Take a recent study out of Italy that concluded that Zoloft and Lexapro are the best antidepressants. The catch? They’re the “best” only when compared to the current generation of other Big Pharma antidepressants.

The study didn’t compare them to any other form of treatment. Not one!

It’s like two men at the top of a Montana cliff arguing over the best way down – jumping over the top or tumbling down the side – all the while ignoring a nearby path.

But to me, the bottom line is still the bottom line: None of these pills will help your body make more serotonin or dopamine, the two crucial neurotransmitters that patients battling depression need.

That’s a little like selling an anti-balding treatment that won’t help you grow more hair.

And then there are those famous side effects. These pills come with a barnyard full of them, including nausea, insomnia, diarrhea and sexual side effects, not to mention withdrawal symptoms when trying to get off them. 

And yet this study has somehow decided which of these are “best.” As if the best out of a series of bad choices might somehow be a good choice.

Call me old-fashioned, but that’s just not how I practice medicine.

The real question isn’t which drug is the best, but whether people should be taking any drug at all when battling depression, especially when there are ways to treat and manage it without costly and addictive prescriptions and horrible side effects.

Heck, even plain old exercise has been shown to be as effective as Zoloft, and the most common side effect of that is general fitness and overall good health.

But Big Pharma won’t make a dime off that.

Shining some light on the risks of sunscreen

Where were all those towering displays of sunscreen products a century ago? Look at old photos of a day at the beach and you’ll note the ladies wearing dresses with stockings. Men donned bathing suits that covered their torsos, a good part of their legs, and sometimes even their arms. (Wouldn’t our grandparents be shocked to see what passes for a bathing suit these days? More like a birthday suit!)

Yet the risk of melanoma in the 1930s was one out of 1,500. Now, it’s one out of 80.

What’s going on? I’ll give you a hint—it has nothing to do with the ozone layer.

As a doctor, I have a front-row seat from which to observe the bitter argument going on behind closed doors about whether sunscreen is more a risk than a reward. And now, I’m taking you to the show. You’ll see that mainstream doctors may be well-intentioned but their bickering and conflicting advice is a menace to your health and won’t matter at all if you’re diagnosed with a deadly cancer.

10 percent effective?

The development of sunscreen has led many folks to believe they can spend endless hours in the sun without any danger of skin damage. Banish that thought immediately. And, as I’ll explain, there are good reasons to avoid sunscreens altogether.

Of course, if you’ve stepped foot in a doctor’s office in the past decade, have access to television, radio, or the Internet, or are one of the dying breed that still read an actual newspaper, you’ve probably gotten the message that you should slather on the sunscreen. But most of these products do a lousy job of protecting against UVA rays, the longer ultraviolet wavelengths that cause melanoma—the most lethal form of skin cancer.

Why is this such a critical product flaw? Of all the UV radiation that the earth—and you—get from the sun, UVA makes up a whopping 95 percent. These rays can penetrate your skin down to its lowest levels, which is what makes them so dangerous.

Most sunscreens do a fair job of protecting against UVB sunlight, which can cause basal and squamous-cell cancers, as well as premature skin aging, but they’re not effective in blocking UVA light. In fact, they only absorb around 10 percent of it. Imagine if we tried to put cops into bullet proof vests that only blocked 10 percent of bullets. You can bet those vests wouldn’t be the media darlings that sunscreens have become.

Forget everything you thought you knew about a sun/cancer link

As shocking as it sounds, there’s even recent evidence to suggest that more sun exposure protects you from melanoma. Research has shown that people with more sun exposure, sunburns and evidence of skin damage from the sun (called solar elastosis) are less likely to die from melanoma. Also, up to one in five melanomas occur on skin sites that receive minimal exposure to the sun, such as the trunk or feet. However, I don’t advise that you try the extreme sun approach as a cancer prevention strategy. Remember: Moderation in all things.

A million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, but only about 60,000 are melanomas. However, melanomas are responsible for 8,000 deaths a year. About 2,000 die from basal-cell carcinoma or squamous-cell carcinoma, the other two skin cancers that are caused by UV (but in these two cases UVB) rays. Left untreated, both will grow but less quickly. Most are picked up on routine skin exams in plenty of time to remove them during a minimally invasive, outpatient surgery. They’re a major nuisance and sometimes disfiguring, but—unlike melanoma —rarely fatal. They account for only about one out of every thousand deaths.

Melanoma, however, can quickly spread to your internal organs and kill in a matter of weeks. Caught before it spreads beyond the skin, melanoma is 99 percent curable. Once it reaches your internal organs, it’s almost impossible to stop.

A witch’s brew of untested chemicals

Given the risks posed by melanoma and other types of skin cancer, it’s no wonder that you’ve probably covered yourself with some coconut-smelling concoction at one time or another. But sunscreens are part of a larger problem that often occurs with products that are supposed to be safeguarding our health: They were unleashed onto the market with no concern about testing or the potential harm they could pose to you and your loved ones.

The truth—and you won’t find this on a bottle of sunscreen—is that many sunscreens contain a disturbing mix of ingredients that may actually damage your skin—the very thing they’re supposed to protect.

How is this happening? It all comes down to the almighty dollar. Many sunscreens are marketed without the proper testing because of cost considerations. But, as you well know, when corners are cut, there’s always a price to be paid. Unfortunately, the burden has been shifted to us—and some of us will pay with our lives.

One common ingredient of sunscreens is benzophenone. It can cause allergic reactions and irritation to your skin. That’s the same problem that PABA presented, which has since been removed from most sunscreens. But what’s even more worrisome about benzophenone is its ability to mimic estrogen. Estrogen-sensitive breast-cancer cells were found to multiply when exposed to benzophenone in a test tube. This is especially troubling, since benzophenone is absorbed through the skin much more easily than other sunscreen ingredients. One study showed benzophenone present in 97 percent of people tested, and other research results turned up traces of the chemical in urine samples five days after its last use. In short, benzophenone is dangerous and it tends to linger.

Here are more chemicals to avoid:

• Homosalate: Test-tube experiments revealed that it acts like estrogen—making it an unacceptable option, as it can wreak havoc on your body.
• Octinoxate (or octyl methoxycinnamate): Different name, but presents the same problem—it acts like estrogen in your body.
• Padimate-O: This UVB-blocker, a derivative of PABA, has been linked to DNA damage. This has the potential to lead to cancer.

Even aluminum is present in certain sunscreens—and the makers don’t always include it on their ingredient labels. Aluminum is able to permeate your skin, and it causes oxidative stress wherever it goes. That’s why it has been linked to the formation of amyloid plaque—the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. (I wrote about this extensively in the April 2007 issue. You can read it in the archives at www.healthrevelations.com.)

There are a slew of chemicals to avoid—some with ridiculously unpronounceable names. I’m going to place a “Sun-Smarts” card on my Web site for you to download, clip, and take with you to the store. While I think it would be a terrific brain challenge to try to memorize all of those 25-cent words, I think a cheat sheet would be more effective.

But if you don’t have Internet access or forget to bring the list with you, the rule from the old Breyer’s ice cream commercial is a good rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce something that’s on a label, it shouldn’t be in there.

Bickering docs

As I mentioned earlier, there is a bona fide war going on in the medical community over sunscreens. In one corner we have the dermatologists. Battling them are the endocrinologists, who treat hormone problems. The controversy swirls around the “new” vitamin D findings. I’m sure you’ve heard about them, since the mainstream media has glommed onto it as if it were the medical find of the century.

I’ve been talking for years about the importance of getting enough vitamin D and sun. And now statistics show that about 50 percent of Americans appear to be vitamin D deficient—and you may very well be one of them. Your body depends on this key multitasker to support a healthy immune system, strong bones, and mood maintenance and to protect against most cancers. And while it’s called a “vitamin,” it’s actually a hormone made from cholesterol.

The endocrinologists, who are doing the real research, are suggesting that you “get a few minutes of direct sunlight before slathering on the sunscreen.”

But dermatologists counter with, “Do as we say and put the sunscreen on immediately, and then again every two hours.” I think they’re feeling a little touchy for overlooking the vitamin D story and making recommendations that may have contributed to deficiencies—which would explain the stubborn, digging-in of their collective heels. Stubbornness doesn’t make them right, though. Because while they’re bickering, you’re left holding a plastic bottle of goop—when all you really want to do is enjoy your day on the beach.

This dangerous, corporate-driven, dogmatic mentality has affected our safety for too long. The problem is this: Consumers mistakenly assume that companies have done their due diligence before bringing products to market, as if those chemical companies are going to actually fund a well-designed, long-term study that has the potential to quash their newborn brew. Please!

Closer examination usually reveals inadequate or shoddy research. A sunscreen company, for example, may tout research or an endorsement from an “expert” who may be a prominent professor at a medical school—but also just happens to be on a particular corporate party’s payroll.

Have those experts ask their lawyers for a strict definition of “conflict of interest.” In the meantime, I want you to skip the sunscreen.

Common-sense medicine

You may be stunned by my last recommendation. After all, it goes against everything you’ve probably been told up to now. “No sunscreen?!” you say. “But I’ll burn to a crisp.” But no sunscreen doesn’t mean you go with nothing. You will need to invest in a good sunblock.

Here’s the difference: UV light is absorbed by sunscreens. That’s not good, as you’ve seen. But UV light will bounce off of sunblocks— which is exactly what you want in your protection. Titanium oxide and zinc oxide are effective sunblocks, because they sit on the skin without being absorbed. But that’s also a sticking point, because some of these products, when applied, look like greasepaint. Still, they look better than a tumor—so this is one time to let vanity slide.

When it comes to protecting yourself, the benefits of skin products run a distant second to those of rational sun-moderation strategies, such as long clothes and large, wide-brimmed hats and spending time in the shade. Avoid sunburns, plain and simple. A sunburn is not only uncomfortable but has been associated with increased risk of all three of the skin cancers. And if matters of vanity are the things that move you, be aware that sun damage accounts for up to 90 percent of all visible skin aging (translation: wrinkles).

Having a history of skin cancer in your family, having numerous skin moles, and being a light-skinned blonde or redhead all increase your risk of skin cancer. So if you fit into any of those categories, you’ll need to be especially careful to get less sun. (Multiple skin moles alone can make your risk of cancer six times greater.) People of English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish or Scandinavian ancestry tend to be at greater risk as well.

Clearly, as is the case with most health matters, your sun strategy will need to be individualized. But for most people, I recommend at least 10 minutes of sun exposure—without even sunblock—every day.

Protect your skin from within

It’s not just what you’re slathering on the outside that counts. You want to be conscious of what you’re doing to protect your skin from the inside as well. Healthy omega-3 fats support good skin health. One study was done with people who have photodermatitis, a type of allergy to the sun that causes greater sensitivity to UV rays. They were given fish-oil supplements, and their sensitivity decreased.

Good food sources of natural omega-3s include deep-sea, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. Plant sources include flaxseed, hemp, Salba, walnuts and purslane. Purslane has been considered a weed by many a gardener but has recently been found to contain more omega-3 content than any other plant. You can now grow your own source of omega-3, with many seed suppliers offering this “weed’s” seeds for sale. I recommend you contain them in pots, though, so they won’t take over your garden.

If you elect to take a fish-oil supplement, take a total of 1,000 to 2,000 mg EPA+DHA. If you’re also eating fish, you won’t need as much. A good alternative is cod liver oil, which, though still fish-based, contains vitamins D and A. Vitamins D and A confer a variety of general health benefits, including protection against skin cancer that will give you a safer day in the sun. Unless you spend a lot of your time outdoors, you can use cod liver oil in place of the regular fish oil.

Recommended sun products for a safer day in the sun

• Burt’s Bees: This company offers chemical-free sun products that contain titanium oxide. I use it myself and like it. It goes on white but blends into your skin a few minutes after application. (www.BurtsBees.com)
• Dr. Hauschka: I especially like its Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 (which contains micronized titanium dioxide). (www.drhauschka.com)
• JASON Naturals: The product I like is Earth’s Best Organic Sunblock, Chemical Free SPF 30+ (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). (www.drugstore.com)

Your brain can be what it used to be

Most of the people I know over the age of 50 start noticing their memories aren’t what they used to be. They’re sensitive to even the tiniest reduction in brainpower. The worrying about it alone can create more memory hiccups, and next thing you know, you’re on a merry-go-round of fear.

The good news is that reduced brain function does not have to be an inescapable part of aging. In fact, scientists recently proved that your brain has the ability to retain the flexibility of your youth. Neuro- scientists call this ability “plasticity,” and the way to trigger it is to use your brain for positive mental tasks and to give it the nutrients it needs— so it can mold in the right direction.

And I’m going to show you how.

Here are nine successful brain-boosting nutraceuticals—plus one mind-body therapy—that are critical for preserving your brain’s youthfulness:

Brain cell booster

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a key component of your brain-cell membrane and is necessary for effective cell-to-cell communication. It also ensures normal memory and brain function. There have been well-designed studies that have shown an improvement in cognitive performance for folks with mild cognitive impairment—and even those with Alzheimer’s disease. I recommend you take 100 mg per day of phosphatidyl-serine to promote optimal brain function. If you have some degree of cognitive impairment, I recommend you take up to 300 mg per day. You can find it in vitamin shops, and even your local grocer should stock it.

Oxidative stress-busters

Proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) are crucial, because they reduce oxidative stress in your brain. They also slow the accumulation of beta-amyloid, that neurotoxic bedfellow of Alzheimer’s disease. PRPs can be extracted from bovine colostrums, which contain an immune-boosting component that’s normally passed from mother to baby immediately following birth. Taking proline-rich polypeptides helps your body to respond optimally when dealing with an assault of stressors. I recommend CogniSure™ from Metagenics. Check out www.metagenics.com to find an authorized provider.

Traditional Chinese moss for memory expansion

There’s currently a study under- way at Massachusetts General Hospital that is analyzing Chinese club moss for its powerful memory-enhancing properties. The researchers are finding that taking 400 micrograms per day is about three times as effective in improving memory as is taking Aricept, the commonly prescribed drug for Alzheimer’s. Aricept is expensive and, frankly, feeble compared with Chinese club moss, a long-revered treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for memory problems and fever. Its success with fever points to an anti-inflammatory effect. I recommend a Metagenics product called Ceriva.™ Take 100 to 200 micrograms per day. If your memory just has a little bit of rust on it, you can expect to see a benefit.

A key nutrient for your neurotransmitters

Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which you require for memory and learning. It’s considered an essential nutrient, as it increases acetylcholine levels and supports healthy functioning of the important fatty membrane within your brain cells. Research is discovering that choline can improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s. Japan and Germany have approved it for use in treating stroke and Parkinson’s disease. It’s available through numerous companies as citicholine or CDP choline. I recommend 250 to 500 mg per day.

A fungus that repairs nerve cells

Medicinal mushrooms are the focus of increasing interest by medical researchers in this country. Lion’s Mane has been prized for its digestive-system support and brain-tonic properties. It promotes the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a key role in nerve-cell repair and survival—in the brain and the rest of the body. New Chapter offers a product called Mental Clarity that provides it along with a combination of cordyceps, reishi and pearl oyster.

The king of antioxidants

Known as the “king of anti-oxidants,” alpha lipoic acid supports the brain’s energy-producing mitochondria. It also protects against oxidative stress and age-related deterioration that can lead to loss of brain function. It’s a valuable multitasker in your body, supporting liver health and improving insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. For general support, take 100 to 200 mg per day. Find it together with acetyl-l-carnitine, another brain-energy preserver and memory-protector, in a formula called Juvenon. Call (800) JUVENON. (Translation: 1-800-588-3666.)

A spicy number for fighting brain plaque

Curcumin is found in turmeric, popularly used in curry dishes throughout the world. Medical researchers grew excited over it when they noticed that in countries where curry is a mainstay, Alzheimer’s disease is almost as uncommon as scurvy is in the United States. Curcumin is a neuroprotective antioxidant that also appears to stimulate the immune system’s capacity to scrub the Alzheimer’s brain of beta-amyloid plaque. Turmeric is a golden-yellow spice that can be added to many dishes, such as soups, chili, and rice-based recipes. There are also several good products on the market. New Chapter offers Turmericforce,™ and Nature’s Way offers Standardized Turmeric —both sound, widely available products.

An aquatic plant with a 3,000-year history

Bacopa is a long-revered herb of the Indian Ayurvedic tradition (an ancient system of health care). It’s used to balance and calm the mind, improving memory and learning. I’ll bet you’ve noticed that when you’re frazzled, nothing stays in the memory bank for long. Studies show that bacopa reduces anxiety as well as drugs like Valium, but without their potential side effects, which can include confusion and memory loss. Scientists are working to unlock bacopa’s secrets, but there’s evidence that it may protect the hippocampus (the brain area associated with memory) from the damaging effects of cortisol. Most studies successfully used a daily dose of 300 mg, and benefit was seen after a couple of weeks’ use. You can get it teamed up with ginkgo from Planetary Herbals (www.planetaryherbals.com) or in a smart-combination product like Neurozyme from New Chapter.

An antioxidant for protecting your brain cells

Carnosine is an effective anti-oxidant that helps clear out damaged proteins from brain cells. It also protects against the damaging effects of beta-amyloid, that destructive protein which gunks up the brain in Alzhei-mer’s sufferers. I’m especially interested in its ability to oppose glycation, which is the process where sugar molecules glom onto cells, causing inflammation and loss of function. Glycation is associated with diabetes, but it also accelerates the aging process. Take 100 to 200 mg per day of carnosine (also packaged as l-carnosine).

A workout for your brain

Here’s the only non-nutraceutical therapy on our list. Think of EEG biofeedback as a way to train your brain to do a better job of managing all its functions. As with physical training, your object is to challenge your brain to adapt to a higher level of fitness. It’s useful for depression, anxiety and poor sleep and also improves concentration and focus. It does take a commitment—20-session programs are common, and insurance may not cover it. But I’ll tell you that your brain is well worth it. EEG biofeedback can literally show where the brain isn’t functioning properly. You can go to www.eegspectrum.com to locate a professional who offers it.

Premature brain aging is evident when you have short-term memory loss or are unable to learn new information. Some memory complaints that are more serious include the following:

• Regularly forgetting recently learned material
• Misplacing things in the most unlikely places (putting the coffee can in the dryer, for example)
• Having problems with language, such as your ability to read and write
• Experiencing difficulty in performing once-familiar household chores
• Losing track of time or your physical location
• Noticing dramatic changes in your mood

These potentially signal Alzhei-mer’s disease. The prime suspects leading to Alzheimer’s, and even brain-tissue degeneration and an eroded memory, are the twin demons of rampant inflammation and oxidative stress. You need a strong plan in place. It’ll help you to combat the multiple, random prongs of aging instigators so that your brain can continue to form vibrant connections well into old age.

Dr. Inglis recommends…

You’ll achieve your best success by working under the supervision of an experienced practitioner who can custom tailor/ individualize an approach suited to your specific needs. Begin your search by going to www.functionalmedicine.org

Forgotten cures
A versatile remedy from yesterday’s medicine cabinet

You may get a sour-pickle look on your face at the very mention of castor oil. Who can forget that loving spoonful of viscous oil our mothers forced between our pursed lips?

Well, as with many things in life, mom knew best. So, please hear me out and give this remedy the revisiting it deserves.

Castor oil is a classic example of a safe, effective cure right at our fingertips that gets overlooked because of its reputation, and also because it just seems outdated and too good to be true.

But I guarantee you that if drug companies could patent it, they’d put a gazillion dollars into advertising castor oil and it would be the next blockbuster for every ache, pain and superficial skin infection. Lucky for you and me, they can’t touch it—so it’ll remain one of the most reasonably priced remedies around.

Despite its reputation as a laxative, I frankly don’t favor it for that use. Most people suffering from constipation are much better off making sure they get enough fiber in their diet from fruits, vegetables and cooked whole grains (except rice, which binds you up).

I have my patients use castor oil as a topical pain reliever for abdominal cramps, headaches, bursitis-related inflammation, muscle pains and injured joints. Women can use it for breast inflammation as well.

Castor oil can also be used to treat sinusitis, as it soothes the associated inflammation while providing significant antibacterial action to remedy the underlying problem.

It can also boost immune-system response in order to promote healing, so is useful in treating infections.

For the topical applications I mentioned above, you’ll want to use cold-pressed castor oil. Soak a piece of flannel cloth in it and then apply the cloth to the affected area. Keep it there for 30 to 60 minutes. You can place a hot water bottle or a heating pad on top. The heat, besides having a soothing effect, improves absorption of the oil into your tissue. To get the maximum immune-system impact, continue the treatment once or twice daily for three to seven days.

There’s not a lot to it, but it sure is effective. This is the charm of old-style remedies—you won’t find a lot of fuss involved with their use, and no side effects when they’re used topically.

I checked around my community and found that most nurses I spoke with were well aware of the healing powers of castor oil. A recent study actually showed that castor oil works better than Vaseline in reducing pain in a procedure called extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (used to treat kidney stones). A shock wave is applied to the abdomen in order to break up kidney stones so you can pass them. If you’ve ever been through this procedure, you know it feels similar to being jabbed hard with a finger constantly for about 45 minutes to an hour. If castor oil can take the sting out of that, I’ll bite.

In fact, when it comes to pain relief, castor oil is one of the safest options out there. When you place castor oil up against the usual risky alternatives—drugs like Tylenol, Bufferin, Advil and Aleve—castor oil is hands-down the common-sense choice. These drugs are risky because they can cause stomach trouble, from upset stomach to bleeding, and in some severe cases, liver damage.

Your Questions Answered
Bring tears to your eyes—without a prescription

Q. I developed hot flashes and mood changes after menopause a couple of years ago. I’m 55 now, and while that initial problem cleared up, I ended up developing a dry, gritty feeling in my eyes a few months later. I buy an artificial-tear preparation from my local drugstore, but sometimes I need to apply it five to six times a day! What is the best—and safest—way to fix this problem? ––B. Rainey, Minneapolis, MN

A.You have dry eyes (kerato-conjunctivitis sicca), which can result in symptoms ranging from severe pain, itching, redness and blurred vision to that gritty sensation you described. It affects women more than men, with the common cause being the decreased estrogen levels of menopause.

Other causes include such auto-immune diseases as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid disease. A less-common cause is the presence of structural defects in tissue surrounding the eye, resulting in physical blockage.

Many common drugs can also cause the problem: diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (used to treat high blood pressure), tricyclic antidepressants (i.e. Elavil), opioid pain medications, and osteoporosis drugs (i.e. Actonel and Fosamax) are all potential culprits. Believe it or not, over-the-counter eye drops such as Visine can cause dry eyes, as can LASIK surgery.

And as many postmenopausal women have learned the hard way, estrogen hormone replacement therapy can be the underlying cause of dry eyes. If you’ve been on Premarin or another conjugated estrogen (those chemical soups made from the urine of pregnant horses), find a doctor who will take you off it (without giving you a hard time) and switch you over to bio-identical HRT. Check with your nearest pharmacist. (Go to www.iacprx.org to find a local practitioner.)

If left untreated, dry eyes can cause permanent scarring of your cornea which can ultimately impair your vision. Fortunately, most people treat it, because it’s too uncomfortable to ignore.

Breathing trouble in exchange for eye relief?

Conventional treatment for dry eyes is limited to adding tears (the artificial tears) or conserving tears, in which tear ducts are surgically blocked (either temporarily or permanently) with a procedure called punctual occlusion. It sounds as if you’re not getting the results you want from over-the-counter artificial-tear preparations, and I’m not surprised. These products contain preservatives that can irritate your already sensitive eyes, so it’s best to stay away from them.

There’s also a new drug on the market called Restasis that eye doctors like to use, which is an eye-drop version of a 35-year-old drug called cyclosporine. Don’t expect this drug to solve the problem either.

When Allergan first tried to get Restasis approved in 1999, it was turned down when a study involving 877 patients showed no benefit. Then, additional company-sponsored studies came along showing benefit, and it’s now widely used by doctors. The trouble is, nearly one in five people who use Restasis experience eye burning. Other side effects include rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. Imagine going to get a dry-eye condition treated and leaving with a breathing problem instead. That’s a trade most of us wouldn’t make.

Moisten bone-dry peepers––naturally

Try this before you end up on a drug: Take 1 to 3 teaspoons of cod liver oil. Cod liver oil has vitamin A, which supports and helps heal the eyes. You can pick up Carlson’s brand or Nordic Naturals’ brand. For topical care, I recommend a product called Tears Again® Advanced™ Liposome Eyelid Spray (which contains vitamins A, C and E in a highly penetrating form you apply to your closed eyelids) and another one called Tears Again® Liquid Gel Drops (which contains a common eye lubricant, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, in long-lasting gel form without preservatives). You can get these products at www.ocusoft.com. Go to the patient catalog and click on “dry eye therapy.”

Additional supports should include a whole-food diet with a wide variety of deeply colored fruits and vegetables, a room humidifier, and protective eyewear for the outdoors and for swimming. Also, if you find yourself glued in front of your computer, blink. People blink on an average of 14 times per minute, but this tends to slow down when you’re concentrating on a monitor. Other environmental triggers include sun, dry, windy air and heat, so be mindful of putting yourself in situations for too long that could make your symptoms worse.

Turn your own fountain of youth to full blast––naturally

The cult of mainstream medicine has tried to brainwash all of us into believing that getting old means getting sick. In their narrow view, the best way for you to get through those golden years is by being force-fed a cocktail of mind- and body-numbing drugs.

Is that how you planned to spend your retirement?

I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your attention that aging has become big business. And everyone seems to have a stake in it: “Designer” doctors, anti-aging specialists, the FDA —even starlets and sports stars.

Despite the confusion, you’re probably just like my patients: You want to know how to stop those wildly spinning hands of time—and not sleepwalk through the next couple of decades. Believe me—I understand. I’ve spent months digging through the latest research and have uncovered the breakthroughs that can help you discover that fabled “fountain of youth.”

You’ll be happy to learn right off the bat that such a fountain really exists—within you.

And the aging process, while not avoidable, is manageable. I’ll even tell you about a little experiment I did on myself a number of years ago. It has guided me both personally and in my practice to this day.

It all begins with a little gland (and the hormone it produces) that’s at the base of much of this controversy.

Your “master” gland may be winding down

I’m referring to the pituitary gland, located at the base of your skull. It’s responsible for producing growth hormone (GH), which plays a key role in many crucial processes throughout your body. Whether it’s producing energy, encouraging muscle and tissue growth, regulating brain and mood function, or promoting healing, it’s crucial that it function optimally.

Growth hormone is released in pulses throughout the day, with the largest amount released about an hour after you fall asleep. You had the highest level of this hormone when you were a kid, but that level started to drop in your 30s. By the time you’re in your 50s and 60s, your level may be as much as 75 percent lower than what it originally was.

This is due to what is called somatopause, or as you know it, the “aging process.” And those plunging GH levels are responsible, which is why you begin to look in the mirror wondering where “you” went and who put this tired, old person in your place.

But don’t despair—you don’t have to “just accept it,” especially since there are safe ways to increase your GH level. And doing so can result in increased muscle mass and decreased body fat—especially around the abdomen, where it’s unhealthy to store it. You can also experience improved energy, increased sexual drive, lower cholesterol, and even faster healing of your bumps, scrapes and bruises.

But there’s another side of growth hormone to consider, which has fueled some of the aging controversy.

The darker side of GH

GH is obviously necessary—but it can also be a runaway train. Think of Carel Struycken, who played “Lurch” in the TV show The Addams Family, or the legendary wrestler Andre the Giant. Both suffered from excessive growth-hormone secretion, the result of a slow-growing tumor in the pituitary called an adenoma. This leads to acromegaly, characterized by increased height and thickened bones (most notably in the hands, feet and jaws). It also leads to diabetes, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness. Untreated, most folks afflicted with it die by the age of 40.

Then there’s the flip side: Growth-hormone deficiency in children, which is associated with short stature. It has been the subject of ongoing controversy, because some parents with shorter than average children can become very aggressive about seeking GH injections in order to boost their kids’ height—even when it’s not an issue of GH deficiency. Due to lack of solid evidence, it’s simply not known whether treatment of short stature in the absence of GH deficiency (idiopathic short stature or ISS) is safe over a lifetime.

Another hot topic for debate is whether or not raising levels also increases the risk of cancer. While the media love to jump on stories like this, there’s no strong evidence to support it (though there are studies that report a high incidence of side effects in over 25 percent of GH injection cases). Side effects can include muscle pain and swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome and fluid retention. However, all of these symptoms can be controlled if you’re working with a skilled practitioner who monitors you and makes sure you get only as much as you need.

And let’s not leave out the sensational, high-profile stories that feed the controversy frenzy. GH has been linked to the deaths of B-list star Anna Nicole Smith and the pro wrestler Chris Benoit and has tarnished the reputation of several cyclists who have competed in the Tour de France. (It seems everyone wants a shot at lowering body fat, increasing muscle mass, and accelerating healing—all of those positive effects associated with this hormone.) But these are cases of abusing a good thing—and shouldn’t serve as an indictment of the safety and efficacy of GH. Remember, this is a natural substance created in your own body, so don’t let some misuses put you off of the whole topic—especially when there’s a right way to go about increasing your GH level.

How to figure out your GH level

You may be deficient in GH, but determining that can be tricky. That’s because GH levels jump around like crazy throughout the day, which makes trying to measure a blood level almost useless.

The generally accepted, most reliable marker of GH level is the measuring of IGF-1 levels (insulin-like growth factor –1). IGF-1 levels are produced in the liver, its production stimulated by GH. It’s a complex scale that takes into account your age range and is used to determine whether or not your level of GH is low.

Getting your IGF-1 level measured will cost around $100, and your insurance may not pay for it. Also, you may find your doctor balking at your request—as most mainstream doctors don’t recognize GH levels as being an issue one way or the other. Don’t be surprised if he shows you the door if you request testing and treatment. Leave him to his narrow viewpoint and find someone who has both researched the subject and has actual clinical experience treating patients. (I’ll provide you some resources for locating a specialist in just a minute.)

If your IGF-1 level is in the lowest 30 percent for your age range according to the complex scale I just mentioned, many age management experts believe that you’ll feel a benefit from bringing your level up into the top 30 percent of that range. If yours is low, it’s quite reasonable to consider taking GH injections for at least six months and having your levels monitored every two months. Injections of the real hormone can be prohibitively expensive—running into the thousands, but the synthetic version is identical and costs about $20 to $30 per shot. Treatment would involve anywhere from four to seven of these injections per week.

In addition to the IGF-1 measurement, there are other things you can have done:

• Glucose challenge test: A sugar load is used to suppress GH secretion. When there’s too much insulin in your blood, a chemical called somatostatin is released to suppress any further release. In the process, it will also decrease your GH level.
  
• Arginine challenge test: A high dose of the amino acid L-arginine is used to stimulate GH release.

These two options may require short-term hospitalization in order to monitor results, but I think it’s worth considering because it’s a very accurate, reliable way to measure GH.

Take control of the aging process

Let’s start with the no-brainers—measures you can implement today that don’t cost a thing and will naturally boost your GH.

Sugar and overprocessed, high-glycemic foods spike blood sugar and insulin levels, which is why the sugar load is used in the glucose challenge that I just talked about. To increase your GH levels with food, aim for a whole-foods diet that includes plenty of vegetables, some lean protein and moderate amounts of unprocessed whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley.

Probably the easiest way to boost your GH level is by getting adequate sleep. That’s easy if you can sleep. If you have sleep problems, it’s just one more reason to fix them. I’ll be looking more in-depth at sleep diseases next month, but suffice it to say that if you’re not sleeping—you’re not releasing optimal levels of GH. A study was done looking at 149 men between the ages of 16 and 83. The researchers found that as sleep quality declined due to age-related changes, so too did GH levels. Bottom line: Improve your sleep habits—it’s crucial.

Also crucial is exercise. No one likes to hear about it, but I’m going to tell you about it anyway because it is important. I just learned an interesting statistic: Over 37 percent of health club members are over 55 —which means that those folks are rolling back some years! Do anaerobic exercise, such as weightlifting, to stimulate your GH. Exercise induces the release of GH by stimulating the pituitary gland, leading to muscle and tissue growth. And there are some easy weights right in your kitchen cabinet that some of my patients use: soup cans. Who says you have to pay a gym membership to work out?

One option for you to consider is an oral GH stimulator. Certain amino acids will accomplish this when taken either alone or together, but the main ones are ornithine and arginine—growth-inducing powerhouses. Small studies have shown increases in lean body mass and strength with doses as low as one gram daily of ornithine and 2 grams of arginine in athletes under 50 exercising heavily with weights. Arginine stimulates the release of GH and is needed to make ornithine—which is twice as potent as arginine. You may need to experiment with higher doses—2 to 4 grams of ornithine and 4 to 6 grams of arginine, for example.

It’s best to take amino acids just before bedtime on an empty stomach to boost that normal late-evening GH surge. Some patients report feeling better when they take it during the day, especially before heavy exercise, so experiment on whatever works best for you. Save money and purchase the amino acids separately. The widely available Twinlabs products are good bets and available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and vitamin shops.

The proof is in the pudding

Twenty years ago, I embarked on a three-month experiment using 2 grams of ornithine in the mornings. Sure enough, I lost body fat and added a few pounds of muscle. I was pretty fit and slender in the first place and exercising with weights regularly (as I still do). Still, the effect was very noticeable physically—and I felt great, too. So you see, amino acids can have the desired effect.

A variety of well thought-out combination formulas include these amino acids. It’s best to take amino acids just before bedtime on an empty stomach to boost that normal late-evening GH surge. I have some patients in their 70s who report feeling better when they take them during the day, so do whatever works best for you.

Buyer, beware

This leads me to a few important points concerning these oral GH-stimulator formulations, referred to as “secretagogues.” They are known to work best in folks under 50 (and in some cases up to age 60) who are engaged in regular strength training with weights. If you’re under the age of 60, putting on fat and losing muscle, with low energy and poor sleep—plus your IGF-1 levels are low—I say give them a try. And if you’re a woman, you may need as much as twice the amount as men, so you may have to double up. If you’re over 60, I recommend you stick with actual injections, as you’re less likely to respond to the amino acids.

Whether you choose an oral GH-stimulator therapy or actual GH injections, have an experienced practitioner gauge your clinical response. That way, you can save some money on the treatment itself—but still know whether it’s having a medical impact.
To find a practitioner with experience in your area, I recommend you go to one of the following Websites: The American College for Advance-ment of Medicine (ACAM), www.acam.org (or call (888) 439-6891), the Life Extension Foundation, www.lef.org, or the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, www.worldhealth.net.

Here’s something important for you to be aware of: Doctors who treat low GH levels tend to keep a pretty low profile. Why? Because the FDA doesn’t recognize any such condition in adults, so doctors who use GH treatment do a very fine dance.

Top 10 Inflammatory ignitors that wreak BODILY havoc once unleashed

When your body’s immune- system response is working normally, it will respond to injury or infection with a complex set of events we call inflammation. The classic visible signs are redness and swelling accompanied by heat and pain. This reflexive action is crucial for our survival. Without it there would be no healing of wounds, infections or injuries and our tissue would be destroyed—creating a debilitating, life-threatening cycle. Ideally, the inflammatory response should turn itself on and off as needed.

But when imbalances occur, mischief gains a foothold. The inflammatory process gets stuck, becoming perpetual and highly destructive. Inflammation that’s running amok in your body can initiate more disease processes than you can count on one hand. From classic “inflammatory diseases” like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and eczema to more common conditions like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and depression—inflammation is at the root.

And with inflammation’s foothold comes the smoldering effect. Much like a fire that starts when a couch is lit by a stray spark, it can go unrecognized in the body for a long time before it manifests itself more fully as a full-blown disease.

One of the most useful markers of inflammation is a high level of C-reactive protein (CRP). It can be high temporarily for something as simple as a case of allergies with the sniffles or more long-term as a response to an imbalance in your system. I routinely check a second or third level over a period of months if I believe an elevated level may be due to an appropriate, temporary immune response. Values run from 1.0 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L. Your CRP value should ideally be below 1.0. Chronically elevated values that are over 2.0 are cause for deep concern, because they generally signal a high risk for or an in-process disease.

Here are 10 common, not so common, and even downright surprising triggers for chronic inflammation. Avoiding these causes can help you lower your risk of developing that smoldering flame in your body.

Stress smorgasbord

This may seem an obvious selection, but in one way or another, the rest of the items on this list all constitute some form of stress stimulator. The common, everyman’s definition of stress would be too much of anything that exceeds your ability to adapt. And whether you’re a woman or a man, emotional and physical stress can and will trigger undesirable hormonal changes. This will provoke body-wide inflammation and your risk of chronic disease will take a leap. As I tell my patients, it’s not whether or not you have any stress in your life—it’s how big a role it plays in your overall health. Inevitably, the answer is: Stress plays a major role. See the Forgotten Cures column on page 6 for one thing I recommend. Keep in mind that reducing stress is two-pronged. Reduce or rid yourself of the external stressor and also change the way you respond to stress.

Fueling the flames

Fat cells are not the neutral, passive storage repositories for excess calories you may think they are. They’re actually metabolically active and are busy spewing out over 30 different pro-inflammatory substances, referred to as adipokines. And when it comes to disease risk —don’t discount their effect. In my estimation, the most common cause of a significantly elevated C-reactive protein (thus, chronic inflammation) is being overweight or obese. Abdominal fat is the worst offender. (Think of an apple shape vs. a pear shape.) The best way to reduce abdominal fat is a combination of aerobic activity such as walking and strength training, which will lower overall body fat and boost your body’s ability to burn calories.

Cheap prices carry a high cost

The grocery store aisles are packed with nutritional garbage—all for a low, enticing price. These products spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, provoking a flood of oxygen-free radicals—all of which results in what we call oxidative stress. Using a special little protein switch inside your cell called “nuclear factor kappa B,” these free radicals trigger the production of inflammatory substances called cytokines. The result is inflammation—especially as you continue to feed the process via a steady diet of those cheap carbs. Stick with whole foods.

An infamous foe

Trans fats, aka hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils, have been plastered all over the news in recent months. These lethal, man-made fats were cleverly designed to increase the shelf life of a multitude of processed foods. They are everywhere, from packaged baked goods to salad dressings. Unfortunately, they shorten human life and cause upward of 20,000 unnecessary premature deaths per year—due primarily to heart disease. These non-digestible fats trigger the production of large numbers of free radicals, which in turn trigger an inflammatory response. It may give you nightmares to learn that trans fats incorporate themselves into your cell membranes—including your brain cells. Once they set up shop, they disturb normal cell-to-cell communication and brain function. The only safe amount of trans fat is ZERO (and don’t fall for the “0g per serving” language). Avoid any food where any of the tag names mentioned above are listed as an ingredient.

Buried bacteria

Hidden, or occult, infection by bacteria can provoke a systemic inflammatory response. Billions of bacteria—good, bad, and indifferent—hang out in your intestinal tract. One of the bad ones is called Helicobacter pylori, discovered 20 years ago in quite dramatic fashion: A young and courageous Australian doctor infected himself with it to prove a point. It’s a major player in the formation of peptic ulcers. Unless the H. pylori are treated, the ulcer will not heal properly. Of course, not everyone who has H. pylori present develops ulcers. But if it’s present, they can cause inflammation that is signaled by an elevated CRP. If I find that a patient’s CRP is elevated and he has no clear reason as to why, I’ll often check for H. pylori with a blood test. If it’s present, eliminating it usually remedies the situation—and lessens the risk of developing an ulcer at a future date.

Under attack

Our immune system can spontaneously take a dislike to a perceived invader. That can range from ragweed, pollen, dust, mold, and even food products like corn, soy, wheat and dairy. The result? It’ll launch attack missiles in the form of one or more of these: Runny nose, itching, fatigue, frequent colds, gastrointestinal illness. Not all of us are equally sensitive, and many of us are not sensitive at all to these things. While most doctors believe in allergies, food allergies or sensitivities simply aren’t on the radar screen for most.

Gut irritant

More than 25 percent of the population has a genetic variation that increases susceptibility to gluten, a protein found in wheat, which is in just about everything. And one percent of the population has full-blown celiac disease, which should be suspected in anyone with chronic diarrhea, chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or anemia. Gluten intolerance leads to chronic, low-grade inflammation, damaging tissue in the intestine. Fairly reliable blood tests that many doctors are now knowledgeable about and will order are tissue transglutaminase, anti-gliaden and antiendomysial, and total IgA antibodies. Even low, normal values with symptoms can signal the disease. The cure is a gluten-free diet for life.

Chemical soup

Allergens can affect some people and not others. Toxins are a whole other matter—they affect everyone. Some folks are more susceptible than others, depending on a combination of genetic variation and overall toxic exposure (sometimes referred to as “load”) over the course of a lifetime. And other folks simply inherit a better systemic set-up than others. Toxins from the environment are processed in the liver by a special set of enzymes designed to package these rogue substances and show them the door via your urine or bowel movements. Common toxins include mercury, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals, certain plants, germs, a number of drugs used to treat diseases, and a wide variety of petrochemicals. And every year, the chemical industry kicks out hundreds of new—and unregulated—chemicals into our environment, with the hazards yet to be evaluated. One way to avoid food-borne toxins is by purchasing organic products—that’ll keep a long list of undesirable chemicals from turning your body into a lifelong chemical experiment.

Your mouth as a doorway

Poor dental health has been linked to body-wide inflammation and to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or diabetes. Plaque build-up along the gum lines causes gingivitis, creating a home for bacteria to thrive in. This results in gum-tissue breakdown, allowing bacteria to pass into the bloodstream —where they incite inflammation. I recommend as mandatory daily flossing, a full two-minute brushing with a soft toothbrush, a 30-second gargle with a plaque rinse, and a thorough cleaning performed by a dental hygienist at least two times per year. Here’s a homemade helper: Work a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into your gum lines with a rubber-tipped gum stimulator. Rinse with warm salt water from a Water-Pik. Do this daily, or at least three times per week. And if your gums are bleeding, take 100 to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily, which will speed the healing.

Ignitor in a bottle

I can’t let this one slide below the radar, because it can actually cause a cycle of inflammation. Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn and Aleve), celicoxib (Celebrex)—and all other so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories cause gastrointestinal-tract ulcers and bleeding, killing about 15,000 people per year. That’s not all. They also promote the formation of clots in your blood vessels, increasing the risk of your having a heart attack. They also increase your blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for heart attack and stroke. These pills can also eventually damage the complex inner lining of your gastrointestinal tract. The result is a “leaky gut,” meaning you’re unable to keep undesirable larger molecules from your food from passing into your systemic circulation. This results in a generalized, body-wide inflammatory response—which, by the way, contributes to making arthritis worse. Arnica is a great safe and natural solution to fight pain flare-ups.

FORGOTTEN CURES

Give yourself all-day energy—without the caffeine

Are you experiencing a personal energy crisis? If so, you’re one of the millions of Americans spending more energy than they have. Lack of energy is one of the most common complaints I hear in my practice. Some folks come to my office afraid that they’re dying. I tell them “No, you’re not dying—you’re just spent.”
Having an energy imbalance puts enormous stress on your mind and body, putting you at risk for major illness. In fact, an estimated 80 percent of health problems stem directly from stress.

I’ve cautioned you more than once about the plague of stress and how you need to get a handle on it. I’m sure you wish you could wave a magic wand and make that stress go away. Well, I don’t have that—but I do have the next best thing.

There’s a medicinal plant with extraordinary healing and balancing powers. It can help you get strong while you work on fundamental lifestyle issues such as proper diet, exercise, sleep, and improving your stress-coping skills. This plant is Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root. It grows on the high mountain slopes of Russia, where it has been used for centuries—most notably by cosmonauts and Olympic athletes in recent times.

It’s a personal favorite of mine because it works so well and has no downside. I’ve been successfully using Rhodiola with patients for several years now. I’ve seen it work great in folks who’ve been feeling tapped out, can’t drag themselves out of bed in the morning, and even feel a bit depressed. And who wouldn’t feel depressed, if you feel you can no longer keep up with your normal activities?

Research shows that Rhodiola has a balancing effect on the thyroid and adrenal glands, which are important players in your body’s hormonal stress response and energy production pathways. Plus it supports the balanced production of both serotonin and dopamine—key brain neurotransmitters.

The Rhodiola plant is one of a special class of herbs known as “adaptogens.” This designation is for those herbs that have the ability to normalize your system, promoting an increase or reduction in whatever it is your body needs. Adaptogens are also very low in toxicity, causing little to no physiological turmoil. Even better—to be considered an adaptogen, an herb must help your body’s “fight or flight” response maintain an even keel instead of flying off half-cocked at every hint of danger.

Research shows that Rhodiola can boost human functioning in many areas: Brain function and memory, mood, sexual vitality, physical and athletic performance, and recovery ability. With all of these things going for it, I don’t understand why it’s not more widely known and used —except, of course, that no drug company can patent such a natural wonder of a drug.

With Rhodiola’s ability to balance your energy, it can actually promote more restful sleep. This is essential for maintaining good health and preventing premature aging. In fact, it’s respected in Russia as an effective anti-aging tool.

Some folks have found success in using it along with a weight-management program. It can safely speed up your body’s ability to burn fat. Excess fats from our diet are stored as triglycerides. Before you can burn fat, your body must first break down those triglycerides—and in animal studies, it has been shown that Rhodiola assists in the process.

Unlike a drug, which is a single molecule that’s aimed like a bullet at a specific target in the body, a complex plant like Rhodiola functions like a symphony playing throughout your body. Unlike the crude and potentially dangerous hammer-like effect of a “new-to-nature” drug traveling along your body’s pathways, Rhodiola gently supports overall good health and vitality.

I work primarily with Rhodio-laforce 100 from New Chapter. There are clear instructions on the bottle for increasing the dose in an organized way based on your individual response. Many folks report feeling a change after just a few days. I also recommend you get your hands on a copy of the highly readable book The Rhodiola Revolution, by Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D., both highly respected clinicians and academicians. Dr. Gerbarg reports that she managed her own chronic-fatigue condition by using Rhodiola, and her inspiring, healing-success story is shared in the book.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
An effective balm—no voodoo involved

Q.I have a friend who swears by Arnica for bruises and sprains. She and her family all use it, taking it in pill form. Her orthopedist recommended she use it before and after knee surgery. She followed his advice and claimed there was less swelling and bleeding than she’d expected. I’ve seen it listed as an ingredient in a muscle rub. What exactly is it, and is it safe to use for those daily aches and pains I get?
––B. Getz, Twin Falls, ID

A.You’ve discovered a celebrated remedy. This herb’s proper name is Arnica Montana, also called leopard’s bane. Arnica grows in high mountain meadows and was used as a folk remedy in the Swiss Alps because it was known for its ability to relieve soreness and bruising. Hey, I’m inclined to trust those who’ve worked, hiked, and trudged daily through those steep moun-tain slopes about what works for pain.

The Europeans weren’t the only ones who recognized its effectiveness. Native Americans also used it, making ointments and tinctures that soothed sore muscles and healed wounds.

Because of its rich history, Arnica occupies an honored place in homeopathy for its ability to speed the healing of wounds whenever there is bleeding, bruising and soreness involved. And as your friend found, it is quite effective when used for just about any surgery. Scientists have identified two substances in Arnica, helenalin and dihydrohelenalin, that are responsible for producing the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Many competitive athletes use it both for minor musculoskeletal injuries and to reduce muscle soreness resulting from strenuous workouts. I use it in this way myself. I row for exercise and find I do much better overall when I use Arnica. Let me tell you—rowing is one strenuous workout, leaving my arms, back and legs well worked. And because I exercise pretty strenuously on a regular basis, I use oral homeopathic Arnica twice per day in a 12C or 30C potency. These are widely available at most pharmacies, vitamin shops and natural-food stores.

I’ve met at least two highly credentialed mainstream surgeons, one an orthopedist and the other an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who use it. Both of them recommend it to their patients for use after surgery.

Now that’s not to say you won’t encounter doctors who dismiss homeo-pathic Arnica as so much voodoo because they don’t “believe” in homeo-pathy. Most of these doctors, in my experience, know absolutely nothing about homeopathy. When I ask how much time they’ve spent studying it, they’ll change the subject, get angry, or back down in embarrassment. (Maybe it’s the way I phrase the question: I ask how many “minutes” they’ve spent studying the topic.)

I assure you that Arnica has a long history of safe and reportedly effective use by thousands of practitioners. Over the last two centuries, that translates into literally millions of patients. No deaths have been reported. Sorry to say I can’t say the same for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, which have led to the deaths of 15,000 or more people every single year brought on by gastro-intestinal bleeding. I’m sure they didn’t realize that taking ibuprofen or naproxen to sooth their joint or muscle pain would be a life-threatening decision—which makes it all the more tragic.

Arnica is also used externally in creams, gels, ointments and poultices as a rub for sore and stiff muscles. One of my favorites for daily use after exercise is Weleda Massage Oil with Arnica. For general soreness and pain associated with strains or sprains, I’ve found that a product called Soothanol (available at www.NorthStarNutritionals.com) works as well as anything else I’ve ever tried—and usually a lot faster.

One note of caution: Topical Arnica can irritate broken skin, so if you have a scrape or a cut, do not apply it to that area. Oral homeopathic Arnica, however, is safe from this effect.

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.