No matter how healthy their diets and lifestyles, some

people still get sick. You've heard and seen it for yourself. A world-class athlete gets prostate cancer. A devotee of natural foods and yoga gets breast cancer.

People who shouldn't get sick get sick all the time. And as we get older all of us become more prone to illnesses. Why is this?

Blame some of it on your parents, because your health is determined in part by genetics. It's also affected by a lack of nutrients needed to repair cells, as damaged cells lead to aging and illness. Disease and aging begin with your DNA.

While 99.9% of the DNA in your body is identical to the DNA in every other person's body, it's the 0.1% percent that separates you from everyone else and determines your health. Over one million genetic variations lie within this tiny fraction of a percent.

Cells reproduce themselves constantly. Over time, this duplication process becomes impaired. For example, if some of your cells are lacking folic acid, the new ones will be folic acid-deficient as well.

When your DNA becomes damaged, it affects aging and your health. If only these damaged cells could be repaired, we'd stay healthier and look younger. Fortunately, there's a way to repair DNA and turn back the aging and disease clocks.

I've found a nutrient that actually repairs damaged DNA. You know how much I value sound scientific research. Well, there are good studies to back up this nutrient. What's more, I've personally seen it work miracles on some very sick people. And I've spoken with health care professionals who have seen similar results. If it can repair their DNA, it can repair the DNA in those of us who are not sick.

Peruvian herbal extract repairs DNA

The nutritional ingredient I found is the standardized extract of a Peruvian herb. But it's not just any extract. This one not only protects DNA, it's the only form of the herb that has ever been shown to actually repair DNA! The herb originates from a vine called Cat's Claw, or UF1a de Gato, (Uncaria tomentosa). The patented extract that works wonders beyond anything that Cat's Claw itself can do is called AC-11.

Peruvian natives have used a tea made from Cat's Claw for hundreds of years. They drink the tea for inflammation, cancer, and infections because it's anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and protects cells from damage. But AC-11 does much more because of how it's extracted.

This extraction method separates AC-11 from all other Cat's Claw products. Cat's Claw contains tannins and water-insoluble alkaloids. The tannins irritate the kidneys. In some people they cause cramping and diarrhea, limiting how much Cat's Claw they can take and absorb. AC-11 is low in tannins.

Ron Pero, PhD, an expert researcher in DNA, duplicated the extraction method used by Peruvian shamans and ended up with a product that's just the right molecular size and weight to get into your cells. Not only is it 100% bioavailable, it outperforms other types of Cat's Claw because it's both water-soluble and oil-soluble. The fat-soluble properties allow it to get through your intestines and into your cells.

In developing this new extraction process, Dr. Pero manipulated the herb so that the extract would contain more of the beneficial alkaloids and less of the irritating ones. In fact, he found a new class of active ingredients, carboxy alkyl esters (CAEs), which actually stimulate DNA repair enzymes.

Testing AC-11

When I first heard about AC-11, I was a little skeptical. I trust the person who first told me about AC-11, but I wanted to see for myself how well it worked. In three months, it reduced pain in one patient with a 30-year history of Lyme disease. She also had fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and asthma. Her pain, usually an 8-9 out of 10 (most severe) was reduced to occasional twinges.

Another patient with fibromyalgia, severe arthritis in her knees, and pain from a back injury, noticed a significant reduction in inflammation and an overall lessening in pain.

I was amazed! But it didn't surprise Dr. Tim Hall, a medical doctor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who uses traditional medications in his chronic pain practice. He has been using AC-11 for years and finds it not only reduces pain, it increases energy and stamina. His patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and depression love it.

But don't just take our word for it. Scientific studies show that AC-11 repairs DNA damage from radiation in laboratory animals. It significantly reduces signs of DNA damage in patients who use it for just four to six weeks, compared to controls.

Where to find AC-11

Healthy DNA is a blueprint for a healthy life. Repairing damaged DNA helps you keep or regain your health. AC-11 increases immunity, reduces inflammation, improves collagen in the skin, and helps you sleep. You can get 30 capsules of pure AC-11 from Optigenex through the Website

(or call 866-678-4469) for $29.95. A bottle of 60 capsules is available from ProThera (888-488-2488) for $44. The ProThera product is called Protectagen.

I also want you to know about a very new product that combines AC-11 with specific anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients that work well together. This formula, Avatar 8, repairs tissues as well as DNA. My good friend Janet Zand – acupuncturist, writer, and developer of the original Zand line of herbal supplements – formulated it. You're hearing about it here first.

Avatar 8 is available in a few health food stores in the New York area. Eventually, it will be in stores across the country. You can buy it directly from Prometheon (866-678-4469). Sixty capsules of this "AC-11 plus" product — a one-month supply — costs $44.95 including shipping and handling. If you have arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, it should give you results. Be sure to take it with a good multi, which contains some of the co-factors that help it work best.

Challem, Jack. Feed Your Genes Right, Wiley & Sons, 2005.

Giampapa, V., MD, R. Pero, PhD, and M. Zimmerman, CN. The Anti-Aging Solution, Wiley & Sons, 004.

NAC: Photochemistry and Photobiology, (2000), 71; (5): pp. 559-566.

Optigenex, Inc. privileged conversations and confidential monographs.

Pero, R., PhD, and M. Zimmerman, CN. Reverse Aging, Nutrition Solutions Publications, 2002.

One Simple Dietary Change Can Lower Your Risk for Heart Disease

Instead of looking for the best medication or supplement to lower your risk for heart disease, you can read food labels and make one small, significant dietary change. This change reduces inflammation, lowers cholesterol, increases beneficial HDL cholesterol, and lowers harmful LDL — all markers for heart disease.

This substance that can increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems is trans fats.

Beginning in January 2006, trans fats must be clearly labeled on all food packages. Right now, this information is buried, or hidden behind innocuous-sounding words. The new dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are already urging us to eat as few of them as possible. Some food companies, like Frito-Lay, have eliminated them in some of their foods.

Until recently, most people didn't know there was anything wrong with trans fats. They were accepted ingredients in both prepared and homemade foods. Margarine, a trans fat, was used in many households when there was an overabundance of vegetable oils and when butter became scarce or too expensive.

We never used margarine in my home, however, even though money was especially tight during the war. My mother's mouth would curl up in distain when anyone mentioned margarine. "I don't like the way it tastes," she insisted. Then she'd can endless jars of pears, spinach, and grape jelly to save enough money and ration stamps to buy "the real thing."

Mother did, however, bake and fry with shortening — another trans fat. Solid shortenings were acceptable to her as long as they didn't pretend to be butter. Little did mother — or anyone at that time — realize that margarine and solid shortenings were made from the most harmful fats you can eat.

Dr. Walter Willett, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, calls trans fats "probably the most toxic fats ever known." Strong words from a scientist. The Institute of Medicine, an independent scientific organization, isn't happy with them, either. These researchers recommended to the FDA that our trans fat consumption be as low as possible, and that's just what the new dietary guidelines suggest. Since dairy naturally contains small amounts of trans fats, and many restaurants use partially hydrogenated oils, it's impossible to avoid them completely. But you can avoid them in significant amounts.

What's so harmful?

Trans fats are the only fats not found in nature. Manufacturers force hydrogen gas into a vegetable oil. This changes the oil from a liquid into a solid substance, making it either "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated." Some vegetable oils are "partially hydrogenated" even though they're liquid. These oils contain trans fats.

The problem is that trans fats increase inflammation. Inflammation contributes to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and any condition that ends in "itis." And they're worse for women than men. Study after study shows that the more trans fats we women eat, the higher our risk is for heart disease and systemic inflammation. Take a few minutes to re- read my two articles on inflammation (July and August 2003) on my website (the information to login is on page 7). They'll help you understand why reducing inflammation is one of the most important steps you can take for your health in general, and your heart in particular.

Trans fat consumption appears to be associated with a higher incidence of cancers, as well. There are several possible reasons for this: It lowers immunity and interferes with enzymes that normally remove carcinogenic chemicals. The increase in cancer parallels our increased consumption of foods containing these harmful fats.

The association between trans fats and other diseases is also dose-dependent. The more trans fats you eat, the more harmful their effects. But how much is too much? Since we don't know, and since each of us reacts differently to any supplement, medication, or food ingredient, I recommend you avoid all possible sources. This includes foods that list trans fats, hydrogenated oils, or partially hydrogenated oils on their labels.

Eating foods with trans fats doesn't only harm us, it changes the composition of fats in mother's milk, giving them less of the protective fats that support their babies' immune systems. Infants fed mother's milk high in trans fats have had impaired vision, childhood asthma, and low birth rate.

Which foods contain trans fats?

"Shortening," "vegetable shortening," and "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" all mean the food contains trans fats. When any of these terms appear in the first few ingredients, the food contains more trans fats than if they are near the bottom of the list. This is because ingredients on food labels are listed in order of the greatest amount. Stop eating foods with a higher proportion of trans fats. There are good substitutions in your grocery and health food stores. Here are some products that contain high amounts of trans fats:

• Foods in restaurants that have been deep-fried in partially hydrogenated oils.
  
  

• Baked goods, such as cookies, donuts, and cakes, especially those with shortening-based frostings.
  
  

• Potato chips, corn chips, and many crackers.
  
  

• Non-dairy creamers and flavored coffees.
  
  

• Whipped dessert toppings.
  
  

• Some breakfast cereals and breakfast bars.
  
  

• Most microwave popcorn (look for Newman's Own, which uses safe oils).
  
  

• Frozen foods, such as pizzas, pot pies, French fries, and other potatoes.
  
  

• Packaged puddings.
  
  

For more specific information on reading labels, other foods to avoid, and recipes for making piecrusts and other foods without trans fats, pick up The Trans Fat Solution by Kim Severson (Ten Speed Press, 2003).

Three new safe fats

Many newly formulated snacks and processed foods will be made with vegetable oils, such as safflower oil. Others will contain oils you may not be familiar with, such as coconut, palm, and macadamia nut oils. Next month, I'll tell you all about these tropical oils. Meanwhile, don't avoid them. Although they've gotten a bad rap in the past, they're not only safe ... they're healthy.

Enig, Mary G., PhD. Know Your Fats, Bethesda Press, 2001.

Severson, Kim. The Trans Fat Solution, Ten Speed Press, 2003.

How Good Is Your Mouthwash?

As a child, I remember seeing my mother's teeth sitting in a glass of water on her nightstand at night and feeling worried. Was this to be my fate? I thought that false teeth were unavoidable. I had soft teeth and huge numbers of dental caries all my life.

No matter what I did — brushing faithfully, eating no sugar for one year, and praying for answers — the caries continued, my gums bled, and my teeth seemed to accumulate plaque daily. I never believed this situation would improve.

Now I have no plaque — just a little soft tartar that gets removed by regular cleanings. My gums rarely bleed. My mouth is healthier than it's ever been. What's changed? I brush, floss, and use a natural mouthwash. All help, but the mouthwash has done wonders.

Some people use mouthwash to prevent bad breath. But bad breath is not only a sign of possible digestive problems. It can be an indication of too much bad bacteria in your mouth. Left alone, these bacteria can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), bleeding, periodontal disease, and dental caries.

One solution is to use an effective mouthwash to keep down the colonies of bacteria. But there's something about the artificially colored commercial mouthwashes that turns me off. I don't want to swish these synthetic colors, oils, and sweeteners around in my mouth if there's another alternative. And there is! You can find natural mouthwashes made with herbal extracts at just about any health food store.

Mouthwash ingredients

Thyme and eucalyptus oils have strong antibacterial activities. They're both used in commercial mouthwashes. However, since they're used in such large quantities, the oils may be made synthetically. Some natural products companies know their benefits and have created mouthwashes with these and other antibacterial oils from herbs. The natural products don't contain alcohol, sugar, or synthetic colors or sweeteners.

Most natural mouthwashes I've seen depend upon the antibacterial qualities in grapefruit seed extract to keep bacteria levels down. This is good, but I've found three products that have more active ingredients than grapefruit seed alone. Some contain herbs that prevent plaque from forming, reduce bleeding, and heal tissues. One of them has even been proven more effective in killing bacteria than the leading mouthwash.

The Natural Dentist Herbal Mouth & Gum Therapy Daily Oral Rinse. Here's a mouthwash you can find in many drugstores across the country. It's been clinically tested and proven to kill bacteria in the mouth even better than Listerine! And it's all natural. Its antibacterial qualities come from echinacea, calendula, and grapefruit seed extract. In addition, this mouthwash contains bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), shown to significantly reduce plaque and bleeding. I've used this product and can attest to its ability to stop gums from bleeding. Both my dental hygienist and I noticed a marked difference in my gum health after I used it for a few months. An eight-ounce bottle costs around $7. If you can't find it locally, call the company at 800-615-6895.

HerbPharm's Oral Health Tonic. Studies show that an East African plant, Spilanthes mauritiana is effective against over 100 strains of bacteria including staph, E. coli, and salmonella. No wonder the folks at one of my very favorite herb companies, HerbPharm, have it as the first ingredient in their Oral Health Tonic. This concentrate also contains thyme (Thymus vulgaris), one of the most-studied antibacterial herbs, and cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macro), which keep bacteria from sticking to tissues.

HerbPharm herbal tinctures are available at many natural food stores. A one-ounce bottle of concentrate costs $11. If you can't find it, call 800-348-4372. You add a dropperful to two ounces of water, and then use. While it may be easier to use a mouthwash you don't have to mix, concentrates are often more potent than traditional mouthwashes and well worth the extra little effort.

Earth Spirits Gum Treatment. You won't find this concentrated mouthwash in most stores, but herbalist Gail Julian has seen it work miracles for people who have problem mouths. "Deep pockets around their teeth improve from a '6' (a sign of periodontal disease) to a '1' or a '2' (normal) when they brush, floss, and use this mouthwash twice a day," she told me. "Their dentists don't believe their eyes." Its first ingredient, myrrh (Commiphora molmol) is both antibacterial and an astringent. The bayberry (Myrica cerifera) it contains is an astringent and tonic that has been used traditionally for mouth and gum problems. And it also contains prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum), which improves circulation and stimulates mucous membranes. The prickly ash, Gail believes, is one reason why this mouthwash is so effective.

Here's why. As we age, there's less circulation to our gum and jaw tissues. Adding prickly ash to a mouthwash is like massaging your gums every day. Clearly, this mouthwash goes beyond other antibacterial mouthwashes. You can get a two-ounce bottle of Earth Spirits Gum Treatment through Common Knowledge Herbs (e-mail Linda Kelly at [email protected] ). A one-month supply costs $13 — far less than an appointment with your dentist. To use, put one dropperful of the concentrate in a little water and rinse.

Kill harmful bacteria

I would be remiss if I didn't mention a device that sterilizes your toothbrush and cuts down on harmful bacteria that breed and live on your toothbrush. Bathroom air is filled with pathogenic bacteria, and bacteria breed like crazy on wet toothbrushes. This clever little device called the Germ Terminator kills 99.99% of germs that find their way onto your toothbrush using steam and dry heat. It's like using a new brush every time you clean your teeth! Two toothbrushes fit into this sanitizer at once. Both standard toothbrushes and Sonicare (and other) brush heads fit.

Once costing around $100 — and well worth it in my opinion — you can now order it directly from The Germ Terminator Store (702-434-8000) for only $49.95. You may also find it at some retail stores.

Since un-sterilized toothbrushes are responsible for a host of bad germs getting into our mouths, the combination of a clean toothbrush and a good mouthwash can dramatically improve gum and tooth diseases.

Dorman, H.J. and S.G. Deans. "Antimicrobial agents from plants: anti- bacterial activity of plant volatile oils," J Appl Microbiol, February 2000.

Fabry, W., et al. "Antibacterial activity of East African medicinal plants," J Ethnopharmacol, February 1998.

Guitz, J., DDS and J.M. Kaim, DDS. "An in vivo comparison of the antimicrobial activities of three mouth rinses," Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 1998; vol 9.

Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism, Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Nutrition Detective

New Low-Sodium Meals Give You More Options

Several months ago, I talked about reducing dietary sodium. I told you that there aren't many healthy prepared foods for anyone on a low-sodium diet. That's starting to change!

One of my favorite companies, Amy's Kitchen, has a new line of frozen foods that are not only low in sodium, they're made with organic ingredients as well.

I tried several of the meals and want to report my findings to you.

The bowl of brown rice, tofu, and vegetables tasted like a homemade dish. Its flavor was mild, and I happen to like stronger tastes. All it would take to boost its taste without increasing sodium is to add a little more garlic. Easy enough.

Amy's vegetable lasagna, on the other hand, didn't lack flavor. But the package I bought was dry and a little light on the sauce. Either the company will remedy this or I'll add a tablespoon or two more of a low-sodium tomato sauce in the future.

Highest in carbs and lowest in protein of all the meals I tried was the veggie loaf. It looks like a slice of meat loaf with gravy accompanied by mashed potatoes, corn, and peas. The loaf and gravy lacked taste, and the side dishes are all very high in carbohydrates, which turn to sugar quickly. I'll gladly try Amy's other low-sodium dishes, but not this one.

Healthy food companies like Amy's are beginning to listen to our needs and are coming up with low-sodium products. Try them. Some may be quite palatable and just the ticket for those days when you just don't feel like cooking, but still want a healthful meal.

25% Discount Offer for Drainbo

In the June issue, I wrote up some of the best new health products on the market. One of those products was Drainbo, a non-toxic drain cleaner. It eats up hair and soap and detergent residues as well as the best toxic chemicals on the market, but it's safe for your septic system and the environment. It contains seven strains of bacteria that eat up the grease and protein wastes that clog your drains.

Now you can get 25% off the cost of household Drainbo simply by telling the company you're a subscriber to Women's Health Letter and saw this offer in the newsletter. You can order Drainbo from the company either through the website or by calling 877-DRAINBO. The smallest size is a half-gallon container that sells for $14.95 (minus your WHL 25% discount) plus shipping.

Ask Dr. Nan

Q: I read in another publication that women over 50 need 1,300 mg of calcium a day. This is contrary to what you advise. They also say that potassium is more important than magnesium for bone health. What should I believe? — M.M.S., Fort Jones, CA

A: Simply speaking, they're giving old information and not considering the amount of any minerals you get from a healthy diet. High amounts of calcium can't be well-absorbed and may lead to heart disease and arthritis. High calcium also causes a magnesium deficiency.

I think magnesium supplements are more important than potassium supplements because we get more potassium from our diets than magnesium. When your magnesium and calcium levels are both low, taking calcium does nothing to raise either. But taking magnesium raises both.

Then there's strontium, an excellent bone mineral. I'd suggest adding a strontium supplement to your program rather than calcium.

Q: My nails grow fairly fast, but they are thin and soft. They split, and the tops peel off. Some have deep ridges. I eat organic foods as much as I can, and eat very little meat. I take supplements, but am not sure if they're the right ones. Any suggestions? — J.B., via e-mail

A: Nails that crack, chip, peel, and break suggest a mineral deficiency. I know you're taking supplements, but this deficiency can be caused by food allergies or poor digestion. In other words, the minerals you need may not be getting through.

Deep ridges are a sign of a possible iron deficiency. This is easy to test with a red and white blood count test. Interestingly, iron, calcium, and magnesium all need acid in order to be used. You could simply need to take some hydrochloric acid (HCl) if your stomach isn't producing enough. I wrote an article on HCl for the June 2003 issue ("Take Acid, Not Antacids, to End Your Heartburn"). If you don't have that issue, you can find it on my website.

Meanwhile, look at the possibility of having a food allergy, and eliminate any food you're eating daily for two weeks. Then test it by itself. If it's a problem food, you'll react to it when it's re-introduced.

Burton Goldberg, Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition, Celestial Arts, 2002.

Q: I have normal-sized earlobes, each with a crease. Some sources say the creases could indicate future health problems. What does your research say? — H., via e-mail

A: Surprising as it may seem, a number of good scientific studies indicate that earlobe creases are definitely associated with coronary heart disease. The exceptions are with Native Americans and Orientals. All other people with diagonal creases in their earlobes should have their doctors monitor them regularly for any signs of heart disease.

Your earlobe creases can either be a source of worry or a good warning sign to concentrate on heart-protective exercise, diet, and supplements. Personally, I'd concentrate on antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements. The first supplement I'd take is Padma Basic, a Tibetan herbal formula that reduces arterial plaque and is an anti-inflammatory. You can get more information on Padma on my website (simply login and search the achives for Padma). You can order the supplement by calling 800-728-2288.

Elliott, WJ, "Ear lobe crease and coronary artery disease. 1,000 patients and review of the literature," Ir Med J, 1992 Dec; 85(4).