Ask the Doctor:

Rivka Rachel, M.D., PhD., took her clinical training in neurosurgery. Rivka attended Columbia University, Center for Neurobiology and Behavior in New York, NYAdvisor: Carol Ann Mason, PhD, 2001, with distinction. Her CV is both extraordinary and lengthy.
StemEnhance Questions and Answers

This page lists StemEnhance questions from real patients and answers from Dr. Rivka Rachel, based on knowledge of both human physiology and adult stem cell research, and on experience with individuals who are taking StemEnhance. The questions are divided into the following topics:

--How Safe Is StemEnhance?
--(How) Does StemEnhance Work?
--How Should I Take StemEnhance?
--Can StemEnhance Help Someone with a Specific Condition?

(Questions from patients with multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, anorexia, brain tumor, and others...)

Please note that these responses are for information purposes only and are not intended to substitute for medical advice. If you have a question about StemEnhance not addressed below that you would like to see answered on this page, or have a question about a specific condition that you would like to have answered individually, please submit it here. (Please mention my name (Joseph Moo) if you have any query about your health, she will be glad to response to you promptly).

How Safe Is StemEnhance?

You are not the first person to come across this exchange between Dale Peterson and Christian Drapeau. I am not familiar with Dr. Dale Peterson personally; all that I know is that he could consider StemTech as a threat to his own nutritional program or products, and that he could have chosen more qualified experts who would have given different answers to some of his questions.

It is true that some types of blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria or cyanophyta for their blue-green/cyan color) are harmful to human health because they contain microcystins. Other types are beneficial to human health, such as Chlorella, Spirulina, and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, or AFA. [Note, however, that AFA is the ONLY blue-green alga that contains the stem cell-enhancing properties of StemEnhance.] All harvesting of AFA is subject to stringent testing to ensure that the harvest contains pure AFA and the level of microcystins is <1 ppm (same as <1 ug/g). You can check with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, who oversees harvest of AFA from Klamath Lake, the only source of StemEnhance in the U.S.

StemEnhance QUESTION : I understand that this Dr. Dale Peterson might have some personal agenda against StemEnhance, but there is an issue that is left unanswered and it is very important, which is the question of cancer stem cells versus bone marrow stem cells. Aren’t they related? Dr. Dale Peterson cites a number of articles suggesting that normal bone marrow-derived stem cells might contribute to cancer. Is this true? I think this is a very important issue that should be answered because it appears that Christian Drapeau did not know there is such a connection.

It is easy to cite dozens of scientific articles (which 99.99% of people are not going to read and/or understand) on any topic to make the other person look like they don't know what they are talking about.

We all have circulating bone marrow-derived stem cells in our bodies all the time. The simple fact of the matter is that the empirical evidence indicates that people with higher levels of circulating stem cells are healthier than those with lower levels. In fact, StemEnhance contains a number of component molecules that have been shown to promote health… [Part of the answer on StemEnhance and natural anti-tumor mechanisms has been deleted to comply with FDA regulations.]…

This is one of those issues in science where equally intelligent people can argue the opposite point, and it is not until one looks at the empirical evidence CAREFULLY, and sometimes not until years later, that an unequivocal answer is unanimously accepted.

Cancer is induced by mutations that remove the normal checks and balances to cell proliferation that are normally found in a cell. A normal bone marrow derived stem cell cannot cause or contribute to cancer any more than any other normal proliferating cell anywhere else in the body. StemEnhance does not stimulate the production of new stem cells, just the release of existing stem cells from the bone marrow. The claim that these cells will provide a supportive environment to tumor growth is simply not supported by the evidence.

I will point out that all of Dale Peterson's arguments are HYPOTHETICAL and he cannot point to a single case of any person who is suspected to have developed cancer from taking StemEnhance, getting back to your point of focusing on StemEnhance itself.

I hope this allays your fears about tumor growth and StemEnhance.

StemEnhance QUESTION : Did the StemEnhance product go through any tests and/or approval of official bodies that concerns the public health?

Yes, there is extensive testimony as to the safety of this particular type of blue-green algae from the Oregon State Dept of Agriculture. The algae grows and is harvested from Klamath Lake in Oregon, which is supplied by Crater Lake, the water standard for purity in the US. If you are interested in more information, many pages of highly technical information are available from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Also, StemEnhance has an FDA Certificate of Free Sale, stating that it is a safe supplement.

StemEnhance QUESTION : I have several health issues which I am fighting for a lot of years with no real improvement yet. From all points of view this product seems to be something that can REALLY help me according to what I have read so far, but I do not want to find myself under more problems if this may cause some harm - I have enough health issues already.

Although we can't predict in any given situation how (quickly) a person will respond, what I can tell you is that all of the health concerns that you mention [deleted to comply with FDA regulations] have responded with improvement to StemEnhance in other individuals. Some people experience a detoxification reaction when they start taking StemEnhance. This type of reaction can manifest in various ways, such as a headache or other transient symptoms. This generally decreases over time and does not recur. Drink plenty of water when starting, and start slowly with 1-2 capsules daily for several days before increasing gradually. Because you have specific concerns, probably 4-6 capsules daily (2 x 2-3 doses) would be ideal; however, being that cost is a concern you can start with less and still experience the benefit over perhaps a slower time period. Also, some people are more sensitive to the benefits than others and a lower dose such as 1 capsule 2-3x daily is sufficient. It all depends on the person.

StemEnhance QUESTION : All this current research on adult stem cells talks about a "transplant" of stem cell and I don't see how this reflects on what StemEnhance is supposed to do – is there anything that can connect the two (except from the fact the StemEnhance claims to do something with Stem Cells)? If there is, why not involving those researchers with the StemEnhance product? (It should save the need of a surgery or any other invasive technique.)

This is a very good question, and perhaps less obvious than it might appear. The problem is both that most physicians are not interested in natural supplements, and also that the company is not actively trying to set up clinical trials, for legal and FDA-related reasons. Also, the philosophy of the company is to keep people healthy rather than trying to treat all these diseases after they occur. (As a physician, I have a little different perspective on that, since many people are already suffering from diseases and should also be able to experience the benefit of SE.)

StemEnhance QUESTION : I saw this article and am concerned about the fact that some of the mice had more fibrosis over time. What exactly does this means? (Does it means the stem cell injection is not safe?)

The experimental paradigm used in this study was the somewhat unnatural procedure of injecting the stem cells directly into the muscle, which of itself could cause scar tissue (fibrosis). By contrast, the way that StemEnhance works is by naturally increasing the circulation of stem cells in the bloodstream. The question is whether, in conditions that compromise circulation, the enhanced circulation of stem cells induced by SE can reach the areas of poor circulation. I don't think the answer to this question has been unequivocally addressed, but it is clear that StemEnhance benefits people with poor circulation such as diabetes, etc. One could imagine that over time, the enhanced function of the endothelial (blood vessel lining) will gradually improve and allow further access of stem cells.

StemEnhance is just a natural way of doing what all these other studies are trying to do in a less natural manner by injecting stem cells. Whether one injects stem cells or enhances their release from the bone marrow, both methods are aimed at accomplishing the same purpose. It remains to be determined over the long term whether one method is more effective in certain circumstances. Many people are having significant improvements with SE, so the empirical evidence is strong and clear.

StemEnhance QUESTION: I have the option to start taking the product, but I just want to be sure I am not making a mistake (by taking some sort of a drug or something).

Don't let the fact that StemEnhance comes as a capsule fool you. StemEnhance is not a drug any more than is any other whole food that you get at the market. In some parts of the world (for example, Africa around Lake Chad), AFA is consumed as a dietary staple. If you haven't yet, I suggest reading Primordial Food, a book on the history of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and StemEnhance, for more information about AFA as a food source. It has a lot of interesting information on many aspects of AFA and is much more readable than some of the other articles. I also suggest that you read through the FAQ section of the stemtech website, which will address in more detail some of the questions you have raised.

I would like to let you know one more thing about StemEnhance. I understand that everyone has different perceptions and expectations and understanding about stem cells in general. If one is taking StemEnhance as a means of maintaining optimal health, in some ways it is less of a momentous choice than if one is hoping that it will aid a serious medical condition.

I honestly believe that many of the foods that are good for health may in a small way promote adult stem cell health, and these effects will be discovered over time. For now, StemEnhance is the only 'food' we have that is known to promote adult stem cell circulation. By looking at the algae from which StemEnhance is derived as a food source rather than a drug, it makes the choice less of a giant step.

Also, while the product has been on the market for up to two years in the US, it is only recently that people outside of North America are beginning to have the opportunity to use StemEnhance. I know plenty of people who wish this product had been available years ago so they wouldn't have had to suffer with their health problems for so long.

StemEnhance QUESTION : As I understand it, StemEnhance makes the body release 20-30% more stem-cells from the bone-marrow. How safe is it to make the body do that "artificially"?--after all if the body needed more stem cells wouldn't it be extracting them naturally? What ill effect will this have on the bone-marrow itself or on the "blood stream"? I understand that the body releases stem cells on a natural basis, but how can you know that making the body extract this amount more than it naturally does will not harm the bone marrow or the body itself? Maybe an adult body cannot handle a larger amount of stem cells and that is why it is being reduced.

Everyone has circulating adult stem cells all the time, from approximately 2-5 stem cells/microliter of blood. StemEnhance triggers the release of about 20-30% more adult stem cells from the bone marrow. So the increase in circulating stem cells is within the physiological range. When you consider that as people age, they have fewer circulating stem cells, this product has the potential to help people maintain a younger, more optimal state of health over the long term.

Children are very quick to get over injuries and illnesses because their stem cells function (in most cases) optimally. As we age, everything slows down. It takes longer to get over coughs and colds, longer for cuts and scrapes to heal, eventually longer to get out of bed in the morning. Part of the reason for this is that our adult stem cells are not released as efficiently from the bone marrow. Like a car or any other piece of equipment, over time our bodies begin to wear out. StemEnhance is a way to maintain optimal health over time by maintaining optimal, i.e., like a younger person, stem cell function.

Also, the extra stem cells that circulate will return to the bone marrow in 4-6 hours if they are not taken up by some other tissue. So the question of depleting the bone marrow is really not an issue.

StemEnhance QUESTION : To tell the truth, I do not like the idea of being "dependent" or "addicted" to some kind of a drug or supplement. How can I be sure it does not have some addictive properties (mentally or physically – like even some registered drugs have)?
Also, what happens if I start taking the StemEnhance and after a short and/or long term use stop consuming it – what affect will that make on the body? Can this be harmful (after short and/or long term use)?

After stopping StemEnhance, a person's level of circulating stem cells will be as it was before taking the product. I haven't heard about any withdrawal symptoms after stopping StemEnhance, but relatively few people stop taking it, because they experience its long term beneficial effects. I know plenty of people who have no intention of ever stopping StemEnhance.

If you decide to stop taking it temporarily, I would recommend gradually tapering off the dose rather than immediately stopping it. This may not be necessary, but would address any sudden response to the decrease in circulating stem cells. I have not heard of addictions or problems stopping, other than as I mentioned some people feel so much better when taking StemEnhance that they don't want to be without it.

In terms of being dependent on StemEnhance--it's like food or vitamins or anything else that you take on a daily basis. These are things that help us survive, so it's not like a drug or other potentially harmful substance that puts the body into an artificially regulated state.

StemEnhance QUESTION : Some of the documentation mention that the "StemEnhance" has some component like the "phenylethylamine (PEA), known as the "molecule of love" or the "molecule of joy" – can't this make a person "high" – how can I be sure I will not actually be consuming some sort of a drug (even if natural) like marijuana or something like that?

PEA is a natural component of chocolate and other food sources. AFA is a natural edible plant that, like spinach or broccoli or other vegetables, happens to have specific components that are beneficial to human health. It is true that some people do experience an enhanced sense of wellbeing when taking StemEnhance--not a bad thing in any case!

(How) Does StemEnhance Work?StemEnhance QUESTIONS : As a person of science, you are probably aware of the fact that a lot of benefits that are ascribed to dietary supplements and even to registered drugs (mainly psychiatric ones) are due to the placebo effect and not the result of any real property of the product itself, while on the other hand the side-effects of the products were caused because of the products. Has StemTech taken this issue under consideration while testing and/or documenting StemEnhance?

This is another issue that would take pages to document and discuss. I agree this is a possibility with anything one takes. It is difficult to study the effects of increasing adult stem cells in a living human person, but from all the evidence we have so far--hundreds of scientific journal articles and more every day on the potential of adult stem cells to treat many conditions--increased numbers of circulating stem cells are beneficial to a person's health.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : All the research you mention is general research and potential for adult stem cells. There is no evidence that this potential can be actually achieved by the StemEnhance powder.

A recently published scientific paper, which is not very readable, clearly shows the increase in circulating adult stem cells in human volunteers taking StemEnhance (see in particular Figure 7). While StemEnhance has only been available for about two years, the unconcentrated AFA alga has been on the market for close to 30 years, which is how the long-term stem cell-enhancing benefits were originally discovered.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : What is the nutritional profile of StemEnhance? Does the information refer to the StemEnhance product or the Aqua plant?

The complete nutritional profile of powdered AFA shows that this aquatic plant contains a wide range of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids--all important building blocks for optimal nutrition. StemEnhance is an all natural, 5x concentrate of the aquatic plant Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, and one dose of StemEnhance is 1 gram (two capsules) of AFA powder. Keep in mind that some of the values on the profile are per 100 grams while others are per 1 gram, so read carefully.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : I am sorry for being skeptical but it sounds like this is a "Cure All" magic medicine or something – too good to be true, and that you must agree is a bit suspicious.

Yes, of course. It is true. However, there is nothing magical or mysterious about how StemEnhance works, that is, about how enhancing adult stem cell function can help repair or regenerate damaged tissue; it is simply human physiology. When you realize or think about it from the viewpoint that adult stem cells are the body's natural repair system throughout life, it becomes less strange to think that augmenting the function of these cells could help a variety of conditions and improve a person's overall health.

StemEnhance QUESTION : If that was true how come this product has not been talked about in every newspaper and/or medical paper?

It would take a few pages to even begin to discuss the reasons for how the product is marketed and the resistance from various powerful groups in the US to natural products such as StemEnhance that can help a variety of conditions.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : It sounds from the "commercial" that this is exactly what I need, but I don't want to either throw my money away or perhaps even cause some harm to myself by taking something that is not fully tested (this specific powder) and that its influences for the long term (or even short term) are not really known.

Again, AFA has been taken by people as a natural whole food supplement for close to 30 years and the dramatic health improvements experienced by a number of people were the basis for the further investigations of its stem cell-enhancing properties.

I have myself been taking StemEnhance for close to a year and have noticed many benefits, including more energy during the day, need for fewer hours of sleep at night, fewer minor aches and pains, better skin tone, brighter hair color, a resolution of dry eyes... I could go on, but you get the picture. And I was basically in good health when I started taking the product.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : Is there anything more you can tell me that can strengthen my belief in this product?

I would be happy to speak with you by phone (regular or internet). Simply fill in the contact form with your phone number, or leave a message on either of the phone numbers on the contact page. You may also contact me by Skype (Skype.com) at rivka.rachel.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : By the way, just to let you know - I have a friend who has [deleted to comply with FDA regulations] disease and takes StemEnhance. He claims that it made a huge improvement in his state. The improvement itself can be seen by anyone, but who can guarantee it is because of StemEnhance and that it is not something temporary like a wave of some sort?

So why don't you try it and decide for yourself?

How Should I Take StemEnhance?StemEnhance QUESTIONS : When I start taking it, according to what you know so far, what is the period of time that it takes to start feeling the affect of the StemEnhance (days / weeks / months ???) and also what are the first differences "improvements" I should be noticing?

Each person varies with respect to the time it takes to notice differences. Sometimes it happens so slowly as to be imperceptible at first. You might notice something immediately, or it might take days or weeks or several months. We really can't predict for each person how they will respond. You might feel a lot better right away, or you might experience some 'detox' and take a little longer to respond. The benefits that people experience range from little noticeable in the short term to impressive improvements after some period of time. The important thing is to be consistent in taking StemEnhance until you experience improvement.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : I may only be able to take the normal (as I understood) recommended dose which is 2 capsules per day (1 morning , 1 evening). Is that OK, or is it to little and there is no point to start at all with such a dose?

That's fine to start with. You can try one morning and one evening, or two in the morning, or two in the evening. For some people, it helps them sleep so they prefer to take it before bedtime. For others, it gives them a lot of energy so they don't take it past mid-afternoon. For others it doesn't make a difference. Your ideal dose might be more than two capsules a day, but you can certainly start with that and increase as you are able.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : Should I consult my doctor before I start taking it? On the one hand I want to ask someone professional who is unbiased and knows my condition a bit more, but on the other hand I don't really think he will be able to give any true professional advice regarding this specific product, as I don't think he really understands the areas involved. Also some medical doctors have the tendency to disregard natural supplements and do not really believe in them. What do you think?

I agree it would be good to speak with someone that knows your condition better. However, I don't agree that most doctors are unbiased, especially, as you say, if they have never heard of StemEnhance and tend to disregard natural supplements anyway.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : Regarding stopping StemEnhance, of course ideally if this really helps so much, no one will want to stop taking it, but it costs money – and I do not know if I will always be able to afford it (still I must be realistic).

I definitely understand that cost is an issue for many people. At the same time, it is not possible to put a numerical value on good health—it is priceless. This is important to keep in mind as well. Also, you may also find that with time that you are able to do much more than at present and that cost eventually becomes less of an issue for that reason as well.

Can StemEnhance Help Someone with a Specific Condition?

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : What is the recommended dose? On what time of the day should I take the pills? morning? evening? before/after meals?

-For MS, the recommended dose would be up to 4 capsules 3x daily; or 2 capsules every 4 hours while awake (but see about starting slowly, below). 'Up to' means according to your tolerance and budget; it is not really possible to 'overdose' on StemEnhance. If you take them 3x/day, then morning, noon, and evening with meals is convenient. It can also be taken with a drink of water or juice. However you find it works best for you is fine. To be sure, you do not drink any diet soda, correct? This can be very bad for people with MS, as you probably know.

Some people experience detoxification-type symptoms when starting, such as a headache or flu-like symptoms, which can be from mobilizing and getting rid of toxins in the body. This is transient and can usually be alleviated by starting slowly, say, 2 capsules daily for 3 days, then 4 capsules daily for 3 days, and so on.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : -When approximately should I expect an improvement in my condition? is it a matter of weeks? months?

Each person varies with respect to the time it takes to notice differences. Sometimes it happens so slowly as to be imperceptible at first. The time to notice a difference may depend on how long you have been symptomatic, but again, this is only a generalization and it could be weeks or it could be 2-3 months. The important thing is to be consistent in taking StemEnhance until you experience improvement.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : Can StemEnhance help people after stroke? What about Alzheimer's disease? Are there researches or testimonies regarding these two?

The possibility for adult stem cells to benefit stroke and Alzheimer’s disease is a real possibility, and animal studies of adult stem cells in stroke have been successful. I do not yet personally know people with either of these conditions who have been on StemEnhance.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : Is there a possibility that StemEnhance might promote MS attacks as a result of strengthening the immune system?

I have not heard of any cases where StemEnhance has made MS worse. StemEnhance actually contains phycocyanin, a potent anti-inflammatory molecule.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : I have heard a story about a woman who had an implantation of embryonic stem cells and that caused more attacks. Have you heard about such a case? If not, do you think such a thing can happen?

I have not heard of such a case, but it would make sense that introducing foreign cells and foreign DNA could precipitate an immune response. Also, the attack may have been caused by contaminants in the embryonic stem cell preparation. Neither of these possibilities is a risk with StemEnhance because it is your own cells and your own DNA.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : What is the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells are stem cells that exist in an embryo before birth. After birth, these cells (even in children) are known as adult stem cells. Adult stem cells still retain the capacity to divide, but they become quiescent until needed, rather than actively and rapidly dividing as embryonic stem cells do. The possibility exists for embryonic stem cells to cause abnormal cell growth. As much as we know from research to date, this possibility does not exist for adult stem cells. To date, all conditions for which stem cell therapy has proven therapeutic have been from adult stem cells.

From a person with Parkinson's disease:

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : - Is it only an assumption that hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow reach the brain, or has it been proved in the lab (on mice, etc.)?
- Why would the body need to have bone marrow-derived stem cells in the brain if the brain produces its own type of stem cells? - Do these two types of SC target different brain tissues?
- How do we know that both stem cell types have neurogenerative and neurotrophic capabilities?
- Do neural stem cells always remain in the brain or could they in principle (or do they) leave the brain in the blood stream and reach other organs?
- StemEnhance has been shown to enhance the release of adult stem cells to the blood stream. Would it make sense to conjecture that it might also enhance the release of brain (neural) stem cells?

These are all very good questions. This is really at the edge of what we know about stem cells, and not all of the questions have clear-cut answers.

First, the focus on adult stem cells from the bone marrow is because SE specifically releases these cells by interacting with/inhibiting L-selectin, etc. It is not known whether StemEnhance releases stem cells from other tissues; this would depend on whether they have the same molecular signatures and same release mechanisms as bone marrow-derived stem cells, that can respond to the inhibitory ligand for selectins. The reason we know that StemEnhance increases bone marrow-derived stem cells is because we can measure the level of cells in the blood stream that carry specific cell surface markers (such as CD34 and CD133). These markers are known to distinguish certain types of stem/progenitor cells in the hematopoietic system.

Adult stem cells from the bone marrow, have been shown in vitro to generate neurons and many other types of cells; several studies now have also injected bone marrow-derived stem cells into mice and shown generation of new neurons in the brain and retina and other tissues. If you would like specific references, let me know.

One reason, probably the major one, for using bone marrow-derived stem cells is their easy accessibility and relatively larger concentration. Most other tissues are thought to contain stem cells in very low quantity. Because the bone marrow is constantly generating new blood cells throughout life, it has a very active and relatively large (150 million cells) stem cell population. It is also a fluid, as opposed to solid, tissue, making purification much easier.

The other reason, which we are just learning, is that bone marrow-derived stem cells have a greater potential to become other cell types than previously recognized. Neural stem cells from the central nervous system are much more difficult to study and purify, and various parts of the brain may have different 'stem cell niches', where the environment dictates the range of new neurons that can be generated from stem cells in that particular area. Adult stem cells from the bone marrow are not subject to this milieu effect and may therefore be more plastic with respect to their generative potential in the brain (conjecture at this point).

This stem cell benefits page addresses the question of the trophic effects of adult stem cells in general, showing that these cells in general have many different beneficial effects. An excellent paper in the American Journal of Physiology on the acute trophic effects of bone marrow-derived stem cells clearly explains how adult stem cells could literally save the life of an elderly gentleman with renal failure who had refused dialysis and was clearly deteriorating.

As to whether neural stem cells leave the brain/spinal cord and travel elsewhere, I am not aware that this happens, or that it has specifically been addressed. Stem cells are both unique populations based on their ability to form specific cell types, and yet dynamically responding to their environment, so a stem cell in one area that carries certain markers might change its potential and plasticity by being in a different environment (the whole question in developmental biology regarding nature vs. nurture and inflexible genetic programming vs. environmental response--topic for discussion another time).

From a family member of a person with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease):

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : I have a question regarding ALS and I need your advice. Most chances are that my father suffers from ALS; he is having difficulty in breathing, eating, and he lost the ability to use his left hand. Each day it's getting worse and the doctors refuse to give him Rilutec.

Can Stem Enhance help him?? Can he take it with Coumadin?

While it's not possible to predict a response in any particular case, there is a definite possibility that StemEnhance can help your father. Adult stem cells have the potential to heal and regenerate damaged tissue from a variety of causes, and they act through a number of repair mechanisms rather than by just a single action.

About taking StemEnhance with Coumadin, it is possible to do so. You should make the doctors aware that your father plans to take a natural supplement that contains vitamin K, so that they know to monitor his blood values. In this regard, StemEnhance is no different than any other green leafy vegetable that contains vitamin K.

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : How can a dead cell signal that it's in trouble (in ALS neurons are dead)?

This is a very thoughtful question. There are several possible answers. First, damaged cells and tissues secrete chemical signals (called cytokines) that attract stem cells from the blood stream to the area of injury. These stem cells may then be able to prevent the injured cells from dying, or could replace the dying cells. Second, ALS or other motor neuron diseases have two components, the neurons and the muscle cells. Muscle cells are dependent on trophic signals from the nerves and will atrophy when they do not receive neuronal input; and likewise, nerves without attached muscles will die as well.

So whether the additional adult stem cells are able to regenerate neurons, which will take a long time (neurons grow about 1 mm/day), and/or are able to halt progression by providing trophic support to the muscles and thereby prevent continued neuronal death, or some other mechanism, is not clear. The problem with ALS is that we know too little about the causes (otherwise it would be easier to find a cure), and so the best thing that can be done now is to support the body's natural repair system, even if we don't fully understand how it works.

NOTE: Two week follow up on this patient with ALS: My father went for a check up and the doctor found that his respiratory function tests have stabilized. He feels better and it seems like deterioration has stopped. His left hand got a little stronger. He is now taking 8 StemEnhance capsules a day.

From a family member of a child with Type I diabetes):

StemEnhance QUESTIONS : As I understand it, the main problem of Type I diabetes is not stem cells, but immune system attack on the new beta cells of the pancreas grown by the stem cells. Anyone who is healing also has new stem cell production. So if we could make a new immune system or change the signature of the immune system, or change the signature of new beta cells then we are on the way to cure Type I diabetes??

You are correct in noting that some disease processes in the body are ongoing and caused by non-stem cell related problems. In general, there are several ways in which StemEnhance can help, or an entire spectrum of conditions that respond to increased stem cell circulation in various ways.

First is isolated conditions such as joint damage from a one-time injury. Adult stem cells can repair this damage over time, and if the person stops taking StemEnhance, the injury being permanently fixed, it will not recur.

A semi-permanent repair may also apply on a less complete level with, for example, gradual changes in the retina that precede macular degeneration, which occurs over a long, slow term course in most people. In these individuals, taking SE for some months may halt or reverse the damage, which may recur only gradually over time if they stop taking the product.

Finally, in systemic conditions caused by autoimmune processes, for example, taking a product that enhances stem cell circulation and also contains anti-inflammatory agents can both help to regenerate new cells and also decrease the abnormal physiological response that caused the problem in the first place. In such individuals, they may need to continue enhancing adult stem cell function over time to prevent the damage from recurring or to keep the autoimmune process under control. I will look for some articles describing how stem cells can help autoimmune conditions and send these to you a little later.

You are also correct in assuming or understanding that many or most conditions are not primarily due to an adult stem cell deficiency per se. On one hand, some people respond to SE in such a fashion that their primary diagnosis might well have been 'adult stem cell deficiency'. In others, perhaps the majority of people, enhancing adult stem cell function helps them because stem cells are the body's natural repair and regeneration system throughout life, and making this system to act optimally is simply part of a healthy lifestyle, just like eating properly and exercising and everything else that helps one to maintain optimal health. To think about it this way, it is much better to avoid disease and maintain optimal health from the beginning, rather than waiting until something is wrong and trying to fix it. (Optimal health maintenance is actually the paradigm that StemTech advocates, rather than making claims about trying to cure any disease in particular. As a physician, I see things a little differently in terms of who is most likely to experience the most benefit from such a product.)

That was a very long answer to a short question, but I hope it helps address your concerns about how a stem cell enhancer can help a condition that is not primarily a stem cell deficiency.

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