Acne is the result of over activity of the oil glands, which are located at the base of the hair follicles, especially on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. When these oil glands become plugged up, the overactive oil glands become red and inflamed. There are many theories about acne, many of which are myths! Scientific research seems to indicate that there are four key factors involved in the acne process.

Natural hormones that are produced by the body throughout life undergo a drastic increase during the teen years. These hormones carry out many healthy jobs in the body of a rapidly developing teen. However, they also cause the oil glands to become overactive.

Family background or heredity plays a very important role as well. If many members of a teenager's family had or now have acne, it is likely that the problem of oily skin has been inherited and the teen's skin will be more sensitive than most people's to the effects of the hormones generated by the body.

If the skin cells that line the oil glands or pores are present in unusually large numbers, they tend to stick together, clogging the openings to the pores.

When bacteria are present on the skin, they tend to infect the oil glands. Bacteria thrive on this oil, growing readily beneath the skin cells and leading to infection. This produces redness and pus formation (the classic "pimple"), or in more serious cases, the infection spreads into deeper skin layers and causes cysts.

Age spots, also called liver spots, are flat brown spots that appear as the body ages. While harmless, they can be an indication of free radical damage that is occurring in the body, and to the skin itself. Some things that can lead to the formation of age spots include poor diet, lack of exercise, poor liver function, poor digestive function, and exposure to the sun.

Increasing the amount of water consumed daily helps the body to flush toxins. Supplementing with antioxidant nutritional products can assist the body in its ongoing battle against free radicals.

Allergies are a hypersensitivity of the body's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances (antigens), such as pollen, bee stings, poison ivy, drugs, or foods. Anaphylactic shock is a severe form of allergy response which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include dizziness, loss of consciousness, labored breathing, swelling of the tongue and breathing tubes, blueness of the skin, low blood pressure, and death. While the cause of most allergies remains a mystery, a weakened immune system can lead to a more exaggerated response.

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neuropsychiatric disease, found sometimes in middle-aged and more often in older adults, that affects brain matter and is characterized by the inexorable loss of cognitive function as well as by affective and behavioral disturbances. Complications may be categorized as behavioral, psychiatric, and metabolic. Behavioral complications include hostility, agitation, wandering, and uncooperativeness. Common psychiatric complications include depression, anxiety, and paranoid reactions. The cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, and there currently is no cure. Low levels of certain nutrients are common in Alzheimer's patients, and increasing the vitamin and mineral levels is thought to slow the progression of the disease, although there have been no clinical studies completed to either prove or disprove this theory.

Anemia is a reduction of red blood cells, or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. The result is that the amount of oxygen carried by the blood throughout the body is reduced. When this happens, muscular activity and cell building and repair can slow down. When the brain lacks oxygen, dizziness and a loss of mental sharpness can occur.

The most common cause is an iron deficiency. It is most commonly seen in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, although there are many factors that can cause anemia. Anemia can also be a sign of an underlying disorder.

Iron, folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12 deficiencies can lead to anemia.

Aging is the process of growing old. The body begins to change, and the process is thought to be enhanced by poor habits and the accumulation of free radicals that may cause cells to reproduce poorly or defectively. Nutrition is thought to play an important role in the aging process as many elderly people in poor health show signs of nutritional deficiencies.

Another factor is that certain hormones are not produced by the body as they were during youth, and there is much research to indicate that maintaining higher levels of certain hormones may assist in slowing down the aging process. A balanced diet, exercise and supplementation can all be helpful to regain some of the lost vitality.

Anxiety is a disorder that can be either acute or chronic. It can appear as panic attacks, and the body is placed into a "fight or flight" mode to deal with the apparent situation. When this occurs, the body produces more adrenaline which causes an increase in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fat for energy.

Higher stress levels created use up nutrients faster. While anxiety is rarely caused from nutritional deficiencies, supplementation can help prevent the immune system from weakening and causing more problems. Others may benefit from simple instruction in relaxation therapy. In addition, a paced exercise program can be especially helpful in those sensing loss of control over other areas of life.

Arthritis is a joint disorder. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.

In normal healthy joints, the end of the bone is covered by synovial membrane and is kept lubricated by synovial fluid. Arthritis sufferers have less fluid and the membrane thins or wears away, causing bone to rub against bone, creating pain and inflammation. Small pieces of bone may break away and become lodged in the joint creating more pain. Certain foods have been found to aggravate arthritis symptoms, and if this is the case, should be removed from the diet. Recent research has shown that supplementation of the nutrients that the body needs to create cartilage and tissues in the joints has been helpful.

Asthma is a breathing problem which results from spasm (bronchospasm) of the muscles surrounding the walls of the lung airways. Airways are breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. Alveoli are tiny sac-like structures at the end of the airways where oxygen enters the bloodstream. Bronchospasm causes narrowing of the airways which leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and congestion. Airways can also be narrowed in asthma from accumulated mucus and swelling that is caused by inflammation of the bronchi.

The cause of asthma is unknown. Asthma is generally classified according to the factors that can precipitate an attack of asthma. These factors include allergies, drugs, pregnancy, molds, cold air, exercise, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, gastroesophageal reflux, food additives, and infections. Keeping the immune system strong may help reduce the affects of asthma.

Back pain is created from the spine or muscles of the back. Causes may include muscle strain or other muscular disorders, pressure on the root of a nerve, a ruptured vertebral disk (herniated disk), adrenal insufficiency, kidney dysfunction, or emotional distress.

Notes: Chiropractic or osteopathic care is recommended as the lower back is an area that can be easily injured if there is even a minor disorder. If damage to a disk or vertebra is evident, daily supplementation of Glucosamine over 12 weeks has been shown to be of benefit. When Calcium and Magnesium were added, healing was hastened considerably.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called the "silent killer" because is usually causes no symptoms until the person is struck by one of the complications of the disease. The artery walls become constricted and impair blood flow. Heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney problems can be the result.

Diet and lifestyle changes can help improve hypertension. Smoking, being overweight, and nutritional deficiencies may also be contributors.

Cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and keep dividing and forming more cells without control or order. All organs of the body are made up of cells. Normally, cells divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. This orderly process helps keep us healthy.

If cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms. This mass of extra tissue, called a growth or tumor, can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. Malignant tumors are cancer. Cancer cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. This is how cancer spreads from the original (primary) tumor to form new tumors in other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

Cancer develops gradually as a result of a complex mix of factors related to environment, lifestyle, and heredity. Scientists have identified many risk factors that increase the chance of getting cancer. They estimate that about 80 percent of all cancers are related to the use of tobacco products, to what we eat and drink, or, to a lesser extent, to exposure to radiation or cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the environment and the workplace. Some people are more sensitive than others to factors that can cause cancer.

Candida Albicans is a type of parasitic yeast like fungus that inhabits the intestines, genital tract, esophagus, mouth and throat. Normally this fungus lives in healthy balance with other bacteria in the body, however certain conditions cause it to multiply and cause infections known as Candida. It can travel in the blood and affect different parts of the body. One of the most common symptoms are recurrent yeast infections. A white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning are common. When it affect the oral cavity, it is called thrush. White sores may appear on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks. Mothers infected with candida often pass it on to their babies. Those who have been on long-term antibiotic therapy, or take antibiotics often, are more susceptible to candida. The antibiotics also kill the good bacteria which helps keep the candida in check.

Cardiovascular disease includes the heart and blood vessels which make up the cardiovascular system. It is the leading health problem in the western world. The heart is the strongest muscle in the body and requires constant nourishment and oxygen. Magnesium and calcium are important nutrients for maintaining proper heart rhythm. All blood passes through the heart, therefore it is important that the organs that cleanse the blood are working properly as well. CoEnzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps supply energy to the heart. Many nutrients are required to keep the cardiovascular system in proper working order, and nutritional deficiencies may contribute to this disease.

Carpus is a word derived from the Greek word "karpos" which means "wrist." The wrist is surrounded by a band of fibrous tissue which normally functions as a support for the joint. The tight space between this fibrous band and the wrist bone is called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to reach the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand. Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers, a condition known as "carpal tunnel syndrome."

Common conditions that can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma. Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work such as prolonged typing can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms.

Those with carpal tunnel syndrome initially feel numbness and tingling of the hand in the distribution of the median nerve (the thumb, index, middle, and part of the fourth fingers). As the disease progresses, it can develop into a burning sensation, cramping and weakness of the hand. Decreased grip strength can lead to frequent dropping of objects from the hand. Occasionally, sharp shooting pains can be felt in the forearm.

A clouding or loss of transparency of the eye lens. There are many causes of cataracts including aging, diabetes, cortisone medication, trauma, or other diseases. Cataracts will affect most people if they live long enough. Symptoms include double or blurred vision and sensitivity to light and glare. The most common form is senile cataracts, which affect people over the age of sixty-five. This type is often caused by free radical damage which attacks the structural proteins and cell membranes of the lens. Antioxidants may be helpful in preventing cataracts.

Hypo-cholesterolemia is a decrease in the level of total HDL and LDL/VDL cholesterol levels that prevents the body from producing proper levels of hormones, blood plasma, brain fluids, collagen tissue, and other vital components. The body produces cholesterol as required through the liver and it is important to note that cholesterol intake does not equate to cholesterol production. Egg yolks contain 213 mg. of cholesterol, but do not increase LDL (bad) cholesterol at all, only HDL (good) cholesterol, and not very much of that. There is significantly greater concern over low cholesterol (cholesterol levels below 170) than high cholesterol. People experiencing low cholesterol levels have a very difficult time healing, especially ulcerated skin conditions, and keeping hormones balanced. High cholesterol continues to be a source of concern in society today, however the body has its own natural checks and balance system that stops cholesterol from coagulating and building up on artery walls. Lecithin is a key part of this system. Problems related to cholesterol are more a result of the saturated and polyunsaturated fats that we eat in our diets, along with low raw green vegetable (magnesium rich) intake that keeps calcium in solution. When undigested fats (bad fats) and unabsorbed calcium mix with cholesterol, then it becomes plaque, and not before. Further, recent medical findings associate cholesterol production with the thyroid gland. Low thyroid function, or hypothyroid, results in higher cholesterol levels, while high or hyperthyroid, results in much lower cholesterol levels. When working with your medical professional about cholesterol-related probems, suggest that a full thyroid examination be given as well.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition that is becoming widespread. Symptoms include aching muscles and joints, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, fever, headaches, intestinal problems, irritability, loss of appetite, mood swings, muscle spasms, and disabling fatigue. The cause is unknown, and it is often misdiagnosed as hypochondria as routine medical tests often do not reveal any problems. It is thought to be some type of unidentified immune system problem. Most people seem to recover, however once a person has this condition, it can recur at any time. Keeping the immune system healthy may help prevent relapses.

There are many disorders that can cause circulatory problems. One of the more common causes is the buildup of plaque or fatty deposits along the walls of the arteries. Some signs may include a tingling sensation in the lower leg, toes and fingers. Also toes and fingers may become numb and appear colorless or blue from a lack of proper circulation. Without treatment, gangrene may occur. Poor circulation may also result in varicose veins.

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is a relatively common disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine (the colon). The cause is unknown. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It has some similarity to a related disorder, Crohn's disease. Some possible factors may include poor eating habits, stress, and food allergies.

Intermittent rectal bleeding, crampy abdominal pain and diarrhea can be symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis characteristically waxes and wanes. Long-standing ulcerative colitis increases the risk for colon cancer. Colloidal silver may be helpful in fighting infection and reducing inflammation for colitis sufferers.

Many experts now conclude that most disease starts in the colon. As the colon is responsible for the elimination of toxins and waste, improper elimination can result in the release of toxins into the system. This can create numerous problems. Colon and intestinal problems may include digestion, elimination, hormonal balance, infection, and many other problems. Indigestion, gas, mental confusion, fatigue, depression, and irritability may also result from colon and intestinal issues. Cleansing the colon can help rid the system of toxins, other impacted debris, and fecal matter.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders. It describes the infrequent and difficult passage of stool. People who complain of constipation may consider their stools too hard, infrequent, small or difficult to expel. Others may use it to describe a change in their normal pattern of elimination. There are multiple causes for constipation in children and adults. It is not itself a disease, but can be caused by many different conditions which include irritable bowel syndrome, colonic diverticulosis, certain medications, diets low in fiber content, colon cancer, and overuse of certain laxatives. Constipation can occur as a result of diets with too much fat and refined sugars and not enough fiber. It is important that the bowels move on a daily basis. The colon is a holding tank for waste matter. Toxins can form from undigested food that can be released into the body and create problems. Constipation can block the absorption of nutrients resulting in deficiencies.

Cravings for certain foods or certain types of foods are very common with pregnant women. Some experts believe that it is a result of the body lacking certain nutrients that creates cravings. This may be the case with pregnant women who develop urges for foods or combinations of foods that they normally do not include in there diet.

Less common, but far from unique is the confusing compulsion to eat strange substances like white clay or laundry starch. Such habits could signal iron deficiency. However, for those who find themselves craving the same thing all the time, such as chocolate cake, may find that they just have a weakness for that particular type of food.

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations in the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere between the mouth and the anus. The disease is found in equal frequency in men and women, and usually affects young patients in their teens or early twenties. Once the disease begins, it tends to be a chronic, recurrent condition with periods of remission and disease exacerbation. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Some scientists suspect that infection by certain bacteria. Crohn's disease is believed to be related to abnormalities in the response of the body's immune system to the bowel contents. The body's immune system is composed of cells and proteins that normally protect the body from infections or other foreign invaders. In normal individuals, no immune response will be directed against food, bacteria, and other substances in the intestines. In those with Crohn's disease, the immune system seems to react actively to a variety of substances and/or bacteria in the intestines, causing inflammation, bowel injury, and ulcerations.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defect in a gene that encodes instructions for a protein that regulates the passage of salt in and out of the cells of exocrine glands. This affects the glands in the pancreas, sweat glands, and glands of the digestive and respiratory systems. The lungs secrete thick mucus that blocks lung passages and traps bacteria, causing coughing, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and lung infections. Thick secretions can also block the release of pancreatic enzymes, resulting in digestive problems, malabsorption problems, and affect the metabolism of fats. Malnutrition can result because nutrients are not being properly absorbed from foods. In young children, this can produce a failure to gain weight.

Problems in the mouth often are indicators of deficiencies or other underlying problems. Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency. Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth may signal a vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Raw, red mouth tissue may be a sign of stress, and sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of cancer. Periodontal disease most commonly begins as gingivitis and progresses to periodontitis. Regular dental check-ups can often detect many problems at an early stage.

Depression symptoms include low spirits and dejection, apathy, anorexia, lack of emotional expression (flat affect), social withdrawal and fatigue. Prevalent types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. It involves the whole body, nervous systems, moods, thoughts, and behavior. It affects the way one eats and sleeps, and how one feels about oneself. While not fully understood, the causes can be many and varied. It may be triggered by tension, stress, events, chemical imbalances in the brain, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, lack of exercise, or allergies. Serious physical disorders and low blood sugar can also cause depression.

Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as "diabetes," means "sweet urine." It is a chronic medical condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine. Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. In those with diabetes mellitus, the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia. Over time, diabetes mellitus can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Diabetes mellitus is also an important factor in accelerating the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to strokes, coronary heart diseases, and other blood vessel diseases in the body. Diabetes and high blood pressure often go hand in hand, and both can lead to kidney disease. There are two major types of diabetes mellitus, called type I and type II. Type I diabetes mellitus is also called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. In type I diabetes mellitus, the pancreas releases no insulin at all, and the person relies on insulin medication for survival.

Type II diabetes mellitus is also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). Type II diabetics can still produce insulin, but do so inadequately.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that produces scaling, flaking, thickening, and often itching. Many causes are the result of allergies. Stress can exacerbate eczema. Sensitivity to gluten is widespread and many people with skin disorders do better if they eliminate gluten and dairy products from the diet. Other food allergies may also cause eczema.

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. Occurring most often in the feet and ankles, the swelling of edema can cause muscle aches and pains. Edema can be caused by allergies and persistent edema may be caused by kidney, bladder, heart or liver problems.

Epilepsy is a physical condition caused by sudden, brief changes in how the brain works. In about half of all cases no cause can be found, but head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, problems in brain development before birth, and certain genetic and infectious illnesses can all cause epilepsy.

Epilepsy occurs when nerve cells in the brain fire electrical impulses at a rate of up to four times higher than normal. This causes a sort of electrical storm in the brain, known as a seizure. A pattern of repeated seizure is referred to as epilepsy.

Nutritional supplementation may be important for those with epilepsy, especially for those taking prescription medications, to help offset some of the side effects of the medications.

Fatigue is not a disorder, but rather a symptom of another disorder. Extreme fatigue may be sign of chronic fatigue syndrome. Fatigue may also be caused by depression or boredom. It may also be caused by poor dietary choices, lifestyles or habits. A high fat and high carbohydrate diet, emotional stress, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, and tobacco are all energy robbers. Allergies may also cause fatigue. Improving the diet, adequate sleep, exercising, and nutritional supplementation may all help with energy levels.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease consists of single or multiple lumps (cysts) in the breasts. It is most common to women during child-bearing years.

Normally the fluids from breast tissues are transported out by the lymphatic system. When there are more fluids that can be removed, cysts can form. The cysts are often harmless and are fairly common, but they can cause discomfort, especially prior to menstruation.

Removing caffeine from the diet may help those facing this issue. Proper thyroid function is important.

Fibromyalgia (also known as fibrositis) is a chronic condition causing pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Fibromyalgia is also characterized by restless sleep, awakening feeling tired, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in bowel function.

While fibromyalgia is one of the most common diseases affecting the muscles, its cause is currently unknown. Some evidence points to a problem with the immune system. The painful tissues involved are not accompanied by tissue inflammation. Therefore, despite potentially disabling body pain, patients with fibromyalgia do not develop body damage or deformity. Fibromyalgia also does not cause damage to internal body organs.

Fibromyalgia affects predominantly women (90 percent) between the ages of 35 and 55. Rarely, fibromyalgia can also affect men, children, and the elderly. It can occur independently, or can be associated with another disease, such as systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Malabsorption problems are common with fibromyalgia sufferers, therefore supplementation of nutrients can be very important.