How Much "Bling" Are You Wearing IN your Body?

Our younger generations have a word for expensive metal jewelry these days. They call it “bling”.

Did you know you might be wearing harmful levels of heavy metals in your cardiovascular system, kidney and liver?

We’re not talking trace elements of metals like copper, zinc, iron and selenium that are absolutely essential for human health, although these metals would be dangerous in higher levels.

What is the solution?

All humans who take part in society ingest, inhale or are exposed to excess amounts of some “dangerous” heavy metals which accumulate internally from external sources:

* A community’s supply of water (lead pipes)
* Rain breaking down the elements in the soil which permeates the lungs (multiple metals)
* Flame retardants in clothes, bedding and drapery (antimony)
* Cooking pots and foil (aluminum)
* Eating too much tuna (we need a little mercury, but could pick up too much this way)
* Batteries (cadmium, nickel)
* Paint, cement, rubber (chromium)

How about the fillings in our teeth? In recent years it’s been confirmed that “silver” tooth fillings, which are really mercury, can have grave effects on the entire immune system. After being in the mouth for long periods, the metals begin breaking down and releasing into the gums and saliva, then into the bloodstream and traveling throughout the body.

Severe headaches, repetitive infections, digestive problems, changes in heart rhythm and many more ailments are being associated with deterioration of metal dental fillings and other heavy metals.

You can stop eating tuna and have metal fillings replaced with composite resins and porcelain, but that will just solve the mercury problem. To ensure cleansing your organs, blood and entire immune system from accumulated heavy metals, plus unclog your arteries of other unwanted plaque, debris and toxins, a better choice is to periodically “detox” in a process called oral chelation.

You may have heard of intravenous chelation, which can replace some types of invasive surgery for serious heart and circulatory problems.

But Växa’s TriCardia+ is an oral chelation regimen, taken in capsule form and totally non-invasive. It pays particular attention to the organs which these unwanted particles target (heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, lymphatic system), while also cleaning out the arteries.

TriCardia+ is the only oral chelation on the market with 32 necessary amino acids plus 1.2 grams of EDTA (the chelation agent necessary for isolating and sequestering metal ions), and homeopathic medicinals. It will give your body a “roto-rooter” type of cleaning and can ensure good health for years to come.

Are You In Touch with Your Colon?

The first reaction one often gets when discussing matters of the intestines, colon and what they produce is “Ugh!” Well, we need to get over it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer) is the all-around Number Two Cancer Killer in the United States. But it doesn’t have to be.

We could lower that ranking and keep ourselves from joining the statistic with a willingness to get regularly tested. Colon cancer screening, called a “colonoscopy”, becomes vitally important every 3 to 5 years if you’re 50 or older, but is also gaining momentum for the under 50 crowd. It is one test for which you don’t want to wait until you are symptomatic. Colorectal cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms.

Too little, too late – What ARE the Symptoms?

Colorectal cancer took the health news spotlight in 1998 when TV anchorwoman Katie Couric lost her husband, Jay Monahan, to the disease. Thanks in part to Couric co-founding the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance in 2000, awareness of the deadly cancer has been heightened.

Colorectal cancer generally involves both the colon and the rectum. Monahan, who died in his early 40’s, didn’t exhibit any symptoms of colon cancer until it was too late. However, if symptoms are present, they may include:

* A change in bowel habits, blood in or on the stool, strangely narrow stools
* Unexplained stomach discomfort
* Recurring pains, gas, indigestion
* Chronic fatigue
* Unexpected or drastic weight loss

Approximately 90% of cases occur in people over 50, but risks for colorectal cancer in people of any age can include:

* Chronic intestinal diseases like Crohn’s or Colitis
* History of colorectal cancer or polyps in colon and rectum, self or family
* Lifestyle factors like:
- Sedentary habits (low physical exercise – i.e., couch and computer potatoes!)
- Insufficient intake of vegetables, fruits, and fiber
- High-fat diet
- Obesity
- Regular alcohol consumption or smoking

What happens during a “colonoscopy”?

In a colonoscopy, the large intestine, colon and rectum are examined with a “colonoscope” – a long flexible tube with a camera on the end – inserted through the anus while the patient is under light sedation. It detects pre-cancerous polyps which can be removed during the procedure, and the doctor can also take biopsies for cancer testing.

Prior to the colonoscopy, the patient must thoroughly cleanse out the colon. Many of us have heard about the “awful liquid” that must be consumed the day before the procedure!

Some doctors will do a “sigmoidoscopy” first, which examines the last third of the large intestine; possibly when there is less suspicion of colon cancer, or the insurance company will not pay for a colonoscopy without a prior sigmoidoscopy.

Lower your chances for colorectal cancer!

Maintain a healthy diet with fiber, fruits and vegetables, get plenty of exercise, and do some painless internal cleansing on your own! Växa offers a homeopathic colon cleansing program in capsule form called Colon-Aid+, made with gentle, all-natural herbs and other ingredients. Done over a thirty day period or longer by choice, Colon-Aid+ cleanses the lower gastrointestinal tract, improves bowel function, inhibits bacteria, fungus and parasites, and – uncommon to many other colon cleansers – can actually repair damaged intestinal tissues and accelerate gastric ulcer healing.

Also, be sure to have plenty of “good” intestinal bacteria to counter bad bacteria and toxins. This can be done by adding Växa’s Re-Flora+ to the program, which guarantees the proper ratio of probiotics (acidophilus, bifidus, etc.) in the intestines.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Be proactive – Take Colon-Aid+ and then schedule your colonoscopy.

(Colon-Aid+ may not replace the cleanser your doctor will prescribe for the procedure).

Zero in on the many benefits of Zinc

When it comes to the ABC’s of vitamins and minerals, we must look to the end of the alphabet to find one of the most essential minerals for good health.

Zinc is always included in the “Big Five” antioxidant combination, along with vitamins A, E, C and the mineral Selenium. “Antioxidants” help to ward off “free radicals” - atoms or groups of atoms floating in the atmosphere with unpaired electrons which can attach to and damage cell membranes. When this occurs, cells may function poorly or die and our immune system goes down.

Zinc’s powerhouse potency

Zinc has anti-inflammatory capability and should normally be found in every cell in our body. It is one of the keys to a healthy immune system, as it helps build white blood cells (T-lymphocytes) that fight infection.


Probably best individually known for its ability to prevent colds or shorten their cycle (especially as zinc gluconate, well tolerated and absorbed in lozenge form), zinc is also very instrumental in the following processes:

* Aiding in normal conception, fetal growth and development as well as childhood and adolescent growth and health
* Maintaining our senses of smell and taste
* Boosting enzyme activity
* Healing wounds
* Absorption of other minerals
* Healthy skin and hair
* Anti-inflammatory effect on acne
* Preventing heart disease and diabetes

A zinc deficiency can commonly be caused by poor diet, suppressed immune system from infection or an ongoing disease, high alcohol intake, breast feeding, or frequent diarrhea.

In the case of poor diet, zinc deficiency doesn’t only occur in meat lovers, vegetable haters, junk food junkies or chocaholics! Vegetarians need almost one and a half times the zinc, because it is harder to absorb from most green plant foods (with the possible exception of spinach) than from beef, shellfish, pork, lamb and poultry. Other good sources are beans and oatmeal.

For maintenance against zinc deficiency, 30 mg per day is the norm. When ill, that can be doubled or tripled in 2 to 3 separate doses at different times of day along with extra A, E, C and Selenium.

Anything over 150 mg per day can possibly cause a copper deficiency (copper should be taken at small amounts of 1 to 2 mg per day).

Zinc should not be taken on an empty stomach as it can cause gastric discomfort in the form of pain and cramps in the lower abdomen. So it should be taken after meals.

At Växa, we include zinc in our antioxidant formula Anti-Oxin, and vitamin supplement Daily Essentials, as well as in many of our other products because zinc is so proficient in helping the immune system, which in turn will aid in staving off osteoporosis (by promoting absorption of calcium), heart conditions, high and low blood sugar problems, childhood illnesses, and so many other health challenges. Remember that our bodies will only absorb approximately 75% of most supplements we take – less when sick – and they are best absorbed with an active lifestyle. Think about Zinc!

The Healing Power of the Cranberry

The cranberry has long been associated with the holiday season, and no Thanksgiving feast would be complete without at least a few cranberry dishes. In addition to the delicious taste of the cranberry, however, this wholesome fruit has many important health benefits as well. The cranberry is very high in a number of important nutrients, in particular, a variety of important antioxidant vitamins. Nutritionists and other experts all talk about the many benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and cranberries are an excellent way to fit five servings a day of fruits and vegetables into even the busiest lifestyle.

How nutritious is the cranberry?

In addition to its role in optimizing overall health and fitness, the cranberry is thought to play a role in reducing the occurrence of urinary tract infection. The reason for this effect is thought to be the proanthocyanidins (PACs) contained in cranberries. These PACs have been shown to prevent certain types of bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

The PACs contained in the cranberry are also thought to help prevent gum disease and stomach ulcers, using the same anti-adhesion mechanism.

There is growing evidence that the phytonutrients and antioxidants contained in the cranberry and other fruits may help to protect against a variety of diseases, including such potentially life-threatening conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

Antioxidants gain their healing power through their ability to fight the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are part of the normal processes of the cells of the body, but they can be quite damaging to health. Antioxidants work to mitigate the damage caused by free radicals, and therefore they are thought to play an important role in preventing degenerative diseases and even retarding the aging process.

Fortunately for those who want to include more cranberry products in their diet, these products are plentiful, inexpensive and available all year long. Fresh cranberries are available in many major grocery stores and supermarkets for the majority of the year, and when they are not available, there are plenty of canned and frozen cranberry products to take their place.

In addition to fresh, canned and frozen cranberries, there are a number of excellent cranberry based products on the market. In addition to the cranberry sauce that is part of every traditional Thanksgiving celebration, there is cranberry juice and even cranberry pudding. With all these choices, it is easy to fit more cranberries into just about any diet. And with all the health benefits cranberries contain, there is no reason not to enjoy more of this tasty treat.

To further bolster your immune system, try Anti-Oxin+, Växa’s unique free radical scavenger. Anti-Oxin+ is one of the most potent proactive antioxidants available, containing a number of biologically active nutritional compounds such as grape seed extract (Activin), Pycnogenol

Hawthorne Berry - An Age - Old Heart Health Aid

Hawthorne berry is an herb that comes from the hawthorn shrub, which can grow up to 40 feet in height. The berries are usually bright red in coloration. They have been used medicinally since the time of the ancient Greeks for such things as insomnia and nervousness.

Hawthorne berry today is most associated with its widespread use as a tonic for the heart. Specifically, it protects arterial walls, has the ability to dilate (enlarge) coronary blood vessels (the vessels supplying the heart with vital oxygen, blood, and nutrients), and strengthen the heart's pumping ability. Because of these powerful cardiac benefits, it is now one of the most prescribed heart remedies in Europe.

Hawthorne Berry – A Potent Nutrient For Optimal Heart Health

People who suffer from angina would most likely benefit by hawthorne berry's ability to increase blood flow through the arteries. Additionally, for the same reason, those afflicted with hypertension (high blood pressure) may alleviate their condition since narrowed arteries require the heart to work more strenuously in getting blood through them.

People who suffer from tachycardia (rapid heart beating) and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beating) may also find relief. It also has antioxidant properities which may help offset arterial damage from plaque formation and accumulation. In short, hawthorne berry is seen by some as an all-purpose heart medicine.

Potential side effects are rare, and usually superficial in nature. For some, these include nausea, sweating, and fatigue. In addition, those individuals who are not afflicted with any heart condition may experience a significant drop in blood pressure if very large doses of hawthorne berry are consumed. Other than these considerations, it is generally seen as a safe herbal remedy.

The evidence for hawthorne berry's efficacy is significant, especially given its lengthy history of use. Many studies have shown that this herb performs admirably as a medicine for heart health. However, those already on some sort of prescribed heart drug should take special precaution to avoid possible drug interaction, though none are known at the present time.

Dosage can range from 25 mg up to 300 mg per tablet or capsule. Those people who fall into the risk group for heart disease may wish to take at least 100 mg of hawthorne berry daily. For others, 25 mg would normally suffice, assuming standardized extract is being used.

For extra help, try the products in Växa’s Cardiovascular Care Line. They are non-invasive and carry no side effects. These advanced homeopathic medicinals can protect your body against an acidic pH, as well as provide your cardiovascular system with a rich supply of essential nutrients such as Coenzyme Q10 and “Heart Smart” Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. Circulin is a homeopathic medicinal designed to address the problems associated with high blood pressure or hypertension. Heart Formula is formulated to strengthen and support the circulatory system, focusing most of its action on stimulating the heart. Omegacin+ offers 29 bioavailable Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids and essential lipids, plus phytosterols and antioxidants. Tricardia+, Växa’s oral chelation formula, is designed to detoxify the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

The Amazing Health Benefits of the Humble Pomegranate

The humble pomegranate is yet further proof of the reasoning behind the Mediterranean diet being hailed as the healthiest diet in the world. For many centuries these rather unexciting and overlooked fruit have grown on farms all around the Mediterranean area and have been a taken for granted seasonal part of the diet. However, research has uncovered substantial benefits to our health from the consumption of pomegranates.

So Why Should We Eat Pomegranates?

Firstly, they can not only protect against atherosclerosis, i.e. the thickening of arterial walls which can cause heart attacks and strokes, but have been reported to actually reverse this thickening and thus return your arteries to a more youthful state.

Research has also shown that they have the ability to lower blood pressure in addition to which they can effectively reduce your levels of bad cholesterol and help increase levels of good cholesterol. The powerful antioxidants found in pomegranates can improve blood flow in all areas of the body and thus lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and impotence. The general antioxidant effect of pomegranates is three times greater than that of either red wine or green tea and should be included in everyone’s diet.

Pomegranates tend to have a fairly short season and do not store very well. However, if you want to make the most of the health benefits of pomegranates all year round then buy them when they are in season and therefore plentiful and cheap and freeze them.

The easiest way to prepare pomegranates for freezing is to cut them in half, immerse them in a deep bowl of water then break the segments apart and pry out the seeds. The seeds will sink and the pith and skin will float. Skim this off the top and then strain the seeds, pat dry on a clean tea towel and freeze in polythene bags excluding the air.

Heart attacks and strokes are the number one killer for men and women alike in the western world so if you are only going to adopt one element of the healthy Mediterranean diet then this should definitely be at the top of your list. The effect pomegranates can have on maintaining a healthy heart should be a health benefit we should all be taking advantage of.

One pomegranate delivers 40% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a rich source of folic acid. Pomegranates are high in polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranates are hydrolysable tannins, particularly punicalagins, which have been shown in many peer-reviewed research publications to be the antioxidant responsible for the free-radical scavenging ability of pomegranate juice.

Växa’s Anti-Oxin provides you with the ideal means to provide your body with an all-natural anti-oxidant, in addition to the entire spectrum of Vitamin C-esters. Växa’s Heart Formula is a homeopathic medicinal formulated to strengthen and support the circulatory system, focusing most of its action on stimulating the heart. Systemex provides you with a convenient complete cardiovascular health shake, engineered to help support the function of the cardiovascular system.