Cancer Care Using Integrative Therapies as Adjunctive Treatments
TCVM or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Medicine observes the whole patient as being one of organ systems “talking” to each other via neuro-humoral (some call it spiritual or auric field) responses. When deficiencies or over activity is observed that particular organ system is worked upon to “balance it” using foods, herbs, and body work therapy tonify or invigorate that system, or to relieve and remove blockages so that the inner force (read: lymph, blood, vascular or muscle tension) can work more efficiently. This form of medicine focuses on building the body from a deficient state to a more vital force. This is somewhat dissimilar to Western Medicine, where the focus is on the ‘war with cancer” or finding the cancer and cutting, burning or destroying that part of the body.
It is very promising that the future of medicine will encorporate both systems, enabling a more powerful form of medicine to emerge.
When viewing the animal that has developed a cancer, a wholistic therapist observes which systems are “weak” and focus the therapies to strengthen that part, encouraging a stronger “whole” to develop. From a scientific nutritional analysis point of view blood analysis for biochemistry, electrolytes and biopsies including hair analysis for heavy metals and toxins can be performed. In TCVM terms systems are organised for mathematical clarity using a 5 (five) element procedure. This does require further study, just as one would first study basic arithmetic before enrolling in a calculus subject in order to understand mathematical equations. A basic understanding can be described in several minutes, however, it may take a lifetime to perfect these skills! This should not discourage one from incorporating some of the principles of health care that can and should achieve good results.
This is the “art” behind the science of integrative medicine.
Years of study can delve into the science, and the internet is a highway tool to discover the wealth of PhD students allocating global time into researching WHY the basic rule of health care: clean living, exercise, and good food works best.
Happy Holidays without the Heartburn!
Happy New Year 2014! Today is the first day for a wonderful new start for health in 2014! January is going to be the month to sort out your digestion issues. Let’s start at the Upper Gastrointestinal tract.
If you have been Living Hard these Holidays you may be experiencing that “Burning” Desire for a New Healthy Year!
Oesophagitis/ otherwise called “Heart burn” is exacerbated with typical holiday fare: alcohol, sugar and a high carbohydrate diet.
READ about the causes and what you can do to prevent it, but if you are in a hurry HERE are my HANDY HELP Tips: Oesophagitis needs an increase in gut function and better digestion.
Firstly let me dis-spell a myth: the burning is NOT generally caused by too much stomach acid, but by the acid being in the wrong place! This is because often as we age, we decrease the amount of stomach acid we produce. Digestive bitter herbs and tonics can increase this, but our Western diet and our taste buds prefer sweet- not bitter. TAKING ANTACIDS SUCH AS NEXIUM AND OTHER PPI (proton pump inhibitors) have a negative impact on digestion, Vitamin B12 and cause MORE heartburn *
Therefore our food sits undigested for longer in our stomach, and this is what causes the gastric reflux- a lack of motility and the belching and bloating is a byproduct of poor acid production.
Here are some helping hints:
-
Stay hydrated! Drink one glass of water every 2 hours (more in the heat) Dissolve 2 Blackmore’s SPPC tabs in your drinking water and sip this throughout the day. Chew one if experiencing stomach pain. Start your day by-Drink 2x 200 ml glasses of warm water with 1/2 a lemon squeezed into it, or a cup of warm water with 1 tbsp. honey and 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar (ACV) upon waking as you will be slightly dehydrated after your last intake of fluids- which was probably about 12 hours previousl. If either of these drinks gives you a burning sensation then see your doctor for gastric ulceration investigation; stomach ulcers often need triple drug therapy to treat Helicobacter pyloris. Otherwise the lemon or the ACV will rebalance the poor stomach acid, which is often deficient.
- Mix 1 tsp of slippery elm powder with warm water and drink this 1 hour before meals. This will coat the sore areas and soothe them.
- Do not eat anything for 3 hours before bedtime, go for an 20 minute walk an hour after eating dinner, and spend the evening relaxing- eg. with a hot Epsom salts bath.
- Sleep with the head of the bed slightly elevated.
- Try Iberogast or equivalent essential oils or peppermint, dill, fennel teas.
| Approximately 20% of the adult population over the age of 50 will have some upper gastrointestinal discomfort, and of these a majority will be on the spectrum of GORD or GERD (the “O” or “E” depends on which part of the equator and English syllabus you reside in!Oesophagitis/Gord (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)= Gerd(gastro-esophageal dyspepsia or disease) is a burning sensation which sometimes mimics a cardiac pain, hence the term ‘Heart Burn”. It’s always a good idea to see an internist to rule out primary heart problems, however be aware that it is almost impossible to diagnose heart problems- which may present in a similar fashion. Although an ECG (electrocardiogram) and blood tests may not pick up any coronary vasculature blockage, a stress test and an angiogram will. I have seen several patients (human variety) who had recently visited their GP and been declared within normal on basic testing for heart health, only to find them suffer a major coronary attack days to weeks later. (GP by the way is General Practitioner, not “Guinea Pig”—laughing out loud as there are so many ways to confuse the veterinarian talk with the human medical talk!)
Many doctors prescribe antacids for this GORD, as the acid reflux is very painful and analgesia is important to the patient The common pain relieving medications such as the NSAID’s (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, are contraindicated (not recommended) because they cause gastric ulceration and kidney disease. The pain from the acid reflux should be addressed at the root cause, which generally is a poor digestion system. This is contrary to the general medical profession’s concept which states that there is OVER production of acid. What is really happening is that there is NOT ENOUGH stomach acid, or a deficiency of movement from the gastric juices downwards. To fix the problem at the root cause means to improve digestion and to get the contractility moving! Naturopaths will take a careful history and find out what is in the diet that is slowing down digestion. It’s very important to fix this system, as a prevention of chronic inflammation- not only to reduce the pain in the oesophagus, but also to stop the progression oesophagitis to Barrett’s disease. Barrett’s esophagus is a serious complication of GERD. In Barrett’s esophagus, changes to oesophageal mucosal tissue occur—to less keratinized and softer more vulnerable tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine. About 10% of people with chronic symptoms of GERD develop Barrett’s oesophagus
|
|
| Contributing Factors:Medications that patients are on can predispose to developing poor motility and oesophagitis. Antacid tablets that decrease or act as proton pump inhibition such as Nexium slow down digestion, and anticholesterol statin drugs lead to muscle weakness and slow contractility.
-Putting / eating bad combinations of food together, such as carbohydrates with proteins (sandwiches and pasta require a lower stomach acid to digest the carbohydrate, while meat proteins require a higher pH, thus the combination is difficult to digest). A diet full of preserved meats is also problematic, as salami, pepperoni, Ham, release nitrosamines and are known carcinogens and pro inflammatory agents. – dehydration-1.4-2 litres of isotonic water is needed to keep the body lubricated. A dried out intestinal tract will not contract efficiently. Chyme needs to churn over with a steady intake of fluids. A dry mouth and oesophagus will lead to food clogging and difficulty swallowing. – Stress! Adrenaline (epinephrine if you live in the northern hemisphere and speak “American”) causes xerostomia, or dry mouth, which leads to tacky and sluggish gut movement. -Food triggers / allergenic foods- high gluten diet consisting mainly of wheat is as a cause of inflammation. – Heart disease- both medication and sluggish vascular movement secondary to heart disease will lead to a slower digestive system. – smoking – this dries out the oesophagus as well as adding carcinogenic substances and inflammatory mediators directly to the mucosa – alcohol and spicy foods induce GORD
Sustaining Factors:
|
|
| – Medications- acid inhibitors such as Nexium and Statin drugs ( which are often recommended by doctors for elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular disease) perpetuate GORD; Nexium reduces stomach acid and therefore decreases digestion; causing a slower gastro-intestinal emptying with food fermenting in stomach and leaving partially digested; therefore bloating pushes the antrum and stomach opening up in to the chest causing a hiatal hernia and burning sensation at the base of oesophagus.Statin drugs cause myopathy, with decreased peristalsis measured by an increase in serum CK (creatine kinase) levels as well as decreasing mitochondrial enzyme function and necessary coenzyme Q 10 – an antioxidant system for the “powerhouse” cell. This causes more cellular damage and decreased muscle function- often resulting in micro tears and bruising of ligaments, tendons and muscles.
-Poor choices and Putting / eating bad combinations of food together -Continuing to eat food triggers / allergenic foods -Eating food close to bedtime – not sure if client does that -Lying down immediately after eating Naturopathic Analysis/Causative Factors: What’s possibly making it happen physically –based on biochemistry and personal choices as listed above |
|
| In this condition, there are a number of factors that increase pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, preventing it from effectively blocking acid from washing into the oesophagus.Hiatal hernia is one reason why the upper part of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm which can result in GORD or GERD. Excess weight can also increase pressure within the abdomen. The excess weight in pregnancy teamed with hormonal effects can result in GORD or GERD. Particular foods (acidic foods) such as onions, garlic, citrus foods, mint, chocolate and tomato based foods etc can potentially irritate the oesophagus or relax the sphincter too much. In addition, if the stomach is not positioned where it should be and intra-abdominal pressure is increased, this can irritate / exacerbate GORD or GERD such as in the case of lying down immediately after eating or sleeping with piles of pillows on the bed, wearing tight belts, lifting, bending and more.
Poor food choices and particular foods or food combining create a decrease in digestion and slow peristalsis down, hence the GORD / GERD burping, belching, and bloating occur. Smoking, drinking, and alcohol imbibation plus medications that can perpetuate oesophagitis. Be mindful or how you eat—sitting, and portion control at correct times 3 meals a day, how relaxed you are at meal times, how your parasympathetic calm feeling is at the time of eating, the foods you choose and how you combine them, and the time you go to bed in relation to when you have eaten. Think about your emotional state, and practice enjoyment of life and your food! Take up yoga, Tai chi, Bush walking, snorkelling, swimming or some other relaxing exercise that allows your body to move and helps move your digesting tract along as well as supporting your mood.
|
Nexium: What is the second bestselling drug, after Lipitor? The Purple Pill. Like statins, Nexium and the other Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), became household medications thanks to direct-to-consumer advertising. Before Proton-Pump Inhibitors, people took over-the-counter treatments like Tums or Tagamet when they had heartburn or indigestion. As the afflictions were upgraded into the “disease” of GERD, Nexium made almost $5 billion in the US in one year and the class of PPIs made $13.6 billion in one year, translating into 119 million prescriptions.
In 2012, the same year the FDA warned about statins, the FDA warned the public that Nexium and the whole class of PPIs are linked to Clostridium Difficile, a stubborn and sometimes deadly intestinal infection that is becoming increasingly drug-resistant and hard to treat. In 2013, medical literature linked PPIs to fractures, calcium and magnesium deficiencies, community-acquired pneumonia and vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Research by John P. Cooke, clinical professor at Houston Methodist Hospital, found in 2013 that PPIs might cause blood vessels to constrict and cardiovascular risks. Not a great ending for the blockbuster Nexium, whose patent runs out in 2014.
Gluten problems- from some thoughtful doctors
Here are some great web links for those seeking answers to their bloating grumbly tummies: http://www.gapsdiet.com/GAPS_Cookbook.html
and
Joe the Juice man from the movie Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
has a reboot your life web http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/kiss-your-belly-bloat-goodbye/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jointhereboot%2FuoBr+%28Reboot+With+Joe%29
Dr. Amy Myers the following are 10 signs of gluten intolerance:
- 1. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and even constipation. I see the constipation particularly in children after eating gluten.
2. Keratosis pilaris, also known as “chicken skin” on the back of your arms. This tends be as a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.
3. Fatigue, brain fog, or feeling tired after eating a meal that contains gluten.
4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or multiple sclerosis.
5. Neurologic symptoms such as dizziness or feeling of being off balance
6. Hormone imbalances such as PMS, PCOS, or unexplained infertility.
7. Migraine headaches.
8. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. These diagnoses simply indicate your conventional doctor cannot pinpoint the cause of your fatigue or pain.
9. Inflammation, swelling, or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees, or hips.
10. Mood issues such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and ADD.
According to The Examiner.com below are five not-so-obvious signs of gluten intolerance that you could be missing:
1. “You’re a full-grown adult but you still have breakouts like a teenager: Your skin is the body’s biggest organ and provides a window into your internal health. That may be why Dr. Alessio Fasano, at the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research argues that persistent acne is a sign of inflammation from gluten that can affect other organs.
2. You wake up feeling sluggish, you’re fatigued all day, and never feel rested: If you aren’t burning the midnight oil every night and you are still hitting the snooze button repeatedly ever morning, your diet may actually be to blame. A gluten-filled diet can not only induce fatigue in someone with gluten intolerance, it can actually disrupt your sleep patterns and create a feeling of general malaise, according to studies.
3. You suffer from mood issues, anxiety, depression, or ADD. A gluten intolerance or allergy might not create anxiety or depression out of thin air, but they can certainly make symptoms worse. A 2010 study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cited “significant concerns about increased rates of psychological symptoms and mental disorders in celiacs” patients.
4. You mysteriously suffer from join pain in your hands, knees, or hips: Join pain can be signs of several different autoimmune diseases. If you’re not hitting the heavy weights, logging serious miles running, or suffering from arthritis, the inflammatory response from a gluten intolerance may be one reason your system is triggering a reaction in your joints.
5. You are plagued by frequent headaches and migraines: The causes of migraines are various and mysterious, but some studies have made a connection between an increased rate of headaches and migraines in Celiac patients, compared to the general population. In a 2001 study, Dr. Marios Hadjivassiliou from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in the UK documented patients actually lessening their migraine symptom by following gluten-free diets”.
And it gets worse, gluten has been linked to over 55 diseases! Yes, I said 55 disease
Read more: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/10-signs-you-are-gluten-intolerant.html#ixzz2o7ICH76a
Detox this Christmas!
Holidays blinging, bells ringing, crowds and stress levels rising!
If Christmas is “not your thing” let your bah humbug be fed with nutritious adaptogenic health.
Here is your 5 step plan to last out this holiday season:
1) Start your day with a green smoothie drink!
1 banana, bunch of Kale, 1 tsp spirulina some pineapple (yum and bromelain to help digestion – a natural antioxidant and protease) coconut water/milk, pinch of tumeric and nuts of your choice- cashews and almond milk work a treat.
If you are juicing try the CABALA- which stands for: 3 different colours of apple, Carrot, Beetroot, lemon.
Here is Don Tolman’s link for the recipe http://thedontolman.com/free-stuff/don-tolmans-c-a-b-a-l-a-juice-recipe/
(and no, I don’t know if he dyes his moustache or why it looks like that!).
Make sure you eat breakfast that is low carb but good quality protein. An egg fits the picture nicely.
2) Add some supplements:
Adaptogen herbal helpers will support your adrenals and reduce stress levels. These include withania, ginseng, cordyceps and the Salvia family – Dan Shen in Eastern herbal medicine terms. See your local Naturopath for a face, tongue, nail and check up analysis to fine tune your herbal formula. If you are imbibing add Milk thistle and dandelion tea to this list.
3) B vitamins. Remember that your B vitamins are going to save your liver- especially B3, 6,and 9. The levels on over the counter supplements are ridiculously low, if you are imbibing any alcohol you want to help your liver deal with it. Go for a mixed B lof at least 50 mg each (except for folate and cobalamine- the B9 and B12- which are both in the microgram range).
4) Antioxidants: amazingly throwing another shrimp on the barbie is not such a bad idea. The astaxanthin and good quality fats in a prawn (Aussie word for shrimp) Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, crustaceans, and the feathers of some birds. It provides the red color of salmon meat and the red color of cooked shellfish.
Other great antioxidants are in the above brekkie drinks. Virtually any fruit and vegetable with lots of colour will have some antioxidant properties. Go for the limonene containing variety- lots of citrus zest added to your cooking/rawing. Eat mostly unprocessed ingredients.
5) WATER! and minerals. Especially if you are in the southern hemisphere, drinking a minimum of 2 litres a day is imperative. More if you are active and out and about. Most people are not aware that you may not be thirsty until you are really dehydrated, and that cellular function cannot take place efficiently without water. We, and the planet, are a water based system. We are approximately 73% water, so is the planet. Our cells also need electrolytes and minerals to function, so throw a pinch of that great Himalayan, celtic sea salt or other balanced salt plus a squeeze of lemon into your brew. It will make your body sing.
Enjoy! and have a pleasant Christmas~
Snotty, sneezy, stuffy suppuration!
|
|
Do you, or your kids suffer from Sore throats, laryngitis, or recurrent tonsillitis? Those tingly tickly and painful pharyngeal problems packing the back of your throat and making swallowing sanguineously saturated … can be licked!
A sore throat is generally a symptom of being “run down” or immunologically challenged with various viruses and or bacteria. Generally the patient maybe deficient in essential nutrients, trace minerals, and vitamins. This may happen for a variety of reasons. Dental disease (nursing home syndrome) in the mature and elderly is also a common cause of inflamed tonsils/pharyngitis and bronchitis, while recurring viral illness is more common in children and teenagers.
Take for example one of my recent patients, SF who has been suffering from repeated throat infections.
|
|
|
SF is a High school girl undergoing growth spurts. Growing new cells as well as exercising daily requires a maximum of nutrients above the RDI (recommended Daily intake). Growth, puberty and development all place demands on stored minerals and vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, C, and E and trace minerals Zinc, and Magnesium. Macrominerals of Calcium and phosphates are required in the 2-3 gram amounts, and can be difficult for growing young people to gain in the modern western diet, as they are not balanced if they are not snacking on wholesome nuts, cheeses and fruits. Added to this is the internal hormonal (adrenaline, cortisol and sympathetic overload) stress of exams. Exposure to germs via high density living and socialising—ie. mixing with hundreds of people while at school and at dance classes leads to contact to various viruses and germs. Tonsillitis is much more than just a simple sore throat. It usually hurts a lot, is common in children leaving them feeling sick, miserable and drained. Tonsillitis results when the tonsils become overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection. It can occur as part of a throat infection (pharyngitis) and causes them to become swollen, infl amed and covered in white spots. Tonsils form part of the body’s immune system, their major function being to catch incoming germs and prevent infection getting to the throat, mouth and sinuses. They contain lymphoid cells that are the second line of defence, after the skin and nasal hairs which filter bacteria and viruses. Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children and more so in the colder months. It is highly contagious, which means it spreads easily from child to child by contact with throat or nasal fluids. So coughing, sneezing, used tissues, shared drinks and kissing will all pass on the germs and the infection.
|
|
Sustaining Factors: Things that are keeping the condition present
|
Stresses of a very active school, dance and social life with eating on the run stimulates the SNS system and uses up antioxidant factors such as Zn, Se, and vitamin C which are necessary to stop infection and boost immune function. A good diet, plenty of rest, Sleep and sunshine provide optimal immune function- and with a busy schedule and late night studying to cram for exams, plus exposure to cold and other children with viral infections susceptibility runs high.
|
|
Naturopathic Analysis/Causative Factors: What’s possibly making it happen physically –based on biochemistry and personal choices as listed above
|
One of the best things you can do to prevent a child getting tonsillitis is: get them to wash their hands! Hand- to- hand contact is one of the fastest ways of spreading the viruses and bacteria responsible for throat infections. The three culprits are: Streptococcus A bacteria – often known as strep throat; Epstein-Barr virus; and the Coxsackie virus. The incubation time is 2-4 days, so it can pass through schools and families very quickly. Simple, regular washing with soap and water kills the bugs. Personal choices of being very active in many dance classes and school activities with quick meals and little rest predisposes to tonsillitis. Advised to work with prevention with supplements of vitamin C, Echinacea, multivitamin and Citrus fruits or nutritious soups are a great idea. Steer clear of sugar, dairy and processed foods, which can actually slow the healing process down. Encourage rest and keep warm. Overnight, use a humidifier in the room with eucalyptus, camphor, bergamot, lavender or tea-tree essential oils to keep their throat and airways moist and clear, and can help with swallowing.
As SF was about to go overseas on holiday this was emphasised rest,nutrition- and keep warm, and a throat spray was dispensed. She returned well and rested without recurrence. |
|
Presenting Concern:
|
Sore throat, recovering from cold, laryngitis, tonsillitis
|
|
Contributing Factors: Past/Predisposing Present Things that led to getting current signs and sx
|
SF is a High school girl with growth spurt, requiring maximum RDI for growth, puberty and development. Stress of exams and high density living (mixing with hundreds while at school and at dance classes) leads to exposure to various viruses and germs.Tonsillitis is much more than just a simple sore throat. It usually hurts a lot, is common in children leaving them feeling sick, miserable and drained. Tonsillitis results when the tonsils become overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection. It can occur as part of a throat infection (pharyngitis) and causes them to become swollen, infl amed and covered in white spots. Tonsils form part of the body’s immune system, their major function being to catch incoming germs and prevent infection getting to the throat, mouth and sinuses. They contain lymphoid cells that are the second line of defence, after the skin and nasal hairs which filter bacteria and viruses. Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children and more so in the colder months. It is highly contagious, which means it spreads easily from child to child by contact with throat or nasal fluids. So coughing, sneezing, used tissues, shared drinks and kissing will all pass on the germs and the infection.
|
Mineral Magic and Mayhem
Gardeners know that for plants to survive you need to add nutrients and water to help them thrive. There must be at least these three trace minerals in the soil: NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium – the “K” stands for the Latin word for potassium, ie. Kallium). The plants can grow with this, but may succumb to various infections and viruses if the other minerals are missing. Just as in plants, animals require minerals for optimum function. As a health care professional I have seen the effects of potassium deficiency in the mammalian body- lethargy, and weakness are classic.
Great Gardeners are aware that there are more than 70 other minerals- micro nutrients- that in the right balance help the plant have good immunity to bugs and viruses and help the plant make more of itself- ie good to eat fruits, nuts and seeds. If there is an abundance of water, good soil and a high mineral count of the right balance (a brixmeter is useful- basically a specific gravity measurement of crushed green leaves) the soil will magically produce a good crop if starting with good quality seed. If the seed is good but the soil is poor in minerals then the crop will not be optimal. Crops can succumb to plague proportions of insects, aphids and locusts and fall over with withered yellow veins if they are not well fed. Mayhem in the agricultural industry would pursue. It is also possible to resurrect a poor plant as if by magic, when supplementing correct mineral deficiencies.
Mammalian life is not much different. To grow and be really healthy we need to feed our cells a good balance of the trace minerals, as well as adequate proteins and fats to build cell structures. Carbohydrates are low on the list of necessity, and we can obtain adequate energy by metabolising fats. When we have a diet high in protein, however, we need to be flushing the ammonia break down products out with more water/liquid intake and we will lose more Na or sodium and other trace minerals. Diuretics such as coffee and tea also cause a loss of trace minerals. The body needs at least 2 grams of calcium and 1.5 grams of magnesium daily to have a good neuromuscular function. Zinc requirements increase when there is sickness and stress, and a supplement of 50 mg per day is recommended.
Blackmore’s Celloids are a practitioner only Naturopathic form of medicine using trace minerals that can be used in animals and people to help manage mineral imbalances when our nutritional levels are low. Our practice carries a range of mineral supplements and bases individual treatments on signs and symptoms displayed in the patients nails, face, tongue analysis, history and blood tests.
The mineral protocol treatment dispensed for an individual is based on these patient’s signs and symptoms and can be analysed and weighted by the Blackmore’s questionnaire. A chart can be formed from the questionnaire, which identifies the most relevant minerals for the individual patient. The code used for the mineral is based on the first letter of the mineral. These are de-coded in the Table below. Most of the Minerals are bound in a physiological form to either Phosphate or Sulphate. This helps absorption and buffering so there is no gastric irritation. Most absorption occurs in the small intestine, and as a carefully chewed powder some will be immediately absorbed through the oral mucosa.
An example of using some of these minerals is outlined below:
MP is Magnesium Phosphate- this is the Neuromuscular Coordinator. MP is appropriate for nervous disorders, tension, muscular aches and pains, PMT (premenstrual tension), cravings, panic and anxiety, gas and bloating, and general stress. In patients requiring this mineral, their Tongue is short and may quiver, their nails are short round and clubbed. Their Iris has superficial nerve arcs and rings. This patient had anxiety, bloating, stress, and a quivering tongue with nerve rings in her iris.
PP is Potassium Phosphate the Nerve Power Activator which is helpful in conditions of physical, mental and nervous exhaustion with decreased nervous energy, low mood, fatigue, weakness. It is also used when poor memory and concentration occurs.
A hypothetical patient may have signs like this: The Tongue is dry with a mustard colour and red edges- in Chinese TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical diagnostics) terms the red edges are indicative of liver problems. Of these signs the patient may have slightly red edges, but a clear slimy coat to her tongue (indicating a need for Sulphur) and some swelling (Either PC or SS) showing teeth imprints. There may be dark- yellow Iridal nerve rings which is more indicative of PSMP together with the clear slimy coating on the tongue which appear relevant in this patient. Sulfur compounds are helpful in liver detox, and in infections, so it may be decided to use a prescription with PSMP if the questionnaire shows several infection areas with signs/symptoms such as Candida, Tongue, skin, and Iris signs.
PPMP is a patented duo celloid, regarded as the Nervous system support blend, which is the combined neuromuscular (MP) and Nerve power activator (PP) blend. It is particularly relevant for nervous exhaustion and decreased nervous energy. Cramps, spasms and twitching are well treated with this formula. In today’s society of increased mental stimulus and decreased manual labour with poor mineral intake due to soil depletion of magnesium, this formula is prescribed in at least 50% of Western patients. (pers com AIAS lecturer.
Silica is called the Calcium reorganiser- is helpful with the lack of growth or vitality of hair, with split ends and degenerative arthritis. Tongue is long and pointed and the nails have longitudinal lines or ribbing from bed to tip.
CF is Calcium Fluoride, a homoeopathic formula which may counteract the recent fluoridation of Queensland’s drinking water; according to the homoeopathic principle of like cures like. This is highly relevant in this patient as Fluoride displaces Iodine in the thyroid tissue and may be partially responsible for deficient thyroid function. That is a homeopathic dose of fluoride could reduce the toxic effects of Fluoride/fluorosis that may have accumulated in her tissues due to mass medication of her drinking water, ingestion of fluoridated toothpaste over many years, and dental visits. CF is regarded as the Connective Tissue Strengthener. Where cracks or fissures of epithelial tissue including Tongue cracked, mapped or split and dilated Iridal nerve wreath with radii Solaris occurs. SCF is a duo celloid as Silica can benefit the matrices laid down by Calcium.
The minerals are known by their primary action and name, and are listed below:
Blackmore’s Cell salts or Celloids are safe low, pharmacological doses of specific physiologically required minerals that are given regularly and over some months. They are generally (except in the case of CF) non homoeopathic. Therefore they are advancement over Sheussler cell salts in that they provide biological chemical action (as opposed to energetic or homoeopathic medicine, which could also be argued to be useful in combination with other therapies). It is expected that the patient will feel gradually improved and that revisit consultations are necessary to monitor these changes. Because the result may be subtle at first, it is recommended that the patient allocates a sliding scale to the symptoms from 1-10 that they are experiencing at the beginning of the treatment, particular for the few signs and symptoms for which the patient is seeking the most help with. This enables a recognisable method to monitor the improvements and provides a clinical and measurable outcome.
As in any health, or fitness training program the practitioner/healer/trainer is a support person and encourager to enable progress to be made. This allows the patient to observe and claim ownership of their own health and signs and symptoms, and to be more body aware of how they are treating their body. This is slightly different to a medical regime where the patient does not take control of their own health and relies solely on the care-giver to make judgements and fine tune the medications. Doctors are expected to dispense a pill or treatment that “will work immediately” on the signs and symptoms, but in fact the underlying cause of these symptoms may never be truly addressed. Naturopathic Medicine on the other hand, relies on the patient to control their dietary intake, exercise modalities, and state of mind- addressing mental and emotional aspects; for example in this case mood swings anxiety and the inability to concentrate maybe linked to magnesium and potassium deficiency. This can be treated nutritionally with minor diet changes and mineral supplements. Although this may be a slower and long process, particularly for some chronic conditions and genetic dispositions, in the end this empowers the patient to notice their own bodies and their own needs and re-engages the patient with the ability to control their own health.
Observant Practitioners of Naturopathic Medicine may note that their Holistic treatments affect the mind and body, enabling emotional healing which may arguably be the basis for neuro-chemical balance and homeostasis.
Patients may display animated actions and words matching self-determination and confidence in their therapy while discussing subtle changes such as better sleep patterns and an increased ability to study and cope with stress.
Mineral therapy can act as a catalyst providing cofactors for various enzymatic and physiological processes in the body. This creates a homeostasis effect for the body to perform in a more balanced fashion. Patients can attune themselves to listen to the effects mineral deficiencies may have, with the aid of a practitioner who acts in an educational and teaching capacity.
References:
1) AIAS Celloids class notes HealingViaNature Leonie McDonald 2012
2) Blackmore’s Professional website www.blackmores.com.au, helpline 1800151493
3) Blackmore’s: Minerals and Medications: Exploding the Myths workbook 2011 Elizabeth d’Avigdor, Dr Roberts
4) The Clinical science of Mineral Therapy, Leslie Fisher, Blackmore’s Professional notes
Mineral Formula and Action:
|
MP is Magnesium Phosphate Neuromuscular Coordinator |
PP is Potassium Phosphate Nerve Power Activator |
PS is Potassium Sulphate Cell Oxygenator Chronic, recurring conditions |
PC is Potassium Chloride Congestion remover |
CF is Calcium Fluoride (homoeopathic) Connective Tissue Strengthener
|
CP is Calcium Phosphate Cell Builder |
SP is Sodium Phosphate Metabolic Acid Balancer |
SS is Sodium Sulphate Problem fluid remover Liver function detoxifier |
IP is Iron Phosphate Inflammation Remover |
CS is Calcium Sulphate Chronic Suppurative Conditions |
S is Silicon dioxide Calcium Reorganiser
|
Girls are made of sugar and spice: NOT ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS! Choose your poison carefully.
The Evidence of Harmful and Mutagenic Potential of Artificial Sweeteners: what we crave we become, Or we are what we eat!
Hippocrates, the father of medicine said that our food should be our medicine.
Clearly we are not listening to him, or our bodies, in present day western culture. We are a group of lizardly lazy corpulent diabetogenic blobs. OK that’s a little harsh. We can do better though. We have to shake up our chemistry and take notice of the poisons and toxins that we perhaps unwittingly ingested, put on our skin and appreciate that we inherited our mothers’ accidentally poisoned systems, because THE ENVIRONMENT WE LIVE IN including EMF’s (google that if you have time), PCB’s, artificial colourings and yes–Because we have a sugar addiction (yes, I hear you! it is not our fault! we have believed the mistaken food pyramid based on, you guessed it SUGAR! Carbs = bread, pasta, wheat, grains = SUGAR). So of course we are victims of agribusiness and false Ancel Keys cherry picked data that led to the conclusion of carbs are good, fat is bad- when the reverse is likely to be true!
There is an epidemic of obesity in the so-called “first world countries” including the United States, Canada, Australia and to a lesser extent the European communities. Peoples that migrate from normal BMI (Body Mass Index) — that is NOT fat or obese–countries to these lands also end up joining the team of the obese, therefore this is not a genetic problem. This is directly proportional to the increased efficiency producing food and quick take-away convenience packaged food and appliances to make our lives easier. We consume more calories and crave more sugar as a culture in the western world than in any other society. In an effort to combat our excessive caloric consumption many people turn to artificial sweeteners especially for their beverages.
Are artificial sweeteners safe to consume? This review will outline the history and potential toxicity of the four main artificial sweeteners: cyclamate, saccharin, aspartame and sucralose.
Studies performed in different countries have conflicting information. This is confusing. Who to believe? Personally I think that if a RAT in USA gets cancer eating a particular form of artificial sweetener, than I will believe that rat is not too different from a rat or a mammal in ANY OTHER PART OF THE WORLD. That is, if it is found to be carcinogenic in one country, it makes no sense to say that it will NOT be carcinogenic in another country! Hello? Food regulation authorities please explain this to the world being presently poisoned: Why is Saccharine, one of the oldest sugar substitutes, banned in Canada, but OK in the USA?. Cyclamates are forbidden in the US but sold in Canada, do you think this has something to do with the almighty dollar and less to do with safety and health? Yes, I think I smell a rat…..
Saccharine
Saccharine was invented in 1879 when a chemist named Constantin Fahlberg spilled something on his hands at a lab at Johns Hopkins University. (21) He tasted the substance and found it to be very sweet, in fact it is 300-500 times sweeter to the taste buts so only 1/300th of the amount is required to be added to food to achieve the sweeter taste!. Since 1907 it was available as a table sweetener and was investigated for 70 years. Saccharin has been shown to cause kidney lesions, eye deformities, metabolic interference and bladder cancer in animals. Up to 30% of the chicks hatched from saccharin-injected eggs died within 48 hours of hatching. In February 1972 the FDA removed saccharin from its GRAS list (generally recognized as safe), but didn’t prohibit its use. A year later that same agency announced that saccharin had caused bladder cancer in rats fed it for two years.2The American FDA found some carcinogenicity in rat studies, but this only led to a warning lable on the “SweetNLow” products
Aspartame
Marketed as Equal and NutriSweet, was discovered in much the same way, in 1965, Jim Schlatter, a chemist at G.D. Searle, was working on ulcer treatment using a drug called aspartyl-phenylalanine methyl ester (hence the name ASPARTAME) and noted the taste on his fingers was also sweet.
The FDA did not approve the substance until 1981, as there was conflicting evidence about its safety, including the fact that a component of aspartame converts to formaldehyde at temperatures of 90 degrees F, or 32.22degrees Celcius, which is below body temperature!
Literally years of legal and political maneuvering took place questioning the validity of the testing on aspartame by manufacturer, G. D. Searle Company (purchased in 1985 by Monsanto). Numerous neurotoxic effects were found and according to many authorities, covered up. Aspartame is used in over 1200 foods. It is reportedly responsible for 75% of the food additive reaction complaints by consumers to the FDA.
Nutra-Sweet is composed of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, plus being 10% methanol (commonly known as “wood alcohol”). Methanol breaks down into the well-known carcinogen, formaldehyde, formic acid and a brain tumor producing substance called diketopiperzine (DPK). The consumption of wood alcohol has been known to cause blindness or even death. Because the body lacks an enzyme necessary to detoxify methanol, its elimination rate is five times slower than ethanol, as found in whiskey, beer and wine.
A 12 ounce aspartame-sweetened soft drink has about 10 mg of methanol. People consuming lots of soft drinks or other aspartame-sweetened products could easily consume over 100 mg per day — 13 times the EPA recommended limit!
Though I recommend avoidance of aspartame by anyone at anytime, there is one time in particular you should absolutely avoid it — when flying on an airplane. Methanol can lead to oxygen deprivation, which is definitely not a good thing at high altitudes where it can lead to memory problems, dizziness and even epileptic seizures. Don’t drink that fizzy stuff on the plane at all. Water and herbal tea and walking up and down the aisles will save your veins from DVT.
There is also a particular problem with Phenylalanine in some people. The 1 in 15,000 people with the genetic disease, phenylketonuria (PKU) can experience seizures and mental retardation from consuming foods with this amino acid. Diagnosed PKU sufferers, of course, are careful to avoid phenylalanine. The problem is that about 2% of the U. S. population has one of the two genes necessary for PKU — they don’t develop the disease, but they can still be sensitive to phenylalanine.
Dr. Richard Wurtman, Professor of Neuroendocrinology at MIT, has challenged the FDA’s approval of aspartame on safety grounds. He notes that an adult drinking four to five aspartame-sweetened soft drinks a day is getting enough phenylalanine into the brain to disrupt neurotransmitter function, which can produce depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, headaches, high blood pressure, increased appetite and possibly seizures.
Both the phenylalanine and aspartic acid in aspartame are at very high levels as compared to their presence in the foods we eat. That, and the fact that they are released much quicker than from foods, creates further disturbance in the brain chemistry.
Brain tumor incidence– A 1996 study suggested such a causal relationship. In 1991 the National Institutes of Health listed 167 possible side-effect symptoms of aspartame. H. J. Roberts, M.D., in a study of 500 cases of aspartame-caused illness, found the most common complaints (in descending order) were headaches (45%), dizziness (39%), memory loss and confusion (29%), decreased vision (25%), severe depression (25%), extreme irritability (23%), severe anxiety attacks (19%) and more.
Sucralose
Sucralose– nice name, shame about the taste and the chemical reaction in the gut! (Sucralose =chlorine compound!) was discovered in London by a graduate student named Shashikant Phadnis, who confused the words “tasting” and “testing.” In 1976, Phadnis was working for the British sugar company Tate & Lyle, at King’s College. He tasted a compound, noted its exceptional sweetness, and in 1991 it was marketed in Canada and in 1998 it was approved in America. It is 600 times sweeter than sugar so incipients are added to bring the volume up to something similar to sugar. It is marketed as Splenda.
Sucralose is manufactured by chlorinating sugar. What that means is that sucralose is a chlorocarbon — like a pesticide. Some of the health hazards of chlorocarbons include organ, genetic and reproductive damage. Chlorine has many ill-health side-effects associated with it, including increased cancer and heart disease risk. This unnatural adding of chlorine molecules to sugar presumably could produce the same health problems.
There is a surprisingly small number of scientific studies on sucralose as compared to other artificial sweeteners. A Medline search reportedly found 2374 studies on saccharin, 598 on aspartame, 459 on cyclamates and just 19 studies on sucralose, though the manufacturer claims there are hundreds of studies.3 According to the Medical Letter of Drugs & Therapeutics, the long-term safety of sucralose is unknown.4
Though the manufacturer indicates sucralose is not absorbed or metabolized into the body, the FDA’s “Final Rule” report indicated 11% to 27% absorption in humans. The Japanese food Sanitation Council found up to a 40% absorption rate. This cannot be good with such an unnatural product.
Cyclamates
These substances were banned in the US but is still available in other countries, such as Canada, marketed as Sucaryl.
The discovery dates back to 1937, when Michael Sveda, a graduate student at the University of Illinois, was working on synthesis of anti-pyretic (anti-fever) drugs. He put his cigarette down on the lab bench. When he put it back in his mouth, he discovered the sweet taste of cyclamate.
Cyclamates were banned in the US in 1969, when studies linked it to an increased cancer risk. British studies showed shrunken testicles and lowered the sperm count in laboratory animals. Other studies conflict and vindicate cyclamates–which is why some countries still use it.
Xylitol, maltilol and other similar long chain sugars are generally poorly absorbed by the gut but still provide a sweet taste to the tongue. They can be poisonous to dogs and other small mammals as they set up an insulin surge and send the animal into insulin shock. In small quantities, such as in chewing gum, they have been shown to satisfy some cravings short term and also aid in dental hygiene as the bacteria do not grow on them. However be careful to not leave your handbag around for little fluffy to discover the chewing gum in there, as he may just have to go to emergency vet clinic, and my aim as a naturopathvet is to keep you out of THAT visit.
HEALTHY SWEETENERS
Though many legitimate sweetening needs are well served by honey, Coconut meal, real maple syrup and blackstrap molasses, there are people, such as the recent surge of the millions of diabetics, that can’t handle even those natural sugars or are now following the low/no carb dieting. (LOW CARB, HIGH FAT= LCHF–AND NUTRITIOUS VEGETABLES WORKS BEST FOR YOUR HEALTH! but please see your qualified naturopath as most people and pets need tweaking with herbal helpers such as gymnema, and trace minerals such as chromium and vanadium
Stevia — Stevia rebaudiana bertoni is a green herb plant in the Aster-Chrysanthemum family which contains a naturally sweet substance. It’s 300-400 times sweeter than sugar. No ill-effects have been noted in many studies done on this herb. In China it is actually used for various medicinal herb purposes including helping digestion, stimulating the appetite and even losing weight. Stevia can be purchased in health food stores in powdered or liquid forms. If its not green and leafy it will still have to have gone through some processing. Try growing the herb in your backyard, soaking the leaves in hot water and storing in fridge/freezer from small drops of herbal extract sweetness. It grows as well as mints, so makes a nice addition to your water/herbal drinks. Even if it has been processed, because you only require 1 drop to give you the equivalent sweetness of about 3teaspoons of sugar, which will have far less impact on your waist and cellular structures than the artificial sweeteners mentioned above.
Its important to realise that not everyone is the same, and some people may have reactions to they chrysanthemum family. Due to gut dysbiosis, vaccinosis, and various toxins sequentially added over many years to the body’s stored poisons, the process of ‘detoxing” us Naturopaths love to quote- may be somewhat complex and requiring time, and careful monitoring.
A great start to your NEW YEAR is to: ditch the toxins (artificially sweetened, preserved, and additives added) avoid numbers and packaged foods, eat organic as much as possible, juice vegetables daily and CUT THE CARBS!. CHEW THE GOOD FAT! Coconut oil, animal fats that are not heated and burned, and cold pressed seed and nut oils. Eat a minimum of 10 serves of veges and highly coloured fruits (blueberries, raspberries) pineapples (which contains the protease bromelain), papaya, (pawpaw–which also helps digest proteins via its enzyme papain- known as a meat tenderizer). An excellent way to detox your body is to flush out the stored toxic fats by exercising- raise your heart rate to 220- your age BPM (beats per minute) for short bursts of 30 seconds, drink 2-3 litres of water with trace minerals added over the 12 hour period, and go on a 30 day vegetable juice fast. See the movie Fat Sick and nearly Dead this holiday period. Period. Love to all my healthy to be clients, friends and family! The world needs you. Stay HEALTHY!
1. Genotoxicity testing of low-calorie sweeteners: aspartame, acesulfame-K, and saccharin.
Bandyopadhyay A, Ghoshal S, Mukherjee A.
Drug Chem Toxicol. 2008;31(4):447-57.PMID: 18850355 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
2.Reducing added sugar intake in Norway by replacing sugar sweetened beverages with beverages containing intense sweeteners – a risk benefit assessment.
Husøy T, Mangschou B, Fotland TØ, Kolset SO, Nøtvik Jakobsen H, Tømmerberg I, Bergsten C, Alexander J, Frost Andersen L.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Sep;46(9):3099-105. Epub 2008 Jul 1.PMID: 18639604 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
3.The potential toxicity of artificial sweeteners.
Whitehouse CR, Boullata J, McCauley LA.
AAOHN J. 2008 Jun;56(6):251-9; quiz 260-1. Review.PMID: 18604921
4.Aspartame bioassay findings portend human cancer hazards.
Huff J, LaDou J.
Int J Occup Environ Health. 2007 Oct-Dec;13(4):446-8.PMID: 18085058
5.Food reformulations for improved health: A potential risk for microbial food safety?
Sleator RD, Hill C.
Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(6):1323-4. Epub 2007 Apr 23.PMID: 17452083
6.First European conference on aspartame: putting safety and benefits into perspective. Synopsis of presentations and conclusions.
Renwick AG, Nordmann H.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Jul;45(7):1308-13. Epub 2007 Feb 22.PMID: 17397982 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
7.Association of a functional polymorphism in the mu-opioid receptor gene with alcohol response and consumption in male rhesus macaques.
Barr CS, Schwandt M, Lindell SG, Chen SA, Goldman D, Suomi SJ, Higley JD, Heilig M.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007 Mar;64(3):369-76.PMID: 17339526 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
8.Consumption of aspartame-containing beverages and incidence of hematopoietic and brain malignancies.
Lim U, Subar AF, Mouw T, Hartge P,
Morton LM, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, Campbell D, Hollenbeck AR, Schatzkin A.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 Sep;15(9):1654-9.PMID: 16985027 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
9.Interaction between serotonin transporter gene variation and rearing condition in alcohol preference and consumption in female primates.
Barr CS, Newman TK, Lindell S, Shannon C, Champoux M, Lesch KP, Suomi SJ, Goldman D, Higley JD.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004 Nov;61(11):1146-52.PMID: 15520362 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
10.Artificial sweeteners–do they bear a carcinogenic risk?
Weihrauch MR, Diehl V.
Ann Oncol. 2004 Oct;15(10):1460-5. Review.PMID: 15367404 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
11.Position of the American Dietetic Association: use of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners.
American Dietetic Association.
J Am Diet Assoc. 2004 Feb;104(2):255-75. Erratum in: J Am Diet Assoc. 2004 Jun;104(6):1013. PMID: 14760578 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
15;97(3):173. PMID: 11760654
13.What’s the truth about the health risks of sugar substitutes such as saccharin and aspartame?
Cohen S.
Health News. 2001 Jan;7(1):10. No abstract available. PMID: 11198407
14.Reproductive and offspring developmental effects following maternal inhalation exposure to methanol in nonhuman primates.
Burbacher T, Shen D, Grant K, Sheppard L, Damian D, Ellis S, Liberato N.
Res Rep Health Eff Inst. 1999 Oct;(89):i-ii, 1-117; discussion 119-33.PMID: 10941406 [
16.The effect of chewing sugar-free gum after meals on clinical caries incidence.
Beiswanger BB, Boneta AE, Mau MS, Katz BP, Proskin HM, Stookey GK.
J Am Dent Assoc. 1998 Nov;129(11):1623-6.PMID: 9818584
18.Monitoring adverse reactions to food additives in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Tollefson L.
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 1988 Dec;8(4):438-46.PMID: 3222485
20.Aspartame: review of recent experimental and observational data.
Janssen PJ, van der Heijden CA.
Toxicology. 1988 Jun;50(1):1-26. Review.PMID: 3291200 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
21.http://hubpages.com/hub/Artificial-Sweeteners-A-History
accessed 15/1/10
22. http://www.pacifichealthcenter.com/blog/71-artificial-sweeteners/ accessed 18/01/10
The Hype about Hypothyroidism
Oh my goodness, another over 40 year old female comes into my clinic and starts to cry with relief when she understands that her condition is common. When she tells me about her horror visit to her local GP doctor–and I guessed, conspiratorially winking and with a smile- that he wanted to put her on antidepressants because, well she is TIRED, always feeling cold, lethargic, gaining weight and doesn’t want to do anything — I shook her hand and welcomed her to the “HypoT club”!
You see it’s an epidemic. My husband and I have been struggling with signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism for several years, but generally it goes undiagnosed in MOST people (and their pets!)
To be fair to the overworked and stressed doctor (remember my husband is one of those! He was in denial about his hypoT for YEARS) It is tricky to diagnose, and unless the root cause and underlying factors are addressed, hormone replacement therapy is going to be palliative and lifelong.
So what’s the buzz? Why is this problem out of control?
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid, a bilobal butterfly shaped hormonal gland situated at the base and front of the neck anterior to the trachea, is underactive. The product of this gland is thyroxine, which affects many organ systems and their metabolic actions in the body, including growth factors, skin condition, body and head hair growth, heart rate, core body temperature and how rapidly food calories are burned. The onset can be slow and insidious with multiple other dis-sease taking place concommititently. Hypo functioning of this gland therefore can present as a wide range of symptoms and pathology.
Causes: 1) Deficiencies: Nutrient deficiency of Iodine, Selenium, and the amino acid Tyrosine as well as other minerals and nutrient factors contribute to the inability of the thyroid gland to manufacture Thyroxine are common causes, as well as antinutrient binding factors from ingesting Brassica plants. Areas that have low Iodine in the soil are referred to as “geographic goitre belts” as Iodine deficiency causes the thyroid to enlarge developing a goitre. (Hechtman,L 2012) A diet deficient in essential minerals, amino acids, and good fat with exposure or ingestion of fluoride, pesticides, aromatase inhibitors- such as weedicides like round up residues (eg. On fruit and vegetables ingested, or in drinking water or skin exposure) exposure to radiation and drugs have all been implicated as causative factors. (AIAS Nut 4 notes) Autoimmune or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism especially in women over the age of 45 years. Its pathogenesis and increased frequency in women of this age group is unknown, but at this age a drop in progesterone which maybe protective and anti-inflammatory agent -plus an increase in inflammatory cytokines, with adipose tissue releasing oestrogens it is possible that the T helper H1;H2 cell ratio may favour the inflammatory autoimmune axis.
2) Excesses: Many articles attribute a cause and effect principle from vaccines, insecticides, PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenols), plastics, Chlorine and fluorine and other toxins in the environment. (Mercola.com). Dr Bill Osmunson, (Mercola interview) a dentist and health researcher, has studied this extensively and recommends that fluoride levels should be monitored and reduced to less than 1 ppb, and that the public water supply should not be fluoridated for these health reasons. Animal studies have documented hypothyroidism as an effect of fluorosis- which has been well known in the Veterinary field for many years where Thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels in serum decreased with increasing urinary fluoride (Hillman D, 1979).
Signs and Symptoms: Patients with hypothyroidism may be overweight and find it difficult to lose weight, may feel sluggish and lethargic, have dry itchy skin, experience brain fog, exhibit oedema and puffy features. They may also have shortness of breath, constipation, flatulence and bloating, and recurrent infections. Other features of this disease include infertility and low libido, fibrocystic breast disease, myalgia, athralgia, cold intolerance, decreased sweating and headaches. Some classic clues that may alert a naturopath include facial diagnosis of hypothyroidism such as yellow bumps/lumps (cholesterol deposition) on the eyelids and loss of hair on the lateral parts of the eyebrows. These may occur prior to any serological changes on TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone) which will become elevated eventually when the pituitary gland recognises that there is an underproduction of T3 and T4. Hypercholesterolaemia and lipidemia, causing atherosclerotic plaques, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are also a feature of uncorrected hypothyroidism. Another diagnostic tool is to take a morning heart rate and temperature, if the heart rate is below 60 in an unfit individual and if the body temperature is 0.5-1degree lower standard this may indicate a clinical sign. Myxoedema Coma is a life threatening condition that can occur if Hypothyroidism is left untreated and a major incident such as hypothermia occurs. (AIAS notes, 2013)
Current Research: There is a widespread and apparently recent increased incidence of hypothyroidism with an insurgence of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is best measured by serological testing for Thyroglobulin Auto Antibodies (TgAA). In this disease the body produces antibodies to its own thyroid, eventually causing its destruction and inability to produce thyroxine. This can occur in conjunction with other autoimmune dysfunctions such as pernicious anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and yeast infections. Excessive vaccinations with protein tissue culture that may contain analogous thyroid proteins may also trigger autoimmune Thyroiditis. This work has been documented in many breeds of domestic dogs, a species that have similar metabolism to humans; which brings into question the effect of “regular” vaccines. (Dodds,J 2011) The literature is spurious and there is very much debate regarding human vaccinosis and a causative link, however(Wakefield, 2012).
If the TSH continues to rise more antibody appears to be produced, a so-called paradox. Therefore treatment is based on supplementation with low dose thyroxine to prevent TSH elevation and further stimulation of the Thyroid gland. The consequences of uncorrected hypothyroidism include Cholesterolaemia, Coronary Heart Disease, and death- usually by atherosclerotic plaque formation and often blockage of the Left anterior descending coronary artery. (Donnay, et al 2013) Recently an increased incidence in congenital hypothyroidism has been reported, as noted in the Journal of paediatrics (Parks JS, 2013) with the four major aetiologies listed as maternal thyrotropin receptor-blocking antibodies, exposure to maternal antithyroid medications, iodine deficiency, and iodine excess.
Dietary recommendations: It is particularly important to prevent hypothyroidism in children. Children with hypothyroidism can develop Cretinism, deafness and dwarfism, (Melse-Boonstra A, 20013) therefore it is essential that mothers and pregnant women are especially aware of the correlation between goitrogenic diets and low intakes of Iodine, Selenium and Tyrosine. This means that cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, broccolini, and cauliflower should be eaten in moderation with kelp, seafood, Brazil nuts and/or an Iodine and Selenium supplement. Eating oily fish three times a week- such as Salmon, Mackerel and Nori and Miso soups will help avoid Iodine deficiency. Having a healthy gut without small intestinal bowel overgrowth, dysregulation or leaky gut will enhance nutrient absorption and prevent some of the trace mineral and nutrient deficiencies that cause stress and dysfunction to the body, which could contribute to hypothyroidism.
Supplement recommendations: A Natural source of Iodine is preferable to add to the diet such as Kelp 2-3 gm/day, bladderwrack or other sea vegetables and fish. This is because trace cofactors are present in food sources and allow easier assimilation of the Iodine. However due to Fukushima’s radioactivity and oceanic flow (towards California, Hawaii, USA- NOAA debris map- see ref #17) it is best to source these from deep southern waters or far north eg. Alaskan or Norwegian Salmon. Alternatively Potassium Iodide as a supplement has been shown to protect the thyroid from absorbing radioactive Iodine from these fallout sources. (Reiners, C 2013) with other co-factors 500 mg L tyrosine twice daily, vitamin B’s all at 100 mg 3x/ daily plus extra vitamin (these can be taken as Torula or Brewer’s yeast 1 teaspoon tds) and B12 1000-200mcg/day sublingually, vitamin C with bioflavonoids 500 mg 4 times daily for immune function and stress. It is cautioned to not take extreme doses as diarrhoea and loss of trace minerals could occur. Vitamin A 10,000 IU daily, Vitamin E 200 IU daily or 400 IU every other day in the D-alphatocopherol form. Zinc 50 mg daily as immune stimulant/balancer. Selenium 20-40 mcg/day to balance vitamin E.(AIAS Nutrition notes 2013)
If supplementing with Iodine, a Polish study (Debska, 2010) found the dose recommended to be a minimum 150 μg of iodine/day. Too much Iodine over a prolonged period of time has been shown to lead to hyperthyroidism as shown in the rat model (Hussein Ael-A 2012) the Feline (Hill’s research, pers com 2013) and human patients (Dr Byan pers com).
Dessicated Thyroid extract appear to be favoured over synthetic thyroxine by many patients. (Hoang TD et al 2013) This may be due to the various synergistic biological and biochemical compounds that are present in the bovine, porcine or ovine thyroid products that are taken orally.
Various herbs have been suggested to be of benefit to the thyroid gland, such as Bayberry, goldenseal, Swedish bitters, Gentian, Mugwort, Black Cohosh. (AIAS Nutrition notes), Rhodiola rosea (Zubeldia, 2013) and other fruit peel; which possibly might be due to the polyphenols and vitamin C -anti-atherogenic effect of these substances (Parmar HS, 2013)
Hence in treating Hypothyroidism attention must be made to the overall diet with regards to reducing goitrogens, improving digestion and increasing Sea vegetables and trace minerals (Iodine, Selenium, tyrosine, B vitamins), lifestyle (stress reduction, and regular exercise), avoidance of toxins (too many vaccinations, fluoride, PCB’s and others) detoxifying, and increasing antioxidants.
References
1. AIAS student notes Nutrition, Massage, Nat 2007-2013
2. Bone,K. (2007).The Ultimate Herbal Compendium.Warwick, Qld:Phytotherapy Press
3. Hechtman,L (2012). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine.Elsevier,Australia
4. Hybertson BM, Gao B, Bose SK, McCord JM. Oxidative stress in health and disease: the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation.Mol Aspects Med. 2011 Aug;32(4-6):234-46. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.006. Epub 2011 Oct 15
5. Mills,S, BoneK Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine 1999, Elsevier
6. Osiecki, H. (2010) The Nutrient Bible 8th Edition, Orthoplex.Australia
- Nutr Res Rev. 2013 Jun 12:1-8. [Epub ahead of print]Iodine deficiency, thyroid function and hearing deficit: a review. Melse-Boonstra A, Mackenzie I.Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Rev Clin Esp. 2013 Jun 15. pii: S0014-2565(13)00164-1. doi: 10.1016/j.rce.2013.04.009. [Epub ahead of print]Burden of illness attributable to subclinical hypothyroidism in the Spanish population.[Article in English, Spanish]Donnay S, Balsa JA, Alvarez J, Crespo C, Pérez-Alcántara F, Polanco Cervicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España.
9. Whitney,E, Rolfes SR, Crowe, T, et al (2011) Understanding Nutrition Cengage Learning, Australia
10. Pediatrics. 2010 May;125 Suppl 2:S54-63. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-1975F.The impact of transient hypothyroidism on the increasing rate of congenital hypothyroidism in the United States.Parks JS, Lin M, Grosse SD, Hinton CF,Drummond-Borg M, Borgfeld L, Sullivan KM.Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. jparks@emory.edu
11. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 May;98(5):1982-90. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-4107. Epub 2013 Mar 28.Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.Hoang TD, Olsen CH, Mai VQ, Clyde PW, Shakir MK.Department of Endocrinology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20889-5600, USA.
12. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013 Feb;78(2):155-64. doi: 10.1111/cen.12066.Selenium and the thyroid gland: more good news for clinicians.Drutel A, Archambeaud F, Caron P.Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic diseases, Hôpital du Cluzeau, Limoges Cedex, France.
- Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2012 May;90(5):617-25. doi: 10.1139/y2012-046. Epub 2012 May 2.Effect of chronic excess iodine intake on thyroid function and oxidative stress in hypothyroid rats.Hussein Ael-A, Abbas AM, El Wakil GA, Elsamanoudy AZ, El Aziz AA.Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt. zizomenna@yahoo.com
- Hills Pet food Nutritionists, Veterinary Specialists http://www.hillspet.com.au/ pers com AVA conference Cairns, Australia 2013
- Radiat Environ Biophys. 2013 May;52(2):189-93. doi: 10.1007/s00411-013-0462-0. Epub 2013 Mar 9.Potassium iodide (KI) to block the thyroid from exposure to I-131: current questions and answers to be discussed .Reiners C, Schneider R.Department of Nuclear Medicine, German WHO-REMPAN Collaboration Center, Hospital of the University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany. reiners_c@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
- Dr Bryan Cebuliak MD practicing physician for 40 years in general practice, presently Morayfield Medical Centre
- http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/features/dec11/japan-tsunami-debris.html
- J Med Food. 2010 Dec;13(6):1287-92. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2009.0286. Epub 2010 Oct 14.Exploring new applications for Rhodiola rosea: can we improve the quality of life of patients with short-term hypothyroidism induced by hormone withdrawal?Zubeldia JM, Nabi HA, Jiménez del Río M, Genovese J.Department of Applications, Safety and Regulations, Polinat S.L., Taibique, Polígono Industrial Las Majoreras, 35240 Ingenio, Las Palmas, Spain.jose@polinat.com
- Biofactors. 2008;33(1):13-24.Possible amelioration of atherogenic diet induced dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism and hyperglycemia by the peel extracts of Mangifera indica, Cucumis melo and Citrullus vulgaris fruits in rats.Parmar HS, Kar A.Endocrine Research Unit, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, MP, India. hamendrasingh999@yahoo.co.in
- Dodds, J W, Laverdure, D R. (2011) The Canine Thyroid Epidemic Dogwise publishing, Washington, USA
- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/11/dr-bill-osmunson-on-fluoride.aspx
- Endokrynol Pol. 2010 Nov-Dec;61(6):646-51.Iodine status of pregnant women from central Poland ten years after introduction of iodine prophylaxis programme.Gietka-Czernel M, Dębska M, Kretowicz P, Jastrzębska H,Kondracka A, Snochowska H, Ołtarzewski M.Endocrinology Department of Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Warszawa, Poland. malgietka@vp.pl
- J Dairy Sci. 1979 Mar;62(3):416-23.Hypothyroidism and anemia related to fluoride in dairy cattle.Hillman D, Bolenbaugh DL, Convey EM.
24. Treatment and Management of SIBO — Taking a Dietary Approach Can Control Intestinal Fermentation and InflammationBy Aglaée Jacob, MS, RD
Today’s DietitianVol. 14 No. 12 P. 16 Dec 2012
Eat Once and Skip Breakfast? New Thoughts On The Mediterranean Diet And Diabetics.
Doctors tend to be overwhelmed with patient numbers, pharmaceutical reps and time poor. Not many will be able to give advice about diet changes. See your Naturopath/Nutritionist to coodinate your health care and keep checking your TG, Thyroid autoantiglobulin factors, TSH, T3,4 and cholesterol LDL, VDL, and HDL with your diet changes, as very often health care is best served with a good dollop of nutritional care!
A low carb diet with lots of antioxidants and good quality fat (fish, nuts) as in a Mediteranean diet is found to be helpful in controlling diabetes. Again avoiding processed wheat (which is a different form of wheat than that grown on Selenium rich soils in the Italian and Greek area) is part of the picture of healthy eating.
Gluggy GMO Gluten Gagging Guts
Uggh, gurgle, grunch, groan. Yes, you have just heard your post ingestion NOISE.
If you are troubled by tummy turns maybe you have recently discovered a “Growing Grain” problem. That “full and bloated tummy” feeling you note after eating pasta, bread, scones or cake might be the tip of a leaky gut and early allergenic/inflammatory problem.
Your research has undoubtedly led to the conclusion that it could be related to the wheat grain– which contains the protein ingredients gluten and gliaden. You may find it confusing that your Naturopath/dietician recommended a gluten free diet years ago. ( I know, I will admit that I thought they were cooky ideas 20 years ago too!) Perhaps you were baffled over the fact that you had eaten these things all your life and it never seemed to be a problem in earlier years.
So having trialed this wheat free diet and removed the bread/pasta for a week, it’s a puzzle when you are not completely cured overnight, isn’t it? Its probably because the sneaky g’s are EVERYWHERE! Unfortunately there is gluten in many grains, and “wholegrains” do not necessarily mean “wholesome” AND GLUTEN is used as the binder holding together all manner of kibble (for dogs) and biscuits, treats and even sausages for human consumption. The SAD (standard Australian or American Diet) consists of 70 – 80% carbohydrate and gluten/grain products are a large part of that. Plus the trans fats and simple sugars! No wonder our Triglyceride/cholesterol ration is up the whoopsie. Remember the latest advice is to turn the government advice of healthy eating pyramid form on its head- ie eat more fat and protein. Minimal or no grain. Even sprouted grains and some fermented grains might be a problem. The following may explain why this is so. Most grains today are NOT what they were 30 years ago. They have been genetically selected and modified to grow bigger, faster and thicker as an agribusiness model. This is why Naturopaths recommend a wheat free, and even grain free diet.
Avoid genetically modified grains for 2 main reasons:
1) The changed plant proteins are an unknown experiment on the consumer. We are only now finding out how bigger, faster growing plants fed simple NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium) fertiliser are devoid of balanced nutrition The cells in our body look at each individual molecule that passes into it as “Friendly Food or Foreign Frankenstein” If it is a building block for making more cells (amino acids, cholesterol, fatty acids and other lipids) or broken down into energy ( triglycerides, glucose) then it is useful. If it is a contaminant such as an insecticide, weedicide or plastic copy (eg. xeno-oestrogen) of a similar life structure then it must be excreted, removed from the body or walled off in a structure that might make it inactive. The latter process involves inflammatory cells and cytokines that may become procancerous.
2) The GMO crops are resistant to insecticides and weedicides such as Monsanto Roundup, (Glyphosate) but the plant body stores this poison which will be ingested by the consumer.
Read about this unfortunate experiment that all of us are part of here: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/monsantos-game-over-extreme-toxicity-roundup-destroys-justification-gm
Glyphosate exposure likely causes cancer one type of cancer much more common is Lymphoma:
I have seen the number of cases of lymphoma escalate over the last 20 years. What used to be a rare disease is one that I see weekly at our small boutique veterinary clinic in Brisbane. We fight the good fight for our patients by detoxing the system dramatically, and supporting the body with nutrition. We also work with the specialists who use the recommended protocol of chemotherapy, as there are cases of remission with this and following up with a healthy diet and supplements.
Abstract Title:
Pesticide exposure as risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma including histopathological subgroup analysis.
Abstract Source:
Int J Cancer. 2008 Oct 1;123(7):1657-63. PMID: 18623080
Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. mikael.eriksson@med.lu.se
Abstract:
We report a population based case-control study of exposure to pesticides as risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Exposure to different agents was assessed by questionnaire. In total 910 (91 %) cases and 1016 (92%) controls participated. Exposure to herbicides gave odds ratio (OR) 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-2.51. Regarding phenoxyacetic acids highest risk was calculated for MCPA; OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.27-6.22, all these cases had a latency period>10 years. Exposure to glyphosate gave OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.10-3.71 and with>10 years latency period OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16-4.40. Insecticides overall gave OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.96-1.72 and impregnating agents OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.30. Results are also presented for different entities of NHL. In conclusion our study confirmed an association between exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and NHL and the association with glyphosate was considerably strengthened.
Article Published Date : Oct 01, 2008
Here are some further links to help you get to the core “guts” of it all. http://www.responsibletechnology.org/posts/gluten-disorders-linked-to-gmos-new-report/
and the possibility that glyphosate is also teratogenic- that is linked to birth deformities.noted in this pig farmer’s story and decreased production, with increased sickness his animals. He decided to experiment by changing their diet from GM to non-GM feed.
The results, he says, were remarkable: “When using GM feed I saw symptoms of bloat, stomach ulcers, high rates of diarrhoea, pigs born with the deformities … but when I switched [to non GM feed] these problems went away, some within a matter of days.”
The farmer says that not only has the switch in diet improved the visible health of the pigs, it has made the farm more profitable, with less medicine use and higher productivity. “Less abortions, more piglets born in each litter, and breeding animals living longer.”
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2176082/deformities_sickness_and_livestock_deaths_the_real_cost_of_gm_animal_feed.html I remind you that pigs share genetic likeness in at least 90% of their makeup to humans- you think there might be similar problems in us, such as the recent decrease in human fertility, as well as gut issues?
If this isn’t depressing enough, consider also our close country third world allies; both their financial and health costs. Let me tell you about the rice paddies I have seen in Bali. There is a native crop of rice that takes about 10 months to mature and harvest. This is a high protein traditional seed. The fields of rice are irrigated naturally by flows of spring water. Ducks and geese graze in the idyllic rice paddies, and native Sapi (cows) help turn the soil over and fertilise in between crops. Its a healthy system that has been going on for thousands of years. Enter in: GMO rice. Yes, the farmers in third world developing countries were sold the story: “buy our rice seed and you will get a bigger faster yield – two crops a year instead of one!” What was not foreseen was 1) the cost of the fertiliser required to raise that cdrop and 2) the fields of native rice below the GMO rice failed due to excessive NPK run off from the fertiliser used in the fields above- or from ? glyphosate? run off used in the field to support the GMO rice.
Overall the community of farmers are now running at a loss, their families are financially ruined, their children are getting sick and there are now many more illnesses including more diagnosed stomach cancers and intestinal cancers. (pers com).
If you have a heart and want to help heal the planet and yourself, prevent cancer and other illnesses, please consider joining permaculture movements, researching, and sharing this information.
Let’s stand up for health food, avoid Frankenfoods and their poisonous agribusiness cides, and seek a better way.
Eat organic, grow your own food, share home grown produce with your neighbours, and let them know that glyphosate (round up) is a poison that their kids and dogs should not be walking on bare foot, and that their garden should not have this in its vege patch.
Remove grains from your diet, replace them with other flours such as coconut flour, pea and vege flours. Here are some diet guidelines that work. http://www.bulletproofexec.com/the-complete-illustrated-one-page-bulletproof-diet/