Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Stem Cells & Friedreich's Ataxia

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to tell you about a stem cell supplement which I recently came across.
I had previously read about a few Friedreich's Ataxia patients that were benefiting from stem cell treatments. The downside was, they had to travel to China or parts of Europe to receive the treatment. The supplement which I found works by promoting your body's production, release, and circulation of your own stem cells which are normally found in your bone marrow. The supplement is completely natural (I wouldn't pay it any attention if it weren't) and inexpensive.

I really can't say if it is a natural cure for Friedreich's Ataxia...I have been taking it for about 2 weeks now and I am noticing some benefits: a subtle improvement in my balance, a slight increase in strength, and a noticeable reduction in leg spasms are the benefits I have noticed so far. Only time will tell whether or not this will result in a complete healing. I am on a once per month autoship program (I save $5/bottle that way) and I plan to continue taking it for at least a year. I will report further benefits via this blog, so keep checking back.
By the way, with the autoship discount, the supplement is $43.97/bottle of 90 capsules and it is recommended to take 3 caps/day (so one bottle will last one month). To me, a chance to regain my health, to walk and run, and perhaps even scale a mountain is well worth $43.97 per month. If you decide to take this supplement, please post comments with any benefits you experience.

For more info on this supplement, Click Here.

Yours in Natural Health,

Viny D'Errico

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Rewriting Our Genes

The majority of our society still believe the old idea that one's health is pre-determined and one is essentially a victim of one's genes.

Cellular biologist are beginning to disprove this idea, and form a whole new concept. Biologists now realize that the expression of our genes is controlled by their environment and our perception of the environment. Each one of us is directly responsible for our health and the choices the we make...the foods we consume, the emotions that we hold within, and our general attitude all contribute to the expression of our genes and their manifestations of health and disease.

Your health is not predetermined...you have more control than you may think.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Atrial Fibrillation & Friedreich's Ataxia

Atrial Fibrillation is a form of arrhythmia(rapid/irregular heart beat) which can sometimes accompany Friedreich's Ataxia. Atrial fibrillation (usually referred to as A-Fib) is a rapid, irregular, and incomplete "fluttering" of the atria (the two, smaller, upper chambers of the heart).
One of the key issues with A-Fib is: the atrial contractions are incomplete meaning the atria do not fully contract to the point where blood is being pumped - this is what leads to the sudden drop in blood pressure, chills, and a pale complexion. Basically, the atria are in spasm and just quivering without completely contracting - and this is why blood thinners are usually given to people who are prone to A-Fib - it is just a precaution due to the risk of blood clots developing in the atria while the blood is pooling there. I was given coumadin for this but I have determined that the negatives outweigh the positives so I stopped taking it. I prefer natural blood thinners like Ginkgo Biloba, Hawthorn, natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol is natural - dl-alpha is chemically manufactured), Co-Enzyme Q10, and Omega 3 fatty acids like Krill Oil or Fish Oil.

Some natural A-Fib preventatives include:
1. Co Q10
2. Omega 3 EFAs
3. Magnesium
4. Hawthorn
5. Water - A-Fib can be caused by dehydration
6. Meditation - A-fib can be caused by mental and emotional stress

Yours in Natural Health,
Vin D'Errico

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Gene Expression, Antioxidants, & Friedreich's Ataxia

Many people are under the impression that if they are born with a particular defective gene for a particular disease, like Friedreich's Ataxia or cancer, they will develop this condition sometime in their life.

This is simply not true!

Although one may have a defective gene which can make that person vulnerable to specific diseases, these genes must be activated by free radicals before they can be expressed. Everyone is born with these `bad genes`, but not everyone develops diseases because not everyone adopts a lifestyle which exposes them to high levels of free radicals and low levels of antioxidants which have the ability to deactivate these genes.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Introduction

My goal here is to provide information that I have gathered over the years pertaining to natural healing/alternative medicine and Friedreich's Ataxia. If someone can learn something from one of my posts which improves their own condition or stops and reverses the progression, then the time I have invested here will be well worth it. I encourage you to leave a comment and share your own story and opinions here.

I'd like to now introduce myself before I go any further:
I was diagnosed with FA in 2004 when I was in the tenth grade. My dad had always been interested in natural medicine and it was around that time I began to read Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About by Kevin Trudeau.
A year later, I started seeing a naturopath who told me about the school he went to for his natural health education: Clayton College of Natural Health. After receiving a small scholarship the following year, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Natural Health/Doctor of Naturopathy program and I received my Bachelor's Degree in January 2010.
So, that is the short version of my story...I'd love to here yours.

Yours in Natural Health,
Viny D'Errico