Herbs for Metabolism and Weight Loss

Dana Myatt, N.D.

Definition: Overweight is body fat in excess often pounds above lean body mass index. Obesity is defined as 20% excess fat above lean body mass index. (BMI).1

Scope of the Problem: An estimated 34% of American adults are overweight with 25% being fully obese.2 more recent studies have suggested that as many as 75% of the adult population is at least some degree above their ideal body mass index.

Risk; Excess body fat is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type II diabetes, stroke (cerebrovascalar accident)3, various cancers (including prostate, all gynecological cancers4 5, gallbladder and colon cancer), benign prostatic hypertrophy6, cholelithiasis, infertility, arthritis, degenerative joint disease7, and impaired immune function.8 At only ten pounds above lean body mass index, most of these risks are increased, and the risk increases with increasing body fat.9 Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. This makes overweight/obesity the single biggest controllable risk factor for disease, and offers a major opportunity for disease prevention and risk intervention.

1Merkow R., Fletcher A. editors. The Merck Manual. 1992; 984
2Davis DL, et al. Decreasing cardiovascular disease and increasing cancer among whites in the United States from 1973 through 1987. JAMA 1994; 271:431-7
3Willett WC, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, et al. Weight, weight changes, and coronary heart disease in women. JAMA 1995; 273:461-5
4Hunter DJ, Hankinson S£, Colditz GA, et al. Very low fat diets and risk of breast cancer. Am J Epidemiol 1996; 143
5Willett WC, et al. Dietary fat and fiber hi Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer. JAMA 1992; 268:2037-44.
6Giovannucci E, Rimm EB, Chute CG, et al. Obesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am J Epidemiol 1994; 140:989-1002.
7Eichner ER. Infection, immunity, and exercise: What to tell patients. Physician Sports Medicine 1993;21:125-33.
8Palmblad J, Hallberg D, and Rossner S. Obesity, plasma lipids and polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocyte functions. Scand JHeamatol 1977;19:293-303.
9Manson JE, Willett WC, Stampfer MJ, et al. Body weight and mortality among women. NEngUMed 1995; 333:677-85.

Action of Herbs for Overweight/Obesity

antioxidants: herbs that prevent free radical damage and control increased oxidative stress created by fat loss.

aperient: mild laxatives.

carminatives: herbs that help the body expel gas from the stomach, small intestines, or colon.

diuretic: herbs that stimulate the flow of urine

fiber: indigestible plant cell walls that have a variety of effects including increased fecal weight and size, delayed gastric emptying, unproved bowel transit time, cholesterol lowering and satiety.

nutritives: herbs that nourish. They usually have a high mineral content.

psychotropics: herbs used to affect mood.

stimulants: herbs that quicken functional action. They are usually, but not always, thermogenic.

thermogenics: herbs that increase basal metabolic rate. (BMR).

tonics: herbs that tone a physical system or function.

An Extremely Concise Materia Medica

Ephedra ( Ephedra sinica, E. vulgaris, E. nevadensis, E. antisyphihtica & other species) action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Kola ( Cola nitida, C. vera, C. accuminata) action: stimulant, tkermogemc.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) action: tonic to connective tissue via stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis.1

Aesculus (Aesculus hippocastanum) action: venous tonic.2

i^ucus (Fucus vesiculosus) action: nutritive, esp. to thyroid gland due to high iodine content.

Silybum (silybum marianum) action: antioxidant. liver tonic and stimulant.

Taraxacum (Taraxacum officinale) action: aperient, nutritive, dieuretic.

Tea (Camellia sinesis) action: autioxidant, stimulant, thermogenic, lowers cholesterol.3

Bromelain (Ananas comosus) action: appetite inhibition and enhanced fat excretion.4

Coffee (Coffea arabica) caffeine/rnethylxanthine containing herbs action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Fiber (includes guar gum,psyllium, oat bran, wheat bran, pectin, vegetable fiber) action: satiety, decreases absorbed calories, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves bowel transit time, aids excretion of cholesterol.5 6

Fructose action: greater thermogenesis as compared to glucose.7 8

Essential Fatty Acids: action: normalizes brown fat activity.910

Urtica (Urtica dioica) action: dieuretic, clears tissue acids, nutritive.

Mate (Ilex paraguayensis) action: stimulant, thermogenic.

Papaya ( Carica papaya) action: digestant.

Hypericum (Hypericumperforatum) action: psychotrophic.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum, P. hortense, P. sativum) action: dieuretic, nutritive, carminative.

l.Pointel, JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology 1987; 46-50
2.Aniioui F, Mauri A, Marincola F, and Kesele L.F. Venotonic activity of escin on the liurnan saphenous vein. Arzneim-Forsch 1979; 29:672-5.
3.Kouo S., et al. Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: a cross-sectional study in northern Kyushu, Japan. PrevMed 1992; 21;526-31.
4.Taussig S,, Batkin S. Broinelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas coruosus) and its clinical application. JEthnopharm 1988; 22: 191-203.
S.Krotkiewski M. effect of guar on body weight, hunger ratings and metabolism in obese subjects. Clinical Science 1984; 66: 329-336.
6.Glore SR, et al, Soluable fiber and serum lipids: A literature review. J Am Diet Assoc 1994; 94: 425-36.
7.Schwarz JM, et al. Thermogenesis in men and women induced by fructose vs glucose added to a meal. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 49: 667-74.
8. Macdonald I. differences in dietary-induced thermogenesis following the ingestion of various carbohydrates. Ann Nutr Metab 1984; 28:226-30.
9.Garcia CM, et al. Gamma iinoleiiic acid causes weight loss and lower blood pressure in overweight patients with family history of obesity. SwedJBiol Med 1986; 4:8-11.
 

Hormone Balance:

Chemical Messengers are Key to Aging Gracefully

Hormones are “chemical messengers” in the body. Together with the nervous system, hormones regulate every aspect of bodily function.

Hormones include male and female sex hormones, adrenal hormones, thyroid, pituitary and “brain hormones,” also called neurotransmitters.

Decreased levels of thyroid hormone can lead to sluggishness, forgetfulness, weight gain and high cholesterol levels. Excess thyroid hormone can cause irregular heart beats, fast heart rate, unintended weight loss, jitteriness and even death.

Altered levels of the adrenal hormones affect heart rate, metabolism and energy, blood pressure and immune function to name just a few.

The “sex hormones” (male and female) not only control fertility and male and female sexual characteristics, but declining levels of these hormones are associated with aging, premature aging, heart disease osteoporosis, mood disorders and the aging process in general.

Imbalanced brain hormones, also called NeuroTransmitters (NT’s) are associated with all manner of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADD/ADHD and other brain and nervous system disorders. Changes in BT levels are also associated with brain and nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

Keeping youthful, balanced hormone levels goes a long way toward preventing “age related” illnesses and the aging process in general.

Top Hormone Balancing Recommendations and Hormone-Related Health Concerns

Hormone Balancing Supplements and Hormone-Related Health Concerns 
DHEA
HerBalance with Pregnenelone
L-5-HTP
Mega Soy
Melatonin
Ostaderm
Progonol
Saw Palmetto
Thyroid Cytotropin
Vitex

Adrenal Health
DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA

Thyroid Hormone Health
Thyroid Cytotropin

Men’s Hormone Health
Male Hormone Profile
Korean (Panax) Ginseng
Mega Soy
Prostate Support
Saw Palmetto
St. John’s Wort
Vitex

NeuroTransmitter
(Brain Hormone) Health
NeuroTransmitter Profile
DHEA
L-5-HTP
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort Plus+
Syncholamine

Women’s Hormone Health
Female Hormone Profile (Post Menopausal)
Female Hormone Profile (Pre Menopausal)
Black Cohosh Plus+
DHEA
Korean (Panax) Ginseng
HerBalance with Pregnenelone
Mega Soy
Melatonin
Ostaderm
Progonol

HAIR LOSS

(Male Pattern Baldness, Female Pattern Baldness, Alopecia, Toxic Baldness)

Many physical imbalances and illnesses can cause hair loss. It is important to get an annual physical exam AND to consult a physician if hair loss is sudden in onset or severe. If no obvious cause can be found, then genetic factors, decreased scalp circulation, hormone changes and aging are the potential causes. Certain medications and diseases can also cause hair loss. An alternative medicine physician can give you further assistance in exploring such causes of hair loss.

Male and female pattern baldness is most often related to genetic factors and aging levels of hormones. Male and female hormone testing and replacement therapy can aid this type of hair loss.

Toxic hair loss, such as that caused by chemotherapy drugs, will return 3-4 months after the offending agent is discontinued.

Alopecia is a form of patchy or sometimes complete baldness that is often due to an autoimmune condition.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle as outlined in the Ten Rules of Good Health.
  • Massage the scalp daily for five minutes, moving skin of scalp over underlying bone.
  • Practice head and neck exercises daily.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (A,C,E,selenium) are particularly important for normal hair growth. Free radical insult to the scalp is felt to be a significant contributing factor to hair loss.
  • Crudeolum Shampoo: Use this each time you shampoo hair. Massage into scalp; leave on for five minutes or more, rinse. This shampoo is very stimulating to the scalp.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For Male and Female pattern baldness:

  • Saw Palmetto 1 cap, 2 times per day. This is useful in both men and women since it blocks the conversion of excess DHT. A hormone profile is highly recommended to determine the exact nature of male and female hormone imbalances.

For Alopecia:

Please refer to recommendations for autoimmune diseases

DR. MYATT’S COMMENTS:
Additional support will depend on the cause of hair loss. In men, male pattern baldness usually requires hormone balancing. Females with male pattern baldness often also have a hormone imbalance, too. This is best addressed with the help of an alternative medicine physician who can recommend and evaluate hormone levels by using a hormone profile test.

HEALTH APPRAISAL

Health – COMPREHENSIVE

NAME _____________________________________________________ DATE _________________

CIRCLE the number which best describes the frequency of your symptoms. If you do not know the answer to the question, leave it blank. When you are finished, please add the number of points in each section and enter the number in the Total Points box. The points for YES is the number inside the parenthesis ( ).

(0) never or rarely     (1) twice a week or less    (2) Three to six times a week     (3) daily

 

PART I


Section A 1.  Indigestion 0 1 2 3 2.  Excessive belching, burping and/or bloating 0 1 2 3 3.  Gas immediately following a meal 0 1 2 3 4.  Sense of fullness during and after meals 0 1 2 3 5.  Poor appetite, disinterest in food 0 1 2 3 6.  Offensive breath 0 1 2 3 7.  Bad taste in mouth 0 1 2 3 8.  Partial loss of taste of smell 0 1 2 3 9.  Difficult bowel movements 0 1 2 3 10.  Difficulty swallowing 0 1 2 3 11.  Unintentional weight loss N     Y(5) 12.  History of anemia, unresponsive to iron N     Y(5) 13.  Vegetarian (no eggs, dairy) N     Y(3) 14.  Picky eater N     Y(3) 15.  Spoon shaped nails N     Y(3) 16.  Sores in corner of mouth N     Y(3) 17.  Smooth tongue N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section C 1.  Stomach pain, burning, aching 1-4 hrs. after eating 0 1 2 3 2.  Feeling hungry an hour or two after eating 0 1 2 3 3.  Strong emotions, thought, smell of food aggravates stomach 0 1 2 3 4.  Heartburn, especially when lying down or bending forward 0 1 2 3 5.  Heartburn due to spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, peppers, citrus, alcohol, caffeine 0 1 2 3 6.  Difficulty or pain when swallowing 0 1 2 3 7.  Chest pain, difficulty breathing, lung infections 0 1 2 3 8.  Constipation, difficult bowel movements 0 1 2 3 9.  Black, lorry stool 0 1 2 3 10.  Unexplained weight gain N     Y(5) 11.  Temporary relief from antacids, carbonated beverages, cream/milk/food N     Y(5) 12.  Digestive problems subside with rest and relaxation N     Y(5)   Total Points __________ Section B 1.  Indigestion and fullness lasts 2-4 hours after eating 0 1 2 3 2.  Pain, tenderness, soreness on left side under rib cage 0 1 2 3 3.  Bloated 0 1 2 3 4.  Excessive passage of gas 0 1 2 3 5.  Abdominal cramps, aches 0 1 2 3 6.  Nausea and/or vomiting 0 1 2 3 7.  Dry, flaky skin, dry brittle hair 0 1 2 3 8.  Difficulty gaining weight 0 1 2 3 9.  Weakness and fatigue 0 1 2 3 10.  Specific foods/beverages aggravate indigestion 0 1 2 3 11.  Roughage and fiber causes constipation 0 1 2 3 12.  Three or more large bowel movements daily 0 1 2 3 13.  Alternating constipation and diarrhea 0 1 2 3 14.  Stool poorly formed 0 1 2 3 15.  Stool – undigested food 0 1 2 3 16.  Stool – greasy, shiny 0 1 2 3 17.  Stool yellowish, foul smelling 0 1 2 3 18.  Mucus in stool 0 1 2 3 19.  Black stool 0 1 2 3 20.  Rectal spasms 0 1 2 3 21.  Dark urine 0 1 2 3 22.  Bone and back pain 0 1 2 3 23.  Pounding heart 0 1 2 3 24.  Iron deficiency anemia 0 1 2 3   Total Points __________

Section D 1.  Lower abdominal pain, cramping and/or spasms 0 1 2 3 2.  Lower abdominal pain relief by passing stool or gas 0 1 2 3 3.  Raw fruits, vegetables and stress aggravate bowel pain 0 1 2 3 4.  Diarrhea (loose watery stool) 0 1 2 3 5.  More than three bowel movements daily 0 1 2 3 6.  Excessive gas and bloating 0 1 2 3 7.  Painful, difficult, straining during bowel movements 0 1 2 3 8.  Hard, dry or small stool 0 1 2 3 9.  Extremely narrow stools, thin stool 0 1 2 3 10.  Alternating diarrhea / constipation 0 1 2 3 11.  Mucus and pus in stool 0 1 2 3 12.  Feeling that bowels do not empty completely 0 1 2 3 13.  Rectal pain or cramps 0 1 2 3 14.  Bright red blood following bowel movement 0 1 2 3 15.  Anal itching 0 1 2 3 16.  Irritable, moody 0 1 2 3 17.  Rash under breast, armpit, around navel or groin area N     Y(5) 18.  Feel ill in damp, moldy settings or rainy weather N     Y(3)   Total Points __________   PART II


Section A 1.  Moderate to severe pain under right side of rib cage 0 1 2 3 2.  Abdominal pain worse with deep breathing 0 1 2 3 3.  Bitter fluid repeats after eating 0 1 2 3 4.  Bloated, full feeling 0 1 2 3 5.  Belching, heartburn, gas 0 1 2 3 6.  Fatty foods cause indigestion 0 1 2 3 7.  Nausea and/or vomiting 0 1 2 3 8.  Feel restless, agitated, angry 0 1 2 3 9.  Unexplained itchy skin worse at night 0 1 2 3 10.  Yellowish cast to skin, eyes 0 1 2 3 11.  Stool color alternates from clay colored to normal brown 0 1 2 3 12.  General feeling of poor health 0 1 2 3 13.  Fatigue, weakness, exhaustion 0 1 2 3 14.  Unable to concentrate, irritable, confused 0 1 2 3 15.  Aching muscles 0 1 2 3 16.  Trembling hands 0 1 2 3 17.  Weight gain due to water retention 0 1 2 3 18.  Swollen feet and or legs 0 1 2 3 19.  Bleeding tendencies in gums, nose 0 1 2 3 20.  Loss of chest and armpit hair 0 1 2 3 21.  Reddened skin, especially palms 0 1 2 3 22.  Dark urine, diminished flow 0 1 2 3 23.  Dry, flaky skin and/or hair N     Y(3) 24.  Loss of appetite and weight N     Y(3) 25.  Easy bruising N     Y(3) 26.  Thinning of pubic hair N     Y(3) 27.  Feeling of extreme dryness N     Y(3) 28.  Loss of skin elasticity N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section B 1.  Tired, sluggish 0 1 2 3 2.  Feel cold, hands, feet, all over 0 1 2 3 3.  Tight sensation in neck 0 1 2 3 4.  Difficult, infrequent bowel movements 0 1 2 3 5.  Dryness, discoloration skin, hair 0 1 2 3 6.  Thick, brittle nails 0 1 2 3 7.  Puffy face, hands and feet 0 1 2 3 8.  Swollen upper eyelids 0 1 2 3 9.  Eyeballs move involuntarily 0 1 2 3 10.  Muscles weak, cramp, and/or tremble 0 1 2 3 11.  Slow mental processes, forgetfulness 0 1 2 3 12.  Slow heart beats 0 1 2 3 13.  Abdominal swelling 0 1 2 3 14.  Unsteady gait, movements 0 1 2 3 15.  Lack of interest in sex 0 1 2 3 16.  Weight gain easily N     Y(5) 17.  Swelling of the neck N     Y(5) 18.  Outer third of eyebrow thins N     Y(3) 19.  Thinning hair on scalp, face and genitals N     Y(3) 20.  Loss of appetite N     Y(3) 21.  Premenstrual tension N     Y(3) 22.  Infertility N     Y(3) 23.  Excessive menstrual bleeding N     Y(3) 24.  Absence of periods N     Y(3)   Total Points __________   PART III


Section A 1.  Progressive, mild fatigue after exertion or stress 0 1 2 3 2.  General weakness 0 1 2 3 3.  Blurred vision, dizzy when rising 0 1 2 3 4.  Depression 0 1 2 3 5.  Rapid mood swings 0 1 2 3 6.  Irritable 0 1 2 3 7.  Dark circles under the eyes 0 1 2 3 8.  Abdominal pain, indigestion 0 1 2 3 9.  Bouts of nausea, vomiting 0 1 2 3 10.  Diarrhea or constipation 0 1 2 3 11.  Blotchy skin (white patches) 0 1 2 3 12.  Craving for salty foods 0 1 2 3 13.  Decreased appetites N     Y(3) 14.  Gradual weight loss N     Y(3) 15.  Tan skin, no sun N     Y(3) 16.  Gradual loss of body hair N     Y(3) 17.  Black freckles on upper forehead, face, neck N     Y(3) 18.  Sensitive to minor changes in weather and surroundings N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section B

1.  Catch colds easily 0 1 2 3 2.  Infections – eye, ears, nose throat, lungs, skin 0 1 2 3 3.  Diarrhea 0 1 2 3 4.  Puffy face 0 1 2 3 5.  Dark areas on cheeks, under eyes 0 1 2 3 6.  Difficulty seeing at night 0 1 2 3 7.  Eyes tear, burn, discharge 0 1 2 3 8.  Ears, continuously drain 0 1 2 3 9.  Nasal congestion or discharge thick, yellow, green 0 1 2 3 10.  Sore throat or post-nasal drip 0 1 2 3 11.  Cough with mucus 0 1 2 3 12.  Inflamed or bleeding gums 0 1 2 3 13.  Cold sores, fever blisters 0 1 2 3 14.  Gums swelling, bleeding 0 1 2 3 15.  Unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds in last three months N     Y(3) 16.  Lack of appetite N     Y(3)

Section B (continued) 17.  Nail discolorations N     Y(3) 18.  Bumpy skin on back or arms N     Y(3) 19.  Wounds heal slowly N     Y(3) 20.  Hair is easily plucked out or falls out, grows slow N     Y(3) 21.  Lips are red and swollen N     Y(3) 22.  Tongue is red, swollen, raw looking N     Y(3) 23.  Impaired taste and smell N     Y(3) 24.  Neck, armpit groin swelling N     Y(5)   Total Points __________

Section C

1.  Muscles fatigue quickly 0 1 2 3 2.  Moody, irritable, tired 0 1 2 3 3.  Severe fatigue 0 1 2 3 4.  Severe joint pain, redness, swelling 0 1 2 3 5.  Chronic pain, stiffness througout body 0 1 2 3 6.  Migraine headaches 0 1 2 3 7.  Specific food(s) worsen pain, inflamation, stiffness 0 1 2 3 8.  Sensitive to light (skin or ees) 0 1 2 3 9.  Dark circles under eyes 0 1 2 3 10.  Swollen-looking face or body 0 1 2 3 11.  Localized or general itching – eyes, ears, throat, nose, skin 0 1 2 3 12.  Clear, wattery discharge from nose, eyes 0 1 2 3 13.  Extreme dryness of eyes, nasal passages, mouth 0 1 2 3 14.  Sneezing 0 1 2 3 15.  Cough or wheezing 0 1 2 3 16.  Moldy, damp environments trigger sickness 0 1 2 3 17.  Post nasal drip with certain foods 0 1 2 3 18.  Heart palpitations after eating certain foods 0 1 2 3 19.  Weight loss, muscle weakness N     Y(3) 20.  Scalp hair falls out easily in clumps N     Y(3) 21.  Hair loss, entire body N     Y(5) 22.  Easy bruising N     Y(3) 23.  Nails -loosened, pitted, discolored N     Y(3)   Total Points __________   PART IV


Section A 1.  Sense of being overly tired 0 1 2 3 2.  Prolonged recovery after exercise 0 1 2 3 3.  Coldness especially in hands and feet 0 1 2 3 4.  Difficulty breathing on exertion, palpitations 0 1 2 3 5.  Headache, dizziness, spots before eyes 0 1 2 3 6.  Irritable 0 1 2 3 7.  Forgetful, poor concentration 0 1 2 3 8.  Mild yellowing of eyes or skin 0 1 2 3 9.  Ringing in ears 0 1 2 3 10.  Susceptible to infections 0 1 2 3 11.  Jaundice and dark urine 0 1 2 3 12.  Black stool (no iron supplements) 0 1 2 3 13.  Unusual cravings for clay, dirt, ice 0 1 2 3 14.  Fingernails are flattened, spoon shaped, brittle, thin 0 1 2 3 15.  White patches on skin N     Y(5) 16.  Pale lips, gums, eyelids, nail beds N     Y(3) 17.  Red, sore tongue N     Y(3) 18.  Mouth, throat, rectum ulcers N     Y(3) 19.  Unusual bruising N     Y(3) 20.  Spontaneous bleeding – nose, mouth, gums, rectum or vagina N     Y(3) 21.  Small red dots under the skin N     Y(5) 22.  Sores in the corner of mouth N     Y(3) 23.  Smooth tongue N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section B

1.  Nosebleeds 0 1 2 3 2.  Headache, typically in morning 0 1 2 3 3.  Weakness, fatigue, nervous 0 1 2 3 4.  Ringing in ears 0 1 2 3 5.  Dizziness, drowsiness 0 1 2 3 6.  Blushing – no apparent cause 0 1 2 3 7.  Numbness, tingling in hands and feet 0 1 2 3 8.  Blurred vision 0 1 2 3   Total Points __________

Section C

1.  Feel jittery 0 1 2 3 2.  Heartburn that moves to neck, jaws, left shoulder and arm 0 1 2 3 3.  First effort of the day causes pain around chest 0 1 2 3 4.  Dizziness 0 1 2 3 5.  Choking, smothering sensation 0 1 2 3 6.  Exhaust with minor exertion 0 1 2 3

Section C (continued) 7.  Heart pounds easily 0 1 2 3 8.  Heavy sweating (no exertion) 0 1 2 3 9.  Mild or severe chest pain 0 1 2 3 10.  Difficulty catching breath especially during exercise 0 1 2 3 11.  Wheezing or dry cough 0 1 2 3 12.  Heart palpitations – slow, rapid or irregular 0 1 2 3 13.  Swelling in feet, ankle, legs comes and goes 0 1 2 3 14.  Veins on neck are prominent 0 1 2 3   Total Points __________

Section D

1.  Fluid retention 0 1 2 3 2.  Numbness, tingling, prickling sensation in hands, feet 0 1 2 3 3.  Muscle pain in the calves or thighs when walking 0 1 2 3 4.  Muscle pain at rest 0 1 2 3 5.  Cold feet 0 1 2 3 6.  Headaches 0 1 2 3 7.  Dizziness, everything spins 0 1 2 3 8.  Poor concentration 0 1 2 3 9.  Slurred speech 0 1 2 3 10.  Ringing in ears 0 1 2 3 11.  Brief moments of hearing loss 0 1 2 3 12.  Nausea comes and goes quickly 0 1 2 3 13.  Falling without known cause 0 1 2 3 14.  Brief difficulty swallowing 0 1 2 3 15.  Brief difficulty speaking 0 1 2 3 16.  Stammering or twitching of tongue 0 1 2 3 17.  Double vision 0 1 2 3 18.  Difficulty understanding spoken or written word 0 1 2 3 19.  Brief loss of muscular coordination 0 1 2 3 20.  Inability to recognize persons or things that pass very quickly 0 1 2 3 21.  Inability to feel pain or temperature usually on one side that disappears quickly 0 1 2 3 22.  One leg or arm – shiny hairless skin N     Y(5) 23.  Discolored or blue toes N     Y(5) 24.  Open sores on feet and legs N     Y(5) 25.  Fingers and toes numb in response to cold weather even when protected. N     Y(5)   Total Points __________   PART V


Section A

Missing meals or fasting is associated with the following:

1.  Sudden anxiety associated with hunger 0 1 2 3 2.  Tingling sensation in hands 0 1 2 3 3.  Palpitations 0 1 2 3 4.  Feel shaker, jittery, tremors 0 1 2 3 5.  Weakness 0 1 2 3 6.  Profuse perspiration, clammy skin 0 1 2 3 7.  Nightmares 0 1 2 3 8.  Awoke from sleep restless 0 1 2 3 9.  Agitated, easily upset, nervous 0 1 2 3 10.  Poor memory, forgetful 0 1 2 3 11.  Confusion, disoriented 0 1 2 3 12.  Dizziness, feel faint 0 1 2 3 13.  Feeling cold, numbness 0 1 2 3 14.  Mild headache 0 1 2 3 15.  Blurred or double vision 0 1 2 3 16.  Lack of coordination 0 1 2 3   Total Points __________

Section B 1.  Excessive, frequent urination 0 1 2 3 2.  Increased thirst and appetite 0 1 2 3 3.  Blurred vision, failing eyesight 0 1 2 3 4.  Fatigue, drowsiness 0 1 2 3 5.  Crave sweets, but eating sweets does not relieve craving 0 1 2 3 6.  Feel hungry for air (can’t get enough) 0 1 2 3 7.  Breath smells sweet 0 1 2 3 8.  Depressed 0 1 2 3 9.  Tingling, numbness, prickling sensation in extremities 0 1 2 3 10.  Profuse sweating 0 1 2 3 11.  Dribble after voiding 0 1 2 3 12.  Impotency 0 1 2 3 13.  Dizziness when standing from sitting position 0 1 2 3 14.  Slurred speech 0 1 2 3 15.  Unintentional weight loss 0 1 2 3 16.  Reoccurring persistent infection bladder, skin, or gums 0 1 2 3 17.  Boils and leg sores 0 1 2 3 18.  Very slow wound healing 0 1 2 3 19.  Excessive weight gain 0 1 2 3   Total Points __________ PART VI


1.  Weakness and fatigue 0 1 2 3 2.  Chest discomfort, pain 0 1 2 3 3.  Sudden breathing difficulty 0 1 2 3 4.  Shortness of breath 0 1 2 3 5.  Shallow breathing 0 1 2 3 6.  Noisy rattling sounds when breathing in or out 0 1 2 3 7.  Cough – dry or moist 0 1 2 3 8.  Rapid heartbeats 0 1 2 3 9.  Excessive perspiration 0 1 2 3 10.  Anxiety, restlessness 0 1 2 3 11.  Consistent low-grade temperature (100-101°) 0 1 2 3 12.  Bluish nails and lips 0 1 2 3

13.  Post nasal drip 0 1 2 3 14.  Sputum – thick, clear, yellow 0 1 2 3 15.  Sputum – smells offensive 0 1 2 3 16.  Bloody sputum 0 1 2 3 17.  Bad breath 0 1 2 3 18.  Wheezing 0 1 2 3 19.  Loud snoring 0 1 2 3 20.  Sleepy during day 0 1 2 3 21.  Morning headache 0 1 2 3 22.  Difficulty concentrating 0 1 2 3 23.  Unexplained weight loss N     Y(3) 24.  Infections settle in lungs N     Y(3) 25.  Flu symptoms last longer than 5 days N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

 

PART VII


1.  Retain fluid throughout body 0 1 2 3 2.  Mild lower back pain 0 1 2 3 3.  Frequent urge to urinate, but only small amounts pass 0 1 2 3 4.  Interruption of urine stream 0 1 2 3 5.  Excessive urination 0 1 2 3 6.  Excessive urination at night 0 1 2 3 7.  Burning when urinating 0 1 2 3 8.  Frequent urination with urgency 0 1 2 3 9.  Rarely need to urinate 0 1 2 3 10.  Difficulty passing urine 0 1 2 3 11.  Dripping after urination 0 1 2 3

12.  Can’t hold urine 0 1 2 3 13.  Bloody, cloudy and/or darkened urine 0 1 2 3 14.  Strong smelling urine 0 1 2 3 15.  Joint and muscle pain 0 1 2 3 16.  Tingling in joints 0 1 2 3 17.  Dark circles under eyes 0 1 2 3 18.  Gray, blackish caste to skin 0 1 2 3 19.  Back or leg pains associated with dripping after urination N     Y(5) 20.  Poor skin elasticity, dryness N     Y(3)   Total Points __________   PART VIII (Men Only)


Section A 1.  Frequent or urgent need to urinate 0 1 2 3 2.  Delayed, weak, or interrupted urinary stream 0 1 2 3 3.  Pain or burning upon urination 0 1 2 3 4.  Urge to urinate several times a night 0 1 2 3 5.  Rose colored (bloody) urine 0 1 2 3 6.  Difficulty urinating 0 1 2 3 7.  A sense of bladder fullness 0 1 2 3 8.  Ejaculation causes pain 0 1 2 3 9.  Blood in the semen 0 1 2 3 10.  Lack of sex drive 0 1 2 3 11.  Impotency 0 1 2 3 12.  Pain or fatigue in the legs or back 0 1 2 3 13.  Dripping after urination 0 1 2 3 14.  Increased straining with small amounts of urine passed 0 1 2 3 15.  Anemia N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section B 1.  Itchy patches around inner thigh and groin 0 1 2 3 2.  Itching at night 0 1 2 3 3.  Painful testicles 0 1 2 3 4.  Difficulty attaining and/or maintaining an erection 0 1 2 3 5.  Low sexual drive 0 1 2 3 6.  Premature ejaculation 0 1 2 3 7.  Low energy level or stamina 0 1 2 3 8.  Inflammation of the head of penis N     Y(5) 9.  Genital and/or rectal rash or irritation N     Y(5) 10.  Distorted nail growth N     Y(3) 11.  Loss of pubic or armpit hair N     Y(3) 12.  Infertile N     Y(3) 13.  Low sperm count, low sperm motility N     Y(3) 14.  Unexplained weight gain N     Y(3) 15.  Testicles appear smaller N     Y(3) 16.  Development of breasts or nipple tenderness N     Y(3) 17.  Feeling of heaviness or hardness in testicle N     Y(3) 18.  Sparse beard or slow hair growth N     Y(3) 19.  Decreased body hair N     Y(3) 20.  Fine wrinkling in corner of mouth or around eyes N     Y(3)   Total Points __________   PART IX (Women Only)


Section A 1.  Insomnia 0 1 2 3 2.  Abdominal bloating 0 1 2 3 3.  Breast tenderness, swelling 0 1 2 3 4.  Breast lumps appear 0 1 2 3 5.  Heart palpitations 0 1 2 3 6.  Sweating and flushing 0 1 2 3 7.  Depressed, irritable, nervous 0 1 2 3 8.  Easy to anger, resentful 0 1 2 3 9.  Easily overwhelmed 0 1 2 3 10.  Nausea and/or vomiting 0 1 2 3 11.  Diarrhea or constipation 0 1 2 3 12.  Headache 0 1 2 3 13.  Food cravings, binge eating 0 1 2 3 14.  Back pain 0 1 2 3 15.  Numbness, tingling in hands and feet 0 1 2 3 16.  Clumsiness 0 1 2 3 17.  Feeling hopeless, sad 0 1 2 3 18.  Weight gain, water N     Y(3) 19.  Suicidal N     Y(10)   Total Points __________

Section B

1.  Vaginal dryness, pain 0 1 2 3 2.  Painful intercourse 0 1 2 3 3.  Engorged breasts 0 1 2 3 4.  Milk production (not nursing) 0 1 2 3 5.  Disinterest in sex 0 1 2 3 6.  Blurred vision 0 1 2 3 7.  Headache 0 1 2 3 8.  Acne and/or oily skin 0 1 2 3 9.  Aggressive feelings 0 1 2 3 10.  Overwhelming urges for sexual intercourse 0 1 2 3 11.  Absence of menstrual flow for six or more months N     Y(20) 12.  Occasionally skip periods N     Y(5) 13.  Menstruation began after 16 years of age N     Y(3) 14.  Breasts shrinking N     Y(5) 15.  Thinning pubic and armpit hair N     Y(5) 16.  Unable to get pregnant N     Y(10) 17.  Miscarriage N     Y(3) 18.  Excess facial hair N     Y(5) 19.  Poor sense of smell N     Y(3) 20.  Monthly abdominal pain without bleeding N     Y(5)   Total Points __________

Section C

1.  Painful intercourse 0 1 2 3 2.  Menstrual type pain between menses 0 1 2 3 3.  Irregular time intervals between periods N     Y(5) 4.  Extended menses greater than 32 days N     Y(10) 5.  Shortened menses (less than every 24 days) N     Y(5) 6.  Vaginal bleeding between periods N     Y(10) 7.  Vaginal discharge between periods N     Y(5) 8.  Pain during periods is getting progressively worse N     Y(5)

Section C (continued) 9.  Pain, cramps 0 1 2 3 10.  Unusual fatigue, can’t work 0 1 2 3 11.  Irritable and depressed 0 1 2 3 12.  Constipation and/or diarrhea 0 1 2 3 13.  Lower abdominal pain, bloating 0 1 2 3 14.  Nausea and/or vomiting 0 1 2 3 15.  Lower backache 0 1 2 3 16.  Pelvic and/or rectal pressure 0 1 2 3 17.  Urinary difficulties 0 1 2 3 18.  Frequent urination N     Y(5) 19.  Scanty blood flow N     Y(3) 20.  Heavy blood flow N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section D

1.  Lumps are painful, tender 0 1 2 3 2.  Clear, gray or yellow vaginal discharge 0 1 2 3 3.  Vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods 0 1 2 3 4.  Burning or itching of the external genitalia 0 1 2 3 5.  Urgent, painful urination 0 1 2 3 6.  Lower abdominal or back pain 0 1 2 3 7.  Heavy, watery and bloody vaginal discharge 0 1 2 3 8.  Heavy menstrual flow 0 1 2 3 9.  Pelvic cramps 0 1 2 3 10.  Thin, scant white vaginal discharge 0 1 2 3 11.  Greenish, yellow, or offensive discharge 0 1 2 3 12.  Cheesy white discharge 0 1 2 3 13.  Breast lumps or swelling N     Y(10) 14.  Lumps hurt just before period N     Y(5) 15.  Swelling under armpit N     Y(5) 16.  Change in breast size, shape N     Y(10) 17.  White or slightly bloody vaginal discharge, one week prior to period N     Y(10)   Total Points __________

Section E

1.  Insomnia 0 1 2 3 2.  Abdominal bloating 0 1 2 3 3.  Breast tenderness, swelling 0 1 2 3 4.  Breast lumps appear 0 1 2 3 5.  Heart palpitations 0 1 2 3 6.  Sweating and flushing 0 1 2 3 7.  Depressed, irritable, nervous 0 1 2 3 8.  Easy to anger, resentful 0 1 2 3 9.  Easily overwhelmed 0 1 2 3 10.  Nausea and/or vomiting 0 1 2 3 11.  Diarrhea or constipation 0 1 2 3 12.  Headache 0 1 2 3 13.  Food cravings, binge eating 0 1 2 3 14.  Back pain 0 1 2 3 15.  Numbness, tingling in hands and feet 0 1 2 3 16.  Clumsiness 0 1 2 3 17.  Feeling hopeless, sad 0 1 2 3 18.  Weight gain, water N     Y(3) 19.  Suicidal N     Y(10)   Total Points __________   PART X


Section A 1.  Generalized bone tenderness and achiness 0 1 2 3 2.  Localized bone pain 0 1 2 3 3.  Bone deformity or swelling 0 1 2 3 4.  Shins hurt during or after exercise 0 1 2 3 5.  Low back or hip pain 0 1 2 3 6.  Difficulty sitting straight 0 1 2 3 7.  Limp, walking difficulties 0 1 2 3 8.  Crunching or cracking sounds when moving joints 0 1 2 3 9.  Hands, feet, throat spasms or feel numb 0 1 2 3 10.  Joint pain and stiffness – especially spine, hips, knees 0 1 2 3 11.  Hearing loss, headaches, ringing in ears 0 1 2 3 12.  Cavities N     Y(5) 13.  Tooth loss due to gum disease N     Y(5) 14.  Established bone loss N     Y(10) 15.  Calcium deposits N     Y(5) 16.  Spinal curvature N     Y(10) 17.  Recent loss of height N     Y(10) 18.  Bow legs N     Y(5) 19.  Stooped posture N     Y(5) 20.  Hump at base of neck N     Y(5) 21.  Irregular patches of increased pigmentation N     Y(3) 22.  Unexplained bone fracture N     Y(10)   Total Points __________

Section B

1.  Muscle aches and pains 0 1 2 3 2.  Muscle stiffness, tension 0 1 2 3 3.  Specific points on body feel sore when presses 0 1 2 3 4.  Headaches 0 1 2 3 5.  Fatigue, tired, sluggish 0 1 2 3 6.  Difficulty sleeping 0 1 2 3 7.  Feel unrefreshed upon awakening 0 1 2 3 8.  Difficulty speaking, swallowing 0 1 2 3 9.  Muscles cramp or spasm 0 1 2 3 10.  Muscles twitch or tremble – eyelids, thumb, calf muscle 0 1 2 3 11.  Irresistible urge to move legs 0 1 2 3 12.  Legs move during sleep 0 1 2 3 13.  Unpleasant crawling sensation inside calves, while lying down 0 1 2 3 14.  Numbing, tingling sensation 0 1 2 3 15.  Excessive joint mobility 0 1 2 3 16.  Unable to fully straighten or extend legs and/or arms 0 1 2 3 17.  Upper or lower back pain 0 1 2 3 18.  Loss of muscle strength N     Y(3) 19.  Muscle loss, wasting N     Y(3)   Total Points __________

Section C

1.  Joint stiffness, soreness, swelling 0 1 2 3 2.  Red, swollen painful joints 0 1 2 3 3.  Joint stiffness improves when resting, worsens with movement 0 1 2 3 4.  Dry mouth 0 1 2 3 5.  Dry painful eyes 0 1 2 3 6.  Joint stiffness worsens with rest, improves with movement 0 1 2 3 7.  Cracking joints 0 1 2 3 8.  Limp 0 1 2 3 9.  Shooting, aching, tingling pain down the back of leg 0 1 2 3

Section C (continued) 10.  Joint pain involves one or a few joints 0 1 2 3 11.  Joints hurt when moving or carrying weight 0 1 2 3 12.  Limited range of motion 0 1 2 3 13.  Difficulty standing up from sitting position 0 1 2 3 14.  Walks slowly 0 1 2 3 15.  Headache 0 1 2 3 16.  Difficulty chewing food or opening mouth 0 1 2 3 17.  Intermittent pain, ache on one side of head spreading to cheek, temple, lower jaw, ear neck and shoulder 0 1 2 3 18.  Numbness, prickling, tingling sensation in the neck, shoulder and arms 0 1 2 3 19.  Injure, strain, sprain easily 0 1 2 3 20.  Discomfort or pain in neck, shoulder or arm 0 1 2 3 21.  Involuntary muscle spasms 0 1 2 3 22.  Deliberate movement with hands are difficult 0 1 2 3 23.  Red painless skin lumps on elbows, knees, toes, ear, nose, back of scalp N     Y(5) 24.  Knobby overgrowths on the joints closest to the fingertips N     Y(5) 25.  Muscle loss around inflamed joint N     Y(10) 26.  Double jointed N     Y(3) 27.  One leg shorter than the other N     Y(5)   Total Points __________

Section D Neurological

1.  Head feels heavy 0 1 2 3 2.  Light headedness/fainting 0 1 2 3 3.  Ringing/buzzing in ears 0 1 2 3 4.  Trembling hands 0 1 2 3 5.  Limbs feel too heavy to hold up 0 1 2 3 6.  Loss of feeling in hands and/or feet (toes) 0 1 2 3 7.  Tingling sensation followed by numbness, or pain begins in hands and feet and spreads toward the center of your body 0 1 2 3 8.  Unsteady gait, lose balance 0 1 2 3 9.  Muscles feel weak 0 1 2 3 10.  Weak grip with spasm and arm weakness 0 1 2 3 11.  Exhaustion on slightest effort 0 1 2 3 12.  Need for 10-12 hours sleep 0 1 2 3 13.  Muscular weakness begins in leg and moves upward 0 1 2 3 14.  Difficulty walking, moving around, handling small objects 0 1 2 3 15.  Nervous, anxious 0 1 2 3 16.  Convulsions 0 1 2 3 17.  Confused, forgetful 0 1 2 3 18.  Slowed or slurred speech 0 1 2 3 19.  Difficulty breathing 0 1 2 3 20.  Blurred vision 0 1 2 3 21.  Eyelids droop 0 1 2 3 22.  Impaired hearing, eyesight, sense of touch smell taste N     Y(10) 23.  Accident prone – trip, stumble, feel clumsy N     Y(5)   Total Points __________   WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS ARE YOU TAKING [ ] Antacids
[ ] Cortisone/anti-inflammatory
[ ] Oral contraceptives
[ ] Antibiotic/antifungal
[ ] Heart medication
[ ] Radiation
[ ] Antidepressants
[ ] High blood pressure
[ ] Relaxant/sleeping pills
[ ] Anti-diabetic/insulin
[ ] Hormones
[ ] Thyroid medication
[ ] Asprin / Tylenol
[ ] Laxatives
[ ] Ulcer medication
[ ] Chemotherapy
[ ] Lithium

Other: _______________________________________________________________

Recreational drugs: _____________________________________________________


WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DO YOU EAT, DRINK, OR USE

[ ] Alcohol
[ ] Cigarettes
[ ] Fried foods
[ ] Candy
[ ] Coffee
[ ] Luncheon meats
[ ] Carbonated beverages
[ ] Distilled water
[ ] Margarine
[ ] Chew tobacco
[ ] Fast food restaurants
[ ] Saccharine (Sweet & Low)

Vitamins/minerals (please list): _________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO YOU

[ ] Are under excessive stress
[ ] Do not exercise regularly
[ ] Salt food without tasting
[ ] Are exposed to chemicals at work
[ ] Are exposed to cigarette smoke
[ ] Diet often

LIST YOUR “TOP” HEALTH SYMPTOM COMPLAINTS:

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________________________

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SYMPTOMS NOT COVERED IN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Potent Anti-Inflammatory and Carminitive

Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory (1-2) , carminative (helps expel gas by improving digestion), intestinal spasmolytic (relaxes intestinal spasms) and anti-motion sickness herb.(2-6) It is also high in antioxidants.(2) Uses of ginger include:

  • motion sickness (dizziness, nausea, vomiting) (2-6)
  • nausea from chemotherapy or anesthesia (6-11)
  • morning sickness (pregnancy-related nausea) (6,12-14)
  • cancer prevention (anti-carcinogenic properties) (2, 15-18)
  • arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid) (19-21)
  • atherosclerosis (2, 22-24)
  • digestive complaints – stimulates digestion, lessens irritation (25-27)

GingerMax®

GingerMax concentrated ginger capsulesGinger Max® concentrated ginger is the most potent standardized ginger available, containing an unprecedented 20% pungent compounds.

Each (one) capsule contains:
Ginger root extract……………………………………………100 mg
standardized to contain 20% pungent compounds calculated as 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol

REFERENCES

1.) Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. Ginger–an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):125-32.
2.) Ali BH, Blunden G, Tanira MO, Nemmar A. Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Feb;46(2):409-20. Epub 2007 Sep 18.
3.) Grontved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness. Acta Otolaryngol 1988;105:45–9.
4.) Ribenfeld D, Borzone L. Randomized double-blind study comparing ginger (Zintona®) with dimenhydrinate in motion sickness. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:98–101.
5.) Careddu P. Motion sickness in children: Results of a double-blind study with ginger (Zintona®) and dimenhydrinate. Healthnotes Rev Complementary Integrative Med 1999;6:102–7.
6.) White B. Ginger: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jun 1;75(11):1689-91.
7.) Bone ME, Wilkinson DJ, Young JR, et al. Ginger root—a new antiemetic: The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45:669–71.
8.) Levine ME, Gillis MG, Koch SY, Voss AC, Stern RM, Koch KL. Protein and ginger for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced delayed nausea. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jun;14(5):545-51.
9.) Pillai AK, Sharma KK, Gupta YK, Bakhshi S. Anti-emetic effect of ginger powder versus placebo as an add-on therapy in children and young adults receiving high emetogenic chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print]
10.) Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchingson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger)—an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia 1993;48:715–7.
11.) Meyer K, Schwartz J, Craer D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used to prevent 8-Mop associated nausea. Dermatol Nursing 1995;7:242–4.
12.) Langner E, Greifenberg S, Gruenwald J. Ginger: History and use. Adv Ther 1998;15:25–44 [review].
13.) Ozgoli G, Goli M, Simbar M. Effects of ginger capsules on pregnancy, nausea, and vomiting.J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):243-6.
14.) Willetts KE, Ekangaki A, Eden JA. Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: a randomised controlled trial. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2003 Apr;43(2):139-44.
15.) Kundu JK, Na HK, Surh YJ. Ginger-derived phenolic substances with cancer preventive and therapeutic potential. Forum Nutr. 2009;61:182-92. Epub 2009 Apr 7.
16.) Rhode J, Fogoros S, Zick S, Wahl H, Griffith KA, Huang J, Liu JR. Ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factors in ovarian cancer cells. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Dec 20;7:44.
17.) Sang S, Hong J, Wu H, Liu J, Yang CS, Pan MH, Badmaev V, Ho CT. Increased growth inhibitory effects on human cancer cells and anti-inflammatory potency of shogaols from Zingiber officinale relative to gingerols. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Nov 25;57(22):10645-50.
18.) Surh YJ, Park KK, Chun KS, Lee LJ, Lee E, Lee SS. Anti-tumor-promoting activities of selected pungent phenolic substances present in ginger. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 1999;18(2):131-9.
19.) Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Chrubasik S. Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. Phytother Res. 2007 Jul;21(7):675-83.
20.) Fouda AM, Berika MY. Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizomes in rat collagen-induced arthritis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2009 Mar;104(3):262-71. Epub 2009 Jan 20.
21.) Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, Timmermann BN. Comparative effects of two gingerol-containing Zingiber officinale extracts on experimental rheumatoid arthritis. J Nat Prod. 2009 Mar 27;72(3):403-7.
22.) Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L) on blood lipids, blood sugar, and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostagland Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1997;56:379–84.
23.) Nicoll R, Henein MY. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a hot remedy for cardiovascular disease? Int J Cardiol. 2009 Jan 24;131(3):408-9. Epub 2007 Nov 26.
24.) Verma SK, Singh J, Khamesra R, Bordia A. Effect of ginger on platelet aggregation in man. Indian J Med Res 1994;98:240–2.
25.) Bradley PR (ed). British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 112–4.
26.) Yamahara J, Huang QR, Li YH, et al. Gastrointestinal motility enhancing effect of ginger and its active constituents. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:430–1.
27.) al-Yahya MA, Rafatullah S, Mossa JS, et al. Gastroprotective activity of ginger in albino rats. Am J Chinese Med 1989;17:51–6.

Ginseng


The “Herb of Emperors” Improves Resistance and Stamina

Ginseng (Panax spp.)

Panax ginseng was considered the “Herb of Emperors” in ancient China, and only the emperor was allowed to use ginseng. This was because the potent effects of ginseng were felt to be “too precious” for the common man.

Modern research has confirmed ginseng’s amazing powers. Ginseng improves immunity through a wide variety of mechanisms. It stimulates DNA synthesis and is useful for anti-aging and chronic disease. Studies have shown that ginseng improves both physical and mental stamina. “It’s not just for the emperor any more!”

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticoccus)

Siberian ginseng  has active substances similar to Panax ginseng. Its stimulating action is milder than the Panax variety, however, so Eleuthero can be taken for immune and energy tonic purposes over a longer period of time.

Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng) “Emperors Choice”

Panax Ginseng - The Emperor's ChoicePanax or “true” ginseng is an immune stimulant, adaptogenic and male tonic.

Panax ginseng is used for immune enhancement, stress adaptogen, impotence and low libido (especially in males).

 

 

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian GinsengActions: Adaptogenic (helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress); tonic; mild stimulant; stimulates immune system

Uses: Stress adaptation; depression; rejuvenation; immune enhancement; athletic performance.

Suggested dose: 1 cap, 2 times per day, for 4 weeks.
Maintenance: 1 capsule per day thereafter.

 

 

Dr. Myatt’s Guide to Good Health

Natural Support Strategies

Basic Principals of Health:

Nutritious diet, pure water, regular exercise, NO smoking, moderation of alcohol and caffeine, daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with antioxidants (Such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks), stress reduction, sufficient sleep and relaxation, spiritual practices (see the video Remembering Who You Are), enjoy life! (Be sure to read 10 RULES OF GOOD HEALTH. All other recommendations build on these basics…..

For Healthy Brain and Nervous System:

Nutritious diet with limited saturated fats; additional essential fatty acids (Flax seed oil); extra antioxidants (found in Once Daily MyPacks or Maxi Multi); herbs (Maxi Greens or ginkgo, bilberry, tumeric.).

For a Healthy Cardiovascular System (Heart and Circulation):

High fiber, low fat diet; NO smoking; regular exercise; achieve ideal body weight; Limit coffee (regular OR decaf.); Multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with bioflavonoids and antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks); Extra B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid (such as in B-complex 50); extra fiber supplements (such as Fiber Formula); CoQ10; Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oils (Flax Seed Oil) herbs (hawthorne, ginkgo, garlic); stress reduction (watch Dr. Myatt’s video The Body/Mind Connection).

For a Healthy Colon:

High fiber diet; fiber supplementation (such as Fiber Formula); intestinal bacterial replacement (such as Suprema-Dophilus); see also Healthy Digestion, below.

For Healthy Digestion:

Chew food thoroughly; don’t eat when upset or rushed; take digestive enzymes (such as Similase or Bromelain).

For Healthy Eyes and Vision:

Multivitamin with antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks), herbs (Bilberry Plus, Ginkgo); wear sunglasses in bright light.

For a Healthy Immune System:

Nutritious diet; regular exercise; multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with extra antioxidants (such as Maxi Multi or Once Daily MyPacks); immune-enhancing herbs (Immune Support, Astragalus, bromelain, echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, turmeric, hypericum); stress reduction; visualization and affirmation; meditation or other spiritual practices (see Dr. Myatts video Remembering Who You Are).

Rejuvenation & Longevity

Many of the practices that make for a healthier life also increase life expectancy. In addition, some herbs and nutritional substances may increase life expectancy, although this is less well-proven than the health practices described below.

Factors which have definitely been shown to increase life expectancy, demonstrated in decades-long research in animals and also in human population studies: Maintaining a lean body mass index (being at the lean end of your desirable weight range) while maintaining a high level of nutrition. (Staying slim through nutrient deprivation doesn’t extend life. Staying slim by eating a high quality, low calorie diet does). [See Weight Loss if you are overweight]. No other physical means (not even exercise) is proven to increase life expectancy. (Exercise is known to increase health span, meaning the number of years that a person stays healthy. We have no proof that it increases total lifespan, however).

SUPPLEMENTS: (less well-proven than caloric restriction, but there is a strong consensus among longevity experts that the following nutrients may help extend expected life-span).:
I.) Multiple vitamin/mineral, antioxidants: see Supplements for dosage recommendations.
II.) Maxi Greens antioxidants. Flavonoid herbs
III.) CoQ10: 20-100mg per day

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Powerful Antioxidant Protection and Herbal Energizer

Green tea (Camelia sinensis) is a rich source of catechins, substances which have been found to neutralize cancer-causing agents and prevent cellular mutations leading to cancer.

In addition to cancer-prevention, green tea prevents abnormal blood clotting, reduces total cholesterol, aids high blood pressure and protects arterioles.

Green tea has also been shown to increase energy expenditure and may therefore be useful in weight loss programs. Although green tea contains caffeine, several studies have shown that subjects who took green tea capsules had higher energy expenditures than those who took caffeine alone. It appears that there may be an additional fat-oxidizing effect that is not due to the caffeine content.

The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to stimulate production of certain immune cells. Topically, green tea has antibacterial properties and is effective against plaque-causing bacteria.

Bottom line: Green tea may help prevent both cancer and heart disease and is a useful adjuvant to weight loss programs. Green tea is also an immune-stimulant and antibacterial.

Dr. Myatt recommends Maxi Flavone for all the benefits of Green Tea and more!

References

 1.) Suganuma M, Okabe S, Sueoka N, et al. Green tea and cancer chemoprevention. Mutat Res 1999;428:339–44.
2.) Weisberger JH, Rivenson A, Garr K, et al. Tea, or tea and milk, inhibit mammary gland and colon carcinogenesis in rats. Cancer Lett 1997;114:323–7.
3.) Yang CS, Lee MJ, Chen L, Yang GY. Polyphenols as inhibitors of carcinogenesis. Environ Health Perspect 1997;105(Suppl 4):971–6 [review].
4.) Menon LG, Kuttan R, Kuttan G. Anti-metastatic activity of curcumin and catechin. Cancer Lett 1999;141:159–65.
5.) Mukhtar H, Ahmad N. Green tea in chemoprevention of cancer. Toxicol Sci 1999;52(2 Suppl):111–7.
6.) Katiyar SK, Mukhtar H. Tea consumption and cancer. World Rev Nutr Diet 1996;79:154–84 [review].
7.) Kohlmeier L, Weterings KG, Steck S, Kok FJ. Tea and cancer prevention: an evaluation of the epidemiologic literature. Nutr Cancer 1997;27:1–13 [review].
8.) Kono S, Shinchi K, Ikeda N, et al. Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: A cross-sectional study in Northern Kyushu, Japan. Prev Med 1992;21:526–31.
9.) Yamaguchi Y, Hayashi M, Yamazoe H, et al. Preventive effects of green tea extract on lipid abnormalities in serum, liver and aorta of mice fed an atherogenic diet. Nip Yak Zas 1991;97:329–37.
10.) Sagesaka-Mitane Y, Milwa M, Okada S. Platelet aggregation inhibitors in hot water extract of green tea. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:790–3.
11.) Stensvold I, Tverdal A, Solvoll K, et al. Tea consumption. Relationship to cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary and total mortality. Prev Med 1992;21:546–53.
12.) Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:1040–5.
13.) Chantre P, Lairon D. Recent findings of green tea extract AR25 (Exolise) and its activity for the treatment of obesity. Phytomedicine 2002;9:3–8.
14.) Stoner GD, Mukhtar H. Polyphenols as cancer chemopreventive agents. J Cell Bioch 1995;22:169–80.
15.) You SQ. Study on feasibility of Chinese green tea polyphenols (CTP) for preventing dental caries. Chin J Stom 1993;28:197–9.
16.) Hamilton-Miller JM. Antimicrobial properties of tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Antimicro Agents Chemother 1995;39:2375–7.

Gymnema(Gymnema sylvestre)

Improves Insulin Production

Gymnema has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels and regenerate pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This is an incredibly important herb for diabetes, both type I and II.

Gymnema enhances insulin action, reduces fasting blood sugar levels (only in diabetics) and may stimulate islet cell regeneration. Gymnema is indicated in:

  • Type I, I.5 & II diabetes
  • Weight loss programs
  • Insulin resistance

Suggested dose: 2 caps (1,000+mg), 2-3 times per day between meals.

REFERENCES

1.) Mhasker KS, Caius JF. A study of Indian medicinal plants. II. Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Indian J Med Res Memoirs 1930;16:2–75.
2.) Shimizu K, Iino A, Nakajima J, et al. Suppression of glucose absorption by some fractions extracted from Gymnema sylvestre leaves. J Vet Med Sci 1997;59:245–51.
3.) Shanmugasundaram KR, Panneerselvam C, Sumudram P, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Insulinotropic activity of G. sylvestre, R.Br. and Indian medicinal herb used in controlling diabetes mellitus. Pharmacol Res Commun 1981;13:475–86.
4.) Shanmugasundaram ER, Gopinath KL, Radha Shanmugasundaram K, Rajendran VM. Possible regeneration of the islets of Langerhans in streptozotocin diabetic rats given Gymnema sylvestre leaf extracts. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:265–79.
5.) Prakash AO, Mather S, Mather R. Effect of feeding Gymnema sylvestre leaves on blood glucose in beryllium nitrate treated rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1986;18:143–4.
6.) Persaud SJ, Al-Majed H, Raman A, Jones PM. Gymnema sylvestre stimulates insulin release in vitro by increased membrane permeability. J Endocrinol 1999;163:207–12.

Gallbladder “Attacks” and Gallstones

How to End the Pain and Save Your Gallbladder

Nearly half a million gallbladder surgeries — removal, or cholecystectomy to be precise — are performed each year in the US. Many of the people who give up their gallbladders to such surgery appear to be fine, and the pain of their gallbladder attacks are over. Oddly enough, for many others, gallbladder “attacks” continue even in the absence of a gallbladder – in fact, one authoritative source indicates that Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome (PCS) affects at least 10 to 15% of people who have had their gallbladders removed!

Are the people who have given up their gallbladders really “fine”? And why do others continue to have pain in spite of removal of their gallbladder?

Conventional medical doctors make no attempt to help people “save” their gallbladders when stomach or other symptoms is believed due to gallbladder attacks. In fact, many gallbladders are removed even when scans do not show anything wrong with the gallbladder. Because there is no attempt to preserve this organ in conventional medicine, and because many people feel better after surgical removal of their GB, people mistakenly believe that the gallbladder isn’t important and that living without it makes no difference. Unfortunately, this viewpoint is incorrect and can be downright unhealthy.

Contrary to common belief, the gallbladder isn’t just a “vestigial organ” with little or no importance. One of the primary jobs of the gallbladder is to control the flow of bile which in turn is needed to absorb fats, oils and fat-soluble nutrients. Once the gallbladder is removed, these functions cannot happen normally, at least not without additional “outside help” from supplementation.

Although steps can be taken to prevent nutrient deficiencies if you have already had your gallbladder removed, let’s talk about another important question. How can you get rid of gallbladder “attacks” and keep your gallbladder in the first place? After all, “prevention” is always easier than cure.

The Real Cause of Gallbladder Pain

Gallbladder pain is usually blamed on gallstones, although stones are rarely the cause of intermittent GB discomfort.

Stones of a particular size that get stuck in the bile duct are indeed incredibly painful. If they are not passed quickly, gangrene of the duct and gallbladder can set in with life-threatening complications. This is the only true “surgical emergency” of gallbladder stones.

However, most stones are too large to obstruct the gall duct. Other people have “sand,” which is fine particulate that is too small to obstruct the gall duct. So where does the pain come from?

The real cause — and cure — of gallbladder pain was discovered back in 1968 by a physician named James C. Breneman. Dr. Breneman was chairman of the Food Allergy Committee of the American College of Allergists, or ACA (now called the American College of Allergy and Immunology, or ACAI). Dr. Breneman discovered that attacks of gallbladder pain are caused by food allergies.

In 1968, he put 69 people who suffered from recurrent gallbladder attacks on an elimination diet to determine their food allergies. Six of the subjects already had their gallbladders removed but were still having gallbladder “attacks,” a phenomenon known as “post-cholecystectomy syndrome.” Dr. Breneman found that all 69 people — 100 percent! — were totally symptom-free of gallbladder pain when they avoided their individual food sensitivities, and all 69 had a recurrence of their symptoms when they ate the foods they reintroduced the foods they were allergic to back into their diets.

The most common allergenic foods were found to be eggs (92.8%), pork (63.8%), onions (52.2%), chicken and turkey (34.8%), milk (24.6%), coffee (21.7% ), and oranges (18.8%). Corn, beans, nuts, apples, tomatoes, peas, cabbage, spices, peanuts, fish, and rye accounted for between 1 to 14.5% of gallbladder attacks. 14 of the 69 study participants (over 20 percent) also had gallbladder attacks caused by medications.

How Allergies Cause Gallbladder Attacks Illustration of the biliary system, showing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and the duodenum with the appendant ducts.

The body’s reaction to allergic substances is to cause swelling (remember how your nose swells if you have seasonal allergies?). When food and medication allergies cause swelling of the gallbladder ducts, bile flow is obstructed. The symptoms of allergy-caused obstruction are the same as a stone being stuck in the duct. (Hence the blame being laid on a “stone” when in fact, swelling of the tissue caused by a food or medicine reaction is the real culprit).

The Cure for Gallbladder Pain

The real treatment for most GB pain isn’t to remove this important organ, but to perform an elimination / challenge diet or food allergy testing and find the offending foods and medications.

The Dangers of Gallbladder Removal

What Can Happen Without a Gallbladder?

Vitamin A Deficiency symptoms include changes in vision (night blindness, dry eyes, macular degeneration), decreased immunity and skin diseases.

Vitamin D Deficiency symptoms include cancer, osteoporosis, dental disease and decreased immune function.

Vitamin K Deficiencies are associated with osteoporosis and atherosclerosis

Vitamin E Deficiency is associated with cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases and a long list of other health problems.

Essential Fatty Acids regulate everything from cardiac function to immunity and inflammation.

The gallbladder stores and then releases bile
in response to fats contained in a meal. Bile is necessary to assist the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

When the gallbladder is removed, vitamins A, E, D, K, and essential fatty acids are not absorbed properly. Unfortunately, the symptoms of declining fat-soluble vitamins and essential fats come on slowly and most often, unnoticeably. Health problems can be many and varied, associated with a deficiency of any or all of these fat-soluble vitamins.

Who would guess that removal of the gallbladder, especially without replacement of bile salts (which is NEVER suggested in conventional medicine), could contribute to the premature development of so many and varied health problems, all related to fat soluble nutrient assimilation?

Other Nutrients for Gallbladder Health

Low stomach acid can cause or contribute to the development of gallstones. Correcting a stomach acid deficiency is of primary importance when addressing gallbladder health.

Here is more information about the many symptoms and diseases associated with low stomach acid.

And here is a simple self-test kit to help you determine if you need supplemental betaine hydrochloride:

Magnesium deficiency is extremely common among people who suffer from gallbladder pain and stones (even when the stones are not the actual cause of the pain). And if magnesium deficiency relates to the development of stones, the news gets even worse for those who don’t supplement: 60% of post-GB removal patients suffer from magnesium deficiency and 40% from calcium/magnesium deficiency.

A high-quality daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement such as Maxi Multi contains a full daily recommended dose of magnesium and calcium. For those taking “one-per day” multiples or no extra supplementation at all, additional magnesium supplementation is highly recommended.

References

  1. Jensen, Steen W.  “Postcholecystectomy Syndrome” Jan 16, 2008 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/192761-overview
  2. “Fast Stats: Inpatient Surgery, 2002,” U.S. Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), accessed 8/25/04
  3. Breneman JC “Allergy Elimination as the Most Effective Gallbladder Diet.” Annals of Allergy 1968; 26; 83-89
  4. Breneman, James C. Basics of Food Allergy. Springfield (IL): CC Thomas (pub), 1978.
  5. Tsai CJ, Leitzmann MF, Willett WC, Giovannucci EL. Long-term effect of magnesium consumption on the risk of symptomatic gallstone disease among men. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Feb;103(2):375-82. Epub 2007 Dec 12.
  6. Szántay J, Varga D, Porr PJ. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome and magnesium deficit.Acta Physiol Hung. 1992;80(1-4):391-8.