Most people associate whey protein with bodybuilders. You know, the kind we picture hanging around the gym pumping iron, making the rest of us feel bad with our spindly legs and flabby thighs, while their ripped muscles bulge provocatively out of tightly fitting shirts… Stay with me.

For too long this powerhouse dietary supplement has been monopolized by the bodybuilding domain. Whey protein has many other uses and benefits besides stimulating muscle growth. It’s time its benefits were made known to those of us who want to eat and live a healthy lifestyle  but aren’t training for a triathlon.

What is Whey Protein?

What exactly is whey protein and where does it come from? As an advocate for organic living, you’ll be used to checking all the ingredients of every product before putting them into your body. And you may be surprised to learn that whey protein is actually derived from cheese (partially anyway). Yes, that yummy fattening dairy product that the French do so well can actually be beneficial to your health in other ways.

Here’s Exactly What You’ll Find in Whey Protein

Whey protein is found in the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese (or yogurt). This used to be discarded as waste, however, whey protein has since been discovered to be a complete protein source (like meat and eggs). Complete proteins are more readily available to build and regenerate bones, muscles, tissues, glands, vital organs, etc.

More often than not, it’s whey is available in dried powder form, and there are three main types found on the market:

1. Whey Protein Concentrate
2. Whey Protein Isolate
3. Whey Protein Hydrolysate

Whey Protein Concentrate contains the lowest amount of protein of the three and, as such, is usually the least expensive. The percentage of protein is between 55-89%. The rest is made up of fat, lactose, immunoglobulins, and other immune-enhancing peptides, such as alpha-lactalbumin.

If you’re looking for a general protein supplement that will enhance healthy living without costing a fortune, whey protein concentrate is a good option. Look for a product that contains at least 80% protein.

Whey protein isolate usually contains up to 95% protein, with minimal lactose and fat, making this particularly suitable for people who are lactose intolerant and those who are looking for quick results such as increased muscle mass, as it is absorbed faster than concentrate. There are those with certain health issues who cannot digest other proteins well and need whey protein isolates. But, there’s concern amongst natural health practitioners who are familiar with whey proteins. Protein isolates are acidic, and the heavily processed, “denatured” amino acids may be damaged in ways that may damage the body when consumed. Isolate whey proteins are also more expensive than concentrates.

And as you may have guessed, whey protein hydrolysate contains even more protein than the other two, at almost 99%. This is the worst tasting and most expensive of the three, and there is a greater concern for adverse health effects with this kind of whey.

Why Should I Take Whey Protein?

If bodybuilders can’t get enough of this stuff, then it must be doing something for them right? While it’s true that whey protein is usually marketed to bodybuilders and athletes whose end goal is to put on bulk, whey protein, when taken in the correct dosage, has many other health benefits as well. Check them out:

• Stave off Hunger – Ingesting a whey protein shake, or a sprinkle of powder on your cereal can help keep hunger pains at bay, as it effectively reduces your levels of ghrelin, the hormone that tells your brain when you’re hungry.
• Prevent Illnesses – Adding whey protein to your diet can help prevent certain illnesses, such as common forms of cancer, including prostate and colon cancers.
• Boost Your Immune System – Whey protein can improve your immune system and help you stay healthy throughout the winter.
• Combat Stress – If your nerves are on edge after a long day at work, use whey protein to improve your mood, as it lifts serotonin levels (the happy hormone) in your brain. So instead of opening a bottle of wine, try making a protein shake instead.
• Lose Weight – On account of its ability to suppress the appetite naturally, whey protein can be helpful if you’re looking to lose weight. Make sure you discuss the right dosage with your nutritionist.
• Improving Athletic Performance – If you are training for any kind of event, or simply working out and want to give your performance a natural boost, whey protein can help.
• Build Muscles – Yes. Whey protein accompanied by an intensive strength training program can help you add bulk.
• Replacement for Lactose Intolerance – Whey protein is used for replacing milk-based infant formulas for babies that are lactose intolerant.
• Improving HIV Patient Care – Some studies link whey protein towards increasing glutathione (GSH) and boosting the immune system of people who are HIV positive. However, further evidence is needed to support this claim.
• Protein Allergies – Whey protein can be used for people with protein allergies to ensure that their bodies still receive all the nutrition needed from this vital macronutrient.

So What if I Don’t Want Bigger Muscles?

The most well-known benefit of whey protein is to build stronger, healthier muscles, but that doesn’t have to mean more bulk. Bodybuilders aren’t bulked up like that just because they take whey protein (and not all of them do); their muscles are exceedingly large first and foremost because they lift a lot of weights. So if your goal is a healthier body, or to combat stress, then taking it in the concentrated form is probably the best idea for you.

How to Use Whey Protein

How you should use whey protein depends largely on your goals. For use in training purposes, it is usually recommended to take about 10-20 grams of whey protein mixed in a shake or juice, to help enhance strength and increase endurance. A further 20-40 grams of whey protein after your workout is recommended to boost muscle protein synthesis. For further suggestions of how to take whey protein, check the sources below.

Conclusion

While traditionally linked to being a bodybuilding supplement, this complete protein can be very advantageous to your health, especially if you suffer from lactose intolerance or protein allergies, you are trying to keep strong and healthy muscles, or you are looking to lose weight. If you decide to use whey protein in conjunction with a weight training program, in most cases we recommend a high-quality whey protein concentrate sourced from healthy animals with a high concentration of protein. To find the best protein for you  consult with a natural health care practitioner that understands sports nutrition, or a personal trainer who understands natural health and nutrition.

Related Products:

• Whey Protein
• 8

Sources:

• Whey Protein: Benefits, Risks & Top Picks – Built Lean
• Whey Protein – Web MD
• How to Use Whey Protein – Wiki How
• Immunoglobulins – Web MD

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck is often not given importance as it should be given. This butterfly shaped gland is largely responsible for a wide range of body activities. The thyroid gland releases hormones and regulates many aspects of your health from breathing, heart rate, central and peripheral nervous systems, body weight, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, cholesterol levels, and much more.

And if you are a woman over 35, your odds of having a thyroid disorder are high – more than 30% according to estimates. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have a thyroid problem than men, and 1 woman in 8 will likely develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

So the question that arises here is why are so many affected by thyroid disease?

Experts have a number of theories regarding this but no hard answers.

According to experts, the major factors that influence the rise in thyroid cases are:

• The chemical toxins in the environment are linked to an increased risk of thyroid disease. Major culprits include perchlorate, pesticides, phthalates like bisphenol-A (BPA), and thyroid-disrupting endocrine disruptors, also known as environmental estrogens.
• Radiation and nuclear exposure is another contributing factor that can trigger thyroid disorder. The radiation exposure that resulted from the Chernobyl disaster was a major trigger for thyroid disease, according to experts and similar effects can be seen down the road after Fukushima’s disaster.
• Medical treatments that involve radiation to the head or neck area are also known to increase risk.
• Certain bacteria and viruses, the food-borne bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica for example, are known to trigger autoimmune disease and inflammatory thyroid conditions.
• Then there are other controllable factors like cigarette smoking, gluten allergies, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, overconsumption of supplemental iodine, and overconsumption of soy products.

According to reports, up to 60% of those with a thyroid condition are unaware and undiagnosed. Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction and more.  So you can understand, why it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms.

12 Most Common Symptoms of a Thyroid Problem

You don’t need to have all these symptoms in order to have a thyroid problem, but here are the 12 most common signs.

Cognitive Decline

If your thyroid isn’t functioning as it should, it can affect your cognitive functioning. Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can cause difficulty concentrating and too little (hypothyroidism) may cause forgetfulness and general brain fog.

Unpredictable Bowel Movements

Disruption in hormone production can greatly influence your digestive system. Hypothyroidism patients often suffer from long-term constipation and often their constipation does not respond to treatment. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism patients due to their overactive thyroid can suffer from diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements.

Anxiety and Depression

Hypothyroidism is typically associated with depression whereas hyperthyroidism is more commonly associated with anxiety, panic attacks, and bipolar disorder. With your thyroid gland making either too much or too few hormones, the body functions can play havoc. Moreover, depression that does not respond to antidepressants may also be a sign of undiagnosed thyroid disorders.

Irregular Menstruation

Hypothyroidism cause more painful, frequent, and heavier periods while hyperthyroid women have infrequent and shorter menstruation, or even experience the cessation of their menstruation.

Recurrent Miscarriages

Another sign of thyroid disorder in women is the event of recurrent miscarriages. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can interfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. Pregnant women with thyroid disorders are at greater risk for premature delivery and other pregnancy complications.

Swollen Face

Hypothyroidism is associated with edema or swelling which usually begins around the face, particularly above or below the eyes and along the jaw line. However, the skin on the side of the upper arms may be thickened early in the course of the disease, which will eventually spread throughout the body’s connective tissues.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Extremities Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves pain in the wrist, a tingling sensation or numbness in the hand, wrist, and fingers, and may involve swelling as well. This is a symptom of undertreated or untreated underactive thyroid. Patients could also suffer from shooting pain and a compressed tibial nerve in their legs due to tarsal tunnel and stabbing pain in their feet due to plantar fasciitis. Hyperthyroidism patients, on the other hand, experience pain or weakness in their upper arms and calves.

Hoarse Voice

Hoarseness is yet another sign of a thyroid disorder where your voice box (larynx) bears pressure from a thyroid nodule, which produces a hoarse sound when you speak. It could also be a sign of thyroid cancer. Also, when the thyroid becomes enlarged, this is known as ‘goiter’ and can be a sign of either hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Changes in Hair and Skin

When all the major body systems are slowed down due to hypothyroidism, your body naturally sets some priorities for critical survival. Hair and skin are particularly vulnerable. The most unique and specific of all symptoms is the loss of the outer edge of the eyebrows. In both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, hair can become brittle and dry and break easily. Skin can also become coarse, thick, dry, and scaly. Also, an unusual rash can appear on the skin of the shins called pretibial myxedema or thyroid dermopathy.

Cold Sensitivity

Hypothyroidism is associated with the sensation of cold or chills as your thyroid is underactive, i.e less energy to be burned by cells, so less heat. Whereas, in hyperthyroidism, cells are on overdrive as a result of an overactive thyroid causing feelings of  warmth and profuse sweating.

 Weight Loss/Gain

Thyroid patients can experience a drastic shift in their weight from high to low or vice versa. For example, hyperthyroidism patients could see a surprising drop in their weight, unable to gain further while the hypothyroidism patients could gain weight, making it difficult to lose even with diet or exercise.

Fatigue

In hypothyroidism, you feel the need to rest and restore energy throughout the day, although you have had your 8 hours of sleep. Taking naps during the day can be added to the symptom list. Hyperthyroidism, however, keeps you awake during the night, while leaving you exhausted the following day.

Understanding your symptoms is key to identifying your specific thyroid disorder, which makes it all the more important to know the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Having your thyroid removed is not the final word for you. Exercise has proven to be quite effective; besides, you can normalize your thyroid functioning by eating the right foods. The last thing you want is an undiagnosed thyroid. Your doctor will aim to bring your thyroid activity back to a normal pace—not too fast or too slow. You must cooperate with your doctor—negligence can make the disorder lifelong. Having a thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH) done will help you boil down to a clear and accurate result.

Related Reading:

• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

The pineal gland, also known as the pineal body, epiphysis cerebri, or conarium, is an endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain about the size of a grain of rice. It is shaped like a tiny pine cone (hence its name), and it’s located in the center of the brain behind and above the pituitary gland. Mystics consider this gland to be the third eye and the connecting link between the physical and spiritual worlds, but until recently the medical community considered it vestigial (an organ that has become functionless through evolution). Now the medical community knows the pineal gland is our major source of melatonin production.

This is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones I believe that it’s easier to heal the body when you understand how the body works, but understanding the endocrine system is big a task.  It’s a long article, but I think it’s worth it and I hope you’ll check it out.

Melatonin

Since its discovery in 1958, melatonin has been studied extensively and shown to be widely beneficial to the body. The pineal gland releases melatonin with a clear circadian (daily) rhythm. The trigger for the production and release of melatonin from the pineal gland is darkness. The darker it is, the more melatonin is released. Streetlights, nightlights, and ambient lights from cell phones, TVs, computers, and other electronics disrupt melatonin output. If you’re thinking that covering the eyes will solve this, think again. It turns out that light falling on any part of the body will inhibit the hormone. While the physiological function of the pineal gland remained unknown until recently, considering this gland seems to be able to see, the “third eye” concept once again gives credence to thousands of years of ancient wisdom.

It seems most health professionals agree that melatonin levels decline as we age, but this isn’t completely accurate. A Harvard study back in 1999 proved that melatonin levels do not necessarily decline with age. Previous studies had not excluded those on medications that suppress melatonin, nor did they control for factors such as sunlight and fluoridation.

On the other hand, our own melatonin may lose some of its potency as we age. Our receptors for melatonin don’t create the same power from the dose of the hormone they receive. In other words, as we age, the effect of melatonin in our body may diminish some. We don’t know much more than that yet, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone within the natural health community that this too is much more heavily influenced by lifestyle factors than age.

Melatonin offers many other benefits other than sleep. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants produced in the body. It is both water and fat-soluble which allows this neurotransmitter to reach almost every cell in the body, and some studies suggest this hormone may improve the immune system’s health.

Nighttime melatonin levels are low in people with mood swings, depression, panic disorders, seasonal affective disorder, and many other mental health issues.

Unlike sleep medications, supplementing with melatonin does not affect rapid eye movement, REM sleep, or dreaming, but many experts suggest limiting supplementing to no more than three months straight unless recommended by a professional, as melatonin supplementation may have long-term effects on the pineal gland’s production. (Like with other glands, you use it or lose it.)

How to Decalcify and Detoxify the Pineal Gland

Calcification is the biggest problem for the pineal gland, and the main cause is suspected to be fluoride, which accumulates in the pineal gland more than any other organ, leading to the formation of phosphate crystals. There are foods and supplements that can help decalcify the pineal gland, as well as other steps you can take to help rejuvenate and restore health to the third eye.

Don’t wear sunglasses. Light reflected by the retina stimulates the pineal gland. We’re supposed to get sunlight daily, on our skin and with our eyes. Just don’t stare directly at the sun of course.

Fluoride, chlorine, lead, pesticides, synthetic calcium, artificial sweeteners, synthetic fragrances, and mercury, are well-known endocrine disruptors that can lead to pineal calcification. Eat organic produce (from small, responsible farms), and drink only clean, healthy drinking water. When drinking or cooking with tap water, use a filter that removes fluoride and chlorine. A whole house filter, or at least one for the bathtub/shower, would be advisable since we breathe a lot of fluoride and chlorine and other chemicals into our lungs when we shower with tap water, and chemicals are absorbed through the skin.

Antioxidants are a big help to the pineal gland and the endocrine system as a whole. Oregano oil is a powerful antioxidant with a host of other healthful properties that can aid a detox. Oregano oil and neem oil are said to be able to remove existing calcification within the pineal gland. Spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and blue-green algae are chlorophyll-rich foods that can also assist in the decalcification of the pineal gland due to strong detoxification properties and massive nutritional benefits. Raw apple cider vinegar is another natural detoxifier that can assist with decalcification of the pineal. Iodine is also imperative for strong pineal function, but supplementing with too much can cause problems as well.

• Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar & How to Make Your Own
• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• How To Grow Spirulina at Home

Vitamin K2 is imperative for the body’s ability to properly assimilate calcium. K2 also helps remove calcification and puts that calcium to work elsewhere. Vitamin K2 deficiency is common in modern society and has been connected with a wide array of health ailments. K2 is the new D.

Boron, naturally present in beets, can also be taken in supplemental form and can help decalcify and remove fluoride from the gland. Most importantly, avoid refined, processed foods. Eat a diet with lots of organic, fresh raw produce, which will alkalinize the body and alleviate almost every other symptom of poor health.

Diet is, as always, paramount. Especially in the case of the penial gland, a slightly alkaline diet full of fresh produce decalcifies the gland and keeps it healthy. Check out Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included. And again, this is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones.

Related Reading:

• What’s the Best Water for Detoxifying and For Drinking?
• Insomnia – A Comprehensive Look with Natural Remedies
• Mental Health, Physical Health & B Vitamins – Nature’s Valium
• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

The pancreas produces enzymes for digestion (exocrine) and makes hormones (endocrine). The pancreas makes more exocrine than endocrine. Ninety-eight to ninety-nine percent of the pancreas is used for the digestive juices, but the pancreas also contains scattered groups of neuroendocrine cells called pancreatic islets, or islets of Langerhans. The pancreas is about 12 inches long and tapers to your left. It’s located in the upper abdominal cavity, towards the back, in the C curve of the duodenum.

This is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones I believe that it’s easier to heal the body when you understand how the body works, but understanding the endocrine system is big a task.  It’s a long article, but I think it’s worth it and I hope you’ll check it out. If you just ant information on diabetes, check out How to Improve Blood Sugar Levels and Reverse Diabetes.

Physiology of the endocrine pancreas — four cell types

The islet of Langerhans is comprised of four distinct types of cells, alpha, beta, delta, and gamma.

Alpha cells

Alpha cells constitute 20% of the islet’s cells. They secrete a hormone known as glucagon which is a polypeptide made up of 29 amino acids, which raise blood sugar as needed to maintain normal levels.

The pancreas releases glucagon when glucose levels in the blood fall too low. Glucagon causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels stimulate the release of insulin.

Beta cells

Beta cells constitute around 80% of islet cells. They produce and secrete insulin, a small protein hormone that regulates how the cells in the body utilize glucose. Seventy-five percent of this glucose is used for brain function, while the rest is used for muscle function, red blood cell production, and fuel for every single cell in the body.

Beta cells also produce insulin-like growth factors (specifically, IGF-2), which are available in many body tissues at concentrations that far exceed insulin. IGF -2 shares the molecular structure and shape of insulin and is involved in growth.

Delta cells

Delta cells, which constitute less than 1% of pancreatic islets, secrete somatostatin, the same growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone secreted by the hypothalamus. This hormone inhibits insulin release and slows the absorption of nutrients from the GI tract.

Gamma cells (F cells)

Gamma cells also constitute less than 1% of pancreatic islets. They secrete a pancreatic polypeptide to inhibit somatostatin release.

Delta cells and Gamma cells regulate each other.

Diabetes Mellitus

As of 2015, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and it’s moving up, especially throughout the rest of the world. If stats took into consideration cardiovascular disease (when caused by diabetes) and kidney failure, those numbers could be considerably higher.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type I is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and Type II is non-insulin-dependent diabetes, which used to go by the name “maturity-onset” or “adult-onset diabetes,” but with our modern diets, it’s not just adults over 40 anymore, or even just adults who are diagnosed with Type II. The third type of diabetes, gestational diabetes, is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Type I and Type II diabetics end up at essentially the same place, though they arrive there in a very different manner.

With Type I, the body can’t produce enough insulin to drive the sugar into cells where it needs to be used for energy production. With type II the body produces enough insulin (at least in the beginning), but cells become insulin resistant, so sugar stays in the blood.

Natural Protocol for Dealing with Diabetes

Alternative methods for dealing with both types of diabetes are similar, but there are a few additional needs for anyone with type I due to the fact that it’s an autoimmune disease as well as an endocrine disease.

Metformin is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, generally used to keep blood sugar levels low. Like almost every other pharmaceutical, it’s toxic and has a list of side effects. The good news is the following herbs are shown to work just as well, or even better when you consider the lack of side effects:

• Gymnema sylvestre, also called “miracle fruit” (note that this is a common name for two unrelated plants), is an herb native to the tropical forests of southern and central India and Sri Lanka. Studies have shown that this plant can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• The prickly pear cactus, known as nopal in Mexico, offers many medicinal effects including the ability to lower blood sugar. It has been well documented by many studies, and it’s used for treating type-2 Diabetes in Mexico.

Other herbal supplementation known to stabilize blood sugar levels:

• Fenugreek extract
• Momordica charantia
• Corosolic acid
• Mulberry

The following nutrition can help reverse insulin resistance:

• Chromium GTF
• Beneficial fatty acids with DHA
• Konjac mannan
• Cinnulin PF

You can also help to rebuild the beta cells in the pancreas to optimize insulin production with:

• Gymnema sylvestre
• R lipoic acid

Remember, adrenaline suppresses the release of insulin. Some say to reduce stress, which is always a good idea, but more importantly, handle stress well without losing your temper.

Specific Additions for Type I diabetes (insulin dependent)

Since Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease, addressing autoimmune activity makes sense. But, the following nutrition wouldn’t be a bad idea for type II diabetes or for almost any autoimmune disease.

Immunomodulators

The following can balance immune system activity and reduce inflammation.

• L-carnosine
• Cetyl myristoleate (CMO)
• Ginseng

Infection

Viruses may be a cause of Type I diabetes (and Lyme, and many other autoimmune diseases). It’s not at all the whole story (and our bodies can turn off and on viruses depending on our health and genetics, and incidentally, our genetics change with our health as well). Candida, bacterial infections, other fungi, parasites, and/or viruses are likely to be running havoc on anyone with diabetes.

• Garlic (antimicrobial, many other benefits, pills are ok but best when eaten raw, crushed, see more on garlic)
• Olive leaf (rare herb that leaves beneficial bacteria intact, kills bad guys)
• SF722 (antimicrobial, specifically very effective antifungal
• Berberine (powerful antimicrobial)

Other Nutrition

Protect organs from damage and repair damage caused by the high insulin caused by diabetes:

• Blood cleaning formula, because the healthier the blood is, the healthier the body is.
• Proteolytic enzymes (aka systemic enzymes) to break down protein. (Better assimilation of proteins, and helps break down virus proteins, too.)
• Probiotics, because anyone who’s eaten enough sugar to get a diabetes diagnosis needs to take a good probiotic for a long time!
• Coenzyme Q10 may help with blood glucose control, and it’s got a massive amount of other benefits, many of which help with diabetic issues.

Diet is, as always, paramount. Check out Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included. And again, this is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones.

Related Reading:

• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Candida, Gut Flora, Allergies, and Disease
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

Although the gonads are part of the endocrine system, their primary purpose is to produce gametes (semen and eggs).

The woman’s ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus below the opening of the fallopian tubes. They are oval or almond-shaped. The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones affect many of the female characteristics and reproductive functions.

The male’s testes are egg-shaped organs that hang in a pouch of skin called the scrotum outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone, which affects many of the male characteristics and sperm production.

Women synthesize most of their estrogen in their ovaries and other reproductive tissues. Since men lack this female anatomy, they need to produce estrogen through a process involving an enzyme called aromatase that transforms testosterone into estradiol.

In women, testosterone is produced in various locations. One-quarter of the hormone is produced in the ovaries, a quarter is produced in the adrenal glands, and one-half is produced in the peripheral tissues from the various precursors produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

This is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones I believe that it’s easier to heal the body when you understand how the body works, but understanding the endocrine system is big a task.  It’s a long article, but I think it’s worth it and I hope you’ll check it out.

Testes

The testes secrete testosterone, which is necessary for proper physical development in boys. Testosterone maintains libido, muscle strength, and bone density. Disorders result from a lack of testosterone production. Here are the common causes:

• Defects in the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, and adrenals can affect testosterone production.
• Medications can affect testosterone production.
• Testes-based conditions, such as severe injury, radiation, or chemotherapy can all deplete testosterone levels.

Besides the case of an injury, if the testicles aren’t working there’s almost always a problem within the endocrine system.

Raise Your Testosterone Naturally

• HITT (High-intensity interval training)
• Weightlifting
• Moderate intermittent fasting
• Don’t smoke
• Detoxify the endocrine system (if need be)
• Eliminate refined foods, especially sugar
• Eat healthy fats
• Get enough vitamin D and zinc
• Handle stress well
• Sleep well
• Avoid soy and alcohol
• Eat nuts
• Limit or eliminate coffee

Ovaries

The ovaries are a pair of ova-producing organs (that is, they produce egg cells) that maintain the health of the female reproductive system. The ovaries, like their male counterpart, the testes, are known as gonads. This simply means they are the primary reproductive organs.

In addition to their role in producing ova, the ovaries also have the distinction of being an endocrine gland because they secrete hormones—primarily estrogen and progesterone—that are vital to normal reproductive development and fertility.

Estrogen (estradiol, specifically) plays a vital role in breast development, fat distribution, and the development of the reproductive organs.

Diseases and Disorders of the Ovaries

Diseases associated with the ovaries include ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, menstrual cycle disorders, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and osteoporosis.

Menopause is a rapid loss of estrogen production at a certain age, typically around 50; better health can delay it.

The ovaries play an immensely important role in the female reproductive system, and in the endocrine system as a whole. The hormones they secrete ensure the proper development of the female body and promote healthy fertility.

Natural Remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Avoid AGEs: Women with ovarian cysts have higher levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in their blood. These are cancer-causing compounds formed when glucose binds with proteins, typically caused by high-heat cooking methods with meat and sugars.

Get Enough Nutrition

Obviously, eat well, but also make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D, calcium, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, chromium, and magnesium.

Avoid Wheat

Just try it for two weeks. Today’s wheat is wreaking havoc on our bodies, and many women dealing with ovarian cysts have issues with gluten. Eliminate refined sugars as well, detoxify the gut, and take care of the endocrine system.

Supplemental

• Increasing progesterone in the body, which decreases estrogen, can help as well. You can do this with a progesterone cream applied to the skin, but the following herbal remedies are a better choice than ingesting or absorbing a hormone.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) helps the body produce progesterone, balances the hormones, and helps balance the endocrine system as a whole.
• Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa): helps regulate the menstrual cycle, and is really good at relieving ovarian pain.
• Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis) is a Chinese herb known to aid hormonal balance and, specifically, congestive fertility issues. Dong Quai also supports healthy circulation to the reproductive organs and promotes healthy menstruation cycles. Dong quai should not be consumed by women with fibroids or blood-clotting problems.
• Milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) supports hormonal balance through liver support.
• Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris) has been shown to normalize ovulation when used prior to ovulation.
• Vitex, AKA chaste tree berry, chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) aids in regulating hormonal balance, promotes ovulation, and improves menstrual cycle regularity.
• Wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa) promotes a healthy menstrual cycle and hormonal balance and reduces ovarian pain.

Naturally Alleviate Menopause Symptoms

Menopause can be both a blessing and a curse. The right diet can usually alleviate symptoms, but the bad news for some women is that when health is restored fully, menopause may be delayed. It may be a choice between hot flashes or periods, but know that PMS symptoms dissipate as well with better health, and so does heavy menstrual bleeding.

• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) has received considerable scientific attention for its effects on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) has been reported to help women with hot flashes. Studies report few side effects and no serious health problems with use.
• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gynecologic conditions for centeries. Dong quai has blood thinning properties, and should not be consumed by anyone with fibroids or blood-clotting problems.
• Evening primrose oil or black currant oil provide gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that can influence prostaglandin synthesis and help moderate menopausal symptoms.
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius has been shown in research to alleviate some menopausal symptoms, but it has not been found to be helpful for hot flashes.
• Omega 3s with DHA and EPA, B vitamins, vitamin D, Vitamin E, Magnesium, and exercise have all been shown to alleviate hot flashes as well.

Natural Remedies for PMS

Most women deal with headaches, mood swings, bloating, and other hormonal problems that threaten their relationships, work life, and well-being every month due to PMS.

It’s not a curse. It’s not something women have to live with. Difficult monthly cycles are a sign of poor health. The healthiest women barely notice their cycle, do not feel as though emotions run away with them every month, are exceptionally regular, they do not cramp, and they spot, as opposed to a heavy bleed. Along with a healthy diet, make sure you have the basics covered, including B vitamins (get a complex with extra B6), healthy fats (with DHA and EPA) vitamin D, Vitamin E, Magnesium and exercise, along with lots of fresh, raw, organic produce every day (more vegetables than fruit). And as always, avoid stimulants, soy and refined processed foods.

PMS is also a symptom of an unhealthy gut with too much Candida. Cutting out sugar and other foods that feed yeast, and high-quality probiotics taken regularly also work wonders for many women with difficult PMS.

Also for cramps, cranberry lemonade with stevia, and Mountain Rose Herb’s pregnancy tea works amazingly well. This is also great for detoxifying the liver and kidneys, and alleviating morning sickness.

• Chasteberry fruit extract (Vitex Agnus-astus) can help balance the hormones released by the pituitary gland that control your overall hormone function. Studies of over 5,000 women have found it effective. Take 100 mg twice a day of a 10:1 extract.
• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and cramp bark (Viburum opulus) can help regulate cycles and relieve cramps.
• Dandelion root can help with liver detoxification and also works as a diuretic.
• Flax seeds contain lignans that balance hormone metabolism and block some negative effects of too much estrogen. The fiber in flax seeds helps too. 
• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) has received considerable scientific attention for its effects on hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) has isoflavones that improve estrogen detoxification.
• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is an antispasmodic herb that eases cramps and other symptoms of PMS. It dilates blood vessels to increase flow and helps replenish blood after the period has ended.

Some swear by progesterone creams to calm raging PMS. As previously mentioned, increasing progesterone reduces the problems associated with estrogen. Extreme care should be taken with this or similar hormone therapies.

Diet is, as always, paramount. Check out Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included. And again, this is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones.

Related Reading:

• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Candida, Gut Flora, Allergies, and Disease
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

The pituitary is about the size of a pea. This gland lies in the sella turcica, known as the “Turkish saddle” at the base of the brain, behind the optic chiasm. The pituitary gland contains two functionally different body parts known as the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. As far as we know, these two, while right next to each other, do not really work together.

At one time, the pituitary gland, also called the hypophysis, was thought to be the “master gland” that controlled all of the other endocrine glands. Now we know that the hypothalamus takes messages from the brain and tells the pituitary which hormones to excrete. For instance, the hypothalamus will secrete growth-hormone-releasing hormone or growth-hormone-inhibiting hormone to tell the anterios pituitary to release or stop releasing growth hormones. The hypothalamus and the pituitary are tightly integrated. Together, they regulate all processes having to do with primitive reactions, such as stress, rage, flight, body temperature, thirst, hunger, sexual activity, and survival in general.

This is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones I believe that it’s easier to heal the body when you understand how the body works, but understanding the endocrine system is big a task.  It’s a long article, but I think it’s worth it and I hope you’ll check it out. Also be sure to see How to Heal Your Gut because nothing will work right without a healthy gut.

Anterior Pituitary – Adenohypophysis

The anterior pituitary gland is controlled by negative feedback mechanisms that make up three-quarters of the pituitary gland. Once triggered by the hypothalamus, hormones are released by the anterior pituitary into the bloodstream.

For example, the hypothalamus releases hormones that tell the pituitary to release hormones that stimulate the thyroid to release hormones. These hormones enter the bloodstream to boost metabolism within the body where required. The negative feedback loop we spoke of above is how hormones in the blood communicate to the brain. When the metabolism has been successfully increased to the desired state, hormones in the blood tell the hypothalamus to tell the pituitary to stop stimulating the thyroid gland.

Principal Anterior Pituitary Hormones

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

FSH & LH (luteinizing hormone) are known as gonadotropins because they stimulate the gonads (testicles and ovaries). They are not necessary to sustain life, but these hormones are essential for reproduction.

Prolactin

PL stimulates milk production.

Adrenocorticotropic

ACTH stimulates the release of adrenal cortical hormones by the adrenal glands.

Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone

MSH is a collective name for a group of peptide hormones produced by the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the skin. This hormone is an anti-inflammatory hormone that gets its name because of its effect on melanocytes, skin cells that contain the black pigment, melanin. Melanocytes are responsible for moles, freckles, and suntans. Melanin helps protect our cells from DNA damage from sunlight.

Studies have recently shown that MSH can also suppress appetite. In all likelihood, MSH is also responsible for a range of other processes in the body.

Related: Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Human Growth Hormone

HGH (somatotropin) stimulates growth of the body and helps regulate metabolic processes. People feel younger and the body heals much faster when there is enough (or excess) growth hormone. The most important function of HGH is to tell the liver to produce IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1. IGF-1 is considered by many to be the key anti-aging hormone. Together these two hormones influence every system in your body.

Increase Your Growth Hormones Naturally

If you get a prescription, injections given twice a day by a doctor can increase your IGF-1 hormone production by 20 to 40 percent. Professional athletes and movie stars swear by growth hormone injections. They may be the untold secret to many people’s success, but there are health problems with injecting hormones into the body. One of the many problems is that the pituitary can lose its ability to produce its own GH.

Some take pills and supplements that contain growth hormones, which are available over the counter like other supplements. Users should do their due diligence before taking any product containing human growth hormones.

There are also many supplements designed to increase the body’s growth hormone production (Growth Hormone Production Nutrition). When someone is matched with the right supplements, the right formula can increase IGF-1 levels by 20 percent or more. A good alternative to HGH injections, these supplements are amino acid-based precursor formulas that contain ingredients such as glutamine, tyrosine, GABA, arginine, and lysine.

Working out can dramatically increase growth hormone prevalence. A thirty-minute aerobic session can increase IGF-1 levels by more than 100%, and a serious weight training session can increase levels by 400 to 800%. On that note, everyone should be doing squats for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to growth hormone production!

HGH Protocol

Squats have a myriad of health benefits including an increase in growth hormone production. It’s one of the most important movements we can do for our health. Try with just a few bodyweight squats if you’re out of shape, and work your way up to being able to do 100 squats at one time without getting sore. If you can’t do squats, try lying on the floor and then standing up, then lying back down to repeat, alternating legs each time. If you’re really serious about kicking up your growth hormone production, try sprints with high-intensity-interval training and low rep Olympic barbell squats with deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, and bench presses. The more muscles involved in the action and the heavier the load, the more HGH is released.

Related: How to Detoxify and Heal the Lymphatic System

Specific nutrition is known to increase growth hormone production under the right circumstances; these supplements are much more powerful when combined with the right exercise program.

• L-arginine is an essential amino acid that can increase the release of HGH, but do not take with sugars. L-arginine should be taken only with low glycemic nutrition.
• Glutamine is your body’s most abundant amino acid. Studies have shown that even modest amounts can significantly increase HGH levels.
• Glycine plays a critical role in initiating normal patterns of REM sleep and has shown some promise in increasing HGH. We’re not sure if the high-quality sleep is what’s improving the hormone levels, or if there are also other factors when supplementing, but proper sleep is a critical factor in the body’s ability to regulate the circadian release of HGH.

Adequate sleep is a must! The highest concentration of HGH activity occurs when we are sleeping.

Growth hormone and testosterone production peak during sleep. You can actually get people to test pathologically low for growth hormone by waking them repeatedly during the night. I always tell people that if you want to maximize your growth hormone, get a good night’s sleep.” – University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas

Avoid high glycemic load foods, which is good advice for most anyone who’s not healthy or wants to stay healthy. Insulin inhibits HGH secretion. High glycemic foods (which are generally processed foods with refined sugars) wreak havoc with our insulin levels.

Hawthorn berries, horny goat weed, and maca are also known to aid the body with HGH production.

Anterior Pituitary Nutrition

Conditions such as acromegaly, Cushing’s syndrome, and prolactinoma occur when the pituitary gland produces too much of one or more of its hormones.

Adult growth hormone deficiency, diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, and hypogonadism may result from the pituitary gland producing too little of one or more of its hormones. There are many more diseases that stem from a dysfunctional pituitary gland, like acromegaly, which gave André the Giant his stature and early death.

As previously mentioned, high glycemic foods and refined foods should be avoided for healthy pituitary function, but this is true for all glandular function, and for the entire body, for that matter. It should be noted that fruits with high glycemic loads have other benefits that make moderate consumption healthful, provided the person does not have an illness that requires limited natural sugars. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, eleuthero, holy basil, maca, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and schisandra, as well as glandulars (desiccated glands), are generally used for naturopathic healing of the pituitary. Check out Shillington’s Brain Tonic and Desiccated Pituitary.

Considerable recent research has shown that the pituitary is extremely sensitive to diet. (Someday science will recognize that this is true for every cell in the body.) If you don’t assimilate enough protein, your pituitary can’t produce enough pituitary hormones (which are made up of amino acids). The pituitary is also known to need manganese, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, and B vitamins for proper healthy function.

Posterior Pituitary Gland – Neurohypophysis

The posterior pituitary gland is slightly smaller and lighter in color than the other half of the pituitary, and it is not technically a gland, though it is a vital part of the endocrine system (and everyone still calls it a gland). This “gland” does not synthesize hormones. Instead the posterior pituitary stores and secretes two hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which are actually produced in the hypothalamus (master gland) and transported to the pituitary.

Diabetes insipidus is the only clinical disorder that is generally conceded by the medical community to be of neurohypophyseal origin, but more and more evidence suggests that the posterior pituitary may have functions now scarcely appreciated. Treatment for the posterior pituitary gland is lumped in with treatment for the entire endocrine system, and the nutrition recommended is the same as mentioned above for the anterior pituitary gland.

Oxytocin

OXT is a powerful hormone with a lot of responsibilities. During childbirth, this hormone increases the strength of uterine contractions and stimulates the ejection of milk after delivery. Incidentally, Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, used to induce labor.

Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone,” or the “bonding hormone,” because it’s said to foster maternal instincts and sexual pleasure during and after intercourse. It’s not just a sex hormone, oxytocin levels in the body increase when we hug or kiss a loved one like a spouse, parent, or child.

Oxytocin plays a role in healing as well:

As mice age, the amount of oxytocin in their blood decreases. But what does that mean for their health? Researchers injected oxytocin under the skin of elderly mice with damaged muscles and discovered the muscles healed much faster than those of mice left untreated.” – Mental Floss

We’re just beginning to find out that oxytocin radically affects many aspects of our lives. This hormone inhibits the brain’s fear center, has been shown to influence how men remember their mother’s affection toward them as children (likely true for women, too), makes it easier for us to lie, makes it easier for us to trust, has been shown to make men more loyal to their spouses, is released when we feel safe and unobserved (causing shyness and a desire for privacy), increases the pain threshold, relieves stress, helps us relax, alleviates depression, increases generosity, and generally makes us feel good.

While oxytocin is partly responsible for a man’s courage to ask a woman out, this dynamic also helps give men the loyalty to stay with their loved ones. Dads who got a dose of an oxytocin nasal spray were shown to play more closely with their infants than dads who did not get the hormone spray. Another study found that men in relationships, when given a burst of oxytocin, stay farther away from an attractive woman.

It stands to reason that oxytocin plays a key role (though certainly not the only one) in women being able to handle the strain and pain of childbirth.

Antidiuretic Hormone

ADH: (aka vasopressin, argipressin) is responsible for water concentration and blood vessel constriction. While precise control of the body’s water concentration is a function of several hormones acting on both the kidneys and vascular system, ADH is a key player in this process. Blood vessels increase re-absorption of fluids by the kidneys, which decrease urine production to improve hydration. The effect raises blood volume and blood pressure.

Not-so-fun fact: alcohol inhibits this hormone, producing the profuse urination we experience from a drinking binge, which can lead to severe dehydration.

Diet is, as always, paramount. Check out Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included. And again, this is an excerpt from the ridiculously long article, Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones. Also, check out How To Heal Your Gut.

Supplement Stack For the Pituitary Gland

• Shillington’s Brain Tonic
• Stress B-Complex – Thorne Research
• Stress B-Complex – Thorne Research
• Pituitary 90mg – Progressive Labs
• Ashwagandha Liqid Phyto-Caps – Gaia Herbs
• Eleuthero Root Capsules – Gaia Herbs
• Ocimum spp. – Holy Basil – Wise Woman Herbals

Related Reading:

• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections
• Best Supplements To Kill Lyme and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Lyme Disease

The global incidence of cystic fibrosis is estimated as 1/2500 live births.  CF cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed to support overall health, to manage associated symptoms, and to increase the quality of life. CF is equally diagnosed in males and females, although males tend to have a higher life expectancy (approximately 40 years) in comparison with women (approximately 37 years). Progressive lung conditions or related problems are the primary cause of death in CF patients; therefore, intervention strategies are usually aimed at supporting respiratory health and increasing immune function against respiratory infections.  A nutritional-based approach can effectively help to manage CF and associated symptoms to increase overall health and quality of life.

CF is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for regulating the passage of salt in and out of exocrine glands. These glands produce and secrete substances onto epithelial surfaces of the body: sweat glands, salivary glands, reproductive glands, pancreas glands, and glands of the digestive and respiratory systems. If this gene is mutated, the protein influenced by it will be transformed and consequently stimulate the production of thick, sticky and abnormal mucus that may obstruct airways and damage tissues.

Each person inherits two copies of the gene related to CF, but CF is only possible if both parents have the mutated gene and passes it on to the child. If only one parent has the defective gene, their offspring will be a carrier of this gene and may pass it on to their children if their partner is also a carrier. A child with two carrier parents has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier. The primary risk factor is both parents being carriers of the defective gene.

Every part of the body that presents with exocrine glands will be affected by CF: the pancreas, reproductive glands, digestive tract, salivary glands, sweat glands, and the respiratory tract.

Symptoms of CF

Symptoms of CF begin early in life and are often first seen in the respiratory tract or in the digestive tract.

Respiratory Tract

Thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and bronchial tubes may block lung passage and thereby promote the colonisation of harmful bacteria in the respiratory tract. Symptoms related to respiratory issues in CF patients include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and recurrent lung infections. The bacteria may remain dormant in the lungs and contribute to repeated outbreaks of lung infections. These bacteria are often immune to conventional treatment and may contribute to tissue damage and may even suppress immune defences. Another primary characteristic of CF is chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract, which may consequently contribute to the formation of pro-oxidants, which are components that may damage and cause deterioration of tissues.

Digestive Tract

Thick secretions from the pancreatic gland may obstruct the secretion of digestive enzymes, which are required for digestion of food particles. Insufficient digestive enzymes may contribute to malabsorption and subsequently minimise nutrient stores in the body. Fat digestion and absorption are particularly affected by CF, leading to greasy and foul-smelling stools.

Other Common Symptoms

• Excessive and salty sweating
• Salty-tasting skin
• Infertility (reproductive organs are affected)
• Dehydration
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Poor growth
• Excessive appetite, but poor growth or low weight (due to malnutrition)
• Sinusitis

Conventional Approaches to CF

• Antibiotics are generally given to CF patients to manage chronic respiratory infections; however, antibiotics destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria, which may in effect lower defences even further (beneficial bacteria is critical for immune functioning).
• Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g.: ibuprofen) is often administered to reduce airway inflammation, which may effectively reduce inflammation, but it may also damage the gastrointestinal tract, which should be protected and strengthened as this tissue is already vulnerable in CF patients.
• Devices are used to remove mucus, to increase breathing, and to keep the airways open.
• Lung replacement surgery is often performed if lung conditions worsen or if lung tissue is excessively damaged.

A Nutritional Approach

Nutrition can help manage not only the symptoms of CF but the side-effects of treatment, as well.

Guidelines for Useful Supplements

• Multivitamin and mineral supplement – to ensure optimal nutrient stores. The highest quality sources of bio-available nutrients are plant- or food-derived multi-nutrient supplements. Malnutrition often exists alongside CF due to reduced digestive enzyme secretions and damage to the intestinal lining, which reduces capacity for absorption. Therefore, it is critical to ensure adequate nutrient intake through the diet and supplementation when needed to replenish nutrient stores in CF individuals.
• Gastrointestinal supporting supplements – 60-70% of the body’s immune tissue is located in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, if the gastrointestinal environment is sub-optimal or presents with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, it may significantly reduce immune capacity. The abnormal mucus secreted in CF tends to damage the gastrointestinal tract, which may further reduce immune function. Supporting gut health is a primary consideration for nutritional therapy intervention and includes the following strategies:
  • Probiotics: Essential probiotics for the gut are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis. Dosage should preferably be 50 billion units per day.
  • Digestive enzymes: As mentioned, the pancreatic secretions of digestive enzymes may be reduced, which significantly reduces the body’s ability to digest and absorb foods. Providing digestive enzyme supplements alongside a meal ensures that these enzymes are present in the gut when food arrives that needs to be digested and absorbed.
  • L-Glutamine powder: An amino acid that fuels the gut epithelial cells to repair any present damage and to protect against further deterioration to these intestinal cells. Dosage depends on age and progression of disease; suggested dosage is generally between 10g-50g per day.
  • Vitamins A, C, D and E: Essential vitamins for immune functioning and maintaining gut epithelial tissue integrity. Dietary intake of these vitamins should be optimal, but a supplement form of these vitamins may be required for additional support. Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants to protect the body’s cells and tissues against damage incurred by oxidants and inflammation. A high-quality multivitamin generally provides sufficient amounts of these vitamins, but the diet should also ensure a broad variety of fruit and vegetables to increase the intake of vitamins.
• Essential fatty acids: Omega 3 essential fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA) are powerful anti-inflammatory fatty acids and may, therefore, protect tissues against inflammatory damage. Essential fatty acid supplements should preferably be purified to minimise exposure to heavy metals and toxins. Cod liver oil provides concentrated quantities of vitamin A, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids in a highly absorbable form.
• Zinc: A mineral that supports integrity and healing of tissues and provides immune support.
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane): To protect lung tissue against damage and maintain strength and integrity of the respiratory tract.
• N-acetyl cysteine: A building block for glutathione production, a potent antioxidant required to protect cells against oxidant damage. Systemic glutathione levels are often deficient in CF individuals, especially in the epithelial lining. Glutathione has a therapeutic effect on lung tissue through the neutralisation of oxidants, reduction of inflammation, and resolving accumulated mucus.
• Curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric): Curcumin is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. It may protect against lung inflammation and promotes optimal immune functioning. Curcumin assists in liver function and protects liver cells against damage. Optimal liver function is required to stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and bile acid production, which are both crucial for digestive functioning. A curcumin supplement should be combined with black pepper or in a highly absorbable form (usually indicated), because curcumin has a very low bio-availability and therefore needs assistance to be taken into circulation.

General Dietary Guidelines

CF often contributes to malnutrition, therefore, the diet is of paramount importance to ensure adequate intake of nutrients to support health, growth, and immune functioning. The diet should be mainly plant-based with a broad variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate intake of all the essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables should preferably be organic to ensure a high nutrient profile, high antioxidant content, and a low exposure to toxins and pollutants.

As mentioned, sufficient intake of omega 3 may be effective in reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and preventing mucus over-production. High-quality dietary sources of omega 3 include oily fish (especially salmon), flaxseed oil, and nuts (particularly walnuts).

Processed and heavily cooked foods stimulate mucus secretions and should, therefore, be avoided to prevent excessive build-up of thick, abnormal mucus. Foods should be easy to digest and if food intolerances are present, these foods should be eliminated completely to avoid an over-active immune system, excessive inflammatory responses, and increased mucus secretions.

Foods to Avoid

• Animal-derived foods are hard to digest, often contain a high amount of toxins, and are rich in saturated fats. Animal foods provide high amounts of arachidonic acid (AA), a fatty acid that is generally excessive in CF patients. Reducing the intake of animal-derived foods may keep AA levels in check, especially if the person supplements with a high-quality omega 3 supplement containing DHA and EPA.
• Dairy products stimulate mucus secretions.
• Processed foods, junk foods, processed meat, cheese, pre-packaged foods, etc.
• Refined starch such as white flour products (bread, pasta, pizza, pastries, etc.)
• Sugar

Foods to Include

• Animal protein alternatives include soaked nuts and seeds (to increase nutrient absorption), beans, pulses, sprouts, high-quality protein powder and hemp powder (a high quality, high protein source). Nuts and seeds additionally provide essential fatty acids and vitamin E to reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection.
• Anti-inflammatory foods reduce inflammation in the respiratory tissues and prevent damage caused by inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods include dark green leafy vegetables, avocados, oily fish, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon.
• Foods that may reduce mucus formation and secretion include garlic, onions, parsley, celery, cranberry, and lemons / lemon juice.
• Pineapple and papaya provide natural digestive enzymes to support proper digestion and absorption of ingested foods. Include these fruit alongside meals to optimise nutrient stores.
• At least 10-12 glasses of water per day are required to ensure proper hydration of the body and to regulate fluid balances.
• Expectorant foods that may assist in relieving congestion and mucus build-up include cayenne pepper, garlic, turmeric, and hyssop.
• Immune-supporting herbs and food include eucalyptus, onions, ginger, garlic, tea tree oil, Echinacea, and thyme. Garlic, ginger, and onions also act as cellular antioxidants to protect against oxidant damage.

Blood Sugar Regulating Diet

Damage to the pancreas may often incur damage to the cells responsible for secreting insulin, thereby reducing the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Carbohydrate intake should be restricted to prevent excessively elevated blood sugar levels, which may eventually manifest as insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can be used daily to assist in blood sugar regulation. If insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is already present, more specifically tailored dietary and supplement guidelines should be followed to manage blood sugar levels.

A therapeutic and powerfully anti-inflammatory drink to include daily is “Golden milk.”

Golden Milk Recipe

• 1 cup of full cream coconut milk
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp raw honey
• a pinch black pepper (increases turmeric absorption)
• a tiny piece of fresh ginger
• a pinch of cayenne pepper powder

Blend the ingredients in a high-speed blender until it’s properly mixed. Heat for 3-5 minutes over moderate heat in a saucepan and drink immediately.

Other Measures

Functional breathing techniques can also be very useful and effective to increase the capacity and flexibility of the respiratory tissue. An example of a functional breathing technique is 4-7-8 breathing:

• Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 seconds, taking the inhaled oxygen deeply into the diaphragm.
• Hold the breath for 7 seconds.
• Exhale deeply through the mouth for 8 seconds.
• Repeat at least 3 times.
• This exercise also calms the nervous system and can be quite effective to combat stress and anxiety.

For a more tailored, personalised approach, a nutritional therapist can develop an intervention program according to the person’s unique biochemical make-up and current state of health.

Related Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• Candida, Gut Flora, Allergies, and Disease
• Gluten, Candida, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Autoimmune Diseases
• Hypothyroidism – Natural Remedies, Causes, and How To Heal the Thyroid
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children

Author:

Jeanne Van Zyl lectures in Nutrition for the group of colleges that includes CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), in Europe, and CNH (College of Natural Health) in South Africa.