Okay, so golf isn’t your game; maybe its tennis, cycling, dancing, or simply a zest to live life to its fullest. Regardless of age, ethnicity, profession, or financial status, quality of life cannot be obtained while experiencing pain and inflammation, pain that affects the life of the victim, family and friends.

The world of medicine is undergoing a radical upheaval in its understanding of the debilitating, and often life-threatening, diseases of inflammation, including: heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, macular degeneration, Crohn’s, allergies, and much more.

Inflammation is the body’s way of telling us that something is terribly wrong—a basic defense triggered by bacteria, virus, parasites, injury, trauma, surgery, and chemicals (environmental or ingested). If the inflammation continues, pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced by macrophages, which are chemical messengers that attack and clean up cells in the affected area; eventually cytokine production rises, destroying more and more cells, leading to organ damage.

Structural Remodeling
Bone, a hard substance forming the framework around which the body is built, is the skeleton containing over 200 separate bones that support and shape to the body and protect its vital organs. The common misconception is that bone is “dead”; on the contrary, it’s a living substance and one of the most active tissues in the body, constantly being broken down and rebuilt by a process called remodeling. Therefore, in order for it to stay strong and healthy, it must have constant nourishment to:

• Keep the bone cells healthy and active
• Supply a variety for nutritional building blocks essential to form organic bone matrix
• Supply complex minerals needed to make up the hardened component of bone known as hydroxyapartite crystals.

The misconception exists that most mineral supplements are utilized by the body in the same manner. Not so. In my professional experience and research, the supplementation most effective is that derived from goat-milk whey, naturally predigested. This type of whey has been used for decades to promote bone density as well as to relieve aching, painful joints. This highly concentrated food powder contains a broad array of naturally occurring minerals, including sodium, potassium and calcium, in ratios used by the body with ease of digestion and absorption.

As we age, our ability to absorb calcium and minerals declines, therefore, supplementation must be bioavailable, i.e. easily absorbable.

With proper full-spectrum nutrition, healthy bones last a lifetime.

Protecting Your Shock-absorbers
Joints are designed to allow for smooth movement between the bones and to absorb the shock of jarring and/or repetitive movement. Joints consist of:

Cartilage—The substance that forms a firm, slippery coating at the end of each bone, cushioning it to allow joints to move easily
Muscles—Responsible for facilitating the movement of joints and keeping bones stable
Ligaments—Tough, cord-like tissues connecting bones
Tendons—Fibrous cords connecting muscles to bones, working with muscles to create movement of the joints.

According to the University of Florida Division of Rheumatology, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. That said, arthritis and other rheumatic conditions alone affect an estimated 43 million Americans, and that number is expected to climb to 60 million by the year 2020.

What most Americans reach for to help with pain and inflammation (the external effects) of arthritis, fibromyalgia and other inflammatory disorders are NSAIDs, a class of drugs including aspirin, ibuprofen, Vioxx, and Celebrex. The public was led to believe this class of drug is generally safe to take long-term. We now know different; the death statistics show otherwise. According to The Wall Street Journal (Apr. 19, 1999), every year 20,000 Americans die from the use of these drugs—higher than the number who die from HIV. (12,000 to 16,000 a year). In addition, another 100,000 Americans end up hospitalized with liver toxicity, kidney damage, and intestinal hemorrhage from the overuse of these drugs.

Painful Reflections
Unfortunately, this doctor is speaking from experience, after developing leaky gut syndrome as a result of prescribed NSAID use after a life-threatening accident and the subsequent injuries. Yes, NSAIDs are valuable in the short term after an injury, trauma or surgery; however, long-term use sets up the patient for disorders that not only alter their entire life (multiple allergic response syndrome/environmental illness) but also potentially place them in a life-threatening situation far worse than what precipitated the original need for the medications.

Hopeful Tomorrows
While prescription drugs provide short-term relief, they do not deal with the underlying causes. It makes perfect sense to look into a safe, effective nutraceutical option that contains comprehensive, time-tested ingredients all in ONE BLEND, as those identified in a blend listed below:

• Complete bone support formula with a broad array of naturally occurring minerals from goat milk whey to assist in maintaining chemical balance and to keep calcium in solution (fluid)—preventing it from depositing in joints
• Naturally occurring food-based cartilage building compounds of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates
• Enzymes, such as protease, bromelain, papain, amylase, lipase and cellulase, known to reduce pain and inflammation
• Botanicals used for centuries known for their strong anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and antioxidant effects; ginger, turmeric, acerola cherry, cherry juice, valerian, lemon powder, and white willow bark (natural aspirin)
• Type II Chicken Collagen, a food-based source of collagen—the principle structure of protein in cartilage, possesses no known side-effects and provides maximum absorption for strength, flexibility and joint support. This collagen is derived from free-range chickens; free of growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and insecticides. Many other sources of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates are from marine life (which has a much higher risk of contamination) or from sources that are not free-ranged—adding to the body’s toxic load
• A natural blend of predigested, bioactivated greens to support joint and cartilage matrix
• Naturally occurring minerals (including potassium, sodium and calcium) from both predigested and regular goat-milk whey to support joints and bone density
• Bone-building ingredients, such as calcium phosphate, L-carnitine, oat juice (natural silica) and alfalfa juice (glutenfree)
• Predigested beneficial microorganisms and active enzymes for gastrointestinal support.

The important components to achieving both short-term relief and long-term maintenance are to supplement with a natural, comprehensive, bone and joint health formula in order to provide the body what it needs to increase bone density while rebuilding healthy cartilage and connective tissue. Additionally, when it includes whole foods, herbs and enzymes for pain associated with inflammation, you are dealing with the causes of the pain, not merely masking it.

Alcohol: Depletes B vitamins and magnesium—needed by joint fluid and cartilage for proper function

Refined Sugar: Depletes B vitamins and trace minerals necessary for healthy joint cartilage and synovial fluid

Nightshade Foods: Inflame an inflammatory condition, and the symptoms can last as long as six weeks (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers—red, green, yellow, cayenne, and paprika, eggplant, blueberries, huckleberries, okra, and tobacco. For specific dietary information and nightshade-free recipes, refer to my book Pain/Inflammation MATTERS

Antacids: Depletes and neutralizes stomach digestive acids, which prevents the body from digesting calcium, proteins, and minerals that are essential for bone and cartilage repair.

No product can possibly guarantee it will allow you to again feel as good as “the good old days” without stiff, achy joints, swollen hands, knees, and ankles. If golfing, gardening, climbing stairs, dancing, or simply bending or walking have become challenging, dietary comprehensive supplement blends are available containing natural ingredients—many of which have been used for decades and present safe and effective quick relief as well as long-term maintenance, naturally.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the December 2018 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

Charles K. Bens, PhD, “NAD—The Superstar For Cellular Healing.” Bens educates us on the role of NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) a form of vitamin B acting as an enzyme that has been proven to be a key nutrient in preventing and reversing the cellular damage in the human body. Bens has includes several graphics, which helps to explain the role of NAD. And informs us of what symptoms may be involved if you have this deficiency.

“My New Plan To Reset Your Metabolism In Just 4 Days,” by Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS. Long-time weight loss, detox, and anti-aging expert shares some of the accolades received from readers of her new book “Radical Metabolism.” Many pleased readers have taken action based on the book.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, “The Natural Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.” If you are looking to reduce pain and promote healthy joints in those suffering from RA, Bruno has suggestions of natural supplements that may help lessen RA symptoms. O3FA (omega-3 fatty acids), Valerian and California poppy may help promote sleep and pain relief for arthritis sufferers. He suggests that the concurrent use of all of these natural substances may yield a better result than any one individually.

Amy Shah, MD, contributes “OTC Pain Medication Mistakes And Cleaner Options.” This article is for all of us current and future shoppers at the over-the-counter medicine aisle. It can be summarized as a wake-up call to read the labels, know what all the ingredients are and how they may affect you whether combining with prescription drugs. Shaw advises all to talk to our pharmacist and consult with our doctors.

Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD, offers “Traditional Holiday Drinks From Ecuador, Colombia And Peru.” With the traditional holiday drinks recipes from Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, Gilbère gives us a snapshot of what you might expect to experience when traveling to those South American countries during the holiday season. Gilbère suggests adapting the ingredients to fit our own holiday traditions.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, this month brings us Part 3 of “Arthritis In Pets.” The focus is on acupuncture. Our resident vet presents all the types of this therapy: Laser therapy, Aquapuncture, Implantation, Electroacupuncture, Moxibustion, and Acupressure. If your pet is showing signs of arthritis you’ll find this third in the series of value.

Thanks to you our readers, the authors and advertisers who have all supported TotalHealth during the 2018 year. We wish all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Best in health,

TWIP—The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full December 2018 issue.

• NAD—The Superstar For Cellular Healing
  Charles Bens, PhD
• My New Plan To Reset Your Metabolism In Just 4 Days
  Anne Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS
• The Natural Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• OTC Pain Medication Mistakes And Cleaner Options
  Amy Shah, MD
• Traditional Holiday Drinks From Ecuador, Colombia And Peru.
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Treating Arthritis In Pets With Acupuncture
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full December 2018 issue.

Have you noticed that you haven't been feeling your normal energetic self lately? Perhaps you have been experiencing symptoms which include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, heart palpitations, sensitivity to the cold, pale skin color, brittle nails, dry hair, cracks on the sides of your mouth, swelling or soreness of the tongue and mouth, or shortness of breath.

These symptoms could be a sign that you are iron deficient. You may be surprised to learn that iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional deficiency in the world. It is estimated that two billion people are anemic, many due to iron deficiency.

Who is at Risk?
Why is iron deficiency such a worldwide problem? As it turns out many health conditions can seriously deplete iron levels. Iron deficiency is especially prevalent amongst menstruating women or women who have excessive blood loss from heavy periods, pregnant and postpartum women, people with conditions that cause internal bleeding, vegans and vegetarians, children, athletes, and the elderly.

In addition, anyone having intestinal health issues such as leaky gut, ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac disease or ulcers are especially vulnerable to low iron levels because of a compromised ability to absorb adequate iron from their diet.

Rheumatoid arthritis and anemia are connected. RA can be associated with different types of anemia, including anemia of chronic inflammation and iron deficiency anemia. When you have an RA flare-up, the immune response causes inflammation in the joints and other tissues. Chronic inflammation can lower the production of red blood cells in your bone marrow. This can lead to the release of certain proteins that affect how the body uses iron.

What Causes Iron Deficiency?
Deficiency occurs when the body doesn't have enough of these vital minerals. Iron is essential in order to make hemoglobin, which is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body's organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs.

When iron intake is chronically low, stores can become depleted, decreasing hemoglobin levels and leading to abnormally low levels of red blood cells. If your body doesn't have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles become starved of oxygen and are unable to function effectively.

There are two forms of dietary iron: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is the type of iron that comes from animal proteins such as red meat, pork, poultry and seafood. Non-heme iron, by contrast, is found in plant-based foods like grains, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Heme iron is typically absorbed at a rate of 7-35 percent, while non-heme iron is typically absorbed at a rate of 2-20 percent. You can see that even though there is better overall absorption of heme iron, there is also a fairly large range of absorption regardless of the type of iron involved.

If the body requires the ability to make more blood or if there is an excessive loss of blood, then there is a greater demand for iron. In the case of intestinal disorders, there is an impaired ability to efficiently absorb nutrients, including iron from food as well as increased risk from gastrointestinal blood loss. Iron deficiency is always a concern for vegan and vegetarians because of their limited dietary choices and lack of heme-producing protein sources.

The Problem with Iron Supplements
If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency, it is usually recommended to take an iron supplement. Beware of taking the inorganic form of iron know as ferrous sulfate. Ferrous sulfate is also found in many multivitamins, including children's multivitamins. It is a relatively toxic, inorganic metal that is difficult to absorb. In addition, it can lead to significant side effects which may include constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness and fainting, fast heartbeat, and temporary staining of the teeth.

A New Approach to Safely and Efficiently Increase Iron Levels Naturally

IronCatch, an all-natural supplement from Italy, is an exciting new product that has recently arrived on the scene. Instead of relying on an inorganic iron product to increase iron levels or trying to increase iron levels with other forms of iron supplementation, IronCatch, provides a novel and effective way to significantly increase iron levels naturally, safely and quickly.

IronCatch is the first iron-free solution for iron deficiency. It has been proven to rapidly produce significant results within as little as 30 days.¹ In fact, in as little as just one week, patients have improved their energy and vitality. This is great news especially for athletes taking part in endurance sport as well as vegetarians, who are known to be at risk from low iron levels.

IronCatch is a food supplement with a patented formulation that elevates the iron levels by increasing the absorption of dietary iron by an amazing 3-5 times. Instead of supplementing with an iron pill, IronCatch's unique formula is an iron-free alternative that can profoundly increase iron absorption from everyday food consumption with no adverse reactions.

Unlike inorganic iron supplements, IronCatch has no side effects and is safe for people of all ages. There is no risk of toxic iron overload, which can occur from taking many other kinds of iron supplements. Studies have shown impressive results in people who have iron deficiency and chronic anemia due to Inflammatory Bowel disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.²

IronCatch is the world's first to solve the iron-deficiency problem by enhancing the absorption of iron from our heme and non-heme dietary choices.

This patented formula is made from oligosaccharides of specific hydrolyzed fish cartilage, which enhances rapid iron absorption. The formula also includes additional nutrients to support efficient iron absorption demonstrated by in-vitro studies on Caco-2 cells². They include vitamin C, zinc, copper, vitamin E, and folic acid.

It is recommended to take one tablet on an empty stomach before a main meal. For more rapid results, take two tablets on an empty stomach before a main meal daily for the first month and then one tablet daily for at least another two months before a main meal.

In a world where there are so many health issues that can lead to a serious loss of life-enhancing iron, it is exciting to know that there is an all-natural food supplement that offers a proven solution. The best news of all is that IronCatch restores healthy levels of iron, rapidly, effectively, and safely.

IronCatch truly earns its reputation as the first iron-free solution for iron deficiency!

References

1. Minerva Med. 2006 Oct;97(5):385-90. Rondanelli M, Opizzi A, Andreoni L, Trotti R. Effect of treatment with a food supplement (containing selected sea fish cartilage, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, zinc, copper) in women with iron deficiency: double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
2. World J Gastroenterol 2007 March 14:13(10): 1575-1578 Andrea Belluzzi, Giulia Roda, Francesca Tonon, Antonio Soleti, Alessandra Caponi, Anna Tuci, Aldo Roda, Enrico Roda. (A new iron free treatment with oral fish cartilage polysaccharide for iron deficiency chronic anemia in inflammatory bowel disease: A pilot study

For more information or to purchase IronCatch visit their website

Moducare® is a patented blend of plant sterols and sterolins, and the only sterol/sterolin product clinically proven to be effective in immune modulation. Moducare can be considered an adjunct to help shift immune responses to a more balanced state. It enhances the activity of various immune cells and increases the killing ability of specialized cells, called Natural Killer cells, responsible for immune surveillance. Moducare also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the effects of stress on the immune system by managing the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Moducare is well-tolerated, with no known interactions with either prescribed medications or natural supplements. Plus, long-term studies have found that it has no significant negative side effects.

Human Research Proves Plant Sterols Action
We call sterols the forgotten nutrient because although thousands of research studies have been preformed on this nutrient, it has not been given the recognition it deserves.

Over 4,000 published studies to date have examined phytosterols and 140 of these studies are double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials. Rheumatoid arthritis, cervical cancer, diabetes, immune function, prostate problems, HI V, herpes, hepatitis C, allergies, stress-induced immune suppression, chronic fatigue, tuberculosis, breast cancer, and high cholesterol are only some of the diseases where sterols and sterolins have been shown to be extremely effective.

Plant sterols and sterolins are essential for modulating (balancing) the immune system, enhancing it if it is under active, and reducing it when it is over stimulated. They perform the balancing act very effectively. Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D., has shown in his research that plant sterols and sterolins are effective in enhancing an under active immune system and/or decreasing an overactive one. This happens without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical substances such as interferon, prednisone or methotrexate. Sterols and sterolins have been evaluated in a 25,000-person safety study and found to have no side effects, no drug interactions, and no toxicity. It is safe for children, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. Only those who have had an organ transplant cannot take plant sterols because they may stimulate rejection.

Plant sterols and sterolins also increase the number and action of natural killer cells (our cancer fighters) and increase our DHE A levels naturally. They are also able to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and the proinflammatory immune factor, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TN F-a). Interleukin-6 and (TN F-a) are increased in autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, over exercising, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Reduction of this inflammatory agent is the key to halting symptoms and pain. This is exactly what plant sterols and sterolins do.

Sterols—Great Stress Busters
Chronic stress is so negative that it can promote and exacerbate most disease. Numerous studies have linked our ability to deal with stress to our susceptibility to the common cold as well as more serious diseases such as cancer. Adults who have recently lost a loved one or have been divorced or separated tend to have the highest cancer rates. Unrelieved stress gradually weakens and suppresses our immune system, causing disease. Stressful situations promote the release of cortisol, the stress hormone which in turn causes the secretion of a negative immune factor interleukin-6. Abnormal levels of IL-6 are associated with osteoporosis, autoimmune disease, asthma, inflammatory diseases including arthritis, and more. We know that phytosterols are effective in reducing IL-6, cortisol and other negative immune factors. They also improve DHEA, a hormone known to help fight the effects of stress.

An overview follows of a few of the outstanding studies published.

Sterols Lower Cholesterol
The rapid cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols have been reported in over 400 studies. Beta-sitosterol is very similar in structure to cholesterol except that it has an extra ethyl group on the side chain. Due to this similarity, it interferes with the absorption of the cholesterol found in our foods as well as the cholesterol produced by the body. By including phytosterol-rich foods or supplements containing sterols, we can normalize cholesterol much faster than with the common cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Sterols Halt Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is now occurring in epidemic proportions. Over four million North Americans are infected with hepatitis C. Liver specialists are overwhelmed as they struggle to deal with the increase in the incidence of this disease. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants in North America. Physicians using sterols and sterolins to treat hepatitis C have already shown that with 90 days of the sterols and sterolins treatment liver enzymes and viral load normalize.

Sterols, Heart Disease and DHEA
A team of Canadian researchers discovered that an error in the regulation of certain immune cells that fight bacterial infections may be implicated in heart attacks and strokes. In a study published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology, plant sterols and sterolins are shown to improve the ability of the immune system to fight bacterial infections. Sterols and sterolins, not antibiotics, may be the way to treat bacterial-induced heart disease.

Prostate Problems Eliminated
Urologists in Germany have been using plant sterols and sterolins for over two decades for the treatment of enlarged prostate. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 200 patients with an average age of 65 and with BPH, subjects were given sterols and sterolins for six months. The treatment group showed a rapid reduction of the symptoms mentioned above and an increase in peak urinary flow and a decrease in inflammation. When does a health food product become mainstream? Do 4,000 medical studies constitute good scientific evidence of a nutrient’s effectiveness? We believe plant sterols and sterolins will change the way we treat disease in the future. Instead of treating symptoms, we will get directly to the source of the symptoms and repair the cause of the disease.

The Amazon rainforest, the largest rainforest on earth, has been targeted by pharmaceutical companies for over a century as a rich source of new plant-derived drugs. The Amazon rain forest is even more so a treasure trove of botanicals for the dietary supplement industry. This rain forest stretches over a billion acres in Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, and the eastern Andean area of Ecuador and Peru. It is home to hundreds of thousands of plants, many of which are used as folk medicines.

Among the many beneficial traditional Amazon botanicals which have emerged in recent years, Uña de gato, or Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa), is one of the most beneficial of all. A woody vine, the plant earns its name due to its sharp, claw-like thorns. Dispersed throughout Central and South America, cat's claw has been used for centuries by native tribes. The entire Uncaria genus, of which there are 60 or so known species, occurs in the tropics. These are coarse shrubs which climb by means of sharp spines or thorns. One species, Uncaria guianensis, is also called cat's claw. But this species lacks the same broad use and science as Uncaria tomentosa.

Good Ghost, Bad Ghost
One of the tribes most associated with cat's claw is the Ashaninka. Their tribal name means "belonging to the Inca." Formerly fierce warriors, the Ashaninka served as the last line of stubborn and dangerous defense against the Spanish conquest of Peru and the eventual destruction of the Incan empire. Many Ashaninka people live in the Chanchamayo region of the Peruvian Amazon, an area of hilly and mountainous rain forest. According to the Ashaninka healers, there are two types of cat's claw, good ghost plants and bad ghost plants. The Ashaninka call the good ghost cat's claw Saventaro, meaning powerful plant. You have to be an expert to know the difference. Fast-forwarding to the scientific present, scientists now have identified two distinct chemotypes of cat's claw. The good ghost cat's claw plants contain POA's or pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids. These compounds provide significant benefits to health. But the so-called bad ghost plants contain TOA's, tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids, which actually counteract the beneficial effects of the plant. The Ashaninka explanation of which plants to use and which to avoid are affirmed and explainable by modern scientific analysis. The bridge between traditional knowledge and scientific rigor is being established with thousands of medicinal plants worldwide. Among medicinal plants from Amazonia, Saventaro is a science heavyweight.

Powerful Plant
On a hot, sunny day, I stood overlooking a long green river valley outside of La Merced Peru with Johannes Keplinger, a bright and talented Austrian familiar with that region, the Ashaninka people, and Saventaro cat's claw. His father, Klaus Keplinger, is a pioneer in the study and promotion of cat's claw, or Saventaro. Klaus Keplinger is a true friend of the Ashaninka people, and has worked hard for decades on their behalf. Elder Keplinger's dedication to the cat's claw cause traces back to an influential meeting with a shaman in 1959, when he took part in a mountaineering expedition in Peru. The Ashaninka shaman told Keplinger about a healing plant. That plant was Saventaro, the POA chemotype, or good ghost cat's claw. In the early 1970's Keplinger was told about a successful cancer treatment of a friend, using cat's claw. Keplinger returned to the Chanchamayo region in 1975, and has worked with the Ashaninka people in the sustainable harvesting and initial processing of the POA chemotype of cat's claw, Saventaro, for eventual manufacture into a standardized extract. Keplinger's son Johannes now is responsible for the project, which operates in Austria under the name Immodal Pharmaka.

Joining Johannes and me were photographer Donna Horn and an Ashaninka Indian named Josias Macuyama. We were together to visit every aspect of the world of Saventaro cat's claw, from the forest to drying harvested material. Donna shot photographs throughout the entire trip, while Josias works directly with the Keplinger family in the Saventaro cat's claw project. Josias is an influential and respected man in the Ashaninka world. As one of the tribe, he knows the challenges his people face. At the same time, Josias enjoys a European education, and a broader world perspective. The four of us made a friendly and cooperative quartet as we travelled throughout the Chanchamyo region of the Peruvian Amazon, meeting with a broad range of people involved with Saventaro cat's claw.

We hiked into the hot rainforest to see cat's claw plants with a couple of native Ashaninka harvesters named Mario and Nestor, and a local medicine man Manuel Harena. There we witnessed first hand how Ashaninka people harvest Saventaro cat's claw in three ways that set them apart from others. First the harvesters visually determining whether a plant is the right chemotype. Secondly, they harvest root material instead of bark, which is more common. Additionally, they maintain a sustainable harvesting project in thousands of acres of rain forest, protecting the natural habitat and preventing depletion of cat's claw supplies. The Ashaninka use GPS units to identify exact locations of cat's claw plants, which can be huge, twining through an acre or more of forest, winding around trees, taking over a lot of ground. Each plant is tagged with an identification code. Up to one third of the lateral roots of a plant is harvested, and then that plant is left alone for ten years before any further harvesting takes place. This enables new lateral roots to grow, and contrasts sharply with harvesting of cat's claw in many other regions, where plants are cut down and ripped up, dried and ground, decimating forest and depleting supplies of this potent rain forest medicine.

Cat's Claw Benefits
Studies conducted with the POA chemotype of cat's claw show that these agents possess anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiviral and immune-stimulating properties. The POA alkaloids in the vine demonstrate immune-enhancing activity by producing an increase in phagocytosis, a process by which potentially harmful materials are "eaten" by protective cells. In studies of quinovic acid glycosides in the plant, researchers observed significant anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, these same compounds were shown to inhibit several types of common viruses. In studying triterpenoid saponins, scientists observed that these chemical agents inhibited the growth of some tumor cells. In Austria, Saventaro cat's claw extract is prescribed by physicians under the name Krallendorn for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, it enables sufferers of this disease to gradually ease off of medication and live normal lives. The extract demonstrates benefit as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer treatment, and improves overall parameters of health in cases of various cancers. Saventaro cat's claw also helps to treat viral infections including Herpes simplex and Varicella zoster, and improves immune function and several parameters of life quality in cases of HIV and Aids. This phytochemical-packed Amazonian plant has become a highly studied and effective medicine.

Cat's Claw and Sustainability
One challenge we face in the era of modern plant medicine is how to engage in herbal work in a manner that sustains plants, people and the natural environment. In addition to harvesting Saventaro cat's claw root in an eco-friendly way, the collaboration between Immodal and the Ashaninka people provides other benefits. Harvesters of Saventaro cat's claw root are paid a fair daily wage that exceeds local wages. They are additionally paid per kilo of lateral roots harvested. After that, additional funds accrue to the Ashaninka villages for medicine and education. This type of green business bodes well for the future.

Some people state that the Amazon rain forest should be better protected, because someday we may find an extraordinary rainforest remedy that is a true lifesaver, one that treats serious diseases and provides extraordinary health benefits. We don't need to wait for some future discovery to start taking better care of one of the greatest geographic resources on earth. The traditional native medicine cat's claw is that extraordinary rainforest remedy. The POA chemotype of cat's claw, called Saventaro by the Ashaninka Indians, demonstrates profound medicinal value. Its immune-modulating, antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects make Saventaro a medicine deserving of greater recognition and more widespread use.

In the natural products industry, glucosamine and chondroitin are probably the most popular dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The emphasis here should be on osteoarthritis (OA), since there is no data indicating that these dietary supplements will be of benefit in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are, however, dietary supplements which can be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Before discussing these supplements, let’s first take a closer look at RA. Arthritis is characterized by an inflammation and/or pain in a joint or joints of the body. Symptoms of chronic arthritis are pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity of one or more joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The American College of Rheumatology reports that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints and inflammation in other body organs. Unlike OA, RA is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own joint tissue. While the cause of RA remains unknown, recent studies show that certain people inherit a tendency to develop RA. RA affects about two million Americans.

In the case of RA, supplementation with certain natural ingredients may help the situation—often significantly. Following is a discussion of these natural ingredients.

Undenatured Collagen Type II
UC-II™ is a proprietary brand of undenatured type II collagen derived from chicken sternum cartilage and is particularly valuable for RA sufferers. Here’s why: Type II collagen administered orally works with the immune system to promote healthy joints by a process called oral tolerization. This process helps the body to differentiate between foreign invaders, such as bacteria, and elements that are good for the body, such as nutrients. The process of oral tolerization takes place in the small intestine where food is absorbed. Through a complex series of immunological events, patches of lymphoid tissue surrounding the small intestine screen incoming compounds and serve as a “switch” to turn the body’s immune response to foreign substances on or off, depending upon what that substance is. In the case of UCII, small amounts (typically 10 milligrams or less¹ ) taken orally at bedtime have been shown to turn off the immune response targeted at the type II collagen present in bone joint cartilage.^2,3

UC-II is supported by six human clinical studies, including research at Harvard University Medical School. Here is a review of three of those studies.

• In a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, follow-up study on patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, Harvard scientists found that 28 patients taking undenatured type II collagen showed significant improvement compared to the placebo group, while four patients recovered completely.⁴
• In another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Harvard Medical School researchers showed that following treatment with undenatured type II collagen, 21 of 54 rheumatoid arthritis patients (39 percent) demonstrated significant improvement, while only 11 of 57 patients (19 percent) taking a placebo showed improvement.⁵
• A human clinical study at Harvard Medical School showed that after three months of treatment with undenatured type II collagen, eight out of 10 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis had a reduction in both swollen and tender joints. The average changes a 61 percent and 54 percent respective reduction in swollen and tender joint counts for the eight responders at the end of the study. Six patients had greater than a 33 percent reduction in both swelling and tender joint counts.⁶

Since UC-II is taken at bedtime, we also recommend the use of two herbs to be taken concurrently. These herbs not only help promote healthy sleep, but may also help reduce RA-associated pain.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian root extracts have been used for over 1,000 years for extract to relieve muscle spasms, as a mild sedative, treatment for insomnia, hysteria, nervous tension, fatigue, and menstrual cramps. Research data indicates a rational scientific basis for mild sedative qualities, and spasmolytic activity. Additional studies show mild painrelieving qualities.⁷ It is also used orally for muscle and joint pain⁸, as well as to treat neuralgia.⁹

California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)
California poppy has been used historically to treat insomnia, the need for sedation, aches and pains, nervous conditions, childhood enuresis, and bladder disorders.¹⁰ Its sedating effects are in themselves potentially valuable for pain relief, since tension can exacerbate pain. This sedating effect was demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study where a preparation containing fixed quantities of Hawthorn, California Poppy and magnesium proved safe and more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.¹¹ In one study, extracts of corydalis and California poppy inhibited a particular degradation process (dimerization) of certain pain-modulating peptides in the brain. This effect is thought to prolong the activity of these pain-relieving molecules.¹²

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
In a previous issue of HSR, we wrote an article about omega 3 fatty acids (O3FA). In that article we included a discussion of O3FA's value in the treatment of RA. Here is a brief review of that information.

Well-controlled clinical studies have clearly demonstrated that consumption of O3FA has resulted in an improvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers.¹³ As a matter of fact, a comprehensive review of medical literature by a board certified rheumatologist revealed that treatment with O3FA is associated with improvement in outcome measures in RA, and is able to help decrease the long-term requirements for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) in some circumstances. Furthermore, an expert workshop reviewing a comprehensive review of medical literature by a board certified rheumatologist revealed that treatment with O3FA is associated with improvement in outcome measures in RA, and is able to help decrease the long-term requirements for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) in some circumstances.¹⁴ Furthermore, an expert workshop reviewing the health effects of O3FA also concluded that these natural substances where able to help alleviate the symptoms of RA.¹⁵ It should be noted that these O3FA-related benefits were not limited to adult RA sufferers. A study conducted in the Czech Republic found that children with chronic juvenile arthritis were able to decrease their ibuprofen consumption by 17.3 percent over a period of five months when treated with a high-O3FA diet.¹⁶ Assuming that the O3FA product provides something in the 375 mg EPA and 250 mg DHA range, with 625 mg of total omega 3 fatty acids, an effective dose would be 1-2 capsules daily.

Conclusion
UC-II. may help reduce pain and promote healthy joints in those suffering from RA. Likewise, O3FA may help lessen RA symptoms. Finally, Valerian and California poppy may help promote sleep and pain relief for arthritis sufferers. The concurrent use of all of these natural substances may yield a better result than any one individually.

References

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2. UCII™ FAQ, 2004 InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Inc. Accessed October 14, 2004.
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11. Hanus M.; Lafon J.; Mathieu M. Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2004; 20(1):63–71.
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