As the famous French biologist and philosopher, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, said « when plants or animals die, some microscopic organisms present in nature help their matter to decompose and produce different byproducts that carry a unique value »

These byproducts are absorbed by the soil and due to their organic composition they will make up the same healthy soil providing truly unique properties. Of the various by-products offered by nature one of the most beneficial is undoubtedly fulvic acid.

Fulvic Acid's benefits

Fulvic acid has a very low molecular weight which makes it bioactive allowing it to penetrate very quickly within the cells of plants and other living organisms.

For this reason,  it increases the enzyme’s activity so that cell membranes become much more permeable.[1] 

This allows water to enter the cells significantly more than normal. This is a benefit for both plants and animals because higher hydration levels allow the elimination of toxins and thefore a better detoxification.[2]

Fulvic Acid and heavy metals

Ingesting fulvic acid allows to increase the capacity of a cell to release toxic metals. Several studies have shown how this statement is true.

For example, it has been noted that alluminim levels of a fish swimming in waters where fulvic acid has been added is six times lower than normal. [3]

Fulvic Acid and brain health

There are many studies on fulvic acid and particularly,  the one carried out by the University of the International Center of Chile [4] , has shown that proper supplementation with fulvic acid and good eating habits can help to protect the brain from cognitive deterioration.

 An important example related to this substance is certainly the Shilajit which is found in the Himalayan mountains.

It is a compound resulting from the progressive decomposition of some plants and contains mainly fulvic acid; It has been confirmed that its support on brain function is decisive.

Fulvic Acid supplementation

It is clear today that massive use of fertilizers and pesticides as well as the impoverishment of the soil on a mineral level is leading to a decrease in microbial activity.

This certainly results in low quality agricultural production. The earth's products are full of wastes and have fewer nutrients such as fulvic acid.

Fortunately, it is possible to integrate fulvic acid through natural products that are avaliable on the market. A company has recently started selling bottled water with fulvic acid.

The "Fulvic acid secret" of Soil Based Organisms

Few people are aware of soil based organisms (SBO) which contain both humic and fulvic acids.

They are extracted deep in the soil where pesticides and chemicals pollutants fail to reach.

This vegetable matter, which  dervives from the decomposition of some plants, leads to the production of micronutrients and essential enzymes for our organism.

In the past, humans used to naturally ingest fulvic acids thanks to earthly products as the soil did not contain any harmful waste.

Unfortunately, today things have significantly changed due to the chemicals that modern agriculture uses. Pesticides, herbicides and all harmful substances to our health are being used for cultivation and are inevitably retained in the soil ; this deprives the soil from all its nutrients including fulvic acid.

For this reason, it is important to enrich our daily nutrition with SBO-based probiotics because it is like having two products in one: probiotics and fulvic acid.

The benefits of Fulvic Acid supplementation

The benefits of fulvic acid supplementation: elimination of toxins from the body, energy levels increase, fighting off free radicals thanks to its antioxidant power (in the first period you will probably notice very dark stools).

It also transports nutrients to the cells , increases protein metabolism by contributing to RNA and DNA synthesis, restores electrolyte balance and increases  the activity of the various enzymatic systems enhancing the immunity.

All this is found in soil-based organisms (SBO) which,  unlike other probiotics on the market,  allow you to have a complete intake from all points of view.

Cholesterol is necessary for digestion, membrane integrity, vitamin D production and for nerve health. Hormones like: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other stress hormones require cholesterol to be produced by the body.

Cholesterol is  part of the cellular structure and cell membranes. Research has also demonstrated the protective role of cholestrol against infections and atherosclerosis.

The role of cholesterol in the human body

About 20% of the myelin sheath covering the nerve cells and the fibers is made up of cholesterol and neuron’s function depends on this. Cholesterol is essential for cognitive functions and some research has shown that many doctors should pay more attention to prescribing statins for lowering cholesterol especially to older people who are not self-sufficient as they may become weaker and more susceptible to infections.

Cholesterol production in the body

The body produces cholesterol to regulate various things and adjusts its production according to the cholesterol level that comes from the diet. The more cholesterol is introduced through the diet and the less is produced by the liver.

It is estimated that 85% of cholesterol is produced by the body and only 15% comes from the diet. Cholesterol does not mix well in the blood but travels through it coated by a protein layer ; we refer to lipoproteins which are HDL, high density proteins and LDL, low density lipoproteins.

The blood vessels have a thin coating called endothelium. 

The endothelium can be damaged by exposure to toxins, pathogens, free radicals or inflammatory substances. The liver sends LDL cholesterol to repair the damaged endothelium.

The HDL then carries LDL directly to the liver to be ejected after the healing process has been completed. In these cases Vitamin C is very effective; Dr. Rath’s researches show it.

LDL: Low density lipoproteins

HDL is the « good cholesterol » as it collects cholesterol and carries it to the liver to eliminate it. For this reason it is important to maintain elevated HDL levels and to do so it is necessary to simultaneously lower LDL levels. Research has shown how HDL acts as an antioxidant as it reduces inflammation,  blood clotting and helps the blood vessels expand and remain flexible.

Low levels of HDL derive from "metabolic syndrome", also called X syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Low HDL levels are now considered to be an important indicator of cardiovascular risk. It is estimated that for each increase of 1 mg / dl of HDL the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases by 2-3%.

Women tend to have higher HDL than men as estrogen leads to increased HDL.

LDL oxidation

Research indicates that oxidation of LDL cholesterol and high lipoproteins are risk factors for cardiovascular disease contributing significantly to atherosclerosis, inflammation of endothelial cells and formation of vascular occlusive plaques.

Natural supplements that can increase HDL and protect from LDL oxidation

Numerous studies carried out over the years have confirmed that some natural elements can protect the body from LDL oxidation and even increase HDL (the good cholesterol). Among these substances we can list : CoQ10, Vitamin C (especially when combined with proline and lysine), pomegranate, amla (Indian spinach) and curcumin (the yellow pigment in turmeric).

Natural cholesterol lowering solutions

There are several remedies offered by nature that can help to reduce cholesterol.  Among these we can include some herbs, vitamins, antioxidants and nutraceuticals. Their action is to reduce cholesterol by neutralizing circulatory and inflammatory agents inducing the liver to produce less cholesterol.

Dietary advice

There are some food tips that can be useful to help the body lower cholesterol. The first thing to do is eat regularly, especially breakfast which is the most important meal of the day. In addition to this basic rule there are also special foods to be included in the diet as they help lower cholesterol; these include: soy products (no OGM), oats and bran of oats, barley, rye, garlic, onion, grapefruit, apples (source of pectin), carrots, dried fruits (especially nuts and almonds), sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

In addition to all these foods we can also add: organic yogurt (sugarless), brewer's yeast, herb sprouts and chia seeds. Studies have shown that black tea, taken as 3 cups a day (without milk or cream) for three weeks can help lower LDL by 11% and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day, cereals or toast bread (whole grain) can lower LDL by up to 20%.

Increasing fibre intake

Dietary fibre binds to the bile acids inside the intestine and brings them out of the body. Studies have shown that supplementation with soluble fibre significantly reduces overall cholesterol levels ( LDL cholesterol and triglycerides).

In some cases, even HDL cholesterol can increase. Dietary fibre can also lower total cholesterol and LDL in individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome.

What to avoid and what not

There are some products that  should be avoided and among these we can definitely refer to refined sugar, high glycemic sweeteners such as commercial honey, fructose, maple syrup and agave syrup. Even refined carbohydrates such as white flour or transgenic fats are enemies for our body.

People with hyperinsulinemia (also called insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or X syndrome) are prone to hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels) because they have an increased production of HMG CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production.

For this reason, it is crucial for anyone with high cholesterol to understand the importance of reducing or eliminating insulin resistance.

Food solutions to be implemented include proteins, whole grains (complex carbohydrates), soluble fibre, fresh juices and fruits (prepared by live juice extractor) and total elimination of sugars, refined carbohydrates, transgenic fats and food chemicals .

All this must be accompanied by regular physical exercise with aerobic exercises and resistance.

Probiotic supplements

It has been shown that probiotics supplementation (the famous beneficial bacterias) act on cholesterol by lowering its levels significantly. I would recommend choosing soil based probiotics (SBOs) which are another type of probiotics than those derived from lactic acid (lactobacillus and bifidus).

The latter contribute to strengthening the immune system, eliminating toxins from the body and improving the absorption capacity of other nutrients by about 40-50%. This is due to their content of fulvic acids and humic acids that increase cellular absorption of nutrients.

The same goes for rice bran that lowers cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

Rice bran is one of the most abundant natural sources of plant sterols and tocotrienols. It reduces cholesterol, improves insulin sensitivity and helps the immune system.

Rice bran interferes with the absorption of sugars and fats (hypocolesterolatory and hypotriglycerising action) and decreases the insulin response. Being an insoluble fibre, it produces propionic acid by fermentation which reduces liver cholesterol synthesis, interferes with the reabsorption of bile acids resulting in greater use of cholesterol (cholesterol is the precursor of bile acids) by the liver.

It also stimulates the growth of bacterial species improving the intestinal microflora balance.

Pomegranate juice offers a number of health benefits that contribute to lowering oxidized LDL cholesterol as well as reducing blood pressure and prostate size (when it is enlarged). It also helps to strengthen the immune system and fight cancer.

Other important supplements to reduce cholesterol levels

Curcumin is one of the most powerful herbal supplements. It is a turmeric-derived extract that can lower LDL and increase HDL as well as prevent LDL oxidation.

Niacin (vitamin B3) is perhaps the most important substance that can lower cholesterol.

It has been demonstrated by scientific studies that an amount ranging from 1000 mg to 5,000mg per day of Vitamin  C helps lower cholesterol levels. It has even been shown that taking 1000 mg of vitamin C and 800 mg of vitamin E before a fat-containing meal helps to prevent fats from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ideally, it is best to choose vitamin C supplements from natural sources such as naturally grown camu camu, amella, acerola, blueberries, raspberries, lemons, red cranberries, cherries, pink canines, and organic sprouts; all 100% natural sources.

There is a big difference between those and the isolated ascorbic acid powders that are generally found in vitamin C supplements prepared in the laboratory and therefore artificial.

It is therefore essential to use a product that also provides the phytonutrients normally associated with ascorbic acid in nature that serve our body and help boosting the immune system.

Finally,  magnesium supplementation,  ranging from 300 to 500 mg per day, can increase HDL levels as well as blocking the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme.

Today there are millions of young people suffering from diabetes, asthma, developmental disorders, cancer and countless other disorders. As we said before, these numbers grow and in order to understand it you can just look at some data. In 2000, more than 20 million people were diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases compared to the number initially envisaged in 1996.

It is estimated that by 2020, 25% of the American population will be affected by multiple chronic illnesses with the associated management costs that will reach $ 1.070 billion.

The number of people with chronic illness, an increase from 125 million in 2000 to 171 million in 2030 is expected. In Europe, the situation is very similar, especially in the more developed countries.

According to experts, the underying problem is due to a non optimal body condition and therefore to the internal and the external environment: extracellular fluids , saliva, urine and the body systems.

In other words if the ph is altered it will leads to various type of health conditions.

It is therefore essential, according to experts, to maintain a proper pH of the body in order to maintain good health.

According to Dr. Hiromi Shinya, as well as widely recognized by scientific studies, a healthy and clean colon is one of the most important precursors for good health and that the vast majority of disconforts and diseases originate from an unclean colon.

For effective colon cleansing, I would recommend using a slow-release monoatomic oxygen-intestinal purifier. The latter is able to both dissolve waste and toxins present in the colon creating an unfavorable environment for the harmful bacteria and other toxic substances and facilitate their elimination.

These slags, when remaining the intestine for a while, are absorbed by the bloodstream creating a general condition of overall intoxication. This substance has also the advantage of not affecting  the "good" bacterias that are indispensable for intestinal health.

Dr. David Carpenter after years of research and observation of many subjects has come to the conclusion that excessive body acidity can be the cause of many diseases. This is because many people adopt a diet that is predominantly made up of acidic foods such as meat, dairy products, yeast bread, sugars, coffee, alcohol and starch.

Dr. William Howard Hay, surgeon and developer of "Hay Diet," says that if the blood is acidified the excess acid waste must be deposited in some body district.

Obviously, if this situation extends over time, the body areas will be affected by a steady increase in acidity and the cells will begin to die.

The surviving cells of the affected area will become abnormal and therefore malignant. Malignant cells will no longer respond to the brain's commands undergoing  an uncontrolled cell division which leads to serious conditions such as tumors.

Obviously, if this situation extends over time, the body areas will be affected by a steady increase in acidity and the cells will begin to die.

The surviving cells of the affected area will become abnormal and therefore malignant. Malignant cells will no longer respond to the brain's commands undergoing  an uncontrolled cell division which leads to serious conditions such as tumors.

According to what has been stated until now and the physician’s reports we can defintely understand how body ph can pretty much affect everything ; however it is clear that there are other important factors for maintaining good health.

What do we mean by body ph?

The answer is very simple, ph is the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a substance at any given time. To better understand, we start from the pH measurement scale from 0 representing the maximum acidity up to 14 representing the maximum of alkalinity.

The neutral, ie the central part is represented by a pH of 7.07. The pH of healthy oxygenated bloodstream ranges  between 7.35 and 7.45, so slightly alkaline with very narrow tolerances. The pH of saliva, however, is between 6.0 and 7.0, so between acid and neutral and the urine ph is between 4.5 and 8.0.

Eating alkaline foods can help the body increase the alkaline reserves that can prevent any disease. In the event that pH levels turn very acidic and are not controlled the following issues can occur:  malabsorption of vitamins, minerals and valuable nutrients, reduced cellular energy production, impairment of the repair and regeneration processes of damaged cells and tissues and difficult removal of heavy metals.

The consequences of uncontrolled acidic pH levels are: tumor cell proliferation and body build-up to feel fatigue and contract any type of illness.

This general acidity causes a deprivation of oxygen within the cells along with and other nutrients. Foods that cause this effect are: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, sugar, starches, acidic foods. When this happens, the body will use its alkaline minerals reserves to compensate the acidosis that has occured.

If your daily diet is poor of minerals minerals to compensate and rebalance the body, this acid buildup will occur within the cells.

What can you do to protect yourself from all this?

Surely it is not easy but it is possible with a little patience and organization and taking into account modern lifestyle as well.

First, it is possible, you can verify the ph level in your body through a simple home test.

Thanks to a strip that is sold in most of the pharmacies, ph measurement can be done with the early morning urine.      

Once the morning urine is applied on the strip  you will be able to figure out what is your ph level through a scale supplied in the kit for pH measurement.

However, it will be necessary to repeat this operation for several days so that it can achieve an overall average that range ; if it is between 5.0 and 6.4 it is to be considered too acidic.

There are some solutions to be taken in these cases involving the intake of green vegetables, dark-colored fruits and lemons that are naturally alkalizing. Adding half a lemon in a cup of hot water each morning helps to balance the pH as well as triggers the production of natural enzymes.

It is advisable to have at least one cup of vegetables per day such as cabbage and spinach ,reduce refined foods such as white flour, sugar, cereals, tea and coffee. It is also important to minimize alcohol consumption, use fine oils such as extra virgin olive or coconut oil and take half a teaspoon of vitamin C powder every day to dissolve in water and take it before going to to sleep.

In addition to the above suggestions , if you want to pursue a powerful natural and constant detoxification, I recommend having one or two juices of fruits or vegetables with a live juice extractor such as Juicepresso (I do not recommend the use of centrifuges unless you have no other choice  because they greatly reduce the enzymes and the vital substances of the juice).

Personally, I try to make one in the evening by replacing it with dinner so as to support body detoxification throughout the night.

If I feel like it,  I will have one in the morning along with nuts and dried grapes (always listen to the body because there are days you may feel like having just one or even skip it for the day). I always add bananas and avocados to satiate and have the energy needed to get to lunch without being hungry.

This allows to help body detoxification, enable deep nourishment and ease  digestion by increasing alkalinity for more than 12 hours a day.

Unfortunately most of the fruits and vegetables on the market are not of the highest quality, not everyone can afford to buy organic products and it is difficult to receive all the ingredients needed with only 5-7 juice ingredients, so I suggest adding organic barley grass juice powder.

The latter has the advantage of mixing perfectly with water, fruit juices, smoothies and any other condiments. From a nutritional point of view, it is a source of chlorophyll that, having a structure similar to blood hemoglobin, is extremely useful in the case of mild iron deficiency anemia or malabsorption. It also provides a good supply of vegetable protein (25-35%) and has excellent diuretic and purifying properties thanks to trace minerals such as zinc, selenium and copper.

Chlorophyll and beta-carotene present in the barley grass, thanks to their alkalizing power, allow the elimination of mucus from the digestive tract and the cystallized acids in the body that over time can lead to calcine formation.

Furthermore, It supports metabolic processes and helps liver detoxification. Another important property of barley grass is its ability to reduce addictions and cravings (nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and sugars) due to its glutamic acid content. The latter is an amino acid that, in addition to its other functions, is able to reduce "cravings" to the substances mentioned above.

Two other precious substances contained in barley juice are: the SOD (superoxide dismutase) enzyme which is essential to counteract the damage caused by free radicals thanks to its strong antioxidant power and the Pd41 enzyme which is essential for repair and regeneration of damaged cells.

I recommend using one that has no additives, sweeteners, gluten and possibly dried at low temperature (low temperature Co2 process) in order to keep the enzymes and the chlorophyll intact.

For the first time, we can have all the superfoods available in one mix. Just take about one and a half teaspoon once a day to provide the body and mind with the best nutrients present in nature.

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: Live juices in combination with barley grass are very powerful so it is advisable to drink plenty of water during the day to help the body eliminate the toxins!

The practice of cold showering is rooted in the tradition of different nations and has gone through different periods.
Russian, Finnish, Thai, Korean, Japanese and many other populations have practiced it and still practice cold showering; although it may sound like a ritual  there is a lot more to it.

Indeed, many are the benefits that you can get (here and here some scientific support) when embracing this ancient practice. For those who decide to get aquainted with this practice our advice would be to take a step at a time. Begin with the usual warm shower and finish with 5 seconds of cold water on the whole body.

As the weeks go by you will slowly get to two minutes or more up to the point of using only cold water (you will still have benefits even if you do not give up hot water completely ).

It is important not to rush into it but to slowly get used to the temperature change in order to avoid any problems.

Immune system enhancement

Once you have taken this road, we can move on to list what are the benefits you can get by running regular cold showers. Let's start with the first benefit which is   immunity enhance and therefore a greater resistance to diseases and infections.

In fact , it turned out that the people who take cold showers regularly are less susceptible to the common cold, flus , varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Do you by any chance happen to know somebody who always sleeps with the window open in the winter and never catches a cold? 😉

The practice of cold showers also improves blood circulation because the exposure of the body to cold constricts the blood vessels bringing blood flow to a much higher pressure. This improves blood circulation and is beneficial to a number of issues such as cold hands and feet or Reynaud's syndrome.

Heat exposure, on the other hand, causes the opposite effect: it lowers blood pressure. Taking hot baths on a regular basis can significantly reduce fertility in males since it appears to reduce sperm count.
In addition to the benefits that we already mentioned, those who regularly practice cold showering will improve their fertility (we are referring to mainly men's fertilty).

Weight loss and sleep benefits

The practice of cold showers is also beneficial for weight loss.

Exposure to cold stimulates the production of brown adipose tissue rather than  white adipose tissue which is strongly involved in the process of thermogenesis; the metabolic process which consists in the production of heat by the body mainly in adipose tissue.

These cells burn glucose to produce as much thermic energy as possible. Having a larger amount of brown adipose tissue allows to burn more energy and thus the possibility of losing more weight.

The same holds true for sleep. It may seem like a paradox but a cold shower can help induce sleep. Physical stress and shock that a cold shower can cause before going to bed helps to calm down after the adrenaline rush that is experienced under cold water.

Body temperature regulation and depression relief

Cold showers help to normalize body temperature and reduce sweat. Those who suffer from cold hands and feet or those with excessive sweating can solve their problem thanks to cold showers.

For example, if you ever happen to sweat after a hot shower, you can try to finish your shower with a cold jet. This will help to limit the sweating after a hot shower until it disappears over time.

In addition, it was discovered that cold showers help to prevent depression due to the effect of cold on the brain as it stimulates the main source of noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter used to help alleviate depression.

Let's think about the euphoric effect we experience after a cold shower as well as after exercise due to endorphins release.

Metabolism boost and lymphatic system enhancement

As we saw earlier, the habit of taking cold showers increases brown adipose tissue levels, blood pressure and body temperature; all reactions involving an increase in basal metabolism; these factors enable the body to become more efficient and lose more calories as they are used to provide energy for other metabolic reactions.

An increase in metabolism also leads to faster muscle growth which allows to achieve better performances for those engaged in physical activity.

Even the lymphatic system will benefit and therefore the entire body. The lymphatic system carries lymph throughout the body and this is based on muscle contraction. Muscle contraction tightens the lymph up to the thoracic duct so that it can mix with the blood and enter into all organs of the body.

Cold showers causing muscle contraction ease lymphatic transport giving unique benefits to the body.

Body detoxification and deep breathing

Another great result produced by cold showers due to the muscle's contraction that occurs is the elimination of toxins and dead skin cells; This prevents various types of infections, gives a tonic and fresh glow to the skin and promotes healthy hair appearance.

Cold showering also creates a particular effect to people who decide to do it: the need of taking deep breaths. This happens to counteract the "shock effect" and the vasoconstriction caused by the cold leading the body to need for more oxygen to breathe and maintain body heat.

This process opens up the lungs like when practicing intense physical activity and consequently carries a high supply of oxygen to the body; a regenerating condition especially when you feel tired.

To briefly summarize this practice,  I recommend to start with a few seconds of cold water at the end of your normal shower and then increase up to two minutes after a couple of weeks until the body is ready for cold water only. If you happen to feel little pain or thicks in the head it means that you're probably going too fast or you need to use slightly warmer water. Do not rush!

You will notice that the hardest part is the first 20-30 seconds (how many bad words I pulled out the first few times!), but then you will realize that is the mind who has overreacted and will try to convince you to stop you should then listen to your body's signals of great well-being and follow those 😉

As a last tip, since we are talking of improving our health, I think it is also important to use cleaner water free of toxins.

For this reason I higly recommend to add a simple but effective shower filter at home to eliminate heavy metals, chlorine and many other toxic substances that can endanger our health.

You can find shower filters for as little as 39,00 € for about 8-12 months (depends on how many people use its hardness).

PureSpa Shower Filter is the best on the market to purify water as it is the only one that contains 8 filtration steps (2 x 4), which are based on the combined work of a KDF55 filter and a GAC ​​filter.

The KDF55 filter removes lead, mercury, iron and other heavy metals, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, tricolorometano, rust, fungi and bacteria, as well as any taste and smell of sulfur.

The Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) removes volatile organic compounds, chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, trihalomethane compounds, radon, industrial solvents, benzene, and hundreds of other man-made chemicals.

Have a good shower and let me know what benefits you notice!

Unfortunately or fortunately it is not like that as viagra is just a temporary fix which will increase blood flow to the penis and therefore facilitate the erection.
But there is a much more important factor when it comes to sexual performance and blood flow: it is undoubtedly the prostate.

This gland is a bit like 'the nerve center" that triggers everything that revolves around men's sexual performance. A study carried out on the prostate and sexual performance pointed out a correlation between the two which led the entire scientific community speechless.

According to this study, men who undergo prostate surgery suffer serious sexual repercussions  which leads to worse performances in the bedroom. The finding shows that over 50% of men who have had prostate surgery endure serious sexual difficulties.

This study has also shown that a small percentage of these men would still be able to have sex but would no longer reach orgasms; only less than 5% claimed that their sexual activity had remained unaffected. 

According to all this we can now understand how the prostate gland should be considered a fundamental element; it is therefore not sufficient to only increase blood supply to the penis but we need to have a full functional prostate. 

However, it is important not to worry too much about our own virility. All it takes is to have a healthy lifestyle, sleep well at night and be self-confident when it comes to sexual performance.  These are key factors to avoid any major problems related to erectile dysfunction.

There is one thing that we need to know and that is often ignored by people who complain of sexual issues: the prostate plays a huge role in men sexual performance.

Preventing any health issues affecting the prostate becomes crucial and we can reach that so through prevention to always keep it at its best functioning.

Often, enzymes help us, but in the case of the prostate there are two enzymes in particular that instead are causing problems. The first one is called 5-alpha reductase, while the other one is called aromatase. As we age, the 5-alpha reductase enzyme changes  testosterone into DHT or dihydrotestosterone.

Every man has his DHT in small amounts but if the level increases it can bring these issues. The same applies to the aromatase enzyme that with aging slowly transforms testosterone's reserve into female's estrogens.  So, both DHT and female estrogens bind to the prostate receptors and have a negative impact on virility and sexual performance.

When aging, the human body will go through several changes such as the estrogen increase and the testosterone changes which lead to atrophy of the muscles, especially around the belly and chest.

However, you can avoid all this by start making some dietary changes such as choosing meat that comes from organic farming and eat cruciferous vegetables to lower estrogen levels in the body. The intake of lean protein and physical activity carried out at least two or three times a week will help to raise your testosterone levels  (I particularly recommend kettelbell's practice).

In addition to this healthy lifestyle you can add specific nutrients that have been created to keep a healthy prostate.

Safeguarding the prostate does not mean to increase sexual performance, but it means keeping it in a healthy environment that will allow it to continue functioning properly as it always has. Several studies have shown that a few important ingredients are necessary to keep a fully-functioning prostate.

Beta sitosterol increases urine flow and decrease residual urine in the bladder. There are other herbs that help rather significantly prostate's functioning and among them we can include: saw palmetto, the bark extract of pigeo, and pumpkin seed extract.

Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is a palm tree that grows in the states facing the US southern Atlantic coast, in southern Europe and North Africa. This small palm produces dark red berries which are similar to olives in size.
The saw palmetto is now widely used in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy and in androgenetic alopecia (hair loss caused by hormonal inbalances)

Its active ingredients, triglycerides, sitoseterol derivatives, phytosterols and flavonoids, are responsible for its antiandrogenetic properties, which directly work on the receptors of dihydrotestosterone and indirectly through inhibition of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.

The dihydrotestosterone is in fact responsible for hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.
Saw palmetto also has antinflammatory and antispasmodic properties on the urinary tract's smooth muscles; this is very useful as it counteracts the contraction of prostatic muscles which causes the obstruction of the urethra leading to the urination disorders associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Among minerals, zinc, which is highly present in pumpkin seeds, plays an important role on prostate's health as it reduces the enzymes that convert testosterone into DHT. Having the right levels of zinc means: maximizing testosterone's production,  increasing its half-life in the blood and raising  receptors's sensitivity to male's hormones (such as testosterone itself).

He Shou Wu's root is a very interesting herb as, in addition to containing a good amount of zinc, it is one of the most popular herbal remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It is both a liver, blood and kidney tonic.

In fact, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine,  the "kidneys" also include the adrenal glands and the reproductive system. If the kidneys are weak due to excessive stress, lack of sleep or anxiety there is less sexual vigor which results in decrease of both sexual desire and performance.

The bark extract of pigeo, native of equatorial Africa, has both antinflammatory and anti-DHT activity even if less effective than saw palmetto.

Finally, a study conducted at the University of Tehran in 2013, has shown that nettle leaf extract can help reduce the size of the prostate gland and thus improve both urination and sexual function ; It does have both diuretic and antiandrogenetic properties due to its content of sterols.

There are some natural supplements combining the substances we mentioned earlier to help maintain both health and well-being of this very important gland.

I would recommend in particular to choose one that contains fulvic acids as they significantly increase the absorption of the active ingredients on a cellular level.

Finally,  it is very important to detox from excess of estrogens and xenoestrogens  as, like we saw at the beginning, do have a negative impact on virility and sexual performance.

There are several active ingredients that act in this regard including the DIM, a vegetable compound of cruciferous vegetables which increases estrogen metabolism; indole 3-carbinol which is also contained in the cruciferous and activates hepatic metabolism and thus contributes to the elimination of toxins and excess hormones.

Finally, green tea, resveratrol, curcumins and wasabi are also fundamental compounds to enhance reproductive health as they are powerful antioxidants; wasabi inhibits tumor cell proliferation and metastasis.

Let's start from the first category which regroups people who eat in excess trying to calm down and release some of the "stress".

In this case, the choice will always fall on starchy carbohydrates because of their fast-acting effects which immediately produce endorphins to the brain. Endorphins regulate our mood and have the ability to give us pleasure, gratification and happiness, helping us to better withstand stress. 

As we can imagine, overcoming the lack of endorphins and other neurotransmitters in the brain with high glycemic foods will increase body weight and worsening the problem in the long run.

Those who fall into the second category that was mentioned earlier, will have hunger cravings overtime leading to systematically skip meals. If you fall into either of these categories there is certainly something that can help you balance your diet.

The human brain is designed to vary the nutrients present in the food we eat.

The tongue is made to distinguish between hot and cold, sweet and salty, bitter and acidic as well as the mouth is designed to recognize food's textures and the various combinations that may be between them.

This allows the human body to be eligible for a variety of nutritional opportunities.

A balanced diet is what we need to provide our body with everything it needs.

However,  if we are stressed this will fall out of balance. As an example,  if you eat too much in an unbalanced way it will be hard to get out of this vicious circle. An advice would be starting to prioritize small portions made of whole foods that have particular characteristics in terms of sight, structure and taste.  Most importantly avoid preparing unappetizing dishes.

If you have little appetite you should eat just the right amount of food in order to satisfy your body and mind needs and cope with stress.  However,  if you are excessively hungry due to stress,  you may need to "trick" your brain with little food tricks such as presenting a variety of foods at the table which will make you full faster. By doing so, even though you eat less you will still reach your goal of feeling satiated ***

*** Prolongued  or chronic stress increases the level of particular hormones such as cortisol and reduces the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to depression. Sometimes we will  get to the point of "burning" these neurotransmitters creating a vicious circle in which neither good rest nor a balanced diet will get us out of it and restore health; supplementation is then required in order to slowly regenerate the neurotransmitters and re-balance hormone production.

 Which are the "anti-stress" foods?

"Anti stress foods" are foods that can also be consumed in small snacks but are very nutritious. If you have difficulty eating and have poor appetite, having these foods will allow you to store calories whereas if you have a habit of eating compulsively these foods will satiate your body and mind and help you release stress.     

Let's start with NUTS that are rich in Omega-3 and help the body maintain a lower blood pressure during stressful situations. Then there are KIWIS, high in vitamin C which helps reduce levels of stress hormones in the blood. OAT FLOUR,  if consumed in small portions,  provides complex carbohydrates that can increase levels of serotonin, leaving the body relaxed. 

Studies have shown that regular consumption of small amounts of CHOCOLATE can help to reduce anxiety in those who are prone. Finally, STRAWBERRIES, which are high in magnesium, can help reduce anxiety and irritability. Of course there are many others, so do not get stuck only on these 5 !

In addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet there are some natural supplements that are effective, particularly those containing Siberian ginseng.

Siberian Ginseng has gained popularity over the centuries due to its ability to restore vigor and for its adaptogenic properties. Discovered by Brekman, a Russian doctor in 1950, this natural tonic immediately showed its beneficial effects on the human body by being able to reduce physical and mental fatigue and strengthen the immune system.

Based on a large number of clinical trials we can now affirm that Siberian Ginseng has many advantages such as: increases energy levels, works as an antiviral and immune booster, improves physical and mental performance, reduces recovery time after exercise or stress, improves sexual function and supports the adrenal glands by increasing resistance to stress. Furthermore, it protects from radiation exposure and helps cancer patients to better tolerate chemotherapy. 

Eleuthero or Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that helps improve stress management. Several clinical studies have shown that this herb is able to modulate the activation of the right adrenal cortex in response to stress. In addition to this, as mentioned earlier, it helps physical and mental recovery.

Rehmmania's root has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its tonic proprieties, particularly on the adrenal glands helping against adrenal fatigue which has become a very common issue.

The Root of Rehmannia is an important blood tonic in traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Thus it is particularly important for women who have an increased blood need especially due to their heavy menstrual flows. Rehmannia's root,  when combined with Dang Gu, becomes an even more powerful blood tonic. Dang Gui is the main blood tonic in Chinese herbal medicine.

The root of Rehmmania combined with Siberian ginseng and other tonic-adaptogenic herbs can be very useful both to those who feel the need for a long-term support and for those who suffer from chronic fatigue.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is probably the most studied and known vitamin. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals in aqueous environments (intracellular fluid, plasma). It is also necessary for the formation and protection of collagen which is the main protein in the organism which is essential for connective tissue's production  (skin, vessels, bones),  tissue repair and to maintain healthy capillaries, gums and teeth.

Unfortunately, most of the vitamin C supplements on the market are for the most part synthetic and contain excipients which can often cause annoying gastric disorders. The biggest problem is that they often do not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin C to meet the daily requirements (RDA).

The best would be choosing supplements made of natural sources of vitamin C such as mixtures of camu camu grown naturally, amla, acerola, blueberries, raspberries, lemons, cranberries, cherries, rose hips, and organic sprouts; all-natural sources. 

There is a big difference between isolated ascorbic acid powders usually found in vitamin C supplements, mostly artificial, and the ones made from natural sources.

It is therefore essential to use a product that also supplies the phytonutrients that are normally combined to ascorbic acid in nature to nourish your body and help strengthen the immune system.

If all this happens, then you might be suffering from a very common syndrome which affects the thyroid gland: hypothyroidism.

Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common diagnoses and according to the data held it affects many people around the world.

A drug called Eutirox is often prescribed to thyroid sufferers. 

This medication delivers synthetic hormones produced in the lab to the patient who has a thyroid dysfunction and therefore cannot produce them but it causes a number of really annoying side effects.

Among them I can list a few: headaches, excessive sweating, diarrhea, hair loss, rash, weight gain or loss, mood swings, and heart palpitations.

Statistics show that 80% percent of the thyroids is not working properly and the main cause is low hormone level or hypothyroidism.

Unfortunately, thyroid disorders can often go unnoticed because the symptoms are attributable to a variety of other disorders. Some people tend to consider some bothersome symptoms like a normal signal due to aging  and therefore do not take them into account.

Those who take synthetic drugs, such as Eutirox, are just taking the T4 hormone and not T3.

A study conducted in 1999 and published in "The New England Journal of Medicine," discovered that patients who received a combination of T3 and T4 had benefited in terms of mood, so on a neuropsychological level, compared to those who had just taken the hormone T4 alone.
There is also another study published in 1996 that claims that T4 alone is not sufficient to fully restore thyroid function for those suffering from hypothyroidism (1).

Then, according to various studies, hormonal imbalances or thyroid malfunction respond better to natural hormone treatments.

Products based on natural hormones are avaliable on the market despite many doctor's unawareness on the matter.

Most doctors continue to prescribe those made from synthetic hormones that have all the side effects we listed earlier. There is an alternative way that suggests the use of three substances for thyroid's health,  both simple and natural.

The first one is iodine, which many do not know to be the first of thyroid nutrients. The easiest way to obtain a sufficient amount of iodine through food is using iodized sea salt. You can also try to eat some edible seaweed such as wakame and nori which are high in iodine.

Or, in case you fail to do this you can go with the iodized oil capsules which are natural dietary supplement. It is important to have an intake of at least 300 micrograms of iodine per day in order  to help our thyroid to stay healthy and perform well.

The amino acid L-tyrosine is also very important.

The thyroid gland uses tyrosine as the second primary nutrient together wth iodine to produce thyroid hormones. You can get this amino acid from protein-rich foods or take it directly through as a supplement of 500 mg per day.

Finally, antiviral substances are perhaps the most important, although less known, as there is an increase of people who are unaware of having the Epstein Barr virus in their system and later develop hypothyroidism.

It seems that this virus, present in 90% of people, when active becomes devastating for thyroid's health and not only .For more information on this,  please read this article on epstein-barr and chronic fatigue syndrome.

So this disease, which affects women from 5 up to 8 times more than men, must not be neglected. It is thought that in Europe approximately 45 million of men and women have some form of thyroid disease. The Hashimoto has even tripled. (2)

Every cell in the body has receptors for thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for body's function. Thyroid hormones acts directly on the brain, the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, on bone metabolism, red blood cell metabolism, the gallbladder and regulate liver's function in addition to the production of steroid hormones, glucose, lipids and protein's metabolism.

It is important to know that hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disease (or from the Epstein Barr virus?).

Studies show that 90% of people with hypothyroidism produce antibodies against thyroid tissue. (3) This means that the immune system itself attacks and destroys the thyroid gland which simultaneously causes a drop in thyroid hormone levels. This form of autoimmune hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto's disease.

Unfortunately, conventional medicine has no effective treatments for autoimmune diseases. For this reason they use steroids and other drugs to suppress the immune system and that have potentially harmful effects such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

In case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the consequences or side effects related to the use of immunosuppressive drugs are believed to outweigh the potential benefits. Therefore, a patient suffering from this disease is simply waiting for his immune system to have sufficiently destroyed the thyroid tissue to then classify his illness such as hypothyroidism and  being prescribed synthetic hormones.

Overtime, I discovered  some natural substances that are very effective and have no side effects.

I believe that the most effective protocol for thyroid treatment and support is the use of nascent iodine in conjunction with pico-ionic magnesium and trace minerals (trace minerals such as chrome, manganese and copper which are present in the body in very small amounts but play a fundamental role for its proper functioning) also in pico-ionic form.

All cells in our body contain and utilize  iodine. Nascent Iodine is paramagnetic edible iodine in its atomic form. This means that the iodine atoms may have an electromagnetic charge. Nascent Iodine releases a lot of energy when it is consumed and is recognized by the body as the same type of iodine used by the thyroid. This is the reason why nascent iodine is easly absorbed by the body.

Magnesium and other minerals (sodium-potassium-calcium-manganese-boron-zinc-selenium-copper-chromium-boron) are also fundamental for good functioning of the thyroid gland and the pico-ionic form allows their complete absorption on a  cellular level.

In addition,  researches have shown that SBO probiotics  (Soil Based Oragnisms), which are different from lactic acid based ones more commonly used (Bifidus and Lactobacillus), allow both to strengthen the immune system, mantain endocrine balance and greatly enhance nutrient's absorption.

Finally, organic sulfur is of vital importance for heavy metal's detoxification and chelation processes  (removing toxic substances from the body).

Aluminium, for example, is stored in the liver, bones, thyroid and the brain affecting both physical and mental health (due to its nervous system toxicity).

For further details on an individualized program for natural thyroid support do not hesitate to contact our naturopath.

A classic example is having too much zinc, which is often accompanied by a copper deficiency.

The heavy metals are trace metals with a density at least five times higher than  water. This density makes them become stable elements that cannot be be metabolized, and bio-accumulative (which accumulate in the body).

Among them we can include Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, aluminium, antimony, arsenic, tin, thallium, uranium, nickel, platinum, copper (the metal version and not the ion required by the body). Heavy metals have no beneficial function in the body and can be extremely toxic.

Once released into the environment through air, drinking water, food and innumerable man-made chemicals, heavy metals are absorbed into the body through breathing, eating and skin absorption.

At this point one might think, "Okay, but if the body eliminates them, they should not accumulate inside us!" Hoping that it is just an alarmist propaganda to scare people or to sell products, but unfortunately it is not like that.

If heavy metals enter and accumulate in the tissues faster than the physiological detoxification timing of the body, we will have a gradual build-up of toxins.

People who live in cities or travel a lot with the car for business reasons are at higher risk but unfortunately pollution is a widespread phenomenon even in most rural areas.

Human exposure to heavy metals has increased dramatically over the past 50 years, mainly because of the massive use of metals in industrial processes and products.

If we add the increase in transportation, dental amalgams, lead in drinking water, chemical residues in refined products, all products for personal care (shampoos, body and face creams, toothpastes, soaps, etc. ), there is no way out.

In addition to the dangers listed above, many professions are at risk for heavy metals exposure.

More than 50 professions are connected with toxic exposure to mercury and among them are pharmacists (lab), dentists, lithographers, jewellers, hairdressers, painters, battery makers, photographers, engravers and miners.

Researches and studies on heavy metals confirm their ability to directly influence both cognitive and neurological functions by changing our behaviour and many other metabolic processes.

Systems that may be affected by heavy metals include cardiovascular system, the detoxifying organs (colon, liver, kidneys, skin), the endocrine system, enzymatic systems, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, reproductive, urinary systems and the energy production of the body.

Most of the damage produced by heavy metals comes from the increased proliferation of free radicals.

If these unstable molecules are not constantly counteracted by antioxidants such as vitamin C, they might increase the risk of degenerative diseases.

Even if we compensate by adding quality supplements to our diet,  if the body is overloaded by heavy metals we must detoxify it with appropriate chelating substances.

Heavy metals can also increase the acidity in the blood, which compensates its pH by absorbing valuable calcium from the bones.

If this compensation mechanism continues it can lead to inflammation of the arteries and the tissues causing the extraction of even greater amounts of calcium.

This mineral "covers" the inflamed areas as a band-aid, but at the same time it does create another problem: the hardening of the arterial walls.

If we are not careful enough to replenish our calcium supply daily we put ourselves at risk for osteoporosis.

The severity of the consequences of heavy metal's exposure depends on various personal factors such as diet, metabolism, detoxification's ability and the environment we live in.

Children and the elderly who have an underdeveloped or compromised immune system due to age are more vulnerable to toxicity.

There are many chelating substances and some are more effective and safer than others.

A beneficial way is the use of zeolite.

Zeolites are microporous minerals of volcanic origin. They occur as natural minerals with a microporous structure composed by thousands of tiny channels that can tie up significant amounts of toxins and heavy metals harmful to health, as well as free radicals, nitrosamines, ammonium ion, mycotoxins, pesticides and radioactive cations.

There are many different products with zeolite, however I do recommend to use those manufactured with nanotechnologies and in the form of sprays which guarantee the best absorption rate.

With each dose an incalculable number of zeolite crystals of submicron size enter the body as energized cages negatively charged.

Since these crystal cages travel into the bloodstream, heavy metals and free radicals attach to the cages of zeolite crystals like a magnet that attracts the iron filings. This unique exchange mechanism is called "cation exchange capacity". These cages full of toxins leave the body naturally after only 5-7 hours.

Zeolite is able to attract and selectively bind toxic particles, whether it's heavy metals, radioactive particles, viruses or other hazardous substances and remove them safely before they can have an impact on overall health status.

Zeolite in the form of sprays and manufactured with nanotechnology eliminates the overload of toxic substances but also improves immunity, alkalinizes the body, enhances metabolic function and the absorption of nutrients. 

Moreover, since it is pre-activated with ions that promote health such as calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium it offers a double the performance for the price of one. The exchange removes toxins from the body and replaces them with essential nutrients.

Another excellent and cheaper way to chelate heavy metals, is by using organic sulphur (MSM), which is a very important mineral for our health, but unfortunately always less and less present in sufficient quantities on our soil (due to intensive agriculture methods), there less in our food.

Sulphur has the advantage of also increasing our energy levels, is involved in the production of collagen and has antiviral and antibacterial functions too.

If you're interested in using organic sulphur (MSM), make sure it's free of additives/eccipients and that it is in crystal forms as they seem to be to have the best effect.

I hope that sooner or later you may decide to follow a detox path keeping in mind that in order to eliminate most of heavy metals it is necessary to take the chelating agent for a few years because the body uses the bones for storage of these toxins.

The bones regenerate about every eight years so you obviously must detoxify for a long time in order to eliminate metals from the deepest levels of our skeleton.

I also find it useful to check if the product you are using is actually chelating our body from heavy metals otherwise we may spend money for years for a product that might work for some people but not for us.

A good way to get a check done would be with a a Mineralogram.