http://www.encognitive.com
By Michael Wooldridge, MAWooldridge@lbl.gov

One of the great scientific mavericks of this century spoke at LBL August 10, 1993 at a special seminar hosted by the Life Sciences Division’s Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis Group. Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel laureate and the world’s foremost vitamin C proponent, entertained an overflow crowd in the Bldg. 66 auditorium with a talk on Vitamin C and Heart Disease.

The lively 92-year-old first gave a candid history of how he came to take up the vitamin C cause. He was introduced to the subject by biochemist Irwin Stone in 1966. Five years later, he would pen “Vitamin C and the Common Cold,” and then boldly go on to champion vitamin C as a fighter of more serious diseases such as cancer.

According to Pauling, the vitamin’s versatility in illness prevention arises from its role in the manufacture of collagen, the protein that gives shape to connective tissues and strength to skin and blood vessels.

One of the great misfortunes of human evolution, Pauling explained, was when our human ancestors lost their ability to manufacture vitamin C. Pauling thinks the trait was probably discarded at a time when our ancestors had a diet of vitamin-rich plants and didn’t need to produce the vitamin themselves. This left today’s primates (including humans) as one of the few groups of animals that must get the vitamin through the diet.

Ever since proto-humans moved out of fruit-and-vegetable-rich habitats, Pauling said, they have suffered great deficiencies of vitamin C. Pauling has forthrightly recommended that people make up for this deficiency with daily doses of vitamin C much greater than the 60 mg generally recommended.

He said our vitamin C consumption should be on par with what other animals produce by themselves, typically 10-12 grams a day. Pauling practices what he preaches, having gradually upped his daily doses of vitamin C from 3 grams in the 1960s to a hefty 18 grams today.

Pauling went on to discuss vitamin C’s connection with lipoprotein-a, a substance whose levels in the blood have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein-a is also a major component of the plaques found in the blood vessels of atherosclerosis patients.

Pauling has published studies asserting that lipoprotein-a is a surrogate for vitamin C, serving to strengthen blood vessel walls in the absence of adequate amounts of the vitamin in the diet. In the lecture, Pauling noted that animals which, unlike humans, manufacture their vitamin C and have much higher levels of the vitamin in their bodies, have very little lipoprotein-a in their blood.

Pauling is convinced that doses of vitamin C can help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, inhibiting the formation of disease-promoting lesions on blood vessel walls and perhaps decreasing the production of lipoprotein-a in the blood. Vitamin C’s link to healthy blood vessels, Pauling said, is further supported by studies of scurvy, the disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Fifty percent of patients who die of scurvy, he said, do so because of ruptured blood vessels.

Pauling won his first Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 for using quantum mechanics to elucidate the nature of chemical bonds. He garnered a Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his efforts to stem nuclear weapons proliferation.

The scientist founded the Linus Pauling Institute in Palo Alto, where research on vitamin C and other nutrients continues today.

http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/pauling-and-vitamin-c.html

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Technorati Tags: acid, amino, cancer, disease, heart, illness, linus, medicine, nutrients, orthmolecular, pauling, rda, Vitamin

Nope there really are no cures for connective tissue disorders such as MArfans. It is scary at first but I am sure you will adjust and get back to leading a normal life. Have a look online and find a Marfan forum or website both of which are available and join up and learn more about your condition.

I have a connective tissue disorder too and recently had open heart surgery to replace part of my aorta and heart valve…it was very scary at first but I soon go over that fear and was confident it would be OK. I now live a very normal life.

There are drugs …a blood pressure one Losartan that has been shown to be beneficial to people like us…it may be something you will come across in your research of Marfans.

Most of all stop worrying…your condition has been found and can now be monitored to avoid a tragedy.

No word in the English language invokes such fear and dread as the word Cancer. When the control system that governs a cell’s reproduction is damaged Cancer may be the result. It is the job of the immune system to detect and then kill them.

A mutation of the cell is the first step in the development of a tumor cell and is usually a small change in the DNA, which leads to a genetic instability of the cell. During Mitosis (cell division) the cell mutation is passed on to the daughter cells. Cancer cells continue to multiply in an unregulated manner. A single cancer cell is invisible to the naked eye but can continue to divide until a tumor is formed. Cancer is, ultimately, a disease of genes.

Tumors develop when uncontrolled cell division occurs and then spreads by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis (where cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system).

Among the distinguishing traits of tumors is a large number of dividing cells, variation in nuclear size and shape, variation in cell size and shape, loss of specialized cell features, loss of normal tissue organization, and a poorly defined tumor boundary.

Although advanced cancer may cause pain, it is often not the first symptom. A cancer may be suspected for a variety of reasons, but the definitive diagnosis of most malignancies must be confirmed by histological examination of the cancerous cells by a pathologist.

Because “cancer” refers to a class of diseases, it is unlikely that there will ever be a single “cure for cancer” any more than there will be a single treatment for all infectious diseases.

Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body or invade other tissues, and they are rarely a threat to life unless they affect some other vital structures of the human body.

Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy or other methods. Although radiation damages both cancer cells and normal cells, most normal cells can recover from the effects of radiation and function properly. Studies have shown that high body temperatures can affect and often kill cancer cells. Perhaps taking aspirin to reduces the body temperatures at the first sign if an illness is not the wises course of action. More studies in this area are needed.

Based on epidemiological evidence, it is now thought that avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, being physically active, and maintaining recommended body weight may all contribute to reductions in risk of certain cancers. Most cancers are thought to be linked to known lifestyle factors.

We can greatly improve the effectiveness of our immune system to detect and then destroy these cancerous cells by taking the right nutrients. The correct nutrients can both reduce our chances of getting cancer and improve our chances of recovery if we have already contracted it.

Vitamin A – Vitamin C – Vitamin E
Selenium – Soy Isoflavones – Calcium
Flaxseed Oil – Green Tea Extract – M.S.M

Vitamin A is an important immune system stimulant. DR. Nauss reported a reduced T-cell immune response in patients with a Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Vitamin C reduces the risk of cervical dysphasia, a precancerous condition. It is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the immune system.

Vitamin E may have a role in reducing the risk of lung cancer, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. It supplies oxygen to the heart and other muscles of the body and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Areas with low Selenium in the soil and water have more deaths from cancers of the esophagus, stomach and rectum.

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and inhibitor of cancer initiation and development.

Studies also suggest that Soy Isoflavones can help protect against cancer as well as heart disease.

In 1985 Dr. Shekelle and his co- workers reported a strong link between ample calcium intake and low risk of developing colon cancer.

Green tea extract contains natural antioxidant compounds know as polyphenols useful in fighting tumors as well as helping prevent and treat rheumatoid arthritis.

M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level. It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/fight-cancer-with-vitamins-and-over-the-counter-products-126226.html

There are many cases studies reported in the book.

Secondly, you need to know that the Nutritional Supplement Industry is regulated based on the Food Standard which is far less stringent that the prescription drugs.

As long it is safe and not poisoness, it can be sold. The regulation says nothing about its effectiveness and potency.

Most follows the GMP Food standard. To ensure quality and bioavailability (ie. get digested) it is important to meet the following criteria when choose the supplement to ensure high quality:
1) What GMP standard does the manufacturing adopt? Food or Pharmaceutical standard.
2) Does the company own its own research and manufacturing plant or does it buy from other and do the marketing only?
3) Does it meet the US Pharmacopoeia, BP Pharmacopoeia specification for quality, potency and disintegration.
4) It is included in the Singapore Master Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) which is used by Doctor for over the counter non-drug prescription.
5) Does it meet Consumer Lab testing of quality?

By the way, to similify the job, you may go to the Singapore Library to borrow the book "Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements" by Lyle MacWilliam which compares and ranks over 1000 multivitamins in USA and Canada.
Several of the products listed are also available in Singapore eg, GNC, Centrum.
I managed to borrow it from the library and is currently reading it. It is informative and educational.

Hope this helps.

from: Victor Phua (phuact@gmail.com)

Bronchitis is often an acute infection of the air passages starting in the nose and extending to the bronchioles. Occasionally the first symptom is hoarseness. It may be mistaken for a common cold, which has settled in the chest.

When the bronchial tubes become infected they become swollen and a thick fluid called mucus forms inside them. This makes it hard for the patient to breath and a cough develops along with a wheeze or whistling sound when you breathe.

It occurs more often among city dwellers that rural residents and about 4 times more often in men than women. Older adults, infants and people with chronic respiratory disorder or heart problem are at the greatest risk with bronchitis attacks.

There are three main types of bronchitis, acute, chronic and occupational.

Acute bronchitis develops after a sore throat or cold and can last for one or two weeks and is usually caused by viruses. Antibodies only work against bacteria and not viruses so your physician will not prescribe an antibiotic. The symptoms include a throbbing cough, runny nose, wheezing, sore throat, headaches, chills, slight fever, back pain, and muscle pain. Repeated acute bronchitis attacks can lead to chronic bronchitis.

If exposed to certain lung irritants, such as flax, hemp or cotton dust, chemical fumes then occupational bronchitis can develop. Occupational bronchitis usually clears up when you are no longer exposed to the irritants and the cough associated with occupational bronchitis is usually dry and nonproductive.

Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious disease that can last the rest of you life. Air pollution, dust, or toxic gasses in the environment or workplace can contribute to bronchitis. In some cases, chronic inflammation of the airways leads to asthma.

Chronic bronchitis develops when an individual has to much phlegm in the air passageway causing a prolific cough. If this cough lasts for several months then the individual will most likely be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. The symptoms include all of the symptoms of acute bronchitis and shortness of breath due to exertion, repeated infections in the lungs and respiratory tract.

Chronic bronchitis can lead to heart failure, the skin turns bluish color because of not enough oxygen in the blood, and Edema. Edema is a condition where excessive fluid is stored in the human body. The feet and ankles are the most common sites.

People who have chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to airway and lung infections, like the bacterial infection called pneumonia. In some cases of chronic bronchitis the patients’ airways become permanently infected with bacteria.

Physicians will sometimes prescribe a bronchodilator or other medication typically used to treat asthma. These medication are used help to relax and open the bronchial tubes to make breathing easer. Nebulizers and inhalers can loosen the mucus lining the bronchiole tubes, thus allowing the patient to cough up the mucus allowing air to pass more freely through the airways.

Bronchitis sufferers should always be checked for tuberculosis just in case it is masking the symptoms of the more serious disease.

Vitamin C Beta Carotene Vitamin E
Pantothenic Acid Glucosamine Vitamin A
Antioxidants Allergy Aid

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies’ immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against bronchitis symptoms. It is another form of non toxic B vitamins.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from bronchitis symptoms.

A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction . Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb’s to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb’s help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Natural antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/fight-bronchitis-with-vitamins-and-over-the-counter-products-120826.html

In other words … I don’t know.

If I were you, I’d ask the doctor who prescribed the medication(s). He or she gets paid a lot of money (and has the knowledge) to answer these types of questions. Alternatively, you could ask your pharmacist. Like the previous poster alluded to, you never know the true credentials of people on this anonymous site, so you could get some "fantastic sounding," and "definitive" answers that are completely wrong.

Cirrhosis of the Liver is the chronic inflammation of the liver, which results in scar tissue replacing the normal liver tissue. The scar tissue of the liver blocks the flow of blood through the organ and disrupts the normal functions of the liver.

The liver performs more functions than any other organ in the human body. The liver is responsible for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals. It removes poisons, such as alcohol and drugs from the blood stream.

The liver converts glucose to glycogen and stores it for latter use as a source of energy. It stores iron and manufactures elements essential for blood clotting. The liver also breaks down old red blood cells and converts the hemoglobin into bilirubin.

In the United States in 2001 chronic liver disease killed over 27,000 people making it the 10th leading cause of death for men and the 12th for women.

Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C, but has many other possible causes. Sometimes more than one cause is present in the same patient.

Alcohol seems to injure the liver by blocking the metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Alcoholic cirrhosis develops in 15% of individuals who drink heavily for more than a decade.

Fluid retention in the abdominal cavity is the most common complication of cirrhosis and diuretics may be necessary to suppress fluid retention. Cirrhosis can also cause immune system dysfunction, leading to infection.

The damaged liver can not clear ammonia and related nitrogenous substances from the blood. These poisons are carried to the brain and result in neglecting personal appearance, unresponsiveness, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, changes in sleep habits, and the loss of the sex drive.

Cirrhosis is generally irreversible once it occurs. Treatment generally focuses on preventing progression and complications by encouraging a healthy diet with a reduction of salt, and abstaining from alcohol and drug intake. If the liver ceases to function or the complications of cirrhosis cannot be controlled a liver transplant will be necessary.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Cirrhosis such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Magnesium, L-Carnitine and Coffee.

Vitamin A is an important immune system stimulant. DR. Nauss reported a reduced T-cell immune response in patients with a Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of cancers of the lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Vitamin B taken together as a team perform vital biological processes including aiding in the healing process for congestive heart failure and reduces fluid retention. It is required for the development of red blood cells.

Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system. It aids in growth and repair of both bone and tissue by helping the body produce collagen.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Zinc is needed for healing and maintaining healthy tissues. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein and are the vital components of skin, hair, muscle tissue, the body’s organs, blood cells, various enzymes and hormones. Zinc also has a profound influence on the body’s ability to resist disease.

Magnesium is needed to keep the proper pH level in the blood and helps in the metabolism of calcium and vitamin C.

L-Carnitine helps convert nutrients into energy.

Studies have recently suggested that coffee consumption may protect against cirrhosis, especially alcoholic cirrhosis.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/fight-cirrhosis-of-the-liver-with-vitamins-and-over-the-counter-products-130566.html

Except pulmonary arteries, all Arteries bring oxygenated blood to the tissues and except pulmonary veins, all Veins bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Blood passes into the lungs where Oxygen is pickup and CO2 is expelled. The Blood then through the arteries into capillaries, which are the thinnest and most numerous of the blood vessels and these capillaries helps transport nutrients into the cells and picks up waist products for transport. Blood then flows into the veins and transports CO2 to the lungs. Without the cardiovascular system vital oxygen and nutrients would not be able to be delivered to the cells in your body you would cease to exist.

The most common life threatening problems of the Cardiovascular System are Arteriosclerosis and Strokes.

Arteriosclerosis is commonly referred to as a “hardening” or “furring” of the arteries. Arteriolosclerosis (hardening of small arteries, the arterioles) is the result of collagen deposition, but also muscle wall thickening and deposition of protein (”hyaline”).

The constant accumulation fatty substances called plaques on the arterial walls characterize arteriosclerosis. These complications are chronic, slowly progressing and cumulative. This plaque buildup is usually found in most major arteries of the human body. Arteriosclerosis typically begins in early adolescence but is rarely diagnosed until late in life usually due to a stroke or heart attack.

When a bubble (aneurysm) occurs in the walls of the blood vessels it can lead to a blowout of the blood vessel and subsequent damage of the organ being supplied and even death. When this happens in the brain it is call a Stroke.

Research has shown that lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood will lower the chance of coronary arteriosclerosis. Non-pharmaceutical means are usually the first method of treatment, such as cessation of smoking and regular exercise.

Copper – Calcium – Magnesium
Vitamin C – Vitamin E – Zinc
Vitamin B – Ginkgo Plus - M.S.M

There is strong evidence that trace mineral Copper is vital to the tensile strength of the coronary blood vessels.

Scientists have found that people who drink hard water, water rich in calcium and magnesium, stand less chance of developing cardiovascular disease that people who drink soft water.

Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue. Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Zinc is needed for healing and maintaining healthy tissues. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein and are the vital components of skin, hair, muscle tissue, the body’s organs, blood cells, various enzymes and hormones. Zinc also has a profound influence on the body’s ability to resist disease.

Vitamin B taken together as B-Complex work as a team to perform vital biological processes, including energy production and efficient metabolic function.

Ginkgo Plus supplies a comprehensive range of important nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the vascular system and for improving blood circulation to the brain.

M.S.M maintains the development of the body’s protein by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain amino acids and in maintaining the strength of connective tissue. This allows water and nutrients to flow freely into cells and allows toxins to flow freely out of the cells. M.S.M increases athletic stamina and helps eliminate muscle soreness. M.S.M is a natural supplement that is getting a lot of attention due to its role in tissue healing at the cellular level. It is a natural organic sulfur that comes from rain fall and is found naturally in the human body.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/fight-cardiovascular-problems-with-vitamins-and-over-the-counter-products-126603.html

Such as taking my vitamins,
Eating certin foods,
Excersizing,
Not eating caffine.. Ect?

Have you ever been diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia or wolff parkinson white syndrome? Does your heart race when you are not exercising? Your heart rate should be no higher than 220 minus your age. That is when you are exercising. Depending on you age, your heart rate should be between 80 and 120 beats per minute (bpm).
There is usually a reason for palpitation. You should see a cardiologist.
Maneuvers for a racing heart (if that is what you have) are called vagal maneuvers which would be…headstand, submerging face in ice water, bearing down (like to have a bm), holding your breath, breathing through a straw or ice packs to the face and wrists. A headstand is the most effective.
You should defiantly cut out caffeine. But there are no vitamins that will help with this condition.