Dealing with opioid induced constipation?

Ah - you can have another drug to deal with a drug-induced problem ...
or you can consider Natural Solutions

by Marilyn Sidwell with oversight by John W Jones, MD

    Ultra 4x6 Probiotic
    Ginger
    Opti-MSM Lotion Plus
    fiber for bulk
    water for hydration

Opioid-induced - or constipation from any cause - is the kind of GUT problem that is often considered 'normal', and as a result it is not usually discussed with the doctor.

Yet constipation will usually produce a myriad of symptoms and problems that are difficult for patients to deal with.

Constipation most often is a big problem for older patients and it is made much worse by the use of opioid drugs. But the problem is not limited to any particular age group.  For instance, opioid-induced constipation may result from post-surgery and/or post-injury medications.   If these meds include antibiotics there is a need to introduce helpful and beneficial probiotic organisms.

Regardless of the cause, the result is that the entire digestive system slows down.  Slow stomach-emptying often produces GERDS.  When the lower GI tract slows there is often bloating (abdominal distention) and cramping.  Peristalsis, the movement of food along the GI tract, slows or stops.

Ginger, one or two with meals, promotes peristaltic motion, which helps propel food thru the GI tract.   In addition, Magnesium Oxide, a natural mild laxative, can help while delivering Magnesium, often deficient in our diets. 

Make sure the diet contains fiber-rich foods, fiber and bulking supplements, and drink 8 oz or more glasses of warm water daily. In some cases a 15 minute walk to stimulate the bowel is very helpful.

One interesting solution we found for stomach cramping and straining is to gently massage the stomach and abdominal area.  Before getting out of bed in the morning or after a relaxing bath use Opti-MSM Lotion Plus in a clockwise direction.  MSM is a pain-relieving delivery system for the calming and soothing essential oils our lotion contains. 

Read more: good information from a Naturopath:

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

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

This is the Scariest Piece of information we have come across.

 You probably know that drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver.   What you might not know is that too much sugar can lead to very similar severe liver problems.  Besides changing your diet to avoid high doses of sugar, Studies have shown that some nutritional supplements may be able to help support your liver.

The world-wide increase in the consumption of high fructose corn syrup parallels the increase in overweight people and obesity world wide!  Studies have shown that consumption of sucrose (which is glucose and fructose) and fructose (sugar) promotes fatty liver disease, whereas fatty acids from the diet do not.

Ps.  When you read the label on a can or a box - anything ending in ‘ose’ is sugar.

Insulin resistance or Type II Diabetes is always present with NAFLD and leads to triglyceride accumulation in the liver.  This process is associated with free radical generation, cell injury and fibrosis.

Medical approaches are relatively ineffective

An easy way to help yourself is to embrace the Low Carbohydrate lifestyle modification recommended by John Jones, MD, MPH.  At the very least, avoid high fructose corn syrup.   A daily intake of around 40 grams of carbohydrate is a good target.  This is much more important for blood sugar control and weight loss than counting calories or doing exercise.

If you know you have problems with Gluten and/or Milk you have probably already eliminated them from your diet.  This helps the GUT heal.

One effect of high consumption of fructose is bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine, which increases intestinal permeability. This also contributes to the development of NAFLD.   Another emerging hypothesis is that pathogenic GUT bacteria and fungi (they LOVE sugar) can produce alcohol, which further increases gut permeability and liver injury.

Read / download Dr Jones' NAFLD Nutritional Protocol

So, what can you do?  First (and most important) eliminate sugar and all processed high Carbohydrate foods. The Nutritional Supplements that help are:

1. Essential Fatty Acids.  Ultra Omega-Linic contains high levels of EPA plus DHA, GLA and SDA
2. A good Multi like Ultra Vites to support all the necessary biochemical functions
3. A good Probiotic - Ultra 4x6 Probiotic contains 4 different organisms with a 6 billion CFU potency
4. Antioxidants.  There are several that were studied, but those that are most protective of the liver and tha protect the cellular membranes from oxidative stress help the most
1. Vitamin E 400 mixed tocopherols
2. Vitamin C - Ultra C-1000
3. Coenzyme Q10 - Ultra CoQ10 100
4. Protect from Free Radicals with Radical Resilience - Milk Thistle, Bacopa, Melissa & Turmeric
5. Ultra DM Complex II - Specifically formulated for blood sugar problems - contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, Cinnamon and GTF Chromium

In summary: High fructose corn syrup gives you a triple knockout.

1.  You get a high glycemic load which causes insulin resistance and diabetes.
2. The storage of fat in the liver causes severe liver damage
3. You could be setting yourself up for obesity, diabetes and liver cancer

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

Products to Support those with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The increase in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) worldwide seems to be related to an increase in the consumption of high fructose corn syrup.

High consumption of sugar, in particular high fructose sugar, can lead to severe liver problems where medical approaches are relatively ineffective.  The consequences are likely to be obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and NAFLD.

What can you do to prevent these consequences?  We recommend the Low Carbohydrate Lifestyle Modification.  Dr Jones DOES NOT recommend Aspartame.  Read about 'Sweet Poison' on his website.

These products offer Nutritional Support for this Major Problem for many Americans.

Special Products:
Ultra CoQ10 100, Ultra DM Complex II, Milk Thistle capsules and Vitamin E 400


Milk Thistle: Support optimal Liver function while protecting and regenerating the liver cells. Milk
Thistle promotes liver detoxification.

Ultra CoQ10 100: CoQ10 is an outstanding Anti-Aging supplement. For NAFLD conditions it is one of the most important ways you can protect the body’s phospholipids at the cellular level.

Ultra DM Complex II:  Ultra DM Complex was formulated to help regulate blood sugar. Since Diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar levels are always associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease,  Ultra DM Complex is an effective supplement for this problem.  Its ingredients, alpha lipoic acid, cinnamon and GTF chromium have been shown to help with blood sugar problems.  In addition, the Alpha Lipoic Acid in this product is important because it deactivates free radicals and helps reduce hepatic lipid accumulation.

Vitamin E 400: The universal antioxidant properties of vitamin E makes it another vital nutrient. It also protects the cell membranes from peroxidation.  Since oxidative stress is a major factor in NAFLD, all antioxidants are helpful.

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

Vitamin D | What a Surprise

It's not really a vitamin.  More correctly it is a PRO hormone.

Did you know?  Vitamin D3 is essential for higher animals.  Normally the skin produces D3 photochemically.  Hint: that means it needs the sun. 

NO Vitamin D is produced by the body from fall to spring in latitudes north of 35 degrees. (Los Angeles, CA to Charlotte, NC) - the part of the year when the sun's rays are at an acute angle to the earth.

In addition, very little Vitamin D is produced in latitudes below 35 degrees in individuals who are sedentary and do not have adequate skin exposure to the sun.  As you know, most people cover every inch of skin with anti sun (sunscreen), wear hats, long sleeves and long pants.
Did you know?  older skin makes very little Vitamin D from the sun.

Recently I have found studies reviewing Vitamin D3 levels in Finland (The Big Vitamin D Mistake), and another in Denmark (Modulation of the sympathetic nervous system in youngsters by vitamin D supplementation)- 2 countries we know lack sun a good part of the year.

The Vitamin D Mistake concludes that we need MUCH more D3 than has been recommended for years - more like 8000 IUs.

The Denmark study is very technical, but i was able to glean some interesting facts.   The authors start by connecting circulating vitamin d levels to heart failure (we have known about its benefits for the heart for over 30 years) and showing a relationship with autonomous nervous system in healthy youngsters.

They began by assessing  25-hydroxyVitaminD levels, assigning some subjects to a group with low levels and a group with normal levels.  I figured out that the 10 ug tablet (with calcium) 3x per day was the same as 1200 IU per day.  What was interesting is that the group with 'normal' D3 levels did not change much with supplementation.  The group that was sub normal did respond well, but after 6 months they had not yet reached the level of the 'normal' group.  I am summarizing and simplifying, so please forgive errors.  The point is, that reinforces the information from the Finland study - perhaps much more Vitamin D is necessary for health.

Normal levels per Horrobin and the Vitamin D Council

What is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) good for?

• Vitamin D is used for the prevention and mitigation of viral infections including upper respiratory infections and influenza
• Vitamin D supplementation reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure
• Additional benefits include bone and prostate health
• Chronic pain is often caused (or made worse) by low vitamin D levels in the body
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the natural vitamin D found in the human body.
• In another study Vitamin D3 was used to treat shingles
• Another study shows Vitamin D3 arms t-Cells 
• Vitamin D, in conjunction with Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), regulates blood Calcium (Ca) and bone mineralization. It also stimulates the release of prolactin and growth hormone from the pituitary.

General Information: 

    Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is produced by the action of ultra violet light (UVB3) in the skin of humans and other vertebrates. Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol, is derived from plants and fungi. These forms (D2 and D3) are metabolized similarly in humans.  However, it is very important to supplement with Vitamin D3 because presently there is no accurate way of measuring Vitamin D blood levels when D2 is used.  UVB3 rays do not penetrate the atmosphere in late fall, winter, and early spring.  As a consequence, NO Vitamin D is produced by the body at these times in latitudes north of 35 degrees. (Los Angeles, CA to Charlotte, NC)  In addition, very little Vitamin D is produced in latitudes below 35 degrees in individuals who are sedentary and do not have adequate skin exposure to the sun.  In addition, older skin poorly converts sunlight to vitamin D in the body.

Uses for Vitamin D:

    Studies have shown that higher Vitamin D levels are protective against viral infections, including upper respiratory infections and influenza.  Flare ups of COPD and Pneumonia are less common if vitamin D levels are in a higher range.  Vitamin D3 can be used at 11,000 IU per day for 7 to 10 days in the event of upper respiratory bacterial or viral infections, including influenza.

    Gastrointestinal disorders of mixing and fat emulsification, decreased transit time, and fat malabsorption reduce vitamin D absorption.  We recommend daily doses that overcome these problems.  Adults in the US typically consume only 100 to 150  IU of vitamin D daily. Thinning of the skin and reduced sun exposure may contribute to decreased vitamin D3 production in the elderly. For these reasons.

    Vitamin D is used for the prevention or slowing of osteoporosis, the correction of hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism, and prevention of hypovitaminosis D.  Use Vitamin D for any medical procedure or medication that decreases bowel transit time.  Vitamin D insufficiency has been implicated in prostate, breast and 11 other types of cancer.  Some of the conditions that Vitamin D plays a key role in preventing or helping are hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain and other autoimmune problems.

Vitamin D and chronic pain.  The Mayo clinic has reported a correlation between vitamin D levels and the amount of narcotic medication by patients with chronic pain.  The CDC reports that chronic pain is the leading cause of disability in the US.

Get your Vitamin D HERE:  Vitamin D3 5000 .
The Related Products tab lists other Vitamin D product options.

More Information:

The UV Advantage and
The Vitamin D Solution, by Michael Hollick, MD
Vitamin D Council, www.vitaminDcouncil.org
http://Pain-Topics.org/VitaminD

Nutritional Alternatives for Osteoporosis

Before we get to information on Nutritional Recommendations, you might want to look at this link re: How Ostoeporosis and osteopenia were "born" in the early 1990's.  And don't forget, the bone density 'testing' is another radiation exposure.

So - you have had your annual bone density test. (radiation exposure) Lo and behold you have osteoporosis.

• Did you know?   High bone density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Did you know?  Dense, brittle bones shatter rather than bending & stretching - a characteristic closer to glass.
• Did you know?   Calcium is NOT the only mineral your bones need.
• Did you know?  Your bones are living tissue with many functions.  Bones are a rigid, protective organ.  They are constantly undergoing ‘reconstruction’,  
• Did you know?  Bones are lightweight, strong and hard.  They are made up of a honeycomb matrix
• Did you know?  High bone density is NOT equivalent to bone health or bone strength. 

Dr Jones recommends nutritional supplements to support men and women with risk factors for Osteoporosis  - a disease that affects many adults.

There are risk factors you cannot change: gender (women are more at risk), age (bones become thinner with age), body size (small women with small bones), ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian Women are most at risk) and family history (it does run in families).  It does not help that you have had previous fractures.

The good news is that there are risk factors you can change:

• Your diet.  Just like other health issues, your diet affects your bones.  Be sure you obtain adequate protein, calcium (over your lifetime really matters) and vitamin D to protect your bones.
• Physical Activity.  Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise.  And the reverse is true
• Smoking.  This affects calcium and estrogen levels and leads to weaker bones
• Medications.  Read the product inserts for all drugs and/or talk to your pharmacist about whether your drug(s) will lead to bone loss.
 See all of the Supplements recommended by John W Jones, MD, MPH  for Osteoporosis.



Until Menopause, and unless there is a known low bone mass density, use Ultra Omega-Linic and Ultra Vites.  These are combined into the Basic Package.  The essential fatty acids in Ultra Omega-Linic have been shown to contribute to bone health - as have the Vitamins and Minerals in Ultra Vites.

As mentioned above, lifelong Calcium and Vitamin D intake also affect bone health.  Calcium D Chelate is a very good source of calcium.  We offer a number of Vitamin D3 products.  Vitamins D3 5000 + K is the preferred supplement because both D and K benefit the bones.  If you are taking blood thinning medications, Vitamin D3 5000 is an effective alternative.



What is not well known; Silica is a mineral that increases the absorption and utilization of calcium.  Horsetail is a rich source of this mineral.  It is a very good source of both macro- and trace minerals in a readily available form.  In addition to promoting healthy bones, Horsetail may benefit rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Strontium Ranelate is a prescription drug used in Europe - it has been shown to increase the formation of new bone and to decrease bone loss.  It also significantly reduced spinal fractures inpost-menopausal women.  Strontium Citrate (Ultra Strontium) is a more bioavailable form than the Ranelate and is readily available for absorption and use by the body.   Compare our prices!

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

Nutrition For Troubled Eyes

If you can see this - be GRATEFUL! 

Preserve, Protect and Support your Eyes - those wonderful windows on the world. 

The eyes are specialized organs.  They exist as part of the body. They require the same broad-spectrum nutrients that the body needs.   It is very important that you support the marvelous biochemical factory called your body with daily coverage of ALL of its nutritional needs.

Ultra Vites  provides many of the nutrients that have been shown by studies to improve vision.   The body needs all of the ingredients in Ultra Vites in order to maintain health.  It contains 25 key nutrients, such as an optimal blend of all 8 of the B Vitamins.  Ultra Vites also contains macro and micro minerals in a bioavailable form.  It contains the anti oxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E which studies have shown protect the eye. 

In addition, the following nutrients in Ultra Vites have been shown to be important for various eye health concerns:

• Vitamin A benefits (but not  beta carotene because it interferes with the xanthophylls): Prevent night blindness.  Prevent dry eye.  Prevent moderate to severe loss of color vision.
• Vitamin D: studies have shown that the high intake of vitamin D lessened the chances of developing or slowed the progression of macular degeneration.  Another study showed an improvement in myopia when Vitamin D was  used with high doses of calcium
• Folic acid and B12: these two vitamins play an active role in transmethylation, which is critical to proper macular function.
  Note:  Many people have a genetic inability to convert Folate and / or B12 into their active forms.  Using Ultra Vites ensures their availability.
• Magnesium: 78% of all retinal cellular action requires magnesium.
• Selenium has a long history of being a potent anti oxidant, and has been shown to be helpful in preventing macular degeneration
• Zinc has been proven to decrease the incidence and progression of macular degeneration.

The most important and simplest way to protect your eyes is to use devices such as eye guards and sunglasses.  You should get regular eye check ups,  Note: the eye is one of the most demanding organs in the body.  Use Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins and Minerals daily. 

Ultra Vision: provides Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Vitamin C:  These are nutrients that specifically support your Macula

VeinTonic: Since nutrients have to be pumped into the eye, Herbs that have been shown to protect the integrity of your veins should be considered.

Rutin:  Enjoy the many anti oxidant benefits of this powerful Bioflavonoid

A Basic Eye Package:  Ultra Omega-Linic (essential fatty acids), Ultra Vites (a super multi Vitamin) and Ultra Vision.  Save money with this combination of Essential Nutrients.

Spirulina Capsules   Earthrise Spirulina®  provides anti oxidants and phyto nutrients that are very helpful for vision.

Bilberry: Support your retina, improve night vision and prevent cataract formation - all in one herbal supplement.

Vitamin E-400: Vitamin E is one of the four (4) major anti oxidants that protect phospholips from oxidation at the cellular level.

A special note re: Dry Eye.  Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be very helpful.  Check out our Best Omega Blend!

• American Academy of Ophthalmology 
• PubMed meta-analysis
• PubMed study of omega-6 

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

No More FISHY Burps!

Not Just Fish Oil | Best Omega Blend

You have known for years how effective and beneficial fish oil is - especially the cold water, deep water fish.

DID YOU KNOW?  Fish Oil is incomplete!   It only has 2 of the 3 PREformed, essential fatty acids.

FACT:Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are, well, essential.  The body has to have them.  Nothing else you eat will provide them.   You can liken EFAs to the air you breathe.


FACT: We use Wild Alaskan Salmon from protected American fisheries.

• high EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is heart healthy
• high DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) supports your brain

FACT: Black Currant seed oil provides GLA.  GLA is an omega 6 essential fatty acid that is not a part of our Western diets. 

• high SDA (stearidonic acid), present in Black Currant seed oil,  provides more EPA
• high GLA (gamma linolenic acid) reduces inflammation  Read More

FACT:  It is likely that you are eating the typical Western diet.  Did you know that it is characterized by an excess of Arachidonic Acid (AA).  AA is an omega 6 fatty acid that causes inflammation.  AA is the reason you are sore and achy.  GLA supresses this inflammatory process.  Check out the Anti Inflammatory miracle that is Gamma Linolenic Acid

These four Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) affect every cell in you body.  They affect your hair and nails, your skin and everything inside.

• Doctors most often recommend EFAs for your heart.  EFAs improve the HDL:LDL cholesterol levels, make your blood cells 'less sticky', improve your blood pressure, and generally improve your cardiovascular health.
• EFA's are critically important to your brain.  Did you know that DHA supports structure.  For those with Alzheimer's, for instance, the brain shrinks.  The EPA affects function.   Question:  how well are you thinking today?
• EPA has been shown to improve Schizophrenia and Bipolar depression
• Arthritis:  GLA, along with EPA and DHA, are particularly important for those with Arthritis - ANY KIND of Arthritis!.  GLA is anti inflammatory.  More on help for Arthritis - DHA helps prevent joint deformation.  EPA keeps everything moving.
• Dr Jones' patients with Arthritis do especially well on Ultra Omega-Linic.  Ultra Omega-Linic (aka Opti-PUFA) is Samolinic - updated and improved.
  

Did you know?
       It is critically important that pregnant or nursing Mothers supplement with Ultra Omega-Linic.  This is because your baby is developing very rapidly.  Your baby will steal these important nutrients from you!  If your stores are low, the baby may not have enough of what it needs.  Postpartum depression is a fairly common problem for new mothers.  David Horrobin pointed out that a pregnant mom could lose as much as 10% of her brain weight.

Did you know?
       Yes, you can use other oils, like Flax seed oil, and olive oil.  You can eat lots of nuts, like wonderful walnuts (and other fatty acid sources).  BUT (there always has to be a BUT), there is the problem of converting these 'parent' oils into the prostaglandins - which do the work at the cellular level.  There are metabolic enzyme steps along the way (they alter the fatty acid chains).  For the very young, the very old, the very ill, these metabolic steps simply fail.  In addition, these enzyme steps require that specific vitamins and mineral be present.  if they are missing, no conversion takes place.  Download the EFA Flow Chart for more detail.

      While your supermarket may sell products high in Omega 3, which is good, you really also need the PUFAs. For this reason it is important to provide the PREformed, polyUnsaturated, Essential Fatty Acids, as are present in Ultra Omega-Linic.  In addition you need a multi vitamin supplement that covers the minimum daily needs.  Ultra Vites provides the vitamins and minerals you must have to support the metabolic conversion to prostaglandins.

How Much Ultra Omega-Linic should you take each day?  And for how long?
       My sassy answer is that I don't eat fish 3 times a day - like the early Alaskans did.  I don't eat fish 3 times a week - and i may not eat it 3 times a month.  And if I do eat fish, I like it battered, deep fried and dredged in tartar sauce.  Bad me!

       Young, healthy people need a minimum of two softgels of Ultra Omega-Linic per day.  For those with any kind of Arthritis, or any of joint deterioration related conditions, he recommends 8 per day.  Some folks have pain relief at a lower dose, and some need more.  The daily recommendation for Ultra Vites is 2 per day.  Since both Ultra Omega-Linic and Ultra Vites provide essential nutrients, you should consume them every day.

What is Ultra Omega-Linic good for?
       The short list is: heart (blood pressure and more), brain (senile dementia, Alzheimer's), skin, hair, pain (any kind of arthritis), energy, and just about anything else you can think of.  Years and thousands of studies support the need for these nutrients .

Does the fish matter?
       One study Dr Jones read several years ago indicated that a group of heart patients fed fish had a worsening of their condition.  Getting into the study he discovered that the group that did poorly was fed fish from one of the most contaminated parts of the ocean.  Ergo - the results were not surprising considering the amount of toxins delivered.  By the way, did you know that pregnant women in Hawaii are discouraged from eating the local fish?  Hmmmm...

Our very Pure and Contaminant FREE fish is assayed for pollutants and radiation.  In addition, the fish protein is filtered out - hence no fishy burps.

If you are still not sure: Myths, Misconceptions and Facts -  'Fats are Important to your Health'.

Do you think it is important to take a fish oil supplement? 

Do you take one now that makes you burp?

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.