10 Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a super-powered tea that can be consumed many different ways. There are so many reasons why I love green matcha tea, and it wasn't until recently I found out it's true hidden power, and the positive impact it can have on the body, especially for those living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, HCV or cancer, than consider this health choice option for your day to day.

Matcha is a type of green tea that is grown only in Japan, and has been consumed by locals for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. By stone grinding down the leaves to a very fine powder, the true power of this tea is unlocked. Here are my top 10 reasons why green matcha can radically help your overall health and vitality.

1. HIGH ANTIOXIDANTS
At some point in this modern world, we've all heard this word one time or another; "antioxidant." But what is it, and why should we be aware of it? Imagine this, we're at a baseball game, and the first baseman is our antioxidant. He's our first line of defense to our immune system, and keeps all the players on the field in check. So let's back up, what is it, and what do antioxidants do for us? Exposure to UV radiation over time breaks down our skin's cellular structure, so the health geeks, like yours truly, seek those vital antioxidants to restore and replenish ours cells. Items like raw fruits and veggies, greens and yes, my favorite, dark chocolate. Matcha is loaded in antioxidants, in fact 5 times as much as the most potent super food, the avocado as tested by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method for blood-oxygen absorption.

2. LOADED WITH CATECHINS & EGCG
Green tea contains about 30% catechins, whereas black tea contains only 4% of theaflavins. Both are powerful antioxidants. But matcha tea has far more in quantity, which explains why it is associated with more health benefits. The most significant phytochemical in green tea is a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. EGCG promotes brain health, is an anti-cancer fighting agent, increases heart health and promotes weight loss! EGCG naturally increases metabolism safely, burns fat and more importantly, reduces fat storage of cells. There are so many articles on the web about catechins and EGCG benefits, so do the research for yourself and prepare to be blown away at just how powerful these enzymes are for the body.

3. FIGHTS HIV
Speaking of EGCG, The green tea flavonoid has been linked to naturally fighting HIV as true anti-viral. matcha has been proposed to have an anti–HIV-1 effect by preventing the binding of HIV-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 to the CD4 molecule on T cells. Plants rich in flavonoids such as elderberry, matcha and cinnamon appear to block HIV-1 and can thus help in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. So if you've been diagnosed with HIV, talk with your doctor about matcha, and consider drinking it even while on your HAART anti-viral regimens as an extra line of defense for your immune system.

4. A SENSE OF CALM
For centuries, Buddhist monks have consumed herbal teas like matcha to promote a state of calm while meditating, yet remaining alert; without the "downer" effect of a pharmaceutically induced calm. Research has shown that this is directly due to the amino acid L-Theanine. L-Theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induces the calmness, while remaining focused, alert and attentive.

5. INCREASED LIVER HEALTH WITH HEPATITIS C
For those of us with liver disease, Cirrhosis, Hepatitis C, or fatty liver, there is hope for us yet! New studies have shown that green tea has antifibrotic effects! Which means it can reverse and heal certain grades of liver fibrosis, improve portal vein function and dissipate the collagen bands around your liver that form during fibrosis. Did I mention it purifies the blood as well? Holy smokes, that's some potent matcha! For more information on matcha and liver disease, click here.

6. FIGHTS CANCER
When scientists injected matcha extracts in tumors, the results were profound. The EGCG extracts we were discussing earlier actually shrunk cancerous tumors in the body. The catechins in green tea are able to break the molecular link between infection and cancer. The EGCG's are also active in breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin and lung cancer and cancer of the oral cavity and oesophagus, tumors in the liver, pancreas, intestines, stomach, bladder and brains. The growth of tumors is slowed down. The EGCG's in matcha stimulate cancer cells to self-destruct. For more information on anti-cancer properties of matcha, click here.

7. INCREASED MEMORY AND CONCENTRATION
The introduction of L-Theanine into the brain causes the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals alone have been shown to enhance mood, increase memory, aid in better concentration and just overall increased motor skill function. I'm pretty sure that's something that we all could probably benefit from, right?

8. FIGHTS BAD CHOLESTEROL 
I'm from a family where elevated cholesterol levels have to be monitored and is something inherited. Even with my HIV regimens, I often have elevated levels of cholesterol, which I have to monitor with proper food intake and nutrition. That's where matcha comes in, Research in various cultural ethnicity groups have shown that men who consume regular 2-4 cups a day of matcha had a lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and an increase HDL (good cholesterol). Matcha even reduces and normalizes blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. WOW!

9. DETOX & IMMUNE BOOSTING
Before matcha is harvested, during the last month of growth, the plants are covered to block out the sunlight, which causes the plants to produce a tremendous amount of chlorophyll. It's been known for a while that chlorophyll is a natural blood detoxing agent and immune system booster. That's why trends like juicing "green drinks" loaded in chlorophyll are so widely popular today. Chlorophyll is stored solar energy. But the camellia sinensis, the plant grown before matcha is made, produces 10 times more chlorophyll than any other plant. Think of it like this, one cup of matcha is equal to 10 cups of traditional green tea.

10. IT JUST TASTES GOOD
I personally consume matcha two ways. I buy the powder locally from a health food store, or sometimes online from Amazon.com. I like the brand "DoMatcha," but you may find your own brand through trial and error. I prefer a typical warm tea, two teaspoons of matcha powder with a 1/4 cup of soy milk and warm water. I also enjoy Starbcuks own Teavana line of green matcha. My favorite drink is a Venti Iced Green Matcha Tea with Soy and light ice. It's so good! I call it the HULK drink, because that's exactly what it is, a powerhouse to good health and strength.

BONUS
Matcha consumed with warm water and just the powder has 0 calories and is loaded in dietary fiber! So... what are you waiting for?

Refined By Fire

Sorry I haven't posted in the past month, it's been a roller coaster lately, but in a good way. I had a doctor's appointment two weeks ago on February 24th, and for the first time, my infectious disease doctor Katherine Smith uttered those words I've been longing to hear since I started Sovaldi last year: "You're Cured!"

Living life post-treatment is one thing knowing your labs are looking great, but hearing those goal achieving words uttered for the first time gave me so much confidence going into one year post-treatment. This time last year, I was very ill from side effects of the regimen I was on. I was reflecting on some of my older posts from Easter 2014, and multiple ER visits along with numerous side effects leaves me with only one conclusion; we are "refined by fire." The human spirit is a strong and powerful mechanism.

July 7th of this year, I will officially be one full year post-treatment. A few of my friends, locally and online, have had some serious issues since concluding their Sovaldi regimens, one of which is the dreaded relapse. A friend of mine, younger lady, late 20's from church, treated on Sovaldi and Ribavirin just as I did last year, but relapsed. She, like myself, was a geno-type 3a, I've been offering some moral support and council for her just this past week, and it seems to be effective. Whether I relapse or remain undetected at one year is pretty much a waiting game and in God's hands. I've accepted both outcomes and am ready to tackle whatever it is next I have to do. 

Nothing in life is earned by our own merit. You don't just wake up one day and be automatically cured of a life altering illness. Struggles are a part of life, so are disease and illness. If the human condition is never constantly tested, how are we to be refined and made better? I'm a leader at my church for a weekly event called "Real Men." One of the questions I'm asked most, why do bad things happen to good people? My response is usually simple and forward: "Because they have to." In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter writes, "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 

So when you're in that moment, the world is crashing in, all hope is lost, instead of giving ourselves a pity party, we need to stand up and dust ourselves off and move forward. Life is one continual refining of our condition, to make us stronger and more courageous for the next trial, and the trial after that.

One of my favorite musical writers and performers just this past week announced on social media he has a solid mass in his right kidney, and doctors are 90% sure it's cancer. Mark Hall of Grammy award winning Casting Crowns, made the announcement about his condition. But like the very song Mark penned in 2006 'Praise You In This Storm', "I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining..."

One thing I can say, I am at a truly peaceful moment of life. Rejoicing in my cure and striving towards July for the one year post-treatment lab results. I can't say it's been an easy road, truth is, it's been anything but smooth. The roller coaster of life has peaks, dips, turns, 360's and maybe even a few slow points, but my advice for those reading this, be ready for anything. Life isn't about what we define it to be, it's about giving God glory in season and out. So with each struggle, our life is being refined physically, mentally and spiritually for our betterment. In the heat of the moment, we don't see the lesson, but just know we have to be refined by fire in order to come out shining like gold. 

Today, My Life Changed Forever

It's pretty astonishing to think about it, and I'm still attempting to process the real scope of things surrounding the past year of my life.

On January 21st, 2014 I began a journey that would ultimately change my life forever, I treated my Hepatitis C with a new breakthrough drug called Sovaldi. Rapidly within 4 weeks of therapy, my virus went undetected, indicating that treatment was working and I was on my way to 20 more weeks of medication, lab work, doctor visits and a plethora of side effects. By the end of treatment on July 7th, 2014, I was still undetected and on my way to hopes of a possible cure.

My infectious disease doctor told me treating with Sovaldi and Ribavirin, I stood an astounding 94% chance of being cured even co-infected with HIV.

Having previously treated with much more toxic and brutal drugs in 2006, this new therapy was a breath of fresh air, but also had it's own mess of side effects. But in the end, the side effects weren't severe, and I powered through treatment like a iron arrow going through the heart of a dragon. Not just any dragon, the king of all dragons, Hepatitis.

The results are in today January 12th, 2015, 6 months post treatment, and officially I can say I am cured of Hepatitis C once and for all. My dragon has been slain, and my life is forever changed. I'm still sitting here processing the events of the past 24 hours of my life after getting this spectacular news. Sovaldi truly works, and the words cure and HepC can now be uttered in the same breath with confidence. Click on the graphic to see the lab work for yourself.

As I pause in this time of reflecting, evaluation and focusing on God more, I am truly humbled by the events of the past year of my life. Never again will I lie sleepless in my bed pondering my own fate. No more weeping in the pillow of my own mortality, and the fate of my beloved wife. To never fathom again the thought of liver transplant, end stage liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer is for the lack of better terms, new.

But, I can't forget to give credit where credit is rightfully due. If it wasn't for my persistent faith in Jesus Christ, my surrounding band of brothers and church family, my amazing wife and the endless sacrifices of my parents, none of this would be possible today. Thanks to my caregiver Dr. Katherine Smith for treating me, and lastly to Michael J. Sofia who developed this new miracle drug called Sovaldi.

My blogs will continue, as this is just the beginning of a new era for myself and I Strive 2 Thrive. I am working on a new video documentary as we speak, and I hope to share it with you hopefully by Spring of this year. Forever grateful, eternally humbled and delightfully changed, thanks to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey with me the past year.

In His Holy and Blessed Name,
Joe Burke (I Strive 2 Thrive)

Dental Care Is a No-Brainer

Oral hygiene is something we should all be practicing daily, especially those living with Hepatitis C and HIV. I can't express how important it is to stay up-to-date on your dental appointments and cleanings. Digestion starts in the mouth, and if your mouth isn't healthy, then your digestive tract will suffer as well.

Those living with Hepatitis C and/or HIV can develop multiple oral hygiene related issues stemming from improper dental care. Issues ranging from mouth ulcers to the gum disease gingivitis, an irritation and inflammation of the gum line are prominant. People living with Hepatitis C are prone to tooth decay, suffer loss of self-esteem due to poor oral aesthetics and have difficulty with diet due to poor oral health, all leading to a compromised quality of life. An effective preventive care program for a patient diagnosed with HCV is critical and should be an important goal for the dental practitioner.

Follow these simple steps to make your teeth and gums healthy. Even earlier stages of tooth decay can be reversed.

• Gently brush your teeth twice daily using a soft bristled tooth brush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride tooth paste. If your gums bleed when you brush, that's not a bad thing! The more you brush, the healthier your gums will become. 
• Spit the tooth paste out, but don't rinse. 
• Gently clean between your teeth with dental floss and/or an interdental brush, your dentist can show you how. 
• Limit your intake of sugar foods and sodas. 
• Chew sugar-fee gum, it stimulates saliva production and neutralizes acids in your mouth.
• Use Fluoride gels. Your dentist may recommend you applying small amounts to your teeth using a toothbrush or dental tray, your dentist can further assist you. 

One tip I have just for you, and this is just from my own personal experience in tooth pastes; my dentist recommended me switch to a specialty toothpaste called Pronamel by Sensodyne. About 6 years ago I visited the dentist here in Orlando, FL - and after understanding my health conditions, he recommended this one product to me. I'm not a big fan of product placement in private blogs, but if helps my community of "Dragon Slayers," then I'm going to blog about it. I've been on ProNamel for about 6 years now, and it's radically increased the health of my gums and teeth. Before, living with Hepatitis C caused many random mouth irritations and often times, mouth ulcers, which I frequently got.

I didn't notice much change overnight, but gradually, a year later, my mouth ulcers vanished completely and my teeth were actually becoming healthier. Something I didn't think was possible living with Hepatitis C. 

My dentist and I advised a cleaning schedule for me every 6 months with dental X-rays. Being that tooth decay is prominent in patients with Hepatitis C and HIV, I want to do everything I can to prevent that. 

One last note, I'm on state funded disability (SSI), which only covers emergency dental procedures. This means in order to get the care I need, I must purchase my own dental plan for the cleaning and X-rays required. I've always had crooked teeth, but never been able to afford to have my teeth straightened properly. My Dentist recommended Invisalign since I was a hemophiliac, but sadly on my budget, I've never been able to have the perfect smile, but that doesn't detour me from taking care of my teeth. I may never have the perfect smile, but at least I'll have healthy teeth regardless! 

If anyone has any assistance on other ways to get Invisalign care discounted, I'd love to know about it. 

Hemophilia Gene Therapy Study Offers Hope

It has now been three years since a group of patients with severe hemophilia B, or factor IX (FIX) deficiency, in London received a single dose of gene therapy as part of a new clinical trial. Early results of the trial were positive as these patients began to generate FIX levels ranging from 1%-6%. Prior to the study, they produced little to none of the crucial clotting factor protein.

This seemingly modest boost in FIX “expression” is important. The increase in FIX essentially transforms a patient symptomatically, from severe to mild, with the end result a significant, even dramatic, reduction in bleeds. Results described in a new article indicate that the initial breakthrough results have been sustained during the three years since the study began in 2011.

The report, “Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Factor IX Gene Therapy in Hemophilia B,” was published in the November 20, 2014, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The lead author of the update was Andrew Davidoff, MD, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Davidoff has collaborated for more than a decade with a strong team of researchers, including coauthor Amit Nathwani, MD, PhD, at the University College London. “I believe that, scientifically, this is ready for prime time,” said Davidoff.

The gene therapy trial employed an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8), a small virus that does not cause disease and produces mild immune responses, as a vector (delivery vehicles) to introduce a functioning FIX gene into the liver cells of subjects with severe hemophilia B. The goal of the trial was to trigger viable, long-term FIX protein production through a single administration of the therapy.

Overall, 10 subjects with severe hemophilia B participated in the study, six of whom received high doses of AAV8 and reached average FIX levels of 5.1%. According to investigators, this “resulted in a reduction of more than 90% in both bleeding episodes and the use of prophylactic factor IX concentrate.” Also, no toxic effects were reported.

“I think it’s going to have a big impact. The study showed both safety and efficacy, and the side effects were minimal,” said Timothy Nichols, MD, who heads the Francis Owen Blood Research Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was not involved in the study. “This is a single shot of medicine given to patients who are treating themselves two or three times a week,” he told Reuters Health over the phone. “Suddenly, they don't have to take the medicine anymore.”

If this breakthrough therapy exists in Factor IX patients with Hemophilia B, it shines light on the possible future for all of those living with the clotting disorder. Just imagine a world free of Hemophilia, HIV and Hepatitis C; according to modern science, we no longer have to imagine but wait.

Source: Reuters, November 19, 2014