Astragalus "super herb" protects, supports immune system function, digestion, adrenal & lung function, cancer recovery

Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for literally thousands of years. Today, in the western world, it's being rediscovered as a powerful adaptogenic herb with a remarkable ability to balance and boost immune function. With more and more people concerned about immune function today -- especially with the swine flu pandemic on peoples' minds -- ancient herbs like astragalus are experiencing a resurgence in interest.

Here, we present a unique collection of supporting research quotes about astragalus and how it protects and enhances the immune system. Feel free to forward this information to friends, family members or coworkers who may benefit from it.

Astragalus and the immune system

One of the best known herbs used in Chinese medicine, astragalus strengthens the digestion and stimulates the immune system. It also aids adrenal gland function, acts as a diuretic and dilates blood vessels. Astragalus can be used to boost the immune system in people who frequently suffer from infections such as colds. It can also be used in convalescence and to aid in cancer treatment and recovery from chemotherapy. Astragalus should not be used in cases of acute infections or fevers.
- The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs by Nicola Reavley

Astragalus is one of the best-researched immune system stimulants now available. It works like echinacea, in that both herbs increase the number and activity of immune cells. However, astragalus concentrates on building the immune system, and unlike echinacea, it can be taken on a daily basis. Echinacea boosts immune system activity and promotes fast recovery, especially when taken at the onset of symptoms. The most potent formulas have a peculiar tingling and numbing effect on the tongue.
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.

Astragalus is another ancient Chinese herb that is frequently combined with ginseng to strengthen the body's natural defenses, namely, the immune system. Astragalus has also shown some vasodilatory as well as anti-inflammatory action. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. Quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve hay fever and other allergic conditions. I have personally used astragalus as a remedy for my seasonal hay fever.
- Optimum Health - A Cardiologist's Prescription for Optimum Health by Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra

Examples of popular adaptogenic herbs include astragalus, panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, lonicera, and glycyrrhiza, also known as licorice root. The herb astragalus has been researched thoroughly and is available from an abundance of sources. Studies have revealed that astragalus is quite effective in enhancing immune function and can be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to cancer. Instead of directly attacking infectious organisms, astragalus aids the body by fortifying the existing immune system.
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.

The immune-building and adaptogenic effects of astragalus have been studied extensively. Modern research has isolated the constituents in astragalus that are believed to be responsible for its effectiveness. Two types of chemical compounds found in astragalus, polysaccharides and saponins, are credited with many of the herb's benefits. But traditional herbalists believe there may be dozens of other active, synergistic, or supportive components. Astragalus heightens the efficiency of virtually every component of the immune system.
- Herbal Defense by Robyn Landis

Another traditional energy tonic, astragalus strengthens the immune system and is good for both digestion and lung function. Sometimes this root is available in bulk in health food stores - long and flat, it looks like a tongue depressor. These sticks can be added to soups, stews, rice, or any food that simmers for at least 30 minutes. When cooking is complete, remove the wilted stick and discard. The medicine has gone into your food! Astragalus has a neutral, somewhat pleasant taste.
- The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White, M.D.

Astragalus was originally used in China for a variety of reasons including immune system support, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Dr. Mauligit of Texas University found it helped to restore immune function in cancer patients. Astragalus helps to invigorate vital energy, drain pus, reduce swelling and strengthen the spleen. It is helpful for lingering diarrhea. It has been shown to augment interferon response to viruses.
- Powerful and Unusual Herbs From the Amazon and China by World Preservation Society

Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for viral infections. Research in animals has shown that it apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, particularly in those whose immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, Astragalus has been found to reverse the T cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide (a cancer drug), radiation, and aging. It also increases T cell activity in normal mice.
- Total Wellness: Improve Your Health by Understanding and Cooperating with Your Body's Natural Healing Systems by Joseph Nd Pizzorno

Astragalus (Huang chi root) in Chinese medicine, is known to strengthen the body's natural defenses that involve the immune system. It is one of the main herbs used in fu-zheng therapy to enhance the immune system during chemo and radiation therapy. It seems to increase not only interferon levels but also natural killer-cell and T-cell activity. It also makes the T-cells more aggressive. Astragalus has been shown to have liver-protective activity against a number of toxic substances, including carbon tetrachloride.
- Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment by Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine

Research in animals has shown that Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production and natural killer cell activity, enhancing T-cell activity, and potentiating other antiviral mechanisms. Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation. In immunodepressed mice, astragalus has been found to reverse the T-cell abnormalities caused by cyclophosphamide, radiation, and aging.
- Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 by Michael T. Murray, ND

In the exotic language of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus boosts the immune system by "stabilizing the exterior" and strengthening the "chi." The Chinese knew thousands of years ago that astragalus could strengthen our shield ("exterior") against disease and increase overall vitality (chi), long before anyone knew about bacteria, white blood cells, or the immune system. You may already be accustomed to taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold or flu, or when people around you are getting sick. How is astragalus different?
- The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien

The effectiveness of astragalus and the fu-zheng treatment was put to the test in a study of cancer patients undertaken at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston in the early 1980s. After giving a specially prepared astragalus extract to 19 cancer patients and 15 healthy people, doctors found that the treatment restored immune system functioning in the majority of the patients. In some cases, it made the cancer patients' immune systems resemble those of the healthy subjects. The researchers concluded that astragalus contains a potent immune stimulant.
- Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale Maleskey

They use astragalus to boost immune function during and after radiation or chemotherapy treatments. When cancer invades your body, your immune system naturally weakens. In the advanced stages of the disease or after rounds of chemotherapy or radiation - which are lifesaving but very toxic treatments - your immune system can be devastated.
- Nature's Medicines : From Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol -- The Most Powerful All-Natural Cures by Gale Maleskey

Also known as huang qi, astragalus has been used for centuries by the Chinese to boost energy and vitality. Several studies of the herb have convinced me that it's an immune system stimulant as well. In fact, it appears to be almost as effective as echinacea. Astragalus helps counteract TRF. And because the herb enhances immunity, it helps treat all manner of infections, which can deplete your energy. But the herb's effects are subtle, very subtle, so don't expect a coffee buzz.
- The Green Pharmacy Anti-Aging Prescriptions: Herbs, Foods, and Natural Formulas to Keep You Young by James A. Duke, Ph.D.

To fight infections without stimulating the components of the immune system that aggravate lupus, use astragalus or Scutellaria. Astragalus increases activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which fight infection. For people who are responding well to steroid drugs, taking astragalus reduces the risk of infection, especially when infections are "going around." Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of the freeze-dried herb in capsules three times daily. However, be sure to let the doctor know if you are taking astragalus, since it increases the body's response to steroids.
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Astragalus also is useful in the treatment of viral myocarditis, a flulike infection that affects the heart. Astragalus treats infections caused by Proteus, which can cause kidney stones. Astragalus increases the body's production of the immune-system chemical interleukin-2 (IL-2). It also releases polysaccharides that act in the same way as important antibodies, complementing their production by the immune system. Chinese studies have found that astragalus increases the activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, an immune-system component.
- Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Astragalus is known as an immune stimulant. It works by stimulating the body's production of interferon (antiviral compounds) and by restoring red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Because it stimulates the immune system, astragalus is being used to treat HIV viral infections, pneumonia, and cardiac arrhythmia.
- The Doctor's Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals by Dr. Mary Dan Eades

As with most Chinese herbs, astragalus is generally used in a formula that's made up of a blend of herbs, and it's a perfectly good addition to soup or rice. In fact, in China, it's not uncommon to use astragalus root as a standard ingredient in cooking. There is not a whole lot known about the exact constituents of astragalus that boost the immune system. Large, sugarlike molecules known as polysaccharides probably help to stimulate the "good" immune cells. Astragalus also contains substances called saponins, which have a similar immunity-enhancing effect.
- The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, N.D.

Preliminary research suggests that astragalus may also have powerful anticancer properties. In a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, researchers found that a water extraction of astragalus restored or enhanced the function of T-cells (white blood cells that play specific roles in the immune system) taken from people with cancer. In some cases, astragalus stimulated the damaged cells to greater activity than found in normal cells taken from healthy individuals.
- The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs by Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien

Anderson Hospital in Houston found that astragalus was able to enhance the immune capacity using the cultured blood of cancer patients as well as augment the anti-tumor ability of Interferon-2. In a study of 176 patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract, astragalus and ginseng were able to prevent the normal immune depression and weight loss that occurs. In a variety of human studies, astragalus has been shown to stimulate various parameters of the immune system, has anti-tumor activity, and inhibits the spreading (metastasis) of cancer.
- Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, PhD,RD,CNS

In addition to general immune strengthening, astragalus offers powerful help when immunity is severely challenged. Clinical studies show astragalus infusion highly effective at improving and restoring T-cell functioning, improving bone marrow activity, and augmenting interferon response. Chinese hospitals give astragalus to strengthen the immune systems of those with cancer, and to protect them from the detrimental effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/027223_ASTRAGALUS_immune_system.html#ixzz1nwogYbeT

Toxic rapeseed and other low-grade oils with additives are being passed off as olive oil

As much as 50 percent of the olive oil sold in the U.S. is not actually pure olive oil, as some brands claiming to be "extra-virgin" or "100 percent Italian," for instance, have actually been adulterated with toxic rapeseed oil, more popularly known as canola oil, soybean oil, and other low-grade oils. In his new book Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil, olive oil expert Tom Mueller explains that not all olive oil is the same, and offers advice on how to spot authentic olive oil amidst all the imposters.

During a recent interview with Terry Gross from NPR's Fresh Air, Mueller explains how olive oil adulteration is much more widespread than people think, if they are even aware of it at all. For olive oil to truly be considered "extra-virgin," it has to come from fresh, crushed olives, and not be refined in any way or contain any chemical solvents. It also has to pass certain tests of integrity in order to be considered legitimate, for which many of the brands popularly sold today would fail.

"The legal definition simply says it has to pass certain chemical tests, and in a sensory way it has to taste and smell vaguely of fresh olives, because it's a fruit, and have no faults," said Mueller. "But many of the extra-virgin olive oils on our shelves today in America don't clear [the legal definition]."

Beige olive oil in plastic bottles is most likely adulterated

Real extra-virgin olive oil should have a vibrant, almost peppery flavor, for instance, and not taste bland or watered down. It is also typically stored in dark, glass bottles so that its array of health-promoting antioxidants, its taste, and its forceful green color -- yes, olive oil should be green, not yellowish in color -- are not harmed by light or damaging UV rays from the sun. For this reason, avoiding olive oil in clear, plastic bottles is recommended.

"What [real olive oil] gets you from a health perspective is a cocktail of 200-plus highly beneficial ingredients that explain why olive oil has been the heart of the Mediterranean diet," added Mueller during his interview with NPR. "Bad olives have free radicals and impurities, and then you've lost that wonderful cocktail ... that you get from fresh fruit, from real extra-virgin olive oil."

Most imported extra-virgin olive oil appears questionable in authenticity

The University of California, Davis published a report on olive oil back in 2010 entitled Tests indicate that imported 'extra virgin' olive oil often fails international and USDA standards. In this report, researchers found that 69 percent of imported and ten percent of California-based oils labeled as olive oil did not pass International Olive Council (IOC) and US Department of Agriculture sensory standards for extra virgin olive oil.

Of those brands tested, the following failed to meet extra-virgin olive oil standards:

• Bertolli
• Carapelli
• Filippo Berio
• Mazzola
• Mezzetta
• Newman's Own
• Pompeian
• Rachel Ray
• Safeway
• Star
• Whole Foods

The following brands were found to meet extra-virgin olive oil standards as part of the study:

• Corto Olive
• California Olive Ranch
• Kirkland Organic
• Lucero (Ascolano)
• McEvoy Ranch Organic

You can read the entire UC Davis Study here:
http://olivecenter.ucdavis.edu

Be sure to avoid any olive oil labeled as "light," as these are the lowest quality olive oils available. Also, be sure to choose either California-based olive oils, the vast majority of which are legitimate, or imported olive oils certified by IOC.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.nytimes.com

http://www.npr.org

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035124_olive_oil_adulterated_canola.html#ixzz1nwUkn6nv

Not all calcium supplements are equal - Prevent osteoporosis with calcium hydroxyapatite

At least half of Americans over the age of 50 are at risk of developing osteoporosis, according to the Surgeon General of the United States. Ten million people already have the disease, and another 34 million are at risk, notes the same report. Calcium and other minerals and vitamins are important to bone health; however, not all forms of calcium areequal.

Bone loss begins around the age of 35 and continues throughout life. Osteoporosis occurs because of an inadequate amount of calcium intake or poor absorption. The body seeks the most accessible source for this important mineral and leeches calcium from your bones, causing the disease. Because calcium and other minerals are critical to healthy bone maintenance, it's important to diagnose the problem early and correct it through changes in diet and calcium supplementation. The question is, which calcium supplement provides the best protection and at what dosage?

Calcium hydroxyapatite

Although many foods supply various calcium salts, human and animal bones are the only natural source of calcium hydroxyapatite. According to The Weston A. Price Foundation, the most efficacious calcium hydroxyapatite is microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate -- also called MCHC -- which is extracted from the raw bones of free-range cattle from New Zealand. These cows are raised with no exposure to antibiotics, pesticides, hormones or other toxic chemicals. To maintain its full spectrum of nutrients and minerals, the bone extract needs to be processed at very low temperatures. This kind of calcium is significantly more usable by the body and much easier to absorb.

Magnesium and boron

Most calcium supplements, including MCHC, have various amounts of magnesium and boron added, which increase absorption. Magnesium is needed to produce energy, cellular replication, and to help form proteins in the body. It reduces blood pressure, enhances heart function, lessens cramping in muscles, and supports the regulation of calcium metabolism. Certain types of magnesium are more easily absorbed such as magnesium aspartate, magnesium glycinate, and magnesium oxide. Look for these in supplements combined with MCHC.

Boron is needed for the development of healthy bones and joints. It works with magnesium to regulate calcium absorption and metabolism by regulating the body's steroid hormones, such as cortisol and vitamin D. Both minerals are necessary for proper calcium metabolism and a strong skeleton.

Calcium absorption and food

A mere 30 percentof calcium consumed in our food is actually absorbed, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT). Calcium absorption is inhibited by various factors including the type of calcium consumed, as well as the presence of aluminum, which enters your body through aluminum-clad cookware, antiperspirants, antacids, foil and possibly from chem trails crisscrossing the sky.

Many of the best sources of calcium originate in our foods, not from supplements. Soups and broths made from bone are best because they provide MCHC; followed by whole raw milk, raw milk products, sea vegetables such as kelp, Celtic sea salt, brewer's yeast, green leafy vegetables and molasses.

Supplements

Most calcium supplements should be taken with food for maximum absorption. MIT notes that taking several doses in smaller amounts throughout the day helps ensure absorption. The Weston A. Price Foundation suggests consuming 500 milligrams of MCHC at a time each day and doubling or tripling that amount if you don't have access to raw milk. Look for a supplement that includes boron and magnesium to obtain the correct mineral balance for the most optimal results. Additionally, taking a vitamin D supplement daily helps to round out the beneficial effects of calcium for bone health. Always consult a health practitioner before adjusting dosage of vitamins and minerals.

Sources for this article include:

Go Ask Alice: What's Up with Calcium Supplements?
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/whats-calcium-supplements

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Optimizing Your Diet
http://web.mit.edu/athletics/sportsmedicine/wcrminerals.html

The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Osteoporosis Update
http://www.pacificcollege.edu

The Weston A Price Foundation: Dietary Supplements -- What the Industry Does Not Want You to Know
http://www.westonaprice.org/health-issues/dietary-supplements

Vitamin and Herb University: Boron
http://www.vitaminherbuniversity.com

Project Aware: Osteoporosis -- Foods, Herbs and Supplements for Bone Health
http://www.project-aware.org/Health/Osteo/osteo-bonehealth2.shtml

Orthomolecular.org: Micronutrients -- Minerals
http://orthomolecular.org/nutrients/micronutrients.shtml

About the author:
JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. You can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001364941208&ref=tn_tnmn or on Twitter at jbbardot23

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035122_calcium_hydroxyapatite_supplements_osteoporosis.html#ixzz1nwUMxuQ1

John Stossel's Illegal Everything

Matrix Assessment Profile (MAP) helps reveal solutions for fibromyalgia, chronic symptoms and vicious cycle disorder - Dr. DiCenso

(NaturalNews) Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, fibromyalgia, arthritis, osteoporosis, artificial sweetener disease, IBS, nicotine addiction, mood swings, migraine headaches, lack of energy, or you just have a long list of chronic symptoms and no definitive diagnosis from a doctor, MAP testing is the most advanced, convenient and practical way to find the source and the cure without leaving the comfort of your own home. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH0V3aK_emk&feature=youtube_gdata).

This mail-out test called Matrix Assessment Profile (MAP) was invented 15 years ago by Dr. Richard A. DiCenso, a seasoned veteran at finding the source of chronic symptoms (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eXTJtH5WM&feature=youtube_gdata).

What Western Medicine calls disease, Dr. DiCenso calls "Vicious Cycle Disorder," where symptoms are treated and covered up until nutritional deficiencies add up and toxic acids in the body begin to corrode tissues, glands, and organs, leading to critical illnesses.

Dr. DiCenso also refers to a phenomenon called total body toxicity, where a pool of toxins is created by repeatedly ingesting toxic foods, fluoridated water and pharmaceuticals. MAP testing reveals exactly which organs have nutritional deficiencies and how your symptoms reflect that. "If you find the source you find the solution," says DiCenso, and "If you only address the symptoms you compound the problem."

The body is designed to create and eliminate waste products in a 24 hour cycle, so anything retained becomes poison. The MAP test shows Dr. DiCenso exactly how you digest, absorb and retain nutrients, and your inability to process and excrete toxins.

Turning symptoms into solutions

Dr. DiCenso, a genius innovator who takes pride in his ability to expertly analyze and evaluate a patient's nutrient "profile," puts his patients on the right path more quickly than any other method, saving his patients a fortune. The MAP test reveals which systems are under stress, and DiCenso guides you to the right foods.

The beauty of MAP testing is that you can test from anywhere in the world. You simply visit his website (http://www.matrixtransformation.com/), punch in basic info, and the package is mailed to you. You provide a urine sample and a saliva sample, fill out the health history form, mail it, and within 2 weeks you have a complete diagnosis by phone from Dr. DiCenso.

Vicious Cycle Disorder (VCD) is very common and MAP testing allows DiCenso to see the forest for the trees. The American public has been brainwashed into using pharmaceuticals to relieve symptoms, an unfortunate "tradition" for over 100 years. Most symptoms are basically "the effect of a nutritional imbalance or deficiency," and the long term result is VCD, not a disease. "Treat the source of the problem at that level and the problem is solved."

If you smoke cigarettes and want to quit, you can accelerate results by combining MAP testing with 14AndOut (http://premium.naturalnews.tv/14AndOut__WS.htm), a unique program which also addresses nutritional deficiencies and toxicity as part of VCD. Also, check out Dr. DiCenso's most recent book called "Beyond Medicine; exploring a new way of thinking" (http://www.matrixtransformation.com/).

"The people who are most busy and can't afford the time or money to take care of themselves are often the people who spend more time and money trying to manage their sickness instead of managing their health." (http://discoverwellnesscenter.com)

Remember, disease is just a fancy word for bad nutrition, and pharmaceuticals are nothing but a band-aid. Get to the root of your problems. Your body needs antioxidants, minerals, probiotics, and immune building superfoods. It's like a maze out there and everybody needs a "MAP."

Sources for this article include:

http://www.matrixtransformation.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH0V3aK_emk&feature=youtube_gdata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-eXTJtH5WM&feature=youtube_gdata

http://discoverwellnesscenter.com

http://www.14andout.com/

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034958_Matrix_Assessment_Profile_disease_cure.html#ixzz1mLS0Dd3o

Alkaline-forming foods prevent acid reflux, heartburn, GERD and Barrett's Esophagus

(NaturalNews) Acid reflux is the condition where food and stomach acids regurgitate back into the esophagus, causing burning pain in the lower chest accompanied by a host of other symptoms such as bloating, belching, sore throats, snoring, difficulty breathing and ulcers.

The early stages of digestion occur with the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to break down foods. Later during the digestive process, bicarbonate is released by the pancreas to help neutralize those acids. In some instances, this process doesn't happen, contributing to painful reflux or GERD symptoms. Eating certain alkaline-forming foods can help reduce over-acidity and calm the stomach, relieving pain and other unwanted symptoms. In addition, foods that contribute to an alkaline-forming state in the system help prevent acidosis, a serious bodily condition that sets the stage for all disease.

High-potassium foods

Foods with high levels of potassium may help prevent or resolve acid reflux. The list is considerable and many are foods you may already include in a daily dietary plan. Bananas, honey, lemons, apple cider vinegar, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes - to name a few - are excellent sources of potassium.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in particular is touted by many people as an effective cure for acid reflux. If using ACV, it is best to mix one to two tablespoons with an eight-ounce glass of water and drink it all at once. If that's too much vinegar, reduce the amount and work back up to the full quantity. Always use organic vinegar with "the mother" visible in the jar; it looks like a swirling cloud and indicates the vinegar is organic.

Lemon juice makes a slightly milder drink than does the ACV and works in a similar manner, to neutralize stomach acids and reduce heartburn and acid reflux. Squeeze the juice of one half lemon into eight ounces of filtered water and drink it at once. It's even more effective if the water is warm, but avoid warming it in a microwave oven.

Ancient grains

Certain ancient grains, or tiny grains, are alkaline-forming and high in potassium, making them a good bet to include in a diet that targets acid reflux. Tiny grains - consisting of millet, quinoa and amaranth - make good replacements for processed, white flour products that have been stripped of their nutrients and fiber. Tiny grains are also an excellent replacement for people who have problems with gluten, because all three are gluten free, nutty and delicious.

Baking soda

Although not considered a food in its own right, baking soda is one of the primary ingredients that can help relieve the burning pains of acid reflux - fast. Baking soda is extremely alkaline and can not only neutralize stomach acids quickly, but will alkalize the entire system, reducing acidosis systemicly. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink immediately. Because it is high in salt, baking soda can raise your blood pressure. If you take medicines for hypertension, speak to your health care professional before using baking soda for acid reflux.

Raw foods

The majority of raw vegetables and fruits are alkaline and easy to digest. Cooking these foods lowers their alkalinity, making them somewhat more acidic. Raw fruits and vegetables contain lots of enzymes to assist digestion. Choose the freshest, blemish-free items. The sweeter the fruit, the more alkaline it becomes - in other words, ripened bananas are better for your digestive tract than those that are still yellow or even green.

Sources for this article include:

The Acid Alkaline Balance; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002

Drugs.com: Baking Soda
http://www.drugs.com/cons/pure-baking-soda.html

The pH Miracle; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003

Drugs.com: Potassium Content of Foods
http://www.drugs.com/cg/potassium-content-of-foods-list.html

Alkalize or Die; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991

Mayo Clinic: Heartburn
http://www.mayoclinic.com

Life Extension.org: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
http://www.lef.org

About the author:
JB Bardot is trained in herbal medicine and homeopathy, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034947_acid_reflux_GERD_foods.html#ixzz1mFOgf7lE

HSBC accused of laundering billions

http://www.wnd.com/2012/02/banking-giant-accused-of-laundering-billions/ 

by Jerome R. Corsi
 
NEW YORK – A former employee of HSBC in New York has 1,000 pages of customer account records he claims are evidence of an international money-laundering scheme involving hundreds of billions of dollars by the global banking giant, which reportedly is under investigation by a U.S. Senate committee.
John Cruz has delivered to WND customer account records he says he pulled from the HSBC computer system before he was fired. Cruz was terminated Feb. 17, 2010, after two years at HSBC for “poor performance,” but he contends he was let go because senior management didn’t want to him to pursue his personal investigation.

Asked for comment, HSBC spokesman Rob Sherman issued a statement to WND.
“We support efforts to protect the integrity of the financial system, and our commitment to AML (anti-money laundering) includes rigorous internal processes and a close working partnership with regulators and law enforcement,” the statement said.
One of the largest banks in the world, London-based HSBC has about 7,500 offices in more than 80 countries and territories in Europe, North and South America, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa.
In his position as an account relationship manager, Cruz worked in the HSBC southern New York region, which accounts for about 50 percent of HSBC’s North American revenue. He was assigned to work with several branch managers to identify accounts in which HSBC might introduce additional banking services.
Cruz told WND he has “firsthand knowledge and proof of how HSBC transferred billions of dollars through accounts linked to companies that did not exist.”
“I had poor job performance because the portfolio of HSBC accounts I was given to work ended up being 90 percent fictitious and fraudulent accounts,” he said. “How could I expand HSBC bank relations with fraudulent accounts that were created to be used for illegal money laundering?”
Meanwhile, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has begun probing money-laundering activity at HSBC, according to a Reuters report last week, with the intention of scheduling hearings in the spring.
Elise Bean, chief legal counsel and majority staff director for the Senate subcommittee, told WND the panel has “no comment” on any possible HSBC investigation.
Cruz came to WND with the 1,000 pages of evidence before the committee’s investigation of HSBC was reported.
He previously brought his complaint to Jeremy Scileppi, bureau chief of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office on Long Island.
“Scileppi was no more interested in hearing what I had to say than was the HSBC senior bank management,” Cruz said. “I got stonewalled. That’s when I decided to write a book.”
Titled “World Banking World Fraud: Using Your Identity,” the book was published Oct. 7, 2011.
Scileppi and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office did not respond to a WND request to confirm Cruz’s claim.
Cruz said that in the two years he worked for HSBC, he eventually discovered that money laundering was being carried out not only by branch managers but also by senior officers of the bank, both within the U.S. and internationally.
“From what I saw, I came to suspect HSBC had become the Mexican drug cartels’ bank of choice,” he said.
The customer account records suggest identity theft was used to capture legitimate Social Security numbers and create bogus retail and commercial bank accounts through which HSBC employees could deposit and withdraw hundreds of millions of dollars on a daily basis, apparently without the knowledge of the identity-theft victims.
Cruz said he ultimately was fired after his supervisors made numerous attempts to discourage him from pursuing his personal investigation.
“When I began bringing to the attention of my supervisors suspicious activity in accounts that needed to be reported to legal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, I was told to shut up,” he said.
His job required him to access the HSBC computer system to find accounts to contact and visit in person.
“I was shocked to find accounts through which millions of dollars were being deposited and withdrawn without any apparent business activity being conducted,” he said. “Then when I went to visit the business, I found nothing – shell companies, vacant offices with no furniture, or no such business whatsoever at the address listed on the account records.”
Cruz said he never imagined that keeping his job at HSBC would mean turning a blind eye to criminal behavior.
“I always thought that if you ran a bank, you would keep away from customers with fake names,” he said. “Instead, what I found at HSBC were thousands of accounts established for phantom businesses that had apparently only thousands of dollars of claimed business each year, but millions of dollars flowing into and out of the accounts every month.”
One of Cruz’s first calls on an HSBC customer required a drive east on the Long Island Expressway to visit a small insurance company. But the phone number turned out to be disconnected, and the tax ID number corresponded with another HSBC customer from Yonkers who had recently closed his account with the bank.
Another business Cruz visited, near the Brentwood Station on the Long Island Rail Way off Suffolk Avenue, turned out to be an abandoned building that evidently had not been occupied in some time. It had broken windows, and weeds pushed up through the cracked cement in the parking lot.
WND has contacted HSBC customers identified in the account records. They appeared to fall into several distinct categories, including former customers of the bank who claim to have closed their accounts and people with no HSBC account history who were independently victims of identity theft related to credit card use.
In all cases WND investigated, the Social Security numbers used to open the HSBC accounts were legitimate and connected to the person in whose name the retail or commercial bank account was opened.
In most cases, WND found the phone numbers listed with the HSBC accounts to be disconnected or assigned to new users who claimed no knowledge of the accounts.