Thyroid.

Thyroid supplementation, a’ la Broda Barnes, MD, in his book Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, and many other authors, must be geared to the adrenal status of the patient: low adrenal, use little thyroid. I always use the cup of coffee rule of thumb. If a patient can drink a pot of coffee before bed and sleep easily, one can give higher doses of thyroid. If the patient sips a cup of coffee and is awake for two days, or is obviously very sensitive to any stimulation, one should start with 1/16^th of a grain of thyroid or less, and increase by 1/16^th grain every few days or week.

A grain of thyroid is an old apothecary measurement that is roughly equivalent to 60 mg. The patient who can stand stimulation can be started with ½ grain and increase to two grains after two to four weeks. Overdose of thyroid, due to insufficient adrenal cortical reserve, causes adrenalin symptoms such as anger, nervousness, fast heart rate and insomnia, and in cardiac patients: angina. But, it can also create more calmness, great energy, improved emotional tolerance and relief of fatigue and fibromyalgia by improving nutrient absorption and mitochondrial status. 

Mitochondria are the energy manufacturing plants of our cells. They make ATP, the body’s energy currency. Each of our 100 trillion or so cells has 1,000 to 4,000 mitochondria. Thyroid increases the size and number of mitochondria. I have used a brand that has less additives and more T₃ (the active thyroid in the human body) than other brands for 36 years. If a patient has high reverse T_{3 (}which blocks regular T₃₎ or other high autoimmune problems, I have to substitute with L-thyroxine (T₄) and/or T_3. I avoid Synthroid, it is not bioidentical and may block L-thyroxine. I also test everything on EAV (ElectroAcupuncture by Vol), which was developed in the late 1930’s in Germany to make sure the dosage and hormone are compatible with the patient. 

Guaifenesin.

Fibromyalgia can arguably be looked at as an energy deficiency syndrome in the musculoskeletal system. Both deficiency and toxicity issues are usually present. R. Paul St. Amand, MD, a UCLA endocrinologist, makes a good case for phosphate retention in the muscles and ligaments as the root cause of fibromyalgia. In his book, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia, he recommends increasing dosages of guaifenesin, the cough expectorant, which theoretically removes the phosphates. It has many successful patient responses but requires a diet avoiding salicylates, which involves more than 1,000 different foods and herbs, and inhibits patient compliance with his regimen. Committed patients have had moderate or good success with his program but progress is usually gradual and aggravating, especially early on in the therapy, requiring careful titration of the guaifenesin.

At the risk of forgetting one of the hundreds of things that can cause CFS and/or Fibromyalgia, here are a few of the more common causes that I see. One needs to have an extremely broad outlook on medicine. The causes can range from genetic defects, parasites, heavy metal intoxication, dental pathology, chronic sinus infection, chronic tonsil infection, circulatory damage/sticky blood, coagulation defects, multiple hormonal deficiencies, allergy, psychological issues, grief and loss, inherited weakness, leaky gut, parasites, digestive disturbances, Candida, toxic liver, chronic viruses, Lyme, musculoskeletal issues, autoimmune diseases, immune system weakness, endobiontic (fungi that normally occur in our blood) disturbance, other chronic diseases, chronic pain, surgical stress, acupuncture meridian dysbalances, scars, need for the proper homeopathic remedy (especially for miasms and inherited constitutional weakness),  overwhelming environmental stress in the home or work place, physical or sexual abuse, the standard American diet (SAD), nutritional depletion, amino acid deficiencies, organic acid dysbalance, old injuries impeding full recovery, neurotransmitter deficiencies either stress induced or drug induced, toxicity from pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic hydrocarbons, PCB’s and other industrial waste, plastics, solvents, fire retardants and many more.

Far infrared sauna and sweating therapy is one of the only ways to rid the body of the hundreds of chemical toxins we all carry, according to Sherry Rogers, MD in her excellent book Detoxify or Die. EAV devices such as BioMeridian, Vega, Asyra, LSA/Zyto with LED, Laser Energetic Detoxification, Autonomic Response Therapy/Kinesiology can help to unravel this very complex landscape. Regular laboratory testing is also important to diagnose or confirm diagnoses. Many great labs are deep into this process and are very important to the success in treating chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

References:

1. Barnes, Broda, M.D. Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness. Harper Collins Publisher, 1976.
2. St. Amand, R. Paul, M.D. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia. Warner Books, 1999.
3. Rogers, Sherry, M.D. Detoxify or Die. Prestige Publishing, 2002.

For More on this Topic:

Read Part I of the Series

Read Part II of the Series

The latest research into particle physics is proving that everything in our physical world, including the matter that makes up our bodies, is composed of infinitely small particles, vibrating at infinitely high frequencies. The specific frequencies that they vibrate at have everything to do with how our senses interpret that information, and how we (our bodies) interact with it.

Common medical therapies (prescriptions, treatments, etc.) usually lag 20-30 years behind the cutting edge research on the true nature of reality. This includes the theories about how our bodies function and create “health” or “dis-ease.”

What if I told you that technology exists right now that has taken the pursuit of health into alignment with the latest research in particle physics and electro-acupuncture. It does!

This is based on the original work by Reinhard Voll, M.D., a German physician who, in the 1950’s, was one of the first European doctors to realize that he could combine the ancient knowledge of acupuncture meridians with the latest in electronic testing equipment. This information was combined with facts learned from the growing science of lie detector equipment by Dr. Vaughn Cook, an Oriental Medical Doctor, to create this cutting edge technology.

It is not used to diagnose any disease. It is used to find incoherent (out of balance) responses to different digital challenges given to the body via the GSR (galvanic skin response). This is the electrical skin resistance in the palm and fingers of the hand.

Our conscious mind (the “thinking” part) is capable of processing about 2000 bits of information per second…pretty incredible, right. But, at this moment, your subconscious mind is handling about 400,000,000 (400 million!) bits of data per second. This technology enables the doctor to tap into the autonomic or subconscious mechanisms to ask your body what’s going on, and make sense of it all. Yes, it can actually ask your body which supplements or medications it prefers, and which have the best chance of helping it heal before you take anything!

Again, to be clear, this equipment does not diagnose any disease. But, when used by a trained medical practioner, it can be very helpful in finding which organs and/or glands are out of balance, and then determining what substances can be used to restore them to balance.

Recently, a hospital study in China was conducted that showed a correlation of 87 percent between the results of Zyto’s technology and organ/lab diagnosis by a licensed physician.

This exciting new technology is available for use today to better help people attain vibrant and radiant health more easily and efficiently than ever before.

References:

1. Klotter, Jule. Bioenergetic devices and Functional Medicine, Townsend Letter, January 1^st, 2009.

2. www.ZYTO.com

Written By Michael Gerber, MD, HMD |

Adrenal support dosing has a very long therapeutic curve. It is nice to start with sleeping eight to nine hours per night, and to enjoy occasional vacations when the stress is off. Reducing stress at the work place, at home and with the kids is important, but how to resolve the stress of estranged spouses bent on revenge, sick relatives, crazy siblings battling over the inheritance, financial collapse and loss of drive to do anything is much more difficult. These people need adrenal help.

I always begin adrenal support with good nutrients important for the adrenal gland, especially good sea salt such as Cheltic salt, or Real Salt. When the adrenals are weak, you leak salt and minerals. Some low adrenal patients take ½ tsp of sea salt in water in the morning and after lunch to improve their energy. Vitamin C, B vitamins (pantothenic acid, B5), vitamin A, chromium, EFA’s (essential fatty acids such as fish oil and primrose oil) and good sources of cholesterol, such as egg yolks, butter and animal protein if possible, are all important. Vegans need to lead a less stressful life and supplement if they are stressed (B12 at least). Of course the liver makes cholesterol, but many livers are very toxic and all the adrenal hormones are made from cholesterol, which can only be consumed from animal sources. Acupuncture, psychological counseling, chiropractic, musculoskeletal therapies, energetic support, color puncture and every body balancing, stress reducing therapeutic modality can help the adrenals to rebuild.

My very favorite adrenal support over the last 36 years is an adrenal complex shot with B12 (hydroxycobalamin) and folic acid. I have it compounded with hydrocortisone 2 mg per cc, DHEA .2mg per cc, pregnenelone .2 mg per cc in a sesame or cotton seed oil base for its time-release properties, with one mg of B12 and 10 mg of folic acid. An average sized woman usually responds well to 1 ½ cc of adrenal complex, smaller women 1 cc, and larger women and men 2 cc plus 1 cc of B12 and 1 cc of folic acid.

This is an old feel-good shot that has been around since the 1950’s from Hollywood, (thank you Alan Nittler, MD and Gary Gordon, MD.) I learned this therapy from Dr. Nittler in 1975 in Santa Cruz, California, and from his book A New Breed of Doctor. He used adrenal cortex extract in those days, but it is no longer available, and this adrenal complex bears a rough equivalency to that product. This shot gives a week of blood sugar stability for most patients and can be done weekly, two or three times per week or daily, depending on the needs of the patient and reducing the frequency of dosing as the patient gets better. Remember that the normal adrenal cortex makes 30 mg to 200 mgs of hydrocortisone per day.

Low dose adrenal support is frequently very helpful for energy, sleep, headaches, gastritis (heart burn) and anti-anxiety qualities, and does not suppress the hypothalamic, pituitary adrenal axis. This intramuscular, time-release shot is given in the upper-outer quadrant of the hip. Isocorts or other oral adrenal tissue support are always great; be careful of whole adrenal extracts as they may contain some adrenalin, which may be too stimulating for some sensitive people.

Adrenal rebuilding, adaptogenic herbs are great, such as Cordyceps, Rodiola rosea, Ashwaganda, Maca, Eluthrococcus senticosis (Siberian Ginseng) and many more.  Importantly, some patients are so adrenal-depleted that they really need hydrocortisone tablets a’ la William McK. Jeffries, MD a co-discoverer of hydrocortisone in 1949.

In his book The Safe Uses of Cortisone he presents many cases of successful treatment of adrenal deficient patients with 5 mg of cortisol (hydrocortisone/Cortef), four times per day, or 10 mg four times per day when ill. Some patients prefer 10 mg AM and noon, or some variation of this dosage regimen. Cortisol can also be compounded in a time-release preparation, which needs to be dosed less frequently and is more convenient for patients. It is interesting that even when adrenal-fatigue patients need larger doses of Cortef to maintain normal energy levels they don’t appear Cushingoid (puffy, moon faced), and they feel great.

References:

Solutions Specialty, Henderson, NV, 702-792-3777.

Nittler, Alan H., M.D. A New Breed of Doctor. Pyramid House Publisher. New York, NY, 1972.

Jefferies, William Mck., M.D., F.A.C.P. Safe Uses of Cortisone. Charles Thomas Publisher. Springfield, Illinois. 1981.

Written By Michael Gerber MD, HMD |

The most frequent chronic complaint is fatigue. Patients never feel right; many can’t get out of bed and are also usually depressed, anxious and suffer from insomnia, poor memory and concentration and frequently dizziness. The origins of chronic fatigue are truly vast. Recently, a 32 year old, four foot ten, 95 pound young woman presented with a history of sexual abuse, loss of both parents, her mother was very stressed during her pregnancy, she was on disability with RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy-referred pains all over the body) fibromyalgia and multiple drug regimen failure; she had asthma, globus hystericus, gastroparesis and gastritis (heart burn). I knew I had my work cut out for me. Building trust with a totally fearful, energy-less girl, with absolutely no self esteem and no money, is an art form. One has to go with their best and least expensive therapy, which also gives gentle results quickly. Incidentally, her globus hystericus (lump in the throat) was immediately and permanently relieved with one treatment of Neural Therapy, using injections of procaine and Spascupreel from Heel, in intradermal wheels (bubbles) in the skin. Likewise, the gastroparesis (very slow empting stomach and digestion) abated with the overall therapy as well.

The History

In addition to an extended regular history and physical, it is also important if your practitioner has learned to do Chinese pulse and facial diagnosis, German iridology, tongue diagnosis, root canal and amalgam evaluation, scar and musculoskeletal dysbalance evaluations. If one shoulder is three inches higher than the other, it tells you something. Dietary history is a big deal. For many patients, it is a game changer to avoid fluoride toothpaste, tap water, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, table salt, milk, frequently gluten, soda, gum, fast food, soy, coffee creamers, non organic everything, stomach acid blockers, statin drugs, cigarettes, microwave ovens, aluminum cooking utensils, excessive alcohol, and so many other environmental toxins. I just started a new patient a couple of months back who looked at me absolutely incredulously when I told her that there were over 300 different neurological  syndromes associated with aspartame (NutraSweet) ingestion, up to multiple sclerosis. She was consuming eight to 10 diet sodas with five Xanax through the day, “just like my mother did”. Her husband was nodding his head through the entire visit, as she had terrific fatigue, anger and little memory.

Low adrenal and thyroid always mean poor metabolism. “When your adrenals are weak, you leak,” is one of my favorite platitudes. Low adrenal hormones cause wasting (loss) of sodium, chloride, and according to some authors, neurotransmitters (brain chemicals controlling mood and memory). Thyroid weakness causes hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) and inability to absorb minerals and proteins. Getting these two organs back on track has an immediate normalizing effect on our miraculous organism.

References:

1. Joseph M Helms, MD. Acupuncture Energetics – A Clinical Approach for Physicians. Medical Acupuncture Publishers. Berkley, California.

2. Peter Dosch, MD . Manual of Neural Therapy according to Huneke (Regulating Therapy with Local Anesthetics. Haug Publishers. Heidelberg, Germany, 1984.

The last article looked at the therapeutic importance of vitamin A and cod liver oil. This month, I would like to address other vitamins, minerals and dietary issues that are especially important for children.

Insomnia and Constipation

From infants to toddlers and older children, sleep disorders and slowed down bowel are quite common. Causes are biological, and certainly these problems are aggravated by milk-based and soy-based formulas. We suggest whey-based formulas or goat milk formulas, as they cause fewer incidents of ear infections, mucous formation, colds and constipation. Remember cow’s milk protein, casein and lactalbumin, is four and a half times longer than human mother’s milk protein, and is meant for baby cows. It causes inflammation in the intestines, which gives a leaky gut and lets large proteins enter the blood stream and overwhelm the liver, and eventually the adrenal gland. If your child has purple, puffy areas under the eyes (allergic shiners) or a blue color to the whites of the eyes (liver wind in Chinese medicine), consider allergic reaction to foods, especially milk, sugar and wheat.

If a child is not having several bowel movements per day, one of the very best supplements is liquid calcium and magnesium. Magnesium, of course, is in milk of magnesia and Epsom salts; it is a laxative and calmative. It kills two birds with one stone. Before bedtime, give one tsp to toddlers and two tbsp to older children, for an effective correction to both insomnia and constipation. The liquid we use is a pleasant, mint flavored liquid that is generally well accepted by children. It is also great if the kids get some sugary treats at home or school, and then become hyperactive and irritable; it frequently calms them down in a few minutes. If magnesium supplementation causes diarrhea, simply back down the dose and adjust to the child’s needs. It’s impossible to get enough magnesium from a standard American diet (SAD) without supplementation.

Vitamin C is also great for kids. We give from 250 mg to 1 gram or more per day to children, to help with constipation and treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. We use vitamin C drink, which is a good tasting, lemon, citrus drink and Honeyvite; it has all the major vitamins and minerals, and can be taken in water or fruit juice. Especially when sending kids into the toxic wasteland of schools with other sick kids, toxic cleaning materials, plastics, formaldehyde in the rugs and many other toxins in the child’s learning environment.

Remember, a goat that weighs 150 lbs. makes 13,000 mg of vitamin C every day in its liver. How much vitamin C does a 150 lb human make? NONE. Only primates, guinea pigs, fruit bats and man make no vitamin C. All the other millions of species make their own vitamin C. We all need to supplement vitamin C. We are all suffering from mild scurvy, including our children. Vitamin C is a universal detoxifier and also acts as an antihistamine and laxative. The highest concentration of vitamin C in the human body is in the adrenal gland (stress gland) and secondarily in the brain.

References:

1. Briggs D.Sc.,Ph.D., Michael. Vitamins in Human Biology and Medicine. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, Florida 1981.
2. Bralley, Ph.D., C.C.N., J.A. and Lord Ph.D, Richard. Laboratory Evaluations in Molecular Medicine. The Institute for Advances in Molecular Medicine 2001.

For more info, contact the Gerber Medical Clinic at (775) 826-1900.

Metformin is an oral drug that came into use in 1994. At that time, there was no mention of its use as a tool to fight cancer. More recently, it was discovered that this drug may effectively combat cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate. In an amazing study, a group of Swiss researchers found a 56 percent reduction in breast cancer risk in a group of diabetic women who took metformin for more than five years.

Despite most people’s aversion to taking prescription drugs, serious consideration should be given to taking this generic, inexpensive medication that was originally derived from the French lilac. This compound has a long history in botanical medicine. It was “rediscovered” and approved by the FDA as a treatment for type II diabetes in 1994. It quickly became the most widely prescribed drug for that disease.

Beginning around 2002, a series of epidemiological studies revealed a remarkable trend: diabetic patients taking metformin were less likely to die compared to diabetics using other forms of therapy.

By 2005, evidence from large, population-based studies clearly showed that people taking metformin for diabetes were significantly and reliably protected against the increased cancer risk posed by the diabetes itself.

It is a known fact that diabetics are predisposed to a broad range of cancers in the liver, pancreas, colon, breast, uterus, kidney and prostate. Scientists theorized that if ways to reduce chronic blood sugar elevations, and other molecular consequences associated with weight gain were discovered, this would have a powerful impact on interrupting some of the pathways that lead to cancer. It turned out that metformin acts in a multi-targeted fashion, to accomplish precisely those effects.

It has long been recognized that a calorie restriction diet is one of the only “proven” methods of slowing down the aging process and preventing a whole host of chronic diseases, everything from heart disease to cancer, but try getting people to stick to its severe restrictions.

Interestingly, metformin essentially “fools” the body into believing that it is in a calorie restricted state, thereby switching on the same protective mechanisms that arise from calorie restriction itself.

That is not to imply that metformin is a totally benign medication. It is also essential that it only be used under the supervision of a qualified physician.

There is a growing body of evidence showing that metformin acts through multiple pathways to trigger profound cellular changes in every mammalian tissue, activating tumor suppressing mechanisms. This has now been demonstrated to benefit not only those with diabetes but also apparently healthy people.

Due to the multiple ways it works, there is no reason to think that these results won’t, in fact, be generalizable to every human malignancy!

References:

1. Bodmer M, Meier C, Krahenbuhl S, Jick SS, Meier CR, Long-term metformin use is associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, Diabetes Care, 2010 June; 33(6):1304-8

2. Li D, Yeung SC, Hassan MM, Konopleva M, Abbruzzese JL, Anti-diabetic therapies affect risk of pancreatic cancer, Gastroenterology, 2009 August; 137(2); 482-8

For more info, contact Reno Integrative Medical Center at (775) 829-1009 or visit online at www.renointegrativemedicalcenter.com

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves oxygen. It ranges in scope from rust formation on an iron tool, to a campfire, to the destruction or stimulation of different cells in our body. Without it, life as we know it would be impossible.

Bio Oxidative therapy is the use of oxygen, in several different ways, to improve health, or restore it after it is lost to disease.

These therapies range from something as simple as aerobic exercise to things as complex as intravenous hydrogen peroxide and ozone, to hyperbaric treatments.

The body uses oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide in different amounts, for many purposes. Both of these compounds are helpful in regulating things as diverse as cell membranes and hormone production, to blood sugar levels and cell energy production.

The therapeutic use of intravenous hydrogen peroxide was pioneered in this country by Dr. Charles Farr in Oklahoma. In 1993, he was nominated for a Nobel Prize for his research in its use. He was the founder and first president of the International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation; which currently publishes a protocol for the safe and proper administration of intravenous peroxide. Many doctors believe the use of this therapy is unsafe, but they are uninformed about the 50-100 new scientific articles that are published each month, at many major medical research centers, throughout the world.

Ozone therapy is another way to use oxygen for therapeutic purposes. Ozone gas is a form of oxygen that contains three molecules (O3), as compared to the normal oxygen (O2) that we breathe. It is deadly to all viruses, many bacteria, and most of all cancer cells. The most common (and safest) method of doing this involves the removal of a sample of blood, which is anticoagulated, mixed with ozone gas in a sterile bottle, and then given back to the patient intravenously.

There are many different theories about how and where oxygen and hydrogen peroxide are utilized in the body. Both have been found to be important in regulating the immune system, and are used to kill harmful organisms. They are also important in the regulation of everything from proper blood sugar, to the production of certain hormones and compounds necessary for brain and nervous system function.

Bio Oxidative therapy is reported to be beneficial for treating a broad range of ailments including various types of infections, emphysema, coronary artery disease, post-stroke syndrome, gangrene, spider bites, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.

This relatively inexpensive, non-toxic and safe therapy is used much more frequently in Europe, but is slowly becoming more accepted in the United States. Because of the cost and toxicity of many modern pharmaceuticals, it is being looked at more closely by physicians and patients alike.

References:

1. Shallenberger, M.D., H.M.D., ABAAM, Frank. Principles and Applications of Ozone Therapy. CreateSpace. April, 2011.

2.www.arthritistrust.org/Articles/Hydrogen%20Peroxide%20Therapy/index.htm

For more info, contact Reno Integrative Medical Center at (775) 829-1009 or visit online at www.renointegrativemedicalcenter.com

Written By Michael Gerber, MD, HMD |

There are many modalities available for the safe, non-toxic care of children. I will concentrate on vitamin A in this issue, and in ensuing articles cover other therapies such as other vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, volatile oils,  homeopathic remedies, isopathic remedies, oxidative therapies, herbal remedies, hormonal support, allergy treatment, dietary adjustments, amino acid therapies, antibiotics and anti-fungal therapies.

Vitamin A is generally regarded as the anti-infection vitamin and mucous membrane protector. It prevents squamous metaplasia, changing of the body linings from tall, ciliated cells (contain little hairs on them which move out mucous and infection) to cells that are like the ones on the skin, which do not protect the lungs, intestines, sinuses, oropharnyx and ears from infection. Vitamin A is vital to support the adrenal glands (stress glands) and is specific for otitis media (ear infections), acne, growth impairment, hyperkatosis (rough skin), night blindness and xerophthalmia–the leading cause of blindness in the world, especially in the third world, when the eyes dry out from lack of vitamin A and then ulcerate and become infected resulting in blindness.

Beta carotene is a double vitamin A molecule, and is much less useful than vitamin A. This is the substance in carrot juice that turns the palms and body orange; it scares doctors into thinking the child is being poisoned from vitamin A.

Since vitamin A is one of the fat soluble vitamins, it can be retained in the body, causing toxicity. The toxicity manifests as a tight, band-like headache, nose bleeds and chapped lips. In very chronic situations, it causes an over-production of tissue on the outside of the bones (periostium). There are no long term side effects from acute vitamin A overdose; they all go away with discontinuation of the vitamin. Vitamin A is bound to a liver protein, a retinol binding protein, which is produced in higher amounts when people take larger doses of vitamin A. When vitamin A is bound, it is non-toxic; when it is free and unbound, it is toxic. People with skin diseases have taken up to one million units per day without side effects, but the dose must be increased slowly.

Cod liver oil (CLO) is a good first supplement for babies, starting around three months of age. The fat soluble vitamins do not cross the placenta in pregnancy and need to be replaced in infants. Not only does CLO have vitamins A and D, but also EPA (eicosapentenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexenoic acid), which are fatty acids that protect the brain, improve intelligence and prevent cancer. The dosage for children should be 1,000 units per year of age. One tablespoon of CLO contains about 4,500 units of vitamin A, so a three month old could take about 1/8th tsp. Also, give vitamin A intermittently, five days per week, so it doesn’t build up to toxic levels. Vitamin A emulsion (drops of vitamin A) is made from lemon grass and is neutral tasting oil if CLO is resisted by the child. Actually, little children tend to really like CLO and love to crunch the pearls in it.

Supplementation with CLO and vitamin A can prevent ear infections and reduce the illness and death due to measles. Overutilization of typanostomy tubes (ear drainage tubes for infection) was addressed in a 1994 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “About one quarter of tympanostomy tube insertion in this study were proposed for inappropriate indications and another third for equivocal ones.” The authors suggest that several hundred thousand children may be receiving tubes that offer no advantage over other therapies. Rats on a vitamin A free diet showed extensive focal metaplasia. Keratization of normally columnar, ciliated epithelium occurred in over half of subjects. Acute otitis media with effusion was found.  Vitamin A deficiency disrupts the clearing mechanism of the ear. A study from the ENT department of the University Of Texas School Of Medicine studied Micronesian children that were vitamin A deficient and developed otitis media. They also found that vitamin A deficient Guinea pigs showed otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction as the primary mechanism. The Wisconsin Division of Health studied the severity of Measles and showed that Vitamin A reduces mortality in African children with acute measles. In the U.S., children hospitalized with measles retinol (vitamin A) concentrations were depressed, and the degree of depression was associated with the degree if illness severity. Actually, many other studies show that mortality (death) from measles approaches zero with vitamin A supplementation.

References:

JAMA, April 27, 1994.

Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 1979, Nov-Dec, 87:6, 837-44.

Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 1992 Nov.

Pediatrics, 1993 June, 91:6, 1176-81.

For more info, contact the Gerber Medical Clinic at (775) 826-1900

There are many modalities available for the safe, non-toxic care of children. I will concentrate on vitamin A in this issue, and in ensuing articles cover other therapies such as other vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, volatile oils, homeopathic remedies, isopathic remedies, oxidative therapies, herbal remedies, hormonal support, allergy treatment, dietary adjustments, amino acid therapies, antibiotics and anti-fungal therapies.

Vitamin A is generally regarded as the anti-infection vitamin and mucous membrane protector. It prevents squamous metaplasia, changing of the body linings from tall, ciliated cells (contain little hairs on them which move out mucous and infection) to cells that are like the ones on the skin, which do not protect the lungs, intestines, sinuses, oropharnyx and ears from infection. Vitamin A is vital to support the adrenal glands (stress glands) and is specific for otitis media (ear infections), acne, growth impairment, hyperkatosis (rough skin), night blindness and xerophthalmia–the leading cause of blindness in the world, especially in the third world, when the eyes dry out from lack of vitamin A and then ulcerate and become infected resulting in blindness.
Beta carotene is a double vitamin A molecule, and is much less useful than vitamin A. This is the substance in carrot juice that turns the palms and body orange; it scares doctors into thinking the child is being poisoned from vitamin A.

Since vitamin A is one of the fat soluble vitamins, it can be retained in the body, causing toxicity. The toxicity manifests as a tight, band-like headache, nose bleeds and chapped lips. In very chronic situations, it causes an over-production of tissue on the outside of the bones (periostium). There are no long term side effects from acute vitamin A overdose; they all go away with discontinuation of the vitamin. Vitamin A is bound to a liver protein, a retinol binding protein, which is produced in higher amounts when people take larger doses of vitamin A. When vitamin A is bound, it is non-toxic; when it is free and unbound, it is toxic. People with skin diseases have taken up to one million units per day without side effects, but the dose must be increased slowly.

Cod liver oil (CLO) is a good first supplement for babies, starting around three months of age. The fat soluble vitamins do not cross the placenta in pregnancy and need to be replaced in infants. Not only does CLO have vitamins A and D, but also EPA (eicosapentenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexenoic acid), which are fatty acids that protect the brain, improve intelligence and prevent cancer. The dosage for children should be 1,000 units per year of age. One tablespoon of CLO contains about 4,500 units of vitamin A, so a three month old could take about 1/8th tsp. Also, give vitamin A intermittently, five days per week, so it doesn’t build up to toxic levels. Vitamin A emulsion (drops of vitamin A) is made from lemon grass and is neutral tasting oil if CLO is resisted by the child. Actually, little children tend to really like CLO and love to crunch the pearls in it.

Supplementation with CLO and vitamin A can prevent ear infections and reduce the illness and death due to measles. Overutilization of typanostomy tubes (ear drainage tubes for infection) was addressed in a 1994 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “About one quarter of tympanostomy tube insertion in this study were proposed for inappropriate indications and another third for equivocal ones.” The authors suggest that several hundred thousand children may be receiving tubes that offer no advantage over other therapies. Rats on a vitamin A free diet showed extensive focal metaplasia. Keratization of normally columnar, ciliated epithelium occurred in over half of subjects. Acute otitis media with effusion was found. Vitamin A deficiency disrupts the clearing mechanism of the ear. A study from the ENT department of the University Of Texas School Of Medicine studied Micronesian children that were vitamin A deficient and developed otitis media. They also found that vitamin A deficient Guinea pigs showed otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction as the primary mechanism. The Wisconsin Division of Health studied the severity of Measles and showed that Vitamin A reduces mortality in African children with acute measles. In the U.S., children hospitalized with measles retinol (vitamin A) concentrations were depressed, and the degree of depression was associated with the degree if illness severity. Actually, many other studies show that mortality (death) from measles approaches zero with vitamin A supplementation.

References:
JAMA, April 27, 1994.

Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 1979, Nov-Dec, 87:6, 837-44.

Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, 1992 Nov.

Pediatrics, 1993 June, 91:6, 1176-81.

For more info, contact the Gerber Medical Clinic at (775) 826-1900

Last month, diabetes symptoms and some historical perspective were presented in the article titled, “Sweet Pee – Diabetes at Your Doorstep.” There are many well known drugs, as well as Insulin therapy, for Type I and II diabetes. Once a person needs this kind of intervention with elevated blood sugars, over 130 or so, their doctor may wish to prescribe medication. These drugs are life saving in many circumstances, but rarely address the underlying metabolic disturbances which caused the diabetes. Not only is weight an underlying issue in diabetes but food choices cause inflammatory conditions, which affect the cell membranes and block the sugar (glucose) from getting from the blood into the cells of the body, where the energy is made. This is an extremely complex issue and many lifestyle, nutritional and herbal products can eliminate or reduce the amount of drug intervention that is needed to maintain a healthy blood sugar.

Pesticides and PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) and industrial waste accumulate in fat, where they persist for decades. Studies show that people who are high in POPS (persistent organic pollutants) have a 38 fold increase in diabetes than among those with the lowest category of exposure. Eating more organic foods reduces the exposure to POPS and reduces the incidence of diabetes, even in overweight individuals. Bisphenol A is used to make resins for polycarbonate plastic used in food and beverage containers, is known to leach into the containers and is found in 95 percent of urine samples in the United States. It increases the risk of diabetes by 39 percent for each standard deviation increase.

Obesity is an important risk factor for diabetes. Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Both aerobic and resistance exercise can also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce diabetes risk, even without losing weight. It was not necessary to lose large amounts of weight in order to realize a benefit. A mean weight loss of 10 pounds, over a two year period, was associated with a 59 percent reduction in the incidence of diabetes.

Fructose, primarily high fructose corn syrup, from genetically modified corn that has been soaked in the herbicide Roundup, has a host of awful side effects. From 1970 to 1997, the average annual per capita intake of this sweetener increased from .5 pounds to 62.4 pounds. This increase paralleled an increase in the prevalence of diabetes. Healthy male volunteers, supplementing at the level of 3 g/kg of body weight per day, resulted in insulin resistance after as little as six days.

Fast Food Meals served in fast-food restaurants tend to be high in refined sugar, fat and calories. In a 15 year prospective study, frequent consumption of fast foods (more than twice per week) was associated with a 4.5 kg greater weight gain and two fold greater increase in insulin resistance.  These findings suggest that frequent consumption of fast food may increase the risk of developing obesity and type II diabetes.

Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk is associated with an increase incidence of Type I diabetes, as it can provoke an autoimmune response in the beta cells of the pancreas. Studies show that gluten free diets delayed, and to a large extent prevented, the development of adult onset diabetes.

Once again this is a huge subject. Next month’s article will review some of the many important natural supports for the pancreas, and prevention and treatment of diabetes.

References:

1. Gaby, Alan R., MD. Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing. Concord, NH, 2011.

2. Williams, Robert  H., MD. Textbook of Endocrinology. Fifth Edition. W.B. Saunders Company. 1974.

For more info, contact the Gerber Medical Clinic at (775) 826-1900.

“Natural methods of treatment are the most effective and appropriate, but avoiding disease and injury are always the wisest course”.

Naturopathic medicine is both an art and a science, practiced by physicians who are trained to understand and use principles of naturopathy to maintain or restore optimal health in their patients. These principles are taught in unique medical schools with methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. As all medical professions have embraced modern tools and procedures, naturopathic medicine extends into modern clinical sciences, devices and technologies. Naturopathy today is not limited to certain modalities and medicines, any more than other professions are limited to the resources of centuries past.

Naturopathic physicians apply six ancient principles to each patient’s unique condition. While other philosophies of health and heal

I.  First Do No Harm: Primum No Nocere

Seek to utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first. For this, naturopathy makes use of a giant tool chest of natural foods and medicines.

II. The Healing Power of Nature: Vis Mediatrix Naturae

The physician trusts in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself, and knows that the healing process is ordered and intelligent. The physician facilitates healing by removing obstacles to health and by supporting the needed nutrition and elimination to restore balance.

III. Identify and Treat the Cause: Tolle Causam

Illness does not occur without cause. Symptoms are not the cause of disease, they are its indicators. Symptoms, therefore, must not be suppressed by treatment. They may be relieved to assist comfort, but restoring health requires treatment of the underlying cause.

IV. Heal the Whole Person: Tolle Totum

Complete health includes physical, emotional, mental, environmental, spiritual, and many other complex factors. Achieving personal health goals will build success into the future of both doctor and patient.

V. The Physician as Teacher: Docere

The physician educates and encourages people to take responsibility for their own health. Teaching the principles for a healthy life is definitive for a doctor of any medical philosophy.

VI. Prevention: Preoccupo est optimus

A system of health care must first prevent or avoid disease and injury. Natural methods of treatment are the most effective and appropriate, but avoiding disease and injury are always the wisest course.

What Treatments Do Naturopathic Physicians Use?

• Herbal and Homeopathic medicines

• Clinical nutrition and dietary modifications

• Indigenous medical arts of China, India, old Europe, and early America when clinically sound

• Physical medicine such as massage, manipulation, bodywork, exercise and hydrotherapy

• Counseling, Guidance, Grieving support

• Managing or transitioning pharmaceutical use

Where to Access Modern Naturopathic Medicine

Presently there are 16 states, two territories and four Canadian provinces that license naturopathic medicine in some form. Nevada currently does not license naturopathic physicians. The Board of Homeopathic Medical Examiners is proposing legislation to more accurately describe modern natural medicine, however.

Treat yourself to the best natural medical care you can find. You will be glad you did.

References:

1. http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=57

2. http://www.aznma.org/

3. http://www.naturodoc.com/cardinal/naturopathy/nat_principles.htm

4. http://www.nvbhme.com/staff.html

For more info, contact Dr. Lee at Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa at (775) 853-6600 or visit online at www.steamboatsprings.org.

NAET has been described in the book Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide” (2nd edition), as “one of the fastest-growing new therapies in the field of alternative medicine”.

NAET, known as Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique, was developed in 1983 by Dr. Devi Nambudripad, D.C., L.Ac., R.N., Ph.D (Acu). The article in Alternative Medicine (pages 351-357) begins with her quote:

“There is hardly any human disease or condition in which allergic factors are not involved on some level. They can affect any portion of the body and allergic responses can have many variations”.

Over 40 million Americans are known to suffer from allergies of some sort, but Dr. Nambudripad believes there are another 50 million that suffer from hidden allergies of which they are unaware, and that these are contributing to their health problems. These health conditions can include anxiety, autism, digestive problems, pain, asthma, headaches, ADD, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, among many more.

If your curiosity has been peaked, I highly recommend you read her foundational work “Say Goodbye to Illness”. Other titles in the series include “Say Goodbye to Allergies”, “Say Goodbye to Asthma”,  “Say Goodbye to Autism”, “Say Goodbye to Environmental Sensitivities”…  In all, she has published 9 books with a Spanish version available. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peak.

Dr. Devi Nambudripad’s simple definition of an allergy is as follows: “An allergy is an adverse physical, physiological, and/or psychological response of an individual towards one or more substances also known as allergens. However, these substances may be harmless, well tolerated or even useful for most people”.

Allergic reactions are determined by the way in which the brain perceives the substance in question. If the brain considers the substance a threat to the body, it will order the immune system to mobilize its defenses to fight the “invasion”. This manifests as an allergic reaction whose initial signs are generally aimed at “chasing the intruder away”.  In many cases, the perceived ‘intruder’ is something you are exposed to daily, like your foods, and can also include cotton, plastics, molds, metal, new carpet, cosmetics, heat, damp, even the family pet. Dr. Nambudripad has developed a technique to reprogram this ‘erroneous’ perception, NAET.

The key to how NAET works lies in its ability to retrain the patient’s brain and nervous system to no longer react to the allergenic substances. Part of NAET’s success lies in its effect on the body’s energy pathways, or meridians, as they are known by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Kinesiology is used in NAET to compare the strength and weakness of any muscle (also known as muscle response testing) of the body in the presence and absence of any substance. A measured weakness in the presence of a substance is due to the effect of an allergy to the item the person is touching. This simple method can be used to detect the allergens that have been blocking the energy pathways.

Once the allergen is identified, specific acupuncture points are triggered while the patient holds the allergen. After 20 minutes of holding an allergy vial, the patient is re-checked for the desensitization and sent home with instructions to avoid touching, eating and getting exposed to that allergen for 25 hours. After 25 hours has passed and the patient has been re-tested for clearing the reaction, the end result is usually a permanent desensitization.

The “reprogramming” techniques constitute the core of NAET methodology, and its theory has been extensively verified for more than fifteen years with highly satisfactory, long-lasting results. After the treatment, the incompatibly or clash of energies disappears completely and there is no trace of allergy, sensitivity or intolerance when the patient next comes into contact with the substance. This is because NAET treats the cause of the allergy, not the resulting symptoms. The diagnosis of ‘hidden’ allergies, itself, is not revolutionary. But permanent allergy elimination using NAET promises to revolutionize the practice of medicine with its process of allergy desensitization, which ultimately allows patients to live symbiotically with food, environmental, chemical and cellular allergens. Infants, children and adults can all benefit from NAET.

To learn more about NAET, the conditions that it helps, or to purchase any of the books listed in the article, visit www.naet.com.

Claire Riendeau, N.D., N.M.D., Di. Hom. Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine & NAET practitioner. www.consciouslivingcenter.com

Modern lifestyle is typically characterized by fast foods and unhealthy habits, such as excessive intake of medications, alcohol drinks and smoking. These factors, together with the toxins in the environment, cause strain to the human body, resulting in several illnesses. Thus, there are people who go through detoxification treatments to regain their overall sense of well-being.

Detoxification therapies are procedures that promote the removal of toxic substances from the body. In standard medicine, detoxification can be synthetically achieved through chelation therapy. However, there are also natural methods of detoxification. These naturopathic treatments include therapeutic massages, water or juice fasting, cleansing diets and cleansing procedures such as enema and colon hydrotherapy. It is believed that most of these therapies have been used since ancient times, as standard medical treatments.

One of the ancient detoxification treatments, regaining popularity in modern society, is colon hydrotherapy. It is a cleansing process that is typified by the gentle and regulated introduction of sterilized water to the entire length of the colon through the rectum. The purpose of this treatment is to remove all impacted waste matters in the colon. These hardened, accumulated wastes are believed to be the breeding ground of bad bacteria in the colon as well as the source of toxins. The proliferation of these microorganisms and toxins can lead to autointoxication and may cause a number of diseases that are not limited to constipation, diarrhea and gas pains. Other symptoms of autointoxication include chronic migraines, fatigue, halitosis, skin problems, depression and anxiety. Thus, with the removal of these toxic wastes through colonic irrigation, the body is able to regain its natural vigor.

Contrary to the impressions most people likely hold regarding colonic irrigation, the procedure is not at all messy nor is it smelly. Moreover, patients need not concern themselves about decency issues because both forms of equipment were designed in a way that privacy and dignity are preserved at all times.

Colonic Irrigation is a system of colon cleansing that is used in clinics and spas that specialize in this type of procedure. It involves pumping sterile water into the rectum at a low pressure so that waste is washed out. Many people seek these services due to symptoms of constipation or bloating, while others consider it a preventative measure against serious illnesses, including cancer. The equipment used to perform colonic irrigation can be an open system or a closed system.

An open unit implies that patients are left alone for most of the procedure and must maneuver themselves onto a speculum to start the irrigation. There is a much greater risk of damage to the rectum than with a closed system. Also, the open unit does not contain the waste that is flushed from the individual’s colon, so they are exposed to the odors and embarrassment that accompany it.

With a closed unit, a specialist is with the individual for the entire irrigation session. The specialist will insert the speculum and begin the procedure. The waste is removed through clear tubing from which it will run into the drainage line. There are no odors to endure and the health risks associated with contamination of the waste are erased.

There are a number of clinics and spas in the United States and in other countries that perform this procedure. A person should know what questions to ask once they find a clinic or spa that provides a closed system. Be sure that the person who performs the procedure is certified in colonic hydrotherapy. Make sure that the liquid used for the procedure is sterile water. Some places do not sterilize their water, which increases your risk of infection. The clinic or spa should be able to offer specific details on how long the procedure will last and the steps that they will follow. If they do not sound sure of what they are doing, find someone who is. Both Open and Closed systems are FDA approved.

References:

1. Smith, David. Colonic Irrigation Equipment Should Include Closed System.
2. Fitzgerald, Paul. Colon Hydrotherapy, The Difference Between Closed System and Open System.

For more info, contact Carol Christian at the Reno Alternative Health Clinic at (775) 827-6888, now serving two locations: Gerber Medical Clinic, 1225 Westfield Ave. at (775) 826-6888, and Ageless Zone Medical Spa, 5060 Meadowood Mall Circle at (775) 826-8888.

Ancient cultures viewed the female body as sacred, an extension of the life force responsible for natural rhythms, rebirth and renewal. These cultures also recognized a connection between a woman’s menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, and even referred to women during their menses as being “on their moon.” Is there a correlation between women’s menstrual cycles and the cycles of the moon? Can hormone balance be achieved naturally by restoring this rhythm in modern women?

Moon Cycles
From the annual changing of the seasons to the monthly phases of the moon, nature’s rhythms are simple and predictable. Every month, the moon transitions through its four phases in 29.5 days. Likewise, the female menstrual cycle tends to be between 28-30 days in length. The moon regulates the movement of fluids on the earth; it regulates the ebb and flow of the ocean tides and may also regulate the menstrual flow of fertile women. Studies show that women who have cycles 29.5 days in length tend to menstruate during the new moon. This suggests that women in rhythm with nature ovulate around the full moon and that their hormone levels are changing during the waxing and waning of the moon.

Hormone Cycles
Women’s bodies follow a cyclical pattern managed by the hormones estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The beginning of a woman’s cycle is marked by the first day of her menstrual period. The first half of a woman’s cycle is called the follicular phase and is regulated by estrogen. During this phase, a healthy lining is building in the uterus and an egg is maturing in the ovary in preparation for a potential pregnancy. When hormone levels reach their highest mid-cycle, the ovary is stimulated to release an egg. Ovulation is the transition to the second half of the cycle, called the luteal phase, which is influenced by progesterone. At the end of the second half of the cycle, if a pregnancy has not occurred, the lining is shed and the cycle repeats itself.

In addition to the hormonal changes that occur during the follicular and luteal phases, there are mental and emotional changes noted during a woman’s cycle. The first half of the cycle represents productivity and creativity and is a good time for women to take on new projects or complete challenging tasks. The second half of the cycle is a time for reflection, introspection and personal growth.

When a woman is in alignment with nature, she is balanced on many levels. Unfortunately, modern women are challenged with environmental exposures and societal pressures that women in ancient times never had to face. Hormone-disrupting toxins and prescription hormones, in addition to increased stress levels and decreased awareness of the female body, all interfere with the natural rhythm. Women today are suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods, infertility, perimenopausal complaints and migraine headaches and are at increased risk for female cancers. Women who utilize natural medicine to regulate their hormones and detoxify their bodies often find that they do indeed shift their cycles closer to a natural rhythm. Women are returning to nature for hormonal and emotional healing as well as to reclaim the earthly rhythm their bodies are intended to follow.

References:

1. Conner, Kristina, ND. The Moon and Menstruation. NDNR, 2010: 6(2)
2. Northrup, Christiane, MD. Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. New York: Bantom Books, 1998
3. We’Moon 2010: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn. Oregon: Mother Tongue Ink, 2010.

For more info, please contact Jessica Edge, ND, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, at (775) 324-3500 or visit online at www.RenoNaturalMedicine.com

Are you feeling tired and sluggish all the time? Are you lacking the mental focus required to perform the daily duties of your stressful life? If your answer is yes, then the Chi Machine might be the solution you are looking for.What is a Chi Machine and what does it do? The original Chi Machine is the result of 38 years of medical and scientific research by renowned Japanese scientist Dr. Shizou Inoue.

The Chi Machine enables the human body to gently move from side to side in a figure of eight (the same way a goldfish swims), maximizing the body’s natural absorption of oxygen and using all the movement orbits of the human anatomy. This movement may be compared to a masseuse holding your ankles and swinging you from side to side after massage.

Oxygenation and detoxification of the body only happens through physical movement which is the reason we are advised to exercise. When the body functions at peak performance it becomes harder to age and “break-down” due to inactivity, poor diet, negative energy, emotional issues, toxic medication and environmental pollution.

Oxygen deficiency of the body is the proven foundation of multiple illnesses and diseases. Bacteria, viruses and parasites are destroyed in the presence of oxygen, especially cancer. The Chi Machine aids in maintaining physical wellness and thus the prevention of illness and physical disorders by maximizing supplemental oxygenation of your entire body at the cellular level via physical stimulation or passive aerobic exercise.

Without daily physical movement the Lymphatic System cannot detoxify your body. Aerobic exercise oxygenates the tissues and moves the lymph around. Lymph is a colorless fluid that bathes every cell of the body. The body has two circulatory systems, one for blood and the other for lymph. Blood is circulated by the heart, whereas the lymph is circulated by physical exercise. Many tissues depend on the lymph to provide nutrients (including oxygen) and carry off wastes. If the lymph does not circulate, then the tissues suffocate while stewing in their own acidic waste products including uric acid and lactic acid, which are extracts from acidic and alkaline foods.

The Chi Machine offers multiple health benefits for your whole body. Physical and mental oxygenation increases your energy and focus, raises your metabolic rate, improves your blood circulation and activates lymphatic system detoxification. The mind moves into alertness and mental focus. The very specific motion of the Chi Machine aligns your spine, regulates body functions and relaxes your body without any stress or effort. Your natural Chi (life force energy), is stimulated and enhanced and the brain moves into an Alpha state which thereby creates a peaceful, meditative state of calmness, mind/body healing and wellness.

References:

1. Dr. Shizuo Inoue, Chairman of Japan’s Oxygen Health Association
2. Dr. Samuel West
3. Professor Neil Piller

For more info, contact Michael Culbert at (775) 853-4699