November 2004
 
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Preparing for the Cold and Flu Season without the Flu Vaccine
Elderberry to the rescue!

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Introducing the New DERMFX Weight-loss Patch
Topical weight-loss patch boosts metabolism, burns fat, and decreases appetite!

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Pain Relief After Vioxx
Natural arthritis treatments.

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Preparing for the Cold and Flu Season without the Flu Vaccine
Elderberry to the rescue!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requesting that “healthy adults” forego their flu vaccinations this year, leaving the supply to those most in need. People who should still receive a flu shot include persons 65 and over, children between 6 months and 2 years of age, patients with underlying medical conditions, women who will be pregnant during flu season, and health care workers who could spread flu. This leaves a large portion of the United States wondering how they will survive this year's cold and flu season without the usual preventative measure.

The lack of vaccines this year has prompted the public to search out alternative remedies. Just as colds differ from the flu, so do the remedies for each. However, Elderberry is not only a preventative measure, but also a treatment for both afflictions.

Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) comes from the deciduous Elder tree. In England , Elder was commonly referred to a “nature's medicine chest,” having traditionally been used for a variety of medicinal purposes.

Elderberry is one of the most effective herbs for preventing and treating upper respiratory infections, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and even constipation. Elderberry stimulates the immune system and contains substances called Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNA's) that interfere with the growth of flu viruses. By locking receptor sites on certain strains of flu viruses, the viruses are prevented from infecting human cells. Other flu strains send out enzyme “spikes” that dissolve the walls of healthy cells, which allows the virus to enter and infect the cell. Elderberry may help prohibit this process by protecting the cells.

Elderberry combats free radicals and inflammation, helping to ease the aches and pains associated with the flu. It relieves coughs and congestion, and increases perspiration which helps to lower fevers. Elderberry stimulates circulation helping to cleanse the system and helps to soothe the respiratory tract which aids in constipation.

Flu vaccinations only protect against, at best, three strains of viruses, whereas Elderberry's effectiveness is not limited to certain strains and may be able to prevent and/or treat many different strains of flu virus.

The most effective form of Elderberry to use is Sambucol, a patented herbal medicine from Israel . Unprocessed elderberries can cause nausea and vomiting and large dosages of elderberry juice can cause diarrhea – so using Sambucol, or processed forms of elderberry is recommended.

Elderberries contain:

Phytochemicals, the active substances responsible for the color, flavor, and natural disease resistance in plants, are similar to antioxidants in their ability to fight cancers and other diseases in humans:
Beta-Carotene – an antioxidant converted by the body into vitamin A.
Pectin – removes unwanted toxins and metals from the body.
Quercetin and Rutin – essential in the absorption of Vitamin C, may treat and prevent symptoms of asthma

Nutrients:
Calcium – vital for the formation of strong bones and teeth and may help prevent cancer.
Essential Fatty Acids – essential for rebuilding and producing new cells.

Vitamins:
A – enhances immunity by acting as an antioxidant.
B1 (Thiamine) – enhances circulation and acts as an antioxidant.
B2 (Riboflavin) – necessary for red blood cell formation and antibody production.
B3 (Niacin) – needed for proper circulation and cleansing of toxins.
C – powerful antioxidant protects against infection and enhances immunity.

Having a strong immune system is your ticket to a flu-free winter. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, cover you mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and stay at home if you do become sick to avoid spreading cold and flu germs.

For more suggestions on preventing colds and flu this season, visit the CDC website for important tips!

Sources:
CNN
Quantum Health
WebMD
Little Can Be Done – WebMD
CDC


 

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Introducing the New DERMFX Weight-loss Patch!
Topical weight-loss patch boosts metabolism, burns fat, and decreases appetite!

We here at Wellfx.com are excited to introduce a new product into our line of supplements, the DERMFX topical weight-loss patch!

If you are looking to lose those last few unwanted pounds and you need a boost in your weight-loss plan, then DERMFX is just for you! In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, the DERMFX weight-loss patch will assist you on your way to feeling better and looking better.

Here's how it works:

The all-natural combination of fucus vesiculosis (kelp), garcinia cambogia, and guarana work together to decrease appetite, increase metabolism, and burn fat! Fucus Vesiculosis helps to regulate metabolism with its rich abundance of iodine, increasing the rate at which calories are burned. Garcinia Cambogia creates thermogenesis, a natural, fat burning process within the body. And Guarana, known for its caffeine content, works as an appetite suppressant, decreasing your cravings for food.

With the DERMFX patch, the herbal ingredients are delivered through the skin directly into the bloodstream. The key ingredients are time-released to provide you with safe, continuous, and effective weight loss.

Unlike other diet supplements, there are no pills to swallow, no shakes to mix, and no special diets to follow. While wearing the DERMFX patch, you will begin to notice that you feel fuller quicker. Because your appetite is decreased, you eat less, resulting in a lower caloric intake. In combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, you should begin to experience a gradual weight loss of up to 3-5 lbs per week with daily use of the DERMFX patch .

Remember, though, the DERMFX patch is one step in the weight-loss process! In order to experience the complete benefits of DERMFX, the patch must be combined with nutritious food and daily exercise.

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. A healthy diet is composed of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains, with moderate to low consumption of meat, dairy, and processed foods. Water, carbohydrates, proteins and fats are the building blocks of a healthy diet. Choosing the best forms of each of these creates a nutritious, balanced diet.

Water is essential because it is involved in every function of the body. Be sure to drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy. Focus on complex carbohydrates like fiber and starches, as opposed to simple carbohydrates such as sucrose (table sugar) and lactose (milk sugar). Protein is essential for growth and development, providing the body with the energy needed for the manufacturing of hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and tissues. Nuts, fish, legumes, and whole grains are all healthy sources of protein. And small amounts of fats also provide the body with energy and growth support. Some good sources of fats are nuts, flax seeds, fish oils, and coconut oil.

Regular exercise is just that. Whether you have a gym membership or you simply walk for 20 minutes three times a week, your body requires physical exercise in order to perform its best and look its best.

By supplementing your healthy eating habits and regular exercise with the powerful, herbal ingredients of the DERMFX patch, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, leaner you!

So how exactly do the ingredients in DERMFX help you to lose weight?

Fucus Vesiculosis, otherwise known as Kelp or Bladderwrack, has traditionally been used for its rich abundance of iodine to treat thyroid disorders. It is a great promoter of glandular health and regulates metabolism by increasing the rate at which calories are burned.

Kelp is also used to rid the body of toxins by preventing their absorption. It promotes the growth of healthy tissue, skin, hair and nails and it may even increase mental alertness.

Kelp is a rich source of vitamins, especially B vitamins, as well as valuable trace minerals and trace elements. Kelp is a recommended daily dietary supplement, especially for people with mineral deficiencies.

Primary nutrients provided by kelp:
Aluminum, Barium, Bismuth, Boron, Calcium, Chlorine, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Iodine, Iron, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Sulphur, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium, Vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, K, Zinc and Zirconium.


Garcinia Cambogia, a fruit extract, is composed of 50% hydroxycitric acids (HCA). HCA is similar to the citric acid found in fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit. Citric acids are known to create a natural fat burning process within the body called thermogenesis.

Hydroxycitric acid appears to have especially potent fat fighting properties. It is known to block the formations of fatty tissue resulting in less storage of fat. It may lower body weight through appetite control and may lower serum triglycerides. Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body, and they are an important risk factor and an indicator of disease or an unhealthy lifestyle such as overeating, excessive drinking, smoking, or a lack of exercise.

Guarana, also known as Brazilian cocoa, has traditionally been used by the Amazon Indians for energy and as an aphrodisiac. Today, it is most noted for its caffeine content and for its use in weight-loss and energy supplements. The caffeine content is believed to work as an appetite suppressant.

Guarana also acts as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an intestinal cleanser. It improves stamina and endurance, and reduces fatigue. It is one of the richest sources of caffeine, and because of this, it should be used with caution. Guarana is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Complete the path to a new you – looking better and feeling better is achieved with DERMFX!


     
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Pain Relief After Vioxx
Natural Arthritis Treatments

Merck & Co. voluntarily pulled their popular arthritis pain relief drug Vioxx off the market on Sept. 30, 2004, after a study showed it doubles a person's risk of heart attack and stroke. Merck's decision left nearly 2 million people, world-wide, looking for pain relief alternatives.

As soon as consumers heard the news, they called their doctors with concerns for their heart health and concerns that any replacement drug may not offer them the same pain relief that Vioxx provided. So what are the safest, most effective alternatives?

All pain relievers, whether prescription or over-the-counter have risks and are not always the best treatment for chronic pain. Consumers should consider all of their options before switching to another daily pain reliever.

According to WebMD, “The simplest -- yet often the most challenging -- strategy for pain relief involves eating right, sleeping enough, exercising, and managing stress.”

Try to make pain relievers your last resort. "If you don't need a drug, don't take it," Muhammad Mamdani, PharmD, MPH says. "The quick fix is a part of our culture now. Maybe we need to go back to old days and say, 'Look at the alternative that is most natural and most non-intrusive to my body.'"

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and low-impact exercise are essential to relieve the pain often caused by arthritis. Many people avoid exercise because of the pain involved, when in fact it is their lack of exercise that worsens the pain. Physical therapy and exercise help people deal with pain in day-to-day life. Physical therapists and trainers can show you how to build up strength and improve range of motion, and how to make sensible decisions about activities to prevent arthritic flare-ups. However, physical therapy is not ideal for patients with osteoarthritis with swelling and severe rheumatoid arthritis.

There are three types of exercise recommended for arthritis patients:

  1. Flexibility workouts (Yoga, stretching to enhance range of motion)
  2. Cardiovascular or aerobic workouts (low impact sports such as swimming, cycling, and walking)
  3. Strength conditioning (ranging from static exercises that don't move the joint to a full range of motion workouts)

As for diet, “research shows vegan and vegetarian diets, and diets low in animal protein can help reduce pain,” states Lisa Dorfman, MSRD, a sports nutritionist and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). What you eat directly influences how you feel. Becoming a vegetarian isn't necessary, but limiting your intake of animal proteins (meat and dairy) and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can have a positive effect on your body.

Fruits, legumes, and vegetables are rich in B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid, and iron) and omega-3 fats (flaxseed, walnuts, soy, and fish). B vitamins have been shown to reduce osteoarthritis and Omega-3 fats have been shown to create anti-inflammatory compounds. These diets also contain important antioxidants that help fight disease and inflammation, along with the nutrients responsible for optimum skeletal and muscular health.

Acupuncture is another pain relief alternative that has been used for thousands of years. Acupuncture seeks to restore the proper flow of qi (pronounced "chee") , or life energy, in the body by stimulating certain points with special acupuncture needles. In 1997, the National Institutes of Health published the Consensus Statement on Acupuncture. It concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, plus many more conditions.

Stress management can also relieve physical tension which in turn relieves pain. Learning to manage your daily stresses can alleviate some physical pain. Stress management can be as personal and particular as the person stressed. Therefore, the manners of keeping your stress under control vary extensively. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and as noted above, can be beneficial to arthritis. Hot baths, deep breathing, napping, receiving a massage, listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk, etc. can all help alleviate stress and the physical pain that often accompanies it.

As you can see, medication is not your only option for pain relief. There are many natural alternatives that can provide lasting relief, if not permanent restoration. Speak with your physician or health care provider before beginning any new pain management method to ensure you choose the safest, most beneficial method tailored to your specific needs.

For more information pertaining to arthritis and alternative treatments, visit the Wellfx.com Infobase.

Sources:

WebMD - Pain Relief Without Pills
After Vioxx: The Pros and Cons of Other Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Wellfx.com InfoBase: Acupuncture

 

 
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