WHAT IS IT?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble micro-nutrient. Human beings cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and must rely on outside sources, including food and supplements, to obtain it. Other forms of vitamin C, which may be found in supplements include, ascorbyl palmitate (a fat-soluble form) and mineral ascorbates such as calcium ascorbate.

Vitamin C is found in different fruits and vegetables. Although the vitamin C content varies depending upon the produce,¹ about five servings (2½ cups) of fruits and vegetables should average out to about 200 mg of vitamin C. Rich sources of vitamin C include sweet red peppers, strawberries, orange juice, grapefruit juice, oranges, and broccoli. Other good sources include grapefruit, tomatoes and potato.

WHAT DOES IT DO?
Vitamin C is best known for its role in the synthesis of collagen, a connective tissue protein used as a structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. A deficiency of vitamin C leads to the deficiency disease “scurvy,” characterized by insufficient collagen production. This water-soluble vitamin is also needed for the synthesis of: 1) the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which performs critical brain function including an effect on mood, and 2) the amino acid carnitine, which is essential for the transport of fat into cellular mitochondria, where the fat is converted to energy or ATP.² Vitamin C may also be involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may be important for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones.³

Another significant function of vitamin C is the important role it plays as an antioxidant, protecting vital molecules in the body from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. These molecules include proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Vitamin C also plays a complementary role with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, helping to regenerate them from their oxidized form back into their reduced (active) form.^4,5

Vitamin C also plays a profound role in the health of the immune system, stimulating the production and function of white blood cells, including leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and phagocytes.^{6,7,8,9,10,11,12} In addition, research has demonstrated that supplemental vitamin C increases serum levels of antibodies^13,14 and C1q complement proteins.^15,16,17 Also, vitamin C has been shown to increase interferon levels in vitro,¹⁸ and research on supplemental vitamin C and the common cold suggests that it promotes an antiviral effect in humans.¹⁹

WHO SHOULD USE IT?
Given that humans do not make any vitamin C themselves, everyone would do well to supplement with vitamin C. This is especially true during times when additional immune support is desirable—such as during cold and flu season.

DOSAGE/TIMING
The RDA for vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. The RDA for men and women smokers is 125 mg and 110 mg, respectively. However, studies conducted at the National Institutes of Health indicated that plasma and circulating cells in healthy subjects attain near-maximal concentrations of vitamin C at a dose of about 400 mg/day—a dose much higher than the current RDA.²⁰ This suggests that a daily intake of 400 mg is advisable.

Vitamin C can be taken with or without food, so the timing is not critical.

ADVERSE REACTIONS/ INTERACTIONS
An adult dose of up to 10 grams of vitamin C daily has not been found to be toxic or detrimental to health. High dose of vitamin C, however, may induce diarrhea. The concept of “bowel tolerance” describes utilizing vitamin C in amounts just short of the doses, which produce diarrhea.²¹ The Food and Nutrition Board recommends an upper limit of 2,000 mg daily in order to prevent most adults from experiencing diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances.²²

There is some controversial evidence that high doses of vitamin C (16 grams/day) reduced the response to warfarin in two people,^23,24 possibly by causing diarrhea and reducing warfarin absorption.²⁵ To be safe, individuals on anticoagulants should limit their vitamin C intake to 1 gram/day.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, vitamin C performs several important roles in the body. It is necessary for the synthesis of the structural protein collagen, needed for blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone, as well as for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which affects mood. Vitamin C is also necessary for the synthesis of the amino acid carnitine, which is essential for fat transport and energy production. This critical nutrient may be involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids and provides significant antioxidant protection against free radicals. Finally, vitamin C plays a profound role in the health of the immune system, stimulating the production and function of white blood cells.

Endnotes

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22. 2009. Available at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/.
2. Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69(6):1086–107.
3. Simon JA, Hudes ES. Serum ascorbic acid and gallbladder disease prevalence among US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(7):931–6.
4. See note 2 above.
5. Bruno RS, Leonard SW, Atkinson J, et al. Faster plasma vitamin E disappearance in smokers is normalized by vitamin C supplementation. Free Radic Biol Med. 2006;40(4):689–97.
6. Prinz W, Bortz R, Bregin B, Hersch M. The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on some parameters of the human immunological defense system. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1977;47(3):248–57.
7. Vallance S. Relationships between ascorbic acid and serum proteins of the immune system. Br Med J. 1977;2(6084):437–438.
8. Kennes B, Dumont I, Brohee D, Hubert C, Neve P. Effect of vitamin C supplements on cell-mediated immunity in old people. Gerontology. 1983;29(5):305–10.
9. Panush RS, Delafuente JC, Katz P, Johnson J. Modulation of certain immunologic responses by vitamin C. III. Potentiation of in vitro and in vivo lymphocyte responses. Int J Vitam Nutr Res Suppl. 1982;23:35–47.
10. Jariwalla RJ, Harakeh S. Antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of ascorbic acid. In: Harris JR (ed). Subcellular Biochemistry. Vol. 25. Ascorbic Acid: Biochemistry and Biomedical Cell Biology. New York: Plenum Press; 1996:215–31.
11. Levy R, Shriker O, Porath A, Riesenberg K, Schlaeffer F. Vitamin C for the treatment of recurrent furunculosis in patients with impaired neutrophil functions. J Infect Dis. 1996;173(6):1502–5.
12. Anderson R, Oosthuizen R, Maritz R, Theron A, Van Rensburg AJ. The effects of increasing weekly doses of ascorbate on certain cellular and humoral immune functions in normal volunteers. Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(1):71–6.
13. Prinz W, Bloch J, Gilich G, Mitchell G. A systematic study of the effect of vitamin C supplementation on the humoral immune response in ascorbate-dependent mammals. I. The antibody response to sheep red blood cells (a T-dependent antigen) in guinea pigs. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1980;50(3):294–300.
14. Feigen GA, Smith BH, Dix CE, et al. Enhancement of antibody production and protection against systemic anaphylaxis by large doses of vitamin C. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1982;38(2):313–33.
15. Haskell BE, Johnston CS. Complement component C1q activity and ascorbic acid nutriture in guinea pigs. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991;54(6 Suppl):1228S–30S.
16. Johnston CS, Cartee GD, Haskell BE. Effect of ascorbic acid nutriture on protein-bound hydroxyproline in guinea pig plasma. J Nutr. 1985;115(8):1089–93.
17. Johnston CS, Kolb WP, Haskell BE. The effect of vitamin C nutriture on complement component C1q concentrations in guinea pig plasma. J Nutr. 1987;117(4):764–8.
18. Dahl H, Degre M. The effect of ascorbic acid on production of human interferon and the antiviral activity in vitro. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand B. 1976;84B(5):280–4.
19. Sasazuki S, Sasaki S, Tsubono Y, Okubo S, Hayashi M, Tsugane S. Effect of vitamin C on common cold: randomized controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006;60(1):9–17.
20. Higdon J, Drake VJ. Vitamin C. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2006-2009. Retrieved June 15, 2011 from http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/index.html#lpi_recommend.
21. Cathcart RF. Vitamin C, titrating to bowel tolerance, anascorbemia, and acute induced scurvy. Med Hypotheses. 1981;7(11):1359–76.
22. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Vitamin C. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 2000:95–185.
23. Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671.
24. Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166.
25. Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544–7.

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In this article, I discuss the aging process in general for men, look at testosterone and hormonal changes, and then focus on maintaining prostate health and sexual function over the later years. And clearly for men, their prostate and sexual function are important to feeling youthful. Those that remain lovingly active, sexually and sensually, often feel better in many other ways as well.

Let me first say a few words about male aging, which I hope to experience, only very slowly with vitality and verve. We each have our genetics and biological clocks. Hopefully, if we play our cards right with healthy habits, understanding our risks and disease potentials, we can outlive our parents and ancestors. And for most issues of genetics and aging, lifestyle can trump our genetics and give us greater health and less disease.

Men need to look at and take action to prevent some of the common diseases that take us out of life too early. The big ones here are the cardiovascular diseases that start with inflammation, rising blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and subsequent atherosclerosis. The other is weight gain with rising blood sugar and insulin resistance of pre and early diabetes that speeds up cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle is so important to all of these common aging issues and helps in preventing, or at least delaying them. The lifestyle keys are focused on diet, exercise, and stress management.

Cancer risk is also a health and longevity threat, and here the colon and prostate are major concerns. These areas can and should be checked with some regularly to pick up any early changes. Colonoscopy, digital rectal exams, and PSA blood tests in men are well accepted for early diagnoses of these common cancers, although PSA tests have more recent controversy (as does mammography in women) because of potential fear and over-treatment that they can cause unnecessarily; also, there is controversy on how many of prostate cancers should be left alone and watched rather than suggesting and using aggressive treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Lung cancer is a minimal risk if you don’t or have not smoked. If so, regular chest x-rays are a test to consider.

It is important for men in the aging process to maintain normal weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar. Abdominal obesity from excess calories from refined foods, especially flour and sugars products, along with excess alcohol use can cause higher risks for many diseases. In current times, it’s easy to be overweight (or let’s say, harder to stay trim), however, research is showing that health and longevity can be protected with exercise and staying fit even with being somewhat overweight. A sedentary life with overeating and being overweight can create a high risk of disease and a shorter lifespan.

Tips for Healthy Aging

• Avoid Overeating and rich, fatty foods in your diet.
• Minimize Sugar, Flour, And The Many Refined Foods made from them as well as excessive alcohol.
• Maintain Normal Weight.
• Focus Your Diet around fresh vegetables with quality proteins and fresh fruit.
• Get Regular Exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Stretch to stay young and flexible.
• Stay Strong with weight training; muscle mass is important for healthy aging.
• Do Aerobic Exercise to stay fit and maintain endurance.
• Practice Stress Reduction such as meditation, breathing, qigong, tai chi, yoga, or relax out in nature.
• Listen To Your Body, and partner with your healthcare provider to address imbalances or symptoms such as sleep problems, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, allergies, weight loss or weight gain, and stress issues; find ways that work to resolve these issues.
• Do Your Annual Physical Checkup to catch early signs of pending health problems.
• People Who Live A Long And Healthy Life tend to practice forgiveness, find a good balance between work and relaxation, feel gratitude and joy every day, nurture their creativity, stay connected with their friends and family, make a living doing something they enjoy, and use their talents and gifts to be of service to others. Wow! That’s another whole list.

HORMONAL CHANGES IN MEN

Many things change as we age, and this is true for blood levels of our hormones along with lower functions. For men, the many related hormones could become lower with time. This relates especially to testosterone, but also to thyroid and adrenal hormones, and less so to estrogen and progesterone. DHEA, or dehydoepiandrosterone, is a precursor substance that is produced form cholesterol molecules in the adrenals, and acts as a precursor for testosterone and estradiol. For both men and women, better levels of blood DHEA-S (sulfate) tends to be associated for both men and women with feeling better with a greater sense of well-being as they age.

In my office, I measure several blood levels when assessing men, especially over 40 years old. These include testosterone (often the total and “free” levels), DHEA-S, thyroid, and sometimes estradiol levels; if there’s fatigue I may order a 4-test saliva sample to check cortisol levels throughout the day. You and your doctor need to clarify the difference in test levels between the wide range of normal and more optimal levels.

If testosterone levels are low normal and there are symptoms accordingly, along with the person’s request to experience how they feel with some added body levels of circulating testosterone hormone, I will prescribe a topical hormone cream to apply daily for a couple months. Low male hormone levels can affect energy, mood, strength, sexual function, and vitality. After trying the treatment, we can evaluate the results and see what symptoms may have improved and how that correlates with blood or saliva levels of hormones. Testosterone can also be used as injection in oil, given every two-three weeks on a regular basis.

The use of testosterone replacement or enhancement in aging men is a controversial treatment. Over recent decades, it was thought to be cardio-protective as well as improve stamina and vitality; however, recent reports are suggesting that testosterone adversely affects the cardiovascular system. I don’t believe it as of yet, but it’s wise to review this aspect with your practitioner if you consider testosterone therapy.

PROSTATE PROBLEMS AND PREVENTIONS

It appears that the common disease among men over 50 (and now over 40) involves the prostate sex organ (and the colon, with stagnation and toxicity, diverticulitis and cancer). The Western lifestyle of stress and sitting plus often hours of driving and traffic, working, and TV watching; stuffing food and emotions; eating animal flesh and milk products; consuming sugary foods and caffeine; and using alcohol regularly—sets the stage for chronic, debilitating and degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, and arthritis, as well as prostate enlargement (BPH—Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) and prostate cancer.

The prostate is a fibro-muscular organ, about the size of two walnuts placed together, and it sits at the bottom of the man’s pelvis behind the genitals and in front of the rectum. It can be felt (palpated) with the medical “digital exam” whereby a doctor sticks his gloved and lubricated index finger in through the anus and pushes forward. We should feel the pliable yet firm lobes without any enlargement, swelling, lumps or stony material. And the patient should not feel any pain, however, it could feel uncomfortable with a pressure like you have to urinate. Some symptoms of prostate enlargement or infection may be a pressure or swelling feeling in the perineum, or even more commonly, frequent urination and difficulty in starting or stopping urination. Men often need to get up two or three times at night to pee, which can lead to sleep issues as well. There may also be some change in the urine stream or force behind the urination. The ureter, or tube that passes from the kidneys and through the bladder, also goes through the prostate tissue and then through the penis. Thus, when the prostate is swollen, it may interfere with the urine flow.

A blood test can also be done to measure an antigen that is created by prostate cancer cells. It’s called the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) and if it’s elevated, that may mean prostate cancer is present. With inflammation or infection, the PSA can also go up; thus, it may need to be double-checked and/or rechecked after a course of antibiotics to treat any potential infection. If the elevation persists, even after any infection is treated, this may require further testing, as I believe it’s always wise to find out what is going on in our body. If it’s bad news, at least we can deal with it from there. Other tests to investigate the prostate further include a prostate ultrasound (sound wave assessment of the prostate tissue), a cat scan or the new body scan (both which utilize x-ray), and a prostate biopsy, which is usually done by an urologist. Luckily, many prostate cancers are slow growing or have not spread; yet they still can cause medical problems and metastasize over time.

The best overall plan, however, is to stay healthy and to maintain a healthy prostate.

As reviewed above, this involves staying young and in shape; maintaining sexual activity; getting regular exercise; managing your stress levels; taking stretch and activity breaks from long periods of sitting and computer work; eating a wholesome diet with lots of fresh veggies and quality proteins plus healthy fats; and avoiding excess substance use, especially of refined sugars, red meats and alcohol, while obtaining adequate essential fatty acids daily, such as two teaspoons of flaxseed oil, as well as adding fish oils and evening primrose oil. These are all ways that may help to prevent prostate problems.

Lycopene found in tomatoes (highest amount), watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava, and papaya is an antioxidant that mops up free radicals and helps protect the body against cancer. Cooked tomato products like tomato sauce allows lycopene to be more readily absorbed by the body. In research studies, two servings of tomato sauce a week are enough to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, collards, broccoli sprouts, Chinese broccoli, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, mustard greens, turnip, radish, rocket, watercress, and kale all contain sulforaphane, an anticancer and antimicrobial compound that helps the body repair damages caused by cancer cells while slowing down its growth. Another added benefit of eating these nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables is the decreased risk for cardiovascular diseases while providing higher levels of vitamins and minerals that are also needed to prevent or fight cancer. The sprouts of these vegetable seeds, especially broccoli sprouts, have been shown to have anti-cancer effects.

Avoid charring meats when cooking (especially in grilling) to reduce the levels of a cancer-causing substance known as PhIP which has been associated to the development of prostate cancer in lab animals. Slow roasting, stewing, and broiling (without charring), are better ways to cook meats.

Zinc, selenium, Coenzyme Q10, vitamins C and E, vitamins K2 and D3, and the B vitamins, particularly B6, are all important for a healthy prostate, as are a number of herbs, which can also be used to treat prostate problems as well. There are two herbs that are specifically useful in preventing and treating prostate diseases, and thus, supporting sexual function. They are Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum.

Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens) has been shown to effectively diminish pain, inflammation and enlargement of the prostate, as well as to reduce urinary urgency. It may work by inhibiting dihydro-testosterone (DHT), thereby reducing its stimulation for cell multiplication. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries and is also thought to have a mild aphrodisiac effect, as well as increasing sperm production and sexual vitality.

Another useful herb comes from an African evergreen tree, Pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and has been shown in research to reduce prostate enlargement and inflammation; it may also help stimulate libido. Pygeum has many natural chemicals that have anti-inflammatory and other positive effects on energy and bodily functions.

Some prostate formulas also may contain other herbs like nettle, or pumpkin seed extract or oil (higher in zinc and supportive of prostate health), and beta-sitosterol, a healthy fat that also supports prostate. Most men over 40-50 can benefit form the regular use of a good prostate health formula to both support this organ and prevent prostate problems.

The herbs and formulas work well and often at less expense and less potential harm or side effects than the popular drugs, such as Proscar or Flomax. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors for men with prostate enlargement or urinary symptoms.

Ultimately, it is conceivable that if we follow the aforementioned lifestyle advice, we can avoid treatment altogether and maintain both a healthy prostate and our sexual health and vigor. Long-term survival rate approaches 100 percent when prostate cancer is detected early. The ACS (American Cancer Society) recommends a PSA blood test and digital rectal examination be offered annually for men starting at age 50, although that is more recently questioned as to whether this test actually helps in saving or prolonging lives. Men in high risk groups, such as African American men, those with family histories of this disease, or with a history of rising PSA levels as well as altered levels of estrogen or testosterone, may begin testing at a younger age (i.e. 40-45 years). Men, who are not at high risk but are between 40 and 50 years old, may want to do both tests every two-three years.

It is far better to pick up any medical problems early, and this certainly applies to the prostate. Stay Healthy!

A good web site to keep abreast of prostate cancer research and treatments is www.ProstateCancerFoundation.org. Check out the latest research and guidelines.

The post Male Aging, Hormone Support, And Prostate Health appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

At no time is this missing information more needed than today, when we read alarming headlines about Avian Flus or H1N1, alleged pandemics that were supposedly going to match or surpass the death rates of the Great Flu Epidemic of 1918.

To understand why our government ramps up for these anticipated pandemics, you need to know how much they are involved in the drug business and the creation of laws that sanction the use of our tax dollars to make new drugs. Once developed, these drugs are then handed over to the drug industry to sell worldwide, and officials at all federal agencies, including the State Department, are required to do what they can to make these drugs a commercial success. consequently, the possibility that there might be an epidemic, or even worse a “pandemic” (that is, a situation in which more potential sick people would need drugs) provides yet another opportunity to develop and promote drug products for sale worldwide.

While millions of Americans worry about what will happen if such pandemics reach our shores, we thought we’d set the record straight on what actually happened during the 1918 epidemic, among chiropractors and homeopaths, two medical groups who have always remained skeptical of modern medicine for good reason. Chiropractor, Dr. Christopher Kent, in his article titled, “Chiropractic and Infectious Disease —a Historical Perspective,” which is posted on www.insightcla.com, provides statistics that show the superiority of chiropractic care during the 1918 flu epidemic. In Davenport, Iowa, 6,116 patients died out of 93,590 treated (a loss of one in fifteen) under modern medical care. Meanwhile, chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic treated 1,635 cases and lost only one patient. Outside Davenport, chiropractors cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths, or one death per 866 patients. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, another bastion of chiropractic activity, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths.

Homeopaths had similar success, as they always do during any infectious disease outbreak. One of the several most interesting public records about homeopathic superiority in treating the flu was reported in Chicago, where three great mail order houses were located: Montgomery Ward, Sears, Roebuck and Co., and Marshall Field’s. Each of these companies had medical clinics for their thousands of employees. Sears and Marshall Field’s were run by allopathic M.D.s, while Ward’s was run by homeopaths. While Sears and Marshall Field’s lost hundreds of patients, Ward’s only lost one lone patient. One homeopath practicing during the epidemic said that allopaths typically lost 20 to 40 percent of their patients while homeopaths lost only 5 to 6 percent at most.

In New York City, the Commissioner of Health, Royal Copeland, a homeopathic physician, was convinced that most of the deaths reported in the city were from pneumonia, a complication from the flu, because most people did not have indoor heating at the time. As a result, he changed the sanitary code to require landlords to keep heat in their buildings no lower than 68 degrees. Dr. Copeland also noted that among the Jewish population, there were lower death rates. He claimed it was because Jewish mothers were the best in the world. We think it’s because of their famous chicken soup, which is known to be nutritionally rich and usually includes several herbs of medicinal value, none the least of which is garlic.

All natural health practitioners would tell you the same thing about the flu season: Be prepared and build up your immune system; it’s the best defense. On the outside chance we do have some kind of unusual flu outbreak, avian or otherwise, you can use homeopathic flu remedies like Boiron’s oscillococcinum, which is prepared from duck organs because the makers know that flu can have an avian origin. You should also know that each flu season, homeopaths gather information about symptoms from the very first sufferers and establish the most effective protocols for that season’s variety of infection. And they don’t necessarily differentiate between flu-like illness or the actual flu, which is only 10 percent of the aches and sniffles that people suffer each year. They choose from Aconite (for the first signs of a flu), Eupatorium (for break-bone fever), Gelsemium (for worry and hurry), Nux Vomica (for overindulgence), and a dozen more. We personally also use oil of oregano, vitamin C, garlic, and magnesium to defend ourselves and also carefully avoid the flu shot and antibiotics.

What we must always remember is that the key to good health is being informed owners of our own bodies. We have a right to choice in health care, and we must fight for that right of choice and the knowledge and ability to self-medicate with fearlessness and confidence.

Allopathy is only a medical model born of the industrial age, and to suggest the oldest and most used healing arts in the world are secondary to allopathy is not only insulting but inaccurate. Traditional methods of restoring and maintaining maximum health, by virtue of their track record of safety and success, take second place to no other medical model.

Health is not only about the body but also about the mind, emotions, and spirit. Each of us must be prepared to stretch beyond the average health book, which merely substitutes dietary supplements for drugs and doesn’t give us the deep, underlying reasons for the very existence of our current health care crises. There have been well over 100 years of deliberate scheming and manipulations, affecting every aspect of our North American society, to create the false picture of the health care (actually disease care) matrix. Become educated; take responsibility for your own health; and if you must take medication, look into all the risks and all the other options.

Also, understand that power comes from how you spend your money, how you make your lifestyle choices, and how you cast your vote. Become active in the health freedom movement.

The post The History of Influenza appeared first on Total Health Magazine.