Welcome to another edition of Common Ground Online. Here's what's in this week's edition:
This week we are taking a closer look at what we call Possible Limiting Factors, or PLFs. With regards to the use of EMPowerplus, a PLF is something that may have a negative impact on the overall effectiveness of EMPowerplus. For example, someone who suffers with persistent diarrhea cannot properly absorb the nutrients in EMPowerplus in the bowel before they are flushed out. In such a case, steps would need to be taken to control the diarrhea and a temporary increased dose of EMPowerplus would be required to maintain wellness (see Bowels below).
Please be advised that if one or more PLF in the following list applies to you, it does not necessarily mean that you will not be successful on EMPowerplus. In fact, nearly every one of these factors can be controlled or eliminated to make EMPowerplus work its best for you.
This list of PLFs is by no means comprehensive, but it does include the most common issues that many EMPowerplus users experience.
Allergies / Antihistamines: We are aware that some participants may have allergies that require some treatment to ease the symptoms. However, we have observed increases in symptoms with some antihistamines and other such drugs. (i.e. Zyrtec, Benadryl, etc.) It may be necessary to increase the dosage of EMPowerplus to support the system.
Quercitin for allergies appears to be effective for some participants . Call Truehope Support for more information.
Alcohol: (See Street Drugs & Alcohol)
Antacid Medications: These products (Zantac, Prilosec, Tagamet etc.) neutralize stomach acids which are necessary for digesting food. After chewing, digestion is the next major step in processing food to be able to extract nutrients. Inhibiting this step of the digestive process can reduce the bioavailability of critical nutrients further along.
Antibiotic Use: Oral antibiotics are nonselective, meaning that it is very likely that all of the microorganisms, not just the pathogens (the bacteria causing an infection), will be affected. This is particularly true in the intestine. As the antibiotic reduces the populations of beneficial micro-flora it temporarily compromises absorption. The observed effect of antibiotic use has been an escalation or worsening of symptoms. This effect has not been observed with intravenous antibiotics (injection).
EMPowerplus should be increased one and one half times (1.5 or 1½) the current dose, i.e. if the current dose is ten (10) capsules then the new dose should be fifteen (15). Adding a probiotic during the course of antibiotic treatment (plus one to two weeks after completion) is recommended.
Antibiotic Use, History of: If a participant has had a lengthy history of using oral antibiotics particularly as a child, a probiotic is recommended as well as a self-test for Candida (See Candida).
Bowels: Occasionally an individual may experience a bowel issue when starting EMPowerplus. Osmotic diarrhea, caused by the highly concentrated supplement (taking with meals lessens this effect), is typically the complaint. This needs to be addressed as quickly as possible as the situation can prevent the absorption of EMPowerplus.
Constipation, which is less common than diarrhea, can also lessen absorption. A healthy diet with adequate fiber from vegetables, and sufficient water should prevent any problems. If an issue should become apparent certain whole foods are a good place to start. For loose stool/diarrhea; try cheddar cheese, very green bananas, or peanut butter, if these have no effect one can try Truehope BMD (See Calcium Fix). For constipation try ripe bananas, prunes, etc. If these have no affect one can try flax seed oil. Above all, follow your intuition and instincts for proper bowel management.
Bowel Disorders: Irritation and inflammation of the intestinal lining is a common occurrence in chronic intestinal/bowel disorders. These disorders can significantly reduce the absorption of key nutritional elements. Some participants have seen benefit with cold-pressed virgin coconut oil.
Caffeine: Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance and is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant. Among its many actions, it operates using the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin use to stimulate the brain, by slowing down the rate of dopamine re-uptake.
However, caffeine's effects are much milder than amphetamines, cocaine and heroin, but it still manipulates the same channels. This is one of the factors that give caffeine its addictive qualities. Beverages and foods containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks should be avoided because the caffeine can negatively impact the effectiveness of EMPowerplus for you.
Consistent Use of EMPowerplus: EMPowerplus (at the full loading dose) should be taken as five capsules, three separate times throughout the day (approximately 2 hrs between doses). In some cases, it may be necessary to take smaller doses more often throughout the day, as long as the full dose is reached.
Always ensure that an appropriate amount of EMPowerplus is on hand so that your full daily dose can be maintained without interruption.
Diet: EMPowerplus as a supplement is not a meal replacement. It is meant to add vitamin and mineral density to the existing diet. It is still very important to eat regular well-balanced meals each day. There are many other important nutritional factors that can only be obtained from whole foods. Participants on the program should avoid the over-consumption of refined foods, also known as ‘junk’ food as well as fad diets. Moderation is required in all cases especially if there is a Candida issue.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and/or Birth Control: Hormones are mood altering and can have a profound effect on the success of the program. Talk to the Support Team if you are on HRT or birth control.
Immunizations: There have been a few observed adverse events after some vaccinations, including the flu shot. Be aware that some vaccinations may have a negative effect regardless of whether or not EMPowerplus is being used. Talk to your doctor about the potential for negative side effects from vaccinations.
Laxatives: Laxatives are temporary solutions and artificially stimulate the bowel. Whole food solutions are best (See Bowels).
Mania & Psychosis: It has been observed that those who find symptoms of mania increasing, who also increased their dosage of EMPowerplus by at least five capsules, seemed to stabilize faster than those who did not increase their EMPowerplus. Stability seemed to be most consistent for those who continued on this dose for several days until symptoms subsided and any other stressors had been reduced.
Medications: Good nutrition can help to correct brain chemistry and there may no longer be a need for psychotropic medications (some conditions/exceptions apply). According to the published research studies on EMPowerplus, if medications are not removed or reduced appropriately, they may begin to cause adverse effects and side effects.
Because of the addictive nature of some medications and because of the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, we encourage all participants on medications to work closely with their doctor for the proper management of any medication reductions or changes. As always, our support team is available to answer any questions that you or your doctor may have.
Menstrual Cycle & Puberty: Symptoms can often increase during the menstrual cycle. Perhaps it is because hormones levels are changing and nutrient demands are increasing. Should symptoms become apparent during this time, EMPowerplus should be increased by at least one full dose of five capsules (this dose can be reduced after the cycle). Thereafter, additional EMPowerplus can be taken approximately three days before menstruation starts. Puberty is also a time when hormones levels are changing and the body’s nutritional demands are increasing. Additional EMPowerplus may need to be taken during puberty.
Pregnancy / Breast Feeding: Nutritional requirements are often increased during these times, so it may be necessary to increase EMPowerplus during these times. We suggest starting with an extra dose of five capsules daily.
Sleep: When sleep is compromised serious problems can occur, especially with mania or psychosis issues. It is important to get a proper amount of sleep or the effectiveness of the program may be compromised and symptoms may return. But getting good sleep may be hard to do. Some things that have worked for others include soothing music, meditation, warm bath, aroma therapy, melatonin, and L-tryptophan.
Surgery: Anesthesia is well known for inducing relapses in mental illness. Also, benzodiazepines, which can have a negative effect on mood, are commonly administered after surgery. Talk to your doctor or Truehope Support if you experience signs of withdrawal or post-withdrawal after surgery.
Surgery & Dental Work (exposure to anesthesia): Anesthesia and freezing agents like Novocain are known for inducing relapses in mental illness. An increased intake of fluids and EMPowerplus may be required after a visit to the dentist.
Street Drugs & Alcohol: These substances are commonly used to self-medicate and can have a powerful psychotropic effect, causing mood and mind ltering effects. They can cause depression, mania, and psychosis and should be discontinued for EMPowerplus to be the most effective.
Tobacco: Smoking has a mood altering effect on the brain and causes dependency and many other adverse health effects. For the best possible physical and mental health, it is best to avoid tobacco in all its forms.
Vitamins & Minerals: Extra vitamins may be added to the program without a problem, but are usually not necessary. Extra minerals should not be added as they can throw off the critical mineral balance of EMPowerplus making it less effective.
Physical Illness: When a person becomes ill with a cold or flu, the immune system's effectiveness is lowered. We suggest increasing EMPowerplus by five capsules daily to support the system through the illness.
Water/Hydration: It is important to drink an adequate amount of water. Eight (8) glasses (2 quarts or 2 liters) is typically recommended for consumption on daily basis. Water assists in moving nutrition into, and flushing wastes out of, the body. It may also help to clear out drugs in the system.
Weight Gain from CNS Medications or Street Drugs: Sometimes an individual may gain weight due to medications or street drugs and will be more likely to have stored medications in adipose (fat) cells. If the person begins to lose the weight, these drugs may be released back into the system and may contribute to what we have observed as Post Withdrawal Syndrome. Talk to our support team for further explanation or if you are feeling adverse symptoms.
Weight Loss/Exercise/Massage/Acupuncture/Cleanses/Stress: Any of these situations can cause medications to release from storage in the body and can bring on Adverse Reactions or Post Withdrawal Symptoms. To relieve symptoms in most cases, reduce or stop the above activities. Protein Isolate, Reverse Osmosis Water (at least 8 glasses daily), and an adjustment in EMPowerplus dosage may also be required to reduce symptoms.
If you have questions about any of these PLFs or their solutions, please talk to our support team or your doctor.
Have you missed an edition of Common Ground Online? Are you new to the Truehope Program? Visit our email archive page for a directory of all previous Common Ground e-newsletters. These emails are loaded with useful information that can help you succeed on EMPowerplus and the Truehope Program.
Help us to serve you better. Send your questions or comments about the Truehope Program, EMPowerplus, or our support resources to feedback@truehope.com or call 1-888-878-3467 to speak to a Truehope Support Specialist.
We want to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date program information so that you can continue to make informed decisions regarding your health. Our hope is that you will find hope, healing, and health through education and continued support.
Yours in health,
The Truehope Support Staff
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