I m sure many of you have heard of, or had direct experience HERBS FOR HEALTH. NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6 45

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HERBS FOR HEALTH Stem Cell Nutrition for Optimal Health and Wellness by Mark Parsekian Nutritional support such as this product - made of natural ingredients with concentrated active components of

1 HERBS FOR HEALTH Stem Cell Nutrition for Optimal Health and Wellness by Mark Parsekian Nutritional support such as this product - made of natural ingredients with concentrated active components of AFA (aphanizonmenon flos-aquae) - mixed with the normal daily feed, stimulates and supports the body s stem cells and can make a big difference in the overall health, wellbeing and performance of any horse. I m sure many of you have heard of, or had direct experience with, stem cells - now being touted as the next fountain of youth in regenerative treatment. It is also one of the most misunderstood and controversial topics in today s media, due to the ethical, religious, political and financial dimensions surrounding embryonic stem cell research. However, it is with adult stem cells that so many humans and animals are experiencing real breakthroughs, and not necessarily with externally-introduced stem cells. More recent research has shown the benefits of simply supporting the body s own stem cells (made in and circulating through the body) to maximize their beneficial effects. Supplementing a naturally healthy diet and lifestyle with specialized nutrients to support one s own stem cells makes sense, and is safe, non-invasive, and easy. What Are Stem Cells? Stem cells are defined as master cells having the unique capacity to replicate themselves and to develop into cells of various tissues throughout an organism. Most cells of the body are specialized and play a well-defined role in the body. For example, brain cells respond to electrical signals from other brain cells and release neurotransmitters; cells of the retina are activated by light; and pancreatic beta cells produce insulin. These cells will never differentiate into other types of cells or even proliferate. By contrast, stem cells, produced in bone marrow, are primitive cells that remain undifferentiated until they receive a signal prompting them to become virtually any other type of cell in the body upon request and NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6 45

The Stem Cell Theory of Renewal This simplified illustration shows a horse with a leg injury where the animal s own bone marrow releases adult stem cells that travel to the injured site following a

Stem Cell Theory of Renewal, by Christian Drapeau (reprinted with permission) Stem Cell Concept Known for their role in constant renewal of blood cells (red blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets)

2 The Stem Cell Theory of Renewal This simplified illustration shows a horse with a leg injury where the animal s own bone marrow releases adult stem cells that travel to the injured site following a help signal (1), then being released from the bone marrow (2), and (3) circulating throughout the body and migrating into areas in need of repair. Stem Cell Theory of Renewal, by Christian Drapeau (reprinted with permission) Stem Cell Concept Known for their role in constant renewal of blood cells (red blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets) and the regeneration of bone, ligament, tendon, connective tissues, muscles and organs, adult stem cells can become virtually any cell in the body. Illustration by StemTech Health Science, Inc. (reprinted with permission) as needed (see Stem Cell Concept illustration). Stem cells also produce some substances that contribute to and stimulate healthy growth and regeneration. Comparing Adult vs Embryonic Stem Cells Generally speaking, the two types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells (ASCs). ESCs are cells extracted from the blastula, the very early embryo, while ASCs are stem cells found in the body after birth and throughout life. The term adult stem cells does not refer to human adulthood; stem cells in the bone marrow of a newborn baby, for example, or even stem cells found in the umbilical cord, are referred to as ASCs. ASCs are present in the bloodstream at all times. They are the foundation of the immune and repair systems and circulate continuously, alerted by chemical signals from parts of the body (muscle, tissues, organs, etc.) needing repair. Is Stem Cell Therapy Natural? Depending upon the delivery or application, the few treatments available are largely considered natural therapies in that they harness the body s own innate immune system and regenerative wisdom to help the body heal itself, without any need for major surgery (although some use special needles), and without drugs with possible unwanted side effects. Introducing cells from another animal/person or another species may not be within the definition of natural for most of us, however if our own cells are being reintroduced elsewhere in our body, unaltered, we would probably not consider it unnatural. No immune suppressing drugs are used or needed when one s own stem cells are injected into a localized area because they are the body s own cells and they are recognized as such. (See About Stem Cell Injections, next page.) There have been thousands of cases proving the efficacy of ASC therapy on horses for many common injuries. Stem cell treatments are benefitting not only horses but many of our four legged friends, and humans as well - for a wide variety of health conditions. Nutritional Support for Adult Stem Cells - Stem Cell Enhancement ASC nutrition, otherwise known as ASC enhancement, is oral nutritional support from a unique plant source that 1) increases the release of one s own ASCs into the bloodstream and 2) facilitates their migration throughout the entire body into the tissues or areas needing repair. Oral consumption of stem cell nutritional support enhances the body s entire natural renewal system, addressing muscles, tissues, ligaments, organs - any area needing repair and rejuvenation. One of the advantages of this approach is that it touches all aspects of equine health, because marrow-released stem cells circulate and reach all areas of the body, not just the area accessible by a needle. What s In It? This emerging area in the health world has given rise to new products containing the single-celled organism known as aphanizonmenon flos-aquae (AFA). AFA is a species of blue-green algae that naturally contains a variety of digestible nutrients (phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals, complex sugars, essential fatty acids, active enzymes, proteins and amino acids). AFA not only supports stem 46 NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

Under the microscope: Blue green algae, cyanobacteria by its scientific name, is one of the oldest life forms on planet Earth, possibly dating as far back as 3.5 billion years.

There are few places in the world, such as Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon, that have an abundance of this plentiful ancient bounty.

3 Under the microscope: Blue green algae, cyanobacteria by its scientific name, is one of the oldest life forms on planet Earth, possibly dating as far back as 3.5 billion years. It can be found in virtually any environment from oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil. There are few places in the world, such as Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon, that have an abundance of this plentiful ancient bounty. It has been treasured and used by the local Native Americans for thousands of years. It is believed that blue green algae s ability to produce oxygen dramatically changed the composition of Earth s atmosphere and helped create the many diverse organisms that we have today. Photo courtesy of Christian Drapeau cells, it also supports overall health - better coat, happier disposition, more energy, playfulness, better quality hooves, and quicker recovery are all commonly experienced results. Stem cell enhancers are compounds - some man-made, some derived from natural sources - that increase the production, release, and mobilization of the body s adult Whole AFA as it floats in the water in Klamath Lake, OR stem cells. Whole AFA has been shown to provide significant quantities of these compounds, and is a very beneficial natural source. Scientists have isolated the various components of whole AFA and identified the health benefits of each, including the component that supports the release of stem cells from the bone marrow. This has enabled product makers to develop concentrations of the various components to ASC injections are becoming a very popular choice in utilizing the body s regenerative powers to repair itself. Over the last decade, there have been significant advances in treating horses for various injuries and conditions with ASC injections, including, but not limited to, fractures, bowed tendons, torn ligaments and osteoarthritis. There are essentially two injection methods utilizing the horse s own ASCs, one using bone marrow and the other using fat tissue samples. Stem cell nutrition Easily administered in food No anesthesia Not a medical procedure/treatment (is non-invasive) Nutritional stimulation of bone marrow to release stem cells Stem cells released within minutes Fed daily as long as needed Nutritionally supportive, made of natural ingredients Supports circulating stem cells (helps the whole immune system) Cost effective (approx. $3 - $5 daily) plus added benefi ts to overall health of horse About Adult Stem Cell Injections In the procedure using the horse s own bone marrow, a needle is used to harvest bone marrow from the sternum then inject it directly (or, only the processed and prepared ASCs are injected) into the injured tendon, ligament or trouble area. Either of these procedures is costly, but can greatly increase the horse s recovery time. Another common method is taking a small (approximately two tablespoons) fat sample from the base of the horse s tail, retrieving the ASCs, and injecting them into Comparison Chart the injured area to facilitate the recovery process. This procedure is also costly. The above procedures are considered medical procedures and should be conducted by a licensed, specialized professional. Each benefi ts the targeted area and therefore may require several treatments for effective results. The National Institutes of Health lists some74 treatable diseases using adult stem cells in therapy. Stem cell injections Specialist or DVM required Local anesthesia required Medical procedure/treatment (not non-invasive) Extraction of adult stem cells from horse s bone marrow or fat tissues Possibly several days from extraction to re-insertion Many treatments typically needed Not nutritionally supportive Treats localized area only (not the whole immune system) Costly procedure ($1,000 to $3,000) per treatment NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6 47

provide even more benefit than whole AFA.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the number of stem cells circulating in the bloodstream is one of the best indicators of overall health.

Conversely, the less ASC s you have circulating, the slower the repair and regeneration of the body s tissues, organs and functions, thus creating a less than optimal level of overall health.

In humans, the amount of active bone marrow amounts to about 2,600g (5.7 lbs), with about 1.5 trillion marrow cells.

4 provide even more benefit than whole AFA. Human studies of one product, StemEnhance, have shown that the consumption of 1 gram will facilitate the release of up to 3-4 million ASCs within 30 to 60 minutes. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the number of stem cells circulating in the bloodstream is one of the best indicators of overall health. The more ASC s you have circulating throughout the body, the quicker the body can repair and regenerate those areas that need fixing. Conversely, the less ASC s you have circulating, the slower the repair and regeneration of the body s tissues, organs and functions, thus creating a less than optimal level of overall health. A 25-30% increase in the number of circulating stem cells is well within physiological range and does not constitute stress on the bone marrow environment. In humans, the amount of active bone marrow amounts to about 2,600g (5.7 lbs), with about 1.5 trillion marrow cells. A 25-30% increase in the number of circulating stem cells triggered by the consumption of 1 gram of concentrated AFA corresponds to approximately 3 million cells, which is a small portion of the stem cells present in the bone marrow. Stem cells that do not reach any tissue or become blood cells return to the bone marrow. Spook, after he was brought home from the veterinary clinic and the 4th time we were told there was nothing that could be done from a veterinary treatment perspective. He was extremely dehydrated with sores in his nostrils the size of a dime, bruises on his legs, a poor coat, and ribs slightly showing. Walking was an effort - heavy breathing, dragging hooves, no energy. Commonly Asked Questions Are there any cautions? There are no known cautions. Do cancer and other abnormal cell conditions grab up ASCs? Only embryonic stem cells have been associated with the development of aberrant growth. Stem cells present in specialized tissues such as the intestinal mucosa may also play a role in the development of aberrant growth. But stem cells released from the bone have not been associated with such Spook, after being started on just two scoops a day of stem cell nutritional enhancer, StemEquine on May 6, Almost one month later Spook has a noticeable shine in his coat, has gained weight, has an increase in energy and playful spirit, is being ridden again, and the open sores in his nose are gone as well as the bruises on his legs. (Photos of Spook by Ryan Orr) 48 NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6

5 problems. Does scar tissue grab up ASCs? It has been report in many cases that scar tissue does grab up ASC s and often times the scar tissue has been reported to mitigate in appearance or to disappear completely. Is marrow adversely affected by increased output of ASCs? The bone marrow constantly produces stem cells for the entire life of an individual. Stem cells released by the bone marrow are responsible for the constant renewal of red blood cells and lymphocytes (immune cells). A proactive approach to optimal wellness utilizing daily ASC nutritional support can enable the renewal system of the body to function optimally and mitigate potential unforeseen health issues - for horses, pets, and humans. Finding A Source There are a few companies that produce stem cell enhancers or stem cell nutrition products. Buyers should look for pure products that are patented and a company that is reputable and built on sound research and clinical results, for humans, horses and small pets. Additional Natural Supports An ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure. Avoid injury and illness by providing appropriate feed and exercise as part of a wholesome natural lifestyle. But accidents and the unexpected can and do happen. So, as with any medical treatment or therapy, whether stem cell injections, stem cell enhancers or a combination of the two, a well planned regimen of rest and exercise combined with physical therapy and TLC can greatly accelerate cell regeneration and the recovery of your horse. What the Future Holds Adult stem cell therapies are here to stay and are showing even greater promise than originally believed possible. Now being offered in many countries, they are playing a larger role in overall health, wellness and performance, not only in the equine world but for the benefit of humans and their companion animals. With advances occurring almost daily, research in veterinary medicine currently conducted on horses, dogs, and cats shows great promise (for animals and humans) for many common health issues such as neuromuscular and ligament/ tendon issues to organ repair and regeneration. About the author: Mark Parsekian is a Certified Shiatsu therapist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). He has worked on a large variety of domesticated animals from horses and dogs to cows, pigs, sheep and cats. His experience and passion incorporate, but are not limited to, magnetic therapy, meridian therapy, acupressure and natural nutritional formulations. He lives in Milton, MA USA. mparsekian@mac.com Voice For The Horse is putting a challenge out there to other Equine Specialists in their fi eld to help support horses at risk that go in for care and rehabilitation in equine care facilities. Our challenge to you is that you contribute a minimal dollar amount to your choice of rescue center for horses. Your contribution may come in many different ways; it may come from teaching a workshop or clinic, doing massage or other therapeutic equine work which includes all of our veterinarians and equine health care practitioners, to horse training fees and farriar work, horse hauling or stabling for horses, the list is endless. This challenge is for anyone that provides a product or service in the equestrian industry that is of benefi t to the horse. In return for this good deed VFTH offers your business free advertising on our web site for one full year! Not only will VFTH promote your business for free we will also feature your chosen equine care facility (horse rescue center) which offers them extra exposure for all the hard work they put into helping and re-homing horses when they are ready to go. We have another winter coming up just around the corner so ANNOUNCEMENT: VOICE FOR THE HORSE CHALLENGE please consider joining up with us to help make this difference for the horses that will no doubt show up and be in need of special care. We look forward to promoting your business while at the same time having more horses helped by giving them a second chance for the good life we intend for them. Please visit our web site at for more details. Yvonne Allen ~ Voice For The Horse Consulting It Is Our Children Of Today That Will Be Leading Our Horses of Tomorrow Voice For The Horse is excited to present a new category on our web site for none other than our future caretakers of our beloved horses. If you are of kid status and would like to contribute and share your stories of the horses and ponies in your lives and what it is you do with them (and what it is that they do with you!) we will feature your story on a very special page created especially for you! For those of you kids that have never ridden a horse let alone pet one, if you are a horse lover and want to participate we invite you to do so as well. We appreciate content that will help us new students of the horse learn (and yes some of us are midway through life like myself!) and also children that have never had the opportunity to be around horses and have only been able to learn about them by reading books and the use of other educational tools. Each month Voice For The Horse Consulting will be giving away prizes for the best submitted stories but no worry here, there is still something special set in place for those that are not the chosen ones! Each and every child under the age of 16 that submits an essay style report on an equine subject will receive a FREE VFTH Kids Corner Affiliate Membership! If you are stuck on a subject to write on us and we will provide a subject for you. We look forward to your story writing submissions and please remember to send in a photo as well to: angel@voiceforthehorse.com. We invite you to visit our web site at: to learn more about VFTH Kid s Corner. Good Luck to you all!! Happy Trails from Yvonne at Voice For The Horse Consulting!! NATURAL HORSE Magazine - VOLUME 12 ISSUE 6 49

Ho r s e. natural. Acupressure. Chinese Massage for Horses & Riders. Post-Ride. Stem Cell Nutrition: Relationship Riding: for Non-Dominant, Longevity

Ho r s e. natural. Acupressure. Chinese Massage for Horses & Riders. Post-Ride. Stem Cell Nutrition: Relationship Riding: for Non-Dominant, Longevity Ho r s e natural MAGAZINE dedicated to your horse Relationship Riding: for Non-Dominant, Non-Controlling LEADERSHIP Post-Ride Acupressure for Health & Enjoy TUI NA: Longevity Chinese Massage for Horses