Dear Colleagues
I hope you all are well and enjoying the winter. There won’t be much of a newsletter this month but instead I am attaching a write up I just completed. Many years ago I wrote Clinical Indications of Thorne Research Products - a 20+ page handout on the products I use by Thorne. It is continually updated and available on www.michaellebowitzdc.com.
I just wrote a similar paper for Supreme Nutrition Products that will make up this newsletter. I hope you find it useful. Even though there are presently only 6 products, they make up a large part of what I prescribe and the results with them have been excellent.
I recently had a call from a patient that came in for one visit 10 years previously that I had not heard from since. He had been diagnosed with MS and was numb from the chest down. He told me that since that one visit (I had found copper toxicity), he had been totally asymptomatic until just a month ago. It would have been nice if he had told me 10 years ago, but it was great to hear and I wish all cases were that “easy”. Copper showed again this time and we gave him Takesumi Supreme (Mid American 1-800-922-1744) and Thiocid-300 (Thorne 1-800-228-1966)
We are continuing to teach seminars here at our office for physicians and will soon announce the date of a larger seminar we have planned for either Phoenix or Denver.
One little clinical tidbit: As many of you know- nightshades can be the cause of musculo-skeletal pain (especially joint pain) and degeneration. This finding often eludes AK food testing. I suggest taking the tomato, potato and chili peppers vial and placing them simultaneously on the involved joint(s) or muscles, and testing a strong indicator muscle. You will be amazed how often you get a positive test doing it this way. This can be a genetic inability to efficiently break down and clear solanine (found in nightshades) from the body and unfortunately avoidance may be the only recourse in some cases. Sometimes desensitization and a short temporary avoidance and products like Takesumi are enough and sometimes not.
We wish you joyous holidays and a very happy, healthy and successful new year.
If you would like a printable document of the below please email us at: noach2343@aol.com
Michael Lebowitz D.C.
2550 I Rd
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970 257-0311
November 2008
Dear Colleagues
Most of you know I have been a researcher in applied kinesiology and nutrition for over 30 years. Over the years I have dabbled in formulating a few nutritional products but have recently put more time and effort into this endeavor. I have combined efforts with Mid American Marketing- a small family company of high integrity to distribute some very unique nutritional products. We call ourselves Supreme Nutrition Products. Supreme Nutrition Products was founded with the premise that there are remedies in the plant kingdom for the health problems faced by 21st century human beings.
Some of our products use already commonly known herbs for unique applications, while others use herbs that are not well known in the U.S., but have been used for hundreds of years or more in other cultures. Most products are single herbs. In this way the product is typically better tolerated by the sensitive patient than a product with multiple ingredients. Often, if many herbs are combined in one product, there isn’t enough of the one ingredient the patient needs the most to accomplish the job it needs to effectively. Also if the person taking the herb is sensitive to a specific herb in the combination product, it can often “ruin” the whole product for the person (this happens very often in antimicrobial products). You can see this single herb pattern exhibited in the animal kingdom when an animal is sick and starts ingesting one particular herb to get well, not a combination.
Another factor we recognize is that herbs can greatly vary in quality depending on soil conditions, climate, handling, storage etc. We do not feel a need to duplicate an already commonly existing product (goldenseal, echinacea, etc.) that is already effective (unless we find a new unique application or find a quality difference in the herb itself). We prefer to fill niches where we see the need for a more effective product for a particular health concern.
The research for our products can take some time. For example, let us say we wanted to come out with a product that would help protect people from the harmful effects of a particular chemical that is common in our environment. The first step would be to search the medical journals to see if there is anything that already fits the bill or any herb that suggests it might (it protects against a similar substance, or is hepato-protective, etc). We gather a list of potential herbs that might have the desired effect and we try to find multiple sources of each herb (e.g. if an herb grows in both South America and Asia we will try to find multiple samples from both sources). We make sure it has no potentially known harmful side effects, etc. After that, we utilize some well respected physicians who are well versed in applied kinesiology and have them blind test the samples on their patients and gather data such as: What percentage of their patients strengthen on testing of the herb?; Does the herb block a positive test of the particular chemical, metal, microbe, reflex, etc. we are looking at?; Does each sample test the same or is there a difference based on where it was grown, etc? The doctors then give the product to the applicable patients to see if it yields the desired effects. If it does, then we may decide to manufacture/distribute the product. This is a slow process and we do not foresee coming out with more than a few products a year. Often projects are scrapped because we cannot find an herb to do the job, or the quality of the herb is inconsistent.
Once the product is birthed each new batch of the herb that is purchased is tested (applied kinesiologically as well as with a laboratory analysis) to make sure it tests at least as well as previous batches. As we have stated, you would be amazed at the quality difference between batches of particular herbs, even ones grown fairly near each other. Soil contamination due to toxic metals, pesticides, etc., is common even in organic sources. As a result, our products may vary slightly in color and taste batch to batch as we seek the best quality sources. Testing each batch with our AK team is unique to our company at this time and we feel it is a critically important extra step in quality assurance beyond just the COA by the importer. At times this process can be frustrating for us as we have to reject some batches and scramble to find new sources that meet our standards. Yet, this is the only way we could assure our customers, who are mainly physicians, of the best quality products. If we cannot find a batch that tests well, we would rather be temporarily out of stock than produce an inferior product. With each new batch of a product, physicians will receive a new test vial to reflect the current supply.
This process has taught me so much. I never new how much quality variation there truly was in most herbs, despite identical COA’s (certificate of analysis). This is where an additional system of analysis like Applied Kinesiology (done blindly) can be so important in producing the highest quality product. Our products are also very broad in their applications so often people can cut down on the number of different products they need to take and yet get superior results.
I encourage you to order our products and give them a try. You will get test vials of all the products with your first order. We are very open to your feedback and ideas for other additional products to add to our line.
A brief summary of each of our products (alphabetically) will follow. For more information you may want to visit our website www.supremenutritionproducts.com and click on the physicians section or call 1-800-922-1744. Also feel free to contact me with any questions or comments at morindasupreme@aol.com.
Sincerely in health,
Michael Lebowitz DC
BODYGUARD SUPREME™
Each capsule of BodyGuard Supreme™ contains 500mg of pure Phyllanthus fraternus with no added fillers, binders, etc. There are well over 50 published studies on the therapeutic effects of this herb. Before getting into the scientific and historical research, I would like to share why I feel it is such an important product.
Clinical trials with applied kinesiology suggest that Phyllanthus fraternus has a positive effect in preventing damage to the body due to excessive electro-magnetic field exposure. In my practice, I have found that EMF’s are increasingly problematic for some patients. As they become more prevalent in our lives with cell phones, wireless connections, microwaves, computers, etc.; they have potential to produce more harm to our bodies (nervous system, endocrine system, neurotransmitters, melatonin production, etc.).
When testing to see if EMF’s affect your patient, have them call someone on their cell phone and hold the phone up to their ear right at the beginning of the call (once the other person picks up) and see if it weakens a strong indicator muscle. If your patient population is like mine, you will see that it will weaken in over half of the people tested. (If you are in an urban area I wouldn’t be surprised if the percentage is much higher.) In nearly all these cases, if the patient is exposed to BodyGuard Supreme™ during the call it will block the weakening effect. BodyGuard Supreme™ on muscle testing also appears to be an excellent liver remedy (this is confirmed in published articles), and in many cases decreases patients’ food and environmental sensitivities as well as helps them tolerate EFA supplementation better.
Traditionally in the tropics, phyllanthus fraternus has been used in treatment and prevention of gall and kidney stones, malaria, diabetes, acute and chronic pain, infections, cystitis, prostatitis, tumors, and the list goes on and on. Studies have shown it is anti-viral (especially Hepatitis B) and anti-bacterial, lowers blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and may help in preventing diabetic neuropathy.
Mice studies showed it can help reduce damage during chemotherapy and radiation and it increased the life span of mice with liver cancer by 65%.
Dosage: For my patients I have recommended one cap 3x/day if they weaken on EMF’s and one cap 1-2x/day once they stop weakening as a possible preventative. Traditional pharmacies in South America recommend as high as 4-6 caps twice daily when treating kidney stones. (I have never done this and it shouldn’t be done in lieu of other treatment.) If it blocks chemicals or metals on AK testing or just strengthens “in the clear”, I tend to prescribe 1 cap 3x/day or 2 caps twice daily. My son who grew up in clean rural environments and now lives in Phoenix routinely tests for it and needs 3-4 caps daily.
As with any herb I would recheck the need for it on the patient every month or so and have them report any side effects (I couldn’t find any in the literature) ASAP and stop taking it if side effects occur- until you can re-evaluate them.
Contra-indications: To be safe I would not prescribe it during pregnancy as with most other herbs. Because it can lower blood pressure and blood sugar: patients on anti-hypertensive drugs (also beta-blockers and other heart medications) or blood sugar lowering drugs may need careful monitoring or adjusting the doses of their medications or you may not want to prescribe BodyGuard in these patients. It may also be contra-indicated in severely hypo-glycemic patients.
None of these statements have been FDA evaluated and none of the information here-in should be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace traditional medical care.
ENDO SUPREME™
Endo Supreme™ contains pure powdered Maytenus Krukovii, also known as chuchuhuasi. The goal in developing this product was to find an herb that was strengthening and healing to the endocrine system. We feel this herb will out perform other adrenal herbs and view it as a master endocrine adaptogen, helping both hypo and hyperadrenia as well as many other endocrine imbalances. I have never found great results using glandulars and have been looking extensively in the plant kingdom for broad spectrum remedies and healing agents. It also routinely corrects weak neuro-lymphatic reflexes for the adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, and significantly though less often the pineal, liver, and reproductive organ reflexes, thus suggesting a broad spectrum use and effect. Patients taking it often report an increase in physical and mental stamina and endurance.
To give you an idea of properties reported in published journals: it is known to increase libido; is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, general tonic, an analgesic; is used for menstrual disorders, impotence, hypoadrenia, immune support, anti-arthritic, is an antioxidant; is used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids and bronchitis. It has activity against aldose reductase (thus helping prevent nerve damage in diabetics) and helps inhibit production of protein kinase C, thus making it useful in the treatment of arthritis, certain tumors, asthma, and certain cardiovascular irregularities.
Dosage: We have found 3-4 caps daily to be an optimal dose in most cases, with the first dose taken before breakfast. In some patients results have been within days though the literature suggests it can take a month before effects are felt. Many people report that their stamina increases more and more, the longer they take it. A few patients do better on only one daily or it can “increase energy too much”.
Contra-indications: There are no known contraindications or side effects though as with all herbs, I would exercise caution during pregnancy and have patients report any adverse reactions to you immediately.
MELIA SUPREME™
Melia Supreme™ is powdered neem leaf (Melia azadirachta) put into vegetarian capsules with nothing else added.
Melia, like Morinda is an amazing plant that has been used therapeutically in India for at least 2,500 years. The word neem is reported to come from the Sanskrit language and roughly means “the healer and illness reliever”. Melia is a superb broad spectrum anti-microbial showing effectiveness against various fungi, bacteria, parasites, virus (including herpes), and spirochetes. It has also been reported that it does not harm beneficial intestinal flora. Melia has been shown to be hepato-protective, stimulates T-cell production in times of infection, and blocks pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Melia also possesses small amounts of catechin and quercetin- both having anti-inflammatory and anti-histiminic properties. Morinda, our other broad spectrum anti-microbial sometimes is given simultaneously though if we have the ability to test the patient, we let the testing decide.
In Japan, Melia has been used for cancer treatment of solid tumors as well as using it topically on skin cancers. It has been used successfully to treat malaria as well as vitiligo, and has been reported to increase brain serotonin levels thus having anti-anxiety properties. Melia has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In some insulin dependent diabetics, Melia has reduced insulin requirements up to 50%. One interesting effect is that without decreasing libido or sperm count, neem has been used effectively as a male contraceptive. In parts of Africa women use it also for the same purpose (so you may not want to use it if you are trying to get pregnant).
Melia is planted in urban areas in India because it is great at adsorbing pollutants, so we have to be very careful in our source selection. As with other Supreme Nutrition Products, each batch goes through AK testing for effectiveness, besides the normal “purity” tests required by the government.
Dosage: For adults 1 cap 3x/day. Occasionally we go as high as 2 caps 3x/day. In older children we dose by weight. It is not given to young children (under 6).
Contra-indications: Melia Supreme™ is contra-indicated in pregnancy, nursing, as well as in young children. It may also prevent pregnancy.
MORINDA SUPREME™
Morinda Supreme™, the first product we produced, is pure powdered Morinda Citrifolia available in both powdered and capsule form. It is a wonderful broad spectrum anti-microbial effective against many virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and spirochetes. In our opinion it tests and performs much better than most other available noni.
We believe this is because:
1) much of the noni (in juice form) on the market is greatly diluted with other fruit juices to mask the taste;
2) most noni on the market has been put through a fermentation process that they feel enhances the product (I feel it does the opposite);
3) most noni is either in pasteurized juice form or a capsule combining the leaves and fruit (I believe the raw powdered fruit without the leaves is the best form);
4) some of the Hawaiian noni is grown downwind of Kilauea volcano and I believe this could contaminate it with toxic materials that are in the vog (volcanic fog). I believe this could possibly be true for some sources from the Big Island and Maui.
I have used Morinda Supreme™ to treat multiple forms of dysbiosis simultaneously (using only Morinda instead of selling the patient 3-4 different products). I have also used it as a preventative for dysbiosis and food borne illnesses. This can be especially useful in patients who travel internationally or eat out often. I have seen it “clear” fungus, bacteria, parasites, virus, etc., quicker than most other products. Some physicians have confirmed this with lab tests (blood, stool, etc.). I have had patients take it while they are on prescription antibiotics to avoid getting a yeast infection.
Besides being a broad spectrum anti-microbial, Morinda has been shown to enhance the white blood cell’s ability to engulf invading organisms and also has Cox2 inhibiting properties. If I go into all the reported conditions it helps, I would sound like a snake oil salesman. I encourage you all to try it and I feel assured that before long you will be using it on yourselves and your patients as I do.
Dosage: As a preventative I have been using 1scoop or 3 caps daily as a therapeutic FOOD (2 scoops in patients that are more prone to dysbiosis). If I feel I may be “coming down” with something, I up it to the therapeutic dose for a few days till things have passed. As a treatment for existing problems I have been using 1 scoop 3x/day or 3 caps 3x/day (depending on patient size and severity of condition) as a therapeutic dose. A small minority of patients will get gastro-intestinal distress when taking Morinda. This may be due to die-off. In these cases, we decrease the dose to 1/4th scoop (1/4th teaspoon) twice daily and if that dose is tolerated we slowly build back up after a few days. Some people stay on it indefinitely (with a weeks vacation off of it every month or two). Others after the initial clearing of dysbiosis only take it when they have been exposed to a microbe or feel that something might be coming back.
Contra-indications: Morinda Supreme™ is contra-indicated during pregnancy.
TAKESUMI SUPREME™
Takesumi Supreme™ is specially carbonized bamboo. I would like to share my clinical observations. Takesumi, on AK testing, fairly routinely blocks positive tests to toxic metals, chemicals, and often foods too. I look at it as a supreme detoxification product. It also appears to adsorb myco and endotoxins (and other bio-toxins) from various organisms, take the load off the liver and kidneys and thus act in an anti-aging fashion. Takesumi is also reported to adsorb radiation (radon, nuclear, etc.)
It does have anti-fungal, anti-bacteria, anti-parasitic and anti-viral properties but not quite as strong as Morinda or Melia do. Because of the porous nature of the bamboo, it is an amazing absorber (up to 10x more so than wood treated similarly, according to many sources). Research from Japan claims it emits far infrared rays (thus improving circulation and helping detoxify) as well as negative ions, and shields the body from EMF’s. It also is a natural source of minerals (macro and trace) and is reported to be alkalizing.
Takesumi, as far as we can tell, cannot be encapsulated without adding flowing agents etc. due to its density etc. It is tasteless and dissolves adequately in water, juice, smoothies, etc. so it is not difficult to take. We have also been incorporating it into bread and muffin recipes. Check the website for more details.
Dosage:
Preventative: We recommend everyone take it periodically (my guess would be a round of it quarterly for the average person) for detoxification- some people for longer periods at a time, and some for shorter depending on their degree of toxicity and exposure to environmental contaminants (past and present). Use your AK skills to determine this. I have seen people need it for weeks to months at a time. As a preventative I recommend one scoop daily. It should also be taken whenever you have been exposed to a food or chemical you are sensitive to as it will hopefully shorten the severity and duration of the reaction. My son suffers from a degree of cognitive impairment and loss of co-ordination when eating a food he is sensitive to. For him, Takesumi aborts the reaction and he returns to normal quickly.
Therapeutically: We typically have people take 2-3 doses daily for a complete bottle and then re-evaluate, if we are using it as a detoxifier for chemical or metals. For microbes we suggest one scoop 3x/day for 2-3 weeks and then re-evaluate. Because of its strong detoxification properties, it can go a long way in promoting healing. We recommend it not be taken at the same time as pharmaceuticals as it could adsorb them. I prefer first thing in the morning and at bed but anytime two hours away from medications works best.
Contra-indications: The only possible contra-indication I know of is not to take it, if you have been diagnosed with variegate porphyria. Take at least 2 hours away from prescription medications as it may adsorb them to a degree.
THERA SUPREME™
The goal of Thera Supreme™ was to create a product that is a superb anti-oxidant, high in vitamins and minerals, an immune booster, 100% natural food product that could be added to a drink as an all round health booster. There are many products already on the market that have mixes of fruits, vegetables, enzymes, etc. etc. Most of these products appear to put everything that has ever gotten good press into one mix. Unfortunately from an AK standpoint, these products rarely “strengthen” patients and in most cases “weaken” patients. After much experimentation we settled on 10 ingredients and then blended them in varying ratios to see which would obtain optimum results. In some ways what makes TheraSupreme™ unique are the so called superfoods it doesn’t include, because they do not test well on the majority of patients. These include alfalfa as well as various algae, fungal derived enzymes and powdered grasses.
Thera Supreme™ has the following 10 ingredients: Acai berry , acerola cherry, bilberry, blueberry, elderberry, carrot juice, asparagus, broccoli, black radish, and cilantro (coriander). All have been tested to be free of pesticide residue.
To give you some info on the individual ingredients:
Acai berry- a major part of the diet in some Amazon regions. It is a great source of dietary fiber and actually a good source of monounsaturated fats. It is very high in anti-oxidants including proanthocyanidins. It is also anti-inflammatory due to its ability to inhibit COX-1.
Acerola cherry- long been known for its high vitamin C content. It is also a rich source of vitamin A and contains B1, B2, B3 and magnesium in significant amounts.
Bilberry- high in anthocyanin pigments, reportedly helpful for night vision, macular degeneration and some heart conditions and other vascular disorders.
Blueberry- recent studies suggest blueberries may be useful in reducing cancer risk, slowing the cognitive decline in Alzheimers, controlling blood pressure and prevention of urinary tract infections. It can also be a good source of vitamin K as well as manganese.
Elderberry- another rich source of anti-oxidants and various phytonutrients - it has been shown to have anti-viral activity especially against certain strains of influenza. A good source of carotenoids and other nutrients
Carrot juice- a rich source of beta-carotene. Also a source of B vitamins, calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron
Asparagus- supplies vitamins A,C,E, iodine, folic acid. Traditionally it has been used to strengthen the genito-urinary system and more recently has been used to help in people with various forms of cancer.
Broccoli- a rich source of vitamin A , C and selenium. Also contains phyto-nutrients with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties, as well as a potent detoxifier.
Black radish- one of the greatest detoxifiers and an activator of liver detoxification enzymes.
Coriander/Cilantro- contains an antioxidant that helps prevent animal fats from turning rancid. Mildly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and used by some to chelate mercury and other heavy metals.
Dosage: one scoop daily in fruit juice (it is decent in water but better in juice) as a maintenance dose. For people in poor health, we may recommend up to 3 scoops daily.
I feel for the sensitive patient this can act at least partially as a substitute for taking a multi and for everyone it can supply many phyto-nutrients that we do not get in our daily diet and will help boost our nutrient levels and over all immunity, health, and well being.
In AK testing besides strengthening in the clear, it also often blocks positive tests for chemicals and metals, some microbes, and will strengthen many weak organ NL’s- again a very complete product that almost everyone will benefit from.