July 2006
The killer drug that doesn’t discriminate
Last month, one of the country’s biggest drug manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline, announced that its popular antidepressant Paxil could increase the risk of suicide among adults, especially young adults.
We’ve known for almost three years that antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in kids. But this is the first study to officially link these drugs to suicide in adults.
With depression and antidepressant use growing so quickly around the country, and with thousands of people taking these drugs, this is especially frightening news.
One important word of advice: Even though this news about Paxil is scary, don’t just quit taking the drug suddenly, or without talking to your doctor first. This drug can cause some pretty serious withdrawal side effects.
I don’t have a whole lot of space to talk about it in this issue, but I’ll be back in August with a lot of information about depression and antidepressants-including the risks that come with taking these drugs and some natural alternatives.
Preparing for the worst-before bird flu hits your backyard
The morning after the first made-for-TV movie on bird flu aired, I came into my office to a ringing phone and a dozen answering machine messages from patients wanting me to calm their fears and tell them how to protect themselves.
Well, I can give you some ideas for protecting yourself from bird flu. But this time I can’t tell you there’s nothing to worry about.
The fact is, this is a frightening disease, and it’s not getting any better. So far, bird flu has killed half of the 400 people who’ve been infected (mainly in Southeast Asia). That’s a pretty big death rate.
Even worse, right now there’s no vaccine available to the average Joe, and there’s not much hope of that changing any time soon. Our country doesn’t have the manufacturing capacity to make enough of the vaccine being developed, which doctors think could help.
Fortunately it seems like the spread of bird flu has slowed down for now, probably because of public health measures. Even though a couple of cases recently popped up on the East Coast-one in Delaware and one in New Jersey-those were mild cases found on a farm and in a bird market, and no humans were infected.
So, for the time being, I’d recommend staying out of poultry farms and bird markets (especially markets that import their birds). And also be careful if you come in contact with people who do work with imported birds.
But even if those factors don’t apply to you, that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop worrying. Until recently there was no proof that the virus was able to pass from person to person, only bird to person. But after a family of seven people died from the disease last month, doctors are now suspicious that the virus may have mutated into a form that can be passed among people. If they’re right, bird flu could easily crop up in towns all over the country-including yours and mine.
The strongest people are the weakest link
There are different strains of bird flu, some milder than others. The most dangerous-which is the one everyone’s worried about-is called H5N1 avian influenza, and it hasn’t reached the U.S. yet.
Symptoms usually occur between two and eight days after being exposed to the virus. Those symptoms can include a cough, shortness of breath, a sore throat, fever, muscle aches, and sometimes diarrhea.
The odd thing about this disease is that it’s your immune system’s response to it that hurts you the most. It’s called a “cytokine storm,” and when this happens, your lungs fill with fluid and puss. And since younger people tend to have stronger, more reactive immune systems, they could face the greatest danger. (Though that doesn’t mean the rest of us are in the clear. Everyone’s at risk, no matter how old or young they are, and no matter how weak or how strong their immune systems are.)
Although it hasn’t been proven, some experts think that a few of the reported bird flu cases may have passed from family member to family member. But even if that doesn’t turn out to be true this time, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen later. The problem is, viruses constantly change, so the biggest fear out there is that an existing bird flu strain might mutate into one that spreads through human-to-human contact.
In fact, some experts think that this could happen by early next year. And with people traveling all over the world in airplanes, which are notorious for circulating stale, germ-laden air, the results could be catastrophic.
A definite shortage of a possible cure
The good news is that researchers have come up with a potential vaccine, similar to the existing flu vaccine, which could work on the H5N1 strain. They think it’s effective about 54 percent of the time.
The bad news is that this vaccine requires a dose 12 times higher than the current flu vaccine. And with our country’s current manufacturing capabilities, mass production of this vaccine is, at least for now, almost impossible.
Also, it’s unclear whether the vaccine for this strain would be effective if the virus mutated. For example, a woman in China recently died from a strain of H5N1 that was noticeably different from the strain used in the vaccine.
In addition, there are two flu drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, which might work against H5N1. When they’re administered within 48 hours after common flu symptoms appear, these drugs lessen the illness’ duration and severity. Experts think they could do the same for bird flu.
Natural options you won’t hear about on the news
So far, the government is focusing on increasing the country’s manufacturing capacity and stockpiling Tamiflu and Relenza. However, the manufacturing process for Tamiflu is lengthy and complex, and if a pandemic does occur, there probably will be a shortage of these drugs. In fact, experts think that there may only be enough of the drugs and vaccines to treat half of the people who would actually need them.
As with most illnesses, there are several non-drug remedies you should consider. But remember: This is one of those rare cases in which the vaccine and medications should come first. When taken along with the medicine-not instead of it-they natural remedies help the treatment along and could improve your chances of survival.
Of course, the unfortunate reality is that many of you may not have access to the vaccine or medications, so in an emergency these remedies may be all you have.
>> Sambucol is a flu remedy based on black elderberry. This formula was devised by an Israeli doctor and has been effective for treating the common flu in a couple of small but convincing studies. It’s worked well for many of my patients when used immediately after symptoms appear.
Even more promising: In a British study done last year, Sambucol actually killed an H5N1 strain found in animals.
This stuff isn’t too expensive-about $15 for 12 servings. I recommend Nature’s Way Sambucol, which you can find at your local GNC store, or online at www.evitamins.com.
>> Silver is often used for bacterial and viral infections, though I don’t have much experience with it. It works by disrupting the virus’ ability to reproduce.
Regular colloidal silver consists of tiny particles of silver in a solution that has to be shaken before ingestion. Unfortunately, over time these particles get deposited in tissues where they can build up and lead to heavy metal toxicity, which is why I’ve never used it in my own patients.
But there is a form of silver made with smaller particles-Argentyn 23-that doesn’t have this problem and may be useful. This form is only available through doctors.
>> Olive leaf extract has known anti-viral properties and is thought to stop viruses from reproducing and multiplying. Experts think it interferes with the production of certain proteins that are essential for the virus to function.
It may not be a cure, but it could be useful in conjunction with other remedies. Take the Nature’s Way product-two capsules, three times daily with meals. Consider using it as a prevention measure in case a pandemic does happen.
>> Homeopathy is definitely something to keep in mind, if it’s something you’re comfortable and experienced with.
According to one report from the 1918 flu epidemic, 28 percent of the 24,000 people who were treated with conventional medicine died. But only 1 percent of the 26,000 people treated with homeopathy died. These numbers don’t surprise me, based on what I know about homeopathy.
The choice of remedies used by homeopaths is usually based on what the symptoms are, which could make homeopathy very useful if we’re hit by a virus that’s resistant to the available drugs and vaccines out there. But there aren’t that many homeopaths around anymore, so it’s important for you to go ahead and find one nearby if you decide to go this route. For more information go to www.homeopathy.org.
Time for preparation
The fact is, no matter how calmly government officials talk about bird flu, they’re still worried-really worried.
They know that if this virus mutates into a form that can be spread person-to-person, it will happen fast and fairly soon, and that they won’t have enough vaccine to go around. And chances are, they’re probably right.
Now some of this could just be guesswork on my part, but I don’t think it would be a bad idea to plan for quarantine. Don’t go crazy-you don’t need to build an underground shelter or buy out your supermarket’s canned goods section. But when you go to the grocery store, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy a couple of extra canned goods, or household items like paper towels, napkins, paper plates, plastic silverware, and cleaning products.
In the meantime, I’ll be staying on top of the situation and will keep you updated in future issues and in editions of my House Calls e-letter when more news hits. To sign up for House Calls, visit www.AmericasCountryDoctor.com. Some of it may end up sounding alarming, but it’s better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario than not to be prepared at all. ACD
10 must-have super-foods you should be eating more often
I usually try to use this list for more serious stuff-like telling you about which prescription drugs to avoid. But this month I just wanted to give you a good, solid list of what I think are the best foods for your overall health.
Chances are, you probably haven’t seen a lot of these foods on your typical grocery list. In fact, you may have never seen them at all. You’ll probably look at others and think, “Wait a minute. I’m already eating that.” But not so fast.
This list is very specific, and what might seem like minor details or differences can actually make a huge difference in your health. Whether they’re helping your eyes, your heart, or your intestines, these foods are some of the best ways to get everything from antioxidants to vitamins, protein, and omega-3s.
Try to eat at least one or two of these things every day, if not more often.
Kudzu
Also known as arrowroot, kudzu is great for soothing troubled intestines and can wipe out diarrhea. As an added bonus, studies have also suggested that it may curb a person’s desire for alcohol.
You can use it to thicken soups and sauces (much like cornstarch). Or, for maximum benefits, you can use it like I do, and make it into a tasty pudding by adding a heaping tablespoon to a cup of apple juice. Then just heat it up, stir it, add a dash of cinnamon, and enjoy.
Kefir
This fermented milk product originated in the mountains of Russia and keeps your colon clean, balanced, and healthy. Kefir includes many probiotics that you can’t find in yogurt, and those healthy bacteria stick around a lot longer in your gastrointestinal tract, helping with digestion and forming a virtual S.W.A.T. team against disease-causing bacteria.
It has a tangy, carbonated flavor that does take some getting used to. But most people come around pretty quickly and end up loving it. I usually have some as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, with a handful of nuts or a little fruit thrown in. I recommend raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches.
You should be able to find both kefir and kudzu at your local natural foods store, co-op market, or the natural foods section of your supermarket.
Omega-3 eggs
These eggs have modest-but meaningful-amounts of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for protecting you from heart disease and cancer. They’re also known to improve your mood and support a healthier body weight.
These eggs usually come from free-range hens fed with flax seed and should be on the shelves of your local grocery store. They’re not hard to find-the cartons should say “omega-3″ in big letters.
By the way, don’t worry about those reports that eggs are bad for you. Recent studies have shown the exact opposite. So unless you have diabetes or very high cholesterol, an egg a day is an excellent source of cheap, high-quality nutrition. To keep your eggs super-healthy, cook ‘em in olive oil.
Pasture-fed beef
Pasture-fed beef is a completely different animal (no pun intended) from the typical corn-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-laced beef you normally find at the supermarket. Grass-fed animals carry less saturated fat, more healthy omega-3 fats, and are a rich source of iron and zinc-two minerals sorely lacking in most people’s diets. Basically you get all the good stuff, but without all the harmful additives.
Free-range meats aren’t always easy to find, though. Your best bet is to track down a local free-range farm or ranch and ask which stores they deal with, or buy directly from the farmer. Check with your local natural foods store or co-op market, if you have one, or go to www.eatwild.com/products for a national listing. It may take a little extra effort to track it down, but the long-run benefits are worth it.
Cocoa Nibs
These are just roasted cocoa beans broken into small bits, that you can eat a million different ways. They’re great on ice cream and fruit or baked into cookies or brownies. They also make a great sugar-free snack and are a favorite among good chefs.
And, even better, they’re packed with all the antioxidants and minerals (zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium) of dark chocolate, but without the higher sugar, calorie, and fat content. Most peoples’ diets are pretty short on these nutrients, which protect our hearts, lower our blood pressure, and strengthen our immune systems.
Scharffen-Berger is a great brand that you can find in many gourmet and health food shops or on the Internet.
Pomegranate juice
A recent study showed that 8 ounces daily of this juice increases blood flow in advanced heart disease patients. Other studies have also suggested anti-cancer benefits, so much so that pomegranate juice is being studied as a treatment option for breast cancer and prostate cancer. This juice can also help clear up diarrhea.
Warning: Pomegranate juice may raise the levels of certain drugs in your body, and as a result, increase your risk of side effects and toxicity. This risk is still theoretical and no incidents have been reported, but if you’re on any drugs at all, and if you plan to drink it regularly, let your doctor know.
A taste tip: Pomegranate juice has a pleasingly tart taste-use it to sweeten up your morning cup of green tea like I do.
Sauerkraut
Yup, you read that right: sauerkraut.
This stuff is really just fermented cabbage, but it contains a lot of health-promoting bacteria and B vitamins. And since it has special properties that help you to absorb proteins and fat better, it’s no coincidence that it’s often found on top of hot dogs or bratwurst sausage.
Warning: Sauerkraut is salty, so if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet you probably want to avoid it. Otherwise, have some now and then as part of an overall healthy diet.
Alaskan wild-caught sockeye salmon
I know it sounds like a whole lot of name for one fish. But this is the probably the safest fish you could ever eat.
You see, the Alaskan sockeye salmon feeds lower down on the food chain, accumulating fewer toxins than other salmon. I get mine from Vital Choice Seafood at www.vitalchoice.com.
Pumpkin seeds
These are some of the healthiest edible seeds around. They’re high in manganese, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Specifically, these seeds support prostate health in men through specific types of nutrients called cucurbitacins, which help prevent prostate enlargement by regulating testosterone production.
They also come with a healthy dose of phytosterols, which help bring cholesterol down. I sprinkle some on my morning oatmeal, or team them up with raisins for a late afternoon snack.
Raspberries
Like a lot of berries, raspberries are filled with healthy antioxidants, including blue and purple pigments, which help prevent heart disease, cancer, and vision loss.
But they also pack a pretty powerful fiber-punch. In fact, with 9 grams per cup, raspberries have twice the fiber found in blueberries or strawberries. And since most people don’t get half the fiber they need each day (35 grams), eating raspberries is a great way to bump up your intake without taking fiber supplements. ACD
Taking back your sex life-without costly prescription drugs (and their side effects)
Most of my patients don’t like to talk about sex, so a lot of them just keep on suffering because they’re too embarrassed to look for solutions. But sexual dysfunctions are probably the biggest problems my patients face in their private lives.
And often, once patients do muster up the courage to talk to me about it, it’s usually just to ask about whatever miracle pill is all over the TV, promising to fix all of the problems going on in their bedroom.
But most of these drugs come with unfortunate side effects, including the chance of an erection that lasts for hours (not as much fun as it sounds), vision loss, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
These drugs aren’t cheap, either. Just 10 doses of Viagra can cost $70, and Cialis is worse-about $90 for the same amount. Meanwhile no one’s telling you about the options that cost just a few dollars a month (or even less in some cases).
So put away the Viagra and Cialis. There are plenty of natural ways to bolster your sexual hankerings and performance without pain, without heart risks, and without going broke.
For men, the biggest problem is usually erectile dysfunction (ED), while women might find it hard, or even impossible, to have an orgasm. Or sometimes the problem is just a lack of sexual desire. All of these things are treatable. But first you need to figure out what’s causing the problem.
Low testosterone equals low sex drive
So much attention is focused on menopause that many of us men don’t realize we’ve got our own equivalent to contend with. It’s called “andro-pause,” a condition in which testosterone levels slowly decline with age, resulting in all sorts of physical problems, including decreased sexual desire.
For a lot of men, this condition starts well before they’re actually aware of it. Once we reach our 30s, our testosterone levels start to drop about 10 percent every decade-and that’s pretty normal.
But in many men, their levels drop far too much. And that’s when you start to experience symptoms of andropause-like a lack of energy, frequent fatigue, decreased strength and a lower sex drive.
A prescription testosterone supplement can help. But if you plan to go this route, you need to work with an endocrinologist who is experienced in this area. Also, you need to know that extra testosterone may increase your risk of prostate cancer, so proceed with caution.
Boost your levels of erection-building nitric oxide
One of the biggest threats to sexual function in men is a breakdown of nitric oxide, a natural molecule that enlarges your blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. But as you get older, your body starts to break down nitric oxide much faster, making an erection harder to achieve and even more difficult to maintain.
One reason that Viagra works is that it slows the breakdown of nitric oxide, allowing for better blood flow. But the fact is, there are other natural ways to achieve the same result.
Our bodies produce nitric oxide from an amino acid called L-arginine, which is is easy to find in supplement form-and much less expensive than Viagra. I recommend trying 3,000 to 5,000 mg daily for three to four weeks. GNC, COSTCO, Twin Labs, and Solgar all make good, reliable, easy-to-find brands.
Healthy heart, better sex
We now know that erectile dysfunction can actually be a symptom of heart disease, or even a predictor of heart problems to come. In fact, a recent study actually showed that men suffering from erectile dysfunction face twice the risk of heart disease. The two problems have one major thing in common: They’re both caused by poor blood flow.
This is when natural remedies often become the safest option. Most men with heart problems can’t take Viagra or other similar drugs because they can have some potentially dangerous side effects when they’re combined with the nitrates prescribed to a lot of heart patients.
One natural remedy that I often recommend to my male patients is ginkgo biloba (around 240 milligrams a day, over the course of two or three doses). This stuff does a great job of increasing blood flow throughout your body, including to the penis. I prefer Nature’s Way Ginkgold.
A common drug that could be affecting your sex life
And then you have prescription drugs. Although you may not put two and two together right away, if you take a few minutes to read the labels and pamphlets that come along with them, you’ll see that some of the most common drugs in your bathroom medicine cabinet can have a serious impact on what goes on a few feet down the hall, behind your bedroom door.
And the most common offenders here are probably antidepressants.
As if depression isn’t hard enough on its own, a lot of the antidepressants out there can cause your libido to lag even more, especially ones in the class known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). For men, these drugs can even make it difficult to get an erection.
A lot of doctors will prescribe an additional antidepressant-like Wellbutrin-that’s supposed to improve your sex drive. But most of my patients don’t want to throw an extra drug on top of the antidepressant they’re already taking, and I don’t blame them.
One remedy that I’ve seen work in both men and women is rhodiola rosea. Like most adaptogens, rhodiola can regulate your hormones, increase your energy, improve your mood, and heighten your sexual desire as a result.
It’s safe to take even while you’re on other drugs, but don’t stop taking it too quickly. Wean yourself off gradually or it can cause some mild withdrawal symptoms.
A little extra effort can go a long way
But the problem isn’t always just in the body. Sometimes it’s also in the mind.
For some people, some of the major causes of a low sex drive can be stress, exhaustion, and boredom.
These days we work longer hours, our jobs are stressful, and when we get home, all we want to do is eat dinner, watch our favorite TV show, and then fall asleep. Stress and exhaustion can sap all of your sexual energy before you ever set foot in the bedroom.
And then there’s boredom. If you’ve been married for a long time, you know as well as I do that after a while, sex becomes more of a comfortable routine than an exciting adventure. There’s a lot to be said for being comfortable with your marriage and your husband or wife. But I think there’s even more to be said for keeping things interesting.
I highly recommend a set of tapes from a well-known relationship consultant in Austin, TX, named Patricia Love (yes, that’s her real name). Her Hot Monogamy Workshop comes in a set of eight audiotapes or CD’s and can be purchased from Amazon.com for $18.95. These tapes focus on infusing passion and excitement back into you and your spouse’s life together, while weeding out the things that can cause you to grow bored with one another or take each other for granted.
And don’t forget those time-honored favorites like candles and flowers. A little romance can go a long way when it comes to heating up a cooled-down sex life.
Let Viagra be a last resort
I always start with natural, non-drug treatments, but most of the men who come to see me about this problem want to know about Viagra. So I’ll tell you what I tell them.
Viagra is a useful drug that does what it’s supposed to for most men, but I recommend it with caution, and only as a last resort to men who have exhausted all other options. People who take it face risks of vision problems (mostly among men with diabetes and heart disease), and Viagra does have bad interactions with certain heart medications, especially nitrates.
However, if used properly, this drug is relatively safe and can give back a normal (or nearly normal) sex life for men who’ve had prostate surgery or bladder surgery. But they may also want to consider vacuum pumps or even surgery. Urologists-who specialize in this area-have the most experience with these treatments.
Keep in mind that Viagra is not always a permanent fix. Research has shown that Viagra’s effectiveness decreases with long-term use, and you may eventually need a stronger dose, or it could stop working period. ACD
A note about L-arginine
A recent study published in a major medical journal suggested that L-arginine could increase the risk of death in patients who’ve recently suffered a heart attack. The study was a small one, and it had numerous flaws. It’s also been discredited by several medical experts.
For the most part, this supplement has a good amount of research behind it that supports its safety and effectiveness. But nonetheless, many doctors are warning patients not to take it, so make sure you talk to your doctor before taking it. I just thought I should let you know.
YOUR QESTIONS ANSWERED
Scratching an outer-body itch from within
Q: I have suffered from mild, itchy eczema on and off all my life. Is there any alternative to the steroid creams I have been prescribed over the years?
–Gina T., Pierre, South Dakota
A: Topical steroids are the most common treatment for eczema, but long-term use of these creams can cause skin thinning, bruising, and tearing. Fortunately, there are lots of natural things you can do to lessen your symptoms. Even better, these things are less expensive, side effect-free, and most of them work from the inside out.
Food allergies-especially to cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, nuts, fish, and shellfish-can play a role in eczema-related outbreaks. An elimination diet is the best way to uncover an allergy-and is much more accurate than skin testing-but it takes discipline and a lot of patience.
Emotional and physical stress can also trigger eczema attacks. Acknowledging and managing the things that stress you out can help moderate symptoms. Think about trying therapy, meditation, or yoga.
When it comes to topical treatments, there’s a German chamomile cream I like called Kamillosan, marketed under the name CamoCare in this country. You can buy it online at www.camocare.com.
Also, it’s important that you use moisturizer after you get out of the shower or bathtub (lotions and other moisturizing products often work best on damp skin). I like the body lotions and oils from Weleda, which are available at some pharmacies, or online at usa.weleda.com.
Taking a warm oatmeal bath for 20 to 30 minutes can be extremely soothing. Aveeno makes good products that are available at most stores, including Target and your local drug store.
Evening primrose oil is often effective too. Nature’s Way and Nature’s Answer are widely available. Follow the dosage instructions on the labels.
Finally, there’s one of my old favorites, fish oil (taken orally, of course). I had one patient whose severe, lifelong eczema cleared up after supplementing with fish oil for just a couple of weeks. In fact, she still uses this remedy to this day.
I recommend at least 2 grams total daily EPA and DHA (usually six to eight capsules).
The text contained herein does not constitute medical advice. America’s Country Doctor advises that you consult your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained within this publication.
Posted in Newsletter.
