Detoxification Treatment Goals And Benefits

Homeopathy stimulates the body to “turn on” its own healing mechanisms in pursuit of restoring balance in body systems.

Toxic Terrain

Traditional medical training emphasizes patient assessment based upon signs and symptoms. Treatment is then aimed at the amelioration (improvement) of the symptomatology (symptom[s]). Homeopathic MedicineUnfortunately, like the allopathic (medical) approach, even alternative therapy sometimes does little more than suppress the ‘signals’ of the body.  Heavy nutritional dosing is acting at a pharmacological level (suppressing the symptoms) and may actually worsen the symptoms by driving the toxins deeper or by creating a ‘healing crisis’ which stresses an already stressed system. It is helpful to understand the underlying processes that bring about the body’s homeostatic regulatory actions (balancing actions). ‘Dis-ease’ is nothing more than the body’s homeostatic regulatory processes (balancing processes) at work. We must realize the disease process is a perfectly normal response to the internal environment of the body.

No matter what kind of testing is done, we must treat the process in a systematic way with goal-oriented metabolic shifts in mind.  Understanding ‘homotoxicological’ principles is valuable and describes the stages which the body’s homeostatic regulatory processes go through.

Humoral Level

Excretion Phase – This is the elimination phase in which the body, attempting to maintain homeostasis, will produce increased saliva and gastric juices, sweating, urination and increased bowel action to rid the body of toxins. Suggested treatment at this level would be a first aid symptomatic treatment approach consisting of nutritionals, botanicals and homeopathic combinations.

Reaction Phase – This is the acute phase in which there begins an energetic change when excretion is no longer possible. Endotoxins (produced internally through natural chemical reactions which leave toxic residues that are normally removed through body excretions) are being produced by the organism. The body then attempts to produce fever, inflammation, pain and pathological excretions:  vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharges, and supportive discharges.  Suggested treatment at this level would be nutritionals, botanicals, homeopathic combinations and liquescence nutritives.

Deposition Phase – There is now a definite ‘energetic’ change and early organ ‘biochemical’ changes. Deposition in the intercellular areas and organ system tissues are affected. Benign entities begin showing aberrant tissue and system function (deviation from normal); kidney stones, gallstones, lipomas (fatty tumors), and scarring.  These are the compensatory mechanisms of the body. Suggested treatment at this level would be nutritionals and alkalizers, botanicals, homeopathic combinations, liquescence nutritive and liquescence global drainers.

Cellular Level

Impregnation Phase – Deposition occurs at the cellular level and cellular function is immediately affected. Energy production and transport systems are now compromised. Compensatory mechanisms (ability to make up for the lack of proper function) now fail.  Symptoms such as extreme fatigue and susceptibility to other stressors as evident manifesting as allergies, myalgias and neuropathies are now manifesting. NOTE: In viral infections, this is the initial phase since the virus invades at the cellular level.  Suggested treatment at this level would be nutritionals, alkalizers and antioxidants, oligotherapies, botanicals, homeopathic liquescence specific and global drainers, nosodes and xenobiotics.

Degeneration Phase – Structural changes occur in the cells and are associated with abnormal organ function and structure such as cirrhosis, arthrosis (joint degeneration), atrophy (wasting of tissues), and sclerosing (hardening of tissues) often seen in chronic degenerative conditions. Suggested treatment at this level would be nutritionals, specialties and antioxidant, oligotherapies, botanical supportives and alteratives, homeopathic liquescence specific drainers, nosodes and xenobiotics.

Neoplasm Phase – Abnormal genetic imprinting and reproduction of the cell’s structures and functions are evident. Malignant growth is now being formed and ultimately cellular and organ death. Suggested treatment at this level would be nutritionals, specialties and antioxidants, degeneration protocols, oligotherapies, botanical supportives and alteratives, homeopathic liquescence specific drainers, nosodes and xenobiotics.

Detoxification Protocols

The ‘obstacle to cure’ must be removed. An example of this would be if your lawn shows rust coloration, the probability is that it has a fungus. Treating the lawn with an antifungal spray will kill the fungus, but if nothing is done to improve the drainage or alter the amount of water used, fungal growth will shortly reappear. So, if a person works in a dimly lit area and suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and nothing is done to change the lighting, then he/she may need the medication or remedy forever or the day will come when it no longer helps. Therefore, alteration of the life-style and surroundings becomes increasingly important. Reversal of the above-mentioned degenerative changes begins with a very specific protocol. We must reverse the trend and return along the same path, ‘regressive vicariation’, that follows Hering’s guidelines to cure.  Hering’s guidelines suggest that healing occurs from above-down, inside-out and from the most immediate to the past. This may explain why some people, when detoxifying, will remark they haven’t had these symptoms (i.e., headaches) in years. It also explains why they return to the compensatory symptoms seen earlier in the disease process. We may call this “Recompensation”. Unfortunately, these healings are fraught with misunderstandings on the part of the person. They may feel worse and discontinue therapy too early and misplace blame.

It must acknowledged how much vital energy the person has and what their recuperative abilities are. A ‘healing crisis’ or
‘aggravation’ is typically a ‘healing crisis’ for the person and an aggravation to the clinician. Minimizing these early symptoms by proper management may save later suppressive therapy just to deal with the unpleasant ‘aggravation’ symptomatology. An analogy is to think of the person as someone who wishes to work for food. If you work them in the weakened state, you may be disappointed in the speed and quality of the work. On the other hand, if you feed them first and build their strength, they will perform better. Persons with low vital energy or chronicity of the condition will need longer to introduce the remedies which will affect a healing response. To appropriately elicit a ‘reverse vicariation’, it is
suggested to open the excretory pathways for 10 days to 3 weeks before introducing a nosode or xenobiotic that may stress their system. Person with good vital energy and conditions of recent onset can typically withstand more stress that may be brought on by the introduction of a nosode, xenobiotic or a botanical. To do this, there are some specific products and protocols to use.  However to get the best results you must do the following:

  1. Remove The Obstacles:  First, define and understand the problem.  Identifying and removing the “stressors” gets rid of the body’s need to compensate and adapt.  Remember that “disease” is a normal state of the body in the pursuit of homeostasis.  This understanding allows proper recognition of the pathways and goals to be accomplished.  Whether it means removing a food from the diet or physically removing one from an environment, the trigger must be removed.
  2. Improve Respiration:  Cellular function depends on the import and export of ionic particles which are converted to intracellular structures and energy production.  The reduction of the acid load on the body is vital to normalize cellular respiration and enhance proper function.  You need to provide the body with a buffering system in a ratio (pH balancers) to maintain proper cell potentials.  Microminerals assist in this process as well as improving the body’s available oxygen via exercise or other means.  Ionized trace minerals are used for the removal of toxins from binding sites and cellular membrane exchanges.  Other ways to increase cellular respiration is to utilize exercise, stimulate the autonomic nervous system (massage, skin brushing and contrast water therapy not to mention mobilization and mild exercise) and use specific products to enhance O2 uptake and mitochondrial function such as cellular oxygenaters and metabolic and antioxidant complexes.
  3. Strengthen To Cleanse:  Detoxifying can be stressful and not tolerated well by everyone.  Many people’s systems are too toxic and they will likely discontinue the detoxification process prematurely due to an aggravation and worsening of symptoms.  The use of botanicals and phytonutrients to stimulate with glandulars to tonify as well as general nutrition in the form of multivitamins and multiminerals to support is suggested as it strengthens the body systems to the point of being able to tolerate the detoxification process.
  4. Toxin Excretion:  Drainage of the organs must be improved once cellular respiration and function is reestablished.  Excretion of toxins in the intercellular regions are done via the kidneys, liver, blood, lungs, lymph, skin, and digestive tract.  Assisting these excretory systems is important to assure non-reabsorption of the toxins.  Without drainage, toxins will often dislodge from their binding sites and reattach elsewhere causing either an aggravation or new disease process.  Low potency homeopathics are used to prepare the body for toxin excretion, provide pharmacological effect and energetic stimulation.  In weakened individuals, it is suggested to wait approximately 7-10 days before continuing to Step 5.  Steps 1 through 4 may be performed at the same time, depending on the tolerance of the individual.  Symptomatic treatment may also be administered at this time.
  5. Drawing Out Toxins:  The immune system must recognize the toxins for it to mobilize the body’s mechanisms to excrete them.  It has been said that homeopathy provides a blueprint to the body.  this recognition can be accomplished via the use of homeopathic nosodes and xenobiotics.
  6. Restrengthening:  Toxin excretion can be considered a trauma by the body and therefore free-radical scavenging occurs.  Non-acidic sources of antioxidants such as A, C, E, Selenium with a neutral pH is important to protect against free radical effects.  Broad nutritional support and botanical stimulation as well as general glandular tonification are suggested.  Autonomic stimulation such as massage, skin brushing and contrast water therapy not to mention mobilization and mild exercise programs should be performed to rehabilitate the nervous system.
  7. Restore Function:  Stimulating and regenerating the previously stress organ(s) is vital and is done by the gradual elimination of glandular support replacing it with continuation of the appropriate nutritive and botanical alternatives or depuratives (purification).  Supportive nutrition, sarcodes (homeopathic organotherapy) and botanical alternatives should be continued for several months to alter the terrain and structure the body.
  8. Reinnoculation:  reestablishing proper flora and terrain is suggested but should be gradually done to avoid pathongenecity (producing disease) and assist adaptation by the body.  Preparing the gut first via homeopathic remedies is advised and then introducing floras and enzymes is important.  Continuing specific organ support with general nutrition such multivitamins, multiminerals and antioxidants as well as glandular support (if still required) is further suggested.
  9. Constitutional Support:  With the “Obstacles To Cure” now out of the way, we can concentrate on treating that which originally predisposed us to illness and their individual symptom profile manifestation.  Botanical alternatives are used long term and classical homeopathy can be considered at this time as well as miasmic formulas.

Flaxseed Oil Health Benefits

Flaxseed Oil Facts

Flaxseed oil is the primary medicinal constituent of the flax plant, L. usitatissimum, which has been cultivated since at least 5,000 BC. Its medicinal properties were known to the Greek: Hipocrates recommended it for inflammation of the mucous membranes. In 18th-century France, Charlemagne passed laws requiring seeds to be consumed to keep his subjects healthy. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Wherever flaxseeds become a regular food item among the people, there will be better health.”*

Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is the most concentrated source of essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid. Essential fatty acids are fats which the body needs but is unable to make, so they must be obtained from the diet. We only need a small amount of this particular fat; about 2% of our body fat is made of alpha linolenic acid, but is absolutely essential. Without it, the membranes which surround and protect all the cells in all our body tissues will not function properly. Signs of deficiencies are apparent in skin and hair condition and brain function.*

Alpha linolenic acid is converted by the body into two other critical fatty acids, the omega-3’s: eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. These are found in abundance only in certain cold-water fish, such as salmon, thus linolenic acids are the only source of omega-3 fatty acids in vegetarian deits. DHA both inhibit the production in our body of damaging prostaglandins, powerful body regulators (xenohormones or xenobiotics). Prostaglandins are a group of naturally occurring, chemically related, long-chain hydroxyl fatty acids stimulating contractility of the uterine and other smooth muscles and have the ability to lower blood pressure, regulate acid secretion of the stomach, regulate body temperature and platelet aggregation, and control inflammation and vascular permeability; they also affect the action of certain hormones. First found in semen, prostaglandins have since been found in menstrual fluid and various tissues of many species and have been synthesized chemically. There are six types: A, B, C, D, E and F, the degree of saturation of the side chain of each being designated by subscripts 1, 2 and 3. The types of prostaglandin are abbreviated PGE, PGF2, and so on.* (14, 15)

In the rush to follow a low-fat diet, many people forget the critcal importance of getting enough essential fatty acids.*

Flaxseed Oil Reduces Heart Attacks

The alpha linolenic acid in flaxseed oil is the subject of intense investigation because of recent studies indicating it may dramatically reduce heart attacks and strokes. One impressive study recently conduct at Harvard University in 1996 showed that men aged 40 to 70 who consume more linolenic acids are less apt to die from heart disease or a heart attack than men who get less of the fatty acid in their diet. In fact, linolenic acid was the only protective factor identified in the study. The authors concluded, “The data…also supports a specific preventive effect of linolenic acid intake.” The study looked at the amount of linolenic acid already present in the diets of these men, showing a correlation between the fatty acid and heart health.* (1)

An astounding new study conducted on men who had survived a heart attack shows the direct benefits of supplementing with flaxseed oil. One half (the control group) were put on the standard American Health Association diet while the other half was supplemented with alpha linolenic acid. After two years, the men who did not supplement with additional flaxseed oil had five times the number of fatal heart attacks, three times the non-fatal heart attacks, and two and a half times the deaths from all causes as the men fortunate enough to receive supplementation. The results from this small study are so impressive that large-scale intervention trials on alpha linolenic supplementation are expected.* (2)

Reduces Strokes

Alpha linolenic acid may also reduce the risk of stroke. The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) found that men with blood level of alpha linolenic acid one standard deviation above normal had a 37% decrease in their risk of stroke. The authors concluded, “Our findings suggest that higher serum levels of the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic aid are independently associated with a lower risk of stroke in middle-age men at high risk for cardiovascular disease.” While not a supplementation study, this finding add to the evidence that alpha linolenic acid has a protective effect on atherosclerotic related conditions, especially since dietary intake of flaxseed oil raises blood levels. (3)

Reduces Blood Clotting

How does flaxseed oil help maintain normal artery and heart functioning? A key factor of both the development of atherosclerosis and the actual event of a heart attack or stroke is blood clotting. Flaxseed oil reduces the likelihood of blood clotting in several ways. First, it reduces a specific clotting system factor called plasma factor VII. The authors of a recent study hypothesized “high dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (especially alpha linolenic acid) may reduce the risk for CHD (coronary heart disease) by an improvement of a number of risk factors, including lowering the plasma factor VII (both activity and antigen).* (4)

Alpha linolenic acid also reduces the clumping together, or agglutination, of the body’s clotting cells, called platelets. When young men were given flaxseed oil, their platelets were less apt to clump together, an effect not found with supplementation with other oil. The researchers concluded, “This study provides further evidence that consumption of alpha linolenic acid-rich oils may offer protective effects against cardiovascular disease over linolenic acid-rich oils via their ability to decrease the tendency of platelets to aggregate.* (5, 6)

Effect on Blood Lipids

The effect of flaxseed oil on blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides is less clear, as there have been conflicting studies. Some studies show flaxseed (and other oil) supplementation lowers cholesterol. (7) Other studies have not confirmed this. (8) One study examined the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, a ratio considered to be indicative of heart attack risk than a simple cholesterol measurement. The researchers from the Framingham Study found that higher intake of alpha linolenic acid and other essential fatty acids reduced this ratio and therefore heart disease risk. (9) It also seems clear that large amounts of alpha linolenic acid lowers triglycerides in the blood, probably by creating DHA and EPA oils found in fish.*(10)

Immune System Functioning

Essential fatty acids are important for proper functioning of the immune system. One double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study found supplementing school children with a combination of alpha linolenic acid and another essential fatty acid reduced respiratory tract infections. Supplementing with the oil decreases the production of several problem-causing factors including cytokine production, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 1 beta synthesis. (11) Flaxseed oil also suppresses the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the delayed hypersensitivity response to recall antigens. (12) There may be other roles for flaxseed oil. Early studies indicate a possible role in migraine headache treatment. (13)

References

  1. Ascherio, A., Rimon, E.B.. et al. Dietary fat and risk of coronary heart disease in men: cohort follow up study in the United States. BMJ. 1996. July 13;313(7049):84-90
  2. Hartman, I.S.. alpha-Linolenic Acid: a preventive in secondary coronary events?. Nutr Rev. 1995. Jul;53(7):194-7
  3. Simon, J.A. Serium fatty acids and the risk of stroke.. Stroke. 1995. May;26(5);778-82
  4. Cigolini. M. et al. Plasma factor VII and its relation to adipose tissue fatty acids and other atherogenic risk factors in health men. Eur J Clin Invest. 1996. Mar;26(3):247-53
  5. Mutanen, M. Freese R. Polyunsaturated fatty acids and platelet aggregation.. Curr Opin Lipidol. 1996. Feb;7(1):14-9
  6. Allman, M.A. Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflower seed oil in healthy young men consuming a lot fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function.. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995. Mar;49(3):169-78
  7. Chan, J.K., et al. Dietary alpha-linolenic acid is as effective as oleic acid and linolenic acid in lowering blood cholesterol in normolipidemic men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991. May;53(5):1230-4
  8. Harris, W. S. n-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies.. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997. May;65(5 suppl): 1645S-1654
  9. Siguel, E. A new relationship between total/high density lipoprotein cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids.. Lipids. 1996. Mar;3131 Suppl: S51-6
  10. Caughey, G.E., et al. The effect on human tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta production on diets enriched in n-3 fatty acid from vegetable oil or fish oil. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996. Jan;63(1):116-22
  11. Kelley, D.X., et al. Dietary alpha-linolenic acid and immunocompetence in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991. Jan;53(1):40-6
  12. Wagner W, and Nootbaar-Wagner U. Prophylactic treatment of migrane with gamma-linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids. Cephalalgia. 1997. Apr;17(2):127-30

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Health Benefits Of Systemic Enzymes

No more “Shooting Rubber Bands” at the Moon

By Aftab J. Ahmed, Ph.D.
TOTAL HEALTH, Volume 22 Number 2


After many fits and starts, systemic enzymes have come into their own. A recent contribution to this publication bears testimony to the fact that multifarious health benefits of system enzymes have at long last begun to be better appreciated. (1) The insights garnered over many decades of work have finally yielded the conceptual scaffold which explicates, at least in cursory detail, the role of systemic enzymes in human health and disease.

List Of Digestive Enzymes
List Of Digestive Enzymes

 

The pedigree of research on systemic enzymes is just as longstanding as it is impressive, both in its reach and import. In its rudimentary forms, it dates back roughly 100 years. It is only relatively recently, however, the mode of action of systemic enzymes, from a clinical perspective, has been sufficiently elucidated to design molecular, pre-clinical and clinical studies for specific conditions.

Routinely, proteolytic enzymes from animal and plant sources, are used in combination. Whereas individual enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and papain, bromelain, pancreatin and others, have beneficial effects reported in the scientific literature, it is the combination of these enzymes that apparently confers synchrony, which makes them effective in a number of chronic, proliferative diseases. (for a detail review, see foot note 2) Thus their therapeutic effects in conditions such as arthritis and vascular health, as well as global effect on the immune system response, are rather well established. (3)

Of these, the immune system response to systemic enzyme therapy has been rather rigorously documented, especially if one takes the deleterious effects of inflammation into account. The immune system is one of the few most critical networks in the body and provides a powerful defense against intruding pathogens. What is less well fully appreciated, however, is the fact that it is also capable of bringing too much fire power to bear in clearing the infecting pathogens. In other words, the immune system could be likened to a high-wire act, either side of which spells serious health problems. Systemic enzymes provide one modality to keep the immune system in balance for most of the length of the wire.

Dysfunction of the immune system lies at the root of many an affliction. Thus immune system malfunction can precipitate autoimmune diseases, for example. The underlying phenomenon in autoimmunity is inflammation, which is a flare-up in protective defense launched by the immune system. Inasmuch as inflammation is a normal response, in disease it could trigger a cascade of reactions that progressively worsen the condition. Among its many manifestations, inflammation could increase the numbers of nonspecific circulating immune complexes, which can wreak havoc on the body. In addition, uncontrolled inflammation could increase fresh production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which further intensify this raging inferno. Furthermore, persistent inflammation increases the absolute numbers of the so-called cell adhesion molecules that not only facilitate the communication between the errant cells but could also potentially initiate malignancy. Systemic enzymes, by virtue of their proteolytic activity, cleave these various offending agents and help restore a measure of normalcy to the aberrant cellular milieu. In that, proteolytic enzymes function quite like molecular vacuum cleaners in ridding the blood of the metabolic flotsam and jetsam, fortify the immune system will simultaneously bring the inflammation under control.

Inflammatory response is implicated in a variety of tissues and organs including, but not limited to, heart, brain, kidney, large intestine, pancreas, thyroid gland, tongue, urethra, optic nerve and skin. In fact, immune system dysfunction – and, indeed, inflammation – is known to play a significant role in the onset of carcinogenesis. Inasmuch as cancer is a complex disease in which a wide variety of environmental, genetic, cellular, metabolic and physiological factors contribute, more or less concurrently, to what presents as cancer, it is the breakdown of the immune system that, in the first instance, sets the stage for carcinogenesis. Of late, cumulative evidence suggest that system enzymes potentially could be used as a preventive therapy for those at risk to cancer or it can be employed to postpone, at least for a time, the appearance of clinically discernible malignancy. It can hardly be overemphasized that predisposition to cancer – hereditary in particular, but sporadic no less – the genetic luck of the draw, for which no cure is yet in sight. That notwithstanding, clinical data demonstrate that systemic enzymes may well have the ability to mitigate the harsh side effects of radiation and chemotherapy (3 and citations therein). Multiple myeloma is one of the cancers in which systemic enzymes have been recognized to have a beneficial effect. A specific European preparation compromised of papain, chymotrypsin and trypsin, has been successfully used as an adjunct to radiation and chemotherapy in the clinical management of multiple myeloma. (A) This preparation not only lessens the intensity of the side effects but also reduces severity of the symptoms which concomitant increase in life span and improves the quality of life of patients and, necessarily, of their families.

What is multiple myeloma, and how do proteolytic enzymes complement radiation and chemotherapy? Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells that are a type of white blood cells which, upon transformation to malignancy, proliferate rapidly. (4) Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare type of cancer with an incidence of three-to-four individuals of every 100,000 people. More men than women are afflicted with multiple myeloma and its incidence rises with advancing age. Myeloma is an incurable malignancy and treatment regimen with alkylating agents and glucocorticoids merely relieve symptoms. (5) Clinically, multiple myeloma patients present themselves with diffuse osteoporosis, bone pain and pathologic fractures along with lesions in bone that result in loss of height. This is due to the fact that plasma cells, which are antibody-producing cells, accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to marrow failure and bone destruction. (6)

Plasma cell growth is controlled and regulated by a complex network of growth factors, bone microenvironment and cell surface molecules that establish exquisite communication among various cell types in the bone marrow. The most important growth factor is the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin {IL-}6, which is required for multiple myeloma cells. (7) It functions as a two-edge sword. It not only induces unbridled growth of plasma cells but it also fails to initiate their terminal differentiation. (8) In addition, multiple myeloma cells secrete another pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1-beta, which establishes a destructive cross talk with osteoclasts that are cell type responsible for bone breakdown. (6) Among other growth factors are interferon-gamma and tumor nectosis factor-alpha. By the same token cell adhesion molecules and other cell-surface antigens, are produced that allow the multiple myeloma cells to interact with the marrow microenvironment and thus complete the circle of this devastating process. (9)

The central role of IL-6 as a growth factor for multiple myeloma cells suggests that strategies to block its effect could provide therapeutic possibilities. (10) Conventionally, interferon-gamma has been used to inhibit the growth of multiple myeloma cells, at least in vitro. While a specific agent could be therapeutically designed to interfere with the action of IL-6, it is unlikely to help prevent the disease. Let alone cure it, since the growth of multiple myeloma critically depends on the support of the bone marrow microenvironment and one a defective anti-tumor immune response.

Systemic enzymes have been shown to down regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines while encouraging de novo induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferongamma. (11) To an extent, that could explain the beneficial effects of protolytic enzymes in the clinical management of multiple myeloma. Needless to say, it is unlikely that in frank carcinogensis, systemic enzymes either alone or in conjunction with a standard therapy, would be able to arrest growth of a disease. Nonetheless, inclusion of systemic enzymes in standard therapies, such as VMCP and MOCCA, (B) decrease the amounts of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its receptors, which bespeaks their beneficial role. Hence the use of systemic enzymes as an adjuvant therapy in the management of multiple myeloma has considerable potential in both minimizing the side effect of chemotherapy and improving patients’ quality of life and, in some cases, even increasing survival rate.

The availability of the European systemic enzymes preparation in the United States is contingent upon the results of a Phase III clinical trail. A multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trail is scheduled to begin in the United states in January of 2001, as the FDA reviews the trial protocol and makes a determination to accord the enzyme preparation and “orphan drug” status (FDA approval is now in place – see note at bottom of this page). (C) Status as an orphan drug in the clinical management of multiple myeloma will likely be the first step in the use of systemic enzymes as an adjunct to therapy for various types of cancer. It may even set the stage to evaluate more critically their potential in the management of other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions, neurodegeneration and other age-related diseases that arise because of compromised housekeep cellular functions with aging. This is largely due to the relative preponderance of proteolytic enzymes in the human body and ease of replenishment by oral administration, as much as the maintenance of supra-physiological homeostasis in the body. (12) Just a often as not, clinical management of chronic diseases may be akin to “shooting rubber bands” at the moon. Put differently, given the odds, cancer management may appear as a self-fulfilling prophecy. Since ever-lasting numbers of American as actively seeking out alternative therapeutic modalities, a reasonable combination of nutritive and pharmaceuticals may actually be shown to benefit the patients. The clinical trial to secure an orphan drug status for systemic enzyme is one such avenue that, if found efficacious, will ease the trauma of and devastation wreaked by cancer and, in due course, may not be as futile as shooting rubber bands at the moon.

Footnotes:

  • A. the enzyme preparation being referred is WOBE-MUGOS, a product of MUCOS Pharma, Germany. Composed of papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin, WOBE-MUGOS satisfies the stipulations of the German Dundes Gesundheitsamt and the USP XXI. WOBE_MUGOS remains active over a broad range of acidic and alkaline conditions [102].
  • B. After the diagnosis, multiple myeloma patients are first treated with melphalan and prednisone to relive pain, decrease the number of plasma cells in the bone marrow, and support renal function. Secondary therapies include treatment with interferon-gamma, high-dose dexamethosone and multidrug regimen such as VMCP (vinscristin, melphalan, cyclophosphamaide and prednisone) and MOCCA (methylprednisone, vincristiin, cyclophosphamide, melphalan and CCNU. Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, patients may also be put on ancillary regimen, including bisphosphonates, erythropoietin and acute hypercalcemia therapy.
  • C. Marlyn Nutraceuticals, Inc., based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the applicant for orphan drug status for WOBE-MUGOS in the United States. In collaboration with its corporate partner MUCOS Pharma, it is sponsoring the Phase III clinical trial in the United States, which is anticipated to pave the way for WOBE-MUGOS to obtain orphan drug status by the FDA.

References:

  1. Kidd, P. “The Gonzales-Issacs Program,” totalhealth (2000), vol 22. pp. 19-21
  2. Klaschka, R. “New Perspectives in Tumor Therapy.” Forum-Medizin Verlagsgesellschaft mbH,, Graefelfing, Germany (1996)
  3. Wrba, H. and Pecheer, O. “Enzymes: A Drug of the Future,” EcoMed Verlagsgesellschaft, Landsberg/Lech, Germany (1997)
  4. Hallek, M., Bergsagel, P. and Anderson, K. “Multiple Myeloma: Increasing Evidence for a Multistep Transformation Process,” Blood (1998). Vol. 91 pp. 3-21
  5. Bataille, R., and Harousseau, J. L. “Multiple Myeloma,” N. Engl. J. Med. (1997). Vol. 336 pp. 1657-61
  6. Batille, R., Chappard, D., Marcelli, C., Dessauw, P., Balder, P., Sany, J. and Anexander C. “Recruitment of New Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts in the Earliest Critical Event in the Pathogenesis of Human Multiple Myeloma.” J. Clin. Invest. (1991). Vol. 88 pp. 62-9
  7. Caligaris-Cappio, F., Gregoretti, M., Ghia, P. and Bergui, L. “in vitro Growth of Human Multiple Myeloma: Implications for Biology and Therapy,” Hematl. Oncol. Clin. North Am. (1992). Vol 6 pp. 257-65
  8. Chauhan, D., Kharbanda, S., Ogata, A., Urashima. M., Teoh, G., Robertson, M., Kufe, D. and Anderson, K. “Interleukin-6 Inhibits Fas-Induced Apoptosis and SAP Kinase Activation in Multiple Myeloma Cells,” Blood (1997). Vol. 89 pp 227-31
  9. Filella, X., Blade, J., Guillermo, A., Molina, R., Rozman, C. and Ballesta, A. “Cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1-alpha) and soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor as Serum Tumor Markers in Multiple Myeloma,” Cancer Detect. (1996) Vol. 20 pp 52-9
  10. Cheson, B. “Treatment Strategies for Multiple Myeloma,” ASCO Education Book (Spring 1997). P 115
  11. Sakalova, A., Dedik, L., Bazova, S., Hanisch, J. and Schiess, W. “Survival Analysis of an Adjuvant Therapy with Oral Enzymes in Multiple Myeloma Patients,” Br. J. Hematol. (1998). Vol 102 pp. 353-6
  12. Ahmed, A., “Metabolic Networks, Homeostasis, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Strategies,” in press. J. Theo. Biol. (2000)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.

The following note was found on The Cancer Cure Foundation website – “FDA Grants Orphan Drug Status To Wobe-Mugos For Multiple Myeloma

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — August 10, 2000 — The FDA has approved the Orphan Drug application of Wobe-Mugos as an adjunct therapy for multiple myeloma. Wobe-Mugos is a combination of systemic enzymes, used successfully in Europe in conjunction with chemotherapy since 1977.

Numerous clinical trials have proven its efficacy in reducing the severity of symptoms, extending life span and improving the quality of life of multiple myeloma patients.

The orphan drug application was filed by Marlyn Nutraceuticals of Scottsdale, AZ. The company conducts extensive in-house research and also collaborates with numerous leading research institutions around the world to develop safe, effective and wholesome solutions to healthcare problems.

Each year, roughly 13,000 Americans develop multiple myeloma, an incurable form of cancer. The disease is characterized by the spread of cancerous B-Lymphocytes, the antibody-producing cells of the body. There is no cure. Currently, the only treatment is chemotherapy, and in some cases, bone marrow transplant.

Garlic: What Are Its Health Benefits?

Garlic Health Is In The Smell

Garlic contains several substances that when mixed together correctly form a powerful healing compound call allicin. Not only does allicin have therapeutic value, it is also the substance in garlic that is responsible for the smell and flavor – it’s made out of sulfur. Very freshly sliced garlic has no odor because the allicin has not yet been formed. Only when it’s two precursors, the amino acid “allin” and the enzyme “allinase”, combine through contact after crushing or chewing does allicin appear. The reason that very old or well-cooked garlic has no flavor, and hence no allicin, is because the compound is also very volatile – heat and oxygen destroy it. Thus, proper processing is critical in the production of a garlic supplement.

Ally against Infections

Garlic BenefitsThe most ancient use of garlic is as an antibiotic, and certain components of garlic have been synthesized and used in China against bacteria and fungus infections since 1981. While there has been surprisingly little research into whether taking garlic protects against infection, ample evidence shows that garlic destroys pathogen of all kinds. In the laboratory, garlic destroys Heliobacter pylori, the bacteria indicted in stomach ulcers and stomach cancer, a dangerous new form of e.coli 0157:H7, Shigella (species of bacteria that cause digestive upset ranging from mild to severe diarrhea), and staphylococcus (1, 2, 3). Fungus infections such as candida, and the Giardia protozoa, also succumb to garlic (4). The potent bulb may also be effective against viruses ranging from the common cold to herpes (5, 6). In an age when current pharmaceutical antibiotics are losing their effectiveness or inducing resistance, garlic holds great promise. In certain cases, it is more effective than traditional antibiotics such as tetracycline.

Antioxidant for Anti-Aging

Garlic is a powerful protector against damage from free-radicals – the highly unstable oxygen molecules that damage (or oxidize) body tissue and blood fats and may be responsible for many effects of aging (11). Japanese research on a strain of animals which age prematurely shows that garlic extracts actually improved learning, cured memory problems, and prevented the brain atrophy expected in the animals. (12)

Cancer Fighter

Garlic by itself can neither prevent nor cure cancer. However, studies have shown that certain sulfur compounds found in garlic can help to prevent specialized tissues and cells from undergoing initial undifferentiation (13, 14). Other studies have shown that garlic can also help cells, which have recently lost their identity and become cancerous, to regain their original form and function. The types of cancer where garlic hold the greatest promise include those of the stomach, breast, prostate, colon and skin (14, 15, 16, 17, 18 19).

Clotting Reducer

Garlic is a potent inhibitor of blood clotting. Among those who suffer from clogged arteries, blood clots can pose a particular threat, since they can shut off blood to the heart, causing a heart attack, or to the brain, resulting in a stroke (22, 23, 24, 25).

Cholesterol Leveler

Garlic and garlic supplements also have been proven to lower cholesterol levels as much as 14%, which by itself is associated with a lowered risk of heart and vascular system diseases (20). Garlic has also been shown to inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation, a key step in the process of cholesterol deposition into the artery wall. Thus, it keeps the arterial walls free of plaque and reduces the risk of constricted blood flow and medical conditions, including peripheral arterial disease and heart attacks (21). Garlic also lowers elevated levels of other blood fats, known as triglycerides, associated with heart disease.

Protection Against Toxins

Garlic also helps protect the body against a wide variety of toxins. It makes liver cells more effective at disarming poisons ranging from arsenic (7) to Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose (8). Experiments have found that adding fried garlic to animals’ feed protect them from mutagens (9) and even from radiation (10).

Promise for Diabetics

Some evidence shows that garlic may be of benefit to diabetics. In animal studies, garlic supplementation helped control diabetes almost as much as insulin or oral diabetes drugs, and it stimulated the release of insulin (26).


References:

  1. Sivam, G.D. et al. Heliobacter pylori-in vitro Susceptibility to Garlic Extract. Nut Canc 1997 27(2):118-21
  2. Choudhurry, A.R. et al. Efficacy of aqueous extract of garlic and allicin in experimental shigellosis in rabbits. Indian J Med Res 1991. Jan 93:33-6
  3. Shashikanth, K.N. et al. A comparative Study of Raw Garlic Extract and Tetracycline on Caecal Microflora and Serum Protein of albino Rats. Folia Microbiol (Phaha) 1984, 29(4):348-52
  4. Yoshida, S. et al. antifungal Activity of Ajoene Derived From Garlic Apt. Envir. Microbiol. 1987, Mar 53(3):615-7
  5. 5. Esanu, V. Recent Advances in the chemotherapy of Herpes Virus Infections. Biologie 1981, Jan-Mar 32(1):57-77
  6. Weber, N.D. et al. In Vitro Virucidal Effects of Allium Sativum (garlic) Extract and compounds. Planta Med 1992. Oct 58(5):417-23
  7. Choudhurry, A.R. et al. Inhibition of Clastogenic Effects of Arsenic Through Continued Oral Administration of Garlic Extract in Mice in Vivo. Mutat Res 1997, Aug 14:392(3):237-42
  8. Hu J.J. Protective Effects of Diallyl Sulfide on Acetaminophen Induced Toxicities. Food Chem Toxicol 1996, Oct 34(10):963-9
  9. Olasa K., et al. Reduction of Urinary Mutagen Excretion in Rats Fed Garlic. Cancer Lett 1997 Mar 19, 114(1-2); 195-6
  10. Jaiswal, S.K. and a Bordia. Radioprotective Effect of Garlic Allium Sativum Linn. In albino Rats. Ind J Med Sci 1996, Jul 59(7):231-3
  11. Prasad, K. Evaluation of Hydroxyl Radical Scavenging Property of Garlic. Mol Cell Biochem 1996, Jan 12 154(10):55-63
  12. Moriguchi, T et al. Anti-aging Effect of Aged Garlic Extract in the Inbred Brain Atrophy Mouse Model. Clin Exper Pharmacol Physiol 1997, Mar-Apr 24(3-4):235-42
  13. Milver, J.A. Garlic: It’s Anticarcinogenic and Antitumorogenic Properties. Nut Rev 1996, Nov 54 (11 Pt 2):582-6
  14. Lea, M.A. Organosulfur compounds and Cancer. Ad Exp Med Biol 1996. 401:147-54
  15. Ip c. et al. Potential of Food Modification in Cancer Prevention. Cancer Res 1994, Ap 1:54(7 sup):1957s-1959
  16. Dorant, E. et al. Garlic and its Significants for Preventing Cancer in Humans: A Critical view. Br J Cancer 1993, Mar 67(3):424-9
  17. Pinto, J.T. et al. Effects of Garlic Thioallyl Derivatives on Growth, glutathione concentration, and Polyamine Formation of Human Prostate Carcinoma Cells in Culture. Am j Clin Nut 1997, Aug 66(7):398-405
  18. Key, T. J. et al. a Case-controlled Study of diet and Prostate Cancer. Br J Cancer 1997. 76(5):678-87
  19. Witte, J.S. Relationship of Vegetables, Fruit, and Grain consumption to Colorectal Adenomatous Polyps. Am J Epidem 1996, Dec 1,144(11):1015-25
  20. Tonstad, S. Dietary Supplementation in treatment of Hyperlipidemia. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1991. Nov 20, 11(78):3378-400
  21. Adler, A.J. and B.J. Holub. Effect of Garlic and Fish Oil supplementation on Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Concentrations in Hypercholesterolemic Men. Am J Clin Nut 1997. Feb 65(2):445-50
  22. Beretz, A. Old and new Natural Products as Source of modern Antithrombotic Drugs. Planta med 1991, Oct 57(7):568-72
  23. Bordia, T. Effect of Garlic on Platelet Aggregation in Humans: A Study in Healthy Subject and Patients with coronary Artery Disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1996, Sept 55(3):201-5
  24. Agarwal, K.C. Therapeutic Actions of Garlic Constituents. Med Res Rev 1996, Jan 16(1):111-24
  25. Bordia, R. an Evaluation of Garlic and Onion as Antithrombotic Agents. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1996, Mar 54(3):183-6
  26. Augusti, K.T. and a. G. Sheela. Antiperoxide Effect of S-allyl cysteine Sulfoxide, an Insulin Secretagogue, in Diabetic Rats. Experientia 1996. Feb 15, 52(2):11520

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration

Hahnemann And Miasms Explained

What Are Miasms?

Miasms are disease-producing dynamic factors. They manifest in many ways from the subtle to the profound dependent upon individual genome (genetic) expression

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann
Dr. Samuel Hahnemann

Diagnosing and treating the acute disease is much easier than properly assessing chronic disease and selecting the appropriate approach. Often a true approach in chronic disease is missed and suppressive or palliative (serving to relieve without cure) treatment is rendered.

Present symptoms in a acute episode dictate the course of treatment, whereas in chronic disease these signs and symptoms may be subtle or even absent. Attempting to discern the factors that have significantly influenced the organism to arrive at this chronic stage requires an appreciation of the individual’s predisposition, susceptibility, and personal/familial history. Therefore, an understanding of the person as the whole with specific impact by the causative organism and the disease process is required.

Currently, we look at chronic disease with the same set of filters we have developed that assist us in dealing with acute disease. We must set aside these and develop a new set of perceptual filters to fully appreciate the chronic condition. Hahnemann was ahead of his time in his understanding the effect the ’cause of disease’ has in the process of chronic disease. He also placed a large value on the individual symptoms presented; therefore he had an appreciation for genetic expression decades before the gene was discovered. Hahnemann described the idea of needing to address the various layers when treating disease. Understanding this he then had a model to appreciate the impact of inherited weaknesses or susceptibilities. He would take accurate histories of symptoms whereupon he could account for those patients who state, “I have not been well since…” or “Just like my grandmother had…” Hahnemann become frustrated by choosing an appropriate remedy only to have the patient return later showing the need for the same remedy while their degenerative condition and life force continued to decline. By appreciating the layers of a disease as he did, he understood that in treating, one must pay attention to what which is acting as a blockage to cure.

Understanding this led Hahnemann to appreciate that in order to elicit a cure, one must address the cause not the symptom. He also theorized that illness is a destabilization of the life force from forces acting upon the weaknesses of the individual. Finally, the earlier the trauma or deeper the trauma, the more impact it has on the individual and his/her ability to return to health. Thus, time is considered to play a significant role. We have all learned to take thorough histories, but we ultimately, only treat the patient in the here-and-now with little emphasis on treating the cause; i.e., the ‘strep throat’ which may have caused the cascade of poor health and lowered the vitality of the individual, thus becoming more susceptible to subsequent traumas that he/she would otherwise have been able to deal with. Hahnemann is often thought of as a vitalist but he was more accurately a dynamist as demonstrated by the methodology. Paying attention to the vital force and the various factors that impacted the afflicted person, he formed the concept of inherited or acquired miasms.

There are three main causes of disease, which must be addressed to elicit a cure:

  • Acquired ‘susceptibility’ (requires use of nutrition to support the system)
  • Imbalance of one’s ‘constitution’ (requires miasm or singular formulations)
  • Effects of ‘specific’ or ‘abnormal’ stressors (requires use of xenobiotic, nosodes or isodes)

Types of Miasms

‘Miasms” are of two types:
First, the active or acute miasm is one that commences with an initial disease phase. It progresses through its disease process whereupon the individual either improves or dies.

There are two varieties of acute miasms:

  • The recurring acute miasm where there is a repetitive attack over time, e.g., asthma, diarrhea, fever, headache.
  • The non-recurring acute miasm where disorders only occur in a lifetime such as chickenpox, measles, mumps. All of these conditions have sequelae (condition resulting from the disease) and may be activated (latent miasm) by stressors. An example of this would be Chickenpox and Herpes Zoster. This could also be the “Strep throat” mentioned earlier or a “dental cavitation”. This concept in homeopathic thinking is mostly associated with the ‘Biological Terrain’. In homeopathic thought, it is one’s constitution that is of primary importance and secondarily the disease-causing organism.Microorganisms are opportunistic and will cause disease if the host’s constitution is weak. Antibiotics may be used to kill microorganisms, but the intrinsic disease factor may establish and linger. Some believe this may occur via gene alteration. In addition, the use of the antibiotic may also cause an additional component that may effect the individual’s constitution.

Second, the inherited or chronic miasm has a significant impact upon the susceptibility of the individual. These have been passed through the generations, perhaps via affecting the genome (genetic) of the original individual afflicted. A chronic miasm will establish its disease profile and continue without the dormancy of the active type of miasm. Obviously, it is this type of miasm that is more prone to create degenerative disease processes.

There are three varieties of chronic miasms:

  1. Psora (miasm of deficiency). Probably 80% of the population has a component of Psora affecting them. It chiefly affects the bowel and skin. It has been called the oldest of the miasms and therefore the deepest acting. Psora is an internal disorder that externalizes; e.g., asthmatics that suffer with eczema. There is a separation of ego and self and therefore many hysterias and manias have their origin here. They are often hypochondriacal and will present with different symptoms each time seen. Hypoactivity characterizes this individual in that they are anergic (sluggish) and the vital energy tends to underfunction and it fails to deal with invading pathogens. Psora types are timid, reserved, indifferent, intelligent, apprehensive, over-sensitive, restless, cold, easily fatigued or depressed, better by lying down or scratching, constantly hungry with a desire for hot foods, have an unkept appearance, dry itchy skin with burning sensations in the hands and feet. Symptoms will manifest more in the winter months. They will complain of digestive troubles, being cold, fears, defective bone development, poor self images, liver, lung, circulatory and heart problems, hyperactivity, allergies and often not finish what they start.
  2. Sycosis (miasm of excess) Conditions of excess such as drug abuse, alcoholism, greed, diabetes, and autoimmune responses all have ties to this miasm. The underlying cause has its roots from the gonorrheal organism. Growths capture how this miasm manifests itself, be it warts, condylomas (wart like growth usually seen near genitalia or anus), cysts, tumors or sclerosing of organs. This miasm covers all the “-osis” and “-itis” conditions. This type of patient will usually be well muscled in build and can suddenly die without any obvious signs or symptoms due to the suppressive nature of this miasm. Mentally, there is jealousy, selfishness, desiring of pleasure without thinking of consequence, exploitive, irritability, mistrustfulness, suspiciousness. There is desire of hot or cold foods, they have aversions to meats, tend to develop gray hair early and recover slowly. They tend to suffer from reproductive problems, peptic ulcers, colitis, warts, blood, kidney, liver, lung and heart valve problems. Complaints decrease when there is movement of fluids in the form of discharges that may be odorous.
  3. Syphilinum/Luetic (miasms of destruction) This miasm stems from a contagious and destructive organism which causes necrosis (death of areas of tissue or bone surrounded by health tissues), ulceration and breakdown of the immune system and tissue integrity. These patients will have difficulty following directions for cure due to their destructive behavior. Affliction of the brain, nervous system and bone are targeted by this miasm. Mentally, they are cold, ruthless and unfeeling, bear little conscience or regard for life, are spiteful, hateful, revengeful, cruel, jealous, destructive and sabotaging to relationships. Their skin can be sweaty and greasy often with an offensive smell. Alopecia (hair loss) is a common presentation of this miasm. Symptoms are often increased in the summer and winter and worse at night. They desire cold foods and are averse to meats.

Other Miasms


There are two varieties other varieties of chronic miasms:

  1. Tuberculinum This miasm was known as the “antipsora” until named and has characteristics of Psora and Syphilinum. They are frail individuals sensitive to the heat; however, they may often feel chilled. They will tire with excessive activity but feel better when moving about. They are sensitive to air pollution and barometric or atmospheric changes. There is mental restlessness and dissatisfaction in these individuals. They sense a need for change and alter their present status. They can quickly change from a good-tempered mindset to being disagreeable and angry. They desire seeing new things and are adverse to mental work. Fatigue is one of the hallmarks of these individuals. There is a dislike of changes of weather and thunderstorms. Physically, look to the muscular system, bone and other areas requiring oxygen to function properly.
  2. Carcinosin This tends to be a combination of the Sycosis and the Syphilinum miasms. Since this entity may attack multiple organs, it has a wide presentation. Typically, there is growth (Sycosis component) and then destruction (Syphilinum component). They have difficulty thinking and make decisions. This miasm remedy may assist those with tendencies toward illnesses of pneumonia, pernicious anemia or whooping cough. Typically those with pale skin color, blue sclera of the eyes, spider nevi (veins), and numerous illnesses over a short period of time or in childhood may benefit from dosing. These indications suggest one whose constitution has been severely weakened. There is a tendency to suicide among these individuals. They can be apathetic (in different, no interest), may have sensitive gums and teeth, and have headaches before a storm and bizarre tics. Spilling of albumin would suggest need for dosing. In order to give this remedy it is important to take a familial history look for cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, or pernicious anemia. They are ameliorated (improved) or aggravated by the seaside. Those children with learning disorders or mongolism (down syndrome)can also benefit from Carcinosin.

Causes of Disease

Fully appreciating the various causes of disease assists us in matching the appropriate level of cure. During the years when the plague and other disease such as leprosy, tuberculosis, cholera (bilious diarrhea) and syphilis were pandemic, homeopaths were quite successful in treating these diseases having lower incidence of death compared to that of the allopathic (medical) institutions of that time. Hahnemann became well acquainted with these and he treated patients not only by homeopathy but also with diet, lifestyle changes, and other modalities.

His method was termed “Heilkunst” (the art of health). From this approach he outlined the various levels of disease.

Factors In Disease

Factors in disease can be

  • Nutrigenic: Poor diet and lifestyle. These factors lower or raise the level of vital force already existent. Exercise, nutrition and sanitation are principle stimulating agents. Diet and how one feels is important here. (TX – use nutritionals, glandulars, botanicals)
  • Homeogenic: Physical or emotional shocks or traumas. These factors lower or raise the level of vital force already existent. This category is caused by irritant action on the individual. (TX – massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, aromatherapy, flower essences, general homeopathy, botanicals, and counseling are all agents to use to assist normalization.)
  • Iatrogenic: Side effects or results of actions taken. Look at behaviors. These factors lower or raise the level of vital force already existent. Immediate effects of vaccination, allopathic or other drug effects can be causes. Isopathy (resonance of the drug) is an effective way to reverse this component. Treated conditions are important here. (TX – use first aid support along with drainage combinations and isode therapy.)
  • Pathogenic: Microorganisms, natural toxins or poisons, inherited or acquired miasms. These factors influence the individual’s ability to generate more vital force. Therapy useful in treating this level is to use isopathy and nosodes (resonance of the pathogen) remedies. Many miasms exist as this level. This is ascertained by the signs that a pathogen produces: i.e, measles. (TX – use nutritional support with botanicals, drainage and nosode therapy.)
  • Ideogenic: False thought, ill conceived ideas, fabricated realities. This affects the core of the being. These factors influence the individual’s ability to generate more vital force. Hahnemann believed this level was the deepest and most difficult to treat. He believed this predated disease and that all disease has it origin here. (TX – use of vibrational energies (resonance of thought/energies) are of benefit here with remedies such as high potencies, xenobiotics, seed remedies, meditation.)

*None of the statements in this information sheet have been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. None of the therapies or products mentioned are intended to replace traditional medicine, diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Benefits of Yohimbe You May Not Know About

What You Need to Know About Yohimbe

Yohimbe has long been used in Africa for its medicinal properties before many people became aware of it in the West. It offers a variety of health benefits. The efficacy is not just based on hearsay, but it is something that has been proven by some researchers.

Yohimbe Bark
Yohimbe Bark

You will find yohimbe extract in many supplements today. Why do these products include it? We discuss a number of the expected health benefits here. You will also find information on how it is used as well as safety.

What is Yohimbe?

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree belonging to the family of plants known as Rubiaceae. Its scientific name is Corynanthe yohimbe. The tree, which is native to Central and West Africa, is also called Pausinystalia yohimbe. It can be widely seen in countries such as Cameroon and Gabon.

The bark of this evergreen tree is medicinal. It has been used for this purpose in western and central Africa for centuries. It is being investigated today in Western countries for its potential to help in treating certain conditions, especially those that are sexual in nature.

The main active ingredient in yohimbe bark is yohimbine. This indole alkaloid is responsible for the health benefits you get from the herb. It was first extracted from the bark of the tree towards the end of the 19th century. Yohimbine was synthesized for the first time, using a 23-step process, in the late 1950s.

A standardized form of this active compound called yohimbine hydrochloride is a constituent of some prescription drugs in the United States.

The alkaloid is also said to come from the South America tree species Aspidosperma quebracho blanco and the perennial shrub Rauwolfia serpentina.

Yohimbe extract is used in veterinary medicine. It helps to reverses sedation in dogs and deer.

The herb also offers a number of benefits in humans. We shift our attention to some of these in the sections that follow.

Corrects Erectile Dysfunction

The most popular benefit of yohimbe is treatment of erectile dysfunction. The bark has long had a reputation of being a powerful aphrodisiac. You can find the extract in certain prescription medications used for correcting erection problems in some places outside the U.S. Many supplements today include it with the hope of it improving sexual function.

Yohimbe helps in this regard as a result of its ability to cause blood vessels to dilate. This allows blood to flow more freely around the body, including to the penis. The belief is that this effect can make it possible for men with ED issues to achieve firm erections.

The efficacy of yohimbe in resolving erectile dysfunction is such that some people describe it as “herbal Viagra.” It supposedly can correct sexual dysfunction in individuals who are even older than 75 years! There are clinical studies showing this herb has potential in the treatment of organic impotence in men.

The active ingredient in the bark can also stimulate the central nervous system. It enhances nerve impulses that contribute to orgasm. It is, therefore, not only beneficial for improving sexual function in men, but also in women.

Regulates Blood Sugar

High glucose levels in the blood are dangerous. This can predispose you to several unpleasant medical conditions. But the kinds of diet many people maintain expose them to risk of having excess levels.

You may get help from yohimbe in keeping the amount of sugar in your blood in check. There is research showing that it may possibly help in this regard. It blocks certain receptors to increase insulin levels and reduce blood glucose.

But there are experts who say yohimbe has no effect on blood sugar levels. They admit, however, that it improves the efficacy of drugs for treatment of diabetes.

Strips body fat

For those individuals having weight issues, it may be interesting to learn yohimbe can be of help. Some researchers have found that using the herbal extract may help to burn body fat.

Yohimbe bark is thought to block certain receptors that make it hard for people to do away with body fat. Suspected mechanisms of action include regulation of appetite and promotion of lipolysis, breakdown of fats.

The effect of yohimbe for fat loss was shown in a study of obese female subjects who were on 1,000-calorie diets. Those who received 20 mg of the bark extract lost three pounds more than those in the control group after a period of three weeks.

However, not all studies done to investigate possible weight loss benefits reported positive effects.

Boosts Performance

Yohimbe is a mild stimulant. This makes it potentially helpful for fighting lethargy, increasing energy, and boosting alertness.

The bark is an alpha-2 antagonist. It blocks alpha-2 receptors and improves the function of the sympathetic nervous system. This promotes the release of adrenaline to enhance athletic performance. Yohimbe can help guard against fatigue during and following exercise.

Helps with Depression

Yohimbe bark may help address the symptoms of depression, being an alpha-2 blocker. It has a chemical structure comparable to several drugs for correcting mental disorders.

There is evidence that alpha-2 antagonists can improve the efficacy of antidepressants. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters whose levels yohimbe is believed to increase. You may use it alone or in combination with other drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to fight depression.

It appears the active ingredient also increases the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). This coenzyme offers decent potential in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Regulates Blood Pressure

You may find yohimbe beneficial for resolving issues related to blood pressure. It can increase or decrease blood pressure, depending on doses. Chosen dosage may bring about vasodilation or vasoconstriction – that is, the widening or narrowing of blood vessels.

Essentially, you can use it to correct low blood pressure or high blood pressure. But people are more likely to use it for the former.

Other Benefits

Among the other benefits associated to yohimbe is control of side effects. Doctors may recommend it to patients to moderate adverse reactions from the use of certain medications, especially antidepressants. For example, it can help to deal with fatigue or sexual issues resulting from the use of these drugs.

Evidence from clinical studies suggests yohimbe may be helpful for preventing fainting. Its uses in traditional medicine also include treatment of angina.

How to Use Yohimbe

There is uncertainty on the amount of yohimbine you get in a dosage. The amount of the active ingredient will depend on, among other things, method of cultivation and part of the tree used. So, the dosage will vary widely among OTC products. Researchers at the Food and Drug Administration found that most of these contain negligible amounts.

For this reason, the FDA approved only prescription drugs containing yohimbe for treating impotence. A dosage between 5 mg and 10 mg three times a day was used in most clinical trials for treatment of erectile dysfunction. The drugs are available as tablets or capsules.

Dose typically depends on the goal of treatment.

You need to do your homework on safety and reliability if you intend using yohimbe supplements. These are not regulated by the FDA. You, therefore, want to make sure you are buying a high quality, trusted brand.

How Safe is Yohimbe?

You may not experience any adverse reaction if you are in good state of health when using yohimbe bark extract.

But inappropriate use can give rise to side effects. These can include abdominal distress, dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate, cold sweating, insomnia, and irregular blood pressure. In worst case scenario, yohimbe may cause over-stimulation of the central nervous system and paralysis.

It is not advisable for people with kidney or liver issues to use yohimbe. Pregnant and nursing women should also stay away from it.

There may be interactions between the herb and some medications. For instance, you may not use it with stimulants or ACE inhibitors.

Conclusion

Yohimbe has made a name for itself more because of its perceived ability to improve sexual function. It offers a variety of other benefits as well. But research findings on efficacy are mixed, even when there are prescription drugs containing it.

If you wish to use yohimbe supplements, make sure you buy a product by a reputable company. Many offerings on the market contain very low amounts of the active ingredient yohimbine. Do ensure you speak with your doctor when planning to use any supplement or drug containing the extract.

 

Iodine: Why It Is Important And How To Get It In Your Diet?

Iodine Facts

Iodine An Important Micronutrient
Iodine An Important Micronutrient

Iodine, discovered in 1811, is a trace element and an essential micronutrient. (1) Approximately 80 percent of the body’s iodine content is found in the thyroid gland, where its sole purpose is to form a significant portion of two important hormones that greatly affect the body’s rate of metabolism and regulate normal growth and development. While the total quality of iodine needed in an entire lifetime is little more than a teaspoon, iodine cannot be stored and must be ingested regularly to support thyroid hormone production. Because very small amount of iodine are needed on a regular basis to prevent irreversible conditions caused by iodine deficiency, table salt is iodized to help supplement dietary intake.* (2)

Iodine is absorbed in both organic and inorganic forms by the body in the stomach and first portion of the small intestine. (93) Sufficient amounts of dietary iodine can be found in:

  • water
  • Oysters
  • fish (especially cod and cod liver oil, halibut, salmon, and trout)
  • beef and pork
  • eggs
  • spinach, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, potatoes, tomatoes
  • bread
  • butter, cheese, and milk
  • apples and cranberries

While iodine is known at present to perform the single function of forming the two thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, iodine insufficiency can trigger many serious (some irreversible) disease states and conditions when the production of these hormones becomes compromised. The National Research Council recommends that adults may require slightly higher amounts of iodine in their diets. (4) A normal, well balanced diet will satisfy the body’s iodine requirements.*

Increases Endocrine Efficiency

The thyroid hormones comprised in part by iodine atoms, boost the rate at which the body’s cells use oxygen and organic molecules to produce energy and heat. They also improve cardiovascular activity by causing the vascular system to become more sensitive to nerve impulses, thereby facilitating increased cardiac output and heart rate appropriate to the situation. The thyroid hormones directly affect the maturing and day-to-day well being of both the skeletal and central nervous systems. They stimulate many different kinds of cells to perform their appropriate tasks, including protein synthesis. These hormones pay a key role in human growth rate, water balance, and numerous physiological processes.* (5)

Reduces the Incidence of Physical and Mental Retardation Caused by Iodine Deficiency Disorders

The thyroid hormone thyroxine contains four atoms of iodine per molecule and is vital to the normal growth and development – both physically and mentally – of all young animals and humans. If a child has an iodine deficiency disorder and the thyroid gland fails to produce or secrete sufficient amount of thyroxine, he or she could suffer varying forms of cretinism (arrested physical and mental development). These children can grow stunted physically, and appear sluggish, mentally retarded, or even unable to move normally, speak, or hear.* (4)

Improves Reproductive Capability

For many years, animals raised in low-iodine regions showed increased sterility. In these same areas of the country where the iodine content in the soil is low, young animals were born with different skeletal deformities and limitations. The numbers of these reproductive problems decreased significantly with iodine supplementation. Likewise, some women developed goiters during their pregnancies, pointing to greater need for the thyroid hormones during this period.*

Reduces the Incidence of Endemic Goiter Development

An endemic goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by inadequate iodine intake. It can range in size anywhere from an invisible but palpable nodule all the way up to the size of a large male fist. (6). The size of the goiter is proportional to the amount of iodine deficiency. While goiters are mainly a problem only in developing countries at this time, they can still be seen in some parts of Europe. Goiters are not major medical problems, unless they become large enough to compress the airway or esophagus.*

References:
  1. Mosby’s Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary, 5th Edition. Mosby – Year Book Inc. 1998. p. 871
  2. Human Physiology and Mechanisms of disease. Sixth Edition. Guyton, Arthur C. MD; Hall, John E Ph.D. 1997. W.B. Saunders Co. pps 607-614
  3. the Nutrition and Health Encyclopedia. Second Edition. Russell, Percy Ph.D.; Tver, David F. 1989. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, p 284
  4. Principles of Nutrition. Second Edition. Wilson, Eva D. et al. 1965. John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York. Pp 165-77
  5. Human anatomy and Physiology. Third Edition. Carola, Robert, et al. 1995. McGraw-Hill, Inc. p 559
  6. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. Seventh Edition. Shils, Maurice E. MD, Sc.D; Young, Vernon R. Ph.D. 1988. Lea & Febiger. pps 227-36
  7. McDowell, L., Parkey, D. Iodine deficiencies result in need for supplementation. Journal: Feedstuffs. Carol Stream IL. Miller Publishing co. October 9, 1995. V. 67(42);p15, 18
  8. Delange, F. Iodine deficiency in Europe. Cas Lek Cesk. 1995. Jan 18;135(2):35-43
  9. Hetzel, B.S. the iodine deficiency disorders. Journal: NATO-ASI-Ser-ser-A-Life-Sci. New York, Plenum Press. 1993. V. 241:pps 25-31
  10. Delange, F. Screening for congenital hypothyroidism used as an indictor of the degree of iodine deficiency and of its control. Thyroid. 1998. Dec;8(12):1185-92
  11. Delange, F. , Nicorandil: The disorder induced by iodine deficiency. Thyroid 1994. Spring;4(1):107-28
  12. Pennington, J.A.T. Iodine. Journal: Trace minerals in foods. Edited by Kenneth T. Smith. New York: M. Dekker. C1988. pps. 249-89
  13. Delange, F. Requirements of iodine in humans. Journal: NATO-ASI-Ser-ser-A-Life-Sci. New York, NY. Plenum Press. 1993. Vol 241:pps 5-15.

*The statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.

Calcium and Magnesium: All You Need To know

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal element and the fifth most plentiful element in the human body, residing mainly in the bones. The body needs calcium ions to:

  • Transmit nerve impulses
  • Contract muscles
  • Clot blood
  • Carry out certain cardiac functions, and
  • Facilitate a number of other physiological processes

Calcium builds strong bones and teeth. It is also part of the extracellular fluid and soft tissue cells. (1)

While dairy products provide the greatest sources of calcium for many people, it can also be found in leafy green vegetables. However, it’s important to avoid those vegetables containing oxalic acid, since it compromises calcium absorption. Broccoli provides the best source of vegetable derived calcium. Citrus fruits, egg yolks, and legumes contain a fair amount of dietary calcium, while meats, grains, and nuts contain only modest amounts. (2)

Daily optimal amounts of calcium are affected by gender, age, protein, and vitamin D intake. People require different amounts of calcium at different stages of their life, and vast amounts of calcium can be lost in the urine when large amounts of protein are ingested. Vitamin D also plays a role in calcium absorption. Based on an absorption rate of about 40% and an average daily loss of approximately 320 milligrams: children between the ages of six months and a year require 540 milligrams; children between the ages of 11-18 require 1,000 milligrams per day, and adult men and women require 800 milligrams daily. Pregnant, lactating, and postmenopausal women not on estrogen supplementation require 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. (3) It is estimated that stone-age, adults took in three to five times as much calcium as today’s adults living in the United States. (15)

Magnesium is a mineral element found in nature and is always combined with other elements. It is the second most abundant “cation” (positively charged ion) found in the intracellular fluids in the body. Magnesium is fundamental for multiple enzyme activities and in the interaction of intracellular particles. Similar to and working with calcium, magnesium is material in neurochemical transmission and for initialing muscular movement. Magnesium affects the central nervous, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular systems. (1)

Magnesium can be found in both plant and animal sources. Meats, milk, and cereal grains contain the greatest amount of magnesium. Vegetables – including potatoes – flour, eggs, coffee, cocoa, dry beans, nuts, and legumes also contain some of this important mineral. (4) The daily recommended allowance for magnesium is 350 milligrams, and like many other vital nutrients, it is feared that many people fail to get adequate amounts consistently through their diet. (5)

  • Builds Strong Bones and Teeth

    The human body contains more calcium than any other mineral.(6) It is essential in keeping bones and teeth at the proper density to sustain daily wear and tear. While almost 90 percent of the body’s calcium resides in the bones and teeth, it is also circulating in fluids and soft tissues. Bone stability is maintained by the ongoing activities of bone formation and resorption.(4) During the first 20 years of life, growing bones keep pace with calcium accumulation. But somewhere during the next decade of life, the gentle balance changes, and the bones begin to lose precious calcium in varying degrees. Between the ages of 30 and 50, bone mass density begins a gradual, almost unappreciable decline. After the age of 50, bone mass density loss accelerates, especially in menopausal women.(7) In almost every study conducted to examine the role of calcium in bone loss, patients who took in adequate amounts of calcium showed a decrease in bone loss and suffered fewer fractures over time.(8) Calcium is the primary treatment used today to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

    Magnesium joins calcium in helping to keep the skeletal system healthy, but in a vastly different capacity. Playing a key role in at least 300 enzymatic reactions for intermediary metabolism, 60% of the body’s magnesium is found in the bones, while the rest is located within the cells of soft tissue.(4) One clinical trail substituted a dietary program rich in magnesium instead of calcium for postmenopausal women on hormonal therapy. Bone mineral density increased drastically in most of the women over the first year. (9)

  • Keeps The Heart Healthy

    In order for the heart muscle to contract normally and maintain a regular beat, the tissue fluid that washes the muscle must contain an adequate amount of calcium. (2) Likewise, magnesium plays an important role in regulating heartbeats by its ability to support the heart muscle in the relaxation phase. Magnesium salts have been used for over 50 years to treat irregular heartbeats caused by a number of different diagnoses. (4) Both calcium and magnesium have been used as part of treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF). These two important elements share great responsibility for supporting normal heart rhythms.

  • Maintains Cellular Efficiency

    Calcium and magnesium join forces at the cellular level to maintain normal cell growth and replication. Calcium is a chief factor for the normal clotting of blood. Calcium works with phosphorus at the cellular level reacting with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to supply energy and the materials for growth and repair. (4) Magnesium is involved in the synthesis and reduction of DNA, as well as many other metabolic processes at the cellular level. Calcium and magnesium work together to promote normal responses from nerves to different types of stimulation. (4)

    REFERENCES:
    • Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary, 5th Edition, Mosby, St. Louis. 1998
    • Wilson, E. et al. Principles of Nutrition. 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1965. pps 134-50
    • Tver, David F. & Russell, Percy, Ph.D. 2nd Edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold. 1989. pps 86, 312
    • Shils, Maurice E., M.D., Sc.D & young, Vernon R. Ph.D. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 7th Edition. Lea & Febiger, 1988. pps 142-188, 1566
    • Schachter, Michael, M.D., FACAM. The Importance of magnesium to human nutrition. 1996. HealthWorld Online
    • Haas, Elson M. M.D. Minerals, 1999. HealthWorld Online
    • Bronner, Felix, Nutrition and Health, Topics and Controversies. CRC Press. 1995. pps 114-121
    • Blythe, Stephan, D.O. Nutritionist, Dietary Calcium to Prevent Osteoporosis. Brevard Health Online
    • Abraham, G.E. & Grewal, H. A total dietary program emphasizing magnesium instead of calcium. Effect on the mineral density of calcaneous bone in postmenopausal women on hormonal therapy. Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 1990. May;35(5):503-7
    • Guyton, Arthur C., & Hall, John E. Ph.D. Human physiology and Mechanisms of Disease. 6th Edition. W.B. Saunders Company
    • Van Wynsberghe, Donna. Human Anatomy and Physiology. McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1995. pps 598, 927
    • Whitfield, James, F. Calcium, Cell Cycles, and Cancer. CRC Press Inc. 1990, pps 183-184
    • Willett, Walter. M.D. Nutritional epidemiology. Oxford University Press. 1990. pps 183-184
    • Seelig, M. Cardiovascular consequences of magnesium deficiency and loss; pathogenesis, prevalence and manifestations – magnesium and chloride loss in refractory potassium repletion. American Journal of Cardiology. 1989 Apr 18:6(14):4G-21G
    • Barger-Lux, J.D. & Heaney, R.P. the role of calcium intake in preventing bone fragility, hypertension, and certain cancers. Nutrition Journal. 1994. Aug;124(8 suppl):1406S-1411S
    • Northover, B.J. et al. the involvement of lactate and calcium as mediators of the electrical and mechanical responses of the myocardium to conditions of simulated ischaemia. British Journal of Pharmacology. 1989. July;97(3):809-18
    • Moon, J. et al. Hypothesis: Etiology of atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Are imbalances in the calcified endocrine system implicated? Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Oct 1992. V 11(5) pps 567-583

    *None of the statements on the information sheet have been evaluated by the Food & Drug Association.

 

HOMEOPATHY – WHAT IS IT

An Introduction To Homeopathy

Homeopathy stimulates the body to “turn on” its own healing mechanisms in pursuit of restoring balance in body systems

Homeopathic medicine has been used since its beginning in the eighteenth century. Homeopathy stimulates the body to “turn on” it own healing mechanisms in pursuit of restoring homeostatasis or balance. Allopathic medicine treats disease by the suppression and regulation of symptoms or by attempting to destroy the microbes (disease entities) associated with the condition. We are learning more and more about when this approach is effective and when it is not. For example, take the increasing problems the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in. Erroneously, allopathy has attempted to destroy those micro-organisms instead of creating a symbiotic (working) relationship as found in nature. To date, homeopathic remedies have had little to no toxicity associated with them and they direct the body toward balance.

Homeopathy is based on the “Law of Similars” or “Like Treating Like”. This law suggests similar symptoms caused by taking a substance in it raw form can be alleviated by taking the same substance in a highly diluted form. This dilution follows the premise put forth by the “Arndt-Schulz Law” in which substances vary in action dependent upon the concentration being high, medium, or minute; high concentrations suppress and minute concentrations stimulate.

Isopathy is similar to homeopathy but it is the law of exacts. A good example of this would be using homeopathically prepared grass pollen to treat grass sensitivity.

Homeopathy is a system of highly diluted substances that will alleviate effects caused by the same or similar substances in their non-diluted states. One example of this is belladonna, which if taken in its pure state would cause high fever, dilated pupils and a throbbing pulse. Taken in homeopathic form one would prescribe belladonna if the person presented with such a symptom profile such as that found in influenza.

Homeopathic remedies are diluted (potentized) and manufactured under very strict and specific guidelines. Potentization consists of precise dilutions and hand succession (vigorous shaking and sudden impact). The most common dilution (potentization) factors are decimal (X) and centesimal (C). This means that for each stage of potency, a remedy has been diluted by either a 1:10 or a 1:100 measurement of the crude substance or previous potency to dilutent (usually an ethanol/water mixture). A belladonna remedy at a 6X potency has been diluted 1:10 six times. This results in the final product possessing one part of the original substance in one million parts of finished “potentized” product.

Hand succession (vigorous shaking and pounding) of each step of potentization is also an important component of the manufacturing process. This step causes agitation at the molecular bonding level of the remedy and energetically activates the remedy. Without the succussion and specific dilutions, the product is ineffective. The “hand succussed” procedures (originated with Samuel Hahnemann) are followed in the preparation of professional homeopathics.

HOMEOPATHIC DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Adults: Use recommended dosage or as determined by Doc to best fit your specific needs.
  • Children: If a child is going to be taking a product, first determine the adult dosage and then use the following formula to determine the approximate dosage for the child.

Example: Weight of Child (lbs) divided by 150 (average adult weight) = Fraction of adult dose to be used. Sample: child weighing 50 lbs divided by 150 (average adult weight) = 1/3 of adult dose.

DOSAGE GUIDELINES:

  • Acute: When symptoms are immediate or severe, take under tongue 10-15 drops, or as dosage is listed, every 15 minutes not to exceed 3 hours total.
    homeopathy, homeopathic remedies
  • Subacute: When symptoms improve or are mild to moderate, take under tongue 10-15 drops, or as dosage is listed, every hour not to exceed 8 hours total.
  • Chronic: When symptoms last longer than 48 to 72 hours, take under tongue 10-15 drops as listed on the bottle.
  •  Preventative: For maintenance of occasional symptoms or for a tendency toward the condition, take 10-15 drops once weekly or monthly as needed.

Note: To determine the level that you will be working at seed: Detoxification Treatment Goals.

GENERAL RULES FOR TAKING REMEDIES:

  • Avoid Mint and Camphor as some remedies may be rendered less- or in-active.
  • Do not take within 10-15 minutes of ingesting anything else orally.
  • Coffee or tea should be avoided when they antidote.
  • Store in a cool, dark, environment away from exposure to sunlight, microwave or other electro-magnetic frequencies.
  • Take low potency “drainage” remedies separately from other homeopathics.

    OTHER OPTIONS FOR TAKING HOMEOPATHICS:

Sensitive individuals may decrease the dose and/or put in a 1/2 tumbler of water and sip 1 teaspoon at a time. Beginning treatment by dosing 5 drops every 3 days and building to tolerance may be effective for some.

Another method is to imbricate (rub-in) the dose on a vascular area of the skin.
Others have attempted to dissipate the formula’s alcohol by allowing it to sit in a small amount of tepid water for a period of time or by performing the following method: Boil water and pour into a tea cup. Allow cup to heat and then empty the hot water. Put the homeopathic dose into the heated tea cup and allow it to sit for approximately 2 minutes. Add a small amount of purified water and take or sip the dose. This is warm enough to evaporate alcohol without destroying the homeopathic action.

Clinical Effects Based On Level of Potency:

  • Use low doses (1X – !0X) for pharmacological support of acute problems and for stimulation of drainage.
  • Use medium doses (12X – 10X) for problems lasting longer than 10 days and symptom control.
  • Use high doses (60X and up) for immediate effect on acute problems, constitutional or suppressed conditions.

 

 

A Brief Overview Of The Gastrointestinal System

In order to heal or restore your body, it is important to make some very important nutritional changes. These alterations in your diet will be helping your body to cleanse away toxins, heal damaged or compromised tissues, restore normal functioning of your vital gastrointestinal mucosa and enzymes and facilitate the action of the nutritional supplements, homeopathic, etc., that have been recommended for you. Your understanding, willingness, and commitment to make these changes will be important keys in helping you to create health and well-being.

Gastrointestinal System
Gastrointestinal System

In order to achieve these healthy changes, it can be very helpful to take a closer look at how your body is designed and how it functions. Understanding some of the profound and miraculous changes that occur within your body can help you to deepen your overall understanding of your health and your unique health care needs. These understandings can also help you to better comprehend particular treatment protocols recommended. Research has proven that patients who take an active role in their health care get positive results much more quickly and easily.

Your gastrointestinal tract is a very important part of your body. It is responsible for harnessing energy that enables you to grow, to heal, to restore, and to live. Its many functions include digesting foods, absorbing nutrients, assimilating nutrients, and transporting waste products through and out of your body. The integrity of your gastrointestinal system plays a primary role in maintaining and sustaining your body. If any of the vital functions of your GI system are limited or imbalanced in any way, the rest of your body is also compromised. Without the necessary components and nutrients derived from food and its digestion and absorption, health and vitality would not be possible.

There are many factors that can compromise an individual’s gastro-intestinal functioning. These include but are not limited to: poor diet, certain medications, food allergies, stress, and lack of breast-milk as an infant. Other factors can include lack of exercise, genetics, certain disease processes, inadequate enzymatic activity, chronic exposure to environmental toxins, and poor water.

Digestive Process

The actual process of digestion begins in your mouth. As food is eaten, your teeth and jaws grind the food into smaller fragments. This process is called mastication. While the food is being chewed, it is mixed with digestive enzymes secreted by your salivary glands. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down starches in the foods that you eat. Starches include such foods as grains, breads, and cereals. As you chew or masticate, the larger bites of food become smaller fragments that are more easily broken down by the enzymes. It is for this reason that taking time to chew your food slowly and thoroughly is vital. Swallowing large chunks of food puts more stress on your stomach and other areas of the GI system that must work over-time which wastes energy to break down the food.

The food then moves down a long tube called the esophagus. Sometimes called the “food pipe,” the esophagus has wave-like contractions called peristalsis that propel the food toward the stomach. No digestion takes place in the esophagus.

The food then moves into the stomach. Strong contractions by the stomach churn the food. Cells in the walls of the stomach begins secreting digestive enzymes. These enzymes are called hydrochloric acid (HCI), pepsin, and protease. These substances are responsible for breaking down the food into even smaller fragments. The pH of the digestive enzymes are very acidic (1.0 – 3.0). The reason these enzymes are so acidic is to break down complex proteins, such as chicken and fish, into substances called amino acids. These amino acids can then be absorbed more easily into your bloodstream. The type of foods that you eat and the integrity of your digestive enzymes determines how long the food remains in your stomach. A piece of fruit, for example, is very easy to digest and may remain in your stomach for only 20-30 minutes. A steak, on the other hand, is a very complex food and may remain in your stomach for several hours. It takes a lot more time, energy, and enzymes for your stomach to break down complex foods.

The food, now called chyme, then moves out of the stomach and enters the portion of the small intestine called the duodenum. There are three major parts of the small intestine; the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. The first portion of the small intestine, the duodenum, is perhaps the most important part of the small intestine. Within this area many vital absorption processes occur.

Once the acidic chyme moves into the duodenum, cells in the walls of the duodenum begin to secrete a mucosy substance designed to alkalinize the pH of the chyme. The delicate walls of the small intestine, unlike the stronger walls of the stomach, cannot tolerate acidic enzymes and sub-stances. To protect itself, it secretes the mucus that within a brief period of time raises the pH. It is important to note that stress can inhibit the release of this alkalinizing substance. When this occurs frequently, burning, pain, and ulcerations can occur in this area. As the process of alkalinizing the chyme is occurring, enzymes secreted from the pancreas and liver are also being secreted.

The pancreatic enzymes include amylase, protease, lipase, etc. These are responsible for breaking down complex foods, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into their basic elements. The liver produces bile that is stored in your gall bladder. The gall bladder secretes the bile into the small intestine. The bile has a detergent-type action that breaks down the fats into small fat globules to aid in fat digestion. Bile assists in the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, F, and K and helps to assimilate calcium. Bile also converts beta-carotene to vitamin A. It promotes intestinal peristalsis as well, which helps to prevent constipation.

As the food particles move through the jejunum and ileum, absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals occurs. This absorption process takes place through the walls of the small intestine. Molecules flow through the cell walls and enter the blood stream. Once in the bloodstream, they travel by way of the hepatic portal system to the liver. In the liver nutrients including iron and vitamins A, B12, and D are extracted from the bloodstream and stored for later use. The liver also plays a vital role in fat metabolism, in the synthesis of fatty acids from amino acids and sugars, in the production of lipoproteins, cholesterol, and phospholipids, and in the oxidation of fat to produce energy.

Excess food is converted to fat in the liver, which is then sent to the fatty tissues of the body for storage. The liver also acts as a detoxifier, regulates protein metabolism, and combines toxic substances including metabolic waste, insecticide residues, alcohol, drugs, and chemicals with other sub-stances that are less toxic. These substances are then excreted from the kidneys.

The waste products of the digestive and absorption processes then move into the large intestine. Depending upon the nature of the waste products and the length of time the waste products remain in the large intestine, very little absorption occurs. The primary functions of the large intestine include transport and removal of waste products through the rectum and reabsorption of water.