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July 2002 Newsletter Natural Relief For Persistent Pain It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects 2% to 4% of the North American population, with women sufferers outnumbering men by a ratio of 10 to one. Fibromyalgia is second only to osteoarthritis as the most common rheumatic condition. Although the women affected are between the ages of 20 and 60, most are 45 to 55. Women in this latter age range are usually experiencing menopause, with shifting hormone levels that can affect the degree of pain experienced. Fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, and widespread musculoskeletal pain that vary in type and intensity. The pain usually starts in one spot and then progresses to other locations. Many patients are unable to get an accurate diagnosis and cannot determine what causes their painful condition. This disease is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis—a chronic inflammatory joint disease—but differs in that there is no damage or deformity to the connective tissues, joints or muscles. Current research indicates fibromyalgia-related pain is a result of faulty muscle function involving both contraction and relaxation. The thin membrane that surrounds groups of individual muscle fibers tightens and thickens, causing pain. Researchers in Milan, Italy, have studied the effects of serotonin levels in fibromyalgia patients. In two 50-patient trials, researchers gave 100 mg 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) three times daily to patients, which resulted in a 50% reduction in measured symptoms. It was also noted that patients retained the beneficial effects for up to 90 days after treatment. French scientists made the observation that magnesium levels in red blood cells were low in the fibromyalgia patients they examined. This low magnesium status has been linked to abnormal thiamine metabolism. Malic acid is a natural companion of magnesium and thiamine in the energy cycle. From the French research, some doctors suggest malic acid for patients with fibromyalgia. Subjects who were enrolled in a placebo-controlled four-week trial received three tablets that contained 200 mg malic acid and 50 mg magnesium twice per day. At the end of the trial, no significant improvement was noted. However, during a follow-up six-month trial with doubled doses (six tablets, twice daily), researchers noted significant reduction in pain and tenderness, plus improved psychological scores. Reference: International Journal of Integrated Medicine, 1999 May/June: 1(3): 28-32.
Soy Wonderful Long before the FDA decided to approve a claim for cardiovascular health, soy had already been hailed for its heart-healthy properties. Research available on the various health benefits of soy has contributed to the growing popularity of soy foods and soy supplements. Several studies have documented the strong antioxidant properties of soy isoflavones, which may prevent heart disease. In addition to soy, its isoflavones have been shown to protect the heart health of post-menopausal women by improving high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Soy is one of the leading supplements among women who use supplements alone or in combination with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to combat menopause symptoms. Women using combination therapy of soy and HRT reported better results more often than women using HRT alone to improve vaginal dryness, libido, and mood. Soy foods have also been indicated in reducing hot flashes associated with menopause. They are an excellent source of protein, in addition to being naturally free of cholesterol, dairy, and lactose. Tofu and soymilk make excellent meat substitutes that are protein-rich and low in saturated fat. Other growing soy foods include soy yogurt, cold cereals, cheese alternatives, nondairy frozen desserts, and frozen green soybeans. Soy cheeses are created using technology that allows them to melt and cook similarly to a dairy cheese. This likeness makes soy cheese an acceptable replacement for dairy products that cannot be eaten because of lactose intolerance or food allergies. Texturized soy protein, found in many entrees, gives the texture and mouth feel of meat protein with all the taste and health benefits of soy. Studies have revealed that consumers will not use a soy product for health reasons if that product does not taste good. New food technologies enable creators of soy foods to improve the flavor of soy and allow consumers to make healthy replacements in their diets without sacrificing taste. Reference: J Nutr, 131, 4:1202-6, 2001.
Cell Phones And Your Brain From the moment we are conceived until the moment of death electrical activity is present and governs the nervous functions in the body. We are electrical beings and death is defined as the end of electrical activity in the brain. During the past century electricity has been an integral force in our modern world but we really do not understand its total effects on the body. Anything electrical emanates an electromagnetic field (EMF). It is the long term effects of the EMF on our highly complex and sensitive brains of which we are concerned. As of 2000 the amount cognitive studies conducted on mobile phones was practically non-existent and no studies were conducted in the United States. It doesn’t make sense that studies done to test the safety of mobile phone use should lag behind the expansive marketing campaigns and sales that exist today. Will the same be true for cell phones 20 years from now or will it be too late for many? The editor of Microwave News, Louis Slesin, PhD notes that research spending for the safety of cell phone use has been exceedingly small,” After all, when a device is pumping radiofrequency/microwave energy into a complex electrical system like the brain, it would seem natural to ask if it changes the way that system works.” In May 2000 a British research group called the Expert Group on Mobile Phones, presented a report on the use of mobile phones and health. They concluded that there is no direct evidence that cell phone use leads to potential adverse health risks. Interestingly, they do advise discouraging the use of cell phones with children. They feel children are at risk because of their capacity for greater absorption of energy into the tissues of the head, their nervous systems are developing and the long term exposure is questionable.
Natural Support For ADD And ADHD Four million school-aged children in North America suffer from attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children have difficulty maintaining normal academic progress and have behavioral problems. The current primary treatment is the use of pharmaceutical drugs such as Ritalin, which may have lasting biochemical and social effects on children. ADHD is centered on an abnormality in dopamine metabolism, said Parris Kidd, PhD, author of Phosphatidylserine: Number-One Brain Booster. Kidd estimates that possibly 60% to 70% of ADD-diagnosed children suffer from food intolerances and allergies. Several supplements show promise for these conditions: DMAE has been shown to enhance positive test scores for ADHD-affected children in double blind, placebo-controlled trials. The essential fatty acid DHA has received acclaim as a potential alternative because some research associated low levels of DHA with ADHD. DHA makes up 95% of all omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and plays an important role in cognitive function. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is also being used as a supplement for ADHD. Several studies confirm the ability of blue-green algae to help ADHD children. In a trial in Nicaragua, 1,482 school-aged children took one gram of blue-green algae for a year. Academic scores increased more than 26% in that time. A Polish study found that 95% of 116 kids with ADHD were magnesium-deficient. They divided the ADHD kids into two groups: one group took magnesium for six months while the other did not. The magnesium group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms according to parent and teacher feedback. Reference: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children—Rationale for Its Integrative Management: Alternative Medicine Review, 2000.
Astaxanthin Fights Macular Degeneration And Boosts Immune Function Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid found in algae. It accumulates in the muscles of salmon, shrimp, trout, and other pink seafood when they eat these algae, giving these fish their pink hue. According to Timothy Maher, PhD, astaxanthin researcher and pharmaceutical sciences professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, astaxanthin kills free radicals by preventing these unstable molecules from damaging cells, a significant factor in reducing age-related diseases. Astaxanthin also boosts the immune system by increasing the number and activity of T cells and macrophages—two protective cells that fight infection and cancer. A study found astaxanthin to be nearly three times stronger than lutein and significantly more potent than vitamin E in antioxidant activity tests. A study published in Comparative Biochemistry reported that a group given astaxanthin for three weeks had nearly three times more macrophages than the control group. Bellevue, WA based eye physician and surgeon James McMillan, MD recommends two mg per day of astaxanthin to prevent macular degeneration or cancer. People consuming astaxanthin have reported no adverse effects. Reference: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, January 2000.
PMS - There’s Natural Help! The conventional approach to PMS is to prescribe birth control pills and pain killers, but natural methods can be employed to balance hormones and eliminate the problem altogether. The various symptoms of your PMS represent different hormonal imbalances within the body. The following tips can be used by anyone to reduce or eliminate many of the PMS symptoms. General Having a regular cycle in your body requires having a regular cycle in your life. Reduce sources of stress, rest (regular sleep patterns), and get regular exercise. Diet High quality calories and plenty of fiber help the body to make hormones in the proper ratios and eliminate the breakdown products of used hormones. Increase your intake of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, broiled chicken, turkey, fish, fiber, and, most importantly, drink 1 qt H2O /day or more. Supplements Beta-carotene- diuretic/anti-estrogen (10,000 IU/day) Eliminating the Cause Treating symptoms is fine as a short term goal, eliminating the cause will provide lasting relief. The following therapies can be used to get at the root cause of PMS. Botanical medicine is quite effective at reducing discomfort and balancing hormone levels during all phases of the menstrual cycle. Since herbs can significantly alter the production and timing of hormones, its best to consult a qualified health professional such as a naturopathic physician or herbalist. Homeopathy is one of the most successful drugless therapies for treating PMS. A specific remedy is chosen by determining all the symptoms that are unique to you as an individual. If one has mental/emotional problems including depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, anger, etc., homeopathy can offer dramatic relief and stability with no side effects. Homeopathic medicines are made from plant, animal, and mineral substances and are completely drug-free. Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs Acupuncture, the use of needles to stimulate energy flow and relieve energy blockages along the body’s meridians, has successfully treated both symptoms and the causes of PMS. Chinese patent formulas and individual herbs can also be of great value for ongoing maintenance of the female hormonal system. A naturopathic doctor (ND) can help evaluate which hormones are out of balance, or poorly metabolized, and develop a program specifically for you and your lifestyle. Dr. Mitch Kennedy is a nationally board-certified & licensed naturopathic doctor in both Connecticut and Arizona. His clinical training covers three separate types of medicine: natural medicine, conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. You can reach him by calling his Avon office (860) 673-9954, or visiting www.healwithnature.com Reference: Journal of Medicinal Food 4, 1:17-25, 2001.
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