THE GREATEST MEDICINE OF ALL… Is Teaching People How Not To
Need It
More Reasons Why I'll Never Take Blood Pressure Medication
By Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., Ph.D.
For a long time I've
been reporting about ways to support your cardiovascular health without taking
drugs. And today, I will specifically discuss four science-backed nutrients
that have been shown to help lower your blood pressure naturally.
But first, let me back up and explain why my thinking about
how to manage blood pressure has evolved in recent years…
Mounting concerns about all blood pressure medications
As you may recall, in the past, I've always recommended
taking only older, generic blood pressure medications, as needed, to keep high
blood pressure under control. But, some recent developments have made me
reconsider that stance…
For one, there are mounting safety concerns about even
generic blood pressure medications. Not to mention the growing list of side
effects associated with brand-name ACE inhibitors.
It's gotten so bad that my own personal physician of 30
years said he no longer really knows what to think about these drugs in terms
of how to manage high blood pressure safely.
I—on the other hand—have seen and heard more than enough!
In fact, on July 4, 2019, I declared my own independence
from blood pressure drugs and stopped taking my daily dose of losartan. I felt
confident giving this option a go because, for one, I had already been
carefully adjusting my diet and lifestyle over the past several years.
I also began closely monitoring my blood pressure readings
several times a day at home. Now, as I mentioned on Tuesday, I would often get
"white coat hypertension" in the doctor's office, with elevated
readings, as I was getting ready to argue with doctors, physician-assistants,
and nurses about their mainstream dogmas. But I found that when I was relaxed
at home, my blood pressure was essentially normal for my age—even without the
drugs!
Now, what really gave me the confidence to run with this
drug-free approach was all the emerging science showing that nutrients and
botanical remedies—which I had already been taking—can safely lower blood
pressure as well as, or better than, most drugs for most people most of the
time. In fact, the science shows these natural approaches produce the same
physiological effects as blood pressure drugs…but without all the side effects.
So, let's talk more about the science on four potent
nutrients shown to support healthy blood pressure.
1.) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 begins in the body as an antioxidant called ubiquinol.
And every single cell in your body contains it. In fact, the highest
concentration of ubiquinol is found in your heart.
So, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that supplementing
with CoQ10 also supports healthy blood pressure. I usually recommend 200 mg of
CoQ10 daily. But a recent study found that just 60 to 100 mg of CoQ10 daily
reduces blood pressure by an impressive 17 points. And that improvement can
make the difference between you needing to take a prescription drug…and
avoiding that route completely!
2.) Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a European herbal folk remedy that has been used
to support heart health for nearly 2,000 years. It works by dilating blood
vessels and improving blood flow, which combine to help lower blood pressure.
One very interesting study of people with diabetes and
hypertension found that taking 1,200 mg daily for 40 weeks significantly
lowered diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
3.) Olive leaf extract
People throughout the Mediterranean have used phenolic-rich
olive leaf extract as something of a "cure-all" for centuries. And
some recent studies have zeroed in to look at its positive effect on blood
pressure, specifically.
In fact, in one recent study, people who took 500 mg per day
of olive oil extract reduced their systolic blood pressure (the top number)
readings by six points and diastolic readings five points. Plus, people who
took 1,000 mg a day reduced their systolic readings by 13 points and diastolic
readings by five. And in another study, olive oil extract reduced the need for
blood pressure drugs by 48 percent!
4.) Fish oil
For decades, the mainstream has questioned—even bashed—the
idea of taking fish oil supplements to support heart health. And they point to
the same small, inadequate, poorly designed studies that failed to find any
benefits. But there's an obvious reason for that apparent lack of benefit…
The doses they used in those studies were ridiculously low
and nowhere near a therapeutic level. Remember, it's important to take fish oil
supplements that contain as many omega-3 fatty acids as what you'd get by
eating a healthy serving of fatty fish—like salmon.
Fortunately, in recent years, we've started to see quite a few
studies that use higher, therapeutic levels. And the results, in terms of
reducing blood pressure, have been pretty impressive…
In fact, a huge analysis of 70 clinical trials found that
people who took fish oil supplements that contain 300 mg to 15 grams (15,000
mg) of omega-3s for four to 26 weeks "significantly" reduced blood
pressure. And the greatest reductions were among "untreated"
participants with high blood pressure.
Just remember—unless you eat seafood every day, you should
take a fish oil supplement daily. (See the June 2018 issue of my Insiders'
Cures newsletter)
And for general heart health support, I recommend looking
for supplements that also include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and
betaine (TMG).
For the full back story about why I no longer recommend
blood pressure medications, be sure to check out the current October 2019 issue
of Insiders' Cures ("Here's why I no longer recommend any blood pressure
medication").
This Highly Respected Medical Specialty Offers Harmful, Low Value Care
Written by Marc S. Micozzi, M.D., Ph.D.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University recently
spent thousands of hours investigating "low value" care and
"medical reversals." Basically, these are accepted medical practices
that are found through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to be of no
benefit—or even harmful to the patient. When a "medical reversal"
occurs, it means the science finally catches up to a standard, accepted
practice and throws the procedure out.
And according to this thorough analysis, one medical
specialty reigned supreme when it came to these troubling trends.
If you've been following my Daily Dispatches for a while,
you probably already know which medical specialty has this abominable track
record…
It's cardiology, of course.
I often warn you about the disastrous, wrong-headed advice
regularly doled out by cardiologists. In fact, as I've reported before, 92
percent of the recommendations made by cardiologists (and backed the American
College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association) aren't supported by
solid, scientific evidence.
For example, the cholesterol myth for heart disease has been
crumbling for years. Indeed, a wealth of evidence confirms that statin drugs
lower cholesterol, but they don't improve death rates—the ultimate litmus test
for any kind of treatment.
Plus, they cause a whole host of other health problems. Yet,
cardiologists still dole these drugs out like candy, despite the science.
Plus, even when cardiologists put down their prescription
pads and make dietary recommendations to their patients with heart disease,
they get that advice all wrong too!
And to make matters worse, most clinical trials that test
new drugs and procedures don't even include older patients—you know, the people
most likely to actually have heart disease and who would actually need the
treatments being tested (if only they were safe and effective).
So, in my view, it's no wonder cardiologists have the worst
"batting average." They make careers out of it!
Too much zero value care and too many "medical
reversals"
For the new analysis, researchers looked at more than 3,000
RCTs published between 2003 and 2017 in the three leading medical journals: the
Journal of the American Medical Association, The Lancet, and the New England
Journal of Medicine. They identified nearly 400 studies of common, accepted
medical practices that are now identified as "medical reversals" and
have been thrown out of the toolbox, so to speak.
These reversals happened in many areas of health and
medicine. But cardiology topped the list, followed by public health (think
faulty dietary recommendations and blaming just tobacco only for all lung
diseases) and critical care (think Emergency Room and Intensive Care
treatments).
All the cardiology reversals took up fully 400 pages in the
new analysis. And most of the reversed practices had become established in
cardiology based upon weak evidence in the first place—such as a flawed RCTs,
single-center studies, observational data, or "expert" opinion.
Four of the biggest cardiology blunders, among many
The following four procedures are now removed from most
practices:
1.) Automatic chest compression for CPR
These machines deliver automated cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). And for a while, they had become commonplace in hospitals
and for use by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.
Years ago, a few EMTs and paramedics that I know already
questioned the safety of these monstrous, violent machines. But cardiologists
ignored them That is, until two large, controlled trials showed the devices to
be dangerous. In fact, these trials linked the devices with worsened
neurological outcomes compared to CPR delivered by manual compression.
But BEWARE—many municipal emergency transport teams still
stock these devices on ambulances…even years after this "medical
reversal."
2.) Ablation for atrial fibrillation
For many years, cardiologists used a procedure called
"ablation" to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition when part
of the heart muscle doesn't contract, leading to arrhythmia (an irregular
heartbeat), and blood clots. The procedure worked by scarring or destroying
heart tissue to disrupt the faulty electrical signals causing the arrhythmia.
But studies show ablation of the heart tissue does not improve symptoms in
people with persistent AF.
3.) Balloon pumps inserted into the aorta
These balloon pumps were commonly used to help patients in
shock. But when actual studies were finally finished, there was no evidence
this invasive procedure provided any benefit. Yet medical device makers are
still trying to push new contraptions based on this failed approach. So again,
beware.
4.) Dissolving "scaffold" stents
Cardiologists placed these disappearing stents inside blood
vessels to expand narrowed arteries caused by buildup of plaque. The body
eventually reabsorbs the material, like it does certain types of sutures.
But once again, the science eventually caught up to this
procedure. And clinical trials showed that the dissolving stents are inferior
to sturdy metallic stents…and also quite harmful. So, don't let a cardiologist
make you mount this scaffold.
Confirming my convictions about cardiology
Cardiologists should never have put these procedures into
practice before having the data to confirm they actually work…and, more
importantly, that they don't cause harm.
But they didn't wait.
Cardiologists as a group are so enamored with new, costly,
unproven technologies and therapies, as stated by the new report, that they
often just barrel ahead without the science to support their actions.
But these revelations just confirm my longstanding
conviction that cardiology is one of the worst, least scientific, and
ultimately most dangerous of all medical specialties.
So, if you're at risk of heart disease or currently managing
diagnosed heart disease, you would do well to stay away from cardiologists,
their cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and their harmful, aggressive, costly,
high-tech treatments with all the bells and whistles.
We now know that these cardiology "bells and
whistles" were actually warning bells and traffic whistles—screaming
"stop!"
Instead, I recommend getting your care from a general,
internal medicine physician who is sensible, conservative, and doesn't need to
use failed, screwy, high-tech machines!
Try finding someone who is also familiar with all the
natural approaches to preventing and reversing heart disease. Because the real
science shows that natural and nutritional approaches support the cardiac
muscle, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healthy blood circulation—none of
which are included in the crony, corporatist cardiology recommendations.
The Little Known Miracle of Life: Fulvic Acid
Written By: Erin Chamerlik, MS, MT(ASCP) at GreenMedInfo
LLC, 2019
In the beginning, the earth was blessed with rich, fertile
soil and lush vegetation. The soil was teaming with microbes -- bacteria,
fungi, and protozoa, to name a few. In the perfect cycle of life, microbes in
the soil break down dead plant material and create substances and nutrients
that nourish plants. When humans eat these plants, we enjoy the nutrients that
they provide
The microbes in the soil make the hidden treasure called
fulvic acid, the miracle of life. Fulvic acid is not a vitamin or a mineral and
science cannot synthesize this substance in a laboratory. Our bodies require it
for optimal health, but, we no longer get fulvic acid in adequate amounts from
our food.
While the scientific research is growing in support of
fulvic acid, there are less than 1,750 studies on PubMed.gov. One needs to dig
around to find fulvic studies related to human benefits, but information and
clinical evidence exists. This is not "just another supplement" but a
powerful, life-giving substance that is quietly disappearing from our food and
this is taking a toll on human health.
Fulvic acid has been reported to rejuvenate health and bring
a multitude of benefits that are unmatched by any other natural substance.
Fulvic acid (FA) has been used for 3,000 years as Shilajit
in Indian medicine.
Carrasco-Gallardo stated, "It is likely that the curative
properties attributable to shilajit are provided by the significant levels of
fulvic acids that shilajit contains, considering that fulvic acid is known by
its strong antioxidant actions."
Historically, it was believed that fulvic acid/Shilajit had
immune-modulating, antioxidant, diuretic, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic
benefits. [Winker][Trivadi] FA was used in diabetes, and to support the
urinary, immune, digestive, cardiac, and nervous systems.
In Ayurveda literature it is called "rasayana" or
rejuvenator, enhancing the quality of life.
Benefits
Fulvic acids can be found in compost or peat, lignite (brown
coal which gives inferior fulvic acid) or ancient humic deposits that come from
deep within the earth. Unlike other deposits formed over time deep below the
earth's surface, like coal, oil and natural gas, humic deposits are safe,
providing powerful compounds that provide an impressive number of benefits for
plants, humans and animals.
- enhances the body's absorption of vitamins and minerals
- anti-inflammatory effects
- anti-allergy
- improves many aspects of eczema
- speeds skin healing
- enhances healing of wounds infected with drug-resistant pathogens
- protects against free radical damage as an antioxidant
- anti-aging benefits
- improves gut flora and gut health
- anti-diarrheal effects in animals and humans
- improves energy levels
- reduces oxidative stress
- useful in treatment of osteoarthritis patients
- shows antiviral activity, interfering with a virus' ability to attach to a host cell, penetrate the host cell, and reproduce itself
- displays antimicrobial activity
- displays antifungal activity
- effective for the management of oral biofilm infections
- anti-aging effect on the skin, increasing fibroblast viability and reducing collagen degradation
- neuroprotective, improves memory and brain function
- supports the immune system
- stimulates metabolism
- cleanses toxins and heavy metals from the body
- shows immunomodulatory activity
- modulates homocysteine and pro-inflammatory mediators linked to atherosclerosis
- promotes ulcer healing
Science cannot create fulvic acid
Fulvic acid offers a seemingly endless spectrum of benefits
for human and animal health that would make any pharmaceutical company nervous.
Fulvic acid cannot be made by man because it involves photosynthesis and
humification. The process that creates fulvic acid requires nature's recyclers,
microorganisms, working in fertile, rich soil over a long period of time.
Microbes decompose organic material (manure, compost, decaying plant material),
in the soil to create nutrients for the plant including trace minerals, carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Microbes make the
minerals in the soil into a useful form for plants and over time the microbes
help create an amazing substance called humus.
"Essentially, All Life Depends Upon The Soil … There
Can Be No Life Without Soil And No Soil Without Life" Charles E. Kellogg, head of the Soil Survey in the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 37 years (1934-1971)
We never had to worry about getting enough fulvic acid, it
simply existed in our soil and in our food, since time began. Fertile soil, and
the microbial life within it, is a highly valuable natural resource that is
critical for food security and for human health. Fertile soil is teaming with
microbial life (it is interesting to note that there are more bacteria in two
spoonfuls of rich, fertile soil than there are humans on planet earth).
Sustainable farming practices that add compost and organic compounds to the
soil help create a robust microbial community. Microbes are required for the
cycle of life. They work to break down plant and animal matter, and over
hundreds and thousands of years, fulvic acid is one of the end products of
decomposition.
Common agricultural practices cause the loss of fulvic acid
in food and the progressive deterioration of human health
Over the past 50 to 100 years, farming practices that
sustained humans for thousands of years have drastically changed. Chemical
fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides were created to increase crop yield,
kill insects and control weeds. Modern agricultural practices increase the
amount of food produced but the toll this has taken on soil microbes, plant
nutrients and human and animal health is underappreciated.
While attempting to kill the pests and weeds and bolster
plant production, the chemicals used in agriculture have inadvertently attacked
friendly troops in the soil.
The price of growing food this way is dramatically altering
the natural recycling process required in nature, and the downstream effects on
human health are mounting.
Fulvic acid may seem like "just another nutrient"
that is declining in food, but it is actually the most important
health-building compound because it is nature's intended vehicle for
transporting minerals and other nutrients into living cells.
Fulvic acid is nature's answer to depleted food and too many
toxins
Fulvic acid and humic acid are the key substances found in
humus, the end result of the humification process where microbes in the soil
break down once living matter, usually plants. It is believed that most of the
health benefits attributed to Shilajit and humic substances are primarily due
to the presence of fulvic acid.
Fulvic acid is a very small molecule of low molecular
weight. It is smaller than humic acid and penetrates the cell membrane and even
the mitochondria. Because fulvic acid bonds easily to nutrients like
vitamins and minerals, it efficiently delivers nutrients where they are needed.
Without fulvic acid our bodies' ability to absorb nutrients (from food or
supplementation) is diminished.
Fulvic acid's small molecular weight coupled with the fact
that it is water soluble at all pH levels, makes it superior for working in the
body to:
- deliver nutrients
- bring antioxidant benefits
- remove cellular waste products and toxins
"You can trace every sickness, every disease and every
ailment to a mineral deficiency." ~Dr. Linus Pauling, awarded two Nobel Prizes
It is well known that minerals are required for a range of
biochemical processes, but mineral deficiencies are epidemic. Our food lacks
the vitamin and mineral content that it should have and most supplements do not
absorb well enough to correct mineral deficiencies. The fulvic acid complex
contains bioavailable minerals and trace elements that are desperately needed to
combat widespread mineral deficiency in humans.
Fulvic acid is nature's answer to the problem that man has
created with over-farming and the production of processed foods.
The main components of fulvic acid are carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen. These molecules in fulvic acid easily bond to other molecules and
transport them through the body. It can possess over 70 trace elements,
electrolytes, polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential amino acids.
Naturopathic physician, Dr. Daniel Nuzum, has been studying
fulvic acid since 1998. He has used fulvic acid supplements with thousands of
patients, and he researches and teaches extensively about fulvic acid. Very few
doctors can make this claim, and have little to no experience with fulvic acid.
Dr. Nuzum is an expert and he is able to communicate a difficult concept in a
way that is easy to understand. "Fulvic acts like the FedEx truck and the
garbage truck," Dr. Nuzum explained. "It delivers nutrition into the
cell and carries the trash (toxins & waste) out too!"
Fulvic acid has 60 receptor sites and because it is a
carbon-based compound, it bonds easily to nutrients. Dr. Nuzum likens fulvic
acid to a 60-passenger bus carrying nutrients in each of the 60 seats. The fulvic
acid bus travels along to cells needing a nutrient package delivered. When it
drops off the nutrient package, a seat is empty on the fulvic acid bus, so it
picks up cellular waste and toxins, like the garbage man, and removes them from
your system.
The missing puzzle piece
Many people are feeling the effects of low nutrient
absorption, even in the presence of a good diet with regular intake of
supplemental vitamins and minerals. This information about fulvic acid is the
missing puzzle piece for many people seeking health. Whether you are fighting
an infection, rebuilding health, or desire anti-aging strategies, add fulvic
acid daily to help your body absorb and use needed nutrients. Take advantage of
this powerful electrolyte and antioxidant.
Increase cellular voltage to increase health and energy
Fulvic acid has highly active carbon, hydrogen, molecular
oxygen (available oxygen) and enables better electrolyte balance. It recharges
cells allowing them to carry an electrical charge longer than normal and
survive longer as a cell.
Your body must get enough electrons to keep cells at a
healthy, healing voltage. While proper nutrition is a critical piece, it is not
enough without voltage. This is where fulvic acid comes in to help. Fulvic acid
brings molecular oxygen into the body, increasing the oxygen concentration.
CareyLyn Carter, biochemist and researcher said in an
interview, "Fulvic acid molecules act like mini-batteries, going around
and charging everything that it comes in contact with. It raises the voltage.
When our cell's membranes are fully charged, nutrients can get inside the cell
more easily. When nutrients are inside cells they are available for biochemical
processes that support our wellness."
A closer look at fulvic acid for skin conditions, cancer and
brain health
Fulvic acid improves skin conditions
Fulvic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.
A randomized, double blind, controlled study showed that
fulvic acid significantly improves inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema
with topical use, twice daily. It has been shown to be a safe and effective
treatment for skin infections, and would be useful for humans and animals.
It was found that fulvic acid reduces the pH of the skin,
relieves the itch and improves the appearance of the skin rash. FA
relieves inflammatory skin conditions.
Fulvic acid has antimicrobial properties and is a safe and
effective topical treatment for skin infections. Previously studies
were cited supporting the use of fulvic acid and humic substances for wounds,
rashes and fungal infections.
Fulvic acid has anti-cancer actions
Fulvic acid and the humic compounds are potential cancer
chemopreventive agents and have been shown to induce cancer cell
apoptosis.
Fulvic acid and humic substances have actions that combat
certain cancer risk factors:
- free radicals (fulvic acid acts as an antioxidant)
- toxins and heavy metals (fulvic acid bonds to and removes toxins and heavy metals)
- UV Radiation (fulvic acid is a photoprotective agent)
- diabetes (humic substances showed hypoglycemic effects in animal studies)
- inflammation (Winkler and Ghosh stated in a 2018 review study "there is substantial evidence to pursue FvA (fulvic acid) research in preventing chronic inflammatory diseases, including diabetes.")
Huang showed that fulvic acid suppresses resistin. High
levels of serum resistin are associated with several types of cancer and is
thought to play a role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) by
initiating the adhesion of colorectal cancer cells to the endothelium. FA
inhibits the adhesion of CRC activated by resistin.
Fulvic acid is neuroprotective and gives brain benefits
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, published a study in
2011 that concluded, fulvic acid "has several nutraceutical properties
with potential activity to protect cognitive impairment." Researchers
showed evidence that fulvic acid inhibited the formation of intracellular
tangles of tau protein, seen in Alzheimer's disease.
How to supplement with fulvic acid
Natural sources of fulvic acid
As discussed, conventional food production methods are
destroying microbes in the soil, therefore it is imperative to eat the highest
quality, organically grown food possible to increase the fulvic acid content
and nutrient content of the food.
Organic vegetables
It is possible to get fulvic acid from plants, provided that
they have been grown organically, in fertile soil, rich in humic substances. As
you know from the earlier discussion on current agricultural practices, this is
very difficult to find these days so most people benefit from taking fulvic
acid as a supplement.
The best organic vegetables, in terms of fulvic acid, are
the root vegetables like radishes, carrots and beets, but there is no way to
know for sure that you are getting adequate fulvic acid from your diet.
Organic unsulphured blackstrap molasses from sugar cane
Another source of fulvic acid is organic unsulphured blackstrap
molasses from sugar cane. This sweetener provides a good source of minerals and
fulvic acid to aid in mineral absorption.
Fulvic acid supplementation
If you are taking any medication, please consult with your
healthcare provider for contraindications. While fulvic acid is safe, there
just are not enough studies on using fulvic acid with medication.
Take fulvic acid daily as part of your health rejuvenation
regimen.
As fulvic acid supplements are being added to the market in
a variety of forms, the consumer must be aware that not all fulvic acid
supplements are equally safe. Fulvic acid is available in liquid preparations
or powder supplements and capsules. It is believed that liquid forms are more
bioavailable.
Combine fulvic acid with other plant compounds, like
spirulina in water, to enhance the benefits.
Add fulvic acid to a smoothie or antioxidant superfood
supplement drink.
Take fulvic acid with herbs, medicinal mushrooms or essential
oils suitable for internal consumption.
Topically, use fulvic acid in a natural healing salve recipe
including plant extracts known to support the skin's healing.
Should you add fulvic acid to your daily health regimen?
The choice is yours. I believe that we need to supplement
with fulvic acid now in order to harness the ability to get more nutrient
absorption, increased detoxification, and increased electrical potential.
This may be the missing puzzle piece and help explain the
dramatic increase in chronic disease that people of all ages are experiencing.
The information on fulvic acid resonated with me the first time I began hearing
about it. When that happens, I cannot keep silent
Until next time, stay healthy and happy.
JD Roma
The information on this blog is provided for educational
purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, and
medical advice and services are not being offered. If you have, or suspect you
have, a health problem you should consult your physician (preferably a
Naturopath).
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