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Top Stories 31ST
ANNUAL CONVENTION! Legislation Journal
of the American Naturopathic Facts |
In Loving Memory " Dr. Gilbert McGrath" Nutritional Intervention For The Thyroid Profile Of An "American Board Certified Naturopathic Physician"
FROM THE PRESIDENT By: Dr. Charles E. Curtis It’s that time of year when we must pay attention to legislative activity around the country. A few states have had some activity and those of you who will be effected have heard from the ANMA. For many years ANMA has successfully fought back exclusionary legislation in an effort to protect individual practice rights. ANMA did so with the combined help of its members. In 1997 the Coalition for Natural Health formed, and through the use of a full time lobbyist was able to ward off this exclusionary legislation. Recently, another group "The HealthKeepers Alliance" has formed. Its primary purpose will be working to educate legislators directly as to the scope of Naturopathy. Both the Coalition for Natural Health and the HealthKeepers Alliance are membership organizations. We at ANMA welcome their involvement and encourage you to support both of these organizations. Together they will fill a much needed service in the monitoring of legislative activities around the country.With legislation covered, we are turning our efforts toward building and improving our association. New this month is the ANMA MONITOR ONLINE. Check it out at our website, anma.com. You will notice that merchants have taken advertising space and we encourage you to support the merchants that support the ANMA. We have secured a 10% discount for our members from Budget Rent A Car. The discount is good anywhere in the country so be sure to consider Budget when renting a car. ANMA will move forward to build membership, through positive incentives, and making its presence known on a National and International level. The public image of ANMA is important to the whole profession , and the officers and Board of Directors at ANMA know you will want to be a part of this building process. ANMA is the sponsoring association to the American Naturopathic Certification Board (ANCB). We encourage you to continue your education and certify that education through the ANCB. If you have not voluntarily applied for certification yet, we encourage you to do so now. ANCB has stepped up its examination efforts of "Board Certified Naturopaths", and is in the process of making it mandatory for all certified doctors to submit 20 hours of Continuing Education Credit annually to keep the "certification" current. You will also notice the ANCB began profiling a "Board Certified Naturopathic Physician" and "Board Certified Naturopath" in this issue of the ANMA Monitor. I am sure you are all aware of the next annual convention being held at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas on September 15,16, & 17, 2000. This will be a wonderful event, with excellent learning opportunities. Please get registered and make your plans to be in attendance. If you haven’t made your room reservations, be sure to do so right away. We at ANMA look forward to welcoming each and every one of you to our 19th Annual Convention.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE By: Robert L. White, N.D., Ph.D., P.A.-C. While Alternative medicine is new to some, history identifies Hippocrates, a Naturopathic physician, as the "Father of Medicine." Thomas A. Edison offered the following quotation regarding the future of medicine: "The Doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." To understand "Oxidative Medicine," we must first understand and differentiate the terms "Oxidation" and "Oxygenation." OXIDATION refers to the process where there is a transfer of electrons between two or more molecules, while OXYGENATION is the uptake or use of Oxygen at the cellular level. While every cell in the human system requires Oxygen to stimulate the cellular production of energy during the process of Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation, these terms refer to two different metabolic processes and are unrelated. Hydrogen Peroxide, the basis of Oxidative Medicine was discovered by the French chemist, Louis - Jacque Thenard, in the year 1818. Hydrogen Peroxide (Hydrogen Dioxide) (H2O2 ) is a binary compound of Hydrogen and Oxygen. It is a colorless, odorless liquid with a freezing point of -20C, and a boiling point of 1520 C. It decomposes under 68 mm pressure at 840 C and is soluble in water in all proportions. Hydrogen Peroxide naturally dismutates (breaks down) at a rate of 1% per month, however dismutation is retarded by cold exposure. Decomposition by light begins only in the near ultraviolet. Hydrogen Peroxide is made commercially in several concentrations containing 12.9%, 16.5%, 23.5%, and 42.3% active oxygen. In 1955 a Hydrogen Peroxide containing 99% was made for commercial use only. Although it can act as a mild reducing agent in certain circumstances, Hydrogen Peroxide is used mostly in dilute solutions as an oxidizing agent Standard Medicine is finally beginning to realize the effect of "Oxidants," "Antioxidants," and "Free Radicals" on the human system. The Free Radical Theory of Disease was first proposed by Denham Harmon, M.D., in the mid 1950’s, (1) (2), and echoed by R. F. Del Maestro, et al, in 1980 (3). The initial hypothesis was that Free Radicals are atoms that have an unequal or unbalanced number of electrons in their outer orbital ring, rendering them unstable. Therefore, pathology is the result of uncontrolled or excessive production of Free Radicals and not simply upon their production. This documents the conclusion that all Free Radicals are not bad for the human system, many are beneficial and are required to maintain normal cellular homeostasis. Hydrogen Peroxide has been identified as a powerful stimulator of Hydroxyl Free Radical formation (4). The ideal situation for the development of the Hydroxyl Radical exists when the ratio of FERROUS (FE2+) to FERRIC(FE3+) drops below 8:1. In the presence of H2O2, FERROUS IRON (FE2+) becomes oxidized to form FERRIC IRON (FE3+), because it has lost an electron. The H2O2 gains an electron and becomes reduced, by that forming the Hydroxyl (OH) Radical, a potential cause of lipid peroxidation (5)(6)(7). It is very important to remember that in the presence of H2O2 and Ascorbic Acid, Iron is maintained in the FERRIC (FE3+) state, preventing electron transfer and the production of the Hydroxyl Radical. OH radicals will not be formed when Iron is maintained in the FERRIC (FE3+) state - they ALWAYS require FERROUS (FE2+). The balance of FERROUS (FE2+) and FERRIC (FE3+) Iron in the body is extremely critical to support lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. CUPPROUS (CU2+) Ions may also catalyze OH radicals in the presence of H2O2, but at a much slower rate. Knowing this, it is extremely difficult to imagine that H202 initiates supports microsomal lipid peroxidation(8). The first reported Human use of Intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide was by Dr. T. E. Oliver in 1920 (9) during the worldwide Influenza Epidemic that carried a mortality rate greater than 80%. However, the mortality rate in the group of twenty-five patients treated with Hydrogen Peroxide by Dr. Oliver dropped to 48%. Dr. Oliver felt the positive clinical response was due to the oxidation of the toxic virus by the Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide is produced in abundance by almost every cell in the human body, and is involved in many different physiologic processes (10). The release of Hydrogen Peroxide by the Peroxisomes of the White Blood cells has been identified as the initial response of the human body following an attack by pathogenic organisms (11)(12)(13). H2O2, when injected into the venous system immediately contacts CATALASE, a Heme containing enzyme that uses COPPER as its metal cofactor. In the Catalase reaction, one of the two Peroxide molecules is oxidized to Molecular (Diatomic) Oxygen, and the other is reduced to water (2 HOOH + Catalase > 2 H2O + O2). In the Mitochondria H2O2 reacts with GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE, a SELENIUM dependent enzyme. Glutathione Peroxidase differs from Catalase in that it requires an electron donor (REDUCED GLUTATHIONE [GSH]) as its source of "reducing equivalents." (2 HOOH + 2 GSH > 2 H2O + GSSG or oxidized Glutathione). Organisms that are "Coagulase Negative" are unable to produce the enzyme "Catalase" and are very susceptible to the destructive effects of Hydrogen Peroxide (14). On the other hand, organisms that are "Coagulase Positive," are able to release Catalase that reacts with the Hydrogen peroxide, subsequently rendering the human body defenseless against these organisms. To combat this activity, Hydrogen Peroxide combines with Myeloperoxidase and Chlorine in the Granulocytes to form Hypochlorous Acid(15)(16)(17). This represents the second line of defense by the body when Hydrogen Peroxide fails to destroy the "Coagulase Positive" organisms (18). In the 1940’s and 1950’s, the development of "ANTIBIOTICS" as the mainstay in the treatment of acute infectious processes led to a significant decrease in the research of Oxidative therapies. However, recent medical literature suggests the primary activity of antibiotics may be to alter the normal body flora in preparation for the release of Hydrogen Peroxide from the Peroxisomes. This may explain why almost every organism known to man is sensitive to the "cidal" effects of Hydrogen Peroxide, either directly or indirectly. Initial research on Hydrogen Peroxide primarily involved the intraarterial administration of Hydrogen Peroxide to evaluate the effects of Oxidative Therapies in the treatment of Ischemic Vascular Disease(19)(20)(21). However, research on the intravenous administration of Hydrogen Peroxide was also done to evaluate the effects on wound healing (22) and the extrapulmonary tissue oxygenation(23). The most significant research was done by J.W. Finney, et al, at Baylor University in the 1950’s(24)(25). Dr. Finney’s studies revealed a significant decrease in the atheromatous lesions in Atherosclerotic vascular disease following the infusion of Hydrogen Peroxide (26). Research on Oxidative medicine slowed to a veritable standstill until the mid 1980’s, when Charles H. Farr, M.D., Ph.D., working at the Genesis Medical Research Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, initiated a thorough review of the previously performed research. In view of his findings, Dr. Farr proposed that a "pool" of Hydrogen Peroxide exists in the human body that is available for many intracellular and extracellular functions (27). His review prompted several research projects that identified many mechanisms of action of Hydrogen Peroxide, setting the stage for further investigation into the therapeutic benefits of "Oxidative Medicine."(28)(29) Dr. Farr’s research prompted the formation of The International Oxidative Medicine Association, to continue research, establish therapeutic guidelines, and develop educational programs in the different branches of Oxidative Medicine. From that point in time we might say medicine has undergone major changes, as protocols have been established for the safe and effective use of intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide and other Oxidative Medicine modalities. I.O.M.A. holds semiannual education and training seminars on Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxidative Medicine(30). Subsequently, noted scientists and practitioners throughout the world approached Dr. Farr to serve as the standard bearer for Oxidative medicine. The fact that his work was submitted to the Nobel Foundation for consideration of the prestigious "Nobel Peace Prize" in Medicine has further documented the value of his research efforts. The resurgence of Oxidative Medicine has not been limited to Hydrogen Peroxide. Hyperbaric Oxygen, Ozone Therapy and Photoluminescence (U.V.B.)are all viable therapeutic modalities that have benefited from the recent increase in research and use. Many data are available in the medical literature documenting the efficacy of OZONE Therapy, HYPERBARIC Oxygen Therapy and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE Therapy in the treatment of degenerative disease processes, acute/chronic viral and bacterial infections, Immune and Autoimmune deficiency syndromes, and the regulation of Hormone balance in the human body. Just as we have called Hippocrates the "Father of Medicine," George Washington the "Father of our Country," and Dr. Norman Clarke the "Father of EDTA Chelation Therapy," we will forever remember Dr. Charles H. Farr as the "Father of Oxidative Medicine."
WHY THERAPIES FAIL By: Dr. Shoshana Margolin
We all recognize the immense complexity of the human organism and the challenge of restoring ill people to optimal health; most of us also recognize that the essence of therapeutic modalities must be a synergism of art and science. Therapies - both conventional and non-conventional - often fail. This is a fact. Let's look at some of the obvious reasons, which are encountered mostly in Traditional Medicine, such as: • The therapy itself is either ineffective or only
partially effective. The obscure reasons are often encountered in Natural Therapy, such as: • Professional guesswork instead of communication
with the body. Every chronic problem is multi-faceted, so we need a multi-dimensional approach to address its various aspects. Let's take a very simplistic example: A diversified group of professionals is taken to a garden to look upon a specific large tree, and are then requested to describe their experience of it. The BOTANIST describes the shape of the leaves, the similarity of the flowers to other flowering plants, the classification of the tree among the various arbor categories, the climate and region that are ideal for such trees - and an estimate of the age of this particular tree. The BIOLOGIST sees the tree as a natural habitat for our feathered friends. This tree serves as a home for a variety of nesting birds, who lay their eggs and raise their young among its branches. The HERBALIST explains the medicinal properties of the various parts of the tree: a tea made from the bark will help ease arthritic pains, a tincture made from the leaves will enhance blood circulation to compromised tissues and an essence prepared from the buds and flowers will calm the troubled mind. The seasoned TRAVELER looks upon the tree as an oasis: its thick foliage will provide shade against the hot sun, while its sweet, succulent fruit will quench his thirst and satisfy his hunger. The ARTIST describes the interplay of light and shade and the harmonious combination of colors of the trunk, leaves and flowers against the light-blue sky. The POET exalts the loftiness of this majestic tree and the gentle rustle of the leaves whenever the breeze passes through them. The THEOLOGIAN likens the tree to the ideal man: roots firmly planted in the ground, while the branches aim up toward heaven. All these people - from various backgrounds - observed the same tree, for the same length of time - yet they all have different views; they pay attention to different aspects of the experience. Likewise, when we observe a condition of dis-ease, we have to realize that it may have two, three or even twenty different aspects: structural, traumatic, biochemical, hormonal, constitutional, toxicological, pathogenic, hereditary, emotional, mental and spiritual. Each aspect may have to be addressed by itself, with a treatment modality which is specific for it, and in the exact sequence chosen by the body. Let's look at an actual case of musculoskeletal impairment as an illustration of how these principles are implemented in a clinical setting: This middle aged lady complains of chronic pain in her left hip, with limited range of motion, difficulty walking and chronic ache in the joint - a condition that has persisted for the past two years, since she fell on the ice. During this time she received numerous chiropractic and physiotherapeutic treatments that helped to some extent. As starters, we explain to her that everything that ever happened to her is still within the body, embedded deep in cellular memory. This is her BIOLOGICAL DATABANK, which we can tap into, to retrieve information vital to her healing. Then muscle responsiveness is established, as a means of reliable communication with the body. Then both she and the tester are neutralized, so that opinions, belief system or mind chatter would not contribute to the answers that we get. Then we synchronize our energies - so that we can work in harmony together. Then we program her to give reliable answers. Then we test and correct neurological switching, identify and remove any blocks and establish body-mind awareness. Then we establish reliability - and finally, we assure that the body is ready and able to derive 100% benefit from the session, ON ALL LEVELS. This lengthy procedure is a prerequisite to the test itself and is carried out in meticulous detail during the initial visit. It is much shorter in future visits. All testing is done in an environment free of Geopathic Stress, electro - magnetic pollution or other disturbing influences. Then we go into the specific "file" (i.e. - the primary problem) in this Biocomputer (which is the body), so that all questions, answers and procedures that follow are addressing the issue at hand. We present the body with all possible causes and with the 55-or-so available natural therapeutic modalities. It chooses "physical trauma" as #1 priority, and calls for the Homeopathic remedy "ARNICA" in 60th potency and the flower essence combination "RRT" to neutralize the residue of shock that is still active within the DNA. We get the exact dosage for these. Next, the body requests "positional destressing", in which the angle of the fall is re-enacted step-by-step, with the "destressing" procedure carried out at every increment. Next, the body reports the presence of REACTIVE MUSCLES (which work against each other, instead of in harmonious unison). Since ANY muscle can be "reactive" with any other muscle (these are usually in pairs, but may also be involved in groups of 3 or 4) - there are almost a million possibilities. So the involved pair must be identified and disengaged. She is asked to test her condition by walking and reports that 60% of her discomfort is gone and there is a greater range of motion.. Next, the body reports that some negative emotion is embedded in the fibers of the muscle. We present her with a list of hundreds of emotions - and the body chooses "fear" as the disturbing one. Sometimes it's enough to list a suppressed emotion from the subconscious to conscious level - and it dissipates. At other times, we have to erase it and implant a positive emotion in its place. After "fear" another emotion presents itself. The body identifies "panic"., This, too, is released, and she is finally ready for the last step: Goal-Energy alignment, and the homework: to take the remedies as requested by the body. She tests her walking, and she no longer limps. Her pain is almost gone and she gained significantly in expanding her range-of-motion. The body indicated that she will need one more session, five days later. She goes out happy and relieved. Why the comprehensive approach? In a case that seems purely physical why should we bother with emotional release and other exotic corrections? Because if only the physical components are corrected, then ANY of these disturbances - if not cleared - are likely to pull back the physical problem by resonance, after a short time. This explains why so many repeat visits are needed in a non-holistic setting, because many aspects of the problem are left unidentified and unacknowledged, and the physical modalities which are used address only one of the many aspects of the problem. What do we need to learn from this? Simply this: give the body a chance to TELL YOU what it already "knows" in the deepest sense of the word, - so that you may work together as a team to correct the impairments!
American Naturopathic Medical
Association
The prestigious Physician of the Year was awarded to Dr. Robert J. Thiel at the annual meeting of the American Naturopathic Medical Association’s (ANMA is the nation’s largest naturopathic association) national conference. Robert Thiel Ph.D., Naturopath was acknowledged for his published research and clinical success. His accomplishments in 1999 include the newly published book Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century, original research on natural vs. synthetic nutrition, heading the American Naturopathic Certification Board’s (ANCB) national certification examination committee, working to require labeling of genetically modified foods, teaching, and defending traditional naturopathy against those who wish naturopaths to be involved in allopathic interventions (such as drugs and surgery). The acceptance of his paper Natural vitamins may be superior to synthetic ones by the well respected journal Medical Hypotheses is believed to be the first agsastive paper in recent times to be accepted by a major medical peer-reviewed journal which clearly explains the benefits of each natural essential vitamin over their synthetic counterparts (there have been papers published on individual vitamins in the past, but not all the essential vitamins collectively). Eight published studies by Dr. Thiel involving chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic infections, arthritis, attention-deficit disorders, thyroid syndromes, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and migraine headaches found that 98.4% of participants who followed his recommendations reported improvement. The National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease, after reviewing Dr. Thiel’s research on natural interventions and HIV/AIDS, all concluded that his pioneering work had "significant scientific merit". The February 2000 issue of Back to Herbs reported "Dr. Thiel has the highest known published success rate of any natural health professional in the entire United States". Dr. Thiel is also president of the California State Naturopathic Medical Association (California’s largest naturopathic association.) He is considered one of the world’s leading clinical naturopaths and a leading expert on natural vs. synthetic nutrients. Dr. Thiel also teaches at the International College of Naturopathy, the only ANCB approved school which is authorized by the State of California to grant a Naturopathic Doctor diploma. In Loving Memory of Dr. Gilbert McGrath from San Diego, CA. recently passed away. As a medic in the navy during WWII, Dr. McGrath became interested in natural therapy after becoming disenchanted with allopathic medicine. Gil as we called him, earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.) degree from the Hahnemann Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, and later became a Certified Naturopathic Physician through the American Naturopathic Certification Board. As co-owner of GY&N, a nutrient company, Gil was a strong supporter of the American Naturopathic Medical Association, attending each annual convention as a merchant. He is survived by his wife, Josephine McGrath; six children, Charles McGrath, Mark McGrath, Maria Ekdahl, Joanie McGrath, Michelle Funkhouser, Rose McGrath-Darling. He also has nine grandchildren. Dr. McGrath was a true supporter and friend of ANMA and will be deeply missed.
NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS FOR THE THYROID By: Robert J. Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath
Abstract: People who have symptoms associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism do not always test positive for thyroid conditions when thyroid panels are run. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine how often individualized nutritional interventions could result in symptomatic improvement for people who were believed to need thyroid nutrition. 217 of the 220 participants (98.6%) reported improvement in two months (P <0.01) with problems such as fatigue, depression/mood, headaches, body fat, weight, and other symptoms. INTRODUCTION Thyroid problems, clinical and/or subclinical, are exceptionally common [1-8]. One study involving 46,000 Americans founds that 11% had one or more undiagnosed thyroid conditions [6]; a non-American study found that 9.7% of elderly males and 18.2% of elderly females had hypothyroidism [7]. Subclinical hypothyroidism, which is rarely diagnosed, is perhaps the most common problem [8]. Being female [9], smoking [10], depression [11-14], poor nutrition [15], and advancing age [1,7] are all factors for developing thyroid problems (though men, children, and non-smokers get them as well [6,7,10]). This investigator also suspects that stress may play a role as well. It has been speculated that since "other ions can compete with iodine" [16], water with fluoride and/or chloride may contribute to thyroid problems as these ions also may have an affinity for the thyroid gland. Also since iodine soil concentrations are low in many areas of the world, "normal" local diets can contribute to thyroid problems [16]. Certain foods, perhaps most notably soy, have been linked to the development of hypothyroid problems, but this controversy has not yet been fully resolved [17,18] (this investigator suspects the soy-hypothyroid link is strongest when large amounts of soy have been consumed on a prolonged basis). Some foods such as cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, rutabaga, cauliflower, mustard greens, radishes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, corn, peas, lima beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, sorghum, apricots, prunes, walnuts, cherries, almonds, and bamboo shoots contain goitrogens (thyroid suppressants) and/or progoitrogens (thyroid stimulants) which, though they probably do not adversely affect persons with optimal thyroid function, may affect those with thyroid conditions if they are frequently consumed [18]. The thyroid is a small gland which produces hormones which are generally believed to speed metabolism (such as thyroxine) and affect concentrations of calcium (calcitonin) [19,20]. Symptoms associated with a suboptimal thyroid include fatigue, cold extremities, depression, mood swings, behavioral disorders, weight issues (both weight gain and inability to gain weight), circulatory complaints, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, headaches, arrythmias, lower tolerance for temperature fluctuations, menstrual problems, dry skin, and constipation [19,21,22]. Poor nutrition has been positively correlated to low serum thyroid hormone levels [15]. Natural health practitioners have long worked with nutrition and the thyroid. Nutritional support has been used in the U.S. since at least 1916 [23] and in China since around 3000 B.C. [24]. A clinical trial was performed to determine how often individualized nutritional interventions would result in symptomatic improvement for people suspected to need thyroid nutrition. SELECTION CRITERIA Subjects were eligible for inclusion in this trial if they agreed to provide (and did provide) feedback, signed a consent agreement (or in the case of minors, their guardians provided consent), followed the recommendations for two months, and indicated that they suffered from symptoms associated with a suboptimally functioning thyroid. 220 people were eligible and participated: 141 were female and 79 were male. Ages ranged from 3-90; the mean participant age was 45.0 years. METHOD After completing the selection documentation, all subjects were interviewed for approximately 45 minutes. All subjects were then assessed using Reflex Nutrition Assessment (RNA). RNA is a non-invasive technique used to assess nutrition status and possible food intolerances by observing the responses of muscles under externally provided human force [25]. Subjects were only included in this trial if RNA confirmed a nutritionally-deficient thyroid gland. Participants who appeared to be intolerant to one or more foods (such as those containing caffeine) were advised to avoid them. Participants were advised to consume an average of three tablets per day of one or more nutritional supplements. Although the actual supplements varied by individual, they tended to include various herbs (such as kelp, alfalfa, burdock, scullcap, and dong quai), minerals (such as iodine, selenium, and chromium), amino acids (such as tyrosine), polysaccharides (containing the eight essential monosaccharides [26]), and/or bovine glandulars (primarily thyroid, pituitary, liver, and adrenal). Subjects were interviewed (and body fat measured) at approximately one month intervals to determine change. Body fat measurement was usually based on electronic bioimpedance measurement (other methods, such as calipers, were used for those that our bioimpedance scale could not calculate--mostly those weighing over 250 lbs.). RESULTS 217 participants (98.6%) orally reported improvement within 60 days; the P value of improvement (using a binomial Fisher's extract test) was < 0.01. Reflex assessment indicated that 91 of participants in this study (41.4%) were negatively affected by caffeine. Improvement was tabulated for loss of body fat, weight gain (for those unable to gain weight), mood/behavior issues, headaches, arrythmias, and circulation. Improvement was noted (but not tabulated) for reduction of dry skin, constipation, menstrual problems, hypertension, improved appetite for vegetables, hypercholesterolemia, and sex drive (in woman). 193 participants (87.7%) reported significant improvement, 24 participants (10.9%) reported minor improvement, and 3 participants (1.4%) reported no improvement. Age and gender were not found to be significant factors affecting improvement. Thus toddlers (the youngest subject was 3) and elderly seniors (the oldest subject was 90), as well as ages in-between, appeared to benefit from nutritional support for the thyroid. The average participant had 2.4 symptoms associated with suboptimal thyroid functioning. The 3 participants which showed no improvement had only one thyroid-related problem each (2 who needed to lose body fat and did not during the two months and 1 who wanted to gain weight did not gain weight during the two months--though he did gain it later). 114 of 116 (98.3%) with mood/depression/behavioral problems reported improvement. 128 of 130 (98.5%) with fatigue/tiredness reported improvement. 60 of 61 (98.4%) with headaches reported improvement. 18 of 19 (94.7%) with various arrythmias reported improvement. 35 of 37 (94.6%) with circulatory complaints reported improvement. 8 of the participants had been taking thyroid medications before and during the trial--all these 8 reported improvement. Some participants reported less dry skin, easier menstrual cycles, reduced cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, less constipation, less desire for alcohol, less desire for tobacco, increased desire for vegetables, decreased desire for coffee, and (for many women, but only one man) improved sex drive, but statistics were not collected by individual symptom. Body fat measurement was used in this trial instead of weight loss as many who attempt to lose weight sometimes gain muscle through exercise and because "all aspects of fat metabolism are enhanced under the influence of thyroid hormone" [20]. The mean loss of body fat for the 115 participants who needed to lose fat was 1.3%. 69 of 115 (60.0%) lost body fat during the two month trial with an average loss for them of 3.5%, 10 (8.7%) showed no change in body fat, but 36 (31.3%) gained an average of 2.6% of body fat. 44 of the 46 (95.7%) who gained or had no change in body fat had other symptomatic improvement. On the reverse side, 11 of 12 (91.7%) who desired to gain weight, gained weight. DISCUSSION Two studies concluded that 6-10% of the population suffers from subclinical hypothyroidism [4,8] while another concluded that up to 48% of U.S. and U.K. seniors (over age 60) had subclinical hypothyroidism [1]. While some consider subclinical hypothyroidism to be a condition diagnosable from serum TSH tests [27], in this investigator's opinion, true subclinical hypothyroidism is not diagnosable from blood tests, but by symptoms only. Since thyroid blood tests do not always reveal that thyroid may be involved, actual symptoms can be much more significant factors in determining whether a nutritional intervention may be effective; other doctors have reached similar conclusions [3,5,11,28]. There is a major medical debate about what to do about subclinical hypothyroidism [5,29,30]--the major points are that subclinical hypothyroidism exists, but that there are negative consequences associated with synthetic thyroxine replacement therapy as it leads to thyroid atrophy and dependency [5,9,30]. Doesn't nutritional support appear to be the logical choice in such situations? Thyroxine is sometimes prescribed in a specific effort to induce thyroid atrophy [31]; even when that is not the goal, synthetic thyroxine does not nutritionally support the thyroid gland. A Dutch study found that synthetic thyroid therapy helped only 25-30% of those with subclinical hypothyroidism [8], yet three previous studies performed by this investigator found that the use of non-medical, nutritional thyroid interventions resulted in more than 95% reporting improvement [32-34]. Thyroxine therapies are suspected to increase the incidence of the nutritional problem of osteoporosis [35-39]. It may be because they interfere with estrogens or it may be that the atrophy of the thyroid gland leads to a reduced production of calcitonin or other substances [4,40]. Studies show that food source calcitonin appears to improve bone density in both males and females who suffer from osteoporosis [40,41]. Actually, one study found that bone loss was reduced by approximately 65% for women who took food source calcitonin and calcium compared to women on estrogen/progesterone therapy as well as for women on twice as much calcium alone [41]. Since everything is not known about the thyroid gland [31] or its nutrition [16], this researcher believes that a comprehensive nutritional approach to support the thyroid gland is much more likely to improve overall nutritional health and metabolism than any hormone therapy. Synthetic thyroid hormone therapy leads to dependency [31], which should not be necessary in cases (such as subclinical hypothyroidism) where the thyroid is capable of producing hormones. That is not to say there is no place for hormone therapies (there clearly are [31]), but nutrition-based approaches may be the key to improving the health of those who suffer from nutritionally-deficient thyroid glands [3,18,32-34,42,43]. It is well known that thyroid problems are much more common in women than in men [6,9]. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can trigger and even be the cause of migraine headaches [3,31]. This investigator believes this is because they raise estrogen levels to the point they negatively affect estrogen-thyroid hormone balance (these hormones seem to work together in a manner which affects behavior [40]) and that this subsequent imbalance can ultimately result in a suboptimally functioning thyroid. It is also this investigator's clinical experience that women who take estrogen-containing compounds tend to need nutritional support for the thyroid longer than others do (often indefinitely). Nutrition is a logical supporter of thyroid health. The primary thyroid hormone is made up of iodine and tyrosine and undergoes several metabolic processes to become T-4 (commonly called thyroxine) and T-3 (triiodothyronine) [16,20]. Many foods contain iodine (such as sea vegetables) and protein-containing foods contain between 1.4-5.8% tyrosine by mass [43]. The thyroid must trap about 60mcg of iodine each day to maintain an adequate amount of thyroxine and at least one billion people living in developing countries are currently believed to be deficient in it [16]. Herbs, such as kelp, alfalfa, dong quai, scullcap, burdock, and kelp, have been used to help support the thyroid [44-46]. Herbs contain minerals and phytonutrients which appear to support proper thyroid functioning (though too much kelp can be a problem [47,48]). Kelp has a high concentration of food complexed iodine [16] and has been used for thyroid health for at least 5,000 years [24] (most of the iodine in this trial came from kelp). Kelp may also affect TSH levels as well [48]. Some natural health professionals have found that chromium can support thyroid health [49] and this study included chromium GTF in a vegetarian natural food complex. Glycoproteins are necessary for TSH (thyroxine stimulating hormone) and are made from proteins and eight essential monosaccharides (in this trial they were included as part of a polysaccharide complex) [26,50]. It is known that the thyroid needs minerals such as selenium, zinc, and iodine. Although those minerals were not used separately in this trial, it should be noted that glandulars contain the about the highest concentration of selenium of any food [51], organs contain good amounts of zinc [52], and the thyroid glands contain the highest concentration of iodine in the body [16]. Glandulars also contain peptides, amino acids, and other substances which are believed to help support the thyroid [18,53-58]. Dr. Cass Ingram (D.O.), has written that synthetic approaches to thyroid problems (such as Synthyroid), have little, if any, effect on headaches; he prefers natural glandulars [3]. The results in this trial associated with improved mood/depression/behavior [33], fatigue [34], and migraine headaches [32] were consistent with this investigator's research in these areas. The improvement in arrythmias and circulatory concerns is consistent with this investigator's earlier clinical observations in those respective areas. Many people with fatigue appear to have clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism [34,59]. Perhaps more significantly, many people with depression or other cognitive disorders appear to have clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism [11,13,14]. Many of these people appear to be resistant to standard treatments for depression, unless the thyroid is also addressed (which it often is not) [11,13,14]. Is it necessary for so many people to suffer a reduced quality of life when nutritional support for the thyroid can help? Weight was the one area where results, though positive overall, were quite mixed. This may be because weight and body fat could have more facets to them than most of the other symptoms that were monitored. Some subjects lost body fat while making no lifestyle changes, yet some gained body fat though exercising and dieting. This researcher suspects, however, that the combination of exercise, diet, and thyroid support results in permanent body fat loss better than any one of them separately (genetics, infections, and other factors probably also play a role). It should be noted that this trial was limited to a two month period and that it may, in some cases, take longer for nutritional support of the thyroid to have a noticeable effect in this area. Caffeine was suspected to play more of a negative role in this study than any other single food substance. Dr. Alex Duarte places caffeine first in his list of foods which can cause migraine headaches [60]. Just like thyroxine [19,20], caffeine increases the metabolic rate [61] and can positively affect mood [62]. A military study concluded that caffeine intoxication usually occurs with consumption in excess of 250mg [63]; this investigator believes it takes much less caffeine to affect women. This investigator also speculates that some people who need nutritional thyroid support will use caffeine in an attempt to compensate for the positive feeling increased metabolism often gives. Perhaps not surprisingly, caffeine is the most widely consumed pyschotrophic drug [62]. In the U.S., most (around 75%) caffeine is consumed through coffee, followed by tea and sodas [64]. Caffeine is in many commonly consumed "foods" as follows [65]: 5 ounce glass of ground roasted coffee 85mg Interestingly, caffeine seems to have an antioxidant effect [66]. This is probably one of the reasons that caffeine seems to relieve headaches in many [22] (another could be that caffeine may irritate the nervous system which results in temporary dilation). This investigator, though, suspects that the consumption of caffeine becomes a vicious cycle--it probably temporarily relieves, but ultimately contributes to additional migraine headaches. Its consumption also probably delays sufferers from seeking nutritional help for thyroid issues, since this investigator believes that caffeine may mask certain hypothyroid conditions (such as mood and fatigue issues). Withdrawal reactions occur in 25-100% of coffee consumers and includes severe headaches, depressed mood, anxiety, and fatigue [63]. Caffeine withdrawal headache symptoms usually occur between 13 to 23 hours of discontinuing caffeine and it occurs most frequently with heavy consumers of caffeine [67]. The reality is that more money is spent promoting caffeine and performing research in support of caffeine than is spent to warn consumers about caffeine [68]. CONCLUSION Since thyroid problems are common, most traditional health professionals believe that they require management with external agents to reduce their occurrence [11,31]. While this investigator concurs with this belief in many cases, is it necessary that these agents be synthetic? This investigator is concerned that long-term use of many of the medication used to treat thyroid conditions can result in atrophy of the thyroid [31]. Thus it seems clear that other interventions should be considered, at least as an adjunct. Natural interventions administered by properly trained professionals tend to have fewer negative consequences (pregnancy and other cautions, though do apply) than the synthetic counterparts offered by some practitioners [31]. Food and nutritional problems do contribute to causing thyroid problems [15,16]. As this trial confirmed with 217 of 220 reporting improvement, nutritional approaches appear to be helpful to improve symptoms associated with suboptimal thyroid health. This researcher encourages doctors and health researchers to be willing to challenge current paradigms about the thyroid and to work toward cooperative interventions to help those with thyroid concerns improve and lead better lives.
Profile Of An
This issue of the ANMA MONITOR features Rey Ximenes, MD from Austin, Texas. Dr. Ximenes applied to the ANCB for certification in the Category of Naturopathic Physician and was certified as such in August, 1998. Dr. Ximenes earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 1983. He fulfilled an Internship in Internal Medicine at Hermann and St. Joseph Hospital, and completed his residency in Anesthesiology at various hospitals in Texas, including the Chronic Pain Clinic under the supervision of David Almeyda, M.D. Dr. Ximenes also holds Board Certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiologist and the American Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Ximenes’ many hours of Category I Continuing medical education include Pain and Stress Management, Cranio-Sacral Therapy I & II with the Upledger Institute, Medical Acupuncture for Physicians, Modules I,II, III, & IV, Fundamentals of Chinese Herbology, Myoneuropathic Pain Syndromes; Recognition, Treatment, a Botulinum Toxin Injection Techniques Workshop & Physicians Pain Management Speakers Training Program. He has also extensively studied nutrition, Gi Gong, Tai Chi & hypnosis. Dr. Ximenes took part in the Acupuncture Delegation to the Peoples Republic of China; National leaders in Clinical Care Meeting-Current Considerations in Chronic Pain Management: An Ultiam Update, Carlsbad, CA, & the Amelia Island Pain Summit, Amelia Island, Florida. In practice since 1986, Dr. Ximenes provides a unique and powerful blend of traditional and alternative treatments. Dr. Ximenes comments that his certification with ANCB has opened doors to other alternative health care practitioners who have provided patient referrals. He goes on to state he believes his involvement with ANMA and ANCB strengthens the natural health care movement. Dr. Ximenes serves as Medical Director and Pain Management Specialist at the: Pain Management Center
TDP Mineral Lamp
The TDP Special, Electromagnetic, Health, Mineral Wave Lamp was invented in China by a group of scientists and physicians, headed by Dr. Gou Wenbin. They are deeply involved in the prospects of utilizing mineral, infrared frequencies for general therapeutic effects. And they concluded that the Mineral Infrared Device is better, than any existing devices on the market, for its safe, multi-function features, and ability to penetrate much deeper. The TDP Mineral Wave Lamp is a new type therapeutic and health device. With the functions of promoting metabolism, regulating physiological deficiency, diminishing inflammation, and easing pain, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp has proven extraordinarily effective in treating numerous ailments, such as muscular sore and pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and various skin conditions. Since introduced into clinic and family use in early 1980's, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp has successfully treated up to 60 million patients in China, Hong Kong, South Asia, Japan, Europe, Australia, and recently in North America. Due to its prominent therapeutic effects, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp is known in China and Hong Kong as the "Miracle Lamp". As a confirmation of its being accepted by the International Community, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp won a Gold Medal at the Zagreb International Fair Spring 1986 in Yugoslavia, and a Silver Medal at the 35th Brussels Eureka World Fair for Invention in December of the same year. Also, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp has been registered with the FDA for being marketed in the United States. Thousands of American Medical Doctors have treated millions of patients with this incredible device.
How TDP Mineral Wave Lamp Works
Different from conventional infrared lamp and microwave therapeutic device, the TDP Mineral Wave Lamp features a round plate, coated with a proprietary mineral formation, consisting of 33 elements, essential to the human body. When activated by an built-in electric heating element, this mineral plate emits a special band of electromagnetic waves Yanging from 2 to 25 (microns) in wavelength and 28 to 34 mw/sq.cm in intensity, that coincide with the wavelengths and intensity of the electromagnetic waves, released by a human body, and are consequently absorbed by the body (so called selective absorption). This absorbed electromagnetic energy has been found to yield therapeutic effects on the human body by: 1. Helping to generate various beneficial bio-chemical stimuli that the body may lack due to illness, accident or injury; 2. Accelerating the decomposition of unstable structures, such as dead cells; and 3. Enhancing the body's function of adjustment and immunity. These biological functions allow the mineral infrared device to give users effects such as: A. The relief of muscular aches and pains caused by arthritis and soft tissue injuries; B. The alleviation of inflammation and edema from soft tissue injuries; C. The assistance in the healing of skin disorders D. The balancing of the nervous system E. The promotion of healing effects on internal organs F. The treatment of bone fractures DISTRIBUTED BY"BUYAMAG CO"
The views and opinions expressed in this online newsletter are not necessarily those of the American Naturopathic Medical Association, its officers or its members, nor are they necessarily in accordance or agreement with its policies.
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