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Ask Utopia Silver

The US versus the USA

Q:
For Ben,
I cannot locate the book you recommended in your [RBN radio] interview, “The US versus the USA" by Richard Kegley. Can you help me?

Earl in Georgia


A
:
Hi Earl,
It can be found on Amazon and is quite expensive (between 75.00 and 100.00), but well worth it in my opinion. It details how The United States of America, the organic nation, was transformed into “The United States” a corporate fiction over a course of about 50-70 years. For example, the ‘United States’ is defined at 28 USC 3002 as a “federal corporation” and all government entities, agencies, and courts are listed as businesses on Dun and Bradstreet.

Ben in Utopia

Categories
Ask Utopia Silver

Duracool

Q:
Hi,
I was looking on your site for the article about Duracool and I couldn't find it. Could someone send it to me?  I would very much like to read it before installing this product.

Thanks,
Richard

A:
Hi Richard,
You can find the article on the Silver Bulletin website here . It has worked so well in my vehicles, I just converted both my home air conditioners last week.

Ben in Utopia

Categories
Featured Articles

Congressman: Obama Could Use Pandemic To Declare Martial Law

by: Paul Joseph Watson

Georgia Congressman Paul Broun warned attendees of a town hall event Tuesday that the Obama administration was planning to use a pandemic or a natural disaster to implement martial law in the United States.

Speaking at the North Georgia Technical College auditorium, Broun said that the “socialistic elite,” as well as Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, were planning to exploit a crisis to create a favorable climate for their stalling political agenda.

“They’re trying to develop an environment where they can take over,” he said. “We’ve seen that historically.”

Broun’s warning arrives on the back of a letter sent by The National Governors Association to the Pentagon last week, which condemns the military’s plans to usurp domestic control of National Guard and federal forces deployed in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

In December 2008 it was announced that at least 20,000 more active duty soldiers will be placed inside the United States under Northcom to “help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe.”

“Domestic emergency deployment may be “just the first example of a series of expansions in presidential and military authority,” or even an increase in domestic surveillance, warned Anna Christensen of the ACLU’s National Security Project. And Cato Vice President Gene Healy warned of “a creeping militarization” of homeland security.”

The contention that the troops will merely help “recovery efforts” after a major catastrophe is contradicted by the fact that Northcom itself, in a September 8 Army Times article, said the first wave of the deployment, which was put in place on October 1st at Fort Stewart and at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, would be aimed at tackling “civil unrest and crowd control”.

Congressman Broun has been a thorn in the side of Obama’s agenda since day one, voting against the “cap and trade” bill and slamming the entire concept of man-made global warming as a “hoax”.

He also spoke out against Obama’s plan to create a “national civilian security force,” warning that the program sounded like a 21st century Gestapo and that it was part of a move towards a Marxist dictatorship.

“That’s exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it’s exactly what the Soviet Union did,” Broun said. “When he’s proposing to have a national security force that’s answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he’s showing me signs of being Marxist.”

Broun also cited the threat to the second amendment posed by the Obama administration and anti-gun Attorney General Eric Holder.

“We can’t be lulled into complacency,” Broun said. “You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I’m not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I’m saying is there is the potential of going down that road.”

MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann voted Broun his “worst person in the world” on two separate occasions and attacked the Congressman as a racist and a bigot for expressing worries about the porous border with Mexico in relation to the swine flu outbreak. Olbermann claimed that Broun had “exploited a dead baby” to make his “sick, xenophobic and utterly irrelevant case about immigration.”

In November 2008, Olbermann erroneously claimed that Obama had called for a “civilian reserve corps” and “federally funded construction workers” when he had actually announced a plan for a “national security force,” as this video shows. Olbermann attacked Broun for expressing concerns about the program.

In July 2008 on the campaign trail, Obama called for a “civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded,” as the U.S. military.

Categories
The Best Years In Life

How to Beat and Prevent Osteoporosis Naturally

by: Tony Isaacs

(NaturalNews) As we age, our bones begin to erode, which to some extent is normal and a natural result of aging. However, some of us lose so much bone that our skeletons become weakened and deformed and in severe cases we incur loss of bone density in multiple places. That is osteoporosis, and it frequently causes fractures of the hip, spine and forearm. At its worst, bones can become so frail that they can crack and break under the body's own weight!

The meaning of the term `osteoporosis` originates from `osteo`, which means bone, and `porosis` which implies thinning or becoming more porous. Hence, osteoporosis literally means `thinning of bone`. Medically speaking, Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced which means one has a low bone mass and deteriorating bone tissue. In simple words, the bones become thin, brittle and may be easily broken. Bone mass (bone density) is the amount of bone present in the skeletal structure. The higher the density the stronger are the bones. Bone density is strongly influenced by genetic factors, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and medications.

If osteoporosis is not prevented in the early stages or if left untreated, it can progress painlessly until the bone tends to break. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. The fracture caused by osteoporosis can be either in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture), or collapsing (as in a compression fracture of the vertebrae of the spine). Though the spine, hips, and wrists are common areas of osteoporosis-related bone fractures, almost any skeletal bone area is susceptible to osteoporosis-related fracture.

The consequences of osteoporosis may impair a person for life. A hip fracture may impair a person`s ability to walk and may cause permanent disability or even death despite hospitalization and major surgery. The Spinal or vertebral fractures also have serious consequences, including loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity. Osteoporosis can cause a person to stoop forward and appear to have a hump on his or her spine. While osteoporosis occurs in men and pre-menopausal women, the problem is predominant among postmenopausal women.

Anyone can get osteoporosis, but women are more likely to get it than men. They have lighter bones than men, and they lose bone rapidly after menopause, because their bodies are producing less estrogen. But men aren`t immune, especially if they drink heavily, smoke or have taken steroid drugs.

But your bones don`t have to crack under the strain of this disease. You can slow, stop or even reverse bone loss.

One natural remedy for osteoporosisis is fish oil containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which not only are effective safeguards against osteoporosis, but also improve the skin and brain function and avoid cardiovascular problems. Light exercise is also recommended, such as walking, dancing, aerobics or bouncing on trampolines. Calcium and magnesium supplements, in the ratio of 2 or 3: 1 respectively, would also help increase bone density.

Factors Contributing to the Loss of Bone Density and Strength:

Excess phosphorus intake through drinking too many sodas, particularly colas, causes the body to balance this phosphorus by drawing calcium from the bones.

Magnesium deficiency is a huge factor for osteoporosis. Magnesium is actually more important than calcium for bone growth and bone density. As many as 90 percent or more of us are deficient in magnesium.

Among women the deficiency of Estrogen (a group of hormones) post menopause has been correlated to a rapid reduction in BMD.

The increased risk of falling associated with aging, leads to fractures of the wrist, spine and hip, and in many instances the fall is actually caused by the breaking of a bone when taking a step, especially when stepping downward on stairs or stepping off porches.

Other hormone deficiency states can lead to osteoporosis, such as testosterone deficiency. Glucocorticoid or thyroxine excess states also lead to osteoporosis.

Not eating foods rich in Calcium, Vitamin D and Phosphorous can also cause bone loss. Calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency from malnutrition also increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Some medicines can inhibit the body`s ability to absorb calcium. This may cause the bones to weaken. These medications include cortisone/corticosteroids, anticoagulants, thyroid supplements, and some anti-convulsive drugs.

Other illnesses or diseases, such as over-active thyroid, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause bone loss. A disease such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia can cause changes in a person`s estrogen level and lead to osteoporosis.

Other significant factors leading to the onset of osteoporosis include: smoking cigarettes, high intake of alcohol, tea or coffee, low levels of physical activity (weight bearing exercise), and family history.

Sedentary lifestyle is a major factor in osteoporosis. Exercise strengthens bones – inactivity encourages the body not to rebuild unused resources.

Consuming too much fat in our diets can contribute to osteoporosis as well. Vegetarians are shown to have greater bone mass than meat eaters.

Excess alcohol consumption interferes with calcium absorption.

Drinking too much coffee. A study of 84,484 patients showed a correlation between bone fractures and heavy coffee consumption.

The evidence is overwhelming that smoking, particularly heavy smoking, boosts bone loss.

A lack of natural vitamin D, which can be obtained by exposure (not over-exposure) to sunlight, is also an important factor in bone loss.

Not enough Vitamin K in the system is an often overlooked contributor to osteoporosis. New research has shown that this little known vitamin is the key to calcium balance in the body.

Trace minerals, which most of us are deficient in due to our mineral depleted soils, are necessary for the transport and absorption of calcium.

Prescription drugs can increase bone loss. These include cortisone, blood thinners, antacids containing aluminum, chemotherapy, lithium, and certain antibiotics.

Birth control pills reduce the folic acid content in the body.

Excess consumption of dairy products actually causes bone loss, contrary to what many might believe. This is due to the high animal fat content in dairy products, and the lack of CLA in modern dairy products.

Excess salt and sugar consumption in junk foods leach calcium from the bones into the urine.

Fluorides destroy collagen, the glue which adds strength to the bones.

Exercise to Build Strong Bones:

Exercise aerobically for 20 minutes a day at least three days a week. The best aerobic exercise for strong bones is one you will continue doing, because if you don`t do it for life, the bone-building benefits fade. Exercise for at least thirty minutes using weight-bearing exercise such as walking or jogging, three times a week. This regime has been proven to increase bone mineral density, and reduce the risk of falls by strengthening the major muscle groups in the legs and back. You may prefer running, biking, swimming or aerobic dance classes. Aim for quality, not quantity, when you exercise.

Walking in chest-deep water for about 30 minutes at least three times a week is a suggested remedy, especially if you`ve already had a fracture or two, since the water will help support your body weight and take stress off bones and joints. Work yourself up to 30 minutes at least three times a week.

Make your "exercise equipment" a chair and the floor. To complement water walking, do some easy muscle -strengthening exercises in a chair or on the floor. Such exercises can include abdominal curls, shoulder blade squeezes and back extensions.

To do back extensions, lie on the floor on your stomach, with a pillow under your hips and your arms at your sides. Using only your back muscles, not your arms, raise your upper body a few inches off the floor. Hold for as long as comfortable, then relax downward. Work up to doing this six to ten times a day.

Dietary and Other Tips for Handling Osteoporosis Without Medications

Vary your diet. Bones are not made from calcium alone. Instead, bones are an amalgam that includes various minerals such as zinc, boron and copper. These trace elements can be ingested through a varied and broad-based diet that includes mostly unprocessed foods, such as whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish and lean meat. Foods high in boron (a mineral that helps the body hold calcium) are beneficial for those affected by osteoporosis. Boron is found in apples, pears, grapes and other fruit, as well as in legumes, nuts and honey. Manganese is another beneficial mineral. Traces of manganese are largely found in pineapples, nuts, spinach, beans and whole wheat.

Bones need nourishment from calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and phosphorous. A poor diet lacking these essential vitamins and minerals contributes to osteoporosis. Foods rich in calcium are especially necessary to maintaining healthy bones. Dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), salmon, sardines, almonds, dark green leafy vegetables and broccoli are good sources of calcium. It is recommended that one should include 1500mg of calcium daily either via dietary means or via supplementation. For measurement purposes, it is important to note that an 8 oz glass of milk contains approximately 300 mg of calcium. Calcium supplements are an effective alternative option. These come in a variety of forms. The body can absorb only about 500 mg of calcium at one time and so intake should be spread throughout the day.

Magnesium is essential for good bone growth and density. The recommended daily minimums are 320 mg for women and 400 for men, but optimum daily amounts are more like 500 to 700 mg. Dietary sources include dark green leafy vegetables and nuts, but it is difficult to get enough magnesium through diet alone so supplementation is advised for most people. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people do not get enough magnesium daily and that over 90% of the US population is magnesium deficient.

Brussels sprouts are known to prevent diseases like cancer, birth defects, osteoporosis and heart trouble. Brussels sprouts provide essential vitamin K (this vitamin activates a protein found in bones, called osteocalcin, which holds calcium molecules in place) helps protect against osteoporosis.

Change your life style by quitting cigarette smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and exercising regularly. It is important to note that a few studies have suggested an adverse effect of calcium excess on bone density and reports indicate the milk industry has been misleading customers. It has been reported that excess consumption of dairy products may cause acification, which leeches calcium from the system. Therefore, it is claimed that vegetables and nuts are a better source of calcium and milk products are better avoided. It is noteworthy to observe that man alone continues to drink milk after the age of weaning and one has only to look at cows, which get all of their calcium from grass and vegetable forage and have some of the largest and strongest bones of any animal.

Monitor your medications. Some drugs can hasten bone loss. Those most likely to cause problems: corticosteroids, which are prescribed for a variety of conditions such as rheumatic disorders, allergic conditions and respiratory disease; L-thyroxine, a thyroid medication; and furosemide, a diuretic often used against fluid retention associated with high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Avoid colas and other carbonated soft drinks which get their sharp taste from phosphoric acid, which contains phosphorus, a mineral that in excess amounts causes your body to excrete calcium.

Salt lightly, and choose healthy sea salt for added minerals. As with phosphorus, too much salt causes your body to excrete calcium. Avoid products with more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving.

Almond Milk is calcium rich and a good remedy to help with osteoporosis is calcium-rich almond milk. One can have the almond milk by soaking the almonds in warm water, peeling and blending them with either cow`s milk or better still, goat`s milk. Drink only raw organic milk.

Herbs That Can Help Osteoporosis

Dandelion Tea helps build bone density.

Red Clover has been shown to improve bone mineral density (it also lowers LDL cholesterol).

Chaste Berry contains vitexicarpin and vitricin, which help to keep hormone levels in balance. It is advisable to take at least 250 mg a day of a standardized extract of this herb for two to three months.

Dong Quai has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is advisable to take 250 mg of a standardized extract of dong quai daily as a tonic herb.

A recent study indicates that the popular herb Black Cohosh may help prevent osteoporosis. Most studies recommend an intake of either 20 or 40 mg of black cohosh extract twice a day.

A handful of sesame seeds had every morning may also help osteoporosis.

Dietary Supplementation Tips for Osteoporosis:

Aim for maximum absorption. Spread your calcium supplements out over the day rather than taking them all at once.

Magnesium, calcium and phosphorus are all essential for proper bone growth and density. Try to get 1,000 milligrams a day of calcium, even if you haven`t reached menopause. And they suggest 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams a day for postmenopausal women who are not getting ERT.

Most women consume far less than those amounts. Reaching 1,000 milligrams through diet alone means drinking a quart of skim milk a day or eating two cups of low-fat yogurt or four cups of low-fat cottage cheese.

Figure out, realistically, how much calcium you can get through your diet, then make up the rest with supplements. Dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are excellent sources of calcium.

Get enough vitamin D. For maximum protection, aim for 600 international units of vitamin D per day (three times the Recommended Dietary Allowance).

Plant derived trace minerals are the best source of invaluable trace minerals. Minerals are the building blocks of the enzymes necessary for the utilization of all other vitamins, etc. (rock minerals are a waste of money since only 5-15% can be broken down by the body before being eliminated. Minerals already digested by plants are potentially 100% absorbable.

Glucosamine, Chondrotin, and Collagen are important for bone and joint health (and all of these are available in a product called Liquid Life Joint Care, which also contains aloe and bovine colostrum).

Silica (from horsetail and/or shavegrass) works with calcium to maintain strong bones and is especially effective in combination with GTF Chromium.

GTF Chromium (GTF Chromium is a complex known as Glucose Tolerance Factor and is made by fermenting nutritional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with chromium.)

Inositol/IP6 modulates the behavior of bone-forming and bone-destroying cells to help prevent osteoporosis.

Besides being an excellent pathogen destroyer, Colloidal Silver also helps bone, tissue and nerve regeneration.

Caution: Do not take bone drugs for osteoporosis. Evidence has shown that they produce abnormal bone growth and actually make bones more brittle. They also can have serious and even life threatening side effects!

Coral Calcium
CalMag Citrates
Bone Up

Categories
Health & Freedom

Internal Memo Confirms Big Giveaways In White House Deal With Big Pharma

A memo obtained by the Huffington Post confirms that the White House and the pharmaceutical lobby secretly agreed to precisely the sort of wide-ranging deal that both parties have been denying over the past week.

The memo, which according to a knowledgeable health care lobbyist was prepared by a person directly involved in the negotiations, lists exactly what the White House gave up, and what it got in return.

It says the White House agreed to oppose any congressional efforts to use the government's leverage to bargain for lower drug prices or import drugs from Canada — and also agreed not to pursue Medicare rebates or shift some drugs from Medicare Part B to Medicare Part D, which would cost Big Pharma billions in reduced reimbursements.

In exchange, the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA) agreed to cut $80 billion in projected costs to taxpayers and senior citizens over ten years. Or, as the memo says: "Commitment of up to $80 billion, but not more than $80 billion."

Representatives from both the White House and PhRMA, shown the outline, adamantly denied that it reflected reality. PhRMA senior vice president Ken Johnson said that the outline "is simply not accurate." "This memo isn't accurate and does not reflect the agreement with the drug companies," said White House spokesman Reid Cherlin.

Stories in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times last week indicated that the administration was confirming that such a deal had been made.

Critics on Capitol Hill and online responded with outrage at the reports that Obama had gone behind their backs and sold the reform movement short. Furthermore, the deal seemed to be a betrayal of several promises made by then-Sen. Obama during the presidential campaign, among them that he would use the power of government to drive down the costs of drugs to Medicare and that negotiations would be conducted in the open.

And over the past several days, both the White House and PhRMA have offered a series of sometimes conflicting accounts of what happened in an attempt to walk back the story.

The White House meeting took place on July 7th, as first reported that evening in the Wall Street Journal. Also on the same day, a health care lobbyist following the talks was provided the outline of the deal by a person inside the negotiations. That outline had been floating around K Street before being obtained by the Huffington Post. In order to learn more about its origin, HuffPost agreed not to reveal the name of the lobbyist who originally received it.

"That is the PhRMA deal," said the lobbyist of the outline. He then clarified, "It was the PhRMA deal."

The deal, as outlined in the memo:

Commitment of up to $80 billion, but not more than $80 billion.

1. Agree to increase of Medicaid rebate from 15.1 – 23.1% ($34 billion)

2. Agree to get FOBs done (but no agreement on details — express disagreement on data exclusivity which both sides say does not affect the score of the legislation.) ($9 billion)

3. Sell drugs to patients in the donut hole at 50% discount ($25 billion)
This totals $68 billion

4. Companies will be assessed a tax or fee that will score at $12 billion. There was no agreement as to how or on what this tax/fee will be based.

Total: $80 billion

In exchange for these items, the White House agreed to:

1. Oppose importation

2. Oppose rebates in Medicare Part D

3. Oppose repeal of non-interference

4. Oppose opening Medicare Part B

"Non-interference" is the industry term for the status quo, in which government-driven price negotiations are barred. In other words, the government is "interfering" in the market if it negotiates lower prices. The ban on negotiating was led through Congress in 2003 by then-Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), who is now the head of PhRMA.

The rebates reference is to Medicare overpayments Big Pharma managed to wrangle from the Republican Congress that Democrats are trying to recoup. The House bill would require Big Pharma to return some of that money. The rebate proposal would save $63 billion over ten years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The White House, given the chance, declined to tell the Wall Street Journal for a July 17th article that it supported the effort to pursue the rebates.

The Medicare Part B item refers to "infusion drugs," which can be administered at home. If they fall under Part B, Big Pharma gets paid more than under Part D. The agreement would leave infusion drugs in Part B.

In the section on Big Pharma's concessions, "FOBs" refers to follow-on biological drugs. Democrats have pushed to make it easier to allow generic drug makers to produce cheaper versions of such drugs, an effort Big Pharma has resisted. The Senate health committee bill gives drug makers 12 years of market exclusivity, five more than the White House proposed.

PhRMA's Johnson cast doubts on the provenance of the outline. "The memo, as described, is simply not accurate," he said in a statement. "Anyone could have written it. Unless it comes from our board of directors, it's not worth the paper it's written on. Clearly, someone is trying to short circuit our efforts to try and make health care reform a reality this year. That's not going to happen. Too much is at stake for both patients and the U.S. economy. Our new ads supporting health care reform are starting this week, and we are redoubling our efforts to drive awareness of why this issue is so important to America's future."

Johnson added that "no outside lobbyists — not a single one — were ever involved in our discussions with the Senate Finance Committee or the White House so someone is blowing smoke."

But the lobbyist who was given the outline defended its authenticity. And although the White House now says that drug price negotiations and reimportation were not actually discussed in the talks with PhRMA, the lobbyist said: "Well, that's bull — that's baloney. That was part of the deal, for them not to push that."

The new uncertainty surrounding the deal comes after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has repeatedly said that her chamber is not bound by any agreement it is not a party to. On July 8th, the day after the Journal reported some elements of the deal, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) said in a public speech that his committee would not be tied down by the agreement.

Before recess, he followed through. His committee passed a bill that allowed for re-importation and drug-price negotiations.

In the Senate, Democrats Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Byron Dorgan (N.D.) pressed White House officials at a closed-door meeting last week, asking whether the White House had tied the Senate's hands.

The health care lobbyist said that what deal still exists is uncertain, as a result of House pressure. "Now the White House is backing away from it, as you know, because of pressure from the House, because the House was not a party to the deal," he said. "The Speaker put enormous pressure on the White House, [saying], 'We weren't a party to it and we reserve the right to do whatever we want.' And which they did in the House Energy and Commerce Committee bill, which led the White House to say, 'Well, maybe it's not cast in concrete.'"

Obama is walking a tightrope here. He wants to keep PhRMA from opposing the bill, and benefits by having its support, which now includes a $150 million advertising campaign. That's a fortune in politics — more than Republican presidential candidate John McCain spent on advertising during his entire campaign — but it's loose change in the pharmaceutical business.

Opponents of the deal with PhRMA hope that Obama is playing a multilayered game, making a deal in order to keep the drug makers in his camp for now, but planning to double-cross them in the end if he needs to in order to pass his signature initiative.

Big Pharma, however, is still comfortable. "As far as the pharmaceutical industry, PhRMA and its member companies, yes, they say a deal is a deal. We'll see what happens," said the health care lobbyist.

 

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Featured Articles

Vitamin D3 and Curcumin Offer Hope to Alzheimer’s Patients

by: Barbi Trejo

(NaturalNews) New information which was published in the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease, may help in the search for an answer to preventing Alzheimer`s. Promising results were obtained, using D3 alone or together with curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric and curry. There is new hope that these two natural occurring substances may help boost the immune system and thus clear the brain of amloid-beta, which forms plaque, therefore giving hope and relief to Alzheimer`s patients.

Over 13 million people suffer from some sort of dementia associated with Alzheimer`s disease. This is caused by a build up of plaque from the deposits of amyloid-beta, causing an increase in cell damage. With this new study, there is hope for millions. There are many studies in the work that have found curcumin to be highly successful with animals and are now being tested on humans. They hope to have the results on humans very soon, so that it can be recommended to the general public. These studies have shown that D3 and curcumin together have reduced the oxidized damage to the brain and also decreased the inflammation.

In the past, scientists have found that two different groups of Alzheimer`s patients reacted differently: Type 1 patients responded to the curcumnoids and type 2 did not respond positively. These two types of patient results depend on the genes MGATIII and TLR-3, which allows the immune system to work properly and thus enables the immune system to ingest amyloid-beta.

"Since vitamin D and curcumin work differently with the immune system, we may find that a combination of the two or each used alone may be more effective – depending on the individual patient," said Fiala.

According to the UCLA team of researchers it is too early to be recommended at this point or to say what dose should be recommended. They also stated that more studies are in the works. The cost of Alzheimer`s disease is in excess of one hundred billion dollars in the US, so the fact of being able to use curcumin as an aide in the prevention is extremely exciting. Curcumin is very inexpensive and along with the necessity of D3, the cost to the patient could be minimal.

"We hope that vitamin D3 and curcumin, both naturally occurring nutrients, may offer new preventive and treatment possibilities for Alzheimer`s disease," said Dr Milan Fiala from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

Curcumin has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries as a food spice and has many health benefits, from protecting against cancer to mild psychological effects. It is also being used for the reduction in pain. Many call this the Asian Aspirin. If a person understood the many benefits of curcumin, they would be rushing to buy it right now. Some of the benefits are:

Prevention for cancer

Anti inflammatory properties

Cardiovascular benefits

Aides in the prevention of high cholesterol

Rheumatoid Arthritis benefits

Vitamin D3 is a necessary part of any diet

Many studies have shown that D3 is an important part of any diet, especially in the Swine Flu prevention. Vitamin D3 deficiency will cause such problems as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and gum diseases. All these conditions contribute to dementia.

Dr. Donald Miller M.D., University of Washington in Seattle, stated that anyone who decides against the swine flu vaccine, should take 5000iu`s of Vitamin D every day as a preventative. The benefits of both Vitamin D3 and curcumin are offering us hope and excitement about the upcoming trial results, but in the meantime they are indeed a necessary supplement for any diet.

Vitamin D3

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Featured Articles

Naturally Sweet: Learn Why You Should Eat Raw Honey

by: Elizabeth Walling

(NaturalNews) Long before what we refer to as civilization was born, honey was a food prized above all others in many traditional cultures. Ancient peoples in Spain, India, Egypt and all over the world knew that honey supplied a unique richness of nutrients. But far from squeezing honey out of cute little plastic containers shaped like bears, these people were eating their honey freshly harvested from local bee hives – untouched and untainted by civilized man. They worshiped pure, raw honey – and for good reason.

In times before commercial processing overtook our food supply, the remarkable medical benefits of raw honey were understood by primitive man. Today, when we pause to take a closer look at the composition of raw honey, we can clearly see why it is so invaluable:

– Raw honey contains bee pollen, which many leading nutritional experts refer to as a potent superfood. Among bee pollen's many benefits are allergy relief, detoxification, anti-cancer properties, increased energy, amino acids, vitamins and thousands of beneficial enzymes.

– Raw honey is one of the richest natural sources of amylase, an enzyme which facilitates the proper digestion of carbohydrates. This makes raw honey an excellent companion for toast or oatmeal. This essential enzyme is lost the moment honey is heated, since amylase converts to starch when exposed to heat.

– Propolis, a material bees use for constructing their hives, is another beneficial part of raw honey. Propolis is believed to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and even anti-cancer properties. It is said to boost the immune system and improve the health of the liver as well.

– Raw honey is an excellent source of flavonoids (particularly flavanones, flavones and flavonols). These have powerful antioxidant properties that protect us from illness and disease.

Tips for Enjoying Raw Honey:

– Remember, processed honey has been extensively heated and filtered to make sure it's the same clear, golden liquid we've all come to expect. This is essentially honey stripped of all its goodness, and contains none of the beneficial nutrients listed above. Raw honey will be opaque and creamy with a slightly crystallized texture. It's ideal for spreading on bread with peanut butter or scooping up with a spoon.

– Pay close attention to labeling to make sure you are getting a quality raw honey. It should be completely unprocessed and unheated. The valuable enzymes in honey are preserved only if the honey is never heated above 105 degrees, although purists claim that for honey to be truly raw, it should never be heated at all.

– On the same note, raw honey should only be added to foods after they have been cooked and never before, since any exposure to heat risks destroying the beneficial nutrients in the honey.

– Raw honey stored in sealed, airtight jars will not spoil. It is a very stable food that becomes finer with age, just like a quality wine. Open jars will stay fresh for at least several months. Even then, raw honey will simply ferment, not spoil. Fermentation enhances the benefits of raw honey, although some do not prefer the taste.

– While all sugar is not created equal – and in fact many would say raw honey is superior to all other forms of sugar – in the end, raw honey is still, well, sugar. Eaten in excess, it can still have a negative impact on blood sugar levels and can cause related health problems. However, in moderation raw honey is a wonderful health food that is as nutritious as it is utterly intoxicating.

Gourmet Star Thistle Honey

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Featured Articles

Swine Flu Linked to Killer Nerve Disease

by: Jo Macfarlane

A warning that the new swine flu jab is linked to a deadly nerve disease has been sent by the Government to senior neurologists in a confidential letter.

The letter from the Health Protection Agency, the official body that oversees public health, has been leaked to The Mail on Sunday, leading to demands to know why the information has not been given to the public before the vaccination of millions of people, including children, begins.

It tells the neurologists that they must be alert for an increase in a brain disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which could be triggered by the vaccine.

GBS attacks the lining of the nerves, causing paralysis and inability to breathe, and can be fatal.

The letter, sent to about 600 neurologists on July 29, is the first sign that there is concern at the highest levels that the vaccine itself could cause serious complications.

It refers to the use of a similar swine flu vaccine in the United States in 1976 when:

    * More people died from the vaccination than from swine flu.
    * 500 cases of GBS were detected.
    *  The vaccine may have increased the risk of contracting GBS by eight times.
    * The vaccine was withdrawn after just ten weeks when the link with GBS became clear.
    * The US Government was forced to pay out millions of dollars to those affected.

Concerns have already been raised that the new vaccine has not been sufficiently tested and that the effects, especially on children, are unknown.

It is being developed by pharmaceutical companies and will be given to about 13million people during the first wave of immunisation, expected to start in October.

Top priority will be given to everyone aged six months to 65 with an underlying health problem, pregnant women and health professionals.

The British Neurological Surveillance Unit (BNSU), part of the British Association of Neurologists, has been asked to monitor closely any cases of GBS as the vaccine is rolled out.

One senior neurologist said last night: ‘I would not have the swine
flu jab because of the GBS risk.’

There are concerns that there could be a repeat of what became known as the ‘1976 debacle’ in the US, where a swine flu vaccine killed 25 people – more than the virus itself.

A mass vaccination was given the go-ahead by President Gerald Ford because scientists believed that the swine flu strain was similar to the one responsible for the 1918-19 pandemic, which killed half a million Americans and 20million people worldwide.

Swine flu vaccines being prepared

The swine flu vaccine being offered to children has not been tested on infants

Within days, symptoms of GBS were reported among those who had been immunised and 25 people died from respiratory failure after severe paralysis. One in 80,000 people came down with the condition. In contrast, just one person died of swine flu.

More than 40million Americans had received the vaccine by the time the programme was stopped after ten weeks. The US Government paid out millions of dollars in compensation to those affected.

The swine flu virus in the new vaccine is a slightly different strain from the 1976 virus, but the possibility of an increased incidence of GBS remains a concern.

Shadow health spokesman Mike Penning said last night: ‘The last thing we want is secret letters handed around experts within the NHS. We need a vaccine but we also need to know about potential risks.

‘Our job is to make sure that the public knows what’s going on. Why
is the Government not being open about this? It’s also very worrying if GPs, who will be administering the vaccine, aren’t being warned.’

Two letters were posted together to neurologists advising them of the concerns. The first, dated July 29, was written by Professor Elizabeth Miller, head of the HPA’s Immunisation Department.

It says: ‘The vaccines used to combat an expected swine influenza pandemic in 1976 were shown to be associated with GBS and were withdrawn from use.

‘GBS has been identified as a condition needing enhanced surveillance when the swine flu vaccines are rolled out.

‘Reporting every case of GBS irrespective of vaccination or disease history is essential for conducting robust epidemiological analyses capable of identifying whether there is an increased risk of GBS in defined time periods after vaccination, or after influenza itself, compared with the background risk.’

The second letter, dated July 27, is from the Association of British Neurologists and is written by Dr Rustam Al-Shahi Salman, chair of its surveillance unit, and Professor Patrick Chinnery, chair of its clinical research committee.
America swine flu 1976

Halted: The 1976 US swine flu campaign

It says: ‘Traditionally, the BNSU has monitored rare diseases for long periods of time. However, the swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic has overtaken us and we need every member’s involvement with a new BNSU survey of Guillain-Barre Syndrome that will start on August 1 and run for approximately nine months.

‘Following the 1976 programme of vaccination against swine influenza in the US, a retrospective study found a possible eight-fold increase in the incidence of GBS.

‘Active prospective ascertainment of every case of GBS in the UK is required. Please tell BNSU about every case.

‘You will have seen Press coverage describing the Government’s concern about releasing a vaccine of unknown safety.’

If there are signs of a rise in GBS after the vaccination programme begins, the Government could decide to halt it.

GBS attacks the lining of the nerves, leaving them unable to transmit signals to muscles effectively.

It can cause partial paralysis and mostly affects the hands and feet. In serious cases, patients need to be kept on a ventilator, but it can be fatal.

Death is caused by paralysis of the respiratory system, causing the victim to suffocate.
It is not known exactly what causes GBS and research on the subject has been inconclusive.

However, it is thought that one in a million people who have a seasonal flu vaccination could be at risk and it has also been linked to people recovering from a bout of flu of any sort.

The HPA said it was part of the Government’s pandemic plan to monitor GBS cases in the event of a mass vaccination campaign, regardless of the strain of flu involved.
But vaccine experts warned that the letters proved the programme was a ‘guinea-pig trial’.

Dr Tom Jefferson, co-ordinator of the vaccines section of the influential Cochrane Collaboration, an independent group that reviews research, said: ‘New vaccines never behave in the way you expect them to. It may be that there is a link to GBS, which is certainly not something I would wish on anybody.

‘But it could end up being anything because one of the additives in one of the vaccines is a substance called squalene, and none of the studies we’ve extracted have any research on it at all.’

He said squalene, a naturally occurring enzyme, could potentially cause so-far-undiscovered side effects.

Jackie Fletcher, founder of vaccine support group Jabs, said: ‘The Government would not be anticipating this if they didn’t think there was a connection. What we’ve got is a massive guinea-pig trial.’

Professor Chinnery said: ‘During the last swine flu pandemic, it was observed that there was an increased frequency of cases of GBS. No one knows whether it was the virus or the vaccine that caused this.

‘The purpose of the survey is for us to assess rapidly whether there is an increase in the frequency of GBS when the vaccine is released in the UK. It also increases consultants’ awareness of the condition.

Panic over? The number of swine flu cases has fallen sharply in the past week

Panic over? The number of swine flu cases has fallen sharply in the past few weeks

‘This is a belt-and-braces approach to safety and is not something people should be substantially worried about as it’s a rare condition.’

If neurologists do identify a case of GBS, it will be logged on a central database.

Details about patients, including blood samples, will be collected and monitored by the HPA.

It is hoped this will help scientists establish why some people develop the condition and whether it is directly related to the vaccine.

But some question why there needs to be a vaccine, given the risks. Dr Richard Halvorsen, author of The Truth About Vaccines, said: ‘For people with serious underlying health problems, the risk of dying from swine flu is probably greater than the risk of side effects from the vaccine.

‘But it would be tragic if we repeated the US example and ended up with more casualties from the jabs.

‘I applaud the Government for recognising the risk but in most cases this is a mild virus which needs a few days in bed. I’d question why we need a vaccine at all.’

Professor Miller at the HPA said: ‘This monitoring system activates pandemic plans that have been in place for a number of years. We’ll be able to get information on whether a patient has had a prior influenza illness and will look at whether influenza itself is linked to GBS.

‘We are not expecting a link to the vaccine but a link to disease, which would make having the vaccine even more important.’

The UK’s medicines watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, is already monitoring reported side effects from Tamiflu and Relenza and it is set to extend that surveillance to the vaccine.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: ‘The European Medicines Agency has strict processes in place for licensing pandemic vaccines.

‘In preparing for a pandemic, appropriate trials to assess safety and the immune responses have been carried out on vaccines very similar to the swine flu vaccine. The vaccines have been shown to have a good safety profile.

‘It is extremely irresponsible to suggest that the UK would use a vaccine without careful consideration of safety issues. The UK has one of the most successful immunisation programmes in the world.’

I COULDN''T EAT OR SPEAK… IT WAS HORRENDOUS
Hilary Wilkinson

Victim: Hilary Wilkinson spent three months in hospital after she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome
When Hilary Wilkinson woke up with muscle weakness in her left arm and difficulty breathing, doctors initially put it down to a stroke.

But within hours, she was on a ventilator in intensive care after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

She spent three months in hospital and had to learn how to talk and walk again. But at times, when she was being fed through a drip and needed a tracheotomy just to breathe, she doubted whether she would survive.

The mother of two, 57, from Maryport, Cumbria, had been in good health until she developed a chest infection in March 2006. She gradually became so weak she could not walk downstairs.

Doctors did not diagnose Guillain-Barre until her condition worsened in hospital and tests showed her reflexes slowing down. It is impossible for doctors to know how she contracted the disorder, although it is thought to be linked to some infections.

Mrs Wilkinson said: ‘It was very scary. I couldn’t eat and I couldn’t speak. My arms and feet had no strength and breathing was hard.

I was treated with immunoglobulin, which are proteins found in blood, to stop damage to my nerves. After ten days, I still couldn’t speak and had to mime to nurses or my family.

‘It was absolutely horrendous and I had no idea whether I would get through it. You reach very dark moments at such times and wonder how long it can last.

But I’m a very determined person and I had lots of support.’

After three weeks, she was transferred to a neurological ward, where she had an MRI scan and nerve tests to assess the extent of the damage.

Still unable to speak and in a wheelchair, Mrs Wilkinson eventually began gruelling physiotherapy to improve her muscle strength and movement but it was exhausting and painful.

Three years later, she is almost fully recovered. She can now walk for several miles at a time, has been abroad and carries out voluntary work for a GBS Support Group helpline.

She said: ‘It makes me feel wary that the Government is rolling out this vaccine without any clear idea of the GBS risk, if any. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone and it certainly changed my life.

‘I’m frightened to have the swine flu vaccine if this might happen again – it’s a frightening illness and I think more research needs to be done on the effect of the vaccine.’

Hotline staff given access to confidential records

Confidential NHS staff records and disciplinary complaints could be accessed by hundreds of workers manning the Government’s special swine flu hotline.

They were able to browse through a database of emails containing doctors’ and nurses’ National Insurance numbers, home addresses, dates of birth, mobile phone numbers and scanned passport pages – all details that could be used fraudulently.

And private and confidential complaints sent by hospitals about temporary medical staff – some of whom were named – were also made available to the call-centre workers, who were given a special password to log in to an internal NHS website.

It could be a breach of the Data Protection Act.

The hotline staff work for NHS Professionals, which was set up using taxpayers’ money to employ temporary medical and administrative staff for the health service.

The not-for-profit company runs two of the Government’s swine flu call centres – with 300 staff in Farnborough, Hampshire, and 900 in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley described the revelations as ‘disturbing’.

Anne Mitchell, a spokeswoman for Unison, said: ‘There’s no excuse for such a fundamental breach of personal security. Action needs to be taken as soon as possible to make sure this does not happen again.’

A spokeswoman for NHS Professionals would not confirm whether access to the confidential files had been granted.

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Magnesium can Help Fight Obesity and Promote Weight Loss

by: Elizabeth Walling

(NaturalNews) The phrase "overweight and undernourished" has become a popular truth, and magnesium deficiency in overweight individuals is a striking example. It is no coincidence that magnesium deficiency and obesity are both widespread conditions in our society. So as we battle against obesity we must remember to include magnesium as part of our weaponry. It is a vital nutrient in the quest to reach a healthy weight, for several reasons:

Nutrients and Energy

The body requires magnesium to absorb and utilize nutrients. Without it, the body cannot properly use the fats, proteins and carbohydrates we eat every day. When we aren't getting what we need from our diet, the body will crave more food in an effort to obtain those vital nutrients. By activating hundreds of enzymes in the body, magnesium helps you get the most from what you eat, so your body can be satisfied with the amount of food you genuinely need.

Getting the proper nutrients from your food is also an important part of feeling energized. We need magnesium to help us utilize those vital nutrients that provide us with energy. Otherwise we are plagued with fatigue and sluggishness.

Insulin and Blood Sugar

Several recent studies have shown the lower a person's natural magnesium intake is the higher his/her risk for developing diabetes. Conditions like insulin resistance and diabetes are strongly associated with obesity, so controlling blood sugar levels is a key factor in maintaining a healthy weight. When enough magnesium is present in the body, insulin can function properly and blood glucose is used for energy. A magnesium deficiency causes insulin to function poorly, resulting in high blood sugar and fat storage.

Stress

Stress management is one of the most important keys in fighting obesity, and magnesium is a vital nutrient for reducing stress. This is because magnesium supports healthy adrenal glands. These are the glands that control the release of adrenaline and cortisol, two hormones related to stress response. While these hormones are vital to living, too much of them can cause weight gain and other health problems. Magnesium helps regulate these hormones so they are not overproduced.

Magnesium also regulates nervous system response. When we have a magnesium deficiency, our nervous system is overstimulated, leading to irritation, nervousness and stress. A similar problem occurs in our muscles when there isn't enough magnesium present. People with magnesium deficiencies often experience frequent muscles cramps, spasms and tightening. These symptoms often disappear when adequate magnesium is available. When there is plenty of magnesium, the mind and body are finally able to relax and reverse the effects of stress.

How to Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Food – The most effective way of increasing your magnesium intake is through food. Magnesium from food sources is more easily absorbed and utilized compared to magnesium in supplement form. Foods rich in magnesium include almonds, brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, buckwheat, cashews, kelp, peanuts, pumpkin seeds and whole grains. Junk foods, like refined sugar and processed foods, drain the body of magnesium and should be avoided.

Supplements – In addition to eating a healthy diet rich in magnesium, many people find it helpful to supplement with additional magnesium. Magnesium citrate is one of the most common forms used because it is widely available and easy to absorb. Magnesium in powdered form is best, but capsules are also acceptable.

Dosage varies from 300-900 mg per day depending on your needs and lifestyle factors (for instance, heavy exercisers need more magnesium because of minerals lost during physical activity). It's best to start small and use divided doses, such as 150 mg twice per day. Increase gradually as needed. Loose stools may be a sign that you are using too much supplemental magnesium or that you should divide the doses further.

As a side note, calcium is often taken with magnesium at a 2:1 ratio. Many leading magnesium experts say a ratio closer to 1:1 is more ideal, especially if you are deficient in magnesium.

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Infant Primate Study Links Vaccination with Autism

by: Aaron Turpen

(NaturalNews) A study shows a direct link between standard childhood vaccination series and autism-like symptoms in primates. Presented by one of the principal scientists behind it, Dr. Laura Hewitson, PhD, University of Pittsburgh, the research was presented as an abstract pending publication at the International Meeting for Autism Research. It has been presented in both London, UK and Seattle, USA.

The study compared vaccinated macaque monkeys with non-vaccinated macaques. The "poster presentation" of the study, upon which Dr. Hewitson based her abstract for oral presentation, requires a small form of peer review amongst the scientists and researchers attending. So far, no major flaws in the study have been revealed by any attending scientist. The vaccines used included the popular MMR series.

One of the key findings was a marked increase in gastrointestinal (GI) tissue gene expression and inflammation issues with those monkeys which received vaccinations. These issues are a common symptom of children with regressive autism.

Behavioral changes and developmental differences in those monkeys given the vaccines versus those who were not were also observed.

Although studies into individual vaccines or small groupings of them have been done in the past, no study including all of the vaccine series commonly given to children in the U.S. and UK (about 30 in all) has been conducted until now.

These studies support gastroenterologist Andrew Wakefield`s studies into links between vaccines and GI symptoms published in 1998. Dr. Wakefield contributed his GI research to this new University of Pittsburgh study.

While the Food and Drug Administration considers vaccines safe and lists them as such, they have done no studies into the effects of multiple vaccinations as given in the common childhood series which started in the 1990s.

"Compared with unexposed animals, significant neurodevelopmental deficits were evident for exposed animals in survival reflexes, tests of color discrimination and reversal, and learning sets," the study`s authors reported. "Differences in behaviors were observed between exposed and unexposed animals and within the exposed group before and after MMR vaccination."

Since the study was revealed (it remains unpublished), one court has thrown out a case claiming a link between autism and vaccines while another has awarded a win to parents for the same link.

In addition, federally-mandated research from Congress was approved and was to begin this year, but the funds were rescinded in early January. Claiming "conflict of interest" because of ongoing court cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – a long-time supporter of vaccinations – withdrew the research plans.

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