Glaucoma
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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
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
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
A Natural Approach To Gilbert’s Syndrome
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Gilbert’s Syndrome affects 5% of the adult population, is benign and is a congenital/hereditary liver disorder characterized by a mild, fluctuating increase in serum bilirubin, the yellow pigment excreted by the liver into bile. Gilbert’s does not usually require medical treatment and will not interfere with a normal lifestyle.
Small amounts of bilirubin are normally present in the blood. The elevated bilirubin levels seen in Gilbert’s Syndrome usually show up as an incidental laboratory finding while all other liver function tests are normal. Serum bilirubin increases with fasting (reduced caloric intake) or an intercurrent illness such as influenza and the individual might suffer from transient, mild and benign jaundice. Taking large doses of vitamin B3 (niacin) can increase bilirubin formation and can lead to a worsening of the condition.
Liver disease of any kind benefits from dietary changes. Avoidance of animal products (eggs, dairy, beef, pork, raw fish, shellfish, etc.), simple sugar, yeast, alcohol and highly processed foods reduces the load of potential toxins presented to the liver. It is also very important to avoid drugs that need detoxification by the liver, including acetominophen (Tylenol). Avoid any nutritional supplements containing high doses of vitamin A, niacin, cod or halibut liver oil or vitamin D.
The manufacture of bread, beer, wine, cheese, aged and cured meats and tobacco products all involves a fermentation process that produces fungal mycotoxins which can adversely affect the liver. Peanuts are contaminated by fungal mycotoxins and are also best avoided. The consumption of small amounts of these foods may be tolerated by those with healthy immune systems but are potentially dangerous to those suffering from chronic liver disease.
Great benefits may be derived from following a raw vegetable and fruit diet for several weeks and a plant based diet on a long term basis (3 to 6 months). Therapeutic juices include radish and pineapple, black cherry concentrate mixed with liquid chlorophyll and a combination of carrot, beet, celery, green pepper, spinach, papaya and cucumber juices.
Milk thistle extract (Silymarin) helps most liver disorders. So do proteolytic digestive enzymes, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, black radish, artichoke, tumeric, curcumin, red clover, dandelion, B complex vitamins, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine), Liv 52, lactobacillus acidophilus and the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Weekly injections of folic acid, vitamin B12 and other B complex vitamins may be dramatically effective in some cases where energy levels have been severely impaired.
The herbal tea combination of slippery elm, burdock, Turkish rhubarb, and sheep sorrel may be a great help in cleansing the liver (3-6 months). With almost all these natural remedies, healing may be slow over a period of months or years. The key thing is to stick to it, get regular lab tests done for liver function and maintain a positive mental attitude. Supervision by a natural health care practitioner is strongly recommended to assess progress.
Dr. Rona
Beware of Breast Enlargement Supplements
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Q: In various health magazines, I’ve noticed ads for natural supplements that claim to increase women’s breast size. One such product contains wheat, barley, hops, rye, malt, wild oats and corn. Do these products actually work? More importantly, are they safe to use?
A: Breast size is determined primarily by heredity and estrogen activity. The herbal/botanical products currently on the market basically boost the effects of estrogen and theoretically could increase breast size.
If they really did that, they would also increase body fat percentage, weight and perhaps the size of existing tumors in the body, whether benign or malignant. When estrogen gets boosted in the body, it does not necessarily only stimulate the breasts but may, in fact, stimulate cells in the uterus, ovaries and fat cells.
Since no effect of such supplements has ever been proven, all I can advise at this time is “buyer beware.” Some studies are definitely needed here. I am sure there are plenty of researchers who would be interested in doing double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on the differences they measure in breast size over a number of months.
Dr. Rona
Natural Treatments For Crohn’s Didease and Colitis
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The general term, “inflammatory bowel disease? includes two major gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both involve large bowel inflammation and tissues outside the colon. There is some degree of overlap with respect to signs and symptoms in both conditions but the causes of both are poorly understood.
Crohn’s disease is primarily a disease of white adults between the ages of twenty and forty although it can occur in both children and the elderly. Its main signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, rectal bleeding, anal fissures, abscesses and arthritis. In a minority of cases there may be inflammation of the liver, kidney and skin.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that deteriorates the lining of the large bowel. It shows up primarily in the twenty to forty age group and effects predominantly females. Most often, the inflammation begins at the rectum and extends up through the colon. The inflammation can progress until ulcerations and abscesses develop. In some patients, the disease can be mild and localized or excruciatingly painful with perforations of the colon. There is usually diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool. Sudden attacks followed by periods of remission are typical.
Ulcerative colitis tends to recur in families and there is a high incidence of eczema, hay fever, arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. There is a school of thought which believes that inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis is the result of an allergy or hypersensitivity reaction to certain foods by the colon. Salicylate (e.g. aspirin) sensitivity can be involved in a some cases. Some researchers have shown the existence of circulating antibodies against cow’s milk and other foods, especially gluten from wheat and other grains.
Conventional medical treatments for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis can often ignore the value of diet despite a large amount of published medical literature that stresses its importance. Dietary therapies can be done concurrently with conventional treatments. Studies documented in the book Breaking The Vicious Cycle and Intestinal Health Through Diet (by Elaine Gottschall, Kirkton, Ont.:The Kirkton Press, 1994) indicate that many victims of inflammatory bowel disease can control their symptoms simply by eliminating lactose (milk sugar), starches, grains, yeast and refined carbohydrates from the diet. More difficult cases require help from a natural health care practitioner for treatment of hidden food allergies, candida (yeast) infections, bacterial flora imbalances and parasite infestations. Some patients need only follow the diet for six months while others must follow it for years before being able to eat the disallowed foods without symptoms.
Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies arise in sufferers of Crohn’s because of malabsorption. Zinc deficiency is common as are deficiencies in B vitamins - especially vitamin B12, vitamin A and vitamin D. Most cases require periodic vitamin B 12 injections. A thorough nutritional assessment is well worth doing. Herbs which could benefit inflammatory bowel disease include ginger, comfrey and a combination of slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, burdock and sheep sorrel (a.k.a. Essiac). Garlic and acidophilus (dairy and grain-free) may be helpful too. None of the natural treatments interfere with conventional medical treatments. In fact, it’s quite possible that diet change alone may help make any medical therapy work better. A naturopath or holistic medical doctor should be consulted for professional supervision.
Dr. Rona
Eating More To Reverse Heart Disease
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Scientific research has demonstrated that consuming more of the following common foods can 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 can dilate arteries and improve circulation anywhere in the body.
Dr. Rona
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