Fabulous 5...Foundation nutrition.

Foundation nutrition....

We hear a lot about he nutrients that is becoming essential to take due to our soil being depleted and our food becoming less and less nutrient dense. Well, this is all true and for those concerned about this, I recommend the Fabulous 5 and most nutritional companies have these supplements.

I like Nutri-Dyn products in my practice and use Metagenics, Standard Process and Progressive labs too.
I think it is very important to use a very high quality nutritional support product to make sure you are not adding to the toxic load your body carries from just functioning in our current world that has become overloaded with toxic emissions and chemicals.

Here is the lis of the fabulous 5 I think everyone could use to help with base nutrition and health and wellbeing:

• A good clean fish oil supplement
• Healthy broad spectrum probiotic

(it is good to note that there are many probiotics specific to certain health challenges and areas where one may be deficient in the correct good bacteria, like the gut or female hormone system (*Ultraflora women) or Immune health...*Ultraflora Immune Booster)

• Fruits and Greens
• Multivitamin/mineral supplement or Daily packets
• Vitamin D3

I also recommend a good daily protein shake and depending on your needs and tase there are many great ones that can be purchased through the shop button on the Natural Health Haven LLC website

* Metagenics products

Detoxification.

I believe detoxification in our toxic world has become essential. It is a good idea to follow a good detox program at least once a year and many would recommend it at the change of every season. And depending on your geography, diet and lifestyle, your detox regime would vary.

During a physical detox it is essential to support the detox pathways (liver, skin, lungs, colon, kidneys) and make sure the function of these organs are unregulated. It is also important to remove all foods and substances that add to the toxic load in our bodies and that is why a specific eating plan is implemented and one also limits the use of toxic substances on the body (our skincare, haircare and household cleaning chemicals) For many the foods that cause inflammation and toxicity vary, thus a food elimination diet always accompanies a good and healthy detox program.

I love the Detox shake from Nutri-Dyn as it has all the essential nutrients to assist the body in proper detoxification. I like to add my favorite greens to these shakes. They taste great and also add more fruits and greens, which most of us lack in our daily diets. Their 10 and 28 day Detox programs are easy to follow and comes with a great dietary outline.
Electronic detoxes are a good idea too, and so is emotional detoxification and this usually does accompany the physical detox if one is paying attention. Watching how toxic your emotions, relationship and general lifestyle is, is important.

Change is uncomfortable for most and thus doing/following a program where one must change daily habits and food intake is a struggle for the average person. This is why it is so important and really important for our physical health and wellbeing. Once you have experienced the benefits of a great detox and how amazing you feel afterwards, it becomes easier to do at least one annually.

Here is a link to some of my favorite programs and products:

10 day detox
28 day detox
Detox shake
Livercare
Phase I and II detox
Nutridyn fruits and greens

With spring approaching, I start preparing for a good detox program to help my body be ready for an active and healthier year ahead.

feeling worse before it gets better....

Many people try natural medicine and feel terrible when starting a new supplement regime....WHY?

Well, there is a thing called the healing crisis. (Herxheimer reaction) You have abused or under nourished the body for so long that when you finally give it what it needs, it gets to work in making you better....however, this may be uncomfortable and not as pleasant as you may have wished...what natural health practitioners may call a healing crisis. Although uncomfortable and somewhat unpleasant, it may not be a negative response.

We do always want things to be easy and painless but sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better...pain before the gain, right?

The Herxheimer Reaction - Feeling worse before feeling better 

The Herxheimer Reaction is a short-term (from days to a few weeks) detoxification reaction in the body. As the body detoxifies, it is not uncommon to experience flu-like symptoms including headache, joint and muscle pain, body aches, sore throat, general malaise, sweating, chills, nausea, loose stools or other symptoms. 

This is a normal — and even healthy — reaction that indicates that parasites, fungus, viruses, bacteria or other pathogens are being effectively killed off. The biggest problem with the Herxheimer reaction is that people stop taking the supplement or medication that is causing the reaction, and thus discontinue the very treatment that is helping to make them better. Although the experience may not make you feel particularly good, the Herxheimer Reaction is actually a sign that healing is taking place. 

What Is The Herxheimer Reaction? 

The Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the toxins (endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are being killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly enough. Simply stated, it is a reaction that occurs when the body is detoxifying and the released toxins either exacerbate the symptoms being treated or create their own symptoms. The important thing to note is that worsening symptoms do not indicate failure of the treatment in question; in fact, usually just the opposite.  

A Rose By Any Other Name 

Technically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, this syndrome goes by many names, including JHR, the Herxheimer Effect, the Herxheimer Response, a Herx Reaction, Herx or Herks. The most common terminology used is the Herxheimer Reaction. It is also often referred to as a healing crisis, a detox reaction, or die-off syndrome.  

History 

The phenomenon was first described by Adolf Jarisch (1860-1902) working in Vienna, Austria, and a few years later by Karl Herxheimer (1861-1942), working in Frankfort, Germany. Both doctors were dermatologists mainly treating syphilitic lesions of the skin. They noticed that in response to treatment, many patients developed not only fever, perspiration, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, but their skin lesions became larger and more inflamed before settling down and healing. Interestingly, they found that those who had the most extreme reactions healed the best and fastest. The patient might be ill for 2-3 days, but then their lesions resolved.  

A Medical Example 

The Herxheimer reaction is caused by the release of toxic chemicals (endotoxins) released from the cell walls of dying bacteria due to effective treatment. The Herxheimer Reaction is well recognized in medical circles and is certainly not confined to the world of natural medicine or supplements. 

For example, a recent study report (Feb ’04) on the treatment of Sarcoidosis found that, “. . . without exception, the improving patients are reporting periodic aggravation of their symptoms as an apparent direct response to the antibiotics. In other words, these patients say that their treatment makes them feel much worse before they experience symptom-relief.” The abstract of the study goes on to say, “This phenomenon is known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction (JHR) and is often referred to informally as Herx. JHR is believed to be caused when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it. . . . This provokes a sudden and exaggerated inflammatory response . . . . In Sarcoidosis patients, the Herxheimer reaction seems to be a valuable indication that an antibiotic is reaching its target.” In the conclusion, the author states: “In my work with Sarcoidosis patients, it is my experience that recovering MP patients understand and welcome the Herxheimer reactions even when they must endure temporary increased suffering. They accept it as the price that they must pay in order to get well and they even seem to find it gratifying to experience tangible evidence of bacterial elimination.“

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

Signs and symptoms

It resembles bacterial sepsis and can occur after initiation of antibacterials, such as penicillin or tetracycline, for the treatment of louse-borne relapsing fever (80-90% of patients) and in tick-borne relapsing fever (30-40%). An association has been found between the release of heat-stable proteins from spirochetes and the reaction. Typically, the death of these bacteria and the associated release of endotoxins or lipoproteins occurs faster than the body can remove the substances. It usually manifests within a few hours of the first dose of antibiotic as fever, chills, rigor, hypotension, headache, tachycardia, hyperventilation, vasodilation with flushing, myalgia (muscle pain), exacerbation of skin lesions and anxiety. The intensity of the reaction indicates the severity of inflammation. Reaction commonly occurs within two hours of drug administration, but is usually self-limiting.

Causes

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is classically associated with penicillin treatment of syphilis. Duration in syphilis is normally only a few hours. The reaction is also seen in other diseases caused by spirochetes, such as borreliosis (Lyme disease and tick-borne relapsing fever) and leptospirosis, and in Q fever.[1] Similar reactions have also been reported to occur in bartonellosis (including cat scratch disease),[2][3] brucellosis,[4] typhoid fever,[5] trichinosis,[6] and cerebral trypanosomiasis.[7]

Pathophysiology

The Herxheimer reaction has shown an increase in inflammatory cytokines during the period of exacerbation, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8.[8][9]

Treatments

Prophylaxis and treatment with an anti-inflammatory agent may stop progression of the reaction. Oral aspirin every four hours for 1–2 days, or 60 mg of prednisoneorally or intravenously has been used as an adjunctive treatment [citation needed]. However, steroids are generally of no benefit. Patients must be closely monitored for the potential complications (collapse and shock) and may require i.v. fluids to maintain adequate blood pressure. If available, meptazinol, an opioid analgesic of the mixed agonist/antagonist type, should be administered to reduce the severity of the reaction. Anti TNF-a may also be effective.[10][11]

History

Both Adolf Jarisch,[12] an Austrian dermatologist, and Karl Herxheimer,[13] a German dermatologist, are credited with the discovery of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Both Jarisch and Herxheimer observed reactions in patients with syphilis treated with mercury. The reaction was first seen following treatment in early and later stages of syphilis treated with Salvarsan, mercury, or antibiotics. Jarisch thought that the reaction was caused by a toxin released from the dying spirochetes.[14]It is observed in 50% of patients with primary syphilis and about 90% of patients with secondary syphilis.[1]

References:

1) Loscalzo, Joseph; Fauci, Anthony S.; Braunwald, Eugene; Dennis L. Kasper; Hauser, Stephen L; Longo, Dan L. (2008). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill Medical. pp. 1048–67. ISBN 0-07-146633-9.

2) Rolain JM, Brouqui P, Koehler JE, Maguina C, Dolan MJ, Raoult D (June 2004). "Recommendations for treatment of human infections caused by Bartonella species". Antimicrob Agents Chemother 48 (6): 1921–33. doi:10.1128/AAC.48.6.1921-1933.2004. PMC 415619. PMID 15155180.

3) Koehler JE; Duncan LM (September 29, 2005). "Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 30-2005. A 56-year-old man with fever and axillary lymphadenopathy". New England Journal of Medicine 353 (13): 1387–94. doi:10.1056/NEJMcpc059027. PMID 16192484.

4) Madkour MM (2003). "Brucellosis". In D. A. Warrell, Timothy M. Cox, John D. Firth. Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 545. ISBN 0-19-262922-0.

5) Keith Parker; Laurence Brunton; Goodman, Louis Sanford; Donald Blumenthal; Iain Buxton (2008). "Protein synthesis inhibitors and miscellaneous antibacterial agents". Goodman & Gilman's manual of pharmacology and therapeutics. McGraw-Hill Medical. p. 768. ISBN 0-07-144343-6.

6) Grove DI (2003). "Nematode infections of lesser importance". In D. A. Warrell, Timothy M. Cox, John D. Firth. Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 809. ISBN 0-19-262922-0.

7) F.P. MacKie (1935). "The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in trypanosomiasis with a note on the morular cells of Mott". Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 28 (4): 377–84. doi:10.1016/S0035-9203(35)90132-8.

8) Vidal V, Scragg IG, Cutler SJ et al. (December 1998). "Variable major lipoprotein is a principal TNF-inducing factor of louse-borne relapsing fever". Nat. Med. 4 (12): 1416–20. doi:10.1038/4007. PMID 9846580.

9) Kaplanski G, Granel B, Vaz T, Durand JM (July 1998). "Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction complicating the treatment of chronic Q fever endocarditis: elevated TNFalpha and IL-6 serum levels". J. Infect. 37 (1): 83–4. doi:10.1016/S0163-4453(98)91120-3. PMID 9733392.

10) Fekade, D; Knox, K; Hussein, K; Melka, A; Lalloo, DG; Coxon, RE; Warrell, DA (Aug 1, 1996). "Prevention of Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions by treatment with antibodies against tumor necrosis factor alpha.". The New England journal of medicine 335 (5): 311–5. doi:10.1056/NEJM199608013350503. PMID 8663853.

11) Coxon, RE; Fekade, D; Knox, K; Hussein, K; Melka, A; Daniel, A; Griffin, GG; Warrell, DA (Mar 1997). "The effect of antibody against TNF alpha on cytokine response in Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions of louse-borne relapsing fever.". QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians 90 (3): 213–21. doi:10.1093/qjmed/90.3.213. PMID 9093599.

12) Jarisch A (1895). "Therapeutische Versuche bei Syphilis". Wien Med Wochenschr 45: 721–42.

13) Herxheimer K, Krause D (1902). "Ueber eine bei Syphilitischen vorkommende Quecksilberreaktion". Deutsch Med Wochenschr 28 (50): 895–7. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1139096.

14) "The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction". Lancet 1 (8007): 340–1. February 1977. PMID 64863.

Supplements that block the toxic affect of alcohol?

A Supplement That May Block The Toxic Effects of Alcohol

George D. Lundberg, MD - Consulting Professor, Health Research Policy, Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California

Hello and welcome. I am Dr George Lundberg, and this is At Large at Medscape. September is "be kind to addicts" month (officially National Recovery Month). How can we help?

Of every 100 Americans who drink (140 million), about 12 (16 million) are considered in need of treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and eight will become chemically dependent on alcohol.^[1] Of that eight, one will become addicted very early, even after the first drunken episode. The problem is, we do not yet have a way to predict who that one person will be.

Prevention is always the best answer to addiction. Do not drink. If you do drink, do not ignore the warning signs of becoming a problem drinker.

Let me ask you: How is your blood acetaldehyde today; or, more relevant, how was it late last night? You don't know? Why am I not surprised? Most people don't even think about acetaldehyde.

Ethyl alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver. Acetaldehyde is metabolized to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase and then to carbon dioxide and water. Depending on the alcohol dose, some of the acetaldehyde may escape hepatic metabolism and enter the general blood circulation.

Acetaldehyde is a close cousin to my old pathology lab friend formaldehyde. We use it to pickle surgical and autopsy tissues for preservation. Both are known carcinogens. Our body's defense mechanism against excess acetaldehyde is the amino acid l-cysteine and glutathione. These molecules, similarly to thiamine, contain a sulfhydryl group that is chemically active against aldehydes.

Unless you are one of those people (typically East Asian) who are genetically deficient in aldehyde dehydrogenase or are taking disulfiram, you can metabolize roughly one stiff drink per hour. If you drink more than that, depending on body weight, gastric contents, and the efficiency of your metabolic alcohol breakdown, acetaldehyde will build up because aldehyde dehydrogenase capability can be overwhelmed.

If you quit drinking at 11:00 PM, then around about 1:00 AM, your acetaldehyde level may be elevated and you may feel symptoms of acetaldehyde toxicity, including skin flushing, tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, nausea, thirst, chest pain, and vertigo. Of course, you are trying to "sleep it off," so you may not feel toxic until the next morning when that dreaded hangover appears.

Metabolizing Alcohol 

My friends in the nutritional supplement community tell me that you can enhance the metabolism of blood alcohol to acetate, carbon dioxide, and water and minimize the acetaldehyde molecular logjam by taking oral supplements. L-cysteine, vitamin C, and vitamin B₁ are purported to help. 

At supplement doses, they are cheap and harmless at worst. At best: Goodbye, acetaldehyde toxicity; hello, restful sleep. About 200 mg of L-cysteine per ounce of alcohol consumed is sufficient to block a major portion of the toxic effect of acetaldehyde. But because alcohol is absorbed and metabolized rapidly, it may be necessary to take L-cysteine before and concurrently with consumption to maintain protection. Also, an excess of vitamin C (perhaps 600 mg) can help keep the L-cysteine in its reduced state and "on the job" against acetaldehyde. Experts recommend these doses (with or without extra B₁): one round before drinking, one with each additional drink, and one when finished.

Some say that this regimen works very well. Do not ask me for a list of published randomized, double-blind clinical trials. Not yet, at least. Research funding into "harm reduction" from addicting substances has not enjoyed favored status in research priorities.

Unfortunately, this concoction may have little effect on next-day hangovers, the causes of which are complex and resistant to prevention—except, obviously, by not drinking too much, which is, of course, the best answer to alcohol anyway.

With drug users, be redemptive, not punitive.

That is my opinion. I am Dr George Lundberg, and this is At Large at Medscape.

Nutritional Support Considerations to help address the Toxic Effects of Alcohol:  Available at www.naturalhealthhaven.net (click on shop and then nutritional supplements link)

Alcohol Detox - (catalog#R216)  

Alcohol Detox is formulated to support "Alcohol Detoxification" and minimize alcohol's negative effects on liver function... (see information below).

Alcohol Detox
Hepatic Support for Alcohol Detoxification
Manufactured by: Nutrition Dynamics, Inc.
Nutritional support complex formulated to support alcohol detoxification.

Two capsules supply:
L-Cysteine HCl ........................................................................ 100 mg

N-Acetyl-Cysteine.................................................................... 100 mg 

Vitamin C ................................................................................. 600 mg 

Thiamin (B1) .............................................................................. 18 mg 

Riboflavin (B2) .......................................................................... 2.2 mg 

Niacinamide (B3) ....................................................................... 16 mg 

Niacin (B3)................................................................................. 14 mg 

Pyridoxine (B6) ......................................................................... 2.4 mg 

Vitamin B12 ...........................................................................16.6 mcg 

Folic Acid ..................................................................................50 mcg 

Pantothenic Acid........................................................................ 16 mg 

Biotin.........................................................................................20 mcg 

Alpha Lipoic Acid ......................................................................... 5 mg 

NOTE: The above dose recommendation is before alcohol consumption, but "Alcohol Detox" would be of benefit after consumption or for "alcohol recovery / detox" @ 2-capsules once or twice daily, as well.

The formulation concept for "Alcohol Detox" was actually two-fold;

1) To provide nutritional support  for the simple detoxification of alcohol, and to minimize and prevent hepatic / liver damage, for the moderate to heavy drinker.

2) To provide nutritional support for the patient going through "alcohol recovery / detox", especially when combined with LiverCare (see below), which would support liver regeneration, in addition to supporting liver detoxification.

Here is a breakdown of the nutrients that are in "Alcohol Detox" and the rationale why,.. (in general);

B-vitamins, (B1,B2, B3, B6, B12, Folic acid, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin), and Vitamin C… Often deficient in alcoholics due to both inadequate intake and alcohol induced impairment in absorption and necessary for liver-based detoxification / healthy liver function.

1) Baines M. Detection and incidence of B and C vitamin deficiency in alcohol-related illness. Ann Clin Biochem 15:307-12, 1978

2) Norton VP. Interrelationships of nutrition and voluntary alcohol consumption in experimental animals. Br J Addiction 72(3):205-12, 1977

N-Acetyl Cysteine / Cysteine is used for preventing alcoholic liver damage and as a "hangover" remedy.

  

• N-acetyl cysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine. N-acetyl cysteine is a precursor of glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant. 

• Glutathione can not cross the cell membrane, but N-acetyl cysteine easily crosses the cell membrane where it is converted to cysteine and, subsequently, glutathione. 

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl-free radicals reduce intracellular and extracellular concentrations of glutathione.

 

• N-acetyl cysteine is a very efficient way to replenish glutathione and reduce damage caused by ROS.

• The antioxidant effects of N-acetyl cysteine may explain its apparent ability to prevent adverse effects caused by toxic chemicals, alcohol, drug reactions, and nonionic low-osmolality contrast agents.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is utilized in alcohol-related liver disease.

• Alpha-lipoic acid is about 30% absorbed from dietary or supplemental sources, and is reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) in many tissues. Exogenous alpha-lipoic acid, and the metabolite DHLA, have antioxidant activity and can scavenge free radicals both intra- and extra-cellularly.

• Alpha-lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble and can regenerate endogenous antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione, and prevent oxidative damage.

• The antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might be beneficial in liver diseases in which oxidative stress is a factor. Alpha-lipoic acid has shown promise in experimental models to prevent aminoglycoside-induced cochlear damage, and metal (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and chemical (hexachlorobenzene, n-hexane) poisoning.

LiverCare® -  (catalog #S505) 

LiverCare® is the world's #1 selling liver support formula recommended for Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Fatty liver and Elevated liver enzymes

LiverCare® 
Natural Liver Support | Formerly Liv. 52
Manufactured by: Himalaya Drug Company

Two capsules supply:

Proprietary herbal blend ............................................................ 1.28 g

Capers (Capparis spinose Linn.) (root) Wild Chicory (Cichorium intybus Linn.) (seed) Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum Linn.) (whole)
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna W. & A.) (bark) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linn.) (aerial parts) Negro Coffee (Cassia occidentalis Linn.) (seed) Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica Linn.) (whole)

Other ingredients: Magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, crospovidone, aerosil.

NOTE: LiverCare® has been documented to prevent alcohol induced cirrhosis in published literature. (see attached information and PDF below)

LiverCare / Liv-52 - World's #1 selling liver support formula 
Recommended for Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, Fatty liver and Elevated liver enzymes

Liv-52 (LiverCare®) was introduced in 1955 by Himalaya Herbal Healthcare. Since then, it has been sold worldwide and is recognized by thousands of health professionals as one of the most effective liver formulas, with beneficial effects reported in over 300 studies on a variety of cases. Liv52ensures optimum liver function through the protection of the hepatic parenchyma, and by way of its potent antioxidant properties. Liv-52 / LiverCare® neutralizes all kind of toxins and poisons from food, water, air and medications, all sources of detrimental effects on the liver. Counteracting those hard to avoid poisons and protecting one of the body's most important organs. Alcohol users in partucular find Liv-52/LiverCare® helpful in maintaining a healthier liver. It also helps those taking necessary allopathic medications to protect themselves against the damaging hepatoxic side effects.

Liv-52  (LiverCare®) is a unique, all-natural, complex multi-ingredient formula. It is safe and effective in portecting the liver against harmful toxins from drugs, alcohol, food and water. Liv52(LiverCare®) helps regulate levels of enzymes and optimizes assimilation. Liv-52 ( LiverCare®) has also been found to be associated with an increase in serum albumin, which is another indication of the liver protection it provides. Recent work shows that Liv52 (LiverCare®) has cholesterol-regulating action. Clinically, it helps maintain healthy levels of serum cholesterol, lipoproteins, phospholipids and triglycerides.

Liv-52 (LiverCare®) Benefits;

Himalaya Liv-52 (LiverCare®) has a wide variety of benefits.

 Liv52 (LiverCare) can be used in following conditions:

In the prevention and treatment of:

1. Viral hepatitis 

2. Alcoholic liver disease 

3. Pre-cirrhotic conditions and early cirrhosis 

4. Protein energy malnutrition

5. Loss of appetite

6. Radiation and chemotherapy-induced liver damage As an adjuvant with hepatotoxic drugs A valuable adjuvant during convalescence and prolonged illness

OmegaGenics® DHA 600 Concentrate 

Support for Brain Health, Cognitive Function & Eye Health - OmegaGenics® DHA 600 Concentrate features a concentrated, purified source of pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 fatty acids from sustainably sourced, cold-water fish. Each softgel provides a total of 600 mg DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and 60 mg. ofEPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid).

All OmegaGenics® formulas are tested for purity and quality and stabilized with antioxidants to maintain freshness. Learn more about TruQuality™ at <www.WhyOmegaGenics.com>.

An omega-3 compound found in fish oil (DHA) lowers the risk for brain damage caused by long-term alcohol use… A study of rat brain cultures exposed to alcohol levels equivalent to 4 times the legal driving limit showed that animals also exposed to omega-3 docosahexanenoic acid (DHA) had 90% less "neuronal death" and 90% less neuro-inflammation than those not exposed to DHA.

"Too much release of arachidonic acid is going to cause oxidative stress and what we term neuroinflammation processes. Because levels of DHA are depleted by too much alcohol, we looked at replenishing it and saw that that may be protective,”

"We hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA...suppresses or prevents the neuronal degeneration due to binge alcohol exposure,” - "

this animal study was not specifically focused on dementia. However, "since brain degeneration underlies persistent or permanent dementia, the results were extrapolated to what might happen in humans.”

"The use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, in particular DHA, in alcohol-intoxicated patients or withdrawal regimes may be one potential clinical implication of this preclinical study and should be investigated in controlled clinical trials,”

Reference: PLoS One. Published online July 16, 2014.

Partnership is mirroring.

"Everyone in our lives is a mirror reflecting back the parts we love and dislike about ourselves. If we have the courage to recognize our reflections in each other, we can grow through our partnerships. A partnership that offers both acceptance of who we are and an opportunity for personal transformation can be fertile ground for growing a healthy, lasting union. When we find this kind of partnership, we are more likely to want to keep it, invest in it, and nurture it. 

Life is a collaborative effort. Much of what we do can be enhanced through partnership. Together we are stronger because our personal power is multiplied by two. Through partnership we experience the joys of working, living, and loving together."
                                                          ~ Madison Taylor

So often we make snap judgments without looking closely at where they come from. What belief system/habit or trained behavior elicited the mental or emotional response?

Everyone and everything in our lives is there to help us grow. To help us expand and complete our soul. What attachments do you have to the outcome or what were your expectations about or around the situation? (these are the questions to ask)

Our journey is about discovering all the aspect of ourselves without judging it as good or bad, fully accepting who we are and having the ability to change and chose differently, and what better way to to discover ourselves than looking in the mirror of the responses our experiences and people elicit within us.

Every day in every way you are being shown who and what you are being at that moment...

Judgement...

Why is it so easy for us to judge others, to infuse our ideas on their behavior.

Take a moment and think about this... you have no idea how someone else is feeling or what someone's language is, how someone speaks/expresses themselves. And by this I mean, love language, appreciation language, action/non action language etc.

How someone else shows appreciation or love can be a mystery for most but if we put our own emotions and beliefs and JUDGEMENTS aside, we may be able to see clearly. They may not verbally say thank you but do they say it in their actions? Are they the first to offer a hand to help, do they try and offer compliments or encouragement to let you know how they feel or how much they value you. Do they try and be in your space just to be near you and spend time with you.

Those little "Irritating" things they do may just be their way of trying to tell you how they feel or express what they find hard to do in words?

Humans....we find it easier to judge than to look, to try and see.

Maybe today, you can suspend your opinion and judgement and emotions long enough to just observe and try to see the divinity in another. Try to see how hard they are trying to love, to show that they see you too, that they love and appreciate you!

Less judgement, more love and at least trying to understand, trying to step out of your own way to see and value another and appreciate the small and "strange"ways they say what words fail to convey.