Heavy Metals & Testing

Heavy Metals

Today, probably more than any time in the history of man we are exposed to an incredible plethora of toxic elements. Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminum, are in our food, water, atmosphere, vaccines, and especially our dental fillings.

Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, antibiotics, and hormones are in most of the food we eat, unless you eat organic. Processed foods are full of preservatives and other chemicals which if consumed non-diluted would most certainly be fatal.

Finally, many of the containers we routinely use are full of chemicals that can leach into the foodstuffs they are designed to hold. All in all, regardless of how things appear, we live in a toxic soup.

Where do Heavy Metals come from?

Some heavy metals occur naturally in the environment (arsenic in well water); most are a result of industrial pollution.

Mercury, the most toxic of all heavy metals, is found in fish and shellfish , amalgam fillings, air from spills, incinerators and industries that burn mercury-containing fuels, preservatives in vaccines (Thimerosol), workplace contamination (dental, health services, chemical, and other industries that use mercury), contamination of supplements (non purified fish oil or cod liver oil; herbs from China or India).
Lead is found in old, lead based paint and in ceramic products. It contaminates the environment through burning fossil fuels, mining, and manufacturing (production of batteries, ammunition, metal products - solder and pipes - and devices to shield X-rays).

Arsenic is used as a wood preservative (contamination through breathing saw dust), in pesticides, semiconductors and car batteries. It is also found in well water and fish.

What are the Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity?

As Heavy Metals affect many organs and functions of the body, they elicit complaints and symptoms that are different from person to person and do not easily fit into the usual diagnostic categories. Therefore they often are difficult to diagnose.

 Here are some of the symptoms of chronic mercury toxicity:

Nervous System: Irritability, low concentration, memory loss, insomnia, depression, anxiety, tingling of the extremities, tremors, disturbed sense of smell and taste (metallic taste), unexplained burning sensation or numbness, pain, headaches, fatigue, tinnitus.

Immune System: Chronic or frequent viral, bacterial or fungal (Candida) infections, autoimmune disorders, allergies. The EPA has determined that methyl-mercury is a possible human carcinogen.
Cardiovascular: Abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy.
Skin: Eczema, allergies.

Endocrine System: Hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, adrenal disease, infertility.

Gastrointestinal: Food sensitivities, bacterial or fungal overgrowth, recurrent parasitic infections, abdominal cramps, irritable bowl symptoms.

Systemic: Premature aging, fatigue, fibromyalgia.

Are you ready to test to see if you have heavy metals? 

Osumex has simple to use at home test kit for a preliminary determination of the presence of an identified range of heavy metals.

These heavy metals comprises:
cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, zinc

The HMTG kit utilises chemical reagents to show the presence of heavy metals. The free metal ions of the heavy metals, if present, stimulate a colour change to the reagents. Accordingly, the more metal ions are present, the stronger the resultant colour change.

The HMTG kit is suitable for testing any liquid medium such as saliva, urine, breast milk, tap water, etc., provided that the liquid is fairly clear preferably without suspended solids or sediments. Straining the liquid to be tested would be a good idea to achieve a clear colour change and for an easier reading. Solids such as food, supplements, raw fish, etc. can be tested after it has been soaked in distilled water for 24 hours or treated. For example, to test raw fish, place it in a microwave and heat for about 20 seconds to extract juices from it. The juice from the fish can be tested for the presence of heavy metals ions.

The HMT General kit can be used to test for:

*mercury leaked from amalgam dental fillings - use saliva

*heavy metals in the body - use urine but it will not show mercury because the presence of any other metal will "mask" it

*mercury in fish - use juice from cooking a chunk of the fish in a microwave

*heavy metals in water such as tap, well, ground, etc

*mercury in breast milk

*heavy metals in environmental solids by liquidizing or soaking the item in distilled water for 24 hours, then filter, prior to testing

*heavy metals in herbs or medication by soaking the item in distilled water for 24 hours, then filter, prior to testing

The first step to healing is knowing where you stand. Do you know your heavy metal levels? 

Mushrooms and the 8 Essential Sugars Critical to a Healthy Body.

Glyconutrients are known as the 8 essential sugars needed for optimal health and functioning in humans. Nutritional scientists and glycobiologists have identified over 200 glyconutrients found in nature but only 8 are essential for cell-to-cell communication in people. 

All of the 8 essential sugars (saccharides) aid in intercellular communication, but each glyconutrient also has special properties as well on a cellular level. 

Here is a list of the 8 essential sugars:

1. Glucose 2. Mannose 3. Galactose 4. Fucose (not to be confused with fructose) 5. N-AcetylGalactosamine 6. N-AcetylGlucosamine 7. N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid 8. Xylose

Now, everyone is familiar with glucose since this is the most talked about of the 8 essential sugars and the one that supplies energy to our cells and muscles. Table sugar itself is composed of glucose and fructose (not fucose) and we know what eating sugar will do to our energy level (or that of our kids!). 

Mannose is a little different from glucose since it is absorbed 8 times slower and through the upper GI tract. Mannose is perhaps THE major player when it comes to intercellular communication. Mannose is involved in more cell interactions than any of the other sugars and a deficiency in mannose has been linked to a whole host of health problems.

Galactose is another of the 8 essential glyconutrients and in found mostly in dairy products and in some fruits. Galactose can inhibit many health problems from starting and also useful in the healing process as well. 

Fucose (not fructose) is found abundantly in mother's breast milk and in specific mushrooms. Fucose is found in high concentrations in the nerve synapses (spaces between nerve endings), in the outer layer of our skin and in the kidneys and testes. 

N-AcetylGalactosamine is probably the least known of the 8 essential sugars and more research is needed to pinpoint its roles in disease prevention and healing. Patients with various cancers such as colon cancer have been found to have about half as much N-AcetylGalactosamine as do non-cancerous people. 

N-AcetylGlucosamine has been linked to helping immune system functioning especially in relation to a whole host of immunological disorders. N-AcetylGlucosamine is found in the thyroid gland, testes, liver and small intestines. Shiitake mushrooms and supplements are good sources for N-AcetylGlucosamine. 

N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid has been linked to brain development, learning, memory and cognitive performance. N-acetylneuraminic acid is found mainly in the glycoproteins and glycolipids and widely distributed throughout the human body. Studies have shown that N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid is effective in fighting against viruses and airborne allergens.

Xylose has been shown to have both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Diabetics sometimes use the commercial derivative of Xylose, (Xylitol) as a sugar substitute. Xylose is absorbed in the small intestine where it increases the friendly flora, which in turns helps all other nutrients absorb more effectively. 

This is but a short list of how the 8 essential sugars help in healthful functioning. There are many more diseases and conditions that have been helped by the addition of glyconutrient supplements to one's diet. 

How can I get the 8 essential sugars in a healthy way? Try Osumex 5-Mushroom Blend!

Osumex 5-Mushroom Blend is produced in Japan from raw unprocessed mushrooms. A balanced mixture of 5 mushrooms are carefully dried, powdered and blended together to create the 5-Mushroom Blend.  
Mushrooms conatin some of the most potent natural medicines. They are excellent sources of antioxidants as they contain polyphenols and selenium, which are common in the plant world. They also contain antioxidants that are unique to mushrooms, one of such antioxidant is ergothioenine, which scientists are now beginning to recognise as a master antioxidant.

Osumex 5-Mushroom Blend is rich in Gluconutrients, Vitamins (B complex, C, D), minerals (niacin, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, beta-carotene, amino acids) and enzymes.

The benefits of using Maitake mushrooms because they contain high levels of the essential sugars, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• provides the body with glyconutrients or gluconutrients which are essential for cellular health
• Activates immune T-cell activity only when invaders or antigens are present 
• Potent antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antitumor effects 
• Helps immune cells recognize invaders by increasing intelligent cell communication 
• Enables cellular components to "stick" to each other so as initiate the right reactions 
• Raises natural killer cell and macrophage counts against infectious organisms 
• Increases the body’s resistance to viruses, including those that cause the common cold, influenza, herpes, and hepatitis 
• Reduces allergies and chronic disease symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, cancer, kidney disease, and others 
• Decreases cell death in chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Elevates disease resistance in weakened individuals 
• Accelerates burn and wound healing 
• Helps heal such skin conditions as poison ivy and psoriasis 
• Reduces the number of recurrent ear infections 
• Acts as antioxidant compounds 
• Slows the aging process 
• Decreases inflammation

Our 5-Mushroom blend is a perfect addition to anyones diet, vegetarian & vegan friendly. 

You can now purchase the Osumex 5- Mushroom Blend in either a 10 sachet or 30 sachet package.  

Tips for Optimal Digestion

Are you ready to have optimal digestion for a healthy body?

Well we've got some easy top tips for you! 

Why is good digestion important? 

Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before the blood absorbs them and carries them to cells throughout the body. The body breaks down nutrients from food and drink into carbohydrates, protein, fats, and vitamins.

Digestion is important because without it we cannot receive our nourishment for overall well-being.

Top Tops for Optimal Digestion

1. Enzyme Intake

Enzymes, biologically active proteins throughout body, play an important role in digestion. While many are produced in the digestive tract, the enzymes found in raw foods are also needed for good digestion. Overcooked, processed foods lack many of these natural enzymes, so make sure to integrate plenty of raw, natural food into your diet.

2. Chew your food properly

It is often said that good digestion starts in the mouth. When you chew your food well, it eases the work required of your digestive system. This will reduce the amount of work required by your digestive system.

3. Eat fermented foods

Eating fermented foods is one of nature’s great healing secrets. The greater the variety of fermented and cultured foods you can include in your diet, the better. Each type of fermented s each food has the power to inoculate your gut with a variety of different healthy microorganisms. Eating fermented foods will start to regenerate your gut flora naturally.

Fermented foods are high in ‘good bacteria.’ You only need to eat a small amount of fermented vegetables or cultured foods per day. Try eating sauerkraut, kefir yoghurt, fermented vegetables, kim chi, kefir coconut drink or kombucha, (a fizzy drink).  

4. Eat Real Food

Eat a diet that is made up of exclusively real, whole foods. Real foods are foods that are recognized by your body and can be broken down easily and naturally. These foods come from nature and are made by nature.

Avoid fake foods. This includes any branded, processed and fast foods, as these kinds of foods are made in a laboratory and sold with huge marketing budgets. Fake foods are extremely toxic to your digestive system as they are high in refined salt, sugar and oils. Your body does not recognize fake foods and cannot digest them properly.

5. Keep Moving

Is there anything exercise can’t do for you? The list of benefits just keeps growing. You already know it’s good for your heart and your waist line. Turns out that active people also have smoother digestion.

Watch the timing. For some people, exercise right after a meal can cause indigestion. So schedule your workouts before meals or wait at least an hour after eating.

6. Take a Probiotic - Such as our LB17 "Live" Probiotic - 17 strains of live bacteria

Probiotics are "good" bacteria that are in your gut. They are in some yogurts and fermented foods. They help with your digestion. You can also add them to your diet with supplements.

LB17 "Live" Probiotic - 17 strains of live bacteria

LB17 Contains within the capsule is a paste of over 80 natural organic botanical ingredients that include seaweed, mushrooms, vegetables, medicinal herbs, grains and cereals, cultivated and wild fruits, perilla oil. They are naturally fermented for 3 years. 17 strains of live lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are added over this 3 years to ensure that the bacteria remains active and viable. 10 of the strains are lactobacillus and 2 are bifidobacteria. LAB are very essential for good digestive health and to strengthen the body's immune system. It will bring back balance of friendly microbiota.

You can purchase this probiotic here.