I am in Hong Kong at the moment. Last week Tibet and other parts of China. The papers here are full of warnings about swine flu and a significant number of people are walking around the streets with face masks. Officials greet airline passengers in biohazard suits and temperature probes.

In some countries even if someone on the same plane with you is suspected of having swine flu you may be forced into a 7 days quarantine ‘prison’ and treated as if you were carrying some kind of plague even if you are perfectly healthy.

It happened to the New Orleans Mayor on a visit to China last week.

Earlier today I was talking to my son Kane in Christchurch, New Zealand. He told me that some local ‘authorities’ are claiming that there could be 100,000 people affected in the greater Christchurch region. That’s 20% of the approx population of 500,000! People are being told to stay home if they have the slightest symptoms…good excuse for time off I suppose.

What are the actual figures of confirmed swine flu to date in the Christchurch region? A grand total of 49! Yes, that’s correct – 49. So where are all these other wild figures coming from?

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A reader made a comment on one of the posts in which he felt that you can get all your essential nutrients from food. As some people still believe this, which is a myth, I thought that it would be appropriate to post a copy of an article I wrote about seven years ago. The principles still apply today; in fact, even more than ever before.

XTEND-YOUR-LIFE
Issue - 21th August 2002

Malnourished...with fruit and veges? This will shock you!

This is a concept that you may have difficulty in accepting. Nonetheless it is one that I have been ‘preaching’ for years and has now been confirmed by studies showing people in the US, Canada and the UK are amongst the most malnourished in the world. This is the case in spite of obesity reaching epidemic proportions in the US. Malnourishment is without doubt a leading factor in a wide variety of health problems including cancers.

Does this mean that overweight people are eating all the food to the detriment of the rest of the population? Not at all! In fact, obese people figure prominently amongst those people who are malnourished.

I can sense you thinking... ”That’s a crazy statement”. After all, when you think of someone being malnourished your mind flashes to pictures which you have seen on TV of starving children in Africa. How can an overweight person be malnourished? Much easier than you think... please read on and I will explain.

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According to ‘Visionofhumanity.org’ New Zealand is the most peaceful country in the world. As a New Zealander, this is nice to know. We have also been ranked as the least corrupt country in the world. BUT, having said this, we are certainly not the healthiest country in the world! In New Zealand, as in most western countries, there is still minimal emphasis on disease prevention and a reliance on trying to ‘fix the problem’ after the event. This of course will never work.

The population is getting fatter and unhealthier, although there is a growing awareness among the general population of the need to look after your health before you lose it. However, in order to make real progress, there needs to be a shift in thinking at government level that encourages people to be responsible for their own health. When it deteriorates to the point that you need to see a doctor, then you have a serious problem which is sometimes impossible to put right.

If you are interested in having a look at where your country ranks on the ‘peace stakes’ click here.

Question: from Grace

Right now I'm suffering from skin allergy. I'm not pretty sure, though since I haven't seen a Doctor yet. But if it is an allergy then this is my first time. I haven't had allergy before. My skin is very itchy then turns into rashes. Also, even if I exfoliate everyday (literally) after I dried myself I still see dead skin. I stopped using lotion for almost 2 weeks now, instead I'm using virgin coconut oil but my skin is very dry still. I wanted to know if the Xtend Life lotion can help me with my skin problem. I'm 45.

Answer: from Warren

I really think that it is worth trying our lotion and stop doing the exfoliation for a while. Also, it is important to be aware that this problem is likely to be caused by something going on inside you. It may be an allergy as you suggest but if it is a reasonably recent occurrence, it is in my opinion more likely to be a nutrient deficiency of some sort.

My suggestion would be to add our new Omega 3 / DHA Fish Oil to your daily regime at double the normal rate - 4 per day. Also add at least the Total Balance Unisex Standard or, if you can manage the extra cost, use the Premium version. The combination of these two supplements can do wonders for your skin.

If this and the skin care products don't help then you would need to go see a dermatologist, but I would be surprised if this doesn't help.

Good luck

Question: from Gene

Do you test each batch of Total Balance Premium to confirm that each tablet contains what it says on the label? For example, 100mg chysin. A certificate of analysis, would either confirm or deny that there is 100mg of chysin in 7 tablets.

Answer: from Warren

This is a valid question.

Most companies only do a microbiological test for each batch. We also do that but additionally we do one for heavy metals as well. I do not know of any company who does a full assay on a completed multi-ingredient tablet for each batch. It is just not economically viable unless it is a very simple product. To give you an idea; we have around 85 ingredients in our Total Balance and to do an assay of the batch would cost US$35 000 each time, IF a protocol can be worked out to successfully do this.

This is the price we have had quoted by various laboratories including the NSF who we are working with on our US FDA GMP compliance program.The scientists at NSF have not as yet been able to come up with a protocol to achieve a reliable assay.

The problem is that you have to liquefy some of the ingredients to do the assay.

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According to a study done by Boston researchers, omega-3 fatty acid products may restore gums back to health by curing periodontal disease inflammation. No great surprise really considering the anti-inflammatory properties inherent in omega-3 fish oil. (By the way did you know that our Omega 3 has around two and a half times better anti-inflammatory properties than most?)

In a recent study, the same researchers found that a family of compounds called resolvins – derived from DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and given an almost Star Wars name in the form of RvD1 – had some beneficial effects in fighting off gingivalis, the gum disease-causing bacteria in humans.

Coincidently, one of our new staff members who recently joined us from overseas had been having a problem for months with gum inflammation in a small area of his mouth. When he started a couple of months ago he began using our Omega 3 DHA Fish Oil. Guess what...all the gum inflammation has gone. Just another benefit of the fish oil!

Question: from Meliss

Warren what do you think about this..It was sent to me?

“Dear Meliss:

Probiotics are bacteria and enzymes are acids. To be healthy
you need less bacteria and less acid with more alkaline electron
rich foods and drinks.

High blood pressure is caused by increased acidity and a deficiency of
sodium, magnesium and potassium.

pHour salts and pHlavor salts will help.”

Answer: from Warren

I don't know who sent you this but unfortunately it is typical of the uninformed comments and half truths that circulate the health supplement business.

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I just had to share this with you.

A couple of days ago I was at the airport in Christchurch, New Zealand waiting for a flight to Auckland and then on to Shanghai.

Well, when I arrived at the airport in CHCH I realised that I had forgotten my tooth brush.  So, I went to the bookshop in the terminal building to buy one.  They had a double toothbrush set for NZ$3.50 so I bought it.  Only problem was that I couldn't find any New Zealand currency, although I knew that I had some in amongst a variety of currency that I carry. 

Anyway, I am sorting through this wad of cash which had 16 currencies whilst the attendant patiently waited.  I could have used my EFPOS card or a credit card but I was determined to find some NZ cash because it was such a small amount.

In the meantime a woman came in to buy a newspaper and had overheard my discussion because it was quite funny.  She insisted that the attendant takes the $3.50 out of her change.

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