Are you taking prescription drugs - and/or Nutritional Supplements - and/or Herbs?

There are some things You Need to Know.

written by John W Jones, MD, MPH and Marilyn Sidwell

Updated March 2016

It is strongly recommended that a qualified health care provider evaluate your nutritional needs and coordinate a nutritional program with Medical considerations.

Know the Facts:

1. Supplements can (and do) interact with each other
2. Supplements can interact with medications and herbs
3. Medications can interact with herbs and supplements (as well as with each other)

Nutritional Supplement Facts:

• These are my Minimum Recommendations: Ultra Vites and Ultra Omega-Linic
• For optimum benefit, all nutrients must be present and in proper balance daily.
• Very high levels of fat soluble nutrients such as vitamins A or D can reach toxic levels
• All the minerals need to be balanced, and high levels of certain minerals such as selenium can reach toxic levels
• B vitamins are generally safe, but should be used in balance.  High levels of vitamin B6, for example, can cause neurologic symptoms and problems.
• High levels of Folic Acid can mask a B12 deficiency.  Ultra Vites, Ultra Preventive and Ultra Preventive + Iron contain 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12 to balance Folic Acid.
• Yes, supplements and drugs can work synergistically, but they  can have adverse reactions as well as good results.

Example of a good result: the use of a probiotic with antibiotics may decrease the instance of diarrhea and colon irritation that can be caused by the use of broad spectrum antibiotics.

Example of a bad result: the action of some nutrients can interfere with some drugs used for chemotherapy.

Drugs and Nutrients Interact. for example, Statin drugs reduce the formation of coenzyme Q10 in the body.  
     Here is an example of potential problems from the most widely used prescription drug: Statins.   The statin class of drugs, such as Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol or Crestor are commonly used to control hyperlipidemia.   Statin drugs are HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors and can reduce the formation of CoQ10.   The use of Ultra CoQ10-100 can minimize this reaction.   Where the statin drugs lower cholesterol levels there are significant side effects affecting muscle physiology.  There are noted frequent side effects from statin drugs, such as flu like symptoms, myopathy, myositis, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle wasting disease.  Consider natural remedies for hyperlipidemia.

A single vitamin or  mineral should not be used by itself: for instance, when high levels of zinc are used zinc needs to be balanced with copper and other minerals   We recommend a highly researched multi vitamin such as Ultra Vites before using a higher level of any individual nutrient.

The effects of high levels of supplements needs to be evaluated.

Example: High levels of calcium can suppress the absorption of magnesium and zinc

Common Misconceptions about nutrients

 #1: herbs are natural, therefore safe.  Herbs have been used for centuries to help people solve many health problems.  In fact, their use is the basis for modern medicine.   Herbal lore attributes different properties to different parts of plants, and many herbs operate synergistically with other herbs and nutrients.
Jean-Claude LaPraz, MD is a pioneer who promotes the concept of using the ‘wisdom of the plant’ to affect and normalize body systems.

Be aware, however, that there can be adverse reactions to herbs.  In addition, there are herb/herb, herb/drug and herb/nutrient interaction problems.

#2: herbs must be standardized.  Standardizing means manipulating an herb so that it contains a guaranteed amount of a certain botanical constituent.  Plants are very complex chemically.  They contain hundreds to thousands of constituents.  The majority of plant constituents have yet to be identified or understood by modern science.  It is the synergy of the various constituents that is responsible for the medicinal activity of herbs  “The Standardization of Herbs” from Time Labs contains more information on this issue.

#3: your doctor knows what you are taking (medicines and supplements) and knows your complete health history. 

Very often you are seeing several different doctors for a variety of health issues.  In addition, you may be getting prescriptions from different pharmacies.  It is possible, therefore, that there is no one person who is coordinating your entire medication, nutritional supplements and herbal intake.

Given what we know about nutritional excesses and imbalances, an unsupervised approach to your entire dietary intake may be contributing to your symptoms.

Here are some take-charge recommendations for you:

• Make a list of all your doctors
• Make sure that all of your doctors have a complete list of all of your medications, herbs and nutrients
• Record the major Health events in your life

More Suggestions

• Discuss everything you are taking with your qualified health care provider or pharmacist.  People taking 6 or more daily medications are more likely to have a negative drug reaction.   It is especially important that you learn the consequences of taking multiple drugs as well as potential drug/drug adverse reactions.
• Learn the effects, good and bad, of all the medications
• Do read the information that comes with the prescription.

These suggestions are from an article in USA Weekend, Jan 21-23, 2005. “Raise your Prescription IQ”

• List every pill (medications, vitamins, herbs, etc), cream and ointment
• Visit a pharmacist or doctor to review this list
• Side effects can mimic many things, such as signs of aging
• Drugs can Interact w/nutrients. Some nutrients can disable the effect of the drug, and some drugs can interfere with the nutrient.

For more information:

“The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs” is a book which explains how to maintain good nutrition while using prescription drugs, and the various effects these drugs have on nutrition. Paperback, by Ross Pelton, R.Ph. and James B. LaVelle, R.Ph.

• It lists the drugs and shows how they can affect nutrients.
• Then it lists nutrients and show which drugs affect them.

“Prescription Drugs and Vitamin Depletion” from Blue Cross of Idaho had an interesting article in one of their publications several years ago.  The article started out by saying: “Some medications may affect the storage and absorption of vital nutrients you need to stay healthy.   For the most part, prescription medications do not have this affect on the body unless they are taken at  high doses for long periods of time.  However, some medications can deprive your body of specific vitamins and or minerals at any dose.”

Well Said!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

"You just need to eat right". What does it mean?

Does it mean eat your broccoli raw?

By Marilyn Sidwell with oversight from John W Jones, MD

You have more control over your health than you think you have.  Not only that, but you are the most qualified person for the job.  To say it another way, if you don't do the job no one else will!

The benefits are HUGE!   For instance, you may be able to control health problems, such as diabetes, or even prevent problems with good eating habits.  Imagine having glowing skin without using expensive skin care products.  You may avoid many of the problems associated with arthritis and joint pain.

The labels on food and nutritional supplements have been created to help you make food choices - but that doesn't make it easier for you to 'eat right'.  We realize this.  And it is why we like a good multi vitamin and mineral formula that is based on scientific data.  The addition of a complete fatty acid supplement ensures that most of the essentials are in the body.

Dr Jones has often observed that getting someone to change their diet is more difficult than getting them to change their religion.  And yet, daily nutrition is the basis for health.  Keeping the body nourished is the key to prevention of heart disease- not to mention all our 'modern' problematic health issues.  You've seen the ads promoting drugs you need to cope with these 'dis-ease' problems.  What if the onset of most of these 'degenerative' problems can be delayed - or prevented?

When you were in school did anyone teach you how to combine foods for optimal nutritional value?  Me neither...  We found these interesting food survey results :

1. Overall most people recognize the importance of good nutrition.
2.  In fact, many Americans assume they are 'eating right'.
3.  Other people feel confused by news reports and conflicting studies.
4.  Many believe that healthy eating takes too much effort.
5.  And / or that it requires them to give up the foods they love.

I have a Question for you:.  What are the 7 food groups?  No, not a pizza and 6 pack!

Several sources break foods into 5 groups displayed in a Pyramid with the minimum intake on top and the most recommended at the bottom, or widest part of the Pyramid.   With the low carbohydrate pyramid Whole Grains are at the top.  The second group is made up of Vegetable & seed Oils, Cheese & Dairy, Nuts & Legumes.  The next group is Fruits.  The next group is Vegetables.  The bottom, or widest part is made up of the Proteins.  NO added sugars or hydrogenated oils are recommended.  PS. Avoid high fructose corn syrup (sugar extraordinaire) at all costs.

The truth is we each tend to eat the same 10 or 15 foods - ALL THE TIME.   Want to make a real change in your diet?  A simple plan is to select a different group of foods every day.  A different meat or fish, a different vegetable (french fries are NOT the only vegetable) and a different grain for cereal and/or bread.   Avoid 'the weight-loss diet of the week'.  We encourage you to adopt the 'low carbohydrate lifestyle modification'. 

Here are some factors that affect the nutritional value of food: Fresh fruits and vegetables usually have more nutritive value than those that are cooked or provided by food manufacturers (in a can or box).   To deal with GMO and pesticide concerns learn these label codes:

• a 5 digit code starting with 8 means Genetically modified
• a 5 digit code starting with 9 means Organic
• a 4 digit code starting with 3 or 4 means conventionally grown

There are also considerations of food benefits that are internal to you:   To benefit you food must be digested, absorbed, transported and used by your body, then excreted.  If any part of this process is compromised, so is your health.   Digestion Problems such as GERDS, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea are not 'normal';  they are indications that your GI system is in trouble.

More on the labels on food and supplements: What is the RDA?  Why do supplements & manufactured foods show DV?

1. The RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance is sometimes called the Recommended Dietary Allowance.
2. It is used interchangeably with RDI - Recommended Daily Intake
3. These are recommendations from the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council
4. They represent the amount of nutrient and calorie intake per day considered necessary for maintenance of good health, calculated for males and females of various ages.
5. DVs are listed on food and supplement labels as the percent of a nutrient provided by serving that food.  DVs are established to meet the needs of a healthy adult based on a 2000 or 2500 calorie diet.

How do you 'eat right'?

I have another question for you:  If the label only lists 5 or 10 items when there are RDAs for about 30 nutrients,  how do you ensure that you get them all every day?

Dr Jones and other nutritionally oriented doctors agree that the RDAs are inadequate.  Even so, many of us do not consume even the minimum amounts that are recommended.   Are you going to total up the nutritive value of each 'manufactured' food you eat today?

Here is an ice cream label with a serving size of 1/2 cup.
Be honest;  who eats just a half cup of ice cream?

So you decide to eat an apple instead.  That is a healthier choice, right?   I found nutritional information on the apple at the website SelfNutritionalData.  The apple has some Carbohydrate and Fiber information, and lists RDAs for 2 vitamins and 2 minerals.   Hmmm.  Is there another way to go about meeting your daily requirements?  How about a different kind of web search?  Search for foods high in Vitamin C.  That gives results, but you have to do that for each vitamin and mineral - not to mention the other food categories such as Calories, Fats, Protein, etc.

The 'Nutrition Almanac' published by McGraw -Hill provides a table of Food Composition that is very helpful.  It lists individual foods across the top of the page.  Down the left side it lists ingredient information, starting with a measure, which will usually conform to the serving size.    At least everything you want to evaluate is available in one place.    The Nutrition Almanac is full of invaluable information to help with your food choices.

The fact is, we don't eat right.  So how can you ensure that you will fuel this marvelous biochemical machine daily? You know, the body you live with and care for every day.  Because we have many reasons that our dietary eating habits are less than ideal, Nutritional supplementation helps fill the void.

To recap some concerns about RDAs and DVs from Dr Jones:

1. Most doctors do not see 'well' people.  Actual RDA needs vary depending on the needs of  individuals.
2. The RDAs are set so that most normal people will have adequate nutrition.
3. Most social programs are based on the RDAs - which makes one suspect that they are more political than scientific.
4. RDAs are NOT optimal levles - they are estimates for populations.
5. The RDAs are not for the very young, the very old, those who are sick, traumatized or stressed, or injured.  Note:PREGNANT WOMEN should never take nutritional supplements without the approval of their obstetrician.
6.  You have to eat 1100 nutrient-laden calories to ingest all the RDIs daily
7.  A sick kidney is smarter than a smart doctor - unless it is a VERY sick kidney.  Dr Jones' recommendation - use a really good multi.  Throw in the vitamins and minerals that are essential each day - at high levels.  Let the kidney sort out what your body needs.  Dr Jones does not advocate the use of single nutrients (including herbs) until after covering the nutritional bases with a good multi vitamin and essential fatty acids.
8. In fact, everyone will benefit from a good multi vitamin/mineral supplement plus Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). 

I know you have heard the statement - All supplements are a waste of money. Or: The only thing you get with supplementation is expensive urine'.  However, since it it is very difficult to be sure that all of the essential nutrients are supplied by your daily diet in sufficient quantities to ensure your continued health, Dr Jones considers these basic supplements essential to good health .

We present these products for your consideration as a way to provide the minimum requirement to keep your body at peak performance daily:

• Ultra Vites and Ultra Preventive Plus Iron both meet and far exceed the RDAs.  Both products are formulated by John W Jones, MD, MPH.  Ultra Preventive is available without Iron, and Ultra Vites is formulated without Iron.
•  Ultra Omega-Linic exceeds the requirements for fats - EFAs in particular because these pre formed fatty acids are deficient in our American diets, and their lack is implicated in many of our current diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.

There is a lot of information promoting individual nutrients - like Vitamin C and Calcium.  Turmeric and Ginger are very popular herbal remedies.  Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes can be critically important for many people.  Regardless of the benefits of these individual recommendations, Dr Jones feels strongly that you must cover the nutritional bases FIRST.  Then the body has what it needs to work with the other nutrients.

A problem we have addressed in a future blog- how do you guarantee that you are getting adequate protein?    You can read about this problem here: Eating right means getting enough of the right kind of Protein!

For more information from Dr Jones visit his website, www.jjConsulting.net

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What the Heck is Brain Food, Anyway?

Eat for your brain - a proven idea that never caught on.  Controversial, too!

By Marilyn Sidwell, Nutrition Pure and Simple

with oversight by John W Jones, MD, MPH
Reviewed July 2016

I have always stood in awe of creative genius.  Just how does a sculptor ‘release’ a statue from a stone?  How did the architect ‘imagine’ that awesome cathedral?  Can a great composer really ‘hear’ the melody - as well as the contribution of each musical instrument?  There is no doubt in my mind: their brains work differently from mine.

A little biochemical history   

When you think about it, human beings are really unique.  Since we have so much in common with the other animals that inhabit our planet, just what is it that sets us apart from them?  I have heard us described as being ‘self aware’.  Human Beings universally hold a belief in a ‘being’ outside ourselves, such as God, who provides counsel in how we can live our lives in such a way that we can advance to a higher plane or level of being.   Where does this concept come from?

Many researchers point to specific biochemical activities in our brains that differentiate us from other animals. The human brain not only is comprised of a large percentage of fat, but uniquely the fat is almost exclusively the preformed LCPUFAs, and those are predominantly AA, DTA and DHA; but not the parent oils LA and ALA from plants.  The brains of herbivores, or plant-eating animals, are rich in LA and ALA, but not the LCPUFAs.  We can convert LA and ALA into the longer FA chains, but this conversion is slow and unreliable.  So LA and ALA cannot account for our unique brain capabilities.

Researchers have noted that without exception all land locked species lost the ability to accumulate DHA in the brain.   As a result they never attained our kind of brain capacity and function.  Today their brains are very different from ours.  So, way, way back in time something happened that affected the brain of pre-hominids.  What could have happened?

Around 5 million years ago a mutation occurred that allowed fat to be taken up more efficiently by pre-man’s brain, subcutaneous and breast tissue.  Further, it is probable that when the last marine mammals vacated the land/water cusp, a species of ‘clever ape’ took up residence.  Their brains were nourished in this super nutrient-rich animal food chain; they did not eat plants exclusively.  These ‘riverine’ areas provided food such as fish, molluscs, insects, reptile eggs, larvae and crustaceans that are particularly rich in the preformed LCPUFAs necessary for optimal brain functioning.  In addition, when hunted animals were eaten they donated the lifetime benefits of that animal’s biochemistry.  Nutritional intake for these hominids was rich in many ways:  preformed LCPUFAs, iodine, protein, vitamins and all the nutrients so often low or missing from the typical American diet.

What about the animals with whom we feel the closest kinship?  I believe you might be able teach a monkey to drive a car.  Who has not seen one drive a kid’s toy car?.  What you cannot do is teach the monkey how to drive safely - in freeway traffic, for instance.  Apes have been seen to pick up a stick and strike with it.  Have you ever seen one sharpen a stick and use it to stab?  Can you imagine the brain power it would take for one to invent an ax?  Early man had the brain power to creat a number of ‘tools’.

So the continuing question is - what makes us different?  

According to David Horrobin, further mutations occurred related to an enzyme that directly affects brain function.  It is called phospholipase A2.  Today people who have trouble with this enzyme are diagnosed as having schizophrenia or one of the other related behavioral neurological conditions.

It seems that this particular genetic mutation has proved apt to fuel human language, religion, creativity, symbolism and art, charismatic religious leaders, pastoralism and agriculture.  Ultimately this change led to the industrial Revolution with its unique diet. 

A no-so-good effect: the over-activity of the phospholipase A2 enzyme has been associated with psychoses, single-mindedness, cruelty, ethnic differentiations and hatred, as well as our constant need for novelty and our curiosity.  To quote Dr Horrobin “In fact our whole fractured humanity.”  The gene for Schizophrenia affects a small percentage of the population.  What makes it unique is that it has that same distribution world wide and race wide.  It is also possible that over the centuries the genetic distribution has spread and been diluted so that many people have at least a little effect from it. 

Neurologic problems are on the rise in recent years.  

It is probable that in the early years of the mutation frank psychosis was avoided by the water-based ‘riverine’ diet which was a rich source of preformed essential fatty acids that nourished the brain.  Dr Horrobin published a book called ‘The Madness of Adam and Eve: How Schizophrenia Shaped Humanity.”   In support of this theory, written history shows us that some of the greatest leaders, musicians and thinkers were part of a family which had a known schizophrenic member.

Unfortunately, the agricultural revolution began the move away from a diet containing food from the ocean and riverines: where fish, crustaceans, and kelp were central.  Modern diets are full of fats that are wrong for our brains - a particular problem for those with the gene.  Without the proper preformed LCPUFAs the phospholipase A2 enzyme becomes overactive and begins to displace all the preformed and essential LCPUFAs (AA, DHA, EPA and DGLA) from the Sn2 position of membrane phospholipids. 

Many good studies have proven that this loss can be controlled by providing the preformed LCPUFAs which quench the over activity of this enzyme.   I know: that is too simple to be true.   And truth be told, it is a remedy ignored by most doctors.   How can it be possible to change a very dysfunctional person with the overactive enzyme into a responsible husband or wife, teen or non-criminal?  It just works!  Read Dr Jones' Nutritional Recommendations.

What is most amazing is that the resulting creativity (and often brilliance) can be exhibited - minus the terrible personality complications.  Schizophrenics, those with dyslexia and autism often display mental talents denied to so-called ‘normal’ individuals.  What a benefit to humanity if they can begin to express the full nature of the function of their brains.

In the 1970's the ‘Fat is Bad for You” myth began to spread.  Coincidentally so did the rise in obesity with an increase in Diabetes.  Heart disease and Cancer are among the list of problems arising out of the typical American diet.  Besides feeding our brains the wrong foods with the wrong fats we are also wreaking havoc with the rest of our bodies. 

When you look at what foods are recommended for modern ‘healthy diets’, they are high in carbohydrates (plants) and low in foods that provide LCPUFAs and quality proteins and iodine.  No wonder the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a list of hundreds (maybe thousands, I did not count them) of neurological disorders. 

Elsewhere we have written about problems with the typical American diet.  Besides choosing foods that are high in carbohydrates and which provide the wrong fats, we eat too many processed foods, get WAY too much sugar and eat foods that are high in Arachidonic acid - a major source of inflammatory diseases like arthritis and cancer.

What we do know is that the way you think, and the way your brain works is dependent on the presence of LCPUFAs.  We also know that AA, an essential EFA,  must be in balance with the other LCPUFAs.  It is known that various LCPUFAs affect intelligence, behavior and mood.  For instance, clinically depressed people have a much lower level of DHA.  It should be noted that DHA raises serotonin and alleviates stress.

In order to promote a healthy brain and body we highly recommend

1.    Ultra Omega-Linic, which supplies the PRE FORMED Essential Fatty Acids GLA, EPA and DHA so important to the brain.  The usual fish oil products provide the EPA and DHA, but not the GLA, which is likely to be in short supply because the typical American diet prevents it from being converted from its parent oil LA.
2.    Ultra Vites, which supplies the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are necessary to fuel this marvelous biochemical factory that we call our body and brain - including iodine, necessary for thyroid support.  Brain function seems particularly in need of the B vitamins, especially B12 and folic acid, both of which are very low in plant food.
3.    And the Low Carbohydrate lifestyle with its emphasis on low carbohydrate fresh fruits and vegetables, quality protein, and lots of fish, especially deep water, cold water, oily fish.  In recent years we also put more emphasis on organic foods (avoid GMO)

Notes re: the low carbohydrate lifestyle modification

•    There is NO limit on the amount of protein and fat.  Carbohydrate is the enemy of body and brain health.
•    The KIND of protein matters!  If ONE essential amino acid is missing, all protein synthesis is compromised.  The same is true if you cannot synthesize a conditionally essential one fast enough to meet your current biochemical needs.
•    The KIND of carbohydrate matters!  While the low glycemic index carbohydrate foods are preferred, the total amount of carbohydrate daily matters more.  The optimal level of carbohydrate intake is 40-65 grams.  A lower level is necessary if weight-loss is a goal.
•    But most of all, the KIND of Fats and Fatty Acids matter!  In order to keep your brain operating at peak performance you MUST have the preformed GLA, EPA and DHA. AA is an essential Fatty Acid that in the typical Amer diet is in over- abundance and your food choices must necessarilry counteract its effects.

Acknowledgments:
This paper is based on writings by David Horrobin, MD, He has a doctorate in neurophysiology and neuroendocrinology and has written extensively about EFAs.  For this article I drew on his article “A Speculative Overview: The Relationship between phospholipid spectrum disorders and human evolution” that appears in Phospholipid spectrum disorders in psychiatry and neurology, 2nd edition, Marius Press 2003.

The other author is Michael A. Crawford.  In particular I draw upon Dr Crawford’s  After-Dinner talk for the Am Heart Assn conference on W-3 FA in Nutrition, Vascular Biology and Medicine Houston, TX 1994. 

Additionally, John W Jones, MD, MPH has been studying the role of EFAs in Health since the mid 1980s, and I draw heavily upon his knowledge.

Visit the website of John W Jones, MD, MPH for Articles, Nutritional Recommendations for various health conditions, white papers for our Nutritionals and some recipes - a valuable resource
www.jjConsulting.net

Additional Reading
Carbs as Brain Fuel Myth

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The Link between Parkinson's disease and Probiotics

 Reviewed July 2014


You can't prove what did not happen.   Suppose you learn that certain nutritional remedies have the potential of preventing problems from developing.  If you never have the problem how do you PROVE that you prevented it?

The references at the bottom of this article may lead you to further research.

Take Parkinson's disease for example.  By the time the disease shows up, major neurologic damage has already been done.  PS - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have a very close relationship.. They are the first and 2nd most common neurolocal problems of aging.

Are we implying that it is possible to apply a nutritional remedy that will have the potential of preventing Parkinson's disease from developing?  Yes - because there appears to be a very strong link between  Dysbiosis in the GI tract and Parkinson's disease.

Dysbiosis is defined as an unhealthy change in the normal bacterial ecology of the intestines.  The definition includes the condition that results when the natural flora of the gut are thrown out of balance.

Common conditions which may cause Dysbiosis:

    Antibiotic treatment  -
            including the use of multiple antibiotics
            especially when probiotics are not used,
            and especially when treatment is long term:
    Constipation
    Diarrhea or vomiting
    Drug treatments - especially those which cause constipation or diarrhea
    GERDS (acid reflux)
    GMO foods (consequences of glyphosate)
    Food Allergies
    Inflammatory Bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's)
    Leaky Gut
    Typical Western diet - high in sugar and processed foods which are low in nutritive value
    Unexplained or an undiagnosed cause of abdominal pain

Which products are most likely to be beneficial?
Ultra 4x6 Probiotic - provides 6 probiotic strains that colonize the gi tract from the lower small bowel to the rectum.  The effect is to restore normal flora.
Ultra Omega-Linic - provides GLA, EPA and DHA, the essential fatty acids required to balance the excess Arachidonic Acid prevalant in the typical Western diet.  This is important because the brain is mostly made up of fatty acids.  These long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids (LPUFAs) have been shown to be important to both brain structure and brain function.  Ultra Omega-Linic is also     important to proper function of the GI tract.  In fact these LCPUFAs are important to all body structure and functions.
Ultra Vites - high in essential nutrients - and especially high in B Vitamins - Folacin and B12.  B Vitamins support neurological function and. all of the metabolic processes.  Ultra Vites supplies the basic nutrients needed by the body (this marvelous biochemical factory we walk around in).
Enzymes Plus - support complete digestion of food.  It provides Gastro-Active and Entero-Active activity to help break food into small enough molecules for absorption .
Argiletz French Green Illite Clay - restore mineral balance, eliminate toxic agents & bacteria - used often to stop diarrhea


Recommendations:
    Low Carbohydrate lifestyle modification with emphasis on high fiber foods
    A Basic Package with Ultra 4x6 Probiotic (Ultra Omega Linic, Ultra Vites & Ultra 4x6 Probiotic) 
    A GI Support Package (Argiletz French Green Illite Clay *, Enzymes Plus and Ultra 4x6 Probiotic)    * this clay is especially important for constipation or diarrhea

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Links
http://blog.brendawatson.com/general/does-parkinsons-disease-originate-in-the-gut/ (Leonard Smith, MD)
http://neurosciencenews.com/parkinsons-gastrointestinal-tract-neurology-2150/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25883837

All Natural Treats for your Feet

from Nutrition Pure and Simple with Information from Windrose Aromatics

Reviewed July 2016
All day you've been on your feet.  You're tired, hot and bothered - or cold and weary.   You get home and want to just sit.  But there remain important things you want to do: greet the kids, pet the dog, pay some bills, cuddle up with your spouse - well, you get the idea...

And you just don't feel like it.

Hold on!  Before you give up on the day, why not give Essential Oils a chance?  Just a few minutes soaking your feet in nature's magical, calming, refreshing oils can relax you and redeem the evening.

You deserve it.

Here are the easy basics:
You need a small tub, large enough for your feet, filled with water.  Stir in essential oils.  Place the tub on the floor, just in front of your favorite couch or chair.  Put your feet in the tub, sit down, lean back, close your eyes and relax.

After soaking wrap your feet in a large towel.  Relax for another 5 or 10 minutes.

Three Foot Soak ideas:

1. For a soothing, stress-release foot bath, use very warm to hot water.  Add to the water: 12 drops marjoram, 2 drops lemongrass, 6 drops cedarwood.  Soak your feet for 20 minutes.
2.  For a reviving, fortifying foot bath use very cold to icy water.  Add to the water: 10 drops pine, 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops rosemary.  Soak  feet for 5 minutes.
3.  For a healing cleansing foot bath use tepid to warm water.  Add to the water: 8 drops lemon, 8 drops eucalyptus, 8 drops tea tree.  Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes

Use Essential Oils for tired feet to perk up a tired you.  You will be refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the day.

Hint:  the Aromatherapy Companion Pack has Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Rosemary and Eucalyptus in a travel bag ready for you - including more ways to use these 100% pure and Genuine Essential Oils.

And you will love the smells too!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Another way the Elderly are at risk

Support your Brain!

Reviewed July 2016

Dr Jones has often recommended Ultra Monolaurin for the elderly because it benefits the brain - especially when Type III diabetes, or the inability of the brain to use glucose, is a possibility.  Compromised use of glucose has been suggested in Alzheimers and Senile dementia.

Do Infections lead to falls?

A recent study suggested that infections may be a cause for the elderly falling down.  Falls often lead to a doctor or hospital visit due to the seriousness of the resultant injury.  Worse luck for the patient, the original problem often goes undiagnosed.

For years doctors have recommended monolaurin for viral and bacterial infections.  With this information there is an additional reason to take some Ultra Monolaurin daily - to prevent common infections.
 
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

Elderly Abuse

One of Dr Jones' medical journals had a recent article titled: The biggest risk to the elderly 

... is us.

Reviewed July 2016

The article was addressing the fact that there is a threat to the elderly posed by medical treatments.   The patients were plagued by known common adverse reactions to drugs.  The problems came from the treatments themselves, not treatment error or negligence.  The most problematic drugs are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.   While the report refers to conditions in New Zealand, a comment by an MD associated with the American Academy of Family Physicians indicated that the report pretty accurately reflects conditions here in our current medical system.

In addition, both reports mention the fact that many elderly people are taking multiple prescription medications which easily leads to drug-drug interactions. 

The frustrating part of this report is that there are natural nutritional alternatives to antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications.  Ultra Monolaurin is well known for its anti viral and anti bacterial benefits while antibiotics have been shown to be ineffective against viral infections - such as those causing most upper respiratory infections.   As you can see, it is super easy to protect yourself from colds and flu without antibiotics.

In the arena of anti inflammatory medications, there is a growing body of knowledge about the anti inflammatory benefits of fish oil - and new warnings about the side effects of NSAIDs.   Ultra Omega-Linic tops the list of fish oil products.   We provide extra anti inflammatory action with the addition of GLA from Black Currant seed oil that we have added to Wild Alaskan Salmon.

For more immediate pain relief Dr Jones recommends Opti-MSM Lotion Plus.  It works well for wrist, knee and back pain.  An added benefit is included -  the easing of skin irritations common to aging skin.

Another very effective pain-reliever is Yucca.  Dr Jones recommends 2 capsules be taken 3 or 4 times per day as necessary for pain.   A great thing about Yucca is that you can avoid the side effects of NSAIDs and other over the counter pain relief medications.  Yucca is also being used for hyper-lipidemia conditions - and it is a great antioxidant.

Another tidbit of information came from Consumer Reports.  They tested a number of ground beef samples for contaminants.  Samples included what they termed 'conventionally raised beef ' (those given antibiotics and handled in a conventional manner) and those more 'sustainably produced'.  These included cattle that are grass-fed, those who received no antibiotics or were fit to be called 'organic'.    Ground beef from the more naturally produced cattle had a much lower incidence of salmonella and other pathogenic organisms.

If you are inclined to buy beef that is 'sustainably produced', beware the term 'natural'.  That term is not defined by the government.  Look for PCL certified or certifications of 100% grass fed, or Animal Welfare approved, or similar labels.

Along with these thoughts, be aware that as we age we are less likely to produce stomach acid.  We are also likely to have had a course of antibiotic treatment which may have eliminated the good bacteria from our intestinal defense system.  Adding a good digestive enzyme along with replenishing the GI tract with probiotics can help in the event of exposure to tainted meat.  You may not be able to avoid exposure to salmonella - but you may be able to defend against consequences of the contamination.
 
by Marilyn Sidwell with oversight by John W Jones, MD
Visit Dr Jones' website: jjConsulting.net

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.   Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.