Several years ago, I was asked to write a small book about a Tibetan herbal formula. What I learned amazed me.

This formula cleans out arteries, lowers total cholesterol and the "bad" LDL, cools down inflammation, boosts the immune system, and relieves depression. This means it can help reverse an existing condition, such as arthritis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Or prevent you from getting them.

If it's not the Fountain of Youth, this formula looks like a close second! What's more, instead of taking a number of supplements, you may be able to take just this one.

This formula was developed many decades ago high in the Himalayan mountains and hand-carried to Switzerland via Siberia. It's been tested in more than 50 scientific studies and found to be safe and effective. And it's already well known and used extensively ... throughout Europe.

Unfortunately, the U.S. has been behind the times in using this valuable combination of herbs and other nutrients. I thought you'd want to learn more about its many uses.

I'm talking about an ancient combination made from 19 herbs, camphor, and calcium sulphate. Originally, the herbs were gathered in the Himalayas and prepared by local village doctors. Today, some of them are cultivated in Switzerland where a pharmaceutical company manufactures the formula. The current formula, known in this country as Padma Basic, is closely based on the original. In fact, the Tibetan doctor who founded Tibet's premier medical school, and who was the Dalai Lama's personal physician, found it identical in its effect. This is the real thing.

You may want to read the fascinating story of how these Tibetan herbs found their way to European doctors. You can find it in my small book, Padma: An Ancient Tibetan Herbal Formula (Basic Health Publications, 2003). But it's even more important to understand how it works.

Inflammation

Last year, I discussed inflammation in depth. It's the single underlying cause of a number of degenerative conditions. These include arthritis, bronchitis, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, gum disease, diabetes, psoriasis, and others. In fact, every condition that ends in "itis" includes an inflammatory process. It's rare that any of us has inflammation in only one area. So when you treat inflammation for one disease, you improve your total health.

A little inflammation can actually help your body heal itself. It brings increased blood flow to an area. But when tissues are repeatedly inflamed, they break down faster than they can repair themselves. Then, a minor inflammation can become chronic and lead to serious health problems.

Inflammation means heat. If you have an inflammation, you want to cool it down. The herbs in Padma are cooling herbs that are also high in antioxidants. Both help reduce inflammation.

Some of its herbs contain oils that prevent the fat in animal products from becoming rancid. Rancid oils produce free radicals — substances that promote inflammation. These free radicals can permanently "turn on" your immune system. You want your immune system activated as needed, not all the time. Padma breaks the inflammation cycle by reducing free radicals, cooling down an inflammation, and preserving your immune system.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition triggered by excessive free radicals where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. This causes the arteries to become stiff, or "hardened," which slows down circulation. The condition often progresses causing fatigue, pain in the heart (angina), and chronic leg pain.

Studies found that Padma reduced angina and gave participants the ability to exercise longer without pain. It reduced both plaque and inflammation. How long did they take Padma? Two short weeks! That's right! Noticeable results were seen in just 14 days. Their cholesterol and triglycerides both decreased dramatically, as well.

Circulation

Intermittent claudication and peripheral artery disease are complications of atherosclerosis. Never heard of them, you say? What about chronic leg pain? If you get pain in your legs when you walk, it may be due to inflamed arteries filled with plaque.

When plaque builds up in your legs, it's called peripheral artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease. Eventually, plaque can cause sporadic pain known as intermittent claudication. This is a huge problem affecting 12% of all adults over the age of 50. Padma reduces both plaque and inflammation, which increases circulation and reduces pain.

Padma originally became well known when a Swiss medical doctor used it on a high-profile patient of his. The patient's leg pain was so intense that he could hardly walk. This doctor remembered that a pharmaceutical salesman had told him that Padma was effective in relieving leg pain. With nothing to lose, he gave his patient the Padma. It worked beautifully! After just a few weeks, his patient could walk without pain.

Then the doctor gave Padma to some of his other patients with similar results. Soon, a number of other Swiss doctors began to use it. It was even the subject of controlled studies at the Zurich University Clinic. Now there's more research on using Padma for peripheral artery disease than for any other condition. But if Padma can reduce plaque in the leg, it can reduce plaque in coronary arteries. That means it will reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Blood clots

Fibrinogen is a protein that helps regulate the thickness of your blood. The more fibrinogen you have, the thicker and stickier your blood becomes. And the higher your risk is for blood clots. This sticky, fibrous blood can break off and cause a heart attack or stroke. High fibrinogen is a strong predictive risk factor for both of them. It can also be an indication that someone who has had a stroke is likely to have another one. Most doctors don't routinely test fibrinogen. They should. The test is cheap and important.

If you're taking a long bus, train, or plane trip, you simply must have your fibrinogen checked. High fibrinogen indicates a higher risk for having DVT, deep vein thrombosis. This is a condition where blood clots can cause swelling and inflammation. They can also break off, travel through the bloodstream, and damage your lungs, heart, or brain.

Wear compression stockings, don't cross your legs, and keep moving your legs. Consider taking some form of blood thinner on all trips longer than four hours if you have high fibrinogen. And consider taking Padma.

Your body has many checks and balances. It makes substances that cause your blood to clot so that a minor cut or a surgical procedure won't result in a great blood loss. And it makes other substances that keep your blood from getting too thick. Dr. Kaj Winther, a Danish researcher at the University of Copenhagen, found that Padma neutralizes the substances that thicken the blood allowing blood clots to dissolve more quickly.

Doctors prescribe a blood-thinner, such as Coumadin, to thin the blood. Like all medications, Coumadin has side effects. Padma could be a safe alternative. Discuss this with your doctor and give him or her a copy of my book on Padma. Dr. Isaac Eliaz, a medical doctor who has used Padma for years with his patients, suggests taking two tablets, three times a day for at least four months to dissolve fibrinogen.

Immunity

Padma regulates your immune system. If yours is underactive, it gives it a boost. If it's overactive, it turns it down.

In one study, Padma not only reduced atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits, it also restored their immune systems. The researchers of this study found a connection between atherosclerosis and immunity. One human study with hepatitis patients saw incredible results with Padma. More than 75 percent of the participants had stronger immune systems after taking the formula for one year. They also had no inflammation in their livers!

A number of studies on children with a history of recurring colds and respiratory infections found fewer infections after taking Padma. In one, the children had more than an 80 percent decrease in the frequency of their infections after they had stopped taking Padma for nine months!

As we age, our immune systems weaken. If you're using Padma for other conditions, this additional benefit is reassuring.

Mood

Most recently, scientists have found a connection between inflammation and mood. A group of Austrian researchers testing Padma on leg pain discovered this quite by accident. In addition to helping the leg pain, they found the study participants reported an increased feeling of well-being. They looked at the tryptophan levels of these patients. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps regulate our moods. Sure enough, Padma increased tryptophan by preventing it from breaking down.

Would I use Padma for slight depression? Probably not. There are other less expensive solutions. But if you're taking Padma for any of the above conditions, pay attention to how you feel emotionally, and don't be surprised if you feel better.

I've personally found Padma to be a remarkable supplement. You saw an insert about it from Women's Preferred last month that offered a free box when you buy three. I've asked that this offer be extended to you because I'm so impressed with the product. That's why I wrote a book about it, and why I wrote this article. To order Padma, call Women's Preferred (800-728-2288) or EcoNugenics (800-308-5518).

Fuchs, Nan Kathryn, PhD, Padma: An Ancient Tibetan Herbal Formula, Basic Health Publications, 2003, $4.95. (800-728-2288)

Schwabl, H., PhD, et al. "The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of PADMA 28/PADMA Basic," Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, November 2001.

Winther, K., et al. "PADMA-28, a botanical compound, decreases the oxidative burst response of monocytes and improves fibrinolysis in patients with stable intermittent claudication," Fibrinolysis 1994, 8, Suppl 2, 47–49.

Got Heartburn? Milk May Be One Common Food That Causes Your Pain

Recently, a number of subscribers with heartburn have written to me looking for relief from their pain. They've tried natural remedies that didn't work and they don't want to take antacids. I don't blame them.

Antacids neutralize stomach acid. The good news is that they stop acid from irritating your stomach or esophagus. The bad news is that you won't have enough acid left to break down and use protein, iron, calcium, and magnesium. Or to help destroy bad bacteria that can lead to infections.

I've said it before: If you use antacids regularly, over a period of time, they can contribute to a host of more serious problems including arthritis, asthma, depression, digestive problems, and osteoporosis. Antacids don't correct heartburn. They just treat its symptoms. Fortunately, there's a better way to get rid of the pain from heartburn permanently. And it could be as simple as eliminating a common drink from your morning routine.

Is your problem structural?

I discussed heartburn's origin back in the June 2003 issue ("Take Acid — Not Antacids — To End Your Heartburn"). A malfunctioning valve between your esophagus and stomach, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is responsible for your pain. You may have a lot of stomach acid or very little. It doesn't matter. If the LES opens when it shouldn't, it lets stomach acid back up and inflames your tissues.

There are nutrients you can take to help repair your irritated stomach and a depleted digestive tract. I talked about them at length in my previous article. I suggest you find a doctor who understands the role of the LES in acid reflux or heartburn pain. Ask him or her which supplements would be most appropriate in your particular case.

You may have a weakened LES, inflammation, or both. A list of organizations you can contact to find such a doctor, and more information on supplements, are in that article (which is available on my website: http:// www.womenshealthletter.com). Remember, the user name and password you need to login are in this and every issue of the newsletter (page 4).

There's more to healing heartburn than taking the right pills

If you're using supplements to strengthen your LES and your diet continues to weaken it, you won't get better. If your supplements soothe inflamed tissues and your diet causes more inflammation, you'll stay in pain.

I'm convinced that if you suffer from acid reflux, you need to take a close look at your diet and modify it. Some foods and medications actually weaken your LES, leaving you open to pain from backed-up stomach acid. Others contribute to inflammation.

Chances are, you're eating, drinking, or taking something that's contributing to your heartburn. It's possible that you can become pain-free simply by eliminating these trigger substances. My suggestion is to begin by avoiding all of the following, if at all possible. If your condition improves, begin bringing them back slowly, one at a time.

These weaken your LES

All fatty meals greatly weaken your LES. But you don't have to avoid fats. Just limit the amount you eat at any meal. A burger with fries is too much. So is a salad with avocado and lots of dressing. Experiment with lower fat meals.

A number of foods and beverages can lessen the integrity of your LES, causing stomach acid to back up. They are: chocolate, coffee, sugar, and onions. If any of them are a regular part of your diet, eliminate them temporarily to see if your pain is reduced or eliminated. Pay particular attention to sugar. You may not want to hear that sugar is contributing to your pain. But if it is, there are other sweeteners that are safer, such as Stevia.

Here's some news that may surprise you: The oils in peppermint and spearmint can decrease LES pressure and weaken it. So if you like herb teas with any form of mint in it, it's time to switch to others.

There are medications that also weaken the LES. They include ephedrine and other bronchodilators used by asthmatics, NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory drugs), calcium channel blockers, such as Cardizem, beta-blockers, Valium, and Demerol.

If your doctor has prescribed any of these, ask if there's an alternative drug you can take that won't affect your LES. Better yet, see if a change in diet or supplements, along with meditation and exercise, can eliminate your need for these drugs.

Avoid irritating foods

Avoid any foods that can irritate the lining of your esophagus, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. Carbonated drinks and coffee are also irritants. So are large particles of scratchy foods, such as nuts, seeds, and popcorn. Remember to chew all of your food very well.

Take a close look at your medications. Some directly irritate the stomach and intestinal linings. They include aspirin, NSAIDS (like ibuprophen), tetracycline, quinidine (a drug that reduces heart arrhythmias), potassium chloride, and iron. Ask your doctor if there are safer alternatives or if you can work toward not needing them at all.

Now, about that morning beverage

We know that an allergy to cow's milk can cause acid reflux in babies. This is neither uncommon nor is it limited to infants. Adults often lack enough of the enzyme needed to digest lactose (milk sugar) or may have a sensitivity to milk protein. Either can cause heartburn.

The best way to find out whether or not dairy triggers your pain is to eliminate all milk products completely for several weeks. If your symptoms lessen, try taking a lactaid supplement with any meal with dairy. You can find it in any health food store. Does your pain disappear? If so, it may be due to an inability to digest lactose. If not, you may have an allergy to milk protein and need to avoid dairy.

Some people drink milk to neutralize acid in their stomachs. This is only a temporary fix. Milk actually raises acid levels after it reduces stomach acid.

Make diet and lifestyle changes first. Then if you don't get enough relief from these changes, it's time to look at supplements that can help you heal.

Nilsson, M., et al. "Lifestyle related risk factors in the aetiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux," Gut, 2004; 53.

Could Your Cosmetics Cause Cancer?

A new British study has bad news for any woman who uses deodorant, lotion, or cosmetics. Researchers found traces of the chemical preservative paraben in all of the breast cancer tumors they examined. Paraben is an ingredient in many deodorants, lotions, and other skin-care products that mimics the action of estrogen.

The authors of this study suggest that the parabens in deodorants accumulate in breast tissues and contribute to cancer. But we've already seen that estrogen doesn't have to be applied to the breast to cause breast cancer. You can get too much estrogen from pesticide exposure or from hormone therapy.

It's time to look at the ingredients in your soaps, cosmetics, and shampoos. Not just your deodorants. Soaps and lotions are used on or near our breasts. While this was a small study, the implications are huge. And the risks are avoidable.

Hint: Just because a product is sold in health food stores doesn't mean it's paraben-free. Many "natural" products contain this chemical. It's vital you reduce your exposure to parabens.

In addition to this possible connection, some people are particularly sensitive to parabens. A good friend of mine had weeping blisters all over her hands and arms that wouldn't go away with any treatment. Then her dermatologist suggested that parabens could be the culprit. They were! She had been using a moisturizing lotion with parabens. Once she switched to a paraben-free moisturizer, her blisters went away and her skin returned to normal.

If you have a skin problem that has gone undiagnosed, look to your cosmetics and other skin-care products to see if they contain parabens. Then try some without them and see what happens.

Darbre, Philippa, et al. Journal of Applied Toxicology, January 2004.

Nutrition Detective

Saturated Fats Are Worse for Women

Men and women have different nutritional needs. What works for men doesn't always work for us. And this small piece of information can greatly reduce your risk of having a heart attack.

A 16-year study on saturated fats conducted in Great Britain examined saturated, polyunsaturated, and total fats in the diets of men and women. The groups that ate 100 mg of saturated fat a week had higher amounts of heart disease. However, women had significantly more heart disease from eating this amount than men.

Just how much is 100 mg of saturated fats? Two hamburgers made with lean ground beef — or one bacon double cheeseburger — eaten every day of the week would give you 105 mg of saturated fat. Only sausage and lamb chops come close to having this much saturated fat. So while it's important to look at the results of this study, it's also important to put it into context.

Eat one, not two, lean hamburgers and substitute chicken, turkey, and fish for red meat. This lowers your saturated fat to a safer level. Skip bacon and eat soy-based sausage high in essential fats and low in saturated fats. Of course, many other studies tout the benefits of a vegetarian diet, which I believe is a healthier option for many people. If it doesn't work for you, you could have at least one meatless day a week or one meatless meal each day.

Boniface, D.R. and M.E. Tefft. "Dietary fats and 16-year coronary heart disease mortality in a cohort of men and women in Great Britain," Eur J Clin Nutr, August 2002.

A Substance in Beans Protects Against Cancer

We've heard for years how soy and a vegetarian diet are harmful because they're high in phytic acid. I've never believed this to be true. And now there's evidence that I was right.

It was said that phytic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in nuts, seeds, beans, and soy, attaches itself to minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, a vegetarian diet or a diet high in soy foods would lower a person's mineral load. This never made sense to me. How could a healthy diet be harmful?

Molecular biologist Ivana Vucenik, PhD has researched the effects of phytic acid. She says that large quantities of phytic acid will inhibit minerals 85 but only in malnourished people. That's not you or me.

In fact, Dr. Vucenik is finding that phytic acid fights cancer by reducing angiogenesis (the formation of food-carrying blood vessels), helps prevent kidney stones, and lowers high cholesterol. The nutrients that accompany phytic acid in foods are contributing factors to their benefits. That's a big reason whole food is better than supplements — everything works together. So continue to eat your soy, beans, whole grains, and nuts. Foods first; supplements second.

Vucenik, I., et al. "Inositol hexaphosphate and inositol inhibit DMBA-induced rat mammary cancer," Carcinogenesis, 1995;16:1055-58. From AICR Science Now, American Institute for Cancer Research, Summer 2003.

Ask Dr. Nan

Q: What can be done for restless leg syndrome (RLS)? I've used magnesium and it seems to help a little. — L.D., e-mail

A: I've had excellent results with magnesium. But, as you discovered, it's not always the whole solution.

If you have a family history of RLS, a high dose of folic acid may help. For some reason, people with this family history often need more folic acid than the rest of us. The amount of folic acid you may need to take, 35-60 mg, is much more than you can get from the 800 mcg or less found in many supplements. Give your doctor the reference to the study on this subject at the end of this article and ask for a prescription for folic acid.

If there's no family history, have your doctor check your ferritin level with a simple CBS (complete blood count test). This indicates the amount of stored iron you have. Low iron can be responsible for RLS. But too much iron can produce free radicals, increasing your risk for inflammation and cancer. So don't take supplemental iron unless you know from a blood test that you need it. A British study found that 200 mg of ferrous sulfate (iron) taken three times a day for two months gave excellent results when ferritin levels were low.

Something else you need to try is Padma. We've known for some time that Padma works wonders for leg pain, and it helps with RLS as well. If you're interested in trying Padma, see this month's lead article for information on where to purchase it.

Botez, M., et al. "Neurologic disorders responsive to folic acid therapy," Can Med Assoc, J 115 (1976).

Murray, Michael, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Health, 1998.

O'Keefe, S.T., et al. "Iron status and restless legs syndrome in the elderly," Age Aging, 23, 1994.

Q: I took a very expensive blood test to determine food sensitivities. I was sent a rotation diet to eliminate foods to which I am sensitive. Are these tests really reliable? — E.R.P., Williamsport, MD

A: I had a similar test run to determine my food sensitivities. The results did not convince me that it was reliable. Food sensitivities change rapidly and are often associated with poor digestion.

I don't know the specific test you took. But here's a simple suggestion you can try at home. Totally eliminate any food or foods you eat daily or crave frequently for two weeks or more. Then test it by itself to see if you get a negative reaction. Since you already spent your money on a test, you could begin by eliminating all traces of the foods listed as most severe for two weeks and testing them one at a time on different days. A rotation diet simply ensures that you don't develop sensitivities to another food by overeating it. Avoid eating the same food daily. This is what causes food sensitivities in many people.

Some herbs, such as turmeric, are anti-inflammatory. They can be helpful. I've found that digestive enzymes are more helpful. You could take strong digestive enzymes (found in any health food store) after each meal to help you break down and utilize the nutrients in your diet. Just taking these two supplements could be sufficient. You can always add the others later if necessary.

If you decide to spend your money on any expensive diagnostic test in the future, I'd like to suggest you consult a doctor of integrative medicine first. He or she can evaluate that specific test, help you understand which supplements would be best for you to take, as well as monitor your progress.