Category: Health Concerns

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Natural Urinary Tract Health

CranberryCranberry prevents adherence of the bacteria E.coli to the bladder and urethra wall, creates some acidification of urine and decreases calcium excretion (excess calcium loss can be a cause of kidney stones).

Uses: Bladder infections; kidney stones. Cranberry in supplement form is preferred to cranberry juice because it is more concentrated AND without sugars. (Sugar “feeds” bacteria and can aggravate a urinary tract infection).

Because D-mannose is also a potent natural urinary tract remedy, we now recommend and offer cranberry with d-mannose as the fastest, safest natural solution for urinary tract health.

Cellulite

Natural Strategies For Fighting Cellulite

The only people who “don’t believe in cellulite” are people — mostly men — who don’t have any!

Cellulite isn’t “just fat” – it is fat that has undergone a “mattress effect” due to the underlying landscape of connective tissue. It occurs far more frequently in women than in men and is influences by female hormones. When seen in men, cellulite suggests a possible androgen (male hormone) deficiency or estrogen excess.

Cellulite is not due only to overweight, since normal weight people can have cellulite and many fat people do not. However, excess weight amplifies the appearance of cellulite in most cellulite-prone people.

Cellulite is thought to be a “multi-factorial” condition. Factors that contribute to the development of cellulite include:

  • Female hormones, especially estrogen
  • Collagen fiber break-down (as occurs with age and nutrient deficiencies)
  • Poor venous and lymphatic circulation
  • Overweight

Although believed by many to be largely a cosmetic problem, cellulite tissue often feels heavy or tight and is often tender when massaged. (NOTE: DO NOT confuse this with “cellulitis,” a serious inflammation or infection of connective tissue. There is no underlying infection in cellulite).

Books and tabloid articles have been written about “cellulite cures” and diet changes, although there is little substantiation for this in the medical literature
apart from overall weight loss.

Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Maintain a normal weight. Excess body fat alone does not cause cellulite, but it does increase estrogen levels. Excess body fat typically makes
    cellulite more noticeable. For weight loss help, try The Super Fast Diet.
  • Exercise: regular aerobic exercise with weight training for specific problem areas may be helpful. Exercise is known to improve estrogen balance and assist with weight (fat) loss. Spot exercises for lifting the glutes (butt) and hips may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on thighs.
  • Massage: daily self-massage of cellulite tissue, using the hands with a “kneading” motion. Massage helps break up the problematic connective tissue and improve venous and lymphatic circulation. Special percussion massage therapy may be particularly helpful.

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants & bioflavonoids are particularly important for strengthening blood vessels, reducing inflammation and decreasing free radicals. Vitamin C is crucial to collagen formation.

Additional Support (Internal)

  • Maxi Flavones:1 cap, 1-2 times per day with meals. High potency antioxidant / flavonoid herbs to strengthen blood vessels, decrease inflammation and improve liver function (which in turn helps hormone balance).
  • Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): 4-5 caps per day with meals. CLA has been shown to decrease body fat, increase lean muscle tissue   and assist  with cellulite improvement.
  • Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 90 mg triterpenes per day)
  • Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose:30- 60mg escin per day).

Additional Support (Topical)

Topical preparations containing caffeine, xanthines and related thermogenic substances, and glycyrrhetinic acid (from licorice) may have benefit.

Tests

Males with cellulite should have a male hormone profile test performed. When seen in men, cellulite is highly suggestive of a male hormone deficiency and/or an excess of estrogens.

References

1.) Querleux B, Cornillon C, Jolivet O, Bittoun J. Anatomy and physiology of subcutaneous adipose tissue by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy: relationships with sex and
presence of cellulite. Skin Res Technol. 2002 May;8(2):118-24.
2.) Rosenbaum M, Prieto V, Hellmer J, Boschmann M, Krueger J, Leibel RL, Ship AG. An exploratory investigation of the morphology and biochemistry of cellulite. Plast Reconstr Surg.
1998 Jun;101(7):1934-9.
3.) Piérard GE, Nizet JL, Piérard-Franchimont C. Cellulite: from standing fat herniation to hypodermal stretch marks. Am J Dermatopathol. 2000 Feb;22(1):34-7.
4.) Mirrashed F, Sharp JC, Krause V, Morgan J, Tomanek B. Pilot study of dermal and subcutaneous fat structures by MRI in individuals who differ in gender, BMI, and cellulite grading. Skin Res Technol. 2004 Aug;10(3):161-8.
5.) Pavicic T, Borelli C, Korting HC. Cellulite–the greatest skin problem in healthy people? An approach. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006 Oct;4(10):861-70.
6.) Quatresooz P, Xhauflaire-Uhoda E, Piérard-Franchimont C, Piérard GE. Cellulite histopathology and related mechanobiology. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):207-10.
7.) Piérard GE. Commentary on cellulite: skin mechanobiology and the waist-to-hip ratio.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005 Sep;4(3):151-2.
8.) Rotunda AM, Avram MM, Avram AS.Cellulite: Is there a role for injectables? J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005 Dec;7(3-4):147-54.
9.) A. V. Rawlings. Cellulite and its treatment. Int J. of Cosmetic Science. 2006 Feb; 28(3):175-190.
10.) Velasco M.V.,Tano C.T.,Machado-Santelli G., Consiglieri V.O., et al. Effects of caffeine and siloxanetriol alginate caffeine, as anticellulite agents, on fatty tissue: histological evaluation.
J. Cosmetic Derm. 2008 Jan; 7(1):23-29.
11.) Lupi O., Semenovitch I., Treu C., Bottino D., Bouskela E. Evaluation of the effects of caffeine in the microcirculation and edema on thighs and buttocks using the orthogonal polarization
spectral imaging and clinical parameters. J. Cosmetic Derm. 2007 May; 6(2): 102-107.
12.) Smalls LK, Hicks M, Passeretti D, Gersin K, Kitzmiller WJ, Bakhsh A, Wickett RR, Whitestone J, Visscher MO. Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lypodystrophy.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006
Aug;118(2):510-6.
13.) Distante F, Bacci PA, Carrera M. Efficacy of a multifunctional plant complex in the treatment of the so-called ‘cellulite’: clinical and instrumental evaluation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):191-206.
14.) Rona C, Carrera M, Berardesca E.Testing anticellulite products.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):169-73.
15.) Armanini D, Nacamulli D, Francini-Pesenti F, Battagin G, Ragazzi E, Fiore C. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application. Steroids. 2005 Jul;70(8):538-42.

Children’s Basic Nutrients

Kids Need Great Supplements Too!

Thorne Children's Basic NutrientsOptimal nutrition is even more important for children because growing bodies depend on vitamins and minerals normal development. Children soak up nutrients like sponges! However, the majority of children’s multiple vitamin-mineral supplements contain sugar and/or cheap, poorly-absorbed nutrients, tablet binders, and excipients. Children’s Basic Nutrients contains the finest, most bioavailable nutrients, in a small, easy-to-swallow, kid-size capsule. The two-part gelatin capsule may also be taken apart and the contents emptied into food or liquid. This formula is for children age four and older.

Dosage: 1 to 2 capsules three times daily.

Six Small Capsules Contain:
Vitamin B12…. 135.0mcg
Folate…. 240.0mcg
Pantothenic Acid…. 124.0mg
Calcium…. 90.0mg
Iron…. 4.5mg
Iodine…. 67.5mg
Vitamin B6…. 3.0mg
Magnesium…. 85.0mg
Vitamin D…. 120.0I.U.
Zinc…. 4.5mg
Selenium…. 60.0mcg
Copper…. 0.45mg
Manganese…. 1.8mg
Chromium…. 60.0mcg
Molybdenum…. 30.0mcg
Thiamine…. 12.0mg
Vitamin A…. 4500.0I.U.
Vitamin E…. 120.0I.U.
Riboflavin…. 3.3mg
Potassium…. 27.0mg
Boron…. 0.9mg
Choline Citrate…. 30.0mg
Vanadium…. 30.0mcg
Vitamin B3…. 49.0mg
Vitamin C…. 250.0mg
Vitamin K…. 30.0mcg
Biotin…. 120.0mcg

Chlorophyll (water soluble)

For Intestinal Detoxification

Chlorophyll is a water-soluble substance derived from plants. It acts as a natural detoxifier.

We no longer carry pure chlorophyll (Inner Fresh Pro) but instead recommend Maxi Greens or Greens First as a way to obtain full-spectrum chlorophyll and other plant phytonutrients.

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Natural Treatment And Support Strategies

High cholesterol levels (above 200mg/dl) are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, and atherosclerosis is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and other circulatory disorders. Fortunately, since most cases of high cholesterol are caused by diet and lifestyle, they can be reversed by self-care measures. If cholesterol levels do not improve in 12 weeks of self-care, consult an holistic physician for further guidance.

It is also important to note that cardiovascular disease can occur in people with normal cholesterol levels. In fact, half of the people who have a heart attack have a cholesterol level under 200. Total cholesterol levels are important, but they are far from being the entire story of what causes atherosclerosis and heart disease. Other risk factors, such as elevated homocysteine and CReactive Protein (hs-CRP), are independent risk factors. To truly determine your risk for heart disease, consult a holistic physician who can evaluate each of your risk factors, not just cholesterol. Many people with cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dl still suffer heart attacks and stroke.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Maintain a normal body weight.
  • Eat “Super Foods,” especially garlic and soy products. Fiber in food and/or supplements helps bind cholesterol and carry it out of the body. Be sure your diet is high in fiber.
  • Engage in regular aerobic exercise.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily. Water detoxifies the liver, which is the organ responsible for managing cholesterol in the body.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This daily “multiple” contains high potency antioxidants. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants (ACES), calcium, magnesium, selenium, chromium, bioflavonoids and B complex vitamins are particularly important for normal cholesterol levels.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids:
     Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
    OR
    Flax seed capsules    : 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
    OR
    Flax seed oil    : 1 tablespoon per day
    OR
    Max EPA     (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
  • CoQ10 (50-100mg): 1 cap, 2-3 times per day with meals (target dose range: 150-400mg per day).
  • Flush-Free Niacin: Begin with 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. After two weeks, increase dose to 2 caps, 3 times per day or as directed by a physician (target dose range: 1,500-3,000mg per day). Liver enzymes should be monitored by a physician every 3 months for the first six months of treatment. [NOTE: In the Coronary Drug Project Study, niacin was compared to cholesterol-lowering drugs. It was found that niacin was the ONLY “drug” that lowered mortality. It compared favorably to cholesterol-lowering drugs in effect but with a much better safety profile.]
    AND/OR
  • Red Rice Yeast (600mg): 2 caps, 2 times per day with meals (target dose: minimum 2,000mg per day).

Take Red Rice Yeast in addition to niacin if 8 weeks of niacin therapy does not lower cholesterol to <220mg/dl cholesterol. Take instead of niacin if niacin is not well tolerated.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

  • Oral ChelatoRx: 4 capsules, 2 times per day between meals. This formula contains garlic, gugulipid, EDTA (chelating agent), chlorella, magnesium, potassium, and more. It is a comprehensive formula for lowering cholesterol levels and clearing the arteries.
  • Garlic (Garlitrin): 1 tab per day (target dose: minimum 4,000 allicin per day).

TESTS

  • Thyroid function tests should be performed to rule out low thyroid function. These are conventional medical tests that most medical doctors will order as part of a physical. (It should be included in a physical work-up for high cholesterol). Conventional doctors usually only do a TSH test for screening, but T3 and T4 should also be evaluated.

Dr. MYATT’S COMMENTS

  • If you are overweight, a ketogenic diet, particularly The Super Fast Diet, will help you easily lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and correct high blood sugar levels if they exist.
  • There are so many natural treatments for high cholesterol, and cholesterol-lowering drugs have so many negative side effects, that it is worthwhile to work with an holistic physician if your self-help measures fail to improve cholesterol levels in three to six months.
  • Be SURE to supplement CoQ10 if you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) or Red Rice Yeast, as these drugs deplete CoQ10. Adequate CoQ10 levels are necessary for normal heart function.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS/CVFS)

Natural Support Strategies For This Debilitating Condition

There are many causes of chronic fatigue. Low thyroid function, low adrenal gland function, anemia, diabetes, food allergies, chronic candida infection, blood pressure abnormalities, and low blood sugar are just a few of the many possibilities. For this reason, it is important to consult a physician for diagnosis.

One cause of chronic fatigue is associated with several known viruses. Chronic fatigue of viral origin is now known as Chronic Viral Fatigue Syndrome (CVFS). Symptoms include recurrent sore throats, low grade fever, headache, lymph node enlargement, muscle and joint aches, intestinal discomfort, mood disorder and lack of concentration. The following recommendations apply to chronic fatigue of viral origin:

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Do not smoke. Smoking suppresses the immune system.
  • Avoid simple sugars, alcohol, caffeine and food allergens. Eat “Super Foods” plentifully, especially garlic.
  • Exercise. Moderate exercise stimulates immune function.
  • Practice stress reduction techniques. Excess stress response lowers immune function and makes a person more susceptible to viral infection.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This daily “multiple” contains high potency antioxidants. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, magnesium & B complex vitamins are particularly important.
  • Dr. Myatt’s Immune Boost: 1/2 – 1 tsp., 2-3 times per day between meals.
    AND/OR
  • Immune Support: 2 caps, 2-3 times per day between meals.
  • Co Q10 (50mg): 1 capsule, 2-3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 100-200mg per day).
  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum) (300mg): 1 cap, 3 times per day between meals. (Target dose: 900mg per day) Although best know for it’s mood effects, hypericum is also a potent anti-viral agent.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT (Use any or all of the following)

Digestion, liver, large intestine (colon), and immune system are likely imbalanced organ systems that should be looked at. Be sure to take the “Lifestyle” questionnaire, found on page 2 of the Holistic Health Handbook. Imbalances in diet and insufficient exercise contribute to lowered immune function.

DR. MYATT’S COMMENTS
It is important to consult a physician for diagnosis of chronic fatigue. Do NOT assume that your fatigue is due to a virus until other causes have been eliminated. These “other causes” include thyroid imbalance, sex hormone imbalance, nutritional deficiency, blood sugar problems (too high or too low), blood pressure abnormalities, emotional stress, over or under exercise, or lack of sleep to name just a few.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

The Fat that Makes You Thin

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a naturally-occurring component in beef and milk. CLA has been shown to decrease body fat while increasing lean muscle tissue. Hence, it is useful for both weight loss and weight gain (muscle gaining) programs. Studies also show that CLA improves immunity and helps prevent atherosclerosis and breast cancer.

From Medscape

“May 28, 2004 — Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation reduced body fat mass (BFM) in healthy, overweight adults, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind trial published in the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Dr. Myatt’s comment: Use CLA for both weight loss and weight gain diets to preserve and increase lean muscle mass.

Suggested dose:
4-5 caps (1,000mg) per day. (Target dose: 4,000 to 5,000 mg per day)

COLDS AND FLU

Natural Support For These Common Afflictions

Colds and flu are caused by one of over a hundred different strains of viruses. Vaccinations for cold and flu are sometimes useful in people with weak immune systems, but vaccinations alone do not offer complete protection due to the many strains of viruses that cause colds and flu.
Symptoms of common cold include nasal discharge with sneezing and sore throat, usually without fever. Flu is characterized by fever, cough, headache, malaise and cold symptoms.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

  • Have light broths and soups only during acute phase. Avoid fruit juice and all sugars (Sugar suppresses the immune system).
  • Drink 64 ounces of pure water or herb teas daily, more if fever is present.
  • Bed rest is important.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For nasal congestion:

Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin)

Enzyme and Hormone Activator

Coleus Forskohlii, a member of the mint family, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, being applied to a variety of conditions including hypertension, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, congestive heart failure, and angina. The beneficial effects of this herb have been well-researched in both animal and human clinical studies. It acts by increasing levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. This cAMP activates many other enzymes which are involved in diverse cell functions. Some of the effects that have been observed and studied include:

A powerful anti-spasmodic action on smooth muscle. This makes it useful for the relief of intestinal colic, uterine cramps, painful (cramping) urination, angina and hypertension. This antispasmodic effect also relaxes airways, resulting in bronchodilation, decreased airway resistance, and increased vital capacity and forced expiratory volume of the lungs, making it a very useful treatment for asthma and allergies.

Increased contractility of the heart muscle, which makes it valuable in the treatment of congestive heart failure, while at the same time it lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries.

Increased cerebral (brain) blood flow. This indicates that it may be helpful in improving post-stroke recovery.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation (blood clotting) also adds to its value in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders.

It is felt that the cAMP elevating effects of forskolin may result in an improvement in glaucoma and conditions of  increased intraocular pressure.

Symptoms of psoriasis have been improved through the use of forskolin, thought to be due to an improvement in the cAMP/cGMP ratio.

Depression may also be responsive to the effects of forskolin through it’s action of increasing cAMP and inhibiting phosphodiesterase. Researchers stopped short of recommending forskolin for the treatment of depression, but did state that “elevated brain cAMP levels are closely linked to antidepressant activity…”

Scientists at the Penn State University College of Medicine found significant weight loss and reduction of blood pressure levels in subjects of a recent study, indicating that forskolin may be a useful and safe herb for those seeking to lose weight.

Related to the above is the effect that forskolin has on the thyroid: it serves to increase thyroid hormone production and stimulates thyroid hormone release. This mechanism may be one way in which forskolin promotes a normal body weight. It’s effects in normalizing thyroid function may also contribute the antidepressant effects seen with forskolin use.

Scientists at Brown University have suggested that forskolin may have a place in the prevention of tumor metastasis due to its effect as a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and inhibition of tumor colonization.

Finally, forskolin has been shown to enhance and boost the immune system by activating macrophages and lymphocytes which are valuable tools in the body’s battle against infection.

Suggested dose: 1-3 capsules per day. (Target: 10-30 mg forskolin per day)

Constipation

Natural Help For This Distressing Problem

Constipation can include any of the following: difficulty passing stool, incomplete passage of stool or less than one bowel movement per day. Even with daily bowel movements, the bowels may still be toxic. Since the bowels eliminate toxins and waste products, and it is important for good health to maintain regular bowel movements.

Diet And Lifestyle

  • Eat a diet high in fiber (Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes). Use a fiber supplement if necessary. (See “Primary Support,” below).
  • Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily (simple dehydration is a common cause of constipation).
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise stimulates normal propulsive movements of the colon.
  • Do not suppress the urge to have a bowel movement.
  • Avoid prolonged use of irritant laxatives. They can cause dependence. Natural laxatives improve peristaltic action and do not cause dependence when used correctly.

Primary Support

  • Fiber: Maxi Fiber, 1 teaspoon, 2-3 times per day, OR Fiber Formula: 12 caps per day.
  • Similase digestive aid, 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals.
  • 3-A Magnesia: 6 tablets at bedtime. May use up to 12 tabs as needed. This is NOT a stimulant laxative and does not encourage dependence.

Additional Support

  • Vitamin C: (for “quick action”) High doses of vitamin C will effectively loosen the bowels. The “bowel tolerance” dose is different for every individual. Begin with 1-6 tsps. of Buffered Vitamin C powder taken in water or juice. Take an additional 1,000 mg every two hours until bowel movements are initiated. The following day, decrease the total dose by 1,000mg total. Continue for three days.
  • For chronic constipation, follow the Health Priority Protocol for a Healthy Colon, found on page 9 of the Holistic Health Handbook.
  • Support any organ system that scored “high” on the self-appraisal questionnaire. Digestive function & liver are likely imbalances. Also take the “Lifestyle” questionnaire, page 2 of the Holistic Health Handbook. Imbalances in diet and insufficient water or exercise contribute to constipation.

Dr. Myatt’s Comment

If your doctor tells you that less than one bowel movement per day is “normal,” consult an alternative medicine physician for further assistance. Constipation contributes to general physical toxicity due to the reabsorption of toxins into the bloodstream. The “old docs” used to say that “death begins in the colon.” If your self-help measures fail to bring relief in four weeks, get help. Good bowel eliminations are central to good health!