Category: Health Concerns

Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Better Cholesterol Management with Vitamins and Herbs

Your Cholesterol Questions Answered

What can be done if you’ve been told that you have “high cholesterol?” I’ve been getting questions “in spades” this week, so it’s time for a cholesterol management update! Like Lennie who wrote “I would like to know what supplements you recommend to lower LDL besides diet.  I do not want to take satins. Thanks for your news letter I do read it. Blessings, Lennie.”

Perhaps your conventional doctor found your cholesterol levels to be “high”
(and there are differing opinions on what “too high” really is, because cholesterol is only ONE of a number of heart risk factors). He or she has probably advised you to start taking a “statin” drug. You will likely be sent off with a prescription for the statin-de-jour along with a recommendation to “eat less cholesterol and cut down on fats.” If you do a little research, you will discover that statin drugs have some worrisome side-effects, including elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver distress) and rhabdomyelosis (muscle damage; NOTE: the heart is a muscle). You might also see that there are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of natural remedies, all claiming to be “the best” for safely lowering cholesterol levels. We (Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark) chuckle when we get questions from Wellness Club members asking if we have heard about the latest and greatest pill or potion or “cure” – we’ve heard ’em all and then some!

While statin drugs are being marketed as the next best drug since antibiotics, the
dangers and expense of these drugs are rarely mentioned. All the while, well-proven
natural remedies exist to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels,
triglycerides and various other heart risk factors. Along with proven natural remedies
come another half-dozen substances that are seen to be helpful but are not as well researched.

And of course, as with all other natural remedies, there are an entire array of
poorly-researched, unproven remedies that rely on anecdotal “patient success stories” in their glowingly inflated sales pitches. Beware – these “also rans” aren’t known to perform like proven remedies and may leave you sorely disappointed with the results.

The Big Three Remedies for High Cholesterol

1.) Niacin  The most well-studied natural agent for cholesterol improvement is niacin, a B complex vitamin. Niacin’s effect on cholesterol has been known since the 1950’s when it was found to be a highly effective cholesterol lowering agent. Studies have shown that niacin not only lowers LDL cholesterol, but also Lp(a), triglyceride, and fibrinogen (a blood protein that causes clot formation) levels, while it simultaneously raises beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. The Coronary Drug Project, an intensive and extensive evaluation of cholesterol-lowering drugs demonstrated that niacin was the only cholesterol-lowering agent that actually reduced overall mortality. Its effects were also found to be long lived, protecting patients in the study years after they had stopped taking it. Here is how niacin compares to cholesterol-lowering drugs:

Drug Class LDL HDL TG BAR’s
(Bile Acid Resins) (decreased) 15-30% (increased) 3-5% +/- Niacin (decreased) 5-25% (increased) 15-35% (decreased) 20-50% Statins (decreased) 18-60% (increased) 5-15% (decreased) 7-30% Fibric Acids (decreased) 5-20% (increased) 10-20% (decreased) 20-50% Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors (decreased) 20% +/- (decreased) 8%

Note that although statins can have a bigger impact on LDL cholesterol levels, niacin is more effective at lowering tryglycerides and raising HDL (the good cholesterol). Also be aware that cholesterol levels can be too low. Cholesterol levels under 140 are associated with an increased risk of strokes.

Like any substance, high-dose niacin is not without cautions. It’s side effects are well known, the most common being a “niacin flush” – an uncomfortable flushing or hot feeling experienced by some people after taking standard niacin. Niacin can be toxic to the liver when taken in a “time release” form that was developed to avoid the problem of the “niacin flush” that made some patients reluctant to use it. Niacin can alter blood sugar control and so should be used under medical supervision in people with diabetes. It is also important to monitor both cholesterol levels and liver enzyme levels every three months or so while using niacin, as with a statin drug. Dr. Myatt recommends a form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate, a No-Flush Niacin that is very well tolerated.

If niacin is so great, why don’t the drug companies sell it, and why doesn’t my doctor tell me to take it, you ask? Well, though the studies strongly supports the use of niacin, it has also been victim of a lot of misinformation – your doctor may be ill-informed about it’s benefits, while he or she has certainly been told all about the “benefits” of statins. Niacin is a widely available “generic” substance, meaning it cannot be patented, and the drug companies do not stand to make from it the massive profits that the other cholesterol-lowering drugs have generated for them.
As a result, one rarely sees niacin advertised in the way that the expensive statin drugs are. Still, niacin should be considered as the first choice in a cholesterol-lowering treatment.

NOTE: If your doctor DOES prescribe niacin, it will most likely be the pharmaceutical “timed release” version. Studies show that timed release niacin is toxic to the liver and DOES NOT have better benefit than NON timed-release formulas. DO NOT TAKE timed-release niacin for high cholesterol!

2.) Red Rice Yeastis next in importance. This substance is actually the result of a fungus that grows on white rice, turning it a red color. It has been known for centuries, and used as a colorant in oriental cuisine, and to make a form of red sake (rice wine).  The active component in Red Rice Yeast is a compound called mevinolin, which is identical to the prescription drug, lovastatin. The drug companies created lovastatin in the laboratory in 1987 also using a fungus, Aspergillus terreus. The active ingredient in Red Rice Yeast was discovered and isolated a decade earlier. Red Rice Yeast has been proven to be just as effective as the modern statin drugs at lowering LDL cholesterol. Taken in high doses, it can have some of the same risks as the modern statin drugs – namely a risk of liver damage and also of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that includes muscle deterioration.

Anyone taking this or any statin drug should have a baseline liver enzyme check and have their liver enzymes checked at three months into treatment. But risks are small (about 2%). The good news is that it is thought that there is a synergistic effect obtained from other related compounds in Red Rice Yeast which allows much smaller doses to be effective. A typical dose of a statin drug would be in the range of 20-80mg/day while a typical dose of Red Rice Yeast would be about 2.5-10mg/day. Neither Red Rice Yeast nor statin drugs should be taken with grapefruit juice, as this can cause a dangerous buildup of the statin compounds in the body.

Due to drug company pressure on the FDA, many Red Rice Yeast products have been taken off the market because they contain— guess what?— the active ingredient for lowering cholesterol! The FDA said that this made them a drug. Statin drugs are now a 10+ billion dollar a year business for the drug companies (statins are the biggest selling drug of all time), and I believe the they do not want any competition from a natural remedy, especially one that works successfully, has far less negative side effects, and can be taken for about 1/4 the monthly cost of the drug versions. Although the FDA has waffled back and forth about Red Rice Yeast, it is still currently available and should be added to your cholesterol-lowering program if niacin alone fails to help within 8 weeks OR if your total cholesterol is above 240 or your hs-CRP is elevated.

3.) CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring antioxidant produced in the human body. It is vitally involved in energy production. CoQ10 functions as an “energizer” to mitochondria, the body’s energy producing units. Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements for CoQ10. Although CoQ10 is produced by the body, age, nutrient deficiencies, disease and some medications can lower the body’s CoQ10 levels. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) are known to deplete CoQ10. (The original patent-holders of statins wanted to add CoQ10 to the drug because of this known depletion; the FDA denied their request).  Everyone taking a statin drug should also be taking CoQ10. In fact, because CoQ10 is necessary for normal heart function, I strongly recommend it’s use for any type of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and as part of a cholesterol-lowering program.

Other Proven Cholesterol-Lowering Agents

Garlic  is another well-known cholesterol-lowering agent is with a wide spectrum of additional beneficial effects including blood pressure regulation, effective antibiotic scope and potent immune stimulant. Here however we are interested in garlic’s proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol when taken in appropriate doses of preparations that contains the the ingredient allicin. Allicin is the product of the substance alliin and the enzyme alliinase, and is fragile, dissipating quickly and easily during processing. A minimum therapeutic intake of allicin is considered to be about 4000 mcg. That is the equivalent to about one to four cloves of whole fresh garlic (depending on the size of the clove.) It is true that simply eating garlic (and it’s cousin onion) can have an excellent effect for lowering LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood fibrinogen levels. Please remember that this effect is lost when garlic or onion is cooked, as cooking quickly destroys the active ingredient allicin.

Anyone looking to buy garlic supplements should be aware of the German Commission E, a panel of experts which sets standards for dosage requirements to allow for therapeutic claims. Check the label to make sure the supplement you are considering meets their standards for strength and purity.

Vitamin C has a well-studied positive effect on lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising beneficial HDL levels. Vitamin C supplementation is valuable for many other reasons – it is an powerful antioxidant, and an immune enhancer. If you are considering using higher doses of vitamin C, use buffered vitamin C to avoid stomach upset. Also remember that Dr. Myatt’s Maxi-Multicontains 1,200 mg of this important vitamin when taken in the recommended daily dose.

Fiber has a time-honored place in any cholesterol-lowering regimen. High intakes of soluble fiber have been shown to lower both overall and LDL cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, such high intakes of fiber can cause gastrointestinal upset in many people, and this causes them to not take effective doses. Psyllium and oat bran are two of the most-studied, and are easily available to add to the diet. You should NOT take psyllium at the same time you take the prescription drugs carbamazepine, lithium, digitalis or nitrofurantoin because psyllium will decrease their absorption and effectiveness. Another form of fiber that is demonstrating great promise as a cholesterol-lowering aid is chitosan which is a substance made from the shells of shellfish. Chitosan has the effect of binding fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract. It is so effective at this that it will absorb as much as seven to eight times it’s own weight in fat and bile which are then passed through the bowel and excreted. Because of it’s fat-binding ability, chitosan is valuable as a weight loss aid as well as a cholesterol-normalizing agent. There are just a couple of caveats regarding chitosan: first, like any other fiber, chitosan can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and trace minerals. These should be taken at times other than when chitosan when  is taken. Secondly, because chitosan is derived from the exoskeletons (shells) of shellfish, people with seafood allergies should use caution.

The above list is the top half-dozen, proven, tested, effective cholesterol-lowering supplements and agents. They are not the only things in our armamentarium (that’s a medical word for “bag of tricks”!) though. Some of the “lesser lights” are not as well proven, or not as specifically effective at lowering cholesterol, but they may still be very valuable as a part of a coordinated cholesterol-lowering and health improving plan.

More Cholesterol-Lowering Substances

Artichoke has been studied since the 1930’s and found to have excellent effects on both atherosclerotic plaque and cholesterol and LDL levels. It is also highly protective, and may even be regenerative to the liver. It also possesses antioxidant properties. It is a valuable addition to a person’s daily supplementation. Dr. Myatt makes this available in combination with Milk Thistle which is a potent liver protector with regenerative properties and a powerful antioxidant and Turmeric which is a marvelous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective (on a par with milk thistle), anti-tumorgenic herb that also helps maintain normal blood viscosity. My Milk Thistle Plus+ Formula combines all three of these herbs for a powerful liver-enhancing effect.

Turmeric has been shown in a number of studies to have cholesterol-lowering effects of it’s own.  This, in addition to it’s other benefits as described above make it a “must do” in any daily supplementation program. Turmeric also inhibits platelet aggregation (med-speak for blood clotting) and serves as a natural cox-2 inhibitor like the prescription drug Vioxx.

Gugulipid is an ancient remedy that is being “rediscovered” by the western medical establishment. Gugulipid is made from the resin of the commiphora mukul tree of north central India and has been used for thousands of years to alleviate problems associated with obesity, acne, viral infections, and other ailments. It has also been shown in some limited but significant studies to reduce cholesterol and LDL levels and increase HDL levels within three to four weeks. It is certainly worth considering adding this to a cholesterol-lowering regimen.

Green Tea has also been the subject of some promising and even exciting research. Green tea serves as a potent antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of LDL in the arteries. The cholesterol-lowering effects of Green tea have been shown in numerous animal and human studies. Green tea catechins act to limit the rise in blood cholesterol according to a 1996 Japanese study. Further, Green tea has been shown to elevate HDL, and serves as a natural ACE inhibitor, lowering blood pressure. These benefits can be obtained by drinking up to 10 cups of Green tea daily, or taking one to two capsules of Green tea extract daily.

Fish Oil has been shown to reduce high levels of triglycerides by an average of 35%. It does not appear to reduce cholesterol to that extent, but it does offer benefits when as part of an integrated therapy program. Scientific studies have demonstrated that alpha-linolenic acid (from flax or perilla oil) reduces the incidence of atherosclerosis, stroke, and second heart attacks. One study showed a 70% reduction in second heart attacks in those consuming this type of fatty acid.

Vitamin E protects us from more than 80 diseases and illnesses, including protecting us from the inhibiting the effects of oxidation of LDL and the development of atherosclerotic disease. Studies have also shown it to be effective as some hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) drugs. Anyone considering adding vitamin E to their regimen should also add Selenium which works with vitamin E to prevent LDL oxidation. Both of these nutrients are found in Dr. Myatt’s Maxi-Multi.

Policosanol refers to a group of eight solid alcohols derived from sugar cane wax. Octacosanol is the major constituent of policosanol and proponents of this substance claim that Octacosanol is remarkably safe and effective at reducing cholesterol levels, and at reducing platelet aggregation. Current supplies are from Cuba and, in my opinion, too expensive. As the price comes down and the research some up, this may prove to be a worthy cholesterol-lowering agent. (The research would have to be VAST to surpass niacin, however).

Finally, Soy has been shown to confer numerous benefits through it’s isoflavones – genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. According to a study completed in 1997, “Potential mechanisms by which soy isoflavones might prevent atherosclerosis include a beneficial effect on plasma lipid concentrations, antioxidant effects, antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on smooth muscle cells, effects on thrombus formation, and maintenance of normal vascular reactivity.” Bottom line: if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels, it is worth adding soy to your diet.

Unproven Cholesterol “Cures”

We’ve talked about the proven first line remedies and the second line “helpfuls,” now let’s talk about some substances that have been touted without proof to back them up.

Coral Calcium – promoted as the cure for every thing from cancer to high cholesterol to bad breath to spiritual weakness. Many of it’s top promoters are facing criminal prosecution. Avoid it. Not only does coral calcium often contain high lead levels, it is destructive to the coral reefs where it is derived. Calcium alone is not a proven cholesterol-lowering remedy; neither is coral calcium. If you need additional calcium/magnesium/bone nutrients, consider taking Cal-Mag Amino.

Various teas have been touted as total cholesterol cures, no doubt riding on the coattails of accepted Green Tea studies. Don’t believe them – Green Tea is an important part of a cholesterol-control program, but teas are not the whole answer!

Cinnamon capsules have recently been promoted as a cholesterol-reducing agent. We are not aware of any solid studies to support this. Cinnamon does seem to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels of type II diabetics though. The capsules seem a bit expensive, when you can simply add this spice to your food and beverages – try it in tea!

Vinegar, and most especially apple cider vinegar, have also enjoyed some popularity as folk remedies for high cholesterol. Again, there is no scientific evidence of beneficial effect – though “anecdotal evidence” of the “my best friend’s great aunt’s late husband used it every day ’till he died” variety is plentiful…

Beyond Supplements and Drugs: Live a “Good Cholesterol Lifestyle”

No cholesterol-lowering program would be complete without a discussion of diet. Instead of dire warnings and restrictive regimes that drastically limit fat intake, Dr. Myatt puts her patients on The Super Fast Diet for cholesterol control. Her patients find this to be a rich, balanced, satisfying diet, and they are pleasantly surprised to find that not only do their cholesterol levels normalize in short order, but so does their weight. This nutrient-rich diet has people feeling better, looking better, and performing better, and their lab results are the proof of it’s effectiveness.

Your Personal Cholesterol-Lowering Protocol

For more information and dosage recommendations for natural cholesterol lowering remedies, please visit The Wellness Club website here: High Cholesterol Protocol

High cholesterol is a correctable dietary problem, not a statin drug deficiency! You can improve your cardiovascular risk far better by correcting underlying problems than by taking a liver-function-blocking drug. Why settle for a Band-Aid when a CURE is available?!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Dana Myatt

HealthBeat News

The Truth About Cholesterol, Part I

Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark field a lot of questions from Wellness Club Members, many concerning cholesterol. They have asked me to devote this newsletter to answering some of those questions.

Cholesterol seems to be a subject on everybody’s lips recently, with medical scientists recommending even lower standards for cholesterol, and the pharmaceutical companies promoting an ever-increasing number of powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs. But what is this cholesterol that everyone talks about, why do we have it, do we need it, and what can we do about it?

You might be excused if you think because of all the “bad press” about the evils of cholesterol that it is a nasty, deadly foreign substance that should be avoided at all costs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s get clear on one thing: cholesterol is essential to life. We cannot live without it. It makes up approximately 80% of our body’s cell walls! This vital substance is synthesized by the liver and is used by the body as a building block for such essential things as steroid hormones and bile acids in addition to cell membranes. Cholesterol is a precursor to Vitamin D in the skin, and without cholesterol we could not absorb the essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K from the food we eat. Cholesterol also gives the skin it’s ability to shed water and is essential to the growth and maintenance of the nervous system. So we really do need cholesterol – it is not the bad thing that some would have us believe it is. Having said that, it is important to know that there are several kinds of cholesterol.

First is the “bad” cholesterol that we have all heard about, LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein. LDL carries most of the cholesterol in the blood, and this is the form of cholesterol that is now thought to be the main source of blockage and damage in the arteries. (I say “thought” because we keep changing our opinion on this. Not too many years ago, modern medicine “knew” that total cholesterol was the bugaboo). The higher the LDL level,  the greater your risk for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), or so we think.  VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) performs the same tasks as LDL in terms of transporting fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) from the liver to the body’s cells and so may be dangerous when elevated.

Next is the “good” cholesterol, HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). It might be described as the “anti-cholesterol” because its job is to collect cholesterol in the blood and transport it back to the liver where it ends up being eliminated from the body. HDL seems to keep LDL from building up on the walls of the arteries, so HDL / LDL ratios are considered by many to be a better indicator of “cholesterol health” and CHD risk than overall cholesterol levels. Exercise and niacin are two potent agents for keeping HDL levels high.

Finally, there are Triglycerides (TG’s), which aren’t exactly cholesterol – they are a form of sugar carried by a fat— a fat/sugar molecule—-that circulates in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. TG levels primarily become elevated by high intakes of dietary carbohydrates.

Humans manufacture cholesterol in the liver – remember, it is an important substance for normal body functioning. Conventional medical wisdom would have us believe that we should limit our dietary intake of cholesterol for this reason. That may be partially true, in that if the body is not producing enough HDL or “good” cholesterol to prevent the buildup of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol with it’s atherosclerotic effects or if the LDL receptors in the liver are not functioning properly then it might be wise to limit intake of cholesterols. In particular, dietary trans fats have been found to be extremely harmful, creating a whole cascade of damaging effects throughout the body.

There are a number of mechanisms that the body uses to control cholesterol production and therefore blood levels of cholesterol. The most important of these is in the liver where a chemical receptor senses LDL, and when it has detected “enough,” tells the liver to stop manufacturing more. Damage to this important feedback control mechanism can occur through normal aging which reduces the number and efficiency of the LDL receptors, and several disease states – most importantly diabetes, and also low thyroid function. This feedback mechanism (when functioning properly) means that eating foods high in cholesterol is not risky – the intake of dietary cholesterol simply tells the liver to stop making so much of it’s own! In many people, eating TOO LITTLE cholesterol causes the liver to manufacture MORE!

Summary:

1.) Cholesterol in it’s various forms— LDL,HDL, VLDL and TG’s, exerts various effects. We currently “think” that LDL is the most dangerous cholesterol and that HDL is protective. Keep in mind that medical opinions about cholesterol and it’s effects change regularly.

2.) LDL and TG’s appear to be independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

3.) TG’s become elevated by primarily by excess carbohydrates in the diet, not by high fat or cholesterol in the diet.

4.) HDL levels can be increased by exercise, niacin, and maintaining youthful sex hormone levels.

5.) Decreased dietary cholesterol often does NOT lower total cholesterol levels; the liver simply manufactures more when it senses less intake from diet.

In Part II, Next Issue:  Natural Cholesterol Cures, featuring a review of both drugs and natural substances that can be used to lower cholesterol.

Until Next Time, Be Well!

Jamie Jameson-White

Editor, HealthBeat Newsletter

 

A Special Look At Women’s Health

Although men and women are susceptible to many of the same diseases, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of women’s health concerns can vary greatly from those of men. Because these differences have finally been recognized by modern medicine, a special “Women’s Health Month” has been designated to help educate and inform physicians and the general public.

Women’s Health Concerns

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, although for many years it was mistakenly thought that women were less susceptible to heart disease. Cancer is # 2, with lung cancer (not breast cancer), being predominant. Stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis are also major women’s health concerns. Menopause and peri-menopause aren’t diseases, but female hormone changes can cause many uncomfortable side effects and may predispose to other illnesses (such as osteoporosis) and premature aging. SO, let’s explore some simple ways to prevent common women’s health problems. (Don’t worry, gentlemen—- I’ll have plenty to say about men’s health in upcoming newsletters!) …..

What Women Need: The Basics

1.) A High-Quality Daily Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Supplement

Optimal (not just minimal) doses of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants should be the foundation of every good health program. Such optimal doses of nutrients are virtually impossible to obtain from diet, even a “good diet,” because modern food processing and agricultural practices have left our food supply depleted. In addition, we are exposed to many more pollutants, stresses, impure water and contaminants in our environment, increasing our need for these protective antioxidants.

Taking vitamins is a wise health and prevention measure. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals cause many diseases. Adding vitamins and minerals in supplemental form is an inexpensive “insurance policy” against some of the worst diseases of modern times. Consider just a few reasons to take a good multiple vitamin/mineral formula:

A deficiency of antioxidant vitamins and minerals (especially beta carotene, vitamins C & E, and selenium) is associated with higher incidence of cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, mouth, lungs and skin. Some researchers believe that antioxidant vitamin and mineral deficiencies may be related to higher incidence of all cancers.

A mineral deficiency, especially magnesium and potassium but also calcium, is associated with high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia.

Deficiencies of vitamins E, C, B6, B12, folic acid (a B vitamin), and bioflavonoids are associated with cardiovascular disease. The connection between vitamin E and heart health is so well established that conventional medical cardiologists are instructed to recommend vitamin E to their patients.

Healthy bones, and the prevention of osteoporosis, depend on sufficient levels of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, B vitamins, and vitamin D.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetes (high blood sugar) occur more frequently in people who are chromium deficient. After diabetes is present, low levels of vitamins A, C, E, plus zinc, selenium, choline, bioflavonoids and B complex vitamins are associated with more complications from the disease.

This list could go on for pages, but you get the idea. Deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals are correlated with disease. The best health insurance may not be an expensive medical policy, but the addition of sufficient vitamins to fill in the gaps in our day-to-day nutritional status.

2.) Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids, especially Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, are an absolute requirement in the human diet, hence the term “essential.” The American diet is grossly deficient in Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. Flax and fish oil are the primary sources of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.

Deficiencies of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids contribute to subtle body-wide inflammation which in turn is associated with over 60 known diseases including: overweight and obesity, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, allergies, asthma, autoimmune disease, neurological disease, psoriasis and eczema, high blood pressure.

The list above mentions only a few of the 60+ diseases associated with Essential Fatty Acid deficiency! Daily supplementation of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids is one of the healthiest choices one can make to prevent these many Essential Fatty Acid deficiency-associated diseases. The Essential Fatty Acids are SO important that the U.S. Government officially recommended in 2003 that Americans get more Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids in their diet.

3.) Extra Bone Nutrients. (Calcium/magnesium/vitamin D and boron)

Vitamin D and magnesium are two extremely common American dietary deficiencies. In addition to their importance for heart-health, these nutrients, together with calcium, are also needed to keep bones strong and prevent or reverse osteoporosis. Women also have a higher requirement for calcium than men.

In elderly women, death from complications of hip fracture are nine times more common than death from breast cancer, yet few people realize the potential seriousness of this disease. Although osteoporosis is more common in post-menopausal women, it also occurs in men and in all age groups. White and Asian women are at greatest risk because their bones tend to be less dense to begin with. The current guidelines recommend 1,000mg per day of calcium (and corresponding amounts, about 1/2, of magnesium) for pre- and peri-menopausal women and 1,500mg per day for post-menopausal women.

Beyond the Basics: Female Hormone Balance

Those areas of women’s health that pertain to the sex hormones and female sex organs vary greatly from those of a man. Maintaining the correct balance of female sex hormones is one of the unique and most important aspect of a women’s health.

Normal weight is crucial to hormone balance. Fat cells manufacture estrogen. This can lead to an excess of estrogen in both men and women. Maintaining normal weight is important for balanced hormones. This is believed to be the reason that hormone-related cancers (breast, uterine, endometrial) are seen more frequently in overweight and obese women.

Although synthetic and horse-urine derived hormones have been the standard in conventional medicine for years, such forms of hormone replacement therapy are unsafe. Higher risk of heart disease and hormones-related cancers are the most worrisome side effects of conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Most holistic physicians prefer to use natural HRT (nHRT), an alternative that actually reduces the risk of heart disease, hormone related cancers, osteoporosis and premature aging.

Those seeking self-help measures should try the following approach to hormone balance. If symptoms persist (hot flashes, depression, loss of libido, skin aging, bone loss, elevated cholesterol or heart disease), then consultation with an holistic physician and determination of a customized natural hormone Rx. should be considered.

Herbal Help for Hormone Balance

  • Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has long been used in traditional medicine for relief of menstrual cramps and hot flashes. Western medical studies have confirmed Black cohosh’s estrogenic effects.
  • Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) has known estrogenic effects coupled with the ability to stabilize blood vessels. This “stabilization” is believed to be partly responsible for menopausal hot flash relief.
  • Chasteberry (Vitex angus-castus) helps normalize sex hormone levels by acting on the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

Natural Progesterone for Osteoporosis Prevention

Natural hormone precursors are being discovered to be safer and more effective than synthetic hormones. Many studies have shown that progesterone is more important than estrogen in preventing and reversing osteoporosis. Symptoms of progesterone deficiency include: fluid retention, bleeding between periods, polymenorrhea (abnormally frequent periods – every 2-3 weeks), hypermenorrhea (heavy periods), endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, ovarian cysts. In a post-menopausal female, symptoms can include hot flashes and fluid retention.

Dr. Myatt’s “Healthy Woman” Protocol

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Diet: eat a diet high in nutrient-rich foods.
  • Achieve and maintain a normal weight.
  • Exercise regularly. 30 minutes, 3 times per week minimum.
  • Don’t smoke! The climacteric (menopause) occurs sooner in women who smoke. (Heart disease and cancer risk are also greatly elevated by smoking).

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi optimal dose multiple vitamins: 2 capsules, 3 times per day with meals OR Nutrizyme with iron: 1 tab, 3 times per day with meals (ONLY for women who have been told by their doctor to take iron for anemia).
  • Max EPA (fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. (take the higher dose if you do not eat salmon, mackerel or herring at least twice per week). Flax oil is also beneficial but requires a biochemical conversion in the body, which is deficient in many people, so fish oil is more certain.
  • Cal-Mag Amino: as needed to increase calcium intake to 1,500mg per day (post menopausal) or 1,000mg per day (pre and peri-menopausal). Maxi Multi contains 1000mg calcium & 500mg magnesium. Post menopausal females take 3 caps per day with meals in addition to Maxi Multi.

Additional Support for Hormone Balance

  • Black Cohosh Plus+ : 1-2 capsules, 3 times per day as needed. When symptoms improve, decrease the dose to the smallest amount needed to maintain wellbeing.
  • Natural Progesterone Cream one pencil-eraser sized dab of cream, rubbed into the wrist, inner thigh or abdomen, 1-2 times daily or as needed to control hot flashes. Decrease the dose when symptoms subside and maintain the lowest dose needed to maintain wellbeing.

In Summary

Given a little bit of proper care and attention, your body will serve you well for many years. I guarantee you’ll be delighted at the improved health, energy and vitality you will experience from making a few small changes in your diet, supplements and lifestyle.

Please write and let me hear about your successes!

Yours In Health,

Dr. Myatt

HealthBeat News

The Truth About Cholesterol, Part II

In the last issue of HealthBeat we talked about cholesterol, discussing what it is and what blood levels are most healthful. If you missed that issue, you can review it here: The Truth about Cholesterol, Part I

Here is a quick review before we proceed to Part II:

  • Cholesterol is essential to human life – it makes up about 80% of our body’s cell walls, and we can’t live without it.
  • Cholesterol in it’s various forms – Low Density Lipoproteins, High Density Lipoproteins, Very Low Density Lipoproteins and Triglycerides, each exert various and different effects.
  • Science currently “thinks” that LDL is the most dangerous cholesterol and that HDL is protective.
  • Medical opinions about cholesterol and it’s effects change regularly.
  • LDL and TG’s appear to be independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
  • TG’s become elevated primarily by excess carbohydrates in the diet, not by high fat or cholesterol. 
  • HDL levels can be increased by exercise, niacin, and maintaining youthful sex hormone levels.
  • Decreased dietary cholesterol often does NOT lower total cholesterol levels; the liver simply manufactures more when it senses less intake from diet.

So, what can be done if you have been told that you have “high cholesterol?”

First, if a conventional doctor has found your cholesterol levels to be “high” (and there is differing opinion on what ” too high” really is!), he or she has probably advised you to start taking a “statin” drug. You will likely be sent off with a prescription for the statin-de-jour along with a recommendation to “eat less cholesterol and cut down on the fats!” If you do a little research on your own, you will discover that these statin drugs have some very worrisome side-effects and that there are dozens, maybe even hundreds, of other “natural” remedies – all claiming to be “the best” for safely lowering cholesterol levels. Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark chuckle when they get  questions from Wellness Club members asking if they have heard about the latest and greatest pill or potion or “cure” – they’ve heard ’em all and then some!

While statin drugs are being marketed as the next best drug since antibiotics, the dangers and expense of these drugs are rarely mentioned. All the while, very well-proven natural remedies exist to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides and various other heart risk factors. Along with these well-proven natural remedies come another half-dozen that are seen to be helpful but are not as well researched. And of course, as with all other natural remedies, there are an entire array of poorly-researched, unproven remedies that rely on anecdotal “patient success stories” in their glowingly inflated sales pitches. Beware – these “also rans” aren’t known to perform like proven remedies and may leave you sorely disappointed with the results.

So, let’s take a look at the remedies for high cholesterol that have been well-researched and proven:

1.) Niacin  The most well-studies natural agent for cholesterol improvement is niacin, a B complex vitamin. Niacin’s effect on cholesterol has been known since the 1950’s when it was found to be a highly effective cholesterol lowering agent. Studies have shown that niacin not only lowers LDL cholesterol, but also Lp(a), triglyceride, and fibrinogen (a blood protein that causes clot formation) levels, while it simultaneously raises beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. The Coronary Drug Project, an intensive and extensive evaluation of cholesterol-lowering drugs demonstrated that niacin was the only cholesterol-lowering agent that actually reduced overall mortality. Its effects were also found to be long lived, protecting patients in the study years after they had stopped taking it.

Like any substance, niacin is not entirely without cautions. It’s side effects are well known, the most common being a “niacin flush” – an uncomfortable flushing or hot feeling experienced by some people after taking standard niacin. Niacin can also be toxic to the liver when taken in a “time release” form that was developed to avoid the problem of the “niacin flush” that made some patients reluctant to use it. Niacin can alter blood sugar control and so should be used under medical supervision in people with diabetes. It is also important to monitor both cholesterol levels and liver enzyme levels every three months or so while using niacin, as with a statin drug. Dr. Myatt recommends a form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate, a No-Flush Niacin that is very well tolerated.

If niacin is so great, why don’t the drug companies sell it, and why doesn’t my doctor tell me to take it you ask? Well, though the studies strongly supports the use of niacin, it has also been victim of a lot of misinformation – your doctor may be ill-informed about it’s benefits, while he or she has certainly been told all about the “benefits” of statins. Niacin is a widely available “generic” substance, meaning it cannot be patented, and the drug companies do not stand to make from it the massive profits that the other cholesterol-lowering drugs have generated for them. As a result, one rarely sees niacin advertised in the way that the expensive statin drugs are. Still, niacin should be considered as the first choice in a cholesterol-lowering treatment.

2.) Red Rice Yeastis next in importance. This substance is actually the result of a fungus that grows on white rice, turning it a red color. It has been known for centuries, and used as a colorant in oriental cuisine, and to make a form of red sake (rice wine).  The active component in Red Rice Yeast is a compound called mevinolin, which is identical to the prescription drug, lovastatin. The drug companies created lovastatin in the laboratory in 1987 also using a fungus, Aspergillus terreus. The active ingredient in Red Rice Yeast was discovered and isolated a decade earlier. Red Rice Yeast has been proven to be just as effective as the modern statin drugs at lowering LDL cholesterol. Taken in high doses, it can have some of the same risks as the modern statin drugs – namely a risk of liver damage and also of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that includes muscle deterioration. Anyone taking this or any statin drug should have a baseline liver enzyme check and have their liver enzymes checked periodically thereafter. Both risks are small (about 2%) but present. The good news is that it is thought that there is a synergistic effect obtained from other related compounds in Red Rice Yeast which allows much smaller doses to be effective. A typical dose of statin drug would be in the range of 20-80mg/day while a typical dose of Red Rice Yeast would be about 2.5-10mg/day. Neither Red Rice Yeast or statin drugs should be taken with grapefruit juice, as this can cause a dangerous buildup of the statin compounds in the body.

Due to drug company pressure on the FDA, many Red Rice Yeast products have been taken off the market because they contained— guess what?— the active ingredient for lowering cholesterol! The FDA said that this made them a drug. Statin drugs are now a 10+ billion dollar a year business for the drug companies (statins are the biggest selling drug of all time), and Dr. Myatt believes they do not want any competition from a natural remedy, especially one that works successfully, has far less negative side effects, and can be taken for about 1/4 the monthly cost of the drug versions.

3.) Garlic  is another well-known cholesterol-lowering agent is with a wide spectrum of additional beneficial effects including blood pressure regulation, effective antibiotic scope and potent immune stimulant. Here however we are interested in garlic’s proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol when taken in appropriate doses of preparations that contains the the ingredient allicin. Allicin is the product of the substance alliin and the enzyme alliinase, and is fragile, dissipating quickly and easily during processing. A minimum therapeutic intake of allicin is considered to be about 4000 mcg. That is the equivalent to about one to four cloves of whole fresh garlic (depending on the size of the clove.) It is true that simply eating garlic (and it’s cousin onion) can have an excellent effect for lowering LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood fibrinogen levels. Please remember that this effect is lost when garlic or onion is cooked, as cooking quickly destroys the active ingredient allicin.

Anyone looking to buy garlic supplements should be aware of the German Commission E, a panel of experts which sets standards for dosage requirements to allow for therapeutic claims. Check the label to make sure the supplement you are considering meets their standards for strength and purity.

4.) Policosanol is a “new kid on the block” in terms of cholesterol control, but it looks promising. “Policosanol” refers to a group of eight solid alcohols derived from sugar cane wax. Octacosanol is the major constituent of policosanol and proponents of this substance claim that Octacosanol is remarkably safe and effective at reducing cholesterol levels, and at reducing platelet aggregation. Dr. Myatt and her team are actively researching this substance, and if it proves to be everything that it claims to be, look for it to be made available through the Wellness Club just as soon as “The Dragon Lady” – oops, I mean Dr. Myatt – (“The Dragon Lady” is what our supplement suppliers call her because of her exacting quality standards) – pins down the very highest quality product. For now, it appears that policosanol is more expensive than it should be because the main source of supply is the sugar cane fields of Cuba. The leaves and rinds of citrus fruits also contain octacosanol, as does wheat germ oil – these may prove to be an alternate source for this promising substance. If you are interested in giving Policosanol a try give us a call here at the Wellness Club and we’ll give you the latest updates on it’s availability and price.
 

Other Cholesterol-Lowering Agents

5.) Vitamin C C has a well-studied positive effect on lowering total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising beneficial HDL levels. Vitamin C supplementation is valuable for many other reasons – it is an powerful antioxidant, and an immune enhancer. If you are considering using higher doses of vitamin C, use buffered vitamin C to avoid stomach upset. Also remember that Dr. Myatt’s Maxi-Multicontains 1,200 mg of this important vitamin when taken in the recommended daily dose.

6. Fiber has a time-honored place in any cholesterol-lowering regimen. High intakes of soluble fiber have been shown to lower both overall and LDL cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, such high intakes of fiber can cause gastrointestinal upset in many people, and this causes them to not take effective doses. Psyllium and oat bran are two of the most-studied, and are easily available to add to the diet. You should NOT take psyllium at the same time you take the prescription drugs carbamazepine, lithium, digitalis or nitrofurantoin because psyllium will decrease their absorption and effectiveness. Another form of fiber that is demonstrating great promise as a cholesterol-lowering aid is chitosan which is a substance made from the shells of shellfish. Chitosan has the effect of binding fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract. It is so effective at this that it will absorb as much as seven to eight times it’s own weight in fat and bile which are then passed through the bowel and excreted. Because of it’s fat-binding ability, chitosan is valuable as a weight loss aid as well as a cholesterol-normalizing agent. There are just a couple of caveats regarding chitosan: first, like any other fiber, chitosan can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients and trace minerals. These should be taken at times other than when the chitosan is taken. Secondly, because chitosan is derived from the exoskeletons (shells) of shellfish, people with seafood allergies should use caution.
 

That is the top half-dozen, proven, tested, effective cholesterol-lowering supplements and agents. They are not the only things in our armamentarium (that’s a medical word for “bag of tricks”!) though. Some of the “lesser lights” are not as well proven, or not as specifically effective at lowering cholesterol, but they may still be very valuable as a part of a coordinated cholesterol-lowering and health improving plan. Some of those include:

Artichoke has been studied since the 1930’s and found to have excellent effects on both atherosclerotic plaque and cholesterol and LDL levels. It is also highly protective, and may even be regenerative to the liver. It also possesses antioxidant properties. It is a valuable addition to a person’s daily supplementation. Dr. Myatt makes this available in combination with Milk Thistle which is a potent liver protector with regenerative properties and a powerful antioxidant and Turmeric which is a marvelous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-protective (on a par with milk thistle), anti-tumorgenic herb that also helps maintain normal blood viscosity.

Turmeric has been shown in a number of studies to have cholesterol-lowering effects of it’s own.  This, in addition to it’s other benefits as described above make it a “must do” in any daily supplementation program. Turmeric also inhibits platelet aggregation (med-speak for blood clotting) and serves as a natural cox-2 inhibitor like the prescription drug Vioxx.

Gugulipid is an ancient remedy that is being “rediscovered” by the western medical establishment. Gugulipid is made from the resin of the commiphora mukul tree of north central India and has been used for thousands of years to alleviate problems associated with obesity, acne, viral infections, and other ailments. It has also been shown in some limited but significant studies to reduce cholesterol and LDL levels and increase HDL levels within three to four weeks. It is certainly worth considering adding this to a cholesterol-lowering regimen.

Green Tea has also been the subject of some promising and even exciting research. Green tea serves as a potent antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of LDL in the arteries. The cholesterol-lowering effects of Green tea have been shown in numerous animal and human studies. Green tea catechins act to limit the rise in blood cholesterol according to a 1996 Japanese study. Further, Green tea has been shown to elevate HDL, and serves as a natural ACE inhibitor, lowering blood pressure. These benefits can be obtained by drinking up to 10 cups of Green tea daily, or taking one to two capsules of Green tea extract daily.

Fish Oil has been shown to reduce high levels of triglycerides by an average of 35%. It does not appear to reduce cholesterol to that extent, but it does offer benefits when as part of an integrated therapy program. Scientific studies have demonstrated that alpha-linolenic acid (from flax or perilla oil) reduces the incidence of atherosclerosis, stroke, and second heart attacks. One study showed a 70% reduction in second heart attacks in those consuming this type of fatty acid.

Vitamin E protects us from more than 80 diseases and illnesses, including protecting us from the inhibiting the effects of oxidation of LDL and the development of atherosclerotic disease. Studies have also shown it to be effective as some hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) drugs. Anyone considering adding vitamin E to their regimen should also add Selenium which works with vitamin E to prevent LDL oxidation. Both of these nutrients are found in Dr. Myatt’s Maxi-Multi.

Finally, Soy has been shown to confer numerous benefits through it’s isoflavones – genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. According to a study completed in 1997, “Potential mechanisms by which soy isoflavones might prevent atherosclerosis include a beneficial effect on plasma lipid concentrations, antioxidant effects, antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on smooth muscle cells, effects on thrombus formation, and maintenance of normal vascular reactivity.” Bottom line: if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels, it is worth adding soy to your diet.

So, we’ve talked about the proven first line remedies and the second line “helpfuls,” now let’s talk about some substances that have been touted without proof to back them up.

Coral Calcium – promoted as the cure for every thing from cancer to high cholesterol to bad breath to spiritual weakness. Many of it’s top promoters are facing criminal prosecution. Avoid it. Not only does coral calcium often contain high lead levels, it is destructive to the coral reefs where it is derived. Calcium alone is not a proven cholesterol-lowering remedy; neither is coral calcium. If you need calcium supplements, consider something pure and proven such as Calmag Amino+Vit D & Boron.  This isn’t expected do much for your cholesterol levels, but it will help your bones. Also remember that Maxi Multi contains a full day’s dose of these bone-protecting nutrients when taken at the recommended daily dose.

Various teas have been touted as total cholesterol cures, no doubt riding on the coattails of accepted Green Tea studies. Don’t believe them – Green Tea is an important part of a cholesterol-control program, but teas are not the whole answer!

Cinnamon capsules have recently been promoted as a cholesterol-reducing agent. We are not aware of any solid studies to support this. Cinnamon does seem to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels of type II diabetics though. The capsules seem a bit expensive, when you can simply add this spice to your food and beverages – try it in tea!

Vinegar, and most especially apple cider vinegar, have also enjoyed some popularity as folk remedies for high cholesterol. Again, there is no scientific evidence of beneficial effect – though “anecdotal evidence” of the “my best friend’s great aunt’s late husband used it every day ’till he died” variety is plentiful…
 

Beyond Supplements of Drugs: Live a “Good Cholesterol Lifestyle”

No cholesterol-lowering program would be complete without a discussion of diet. Instead of dire warnings and restrictive regimes that drastically limit fat intake, Dr. Myatt puts her patients on The Super Fast Diet for cholesterol control. Her patients find this to be a rich, balanced, satisfying diet, and they are pleasantly surprised to find that not only do their cholesterol levels normalize in short order, but so does their weight. This nutrient-rich diet has people feeling better, looking better, and performing better, and their lab results are the proof of it’s effectiveness.

Here’s to Your good Health and Happy Cholesterol Levels! And remember, cholesterol is your friend 🙂

Until Next Time, Be Well!

 Jamie Jameson-White

Jamie Jameson-White
Editor, HealthBeat Newsletter

Seven Inconvenient Truths About the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic


by Dr. Dana Myatt

“Selective reporting” about the H1N1 virus and vaccine make it sound like getting a vaccination for the “pandemic flu” is a no-brainer. Thinking men and women should know the under-reported scientific conclusions and plain vanilla government statistics concerning this year’s “Panic-Demic” before making this seemingly simple but potentially life-threatening decision.

To that end I present these “inconvenient truths” (fully referenced) for your consideration. Please note that it is extremely politically incorrect to question the value of the flu vaccine.

In Health,
Dr. Myatt
 

Seven Inconvenient Truths About the 2009 H1N1 Flu Pandemic

by Dr. Dana Myatt

1.) What is a “Phase Six” Pandemic? (Probably NOT what You Think)

Contrary to popular thought (and most dictionaries), “pandemic” does not mean “large numbers” in WHO / CDC language. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pandemic Phase Descriptions, “pandemic” refers to distribution, not numbers or severity. Here is the WHO criteria for pandemics:

  • A “Phase 4” pandemic means only that a virus is transmissible between humans.

  • A “Phase 5” pandemic means only that one viral disease has been seen in two countries.

  • A Phase 6 pandemic means only that one viral disease has been seen in three or more countries.

Again, the term “pandemic” does NOT refer to numbers of people affected or severity of the disease. (1)

For perspective, The WHO announced as of 20 September 2009 that there have been 3917 total deaths worldwide from H1N1, on par with world-wide mortality from any seasonal or other flu for this time of year. (2) Malaria kills an average of 3,000 people every dayin southeast Asia. (3)

2.) Is The H1N1 Flu Really a Danger to the U.S.?

Of less than 4,000 flu-related deaths world-wide, only 211 have occurred in the US as of August 2009. (4) This represents a death total lower than from seasonal flu for years 2005 through 2008 in the U.S. (5)

Adding H1N1 and seasonal flu together, flu-related deaths are still lower this year compared to previous “non-pandemic” years.

Not only is the total flu rate lower this year in the U.S., but the H1N1 flu has been much milder than predicted here and abroad. (6-10)

According to the WHO, most H1N1 infections are mild, occurring in numbers comparable to seasonal flues, with fast recovery and mostly without need for medical care. Mortality rates so far have been only a fraction of the number of those reported each year from seasonal flu. WHO also acknowledges that “Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries…” (11)

Harvard researcher Mark Lipsitch, PhD, explained at an Institute of Medicine meeting that on a 1 to 5 scale — with 5 being a 1918-like pandemic — this swine flu pandemic is a 1. Deputy Director of the CDC’s flu division, Daniel Jernigan, MD, concurs. “We are likely to have numbers that look very similar to what Dr. Lipsitch had,” Jernigan said. (12)

3.) Why H1N1-related deaths are actually smaller than reported in the U.S.

As of August 2009, ALL flu-associated deaths in the U.S. are being reported together. H1N1, seasonal flu and “influenza-like illness” (ILI) are added together to give the “flu mortality rate.” Reported illness and death totals, now include “influenza-like illness” (ILI) that in some cases may not be any form of flu at all. (13)

Other reports concede that a portion of reported H1N1 deaths have actually been caused by pneumonia, not the H1N1 virus itself. (14)

Because the new reporting system tallies deaths from all types of flu, the reported numbers of total flu deaths are not all attributable to H1N1. This means the true H1N1 mortality rate is only a portion of the total reported. Remember that deaths from all types of flu added together are lower in the U.S. this year than from the four previous “non pandemic” years before. (5,13)

3.) Flu vaccines provide little or no protection from the flu.

Vaccination is claimed to prevent the spread of influenza, protect individuals from acquiring the disease, and do so to a high degree of efficacy. Unfortunately, the majority of scientific studies do not support these claims. In fact, meta analyses (“master studies”) that look at large numbers of scientific studies and their outcomes, show the opposite. Influenza vaccine is minimally or not at all effective for most age groups. Here is how the numbers break down.

In children under two:

In children under the age of two, influenza vaccines are no more effective than placebo. (15)

One meta analysis evaluating fifty-one published studies with 294,159 observations found “no efficacy” in children under the age of two. (16) The authors conclude that “It was surprising to find only one study of inactivated vaccine in children under two years, given current recommendations to vaccinate healthy children from six months old in the USA and Canada.”

Simply put, the authors question why the U.S. is targeting children under the age of two for vaccination when the studies show the vaccine to be ineffective in this age group.

In children over two:

The same meta analysis found influenza vaccines effective 33% of the time in children over the age of two. (16) Followed to it’s logical conclusion, this means the flu vaccines are ineffective 67% of the time in children over the age of two.

Another study found influenza vaccine ineffective up to age 5. (17)

In healthy adults:

A meta analysis evaluating 25 studies conducted on 59,566 adults age 14-40 found a mere 6% decrease of clinical influenza in those vaccinated. The conclusion: “Universal immunization of healthy adults is not supported by the results of this review.” (18)

The recent update to this study, pooling 38 published studies encompassing 66,248 healthy individuals aged 16 to 65 years, found that “serological flu” (lab numbers) were reduced but actual cases of flu were not reduced. This meta analysis concluded that improvements in overall flu rates in those vaccinated “was extremely modest.” (19)

In seniors:

Seniors over age 70 account for 75% of all flu-related deaths. Since 1980, the vaccination rate in seniors has increased from 15% to 65% but the death rate from flu has not declined. The authors conclude that “the evidence is insufficient to indicate the magnitude of a mortality benefit, if any, that elderly people derive from the vaccination program.” (20)

Contrary to popular belief, studies have found that secondary pneumonia in seniors is not decreased by flu vaccination, and that reduction of mortality through influenza vaccination has been greatly overestimated in this age group. (21,22)

5.) “Fast track” approval of flu vaccines, especially H1N1, leaves safety questions unanswered.

“Fast track” approval means that influenza vaccines do not have to go through the normal regulatory procedures. The H1N1 vaccine approval was especially fast because of the “pandemic” designation. One of the approved 4 vaccines was approved after testing in only 221 people for 21 days. (23) Another was approved after testing on 175 adults for 21 days. (24).

The World Health Organization (WHO) admits that people who get vaccinations will be the “field testers” of their safety. From the WHO website:

“Time constraints mean that clinical data at the time when pandemic vaccines are first administered will inevitably be limited. Further testing of safety and effectiveness will need to take place after administration of the vaccine has begun. (Author’s italics)

… On the positive side, mass vaccination campaigns can generate significant safety data within a few weeks. (Author’s italics) (25)

In other words, we won’t know the safety of these vaccines until we vaccinate millions of people (45 million is the U.S. “target” for October) (26,27); the side effects experienced by those vaccinated will be the “safety data.”

The U.S. Government conferred immunity from prosecution to drug manufacturers of the H1N1 vaccine in July 2009. (28)

6.) Vaccines May Be More Dangerous than the Flu Itself.

In 1976, 200 soldiers at Fort Dix were stricken with the flu, with one reported death. A pandemic was declared and nearly 40 million people in the U.S. received the 1976/H1N1 vaccine before the campaign was stopped due to an increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralytic autoimmune disease. (29)

More than 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome were reported, 25 of which resulted in death. This “pandemic that wasn’t” never spread beyond Fort Dix. (30)

In a recent statement by the The American Academy of Neurology, experts said they don’t expect the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to increase risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome or other autoimmune disease but they acknowledged that this is a concern with any pandemic vaccine. (31)

Mild short-term reactions to the vaccine can include soreness, redness, or swelling at vaccination site, low grade fever, runny nose, headache, chills, tiredness/weakness and body aches and pains. (32) These symptoms are very much like the flu itself.

Life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a paralytic autoimmune disease) can also occur. (33)

These short-term side effects of influenza vaccination are easier to observe because of their close proximity to vaccination, beginning within minutes to several weeks. Long-term and/or cumulative effects of vaccinations are more difficult to monitor, and questions remain about the long-term safety of vaccines.

For example, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in adults and autism in children has skyrocketed in the last several decades. These rates are continued to increase. (34,35)

The cause of these increases is not known. Some camps maintain that these neurological disease escalations may be caused by vaccinations, especially since many vaccines still contain mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde and other neurotoxic compounds. (36-39)

The US government, CDC, FDA, and drug manufacturers claim there is no correlation between vaccines and these diseases, (40-43) although many question the quality of evidence used to draw this conclusion. (44,45)

7.) “Herd Immunity” Remains Speculative

“Herd immunity” (community immunity) is the belief that if a portion of society gets vaccinated, weaker members of “the herd” who do not respond satisfactorily to the vaccine (children under two and seniors over 65) will be protected from the flu because those around them have been vaccinated. Much evidence contradicts the concept of “herd immunity.” (46-49)

If healthcare workers get vaccinated, they purportedly decrease the risk of influenza in their high-risk patient, hence the “heavy push” that borders on mandate for health care workers to receive the vaccine. One large meta analysis found “no high quality evidence that vaccinating healthcare workers reduces the incidence of influenza or its complications in the elderly in institutions.” (50)

Conclusions

My purpose in presenting these statistics and studies is to assist the reader in drawing independent conclusions about the true risk of H1N1 flu and advisability of vaccination for same.

We are each responsible for our own “due diligence” when making decisions concerning our health, although many people defer to the media and government for their directives.

Here are the points I see from these studies and statistics:

  1. The safety and effectiveness of H1N1 vaccines has not been proven.
  2. The transmissibility of H1N1 flu is small and the severity mild compared to seasonal flu.
  3. My risk of getting the H1N1 flu is small; my risk of dying from this flu is quite small and no greater than for any seasonal flu.
  4. Flu vaccines confer little if any protection from influenza viruses in my age group.
  5. There is much conflicting “proof” that by getting a vaccination, I help make others around me safer through “herd immunity.”
  6. There are known short-term and possibly unknown long-term side effects from vaccines.

All things considered, I’m going to pass on the H1N1 flu vaccine. I believe there are far safer, better-proven methods to increase my resistance to H1N1 and make sure I have a mild case of it (as most cases are) if I do contract the flu.

References:

1.) WHO Pandemic Phase Descriptions and Main Actions by Phase. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/GIPA3AideMemoire.pdf
2.) WHO Website: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 – update 67. 20 September 2009. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_09_25/en/index.html
3.) Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. Researchers say new form of malaria poses threat to humans. Sep 11, 2009.
4.) Michael L. Tapper, MD, Chair. Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza: What You Need to Know About Prevention and Management.Medscape CME; Sept. 29 2009.
5.) Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 2008-2009 Influenza Season Week 37 ending September 19, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly
6.) López-Cervantes M, Venado A, Moreno A, Pacheco-Domínguez RL, Ortega-Pierres G.On the spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Mexico. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2009 Jun 1;3(5):327-30.
7.) Miller, Mark; Viboud, Cecile; Simonsen, Lone; Olson, Donald R.; Russell, Colin. Mortality and morbidity burden associated with A/H1N1pdm influenza virus: Who is likely to be infected, experience clinical symptoms, or die from the H1N1pdm 2009 pandemic virus? Version 2. PLoS Currents Influenza. 2009 Aug 26 [revised 2009 Sep 2]:RRN1013.
8.) Michaelis M, Doerr HW, Cinatl J Jr. An Influenza A H1N1 Virus Revival – Pandemic H1N1/09 Virus.Infection. 2009 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print]
9.) Gallaher WR. Towards a sane and rational approach to management of Influenza H1N1 2009. Virol J. 2009 May 7;6:51.
10.) Senanayake SN. A pandemic that’s not bird flu? Pigs might fly. Med J Aust. 2009 Jul 6;191(1):38-40.
11.) World Health Organization website: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/levels_pandemic_alert/en/index.html3
12.) Daniel J. DeNoon. First Doses of H1N1 Vaccine Coming Soon. Medscape Today, September 21, 2009.
13.) “2009 H1N1 Flu Situation Update – September 11, 2009”. CDC. 2009-09-11. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/091109.htm. Retrieved 2009-09-30.
14.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Bacterial coinfections in lung tissue specimens from fatal cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) – United States, May-August 2009. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 Oct 2;58(38):1071-4.
15.) ##K## Smith S, Demicheli V, Di Pietrantonj C, Harnden AR, Jefferson T, Matheson NJ, Rivetti A. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25;(1):CD004879.
16.) ##L## / Jefferson T, Rivetti A, Harnden A, Di Pietrantonj C, Demicheli V. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD004879.[## no efficacy in children under 2 33]
17.) ##M## Szilagyi PG, Fairbrother G, Griffin MR, Hornung RW, Donauer S, Morrow A, Altaye M, Zhu Y, Ambrose S, Edwards KM, Poehling KA, Lofthus G, Holloway M, Finelli L, Iwane M, Staat MA; New Vaccine Surveillance Network. Influenza vaccine effectiveness among children 6 to 59 months of age during 2 influenza seasons: a case-cohort study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008 Oct;162(10):943-51.
18.) ##N## Demicheli V, Rivetti D, Deeks JJ, Jefferson TO. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD001269.
19.) ##O## Jefferson TO, Rivetti D, Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, Demicheli V. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Apr 18;(2):CD001269.
20.) ##P## Simonsen L, Taylor RJ, Viboud C, Miller MA, Jackson LA. Mortality benefits of influenza vaccination in elderly people: an ongoing controversy. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007 Oct;7(10):658-66.
21.) ##Q## Eurich DT, Marrie TJ, Johnstone J, Majumdar SR. Mortality reduction with influenza vaccine in patients with pneumonia outside “flu” season: pleiotropic benefits or residual confounding? Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 Sep 1;178(5):527-33. Epub 2008 Jun 12.
22.) ##R## ackson ML, Nelson JC, Weiss NS, Neuzil KM, Barlow W, Jackson LA. Influenza vaccination and risk of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent elderly people: a population-based, nested case-control study. Lancet. 2008 Aug 2;372(9636):398-405.
23.) ##S## Greenberg M, Lai M , Hartel G., et al. Response after One Dose of a Monovalent Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Vaccine — Preliminary Report. New Eng J Med. September 10, 2009.
24.) ##T## Clark T, Pareek M, Hoschler K, Dillon H, et al. Trial of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent MF59-Adjuvanted Vaccine — Preliminary Report.New Eng J Med. September 10, 2009.
25.) ##U## WHO Website: Safety of pandemic vaccines: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note 6. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/note s/h1n1_safety_vaccines_20090805/en/index.html
26.) ##V## Daniel J. DeNoon. H1N1 Flu Vaccine Fast-Tracked to September? WebMD Health News, July 17, 2009.
27.) ##W## Daniel J. DeNoon. First Doses of H1N1 Vaccine Coming Soon. Medscape Today, September 21, 2009.
28.) Federal Register. Vol. 74, No. 121. Thursday, June 25, 2009. http:edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-1494 8.pdf
29.) ##Y### Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). General Questions and Answers on Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).September 14, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/gbs_qa.htm
30.) ##Z## United Stated Dept. of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/pandemics/flu3.htm
31.) Gandey A. Report New Cases of Guillain-Barré After H1N1 Flu Vaccine. Medscape Medical News, September 1, 2009.
32.) ##AB## Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), July 24, 2009 / 58(Early Release);1-52.
33.) ##AC## Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Seasonal Flu Shot Questions & Answers. Accessed Oct. 7, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm
34.) Hebert, LE; Scherr, PA; Bienias, JL; et al. “State-specific projections through 2025 of Alzheimer’s disease prevalence.” Neurology 2004; 62:1645.
35.) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Vital and Health Statistics: Mortality Trends for Alzheimer’s Disease, 1979–91. Series 20: Data From the National Vital Statistics System No. 28. Jan 1996. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_20/sr 20_028.pdf
36.) AF / AFLURIA Manufactured by CSL Limited: Package insert: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182401.pdf
37.) AG / Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine Live, Intranasal: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182406.pdf
38.) Novartis Vaccine (Fluvarin): http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf
39.) sanofi pasteur 10 September 2009_v0.3 449/454 Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182404.pdf
40.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunization Safety and Autism Thimerosal and Autism Research Agenda. Last updated – January 30, 2009. Accessed online 10-07-09: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/documents/vaccine_studies.pdf
41.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine Safety: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine. December 23, 2008. Accessed online 10-07-09 http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/updates/mmr_vaccine.htm
42.) Food and Drug Administration. Thimerosal in Vaccines. Website accessed 10-07-09. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/ucm096228.htm#saf
43.) Karen Midthun, M.D. Concerns Regarding a Potential Link Between Vaccines and Autism. FDA News and Events, April 26, 2001. FDA Testimony before the House Committee on Government Reform. Accessed 10-07-09 http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Testimony/ucm115226.htm
44.) ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. Deadly Immunity. Rolling Stone. Posted Jun 20, 2005.
45.) Cal-Oregon Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Survey. Generation Rescue, PORTLAND, OR, Sep 25. Accessed 10-07-09 http://www.generationrescue.org/survey.html
46.) Glanz JM, McClure DL, Magid DJ, Daley MF, France EK, Salmon DA, Hambidge SJ. Parental refusal of pertussis vaccination is associated with an increased risk of pertussis infection in children. Pediatrics. 2009 Jun;123(6):1446-51.
47.) Cheek JE, Baron R, Atlas H, Wilson DL, Crider RD Jr. Mumps outbreak in a highly vaccinated school population. Evidence for large-scale vaccination failure. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995 Jul;149(7):774-8.
48.) Briss PA, Fehrs LJ, Parker RA, Wright PF, Sannella EC, Hutcheson RH, Schaffner W. Sustained transmission of mumps in a highly vaccinated population: assessment of primary vaccine failure and waning vaccine-induced immunity. J Infect Dis. 1994 Jan;169(1):77-82.
49.) Sutter R.W, Patriarca P, Cochi SL, Pallansch MA, et al. Outbreak of paralytic poliomyelitis in Oman: evidence for widespread transmission among fully vaccinated children. The Lancet, Volume 338, Issue 8769, Pages 715 – 720, 21 September 1991.
50.) Thomas R, Jefferson T, Demicheli V, Rivetti D. Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers who work with the elderly. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3, 2009.

 

Hay Fever(Seasonal Allergies, Allergic Rhinitis)

Natural Remedies for Pollen and Seasonal Allergies

Hay Fever (also known as seasonal allergy) is caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to harmless airborne particles such as pollen.

Symptoms of Hay fever can include any of the following:

  • stuffy or runny nose and nasal congestion
  • itchy, watery eyes
  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • post nasal drip
  • sinus pain or pressure
  • fatigue

Hay fever is common in the Spring and Fall when airborne pollen counts are highest.

Although hay fever effects some 40 million people annually, not everyone is susceptible to airborne pollens and particulates. So what makes a person vulnerable to seasonal allergies?

Studies have shown that people with inhalant allergies are more likely to have food allergies. A hypo allergenic diet has has shown to help some people with asthma and allergic rhinitis. (1,2,3) Remember that avoidance of a food allergen, even if it does not improve hay fever, would be expected to improve over-all health.

Pharmaceutical anti-allergy drugs often have undesirable side effects. So what can a person do to decrease hay fever symptoms without using drugs? Here are some of the best-proven natural remedies for alleviating seasonal allergies:

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): Butterbur has been shown in studies to be as effective as drugs at relieving symptoms of hay fever but without adverse side effects (4-8)

One study compared Butterbur to the drug cetirizine (Zyrtec) and found that both relieved symptoms equally well. However, the drug was associated with a higher rate of adverse side effects including drowsiness.(4)

A second study compared butterbur extract with fexofenadine (Allegra). Butterbur was just as effective as fexofenadine at relieving symptoms.(5)

Because butterbur may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage, use only extracts which have the pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed. This will be stated on the label.

Symptom improvement is related to dosage, with higher doses producing more symptom relief. Suggested dose for best effect: 1-2 capsule, 3 times per day of an extract standardized to contain 7.5 mg of petasine per capsule. Look for formulas which state that they are pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free.(6)

Grape seed extract — “nature’s anti-histamine.”

Histamine is an irritating substance released from certain white blood cells (mast cells) in response to allergens. Anti-histamines block the histamine receptor and can improve symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes and nose. Older antihistamines cause drowsiness, newer antihistamines are associated with heart complications. They are also expensive.

Grape seed extract functions as an anti-histamine by stabilizing the mast cell, making it less ‘touchy” about releasing histamine. Grape seed extract has been shown to performs as a natural anti-histamine. (9-11)

The “side effects” of grape seed extract are actually additional benefits, not unwanted side effects. Grape seed has been shown to improve chronic venous insufficiency (12-17), strengthen collagen and blood vessels(18-22),and help prevent cancer and heart disease through multiple mechanisms. (23-41) Grape seed extract is also a potent antioxidant. (27,33-34,42-47)

Many people find grape seed extract effective for hayfever when taken 50-100mg, 3 times per day.

Quercetin is one of the most biologically active flavonoids, widely distributed in the plant kingdom in such species as oak trees (Quercus spp.), onions (Allium cepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis).

Like grape seed extract, quercetin prevents acts as a natural anti-histamine by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells. (48) In fact, quercetin performs this function so well that it is used in medical experiments as a control substance for such activity (49-51). Quercetin is not well-absorbed orally, so higher doses must be taken, especially at the beginning of allergy treatment.

A water-soluble form of quercetin, available as a nasal spray, is a safe and effective alternative to drug nasal sprays. The effects of quercetin nasal spray are felt within several minutes and last up to two hours. Pharmaceutical nasal sprays work by constricting blood vessels. They can have “addictive” effects on the nasal passages, and congestion becomes worse when they are discontinued. Quercetin does not create dependence or have rebound effects upon discontinuation. (52)

References:

1. Speer F. Multiple food allergy. Ann Allerg 1975;34:71–6.
2. Buczylko K, Kowalczyk J, Zeman K, et al. Allergy to food in children with pollinosis. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 1995;40:568–72.
3. Ogle KA, Bullock JD. Children with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma treated with elimination diet. Ann Allergy 1977;39:8–11.
4.) Schapowal A, Petasites Study Group. Randomised controlled trial of butterbur and cetirizine for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis. BMJ 2002;324:144–6.
5.) Lee DK, Gray RD, Robb FM, et al. A placebo-controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 2004;34:646–9.
6.) Schapowal A; Petasites Study Group. Butterbur Ze339 for the treatment of intermittent allergic rhinitis: dose-dependent efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004 Dec;130(12):1381-6.
7.) Lee DK, Carstairs IJ, Haggart K, Jackson CM, Currie GP, Lipworth BJ. Butterbur, a herbal remedy, attenuates adenosine monophosphate induced nasal responsiveness in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy. 2003 Jul;33(7):882-6.
8.) Käufeler R, Polasek W, Brattström A, Koetter U. Efficacy and safety of butterbur herbal extract Ze 339 in seasonal allergic rhinitis: postmarketing surveillance study.Adv Ther. 2006 Mar-Apr;23(2):373-84.
9.) Iwasaki Y, Matsui T, Arakawa Y. The protective and hormonal effects of proanthocyanidin against gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats. J Gastroenterol. 2004 Sep;39(9):831-7.
10.) Kawai M, Hirano T, Higa S, Arimitsu J, Maruta M, Kuwahara Y, Ohkawara T, Hagihara K, Yamadori T, Shima Y, Ogata A, Kawase I, Tanaka T. Flavonoids and related compounds as anti-allergic substances. Allergol Int. 2007 Jun;56(2):113-23. Epub 2007 Mar 1.
11.) Sharma SC, Sharma S, Gulati OP. Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. Phytother Res. 2003 Jan;17(1):66-9.
12.) Dartenuc JY, Marache P, Choussat H. Resistance Capillaire en Geriatrie Etude d’un Microangioprotecteur. Bordeax Médical 1980;13:903–7 [in French].
13.) Delacroix P. Etude en Double Avengle de l’Endotelon dans l’Insuffisance Veineuse Chronique. Therapeutique, la Revue de Medicine 1981;Sept 27–28:1793–1802 [in French].
14.) Thebaut JF, Thebaut P, Vin F. Study of Endotelon in functional manifestations of peripheral venous insufficiency. Gazette Medicale 1985;92:96–100 [in French].
15.) Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Fano F, Dugall M, Acerbi G, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Hosoi M, Stuard S, Corsi M. Rapid relief of signs/symptoms in chronic venous microangiopathy with pycnogenol: a prospective, controlled study. Angiology. 2006 Oct-Nov;57(5):569-76.
16.) Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Fano F, Dugall M, Acerbi G, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Hosoi M, Stuard S, Corsi M.Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006 Apr;12(2):205-12.
17.) Koch R. Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytother Res. 2002 Mar;16 Suppl 1:S1-5.
18.) Schlebusch H, Kern D. Stabilization of collagen by polyphenols. Angiologica 1972;9:248–56 [in German].
19.) Monboisse J, Braquet P, Randoux A, Borel J. Non-enzymatic degradation of acid-soluble calf skin collagen by superoxide ion: protective effect of flavonoids. Biochem Pharmacol 1983;32:53–8.
20.) Lagrue G, Olivier-Martin F, Grillot A. A study of the effects of procyanidol oligomers on capillary resistance in hypertension and in certain nephropathies. Sem Hop 1981;57:1399–401 [in French].
21.) Galley P, Thiollet M. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a new veno-active flavonoid fraction (S 5682) in the treatment of symptomatic capillary fragility. Int Angiol 1993;12:69–72.
22.) Cho HS, Lee MH, Lee JW, No KO, Park SK, Lee HS, Kang S, Cho WG, Park HJ, Oh KW, Hong JT.Anti-wrinkling effects of the mixture of vitamin C, vitamin E, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil, and molecular mechanisms on hairless mouse skin caused by chronic ultraviolet B irradiation. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2007 Oct;23(5):155-62.
23.) Buz’Zard AR, Lau BH.Pycnogenol reduces talc-induced neoplastic transformation in human ovarian cell cultures. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):579-86.
24.) Engelbrecht AM, Mattheyse M, Ellis B, Loos B, Thomas M, Smith R, Peters S, Smith C, Myburgh K. Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds inactivates the PI3-kinase/PKB pathway and induces apoptosis in a colon cancer cell line. Cancer Lett. 2007 Dec 8;258(1):144-53. Epub 2007 Oct 17.
25.) Sharma G, Tyagi AK, Singh RP, Chan DC, Agarwal R.Synergistic anti-cancer effects of grape seed extract and conventional cytotoxic agent doxorubicin against human breast carcinoma cells.Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2004 May;85(1):1-12.
26.) Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs S, Ray SD, Sen CK, Preuss HG. Cellular protection with proanthocyanidins derived from grape seeds. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May;957:260-70.
27.) Zhao J, Wang J, Chen Y, Agarwal R. Anti-tumor-promoting activity of a polyphenolic fraction isolated from grape seeds in the mouse skin two-stage initiation-promotion protocol and identification of procyanidin B5-3′-gallate as the most effective antioxidant constituent. Carcinogenesis. 1999 Sep;20(9):1737-45.
28.) Hu H, Qin YM. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukaemia 14.3D10 cells. Chin Med J (Engl). 2006 Mar 5;119(5):417-21.
29.) Zhang XY, Li WG, Wu YJ, Bai DC, Liu NF. Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds enhances doxorubicin-induced antitumor effect and reverses drug resistance in doxorubicin-resistant K562/DOX cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;83(3):309-18.
30.) Zhang XY, Li WG, Wu YJ, Zheng TZ, Li W, Qu SY, Liu NF.Proanthocyanidin from grape seeds potentiates anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin via immunomodulatory mechanism.Int Immunopharmacol. 2005 Jul;5(7-8):1247-57. Epub 2005 Apr 7.
31.) Agarwal C, Singh RP, Agarwal R. Grape seed extract induces apoptotic death of human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells via caspases activation accompanied by dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release.Carcinogenesis. 2002 Nov;23(11):1869-76.
32.) Kaur M, Agarwal R, Agarwal C. Grape seed extract induces anoikis and caspase-mediated apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells: possible role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated-p53 activation. Mol Cancer Ther. 2006 May;5(5):1265-74.
33.) Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F.Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol.Free Radic Biol Med. 1999 Sep;27(5-6):704-24.
34.) Yang HM, Liao MF, Zhu SY, Liao MN, Rohdewald P. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol on the climacteric syndrome in peri-menopausal women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86(8):978-85.
36.) Mendes A, Desgranges C, Chèze C, Vercauteren J, Freslon JL. Vasorelaxant effects of grape polyphenols in rat isolated aorta. Possible involvement of a purinergic pathway. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Dec;17(6):673-81.
37.) Polagruto JA, Gross HB, Kamangar F, Kosuna K, Sun B, Fujii H, Keen CL, Hackman RM.Platelet reactivity in male smokers following the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich grapeseed extract.Platelet reactivity in male smokers following the acute consumption of a flavanol-rich grapeseed extract.
38.) Holt RR, Actis-Goretta L, Momma TY, Keen CL. Dietary flavanols and platelet reactivity.J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S187-96; discussion S206-9.
39.) Zhang FL, Gao HQ, Shen L. Inhibitory effect of GSPE on RAGE expression induced by advanced glycation end products in endothelial cells. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2007 Oct;50(4):434-40.
40.) Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman B, Tissa Kappagoda C. Mechanism of the endothelium-dependent relaxation evoked by a grape seed extract. Clin Sci (Lond). 2008 Feb;114(4):331-7.
41.) Ray SD, Patel D, Wong V, Bagchi D. In vivo protection of dna damage associated apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths during acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, amiodarone-induced lung toxicity and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract.
42.) Hosseini S, Pishnamazi S, Sadrzadeh SM, Farid F, Farid R, Watson RR. Pycnogenol((R)) in the Management of Asthma.J Med Food. 2001 Winter;4(4):201-209.
43.) Carini M, Aldini G, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P, Maffei Facino R.UVB-induced hemolysis of rat erythrocytes: protective effect of procyanidins from grape seeds. Life Sci. 2000 Sep 1;67(15):1799-814.
44.) Lorenz P, Roychowdhury S, Engelmann M, Wolf G, Horn TF.Oxyresveratrol and resveratrol are potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers: effect on nitrosative and oxidative stress derived from microglial cells.Nitric Oxide. 2003 Sep;9(2):64-76.
45.) Enginar H, Cemek M, Karaca T, Unak P.Effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-radiation. Phytother Res. 2007 Nov;21(11):1029-35.
46.) Dulundu E, Ozel Y, Topaloglu U, Toklu H, Ercan F, Gedik N, Sener G. Grape seed extract reduces oxidative stress and fibrosis in experimental biliary obstruction.J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 Jun;22(6):885-92.
47.) Du Y, Guo H, Lou H. Grape seed polyphenols protect cardiac cells from apoptosis via induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Mar 7;55(5):1695-701. Epub 2007 Feb 13.
48.) Leung, K.B., et.al. Differential effects of anti-allergic compounds on peritoneal mast cells of the rat, mouse and hamster. Agents Actions, 1984;14(3-4): 461-467.
49.) Otsuka, H. et.al. Histochemical and functional characteristics of metachromatic cells in the nasal epithelium in allergic rhinitis: studies of nasal scrapings and their dispersed cells. J. Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995; 96(4):528-536.
50.) Szabo, A. et.al. Mucosal permeability changes during intestinal reperfusion injury. The role of mast cells. Acta Chir Hung, 1997; 36(1-4):334-336.
51.) Barrett, K.E. and D.D. Metcalfe. The histologic and functional characterization of enzymatically dispersed intestinal mast cells of nonhuman primates: effects of secretagogues and anti-allergic drugs on histamine secretion. J Immunol, 1985; 135(3): 2020-2026.
52.) Remberg P, Björk L, Hedner T, Sterner O. Characteristics, clinical effect profile and tolerability of a nasal spray preparation of Artemisia abrotanum L. for allergic rhinitis.Phytomedicine. 2004 Jan;11(1):36-42.

Dr. Myatt’s HealthBeat Newsletter

April 14, 2006

In this issue:

Vitamin-less Vegetables: The New Nutrient Deficiency. Vegetables and some fruits contain nutrients critical to good health. Current government recommendations suggest that a minimum of 5-9 servings should be eaten daily to prevent disease, but many scientists feel this number should be increased to 10-18 servings. Find out why we need to eat so many veggies (it’s a scandal!), and how you can achieve this goal without turning into a wabbit!

Powerful Cancer-fighting Herb that Drug Companies are Rushing to Imitate. You probably have some in your spice cabinet right now. Use more of it, and you can hedge your bet against cancer, arthritis and blood clots.

The Healing Power of Flowers. Humans spend much time and money cultivating flowers. Science has finally cracked the code on our fascination with these delightful gifts of nature. PLUS: it’s not too late to send flowers for Easter. You’ll want to lavish them on friends and family once you read the studies!

Health Freedom Alert: Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy Under Attack. Bio-identical (natural) hormone replacement therapy (nHRT) is far safer than synthetic and horse-urine hormones used in conventional medicine. It has helped thousands if not hundreds of thousands of women and men over the last several decades. Now, the makers of Premarin© and Prempro© (the dangerous, un-natural hormones) has petitioned the FDA to outlaw our right to prescribe these custom-formulated hormones. Act today to preserve this important health freedom!

Wellness Club Website Wins Award. Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club website was nominated, reviewed, and awarded the “A Better Way Award” for noteworthy contribution to the Natural Health Community. You’ll see us sporting our award logo on the left side of our pages. Interestingly, the logo for the award is a big, red apple—- the same as our Wellness Club logo!

Dr. Myatt and Nurse Mark to Speak in Phoenix. The~Z~Team (Dr. Myatt-Ziemann and Mark Ziemann, R.N.) will be speaking in Phoenix the end of April to both public and medical audiences. The public presentation, titled ADD/ADHD in Children: are there Really Alternatives to Ritalin and Prozac? Is free and open to the public. The second presentation, Nutritional and Botanical Considerations in Cancer Treatment: 2006 Update, will be presented to physicians at the semi-annual AZNMA Medical Conference.

The Shaman’s Lesson of Worth. Think you can’t afford alternative health care? I have people on a daily basis asking me to do pro bono medical consultations. Find out what I learned from an Indian Shaman in my first year of medical practice that makes me say “no” every time to these requests for free services.

Do you have a specific health question? Visit Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club website and find recommendations for over 100 medical conditions. If you want personalized medical attention, please consider a telephone consultation with Dr. Myatt.

Heart and Circulation Health

Keeping the Heart and Blood Vessels Healthy

A healthy heart and circulation are central to healthy aging.

Heart problems, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and sluggish circulation are common causes of illness and premature death. Contrary to popular belief, a failing heart and circulation is not an inevitable part of aging. With some attention to nutrition, exercise and lifestyle, you can have a healthy heart and circulation for as long as you live, without drugs.

Learn more about how to maintain a healthy heart here:
Rejuvenate Your Heart in Nine Simple Steps

Top Heart and Circulation Recommendations

Heart and Circulation Remedies Heart and Circulation
Health Concerns Bromelain
CoQ10
Essential Fatty Acids
Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii)
Garlic
Grape Seed Extract
Hawthorn Plus+
L-Carnitine
Magnesium
Max EPA
Niacin
Oral ChelatoRx
Red Rice Yeast
Turmeric
Angina
Arrhythmia
Atherosclerosis
Blood Pressure (High)
Cholesterol (High)
Dental Health (a little known cause of heart disease)
Heart Disease
Heart Failure (CHF)
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Hypertension
Phlebitis
Stroke
Thrombophlebitis
Varicose Veins

Dr. Dana Myatt’s Wellness Club

Prescription Fish Oil Now Available!

This just in from the “how dumb does it get?” files…

Enormous amounts of research into the benefits of fish oil have shown that it lowers triglyceride levels, relieves many cases of depression and helps prevent an astonishing number of ailments including osteoporosis, stroke, heart attach, cardiac arrhythmia and some types of cancer. That’s why I’ve been encouraging everyone to add fish oil to their daily health program.

Now, a drug company did another study which showed exactly what we already knew about fish oil—- that it lowers triglyceride levels. They sought and gained FDA approval to offer fish oil as a prescription, at a cost of aprox. 797% more per milligram than Wellness Club brand or other high quality health food store brands. So, instead of a month’s supply at $19.95, you can now enjoy a bottle of 180 caps for $236.89!

As I’ve been warning readers, when the drug companies figure out that a natural substance works, they want a piece of the action. The trouble is, their profit margins will make simple, life-saving natural substances unreachable for most people because of cost.

Meanwhile, There’s even More Reason to Take Fish Oil...

Fish oil could potentially save more lives than cardiac defibrillators, researchers estimate in a new report. In fact, the studies show that the Omega-3 essential fatty acids in fish oil prevent more sudden cardiac deaths due to fibrillation than AED machines. Of course, the makers of these high-tech, high-cost gadgets aren’t going to want you to take fish oil, unless perhaps it’s the $236.89 per bottle prescription brand they can cash in on! What next? Soon we’ll need an Rx. to buy vegetables and fruit at the grocery store because they contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients!

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More Dangers of Antidepressant Drugs Found

I’ve always been adamant about my treatments for depression, anxiety and other “mood disorders”: go for the fix, not the band aid. No one has ever suffered a case of depression because of a Prozac deficiency!

Now, researchers have found that many antidepressants are even more dangerous than we knew. Paxil, for example, increases violent behavior and suicidal tendencies in users, especially teenagers. EXCUSE ME? Why in the world would we put a child on a dangerous “head med,” one that makes the likelihood of depression-related suicide over twice as high as the un-medicated?

Of course, the FDA is helpful, as always <I say with tongue in cheek>. The have recommended “stronger warning labels” on Paxil. I’m sure most patients especially teens read these labels—Not.

Now here’s a vision – millions of Americans, from children to seniors, all popping what are touted as “happy pills” – at least that is what the Big Pharma Companies and their FDA lapdogs want us to believe. All is not well in this chemical paradise though: Not only do these supposed “happy pills” cause an increased potential for suicide in those taking them (especially in teenagers according to the latest research), they are also linked to violent behavior in what the study calls “hostility events.” What a great idea! Take stressed, depressed, suicidal Americans, driving around in multi-ton Urban Assault vehicles, riding the ragged edge of road rage at the best of times, just waiting to have a “hostility event.” It boggles the mind even more that the FDA has no intention of removing these chemical time-bombs from the marketplace. That would make too much good sense.

Natural Alternatives Treat Depression Without Risks

Paxil, Prozac and other SSRI’s fool the body into temporarily recycling the neurotransmitter serotonin. Of course, not everyone who is depressed has a serotonin deficiency. In fact, epinephrine (adrenaline), noradrenalin, dopamine, acetylcholine are all brain chemicals that can be altered in depression. And even though laboratory tests exist to evaluate neurotransmitters, they are rarely performed by conventional doctors who simply dish out SSRI’s without knowing if this is even going to be a good “band aid.”

The safer and more sensible way to treat depression is to evaluate the neurotransmitters, then use precursors (raw material) nutrients that so the body can naturally make more of its own serotonin, adrenaline, noradrenalin or whatever neurotransmitter is deficient. Instead of simply throwing an SSRI drug at anything that looks like depression, a simple, accurate neuro-transmitter test followed by corrective nutritional therapy is a cure, not a deadly stop-gap.

How many acts of violence will it take before these drugs are removed from the marketplace? Of course, now you can pay 20 times as much for prescription fish oil, which is helpful in many cases of depression, thanks to its approval as a drug. Rest assured that the FDA has Big Pharmacy’s best interests—- not yours— at heart.

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FDA Defends Deadly Vioxx, More Proof of Their Allegiance

Vioxx has been found in several major studies to be the most dangerous COX-2 inhibitor drug, increasing the risk of irregular heart rhythms AND kidney disease according to Researchers at The Department of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health. A second study at the University of Newcastle in Australia looked at 500,000 healthy people who used Vioxx and found that as drug dosage increased, so did the rate of heart attacks.

Eric Ding, who co-authored the Harvard study, felt strongly that “The risks of these drugs should have been made known to the public much earlier.”

Dr. David J. Graham, associate director for science in the FDA’s Office of Drug Safety, blew the whistle on both Vioxx maker Merck and the FDA itself, stating “It is clear that Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack, and that increase in risk begins with the first tablet a patient takes.”

In spite of the known dangers and mounting evidence against Vioxx, the FDA offered a “spin control” press release stating that “the FDA does not believe the available data rise to the level required to support an official FDA regulatory decision regarding comparative safety and efficacy of the available COX2-selective and non-selective NSAIDs.”

Don’t you sleep better knowing that the FDA is “protecting” us from affordable, safe, proven remedies like fish oil while ensuring that dangerous drugs such as Paxil and Vioxx remain on the market? I know I do.

In Health,
Dr. Myatt

Hepatitis C

Some thoughts and discussion by Dr. Myatt

Hepatitis C and/or Iron Toxicity?

Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver and is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States. The virus can be spread by sex with an infected person, transfusion of infected blood or contaminated needles. HCV infection often results in chronic liver disease. High iron levels are a major factor in many cases of hepatitis C.

How to Properly Diagnose Iron Overload

Iron overload, or hemochromatosis, is actually the most common inherited disease. Excess iron has been known to be associated with infection for 30 years. When excess iron is present, the body’s normal antibacterial mechanisms become severely compromised, making one more susceptible to infectious disease.

Measuring serum iron is a poor way to do diagnose iron overload, because frequently the serum iron will be normal. The most useful of the indirect measures of iron status in the body a measure of the serum ferritin level in conjunction with a total iron binding level. Ferritin shows us how much iron is stored in the body.

Help and Hope for Hepatitis C

Conventional medicine takes a “Band-aid” approach to HCV. Many of the treatments are “supportive” only, meaning they are designed to manage symptoms but not intended to cure the disease. Interferon, the “latest and greatest” bug guns treatment for HCV has many devastating side effects. Unfortunately, we do little in conventional medicine to find and correct HCV at the causative level.

In Alternative and natural medicine, we go looking for the cause. Iron overload, as described above, is a major factor. Causes of immune weakness, including nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, increased intestinal permeability, heavy metal toxicity (other than iron) are a few of the factors to be considered.

With the help of an experienced holistic physician, the cause of Hepatitis C can usually be discovered and the disease either cured or put into sustained remission. A normal life span and health span can be expected in HCV when the disease is diagnosed and treated correctly.