HealthBeat News

Category: Health Questions

  • Have we ever heard of the "Asparagus Cure"?

    Have we ever heard of the “Asparagus Cure”?

    By Nurse Mark

    We receive helpful emails from folks daily, wanting to let us know about some “new development” or some “newly discovered” cure for this or that. Others just want to know what we think of the claims that arrive in their email inboxes.

    Such was the case for an email touting the “Asparagus Cure” that is enjoying yet another trip ’round  the internet as it has done many times over the last several years. In case you haven’t received this particular email at least once (lucky you!) it extols the wonders and virtues of asparagus as a cure for almost everything and offers instructions for making a rather unappetizing paste of this otherwise delicious vegetable, to be administered to a “patient” four times daily. Yuk!

    As you might have suspected, this is not a “cure” that we here would place much faith in.

    Here are some of the ways that you can tell an article in your mailbox is suspect:

    The “references” mentioned doesn’t exist or they refer to non-peer-reviewed studies or to “studies” performed by or for the company marketing the product or there are none mentioned at all. In the case of the “Asparagus for cancer” article, the “Cancer News Journal” cannot be found. A quick internet search of the term “Cancer News Journal, December 1979” produces just over 5000 results – and it looks like all of them refer to this one Asparagus email. None that I could find referred to any “real” journal or to any other article attributed to this journal. My guess: this is an imaginary article in a made-up “journal” – but it sure sounds impressive, doesn’t it!

    The original author or “researcher” mentioned in the article cannot be found. In this case the person mentioned in the “Asparagus” article cannot be found in any search except in relation to this emailed article. One might think that “Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S.” might have published something else or might be otherwise locatable – but there’s nothing – not not even an obituary or a claim to be in hiding from “those who are suppressing this miraculous cure”…

    The purported “biochemist” in this email also is not identified – odd, since says this is such an important work.

    “Proof” is offered in the form of testimonials or anecdotes. The “proof” of the effectiveness of asparagus in this email comes entirely from anecdotes – and those anecdotes are all of unidentified persons. That in itself might not be so alarming (in order to preserve patient confidentiality), but there is no way to contact any of the doctors mentioned for verification that they did indeed do the tests that are claimed to “prove” the miraculous curative effects of asparagus. The purported author – claiming to be a biochemist – offers his personal testimonial and claims to have lab results to back up his reports – but he fails to offer either his name or a look at his labs…

    Finally, there is the urging that this email be forwarded to “please spread the news” – or alternately “email this to 10 (or 50, or 100) of your friends”… folks, this makes this not only junk mail, but in my opinion a form of internet virus – that is being spread willingly by humans who are duped into choking the internet by sending this sort of thing off to everyone in their address book!

    Even a broken clock tells the right time twice a day…

    And for every scheme or outlandish protocol or bizarre cure that is out there you can find at least one person who will swear on a stack of bibles that this, and this alone, is responsible for curing his or her (or aunt Effie’s or grandpa Grump’s) illness. Never mind that we have no proof that there ever was an illness, or that if there was an illness that there might have been something else (or several things) responsible for the cure, or even that there might have been a spontaneous remission or cure.

    So:

    Is it possible that asparagus cured these people? Yes, it is.

    Is it possible that asparagus will cure whatever ails you? Yes, it is – and so might green apples or coral calcium or standing on your head.

    Does asparagus contain some valuable nutrients? Yes, of course it does.

    Is it likely that asparagus, and asparagus alone, is a miracle cure? Nope.

    Is there any scientific, verifiable evidence that asparagus possesses magical curative properties? Nope, none.

    Why am I so down on asparagus? I’m not! Asparagus is a wonderful, delightfully tasty treat that is high in several important nutrients. I enjoy asparagus every chance I get – lightly steamed with stems in boiling water, smothered in Hollandaise sauce or butter… Mmmm! But I don’t delude myself that it is a cure-all!

    Now, having said all that, here is the note that started all this:

    Hi Dr. Dana,
    What’s your take on this ? 
    be well,
    Bill

    Fwd: Fwd: Asparagus…..whether U believe it or not…

    Just take a few minutes and its worth reading…..whether U believe it or not…..

    Pls. read the contents below & pass to your friends

    [The email can be found at Snopes.com along with their take on it’s validity]

     

    And here is Dr. Myatt’s reply:

    Hi Bill:

    Here is an article that sums up asparagus: Are You a Deer In The Headlights?

    There must be 1,279 herbs and supplements that people tout as being a “cure for cancer.” The problem is that most of these “results” are not generally reproducible for most people. Asparagus doesn’t make my “top ten list” of well-proven substances for cancer.

    My ten cents worth, for free!

    In Health,
    Dr. Dana

  • For GERD: If Not An Acid Blocker Drug Then What?

    If You Don’t Want Me To Take An Acid Blocker Drug, Then What Drug Should I Take?

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Big Pharma sure has done a great job of brainwashing America (and much of the rest of the world): The Big Pharma spinmeisters have not only managed to convince people that their symptoms and complaints are somehow the fault of our frail, pitiful human bodies (rather than a direct result of lousy diet, toxic environment and unhealthy lifestyle) they have created an absolute, unwavering, even fervently religious belief that the mighty gods of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and the lesser deities of the smaller drug companies have the answer – the cure – the salvation – for whatever ails us in the form of some one or other of their patented concoctions.

    Even those who fancy themselves to be following a more “natural” path to health often fall prey to the “magic bullet” syndrome that has been insinuated, promoted, and perpetuated by Big Pharma for decades: the idea, the belief that somewhere and somehow there is one special thing – one magic bullet – in the form of a drug or a vitamin or an herb that will “do the trick”.

    If only it were so…

    While there is no doubt that Big Pharma has their lap-dogs at the FDA working overtime to suppress any knowledge of natural solutions that might lead to better health, and to eliminate any competition to their patented toxic potions by whatever heavy-handed means necessary (see our recent alerts: Vitamins To Be Outlawed! and Dietary Supplements In The Political Crosshairs Again! Action Alert! for action you must take if you want to preserve your right to vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural remedies!) we here at The Wellness Club will never try to tell you that there is any one simple, magic natural cure – it is just not that easy!

    In fact, that is the very definition of “Holistic Medicine” – at least as far as we are concerned: human health is a complicated subject, and must be approached in a comprehensive, all-inclusive way. There is rarely a simple, one-substance fix to any health concern!

    K recently wrote to ask:

    I read the article on acid blockers by Nurse Mark.  If not acid blockers, what do you recommend in their place?

     

    Nurse Mark answers:

    Hi K.

    I’m not sure which of our recent HealthBeat News articles you are referring to – but the bottom line is the same in all of them: no one suffers from GERD or heartburn because they are somehow lacking adequate amounts of acid-blocking drugs in their system. The cure for GERD is to correct the underlying problem, not to just shut off acid production. There is not any other drug that we would recommend in place of acid blocking drugs – not H2 antagonists, not proton pump inhibitors, not even simple pH modifiers like calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium, or bismuth subsalicylate: these are all drugs and substances intended and approved for short-term use only. Please re-read these two articles for some self-help ideas:

    Help – I’m Hooked On Acid Blocking Drugs!

     

    and

    There Is Relief For GERD – But Why Take Our Word For It?

     

    And if that doesn’t help, please read the article written by Dr. Myatt herself on the subject:

    What’s Burning You?

     

    For those who are absolutely unable to wean themselves away from acid-blocking drugs – and it can be a difficult chore for some – there are some protocols that involve gradual stepping-down of drugs combined with supportive natural supplements that are very effective. This does involve working with a knowledgeable holistic physician like Dr. Myatt though – so you might want to consider at least a Brief Phone Consultation with Dr. Myatt to discuss your options.

    I know that this is not the easy answer you were looking for – but I hope that re-reading these articles will give you some self-help ideas and that if you are still stuck that you will consider a consultation with Dr. Myatt.

    Cheers,
    Nurse Mark

  • Neurotransmitters – A Cry For Help

    Neurotransmitters – A Cry For Help

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Sometimes we get letters that just tug at the heartstrings – these are obviously from people who are at wit’s end in their search for help and health.

    Such was the case with this letter from Cindy – the subject line read simply “Help.”

    Hi I was on  a prescription drug for 8 month given to me by my

    doctor it was a benzo I have been off the drug for 3 years and suffer

    from a neurotransmitter depletion can you help me

     

    Yikes! Where to begin…

    There are neurotransmitters, and there are neurotransmitters, and there are neurotransmitters, and… which one are we talking about here?

    First, Cindy, please visit our webpages where we discuss Neurotransmitters, Neurotransmitter Imbalances, and Neurotransmitter Precursor Replenishment. When you have absorbed all that you will know as much about neurotransmitters as most doctors, and more than some. Certainly you will know more than the doctor that had you taking benzodiazepines – a drug indicated for short-term use only – for eight long months.

    Then, have a look at our Mood Disorders page where you will find some good, basic, and very effective support.

    Often, just improving basic health and nutrition status will go a long, long way toward sorting out neurotransmitter depletion and imbalances.

    You may also wish to consider Neurotransmitter Profile testing – this will help you to know which of the many neurotransmitters are in need of attention. The results of this test are very in-depth and can be complicated to understand – so you may want to also consider Physician Interpretation which will give you a written report of findings prepared by Dr. Myatt.

    If all these self-help measures don’t give you the health improvements you are looking for then please consider an Alternative Medicine Consultations with Dr. Myatt.

    In fact, you could save yourself a whole lot of time, effort, and expense by simply doing that first. Hope to hear from you soon, Cindy!

  • Healthy Bones At Any Age

    Healthy Bones At Any Age

     

    By Nurse Mark

     

    Bone health is a big concern for most women – and surprisingly, a growing number of men need to pay attention to their bones as well!

    According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:

    “Today, 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk for this disease. Yet, despite the large number of men affected, osteoporosis in men remains underdiagnosed and underreported.”

    And they go on to say;

    “In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.”

    So, bone health is serious business! Ann, a regular reader, wrote to ask the following:

    Hi again

    I have been told to add Calcium 1200-1500mg with vitamin D/per day.  I can’t seem to find that on your site.  Do you carry that?

    Thank you
    Ann

    Well Ann, yes we do – but calcium alone does not make strong bones! There are several other minerals and a very important vitamin that need to be considered too. Though we discuss Osteoporosis and Bone health in depth on our website, here is the “short course.”

    The recommended calcium dose for post-menopausal women or for those with osteoporosis is 1,500 mg calcium with corresponding magnesium, boron and vitamin D.

    A daily dose of Maxi Multi contains high potency calcium / magnesium (1,000:500) plus other bone-building nutrients (boron, vitamin D). Pre-menopausal females and men usually get an optimal dose of bone nutrients from Maxi Multi alone.

    Cal-Mag Amino™ is a very easy to assimilate form of calcium-magnesium plus vitamin D and boron, all needed for healthy bone formation. Dr. Myatt recommends a “balanced” bone formula over a single calcium supplement for keeping bones strong.

    Each Capsule of Cal-Mag Amino™ provides:

    Calcium (amino acid chelate, carbonate) 150 mg
    Magnesium (amino acid chelate, oxide) 100 mg
    Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 25 IU
    Boron (citrate, aspartate, glycinate) 200 mcg

    Post-menopausal women taking Maxi Multi can take an additional 3 caps of Cal-Mag Amino daily.

    Vitamin D is getting plenty of press recently – I wrote about it in the HealthBeat article Vitamin D – An Old Friend Finding New Respect

    The recommended daily dose is 400 to 2000 IU – though recent research is showing that much higher amounts may be needed to replenish depleted reserves in many people. How to know? The Wellness Club offers Vitamin D testing

    Maxi Multi provides 800 IU of Vitamin D daily.

    Also, let’s not forget Strontium – a forgotten mineral that is essential to bone health. It appears that not only can strontium prevent osteoporosis, it can repair existing damage.

    Maxi Multi does not contain strontium. If you see a “bone formula” with strontium, don’t take it. Strontium should be taken away from calcium and magnesium for best absorption.

    The suggested dose of strontium is 1 capsule, 1-2 times per day with or between meals (take separately from calcium).  One capsule per day is advised for prevention, 2 caps per day for those at high risk of osteoporosis or in already-established cases of osteoporosis.

    And just in case you are thinking of taking that prescription for “Bone-building Drug” that your conventional doctor is pushing on you, please read this HealthBeat News article first: The Ugly Truth About “Bone-Building” Drugs for Osteoporosis

  • Castor Oil For Rosacea Of The Eyes?

    Castor Oil For Rosacea of the eyes?

    By Nurse Mark

    We often get inquiries that really make us scratch our heads. Such was the case with the following note:

    My mother’s cousin has been diagnosed with Rosacea in his eye(s).  My mother read somewhere that castor oil drops in the eye will “cure any eye problem”.  Mom is enthusiastic about using castor oil packs for joint issues and has converted me as well. But the thought of putting the oil into eyes is a little out of our comfort zone.  She asked that I send this question on to you.  Is this feasible or even suggested?  Thank you for your help!
    Valory

    Well Valory, your Mom is right to be enthusiastic about castor oil – it is useful in treating so very many conditions and millions have found wonderful relief for a variety of conditions through the use of castor oil and castor oil packs. Edgar Cayce was a strong proponent of castor oil, referring to it often in his health readings. Castor oil has also been called “Palma Christi” or the hand of Christ for it’s amazing healing properties.

    There are references to castor oil being used in the eyes – though we would never want to say that it will “cure any eye problem” since Big Pharma and Conventional Medicine have actually trademarked and patented the “Cure” word and we are not allowed to use it. Still, there should be no reason to not use castor oil in the eyes except that as with any oil or ointment it would certainly cause blurry vision for a while – so might be best used at bed-time. Anyone wanting to use it in the eyes would be well-advised to obtain the purest possible castor oil – please be sure that it is certified to be hexane-free as this toxic chemical is often used to extract the oil and traces may remain in inferior brands. It is also a good idea to apply the oil initially to a less sensitive and more inconspicuous area in order to be sure that there is not a sensitivity to it.

    More information about using castor oil including instructions to make castor oil packs can be found here: Castor Oil Pack Instructions

    Now, on to the part of Valory’s letter that made us scratch our heads.

    You see, while we are quite familiar with rosacea, we had never heard of rosacea of the eye. After some thought we realized that since the eyeball itself is not known to be affected by this condition (we medics think quite literally sometimes) we realized that Valory must have meant that her mothers cousin must be suffering with rosacea of the eyelid or tissues surrounding the eye. This condition, ocular rosacea, leaves sufferers with red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids and symptoms including  itching and burning and feelings of having dust or grit or a foreign body in the eye.

    There are three other main subtypes of rosacea:

    Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes a permanent redness of the skin with a tendency to blush or flush easily and frequently small blood vessels are visible near the surface of the skin.

    Papulopustular rosacea can cause some permanent redness with red bumps and / or pus-filled bumps or lesions which usually last for 1 to 4 days – this can be easily mistaken for acne.

    Phymatous rosacea is most commonly associated with rhinophyma, an enlargement of the nose. Symptoms include thickening of the skin, irregular surface nodules or bumps, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea can also affect the chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, and ears. As with Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin (known as telangiectasias) may be present.

    So, what causes rosacea and what can be done for it?

    Conventional Medicine does not recognize any one specific cause for rosacea – but has several theories which involve things such as Cathelicidins, elevated levels of stratum corneum tryptic enzymes (SCTEs), overgrowth of intestinal bacteria, Demodex mites (which may be increased in steroid-induced rosacea), stress, sunburn, temperature extremes, alcohol, caffiene, histamine intolerance, drugs, and steroids – which are often prescribed to treat other skin conditions. Unfortunately for Conventional Medicine there is no one simple test to diagnose rosacea – leaving Conventional Doctors in the difficult position of having to “do it the old way” – by actually examining and listening to their patient!

    The response to rosacea by Conventional Medicine is equally predictable – for it involves throwing a variety of patented Big Pharma drug offerings at the problem in the hopes that something will work and provide relief. Antibiotics are ever-popular as is clonidine (an antihypertensive drug that is also used to help addicts withdraw from opiates!) and other antihypertensive drugs. Of course, if all else fails (or even before all else fails) some Conventional Doctors may fall back to their old faithful, steroids – despite the fact that steroids can actually cause rosacea symptoms for many people.

    Some more natural approaches to rosacea include:

    Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and Silymarin – which have been clinically examined and found to be of benefit. MSM, a biologically active form of sulfur has a long history of benefit to the skin and silymarin – a flavonoid found in Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant with a special affinity for the liver.

    High potency fish oil has a valuable place in the treatment of rosacea, for the powerful antiinflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

    Antiinflammatory flavonoids such as are found in Dr. Myatt’s Maxi Flavone could be expected to reduce inflammation since Maxi Flavone contains contains optimal doses of the flavonoid herbs which quench Radical Oxygen Species (ROS), lower TNF alpha and NK cell activity and decrease excess inflammation. Maxi Flavone is a potent formula providing support for immune function, circulatory health, liver detoxification mechanisms, and antioxidant pathways.

    High dose Folic Acid and Vitamin C have been investigated and found helpful in some cases of rosacea.

    Vitamin D is becoming increasingly recognized for it’s relationship to overall health and skin health – and many Americans are deficient in this important vitamin. Fortunately, Vitamin D testing is easy and accurate, and supplementation is safe and effective in restoring Vitamin D to healthy levels. A warning though: vitamin D and retinoic acid may promote expression of cathelicidin, which has been implicated as a causitive factor for some rosacea sufferers. Other researchers take an opposing view, feeling that Vitamin D may play an important role in treatment because of the cathelicidins.

    There are many other herbs that have been tried in the treatment of rosacea, with varying degrees of success. What seems to work for one sufferer often shows little benefit for another – underscoring the importance of an individualized and holistic approach to each individual.

    Finally, digestive factors appear to be very important in almost all cases of rosacea that we have treated here at The Wellness Club. Many sufferers are found to be deficient in hydrochloric acid – a problem which initiates a whole cascade of other digestion-related problems. Fortunately, Gastric Acid Function Self Testing is quick and easy and gives a very clear indication of a person’s gastric acid function. For those deficient in stomach acid, Betaine Hydrochloride can provide what may seem like a “miracle cure” to symptoms of rosacea.

    Food allergies have also been implicated in rosacea – and many sufferers are well aware of certain foods that exacerbate their symptoms. For others, the allergens may not be so obvious, and Food Intolerance Testing may be indicated. In difficult cases further digestive system testing such as Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Health Profile with Parasitology to rule out bacterial and parasitic infections (remember, even Conventional Medicine is now grudgingly accepting that bacterial overgrowth may be a causative factor in rosacea) and Intestinal Permeability testing because of the relationship between intestinal permeability (AKA “Leaky Gut Syndrome”) and generalized inflammation and toxicity may be needed.

    So there you have it: Rosacea can be an embarassing condition and difficult to treat – but a good holistic doctor who is willing to take the time and make the effort to work with a sufferer can usually work wonders!

    References:

    Berardesca E, Cameli N, Cavallotti C, Levy JL, Piérard GE, de Paoli Ambrosi G (2008). “Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation”. J Cosmet Dermatol 7 (1): 8–14.

    Yamasaki, Kenshi; Di Nardo, Anna; Bardan, Antonella; Murakami, Masamoto; Ohtake, Takaaki; Coda, Alvin; Dorschner, Robert A.; Bonnart, Chrystelle; Descargues, Pascal; Hovnanian, Alain; Morhenn, Vera B.; Gallo, Richard L. (2007)     Increased serine protease activity and  cathelicidin  promotes skin inflammation in rosacea Nature Medicine 13(8),  975-980.

    Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2008) 128, 773–775. doi:10.1038/jid.2008.35 Vitamin D Regulation of Cathelicidin in the Skin: Toward a Renaissance of Vitamin D in Dermatology? Siegfried Segaert