Got Fiber- Eat a Tree?

My dogs occasionally eat grass.  They won't tell me why but perhaps they need the fiber.  The act of eating indigestible things is known as pica.  Some children have eaten calk, dirt, sand, or paper.  If you eat anything processed for more than one month then you might qualify for the diagnosis of xylophagia (the consumption of wood) in the form of cellulose.  Just look on the nutritional facts for some cheap products like hotdogs.  How in the world does a hotdog have fiber?  The same may be true for things like shredded cheese, ice cream and salad dressings. 

While I would prefer to avoid eating trees, it may surprise you that the consumption of cellulose is not a bad thing.  Methylcellulose is a soluble fiber product available as EZ Fiber (from bamboo cellulose).  There are other well know commercial fiber products that use methylcellulose; however, they contain additives and artificial sweeteners.  They may also contain maltodextrin which can be made from wheat and contain gluten.

Because of its thickening properties, cellulose is used in some sustained release prescription products.  While the food additive cellulose has no nutritional value the fiber content is needed in our Standard American Diet.   

When you eat unprocessed foods there are parts that are not digested.  The cellulose in corn is evidently not digested.  Fiber is a natural part of foods known to be good for you and may be either soluble fiber, insoluble fiber or a combination.  Soluble fiber such as the (EZ Fiber) turns to a gel, slows digestion and absorbs bile and toxins in the gut.  Insoluble fiber found in carrots, celery, green beans, and green leafy vegetables adds bulk to the stool and may help food pass more quickly.

Adequate fiber helps control blood sugar, and can decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.  It is also useful in diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. The fiber goal is 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.  Healthy choices include chia seeds, psyllium and ground flax seeds.  Fiber PF is a product with a combination of psyllium and flax seeds.  It also contains nutrients to aid in healing the intestinal tract.  Fiber rich vegetables include root vegetables, beans, peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.  Fibrous fruits are also helpful.

Stay Well!

Butt Naked and Mini Trams

For years, I have been preaching about the importance of a healthy lymphatic system. So many in our health care system talk about healthy heart, lungs, etc., but never talk about the lymphatic system. Basically, the lymphatic system is responsible for carrying out the trash your body produces.

I have encouraged people to dry brush (youtube Video)their body every morning before they shower to get their lymph system moving.  Dry brushing has many benefits. One benefit I love is that it helps with cellulite.

 One day, I went to visit a delightful 90 year old lady who had just come home from the hospital. She had been placed on oxygen at home. As I was checking her blood pressure, heart rate, lungs and oxygen sat level, she shared with me that she was 90 years old and this was the first time she had ever been in the hospital her entire life. (She delivered her babies at home, what a woman!) I felt compelled to ask her for the secret to remaining so healthy. She told me that every morning since she was in her 40’s, she has gotten out of bed and jumped butt naked on her mini trampoline for 10 minutes.  She was keeping her lymphatic system healthy using the mini tram.

 I left her home thinking that she would not need the home oxygen for long. There are some people in life that you are grateful for the opportunity to get to meet. She was one of them. A wonderful lady with a great attitude and a zest for life. Oh, and yes, I did go out and purchase a mini tram for myself.

We can all do small things that can make a difference in our health.  Come by and talk with us about your challenges.  We would love the opportunity to assist you in your health goals.

Wellness for Life!

M.C. Pons RN

Guest Blogger

Winter Weather, Morphine, Milk, and Bread

A recent snow flurry brought joking comments about those who will empty the grocery store shelves of bread and milk.  It is one of those things that people in the South say when it snows.  It never fails that any threat of winter weather produces casein and gluten shoppers.  Of course it is rare that any winter weather stays more than a day or two.

Some consider such behavior as odd.  After all, is it really that important since the roads will be clear tomorrow? Perhaps there is more to the compulsion to shop at the very hint of weather restricted access. It only makes sense if you look at it as a real food addiction. 

As it turns out, the protein casein (link)found in dairy products and the gluten found in wheat can actually turn into weak morphine like proteins. These react with opiate receptors in the brain.  The conversion of these type of proteins will vary from one person to the next. 

In my experience, the most common visual symptom of a gluten or wheat intolerance is fluid retention and inflammation.  The most common symptom of a dairy allergy is chronic sinus congestion.  Both of these can be accompanied by poor sleep.  An "O" blood type can have both allergies.  An "A" blood type is more prone to dairy intolerance. 

Individuals with a gluten or dairy allergy will consume their addictive food on a daily basis.  They also consume that type of food disproportionately compared with the other foods in their diet.  The most common response to the suggestion that one eliminates gluten from their diet along with the deer in the headlights look is:  "What else can I eat?"  It truly escapes them that fruits, vegetables, and meat are possibilities. 

If you suspect a food allergy try a modified elimination diet.  Stop eating that food (wheat or dairy) for 21 days.  On day 22, eat all you wish and stop again.  Notice any symptoms from day 22 to 24.  You may experience anything from a mild runny nose to full blown gastrointestinal upset. 

A food allergy has far reaching effects that include indigestion, inflammation, and hormone imbalance.  Hormone imbalance includes adrenal problems that impacts energy and sleep.  Thyroid hormone can be suppressed increasing weight.  Sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone can also be suppressed.  Identifying your food allergy can be the most powerful wellness change you can make.

Stay Well!

 

Pumpkin Seed Medicine

The fall is my favorite season.  The cooler weather and changes in the color of the landscape feels good.  It is also the season of the pumpkin, one of my favorite pies.  The winter squash known as pumpkin was part of the Native Americans diet shared with the Pilgrims.  Although most discard the pumpkin seed,  it is a useful nutritious food.  (Roasting Pumpkin Seeds)   It is odd that many prefer seedless grapes and then buy grape seed extract.

What you may not know is that the pumpkin seed is also a valued medicine that is rich in nutrients and medicinal properties, includes Vitamin A, C, and E.  It is also rich in minerals including zinc, manganese, potassium and phosphorous. 

Cucurbita pepo seeds (pumpkin seeds) is mentioned in many of the old Materia Medica (materials of medicine) references.  One primary use is in the treatment of parasites, including round and tape worms.  But the seeds and oils are also well known as a treatment for non-cancerous enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia). It is also useful for intense nausea and vomiting especially related to motion sickness or pregnancy.

 

Stay Well!

I'm Pretty Healthy

While there is a place for medication, by design it exists to suppress symptoms.  Drugs do not heal.  We are trained via culture and media to take one pill for this and one for that.  We live in a drug culture that trains us as children the way of the pill.

I have observed that most people think they are “pretty healthy”.  They can be on six or more prescription medications, have a current cold and they will say, “Overall, I am pretty healthy.”  It often takes a lot for them to make the shift to something is wrong.  How would you define “pretty healthy?  I can still get up in the morning and go to work?  I can make it to the mail box and back?  I go to the doctor and take my prescriptions?

I love positive thinking but it could be an obstacle to making change.  Sometimes we slip toward poor health so gradually that we don't even notice.  For some there may be a feeling of, "this is as good as it will get, or I am getting old".  I am sure that at some point in time, I will be old and it really will be as good as it gets.  However, there is a time before that where something really can be done.

Do we deceive ourselves into thinking we are healthy when we also know we have health problems?  Is it our survival mechanism to keep going, or do we truly believe we are healthy in spite of evidence to the contrary.  Perhaps it is a strong spiritual perspective carries you forward.  Are we intentional or unintentional in our self-deception?  A newsman once said, "we view things thru the prism of our experience".  Interesting. 

Advertising has pounded the message that drugs are good, the flu shot is good, and anything we tell you to do is for your benefit.  Many are sincere in this belief.  We know what we are doing because we are smarter than you are.  We have done all the research so you don't have to.  If you do not do as we say you are just ignorant.  Oh contraire.  Just some thoughts.

Stay Well

Constipation, Drugs That Make You Crazy and Antifreeze

Constipation can cause many unpleasant symptoms that can make you, let's say, irritable.  I recently became aware from the FDA that a prescription and over-the-counter drug used to treat constipation can make you crazy.  The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) shows that Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 3350) has caused "neuropsychiatric events".  This refers to neurological symptoms of the brain and nervous system.  Such disorders may include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple sclerosis, ADD, schizophrenia, depression, autism, and dementia.  I would speculate that PEG interferes with the absorption of nutrients.  Another consideration is that the gut acts as a second brain.  There is a huge gut/brain connection.  We should have seen this one coming.

 

As a side note the same AERS reported problems with commonly prescribed gabapentin and antiacids known as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, Dexilant, Nexium, Protonix).

Miralax (PEG 3350) is made by attaching molecules of ethylene glycol as a chain.  Ethylene glycol is better known as antifreeze for the automotive industry.  It disrupts hydrogen bonds to change the freezing point of water.  As a laxative it increases water in the bowel. PEG, also known as Carbowax is used in an impressive array of commercial products for just about anything imaginable.

Last year(June 2012) the Empire State Consumer Commission filed a Citizens Petition with the FDA calling for:

 "An immediate recall of PEG 3350 laxatives for addition of a black box warning against use in children and warning of potential adverse events associated with PEG 3350 laxative products. Adverse events reported in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System include, but are not limited to:  gastrointestinal, renal, urological, hematological, neurological, neuropsychiatric, dermatological, and at least 3 child fatalities. Adverse events are also outlined by the FDA Drug Safety Oversight"

 The ability to have daily, yes daily, bowel movements is imperative to good health.  Good hydration will aid in this endeavor.  Consider a good probiotic such as Enterobiotic SBO to soften the stool and create a healthy bacterial environment.  Fiber is important to add bulk and absorb bowel toxins and bile.  Consider psyllium (Metamucil), psyllium and ground flax seed (Fiber PF), or bamboo cellulose (EZ Fiber).  Homeopathics include Constipation CP for children and Constipation Drops for adults. Severe cases may require enemas.  For a better position in the relief consider the Squatty Potty.

Stay Well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constitutional Amendment-The Remedy?

Gus is a one-year-old male German Shorthaired Pointer that seemed to have that adolescent teen personality.  He has great physique and ability but is entirely bashful in new situations.  Even though he was well socialized he still did not meet people well and would cower with a new person or loud noises.  Conversely, he was completely comfortable with pointing birds and a shotgun blast.  Gus also had a poor appetite and ate the occasional bite all day long.  I decided it was time to give him a constitutional remedy. 

A constitution is the emotional, mental and physical state of an individual.  It is his or her nature or temperament.  This can be genetic and/or acquired.  While most of our focus is on the physical aspects of health, the more important is the emotional or mental health.

A constitutional remedy is one that fits most of the entire person: physical, mental and emotional.  Ideally a constitutional remedy is used on a healthy person to fortify them.  However, most remedies are used when something is out of balance.  When “out of balance”, the remedy selected may not be the individual’s “constitution” but is the remedy picture presented.  Each homeopathic remedy has physical, mental, and emotional aspects.  It is the homeopaths job to select the remedy that best fits the total person. 

While most use homeopathics for a single purpose, such as Arnica for bruising, each homeopathic remedy can influence a number of seemingly unrelated symptoms.  Lycopodium (club moss) is commonly used for gas and poor digestion.  The mental aspect of Lycopodium includes indecision, timidity, loss of confidence or poor self-esteem.  There is a fear of strangers and a fear of being alone.  The key note here is impotence.  This is not a sexual impotence but overall ineffectiveness. 

Gus received one dose of Lycopodium 1M with no results.  With the second dose one day later he made a complete shift.  He was more confident and happy to meet anyone new.  It was as if he thought everyone had a gift for him.  He also began eating all of his food when presented.   The only down side was that he was interested in mounting any other canine of any sex.  No more ineffectiveness of attitude.  Hopefully, better judgment would come with experience.  Pretty amazing.  

(Note:  most homeopaths would not use a 1M potency first and would start with a 30C, but this was not my choice). 

Stay Well!

The Body Electric

The body is electric.  (As an oddity, check out the electric man)  As a matter of fact, practically nothing happens in the body that is not related to electrical charge.  Your body is mostly water containing minerals that are electrically charged.  So it would not be too far fetched to imagine that electromagnetic fields (EMF) could impact the body in a small or large way.  Such EMFs are created by electric current and the magnetic field they create.  This includes any electrical power source: power lines, substations, transformers, wiring, microwaves, lights clocks, computers and cell phones.  Chronic exposure to EMFs can cause DNA damage, increase stress, affect immune function.

A client had experienced unexplained nausea, digestive issues and inflammation for about 3 weeks.  Homeopathic remedies were only briefly helpful.  This is what happened.

“My husband woke around 3AM and couldn't go back to sleep.  I woke up abruptly with the alarm clock ‘hollering’ making a noise that sounded like a ghost in the house. Ed experienced the same thing with the air purifier in the living room. The window air conditioners were also making crazy noises and we could not cut them off.   The light in our master bathroom came on and was so bright it looked like it could explode.  The power had turned the switch on itself.  In the living room smoke was coming from behind the TV.  I called 911 and Ed pulled the plugs from the outlet in that area.  Fire trucks came, and the Electric Company was called.   They discovered the old transformer had lost its ‘neutral’.  If we had not been at home our house would have burned.  But the crazy thing of it all was that my sickness left as quick as it came.  They replaced the transformer with a new one and I got better instantly. “

While this is an extreme case, there are numerous individuals that are sensitive to electromagnetic fields.  This is also a perfect example of actually determining the cause of an illness.  Elimination of is cause is the appropriate treatment.  Neither pharmaceutical, herbal, nor homeopathic interventions are appropriate.

Sleep can be impacted by an electromagnetic field.  This may include a clock radio that is too close to your head, a heating pad, an electric blanket, or an electric outlet.  The extremely sensitive may want to avoid an innerspring mattress that may act as a conductor.  Cell phones and the subsequent earpieces that many wear have been linked to brain cancer. 

While most of us will never experience such an issue, it is helpful to be aware of such an issue and perhaps take steps to avoid problems. 

Stay Well!

Deer Antler Velvet, Bone Growth and Sperm Count

Eleven years ago, my female German Shorthaired Pointer produced Buster.  He became a Dual Champion (Field Champion and Show Champion).  His owner called me earlier this year and offered him to me as he was getting out of the dog business.  I really wanted another litter sired by this exceptional dog but that was a gamble due to his age. 

Buster arrived, a little over weight with some joint stiffness.  A trip to the vet to check his sperm count produced the following comment from the vet.  “The port wine color of Buster’s ejaculate is quite alarming…..The good news is that he is producing viable sperm cells.”  The vet recommended a three-month course of antibiotics.  Given my background, she knew I probably would take an alternative approach.  I started him on Prostate Advantage an herbal prostate formula.  Arnica 30C and Phosphorous 30C were added to his water every other day to address the blood issue.  I also added Avinotripin every day.  Avinotropin is a product made from deer antler velvet, which has concentrated growth factors. 

 

 

Three weeks later the prostatic fluid was clear and the sperm count was still low at a few hundred thousand.  One week later the sperm count was 2 BILLION (yes this was done by a lab machine), with 90 percent motility and good morphology.  Buster was also leaner,  moved freely, and could jump in the front seat of my truck.

Buster is back in business.  

Deer antlers are distinguished from horns, as they are re-grown each year.  The velvet is a soft spongy growth that supplies nutrients to growing bone.  This is the fastest growing bone structure in nature.  Growth starts in late spring and is completed by the end of the summer.  At some point in time, usually late winter, the deer shed the antlers.  These become a source of minerals for forest animals.

In Chinese medicine deer antler velvet is valued for the nutrient, minerals and hormone related issues.  The benefits reported are many.  Last year, my wife had a traumatic compound fracture of the ankle and lower leg.  After 2 months, x-ray showed one small bone that was not healing.  After one month of Avinotropin, the bone was healed. 

Amazing stuff!

Safe Weed Killer

The ever popular Round Up weed killer is toxic to humans and the environment.  Here is a cheap and effective way to kill unwanted weeds and grass without the harsh chemicals.  The picture is one day after I sprayed the formula in a strip.  The dying vegetation was the same as the right and left.

One Gallon of Vinegar
1/2 cup of table salt
1 teaspoonful of dish washing detergent.

If you use this in your garden you could substitute Himalayan Salt to add trace minerals to the dirt.

Stay Well!

Shingles?

 

“I awoke with bumps on the top of my head, but didn’t think much about it.  There was light pain.  The next day the pain caused me to shave my head, so I could see what was going on.  Initially, I thought that I had been bitten by a spider multiple times. The pain was heavy.  On day four the pain became oppressive and was constant and unceasing.  By day six there were blood blisters and continuous misery.”  (From a shingles sufferer)

Most would think the end of the symptoms of infection means you will no longer have to deal with that illness.  In childhood many got chicken pox (Varicella zoster virus), producing a skin rash that lasts about 6 days.  This usually creates a permanent immunity to Chicken Pox.  However, this virus lays dormant in nerve tissue and can be reactivated in older adults as Herpes zoster (shingles).  This usually happens when the immune system is compromised, particularly after an emotional upset.  So the same organism causes two different sets of symptoms with different names.  The pain of shingles known as postherpatic neuralgia can be almost unbearable. 

A shingles vaccination, known as Zostavax, became available in 2006 but had limited availability.  It is the same virus as the Chicken Pox vaccine only stronger.  Over the last 5 years, I have observed an increase in the number of shingles patients.  Some speculation suggests a correlation with the chicken pox vaccine, or shingles vaccine causing reactivation of the virus.  I know of one individual that got shingles after getting Zostavax.  Other factors could include an overall lowering of community immune function. 

Prescription treatments include antivirals, gabapentin, and other pain medications.  The homeopathic approach includes Apis mellifica for initial burning and tingling sensations.  Rhus toxicodendron is used for the blister stage.  Mezereum can be used for the crusting stage.  Cortsym Gel or Calendula cream can be applied topically.  Neuropain HP can be used for nerve pain. 

Another product is the Herpes Zoster Series Therapy that contains 10 single vials of the virus in homeopathic form.  Each vial is a different potency and can be taken as a preventative or treatment. 

Stay Well!

Chicken Pox Party?

My child has chickenpox, bring your children over for a party!  Such was a common practice since the 50’s; before vaccination, parents had few options.  Exposure to any “wild” virus offers better immunity that a vaccination.  This is a logical assumption since all viruses generally enter the body thru the eyes, nose or mouth and follow a normal immune response verses as a puncture wound.  Getting chickenpox is reported to give permanent immunity to chickenpox while vaccination is only temporary requiring booster shots.  Many of the earlier complications included Reye syndrome that was associated with giving a child aspirin while they had a viral infection.  Never give a child aspirin.

As some parents continue this practice, The Atlantic reports some state health officials are “cracking down on these parents who play Russian roulette with their children’s health.”  They are particularly baffled since a vaccine for chickenpox was approved in 1995.  Having an unequivocal belief that any vaccine is worthwhile could be a barrier to looking at actual risk, benefits, and options.

Varicella zoster (Chickenpox), a member of the herpes family, is a relatively mild childhood disease but can be difficult for adults.  Whether you choose exposure to the wild virus or a vaccination, make sure your child is healthy at the time.  Never vaccinate a child that is sick.  Recently vaccinated children can be contagious so they should not be around pregnant women or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Prior to 1986 the risk of deaths from chickenpox complications was less than 50 children per year, which is 0.0014% (Preblud, S.R. Pediatrics 1986;78:728-735).  These are generally associated with previously compromised immune systems.  Women that contract chickenpox while pregnant during the first 16 weeks have a higher risk of birth defects in their child. 

Complications of the vaccine include pneumonitis (<1%) and seizures (<0.1%) The FDA Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System during the first year of the vaccine reported over 1,500 events, 76 were serious, with 2 deaths.  Vaccine injury information documented a decreased incidence of chicken pox but an increase in the Herpes Zoster (shingles) infection or a reactivation to Herpes Zoster.  Normally the Herpes Zoster does not occur in children.  There are also reported outbreaks of chicken pox in vaccinated children. 

It seems clear that natural immunity is superior.   However, parents should make informed choices about their children's health.  This includes actually looking in to vaccine information concerning risks and benefits.

Stay Well!

 

Got Gravel?

Last Friday, one of my college friends sent me a picture of this big toe that was red and inflamed.  His doctor diagnosed it as gout but drew blood to be sure.  “What can I do about this until the blood test comes back?”  I asked him, “how much water and soft drinks do you consume every day?”  “Little water and 3 Mountain Dews a day.”

The short answer was 80 to 100 ounces of water, stop the soft drinks, Colchicum 30C, and Stinging Nettle tincture.  Also find someone with an ionic footbath to unload some of the toxin.

Most of the individuals with gout, kidney stones and in some cases gallstones consume too many soft drinks and too little water.  This is a great way to create internal gravel that requires drugs and/or surgery to resolve. You must have water for the body to function properly including the dilution of metabolic toxins.  Daily “soft” drink consumption is a form of slow poisoning that creates an acidic environment making you ripe for disease. 

An original family copy of Gunn’s Domestic Medicine (1839), describes gout with grim possibilities.

 “In gouty subjects, whose vital powers have been greatly impaired by frequent or violent paroxysms; by indulgence in spirituous liquors or wines or in savoury dishes, or by any other cause, and especially when the stomach does not perform its office, and general debility prevails.”

“The vital powers in gouty subjects advanced in years, and even in young gouty invalids who have abused their constitutions by intemperance are often in so reduced a state, that life is only kept up by general or local irritation, or what may be termed morbid nervous excitement; and, on subduing it by an anodyne, death suddenly ensues.”

The prescription and homeopathic treatment for acute gout and rheumatism is Colchicum autumnale (Meadow Saffron).  Prescription colchicine was available at least since the 1930 for about 10 cents a tablet.  This was before the FDA and their 2006 initiative to test unapproved drugs.  A generic company did the necessary testing and was granted a patent in July of 2009.  The drug now cost over 5 dollars a tablet.  The FDA’s wisdom took a drug that had been use for hundreds of years in this country and in Europe to require real scientific testing for safety and effectiveness.  Most would agree that this is a ridiculous price increase, and perhaps manipulation of the system.  At the same time manufacturer did invest a lot of money to satisfy the FDA requirements.

Colchicine can be a violent poison with the most common side effect as diarrhea.  The homeopathic Colchicum autumnale 30C is economical and does not carry the same toxicity profile as the prescription drug.

The herb, Stinging Nettle (Urtica urens) is an old treatment for gout as a tea or tincture.  It aids in the breakdown of metabolic waste such as the uric acid.  Homeopathic Urtica can also be used for gout.

Stay Well

Poison Ivy- The Plant, The Song, The Villain

My least favorite plant as a child, poison ivy has been the focus of more than just the miserable skin rash that some have endured.  It was also a 1959 song recorded by the Coasters (I remember 45’s).  Poison Ivy in the song was a temptress and code for a carrier of a sexually transmitted disease.  Perhaps the song was the inspiration for the fictional character in DC Comics, Poison Ivy, Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley, an enemy and interest of Batman. 

Rhus radicans (Poison Ivy) and Rhus toxicodendron (Poison Oak) are well known for their production of urushiol, a plant resin that causes mild to major skin irritation.  The remedies of the 60’s were primarily white shoe polish, oatmeal baths, and a good mopping of calamine lotion.  Failed plant identification in emergency situations with children in the woods could result in a rash in places the sun does not normally touch.

The homeopathic, Rhus tox 30C has been used both as a preventive or treatment for poison ivy.  It is also used for the relief of joint inflammation and stiffness.  Another use is the treatment of shingles in the blister stage.

If exposed to poison ivy you can use Tecnu as a wash to remove the oil.  My all time favorite remedy is Cortsym Gel by Natural Creations.

Stay Well!

Mental Resistance

There have been many times that I am getting on an interstate when the big WRONG WAY sign is all I see.  At that moment, I cringe only to realize the sign is for the other lane.  The next thought is, “I wish they would angle those signs in more so it would not look like it is for the correct lane”.

How we think is vital to our health.  If you do an inventory of your self-talk you may find many negative perceptions that frame your world.  “I can’t lose weight”, or “I have bad knees”.  These types of statements are both self-fulfilling and also not true.  I promise that if I gave you a diet and you followed it-you would lose weight.  Also, your knees may not be those of a 20 year old but they may still work.  If you were to say, “I am not going to eat sugar”, the last thing you actually said was “eat sugar”.  You could say “I will make healthier choices in my diet”. 

A diagnosis can be a curse.  If you hear the words, “You have cancer”, then every thought or experience of that disease is immediately in your mind.  And every time you repeat those words the negative feelings are reinforced.  Even the concept of fighting disease is extremely negative.  Fighting creates resistance, and a mental picture of a struggle and destruction.  More positive statements could be, “I am improving my health”, or “I am living my best”!

Stay Well

Natural Flavors?

The term natural may be misleading.  After all, poison ivy, snake venom and horse urine is natural.  If an ingredient is classified as a natural ingredient then why not just name the ingredient.  You can even find the term “Natural Flavors” on many “health” related products.

One of the most interesting and disgusting natural flavors is derived from the castor sac of the North American Beaver (Castor Canadensis).  This is not to be confused with castor oil or the old remedy Fletcher's Castoria.  The castoreum, secretions from this sac is used to mark the territory of the beaver.  These sacs are aged and used in artificial raspberry or strawberry flavoring.  These “natural” flavors may be found in candy, drinks, ice tea, and yogurt. 

Castoreum is classified by the FDA as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).  How in the world did someone come up with the idea?  First you must remove them and wonder what they could be used for.  Since they initially were not palatable then you must certainly conclude that aging would help.  “Tastes like berries after it is two years old?”  Castoreum has also been used in classic perfumes, perhaps for the phoneme effect.  Which makes me wonder what tasting like strawberries has to do with attraction.  Does it attract or keep the beavers away? 

Castoreum is actually an old remedy (Boericke’s Materia Medica) for hysteria that may explain how someone got the idea.  It was also used for dysmenorrhea and painful tympanities (gas trapped in the abdomen-Greek). 

Spring Allergy Relief

I welcome the spring but for many it is the beginning of the new allergy season.  An allergy is when the body becomes hypersensitive to a particular antigen.  The antigen categories are: inhaled (pollen, dust, mold, pet dander), foods (dairy, grains, shellfish, peanuts), contact (chemicals, plants), or from injections (medications and insects).

Theoretically, it is not natural to be allergic to grass and trees.  An unreconized food allergy can increase the sensitivity to inhaled antigens.  For some this could also be a sign of either a problem with one’s immune system or a chemically toxic body.  Think of it as a full glass of water and one more drop causes an overflow.  The body is already doing all it can to maintain health and the allergen is the final insult. 

Some immunotherapies use antigen to evoke an immune response resulting in the production of antibodies.  Antibodies help protect the body from future contact with antigens.  Homeopathic (likes cures likes) antigens can offer temporary relief of allergic symptoms until the season or sensitivity has passed.  Of course it is best to improve one’s immune system and avoid contact of any offending substance if possible.  The dosing is 10 drops under the tongue three times daily as needed.
Per my request, Natural Creations has made an exclusive allergen mix for the Southeast.
Allergy-Southeast Mix
 
Other antigen products include:
Allergy Pollen
Flower Antigen
Grain-Seed Antigen
Mold Antigen
Nightshade Antigen (peppers, potatoes, tobacco, tomatos, & eggplant)
Tree Antigen
Vegetable Antigen
Weed & Grass Antigen
Household Antigen (cleaners)

Another favorite homeopathic remedy for allergy- Allergy HP

Stay Well!

Causes of Mental/Emotional Dis-ease: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

While the mental emotional and spiritual can create disease, the opposite is also true.  There are physical situations that can create diseases of mental or emotional problems.  Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or mercury are well known for this.  Remember the Mad Hatter that got mercury poisoning from the making of felt hats.

Environmental toxins such as the pesticide DDT (see blog) mimics estrogen and can play hormone havoc.  The pharmaceutical product of the pre -1950’s diethylstilbesterol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, was given to mothers to aide in a healthier baby.  The female offspring receiving the drug in the first trimester suffered from a rare form of cancer, infertility, and an increased incident of lesbian or bisexual orientation.  Any health problem can bring on anxiety and depression.  These horrors of the past are not currently taught in medical or pharmacy schools so we will likely repeat these errors.

Steroids such as prednisone or food allergies that increase cortisol can lower the working threshold of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can contribute to panic attacks, emotional instability, and attention deficit.

Today, a common drug therapy (proton pump inhibitors) that prevents the stomach from creating acid for digestion is a potential setup for such brain problems.  Acid is needed to breakdown protein into small enough components to be absorbed and to create many of our brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters.  Most of our neurotransmitters are created in the gut. 

Neurotransmitters control nerve conduction and are either excitatory or inhibitory. They either speed up nerve conduction or slow it down.  Epinephrine or adrenaline, known to be the “fight or flight” neurotransmitter is excitatory.  Serotonin and GABA are examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters.  Serotonin is associated with depression and GABA is associated with anxiety.

Common antidepressants allow the serotonin to remain available longer hence increasing the excretion in the urine, therefore actually contributing to its depletion.  Some targeted amino acid (protein) therapy works to help build such neurotransmitters.    This provides the building blocks (precursors) for the body to make it’s own neurotransmitters.  Natural Creations product Inhibitory Neurotransmitter is a helpful intervention for depression.

Gaba is another neurotransmitter that may be viewed as the brains natural tranquilizer.   The supplement approach is Gaba Calm which can be helpful in anxiety, panic attacks and sleep.   HPA Calm is helpful for high stress anxiety related to elevated cortisol and racing thoughts. 

Stay Well

Secret Brain Chemistry

My last blog demonstrated either my emotional instability or the fact that the brain is an amazing organ under the complex influence of biochemicals known as neurotransmitters.  The real frontier of medicine lies in the area of this brain chemistry.  How can we change the way we think in order to make a change in our life?  We are impacted on a moment-to-moment basis based on what we experience and how and what we think. If you experience a good thought then you also experience immediate hormone integration.  Just think of someone that has wronged you and the opposite is true.  Negative thoughts are hormonal disruptors that drain our energy.

You might say that the example of impulse buying is a brain out of control scenario.  In fact our brains become hardwired to experience the same emotions and events every day.  It is like we are addicted to the same things that we have experienced all our lives, as if we literally have no choice.  Those with a victim mentality experience just that.  Those that have an anger mentality experience just that.  Those that experience guilt, stay in that frame of mind.  This is the same as an addiction.  Keep in mind, any addiction can be a substance or behavior that makes that individuals brain chemistry feel normal, even if it is just for a moment.  How can we change this brain chemistry to get off the negative life defeating emotions?  Some are successful with a spiritual path.  Others may need another tool.

The book, “The Secret”, gives a clue as to how we can change the way we think, and therefore change our perception.  (See Perception Blog)  The method is to create an intentional fantasy about what we would like to see, and then allow yourself to “feel” how wonderful it is to have what you mentally created.  The positive feelings require different neurotransmitters, create new neural pathways and ultimately a different brain chemistry pattern.  Of course reality may be entirely different but this is irrelevant to the brain because the fantasy is biochemically just as good as actually having the real thing.  Most of us already know how to do this.  If you plan on buying a car, you can actually see yourself driving the car before you actually open the door or take legal possession.  It already happened in your head, it feels good.

I am not advocating living outside of reality as there are many things beyond our control.  But having any passive fantasy about anything is outside of reality.  This is just using fantasy as an intentional tool for change.  The skeptics would say, you cannot fantasize about getting one million dollars and expect it to fall out of the sky.  They are, of course, correct, they are always correct. 

(The next blog will offer insight how physical toxins can create mental disruption.)

Impulse Buying- Natural Insanity

My interest in the Tennessee Walking Horse and field trialing led me to the National Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration.  My horse trainer friend, Earl and I made the seven-hour trip to Shelbyville, TN.  We joined another trainer and started going from barn to barn to look at horses for sale.  I had no interest in buying but the trainers were shopping for clients.  This was a great equine education for me. 

We then went to a horse auction.  Earl told me I should really consider buying one as there were some quality horses going cheap.  He pointed out a nice stallion.  My response: I am not buying a horse this week, I don’t want a show horse, and I certainly do not want a stallion.  While he was outside talking to a client, a jet-black performance horse strolled in the arena.  He immediately caught my eye.  His conformation and graceful movement was a sight to behold.  It only took 3 seconds, and one quick look at his breeding to start bidding.  The energy in the auction had risen, and I lost my mind for the looks and movement of a fine stallion performance horse.  When Earl came back in, I said, “Earl, I am about to buy this horse.”  He took one look and shook his head with a hardy yes.  The lady refused to sell for the bid price and we struck a deal in the parking lot.  Later, Earl also purchased a horse for his client.

This was completely out of character for me.  What just happened?  When I called my wife to give her the “good” news, she did not believe me.  Especially when I told her the details of my selection.  Her shocked response was, “You are never going to Tennessee with Earl again”.  Ok, great, I can blame Earl.  Actually, honesty is the best policy; I just told her I lost my mind.  I guess I could have told her better a horse than another woman but I am positive that would not have helped.  Since I did not bring a trailer, I hired a wrangler to take him to a barn for boarding.  Earl and I drove back to Statesville that night arriving at 2AM, hooked up the trailer and drove back to Shelbyville early the same morning and came back the same day.

Just to recap, I had repeatedly told Earl the three things I would not do in buying a horse.  With only visual stimulus, the neurotransmitters in my brain changed so dramatically that I lost my mind in that moment and went against everything I had said.  This was a compensatory brain chemistry melee of the first order.   If I could bottle that brain chemistry, I could either rule the world or completely destroy it.  Well, maybe not as I did not control myself.  I weathered the fallout of my purchase decision with my wife, and I still have no buyer’s remorse.  It was actually a fine selection of a great horse that has performed and produced excellent offspring.  I am not sure what the remedy is for this but I do know that I should stay away from the horse auction.