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Colon polyps and the importance of fiber!

The photo shows part of a colon that has multiple polyps, removed from a patient.  Usually, colon polyps cause no symptoms.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way.  Mutation of the cell’s DNA can cause cell to divide in an uncontrolled manner.  This unregulated growth can cause polyps to form.  A person with the tendency of getting polyps is at higher risk of getting colon cancer as these may later turn cancerous.

Colon cancer is the number 1 cancer in Singapore for men.  More than 600 people die from colon cancer in Singapore every year.  However, colon cancer can easily be prevented with the right diet and with sufficient dietary fiber intake.

Dietary fiber comprises soluble and insoluble fiber.Insoluble fiber acts like a broom in our body to sweep away the toxins. Soluble fiber forms a lining in our intestinal tract and aids in preventing our body from absorbing excess cholesterol, fats, calories and sugar. With a cleaner digestive tract, nutrients get absorbed more effectively by our body; we get less prone to colon diseases and, at the same time with a good digestive system, we get clearer complexion.

Evernew orange plays a good role to help maintain our colon health, as well as to maintain the healthy bacteria in our gut. It contains a balance mix of soluble and insoluble fiber from the mix of Orange, banana, oats and psyllium husk.

The importance of dietary fiber:

  • Protects our heart – soluble fiber interferes with fat and cholesterol absorption, thus lowering cholesterol and protects the heart
  • Regulates blood sugar level – some soluble fiber helps lower blood sugar level and aids insulin sensitivity
  • Controls weight – fiber has no calories, yet it could provide a satiety
  • Maintains good bacteria in our intestines – good bacteria aids in effective nutrients absorption and formation of cancer-resistant acids in our colon. They detoxify harmful compounds and produce vitamin B and K.
  • Promotes regular bowel movements – fiber adds bulk to the stool and with that it can pass through the colon easier and be expelled with little strain.
  • Prevent other health conditions such as diverticulosis, hemorrhoides and varicose veins.

23 September 2018.

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把钙送到最需要的部位?

I was reading the papers when I heard an ‘interesting’ advertisement over the FM chinese radio station. The advertisement was talking about one brand of calcium supplement for the joints and it ended with a statement ‘把钙送到最需要的部位’.

This can really be misleading isn’t it?

According to Research, calcium absorption is a complex process involving several parts of the body, for example, the digestive system and kidneys. Poor kidney function can even cause calcium to accumulate in soft tissues instead of bones and possibly lead to arthritis, heart disease and senile dementia! In other words, taking SYNTHETIC calcium may not have the calcium deposited in our bones and worse, may lead to other detrimental effects.

According to The Straits Times article dated 31 July 2010 under the Mains segment – Calcium pills raise heart attack risk by 30%. It was mentioned that when we take calcium supplements, our blood calcium level will go up over the next 4-6 hours, and towards the top end of the normal range. However, when we take calcium-rich foods, the calcium from the food is absorbed very slowly and our blood calcium level will hardly change. When calcium level in our blood is high, we risk formation of plaque in our blood vessels that could lead to heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

So to prevent osteoporosis or to build up our calcium, consume calcium-rich food such as soy, broccoli, pearl, platycodon root, alfalfa, abm mushroom etc.

21 September 2018

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Bright and White Toothpaste

I have lost count to the number of years I am using this Bright and White Toothpaste. After using this Oxyginberry complex natural peppermint paste, I find myself no longer able to can use the normal mint toothpaste from retails. The latter somehow feels artificial…

Most importantly, Bright and White does not contain fluoride and triclosan, both cancer-causing agents. It alarms me to see some brands state FULL FLUORIDE PROTECTION for their toothpastes.

Why am I convinced by Bright and White?

  • When I have occasional mouth ulcer, I just have to apply the paste directly onto the ulcer. A few more applications every time I rinse my mouth, my ulcer heals pretty fast.
  • I can use it as anti-bacterial gargle without worries that the usual anti-bacterial gargle contains alcohol or may gargle away my good bacteria.
  • There was one time my mom had gum pain and there was a swell. I asked her to apply the paste directly onto the swollen area and in 30 minutes, the pain and the swell were gone! I have been giving the same advice to whomever have gum pain and has Bright and White with them. The method never fail.
  • It is effective for sensitive gums too. Gums no longer bleeds easily or sensitive to cold drinks.
  • When I do flossing, I just need to swipe the floss against the paste and do flossing. My teeth feel so clean and fresh!

21 September 2018

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The latest diet craze – Ketogenic diet (the descendant of Atkins diet)

Ketogenic diet has been a hot topic for people who are looking at slimming down. 

Keto diet is a diet high in fat and very low in carbohydrates.  
Foods such as fatty fish, red meat, ham, bacon, chicken, butter that are high in fat (the higher the better), coconut oil, olive oil, nuts etc are recommended.  The intention is for the body to be in a metabolic state called ketosis.  With that, the body will convert the fat into ketones and use them as its main source of energy.  

In other words, the body is forced to use fat as the first-line source of fuel instead of from our usual source – carbohydrates (glucose). 

From the Internet, you can also see the various versions of keto diets.
A diet that is initially designed only for epilepsy is now highly buzzed for various illnesses and obesity.  It seems that at times, we want to outsmart our body.  Carbohydrates that are needed for our basic survival is now deemed as not a right food for us.

Trying to outsmart our body can be pretty dangerous especially when even Scientists, have yet to discover fully how our human cells function.  A look at the keto-diet, if we go back to the basics, we would be able to realise that a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat is going to give us high blood pressure, high cholesterol and, the risk to various cancers. 

Not only the risks for cardiovascular disease and cancer, various articles from reputable associations and governmental societies have warned the danger of keto-diets.  A recent report published by The Psychological Society of UK cautioned that ketogenic diet interferes with blood sugar control and increases insulin resistance in the liver.  In other words, they fear that this may increase the risk of insulin resistance and lead to type 2 diabetes.  
(Article:  https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1113/JP275173)

Long-term use of the ketogenic diet in children also show increased risks of slowed or stunted growth, bone fractures and kidney stones.  Many other factors may be involved such as acidosis and suppressed growth hormone. (Reference: Wikipedia)

Do not believe in fad diets that exclude food groups.

3 September 2018

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Cancer Vaccines

Last Saturday (August 2018) I attended Dr Chen and Dr EE’s health talk at Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall and she shared with us 2 good news regarding cancer treatments.

The first good news is that scientists have developed a vaccine-like injection to fight cancer and this new cancer vaccine has been approved for clinical trials in human at the end of the this year.  This type of cancer treatment is known as immunotherapy, involving fighting cancer by using our body’s immune system to attack tumors.

The second good news is that recently, the FDA has also approved a type of cell therapy known as CAR-T cell therapy for treating some types of leukemia and lymphoma.  This therapy involves removing the patient’s immune cells from the body which are then genetically engineered and reintroduced to attack tumor cells.  But this process is both expensive and time consuming.  

I was shocked to hear that one dosage of immunotherapy cancer treatment can cost as much as $100,000 (per dosage) and per treatment (consisting of more than one dosages) can cost as high as $500,000!  The cost for cancer treatments are really high, not to mention the side effects one may experience from the treatments, especially from the traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

We can see that the new cancer vaccines are actually falling back on the very basic principle of our immune cells – which is the best doctor we have in us.  Since we are born with the best doctor in the world, why then are we still falling prey to diseases and illnesses? 

Apart from minority group which has immune system problems due to genetic issues, majority of us have weak immune system due to our poor diet, lifestyle, stress, pollution etc.   Our body has an immune cell called B-cell which is capable of producing more than 10,000 different types of antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria.  Our body also has an immune cell called Natural Killer Cell (a.k.a T cell) whose job is to look for cancer cells, attach itself to these cancer cells and destroy the cancer cells by emitting a toxin on the cancerous cells.

So are we giving our immune cells the correct nutrients that they need in order to help us fight the foreign invaders in our body?  Apparently not, as statistics shows increasing death rate due to cancer and other diseases and the most worrying is that the average age of cancer patients are getting younger and younger.

So from today, please consume more wholesome plant based food rich in phytochemicals, antioxidants and polysaccharrides as these are nutrients that our immune cells need in order to fight off diseases and illnesses.

Prevention is definitely cheaper and with good health we will be able to attain longevity! 

Article contributed by Ou Ee Him. 26 August 2018.

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Hepatitis

I was reading The Straits Times dated 21 August 2018, when this big headline captures my attention – Hepatitis: The ‘Silent Killer‘.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis contributes to the highest number of deaths compared to major infectious diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The reason why it is called a silent killer is because patients, can go decades without feeling sick and exhibiting any symptoms, until the infection becomes chronic leading to serious complications.  And at the same time, the virus can be spread to others.

Out of curiosity, I started to read on the differences between Hepatitis A, B and C.

What is hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease caused by hepatitis A virus.  The infection is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene.  

It is transmitted through ingestion of food or water that is contaminated with faeces of an infected person. Majority will recover from HAV (Hepatitis A Virus).

Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A infection does not cause chronic liver disease and is rarely fatal.  There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A and recovery from symptoms following infection could be slow taking several weeks or months.

What is hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver.  It can be passed from person to person and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluid such as through sexual contact, use of non-sterile instruments that is in contact with infected blood (example razors, toothbrushes, razors and needles).

Hepatitis B if untreated, can be lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine.

What is hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is also a virus that affects the liver.  It is carried in the blood and is highly infectious, spreading from person to person through blood.  Good news is around 30% of those infected will be cleared of the virus within 6 months by their immune system.  Those who do not clear the virus will have chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C can be treated by direct-acting antiviral drugs.

The key here is, build your immune system. With a strong immune system, your body will be able to develop antibodies to fight the virus.

21 August 2018.

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E.Excel Manufacturer earned GOLD award for its Manufacturing

Extra Excellence Manufacturing Pte Ltd has once again received Food Safety Grade A from Singapore AVA Authority. 

GOLD awards are for awardees that have been achieving Grade A standard every year, for 15 years!  Wow, that’s a milestone! – Extra Excellence!

Extra Excellence Manufacturing occupies a 35,000 sq feet at Senoko Crescent.  It adopts the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HAC-CP) based food safety management system to ensure that all potential food safety hazards in the production process are identified and controls are in place to minimise and eliminate them.

The factory on its own accord has qualified for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification. The factory is always subjected to planned and un-announced inspections by local and overseas food  regulatory authorities. External audits include AVA, HSA, MUIS and overseas audit by U.S.A FDA and South Korea FDA. 

5 August 2018.

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E-Memories Testimonial

My friend’s mum lately had trouble remembering things.  It was so bad that when she was on the phone with her mom, her mum will immediately forget what the daughter had told her after they put down the phone.  The mom had to call my friend back to ask again.  Her mum was so frustrated with herself and my friend, on the other hand felt so stressed as her mum had to call her every other minute due to her forgetfulness.  

She decided to let her mum try E-Memories (twice a day) and after taking it for 1 month, her mum is able to remember what was said after putting down the call!  Now her mum is so much happier with herself and my friend no longer feel stressful communicating with her mum.

Our brain and nervous system needs a protein called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) for normal development.  However, age, illness and environment can affect the level of NGF in our brain and research have shown that Lion’s mane mushroom, Ji-Lin ginseng and Ashitaba can help to support the NGF level in our brain.  These 3 ingredients are in E-Memories:

Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Researchers discovered that Lion’s Mane Mushroom influences the production of enzymes that signal cells to release NGF, thus supporting the normal function of NGF in maintaining, repairing and improving the infrastructure of memory.

Ji-Lin Ginseng
Ji-Lin ginseng is found to also contain ginseng saponins which are good in supporting healthy NGF levels in the brain.  Ginseng saponins also helped to maintain cell viability in the hippocampus (a memory-making part of the brain) which aid healthy learning and memory.

Ginseng also helps to support brain cells against free radical toxicity.  Free radical-induced toxicity is a contributing factor in degenerative neurons.

Ashitaba
Ashitaba supports healthy levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which belongs to the same group of nerve cell proteins as NGF.  BDNF is particularly vital to the hippocampus to create persistent, long-term memories.
Ashitaba also contain a compound called chalcone which supports the production of multiple neurotrophic factors which are proteins that support neurons.

Article contributed by Ou Ee Him. 17 July 2018.

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Nutriact and Menovie Testimonials

Delighted to receive this from Angie!

Nutriact contains Agaricus Blazel Murill, Lentinus Edodes, Grifola Frondosa and, Ganoderma Lucidum. The high polysaccharides content for each of the mushroom, according to Research can restore and strengthen our immune system. 

Mushroom polysaccharides are powerful anti-vial agent and they can also increase the strength of our Natural Killer Cells (cells that help to kill cancer cells).  It works in synergy with chemotherapy and can help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Since the 19th century, scientists have discovered that polysaccharides possess excellent anti-cancer effects.  Research has shown that mushroom polysaccharides can inhibit tumor growth by activating immune cells.  Polysaccharides help enhance the immune system by increasing the production of natural killer (NK) cells, interferon and interleukin, to protect against and destroy existing cancer cells and viruses.

Menovie, on the other hand, is great for female going through menopause or perimenopause.

It contains foods rich in phytoestrogen; such as Chinese yam, sage, raspberry, ginkgo and licorice. These are much needed food for female going through menopause to reduce their menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, irritability, mood swings, hot flashes, depression, anxiety or palpitations.

With the onset of menopause, estrogen levels decline drastically and give raise to three risks for women:  Breast Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Osteoporosis.  You can click on Have a Happy Menopause! to see how plant foods rich in phytoestrogens can help us prevent the mentioned diseases.

Unlike phytoestrogens which occur naturally in nearly all plant foods, animal-derived estrogens have side effects.  Plant estrogens can protect against cancer, are beneficial to health unlike animal-derived estrogens which may cause cancer.

12 July 2018.

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Dr EE Nutritional Immunology Talks

Been waiting for the past half year and finally Dr EE is here yesterday evening to deliver Chapter 1 of Nutritional Immunology Sharing.

A full-house with tickets completely sold out!

The content was rich and as usual, I was busy taking down notes.  Dr EE explained on high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, Eczema, Cholesterol, Leaky Gut, some of the worst Cancers etc etc.

Cord blood banking, Coconut oil, you have to listen why they may not be what you think they are. Thoroughly enjoyed the talk! Looking forward to Chapter 2! 

29 June 2018.

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