Body pH and HEALTH

 

Acidity and alkalinity are measured according to the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale ranging from zero to 14, in which zero is very acidic, 7 is neutral, and 14 is very alkaline. Using water as a barometer with a pH of 7, any substance below this mark is acidic and above is alkaline.

Knowing the distinction between which food is alkaline and which is acidic is determined by the minerals left behind after digestion – termed the ash residue. Alkaline foods contain magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium, which complement each other and only minute quantities are required in our daily bodily functioning.

Different fluids in the human body generally have a delicate range of acid-alkaline balance to maintain for optimal functioning. The normal pH for urine is about 4.5-8 (acidic environment to eliminate toxins), for saliva 7.0-7.4 and blood is between 7.35 and 7.45. The pH of urine has a wider range based on the acid or alkaline forming potential of foods eaten during the course of the day. First morning urine before any foods are eaten is often considered the most accurate indicator of true urine pH. (that is why you have to fast overnite before a health screening test)

Without exception, all your organs, tissues, bones and joints should also fall into this range. Basically, you came into this world with an alkaline pH and should remain till your last day. However, your body automatically becomes acidic upon death so it can decompose like it is supposed to.

When the pH levels of blood or other key bodily fluids fall out of optimal pH range due to adverse metabolic or respiratory conditions, the human body goes through a variety of adjustments to try to correct the acid or alkaline imbalance. If the body is too alkaline, a condition called alkalosis results. Conversely, an overly acid condition results in acidosis.

Acidosis:


In the modern society, many of us are prone to ACIDOSIS, a condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids. Although a host of factors like stress, environmental toxins, lack of exercise and smoking can contribute to this condition, the main culprit is our poor dietary habits. We often neglect the need for a balanced diet and consume too much acid-producing foods such as processed food, fast food, refined carbohydrates and dairy products, and too little alkaline foods like fruits and fresh vegetables. Another cause is aging. As we age, our metabolism alters slightly, resulting in a lower calorie requirement. Excess fat accumulates quickly which results in higher acidity in the cells.

Some symptoms: Frequent sighing, insomnia, water retention, gout, arthritis, migraine headaches, abnormally low blood pressure, dry hard stools, foul smelling stools and a burning sensation in the anus, constipation alternates diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, sensitive to vinegar and citrus fruits.

Recommendations: Eat more raw foods (cooking depletes nutrients) comprising fresh fruits and vegetables that contain minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium. Highly acidic foods that should be avoided are processed foods, foods high in sugar, animal fats and drinks that contain caffeine.

Alkalosis:

Alkalosis is a condition in which the body loses too much acid and becomes alkaline. It is less common than acidosis and produces over-excitability of the nervous system, affecting the peripheral nerves much. The causes can be due to:

• excess vomiting, which causes a loss of electrolytes
• overuse of diuretics
• endocrine imbalance
• a large loss of potassium or sodium in a short amount of time
• antacids
• accidental ingestion of bicarbonate, which can be found in baking soda
• laxatives
• alcohol abuse
• poor diet

Symptoms: Easily excited and heart palpitation, sore muscles, creaking joints, drowsiness, protruding eyes, hypothermia, seizures, allergies, night cramps, asthma, night coughs, indigestion, too rapid blood clotting and thick blood, menstrual problems, hard dry stools, bone spurs.

How main organs are affected:

When your blood starts to become acidic, acidic substances (usually toxins) are deposited into cells to allow the blood to remain slightly alkaline. This causes your cells to become more acidic and toxic, which results in a decrease of their oxygen levels, and harms their DNA and respiratory enzymes.

Overloading of toxins tax on vital organs in the body leading to chronic and degenerative diseases.

+ Acid wastes in your system rob your blood of oxygen, which causes your heart tissue to deteriorate.


+ Far too much toxins choke your liver, thus it is constantly under stressed to flush them out.


+ The pancreas is unable to produce insulin to regular the sugar level.


+ Kidneys are overburdened to clear up huge piles of toxins and wastes.


+ Hard to digest, acid-creating food poses a challenge to the stomach and can result in excess gastric acid produced to facilitate the digestion process. As a result, fewer nutrients are being absorbed, and acid rising up into your throat causing acid reflux, GERD, IBS, hiatal hernia and gastritis.


+ Wastes not clearing up properly through the colon can clog its walls and become a breeding ground for bacteria and disease. In addition, the toxins can be re-absorbed into your bloodstream, make you ill and encourage the development of food sensitivities. The problem can develop into IBS, diverticulosis and chronic constipation on a prolonged basis.


If left untreated, heavy accumulation of wastes poisons the cells and causes their premature die. These dead cells themselves turn into acids which may adapt in that environment to become abnormal cells which may develop into malignant cells having the ability to grow indefinitely and without order termed 'cancer'.
Recommendations: Watch alkaline drugs such as sodium bicarbonate taken for gastritis or peptic ulcers, and other drugs for high cholesterol. Maintaining healthy lifestyle including having more grains and acid-forming foods is crucial for right balancing.


Acidity/alkalinity range of foods

 

Note: Though lemon is acidic to the taste, it leaves off alkaline residues in the body. This is why it is useful in all symptoms of acidosis.

Although lemon juice is very acidic, small amounts mixed with water can have an alkalizing effect when it is digested. This can help to neutralize the acid in your stomach, especially so for those with acid reflux caused by low stomach acid. Even those with peptic ulcers can find relief as its high ascorbic acid content can help to protect the stomach from certain cancers and other damage. However, this relief is temporary and should not be over-relied upon as lemon acidity is corrosive to the stomach lining. Mixing sodium bicarbonate from the pancreas results in its acidity turns alkaline upon reaching the small intestine.

 

Acidity and Cancer

The 1931 Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells cannot survive in a highly oxygenated environment. Alkalinity helps to increase the body’s oxygen level, which is why alkaline foods can be helpful in fighting cancer. When the blood is alkalized, it is able to contain more oxygen, absorbing up to 100 times more than a body with a high acid content.

In other words, oxygen levels in cells decrease in the presence of too much acid. This creates a toxic environment, which can create mutations in the cells, potentially leading to cancer. With a greater degree of alkalinity in the body, these toxins decrease.

Excessive acids present in the diet that are not dispelled fast enough can result in the body storing the toxins in the cells. People with cancer generally have high levels of acid in their system, which makes it essential for them to find balance through eating foods that are alkaline in content. This will bring the body to a healthy pH level of approximately 7.4, which helps to saturate red blood cells with healing and essential oxygen.

Sources: http://nh1.ccone.com/ph-balance.html, Prescription to Natural Healing

VIVA corner

VIVA Life Science provides the solution to blood acidity by offering this great product VIVA Green Barley with all the goodness of vitamins, proteins, phytochemicals, enzymes, minerals in a bottle. By consuming this highly alkaline food, the blood pH can improve and become less acidic. We could then achieve a better health status and continue to enjoy life.

Viva Chloroguard can be supplemented to cleanse up toxins deposited in the cells, including the immune cells. Its iodine content can help to shield radiation exposure.

 

Detoxification for BETTER Health

 

Though we may be feeding our bodies correctly with nourishing foods, full health potential cannot be realised so long as we remain waste dumps for pesticides, pollutants, chemicals and heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, lead and nickel. This continuous process to permit toxins to be absorbed into the body through food, drinks, air and contact with the skin is unavoidable. Even any daily food intake in the form of fats, proteins and sugars are broken down and used to energize the body leave wastes behind. As a result, a healthy cell can become sick, choked with toxins that prevent wastes from being passed out.

Can toxicity be detected?

The medical community recognizes only acute toxicity, the type that leads to painful, sudden and severe symptoms, including cramping, nausea, vomiting, sweating, headaches, breathing difficulties, convulsions and impaired cognitive, motor and language skills. 

The effect of consumption, inhalation, skin contact and other exposure is clear.  Such frequent occurrences are observed on job sites when workers are exposed to hazardous substances, and to a smaller extent on the home front.

Pesticide, herbicide and chemical fertilizer are usually ingested and can make otherwise healthy people chemically sensitive and environmentally ill.  As this is a gradual process, the symptoms may develop over several years and are often interchangeable with other signs of poor health, thus the culprits are not suspected.

Need to detox

Virtually all chronically sick patients have sustained significant exposure to toxic substances. 

Toxic metals such as aluminum, cadmium, lead, cobalt and arsenic are easily found in unknowing patients. For instance, mercury is planted in anyone who has done amalgam fillings or root canals.  Cocoa and chocolate products have some of the highest levels of lead found in any food item.

Dose, duration, manner of exposure, biochemical individuality, genetic propensity, diet quality and stress levels combine to determine the degree of ill effects.

Babies can be contaminated at birth because mercury and other metals pass through the placenta from intoxicated mothers. The Environmental Working Group reports that blood samples taken from the umbilical blood of newborns show an average of 287 toxins, including mercury, fire retardants, pesticides, and Teflon chemicals. No wonder babies come into this world with compromised digestive and immune systems. Vaccinations containing mercury and aluminum worsen the matter, often sending an already vulnerable child over the edge into autism, ADD and ADHD, life-threatening allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Do a simple test. If you suspect of having any 3 or more symptoms, is time to consider a detox:

+  Having asthma, eczema or sinusitis?
+  Having allergies or are you sensitive to chemicals or pollution?
+  Having wheezing or skin outbreaks frequently?
+  Having digestive problems?
+  Feeling worse after exercise?
+  Experiencing fatigue on and off?

Process of detoxification

For good internal housekeeping, all harmful substances should be eliminated or neutralized using built-in defenses and resources, especially during our sleeping hours. The complex process of detoxification involves the immune system (especially the white blood cells), the lungs, kidneys, colon, liver and the skin (biggest organ in our body).

The ability to cope well goes for a younger and healthier body. Thus, the older or less healthy you are, the poorer is this protective response and the greater possibility of damage occurring to your body.

Liver as detoxifier. In addition to its vital functions in digestion and energy production, the liver acts as a major detoxifier. It combines toxic substances such as metabolic waste products, insecticide residues, drugs, alcohol and other harmful chemicals with substances that are less toxic which are then excreted by the kidneys and colon.  The other detoxifying organs include the lungs, skin, colon, kidney and lymphatic system.  If they do not receive the relevant or adequate nutrients, their functions can be compromised, resulting in build-up of toxic materials which can ruin our health.

If you have been constantly eating all types of fatty food, sugary food and drinks without properly cleansing, a sudden action of accelerated elimination can result in a short bout of headaches, fatigue, body odor, bad breath, diarrhea or mouth ulcers (termed 'healing crisis'). However, you may observe digestion usually improves fast, as do many gland and nerve functions.

How to detox: The best means of removing toxins and wastes from the body is a fast and a ritual monthly practice for most desirable result.  Day-to-day cleansing is preferable for those who believe in good health at all times. Fasting is highly recommended for any illness, as it allows the body the rest it needs to recover.  Acute illnesses, colon disorders, allergies and respiratory illnesses are most responsive to fasting, whilst chronic degenerative diseases are the least responsive.

 

By relieving the body of the work of digesting foods, fasting permits the system to rid itself of toxins and facilitates healing. Possible fasting results -

+  A 3 days’ fast helps to purge toxins and cleanse the blood.
+  A 5 days’ fast begins with the process of healing and rebuilding the immune system.
+  A 10 days’ fast can take care of many health problems before they arise and help to fight off illness, including degenerative diseases.

In a total perspective, by fasting regularly, all the organs are put to rest, and thus help to reverse the aging process and live a longer and healthier life.

What to do?

+  To prepare for the fast, eat only raw vegetables and fruits for two days. This will make the fast less of a shock to the system.

+  Water is essential during detoxification in transporting nutrients and eliminate waste from cells. However, do not fast on water alone. All all-water fast releases toxins too quickly, causing headaches and worse.

-  Dilute pure juices with the water (ratio 3:1)
-  Best fruit lemon.  Avoid tomato and orange juice.
-  Never combine fruit and vegetable juices and drink immediately after preparation.

+  No cooked foods as the size of the stomach and the amount of secreted digestive juices may decrease during fasting.

+  A good green supplement such as green barley, spirulina or chlorella to supply the body with a full range of food state, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids.

+  Herbal tea can be added for variety.

+  To incorporate fermented drinks that are rich in electrolytes and enzymes to facilitate cleansing. Some of the best functional beverages to include in a fasting cleanse include fermented whey, coconut water kefir and apple cider vinegar. Also include naturally fermented foods that can destroy pathogenic organisms and create die-off effects.

+  For those with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypoglycemia (use a protein supplement during fasting), fasting more than 3 days should do so only under the supervision of a qualified health professional for close monitoring of glucose level.

+  Pregnant women should never fast.

Health benefits

+  Cleansing helps to release hormone secretions that stimulate immune response and encourage a disease preventing environment. In fact, after a detoxification process you should see digestion usually improves right away as accumulated waste and fermenting bacteria are cleansed of.

+  Excess mucus and congestion are removed as the two filtering organs namely liver and kidneys are purified, resulting in a lowering of serum fats that thins the blood, tissue oxygenation is increased and white blood cells are moved more efficiently.

+  Even the stomach size can be reduced for those with tummies and desire to lose weight.  The energy usually used for digestion is redirected to immune function, cell growth and eliminatory processes.

+  Many glands and nerve functions are restored as the body starts to rebalance itself. Energy levels (physical and psychological) will rise. Focus, mental clarity and creativity begin to expand, impossible under chemical overload.

In general, most people enjoy the good feeling of lighter weight and boosted energy after the detoxification process. Dependency of habit forming substances like sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or drugs is reduced. They tend to kick bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle thereafter.

Temporary setback/healing crisis

It is not uncommon for individuals starting a program of natural healing to suffer from detoxification reactions commonly known as healing crisis whereby toxins are being expelled into the different systems of the body.

A healing crisis is a common experience centered on the basis that you become worse before you feel better.

-  The natural process begins with the cells releasing toxins (eg. pesticides and drugs) into the blood and lymphatic circulation but the elimination organs (i.e. skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder & GI tract) are not able to cope and eliminate them fast enough and thus the toxins remain in circulation.

-  Another common cause of the healing crisis has to do with the dying off of certain pathogenic organisms in the body such as Candida yeast infections, viruses and bacteria. It triggers off the release of stored endotoxins in the microbes which enter circulation and thus interfere with normalized function. A massive scale involving more pathogens pose a temporary health hazard for some individuals. Extreme actions are usually felt by people who are already suffering from major illnesses or are quickly building disease processes.

Most people base their health on how they are feeling and think that the natural health program is hurting them when they go through a healing crisis. The longer toxins or pathogenic organisms remain in the body, the worse their health will be and the faster they will develop disease. Eliminating such toxins from the body is a vital part of allowing the repair of damaged cells and tissue. After undergoing the cleansing process, the body should be healthier and able to eliminate toxins effectively. Symptoms usually reduce or are eliminated within two to three days but on rare occasions can last a few weeks.

The most common symptoms associated with a healing crisis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, hot/cold flashes, increased blood pressure, headaches, joint pain and fatigue.

Do not be discouraged by a temporary discomfort and abandon your detoxification program. 

Conclusion 

Unless parents also detoxify themselves before conception, this trend will not reverse, and we will continue to see the degeneration of children’s health. Going forward, the gene inheritance factor gets weaker and humans can face extinction if a terrible epidemic were to break out worldwide.

Good nutrition is of prime importance because a deficiency of vital minerals will lead to their replacement by toxic metals in enzyme binding sites. Basically, minerals act as coenzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions, including energy production, growth and healing. 

For instance, if the body lacks nutrients like calcium, potassium and other minerals in the diet, the external elements structured similarly are being absorbed into the cells by substitution. If the cells obtain all nutrients they need from your diet, such radioactive substitutes become redundant and are likely to be discarded from the body.

The following examples are substitutes:

+  Lead for calcium

+  Cadmium for zinc

+  Aluminum and nickel for magnesium and manganese.

Always consider detoxifying when you have a health problem. Even for those who are relatively healthy should make it a daily ritual to achieve optimal health and prevention of disease.

VIVA Corner

Here are recommended VIVA products that are essential to detoxify, balance, nourish and protect the body in building a solid foundation for a stronger and healthier you.

VIVA Chloroguard with 4 types of seaweed chlorophyll can boost energy levels with a host of nutrients and detoxifies cells internally.


VIVA Green Barley is beneficial for general cleansing outside the perimeters of the cells. It can bind to toxins and prevent contamination to the cells. The flushed out waste materials can then be removed from the blood and excrete via urination.

VIVA Omega3 helps to reduce blood viscosity and thus improve blood circulation and reduce any inflammation.  Waste materials can be excreted faster via urination.


VIVA Dailyguard provides the body’s daily needs for nutrients, general health maintenance and disease prevention.  It can also strengthen the lymphatic system for greater effectiveness in transporting waste materials from all parts of the body to the end organs such as liver, kidneys, colon, skin and lungs for elimination.

VIVA Floraguard repopulates  the friendly bacteria population to prevent colonization of bad bacteria in the colon as it is a temporary storage of waste products.

VIVA Cellpex contains milk thistle which can neutralize and convert toxins into a water-soluble form for excretion.

GUARD your Immunity (I)

  

IMPORTANCE

In recent times, new communicable diseases surfaced, resulting in widespread illnesses and in the worst scenario - death. Some new strains of pathogens have found their way to a faraway destination with the help of infected travelers. The risk is elevated when the spread occurs in a densely populated city.

The immune system is the body’s first line of defence against infectious agents, such as chemicals, drugs, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, as well as engineering the healing process. Coated on them are large molecules or antigens the immune cells should be able to spot and destroy. At the front line are our skin, stomach acid and mucus - assisted by the lymph nodes and other components of the immune system which help to keep the antigens at bay. A well-functioning immune system is capable of distinguishing between normal body cells and foreign bodies/abnormal cells, and thus destroying cancer cells as and when they are spotted.


WEAKENING SIGNS

Decades of over-reliance on antibiotics puts a strain on the immune system whilst the newly transformed super microbes are harder to eradicate and thus spread and infect easily.

Weakening of the immune system results in increased susceptibility to virtually every type of illness. Some common signs of impaired immune function include fatigue, listlessness, repeated infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea and manifestation of an overgrowth of some normally present organism as in oral thrush, systemic candidasis or vaginal yeast infections.

COMPOSITION

The immune system comprises specialized tissues, organs, cells and bio-chemicals with the skin and mucous membrane, of which the prominent ones involved are white blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic vessels and organs, specialised cells found in various body tissues and organs, specialised substances called serum factors found in the blood.

In the spongy tissue of the bone lies the red marrow where immature stem cells are produced. They have the capacity of turning into different types of cells - white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets and plasma.

Proper functioning of immune system

At birth, the immune system is not functional yet. The bone plays catch-up in a child's formative years by producing only immune cells in the red marrow, forgoing the yellow marrow (for bone, cartilage and fat tissue which explains why children below 5 years old are vulnerable to leukemia (see next para).

A drop of blood can contain anywhere from 7,000 to 25,000 white blood cells at a time.
Although white blood cells account for only about 1% of our blood, their impact is significant as they are essential for good health and protect us against illness and disease. Produced from stem cells inside the bone marrow, some of them have a short lifespan of 1-3 days. When leukemia strikes, overproduction of white blood cells which are often partially developed, crowd out the space for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Majority of kids with leukemia developed in the lymphatic tissue and can be treated successfully with drugs and radiation. On the other hand, majority of adults with leukemia developed in the bone marrow and can undergo intensive therapy to bring abut remissions averaging 12-18 months if detected early. Chronic infection is not so lucky as treatment has not shown to improve survival significantly. Also, they are prone to hemorrhage and infection to cause fatal death.

Low count of WBCs can happen for a number of reasons eg. when an invader is destroying the cells more quickly than the body can replenish them or when the bone marrow stops making enough white blood cells to keep you healthy and vulnerable to any illness or infection. Under normal circumstances, higher-than-normal white blood cell count usually indicates some type of bacterial/viral infection as more are produced to destroy an enemy. 


The initial response to an antigen is inflammation eg. when cold virus is inhaled, the nasal passage becomes inflamed and releases histamine. The swelling also helps to contain the antigen from spreading to other body tissues. Other immune cells can then response to aid in destroying the antigens or damaged cells. The two types of cells most actively involved are:

1.  Antibody mediated immunity – B-cells originate from bone marrow and residing primarily in outer cortex of lymph nodes. The B-cells produce antibodies which either damage the invasive cells or alert the white blood cells to attack. A blueprint of the invader is stored to initiate the production of antibodies for subsequent exposure. They become plasma cells and stand guard in the lymph nodes awaiting further action.

2.  Cell-mediated immunity – T-cells produced by the thymus gland (located behind the top of the breastbone) and residing primarily in inner area of lymph nodes, blood and immune organs. All T cells are trained to recognise what is “self” to be tolerated and those “non-self” to be destroyed, Also, each T-cell is trained to identify a specific type of antigen that penetrate cells to reproduce and interfere with cell function. Those with faulty programming (like unable to differentiate “self” and “non-self”) are eliminated. With increasing age, the T cells decrease in numbers and potency.

Other active immune cells include:


*The most abundant WBC - neutrophil also known as the "immediate response" cell, accounts for 55-70% of the total white blood cell count. 


*  Natural killer cells patrol the body and mark cancer or viral infected cells. Once identified, the NK cells attack in packs by releasing substances that destroy the invader in minutes. However, as some potent viruses are capable of changing forms, this capability can be rendered useless.


*  Scavenger cells known as monocytes and macrophages which engulf foreign particles as well as expiring blood cells, including the red ones.

Working hand in hand with the blood circulatory system, the lymphatic system operates at the cellular level (inside and outside the cells) by cleansing and draining fluids, removing toxins, waste products and other debris. Fluids collected are drained into the capillaries of the lymphatic system known as lymph before filtering through the lymph nodes. Whilst most of the nymph nodes are smaller in size widely distributed throughout the body, the spleen, thymus and tonsils are the enlarged ones.


OUT OF BALANCE

(1)  Over-activity of immunity leads to allergies and autoimmune diseases -

+  An autoimmune disease is one in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include arthritis, lupus and possibly inflammatory bowel disease. They may be caused by genetic factor, infections and injuries. Stress and emotional factors also seem to contribute to a certain extent.

Supporting the immune system through diet and lifestyle is vitally important in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

+  An allergy is an inappropriate response or trigger by the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless. There are many causes of allergy - the most common being airborne particles such as mold, dust and pollen, certain foods, chemicals and drugs causing many disorders, including asthma and hay fever.

Supporting the immune system is instrumental in the treatment of allergic disorders.

(2)  Under-activity increases the risk of infections -

Poor diet, medications, pollution, toxic chemicals, stress levels and emotional state are external factors that can work adversely on the immune system.  For instance, overuse of antibiotics is prevalent today and may weaken the immune system in dealing with infectious agents. Often medications like steroids are prescribed for long periods in the treatment of disorders such as arthritis and asthma that can tax on the immunity gradually.


CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

The best way to keep the immune system working well is to stay in good general health. It is important not to allow infections to persist as this puts a strain on the immune system.

+  Improving lymphatic circulation through prolonged exercise, massage and herbal remedies help to boost the immunity. Studies conducted had shown that moderate to intense exercise for 2 hours or more can help to boost circulating phagocytes and lymphocytes, involving the bone marrow, spleen, pulmonary and systemic blood vessels releasing more white blood cells. There are several herbs which have powerful immune-enhancing effects eg. echinacea, astragalus, goldenseal, licorice, ginseng, garlic, cat’s claw and mushrooms such as shiitake, reishi and maitake.

+  Adopting the right diet approach is a pre-requisite to proper health status.  Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the immune system and a poor diet increases the susceptibility to infection and exacerbate autoimmune diseases.  Also, infections increase the demand for nutrients to help fight infection and repair the damage to tissues.  Note that a single nutrient deficiency can compromise the immune system. However, any defect can usually be reversed after 2 weeks of correct nutrient therapy.


A healthy diet should comprise:

-  High carbohydrate diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber.

-  Minimal fat derived from polyunsaturated vegetable oils and related products as they readily form free radicals that damage immune cells. One type, the essential fatty acid is helpful in treating cancer and autoimmune disorders.

-  High protein diets are damaging as residues of protein metabolism can cause irritation, especially in people prone to allergy and autoimmunity. Foods of animal origin (including dairy products) frequently contain residues of antibiotics and steroid hormones that irritate and weaken the immunity system.

-  The effectiveness of the immune system declines with age and older people are naturally more susceptible to infection than younger people and are at greater risk of low intake of several vitamins and minerals, which are vital in maintaining optimal immune function as they act to prevent free radical damage to immune cells and to the thymus gland, responsible for ensuring optimal immune function. Supplementing the elderly with single nutrients or mixtures of vitamins and minerals at levels that exceed the RDAs significantly should see good improvement.

1.  Vitamin A is known to stimulate and enhance many immune functions, including antibody response and the activity of various white blood cells such as T helper cells and phagocytes. This immune-enhancing function promotes healing of infected tissues and increases resistance to infection. The body’s store of vitamin A may be depleted from bouts of acute infection eg. respiratory attacks. Severe shortage can result in death and susceptibility to infection and diarrhea for children and HIV-positive patients.

2.  Beta-carotene can assist in increasing the numbers of immune cells, including the natural killer cells.  It protects macrophages, the white blood cells which engulf and destroy foreign substances. It also facilitates communication between immune cells and makes the stimulatory action of interferon on the immune system more powerful.

3.  Vitamin C is critical to immune function as it is involved in antibody production, and function and activity of white blood cells. Other functions include the production of interferon, an antiviral and anticancer substance.  It is commonly used to reduce the duration of the common cold and the severity of symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and sniffling. Severely ill elderly patients admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections can benefit much from it too.

4.  Vitamin E protects the thymus gland and circulating white blood cells from damage, especially during times of oxidative stress and chronic viral illness. More antibodies are produced when used it against hepatitis B and tetanus infection.

5.  Selenium is part of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase, known to protect white blood cells from free radical damage. It also appears to increase antibody production, and accelerate the production of white blood cells and enhance their effectiveness in attacking and destroying harmful micro-organisms.

6.  B Vitamins can affect the quality and quantity of antibodies and the number of white blood cells. An impaired antibody response causes increased susceptibility to infection, especially amongst the older people. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system by affecting functions such as cell multiplication and antibody production.

7.  Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of the immune system. It has several functions, including effects on white blood cells known as monocytes and lymphocytes, and seems to suppress some immune functions. Many researchers are investigating the possibility of using vitamin D and related compounds to treat autoimmune disorders and to suppress rejection of transplanted organs.

8.  Copper is important in developing resistance to infection. A deficiency can lead to lowered resistance to infection as white blood cell activity and cellular immune responses are reduced. The ratio of zinc to copper may also affect immune system effectiveness. Susceptibility to disease seems to increase when copper intake is high and zinc intake is low.

9.  Iron is involved in the maintenance of a healthy immune system and the immune response can be impaired in iron-deficient people suffering from chronic yeast infections and herpes infections. Certain types of immune cells rely on iron to generate the oxidative reactions to rid bacteria and other pathogens. When iron levels are low, these cells cannot function properly. However, overloading of iron can be bad as well with reduced ability to eliminate bacterial growths and more free radicals generated that damage the immune system.

10.  Zinc deficiency results in activity of the thymus gland, thus a decrease in the numbers of several types of T cells, natural killer cells and other components of the immune response. This leads to increased susceptibility to infection and wound-healing time. Zinc supplements have also been shown to boost levels of interferon vital to fight bacterial and viral infection.


In general, nutrients taken should:


1.  Increase antibody production and improve antibody response (Vitamin A, B, C, selenium, copper, zinc, germanium)
2.  Increase the count of immune cells (Vitamin B, beta-carotene, selenium, copper, zinc)
3.  Improve communication between immune cells (beta-carotene)
4.  Strengthen/produce/adjust interferon (Vitamin C, beta-carotene, germanium)
5.  Protect against free radical damage (Vitamin E, C, beta-carotene,  selenium)


CONCLUSION

The immune system can function well if properly cared for.  Even the aging process may be more closely related to the functioning of the immune system than to the passage of time.

Getting the right nutrients, providing the right environment and avoidance of causative agents that compromise its defensive abilities eg. antibiotics, drugs, pesticides, additives, pollution, stress.


Remember, as with all body systems, immune balance is the key and IMMUNITY is HEALTH.

VIVA corner

+  VIVA Green Barley contains abundant antioxidants, fibers, minerals and protein, essential for proper functioning of the immune system which include higher count of immune cells and improve communication between them. Vivashield, with its winning combination of potent antioxidants can eliminate free radicals effectively. Its Vitamin A and E contents are anti-infection whilst Vitamin C is essential for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of white blood cells, including antibodies and initiate proper response.

+  VIVA Omega3 to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. VIVA Germanium helps to produce the right interferon so the immune system gets the correct signal fast to attack intruders.

AUTO-IMMUNE diseases (II)

 

WHAT IS AUTO-IMMUNE?

A well functioning immune system has adequate amounts of circulating antibodies produced by the white blood cells, being the body’s first line of defence and a major indicator of health. This in-built mechanism enables the body to recognize, identify, remember, attack and destroy harmful substances known as antigens, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites toxins, cancer cells and blood or tissues from another person or specie. Its white blood cells produce antibodies with the slightest threat of damage to the normal cells.

On the contrary, a defective immune system wreaks havoc throughout the host by directing its antibodies against its own healthy tissues as well, causing prolonged inflammation and subsequent tissue destruction. Since the immune system has gone into 'overdrive' so why should we give it more ammunition? Not really, this is an indication of the immune system not functioning properly too.

 

SAME AS ALLERGY?

An allergy is an inappropriate response or trigger by the immune system to a substance that is usually harmless such as mold, dust and pollen, certain foods, chemicals and drugs causing many disorders, including asthma and hay fever.

In allergies, the immune system reacts to an EXTERNAL substance that it normally would ignore. With autoimmune disorders, the immune system is hypersensitive and over-reacts to INTERNAL body tissues that it would normally ignore.

RELATED DISEASES

An autoimmune disorder may affect one or more organ or tissue types, including:

• Blood vessels
• Connective tissues
• Endocrine glands eg. the thyroid or pancreas
• Joints
• Muscles
• Red blood cells
• Skin

There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. Two common ones are attack on the linings of the joints, where rheumatoid arthritis develops and the insulin-producing islet cells of the pancreas leading to insulin-dependent Diabetes type 1 or pancreatitis. It is believed that B cells erroneously identify the normal cells as being antigens that require an immune response.

Other critical illness such as Crohn’s disease (on small intestine), ulcerative colitis (on large intestine), multiple sclerosis, lupus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are tough to diagnose and treat.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms depend on the disease and location of the abnormal immune response that often include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• General ill-feeling

CAUSES

+  Lifestyle

It was found that healthy elderly have very low levels of auto-antibodies in their hormonal glands – eg. thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, hypothalamus. The probable reason is environmental exposure to foreign substances associated with unhealthy lifestyle such as intake of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, drugs, sugar, poor dieting and inadequate sleep. All these resultant toxins introduced into the body tax the immune system heavily leading to a compromised immune system.

For instance, we consume sugar of all forms (glucose, fructose and sucrose) freely without realising how damaging it can be in reducing the potency of the white cells in combating biological agents. In a weak form, a sugar molecule is attached to the protein readily, causing it to glycate. The heavy accumulation of these glycated proteins in the body is unrecognisable by the immune system which sees them as altered proteins having different structure and function. Treating these substances as alien, the immune system therefore develops antibodies against them. Based on this premise, the possibility of becoming allergic to oneself, with the associated autoimmunity and inflammation, increases as one accumulates these damaged glycated proteins.

It is estimated that after 2 hours of ingesting sugar, the immune function drops by about 50%!!

+  Hormonal factors


It is likely that hormones play a vital role as majority of sufferers are women though a few such as Type 1 diabetes, ankylosing spondylitis and autoimmune myocarditis are actually more common in men.  A prime suspect is chemicals involved in personal-care products (eg. lotion, perfume and sunscreen) commonly used by women with most deemed endocrine disrupters.


+  Genetics


Clinical and epidemiologic evidence as well as data from experimental animals demonstrate that a tendency to develop autoimmune disease is inherited. This tendency may be large or small depending on the disease but, in general, close relatives are more likely to develop the same or a related autoimmune disease.

+  Environmental factors

Even if one does not indulge in unhealthy choices, there is no escape from free radicals generated by heavy metals and environmental pollution such as pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, industrial wastes, cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust present in our air, water and food. There are now more than 80,000 chemicals found in consumer products whereby the toxins can alter the structure of our DNA, which can prompt the immune system to see the mutated tissue as a foreign substance and attack. A well-known metal - mercury can trigger autoimmunity by ramping up the production of lymphocytes.


+  Infections


Infections can be followed by an autoimmune disease in a few instances such as rheumatic fever followed by a streptococcal infection and Guillain-Barre`syndrome caused by chlamydia. A great deal of circumstantial evidence suggests that viruses may play a role in initiating some autoimmune diseases.

+  Drug medication

Overuse of antibiotics is prevalent today and may weaken the immune system in dealing with infectious agents. Often medications like steroids are prescribed for long periods in the treatment of disorders such as arthritis and asthma that can tax on the immunity gradually.


As auto-immune diseases continue for the lifetime of the patient, continual or intermittent care is required whilst definitive cures are not available yet. Often the drugs used for treating these diseases are quite expensive and have unfortunate side effects.

PREVENTION/TREATMENT

The purposes should be directed to:

• Reduce symptoms
• Control the autoimmune process
• Maintain the body’s ability to fight disease

*  Guard your immunity

A functioning immune system has adequate amounts of circulating antibodies produced by the white blood cells, being the body’s first line of defence and a major indicator of health.

*  Have a good nutritional foundation

Is essential to provide right nutrients over a prolonged period to alleviate or reverse a compromised immune system and to assist with reducing the impact of fully developed autoimmune diseases. Adopting the right diet approach is a pre-requisite to proper health status. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the functioning of the immune system and a poor diet increases the susceptibility to infection and exacerbate autoimmune diseases. Also, infections increase the demand for nutrients to help fight infection and repair the damage to tissues. Note that a single nutrient deficiency can compromise the immune system. An example is lack of Vitamin B12 or iodine can cause thyroid disorder.

+  Studies reported that those patients who developed rheumatoid arthritis or lupus showed lower serum concentrations of vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin A in their blood.  These antioxidants are a broad group of compounds station outside the cells to protect against oxidative damage caused by the normal aging process or daily exposure to pollutants and toxic substances, and destroy or neutralize free radicals. Another important water-soluble antioxidant - Vitamin C has an ability to scavenge both reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals.

Many fruits and vegetables contain all the above potent antioxidants as well as green tea extract, grape seed-skin extract, coenzyme Q10 and selenium.

+  Supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish can alleviate many symptoms of auto-immune disease through their anti-inflammatory activity.


+  High protein diets are damaging as residues of protein metabolism can cause irritation, especially in people prone to allergy and autoimmunity. Foods of animal origin (including dairy products) frequently contain residues of antibiotics and steroid hormones that irritate and weaken the immunity system.

*  Support the gastrointestinal tract

-  For inflammatory bowel disease, the immune system over-reacts to an offending agent such as bacteria or protein found in food (eg. gluten). The immune cells attack the lining of the intestines, causing inflammation that leads to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

-  Medical experts explained that in the last 20 years as Asian populations switched to diets high in refined sugar, animal protein and fat, such unhealthy diet changes the mix of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and thus paves he way for developing allergies such as eczema and asthma.


-  Though fibre intake is important in our diet, those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease have to avoid hard-to-digest foods if their inflammation is active. Larger stools formed may have difficulty passing through the intestine.  Exclude dairy products, oily food and caffeine that stimulate the contraction of the intestines.

-  Intestinal permeability is often disrupted by health conditions caused by auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatic dysfunction and food allergies. Events such as aging, stress, medications and alcohol consumption also alter permeability. 


-  Poor intestinal absorption of nutrients and peristalsis movement are not conducive for the survival of beneficial bacterial flora.  Instead, it provides an ideal environment for the breeding of abnormal bacteria and the byproducts they produce, leading to the absorption of toxic substances into the bloodstream.

-  To correct the problem, bacterial balance must be restored through the use of supplemental probiotics and prebiotics that feed the under-produced friendly bacteria. Adding fibre, fruit and vegetables to the diet also help.


*  Manage Stress

-  Prolonged stress is a major contributory risk factor in developing all kinds of disease. It can trigger a chain of biological actions that ultimately suppresses the normal function of the white blood cells and stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, as well as depleting important nutrients from the body. The result is impaired healing ability and lowered defence against infection.

-  In fact, researchers attributed stress to the occurrence of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) as there is a connection between the brain and the gut. When one is too stressed up, the gut may react by over-contracting, causing diarrhoea or contracting too little, causing constipation.


*  Control the emotions

Lack of proper rest and sleep, depression and emotional disturbance contribute to immune dysfunction.  Balance the mind and emotions is vital and that is why many people are finding relief in activities such as yoga, deep breathing, musical participation, positive affirmations, meditation and religion.

*  Protect the liver

-  The liver plays a vital role in fat metabolism and health proper maintenance. Important functions include the synthesis and secretion of albumin (a blood clotting protein), the storage of glucose and synthesis of vitamins and minerals.  Acting as a detoxifier, it is responsible for the purification and clearance of waste products, drugs, pathogens and toxins.

-  The herb milk thistle and its components silymarin and silibinin have two therapeutic mechanisms: they alter the structure of the outer cell membrane to prevent penetration of liver poison into the interior of the cell, and stimulate the action of increased synthesis of protein, much needed for regeneration of the liver cells.

LAB TEST

Erythrocyte (mean red blood cells) sedimentation rate or ESR is a test conducted to measure how fast the red blood cells with sediment sink when they are put in a column of blood. This is a non-specific marker for inflammation and with more inflammation, the human body produces more proteins which can make these red blood cells stick to each other closely and sink faster. It occurs in other situations like infections, anemia, pregnancy or cancer.

In the case of autoimmune disorder, it is often used as a measure of the severity of the inflammation.  More checks have to be performed on other organs for evidence of the inflammation and prevent their further damage.

More comments

Proper immune function is an intricate balancing act.  An inadequate immunity opens one to all types of illness whilst a strong immune response can also result in various disorders.

The basic conclusion is that when the immune system is faulty, it can overexpress, resulting in either a hyper-immune response causing autoimmune disease or a hypo-immune response leading to uncontrollable infection. 


Do not take autoimmune diseases lightly and ignore recurring symptoms till too late. Early treatment can help patients to lead a normal life.  Strengthening the immune system with nutritional supplements and by making the necessary healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the impact of autoimmune disorders.

Like in most if not all cases, disease does not have to take over if a patient is able to control his condition and achieve remission if done properly.


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+  VIVA Omega3 to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. VIVA Germanium helps to produce the right interferon so the immune system gets the right signal to attack only when antigens need to be eradicated.

Allergies (III)

For most people, allergies are no more than another frustrating fact of life. An immune response is triggered by a substance that is generally harmless, such as a specific food. However, for those who suffer severe allergic reaction, it can be life-threatening.

What is allergy?

 

An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance non-toxic in nature. As our immune system provides the defence against pathogens, it mobilises our white blood cells to rid them. However, there are instances where it spots a non-toxic substance as an invader and overacts, causing damage to the body as such. Pollen, molds, dusts, certain metals, cosmetics, some food additives and foods, chemicals found in soap, washing powder, cleaning supplies contain substances that provoke allergic responses are some common allergens.

Who can be affected?

Compared to a few decades ago, allergic reaction in children seems to be a common complaint these days especially in developed countries. Strangely, the pattern of allergy is also changing. It used to be more incidence of asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, recent studies showed that skin and food allergies are catching up too.


(A)  FOOD allergies are more common in children than adults, given their underdeveloped immune system. However, most children outgrow their food allergies by 5 years old with maturing immunity, with exception of certain allergies like peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish.

 

 

Unlike children, once adults acquire a food allergy, it tends to persist. This adverse reaction can happen during the first trial or a repeat but previously tolerant of. Though food may be taken for the first time, but it may share a similar protein to another food sensitised or allergic to. An allergy syndrome that affects the mouth and tongue may occur after eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables that contain substances similar to certain pollens. For example, melon contains substances similar to ragweed pollen and apples have allergens similar to tree pollen. The prime suspect is auto-immune disorder especially when a protein in the food acts as an allergic component upon entering the body and being mistaken for a harmful substance.


The food range is wider of which seafood such as shrimps and crabs are frequently cited. Other intolerances are corn products, cow’s milk and dairy products, and wheat and other gluten-containing grains. Contrary to most beliefs, food additives, such as dyes, thickeners and preservatives may rarely cause an allergic or intolerance reaction.  Many people believe they have food allergies, while in reality fewer than 1% have true allergies.


Symptoms usually begin immediately, within 2 hours after eating. Rarely, the symptoms may begin hours after eating the offending food. The immune system responds by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to protect the body. At this point is considered ‘sensitised‘ but not yet allergic.

 

Upon subsequent encounters with the same food invoking the same reaction, it triggers the release of IgE antibodies and chemicals such as histamines. This is confirmed an allergy, with accompanying symptoms like hives, itching, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. Other symptoms manifesting include:

 

- Impaired health possibilities like asthma attack, sinusitis or eczema, arthritis, indigestion, abdominal pain, depression, chronic fatigue, fainting.

- Skin rashes, wheezing, nasal congestion, running nose, headache, itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin or any area, shortness of breath.

In more severe cases, the throat tightens and the blood pressure drops, loss of consciousness and possibly death. Allergens most frequently associated with this type of drastic reaction are peanuts, nuts, milk, egg and seafood.


(B) SKIN allergies can be broadly categorized into hives with/without swelling and dermatitis (eg. eczema).

- Hives are itchy rashes characterized by localized redness and swelling of the skin with tiny lesions to large itchy welts. About 15% of people develop an episode in their lifetime. The duration can be few days or up to six weeks whilst chronic cases can persist more than six weeks. It can manifest due to swelling in the deeper layers of the skin, most often involves the eyelids, lips, tongue, hands and feet.


-  Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and rashes are usually red, scaly and itchy.

Commonly referred to as eczema, it can also result in dryness and hypersensitivity. Owing to hereditary factor and lower immunity, 20% of children end up having this condition by three years old. Thereafter, it should improve as the child gets older. However, some eczema might persist into adulthood. The affected areas are the face, neck, elbow and the back of the knees. The causative agents are food and environmental allergens, stress, weather changes and irritants. As dry skin is the hallmark of eczema, keeping the skin moisturized is necessary to prevent allergens from penetrating it. 

Causes


It is believed to be attributed to industrialization, change in dietary habits and environmental pollutants as the switching on and off of regulatory genes promotes the immune system to be more reactive/allergic. Other possible causes are:


+ Genetic factor

 

The tendency of an individual to produce IgE against something seemingly as innocuous as food appears to be inherited. Generally, people with allergies come from families in which allergies are common - not necessarily to food but perhaps allergies to pollen, fur, feathers or drugs.
 

Statistics showed a person with two allergic parents is more likely to develop food allergies than someone with one allergic parent. The chance of a child getting allergy is 1/3 if a parent has allergies and risen to 3/4 if both have such problems.

 

+ Other allergies like asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis (mostly inherited)

 

+ Immune system

 

Two components are involved. As mentioned above, an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which circulates through the blood, and the mast cell, a specialized cell that is found in all tissues of the body, especially the typical sites of allergic reactions such as nose and throat, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

 

Cells of the immune system are distributed all over our body in organs such as the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes. The highest numbers of immune cells surround our gut and thus the gut immune system plays an important role in the development of IgE-mediated food allergy.

 

+ Gut environment

 

- A foetus starts off with a sterile gut and through time, bacteria and other microorganisms from the mother and the surrounding environment colonize the infant’s gut. In a healthy adult, there are no less than 400 different species of beneficial bacteria. Research suggests that these microorganisms are involved in a range of useful functions, such as teaching the gut immune system to recognise foods as harmless.

 

Is likely that changes in the composition of bacteria in the gut (e.g. caused by antibiotics) may result in the development of food allergy. It has been observed by researchers that allergic and non-allergic infants have different mixtures of bacteria in their guts and thus prevention of allergy can be done by changing this mixture. It is found that breastfeeding babies are less likely to develop allergies because infant formula is likely to contain certain allergenic ingredients such as cow’s milk according to a research by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre. Hence, pregnant women should avoid cow’s milk and other allergenic foods.

 

- If the food is not broken down properly in the gut, food allergens are given the chance to circulate in the body. This happens in individuals with reduced stomach acidity (e.g. taking too much drugs) who may be predisposed to becoming food allergic or it may worsen the symptoms of a pre-existing food allergy.

 

- Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the lining of the intestinal tract becomes perforated and irritated, with some partially digested food entering the bloodstream and causes an allergic reaction.

 

We can safely conclude from statistics gathered that allergic people tend to have weaker digestive systems due to a lack of friendly bacteria. Low digestive enzymes slow down the breaking process and resultant gas built up that can be re-circulated into the bloodstream, provoking the immune system to produce symptoms.

 

Recommended actions

 

+ Foods to avoid

 

- Common allergic foods to watch out are: chocolate, dairy products, eggs, shellfish, strawberries, wheat, prawns.

- As for eczema sufferers, avoid high-sugar and refined or processed foods as they can stimulate inflammation, along with meats and dairy products containing saturated fats. Coffee may also worsen eczema, so eliminating coffee from the diet may help.

 

+ Foods to include

 

- Counteract with natural products containing flavonoids such as quercitin (found in apples, onions, red wine and black tea) and grape seed extract as they have anti-histamine effect.

- Honey, Omega 3 and primrose oil can help to reduce inflammation.

 

+ Self-test

 

- Finding the specific foods one is allergic to is a challenging task. Many tests have to be carried out with total avoidance of all ‘suspected foods’ and introduce each singly to check for reaction. Elimination and abstinence cannot be practised for an extended time as it affects one’s quality of life and gives undue stress. After long trials it can drain the body of essential nutrients.

 

Before proceeding for elaborate lab test, you may like to conduct a simple allergy test. In a relaxed mode, take count of the number of beats in a minute on your wrist. A normal pulse reading is between 52-70. Take the food you suspect allergic to and wait another 20 mins to do a second reading. If the rate increased more than 10 beats per min, omit this food from your diet for a month and repeat the test. Similar results yield positive correlation. Preferably choose the suspected food in its purest form (not mixing with other ingredients) to determine the culprit responsible.

 

+ Lab test
 

- A better way to detect allergies is to measure the levels of the immune protein IgG (delayed allergy) and IgE (immediate allergy) present on most common foods taken, or known as immune markers of allergy.

 

Source: Straits Times, Mind your Body Jun 2, 2011;

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001820/

Conclusion

For majority of the people, the primary underlying cause for allergies is a weak constitution. A major step to take is to detoxify and strengthen the vital organ - liver.  This is to follow with good supplementation to experience decreased food reactions, and disappearance of accompanying symptoms to enjoy a new lease of life!

VIVA corner

VIVA Omega 3 in triglyceride form is 3 times more absorbable than a non-triglyceride form and has higher content of EPA and DHA available in the market. Both EPA and DHA can inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation effectively as explained by the University of Maryland due to its ability to decrease levels of leukotriene B4.

Every scoop of VIVA Floraguard introduces 10.2 billion friendly bacteria into our digestive system. These so-called probiotics help to ease allergic reactions and improve digestion quickly.


VIVA Cellpex has an important ingredient - milk thistle that can help to eliminate toxins and strengthen the liver function. Another key ingredient - grape seed extract has anti-histamine effect.

 

Vivashield with its potent 4 in 1 antioxidant combination has antihistamine actions that can decrease allergy response and support the immune system, rendering help in treating serious skin allergies like psoriasis and eczema symptoms, reducing skin inflammation, itching, redness, scaling and dryness.