Jessie was 70 when her health took a dive. She had always been the healthiest person she and her friends knew. She had vitality, was fit, and looked 10 years younger than her age. Then, after a trip abroad, Jessie came down with the flu.

This in itself was unusual, because she hadn’t suffered more than two mild head colds in the past 10 years. And this was no ordinary cold. It was a flu with a high fever. It laid her flat and lasted for three days. During this time, all she could do was lie down and rest or sleep. She managed to drink lots of fluids, but had no appetite.

When her fever was over, Jessie looked in the mirror. She couldn’t believe what she saw. There, staring back at her was an old woman she hardly recognized as herself. Not only an old woman, but an extremely thin old woman with wrinkled skin on her arms, legs, and belly that a few short days prior were taut.

Jessie stood on her bathroom scale. She had lost 15 pounds!

This episode was the beginning of her health problems. Weight loss was just one symptom. The most troublesome problem was Jessie’s digestion. She had uncontrollable diarrhea that kept her up at night and sapped her energy. What’s more, she could eat very few foods without serious consequences.

Her doctor ran a parasite test and found massive amounts of several parasites contracted from a vacation in Asia. They were eliminated with a harsh but effective anti-parasite drug. But the treatment seriously irritated her intestines and her digestive problems continued.

Further tests revealed a gluten sensitivity, which caused additional intestinal irritation and caused more symptoms. During this time, Jessie’s diet became more limited. As soon as she gained a pound or two, she had another episode and lost it.

This went on for three years.

During this time Jessie tried other therapies. These included intravenous glutathione, acupuncture, and massive doses of probiotics and other nutrients. She spent thousands of dollars with no improvement.

Then her dentist discovered several failed root canals with infections. So Jessie’s dental team removed the infections and affected teeth. They flooded her mouth with healing ozone to destroy any traces of pathogens. Her oral surgeon said these infections were among the most severe he had ever seen. Everyone hoped this would solve her problem. But none of this made a significant difference. Jessie continued to be plagued with diarrhea and weight loss.

Today, all of this has changed. Jessie can eat anything, including high-caloric foods containing sugar and fats. She has gained weight and energy. And her health continues to improve.

What made such a huge difference? A completely safe form of treatment few doctors will ever recommend or try. But it made a huge difference for Jessie – and it could do the same for you.

Here’s what happened…

An integrative doctor on her team made an unusual suggestion. Instead of getting one type of therapy once or twice a week over a long period of time as she had, how would she respond with daily intensive therapies? There were numerous modalities he could use to flood her body with nutrients and kill off pathogens if she was willing to have them administered four or five times a week for at least a month. There was a good possibility that this concentrated approach could reverse her “stuck” condition. It was an expensive gamble, but Jessie had to do something — or the way she was feeling would be the best she’d feel for the rest of her life. This was unacceptable.

She knew this doctor was one of the most knowledgeable integrative doctors in the country with expertise in a wide range of modalities. So she put her trust in his knowledge and creativity and agreed to a one-month intensive program.

Jessie couldn’t have been in better hands. This integrative doctor was none other than my colleague and good friend, Isaac Eliaz, MD. He is a holistic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and researcher with expertise in both Western and Eastern medicine. He’s also the founder of Amitabha Medical Clinic in Sebastopol, California. Dr. Eliaz is one of the most innovative doctors I know. If anyone could stop Jessie’s intestinal symptoms, it was he.

Eliaz’s program included specific trigger point stimulation using various nutrients and homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, intravenous nutrients to build her body up from years of insults, and ultraviolet therapy to kill any remaining viruses and pathogenic bacteria. His unique and individualized approach tailors the program specifically to the person — not the disease. But Jessie had another problem.

Dr. Eliaz would need to administer these therapies several times a week and Jessie’s veins were small and fragile. It was impossible to insert an intravenous needle even once — much less four or five times a week.

The solution, Eliaz told Jessie, was to put in a PICC line — a catheter placed in her chest wall that would remain there for the month. Through this PICC line, Dr. Eliaz could give her these substances intravenously. His solution was met with initial resistance. But, ultimately, Jessie realized it was an essential part of an intensive therapy program designed just for her. Fortunately, she agreed to this procedure, because this approach worked when all others had failed.

How this applies to you

I realize that an intensive therapy approach comes with several challenges. It is expensive and often comes at a time when many people are financially tapped out from past treatments. That’s why it’s essential to find the right doctor — one who’s knowledgeable in multiple modalities, creative enough to think outside the box, and skilled in implementing them.

I can tell you now that there are not many of them. But finding the right doctor could be the answer for some of you with difficult chronic conditions. I know of two who I consider to be the best of the best. One is Dr. Eliaz of Amitabha Medical Clinic (707-829-5900). The other is Dr. Frank Shallenberger, editor of Real Cures newsletter, who has a practice in Carson City, Nevada (775-884-3990). Both are physicians, researchers, and “doctor’s doctors.” Either of them would be my first choice.

If neither is a possibility and you’re working with a doctor you think is both extremely smart and innovative, you may want to share this article with him or her and start a dialogue. Especially if this doctor does not have a “cookie cutter” practice where the same treatment for all patients is used. Find a practitioner who is familiar with a number of treatments, including acupuncture, homeopathy, infrared sauna, hyperbaric oxygen, ozone therapy, and intravenous nutrition. It’s likely you will need more than what traditional doctors offer. Even many integrative doctors.

Look together for the bottom line cause of your health problems. This can include inflammation, infection, parasites, or a multitude of other conditions. Then address the cause(s) aggressively from multiple directions. Like Jessie, a slow and steady approach may not work for you.

Jessie no longer needs weekly expensive therapies. She looks and feels like a well person and can eat anything without digestive problems. Jessie continues to gain back her lost weight and energy. She and I wish you the same success that she enjoys. It could be that you, too, need a more intense and aggressive program for a month or two.

This Little-Known Nutrient Improves Memory, Even in People With Alzheimer’s Disease

There’s a “new” ancient substance that everyone concerned about dementia and other memory problems needs to know about. Studies conducted in China found it was so effective in stopping the progression of Alzheimer’s disease — and even reversing it — that researchers in this country are working furiously to develop a drug they can patent. But you can buy it today on the Internet or at most health food stores.

The Chinese have used this nutrient for centuries for everything from fever to memory disorders. And it’s been used for decades throughout Europe. But chances are you have never heard of it. Once again, we’re behind the times in the use of safe, natural substances.

Numerous studies have documented this nutrient’s effectiveness. One showed improved memory and thinking in Alzheimer’s patients after two months. In another, patients with senile dementia improved in just two to four weeks. This is as good as, or better than, pharmaceuticals (such as galantamine and donepezil) used to treat Alzheimer’s.

It’s not often that you find a natural substance that’s as effective as a drug like this one is. The added advantage to this over-the-counter supplement is that it costs less than a similar drug with fewer side effects. It’s also easier to absorb than drugs and remains in the body longer.

The memory-enhancing substance I’m talking about is an alkaloid called Huperzine A. It comes from the Chinese club moss, Huperzia serrata. Huperzine A increases acetylcholine levels. And acetylcholine is a chemical that your nerves use to talk to your brain and muscles. Your hippocampus, the area in the brain responsible for long-term memory, has an especially strong need for it to function properly.

This chemical works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. Its job is to clean up excessive acetylcholine. But in some people, acetylcholine degenerates and there’s no excess. In fact, there’s not enough.

Huperzine A can also be helpful in people with frequent “senior moments,” the age-related gap in mental recall that’s common with aging. That’s because this alkaloid increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters necessary for learning and memory. This is a memory nutrient I not only suggest to my older patients, it’s one I’ve added to my daily supplements for memory insurance.

Chinese club moss contains a number of alkaloids including Huperzine A and Huperzine B — the two most active compounds. But Huperzine A is three times as strong as Huperzine B. That’s why it’s the one used for memory problems in both dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs.

How much Huperzine A is enough? Studies suggest taking 200 mcg twice a day for people with Alzheimer’s, and 30 mcg twice a day for people with early dementia or memory problems. You can add it to other supplements like Advanced Memory Formula (800-791-3395). But please don’t mix it with pharmaceuticals your doctor prescribed for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease without a doctor or pharmacist’s input. Unsafe interactions are always possible. Again, you can find Huperzine A in most health food stores and online.

Wang, Bai-Song, Hao Wang, Zhao-hui Wei, Yan-yan Song, Lu Zhang, and Hong-Zhuan Chen. “Efficacy and safety of natural acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine A in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: an updated meta-analysis.” Journal of Neural Transmission, 116 (4): 457, 2009.

www.dracoherbs.com

www.webmd.com

Superfruit or Super Scam? What’s the Truth Behind the Marketing of Tropical Fruits?

There’s no doubt about it: antioxidants are beneficial to your health. They are protective against cell damage caused by oxidation from having too many free radicals. In fact, low levels of antioxidants have been associated with heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

But free radicals are not always harmful. They also help produce energy and kill harmful bacteria. The key is balance.

All fruits that are bright in color, such as berries, apricots, cranberries, and persimmons, are high in antioxidants. So the idea is to eat a variety of brightly colored produce to get most of your antioxidants from your diet. You don’t need to buy huge quantities of high-priced tropical fruits, drinks, or supplements — although that’s not the neutraceutical industry’s message. They say the more antioxidants the better. I disagree.

How much do you need?

I was one of the first to reveal the truth about antioxidants. That is, you don’t need as many as some marketers have led you to believe. In fact, many marketers are over-hyping antioxidants to make a fast buck. The basis of their marketing claims is the truth that superfruits are high in ORAC units. But one industry quality specialist supported my claim that they go too far. He said, “Because the term superfruit is not legally defined, there are no boundaries in how food companies can exploit the term on foods and beverages.” That’s right, he said, “exploit.”

You may have heard that the higher in ORAC a food or supplement is the better. However, this is not necessarily true. High ORAC products tend to be more expensive because we perceive them as being better. So we’re willing to pay their inflated price. What a scam!

ORAC means oxygen radical absorbance capacity. It’s a measure of the antioxidant value of a fruit. Many of the tropical “superfruits” with unfamiliar names are high in ORAC. But this doesn’t mean they are better for you than one lower in ORAC. Not according to Dr. Ronald Prior of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service at Tufts University.

Dr. Prior said, “In order to have a significant impact on plasma and tissue antioxidant capacity one can only meaningfully increase one’s daily intake by 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units. Any greater amount is probably redundant. That is because the antioxidant capacity of the blood is tightly regulated. Taking in 25,000 ORAC units at one time would be no more beneficial than taking in a fifth of that amount: The excess is simply excreted by the kidneys.”

More isn’t better

In fact, we’re finding that getting too many antioxidants can be harmful. Very high levels of antioxidants can cause a harmful pro-oxidant effect. This actually can suppress your immune system. While most people believe that “more is better,” there’s a delicate balance between anti- and pro-oxidants. Very high amounts of antioxidants can make your problem worse, say these researchers. For example, scientists at Kansas State University found that antioxidants suppress key signaling mechanisms that are necessary for muscles to function effectively.

Antioxidants are only valuable if they protect you. You may have enough of an antioxidant in your body, but if it’s not activated, or if it doesn’t have enough co-factors, it can’t function normally. Zinc is one example of an important co-factor that’s often too low to allow your immune system to respond.

ntioxidants support your immune system by fighting free radicals, but without sufficient zinc, some antioxidants can’t respond.

Function over quantity

It’s the function of antioxidants that counts, not the amount. Unfortunately, few people understand this. You may be taking a lot of antioxidants and still have very little antioxidant function in your cells because you’re low in one or more co-factors. Before you rush out and buy more exotic superfruits or supplements, make sure they’re able to function.

If you want to know if these and other nutrients are working in your body, you can get tested through Spectracell Labs. They’re the only lab I know that is able to measure nutrient function within your body. Ask them for information on their Micronutrient Testing test (800-227-5227). You may need more co-factors, not more antioxidants.

While this blood test costs $370, Medicare and other insurance carriers often pay for at least a portion of it. And without this test, you may be paying even more over time for expensive superfruits that aren’t working for you – or that may be working against you.

The latest superfruit is…

You may have heard of acai and mangosteen — two superfruits that have flooded the nutraceutical market in various forms. Now there’s another one you may hear about in the future: the African baobab fruit. It’s said to be higher in ORAC than blueberries and twice as high as pomegranates, last year’s most popular antioxidant. Marketers, not scientists, continue to make exaggerated claims about its benefits. But there are no studies on baobab’s antioxidant activity in the body and little clinical data on using its pulp to either treat or prevent any diseases.

One baobab supplement was found to be extremely low in nutrients and high in fiber. It’s more likely to have a laxative effect than help you meet your vitamin or mineral needs. In fact, baobab isn’t living up to its claims and may become a superfruit bomb. Few companies here or abroad have launched products containing this African fruit. Still, more may come to market in the future, as companies search for other new, natural products they can sell.

So beware of marketing scams about superfruits and ignore all the talk about high ORAC content. Instead, look for good scientific studies to support all claims and begin by eating a nutritious diet before buying expensive tropical superfruits. You don’t have to go exotic to get the nutrition you need.

“Antioxidants Aren’t Always Beneficial to Your Health and Can Sometimes Impair Muscle Function,” Medical News Today, 27 January 2010.

Boerner, Paula, PhD. “Functional intracellular analysis of nutritional and antioxidant status,” Journal of Amer Nutraceut Assn, 2001, vol 4, no 1.

Functional Ingredients, September 2011.

Insider, March 24, 2010.

NUTRITION DETECTIVE

Why You Should Never Starve the Flu Virus

Now that flu season is upon us, you may hear the old adage, “feed a cold, starve a fever.” It sounds great. But it doesn’t tell you what to do when you’re fighting the flu. You may have lost your appetite and want to do nothing other than drink juices and herb teas, but that doesn’t mean you should give into these feelings. Here’s why...

Elizabeth Gardner, PhD, professor of nutritional immunology at Michigan State University found that when you’re fighting the flu, you’re likely to get better faster if you pack in those calories.

Dr. Gardner conducted a study using mice given either a normal diet or one that was calorie-restricted. Then she exposed them to the flu virus. The mice that ate a low-calorie diet were more likely to get sicker and die than those on a normal calorie diet.

The reason is simple.

When a new strain of the flu comes around — a common yearly occurrence — your body hasn’t learned to make antibodies to fight that particular virus yet. Whether or not you can fight it depends on your body’s supply of natural killer cells.

Natural killer cells respond quickly to cells that have been infected with a virus. The calorie-restricted mice in this study weren’t able to produce large enough amounts of natural killer cells to fight a viral infection. The result was that the flu lasted longer, the mice lost more weight, and some of them died. The mice on a normal calorie diet recovered faster.

Dr. Gardner gave all of the mice in this study vitamin supplements. So the mice that did poorly didn’t lack nutrients. The vitamins were just not as protective as a diet with a few extra calories. But be careful what you eat. Some foods will increase your risk of getting a cold or flu, while others reduce your risk.

Viruses can’t live in an alkaline environment, so eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. And keep your grains and proteins low. You can get extra calories by adding flax oil, olive oil, or butter to your veggies.

Sugar feeds viruses. Limit your sweets at each meal. Eat small amounts or eliminate them completely while you’re sick.

If you have no appetite, consider making a protein drink with added oils. Or have someone pick up a bottle of carrot juice at your local health food store and add a little heavy cream to it. These fats will not only help you fight the flu, they will increase your absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as the vitamin A in the carrot juice.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130947.php.

LETTERS

Q: Recently I visited a doctor who said thyroid disease is an autoimmune disease and he is the only doctor who knows this. He told me I didn’t need to be treated for thyroid disease (I take Armour thyroid) and instead needed to be treated for my autoimmune system disease. He told me I would be back to see him in 10 or 15 years with a serious disease if I didn’t take his advice. PLEASE tell me if you know anything about this new research. — D.M., Sun City, CA

A: Shame on this doctor for lying to you and saying only he knows about the connection between the thyroid and autoimmune disease. And double shame on him for using scare tactics to get patients. How could anyone trust the doctor behind such morally unethical comments?

It happens that some of what he said is true: The cause of most cases of low thyroid are an autoimmune response. But many doctors of integrative medicine know this. However, not all thyroid problems consist of an underactive thyroid. Some people have an overactive thyroid, while infections, benign nodules, or cancer cause others.

One doctor with expertise in the thyroid is Richard Shames, MD. Along with his wife, Karilee Halo Shames, RN, PhD, he wrote the book Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health (HarperCollins 2002). I suggest you read their book first for clear information about the triggers of autoimmune diseases in relation to the thyroid, along with their suggested solutions. Next, go to their website at www.ThyroidPower.com for the latest information on hypothyroidism.

If you still have questions, Dr. Shames will consult with you either at one of his two offices in Northern California or by phone (866-468-4979). And he’ll tell you just how much each consultation costs in advance.

Q: I’ve heard you and other people comment on the excellent quality of Amy’s foods. But did you know that their canned soups contain MSG? Their other foods don’t seem to have this food additive. Shouldn’t you warn the public about this? — J.E., e-mail

A: There are two ways MSG (monosodium glutamate) gets into our foods. The most common way is when food manufacturers add it as a flavor enhancer. But it also occurs naturally in some ingredients. This includes soy sauce, yeast extract, and Parmesan cheese.

If you’re particularly sensitive to MSG, you’ll want to avoid all sources of MSG, both added and natural. That’s where Amy’s foods give you an advantage over other brands. They list every ingredient on their labels, and they have assured me that there is no MSG hidden in the spices they use. In fact, all of their new labels will say, “100% pure herbs and spices, no hidden ingredients.”

Amy’s says they will continue to look for the highest quality and safest ingredients available for their line of prepared foods. Nothing, of course, is better than homemade soups. But for those of us who occasionally want a healthful quick meal, I haven’t found anything to match the quality and taste of Amy’s soups. In fact, they’re still my favorite company for all prepared foods, as you could see if you looked into my pantry and freezer.