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Top Stories 27th
Annual Convention (7/25/08)
Convention
Lecture Legislation Journal
of the American Naturopathic Medical Association (JANMA) Facts |
Systemic Mycoses: A Naturopathic Overview Profile of an "American Board Certified Naturopath" Florida Naturopathic Medical Association Has Been Established Budget Rent a Car 10% OFF for ANMA Members
To advertise in the ANMA Monitor or ANMA MONITOR ONLINE
FROM THE PRESIDENT By: Dr. Charles E. Curtis
This has been quite a year. The legislative session brought good news in Minnesota. ANMA member Nancy Hone from Minnesota helped to successfully guide a "freedom of health care" measure through the legislature and Governor Ventura signed it into law. Minnesota law now allows all natural health care providers to offer their services to the public without obtaining a license to practice. On the other hand, the Florida legislature passed a bill making it a felony for any "unlicensed" practice of Naturopathy. Governor Jed Bush has not signed it as of this writing and many are contacting the Governors office urging him to "Veto" this bill. While we did work against this bill, we were simply out spent. We regret the Florida bill passed in spite of our efforts. It isn’t over yet. Several organizations are working with ANMA to encourage the Governor to veto the bill. We congratulate the ANCB on the great strides they have made. They reported to ANMA that several health care state licensing boards have expressed an interest in the "certification" process. The boards are expressing an interest in working with ANCB to establish a scope of practice and regulations for recognition, certification, or registration of doctors as "naturopathic physicians" or "naturopaths". ANMA has planned one of the most exciting, educational programs to date. More than that, the ANMA annual convention is a time for you, the member, to meet and bond with other members, working to establish or build their practices. It is an opportunity to benefit individually, and as an organization. The annual convention is the impetus for organizational growth. We are proud of our success and proud of our conventions. Each year several organizations request and are welcomed to participate with us. Many important decisions are made concerning the future of ANMA at the business meetings. Get involved, be there!
CSNMA: SUCCESS IN 2000! By: Robert J. Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath
The year 2000 has so far been a banner year for the California State Naturopathic Medical Association (CSNMA), the California branch of the ANMA. The CSNMA advocates pure water, clean air, natural food, high standards, and true naturopathy. It has been having success in many naturopathic areas. In 1999, CSNMA opposed Senate Bill (S.B.) 1059, a bill that was intended to license a minority of California naturopaths who wish to practice allopathic medicine. That bill was modified a couple of times, and finally was dead by February 2000. A major CSNMA success! In February 2000, California S.B. 1513 was introduced, which requires that genetically-modified foods sold in California be properly identified. The CSNMA has been working since October 1999 to get such a bill introduced. CSNMA (and of course ANMA, please see related article in the December 1999 issue of the ANMA Monitor) believes that consumers have a fundamental right to know whether or not foods they eat are real or contain genetically-modified substances. Another CSNMA success (though it is only a partial success until the bill is passed). In March, 160 attended CSNMA’s highly successful 2nd annual Southern California convention where 17 speakers spoke on a variety of natural health subjects. Details were also provided on CSNMA’s legislative successes as well as those bills that are still in progress. Information on true naturopathic standards was provided to all attendees. In addition, attendees were surveyed on their preference for the future of the naturopathic profession, with 69% supporting certification and opposing licensure, 25% supporting both certification and licensure, and 6% opposing both certification or licensure (all but one felt that drugs and surgery were not within the scope of practice of naturopaths). Additional updates on California are planned to be provided at the ANMA Convention to be held at the Flamingo Hilton, Las Vegas, this September. On January 30, 2000, CSNMA President Thiel went on radio in Southern California and urged that the federal government repeal the requirement that gasoline sold in California contain MTBE. He has also been in contact with the office of a supportive federal representative on this matter as well. MTBE is an additive which, although it appears to have a slight effect on air quality, has been shown to contaminate drinking (ground) water supplies. On March 20, 2000 the federal government announced that MTBE will phased out! Another CSNMA success. CSNMA noticed that some supplement companies have provided financial support to groups that do not support true naturopathy (as defined in the Congressional Record of February 7, 1931). When companies better understand what true naturopathy is, and what CSNMA stands for, they are less likely to support those in opposition to it. Actually, the first company that CSNMA contacted on this matter was thankful to hear CSNMA’s side of naturopathy, and has stated that it will no longer provide money to groups that oppose true naturopathy. Another CSNMA success. Members are urged to ask their suppliers whether they support ANMA/CSNMA or our opposition. Please let your views be known. Please support those companies which support ANMA/CSNMA! CSNMA has been working with a variety of media to insure that our message of true naturopathy will be better understood. Several radio shows have covered CSNMA issues (two even broadcast portions of the March 19 convention!) as have some health periodicals and even some web sites. In April, CSNMA began a program intended to unify those who support true naturopathy within California—more updates on this later! Also, CSNMA is planning on embarking on its first membership drive—those who are not members, but previously inquired about membership are urged to contact CSNMA at 805-489-7188 in order to join. Consistent with its mission to expand the use of naturopathic interventions to as many health professionals as possible, CSNMA has gone on record to support S.B. 2100 which authorizes medical professionals the right to perform alternative therapies. In similar fashion, CSNMA supported S.B. 1479 which is the Midwife Right to Practice Bill. CSNMA has also gone on record to support Assembly Bill 1729 which helps protect consumer rights regarding water fluoridation. CSNMA is also supporting research into nutritional interventions for Downs syndrome. CSNMA cannot do what it does alone. CSNMA is continuing to work with a variety of organizations and political contacts in order to insure that natural health, including true naturopathy, can be foundational for the health of Californians. The support of CSNMA’s membership, especially including attendance at the conventions, is critical for CSNMA’s future successes in California. If you are a naturopath who lives in California, that means you. To all who are doing their part through ANMA membership, writing government officials, communicating with vendors, and attending the conventions, thank you for your support!
Exercise and Physical Health By: Judith A. DeCava, C.C.N., L.N.C.
Health is like a precious gem – a diamond. It has many interrelated facets and for best quality must be balanced, have strength and endurance, emit sparkle and glow. A diamond may "be forever," but not the human body. To obtain the most years in life and the most life in years, effort is required like searching for, digging, and polishing the treasured diamond. It means getting in touch with and obeying what Nature teaches is needed for a joyful and harmonious balance in all facets of health. Nutrition is a primary facet in the gem of health. Exercise is an inseparable, integral component. Many Americans basically or totally neglect physical activity, though most know that exercise is good for their health and that they "should" be doing something. About 60% of U.S. adults are essentially inactive or under-active. One in four do not exercise at all. Only 15% exercise vigorously three times a week for at least 20 minutes, and just 22% participate regularly in physical activity at any level for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Overall, the statistics point to an increasingly sedentary nation. One reason for the low prevalence of physical activity is that it has been virtually "engineered out of peoples lives." Elevators are more convenient than stairways. People drive their cars everywhere; there are drive-through restaurants, banks, even liquor stores. Television, computers, the Internet, sedentary jobs, long commutes from the suburbs, increased time stress: all are conducive to inactivity. Society today virtually compels people not to move. With "too much to do", mechanized ways of performing chores are common, from sit-down lawn mowers to electric can openers. When life speeds up, exercise is the first thing to go. The average person burns 800 fewer calories a day than he/she would have 20 years ago. Exercise is ‘boring,’ takes time that can’t be spared, involves work and commitment. "I’m too fat", or "too flabby", or "too embarrassed". It might make one’s back or knees or feet or arms or head hurt. It is a dirty word. The Centers for Disease Control and American College of Sports Medicine try to make exercise as palatable as possible: Just 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week would provide the minimum level of exercise needed. The dangers of a sedentary life are becoming alarmingly clear. A staggering 250,000 deaths a year are attributed to physical inactivity. Death may be a potent persuader, but there are numerous other reasons to begin a more active lifestyle that relate to health and enjoyment. Studies show that people who become active increase their chances of staying healthy for a lifetime. As they age, they are less likely to face a decline into illness and frailty. "Now the evidence is overwhelming that exercise and a long, healthy life go hand in hand." WHO Assistant Director-General, Dr. N.P. Napalkov, states there is strong evidence that "regular physical activity provides peoples of all ages…with substantial health gains [that are] physical, mental, and social and contribute significantly to increased quality of life." For those who need further convincing, some of the benefits of exercise – in conjunction with good nutrition – will follow:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM The heart muscle and blood vessels require many nutrients for optimal function and endurance. They need at least 18 bioavailable amino acids (as in heart substance), vitamin B complex, vitamin C complex including rutin and flavonoids, vitamin E complex with its selenium and oxygen-conserving components, vitamin A complex, essential fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, enzymes, many other food complexes, and exercise too. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in sedentary individuals. Even mild to moderate activity can reduce the chances of CVD. Regular, "brisk," and sustained aerobic-type exercise (such as brisk walking, aerobic dance, jogging, swimming) for at least 30 minutes three to four times a week is needed to improve the efficiency of the heart and lungs and to "burn off" excess weight. Persons who have already had a heart attack reduce their risk of having another one by regular physical activity, improve their chances of survival, and may improve how they look and feel. Steven Blair at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research followed 32,000 people for eight years. He found that those whose only risk was inactivity were more likely to die prematurely than those who had high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and a smoking habit but who got some exercise each day. Active people have a lower risk of developing and dying from CVD. Regular exercise tends to lower total cholesterol (if too high), lower low-density lipoprotein (so-called "bad cholesterol"), and raise high-density cholesterol (so-called "good cholesterol"). Clearance of triglycerides from the bloodstream becomes faster. Body fat, risk of developing high blood pressure, stress on the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, risk of developing adult-onset diabetes are all reduced. Weight gain is less likely. Weight loss is aided. Anxiety and tension are eased. Insulin sensitivity in muscles is increased. Risk of forming blood clots is lowered. Blood vessel walls may stay more flexible, delaying rigidity that often develops with age or nutrient deficits. There is lower risk for stroke. If blood pressure is high or "high-normal," moderate aerobic exercise can lower it. If it is not high, regular exercise helps keep it that way. Older persons aged 50 to 83 had reductions in blood pressure, resting heart rate, and body mass index (an index for estimating obesity) with exercise. "Habitual" exercise is "a beneficial modulator of heart rate variability in an aging population." Normal variations in heart rate usually diminish with age (and nutritional deficits); exercise improves this neuromuscular (parasympathetic) function. People with congestive heart failure can increase stamina, prevent fatigue, and boost their muscles’ oxygen-carrying capacity with regular exercise. "People forget that the heart is a muscle," says cardiologist Harvey Simon, Harvard University. "Like any other muscle, it gets bigger, stronger and more efficient with exercise." The heart muscle then pumps more oxygenated blood with every beat. At the same time muscles in the legs, arms, and torso become more efficient in taking and using oxygen from the bloodstream. There is an expanded number of capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and carry away waste. While a little exercise will help lower certain risk factors for CVD, "more is better" and intensity may be gradually increased for a bigger impact. Nutrition also plays a large role in cardiovascular health and improvement – in fact, it is essential in supporting the heart muscle and blood vessel walls to deal with the rigors and demands of exercise. Both exercise and good nutrition require lifestyle changes and a commitment.
LONGEVITY & QUALITY OF LIFE All the known and unknown nutrients are required for quantity and quality of life. Food supplements may be needed due to soil-depleting, chemicalized, modern farming methods. Evidence also overwhelmingly supports the "life-extending and life-improving power" of regular exercise. Middle-aged and elderly men (45 to 84 years old) who took up moderately vigorous activities had a 23% to 29% lower overall death rate than non-exercisers, and up to a 41% reduction in the risk of CVD. Low physical fitness increases the risk of death for both men and women, whereas higher levels of physical fitness "appear to delay all-cause mortality," particularly due to lower rates of CVD and cancer. Individuals who maintain or improve fitness are less likely to die from any cause than persistently unfit people. People who exercise their way to physical fitness cut their overall death rate by almost half compared to those who stay out of shape. The fitter they become, the more they cut their risk. Although non-vigorous activities benefit some aspects of health, more vigorous endeavors seem to have more favorable results on longevity. A 10-year study compared the time people spent doing routine tasks such as cleaning, gardening, or climbing stairs to mortality rates. Those with the lowest activity level were more than twice as likely to have died during the duration of the study than those with the highest activity level. Older women reduced their risk of premature death by 30% with regular exercise. Those who participated in frequent and intense activities had a greater reduction in risk of early death than those who engaged in less frequent, moderate activity. Most people want to live longer only if they would be well enough to enjoy it. Exercise can help. The "effects of aging aren’t as dramatic if you maintain your exercise levels," said Michael Pollack of the University of Florida’s Center of Exercise Science. Activity has a big impact on the quality of life. Fit people not only look but also feel far younger than other people their age. Many things associated with aging – from "middle-age spread" to porous bones, from forgetfulness to loss of muscle strength – are in large part brought on or accelerated by factors besides aging, notably inactivity, both physical and mental. One well-known age-related decline is in aerobic capacity — that is, how well the heart and lungs get oxygen to the muscles, and how efficiently the muscles use the oxygen to produce energy during sustained exercise. This capacity drops by as much as 10% per decade after age 25. But this decline is not natural or inevitable. Sedentary people lose nearly 50% of their aerobic capacity by age 70. Moderate exercise cuts that decline in half. Thus, "much of the functional losses that set in between the ages of 30 and 70 are in fact attributable to lack of exercise." Healthful lifestyle changes, including a wholesome diet, food supplements, and exercise, can alleviate or postpone many of the physical and mental ills once blamed completely on aging. "There is no drug in current or prospective use that holds as much promise for sustained health as a lifetime program of physical exercise." Strength training also turns back the biological clock. Gains in bone density, balance, and muscle strength occur. There is more pep in the walk, more energy to climb stairs and carry the groceries. Thus 60- to 70-year old women put through a one-year strength-training program were "taken back 15 to 20 years physiologically." Seniors aged 70 and older (some who never did any exercise) were placed on regular, supervised programs including lifting weights, swimming, and stretching. Results were "astonishing." Some of the seniors became stronger than the 20-year old orderlies attending them. People in wheelchairs graduated to walkers; many with walkers traded them for canes; those using canes were often able to walk on their own. Exercisers are less likely to fall prey to any illness. "Exercise seems to improve quality of life, not just longevity," says Dr. Ralph Paffenbarger, Jr., of Stanford University.
IMMUNE SYSTEM The needs for good immune response accentuate the importance of chemical-free, nutrient-dense foods and food supplements. Included are proteins (as adrenal, thymus, lung, lymph, spleen); C complex with flavonoids, carotenes and A complex, E complex, B complex, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, essential fatty acids, innumerable phytochemicals and more. Exercise must be placed on the list as well. Regular moderate exercise boosts the function of the immune mechanisms and the body’s resistance to insult or injury. Activity appears to reverse the decline in immune function that often accompanies aging. Very fit women with an average age of 73 had an immune function comparable with that of women half their age and 55% more efficient than sedentary women in the same age group. Immunoglobins, T-cell function, natural killer cell activity – lymphocyte effectiveness for protection and cellular repair – improve and increase. The number of days a fit person suffers with cold or flu symptoms, for example, may be cut in half. However, marathon runners and others who participate in high-intensity, long-duration exercises – or those who do overly grueling workouts – experience a drop in white blood cell activities and an increase in the production of adrenaline and cortisol, stress hormones. Extremely intense exercise may weaken the immune system. Runners who put in 17 to 26 miles a week had 2.6 times more colds; marathoners who ran 60 miles a week doubled their risk of getting sick. Yet the complexity of the biochemistry and the importance of nutritional status makes this a difficult subject to study. Research usually concentrates on measuring only one type of immune cell, and the changes detected do not last long. Thus some studies show that elite athletes in intensive training do not get colds any more often than anyone else. Other studies show that sedentary people who start a moderate exercise program experience a slight drop in certain immune cells after exercise. One answer is the body’s ability to deal with what it is physically "asked" to do; adequate nutritional reserves and minimizing toxic exposures are key determinants.
CANCER Regarding the prevention of cancer, much has been written on the importance of lowering exposure to poisons, upping the body’s ability to deal with toxic accumulations, and obtaining optimal nutrition including raw food factors. Any nutritional complexes that support the immune system, detoxication system, and general cellular health are important. Exercise is also supportive. Regular physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of colon and colorectal cancer. The most active individuals have about half as much risk of colon cancer as sedentary people; "casual exercisers" have a third lower risk. Being over-weight or having high insulin levels increase colon cancer risk. Exercise reduces weight, lowers insulin levels (which tends to be high in all sedentary people), and promotes bowel activity. Studies find fewer cases of breast cancer in women who are physically active. The more women exercise, the lower their risk. Those who exercised at least four hours a week had a 37% lower risk of breast cancer than sedentary women. Women who did heavy manual labor had a 52% reduced risk. Age and weight make a difference: the lowest risk (72% lower than inactive women) occurs in women who exercise, are younger than 45, and are lean. Athletes have a 35% lower lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 61% lower lifetime risk of cervical, uterine, and other reproductive cancers. The body’s ability to detoxicate (break down and get rid of toxic substances) is no doubt improved with regular vigorous activity.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM Bones and connective tissues require more than calcium to become and stay healthy and strong. Total bioavailable protein, many minerals and trace minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium, boron; vitamin complexes such as A, B, C, D, E, and probably K, as well as active enzymes are known needs. So is exercise. Bone density loss is reduced with regular aerobic exercise. Women who exercise regularly during the five to six years after menopause cut their bone mineral loss by 50% compared with inactive women. Women (average age 62) who consistently walk a mile a day maintain their bone density for up to seven years longer than non-walkers. All the known and unknown nutrients are required to support bone-building that occurs with exercise. Yet all the good food complexes have limited value by themselves if there is no physical activity. Any activity performed standing up (weight-bearing exercise) such as walking, jogging, dancing, is beneficial because muscles and bones work together against gravity to hold the skeleton erect. A normal amount of movement can maintain bone density, while additional movement (exercise) stimulates bone formation by triggering biochemical and electrical changes. Resistance training (lifting weights) strengthens muscle and bone groups so is as valuable as aerobic activity. Bone is lost very rapidly through inactivity, especially as people age. Extended periods of serious exercise may increase bone density by 4% to 8%. It is not that a lot of bone needs to be built, but that loss of bone needs to be prevented. Exercise during childhood and young adulthood helps to increase eventual bone mass as well as build strong muscles, both which guard against future osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal ills. Exercise for older people can help maintain a higher relative bone density, keep them on their feet and ambulatory, improve their balance, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. This also protects against falls, accidents, and bone fractures. Studies indicate that strength training and other forms of exercise in older adults may reduce the risk of falling and preserve the ability to maintain independent living. Regular activity is necessary to maintain "normal" muscle strength, joint structure, and joint function. Although the most common risk in exercising is injury to muscles and joints, such injury is usually caused by exercising too hard too long and/or by nutritional deficits that predispose to injury, wear and tear, or misalignment. Reasonable exercise is not associated with joint damage or development of arthritis or other joint or muscle problems. Competitive athletics may be associated with development of osteoarthritis later in life, but the likely causes are sports-related injuries, extreme overuse, malnutrition, and "foul" nutrition. A study of middle-aged joggers found they are at no greater risk of joint problems than more sedentary people. Actually, physical activity can help people with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis maintain joint mobility and reduce symptoms. Patients report less joint and muscle pain, swelling, fatigue, and depression than before they began exercising. People with problems of swelling and stiffness of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and other aches and pains often avoid activity because they fear discomfort. Although some muscle soreness can be expected when anyone starts exercising, it disappears with regular exercise, usually within a few days. They key is to start out slowly and gradually increase duration and/or intensity.
DIABETES There are a multiplicity of nutrients helpful to preventing and handling diabetes including vitamin B complex and associated factors as choline and inositol, C complex, E complex, essential fatty acids, chromium, calcium, potassium, many other minerals and trace minerals, proteins as in liver, pancreas, and heart, etc. Exercise also fits in. Regular physical activity is associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and a 46% to 49% reduction in the risk of developing type II or adult-onset diabetes. These benefits are seen in obese, overweight, and normal weight people. Reduced risk occurs whether or not there is a family history of diabetes. Adjustments for high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, and parental history of heart attack before age 60 do not alter the favorable association. One possible reason for this protective effect may be increased insulin sensitivity. People with diabetes often have trouble handling glucose (the sugar circulating in the blood) because their cells are insensitive to insulin, which helps lower or control sugar levels. As a result, blood sugar levels are high. In diabetes there is insulin resistance in skeletal muscle as well as other tissues. Exercise increases blood flow to skeletal muscle, increasing nutrient, hormone, and oxygen supplies to these areas. This may improve insulin sensitivity. A vigorous workout may blunt the abnormal rise in blood sugar that diabetics and others experience after eating carbohydrates, particularly refined carbohydrates. Insulin levels tend to rise as people get older (related, no doubt, to refined, processed, chemical-laden foods as well as sedentary habits). Exercise can aid in lowering insulin levels. In a group of people between the ages of 60 and 70, after nine months of fairly rigorous exercise, secretion of insulin into the blood was 28% less than before the study began. Their insulin became as efficient in lowering blood sugar levels as the insulin of active young people. Is vigorous exercise necessary? This study explored maximum effects. Any intensity – as long as it is regular exercise – may improve insulin’s efficiency. Physical activity increases the cells’ sensitivity to insulin, so it lowers both blood sugar and insulin levels. It also helps reduce body fat, which in itself can increase insulin levels. Exercise apparently helps to regulate blood sugar metabolism, so those with tendencies toward hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as well as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may benefit. Exercise alone cannot curb diabetes, but exercise combined with a good diet and food supplements, can often work wonders. A definite effort is required in this mechanized, technologically-growing society to attain and maintain fitness and health. Exercise is a precious and preeminent feature that cooperatively works with nutrition and other aspects in the jewel of wellness. A minority of people over-exercise. The majority of Americans are not physically active, impacting their health and future well being. The value of wellness cannot really be measured in dollars; it cannot be purchased. There is no quick fix, no magic pill. Understanding and committing to a way of life in harmony with Nature’s gentle guidelines can only bring excellence and pleasure to life’s treasure.
Systemic Mycoses: A
Naturopathic Overview, By: Robert J Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath ABSTRACT Systemic mycoses are a growing problem. Understanding the various types can be helpful for health practitioners who are interested in natural interventions to help restore their infected patients back to health. This two-part article discusses selected forms of systemic mycoses, as well as naturopathic interventions the investigator has had clinical success with.
INTRODUCTION Many natural health professionals see people with a variety of mycoses on a regular basis. There are over 100,000 different species of fungi of which approximately 150 are known to be pathogenic to humans [1,2]. Those which are pathogenic have been classified into three broad categories: superficial, cutaneous, and systemic. Superficial mycoses normally are confined to the keratinized layer of the skin and its appendages [3]. Cutaneous/subcutaneous mycoses enter the skin and cutaneous tissue usually in a traumatized area (such as a wound); they usually remain localized, but can spread through the lymphatics to other sites. Systemic mycoses are medically believed to usually have a pulmonary inception, but can affect most areas of the body [1,4]. Many systemic mycoses are opportunistic fungi. They are saprocyctes that are usually innocuous, but become pathogenic when the host becomes abnormally susceptible to infection [1,5,6]. During the past 25 years there have been alarming increases in Aspergillosis, Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis, Nocardiosis, and Zygomycosis; which to some degree appears to be related to medical treatments such as chemotherapeutic agents, irradiation, immunosuppressive agents, broad spectrum antibiotics, and hyperalimentation as well as conditions such as malignancies, AIDS, malnutrition, metabolic diseases, receipt of multiple injections, certain surgeries, burns, intravenous hyperalimentation, and certain malignancies [1,6,7]. Systemic mycoses can cause a tremendous variety of health problems including digestive difficulties (diarrhea, bloating, discomfort, flatulence, constipation, etc.), skin problems (rashes, dry skin patches, itching, etc.), bronchopulmonary disorders, fatigue, allergies, weight loss, fever, chills, malaise, and depression [1,5-9]; some of them may be risk factors in developing autoimmune disorders [10]. This investigator has also observed that many with irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, and even certain forms of arthritis frequently appear to have some type of mycotic overgrowth—another clue is that many report multiple food intolerances (or have been told they have at least a dozen food allergies from an IgG test). A major clinical characteristic of virtually all of them is their chronic course [5]. Symptoms often develop slowly; though many are asymptomatic. Months or years often elapse before medical attention is sought. Medical interventions for systemic mycoses include various medications, surgery, and chemotherapy [1,5,6,11]. Progress in the diagnosis and medical treatment of many mycoses has been unsatisfactory [12]. Although there exists a tremendous amount of natural health literature regarding interventions to be considered for people with an overgrowth of Candida albicans [i.e. 13-22], the literature regarding natural interventions for other mycotic organisms is less available. The purpose of this paper is to discuss selected forms of systemic mycoses and some of the natural interventions that this investigator has found helpful, in vivo.
MATERIALS & METHOD This section will discuss groups of mycotic infections including relevant dietary comments and will be followed by information on other commercially available natural interventions. Although independent scientific citations will be used when available, monographs and other data will be used to give possible efficacy for natural interventions if peer-reviewed scientific citations are not available. Specific brands are sometimes mentioned, as this is what this investigator has used (no company has paid the investigator to have them included). Other brands with similar ingredients will probably give similar results.
SYSTEMIC MYCOSES
Aspergilli Aspergilli are the second most common systemic mycoses and account for nearly 30% of fungal infections found at autopsy [1]. They often appear after antibiotic or antifungal therapy (to which they are usually resistant) [5]. Clinical findings are usually nonspecific and standard sputum cultures are positive only 1/3 of the time aspergilli are present [1]. They often are implicated in respiratory conditions [1,8] including sinusitis [23]; it appears that sometimes, Candida albicans-IgE and IgG subclasses may participate in worsening pulmonary infiltrates when bronchopulmonary Aspergilliosis is present [24]. Aspergilli are often mistaken for Zygomycetes [1]. As enzymes appear to play a role in the reproduction of various species of Aspergilli [25], it is possible that enzyme inhibitors may play a role in diminishing their reproduction and growth. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common form [1,2]. Aspergillus flavus is commonly associated with aflatoxins [2], such as on peanuts [23]. Restrictocin and mitogillon are two other toxins produced by aspergilli—they inhibit host cell protein synthesis by degrading mRNAs [23]. "Molecular epidemiologic studies of Aspergillus isolated from opportunistic infections show many different strains of Aspergillus, suggesting that characteristics of the host are more important than characteristics of the fungi...Aspergillus has a tendency to invade blood vessels" [23]—this is probably true of most situations when a systemic mycotic infection is present. Invasive Aspergillosis in usually confined to immune suppressed and debilitated hosts [23]. Some with gastrointestinal upset have Aspergillus [1], and it appears to this investigator that some with Aspergillus flavus often have problems with bile flow. This investigator’s clinical experience suggest that some people with Aspergillosis seem to improve when dairy is removed from the diet, but whether this improvement is related to a general intolerance or is specific to any Aspergilli is unclear.
Candida Candida albicans is the most common cause of Candidiasis [1,2,6]. Candidiasis is an infection involving every part of the body. It exists in the normal flora of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, digestive tract, and vagina. Severe, invasive Candidiasis involves the kidney in 90% of cases [23]. Candida requires a pH of 7.4 for optimal growth and can be completely inhibited at a pH of 4.5 [26]. It can be a superficial, mucocutaneous, or systemic mycosis. Infection by it, or any of the species of Candida, is nearly always preceded by a compromise of the host defense mechanisms [1], such as a selective defect in the functioning of T lymphocytes [27]. It can exist as both yeast forms without hyphae as well with hyphae and the transition from yeast to hyphal forms can increase problems eliminating it as the hyphae can spear their way out of cells which engulf them [23]. Candida has molecules on the surface that mediate its adherence to human tissues which are the main ways it negatively affects health [23]. Many nutritional interventions have been reported to be effective for Candida [i.e. 13-22,26]. Since Candida albicans is often grown in a culture of various saccharides [2], it is not surprising that reductions in the consumption of refined sugars has been effective [13-16]. Sometimes, this investigator and others [13-16] have had success having subjects also avoiding most fruits. Actually, it appears that Candida albicans cannot grow in human saliva unless it is supplemented with glucose [26]. There have been substantial increases of candidemias caused by species other than Candida albicans [28]. Candida tropicalis is probably the second most common cause of candidiasis [1]. Candida paratropicalis is quite similar to Candida tropicalis and is often confused with it [1]. A significant difference is that paratropicalis does not thrive with sucrose, although tropicalis does [2]. Candida krusei seems to be less affected by refined sugars (other than dextrose) than most other Candida species [2], thus this investigator rarely encourages reduction of fruit consumption when it is suspected. Other Candida species such as C. guillermondi, C. parapsilosis, and C. pseudotropicalis can cause infections in humans [1,6], but (other than any differences their shape may account for [2]) this investigator is not aware of adequate reasons to differentiate the dietary restrictions from those of C. albicans.
Cryptococci Cryptococcosis is normally due to the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans also called Filobasidiella neoformans or Torula histolytica. It is an encapsulated yeast and is present in soil and bird (especially pigeon) droppings [23]. Symptomatically it is quite different from the other systemic mycoses in that meningitis with headache is the way it is most commonly presented; blurred vision is also common [5]. Infection tends to occur via the respiratory route by inhalation of Cryptococcus neoformans [1,5]. Consumption of high-dose corticosteroids is a major risk factor for it [23]. As Cryptococcus meningitis, it is found in some with AIDS where it tends to increase the mortality rate [29]. The lungs, kidneys, and sometimes skin tend to be affected [5]. It is resistant to killing by alveolar macrophages [23]. It produces the enzyme phenol oxidase which tends to consume the hosts epinephrine [23], thus adrenal support may be helpful for the sufferer (it would not help eliminate Cryptococci, but at least may make the sufferer feel better through the process). Adverse reactions to medical interventions for it include gastrointestinal disturbances [5], thus probiotic intervention possibly should be considered as an adjunct [18,19].
Histoplasmosis & Coccidioidomycosis Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis are similar fungal organisms that both produce a disease that resembles tuberculosis [1,23]. Both are caused by fungi that grow as spore producing hyphae at environmental temperatures, but as yeasts (spherules or ellipses) at body temperature within the lungs [23]. Histoplasma capsulatum is acquired by inhaling dust particles which contain bird or bat droppings that contain small spores (microcondia), the infectious form of the fungus [23]. AIDS patients are particularly susceptible to disseminated infection with Histoplasma [23]. Coccidiodes immitis has a high infection rate and usually resides in desert soils [1]. Similar to Histoplasma, most primary infections with Coccidiodes immites are asymptomatic, but about 10% develop lung lesions, fever, cough, and pleuritic pains along with San Joaquin Valley fever complex [23].
Nocardiosis & Actinomycosis Although Actinomycosis and Nocardiosis are often considered together when discussing systemic mycoses, they are filamentous, gram-positive, bacteria in the order of Actinomycetales, and not true fungi [1,2]. These infections are consistently found in the U.S., but the diagnosis is difficult since they resemble other bacterial, mycobacterial, and fungal infections [30]. Nocardiosis and Actinomycosis are symptomatically similar to tuberculosis [2]. Actinomycosis affects males three times as often as females [1]. Nocardiosis, normally in the form of Nocardio asteroides, is increasingly found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is probably higher than the reported incidence of 2.8% in the SLE population [31]. When actinomycosis or nocardiosis is present, it is sometimes wise to avoid bovine dairy and/or refined carbohydrates . Nutritional support such as used by people with "streptococci-type" bacteria can sometimes be helpful.
Zygomycosis/Mucomycosis Zygomycosis (also called Mucomycosis) is a generic term which refers to infections of the class Zygomycetes (also called Phycomycetes); they tend to be both opportunistic and invasive [1]. The three most common areas of invasion are the sinuses, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract [23]. Rhizopus species may be the most common; others include Absida corymbifera, Mucor ramosissimus, Rhizomucor pusillus, and more [1,2]. Infection is less common than with the other systemic mycoses mentioned in this paper, but is the third most frequent opportunistic mycoses in patients with neoplastic disease [1] as well as for ketoacidotic diabetics [23]. Rhizopus nigricans produces opportunistic infections and hypersensitivity states [32]; it seems to cause the body to produce additional IgG and IgE [25]. Not too long ago, a new strain, Rhizopus azygosporus was isolated from premature Australian babies, all of which died [33]. Patients with diabetic acidosis or leukemia can be predisposed to rhinocerbral infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae [1]; increased consumption of most fresh fruits and vegetables has been reported to help reduce acidosis [34].
Conclusion As there are 100,000 known types of fungi [1], there is little doubt that more will be found to be pathogenic to humans. Additional mycobacilli species are also being found to have clinical importance [35] and even mycoplasma is being investigated [27,36]. Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor are ubiquitous contaminants which colonize normal skin or gut without causing illness—it is only in immunosuppressed individuals do these opportunistic fungi give rise to life threatening infections [2]. However, even though most of the symptoms are not life threatening, overgrowths of any of them can make human life miserable. All yeast produce toxins [23]. The main ones, such as Candida and Aspergillus do not thrive in an acidic environment, but some others do. Practitioners need to understand that not all pathogenic mycotic organisms are known, few are ever tested for, relatively few are ever detected through the course of most medical appointments, some are not detected when tested for, and most importantly, all do not respond to the same dietary factors (nor to the same interventions, which are the subject of the second part of this article, please see the next issue of the ANMA Monitor).
Profile of An
This issue of the ANMA Monitor features Howard Giskin, B.A., N.D. from Plattsburgh, New York Dr. Giskin qualified for certification as a Board Certified Naturopath in September, 1997. Dr. Giskin serves as President of the newly formed New York State Naturopathic Medical Association. Dr. Giskin graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY with a Bachelors Degree in 1967. In 1982 Dr. Giskin completed certified training for the New York State Department of substance abuse. Included in this training were Adolescent Counseling and Substance Abuse courses. In addition he completed the training program sponsored by the Plattsburgh Community Crisis Center. Dr. Giskin was awarded funds from the New York State Division for Youth. He conducted seminars, ran workshops and brought his program into the area schools and received much accolade. His success continued with his appointment to the faculty of Clinton Community College as an instructor of Mathematics. In 1997 Dr. Giskin earned the N.D. degree from the Clayton College of Natural Health. Today Dr. Giskin operates the “House of Healing Arts” and can be reached at (518) 562-8888. Dr. Giskin comments about certification with ANCB: As a BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATH, I have experienced acceptance in New York State as a professional health educator. The American NaturopathicCertification Board’s certification has helped me establish credentials to teach Natural Health Workshops such as “Herbs That Heal,” “Memory Improvement,” “Forever Young - Reverse The Aging Process,” “ Free From Pain,” etc., at a New York State Community College and for the NYS Board Of Cooperative Educational Services (B.O.C.E.S.). Also, as a BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATH, I received my Washington D.C. License Registration. Another extremely important benefit from this certification is recognition by the AANC for professional membership. This Enabled me to afford their most reasonably priced malpractice insurance. Lastly, being a BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATH, paved the path towards my establishment of the New York State Naturopathic Medical Association.
PRESS RELEASE The Florida Naturopathic Medical Association has been established in the State of Florida, with Headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida. Membership is now open to all Naturopaths and others in the medical community who subscribe to Natural Healing Methodologies. An invitation is extended for you to join with us in promoting the Naturopathic Profession as we move into the 21st Century. Florida Naturopathic Medical Association will work to bring Naturopathy to the forefront of 21st Century Medicine. FNMA will work toward the protection and advancement of Naturopath’s in the State of Florida and will join with ANMA and other organizations to advance the practice of Naturopathy nationwide. For Membership information call Dr. William D. Johnson, N.D., President at 561-564-9914 or mail your request to: FNMA
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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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