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When the heart begins to fail, symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, ankle swelling, or fluid retention show up and require immediate attention.

Early if not unusual body indicators can help to prevent some of the familiar aspects of cardiovascular disease. In some cases lumps and bumps or painful swelling can even warn you about the presence of deadly bacteria in your bloodstream.

1 Increasing waistline

Insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes are directly connected to heart disease. Look at yourself in the mirror and check your waistline. Is it spreading? For ladies the upper limit is 88 cm, for men it is 102 cm. Is there excess belly fat? Take a diagonal skinfold between the belly button and the waistline. If the fingers can’t squeeze down to closer than 1-2 cm then your body mass index is too high.

2 Erectile dysfunction

This is noticeable and may be an early indicator of the problems that lead to poor circulation with inflammation, such as a build-up of plaque in the arteries.

3 Changes in skin can indicate arterial fibrillation

Cameras and scanners can detect skin changes that indicate uneven blood flow caused by arterial fibrillation. An irregular or sometimes rapid heart rate can affect circulation when the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat out of sync. If left untreated it increases the risk for blood clots and stroke.

4 The iris indicates triglyceride levels, lymphatic conditions and heart lung defects

We can see that fats are accumulating in the blood stream  by the white ring that appears around the iris as we get older. Another white circle around the iris can show at a glance how congested the lymphatic system is. People who have had serious heart or lung problems will have a darkened spot where these zones are represented on the left iris.

5 Yellow bumps around the eyes or on the body

Xanthomas are deposits of fat that build up under the skin. They may appear as small yellow bumps or as flat, wide appendages on your elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. A type of xanthoma called “xanthelasma palpebra” appears on the eyelids. They may indicate insulin resistance or high cholesterol levels. Eruptive xanthomas appear as crops of yellow-orange papules with reddish borders on arms, legs and usually the buttocks when triglyceride levels are greater than 11 mmol/L (1000 mg/d).

6 Skin tags indicate insulin resistance (HBP, cholesterol and diabetes)

Skin tags are protruding growths on the skin, especially on the neck that look like warts or sacks. They are often darker in colour. These are called skin tags. They are unsightly and irritating yet are harmless. They will increase to the extent you are insulin resistant. You may already have high blood pressure.

7 Swelling under the eyes, blue rings may indicate kidney dysfunction and fluid retention.

Blue smears under the eyes or blackened rings (raccoon eyes) indicate dehydration and  food allergies – especially to wheat or gluten. Carbon dioxide gets trapped in the tiny blood vessels and so the skin appears to be blue.

8 Clubbing or bulbous fingers and toes caused by low oxygen in the blood

If the nails are clubbing or becoming round and bulbous at the tips it may be connected to a chronic shortage of oxygen. This can indicate aortic valve disease especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, a chronic cough, fatigue and chest pain.  If extremities feel numb it may be associated with diabetes – another cause of poor circulation and nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy.

9 Fingers that warn us about bacterial endocarditis

Splinter haemorrhages happen when tiny blood clots form in the capillaries beneath finger and toe nails. If this occurs in a person with a heart murmur and an ongoing low grade fever it could indicate an infection of the heart valves called bacterial endocarditis. Osler’s nodes and “Janeway” lesions are red painful little lumps most commonly found on the pads of the fingers and toes and as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They are not painful and are usually associated with acute bacterial endocarditis. (Page 36, 99 )

10 Swelling of the feet and lower legs

Oedema refers to swollen areas, especially around the ankles due to fluid retention. Most people with peripheral oedema do not have heart disease, but when combined with other conditions it can indicate heart failure.

11 Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration due to a lack of haemoglobin

It is usually seen on the lips, nail beds, earlobes, and cheeks. This happens when the absolute concentration of reduced haemoglobin exceeds 5 g/dL. In peripheral cyanosis, a slowing of blood flow and over extraction of oxygen from blood can be caused by reactions to shock or congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease or Raynaud’s syndrome.

12 Red, purple or black skin patches

Warfarin and other aggressive anticoagulant drugs can cause painful areas of erythema (redness) that may become purpuric (purple) and necrotic (black, stagnant or dead). An imbalance in the levels of anticoagulant and pro coagulant vitamin K–dependent factors causes the leakage of blood into tissues. (Pages 53-60, 105, 121) It affects subcutaneous fat: for example breasts, abdomen, buttocks, thighs or calves.

13 Skin tone pale or red, spider veins

Red spots, like patches of blood pooling beneath the skin is an early indicator of a vitamin C deficiency. It is usually is accompanied by bleeding gums – another sign that collagen is breaking down and not being replaced. The skin shows easy bruising and bleeding and small spider veins form, usually on the cheeks. Blood vessels begin to weaken and degenerate. Red-faced people have a lot of blood racing through their system while pale-skinned ghostly white complexions are associated with anaemia. They lack haemoglobin, the substance needed by red blood cells to carry oxygen. As a result they are tired and are short of oxygen.

14 Yellow, grey or coppery skin tones

Excessive iron accumulation within the organs and tissues results in a disease called haemochromatosis. It can also be caused by a genetic quirk in people who absorb over 4 times the amount of iron they need from food sources. Haemochromatosis is dangerous for the heart because iron oxidizes and can damage heart muscle. If left untreated congestive heart failure is usually the result.

15 Bulging eyes indicate hyperthyroidism and irregular heart beat

Ocular proptosis (bulging or “pop eyes”) are evident in people with Graves disease or other hyperthyroid abnormalities that affect the heart rate, cardiomyopathy, supraventricular arrhythmias, or atrial fibrillation.

16 Dry hair, coarse skin, clammy hands associated with Hypothyroidism – low cardiac output

Hypothyroidism is associated with an increased resting heart rate, decreased contractility, and decreased cardiac output. Diastolic pressure is increased and pulse pressure is narrowed. Cardiac output may be reduced by up to 30%-40% as a result of decreased stroke volume and heart rate. There is increased systemic vascular resistance plus arterial stiffness. Higher homocysteine levels, increased C-reactive protein and higher blood viscosity are usually present to a degree. About 90% of patients with overt hypothyroidism have elevated total cholesterol and LDL levels.

17 Diagonal ear lobe creases

An earlobe crease combined with fatty deposits on the eyelids (xanthelasmata), a receding hairline or baldness and a larger waistline all indicate cardiovascular problems. The crease can also be seen on younger people with a high potential for cardiovascular problems. They are said to be associated with an increased heart attack risk of 57% and ischemic heart disease by 39%. Diagonal creases were present in 123 (72%) of 171 men and 88 (67%) of 132 women in heart disease assessment. They are more common on the left ear. (This is the reflex pathway of the heart meridian.)

18 Mercury fillings increase the toxic potential

An alarming study found patients with advanced congestive heart failure to have up to 22,000 times the mercury levels in the heart of those without amalgam fillings.

19 Gum Diseases and sources of direct bleeding like leaky gut

Swollen, sore, and or bleeding gums (gingivitis) are usually a sign of poor oral hygiene, but may also be an important indicator of heart disease. Any lesions in the mouth act as channels for bacteria that can directly enter the bloodstream. Dentists may accidentally cut the gum tissue or cause a wound. This is one of the reasons why they prescribe antibiotics – to protect the heart! People who have a leaky gut are also more prone to bacterial infections that affect the heart due to the direct access the intestinal microbes have to the bloodstream when the lining is damaged. (See endocarditis pages 36, 99)

References from Healthy Happy Heart by Dr James Liddell and Sue Visser

Chapter 9 pages 111 – 116 Visible signs of heart problems

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ADD School Problems

BACKGROUND

DEFINITION: Hyperactivity or Hyperkinesia is considered to be a state of abnormal mental and physical restlessness. Behaviour is often unruly and boisterous or impulsive and fidgety. There is little need for sleep. These children prove to have endurance levels beyond those of their parents, teachers and siblings. Living intimately with such an individual is a traumatic and exhausting experience.

Expecting such a child to calm down and concentrate on school work without any form of medication would be asking for too much. They seem to tap into an energy system that gives them superior powers of endurance for which there seems to be no explanation. Their limited attention span seems to be overcompensated for with an uncontrollable surge of raw, primitive energy. Although this problem is on the increase we must be aware of the consequences of using dangerous amphetamines prior to correcting the nutritional deficiencies in the child’s diet.

Please keep an open mind during this discussion about these “disorders”. Our ultimate goal is to achieve healthy, happy children who do not have to live under a sinister cloud of threats from authorities who insist that they have a disorder that may not even exist. 90% of the cases being presented every day in schools in this country are being incorrectly diagnosed as the basis of the examination is downright fraudulent.

There is no reason to add more stress to a child who may not be able to study due to stress in the first place. Amphetamines cause even more stress to the body as they trigger the fight and flight stress response by stimulating the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. There must be a way to solve this problem. Let us persevere and look at the variety of causes and solutions that current research has to offer.

RITALIN,COCAINE,SLIMMING DRUGS AND CAFFEINE : THE GLORY STORY

Would you treat a child’s “attention deficit disorder (ADD)” with Cocaine or Ritalin? These  brain stimulants  have dangerous side-effects and can be habit-forming. You may not even know that your child takes drugs at school. Some children sell their Ritalin for extra cash while others smoke Dagga or Mandrax because the Ritalin makes them restless. Others steal slimming pills or save up their Ritalin to get a “high” and “party” all night. Over 80% of today’s cocaine addicts took Ritalin at school.

RITALIN : THE NEW SCHOOL MASTER ?

“ADD” means your child has a learning problem and Ritalin is usually recommended for treatment. We are told that: “It works- the child gets better marks at school.” Some pupils do “improve” on the medication, but it is not a case of: “The more Ritalin you take, the smarter you get.” Just the opposite applies: artificial stimulants reduce levels of natural stimulants in the brain and lead to a physical dependence on drugs to function normally. Not all children can tolerate the sensation that Ritalin gives them. They are not all able to calm down, study or concentrate and become model students on Ritalin.Ritalin is merely a drug and as such, it has contra indications, side effects and certain limitations.

Both Ritalin and certain slimming drugs are taken for the “benefits” of side effects the drug produces and not for the intended use as a brain stimulant or amphetamine. Ritalin can be taken at three levels: small doses to stimulate the brain, larger doses to suppress the nervous system and thus counteract hyperactivity and lastly, overdosing that sets off a stress response in the body. Nobese, Appetrol, Dietene, etc, are brain stimulants used as slimming drugs. Ritalin is a brain stimulant commonly used to calm down children and help them to study. As with amphetamines, overdosing and abuse can lead to hysteria, delusions, paranoia, crying fits, excitability, dilated pupils, dry mouth, excessive sweating, suicidal tendencies and eventually  nervous depression and the burn-out phase of the stress response.

Other side effects include growth retardation, unwanted weight loss, malnutrition, nausea, dizziness, lethargy, skin rashes and a change in blood pressure with irregular or violent heart palpitations. Physical and psychological dependence is common and stimulants such as Speed and Cocaine are often sought after in later years. Some children drink alcohol or smoke Dagga or Mandrax to counteract the Ritalin or they take slimming drugs that contain Fenfluramine as it has a sedative effect. To wake up again, they take amphetamines.

In America Ritalin is regarded as a “dangerous drug” by the Food and Drug Administration and the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Don’t be fooled!  Parents are reassured that Ritalin is a harmless, non habit-forming drug. The effect of Ritalin wears off after a few hours so it is taken every day. The brain becomes tolerant to Ritalin, so the doses are increased. Some schools will not accept pupils unless they are on Ritalin. That means children taking this schedule 7 drug can be taught but if treated with natural remedies, food supplements and diets they are often viewed with suspicion.

We should question the integrity of drug pushers who insist we abuse dangerous drugs for an automatic solution to our child’s learning problems. Is it symptomatic of the brainwashing that we ourselves have been subjected to? Every time we reach for a wonder drug to cure our headaches, stomach ulcers or aches and pains that result from mismanaging our bodies are we not guilty of neglect and laziness? We want results, we want them fast and so we reach for a quick fix. It is too easy to say we do not understand the causes of attention deficit disorders. It always requires effort to unveil the origin of a disease. If eventually we do find that a faulty genetic factor is to blame, do we automatically reach for the Ritalin and try to ignore the consequences of giving schedule 7 drugs to little children?

THERE ARE SAFER WAYS TO TREAT “ATTENTION DEFICIT” CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

Natural  remedies  may  take longer to correct “attention deficit” disorders, but their effects are more permanent and have a better effect on one’s overall health. No more “hype-ups, let-downs or feeling funny”. Not all adults have very long attention spans either. How many people actually listen to you or make sense when they speak themselves? Studies show that all children with learning disorders suffer from a lack of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, B vitamins and essential fatty acids, as well as amino acids like L-taurine. The brain cannot manufacture them, regardless of the amount of stimulants given.

Ritalin suppresses the appetite and children who have zinc deficiencies are fussy eaters who crave sweets, junk foods and fizzy drinks. Low blood sugar is not a deficiency of sugar. It is caused by sugar abuse. The saying: “Sugar gives you go” is not true. Sugar triggers the release of too much insulin when consumed without protein, fat or fibre. The body craves more sugar because the excess insulin once again lowers blood sugar and affects one’s ability to concentrate.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF “ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS”

Symptoms of low blood sugar are: a dizzy feeling, headaches, moodiness, irritability, confusion and a lack of concentration. They usually occur by mid morning in pupils who have not had a substantial breakfast. If they start the day with sugar coated cereals and very little else, their blood sugar will reach an all time low after two hours. “ADD” is common in children and adults who suffer from bad eating habits. Stimulants are not going to compensate for a lack of food. Adults  take coffee, appetite suppressants and herbal stimulants when  they can’t concentrate, but their children are given a schedule 7 drug!

NATURAL PRODUCTS THAT HAVE PRODUCED VERY GOOD RESULTS WITH “ADD”

The best way to deal with blood sugar disorders is to prevent them. Start with nutritious breakfasts, meals and snacks every two hours. Cut out sugar and junk food. Give vitamin and mineral supplements every day. A recent study showed that over 30% of the “attention deficient” children who took adequate daily supplements of zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium were able to come off their medications. Many people suffer from acidic constitutions as a result of alkaline mineral deficiencies. Trials with calcium and magnesium supplements indicate a return to an ideal salivary pH of 7 after a few weeks. Their low blood sugar problems also improved.

Vitamin E. Many parents have used this vitamin to control hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders. It has a calming, soothing effect. It is recommended as a supplement in conjunction with multivitamins and minerals. 100 or 200mg were given in the mornings before school.

HYPERBAN from NRF. A fully comprehensive supplement designed for school children by Professor Serfontein who has a very scientific approach to this problem. The supplement includes all the nutrients the growing child requires to achieve learning and concentration skills. Vitamins and amino acids serve as natural brain stimulants and they have a more permanent effect. A sensible healthy diet is also recommended and results can be expected within a few weeks

VITAMIN B12 and folic acid lozenges can be sucked under the tongue and given once or twice a day immediately before the study period. The brain is naturally energized and focused and it is safe to use, with no sinister side effects. You can try it for yourself. The small white  pills cost about 30c each and are made by LEPPIN or the NRF who call it: FOLAVITE. Does wonders for self-esteem and the pills can be packed into an old Ritalin container or something with a prescription label and given to the teacher responsible who insists on drugging the kids. If she relaxes, you relax and the kid can get on with studying without more stress from adults who get uptight!

Lastly, have a good look at the diets we provide for blood types and the useful NATURE FRESH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET that suits most conditions, especially ADD, ADHD, allergies, etc.

Well-nourished and happy children have abundant levels of energy and an acceptable concentration span that is usually better than that of their parents. Their non-verbal IQ levels are way above the children who live exclusively on junk foods and sweets. Yes, there is another a cure for “attention deficit disorders”