Adrenal Stress: Part One
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Stressed out? Chronically tired? Burnt out? Allergies getting worse instead of better? Catching one infection after the next despite a good diet? Premature menopause? If you are coping with some or all of these health problems, chances are high that you are suffering from varying degrees of adrenal insufficiency.
How do the adrenals weaken? Most commonly, different types of stress are involved. While
some of these stresses are beyond our immediate control (nasty bosses, postal worker strikes, stock market crashes, unfriendly in-laws, hurricanes, etc.), many stresses weakening the adrenals are dependent on our diet and lifestyle choices. For example, a high intake of caffeine and refined carbohydrates, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and drugs too numerous to list all stress the adrenals by causing a greater than normal secretion of adrenal hormones, leading to eventual depletion of stress hormone reserves.
Working long hours under fluorescent lights at a sedentary job and getting little to no exercise also weakens adrenal function. So does long hours of watching television, reading newspapers filled with bad news, and staring at computer screens.
Menopause is one major life event strongly connected to adrenal glandular function. In the healthy female, once the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, the adrenal glands take over production to maintain a comfortable balance. If this transition period does not occur smoothly, women entering the menopause will experience severe and often debilitating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression, loss of libido, accelerating osteoporosis, memory disturbances, and blood sugar control problems (hypoglycemia).
Adrenal insufficiency can cause exaggerated or early menopausal symptoms that create the
illusion that prescription hormone replacement therapy is needed. The ability to deal effectively with physical, chemical, emotional, and other environmental stressors such as viruses, ionizing radiation and prolonged physical exertion depends largely on the health of your adrenal response.
The adrenals are a pair of glands (shaped like Napoleon’s hat) that lie just above the kidneys. They secrete more than three dozen hormones derived from cholesterol directly into the bloodstream. Each gland, about one to two inches in length and weighing only a fraction of an ounce each, is composed of two distinct parts: the inner adrenal medulla and the outer adrenal cortex.
The outer region of the adrenal glands secretes hormones known as corticosteroids, of which there are three types: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and the 17-ketosteroids (sex hormones). Adrenal cortical hormones are controlled by ACTH, a pituitary hormone.
The inner adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (adrenalin) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), the hormones that mediate the “flight-or-flight” alarm response to stress. Adrenal medullary hormones are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
The glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone) cause blood sugar levels to go higher, reduce inflammation, and dampen the allergic response. Abnormal levels of glucocorticoids could be partially responsible for hypoglycemia or diabetes, an exaggerated pain response, and poorly controlled allergies.
The mineralocorticoids, the most important of which is aldosterone, cause the body to retain sodium while increasing potassium excretion. Abnormal aldosterone levels can therefore create imbalances between sodium and potassium and, consequently, fluid levels in the body. The major sex hormone produced by the adrenal cortex is the androgen, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) which is then converted into other sex hormones (testosterone, estrogens, progesterone).
Shades of Imperfection
Conventional medicine categorizes adrenal function as either normal, low (adrenal insufficiency, a.k.a. Addison’s disease), or high (Cushing’s Syndrome, a rare disorder caused by an overactive adrenal cortex). Most individuals affected by suboptimal adrenal function fall between these two extremes and are left without any medical solution to their health problems.
Adrenal weakness is at the bottom of poorly controlled stress conditions ranging from anxiety, allergies, and recurrent infections to hypoglycemia, depression, autoimmune disease, and chronic fatigue of unknown cause. If the initial screening tests fail to show either low or high levels of various steroids, reductionistic medical thinking, regardless of patient signs and symptoms, is that adrenal function is normal. Studies, however, show that adrenal function can be compromised long before abnormalities start appearing in such laboratory tests and that the use of adrenal glandular support reverses signs and symptoms and replenishes depleted organ reserves.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Acne from Iodine
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Dear Dr. Rona,
In one of your previous articles, I was very interested to read about the effectiveness of iodine for helping to prevent breast cancer. I would like to take supplements high in iodine, but they always cause my skin to break out. Eating seaweed or using “green products” generally has the same effect, with the exception of chlorella. I am wondering why my skin might be so sensitive to iodine; is there anything I can do about it? Thanks for your help.
AC
Dear AC,
Some people are very sensitive to iodine. Iodine is an antiseptic and will kill many different bacteria, including the friendly bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. It is rare for anyone to get acne when taking less than 1000 mcg (1 mg) of iodine daily unless one also has a low level of friendly bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract.
My usual recommendation for people like you would be to take a broad-spectrum probiotic (friendly flora) supplement containing at least lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria, and friendly strains of E. coli for at least a month before attempting any iodine supplementation. Then start by taking 100 mcg daily, continuing to take the probiotic. Increase the iodine to a maximum of 1000 mcg daily.
If this still does not prevent the acne, double or triple the recommended dose of the probiotic (usually you would go from 3 to 6 or 9 capsules daily). Also, one could add a high potency saw palmetto extract (360 mg) daily. Saw palmetto extract prevents dihydrotestosterone, the breakdown product of testosterone, from having an acne-causing effect. If iodine is still a problem for the skin, see a doctor to assess whether or not there are other metabolic problems.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Best Iron Food and Supplement Sources
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Iron in foods
If you are looking to improve your iron status through diet, here are the best sources from foods (5-18 mg/100 g food): liver, prune juice, kidney, heart, molasses, pork, beef, sunflower seeds, kidney beans, pinto beans, oyster, clam, lima beans, lentils, navy beans, sesame seeds, tahini, chickpeas, hummous, lamb, egg yolk, rice polishings, rice bran, millet, parsley, Jerusalem artichoke, buckwheat.
Less concentrated iron food sources (1-5 mg/100 g food): walnuts, mustard greens, soy milk, almonds, cashews, chicken, turkey, shrimp, tuna, mackerel, veal, wheat germ, sardines, dandelion greens, butternut squash, dates, prunes, tomato juice, split peas, liverwurst, tortillas, peas, brewer’s yeast, raisins, Brussels sprouts, kale, collards, spinach, apricots, peaches, turnip greens, beet tops, whole grain cereals, lentils, kelp, tofu, tempeh, whey powder, watercress, elderberries, endive, cucumbers, chestnuts, chard, barley, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, persimmons, brown rice.
Iron supplements
Most medical doctors recommend 300 mg of ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate once or twice daily for iron deficiency. Many different brands of this type of iron supplement are available at a regular pharmacy. These would be fine if they didn’t cause black stools, stomach irritation, and constipation in most people taking them. In addition, their absorption into the bloodstream is weak. In severe cases of diarrhea, they might have a role to play as alternatives to narcotics or other toxic constipating drugs. The constipation side effect can sometimes be ameliorated by taking the pharmaceutical iron with a hefty dose of vitamin C (1000 mg or more). As you may know, high doses of vitamin C can cause loose bowel movements.
If you would prefer to use more of a natural iron supplement, I recommend the health food store brand Floradix liquid iron and Floravital (the same, only yeast-free), made in Germany by Salus-Haus and distributed in North America by Flora. Constipation is usually not a problem with these because the iron is in a liquid form and also contains some vitamin B12 and fruit juice concentrates for better absorption. Floradix is also available in a tablet form. I have recommended the Floradix brand with excellent results for over 20 years.
In addition, numerous popular health food store brands make iron citrate, iron aspartate, and iron picolinate supplements, which are all much better tolerated and absorbed than the harsh pharmaceutical iron tablets. They are freely available in the USA; however, the laws governing nutritional supplements is considerably different in Canada, and the asparate and picolinate versions are hard to find there.
Iron can be a double-edged sword. If you are on any iron supplement, it’s important to get your blood checked periodically in case of developing iron overload, a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and liver problems. This issue is especially important in men and post-menopausal women who do not have the opportunity of monthly iron loss through menstruation.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Evening Primrose Oil Controls Where Calcium Goes
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Numerous factors such as hormonal levels and the presence of vitamin D and vitamin K will all play some role in determining the absorption of calcium from the gut into the bloodstream. However, when a person absorbs calcium, regardless of the amount, there is no guarantee that this same calcium will be deposited into the bones.
Calcium tends to gravitate towards areas of injury in the body. If the lining of the arteries is damaged, calcium deposits there and causes hardening of the arteries. This could make cardiovascular disease worse. If the kidneys are damaged, the result of calcium deposition could be kidney stones. Calcium also tends to deposit in other injured soft tissue areas like tendons and ligaments, causing stiffness or other disability.
Several studies in the past decade have shown that EFAs (essential fatty acids), when combined with calcium, can ensure that calcium deposition will take place in bone and not in the arteries, the kidneys, or other soft tissues. EFAs enhance the effects of vitamin D in the gut and improve calcium absorption from the small intestine, reduce the urinary excretion (loss) of calcium, increase calcium that is deposited in the bone, and improve the strength of bone.
The dosage required for evening primrose to do this in both men and women is 1500–6000 mg daily. Of course, calcium deposition also depends to variable degrees on the frequency of weight-bearing exercises as well as the presence of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, strontium, silicon, manganese, and boron.
If your calcium supplement does not contain evening primrose oil, make sure you take an extra 1500–6000 mg of this omega-6 source of essential fatty acids each day to prevent or reverse osteoporosis with much greater assurance.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
REFERENCES
Horrobin K. “Calcium metabolism, osteoporosis and essential fatty acids: a review” Progress in Lipid Research, 1997; 36(2-3):131-151.
Papendorp D, Coetzer H, Kruger M. “Biochemical profile of osteoporotic patients on essential fatty acid supplementation” Nutrition Research, 1995; 15(3):325-334.
Tulloch I, Smellie W, Buck A. “Evening primrose oil reduces urinary calcium excretion in both normal and hypercalciuric rats” Urological Research, 1994; 22:227-230.
Claasen N, Potgieter M, Seppa M, et al. “Combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil influence bone resorption and bone calcium content” Bone, 1995; 16(Suppl):385S-392S.
Natural Remedies for Sports Injuries (cont’d)
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Creatine monohydrate (20–30 grams a day for a week for muscle saturation, then 5–10 grams per day for maintenance) – a natural, tasteless, and safe nutrient found in animal protein (about 5 grams per 2.2 pounds of steak, salmon, tuna, lobster or lamb). It has ATP (adenosine triphosphate) enhancing effects that dramatically increase muscle strength.
Creatine monohydrate is especially popular with competitive body builders who can look about 5–10 pounds more muscular because creatine attracts water into the muscles. This should not be confused with the bloating and fluid retention caused by allergies, congested organs, or other suboptimal states of health where the fluid accumulation is outside the muscles.
Creatine monohydrate converts in the body to creatine phosphate, an energy supply for muscles, providing greater strength and stamina. Creatine also acts as a buffer against the buildup of lactic acid and neutralizes the free radicals produced by heavy exercise.
L-carnitine (1,000 mg or more daily) – has a protective effect against exercise-caused pain and damage. This appears to be primarily related to its vasodilatation property, which improves the energy metabolism of damaged muscle.
Vitamin D3 (5,000–10,000 IU daily) – is anti-inflammatory in higher doses beyond the RDAs. If you have inflammation (arthritis, iritis, thyroiditis, pancreatitis… anything ending in “itis”), you need more vitamin D. The best thing to do is get your blood levels checked. Ask your doctor to check 25-hydroxy vitamin D since this is the most accurate test to assess vitamin D status.
As you may know, vitamin D has been much in the mainstream news media in regards to its ability to prevent cancer. For more detailed information on this, see my website article at http://www.mydoctor.ca/documents/users/2509/8823.pdf
Acetyl-L-carnitine (1–2 grams before you workout and at bedtime) – an L-carnitine derivative, this has been shown to reduce the high catabolic cortisol levels in the blood after intense exercise.
If you are just beginning a supplement program, do not expect instant results. All the nutrients discussed above take time (at least 3–6 months) to show noticeable improvement since it takes that long to grow the several billion new cells incorporating the new influx of nutrients.
The best times to take supplements are 1 hour or so before and immediately following an exercise session and at bedtime. For more information on nutrient supplementation, see your natural health care provider.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
REFERENCES:
Alive Research Group; Gursche, Siegfried, Publisher; Rona, Zoltan P., Medical Editor. Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Vancouver: Alive Books, 1998.
Böhmer D et al., “Treatment of chondropathia patellae in young athletes with glucosamine sulfate”, in N Bachl, L Prokop, R Suchert, Eds. Current Topics in Sports Medicine. Proc World Congress of Sports Med, Vienna, 1982. Urban & Schwarzenberg, 1984.
Giamberardino MA et al. “Effects of prolonged L-carnitine administration on delayed muscle pain and CK release after eccentric effort”. Int J Sports Med 17:320-4, 1996.
Kim MC, Ames BN. “Ubiquinol-10 is an effective lipid-soluble antioxidant at physiological concentrations”. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 87:4879-83, 1990.
Kleine M-W. “Systemic enzyme therapy in sports medicine”. Deutsche Zeitshrift fur Sportsmedizin 41(4):126-34, 1990.
Shaw PC. “The use of a trypsin-chymotrypsin formulation in fractures of the hand”. Br J Clin Pract 23(1):25-6, 1969.
Shimomura Y et al. “Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on exercise-induced muscular injury”. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 176(1):349-55, 1991.
Zuschlag JM. “Double-blind clinical study using certain proteolytic enzyme mixtures in karate fighters”. Working paper. Germany, Mucos Pharma GmbH 1988:1-5.
Natural Remedies for Sports Injuries (cont’d)
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MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) (6,000 mg or more daily) – a naturally occurring organic source of nutritional sulfur found in ever-diminishing quantities in fresh fruits and vegetables, commonly lost during storage and cooking. MSM is a stable metabolite of DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), a substance popularized in the 1970s and 80s for its ability to reverse pain and inflammation in arthritis and other degenerative diseases. DMSO can be used as an enhancer of both nutrient and drug absorption into body cells. Unfortunately, the use of DMSO causes individuals to develop a severe garlic odor of the breath and body. MSM has all the same properties of DMSO but is odorless and has no side effects at any dosage.
Sulfur is a critical component of many important amino acids contained in cellular proteins, enzymes, hormones, and other body structures. In high doses, MSM is a powerful free radical scavenger, improves circulation, boosts nutrient absorption, reduces inflammation, and helps reduce lactic acid build-up, the chemical that causes muscle soreness and fatigue after strenuous exercise.
In addition, MSM fights fatigue, helps hair and nails to grow faster, and has been shown to be anti-parasitic. The efficacy of MSM is enhanced by vitamin C supplementation. The beneficial effect of glucosamine sulfate in the reversal of osteoarthritis is thought by some experts to be related to its sulfur component, something that can very effectively be delivered to the body by MSM.
Vitamin C (3 grams or more daily, depending on bowel tolerance) – shown to reduce muscle damage after working out and aid in muscle recuperation by reducing cortisol levels after intense exercise. Growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin are all, to various degrees, dependent on an adequate supply of vitamin C. The value of vitamin C as an antioxidant as well as a crucial nutrient in bone health is well documented.
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) (100–200 mg daily) – protects against exercise-induced muscle injury and fatigue caused by exercise. Many reports also indicate that coenzyme Q10 is an effective remedy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and other immune system diseases involving damaged cellular mitochondria. Its value is limited by its high price.
Glucosamine sulfate (1500–2000 mg daily) – supplementation may speed healing of recurrent joint injuries such as chondropathia patellae and thus prevent the development of osteoarthritis. MSM coupled with an adequate protein intake eliminates the necessity of supplementing this nutrient.
Proteolytic enzymes (3 or more capsules daily) – trypsin and chymotrypsin, usually considered enzymes that break down dietary protein in the gastrointestinal tract, have also been shown to promote the healing of many exercise-damaged tissues. Bromelain (from pineapple stalks) and papain (from papayas) have been reported to have similar beneficial effects.
(to be continued…)
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Natural Remedies for Sports Injuries
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Tennis elbow, knee ligament strains, ankle sprains, and different forms of tendonitis can be a real nuisance to athletes at any level. If you are one of those people who suffer from frequent or recurrent musculoskeletal injuries, consider using some natural remedies for both prevention and to speed healing. While none of these nutritional supplements is an alternative to standard medical, physiotherapeutic, or chiropractic care, they can help these treatments work better and more quickly. Over the next few weeks, I will discuss some of the best-documented nutrients in this category.
Protein (1 gram of protein per pound of lean mass or more daily) – required for maximum muscle strength and growth, as well as to prevent muscle deterioration and loss of lean body mass to energy requirements. It is most natural to get your protein from real food rather than supplements. In that respect, the highest quality proteins, in descending order of quality based on amino acid composition, are:
• Lactalbumin (from hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate)
• Egg albumin (from egg white)
• Beef, fish, poultry
• Casein (from milk)
• Soy protein
• Vegetable protein (half the muscle building protein quality of lactalbumin)
The ion-exchange whey protein supplements (90%+ ion-exchange whey protein by weight) are good alternatives for those with limited cooking skills or an affinity for the kitchen.
L-Glutamine (4000 mg before and after exercise) – an amino acid that is vital for anyone who exercises a lot and is a favorite of most serious body builders. As a nitrogen donor, glutamine helps build proteins and repair the muscle, as well as help build up more muscle. This, in part, may be due to its ability to induce the release of growth hormone. For those taking prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, L-glutamine will help prevent damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcers, and blood loss. If you are injured, L-glutamine will speed your recovery from virtually any sports injury without side effects.
Broad spectrum multiple antioxidant (1–3 capsules or more daily) – should contain at least the following nutrients: vitamin A, beta-carotene, B complex vitamins, vitamin C, E, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and N-acetyl-cysteine, a precursor for glutathione. The minerals zinc, copper, and manganese are important cofactors in the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, considered to be the most potent of the body’s protective enzymes. Antioxidants are free radical scavengers or neutralizers that also prevent the formation of free radicals in the first place.
(to be continued…)
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Natural Supplements to Help You Detoxify
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If symptoms such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, and fatigue are overwhelming, you could try the following natural supplements to reduce or eliminate the severity of reactions when you’re on a detox program:
• Niacinamide – 500 to 1,000 mg up to four times daily normalizes blood sugar.
• B-complex vitamins – 1 to 2 capsules (50 to 100 mg) up to four times daily balances B vitamins.
• Vitamin C – 1 to 2 capsules (1,000 mg) up to four times daily offsets toxic heavy metals.
• Calcium citrate (500 mg) with magnesium citrate (250 mg) – 1 to 2 capsules up to three times daily controls nervous system symptoms.
• Kava kava – 1 to 2 capsules (500 mg) up to four times daily prevents insomnia, depression and anxiety.
• Hempseed oil – 1 tbsp (15 ml) or 5 capsules twice daily provides essential fatty acids that displace harmful fats.
• Vitamin E – 800 IU daily for antioxidant protection.
• Coenzyme Q10 – 100 mg twice daily for antioxidant protection of the heart and blood vessels from released toxins.
If you continue to crave sugar or other foods while following this regime, try adding L-glutamine (3,000 mg up to four times daily) and chromium picolinate (1,000 mcg daily).
Dr. Zoltan Rona
What to Expect When Improving Your Diet
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So, you’re toxic. You’ve recently indulged in a little too much chocolate, wine, beer, fried foods, coffee, cakes, and other sweets. You look and feel tired and achy all over. Perhaps you’ve put on a few more pounds than you’d like to admit.
Most of us indulge to some degree during the holiday season. Later, we desperately want to cure ourselves with a fast or perhaps a strict low-fat, low-carb diet, plus vitamins, minerals, and herbs. We make New Year’s resolutions to adopt healthier eating habits, or we may decide to take up a strenuous exercise and sauna program to get rid of toxins and fat more quickly.
The good news is that within three or four weeks of making such changes, you’ll feel better than you’ve felt in years. The bad news is that some uncomfortable symptoms will show up during the cleansing process. Whatever your New Year’s resolutions, expect them to be challenging to implement. If you know what to expect while improving your diet, however, things could be considerably easier.
Why You Feel Rotten
The major reason for symptoms may best be summarized in one word: detoxification. Food may well be the most powerful drug you will ever experience. A high intake of refined carbohydrates, for example, will eventually lead to blood sugar control problems (hypoglycemia) and numerous symptoms. To feel better, most people suffering from low blood sugar will instinctively reach for a candy bar, soft drink, or caffeinated beverage. If they decide to eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates, their blood sugar levels will immediately plummet even further, thus causing even worse symptoms.
The other reason why detox symptoms can suddenly arise is the addiction/allergy factor. Many people are unknowingly addicted/allergic to foods such as wheat, milk, citrus, eggs, chocolate, and sugar in any concentrated form. If you suddenly stop eating these foods, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in alcoholism, cigarette addiction, or narcotic drug addiction.
Changing to a healthy diet will, in all likelihood, cause fat and some muscle cells to release their waste products into the circulation. Cells also release stored chemicals known as xenobiotics, which the body may not be fully able to detoxify in the liver, kidneys, lungs or skin. Drug flashbacks and all manner of mental and physical symptoms can present themselves. This can even occur in people who only give up sugar and refined carbohydrates without any drastic dietary changes.
In very rare, severely toxic cases, hospital admission for a nervous breakdown may be the end result of a combination of hypoglycemia, food addiction withdrawal, and release of xenobiotics. Certain people are thus poor candidates for changing their diets and can end up sicker as a result. If you think you might be one of those rare individuals, consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
Common Nuisance Symptoms
The vast majority of people who improve their diets find that detox reactions are mild and temporary (four to ten days). Most symptoms are due to some combination of blood sugar problems, withdrawal reactions, food allergies, and xenobiotics. In my experience, the commonest of these nuisance symptoms are:
* Food cravings and hunger
* Headaches
* Irritability
* Dizziness
* Spaciness
* Fatigue
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Insomnia
* Gas, constipation, or diarrhea
* Frequent urination
* Flu-like illness
Reward for Persistence
I strongly encourage you to continue with your new, healthier diet. Remember, the annoying symptoms will gradually disappear. (Supplements can also help your body to detox faster and more easily; I will discuss those next week.)
Almost everyone willing to persist through minor nuisance symptoms will be rewarded. After four to ten days, you’ll notice greater vitality and a sense of higher well-being, along with improved physical appearance.
Dealing with Mental Blocks
People who are relatively new to a natural diet and supplements often feel frightened by the changes that occur in their bodies. Some decide it’s best to abandon their new diets. Others might even make the mistake of going to the local hospital emergency room, walk-in clinic or family doctor. Most likely, they’ll be advised to stop the healthy diet and go back to chocolates, chips, soft drinks and fries.
I recall one woman who consulted me several years ago to treat her menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). She was so shocked at the sudden cessation of bleeding resulting from dietary changes that she immediately came into the office to tell me she just had to stop because of “fear of what all this is doing to my body.” Another patient phoned to ask me if it was normal to feel “high” when going completely off sugar and would I advise him to stop the diet?
What these two patients were really afraid of was change of any kind from the way they were used to feeling. Overcoming these types of psychological blocks is the first step towards better health. Just about everyone has to blow through some degree of mental resistance.
If you decide to improve your diet, you will have to accept the fact that changes will occur in your body. Initially, these changes will be annoying but, with the passage of time, symptoms will lift and you’ll be on your way to high level wellness.
Dr. Zoltan Rona
Who Gets the Credit?
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One of my breast cancer patients recently visited her oncologist for a routine follow-up examination. The specialist seemed very pleased with her progress, commenting that the patient was healing from her surgery and radiation far better than expected. Elated at this news from the usually grimly serious oncologist, the patient volunteered that she had been seeing a holistic medical doctor, had changed her diet, and was taking several vitamin, mineral and herbal remedies. At this news, the specialist turned noticeably red in the face and blurted out: “If you remain cancer-free, then who gets the credit, him or me?”
ZR: Neither gets the credit. Doctors, whether conventional (allopathic) or holistic (naturopathic), do not heal anybody. It is only the individual who can heal him/herself. If this patient remains cancer-free for the next decade or longer, she has only herself to credit. All the doctors did was to guide the patient’s energy to heal herself. The desire to be healed and the release of any resistance to so doing are the true anatomy of a cure.
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