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
Alternative Treatments For Alcohol Addiction
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Alcohol addiction can be helped by many vitamins, minerals, herbs and amino acids. Due to the depleting effects of alcohol on nutrient reserves, alcoholics usually suffer from a long list of deficiencies, especially B complex vitamins. The ideal thing to do is see a natural health care practitioner for a comprehensive nutritional and biochemical assessment before starting on drastic diet changes and food supplements.
To help prevent liver, kidney and brain damage, alcoholics should take a broad spectrum antioxidant combination product. Herbal combinations of milk thistle (silymarin), artichoke and turmeric are excellent for liver support. Alpha lipoic acid and N-acetyl-cysteine are two other nutrient supplements that can reverse liver damage.
For amino acids and B vitamins, I recommend a combination of bee pollen powder, Biostrath elixir, aloe vera juice and beet root powder. These all provide strong nutrient support protection against alcohol without any dangers of vitamin toxicity (especially vitamin A).
The hormone melatonin and amino acids like tryptophan and GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) may also be effective therapy since many people drink in order to elevate their levels of these chemicals in the brain.
With alcohol problems, I have found that introducing one healthy thing into the lifestyle leads to further changes for the better. Psychological counselling and 12 step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (minus the free coffee and doughnuts) can be very helpful but biochemical/nutritional imbalances must be attended to at the same time for lasting results.
Dr. Rona
Acne Triggered by Iodine
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Q: 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 cause my skin to break out. Eating seaweed or using “green products” generally has the same effect. I’m wondering why my skin might be so sensitive to iodine and if there is anything I can do about it. Thanks for your help.
A: Some people are very sensitive to iodine. Iodine is an antiseptic that 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 1,000 mcg (1 mg) of iodine daily unless one also has a low level of friendly bacteria in the gut.
I you decide to proceed with taking iodine, I recommend that you take a broad-spectrum probiotic (friendly flora) product for at least a month before attempting any iodine supplementation. (Probiotic supplements, available at health food stores, should contain at least Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria and friendly strains of E. coli.) While continuing to use the probiotic, start supplementing with 100 mcg of iodine daily. Increase the dosage gradually to a maximum of 1,000 mcg per day. If this approach still causes acne, double or triple the recommended dose of the probiotic (usually going from three capsules to six or nine capsules daily).
You could also add a high potency saw palmetto extract (360 mg daily). This herbal extract prevents dihydrotestosterone, the breakdown product of testosterone, from triggering acne. If iodine is still a problem for your skin, see a health practitioner to assess whether you have other metabolic problems.
Dr. Rona
How To Spot Iron Deficiency
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Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue and a lack of stamina. This is the result of fewer and paler red blood cells and a reduced ability of these cells to hold and carry oxygen. Iron deficiency in children has been reported to produce psychological problems, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, decreased attention span and a lowered IQ as well as anemia. Other common iron deficiency symptoms are headaches, dizziness, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation and a weakened immunity. Anemia manifests itself as pallor of the skin, cheeks, lips and tongue. Canker sores in the mouth, hair loss, brittle nails and itching are other common symptoms.
People who suffer from iron deficiency will sometimes have unusual food cravings which promptly disappear after iron supplementation is successful. In children, iron deficiency may cause a strange symptom called “pica”, a term which refers to the eating or chewing of inedible objects such as toys, clay or ice. Iron treatment stops the behavior. Iron deficiency can be confirmed by blood tests, the most sensitive of which is the serum ferritin level. It might surprise you to know that the best sources of iron are vegetarian:
HIGH IRON CONTAINING FOODS
Mgs. iron per 100 grams (4 ounces) Foods
100.0 kelp
17.3 brewer’s yeast
16.1 blackstrap molasses
14.9 wheat bran
11.2 pumpkin seeds
10.5 whole sesame seeds
9.4 wheat germ
8.8 beef liver
7.1 sunflower seeds
6.8 millet
6.2 parsley
3.8 cashews
3.5 raisins
2.3 eggs
1.9 tofu
1.5 chicken
1.2 salmon
Dr. Rona
Amino Acid Supplements - Benefits & Hazards
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Amino acids (AA’s) are compounds which can be linked together in the body to form different kinds of protein. Without AA’s, the body becomes deficient in hormones, antibodies, enzymes, nutrient carriers, neurotransmitters (chemical messengers between brain cells and other parts of the nervous system) and many other substances essential to life. The best dietary source of AA’s is the much maligned egg. When high doses of individual AA’s are supplemented, they can have powerful effects that imitate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The main advantage of using AA supplements as drug alternatives is their relative safety.
THERAPEUTIC ACTION OF AMINO ACIDS
(avg. therapeutic dose 1 - 3 grams daily)
- Anabolic (muscle builder) branched chain AA’s (valine, leucine, isoleucine), alanine, carnitine
- Appetite curber arginine, phenylalanine, carnitine, tryptophan, GABA
- Anticonvulsant taurine, GABA, glycine, alanine, tryptophan
- Antidepressant tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine
- Antiviral lysine
- Heart muscle strengthener (i.e. inotropic agent) tyrosine, taurine, carnitine
- Sperm count and motility booster arginine
- Stamina promoter carnitine, dimethylglycine (DMG)
AMINO ACIDS HAZARDS
Excess AA’s can either enhance or antagonize the therapeutic effects of prescription drugs or hormones (e.g. arginine can inhibit effects of pain killers and antibiotics). Some AA’s can worsen existing diseases (e.g. schizophrenic symptoms can increase with tyrosine). Single AA therapies should be used with caution in people with kidney, liver or heart disease. Most therapeutic dose single AA?s require a prescription from a medical doctor and careful monitoring.
Dr. Rona
Cataract Prevention
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Cataracts are the result of a process of clouding or opacification caused by free radical (molecular) damage to the sulphur-containing proteins in the lens of the eye. They are the leading cause of impaired vision and blindness in North America affecting approximately 4 million people. Over 40,000 cases of blindness are directly attributed to cataracts and cataract surgery is the most frequent major surgery performed on Medicare patients. Cataracts may have some relationship to a variety of eye diseases, diabetes, ultraviolet light or radiation exposure, injury or surgery, viral infections, toxic heavy metal excess in the body (especially cadmium, bromine, cobalt, iridium and nickel), heredity, galactosemia (milk sugar toxemia) and advancing age.
The lens protects itself from free radical damage with antioxidants (free radical scavengers) like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione, methionine, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), E, C, bioflavonoids, zinc and selenium. Studies show that cataract formation may be retarded by increasing the intake of antioxidants. To prevent cataracts, avoid sugar, white flour products, milk, high fat foods and processed foods, all of which create free radicals. Eat more legumes, garlic and onions - high sources of sulphur-containing amino acids, yellow vegetables (for carotenes) and fresh fruits and raw vegetables for their vitamin C content. Other cataract preventive foods are spinach, cloves, water chestnuts, yams, lycium, black beans, and endive. Fresh juices that are recommended are combinations of carrot, spinach, beet, cucumber, endive and parsley. Cataract sufferers should avoid direct sunlight, bright lights of other types and wear protective sunglasses when outdoors.
Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant for the eye, concentrated in amounts 30 - 50 times greater in the aqueous humor of the eye than in the blood. Studies show that vitamin C levels are greatly reduced or absent in the lens with a cataract and that supplementation (1000 mgs. or more daily) can halt cataract progression. If you are already taking vitamin C, the advice is to take more, provided the higher dosages are well tolerated by the intestines. Bioflavonoids, especially bilberry extract, pycnogenol (from pine bark or grape seed extract) and quercetin also provide strong antioxidant protection.
Glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine are the three amino acids that make up the antioxidant, glutathione (also referred to as GSH) found in very high concentrations in a healthy lens. GSH levels are found to be low in all cases of cataracts and can be increased by supplementing the amino acid precursors, glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine. Supplementation of whey protein (e.g. Immunocal®) is a proven way of increasing GSH blood levels. An ancient Chinese herbal formula called “Hachimijiogan” also helps raise the levels of GSH.
The amino acid, L-carnosine prevents the formation of advanced glycated end products (protein crosslinks) in the lens and can therefore prevent cataracts. Dosages required are 1000 mg, 3 times daily. N-acetyl-L-carnosine eye drops show some promise in being able to dissolve existing cataracts but more evidence is needed before this becomes a reliable alternative to surgery.
Other nutrients of importance for cataract prevention are zinc, copper and manganese which are all co-factors in the production of SOD (superoxide dismutase), a powerful antioxidant. The amino acid, lysine, important in collagen formation, may be helpful in lens repair as well. A natural health care practitioner can help with prescribing a personalized regime of vitamin, mineral and herb supplements designed for both cataract prevention and optimum eye health.
Dr. Rona
Alternatives For Middle Ear Tubes
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Conventional treatment for fluid buildup problems in the middle ear caused by eustachian tube dysfunction is the surgical implantation of tubes to help drain the fluid. Allergies to milk and other common foods and the frequent or indiscriminate use of prescription antibiotics are at the bottom of most cases of recurrent infections or eustachian tube dysfunction. The mechanism by which food allergies are thought to increase fluid in the ear have to do with the fact that food allergies create nasal congestion and the fluid from the back of the nose moves easily to the ear through the eustachian tube, the passageway that connects the middle ear with the nose. When there is enough congestion in the tube, it gets blocked and the fluid sits in the ear. Bacteria then start to multiply and ear pain with fever eventually occurs.
Fungal infections can occur secondary to repeated rounds of broad spectrum antibiotics. Fungi, through the production of mycotoxins may act as immunosuppressants, especially with respect to cellular immunity (i.e. the impairment of white cell defence against bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.). This then leads to more ear infections, more antibiotic prescriptions, etc. Antibiotics wipe out the friendly microbial flora in the gut allowing candida and other bugs to multiply and this can damage the lining of the gut leading to inflammation and more serious food reactions.
The best way to break the vicious cycle is to treat the fungus, revise the diet by eliminating sugar, refined carbohydrates and the hidden food allergies. If you have been skin tested for food allergies, get more accurate testing done. Skin tests will misdiagnose food and chemical allergies in over 90% of the cases. I usually recommend people do an elimination/provocation type of test (described by Dr. William Crook in “Tracking Down Hidden Food Allergies”) combined with the ELISA/Act blood test which can check antibody levels against over 300 foods and chemicals. The top food allergies associated with recurrent infections and eustachian tube problems are cow’s milk, wheat, egg whites, peanut products, soy, corn and oranges. The allergic foods should be eliminated for 6 months or longer to achieve stable results. Both the frequency of the infections and the amount of fluid in the ears should go down significantly as early as 3 weeks after the offending foods are removed from the diet.
There are also quite a few natural remedies that can be supplemented to boost immunity. Cod liver oil in liquid or capsule form is still a very popular preventive supplement. Vitamin C crystals mixed with cranberry juice has an antihistaminic, decongestant effect in higher than RDA doses. If bowel movements become too loose, reduce vitamin C to a better tolerated level. Bioflavonoids like pycnogenol and quercetin make vitamin C even more effective. Studies show that taking zinc gluconate lozenges reduces the length of recovery from the common cold from an average of 10.8 days to 3.9 days. Other immune boosters include beta carotene, vitamin B6, spirulina, chlorella and bee pollen.
A long list of herbal antibiotics can also be used either alone or in combination: echinacea, goldenseal, cat’s claw, hypericum, propolis, garlic, astragalus, burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel, Turkish rhubarb, capsicum, chaparral, red clover, ma huang, salix alba, sea kelp, elderberry, pau d’arco (taheebo) and calendula. The amino acid, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is another natural antibiotic. It can dissolve mucous build-up anywhere in the respiratory tract and is particularly effective with sinusitis and bronchitis. Colloidal silver and licorice root are yet two more safe and effective natural antibiotics which can help the body clear many stubborn viral infections.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is important to supplement with lactobacillus acidophilus. These friendly bowel bacteria which are killed off by prescriptions are important to help prevent yeast (Candida) and other infections. For a personalized program, see a natural health care practitioner.
Dr. Rona
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