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Top Stories 27th
Annual Convention (7/25/08)
Convention
Lecture Legislation Journal
of the American Naturopathic Medical Association (JANMA) Facts |
Feeding The Irrational Fear of Cholesterol A Rebuttal To The Article "High-Protein Diets: Separating Fact From Fiction" A Call For Validated Research Papers Poly-Electrolytes and Their Use In Human Beings To
advertise in the ANMA Monitor or ANMA MONITOR ONLINE
The President's Corner By: Dr. Charles E. Curtis As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Within the last month, someone put a letter out to several individuals, endorsing ANMA, while at the same time, criticizing the resident colleges, homosexuality, as well as making a slur against someone wearing a turban. Needless to say, this particular letter was not written by ANMA, or with our authority, nor do we know the individual(s) responsible. The letter was unsigned. Similar things have happened before, such as declaring that an ANMA participant was president of AANP. AANP would then use the letter as if it came from ANMA. It’s easy for anyone to copy our applications, convention information, other material, and send it out, trying to imply that the mailing came from the ANMA. Be aware, if ANMA sends a letter, you’ll be able to call the main office and discuss it. Furthermore, this kind of nonsense is child’s play, and does nothing to benefit anyone. On other more positive matters, ANMA is doing well on all fronts. On the political front, ANMA is an association you can depend on to fight for "freedom of choice" legislation. That’s why so many professional doctors are supporting ANMA. Once again we have halted certain licensing legislation around the country. Contrary to what some may think, ANMA does not oppose licensing. ANMA simply wants fair licensing laws. A bill recently passed in Kansas allows for naturopathic registration. Some has suggested legal action. At the very least, the bill will have to be amended during the next session. We will keep you posted. The ANMA convention will soon be underway at the Riviera Hotel, August 9, 10, 11, 2002, and promises to be exceptional. There has been a tremendous response from all participants. An excellent program, as well as general meetings are planned, and you will be the recipient. There will also be an opportunity to renew your CPR certification. Other certification examinations, such as NPLEX, will be administered. Class reunions are planned, and you won’t want to miss this exciting event. All ANMA officers will be present to greet your anticipated arrival.
Natural Nutrition For Stress By: Robert J Thiel, Ph.D., Naturopath
There is no doubt that we live in a high stress society. Not only do we live and work in unnatural environments, our foods are vastly different than they were 150 years ago. Until relatively recently, no human ever consumed synthesized isolated USP vitamins [1]. Actually, one of the standards adopted by the majority of naturopaths in 1947 was, "Naturopathy does not make use of synthetic or inorganic vitamins" [2]. Should people take stress vitamin formulas which are primarily synthetic substances (which can add stresses to the body)? Of course not! Food nutrients are natural for the body and are preferred for stress handling for humans. Food Nutrients Do Not Even Look the Same as USP Synthetic Vitamins Electron microscopy reveals that isolated USP form vitamins have a crystalline appearance whereas food nutrients have more of a rounded appearance [2]. Food nutrients also appear smaller than USP form vitamins and minerals. Nutrition scientists understand that smaller particle size improves bioavailability [3], "Small particles greatly enhance digestion in the small intestine, because the smaller particles of food have a larger ratio of surface to mass" [1] (the main function of digestion is to get food particles small enough to be absorbed by intestinal villi [1-3]). Food nutrients do not just look different to the human eye—after testing food nutrients and comparing them to a USP vitamin food at a nuclear magnetic testing facility, G. Turner, Ph.D., concluded "the materials have undergone a physical chemical change, they are not a simple mixture" [4].
Synthetic ‘nutrients’ do not do all the functions that natural ones do [12], so why would anyone want to take them? Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamins and Stress "Synthetic thiamin is usually marketed as thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate" [11] and is a "coal tar derivative" [12] (most synthetic vitamins are petroleum derivatives). No thiamin hydrochloride or thiamin mononitrate is naturally found in food vitamin B-1 [12]. USP vitamins are not structurally the same, nor in most cases chemically the same, as food vitamins—nearly all synthetic vitamins must undergo some chemical reaction in order to be used by the body, and then there are residues (such as cyanide in the case of cyanocobalamin, synthetic vitamin B12) to contend with. Natural B-complex vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism and inadequate amounts can lead to pernicious anemia, low hemoglobin counts, skin problems, nervous system problems, and even serious mental problems [1]. It has been written (by an M.D.), "If anything helps you battle the effects of stress, it is vitamin C" (this same M.D. also advocates B vitamins for stress) [13]; thus consumption of foods or supplements high in natural vitamin C may help deal with many aspects of stress. This is consistent with what other mainstream research have written— vitamin C, "is believed to be the most versatile and effective of the water-soluble dietary antioxidants" and "can readily donate electrons to quench a variety of reactive free radical and oxidative species and is easily returned to its reduced state...The vitamin efficiently scavenges hydroxyl, peroxyl, and superoxide radicals, as well as reactive peroxide, singlet oxygen, and hypochlorite species" and protects against lipid and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation" [14]. In our modern industrial environment with its processed foods and polluted air, protection against free-radical damage is needed by all. B vitamins and certain herbs also have been shown to help (e.g. pantothenate is even known as the "anti-stress vitamin") [1,13,15]. Studies show that the bioavailability of food nutrients are greater than that of isolated USP vitamins [5-10]. Why should anyone take cheap synthetic USP imitation vitamins (even if the labels say ‘natural’) which themselves can add stresses to the body? Over 70 university studies have concluded that supplements containing natural food nutrients are better than USP isolates. These studies have concluded that natural food nutrients may be better absorbed, utilized, and/or retained than isolated USP vitamins and minerals. A Few Other Stress Nutrients Siberian ginseng is considered to be an adaptogen-which is an herb that increases stress-handling abilities and improves well-being [15,16]. "Siberian ginseng root contains bitter compounds that help the body quickly respond to stress. These compounds increase the production of DNA, RNA and proteins essential to all life processes. They stimulate the adrenal" [16]. "The main active component in ginseng consists of ginsenosides, a diverse group of steroidal saponins. There are twenty-five ginsenosides that have been separated...It is used internally for fatigue and debility, and for a decreased capacity for work and concentration" [15]. It has been found to reduce age-related cognitive impairment, have antineoplastic effects, antioxidant effects, antiplatelet effects, antiviral effects, and be beneficial in blood sugar regulation [15]. It is also used for anxiety [15]. Kelp is an herb that supplies trace minerals, especially iodine [16]. Other herbs also can help [15]. The hypothalamus is the body’s master endocrine gland which has multiple functions. It can cause tranquillity [17]. The adrenal glands help the body deal with stress through the production of hormones including epinephrine and norepinephrine [17], but high stress weakens the adrenal glands [18] (note: glandulars from New Zealand are this investigator’s preferred source when supplementation is advised). Although most health professionals tend to think about the adrenal glands as the portion of the endocrine system that deals with stress [17], this investigator has found that nutritional support for the thyroid can be helpful. L-tyrosine is an amino acid used in the production of adrenal and thyroid hormones [17] and may "improve vigilance and lessen anxiety" [19]; thus tyrosine can help some cope with emotional stress. The primary thyroid hormone is composed of iodine and tyrosine (bovine thyroid glandulars also can help by providing peptides and enzymes that help the thyroid perform more optimally) which is why nutrition is a logical, yet natural, way to support it. S.O.D. "is one of the most important enzymes that functions as a cellular antioxidant...The absence of this enzyme is lethal" [1]. Studies show that antioxidant S.O.D. appears to have protective effects for the heart, lungs, joints, kidneys, liver, muscles, and skin and some of the stresses of general living [20]. Conclusion In our unnatural society, we all experience many unnatural (and natural) stresses. Herbs and other foods have been used for centuries to help people deal with the stresses of life. In today’s day and age of genetically modified organisms, imitation fats, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods, natural substances (and not synthetic imitations) would appear to be the right approach for naturopaths to pursue.
Utilizing Nutrition as Medicine By: Trisch Marcino-Hadley, N.D., Ph.D. © 2002
2500 years ago, Hippocrates, "the Father of Medicine," said to his students, "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food." Moses Maimonides, the great 12th century physician repeated the Hippocratic statement when he said, "No illness which can be treated by diet should be treated by any other means." In essence, Hippocrates and Maimonides were insisting that their students practice nutrient therapy. This type of medical therapy is being used by doctors today, but only by a minority. It is more likely to be applied by nutritionists, naturopathic and alternative medical practitioners who have studied the specialist subject of nutrition in depth. There is very little training in nutrition at medical schools and unless an allopathic doctor has pursued the study of nutrition out of choice, he or she is unlikely to be sufficiently informed to advise about nutrition. The following research was documented as a case study. A patient, whom we will call "Charlie," was initially referred to me for a nutritional assessment. Charlie is a 46-year old African-American male who received a lung transplant. He was diagnosed eight years previous with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been taking prednisone ranging from 20 to 80 mg/daily and imuran. He had smoked until 2 years previously. He did not use alcohol or recreational drugs. He was not a coffee drinker. He drank about 4-5 glasses of milk each day. He has no history of kidney disease or kidney stones, no fractures or other familia diseases. His musculoskeletal exam was normal. Charlie’s labs (CBC, chemistry panel and UA) were normal. Prior to his lung transplant, a bone density exam was done on a Hologic machine. The printouts were lost and the reference groups were not specified: g/cm@ T-score z-score This patient had relatively good bone density, especially for a lung transplant candidate, in whom the median z-score was approximately –1.0. The z-scores were not available, but at age 44 (age when transplant occurred), the scores were quite similar to the T-score. Furthermore, his bone density at the hip was above average. The 8 years of prednisone had probably caused a reduced BMD in the spine compared to the hip. Only a few studies have been reported about fractures in this population, but the rate is high. A prospective study showed 10% of patients fractured in the first year, and cross-sectional studies have found 26, 35, and 42% incidence of fractures in the first several years after a transplant. In transplant patients, fractures may be seen even without normal bone density. Thus, the typical lung transplant candidate would have a very high risk, and a candidate with normal bone density would have a moderate risk. His bone density at the hip was clearly normal, and at his spine was .973 g/cm@ which is higher than the cut-off for osteopenia (T-score of –1 for a Caucasian woman is .969 g/cm2). No transplant recipients can be considered to have low risk. This patient underwent a successful lung transplant. Six weeks later a chest x-ray showed questionable compression fracture in the thoracic spine. Ten weeks after his transplant, he developed severe back pain and was referred to a bone metabolism clinic. Another chest x-ray showed a severe compression fracture of T-7 and two moderate fractures of T-11 and T-12. The physical exam of his spine revealed tenderness. His thyroid tested normal. Charlie was instructed to take the following medications:
This patient was also started on testosterone injections and nasal spray calcitonin. After two months he still complained of severe back pain. He had lost 3 inches of height. He was requiring large doses of narcotic analgesics. Otherwise, he had no new problems, no fevers, renal or hepatic disease, his weight was stable. His lung was functioning well. He was treated with intravenous pamidronate every 6 months for eighteen months. He was referred to me at this point for his nutritional assessment. Upon completion of a symptom survey evaluation, CBC, UA, and a 7-day diary to assess dietary intake, Charlie scored high in adrenal fatigue and overactive sympathetic nervous system. His lab findings were as follows:
His 7-day diary revealed high calcium intake in the form of milk, cheese, cottage cheese with almost every meal. No fruits, no breads, high intake of red meat, green vegetables in abundance. No exercise. I concluded that this patient was suffering from steroid-induced bone disease. The first protocol was a 14-day liver detoxification followed by a change in his diet to include a regimen of whole food supplementation along with other vitamin and mineral supplementation. I had to be careful with his immune system so rejection issues would not occur. I used a Maiden Barber formula to build and tone the liver, White Mallow Kidney formula to build and tone the kidneys, White Elk formula for a blood purifier and Astragalus to build the immune system. Because we know that toxins build up in the colon as well, I also gave him a Turkey Rhubarb formula to cleanse and detoxify the colon. For a period of two weeks Charlie was allowed to have grapefruit juice, grapefruit or other citrus fruit, one meal each week. He could have watermelon, lemon juice, no breads, no pastas, only leafy green vegetables, no meats, brown rice one meal each week, white grapes, all the water he wished and lime juice. For Charlie’s whole food supplementation, I recommended the following:
Charlie’s diet plan after the two-week detoxification consisted of green leafy vegetables, small amount of yellow/orange vegetables, no red meat, only lean chicken and turkey in moderation, fish, small amounts of grains, breads, pastas, olive oil and or butter, raw milk, 2 cups daily and 2 eggs each morning. His exercise program consisted of 30 minutes of brisk walking to start, working up to lifting weights to increase his bone and muscle strength. I requested also that he enroll in Yoga classes to learn proper breathing techniques. After a period of 9 months, Charlie actually increased his height by Ľ", which I have seen with calcium/bone therapy with other patients. At this point, I encouraged Charlie to take a class in water-walking and begin using a slant board to alleviate back pain. At 12 months, Charlie had discontinued 60% of his medication and his Calcitonin was discontinued. His back pain was subsiding and he was no longer taking pain narcotics. A repeat bone density test was done. It showed a 10% decrease at the hip. The spine density would not be valid with compression fractures. When compared to age and ethnicity-matched patients, he was 0.23 standard deviations lower than expected. I explained the reason for the decrease in bone density was the fact he was continuing to take the steroid drugs. However, he has made an improvement in that he is no longer in pain and has increased his height by ˝". He was exercising and feeling better. At two years, Charlie has regained ˝" of his height. His bone scans indicate no new fractures and an actual improvement in bone density. He is continuing to maintain a good diet and has gained a few pounds, however, his muscle tone is greatly improved. His overall physical appearance and lab tests indicate a tremendous improvement today over 2 years ago. He has decreased his dosages of prednisone and immunosuppressant drugs. He is now at 25% of the prescription medications. I am continuing Charlie on his current whole food supplementation and diet protocol. Hopefully, some day, he will be able to completely discontinue all of his prescription medications. In conclusion, our food is indeed our medicine, whether it be in whole form, supplementation, or a combination. Nutrition is medicine for our minds, bodies and spirits. Genesis Natural Health
ANMA Embroidered Polo Shirts
Are Here! Dear ANMA Members, ANMA has just received the embroidered polo shirts and I must say they look absolutely beautiful. The color of the ANMA logo came out vivid and bright. I'm positive our members will be excited to wear them. As of right now the polo shirts only come in white, but perhaps around convention time we'll have one or two more colors. Those who have decided to purchase the ANMA embroidered polo shirt will be happy to know that they'll be the very first to proudly display the ANMA logo. I promise to process and mail each and every polo shirt as quickly as possible. All shirts will be shipped Priority Mail to ensure speedy delivery. ANMA can offer these polo shirts to members for only $25.00 plus shipping and handling. The sizes we have range from small to triple extra large. If you would like a 2xl or 3xl, please add $1.00 and $2.00 respectively. I’m not the only one who thinks the ANMA polo shirts look beautiful. Kathy Edwards, an ANMA Member, e-mailed me this, "Dear Gregory, The shirts are absolutely beautiful! Thank you, Kathy Edwards." Another ANMA Member had this to say, "Hi Julie, Received my shirt today. It is awesome! The naturopathic emblem is more outstanding than I expected and the quality really shows. I especially like the piping on the collar and sleeves. Can't wait to wear it on the golf course.....Dr. Q". If you have any questions or want to place an order, e-mail me at: gregorywest@anma.com or call Julie Morgan at (702) 897-7053 or mail this form to ANMA, P.O. Box 96273, Las Vegas, Nv. 89193. Thanks for all of your support. Sincerely,
The Quantum Naturopath By: Stephen Linsteadt, N.D. Towards the end of the twentieth century, scientists had begun in earnest to study the applications of quantum physics to the field of biology. These new biophysicists view the body as an interconnected bio-energetic organism. This view is rapidly providing further insight into the body’s innate healing abilities and at the same time providing additional credence to the practice of naturopathy. The American Naturopathic Medicine Association, along with the American Academy of Quantum Medicine, Biophysics Research Institute and many other organizations have been instrumental in increasing the awareness of quantum healing applications in current day naturopathic practice. The concepts of energy medicine have been around for some time. However, new and exciting insights into the quantum nature of the body and practical quantum healing protocols are relatively new. This is giving rise to a new breed of naturopaths. These are the bio-quantum biological naturopaths. Quantum naturopaths begin with the understanding that all nuclear particles have the dual nature of also being wave forms. As such, it is possible for an electron to be present everywhere simultaneously throughout the universe. This is known as superposition. Once a measurement of this phenomenon is attempted, the superposition of the particle being measured in its all-pervading wave-form collapses into a single particle with space-time dimensions. Superposition also contains all of the possibilities within which the particle can interact with all other particles. It is, therefore, in a state of infinite quantum potentiality. The wave-form of this state is said to be in perfect coherence as there is nothing there to create an interference pattern. It is the measurement that interferes with this state of coherence and acts like a filter, which allows only one of the infinite possibilities of the particle’s position to materialize. Without measurement the particle aspect slips back to the quantum state. Therefore, the particles that make up our ‘reality’ require constant measurement in order to maintain their physicalness. At the cellular level it is the cell that acts as the measuring device that collapses or de-coheres the quantum field into a particle reality. Experiments in what is known as the "inverse Zeno effect", show that a series of measuring devices can collapse a quantum superposition so that the particle will be detected by the first measuring device and will then take a ‘quantum leap’ to appear at the next measuring device. A series of measuring devices will act to capture the particle and drag it along the measured path.1 In the same way, enzymes possess this unique ability of being able to capture and transfer electrons and protons along a path to various protein molecules in order to activate each protein’s specific function. In the quantum world, all of the exponential number of amino acid combinations exist simultaneously. It is the interface at the enzyme level between the quantum realm and the physical that accounts for how enzymes can single out the exact targeted amino acid chain from the infinite possibilities that is needed at that time. There are several other quantum-measuring devices within the living cell. DNA, RNA, ribosomes, and mitochondria are all proton, electron and photon level apparatuses. The motion and placement of electrons and protons within DNA initiate gene expression. Another example is how single protons are battered across membranes to power the molecular turbine engines of mitochondrial respiration. 1 The quantum level possesses the highest level of coherence within the human organism. Sick individuals with weak immune systems or cancer have poor and chaotic coherence with disturbed biophoton cellular communication.2 Therefore, disease can be seen as the result of disturbances on the cellular level that act to distort the cell’s quantum perspective. This causes electrons to become misplaced in protein molecules and metabolic processes become derailed as a result. Once cellular metabolism is compromised the cell becomes isolated from the regulated process of natural growth control. 3 The quantum naturopath recognizes that quantum coherence provides the fundamental resonance communication system of the body. All quantum naturopathic therapies must, therefore, be aimed at re-establishing cellular resonance. Quantum naturopaths are experts in bio-energetic nutrition with an emphasis on providing adequate defenses for free radical damage and re-establishing the body’s bio-electric communication system by detoxifying the connective tissue matrix. For more information on bio-quantum medicine see Biophysics Research Institute at www.bri-research.com, the American Academy of Quantum Medicine at www.aaqm.org or New Hope Clinic at www.newhopeclinic.com.
Feeding the Irrational Fear of
Cholesterol By: Owen Richard Fonorrow I admit my surprise when the public school Physical Education department asked my permission to screen our eleven year-old child for elevated cholesterol. Then I thought, you can never be too young to learn the health benefits of the cholesterol lowering drugs. Since the faculty at our local grade school is obviously "cholesterol challenged" and may actually believe that such tests could in some way have value and might benefit sixth grade children, my concern that these tests might inadvertently brainwash them about the "hazards" of cholesterol is probably misplaced. Call me what you will, but I do not believe the public schools should act like marketing arms for pharmaceutical companies. So what is it about "cholesterol" that strikes such fear into the hearts of men, women and children? In 1998 the American Medical Association (AMA) held a press conference and told doctors that public concern over elevated cholesterol was not warranted, and in the same year, the AMA also warned that common cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) are carcinogenic":
More recently, one of these drugs, Baycol, was linked to hundreds of deaths and removed from the market by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA). http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/baycol010808.htmlFar from being something we or our children should have concern about, much less fear, ordinary cholesterol is a miracle of evolution. Vitamin-like, cholesterol is a very important substance that makes it possible to transport life giving fat soluble substances throughout the body using the water of the blood stream. With it, our bodies make essential hormones and vitamin D (with sunlight). Low cholesterol is a symptom of depression and cancer. It is so important that if cholesterol intake is restricted, our livers make more! CHOLESTEROL PRIMER The consensus on cholesterol seems to be the lower, the better, however according to PROTEIN POWER, by Michael and Mary Dan Eades, M.Ds., this is not always the case. Far from being a health destroyer, cholesterol is absolutely essential for life. "Although most people think of it as being "fat in the blood," only 7 percent of the body’s cholesterol is found there. In fact, cholesterol is not really fat at all; it’s a pearly-colored, waxy, solid alcohol that is soapy to the touch. The bulk of the cholesterol in your body, the other 93 percent, is located in every cell of the body, where its unique waxy, soapy consistency provides the cell membranes with their structural integrity and regulates the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of the cells. "In addition, among its other diverse and essential functions are these: Cholesterol is the building block from which you body makes several important hormones: the adrenal hormones (aldosterone, which helps regulate blood pressure, and hydrocortisone, the body’s natural steroid) and the sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). If you don’t have enough cholesterol, you won’t make enough sex hormones. Cholesterol plays a major role in the transportation of triglycerides — blood fats — through the circulatory system. A quick review of this list should give you a better idea of what cholesterol does and dispel any notion that it is a destroyer of health to be feared and avoided at all costs. Far from being a serial killer, cholesterol is absolutely essential for good health; without it you would die. Without cholesterol we would lose the strength and stability of our cells, rendering them much less resistant to invasion by infection and malignancy. In fact, a grave sign of serious illness, such as cancer development or crippling arthritis, is a falling cholesterol level. " PROTEIN POWER, Michael R. Eades, M.D., and Mary Dan Eades, M.D., Bantam Books, 1996, DANGERS OF LIPID LOWERING DRUGS There is little evidence that lowering cholesterol protects human beings from heart disease. In fact, according to the Life Extension Foundation, of those who suffer heart attacks under age 50, more than 50 percent have no recognized risk factors. According to noted nutrition expert Earl Mindell in his recent book Prescription Alternatives, " a victim of negative press, cholesterol is an essential component of the production of the steroid hormones and in nerve function as well as other essential body processes... First, there is absolutely no evidence anywhere that normal cholesterol floating around in the blood does any harm. In fact, cholesterol is the building block for all your steroid hormones, which includes all the sex hormones and the cortisones. Even slightly low levels of cholesterol are associated with depression, suicide, and lung cancer in older women. . . For most people, eating high cholesterol foods does not raise cholesterol." Mindell further states:, "While a cholesterol-lowering drug will usually do a very good job of lowering your cholesterol, there’s scant, if any, evidence that it will help you live longer or reduce your risk of heart attack unless you are extremely ill or have just suffered from a heart attack. . . There are no studies that show women benefit from these drugs — all the studies showing even marginal benefits have been done on men. Nor are there any studies showing that they reduce heart attacks or death in men aged 65 to 75. Since heart disease takes decades to develop, it’s highly unlikely that cholesterol-lowering drugs will help anyone over the age of 75. That leaves men aged 35 to 55, but even here the evidence of benefit is slim, and the possible side effects are huge. . . If the American public had even a clue of how destructive these drugs are, they wouldn’t touch them except in an emergency. . . Every information sheet on the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs will tell you that they cause cancer in rodents when taken long term in relatively normal doses. It’s also well-known that they can cause severe emotional imbalances in men, along with a wide array of life-threatening side effects. . . The wisest course of action is to avoid these drugs..." WHY DOES CHOLESTEROL ACCUMULATE IN THE ARTERIES? Drug company advertising for cholesterol lowering drugs gives the impression that excessive cholesterol in the blood simply deposits on the artery wall, and that lowering cholesterol levels stops that process. We agree with Mindell, Pauling and others that High cholesterol is a symptom of an underlying nutritional deficiency and/or toxicity that damages the arteries, not the cause. CHOLESTEROL DRUGS - - A DEATH SENTENCE? Lipid lowering drugs inhibit the formation of cholesterol by the liver, some might say they "damage" the liver. This mechanism also has other unwanted effects. From the Internet: "In 1987, Merck made headlines when it came out with Mevacor (lovastatin), the first cholesterol-lowering statin drug. Statins block enzyme pathways involved in the production of cholesterol, thereby lowering cholesterol levels. But that’s not all these drugs do. The same enzymes that are involved in the production of cholesterol are also required for the production of an essential compound called coenzyme Q10; not surprisingly, lower cholesterol levels in statin users are accompanied by reduced levels of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 — also called ubiquinone, which means "occurring everywhere" — plays an important role in the manufacture of ATP, the fuel that runs cellular processes. Though it is present in every cell in your body, it is especially concentrated in the very active cells of your heart. Depriving the heart of CoQ10 is like removing a spark plug from your engine — it just won’t work. Low levels of CoQ10 are implicated in virtually all cardiovascular diseases, including angina, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. In 1990, Merck drug manufacturer sought and received a patent for Mevacor and other statin drugs formulated with up to 1,000 mg of coenzyme Q10 to prevent or alleviate cardiomyopathy, a serious condition that can cause congestive heart failure. However, Merck has not brought these combination products to market, nor has this drug company educated physicians on the important of supplementing CoQ10 to offset the dangers of these drugs to the heart. Because they hold the patent, other drug companies are prevented from coming out with a statin/CoQ10 product. If you’re taking a statin drug (Zocor, Provacol, etc.), don’t wait for your doctor to warn you of the substantial risks. Consider this fact: in the last 15 years (roughly the time that statins have been on the market), the incidence of congestive heart failure has tripled. If you want to avoid becoming a statistic, it is imperative that you take 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily." LOW CHOLESTEROL LINKED TO STROKE According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, "High cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for stroke. But new research suggests that low levels of cholesterol in the blood may also increase stroke risk. The study linking low cholesterol to increased stroke risk was presented recently at the 24th American Heart Association Conference on Stroke and Cerebral Circulation which was discussed in last week’s newsletter. About 80% of all strokes are ischemic, and 20% are hemorrhagic." Read more at http://www.mercola.com/1999/feb/14/low_cholesterol.htm Lp(a) THE REALLY BAD CHOLESTEROL Much evidence is accumulating that so-called "bad" (LDL) cholesterol is no more dangerous than calcium. However, there is a component of cholesterol, a lipid that used to be grouped with LDL, that does signal danger when it is elevated. Linus Pauling and Matthias Rath singled out lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), as the significant risk factor in heart disease. Under their theory, Lp(a) acts as a surrogate for chronic low vitamin C. (See www.PaulingTherapy.com). Unfortunately, lipid lowering drugs do not lower Lp(a). A recent Oxford meta analysis (Sep 2000) found that people with elevated Lp(a) are 70% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. http://www.internetwks.com/pauling/lpa090400.html The Vitamin C Foundation has been investigating reports that high amounts of vitamin C, lysine and proline will lower elevated levels of Lp(a) in the blood after several months. CHOLESTEROL SCREENING IN KIDS IS MADNESS With this information in mind, I volunteered to address the Junior High School student body so that the students might hear another point of view. I even offered to show the student body Linus Pauling’s Video on Heart Disease: A Unified Theory. Our children should realize that not everyone agrees that elevated cholesterol is to be feared or the cause of heart problems. So far there has been no response to my offer. Owen Fonorow
Rebuttal to the Article
"High-Protein Diets:
By: Monique N. Gilbert I based the information in my article "High-Protein Diets - Are You Losing More Than Weight?" on the studies and opinions of very credible institutions and doctors. The sources for the information and claims in my article include: The Heart Information Network (www.heartinfo.org); The American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org); The National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov); The American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org); The American Dietetic Association (Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 1997;97(11):1317-21, http://www.eatright.org/adap1197.html); The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine "The Protein Myth - The Building Blocks of Life" (http://www.pcrm.org/health/Info_on_Veg_Diets/protein.html); HFC-Nutrition Foundation "Women's Health: Bone Health and Soy" by Dr. James Anderson from the University of Kentucky (http://www.hcf-nutrition.org/general/bonehealth_wh.html); CNN news report "Heart Association to warn against low-carb diets" by Elizabeth Cohen, March 20, 2001 (www.cnn.com). Additionally, the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee reviewed five high-protein diets and has written an advisory paper which warned about the dangers of long-term use of these diets. This high protein diet advisory was published in the October 9, 2001 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. (Some of the health claims stated in my article have also been published in the January 2001 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - Animal vs. Vegetable Protein Sources and Bone Loss). Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. John McDougall and Dr. Andrew Weil, who are very knowledgeable and well respected in the field of health and nutrition, also share and agree with the views and claims contained in my article. As does Dr. Robert H. Eckel, MD, chair of the AHA's Nutrition Committee, and Gail Frank, PhD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Dr. McDougall, MD, also covered this topic in his article "The Great Debate: High Vs. Low Protein Diets" published in The McDougall Newsletter (http://www.drmcdougall.com/debate.html). I wrote my article to let people know that there are health risks involved with these diets, and that they should be aware of them. I am not disputing that short-term weight loss will occur - it will. I am concerned about the long-term health hazards involved with the consumption of high protein and saturated fats contained in these diets, which HAVE been proven to cause heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney problems. My goal is to inform and educate people about these risks. Only when you have all the facts, can you make an informed decision that is best for your own personal circumstances. When the risks of a particular diet outweigh the positives, caution is advised and the diet should be avoided. Mr. Byrnes made some very questionable claims about saturated fats and its effect on heart disease in his article "High-Protein Diets: Separating Fact "From Fiction". Based on the information from the sources stated above, I stand by the information in my article and will continue to promote balanced eating and a healthy diet and lifestyle. I just want to set the record straight, and to let your readers know that I advocate a balanced diet based upon whole foods - not a high carbohydrate diet - and that my claims are based upon solid medical fact - not fiction. (Interestingly, the nutrition experts at WebMD analyzed several popular diets, including Weight Watchers, the Atkins diet, the Carbohydrate Addict's diet, Dr. Dean Ornish's diet, Dr. Andrew Weil's diet, the Zone, The Pritikin Principle, Living Low Carb diet, Protein Power and Sugar Busters. The diets highest in protein and fat had the worst results and the experts who analyzed and reviewed these diets advised against them. The results of these diets can be viewed at http://my.webmd.com/lose_weight.)
A Call For Validated Research Papers Dealing With Alternative/Naturopathic Health Care ANMA members and other health care professionals are invited to submit an article or case study to be featured in the ANMA Monitor. Your research must be submitted according to the following standards: The ANMA Monitor is published quarterly by ANMA, P.O. Box 96273, Las Vegas, Nevada 89193 (702) 897-7053. Deadlines for articles and advertisements are Nov. 20, Feb. 20, May 20, August 20. Please submit articles typed on 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper and/or on a IBM compatible 3.5" disk. Articles may also be e-mailed to webmaster@anma.com. The editor reserves the right to edit any portion of an article before publishing. The editor also reserves the right to refuse advertising or articles which he deems inappropriate for this publication. We appreciate those who have already sent in articles. Take advantage of this opportunity to be in print!
Poly-Electrolytes and Their Use In Human Beings By: Richard A. Drucker, N.M.D., Ph.D. (c)
What Is An Electrolyte? What Are Poly-electrolytes? An Electrolyte is an element or compound that, when melted or dissolved in water or other solvent, dissociates into ions and is able to conduct an electric current. Electrolytes do differ in their concentrations in blood plasma, interstitial fluid and cellular fluid and do affect the movement of substances between those compartments. Proper quantities of Poly-electrolytes (many electrolytes) and a balance among them are critical to normal metabolism and cellular function. For example, calcium (Ca+ +) is necessary for the relaxation of skeletal muscles and the contraction of cardiac muscles; potassium (K+) is required for the contraction of skeletal muscles and the relaxation of cardiac muscles. Sodium (Na+) is essential in maintaining systemic fluid balance. There are approximately 10 Poly-electrolytes required to survive; however, as many as 60 or more are essential for optimum health, energy, strength, stamina and recovery. Certain acute and/or chronic diseases, conditions and medications may lead to a deficiency of one or more Poly-electrolytes as well as an imbalance among them all. For example, certain diuretics and a low-sodium diet prescribed in hypertension may cause hypokalemic shock resulting from a loss of potassium. Diarrhea may cause a loss of Poly-electrolytes, leading to hypovolemia (massive blood loss) and shock, especially in infants. Thus, careful and regular monitoring and replacement of fluid and Poly-electrolytes should be part of both acute and chronic care in many illnesses. Poly-electrolytes are also critically necessary for treating the acid-base imbalance as also seen in many acute and/or chronic illnesses such as, renal dysfunction and/or diabetic ketoacidosis. Unfortunately, most readily available electrolyte replacement solutions consist of only 1 or 2 electrolytes such as sodium and/or potassium. A few others may contain 10 or less Poly-electrolytes. However, our body requires many more then the essential 10 to maximize wellness, health, fatigue and recovery. The 10 most common Poly-electrolytes are: Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Calcium Ca++, Magnesium (Mg ++), Chloride (Cl-), Bicarbonate (HCO3), Protein (Prot -), Phosphate (HPO4), Sulfate (SO4), and Organic acids. Be advised that the best liquid Poly-electrolyte solutions that are (just recently) readily available contain over 60, 100% Organic Poly-electrolytes, Metalo-enzymes and are naturally chelated by a polymer know as Fulvic Acid. Moreover, it is a scientific fact that athletes, sports enthusiasts, runners, outdoor workers, etc. are subject to potential physical dehydration, heat related fatigue and/or exhaustion, and should first and foremost replace fluids and Poly-electrolytes. Under these circumstances, replacement of Poly-electrolytes (just before, during and immediately after exercise, heat and/or physical exertion) may prevent serious and even permanent physical injuries, such as a heat-related stroke and/or heart attack, acute and/or chronic headaches as well as damage to the autonomic nervous system, visceral organs and more. Thus, regular, adequate and rapid replacement of both fluid and Poly-electrolytes may prevent a wide array of serious injuries and/or even death from occurring. Many of these symptoms and others not mentioned, can occur just minutes (and/or sometimes up to hours) after initial and systemic loss of Poly-electrolytes and/or dehydration takes place. Other examples of individuals who are subject to Poly-electrolyte loss may include athletes, workers who are often exposed to heat and/or sun, and/or anyone involved in virtually most any type of strenuous activity. Perhaps, the best form of readily available Poly-electrolytes are found in the IntraCellular ENERGY System™. It naturally contains over 65, 100% ORGANIC MicroComplexed™ Poly-electrolytes and Metalo-enzymes (as compared to many of the leading sports drinks that have approximately 2 electrolytes, and also contain approximately 70% to 80% sugars, glucose, sucrose/dextrose and/or maltodexrine). This means that for the first time, virtually every cell in your body will instantly receive a metabolically balancing and immediate infusion of over 65 Poly-electrolytes - without the added sugars, artificial flavors, artificial colors, preservatives, fillers, binders, coatings, excipients, etc. And, no one single electrolyte will be electromagneticaly under-charged and/or "out of balance" with all the other systemic Poly-electrolytes. Thus, for the prevention of potentially life threatening dehydration, fatigue, Poly-electrolyte loss/imbalance as well as minimize recovery, we recommend taking the IntraCellular ENERGY System™ before, during and after all physically strenuous sports and/or heat related activities. The direct cellular and physiologic recovery and response has a similar metabolic effect to an immediate (and virtually instantaneous) infusion of over 65, - 100% Organic intra-cellular "spark plugs", in practically every cell of your body. The results are maximized, sustained - energy, strength and stamina! NOTES: The information in this paper is for information purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Moreover, "this article is for educational, non-commercial, fair use only. If you believe any of the material in this article contains copyrighted material from another source; please notify us immediately at 972-881-2344 and the material will be removed." Contact Drucker Labs’ at: Copyright © 1998-2002, Dr Richard A. Drucker, Plano, Texas. All rights reserved. Reprinted with Permission.
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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