Astigmatism is a common condition causing poor vision, and is a distortion of the cornea that leaves the eye oval or football­shaped, rather than round. Round eyes are normal and are important for good eyesight. In cases of astigmatism, the eye focuses on two points instead of one; this happens because rays of light do not form a single point of focus as they enter the eye. The word astigmatism is derived from the Greek alpha, meaning ‘without’ and stigma meaning ‘point.’

The most common symptoms of astigmatism are:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Eye pain

Straight lines may seem crooked and even distorted. People with astigmatism may complain about blurry or fuzzy lines, and develop severely distorted depth perception over time.

What Causes Astigmatism?

Since astigmatism is a distortion of the cornea, it is difficult to pinpoint its exact cause. Over time, the cornea of the eye can lose its natural roundness. In addition, poor posture, and frequent tilting of the head can lead to astigmatism and problems with perception.

Treatments for Astigmatism

Many treatment options for astigmatism are available, but some have higher risks than others. Surgical procedures developed in recent years include Lasik surgery and photo reactive keratomy (PRK). Both of these are invasive procedures that carry a risk of damage. Side effects may include:

• Feelings of ‘halos’ around lights
• Tears in the retina, and damage to the optic nerve
• Chronic dry eye, and a diminished capacity to produce tears
• Free radical damage
• Impaired visual acuity

There are natural remedies and cures available as an alternative to surgery. Ayurvedic theory indicates that vision problems are related to digestive imbalances. As a result, some options include regular eye exercises, consumption of Ayurvedic herbs such as amla, triphala, and licorice, and a diet rich in carrots, spinach, and antioxidant vegetables.

The Bates Method involves re­educating the eye to improve healthy eyesight. This works by taking frequent breaks where the mind and body are in a relaxed state. This can involve a peaceful walk or meditation, closing the eyes but improving receptive awareness, and focusing on detailed but pleasant scenery. Over a period of time, this can help train the eyes, mind, and body to work in harmony.

Eating a balanced and healthy diet also can significantly improve eye health. Diets that are good at reducing eye degeneration include food such as:

• Those high in antioxidants, such as Acai berries, Goji berries, red grapes, cherries, mangos, and citrus fruits. Unsweetened cocoa is also an excellent choice that is rich in antioxidants and natural flavonoids.
• Organic egg yolks for the high carotenoid content
• Green leafy vegetables, including leaf lettuce, chard, kale, collard greens, spinach, and parsley
• Those low in unhealthy hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. This includes avoiding processed and fried foods, refined sugars, alcohol, and simple carbohydrates.

Other Considerations

Eye exercises throughout the day can significantly improve your eye health. Resting your eyes for five minutes every 30 minutes can help relax your gaze and improve your overall energy.

Other exercises to try include:

• Blinking your eyes regularly to reduce eyestrain
• Taking regular breathing breaks and meditative rest periods
• Rapidly switching focus from near to far for 20 to 30 minutes
• Rolling eyes up and down in a full circular motion for five minutes, five times a day

• Frequent urination

• Thirst

• Blurred vision

• Weight loss accompanied by increased appetite

• Fatigue

• Erectile dysfunction

• Headaches

What Causes Diabetes?

Simply put, diabetes is caused by high blood sugar, or “too much glucose in the blood.” This is a problem with insulin, whose job is to carry blood sugar into the cells of the body. A lack of insulin or faulty insulin response by the cells results in too much glucose in the blood. Another cause of diabetes is simply too much sugar intake— especially fructose. Here is a summary of the causes of diabetes:

• Diet: Too much sugar. Too much fat. Too much caffeine.

• Obesity: Often resulting from dietary problems, obesity can cause a loop of insulin and hormonal problems that can cause or worsen diabetes.

• Thyroid imbalance: Hormonal imbalances from thyroid and adrenal problems can affect insulin response and cause or contribute to diabetes.

• Poor liver health: If the liver cannot cleanse the blood and process excess blood sugar, the result is diabetes.

• Chronic use of steroids: These drugs can change your body chemistry and cause or worsen diabetes.

Treatments

A new set of dietary habits is the first line of defense against diabetes. Here is a summary of these dietary strategies, along with some other natural treatments:

• Avoid sugars: Sugars come in the form of sucrose (cane sugar), lactose (dairy products), fructose (fruit and corn syrup), corn starch, dextrose, glucose (usually glucose is converted by the body from other sugars), sorbitol, and malt.

• Reduce carbohydrates and starches: The body converts starches from carbohydrates into glucose. Avoid simple carbs, which include fruit, fruit juice, dairy products, honey, and sugars. Also avoid peanut butter, soybean oil, cheese, and processed meat. Keep complex carbohydrate consumption under control, including breads, pasta, beans, grains and fibrous vegetables (squash and eggplant, for example). Remember that whole wheat products are better than refined products. Better yet, replace wheat with other grains, such as oats, bran, rye, and barley.

• Eat more low¬glycemic food: Healthy foods for maintaining good blood sugar levels include green leafy vegetables, potatoes, yams, whole grain breads, nuts, legumes, chicken, and fish. Raw foods have a lower glycemic level than cooked foods.

• Take herbs to help control blood sugar: Herbs that help include fenugreek, garlic, bilberry, ginseng, and olive leaves (or extract). Other helpful supplements for diabetes include chromium, vanadium, cinnamon, and bitter melon.

• Strengthen your immune system: If you have diabetes, you should definitely take a multivitamin. Concentrate especially on getting enough antioxidants, as they help prevent free radical damage that causes many common diabetes complications (blindness and the necessity of limb amputation). Spirulina provides vitamins and minerals, while helping to balance blood sugar.

• Cleanse: If you crave sweets, you may be suffering from a lack of protein or you might have parasites in your system. Cleansing your liver and colon cannot only help with these cravings, but can help reduce your blood sugar levels by providing better nutrient absorption.

Migraine headaches are particularly disruptive. They are characterized by a slow-growing throb in the head that often produces nausea and localized vision loss. Often the nausea and vision loss appear before the headache actually become acute. They can last for days.

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches have a variety of causes, including food allergies, environmental toxins, stress, eye strain, and sinus congestion. Premenstrual headaches are often related to hormonal imbalances.

Headache Treatments

Keep in mind that most non-aspirin pain relievers are immunosuppressant. That is, they weaken the immune system. Taking them once in a while may be okay, but prolonged and repeated use is definitely costly to your health. For a natural alternative, try white willow bark extract, the plant from which aspirin was originally discovered and made.

Allergy expert Dr. James Braly believes that 90% of all migraines are caused by either food allergies or allergic reactions to food additives. But it’s possible that any headache can be traced back to a food or substance allergy. Allergenic substances include food preservatives and colorings, caffeine, and chocolate. Try removing foods and drinks containing these products from your diet, one by one, for three to four weeks at a time, and notice if your migraine attacks lessen or disappear completely during that time. This process can take time, but is likely to produce results. Start with the typical offenders:

• Coffee, soda and caffeinated beverages
• Wine, beer, and alcohol products
• Cheese and dairy products
• Wheat and refined wheat products with gluten
• Other fermented products, including vinegar and any pickled products
• Sugar and high fructose corn syrup
• Food additives, dyes, and preservatives (particularly those in processed and dried meat), MSG, and sulfites
• Peanut butter and peanuts
• Soy products
• Shell fish

The other 10% of headaches are probably caused by a variety of things, but you can bet that environmental toxins are among the most likely culprit. Check your home and work environment for chemical out-gassing from carpets and wall coverings. Consider sleeping with a device that oxygenates the air in your room.

If you suffer from migraine headaches, products containing the artificial sweetener aspartame may be to blame. Aspartame triggers migraines in many sufferers.

Many headaches are caused by dehydration, and dehydration is as prevalent in winter as in summer. Drinking two large glasses of pure water will relieve the pain of these headaches almost immediately, without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers.

Other Considerations

Massage under the two ridges on either side of the back of the skull until you can feel the contracted muscles relax. The two nerves there can be pressured by tight muscles in the region, causing headaches, including migraines. Once the headache subsides with this therapy, use your thumbs to stroke gently in opposite directions across the brow with lavender essential oil. This will put you or the person you’re massaging in a relaxed state.

Lavender has been used since the time of Cleopatra for stress reduction, headache relief, lessening of scars, and faster healing of burns. Some herbalists believe that quinine bark, feverfew, butterbur and magnesium are also an effective headache remedies. Other natural herbs that help control blood pressure and relax the vascular system include pure cocoa, olive leaf extract, mint extract, chamomile, passion fruit extract, bay leaves, chamomile, coriander, skullcap, turmeric, valerian root, and wild yam.

Finally, acupuncture and different forms of bodywork can be effective cures for headaches. Acupuncture may be able to move or change the energies in the body that are accumulating to cause headaches, and bodywork such as massage may be able to release the stress that causes some headaches.

1. Is this a vegetarian/vegan product?

Yes. The glycerin used in the tonic is 100% pure kosher vegetable glycerin.

2. Does the tonic expire? How long does it last?

The shelf life of the tonic is four years so that it will last through a few flu seasons.

3. Can children take the BōKU® Immune Tonic?

Yes. The tonic is absolutely alcohol free and contains only healthful herbs in a glycerin base so it is safe for children.

4. Can pregnant women take the BōKU® Immune Tonic?

Based on the ingredients it should be alright, but we do recommend that pregnant or lactating women check with their doctors before taking the product.

5. Is the BōKU® Immune Tonic only good for when you are getting sick?

No. While the tonic does support your immune system, it can be also be used year round to combat fatigue, enhance one’s mood, and to support an overall sense of physical and mental well-being.

6. Can you get the tonic with a spray rather than a dropper?

Yes. The serving size with the spray is 3 sprays (a half dose) because it atomizes the particles and allows them to be absorbed more quickly.

Our Master Formulator, Dr. BJ Adrezin, has created a blend of powerful adaptogenic and antioxidant herbs that allow the body’s systems to adapt to various stressors that can often cause us to be susceptible to disease. The herbal formula is glycerin-based, all natural, 100%alcohol free and has a very pleasant sweet taste. Just a couple of dropperfuls under the tongue or in a glass of water 2-3 times a day will give your immune system a healthy boost just when it needs it.

A 1oz bottle is priced at $9.95 and can only be purchased at: http://shop.bokusuperfood.com

Herbal Ingredients:

Rhodiola Rosea Root

Schisandra Berry

Holy Basil Leaf

European Elderberry

Siberian Ginseng Root

Astragalus Root

Fo-Ti Root

Olive Leaf

Red Root

“For thousands of years, the mushroom known as Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat problems ranging from coughs and fatigue to impotence and cancer. And once Western scientists started considering that anecdotal reports of the mushroom’s curative powers might be something more than “folk tales”, research started accumulating that backs up many ancient claims about Cordyceps’ health benefits. For example, scientists from the University of Nottingham in Great Britain say they’ve documented how Cordiceps can fight cancer — and the new discovery could increase the effectiveness of mushroom-derived cancer treatments.”

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.naturalnews.com/027869_cordyceps_cancer.html

The anti-cancer effect is one of the reasons that our Master Formulator included the cordyceps mushroom in BōKU®’s Super Táke Blend. Research has shown that cordyceps may also protect the liver from damage and is known to have an anti-depressant effect.

Dr. Adrezin: “I am not a big fan of mega dosed supplements.  Although you may feel some benefit, high doses of isolated nutrients can build up in the tissues of the body.  Your body then has to spend vital energy detoxifying from the vitamins!  A better way to get Vitamin C and encourage detoxification at the same time would be to squeeze the juice of a fresh organic lemon or lime into a glass of warm water.  This is a wonderful cleansing drink, especially with a bit of organic ginger thrown in as well.  Boku Super Food is also wonderfully rich in Vitamin C from organic foods.

I created Boku Immune Tonic to support the body in a unique way.  It is gentle, yet powerful at the same time.  The organic herbs in Boku Immune Tonic have a long history of use keeping people healthy and strong around the world.  Boku Immune Tonic provides a second level of support to synergize your use of nutrient dense foods and positive lifestyle factors.”

2)    What was your approach to your formula, i.e. why these specific ingredients?

Dr. Adrezin: “Many herbal formulations that deal with “cold/flu season” use plants that are intended to kill bacteria and viruses.  There can be a short term benefit in this. The downside is that by having the herbs kill the bugs, your immune system can become “lazy.” I take a different approach.  My focus in Boku Immune Tonic is to support the immune system and the vitality of the whole body.  I utilize powerful adaptogenic plants that can help the body protect and regulate itself in the face of stress, increase the body’s use of oxygen, boost mood, and encourage increased resistance to illness.  Boku Immune Tonic can be successfully used year round, not just in the winter.”

3)    Why liquid drops?

Dr. Adrezin: “It’s simple, liquid drops are not only convenient, but are highly absorbable and make the ingredients more bio available in the human body.”

4)    What’s your general advice on staying “flu free” during this flu season?

Dr. Adrezin: “Getting enough sleep is very powerful medicine during flu season.  Make sure to stay well hydrated.  Remember to move.  Even if you’re not an “exerciser,” walking and deep breathing will move lymphatic fluid through your body.  Lymphatic fluid helps your immune system keep you free from “invaders.”  Of course, you should make sure to eat a diet of nutrient dense foods, and remember to laugh, which has a remarkable effect in keeping the immune system in tune.”

Thanks Dr. BJ!

BōKU^® Immune Tonic is formulated by our own Dr. BJ Adrezin. The power in this glycerin-based tonic stems from its blend of potent herbs that all have many beneficial qualities. Dr. Adrezin included several different adaptogenic herbs: Rhodiola Rosea Root, Fo-ti Root, Holy Basil Leaf, Siberian Ginseng Root and Astragalus Root. Adaptogens produce the body’s ability to withstand and adapt to multiple stressors including physical, chemical, or biological agents. They also have a normalizing effect and help return the body to its natural state of homeostasis. Stress is one of the biggest enemies of a healthy immune system.  The adaptogenic herbs in BōKU^® Immune Tonic help the body manage stress and keep the immune system at its peak so you are much less likely to succumb to illness.

The other ingredients in BōKU^® Immune Tonic serve vital purposes as well.  Schisandra Berry, European Elderberry, Olive Leaf all contain extremely powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins, lignans, oleuropein and vitamins A, C and E. Antioxidants are essential for proper immune function. They repair and protect cells from oxidative damage caused by an overabundance of free radicals. Just this sort of damage can leave the body susceptible to both minor and major illness.

BōKU^® Immune Tonic is an all natural, 100% alcohol free way to strengthen the body during cold and flu season and the rest of the year. The herbal liquid comes in a convenient 1 oz dropper bottle. Just add a few drops to a glass of water or under your tongue and give your immune system a healthy boost!

FYI: We expect BōKU^® Immune Tonic to be available for purchase after Christmas. It will cost about $10.

This is my very UN scientific, but very practical real-world review of the new BōKU^® Immune Tonic.

I was getting ready for a string of business trips which would take me to 3 different cities in 7days.  My starting point was Los Angeles, first destination was Seattle, then to Las Vegas, and finally San Francisco for their 2009 GREEN FESTIVAL.   My fear was that in the middle of the most feared flu season in decades, I was exposing myself to thousands of people and high-risk locations where epidemics usually break.  I felt pretty confident that my immune system was up to the challenge but I was happy to find a trial vial of the new BōKU^® Immune Tonic in the office.  I decided it would be a good “test” to see how well it might perform in a “real world” situation.

My first impression of the immune tonic was just how convenient it was to carry and travel with.  It’s small 1oz liquid bottle fit nicely in my carry on.  This fit my first criteria… if it can’t travel with you, it can’t help you when you need it!  I was skeptical of the “dropper”  at first but I quickly caught on to the concept… it was much easier to control the dosage than a sprayer and much cleaner to carry.  I was able to put a couple of drops in my cup of water or just squeeze a couple of drops on to my tongue and swallow.  The taste was very pleasant: slightly sweet with a licorice like after taste.

My first stop in Seattle was an eye opener.  Going from 70’s weather of LA to 50 degrees and rainy was a shock to my system.  I immediately put a couple of drops of immune boost on my tongue and swallowed!  Two days later I was back at the airport healthy, and on my way to Las Vegas.  Unfortunately I happened to sit next to a lady that was coughing violently and there was no other seat available.  I reached for the immune boost and took a couple of drops just in case!  When I landed in Las Vegas, I was overwhelmed by the crowds.  Winter is High season for Las Vegas and there was massive crowds everywhere.  After checking into my hotel, I headed for the convention center for the Supply Side West Expo where I spent two days meeting possible new vendors and shaking their hands.  The attendance was 10k plus and I was worried about my exposure to all those germs!  I really thought my goose was cooked since there were so many people milling about the crowd, coughing, sneezing, and sniffling.  I made sure I washed my hands frequently and drank lots of water with a couple of drops of the immune tonic.   When I got back to the airport, waiting for my plane to San Francisco, I pulled out my bottle of BōKU^® Immune Tonic and said a silent prayer to the immune gods: “PLEASE KEEP ME HEALTHY! I have 3 more days of this trip and I cannot afford to get sick!” When I landed in San Francisco, I had a message from a colleague I met in Las Vegas: “I’m sick as a dog, are you?”  This time, I decided to take an extra dose of BōKU^® Immune Tonic and headed immediately to bed!  Sleep is another boost for the immune system and I needed all the help I could get.  Despite my fear, I slept great and was feeling very good for the next 2 busy days at the Green Festival.  On my way back to Los Angeles, I was relieved to be healthy and flu-free.  I know it wasn’t a scientific study, but I felt good about the BōKU^® Immune Tonic.  I did all the right things to stay healthy: I made sure I got enough sleep, I ate healthy and took BOKU Super food every day, and washed my hands frequently  after being in public places.  So in conclusion to my very un scientific but “real world” test run of the BōKU^® Immune Tonic, I give it a very high “thumbs up.”

In honor of the 25^th National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this article will discuss the likely relationship between breast cancer and diet.  While there may be nothing that we can do guarantee that we will not get breast cancer in the future, there is a host of studies that report that there are several lifestyle changes that we can make to reduce risk.

As far as diet is concerned, research seems to confirm common sense. According to a September 2009 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, (Meat, dairy, and breast cancer: do we have an answer?) that women who stuck to what they called a “prudent” diet tend to have a lower risk for breast cancer. Researchers Eleni Linos and Walter Willet define this “prudent” diet as one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish and low in red and processed meats, starchy carbohydrates and sweets.  During their study they found that with pre-menopausal, normal-weight women the risk for cancer declined as their scores on the “prudent” diet scale rose. In fact, those with the most prudent diets lessened their risk by a third!

There was little evidence that the more “prudent” diet lowered risk among postmenopausal or overweight women, although it was liked to a generally lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer — an aggressive type of tumor that accounts for about one-third of breast cancers.

BõKU™ Super Food is an excellent addition to the “prudent” diet. This is because many of its ingredients are not only nutritious, but they may actually stimulate your immune system.  The Táke mushroom blend is especially known for these qualities; Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Blazei, Chaga, and True Tinder Polypore are especially powerful.

Mushrooms are not the only  ingredient in BõKU™ Super Food that boost your immune system.  Goji berries, chlorophyll (found in all of our super greens!) and flax (which contains lignans) are also thought to have such properties.

However, eating healthy food is not the only lifestyle choice that one can make that may reduce their risk of developing cancer. Another is exercising regularly, the American Cancer Society suggests 45-60 minutes of exercise 5 or more days a week. Losing weight if you are overweight is also beneficial, as is maintaining a healthy weight after menopause. Limit your intake of alcohol. Studies have found that having one or more drinks a day will increase a woman’s risk of developing hormone-sensitive (ER+/PR+) tumor, this type accounts for roughly 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

It is also very important to obtain a breast cancer risk assessment from a physician as well as an annual clinical breast exam. One should also remember to perform monthly breast self exams and make sure to get regular mammography screening once turning 40 years old.

Also, try to find a healthy way to manage the stress in your life and try to keep a positive mind set as often as possible. There isn’t a lot of evidence that this keeps the cancer away, but it certainly couldn’t hurt!