Prednisone is a synthetic form of corticosteroid that can be administered in topical, injectable, or oral form. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid’s which act like hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland.
Prednisone is prescribed to very effectively suppress immune system response when treating a variety of inflammatory diseases and disorders. This includes arthritis, eczema, some cancers, irritable bowel symptoms, asthma, allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, chronic pain conditions and many others.
When our bodies are under stress, a natural steroid hormone called cortisol is a released. Cortisol is part of the “fight or flight” response which causes changes to blood pressure, blood sugar, immune and inflammatory response. These changes are not harmful when the body has a chance to recover from the stress inducing event. Stress responses can become very problematic if triggered too frequently.
The immune system cannot operate properly under the influence of excessive cortisol. Impaired immunity leaves the door open to illness and disease. Because prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid it should be used cautiously, infrequently, and sparingly to reduce the likelihood of complications. When used judiciously, it can be a wonderful drug.
However, when prednisone is taken for more than a few weeks, it causes the adrenal gland to shrink, producing fewer natural steroid hormones. That is why discontinuing prednisone and other corticosteroids much be done slowly so that the adrenal gland can return to normal production. Sudden drug withdrawal can trigger dangerous side effects. There are also some terrible possible side effects and complications which can occur when using prednisone:
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body with 99% of it stored in the bones and teeth. Beyond skeletal structure calcium impacts multiple systems including the cardiovascular, nervous system, immune response, hormone and enzyme function and healthy cholesterol levels.
44-87% of the U.S. populace are deficient in calcium. Using the steroid Prednisone leaches calcium from the bones, which greatly increases calcium requirements.
So the question is, what form of calcium is best? Frequently, people complain that they have tried supplementing with calcium or other nutrients and noticed no benefit. In the past, I had the same experience. What I found out was that it wasn’t that the compound didn’t work. The problem was that my body could not extract the benefits of the compound due to the form it was delivered in.
Many calcium supplements are made from calcium found in eggshell or oyster shell, which is difficult for the body to absorb. Other brands use calcium tablets that possess a binding agent called DCP, which does not break down in the body. Just because a brand lists a large amount of calcium on the label does not mean that your body will be able to utilize it.
Isotonix® Calcium Plus is a powdered form that, when mixed with the amount of water indicated, becomes isotonic. An isotonic solution is extremely easy for the body to absorb and will begin entering into the blood stream in less than five minutes. This highly efficient and active product will get to the receptor sites in the small intestine unlike many other brands of tablets which have been jokingly referred to as “bedpan bullets“.
Benefits that distinguish Isotonix® Calcium Plus are:
It’s isotonic – (is ready to be absorbed by the intestines)
It’s very affordable – ($18.50 for a 45 day supply)
It’s drinkable – (and tastes good)
It’s bioavailable – (delivers highly concentrated and active nutrition)
By Ann the Marathon Runner and P.T. from Poulsbo, WA on 6/6/2009
I’ve tried various types of daily calcium products. This is far and away the easiest to use and it tastes good too. I’ve found that I really notice a difference in how I feel when I use the product and after just one month. I will buy it every month from now on.
By LK from Northern NH on 8/4/2009
I really like this product- it is a thousand times better than the calcium “horse pills” that you buy at the store. This powder is easy to take, and you can take just half a dose if you are drinking a lot of milk or use milk products. I would recommend it to any woman.
Curcumin is the most biologically active ingredient found in the herb, tumeric, which is part of the ginger family. Used for centuries in Indian cooking, this potent phytochemical (plant chemical) has been identified as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid (inhibits abnormal protein deposits – like brain plaque), anti-tumor (causes apoptosis or cell death in cancerous cells) and enhances immune system function by increasing the production of glutathione.
If that wasn’t enough – there’s more!
A recent study published in Psychopharmacology on curcumin found that it behaves like a natural antidepressant by increasing serotonin as well as dopamine levels.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is often treated with antidepressants to balance MAO’s (monoamine oxidase enzymes). A safe and natural compound like curcumin could be a very welcome option for many.
Unfortunately, most natural forms of curcumin are not very bioavailable. By the time they pass from the stomach into the small intestine for absorption the active ingredient is quite degraded and has lost its potency. However, a naturally-occurring and patented form of curcumin has been developed called BCM-95®, which delivers six times more bioactive curcumin into the blood than typical curcumin.
Curcumin Extreme™ contains this optimal type of pharmacologically bioactive curcumin known as BCM-95® in a unique synergistic formula.
The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published study results recommending that vitamin D3 be used in conjunction with curcumin to prevent Alzheimer’s and cellular damage/destruction to brain cells caused by free radicals through oxidative stress.
According to Dr. Milan Fiala, study author and a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, “We hope that vitamin D3 and curcumin, both naturally occurring nutrients, may offer new preventive and treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s disease.”
Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 is a drinkable, highly bioavailable and active form of D3. Using Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 along withCurcumin Extreme™ would be an excellent response to Dr. Fiala’s suggestion.
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) affects over 21 million Americans and is usually seen in the hips, knees, feet, low-back and hands.
In the early stages OA may start as stiffness or slight limit in range of motion. As it progresses, pain and swelling set in.
Overuse of the joint is typically what causes osteoarthritis. Repetitive use of the joint contributes to the deterioration of the joint cartilage. As the cartilage dwindles, the ends of the joint bones thicken and move closer together. Bone spurs (called osteophytes) and nodes often form as the condition worsens further reducing mobility and increasing pain and stiffness.
Retaining and regenerating bone cartilage is paramount to addressing osteoarthritis. A published study done in 2007 suggested that use of antioxidants and vitamins that included vitamin C and vitamin E may reduce the risk of bone marrow lesions, benefit cartilage health, and reduce the chances of OA. Additionally, supplementing with omega 3 fish oils, glucosamine, vitamin D3, calcium, magnesium and Pycnogonel® has also been shown to improve or ward-off OA.
Glucosatrin® Bone and Joint Health is a unique glucosamine joint product. It contains glucosamine HCI, vitamin C, vitamin D3, oleanolic acid, Chinese skullcap, plus other synergistic nutrients and herbs. It does not contain chondroitin due to the potential negative side effects that product possesses (which includes hair loss, nausea, diarrhea and heart palpitations). Chondroitin has also been associated with compromised prostate health in men. Glucosatrin® promotes the retention and normal regeneration of bone cartilage with known safe and effective ingredients.
A double blind clinical study published in 2007 showed that after two months of use Pycnogenol® improved joint function by 52%, reduce pain by 43% and lessen stiffness by 35%. Isotonix OPC-3® is the only form of isotonic Pycnogenol® in the world. Drinking this amazing product allows up to 95% of the benefits of Pycnogenol® plus the other ingredients (grape seed, red wine, bilberry and citrus extracts) to be quickly absorbed and put to work in the blood stream. Using Isotonix OPC-3® is an effective way of improving cellular function while reducing inflammation and pain.
The future’s so bright for this super nutrient, it really is going to need shades! Formerly, it seemed like we only heard warnings about too much sun exposure. So we heeded recommendations to use sunscreen to protect us from damage to our skin which could make us look older or give us skin cancer.
Now doctors are discovering that the majority of adults and children are not getting enough vitamin D and it is contributing to poor health, so they are recommending supplementing with this vitamin for good reason. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to a wide variety of illness and disease, including:
Osteoporosis
Cancer
High blood pressure
Type 1 diabetes
Tuberculosis
Low back pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Multiple sclerosis
Birth defects
Parkinson’s disease
Seasonal affective disorder
Periodontal disease
Vitamin D also encourages muscle development. Recent studies done at the University of Manchester have determined that young girls (12-14 years) who were supplemented with vitamin D demonstrated more muscular strength and explosive power.
When selecting a vitamin D supplement bear in mind that D3 is superior to D2 due to it’s bioavailability. The best quality vitamin D supplement that I know of is Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2. Isotonix® D includes a synergistic vitamin known as K2 which, in additional to bone health, promotes vascular integrity. Because this product is an isotonic formula, up to 95% of the nutrients are absorbed and enter into the blood stream just minutes after drinking it.
After experiencing the benefits of potent antioxidants like Isotonix® OPC-3 and Glucosatrin®, people petitioned for the similar products for their dogs and cats. In response to those requests, a line of products called PetHealth™ was created.
PetHealth™ has unique vitamins, antioxidants and safe and effective grooming products that your dog or cat will thrive on. In particular, the PetHealth™ OPC with Glucosamine also contains Pycnogenol® and is an amazing anti-inflammatory for animals that are experiencing joint pain and/or age related issues.
A friend of mine has a dog that had been suffering from chronic ear infections for over 6 months. The vet had tried a variety of medications including several rounds of prednisone which only worked temporarily. At her wits end she called me and asked about the PetHealth™ OPC. I told her that steroids work by suppressing normal immune response which inhibits swelling and inflammation. Unfortunately that suppression is accomplished through a massive free radical release. So basically, the steroids temporarily reduce inflammation, but long term they create more cellular damage.
Apparently her dog had scratched his ears until they were bleeding, so my friend decided to try the PetHealth™ OPC rather than another round of steroids. After giving her dog double doses, twice a day, she noticed improvement in less than a week. After two and a half weeks her dog had healthly ears again and he was bounding up stairs that he hadn’t been able to climb since he was a much younger dog!
If you don’t really like the overpowering floral scent in a lot of dog shampoos, try the PetHealth™ Hypoallergenic or Medicated Shampoo. These shampoos are sulfate-free, phosphate-free, alcohol-free, preservative-free and paraben-free leaving the dog witha silky coat and a subtle woodsy lavendar scent.
Curcuminoids are the group of compounds found in curcumim, derived from tumeric. Researchers at the University of Arizona and University of Kansas tested the effect of several curcuminoids on laboratory animals when arthritis was induced. They found that the curcuminoids were efficacious in preventing joint inflammation when treatment was started before the onset of joint inflammation.
Curcumin has been used for centuries as a treatment for inflamation, but this is the the first in vivo (living organism) study on its effect on arthritis.
Read the Abstract (full study requires registration)
A recent episode of Sunday Housecall on Fox News discusses the benefits of French maritime pine bark, a.k.a. Pycnogenol, for arthritis symptoms and other issues.
Pycnogenol is one of the key ingredients of Isotonix OPC-3.
Several recent articles have shows that Pycnogenol® significantly reduces pain and inflammation of Osteoarthritis (20% in knee study, 56% in arthritis study). The studies also found that pain and inflammation stayed low for 2-4 weeks after discontinuation, indication that Pycnogenol® actually helped the joints to recover and did not just mask the symptoms.
In contrast, the New England Journal of Medicine has found that surgery has been found to provide virtually no benefit to patients.
Prednisone is a synthetic form of corticosteroid that can be administered in topical, injectable, or oral form. Corticosteroids are a class of steroid’s which act like hormones that are produced by the adrenal gland.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body with 99% of it stored in the bones and teeth. Beyond skeletal structure calcium impacts multiple systems including the cardiovascular, nervous system, immune response, hormone and enzyme function and healthy cholesterol levels.
Used for centuries in Indian cooking, this potent phytochemical (plant chemical) has been identified as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid (inhibits abnormal protein deposits – like brain plaque), anti-tumor (causes apoptosis or cell death in cancerous cells) and enhances immune system function by increasing the production of glutathione.
usually seen in the hips, knees, feet, low-back and hands.
adults and children are not getting enough vitamin D and it is contributing to poor health, so they are recommending supplementing with this vitamin for good reason. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to a wide variety of illness and disease, including:
of Arizona and University of Kansas tested the effect of several curcuminoids on laboratory animals when arthritis was induced. They found that the curcuminoids were efficacious in preventing joint inflammation when treatment was started before the onset of joint inflammation.
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