WHAT CAUSES HEART ATTACKS?

                WHAT CAUSES HEART ATTACKS ?

As most of us have heard that cholesterol is the villain in plaque build up in the coronary (heart) arteries. And consequently this plaque narrows down the passage of blood flow to the heart and leads to diminished supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart and heart attack occurs. This is absolutely wrong.

It is believed that reduced blood supply to the heart muscle causes pain (Angina Pectoris), if it becomes more severe then death of the heart tissue occurs--Case closed. Now the question arises,  who is responsible for fatty deposits in the arteries at the first place? Coronary artery disease is a focal scurvy of the heart . Scurvy is a disease caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in which the blood vessels and tissues get damaged and internal bleeding results in the death of the individuals. On long intercontinental sea voyages Sailors lost all the crew due to non-availability of foods containing vitamin C. British Navy doctor Lind   proved that vitamin C prevents scurvy and needed to build up collagen (Protein found abundantly in every tissue) and this is the same collagen from which our arteries are made up of.

Arteries, veins, capillaries and all small blood vessels are made up of Vitamin C, L proline and L lysine( amino acids). If any one of these nutrients are deficient, the blood vessels disintegrate and bleed to death. Our body has a backup mechanism to prevent this bleeding by a patch up network and in return produces Lipoprotein(a) or Lp (a). This is the sticky molecule that sticks to proline and lysine strands at the broken or weakened site and prevents further damage. This is a survival mechanism giving us more  time to survive . If the things are changed in the meantime, like we again get the chance to include fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C and  further damage to the arteries is prevented.

Take home message is if we provide our body the required nutrients like Vitamin C. L proline, L lysine  and rebuild arteries and certainly all the plaque and fatty substances can easily be cleared from our arteries.

The most amazing and interesting thing is that even 90% blockage of the arteries can't cause  heart attacks. Let us look  what the research findings are there in favour of and against coronary artery disease.

1972 Dr George E Burch " The heart patient doesn't die from coronary disease but from myocardial disease. Artery blockage has nothing to do in this case but it is the role of heart muscle itself.

1980 Research study appeared in the most prestigious journal " Circulation "  Coronary blockage has no primary role in the pathogenesis of a myocardial infarction (Heart attack)

The puzzle Solved : 1988 Dr Epstein ( National Institute of Health) found that in an advanced state of narrowing of the arteries, the blood supply to the heart is fully assured via "Collaterals" that enlarge naturally in response to the blockages.

Researchers have found that  more the arteries blocked the less danger there is of a heart attack.

In 1988 a major research study "Rocked the World of Cardiology " Titled "Twenty years of coronary bypass surgery " and concluded that they haven't detected a significant difference in long-term survival between the medical and surgical treatment groups. Surgeries performed to bypass blocked arteries didn't improve  the chances of patient's survival.

Mayo Clinic ( USA) 2013 :

1.Bypass surgery can effectively relieve symptoms .

2. Bypass surgery doesn't prevent further heart attacks.

3.Only high risk patients benefit from bypass surgery.

4. Patients who suffer only mild symptoms do not live a day longer as a result of the operation.

5. The relief of symptoms experienced directly following bypass surgery doesn't necessarily last.

Conclusion : Bypass surgery neither prolonged the life of patients nor did it prevent further heart attacks.

PAIN : Yes it is true that pain is relieved but not by the cure of the disease. I can give you two reasons for that.

1. Pain is transmitted through the nerves and while doing bypass operation the same nerves are dissected along with  and you never experience pain from the disease and this inability sometimes becomes more dangerous.

2. Patients have great expectations from the operation and high-tech operation in Hospitals goes a long way to fulfilling those expectations. Faith can move mountains.

There are several instances where heart attacks occurred with completely normal arteries and at the same time clogged arteries with no heart attacks.

I repeat nature is well capable of helping itself. This all happens due to the capacity of the human body to build an extensive diversion around the severely blocked arteries, thereby creating a natural bypass system in the heart muscle.

 You can view the short film by Dr Knut Sroka on his website "heartattacknew.com" called Heart catheter Film. It is clearly demonstrated that in complete 100% blocked arteries there is still a blood supply beyond the stenosis (blockage)  owing to nature's bypass and thanks to the collaterals blood vessels we have, right from our childhood. It is not the surgery that restores blood flow, because the body has already done its own bypass.

As soon as a blockage or plaque starts building up, the collaterals net work resume his duties of strengthening its operations. By the time blockage goes beyond 50% or more you have completely network of blood vessels to compensate for the reduced blood supply.

Now I come to the point if cholesterol, blocked arteries doesn't cause heart attack then who is the culprit. It is the heart muscle itself  when it gets lactic acidosis  and can't work optimally.

Risk Factors :  Stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, high blood sugar, low cholesterol.

Let me explain a little bit of Autonomic Nervous system. it has two branches sympathetic and parasympathetic (SNS & PNS). Sympathetic nervous system speeds up the heart rate and parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate through vagus nerve.

Patients with reduced parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity have higher risk of heart attack and heart attack patients have reduced PNS activity.

According to Dr Sroka all the heart attack victims show a peculiar sudden drop in PNS activity just prior to their heart attack. Heart disease patients have an average a reduction parasympathetic activity of over one- third. Sympathetic system is like a gas paddle(Accelerator) and parasympathetic serves as brake paddle.  Patients with increase in sympathetic activity and with normal parasympathetic activity never suffer from heart attack.

Without a preceding decrease in PNS activity, activation of the SNS doesn't lead to heart attacks.

We should focus entirely on the Parasympathetic nervous system ie. brake system. PNS operates through vagus nerve and any activity or habit that weakens it must be avoided. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, physical and emotional stress causes a decrease in vagal activity. Sympathetic nervous system operates through adrenal glands by producing adrenaline and other hormones that increase blood glucose, heart rate and pulse rate etc needed in "Fight or flight response". On the other hand PNS uses the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) as its chemical mediators and represents "rest and digest" arm  of the autonomic nervous system. It is the imbalance between these two branches that causes heart attacks.

Heart is an organ of very high metabolic activity and never rests.

Under acute stress SNS releases adrenaline (catecholamines) and increase the heart's glycolysis ( converting glucose into energy) . In the process glucose instead of burning into energy converts to lactic acid fermentation causing lactic acidosis and leads to heart cell death.

Parasympathetic nervous system is most strong in childhood and its activity becomes weak with age. Sitting around a lot and living a sedentary lifestyle weakens the PNS. Constant suppression of  feelings ,insecurity, and social isolation also weakens the PNS branch. Every stressful event and chronic stress leads to long-term down regulation of  the parasympathetic system. However if going through a long physical stress a positive satisfying result  is achieved, the PNS activity is again enhanced.

Anger, annoyance, frustration, dissatisfaction, chronic psychological stress decrease PNS activity. However negative stress, lack of proper sleep, smoking, older age and reduction in physical activity all must take place simultaneously to significantly weaken PNS and cause a heart attack.

CARDIOTONICS :  Dr Knut Sroka states that heart attacks can be prevented by "Ouabain" an endogenous cardiac steroid which restores PNS activity by enhancing release of its neurotransmitters, acetylcholine, nitric oxide etc.

Dr Thomas Cowan used Ouabain from Strophanthus plant and found great success in patients with heart diseases. Digitalis from Foxglove plant contains digoxin and digitoxin cardiotonics that strengthens the PNS activity.

Ouabain stimulates the PNS and inhibits the SNS activity. It drastically increases the effect of PNS within a few minutes (1000 times greater). It works at very small dose only. Amazingly ouabain is produced in the adrenal glands and brain and has exactly the same chemical composition.

Cardiotonics enhance the effect of collateral blood vessels and patients with well developed collaterals have better survival rate than less developed collaterals. They regulate the heart rhythm and improves circulation and contraction of the heart. Lactic acid build up in the heart muscle is greatly decreased by turning it into pyruvic acid. A toxic lactic acid is converted into a healthy nutrient.

Cardiotonics are produced from cholesterol only. Statins, cholesterol lowering drugs are doing more harm by depriving our body of most important nutrient-cholesterol.

Contact with nature, love, security, exercise, meditation, stress relieving techniques, yoga strengthens PNS and prevent heart attacks.

Lifestyle and balanced nutrition along with proper sleep, laughter, early to bed can significantly improve heart disease symptoms.

Ouabain and Digitalis cardiotonics, Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10 200 mg/d), Niacin ( vitamin B3 100 mg/d), L.Taurin (1000 mg/d), vitamin C (3000 mg/d), magnesium citrate (300 mg/d) and cayenne pepper (Red Chilli pepper) taken 1 tsp in a cup of warm water thrice daily keep you immune to heart attack.

" Good Health"

Sukhwinder Brar

President

Healthy lifestyle Knowledge Foundation

BLOG : hlkfca.blogspot.com

References :

´  What Causes Heart Attacks by Dr. Thomas Cowan

´  http://heartattacknew.com/about-the-author/

´  http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/12/17/real-cause-heart-attacks.aspx

´  http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/what-causes-heart-disease/

´  http://jeffreydachmd.com/2014/08/preventing-heart-attacks-ouabain/

´  Myogenic theory of Mycodial Infarction 1979 by Dr Mesquita

´  Hearth Catheter film by Dr Knut Sroka at heartattacknew.com

                                                                        DISCLAIMER

´  THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS MEANT TO HELP AUDIENCE BETTER UNDERSTAND HEALTH CONCERNS. INFORMATION IS BASED ON REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DATA.

´  THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING THERAPIES, DIAGNOSIS AND/OR HEALTH CONDITIONS PRIOR TO MAKING THERAPEUTIC DECISIONS.

Sukhwinder Brar

President

Healthy lifestyle Knowledge Foundation

BLOG : hlkfca.blogspot.com

 

 

Medicinal and Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Medicinal and Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a red chili pepper often used in the preparation of spicy foods and is associated with a wide range of health benefits which most of us have unheard of. The chili originated in central and south America. It is named after the Capital city of the French Guiana, " cayenne". Cayenne is a nutritional and medicinal herb. It contains vitamins A, complete B, C, E, calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc,  potassium and bioflavonoids. Scientifically it is known as Capsicum annum. Cayenne pepper played a very important role in Native American Medicine and cuisine for thousands of years.

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in cayenne peppers which gives it spiciness and hot properties. About 12% of cayenne pepper is composed of capsaicin and 80% of that is in its ribs and seeds. Among the hottest chili peppers include habanero, scotch bonnet, Indian Naga Jolokia and others like cayenne, chipotle, jalapeno are used in most countries around the world.

Ground chillies are 20 times more stronger than regular fresh pepper because it contains much more capsaicin. The heat of the peppers is inversely proportional to the size of the pepper so the tiniest peppers are usually the hottest. Chemist Wilbur Scoville developed a test to measure the hotness of peppers and is called scoville heat units (SHU). In general hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. Bell peppers contains little to no capsaicin.

Cayenne pepper is a powerful anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, cleansing herb that stimulates metabolism, circulation, neutralize acidity, heartburn, tremors, gout, paralysis, fever, dyspepsia, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, nausea, tonsilitis and diphtheria. Following are the health benefits associated with this wonderful spice you would love to stock in your kitchen cabinet.

1. Digestive aid : Cayenne stimulates the digestive system and increases the production of saliva,  enzymes and gastric juices , aids the body's ability to increase metabolism. It is a wonderful herb for relieving intestinal gas, stimulating peristaltic action and aiding in the assimilation and elimination.

2. Anti-inflammatory properties : Cayenne is a great herb for arthritis and inflammation of joints due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties,

3. Migraine headache prevention :  It stimulates the nerve endings to produce a substance P responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain and directs it to different part of the body and diminishes it and it reduces the blood to the brain and relaxes blood vessels there by reducing pain. Capsaicin triggers the release of endorphins in the brain which has a pain relieving effect similar to that of morphine. Cayenne tea in the morning can prevent headaches, including migraine. But if you need to stop one that has just getting started, snorting cayenne provides immediate relief.

4. Anti cold and flu agent : It thins the mucus and breaks it up for easy removal. Cayenne has antibacterial and immune enhancing properties too. Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in quercitin a bioflavonoid that prevents the release of histamines that cause inflammation ad flu symptoms. It kills infection and viruses that cause influenza.

5. Anti fungal properties : Cayenne can heal fungal  nail infections and hair dandruff  due to its strong fungal killing actions.

6. Anti-irritant properties : Cayenne has the ability to ease stomach upset, ulcers, sore throats, diarrhea etc. It relieves chronic cough and flatulence.

7. Anti- allergen : Cayenne pepper is a strong anti allergen due to its anti bacterial power and to strengthen intestinal permeability.

8. Prevents blood clots : Cayenne pepper prevents the formation of blood clots and help reduce chances of heart attacks and strokes.

9. Detox Support :  It stimulates your lymphatic and digestive functions, raises your body temperature and helps in detoxification. Your body sweat more and eliminates toxins through skin pores. Circulatory system is put in higher gear to bring toxins back to the liver for detoxification.

10. Saliva Production : As soon as you eat Cayenne rich meal saliva production is enhanced and result in improved digestion.

11. Pain reliever : Capsaicin a compound in cayenne pepper  that helps in the production of substance P responsible for  transmitting pain signals to the brain and when applied to the skin makes the substance unavailable to the joints and transfers the focus of pain towards skin and dilutes the intensity of pain . Medically Cayenne is one of the most potent pain reliever available and is regularly used to treat/ relieve the pain of arthritis, shingles, toothache and surgery scars.

12. Anti-microbial properties : Cayenne pepper is added to the food to prevent food-borne pathogens and reduces food spoilage too.

13. Anti-cancer agent : Numerous studies demonstrate cayenne pepper's ability to prevent various cancers particularly lung and liver tumors.

14. Great weight loss aid : Cayenne pepper suppresses appetite, reduce cravings and boosts metabolism and in return helps in maintaining healthy weight.

15. Topical Remedy : when used as poultice cayenne pepper works wonders to treat skin conditions like snake bites, skin rashes, eczema, rheumatism, wounds etc.

16. Toothache and gingivitis :  Toothaches are always caused by infection. Take a pinch of cayenne, a few drops of clove oil, a crushed garlic flake, and few drops of oil of oregano mix together and apply directly to and around affected tooth and keep it for 2-3 minutes. Do this 3 times a day and toothache will be a thing of the past.

17. Regulates blood glucose : Cayenne pepper can help regulate blood sugar levels after a meal. It makes you feel fuller faster, leading to reduction in calorie intake. According to a study appeared in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition eating a chili rich meal lowered post-meal blood sugars and insulin concentrations.

 18. Heals peptic ulcers :   It  is a long-standing myth that spicy food exacerbates ulcers and other stomach problems but research shows hot chili peppers actually protects the lining of the stomach and may prevent the damage caused by the anti-inflammatory pain killers. This is one of the best medicine that can be used liberally without any side effects. Cayenne can heal stomach ulcers by creating more mucus and coating the wall of the stomach. Thailand, Brazil and Mexico where cayenne is consumed liberally stomach ulcers, heart attacks and stroke are uncommon.

19. Cardio-vascular benefits : The School of Human Life Sciences has confirmed that regular use of cayenne pepper helps prevent the development of fatty deposits inside the artery walls.

20. Lowers Blood Pressure : Cayenne pepper relaxes blood vessels by secreting nitric oxide inside the lining of blood vessel cells and helps lower blood pressure. It blocks the action of a gene  responsible for producing renin and resulting in less production of Angiotensin2 that constricts arteries. It helps those who suffer from cold hands and feet.

21. Blood circulation Booster : It stimulates and improves the entire circulatory system including arteries, veins and capillaries.

22. Blood Clot Buster : Thailand Study confirms that cayenne pepper strengthens the body's blood clotting system and continually clears the blood of clots. It helps combat heart attacks, stroke by thinning the blood, increasing blood flow and extending blood coagulation time.

23. Hemorrhaging, open wounds and cuts : Used externally cayenne pepper is a vasoconstrictor, which means it tightens the blood vessels. On a open wound put copious amount of cayenne powder and hold it down with pressure for one minute. Within seconds small capillaries and large veins will slow or stop bleeding as well.

24. Fainting : When a person is feeling faint, light headed, and about to pass out, taking cayenne orally in liquid or powdered form will snap the person to attention, and can revive who has completely fainted and is unconscious.

25. Heart attack and stroke : A heaping teaspoon of cayenne powder in a glass of warm water, or 10 dropperfuls of cayenne tincture is needed to stop the heart attacks and strokes in its tracks or you can put tincture drops under the tongue.

26. Hair Regrowth : Hair loss or Alopecia is caused by poor blood circulation in the scalp. Cayenne pepper applied topically increases blood circulation. For best results mix two tablespoons of cayenne pepper with equal amounts of a quarter cup of each of ginger juice, coconut oil and onion juice and apply directly to the scalp every day.

27. Hemorrhoids : Hemorrhoids are the inflammation of the veins in the anus and rectum . Cayenne is extremely inflammatory and apply directly to the affected areas for best results. It will burn a little and itch but it works faster than ingesting.

28. Sore Throat :  Gargle with apple cider vinegar, a pinch of sea salt and cayenne pepper. It instantly kills the bacteria, virus causing sore throat and attracts blood toward the tonsils to help healing and clear the sinuses too.

29. Heart Burn :  Mix half teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with two tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink sip by sip for immediate relief from heartburn.

30. Mood Enhancer :  Taken internally Cayenne triggers the release of endorphins, the body's feel good hormones in the brain.

Gastroenterologist Dr Khursheed Jeejeebhoy   who is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto warns those patients who avoid hot chilies unnecessarily to heal the ulcers. There is no evidence that they have to do that. In fact there is a lot of evidence that cayenne is very good for you.

Dr Susan Biali a Vancouver based Dietitian " Chilies add wonderful flavour and kick to foods and have very few calories, boosts metabolism, help burn fat and keep us feeling full longer.

Susie Langley, a registered dietitian based in Toronto loves to spice up meals with small amounts of hot chilies.

Dr Richard Schulze " If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper". It is more powerful than any other.

Dr John R Christopher  commonly known as "Dr Cayenne" In 35 years of my practice, I have never on house calls lost one heart attack patient and the reason is, whenever I go in if they are still breathing I pour down them a cup of Cayenne tea( a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of hot  water) and within minutes they are up and around. It acts as a catalyst and increase the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them." Cayenne certainly appears to be God's Natural "Nitroglycerine " used for heart attack patients.

Cayenne pepper has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. A 90 year old man in Oregon had a severe heart attack and was pronounced dead by Medics, his daughter was able to get Cayenne extract into his mouth and within a few minutes, he regained consciousness. Capsicum is said to be unequal for its ability to boost circulation and increase heart action.

                                  DISCLAIMER

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS MEANT TO HELP AUDIENCE BETTER UNDERSTAND HEALTH CONCERNS. INFORMATION IS BASED ON REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DATA.

THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS SPECIFIC MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS REGARDING THERAPIES, DIAGNOSIS AND/OR HEALTH CONDITIONS PRIOR TO MAKING THERAPEUTIC DECISIONS

 

SUKHWINDER BRAR

PRESIDENT

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION

 

             CULTURED FOODS ARE SUPER FOODS

 Naturally fermented foods loaded with friendly bacteria have been around since  the beginning of humankind. We include little to no fermented foods in our diets and are paying the price with poor digestive health. Yogurt has been around centuries to cure bowel troubles and diarrhea. Fermentation is a metabolic process in which microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast or fungi convert carbohydrates into alcohol or acids.

BENEFITS OF FERMENTED VEGETABLES :

Preserve food : Fermentation has been in use in the days before refrigeration to preserve food and to increase the shelf-life of foods. Fermented foods keep for months due to Bio -preservatives that are  created through the fermentation process ( lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid)

Eliminates anti-nutrients :  Phytic acid in grains, legumes and seeds binds minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and reduces their absorption. Fermentation destroys phytic acid and other anti-nutrients in foods and helps in digestion. Miso and Tempeh are examples of fermented legumes.

Improves digestion: Fermentation pre-digests the food before we consume it and directly supply our digestive system with living bacteria. The Lactobacillus bacteria breaks down lactose into easily digested simple sugars glucose and galactose in yogurt and cheese and further into lactic acid. Lactic acid  helps improve the release of digestive juices and enzymes from the stomach, the pancreas and the gall bladder. In sourdough bread and wheat-based products fermentation degrades gluten making it less inflammatory.

Balances gut flora: Cultured foods are full of live good bacteria like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha tea and kefir. Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, allergies, and ailments like asthma are linked to lack of good bacteria in the gut.

Increases nutrients content:  Levels of different vitamins and minerals is significantly increased in fermented foods especially vitamins B,( riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, folic acid) and C. Vitamin C in fresh cabbage is woven into the fibrous plant walls and fermentation break open the cell walls. It also increases the absorption of minerals especially copper, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Acidifies the Gut : Among these acidifiers are acetic, butyric and lactic acids that make the gastrointestinal tract less hospitable to pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria thrive best at slightly alkaline pH of 7.2 to 7.3 while beneficial bacteria like PH of 6.7 to 6.9

Removes Constipation :  Lactic acid plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and it facilitates the transmission of nerve impulses that cause muscle contractions and by increasing the motility of the bowel , alleviate constipation problems.

Eliminates gas, bloating : Many gas producing bacteria are pathogenic and beneficial bacteria keep them under check by producing lactic acid and lowering pH where they can't survive.  Gas can be reabsorbed in the blood and travel to the lungs and cause chronic bad breath (halitosis)

Digest dairy products : We adults don't make lactase enzyme needed to breakdown lactose in milk. Lactobacillus bacteria produce lactase enzyme necessary to digest milk sugar and help people with lactose intolerance.

Improves taste : Fermentation improves the taste of different foods and makes them eatable and pleasantly sour. Even Vanilla and chocolate can be consumed after fermentation and removing the bitterness of tannins they contain.

Decreases cooking time : Tough and hard foods that are difficult to digest can be improved by fermentation reducing their need of cooking.

Loose extra weight : Most of the time extra fat on our body is stress and toxins and good bacteria improves digestion and assimilation and reduce toxin load.

Increases energy : Consuming live pre- digested foods adds zip to the body instead of depleting it.

Produces digestive enzymes : Bacteria are full of enzymes and as new microorganisms are created , new enzymes are also produced. Fermented vegetables have more enzymes than regular cabbage. So it is important to get fresh enzymes in the diet because our pancreas and other enzyme making organs need a chance to rest .

Boosts immunity : Beneficial bacteria heals leaky gut syndrome and decreases inflammation and helps in auto-immune diseases like arthritis and type 2 diabetes. When you reset your bacteria balance and immunity is enhanced automatically by producing cytokines. Proper immune response helps stop chronic inflammation, the root cause of arthritis and chronic heart disease in the tracks.

Improves psychic disorders :  Good bacteria helps in psychic disorders like depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, dyslexia ( Reading disorder) & schizophrenia by producing more serotonin and dopamine hormones.

Relieves headache :  Eating fermented foods on empty stomach relieves headaches.

Clears skin problems : Good bacteria reduces toxin load substantially and improves skin conditions like rashes, acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Detoxify : Beneficial bacteria removes toxins and heavy metals like mercury, aluminum, lead and arsenate from the body.

Sharpen thinking and memory : Our guts are our second brain and healthy bacteria heals the gut where more serotonin is produced than brain and say good bye to mental fog, depression and anxiety. Milk based kefir is loaded with tryptophan an amino acid affectionately known as " nature's prozac " soothes the nervous system.

                                      HEALTH BENEFITS

Contribution of live microorganisms supplements the microbiome in the gut and its benefits are plenty.

Beneficial microorganisms provides great support in improving health conditions like intestinal and bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, immune disorders such as allergies, type 1 diabetes and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes and obesity and mental health disorders.

While building  Great Wall Of China, Chinese ate lactic acid fermented vegetables. The Japanese  have routinely served a small serving of pickled vegetable with their meals. The Koreans developed Kimchi by acid fermenting cabbage and other vegetables. In fact, lactic acid fermented cabbage has been revered as one of the most important healing agent. Before Christ the Greeks  wrote about the health benefits of fermented cabbage. The Romans used sauerkraut to prevent and treat intestinal infections. Captain James Cook took 27 barrels of sauerkraut to prevent scurvy on his three year journey around the world.

 SYMPTOMS OF GUT FLORA IMBALANCE :

Hormonal problems, Premenstrual syndrome, menstrual complaints, prostate trouble, breast enlargement in men, chronic anemia, Chronic respiratory problems. Candidiasis, dairy allergy and intolerances, vitamin B deficiency, high cholesterol, neurological problems, severe bruising problems, chronic vaginal infections, chronic bladder infections, osteoporosis, sarcopenia ( loss of muscle mass), constipation, gas and bloating, skin rashes.

You should consider making a regular part of your diet to help boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in your bowels . Add traditional fermented foods  to your meals in small portions on a regular basis once or twice daily.

Yogurt :  Regular yogurt not the low fat contains the hormone like substance prostaglandin E2 which can prevent ulcers. Avoid yogurts containing sugars, fruits etc.  and check the label  and it says "Active Cultures" and not pasteurised. Even look for name of the most important bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidus etc,

Cottage cheese :  Traditional fermented food cottage cheese not the other versions is an excellent source of beneficial bacteria, calcium and proteins. Please be advised that any cheese made from A1 milk (Holstein Friesian cows) is not  good and healthy to consume.

Whey : It is the liquid portion remained after making cheese and removing cream from clabbered milk. You can use whey in soups and vegetables.

Kefir : Kefir grains are colonies of good bacteria and yeast and look like cooked rice. It contains more than 35 strains of beneficial bacteria along with good yeast. Store bought kefir contains 10 or so bacterial strains. So it is advised to make your own at home from the kefir grains with goat milk.

Butter milk : Butter milk is another favourite of Indians especially of Punjabi's Lassi , a choke full of probiotics, best drink at afternoon on an empty stomach.

NON- DAIRY FERMENTED FOODS :  Some persons can't handle soured milk products especially those who have gut imbalance. They can try fermented vegetables first before trying fermented milk products.

Sauerkraut : It is the most popular and nutritious cultured vegetable every one should have in their refrigerator. Sauerkraut or cabbage juice heals acid reflux due to its strong stimulation for your body to produce stomach acid. For your information it is the low stomach acid that reults in acid reflux due to weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter. A phytonutrient glucosinolate in sauerkraut significantly enhances your liver's detoxification ability and halves your risk of developing cancer.

Raw cultured vegetables and the beneficial bacteria they contain keep the pathogenic bacteria in check and helps peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, colic, constipation, stomach aches , digestive disorders and food allergies to heal.

One lady healed her heart palpitations, tachycardia, premature ventricular contraction, prolapsed mitral valve after consumption of sauerkraut for two weeks.

Pickled vegetables like cucumber, beets, turnip, carrots, Kimchee, Natto, Miso, Tempeh, soy sauce and Tofu are best for adding beneficial bacteria and improving nutrition.

Raw cultured vegetables are among the most nutritious foods today. If the balance of good bacteria is restored and it is emphasised time and again that you'll be better able to shed excess weight, improve skin and boost energy levels , infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome along with numerous ailments discussed earlier. There are some 100 trillion bacteria living in our gut and are 10 times of our own body cells. Without these enzymes and bacteria we are basically eating dead food. A healthy colon is vital for detoxifying the body and absorbing nutrients from your food.  It's our first line of defence. Probiotic rich foods also satisfy carbohydrate cravings.

Russian Scientist and Nobel Laureate Eli Metchnikoff hypothesized in 1908 that eating fermented milk products improved the health and lifespan of Bulgarian peasants and consuming fermented veggies can do the same.

In 400 B.C. Hippocrates the Father of Medicine famously said, " All disease begins in the gut ". His words are still true today than they were then. The enzymes in cultured vegetables also assist in digesting foods eaten along with them, particularly grains, legumes and meat.

Conclusion : I would encourage everyone to include fermented or cultured vegetables in every meal or have a few teaspoons of  fermented cabbage juice before eating. You'll experience wonders in improvement in digestion, energy levels, and elimination of diseases that you haven't imagined.

If I am asked to what single change or improvement I'll do to make my health better , of course I'll go for fermented  foods. Health is not the opposite of disease but a complete homeostasis ( Balance of all the important metabolic and other functions including nutrients ). This is not possible without addressing the bacterial imbalance. Microbes make inedible food edible and pre-digest your hard to digest food. All grains and pulses need sprouting or fermentation before they become easy for our digestive system to deal with. Best way to consume pulses and rice is by making dosa, idli or dhokla etc.(Fermentation). Wheat is a problematic and inflammatory food since its introduction in food due to gluten, phytic acid and other lectins (WGA). Through natural lacto- fermentation of wheat flour it was made possible to eat wheat bread called "sourdough". The way Punjabi's eat flat bread (Chapatis) is the worst option to eat wheat or wheat products .  Because fermentation with yeast degrades gluten and other antinutrients like phytic acid and makes the wheat less inflammatory or problematic.  

"Good Health "

Sukhwinder Brar

Jan 06, 2016