Dry Eye Syndrome
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Dry eyes are very common. The condition is called, dry eye syndrome, because there can be more than one reason for its cause.
So what exactly is dry eye syndrome? Our eyes have a tear film layer that functions to produce natural tears which lubricate and rid ours eyes of irritants. The cause for dry eye syndrome can be due to a problem with the tear film layer or because the tears being produced don’t contain the proper mix of moisturizing elements to maintain lubrication.
There are many products on the market that treat eye conditions. Because you can purchase most of them over-the-counter (without a prescription), make sure the product you’re buying is specifically formulated to help dry eye syndrome. Certain medications may have side effects that can cause dry eye syndrome. Examples of these medications include: birth control pills, allergy medication, blood pressure remedies, arthritic preparations, and antidepressants drugs.
Dry eye can also occur from environmental irritants such as: air-conditioning, excessive de-humidification of the air, dry heating systems, and wearing your contact lenses for a long period of time. The issue of dry eye also occurs as the normal part of aging. Lastly, dry eye syndrome has been associated with a malfunctioning eye-lid or a defect in the eyes involuntary blinking reflex action.
If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can worsen uncomfortable symptoms such as: burning, itchiness, a sense that something is in the eye, and blurred vision; to more serious complications such as: cornea scaring, impaired vision, and serious damage to surrounding eye tissue. There are many eye drop preparations on the market. Therefore, it is important to match the correct preparation with the correct set of eye symptoms. Below is a brief over-view of the types of eye drops available and their benefits:
Reduce redness: Used for tired and irritated eyes.
Artificial tears: Used for dry and scratchy eyes (occasional dry eye).
Allergy eye: Used during allergy season for itchy and watery eyes.
Eye wash: Used to rinse the eye to remove irritants such as an eyelash.
Dry eye: Used to stimulate the production of tears.
There are also prescription eye drops that are used to treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis. Dry eye syndrome can be confused with a variety of other eye abnormalities, therefore it’s best to have any sudden changes in the condition of your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist. I highly recommend an annual eye examination as preventive eye examinations can help screen for minor eye abnormalities, retinal changes, glaucoma, cataracts, tumors, etc.
When you’re armed with the proper information you can make better (and more informed) decisions about your health and the health of those you love.
Dr. Linda Mundorff
Glaucoma
Filed Under Dr. Zoltan Rona (MD) | Leave a Comment
Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by gradually increasing intraocular pressure. There is a slow loss of peripheral vision and gradual loss of central vision with complete blindness resulting if left untreated. The cause of glaucoma is unknown but it is thought that heredity, stress and nutritional problems all play a role. What occurs physiologically is an imbalance between the production and drainage of the aqueous humor. This is usually caused by obstruction of outflow. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness affecting approximately 7 million people in North America. It is usually seen in people over age forty and is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of glaucoma can be eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, a frequent need to change prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, impaired dark adaptation and seeing halos around lights. In some cases there are no symptoms and the diagnosis is made by an eye specialist. On ophthalmoscopic examination, there may be cupping of the optic disc and eye pressures may be greater than 22 on three successive readings. Conventional treatment includes eye drops oral medications and/or surgery (laser or otherwise) to keep the aqueous fluid draining.
As far as diet is concerned, the isolation and elimination of food allergies would be helpful in the prevention of excessive fluid retention in the body. Avoid caffeine from any source including chocolate, soft drinks and coffee, alcohol, salt and other stimulants. Prolonged reading, television watching, tobacco smoke exposure and other eye stressors should be avoided.
Foods which are high in vitamin C, rutin and other bioflavonoids, vitamin A, choline and B vitamins can help. These include chrysanthemum tea, mint, oyster shell powder, mulberries, black sesame seeds, lycium fruit, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, carrots, beets, beet tops, spinach, parsley, endive and celery. These foods can also be juiced and consumed several times each day.
Supplements which have been reported to help glaucoma sufferers are:
- Green food beverage (spirulina, chlorella, blue green algae or barley green) for its source of carotenes - 1-3 tsps. daily
- Cod or halibut liver oil (for vitamin A content) - 1 -3 capsules daily
- B complex - 50-100 mgs. several times daily (injections of B complex vitamins have been reported to be especially effective in those glaucoma cases associated with stress)
- Choline - 1200 - 7200 mgs. daily
- Vitamin C - 5000 mgs. or more depending on bowel tolerance
- Rutin - 20 mgs or more several times daily
- Magnesium - 500 - 1000 mgs. daily (N.B.: this is one mineral which might be more effective when injected IM or IV since high doses taken orally often produce diarrhea)
- Germanium - 100 mgs. or more daily; a good natural source of germanium is Korean ginseng
- Bioflavonoids of other kinds (hesperidin, catechin, quercetin, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, etc.) - 5000 mgs. or more daily
- Vitamin E 400 I.U. or more daily
- Eyebright, fennel, chamomile and Essiac herbal teas may all be helpful
The dosages for all these nutritional supplements should be based on biochemical individuality and monitored by a health care practitioner familiar with their use. None of these natural substances should interfere with the conventional treatments of glaucoma and can be used as effective complementary medical therapies.
Dr. Rona
Natural Treatments for Impotence
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Impotence affects an estimated 20 million men in North America and is usually defined as the inability to have penile erections sufficient for intercourse. At least 25% of all men over the age of 50 have some degree of penile dysfunction. A loss of libido and subsequent impotence have an organic etiology in over 85% of cases while the remainder are related to psychological problems.
THE CAUSES
- Amphetamines, alcohol, anti-ulcer drugs, cocaine, tranquilizers, antihypertensives, anti-depressants
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Hardening of the penile arteries
- Diabetes
- Prostate enlargement
- High prolactin
- Low testosterone
- Mumps as an adult
- Psychological or emotional stress
Treating underlying physical or psychological problems is of primary importance but there are a large number of self care (complementary medical) approaches, irrespective of the cause, that are low risk, high benefit and well worth a trial of several months. Alcohol is an underestimated cause of low libido and impotence as it can decrease the body’s ability to produce testosterone (male hormone).
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, visualization and yoga are all methods that can enhance sexual energy. A balanced diet low in animal fats, fried foods, sugar, caffeine, white flour products, alcohol and junk foods is important. Avoiding heavy exercise, severe stress, hot tub baths and saunas may help some men improve impotence.
SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP BOOST SEX DRIVE
Zinc is especially related to male fertility and sex drive. Low zinc levels may lower testosterone production, lead to impotence, prostate problems, a low sperm count, and a loss of sexual interest. Vitamin C is vital for optimal sperm motility. The amino acid, arginine is also important for sperm production and possibly enhanced libido. Other nutrients or herbs important to increase the sperm count, improve prostate gland function, enhance sperm motility, increase male hormone production by the body or create a healthier nervous system include the following:
Vitamin A
Beta-carotene
Vitamin B complex, especially B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin E
Bioflavonoids
Calcium
Inosine
Inositol
Octacosanol (a wheat germ derivative),
Flax seed oil (essential fatty acids)
Glandular extracts (bovine or porcine) of the male reproductive organs
Ginkgo biloba extract
Siberian ginseng
Dong quai
Sarsaparilla (contains natural testosterone-like substances)
DHEA (dehydroepiandosterone)
Exsativa® (combination of avena sativa, stinging nettle and sea buckthorn)
Yohimbine®
The use of all these natural remedies in consultation with a naturopath or medical doctor is advisable.
Dr. Rona
EATING MORE TO REVERSE HEART DISEASE
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Scientific research has demonstrated that consuming more of the following common foods will help fight heart and blood vessel disease:
- Soy protein (soy milk, tofu, soy burgers, soy protein powder) because it lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides without decreasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Garlic and onions not only lower cholesterol but decrease blood pressure and blood clotting.
Carrots. Two carrots every day supply enough carotenoids to cut the risk of stroke in half among men who have signs of heart disease. One study also shows that women who ate five or more servings of carrots a week had a stroke rate 68 percent lower than those who ate no more than one serving.
Black and green tea contain a lot of bioflavonoids, antioxidants which also reduce LDL cholesterol and discourage it from sticking to the artery walls.
Apples are high in bioflavonoids as well pectin, a soluble fiber with cholesterol reducing effects.
Salmon, catfish, trout, cod, halibut, shark and mackerel are high in omega-3 oil fatty acids that lower LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, raise HDL-cholesterol, and reduce blood clotting. Snake oil has the highest omega-3 content of any animal but snake oil salesmen are difficult to find.
Broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamin C and carotenoids, all of which play a major role in reversing heart disease and cancer.
Nuts are high in linolenic acid and vitamin E, both of which are important in heart disease prevention.
Cantaloupe is a rich source of the antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamin C and carotenoids.
Lima Beans, along with other legumes (navy, kidney, garbanzo), are a good source of folic acid, a deficiency of which could account for 40 percent of heart attacks and strokes. Lima beans are also high in fiber, containing 10 grams per cup.
Oat bran (only 2 ounces daily) decreases cholesterol an average of 16 percent.
Cayenne and other hot peppers are high in compounds that dilate arteries and improve circulation anywhere in the body.
Dr. Rona
Mixing Remedies – A Bad Idea
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Did you know that you should never combine prescription medications with any other type of remedy unless prescribed by a doctor? All medications have the potential for side effects. Some side effects are minor and not life threatening such as, dry mouth or slight gastric upset. Conversely, some medications have severe side-effects that can be very life threatening, interfere with the absorption of key nutrients and the function of many enzymes, and counteract the important benefits of other medications.
Did you know that most medications are synthesized from their natural counterparts? So, just because something is touted to be natural doesn’t mean mixing them is safe. For example, before there was aspirin there was its natural plant counterpart found in willow bark. Both can help reduce a fever, manage pain, and thin the blood. The problem arises when willow bark is taken with other products that have the same properties, such as warfarin, coumadin, and vitamin K. Or when an individual who is allergic to aspirin but has the false belief that willow bark is safe, takes willow bark, again because it is natural. For this reason, as well as others, I tend to categorize all remedies, whether natural or synthetic, whether an herb or a vitamin, as drugs.
A drug is defined as a substance taken to: diagnose, medicate, prevent, and treat. A drug can effect non-targeted organs in the body thus resulting in unwanted side-effects, can neutralize or counteract the effects of other drugs, and can worsen certain pre-existing health problems
Although remedies taken in their natural form are not as potent as their synthetic pharmacological counterpart, they are still capable of doing great harm in large doses or when combined with other medications or remedies. Therefore, all supplements, whether vitamins, minerals, herbal, or homeopathic need to be reported and discussed with your doctor. The doctor can review for: proper dosing, interactions with other remedies, reduced absorption potential, harmful effects, and the like.
Armed with knowledge you can improve your chances of better-informed decisions about your health and the health of those you love. You’ll be glad you did!
Dr. Linda Mundorff
Geographic Tongue
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Question:
Dear Dr. Rona:
For the past two years my daughter has experienced recurring spots on her tongue. Her doctor diagnosed it as “Geographic Tongue.” He says there is no known cause or cure for it. Initially, the lesions are quite sore and become larger until her tongue is literally covered with spots of varying sizes. After two or three weeks, they disappear for a few days, then return to repeat the same process again. Is there anything that can be done with treating deficiencies or with herbs?
M.C.
Answer
Dear M.C. :
Geographic tongue results from the rapid shedding and growing of the papillae on the tongue. The cause is unknown and medical treatment is usually not required because the problem is self-limiting. Sometimes, it is the result of vitamin B complex deficiency. In such cases, brewer’s yeast or a good B complex supplement clears up the problem. If this therapy is not effective after several weeks, have your doctor or naturopath check for the presence of a candida (yeast) infection or other infections in the mouth.
Diet changes can also make a big difference. Eliminate sugar, fried foods, salt, strong spices, animal fats, alcohol, black tea, coffee, chocolate, cola, other carbonated soft drinks and peppers of all kinds. These foods may irritate the tongue and further aggravate the burning.
Many of the natural remedies which help heal ulcers and gastritis may be helpful for a burning, geographic tongue. The amino acid, L-glutamine, is important in the healing of hyperacidity. Vitamins A, beta carotene, B6, buffered vitamin C and E, chelated zinc, evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil have all been shown to promote faster healing. Herbal remedies that have traditionally enjoyed success in healing excess acid include aloe vera, slippery elm, comfrey, chamomile, goldenseal, peppermint and licorice. Echinacea, a herbal antibiotic, in high doses, may have a good natural anaesthetic effect irrespective of the cause. If you cannot see a naturopath, these remedies are all safe in the recommended dosages and can be well worth trying before resorting to prescription drugs.
Dr. Rona
Andrea Donsky’s Comments on Dr. Mist
Filed Under Natural Products Testing Panel | 2 Comments
A deodorant company recently sent us their product to test. We had never heard of it before they approached us. We love to try new products, especially deodorants because we are always asked for aluminum-free options. Many of my friends tell me they can’t seem to find a natural deodorant that actually works. We have come across a few that we really like and have tested them out on several people. So I was excited to try dr. Mist myself. I have to say I loved it. It works great. This one in particular can double as foot deodorant. It is free of aluminum and other harsh chemicals. Great job Dr. Mist! I would definitely recommend it to others.
Andrea
SUPERFOODS - HOW SPECIAL PLANTS PROMOTE HEALTH
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WHAT ARE THEY?
Superfoods are live whole foods offering the most complete and balanced protection against disease causing free radicals. They are highly concentrated in protein, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, enzymes, coenzymes, vitamins, minerals and potent “phytonutrients” (i.e. antioxidants derived from plants). Consuming superfoods mixed with water or juice is a very convenient way of obtaining essential ‘living’ nutrients often missing in our diets and synthetic vitamin and mineral tablets.
SUPERFOODS’ PHYTOCHEMICALS/PROPERTIES
Microalgae (spirulina, chlorella, dunaliella, blue green algae) mixed carotenoids with better antioxidant protection than beta carotene alone
Flower pollens (e. g. bee pollen) flavonoids and polyphenols improve energy levels and allergies
Herbal extracts (e.g. bilberry) anthocyanidins improve circulation and prevent eye disease
Herbal extracts (e.g. tumeric) curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-autoimmune disease effects similar to cortisone
Herbal extracts (e.g. horseradish) phenethyl isothiocyanates protect against cancer
Herbal extracts (e.g. cayenne pepper) capsaicin improves coronary artery circulation, eases pain and supports healthy digestion
Vegetable/fruit extracts (e.g. cruciferous vegetables like broccoli) isothiocyanates, indoles, lutein and sulphorophane support liver detoxification and protect against breast and other cancers
Legumes (e.g. soybeans) isoflavonoids (genistein,daidzein) and lignins optimize sex hormones and immunity
Seeds (e.g. grape seeds) proanthocyanidins support capillary integrity and improve ligament flexibility
Discuss the use of these and other superfoods with your health care provider.
Dr. Rona
The Grapefruit Juice Effect
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If you swallow prescription pills with grapefruit juice, there is something very important that you should know. Grapefruit juice can intensify the effects of some drugs because it can block the first phase of liver detoxification. This grapefruit juice effect is attributed to a constituent of grapefruit juice called naringenin. Naringenin inhibits an enzyme called cytochrome P450 which is found not only in the liver but also in the wall of the intestines. Naringenin gives grapefruit juice its characteristic color and flavor.
Studies by Dr. David Bailey, Dr. Malcolm Arnold and Dr. J. David Spence indicate that the consumption of grapefruit juice may have a significant effect on raising the blood levels of certain drugs like the antihistamine, terfenadine (Seldane®). Seldane® remains on the Canadian market despite the fact that it has been implicated in at least 125 deaths. Seldane® now requires a prescription. Fatal heart arrhythmias might develop in given individuals as a direct result of the sustained high blood levels of this drug. The grapefruit juice effect is variable among individuals with drug levels being boosted anywhere from three to six times.
Besides terfenadine, other drugs affected by grapefruit juice are the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (Adalat®), the anti-rejection drug cyclosporin, prescription estrogens and the sedative, triazolam (Halcion®). Calcium channel blockers are used to control high blood pressure and angina. Nifedipine is one of the controversial calcium channel blocking drugs associated with a greater risk of fatal heart attacks and cancer in several American studies. Blood levels of these drugs can jump as much as six-fold in some individuals after drinking grapefruit juice.
If you must take any of these drugs, the best advice is to avoid grapefruit juice even within 24 hours of taking the tablets or capsules. Use water or orange juice to help swallow the prescriptions since neither will have any significant effect on the blood levels of any of the drugs in question. It is always a good policy to consult a knowledgeable pharmacist about drug - nutrient interactions when taking any prescription or over the counter drug.
Dr. Rona
Relationships Mirror How Much You Love Yourself & Your Life
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What continues to both annoy and excite me is - there is a direct correlation between my relationships and my current state of being. Relationships are a mirror for how much you love yourself and your life.
When I was single, I believed I had to protect myself from men because I thought there were very few good ones. So guess what? Because of this perception even the nicest guys started turning into jerks around me (of course they were; I was testing them all the time). Now that I’m married, the same rule applies. If I am loving myself, my husband has room to love me and if I’m loving him, he loves himself when he’s around me.
Jennifer Hough
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