October 2008 PDF

Get migraines out of your life––for good

If you’ve ever had a temple-squeezing, brain-pulsating headache that feels like a jailbreak occurring on the side of your skull, then you’re all too familiar with migraines. And if you’re like most migraine sufferers, you’ve either endured the pain in relative silence for years or have been choking down a fistful of pills with little or no effect.

I come from a long line of tough Scotsmen. And we Scots practically invented the notion of “sucking it up” when pain hits. But there are times when ignoring pain can be downright hazardous to your health.

Many of my migraine patients come to me only when they can’t take the pain anymore. Three or four times a month, they have their legs cut out from under them for up to 48 hours at a time. Migraine symptoms, such as pain, extreme nausea and super sensitivity to light are ruining their quality of life.

And most of them have been making the same mistake for years —they treat their migraines like run-of-the-mill headaches. They either take some aspirin or Tylenol —often way too much—and try to tough out these painful episodes or they get hooked on more serious painkillers.

If you’ve been riding this pill carousel, I have some good news. You don’t need heavy meds in order to put migraines behind you. I regularly work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that can eliminate their migraines—for good—in a matter of months. And now I’m going to show you how you can do it too.

Misdiagnosis leads to mistreatment

The odds are that you have probably never received the treatment you need. The American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention study discovered that only 21 percent of people who exhibit symptoms of migraines have ever received a proper diagnosis. And that’s despite the fact that 53 percent of people report that their headaches are severe enough to require bed rest.

When not treated adequately, migraines can return with greater frequency and more intensity. That, of course, takes a huge toll on patients and their families. Staying mouse-quiet while a loved one lays incapacitated in a darkened room is no picnic for anyone.

The problem is that the “experts” can’t seem to agree on what causes these episodes. But here’s the most likely explanation: A migraine trigger (which is as individual as you are) occurs and leads to the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps control the expansion and contraction of the blood vessels in your brain, and the trigger event sets off the mother of all contractions. That’s when you begin to experience a unique selection of very uncomfortable to downright painful symptoms. (See the sidebar for common migraine symptoms.)

This is when you start to reach for relief. But the pursuit of that relief may actually make you worse off than when you started.

On the rebound

If you think that taking meds just a couple of times per week to treat a migraine won’t cause you any harm, think again. You could be setting yourself up for what is called the rebound headache. Overuse of headache medications­­––whether they be prescription or over-the-counter—can increase headache frequency and hasten the progression of headaches to chronic migraines. You can see what a vicious cycle this can become. One study found that patients who overtreat with codeine, oxycodone or barbiturates just two times per week are twice as likely to develop chronic migraines.

I’ve never heard any of my patients say they’ve cured themselves of migraines with a pill. In fact, it’s impossible. But that fact doesn’t stop the drug barons from flooding the market with medications that promise relief—and don’t deliver. These alleged treatments are classified as either acute or preventive—and I guarantee you don’t want to be on any of the preventive drugs for the rest of your life. And the best way to avoid the necessity of relying on any of the acute medications is of course to be smart about preventing the headaches with safe non-drug measures.

Choose your poison

The acute (or “abortive”) medications are used to treat the headache when it happens. Aspirin and “triptans” like Imitrex and Maxalt—which need to be used with caution if you have heart problems—are common examples. The trick is getting those pills into your system as soon as possible once the headache begins. Research shows that waiting even an extra 30 minutes can reduce whatever effectiveness the pills could even hope to have. So if you don’t have your pills constantly handy, forget it. These abortive meds can lead to rebound headaches, especially when used 10 to 15 days out of the month.

Again, the key to minimizing your need for these drugs is to work on preventing the headaches in the first place.

The drug companies also peddle some other pills that are supposed to prevent migraines from occurring at all. Problem is, they don’t work very well and they come with a truckload of nasty side effects. Beta-blockers like Propranolol, aside from being largely ineffective, present common side effects like fatigue, depression, weight gain, and are linked to an increased risk of diabetes. Some docs prescribe anti-seizure drugs, which can cause your hair to fall out or one of those spare tires to grow around your middle—not to mention depression, tremors and dizziness.

In typical Big Pharma fashion, these migraine cures can be worse than the disease. And they don’t do anything to target the actual cause of your migraines. Think about it: If you were having a severe allergic reaction at home, would you just take antihistamines for the rest of your life or try to find out what was causing the problem?

Sometimes it takes a little detective work to improve your health—and a little sleuthing can go a long way toward helping you beat migraines for good.

What’s pushing your buttons?

The first thing you need to do is get a handle on what triggers your migraines. Migraine triggers come disguised as food (see the sidebar for known food triggers), situations, and personal experiences. Identifying and then avoiding them is your goal. This is relatively easy with things like food and drink, but obviously more of a challenge with emotional or work stress, fatigue or a lack of sleep.

To see if certain foods or drinks may be causing your migraines, try an elimination diet. I’m providing you a list from which to start. Just remove them from your diet one at a time and see if you experience any improvement. Elimination diets are, by nature, hit-and-miss experiments—but let me give you a tip. Many patients tell me how much better they feel after having eliminated dairy, wheat, corn and soy-food products—all of which are considered common triggers. For help with an elimination diet, go to www.cfids.org/about-cfids/elimination-diet.asp for simple directions.

Another quick pointer: Often, the foods you crave the most are the ones that actually make you the sickest. So after eliminating the common culprits I mentioned, look to your own eating habits for the next group of foods to test.

I also recommend you get yourself a notebook and keep a headache diary. Track every migraine episode. Record when you felt the migraine coming on, any events that were happening prior to that time (such as the phone ringing off the hook or a run-in with the grocery clerk), and what you ate that day. Note any major life changes and other stressors, as well as how the treatments you tried panned out for you. Studying your migraines in such detail will give you a sense of power over these crippling headaches and will help you and your doctor spot potential triggers.

As I said, finding triggers takes time—and some triggers, such as stress, can be very tough to eliminate. In addition to ferreting out your triggers, you’ll want to spend some time considering treatment options. I have had a lot of success treating my patients with drug-free therapies that provide relief without those dreaded rebound headaches.

Closing in on a cure

Just as your migraine triggers are individual to you, so too will be your treatment options. The one-treatment-for-all plan may be best for pharmaceutical companies’ bottom lines, but it’s a terrible way to treat migraines.

I always start with the basics—lifestyle and diet. If you think stress may be causing your migraines, one of the best ways to tackle it is through sweat equity. Get a full hour of aerobic, strength and flexibility exercise, five days a week and watch your stress levels plummet. And if you think meditation is just for “hippies,” think again. Meditation can help you handle stress better and finally reach an actual state of calm.

I also find that many of my migraine patients eat poorly. They follow the “catch-as-catch-can” meal routine, regularly opting for drive-thru bags of greasy gunk. The processed meats and additives you get from fast food are practically a prescription for a debilitating migraine. Home-cooked meals containing whole foods can have you feeling physically and mentally better in short order. Getting your body the nutrients it needs to function can also reduce stress.

There is a range of options to choose from that can complement basic lifestyle changes. Here are some of the safest, most effective and—in the long run—least-costly treatments you could ever hope for. They can work on their own as well as in combination.

Cognitive behavioral therapy: How you think can in large part determine how you feel, both physically and emotionally. CBT can help you deal better with the negative thoughts that can lead to stress and migraines.

Hypnosis: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it—and I’m not talking about magic shows here. It’s another way of digging into your mind to see what is triggering those migraine episodes. Locate a certified hypnotherapist at www.natboard.com.

Chiropractic treatment: Several studies have found that chiropractic treatment brings relief to many migraine sufferers. Chiropractors manipulate bones and soft tissue, realigning anything that has slipped out of place and might be causing undue strain.

Biofeedback: This isn’t just for my migraine-suffering patients: I recommend biofeedback to anyone who says they feel stressed (and who isn’t feeling a little stressed these days?). This is a practice that allows you to recognize your body’s reaction to stress—and head off any negative response. You can use a portable electronic device called an emWave Personal Stress Reliever available at www.emwave.com. It will measure your heart rhythms —an indicator of stress reaction.

Craniosacral therapy: A gentle massage around your cranium can relieve tension. Osteopaths, massage therapists, physical therapists, and some chiropractors use this therapy.

Acupuncture: Yes, it involves needles, but there’s nothing to be afraid of—they’re very tiny needles. Inserting needles just under the skin leads to an increase in blood circulation and the release of pain-killing endorphins. Studies show that this practice can slash the number of migraine occurrences because the increased blood circulation opens those tightened blood vessels.

In addition, I use a combination formula with my patients called Migralief (www.migralief.com). It’s a safe, effective remedy that was developed by Alexander Mauskop, M.D., director of the New York Headache Center. It combines magnesium, riboflavin (B2) and feverfew—a traditional herbal remedy used for migraines. Magnesium deficiency happens to be very common in migraine sufferers. You need this mineral in order to relieve muscle cramping—including the ones around your blood vessels. Your body needs riboflavin to conduct its chemical processes, such as the manufacturing of neurotransmitters. Both improve flagging energy production.

I also recommend coenzyme Q10—up to 100 mg three times per day. Several studies have shown that it can enhance your metabolism and improve energy production in your brain cells. Choose soft gels to optimize absorption.

Common migraine symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of a migraine is a throb on just one side of the head, lasting a couple of hours for most people but for some unfortunate folks a couple of days. Here are other symptoms that often accompany migraines:

• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Increased pain following physical activity
• Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blurred or double vision, or bright spots
• Tingling or numbness on one side of the body

Note: The day before a migraine, some people experience depression, euphoria, food cravings or excessive yawning. This battery of symptoms is known as the “prodrome.”

Known food triggers

• Dairy products
• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy-based products
• Hard, “aged” cheeses
• Nuts
• Spices
• Avocados
• Spicy or processed meats (ex. hot dogs, sausages and bologna)
• Chocolate
• Fermented foods (ex. Sauerkraut, soy sauce, and pickles)
• Onions
• Artificial sweeteners (ex. aspartame)
• Food additives (ex. monosodium glutamate—“MSG”)
• Alcohol (ex. beer and red wine)
• Caffeine (Even medications that contain it can be the cause.)

Flu season is coming—here’s how to make it your healthiest ever

Here’s my beef with the flu vaccine: It makes people sick.

Flu viruses are chameleon like, changing their genetic identities every year. Each year’s vaccine is a best guess based on the previous year’s flu strains­­—what I call the crystal ball method.

Of course, the repeated failures of flu vaccines haven’t stopped mainstream quacks from launching immunization campaigns every year like clockwork. People are bamboozled into thinking these shots are a necessity supported by black and white science—and they show up by the millions to get them. Well, as we say in the country, people don’t go to the outhouse for the atmosphere. The folks who suffer through the long lines and painful jabs in the arm are doing so because they honestly believe the vaccine makes them immune from the flu. BIG mistake…

You can still get sick, even with the flu vaccine. I’m treating plenty of flu patients every year, and I’m no longer shocked when some of them tell me they’d recently been to a flu clinic. The sad thing is that the vaccine is pushed on seniors, because they’re more vulnerable and susceptible to the flu. But nine times out of 10, that’s who’s getting sick from these vaccines. And the authorities aren’t keeping track of this.

What I’m seeing is this: Too many patients get sick after they get the vaccine. I also read the studies which show the vaccine has made no difference in the rate of flu-related deaths and offers a slim chance at best of preventing the flu. But I’m going to give you five safe and effective tips for preventing the flu—and five things you should do to get yourself healthy if you come down with this nasty affliction.

5 ways to avoid the flu

1.Manage your symptoms and triggers

Pay attention to these early symptoms: fatigue, irritability, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. These could be early indicators that you’re getting the flu—but you still have time to prevent a full-blown illness. The viral load is still low in the early stages, and that’s when you’ll have the greatest chance to gain the upper hand.

The best treatments are the simplest: rest and relaxation. Easier said than done, but think how you’ll feel a few days later if you don’t. Take a day or two off from work and volunteering. You may not feel especially sick, but you are—and your friends and neighbors will thank you for keeping your infection to yourself.

And understand that poorly managed emotional stress is an immune-system threat. Try to keep your stress levels low while you’re dealing with early flu symptoms.

2. Curtail your dance card

I’m not advocating that you hole up in your home all winter. But there may be certain occasions when you should think twice about attending a stream of group gatherings that fall smack-dab in the middle of flu season. If you’re overtired, stressed from being stretched too thin, or feel like your body is trying to fight something off, for heaven’s sake—stay home. Your body is waving a red flag!

And remember—you could be exposing yourself to people who don’t yet realize they’re sick. ALWAYS wash your hands after any contact with another person. I’m a stickler for a full 30 seconds of vigorous hand scrubbing. Count those seconds out. It may seem like an eternity, but warm water and soap can send an opportunistic virus packing.

3. Enhance your immunity

Here’s an excellent immune-system booster that can help you through the flu season: EpiCor. It’s derived from fermented brewer’s yeast, and its discovery is one neat story. Factory workers were exposed to this fermented yeast on a long-term basis, and management found they weren’t calling in sick or making health-insurance claims. They dug around a little—and EpiCor was born when the connection was discovered.

Sound studies have confirmed its safety and its specific effects on the immune system. For example, it boosts disease-fighting immune-cell counts. It also promotes the production of secretory IgA, an important first line of defense for your respiratory system. Use EpiCor daily during the flu season—especially if you have a history of getting the flu every year.

4. Work Echinacea into your routine

Echinacea has been the target of a misinformation campaign. The mainstream has latched on to the idea that it doesn’t work, but that’s due to some poorly designed studies that were promoted by a largely ignorant mainstream press.

This herb works as an immune-system tonic—not as a stimulant, as has been widely reported. That means you can scrap those dire warnings to give your body a break every month or so, because Echinacea won’t cause an overactive immune system. Likewise, folks with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, do not need to be frightened by warnings that it will make their conditions worse—warnings with absolutely no basis in scientific fact.

Native Americans have used the root portion of Echinacea angustifolia for centuries. There are two products I recommend that use it, too. One is Nature’s Way Echinacea Complex (2 caps twice daily), and the other is MediHerb’s Echinacea Premium (1 tspn per day). Be forewarned: You’ll get a tingle on your tongue—but don’t be alarmed. It’s just Echinacea’s active ingredients, called alkylamides.

5. Try some mushroom magic

Medical mycology, the study of medicinal mushrooms, is still in its infancy in this country. Mushrooms have been used for centuries in China and Japan as immune-system modulators and for treating a wide variety of illnesses, including cancer. Reishi, cordyceps, maitake and shiitake are better-known examples of immune-enhancing mushrooms. I recommend a product called Host Defense, made by New Chapter. It’s a combination immune-enhancer with 17 different mushroom extracts. Another worthwhile product is AHCC (activated hexose containing compound), available from many suppliers. It’s derived from shiitake mushrooms and is widely used to help treat a variety of illnesses—including the flu.

5 ways to treat the flu

If, despite your best intentions, you come down with the flu, there’s plenty you can do to fight it. And fighting the flu doesn’t mean accepting a handful of dangerous and expensive prescriptions. Try these safer, natural cures instead. I’ve used them to cure more cases of the flu than I can count.

1. Get this homeopathic cure Europeans swear by

An eccentric genius named Samuel Hahnemann devised the treatment system of homeopathy over 200 years ago. Yet, the mainstream medical establishment treats it like a new, unproven science. Which means, unfortunately, a lot of docs are missing out on Oscillo-coccinum, a fantastic homeopathic remedy. I first learned of it from an ICU nurse who swore by it, and I now recommend it to all my patients. They attest to its excellent record in shortening the duration of their flu symptoms—especially when they take Oscillococcinum at the very first telltale signs. My patients also like how inexpensive it is since you only need a handful of doses that shouldn’t run you more than five or six dollars max.

2. Fight infections with black elderberry

The black elderberry is good for more than making wine. It has a long history of use for treating upper respiratory infections. Black elderberry has been shown in test-tube studies to fight against the most common flu viruses. It has also shown activity against the feared H5N1 avian flu virus. I recommend two formulations.

The first is Sambucol (made by Nature’s Way), shown to be effective in shortening flu duration and alleviating symptoms in several well-designed studies. (Minor note: it tastes pretty good, unlike some of that vomit-inducing stuff Big Pharma produces.) The second formulation is called Viral Block, available from New Chapter.

3. Add some spice to your flu fight

Wild Mediterranean oregano has long been reputed to have strong antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal (i.e. yeast) powers—and research is now proving it. The active components of oregano are thymol and carvacrol. It’s powerful stuff for treating acute illness. I recommend Oregano Force, from New Chapter.

4. Put the Indian “wonder shrub” to work for you

Andrographis is a remarkable shrub referred to as the Indian Echinacea—and it’s commonly used in India, China, and now Sweden. It’s an immune-system tonic and treatment for bacterial and viral infections. Andrographis was credited with helping slow down the great 1919 Indian flu epidemic—part of the infamous Spanish flu epidemic that killed between 20 million and 40 million people. It’s an effective acute remedy for flu infections and is supported by an increasing number of small, positive studies. Nature’s Way and Medi-Herb both offer quality Andrographis products. The Medi-Herb complex is combined with Echinacea in a form that could also be used for general support throughout the flu season. The Nature’s Way product can be found in grocery stores. The Medi-Herb product can be ordered only through a participating health professional, so you’ll need to go to www.mediherb.com to locate one.

5. Give the flu an olive branch

Olive-leaf extract has antibacterial and antiviral powers, with plenty of compelling, anecdotal reports supporting its use in combating the flu. A word of caution, however—sometimes it’s so effective it can cause what is known as the Herxheimer reaction: A die-off of viruses (or bacteria) occurs, resulting in the release of large amounts of toxins. This can cause flu-like symptoms. If this happens to you, reduce the dosage and continue on with treatment. I recommend the Olive Leaf product from Ameriden (www.Ameriden.com).

FORGOTTEN CURES
Dust off your spice rack for a zesty heart cure

If your exposure to ginger has been limited to holiday cookies and the occasional Chinese take out, it’s about time someone set you straight on its many health benefits.

In fact, I’m on a mission to get you to use it regularly. For starters, it’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that is used in many arthritis remedies.

But recently it has been gaining a reputation for being a cardiotonic. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are inciting a great deal of interest in the effort to prevent heart disease. One study used mice that had been genetically predisposed to developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Ginger actually reversed the disease process by reducing lesions. This “wonder spice” also helped lower and normalize total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides—all by about 30 percent. You don’t need to remind me that mice aren’t people, but you can’t deny that these are some intriguing results.

Ginger snaps stomach trouble off at the pass

But let’s not forget what has made ginger a natural-remedy mainstay for centuries: its ability to fight common stomach ailments. Ginger safely and effectively prevents and relieves nausea, and it has been a godsend for travelers, pregnant women, and patients receiving chemotherapy. Ginger is a much safer choice than common anti-nausea drugs like Zofran, Compazine, Scopalamine or Dramamine, with each carrying its own unique variety of side effects. Those may include temporary blindness due to overdose of Zofran, or trouble breathing, hallucinations and difficulty urinating being possible in some of the others I listed. And you thought the nausea was bad?

One of my patients had just retired and booked his dream cruise to Alaska. Problem was, as much as he liked boats, their rocking motion sure didn’t agree with him. He didn’t want to take any chances that his dream trip would be ruined. I urged him to start with two capsules of ginger root three times per day plus an extra one or two if he started to feel queasy. I’m still waiting for my Alaskan postcard, but more importantly he did report back at our next visit that he remained nausea-free the entire week.

Ginger also has been found to be 180 times better at digesting protein than papaya (a great indigestion fighter). Beyond digesting protein, it also stimulates fat-digesting bile and supports healthy gut bacteria.

Though ginger is mainly side-effect-free, you should be aware that it can cause a little bit of heartburn if you take too much. Fortunately, this is rare and easily managed simply by reducing your intake. In fact, in moderate amounts taken a half hour before a meal, ginger is an effective heartburn preventive.

How to use ginger

If you want to prevent or treat a specific condition, such as nausea, use what works. I’ve had patients drink ginger tea, peel off the skin of the ginger and eat the fresh root, or suck on ginger candy. Stay away from popular ginger ale soda pops, such as Seagrams or Schweppes, which are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.

Capsules come in handy, too. I recommend the widely available Nature’s Way Ginger Root (550 mg per capsule)—take two capsules two to four times per day for prevention. Use it for as long as needed, usually no more than a few days.

For arthritis, I favor one of the well-designed botanical combinations that include ginger, such as Zyflamend from New Chapter (available at www.newchapter.com).

As for heart-disease prevention, try to include ginger in your diet several times a week. Enjoy it as a cooking spice or peel and pour boiling water over it for a healthy, hot tea. I have one favorite product I’ll share with you that I like to use for myself: Ginger Wonder Tonic, sweetened with honey and made by those folks at New Chapter. Use it in a smoothie, in your cooking, to make tea or with seltzer water for some real ginger ale. (Ginger Wonder Tonic is also available at www.newchapter.com.)

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The raw truth about milk

Q. I have a niece in Vermont who tells me I should start drinking raw milk because it’s healthier. But I’ve heard just the opposite: that it’s not safe for consumption. If it’s healthier, I’ll give it a try—I just don’t want to get sick in the process.
––Beatrice J., Simsbury, CT

A:You’ve found yourself in the middle of an increasingly heated debate churning around the subject of raw milk. You’re lucky to live in Connecticut, which has the most liberal and enlightened raw-milk laws in the country. Most states don’t allow it. (Check www.realmilk.com to see if your state does and where to find it.)

Overzealous—and typically unreasonable—health authorities are preventing more people from enjoying the benefits of raw milk. Frankly, they like pasteurization because it allows for looser hygiene requirements on farms. These farms can crowd cows and leave dirt, feces and disease everywhere—just heat the whole mess and you’ve got clean milk!

But pasteurization isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Pasteurization kills health-supporting enzymes and friendly bacteria, resulting in an overprocessed industrial product that I believe is best avoided.

Based on my own research and personal experience, I can say that raw milk is a safe, delicious and exceptionally nutritious product. Once you taste raw milk, you’ll be amazed at the difference. It’s completely different from the pasteurized, homogenized, heavily adulterated industrial liquid that the vast majority of people have grown used to. Raw milk actually promotes health and can be used as a healthful support by people who have any of various ailments such as asthma, arthritis and diabetes. I have several patients who drink it—one gets his from a cow that grazes in his own back yard.

If, however, you’re thinking of buying raw milk, you’d be wise to do your homework. Buy locally and make sure you visit the source farm. Take a look around to satisfy yourself that it’s clean and that the cows really are well cared for. Do a little investigation into the farm’s reputation. In your home state of Connecticut, there are at least 10 closely supervised producers of raw milk—and the product is available from farms as well as in retail stores.

My wife and I enjoy small amounts of raw milk from a local farm. The farmer showed us his small herd, of which he is justly proud, and he has regaled us with the finer points of raising healthy milk cows. I enjoy buying my raw milk because I’m supporting local farmers—an endangered species if ever there was one—and the farmer benefits by being able to sell a quality product without becoming part of some faceless farming conglomerate.

If you’re interested in learning more about raw milk, read “Raw Milk Cures Many Diseases” by J.E. Crewe, M.D., one of the founders of the Mayo Foundation out in Minnesota. I also recommend The Milk Book by my good friend and colleague William Campbell Douglass, M.D. He has been a long time proponent and cheerleader for the many benefits of raw milk.

February 2008 PDF

Frankenfoods: Animals avoid them—and why you should, too

You may not realize it, but you’ve been enrolled in a grand-scale genetic experiment. It’s one that has been foisted on an unsuspecting public—and it could be destroying your health.

Every time you go to the grocery store, you’re purchasing the products of this experiment and may be serving them to your family at every meal. I’m referring to genetically modified (GM) foods, which have quietly snaked their way into many common food products. And a number of foods you may think of as being “natural” are anything but. The top GM crops include soybeans, corn, and canola —which are present in just about every food that’s processed.

You don’t have to dig very deeply into the existing research to come away shaking your head in disbelief at the reckless nature of the whole GMO (genetically modified organism) business. It’s controlled by profit-driven companies that also happen to be in charge of self-regulation in regards to product safety. Well, you can imagine how well that’s working.

And it looks as if the FDA is asleep at the wheel on this one, because these companies aren’t even required to label their products as containing GMOs. What does this mean to you? It means you’re purposely being left in the dark as to what you’re actually putting into your body or how your food was even produced.

Worse is the fact that no one knows exactly what the long-term ramifications are of eating foods that have been genetically tinkered and fiddled with, though more and more studies are coming out showing disturbing results.

Not that you’ve heard about them, because the mainstream media have been strangely silent on this whole topic. But I’m not going to be silent about it, so don’t think you’re stuck being the guinea pig of the big food companies and their ongoing experimentation. I’m going to show you exactly why you should avoid these genetically modified foods, and how to go about avoiding them.

What “genetically modified” means

It all begins with weeds. They’ve been man’s constant garden companion for as long as he has been toiling in the fields, and the bane of many a farmer’s existence.

The food conglomerates came up with a solution: to create crops that won’t die from an onslaught of weed killer. Soybeans are one of these crops that have been “improved upon.” The idea is to take a gene from bacteria that are resistant to weed killer and splice it into the soybeans. Then, you can douse your soybean field with a weed-killing spray like Roundup (glyphosate). No more weeds—and your soybeans are still standing. Oh, and as a bonus (for the food conglomerates), the crop seed is sold along with its corresponding weed killer as a package deal. The reason is that they are designed to work with each other. So for Roundup herbicide, you have Roundup Ready crop seed that won’t wilt under a liberal dousing.

That sounds reasonable, right? But what works in theory doesn’t necessarily translate into a process that produces food healthy for human consumption. While those soybeans have survived the chemical onslaught, they’re nonetheless now soaked in those same chemicals.

Then there’s the matter of the gene that has oh-so-casually been inserted into a foreign organism. In nature, everything’s connected, so you can’t change just one gene without causing surprise changes in other genes.

And it’s those changes (otherwise known as mutations) that can damage your brain, lungs, liver or skin… not overnight but over many years. The symptoms can be so mild that no doctor would necessarily be able to tell if anything was wrong. You might come away with an “It’s all in your head” answer or worse—a completely unnecessary prescription.

Consider the gene swaps that are being made: animals to plants and plant to plant, violating natural barriers that have separated species for ages. Pro-GM folks say there’s no evidence to suggest that the practice is unsafe. Nope, and there’s not likely to be—especially since they aren’t looking too hard. Think how long it takes some diseases to develop, and then guess how long it will take for anyone to connect the dots—not until it becomes a public-health emergency.

Think about it: These food companies aren’t about to pull the rug out from under themselves. They’ll use science when it’s convenient and brush it under the rug when it’s not. Pro-GM companies are perfecting the art of bad science.

And think also about our most vulnerable citizens: small children. They’re taking on the brunt of this illicit testing, precisely because they consume a disproportionate amount of these crops—especially highly doctored milk and corn. Children are three to four times more susceptible to allergies than are adults, and scientists are seeing a spike in kids’ food allergies. According to the head of an allergy department in one large Chicago hospital, the rate of food allergies has “skyrocketed” in the last few years. Could there be a connection? One won’t be discovered if no one asks the question.

Back to weeds. The residue from weed killer has what are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can adversely affect your hormones. Legally acceptable levels are much higher than they should be and fail to take into consideration the seriousness and frequency of these effects—which may cause about 10,000 times more damage than officially asserted. And at concentrations that are 100 times lower than those recommended in agriculture, Roundup may disrupt a key enzyme involved in estrogen metabolism. This could result in a disturbance of normal estrogen levels and possible disease promotion. Roundup residues in beans have been found to be as high as 3 mg/kg, which is many times more than the allowable U.S. limit of 20 parts per million.

But at this time, the EPA has not conclusively determined whether or not Roundup at existing concentrations in the environment is potentially harmful. While the jury’s still out and no one is bothering to conduct further studies, you’re consistently being exposed to it in the foods you eat and possibly even in your drinking water.

Comforting, isn’t it?

Ignoring the elephant sitting in the corner

A payload of chemicals is being delivered on your food. How about what’s being delivered in them? Tell me how safe you think all of these sound: GM peas cause lung cancer in mice. GM corn and canola oil produce something called barnase that is toxic to human cells and causes kidney damage in rats. High lysine corn produces toxins that may retard growth, while cooking high lysine corn syrup may produce toxic compounds associated with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, allergies, kidney disease and cancer. GM potatoes cause cancer in rats.

Between 1996 and 2001, as GM foods were flooding the market, food-related illnesses doubled in this country.

Feeling a sense of alarm yet? Still think GM foods are safe? I can tell you, I felt the hair rise up on the back of my neck when I wrote this.

And here’s a nauseating tidbit: Bacteria in your gut can take up some of the DNA from GM foods. Hey, maybe you’re part-Roundup now—to go along with the genes your parents passed down to you from your forebears!

You can just imagine what happens to anyone who reports negative findings about GM foods. Consider the story of one former biotech scientist, Arpad Pusztai, Ph.D., from England, hired to evaluate GMO safety. He did his job. He duly reported his findings, which happened to be negative based on an animal-feeding study. He also criticized the food industry for its shoddy science. Do you think he earned a bonus for his work? Nope—he got a pink slip for his troubles.

The food industry comprises enormous entities, such as the company Monsanto. That company was fined $1.5 million for bribing government officials in Indonesia because it didn’t want an environmental-risk assessment done. Looks like a smoking gun for anti-safety if ever there was one, if they were willing to resort to bribery in exchange for a blind eye being turned.

That brings us back to the most important point for you to take away: The FDA does not regulate GM foods. Even if it were responsible for regulating them, I’m not sure I’d trust the FDA to do the job. GM corporations are “regulating” themselves. (More like their bottom lines.) It’s entirely up to them whether or not they consult with the FDA on new GM foods. A survey of FDA scientists showed that 70 percent of them don’t believe the FDA has the resources to perform its mission of protecting public health—so you’re expected to believe that profit-driven corporations are picking up the slack and ensuring your safety.

Animal instincts say no to GMO

GM foods are perfectly safe, huh? Then explain why many diverse animals turn up their collective snouts and beaks at them. That’s right. When given a choice, animals avoid GM foods.

Take the case of an Illinois farmer who planted GM soy on one side of the field and non-GM soy on the other. Same-same, according to the Corporate Suits—but not to geese. A flock of these winged beauties making their annual visit fed on the non-GM soy only. The same thing happened with visiting deer—so you can’t say it was just a few “odd ducks,” so to speak.

There are multiple stories like this one, but no one takes such animals and their instincts seriously—even when doing so could save human lives. Before the tsunami struck Southeast Asia in December 2004, elephants were reported to have made a mad dash away from the beach and toward higher ground mere moments ahead of the deadly waves. When people wondered about and remarked on this phenomenon—the elephants exhibiting what appeared to be a sixth sense—out popped the naysayers. They quickly squelched the idea that animals have any sort of extraordinary sensing ability. These are probably the same people who spout that GM foods are perfectly safe.

Meanwhile, you won’t hear these sorts of stories about GM crops from the mainstream media —because an effective media blackout has done a phenomenal job of suppressing them. And the food giants are running the show, making farmers hostage to their seeds and companion herbicides. It’s a clear case of the fox guarding the chicken coop. Don’t settle for it.

How to protect yourself from GM foods

1) Buy organic whenever you can. Organic foods are by definition GMO-free. Buying locally, when you know the source, also works, even if the products are not totally organic.

2) Check labels. Many products are now labeled “non-GMO,” and those are the ones you want. Also, the PLU number on stickers for organically grown fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number “9,” while GM fruit has five numbers prefaced by the number “8.”

3) Go to www.responsibletechnology.org for online shopping guides listing non-GM U.S. brands.

4) Arm yourself with the facts. I recommend you read Genetic Roulette, The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods by Jeffrey M. Smith. Clear and thorough, it has a unique layout that makes it accessible to the layperson as well as the concerned health-care professional.

If enough shoppers reject GM foods, companies will discontinue them. In Japan and Europe, consumers said “no, thanks,” and as a result, such foods have been removed from the supermarket shelves in those parts of the world. And the tipping point doesn’t require a majority of shoppers. Any one of several significantly large religious groups could probably force GM foods off the market simply by instructing its members to avoid them.

Top 10 Tips for Treating Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control, is not an inevitable part of aging. And in a good many cases, it can be improved or eliminated with non-drug approaches.

Let’s be clear: Urinary incontinence is a symptom—not a disease. There’s always an underlying cause, anything from loss of muscle strength to bladder infection or even irritants in your food.

As a symptom, it could signal a serious problem like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a neurological disorder like Parkinson’s. With guys, it could signal an enlarged prostate… or prostate cancer. For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor so you know what’s going on.

There are three basic types of incontinence you need to know about: stress, urge and overflow. You can suffer from a combination of the above, called mixed incontinence, but usually one type is most obvious.

Stress incontinence is the loss of urine with any applied pressure, such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, or lifting a heavy object. The bladder’s sphincter muscle is weakened, usually from pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause in women or prostate surgery in men.

Urge incontinence occurs when there’s a sudden need to void, followed by loss of control. It’s also called an overactive bladder. You may also need to urinate frequently. Some feel the need when they hear running water or just before a car trip. Sitting or standing can cause trouble. Possible causes include nerve damage from diseases like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s disease. It might also result from a stroke. Bladder infection can increase your urge and frequency, often with burning.

Most people who get infections know it when they have one. Irritants such as spicy foods, medications and drinking too much liquid may be contributing factors to frequent voiding. And some people just have overactive, sensitive bladders. “Thimble bladder” is an old-fashioned term sometimes used. Many of these folks are able to control their bladders but still experience a stronger urge and greater frequency than normal.

The third type is overflow incontinence. When you do urinate, you may only manage a weak stream. This is most common with a damaged bladder, in people with nerve damage from diabetes, and especially in men with prostate problems.

Here are 10 tips to help you resolve your incontinence issue. You may have heard about some but not necessarily all of them from your doctor.

It could be an infection

This may seem obvious, but check for a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you’re a man, recognize that because UTIs in men are rarer they also tend to go unaddressed for longer periods.

These uncomfortable infections can cause an increased urge, frequency and burning during urination. You can also experience weakness, fatigue and fever.

Sometimes, an infection will resolve on its own without any treatment. When it doesn’t, you’ll need to step things up in terms of treating it. You probably know that cranberries are good for treating UTIs, but I recommend you don’t reach for the sugary cocktails that are anything but healthful. Instead, try unsweetened cranberry concentrate or cranberry capsules.

Your doctor may think you require an antibiotic to treat your infection. If so, be sure to take a probiotic, two capsules two to four times per day while you’re on the antibiotic (and any other time you’re on one). Freeze-dried probiotic products work well, and you don’t have to worry about their dying off or losing potency as you do with the live products. Three widely available, multi-strain products are PB8 (www.lef.org), Kyo-dophilus (www.kyolic.com), and Florastor (www.florastor.com).

Check your medications

Common antidepressants, beta blockers, diuretics (water pills) and sleeping pills can all cause or contribute to incontinence. Antidepressants and sleeping pills are often inappropriately prescribed. Both beta blockers and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) often prescribed for blood pressure increase your risk of diabetes. This is well supported in medical literature. Many doctors, however, are ignorant of this fact or, worse, choose to ignore it. If you’re on any of these drugs and suffer from incontinence, discuss it with your doctor. Also, some herbs and herbal teas, including chamomile and dandelion, can irritate your bladder. So if you’re taking any herbs on a regular basis, consider stopping for a week to see if your symptoms improve.

Get your exercise

“Kegels” is the name for pelvic-floor exercises. Most people think of these exercises as being just for women, but men can do them too. It doesn’t require any equipment. Just squeeze the muscle you use to hold your urine for a count of three. (You can work up to a count of 10.) Relax and then repeat the procedure a minimum of 10 times.

The great thing about these exercises is you can do them anywhere, multiple times per day—and no one else will be the wiser. In fact, I recommend you aim to do 10 sets of these exercises (which involve 10 squeeze-and-release repetitions per set). Kegels can work for both stress and urge incontinence.

Schedule your toilet trips

This is a simple one: Go to the bathroom on a schedule instead of waiting for the inevitable. You could, for example, try every two to four hours, eight times per day. This can help you retrain your bladder or head off at the pass any specific times that you know are bound to lead to leakage, such as when you know you have a long drive ahead of you every day. One of your scheduled “stops” may be just before you head out the door.

Shed weight

Excess weight can press on the bladder. Even a 10- to 20-pound weight loss can improve control, especially in stress and urge types of incontinence. (Weight loss also confers a multitude of other desirable health benefits, of course.) Some of my patients have reported that weight loss, when combined with exercise, is all they needed to fix the problem. This is usually the case with people who have milder symptoms to begin with.

Avoid dietary irritants

For some people who have sensitive, overactive bladders, food can be a minefield of irritants. Hot spices, vibrantly colored peppers, onions and scallions are just a few of the suspects. If you’re eating any of those foods regularly, cut them out for a week and see if you experience any improvement in your symptoms.

Otherwise, try this: The next time you have a spicy meal, pay attention to what happens overnight. You might be surprised to discover that you’re having a bit more of a leakage problem than usual.

Try acupuncture

A lot of folks have used acupuncture to treat their incontinence, and with great results. In a study involving 85 women with urge incontinence, either acupuncture or placebo acupuncture was administered once per week for the duration of the study. The recipients of the true acupuncture at bodily sites known to improve urge incontinence saw a 50 percent decrease in the number of incontinent episodes. They also experienced significant improvements in urinary frequency, urgency, volume and capacity.

You can expect to work with your acupuncturist over a period of at least three to four sessions. Rest assured that the Chinese had 3,000 years of trial and error to figure out this whole system of acupuncture.

Use biofeedback

This treatment technique teaches you how to regulate your body’s functions in healthy ways. You learn how to monitor your skin temperature, muscle tension, and brain waves. It can be a very effective treatment for incontinence. And unlike the case with a drug, you don’t need to keep receiving treatment once you learn the skill. It can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to learn, so hang in there. It literally teaches you how to take care of yourself. Check with your health-insurance company to see whether or not it will cover biofeedback treatment. It’s certainly less expensive than a surgical option, and there are no side effects for you to worry about.

Consider homeopathy

A traditional Western healing method, homeopathy is based on the principle that “like cures like” by harnessing the body’s inherent healing powers. Many conventional doctors, who have never spent more than a few minutes looking into homeopathy, dismiss it. I can tell you, however, that in the hands of an experienced practitioner, homeopathy is an immensely powerful and safe system of healing. See www.nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org for a list of practitioners.

Use herbs to your advantage

Herbal remedies have a long tradition of safe and effective use for incontinence. Mallow root, or marshmallow, helps soothe an irritated or inflamed bladder. Silica can help tone the bladder and urethra, the outflow tube from your bladder. Horsetail is a soothing astringent with an antispasmodic effect that can calm down an irritable bladder. Three-leaf caper is a time-honored Ayurvedic remedy from India that’s an anti-inflammatory and tones the bladder muscles, helping them to contract more forcefully.

All of these herbs can be found in vitamin shops, and you might even check your grocery or drug store to see if it carries them.

Conventional medicine has a number of drugs, none of which works very well and all of which you’ll pay the price of common undesirable side effects. Electrical stimulation, inserted medical devices and surgery are much more invasive. Apply good common sense. Make sure you know the underlying cause of your incontinence by checking in with your doctor. Then see if you can’t take care of your problems with one or more of the smart, safe non-drug approaches listed above.

FORGOTTEN CURES
Hemp: Historically useful, but now a victim of political hysteria

I’m constantly amazed by the upside-down, inside-out thinking that passes as common sense in our country today. Hemp is a classic example. The growing of industrial hemp is outlawed in this country. However, we’re allowed to import it.

Does that come across as sound reasoning to you?

Hemp, or Cannabis sativa, is a fast-growing plant that requires almost no pesticides. It’s remarkable for the variety of uses it can be put to. These include biofuel, clothes, plastics, and oils for cosmetics, as well as food and health food supplements. And, believe me, that list barely scratches the surface.

Unfortunately, hemp as a whole has been caught up in legislative mass hysteria due to its link to a strain that is grown for recreational use—marijuana. But here’s the difference. I’m talking about industrial-grade hemp, which has extremely low levels of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). The concern is that the high-THC strain of hemp will be snuck into fields that are growing the industrial version.

This ignores the fact that this theory has been invalidated by farmers, scientists and growers, who insist that these fears are simply unfounded. But that’s politics and big government for you, making decisions while ignoring the facts from people who are in the trenches.

Hemp has a long-standing history of inciting knee-jerk reaction. I’ll bet most of our lawmakers are probably unaware of its history, such as the fact that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Our Founding Fathers weren’t what I’d describe as characters from a Cheech and Chong movie. And they actually supported the growing of hemp. Thomas Jefferson believed that it should be grown instead of tobacco, as tobacco exhausted the soil whereas hemp did not. Also, hemp offered multiple manufacturing opportunities, whereas tobacco was a one-trick pony. Jefferson actually devised a machine that was used to ease the preparation of hemp.

Here’s a bit more history:

• Betsy Ross stitched together the stars and stripes using hemp cloth.
• Henry Ford used it to make plastic for cars in the 1930s.
• Hemp was grown in Kentucky and Wisconsin during World War II for wartime use.

But along came a special interest. You see, hemp became an economic threat to wood as a source of paper pulp. William Randolph Hearst, owner of multiple newspapers as well as large timber holdings, was none too happy. A little political leaning was applied and next thing you know, hemp was outlawed in 1938. The argument is no longer valid, because now there are improved, economical “green” methods of processing paper.

There’s another special interest, though: the pesticide industry. And where would we be if we didn’t have crops that required a liberal dousing of toxic pesticides? The government doesn’t worry about that—it’s just a health issue, one you can deal with.

That leads me to what’s so good about hemp. Besides the fact that it’s a productive crop that doesn’t exhaust the soil and can be used in a myriad of products, it also has tremendous value as a food source. It contains 20 percent high-quality protein similar to more complete proteins normally found in animal sources. It also offers a balanced array of health-promoting essential fatty acids—especially the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid that’s also found in flaxseed oil. Like flaxseed, it’s much too delicate for cooking. However, the cold-pressed form is suitable for salad dressings and as a healthy-oil supplement.

Pen Tsao, a classic Chinese medical book by the Emperor Chen Nung, classifies hemp as one of the “superior elixirs of immortality.” Even today, Chinese herbalists often prescribe hemp seeds to nourish the yin (associated with the feminine), combat constipation in the elderly, treat “blood deficiencies,” and aid recuperation from febrile (feverish) diseases. In Chinese medicine, hemp seeds fall under the categories of sweet, neutral and clearing heat, operating through the channels of the stomach, large intestine and spleen.

If you’re interested in hemp nutritional products, I recommend you check out Nutiva (www.nutiva.com) and Living Harvest (www.livingharvest.com). Both Web sites have store locators on them, where you just plug in your Zip code and the site will list the closest stores to you. Those listings will include your area vitamin shops and health-food stores.

Both companies offer an intriguing array of products that include hemp protein powders, hemp milk, hemp oil and hemp bars.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Accentuating the basics of good mouth care

Q.I read with interest your article last month on the importance of dental hygiene for overall health. It really got me concerned. I brush my teeth three times per day, but am I doing enough? I still get some bleeding of the gums, and I worry that my breath isn’t as fresh as it could be. What do you recommend?
––John D., Provo, UT

A.Thanks for reading and following up with your question. Many of my patients express concern that they’re not doing something right. Don’t forget —you probably haven’t had a “lesson” on dental care since you were a wee babe. And there have been some updates on the how-tos as understanding of the overall health link has grown.

It sounds to me as if you’re doing fine with keeping up a regimen. I can provide you with some details though that might help you feel better about how you’re doing. First, it’s important that you recognize that this is mouth care and not just care of your teeth. And I’ll tell you right off the bat that I owe a debt of gratitude to Michael P. Bonner, D.D.S., and Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. They provided excellent advice in The Oral Health Bible, which I strongly recommend you purchase and read. In the meantime, here’s the way to take care of your mouth:

1) Brushing: Use a soft Radius brush (it’s what I use) or a Sonicare electric toothbrush. Start with the front of your upper teeth, moving right to left. Keep the brush at a 45-degree angle on the gum line (bristles should be pointing somewhere between a direct line to your teeth and down toward your feet). Pay attention to just two to three teeth at a time, using 10 light side-to-side strokes. With me so far? Next, move to the back of your upper teeth and brush at a right angle. Again, aim for just two to three teeth. But this time you’ll want to do 10 light up-and-down brush strokes. Next, brush the chewing surfaces of the upper back teeth (ten light strokes per tooth). Repeat this same method for your lower teeth.

2) Flossing: Choose the floss you feel most comfortable with, meaning the one you’ll use. I know of one lady in her 90s who has used sewing thread her whole life. Don’t laugh—she still has all but one of her original teeth. However, there are waxed and unwaxed dental-floss products available at an average cost of about a dollar. Grab about 18 inches of floss and hold it taut. Start with your back upper teeth, all the way to the back there, and move the floss gently down into the “sulcus,” as it’s called. The sulcus is the surface area of the tooth that’s just below the gum line. Guide the dental floss gently up and down until you feel the surface is smooth and clean. Go one at a time on each side of every tooth. Be sure to remove all food particles—they’re the culprits that are causing you problems and might have led to that bleeding you’re experiencing.

And if you’re having difficulty handling floss because of arthritis in your hands, purchase an interdental device. Basically, it’s a two-prong contraption that holds the floss in between the prongs allowing you to maneuver a bit better.

3) Tongue scraping: Do not overlook this one. Invest in a tongue cleaner. There are different styles, all of which work, so choose the one you like. Go back as far as comfortable and then sweep forward. Repeat that procedure several times for 10 to 15 seconds. Rinse with either water or your mouthwash. This more than anything can freshen your breath.

4) Gum Sulks Cleaning: Again, the sulcus is that bit of tooth just below the gum line. Here’s where the nasties hang out and create their infective, inflammatory mischief if you don’t keep the area nice and clean. Dr. Bonner (mentioned above) recommends one of two magnetic irrigators, the product from Hydrofloss (www.hydrofloss.com) and the Oxycare 3000 device. (For the latter, simply go to www.google.com and put in the product name.) Magnetic irrigators are reportedly twice as effective at removing plaque as are nonmagnetic devices. Using a mouthwash (preferably one of those recommended below) in your irrigator can maximize the cleansing and deodorizing effect. An irrigator will cost you between $120 and $150 but can greatly improve your mouth care, so please consider investing in one.

5) Check-ups and cleaning: Have these done every three to six months, depending on your individual needs. No excuses.

6) Toothpaste and Mouthwash: When rinsing with mouthwash, swish vigorously through your gums for at least 30 seconds for best results. If your teeth and gums are doing well, you may continue using your current products. There are also many excellent natural toothpastes and mouthwashes, including products from Weleda (which have a small amount of alcohol), Jason, and Ecodent. Most stores that carry natural products will carry these.

The text contained herein does not constitute medical advice. Health Revelations advises that you consult your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained within this publication.