has to generate Type 1 interferon when attacked by a virus.
Quercetin is also a zinc ionophore, i.e., a compound that shuttles zinc into your cells, and zinc, in turn, has potent antiviral activity. By attenuating oxidative damage, it also lowers your risk of secondary bacterial infections, which is the primary cause of influenza-related deaths
Anticancer activity — Quercetin inhibits cancer growth, increases apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, and increases autophagy, your body's natural clean-out process
Anti-blood clotting activity; inhibits platelet aggregation
Research has also highlighted quercetin's epigenetic influence, and its ability to:
- Interact with cell-signaling pathways
- Modulate gene expression
- Influence the activity of transcription factors
- Modulate microRNAs
Health Benefits and Sources of Kaempferol
Like quercetin, kaempferol also has anticancer effects, selectively inhibiting the growth of cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. Good sources of kaempferol include spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables, chives, dill, tarragon, onions, wild leeks, asparagus and berries.
Kaempferol is also found in ginkgo biloba. In fact, kaempferol is considered to be one of its most important constituents. Ginkgo is a tree native to China that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In 2008, research was published showing kaempferol-rich ginkgo biloba extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells.
Ginkgo biloba's ability to improve memory and cognition, and prevent or treat dementia has also been studied for decades. In one study, Ginkgo was shown to protect the brain against the neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride,38 which has been linked to Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments.
According to Cleveland Clinic,39 an adult dose of 120 to 600 milligrams (mg) of ginkgo biloba per day seems to be effective for addressing memory problems. In general, Ginkgo is believed to positively affect your body by increasing blood supply, reducing blood viscosity, boosting neurotransmitters and reducing harmful free radicals.
A Few Notes on B Vitamins
A word of caution related to ginkgo biloba: Its seeds contain ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), an "antivitamin" that may lead to neurological problems in certain people, particularly those who are deficient in certain B vitamins.41
B vitamins are also useful in helping to reduce brain shrinkage and prevent degenerative brain diseases. In particular, folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 have been shown to play a powerful role in preventing Alzheimer's. High levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been linked to brain shrinkage and an increased risk of Alzheimer's. B vitamins are known to suppress homocysteine.
In a 2010 study, 42 participants received relatively high doses of folic acid, B6 and B12. Two years later, those who had received the vitamin-B regimen suffered significantly less brain shrinkage compared to those who received a placebo.
According to the authors:
"The accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment can be slowed by treatment with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins."
Diet Is Paramount
In closing, I want to reiterate that getting fixated on supplements is far from ideal. You'll get the biggest bang for your buck by focusing on eating a whole food diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, ideally organically or biodynamically grown.
What's good for your body is also good for your brain, and vice versa. Synergistic effects are also part of the equation, and those are virtually impossible to tease out. You can trust, however, that you're getting those benefits if you're eating a variety of real, unprocessed food.