If you search the internet you can find many articles touting the dangers of sucralose.  Do you think its just a coincidence that all these negative articles are sponsored by the stevia people, the xylitol people, the erythritol people.  Even the aspartame people talk about the dangers of sucralose, but we won’t go there.  If you search PubMed, the place where you can find actual medical studies, that are peer reviewed by experts, you won’t find negative articles.  In fact you will find that sucralose  is quite safe.

To keep you from having to labor through all these studies, I decided to go straight to the experts.  I asked one of the leading biochemist and prominent cancer researcher in the country to give it to me straight.  Won’t do that again, I got a 30 minute organic chemistry lecture.  Let me explain in simple terms what this PhD biochemist said.

Sucralose is 2 sugars held together by a chlorine molecule.  The people who want you to buy their product, and not sucralose, say that this chlorine can break off and form chlorine gas, which is toxic.  This is impossible and here’s why.  If, by some form of magic it was to “break off”, it would make the 2 sugars so unstable that they would instantaneously grab it back.  For you Chem majors, the chlorine is not in a position on the molecule to break off and form a stable ion and carbocation intermediate (Told you I got a lecture).  In nature you cannot have this unstable arrangement.  Just to be safe, I asked 2 other PhD researchers the same question, and (without the lecture) they both agreed that sucralose was safe and the chlorine could not “break off”.

The philosophy of Eiro is to always use whole, natural ingredients in their products.  There is no question that the EiroFit system works, and the ingredients in all the EiroFit products have been subject to rigorous testing and evaluation before inclusion.  When you apply science to these negative articles you uncover their myths.

This is a quote from Robert Crayhon, M.S.,C.N., president of Design for Health, a nutrition and weight-loss clinic in New York City, host of the syndicated radio program “The Voice of Wellness” and author of the book you see here.

In your GI tract you have almost 3 pounds of bacteria.  These bacteria have a tremendous influence over your health.  Some of these bacteria are harmful and can actually make you sick, others are beneficial and promote health and protect us from toxins.  The health of your Liver and Skin, the way you metabolize sugars and your cholesterol level is vastly determined by the health of GI tract and the number and types of beneficial bacteria that reside there.(1)  People who consume a typical American diet, high in animal products and low in vegetable fiber, have fewer of these beneficial bacteria than someone who eats a more balanced diet.  Because of this, a significant number of us , unless we make some changes, are more likely to develop the diseases associated with the wrong type of bacteria within our digestive system.(2)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are sugars linked together in a way that our body cannot digest.  Since the body does not have enzymes that can break the links of these sugars, the FOS pass untouched into the large intestine, where they can selectively feed the beneficial bacteria.  We have already discussed the importance of the Bacteroidetes.  The other main types of beneficial bacteria are:  Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus bulgarius.  FOS increases the number of bifidobacteria and bacteroidetes while starving the unfriendly bacteria, thus shifting the balance more in our favor.(3)  The amount of FOS found in Eiro Pur has been shown to cause a fivefold increase in bifidobacterium.(4)

Eiro Pur also contains some Resistant Starch, which works as a prebiotic in its own right.  Go back a review the post on resistant starch {here} . When you combine resistant starch and FOS , you create conditions within the large intestine for the bifidobacteria and bacteroidetes to flourish and remain strong.  Eiro Pur, a daily functional food, designed for the future, but making us healthier today.

References:

1.  Mitsuoka T.  Bifidobacteria and Their Role in Human Health.  J Indus Micribiol 1990;6:263-68.

2.  Bouhnik Y, Ouarne FF, Riottot M, et al.  Effects of prolonged ingestion of frutooligosaccharides (FOS) on colonic bifidobacteria, fecal enzymes and bile acids in humans.  Gastroenterolgy 1994;106:A598.

3.  Hidaka H, et al.  Effects of fructooligosaccharides on intestinal flora and human health.  Bifidobacteria Microflora 1986;5(1):37-50.

4.  Hidaka H, et al.  Proliferation of bifidobacteria by oligosaccharides and their useful effect on human health.  Bifidobacteria Microflora 1991;10(1):65-79.

There are 3 main reasons quercetin is included in Eiro Pur: 1st, Its antioxidant activity, 2nd,  Its ability to detoxify carcinogens, and 3rd, Its ability to inhibit fat storage.

As an antioxidant, Quercetin may inhibit the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) which is a key event in the formation of arterial plaques.(2)  Quercetin appears to reduce capillary fragility and might inhibit oxidation of enzymes within the lens of the eye which could offer some protection against cataracts.(1,3)

Flavanoids such as quercetin can inhibit phase 1 enzymes which decrease the activation of carcinogens, thus making then less dangerous, AND it can increase the activity of phase 2 enzymes which detoxify carcinogens enabling our bodies to eliminate them(4).  Quercetin, by inactivating carcinogens, and then helping the body remove them, makes this flavanoid and important ingredient to Eiro Pur.

We know that the Eiro Superantioxidant Nutraceutical is a good source of resveratrol.  Quercetin and Resveratrol work together to inhibit the accumulation of fat in maturing fat cells by more than 68%, according to researchers at the University of Georgia.  What this means is that by inhibiting the storage of fat into the fat cells, resveratrol and quercetin make it available to be metabolized into energy.  Resveratrol and Quercetin also increase programmed cell death in mature fat cells by 18%.  Once fat cells mature, they tend to have a long life.  “Triggering the death of fat cells intentionally may be an important way to help people lose weight,”says senior investigator MaryAnne DellaFera, Ph.D.(5)

References:

1.  Anon. Quercetin.  Alt Med Rev 1998;3:140-3.

2.  Perez-Vizcaino F, Duarte J, Andriantsitohaina R.  Endothelia function and cardiovascular disease:  effects of quercetin and wine polyphenols.  Free Radic Res 2006;40:1054-65.

3.  Lean, ME, Noroozi M, Kelly I.  Dietary flavonols protect diabetic human lymphocytes against oxidative damage to DNA.  Diabetes 1999;48:176-81.

4.  Bobe G, Weinstein SJ, Wilkens LR, et al. Flavonoid intake and risk of cancer in male smokers.  Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17:553-62.

5.  Rayalem S, Della-Fera MA, Baile CA.  Phytochemicals and regulation of the adipocyte life cycle.  J Nutr Biochem 2008;19(11):716-26.

Preliminary research suggests that artichoke leaf extract might protect liver cells from damage(1), provide a therapeutic benefit in dyspepsia (indigestion, GERD, IBS),(2,3) and also have mild cholesterol-lowering effect.(4)  Lets look at which of the plant chemicals above are responsible for these effects.

A mixture of polyphenols and flavanoids including caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, cynaroside, and luteolin might contribute to artichoke extract’s liver cell protective activity.(5)  Artichoke’s therapeutic benefit in dyspepsia has centered around its ability to stimulate bile flow.  The plant chemicals responsible for this effect are thought to be cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and scolymoside.(3)  Artichoke’s cholesterol-lowering effect might be explained through cynarin and chlorogenic acid reducing cholesterol synthesis(6) and cynaroside and luteolin indirectly inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase similar to the way statin drugs do.(7)

In addition to artichoke’s ability to protect liver cells and possibly provide some health benefits, several of the constituents are reported to have antioxidant activity(8) making Artichoke extract a logical addition to Eiro Pur.

References:

1.  Gebhardt R.  Hepatoprotection with artichoke extract.  Pharm Ztg 1995;140:34-7.

2.  Walker AF, Middleton RW, Petrowicz O.  Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study.  Phytother Res 2001;15:58-61.

3.  Kraft K.  Artichoke leaf extract- recent findings reflecting effects on lipid metabolism, liver and gatrointestinal tracts.  Phytomedicine 1997;4:369-78.

4.  Gebhardt R.  Inhibition of cholestreol biosynthesis in primary cultured rat hepatocytes  by artichoke extracts.  J Pharmacol Exp Therap 1998;386:1122-8.

5.  Adzet T, Camarasa J, Laguna JC. Hepatoprotective activity of polyphenolic compounds from artichoke against CC14 toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.  J Nat Prod 1987;50:612-7.

6.  Hammerl WH, Kindler K, Kranzl C, et al.  Effect of cynarin on hyperlipidemia, especially on hypercholesterolemia.  Wien Med Wochenschr 1973;123:601-5.

7.  Brown JE, Rice-Evans CA.  Luteolin-rich artichoke extract protects low density lipoprotein from oxidation in vitro.  Free Radic Res 1998;29:247-55.

8.  Gebhardt R.  Antioxidative and protective properties of extracts from the leaves of the artichoke against hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in cultured rat hepatocytes.  Toxicol Appl Pharnacol 1997;144:279-86.

Licorice appears to block metabolism of prostaglandins E and F2 alpha, which suggests a beneficial effect on the stomach and may accelerate the healing of peptic ulcers.(1,2)  Glycyrrhizin, one of the main components of Licorice, has been shown to stabilize stomach acid.  By stimulating the adrenals, Glycyrrhizin helps sustain a more regulated blood sugar level which reduces cravings for sweets, and by keeping stomach acid stable more dietary fat is “digested”  for energy.(3)

Licorice appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system protein that aids the body in fighting off viruses and other pathogens.(4)  By helping the body remove toxins from the liver, lung, gall bladder, adrenal gland, and stomach makes licorice an excellent addition to Eiro Pur.

References:

1.  Holtmann G, Madisch A, Juergen H, et al.  A double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of an herbal preparation in patients with functional dyspepsia [Abstract]. Ann Mtg Digestive Disease Week 1999 May.

2.  Kase Y, Saitoh K, Ishige A, et al. Mechanisms by which Hange-shashin-to reduces prostaglandin E2 levels.  Biol Pharm Bull 1998;21:1277-81.

3.  Armanini D, De Palo CB, Mattarello MJ, et al. Effect of licorice on reduction of body fat mass in healthy subjects.  J Endocrinol Invest 2003;26:646-50.

4.  Acharya SK, Dasarathy S, Tandon A, et al.  A preliminary open trial on interferon stimulator (SNMC) derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra in the treatment of subacute hepatic failure.  Indian J Med Res 1993;98:69-74.

Its connection to weight loss is that the mucilage swells in the stomach and thus promotes a feeling of fullness.(3)  When coupled with the resistant starch in Eiro Pur, and the timing of consuming Eiro Pur 1/2 hour before your evening meal, satiety is created and therefore smaller portions are consumed during the evening meal.  Marshmallow’s soothing effect on the GI tract, and the feeling of fullness created by the mucilage is the reason it is part of the Eiro Pur formula.

References:

1.  Monographs on the medicinal uses of plant drugs.  Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-op Phytother, 1997.

2.  Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

3.  Schultz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician’s Guide to Herbal Medicine.  Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.

Dandelion increases a family of enzymes called UDP-glcuronosyltranferases (UDPGT’s).  UDPGT’s are a family of enzymes which detoxify many hundreds of compounds by conjugating them to glucuronic acid, renering them both harmless and more water soluble, hence excretable.(4)  This process is called Xenobiotic metabolism.  The detail people can learn more about Xenobiotic metabolism by clicking HERE, but basically what happens is that these enzymes keep breaking down a toxin until it becomes a water soluble conjugate and then can be excreted by the kidney. The Liver makes most of these enzymes and the Kidney removes the inactivated toxins from our body.  Pretty cool, huh, and Dandelion stimulates an increase in these detoxifying enzymes.  By removing these compounds from our bodies, our metabolism works more efficiently, which helps us maintain a more healthy weight.

References:

1.  Mascolo N, Autore G, Capassa G, et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory activity.  Phytother Res 1987:28-9.

2.  Hu C, Kitts DD.  Luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside from Dandelion flower suppress iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells.  Mol Cell Biochem 2004;265:107-13.

3.  Seo SW, Koo HN, An HJ, et al.  Taraxacum officinale protects against cholecystokinin-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.  World J Gastroenterol 2005;11:597-9.

4.  Tukey RH, Strassburg CP. Human UDP-glucuronosyltranferases: metabolism, expression, and disease.  Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2000;40:581-616.

So in a nutshell, here is what is happening.  As old liver cells (that are full of toxins) die off, they are replaced with healthy cells that have cell walls that toxins can’t penetrate.  The same thing is happening in the kidney.  During the enterohepatic circulation, Silymarin is helping to protect the gall bladder and intestines.  And as a side benefit, silibinin is an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress) in its own right.(5)  Silymarin has many other health benefits, but the purpose of this post is to help you understand how it helps you with detoxification and thus helps you make yourself whole.

References:

1.  Boerth J, Strong KM. The clinical utility of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) in cirrhosis of the liver.  J Herbal Pharmacotherapy 2002;2:11-7.

2.  Manna SK, Mukhopadhyay A, Van NT, Aggarwal BB.  Silymarin suppresses TNF-induced activation of NF-kappa B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and apoptosis.  J Immunol 1999;163:6800-9.

3.  Salmi HA, Sarna S.  Effect of silymarin on chemical, functional, and morphological alterations of the liver.  A double-blind, controlled study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1982;17:517-21.

4.  Sonnenbichler J, Scalera F, Sonnenbichler I, Weyhenmeyer R.  Stimulatory effects of slilbinin and silichristin from the milk thistle Silybum marianum on kidney cells.  J Pharmacol  Exp Ther 1999;290:1375-83.

5.  Flora K, Hahn M, Rosen H, Benner K.  Milk Thistlr (Silybum marianum) for the therapy of liver disease.  AM J Gastroenterol 1998;93:139-43.

Spirulina is best know for its ability to chelate heavy metals.  From aluminum in deodorants to mercury in seafood, and arsenic, cadmium and lead from industrial waste, metal toxicity seems to come at us from every angle theses days.  Yes, we should work to avoid these substances as much as possible, but some exposure is unavoidable at times.  Since even small amounts of heavy metals can cause negative side effects, it is important to cleanse the body of these toxins.  Spirulina works as an effective chelating agent for removing these toxins from the body.(4,5)  A chelating agent is a molecule that binds to a metal creating a soluble compound that can be removed by the kidney.  With the inclusion of Spirulina to Eiro Pur, it allows the kidney to gently remove these heavy metals from the body over time.

References:

1.  Babadzhanov, A.S., et al. “Chemical Composition of Spirulina Platensis Cultivated in Uzbekistan.” Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 40, 3, 2004.

2.  Tokusoglu, O., Unal, M.K. “Biomass Nutrient Profiles of Three Microalgae: Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Isochrisis galbana.” Journal of Food Science. 68, 4, 2003.

3.  Otles, S., Pire, R., Fatty Acid Composition of Chlorella and Spirulina microalgae species. J OAOC Int. 2001 Nov-Dec;84(6):1708-14.

4.  Jeyaprakash K, Chinnaswarmy P.  Effects of spirulina and Liv-52 on cadmium toxicity in albino rats.  Indian J Exp Biol. 2005 Sept;43(9):773-81.

5.  Ponce-Canchihuaman JC, Perez-Mendez O, et al.  Protective effects of Spirulina maxima on hyperlipidemia and oxidative-stress induced by lead acetate in liver and kidney.  Lipids Health Dis.  2010 Mar 31;9:35.

Eiro Pur provides a gentle detoxification of the major organ systems of your body, NOT a violent purge of the contents of your colon.  The natural herbal detoxifiers help your body safely remove accumulated cellular waste, environmentally acquired toxic by-products, heavy metals, and a host of other not supposed to be there chemicals that congest your blood, gall bladder, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, spleen, and yes, your gastrointestinal tract.  I will provide you with details on each of the detoxifiers contained in Eiro Pur;  which organ system they effect, and how each contributes to this detoxification process in future posts.  Be assured that Eiro Pur will be a product you will want to consume daily, that will positively impact your health, and WILL NOT confine you to the house no more than 10 feet away from the bathroom.

Much research went into this product, and extensive research was done before choosing which ingredients would be included.  The prebiotics and detoxifying herbals each have a specific purpose.  You know why FOS was included and how it helps to change your ratio of gut micoflora.  When I’m done, you will also know why each herbal ingredient was chosen.  Stay tuned!