cista.netcista.net/health/Dr. Whitaker/Whitaker.doc · Web viewDr. Julian Whitaker's. Health & Healin. Your Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine. April 2007 Vol. 17, No. 4. Julian

CELEBRATING

Dr. Julian Whitaker's

Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineApril 2007 Vol.

17, No. 4Dear Reader,

Anti-aging medicine is misunderstood. The goal is not to simply increase the years of your life, but to increase the life in your years. Who would want to live to be 100 if you were a mental and physical wreck during your last 20 years? We've all known people, even loved ones, for whom aging was so debilitating that their passing was a blessing.

Debilitation—that's what we want to prevent. We want quality years, not quantity. We want to add to our "healthspan," not only our lifespan, and I'm going to tell you about a breakthrough nutritional supplement that can help you do just that.

Julian Whitaker, MD America's Wellness Doctor

Director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, Newport Beach, California

In This Issue:

AGINGAGING, HEART DISEASE, ALZHEIMER'S, CANCER

Healthy Aging With

Resveratrol................................p. 1

The HPV Scandal.....................p.3

What Can I Do for

Neuropathy?..............................p.4

No More Ranch = Substantial

Weight Loss..............................p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Macular Degeneration-

Cancer...Prostate Health ....p.5

KITCHEN CURES

The Spices of Life.....................p.7

APRIL FOOLS' DAY QUOTE

/ have great faith in fools—self-

confidence, my friends call it.

— Edgar Allan Poe

Healthy Aging With ResveratrolBenjamin Franklin once said, "Wine is constant proof that God loves us and

loves to see us happy." But he didn't know the half of it. In recent years, we have discovered more health benefits of wine than even the most ardent oenophile (lover of wine) could have imagined.

Moderate wine consumption seems to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower risk of diabetes and some types of cancer. People who drink wine, especially red wine, are less likely to be obese, suffer with depression, or get Alzheimer's. And in addition to staying healthy, wine drinkers tend to live longer!

Alcohol deserves some credit because a few of these benefits extend to moderate drinking of any kind. But wine—particularly red wine—has a magic of its own. It contains resveratrol, a unique compound now available in an exciting new supplement.

The French Paradox ExplainedResveratrol is a phytonutrient found in the skins and seeds of grapes,

peanuts, and a handful of other plants that protects them against fungus. It is also present in red wine, which is ubiquitous in French culture, and is the likely explanation of the "French Paradox"—why the French can eat a high-fat, high-calorie diet, yet have significantly fewer heart attacks and live longer than people in other countries.

The cardioprotective benefits of resveratrol are broad. It boosts levels of HDL cholesterol and nitric oxide, which relaxes the arteries and improves blood pressure. It thins the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation and blocks the adhesion of clots to the artery walls, which is the cause of most heart attacks and strokes. It is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that tends to minimize damage even if you have a heart attack or stroke.

I'm not saying this supplement will give you license to have Hollandaise sauce and Chateaubriand with every meal. But, as you will see, it does provide protection against dietary indiscretions, and its benefits go far beyond heart disease: Resveratrol may actually slow the aging process and add additional healthy years to your life.

To Live Long, Restrict Calories...To give you a little background, let's take a quick look

at the only previously proven therapy for life extension: calorie restriction. Virtually all animal studies—whether they involve fruit flies, fish, rodents, or, most recently, monkeys—demonstrate that a 30 percent reduction in calorie intake increases average lifespan by 10 to 20 percent. You may recall seeing dramatic pictures in the newspaper last fall of two rhesus monkeys, part of a group that had been followed for 18 years. The monkey who had been fed a normal diet was fat. wrinkled, and frail while the calorie-restricted monkey was lean, healthy, and lively.

Scientists attribute these benefits to the recent discovery that calorie restriction turns on "anti-aging" genes that encode proteins called sirtuins. These proteins coordinate a number of survival mechanisms that repair DNA and help ensure the survival of cells in times of stress. Some researchers have postulated that sirtuins and genes such as SIRT1 may actually regulate the aging process.

...Or Take ResveratrolIt's obvious that extreme caloric restriction is not in

the cards for most of us. We're just not willing to feel hungry all the time. Here's where resveratrol comes in. It turns on the same genes, even when you're eating a high-calorie diet.

This discovery was made by a Harvard research team led by David Sinclair, PhD. Scientists divided mice into three groups and, beginning at 52 weeks of age (middle age for lab mice), either continued them on a normal diet, fed them a high-calorie diet(60 percent fat), or fed them the high-calorie diet plus resveratrol. After 114 weeks, when the mice were really getting up there in age, they reported stunning differences among the groups.

More than half of the high-calorie-fed mice had died compared to less than a third of those also on a high-calorie diet but supplemented with resveratrol (a 31 percent reduced risk of death). But resveratrol didn't just increase lifespan. The supplemented mice had lower blood sugar levels and increased insulin sensitivity. Their livers were normal, unlike the other over-fed mice's enlarged, fatty livers. Their hearts had significantly fewer fatty lesions and inflammation, and their motor function, balance, and coordination were much better. Although the animals in both high-calorie groups were obese, those supplemented with resveratrol seemed to evade all other ill effects of obesity and overeating.

What About Alzheimer's and Cancer?Resveratrol may also protect against Alzheimer's

disease. Several epidemiological studies show that moderate wine drinkers are at decreased risk of dementia, and resveratrol is the likely explanation. Many of the mechanisms discussed above that protect against cardiovascular disease also provide broad benefits throughout the body, including the brain.

In lab studies, resveratrol promotes the breakdown of beta-amyloid plaques, lesions found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. In animal studies, resveratrol not only protects against dementia but also improves cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's. Although resveratrol hasn't yet been tested in human clinical trials, it

is widely believed to have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of this neurodegenerative disorder.

This nutrient also seems to be helpful in cancer prevention and treatment. Resveratrol inhibits the adhesion of cancer cells, which is a requirement for metastasis, and promotes apoptosis (self-destruction) of cancer cells without harming healthy cells. It also

Vol. 17. No. 4Page 2

Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 13 health books including: The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing" (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac. MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceCEO: Kevin Donoghue Managing Editor: Jamie Whaley Associate Research Editor: Ryann Smith

Associate Managing Editor: Thorn Young© Copyright 2007, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whitaker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.


puts the brakes on angiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels required for cancer growth.

Wine or Supplements?No supplement will ever replace the relaxation and

sense of camaraderie a nice glass of wine provides, but to get the full benefit of resveratrol, you'll need to take it in supplement form. (Some red wines provide mere traces; grape juice has none at all.)

Supplemental resveratrol is well absorbed, and although it has a short half-life (the time required before 50 percent is broken down), once it is metabolized in the liver, its metabolites stick around for up to nine hours. These metabolites travel through the bloodstream, and when they encounter a specific enzyme at a site of inflammation, infection, or cancer, the resveratrol molecule is freed up, allowing it to work where it is needed the most.

Anecdotes of resveratrol's benefits, though not proved, are certainly provocative. Tom, a ranch foreman from California, takes it and talked his skeptical 80-year-old mother into trying it. Even a short walk would leave her tired and short of breath, but after just one month, his mom was a believer. She had more energy, felt more upbeat, and today she "bops around." bowls, hikes, and feels better than ever. Another success story, which comes from Evelyn, is even more extraordinary. In addition to improvements in energy and sense of well-being, she swears her hair is slowly but surely losing its gray.

Mark my words, we'll be hearing much more about resveratrol as a treatment for a wide variety of age-related disorders in coming years.

Recommendations:• The suggested dose of resveratrol is 100 mg once or twice a day, taken with meals.• The quality of resveratrol supplements varies considerably, so it's important to use a product with guaranteed stability and potency. The brand I recommend is Longevinex, which has a unique encapsulation process that preserves resveratrol. Longevinex also contains quercetin to enhance absorption and IP6, a heavy metal chelator, in a base of lecithin, to help penetrate the blood brain barrier. It is available from Longevinex at (866) 405-4000, online at longevinex.com, and from the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (866) 944-8253.• To learn more about resveratrol, read The Red Wine Pill by Bill Sardi, available from Here & Now Books at (909) 599-0840. hereandnowbooks.com.

ReferencesAnelkonda TS. Resveratrol—a boon for treating Alzheimer's disease?

Brain Res Rev. 2006 Sept;52:316-326.Anthar M, et al. Resveratrol: a review of preclinical studies forhuman cancer prevention. Toxicol Appi Pharmacol. 2007 Jan

3; [Epub ahead of print]. Baur JA, et al. Resveratrol improves health and survival of miceon a high-calorie diet. Nature. 2006 Nov 16:444(7117):337-342.Stef G. et al. Resveratrol inhibits aggregation of platelets from high-risk

cardiac patients with aspirin resistance. J Carclio-vasc Pharmacol. 2006 Aug:48(2):I-5.

VACCINATIONS

The HPV ScandalIf pharmaceutical giant Merck has its way, Gardasil.

their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (the "cervical cancer vaccine") will be on track to become yet another

mandated immunization. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has already recommended it for all females from age 9 to 26. Within a year, it will be a requirement for 11- and 12-year-old girls entering sixth grade in Texas, and similar legislation has just been passed in Virginia and is awaiting the governor's signature.

Merck's lobbying efforts are intense. They contribute financially to Women in Government, a group of legislators whose priorities include widespread HPV screening and vaccination. As a result, a majority of states have introduced or enacted legislation along these lines. In Texas, Merck gave a hefty donation to the governor, Rick Perry, and eight state legislators the same day they briefed the chief of staff on the vaccine. And interestingly, Perry's former chief of staff is now a Merck lobbyist.

This push lor nationwide HPV immunization exemplifies the insane and dangerous degree to which pharmaceutical companies will go to make a buck. Let's look at the facts.

"Just the Facts, Ma'am"Fact #1. Mandatory vaccination would be a windfall

profit for Merck. If all of the 34 million girls and women in this country in this target age range (9 to 26) get the HPV vaccine—which costs approximately $360 for the three-shot series—Merck will rake in more than $12 billion!

Fact #2. This vaccine is highly touted as being 100 percent effective against two strains of HPV associated with about 70 percent of diagnosed cases of cervical cancer. However, only two percent of American women (incidence decreases with age) carry those two strains of HPV! Furthermore, the vaccine has only been shown to reduce the risk of precancerous changes in the cervix. // has never been proven to actually prevent cervical cancer.

Continued on page 6

April 2007 Page 3

http://longevinex.com/

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Dear Dr.[I] I've been a subscriber for several years but do not remember seeing any articles about peripheral neuropathy. I have been suffering with this condition for over 10 years; however, we have never been able to trace it to any particular cause. Extensive testing has cleared me of any likelihood of diabetes or other possible causative diseases. At present, both feet and legs up to about the midpoint are numb and all fingers on both hands are in the tingling state. I am now on medication (Neurontin) at the highest dosage advisable.I am sure there are many other kindred sufferers who, like myself, would greatly appreciate your dealing with this miserable and crippling disease in a future issue of Health & Healing. Thank you. —Michael Fiorentino, Pismo Beach, CA

Unfortunately, about 20 million "kindred sufferers" have some form of peripheral neuropathy. More than 100 types of this condition have been identified, all involving damage to the nerves. The most common cause is diabetes, but inflammatory diseases, circulation problems, trauma, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, and exposure to heavy metals are other culprits. In addition, some drugs used to treat hypertension, high cholesterol (statins), cancer, and HIV have also been linked to neuropathy.-------Aa-you know, conventional medicine doesn't havemuch to offer besides medications to relieve pain. My philosophy is to get to the root of the problem, but since your neuropathy appears to be idiopathic (of unknown cause), I can only tell you how we treat the majority of our patients with neuropathy.

Because oxidative stress plays a role in this disorder, we start with a multivitamin that includes high doses of vitamin E (400+ IU) and other antioxidants. Patients with neuropathy are often deficient in B-complex vitamins, so we aim for 150 mg of B6 and 1,500 meg of B12. We also add 600-1,200 mg of alpha lipoic acid, a well-studied treatment for

Whitakerdiabetic neuropathy that also helps with other types of neuropathy. And since inflammation is also a factor, we prescribe fish oil (up to 1,800 mg of EPA) along with either evening primrose or borage oil (480 mg of GLA). Other supplements include biotin, benfo-tiamine, N-acetyl-cysteine, and topical capsaicin.

Some patients need additional help. That's where therapies come in. First, we use Anodyne, an infrared light treatment that improves circulation, relieves pain, and restores sensation. Second, we employ Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP), which increases blood flow and helps reduce pain and numbness. Third, EDTA chelation removes heavy metals that may contribute to neuropathy. Fourth, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers massive doses of oxygen to the tissues and boosts levels of restorative stem cells. Fifth, we use a conventional prescription medication, ketamine, applied topically to dramatically relieve pain.

Individually or in combination, these therapies have worked wonders for our patients with peripheral neuropathy. William had such severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy that he was unable to get around without a cane. After several weeks of treatment with Anodyne and HBOT, he was pain free and able to take up golf again. Dr. Edward B. Cooper, an optometrist from Riverside, California, was bothered with numbness in his toes during his daily walks on a treadmill. During his three-week stay at our Back to Health Program, his pain resolved, as did the discoloration in his legs caused by poor circulation.

The supplements discussed above can be found in health food stores or ordered by calling (800) 810-6655. To learn more about these therapies, visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com. To receive HBOT, chelation, EECP, and other safe, natural therapies for neuropathy at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500. — JW

Got a question for Dr. Whitaker? Send it to Health & Healing, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854 or [email protected]. For health tips, use the same address or [email protected].

Vol. 17, No. 4Page 4

mailto:[email protected]


http://drwhitaker.com/

Works for me...My mom is a high school physical education teacher who's been working at the same school for more than 30 years.

Because she lives in a small town, it's common for her to run into former students while she's out and about. A few months ago, a girl walked up to her and said, "Hi, remember me?" She's usually pretty good with faces and names but she just couldn't place her. She apologized and the girl laughed and said, "It could be because I've lost 60pounds!" Astounded, my mom asked what she'd done to lose the weight. The girl claimed that the only change she'd made was cutting ranch dressing out of her diet! Just goes to show that a little change can go a long way. — Whitaker Wellness Employee

This story is a perfect example of how a minor adjustment in lifestyle can produce major results. I encourage you to try this. Start small: stop drinking soda, cut out fast food, or begin walking for 20 minutes a few days per week. Over time, you'll be amazed at the significant changes that can occur. — JW





INNOVATIONS IN WELLNESS MEDICINE

April 2007 Page 5

Did You Know?• A compound in male sweat called androstadienone boosts mood and sexual arousal in women.

• About 42 percent of the calories the average American consumes are eaten when away from home.

• British researchers found that beta blockers (drugs used to treat hypertension) increase the risk of diabetes by 50 percent.

• Colas, but not other types of sodas, are linked with decreased bone density in older women.

• Getting less than five hours of sleep a night doubles your risk of hypertension.

• Glands in your nose and sinuses produce one to two quarts of mucus per day.

• Women who take folic acid supplements are much less likely to give birth to chil-dren with cleft palates.

• "Smokable" drugs that get into the lungs and blood within seconds are being developed.

• Almost twice as many women die of lung cancer than breast cancer, but the leading cause of death for women is heart disease.

• The greatest medical advance in the past 166 years, according to a British Medical Journal poll, is improved sanitation.

• Nitrates in leafy vegetables increase the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes the arteries and helps lower blood pressure.

• Doctors only spend an average of 18 seconds listening to their patients before interrupting them.

EGGS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATIONAge-related macular degeneration is the

leading cause of blindness in older people. Marked by deterioration of the macula, a small area in the center of the retina, it results in loss of central vision and inability to see fine details. Two of the most protective nutrients against macular degeneration are lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids concentrated in the macula. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich leafy greens have a decreased risk of this disorder.

Another good source of these carotenoids is egg yolks. To study the effects of eggs on the macula, researchers from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell divided female volunteers into three groups and gave them six eggs per week (two groups ate eggs containing different levels of lutein and zeaxanthin) or placebo pills. After 12 weeks, they found that eating eggs increased density of the macular pigment and raised blood levels of zeaxanthin, but had no effect on cholesterol. The only change in the placebo group was an unexpected increase in cholesterol. The researchers commented that although eggs contain fewer protective carotenoids than spinach and other leafy greens, their bioavailability to the retina is high. To protect against macular degeneration, include one whole egg in your daily diet—and don't fret about your cholesterol.

VITAMIN D FOR CANCER PREVENTIONYou already know I'm a big fan of vitamin

D, and I don't want to beat the subject to death. However, there are two studies hot off the press that you need to know about. Both of them are meta-analyses looking at data from several studies that compared blood levels of vitamin D with breast and colorectal cancer incidence. Across the board, these studies found that the lowest levels of vitamin D correlated with the highest risk of cancer, and as vitamin D levels rose, risk decreased. The correlations were so strong that the researchers concluded that increasing vitamin D levels may well prevent two-thirds of colorectal cancer cases and half of breast cancer cases in this country!

The blood level deemed most protective (46 ng/mL) could, according to the researchers, be attained by taking 2,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D3 and, weather permitting, spending 10-15 minutes outdoors in the sun each day. If you haven't taken my previous advice to beef up your vitamin D intake, get started today.

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR PROSTATE ENLARGEMENTEnlargement

of the prostate is as common as wrinkles in older men—but it's not inevitable. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that the risk of developing this condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be reduced by eating a diet rich in vegetables. Researchers from Johns Hopkins looked at 32,000 men they'd been following since 1986 and found that the men who ate the most vegetables (fruit had no effect) were less likely to have BPH symptoms or surgery.

In addition to diet, saw palmetto and pygeum remain first-line therapies for BPH. Both of these botanical extracts have a strong track record in reducing nighttime urination, hesitancy, and other urinary symptoms. Some studies even suggest that they protect against or slow the growth of prostate cancer. Men, listen up. Improve your diet, start taking saw palmetto and pygeum supplements in your late 40s, and you just may be able to sidestep this very common affliction of aging.

April 2007 Page 5

Continued from page 3

Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause changes in cells on the surface of the cervix. This precancerous condition is called cervical dysplasia, and it's what they're looking for during routine Pap smears. Once a diagnosis of dysplasia is confirmed, abnormal cells are removed by cryotherapy (freezing), electricity, or laser. At this stage, successful treatment is almost guaranteed.

Not everyone infected with HPV develops cervical dysplasia or cancer—millions of healthy people also harbor the virus. There are, however, a number of things women of all ages can do to protect themselves.

First, eat lots of vegetables and fruit. Consumption of these nutrient-dense foods has been shown not only to protect against cervical dysplasia but also to promote regression.

Next, take a daily multivitamin supplement. Certain nutrients dramatically reduce risk of cervical dysp/asia. even in the presence of HPV. Vitamins A and C, folic acid, and other antioxidants and B-complex vitamins are particularly protective, so make sure your multi contains hefty doses of these nutrients.

Finally, take supplemental indole-3-carbinol (I3C) or DIM (an active metabolite of I3C). Found in cruciferous vegetables, I3C has been studied in the prevention and treatment of a number of types of cancer. In one study, patients with cervical dysplasia were divided into three groups and given either 200 or 400 mg of I3C or a placebo. After 12 weeks of this daily routine, half of the women taking I3C had complete regression, but none of the women taking the placebo did.

Fact #3. Most women exposed to HPV are able to naturally fight it off without ever knowing they are infected; only a very small percentage develop problems. State-mandated programs would require all teen-aged girls to be immunized, even though there is no evidence whatsoever that they will receive any benefit.

Fact #4. Whether the HPV vaccine will actually lower the incidence (and death rate) of cervical cancer is speculative at best. Routine Pap smears detect this slow-growing cancer early, when treatment is almost always successful. In developing countries, where the death rate from cervical cancer is much more common, the vaccine might save lives but its cost makes it prohibitively expensive.

Fact #5. Approximately 12,000 American women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and fewer than 4.000 die of it. If—and this is a very big if—70 percent of these deaths were prevented by the HPV vaccine (and this would not be realized for decades), we'd be spending $4.3 million per life saved. It is difficult to put a price on a human life, but when you're expending limited resources, you must. The upper limit of a cost-benefit ratio is generally accepted to be $100,000.

This HPV vaccine is a pipe dream. It would cost tens of billions of dollars, is unlikely to save lives, and could possibly harm millions of young girls.

The Downside of VaccinesAnother thing we must remember is that vaccines are

not benign agents. Hundreds of reports of adverse reactions to the HPV vaccination have been submitted to the CDC in the past few months. Most of them involve pain at the injection site, dizziness, fainting, or nausea, but there have also been cases of joint pain, seizures, and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. And down the line, who knows? The HPV vaccine was fast-tracked

through the FDA approval process. No one, and I mean no one, has any idea what the long-term effects might be!

Vaccines dramatically stimulate the immune system, and this opens the door for side effects. Today, our children get more than 30 vaccinations (not counting yearly influenza shots or the HPV vaccine) during their first 12 years of life, compared to the handful that kids received 35 years ago. This increase parallels the explosive growth in diagnoses of autism: In 1980 it was 1 case in 2.000 children. Today, it's 1 in 150. Coincidence? I think not. (For more about vaccines and autism, visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.coin.)

Let Parents DecideWe should take pause before foisting yet another

vaccination upon our girls. Merck has demonstrated that they are more than willing to gamble our children's health on an unproven vaccine in return for immense profits. This magnitude of evil is rare, even for a drug company. Using children like this is worse than cutting old-growth forests—kids could be damaged with no significant benefits in sight.

There is a way out of this. If you wish to have your daughter vaccinated against HPV, wonderful. This is a free country. But if you wish not to have your daughter vaccinated, you should not have to petition the state or seek asylum from a state mandate. This is Orwellian at its worst and must be stopped.

To help, write the governor of Virginia and demand that he veto this flawed and dangerous bill. Then contact the governor of Texas and urge him to rescind his order. I also suggest that you get in touch with your own legislators and make sure this nonsense doesn't happen in your state. Tell them we should not jeopardize our daughters and granddaughters just to enrich Merck.

ReferencesBell MC, et al. Placebo-controlled trial of indole-3-carbinol in the

treatment of CIN. Gynecol Oncol. 2000:78:123-129.FDA licenses new vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer and other

diseases in females caused by human papillomavirus. [ US Food and Drug Administration Web site], www.ftla.gov/bbs/ topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01385.html. Accessed February 24, 2007.

Marshall K. Cervical dysplasia: early intervention. Ahem Med Review. 2003 May:8(2):156-170.

KITCHEN CURES

The Spices of LifeTwo years ago, Health Achievement Award winner

Glynn P., of Rockport. Texas, had a blood pressure reading of 250/125, a blood sugar level of 300. and a host of other medical problems. Told by his doctors that there was nothing more they could do for him. he said, "I was sent home to make out my will."

At 71 years of age, Glynn decided he was just too young to die. So he went home and pored through back issues of Health & Healing, looking for things he could do to regain his health. He got tested for sleep apnea and was placed on a CPAP machine. He began taking nutritional supplements such as coenzyme QI0, lipoic acid, and saw palmetto, along with cherry extract. And he started using three spices he'd read about: cinnamon, garlic, and cayenne pepper.

Within months, his blood pressure fell to 135/76 and his blood sugar dropped below 98—without drugs. His gout and arthritis disappeared, and his other health problems improved dramatically as well.

Glynn's phenomenal turnaround was obviously due to a number of factors, but it got me thinking. Just how much protection could compounds typically found in the American kitchen—such as cinnamon, garlic, and cayenne—offer against some of our most common health problems?

A Sweet and Spicy Cure


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Let's look at cinnamon first. Mentioned in Chinese texts dating back to 2700 BC, cinnamon has made appearances in the Bible, graced the tables of ancient Romans. Greeks, and Egyptians, and been deemed at one time a gift fit for a king. Today.cinnamon's medicinal benefits, as well as its culinary uses, keep it in high esteem—and for good reason.

This spice improves insulin sensitivity and has profound effects on blood sugar. German researchers gave patients with type 2 diabetes who were on oral drugs either an aqueous extract of cinnamon (the equivalent of 3 g of cinnamon powder) or a placebo daily. After four months, the group taking cinnamon experienced a 10.3 percent reduction in blood sugar, compared to the placebo group's drop of 3.4 percent. This effect was even more pronounced in an earlier study, in which blood sugar levels fell 18 to 29 percent with doses of 1 to 3 g of cinnamon per day.

A recent study confirms that cinnamon also lowers blood pressure, a benefit I've been hearing about for some time from patients and readers. Marsha, a Health & Healing subscriber from Memphis, reported that taking a cinnamon extract and drinking cinnamon tea lowered her blood pressure from 215/110 to an average of 125-135/60-70! In addition, it has been shown to drive down triglycerides 23 to 30 percent and LDL cholesterol 7 to 27 percent over a 40-day period.

Cinnamon's other purported benefits range from curing the common cold and relieving arthritis to improving

memory and warding off insects. Although I'm not certain these claims will pan out, the wide-ranging benefits of this spice make it well worth adding to your kitchen staples. But don't just add ground cinnamon to your food. Research suggests that chemicals in saliva render it ineffective. Furthermore, whole cinnamon contains some undesirable compounds that are eliminated when it is mixed in hot water. Therefore. I recommend taking a water-soluble cinnamon extract, drinking cinnamon tea, or adding cinnamon to ground coffee before brewing. The suggested dose is a quarter to a half teaspoon twice a day.

The Stinking RoseLike cinnamon, garlic has long been a mainstay in

both medicine and cooking. Centuries before Louis Pasteur discovered garlic's potent antibacterial properties in the 1850s, it was used to treat infections and improve strength, not to mention scare off evil spirits.

These days, garlic is one of our best-studied and best-selling medicinal herbs. Garlic contains sulfur compounds with powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and improves circulation. Despite a recent study showing no effect on cholesterol, scores of studies support garlic's role in cardiovascular health and I continue to use it and recommend it for my patients.

One of the most exciting areas of research on garlic is cancer. In lab studies, garlic inhibits the


growth of several types of cancer cells, and a number of epidemiological studies suggest that eating a lot of garlic and related vegetables reduces risk of gastric and colorectal cancer. In one study of more than 35,000 women in Iowa, those who ate at least one clove of garlic per week had a 32 percent lower risk of colon cancer than the women who ate it only once a month.

Although garlic supplements are an option, I believe the best and most enjoyable way to reap the benefits of garlic is to eat a clove several times a week. No, you don't have to eat it raw. But cooking can suppress the enzyme that activates its sulfur compounds, so wait about 10 minutes after cutting or chopping garlic before cooking it so the enzyme can go to work.

Some Like It HotDo you like spicy food? If not, you may want to reconsider. Chili peppers

(dubbed "violent fruit" by seventeenth century English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper) have a number of health benefits thanks to capsaicin, the compound that gives them their kick. The folk uses of cayenne and other hot peppers range from treating stomach ulcers to improving circulation and heart disease, and I've personally heard reports of this nature. Better studied, however, are capsaicin's effects on metabolism and pain.

If you've ever broken into a sweat after eating chili peppers, you know that capsaicin has a thermogenic effect—it raises body temperature and burns calories. It has also been shown to suppress appetite. When Dutch researchers gave red pepper powder in tomato juice or capsules to study volunteers 30 minutes before meals, they felt fuller and ate less.

Applied to the skin, capsaicin suppresses substance P, a chemical that delivers pain signals to the brain—making it a very powerful topical pain reliever. It's helpful for arthritis, back pain, and neuropathy, and even conventional physicians recognize its value as a treatment for the pain of shingles. (Capsaicin creams burn at first, but this diminishes with use.)

Include hot, spicy foods in your daily diet, especially if you're trying to lose weight. And keep ajar of cayenne pepper in the house. My wife Connie sprinkles it in chicken soup to open up sinuses and thin mucus when someone in the family has a cold, and I dab it on when I cut myself shaving. It burns like the dickens, but the bleeding stops immediately.

The age-old adage says that variety is the spice of life. I say the variety of spices you use enhances your life. Bon appetit!

Recommendations:• Add cinnamon, garlic, and peppers to your daily diet, or look for them in supplement form in your health food store. Use as directed.• Visit the Subscriber Center at dnvhitaker.com for healthy, tasty recipes that incorporate these spices.

ReferencesKahn A, et al. Cinnamon improves glucose and lipids of people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care.

2003 Dec;26(12):3215-32I8.Mang B, et al. Effects of a cinnamon extract on plasma glucose. HbA. and scrum lipids in diabetes

mellitus type 2. Eur J Clin Invest. 2006 May:36(5):340-344.Westerterp-Plantenga MS et al. Sensory and gastrointestinal satiety effects of capsaicin on food

intake. //// J Obes (Lond). 2005 Jun;29(6):682-688.

Here's to your health,

Subscriber Center Password: Dogwood (at drwhitaker.com)

Watch Future Issues For:■ 90: The New 70?

■ Say Goodbye to Bloating and Gas

Now at drwhitaker.com:Have you visited the Health & Healing Subscriber Center? As a FREE part of your subscription, you get exclusive access to even more health-enhancing advice on the topics in this issue, plus much, much more. It's easy—just log in with your e-mail address and the password at the bottom of this page. You can even send your questions to Dr. Whitaker, which he may answer in an upcoming issue!

Health & Healing At Your Service...

Customer Service (800) 539-8219 drwhitaker.com To renew your subscription, change your address, order back issues, or give feedback on the newsletter.

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Books, Products, and Services (800) 705-5559 drwhitaker.comTo learn more about Dr. Whitaker's recommended home health products and best-selling books.

Mark Your CalendarThe next subscriber seminar is right around the corner. I'll be in Chicago, Illinois, in July, and I'd love to meet you. Stay tuned for further details.

©2007 Healthy Directions, LLcjJft.

A leading independent health newsletter since 1991. Call (800) 539-8219 or visit drwhitaker.com to subscribe.




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Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine

February 2007 Vol. 17, No. 2

Dear Reader,

If you think alternative medicine (medical therapies not taught in medical school or used in hospitals) is a passing fad, you should have attended the 14"' annual international conference of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) recently held in Las Vegas. More than 6,000 people attended six days of lectures and workshops on a variety of unconventional therapies.

Several speakers detailed the use of natural hormone replacement for heart failure, diabetes, and other conditions. Other talks focused on solutions for failing memory and on safe, nontoxic cancer therapies. There were also discussions about the latest treatments for rejuvenating aging skin. After all, if you're going to live to be 100, you don't want to look it!

All this makes me proud of the Whitaker Wellness Institute. Many, if not most, of the therapies discussed at the conference have been part of our treatment protocols for years, some for more than a decade.

A4M boasts a membership of 11.500 doctors and scientists from 65 countries around the world, and it's growing every year—thanks to people like you who are seeking out alternatives to the drugs and invasive procedures that are essentially all conventional medicine has to offer.

In this first story I want to address the modern myth that bypass surgery and angioplasty are lifesaving procedures. They aren't. In fact, the $121 billion-per-year

heart surgery industry does far more harm than good.WORKS FOR ME


Director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute. Newport Beach, California

In This Issue:

HEART SURGERY

Coronary Artery Disease:Back to Basics..................p.l

MINERAL BALANCE

Get Smart About Salt................p.4

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Prevention of Bruising.....p.4

Honey for Burns.......................p.4 ANGIOPLASTY AND BYPASS SURGERY

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Cardiovascular Disease...

Memory...Indoor Air.................p.5

NEUROPROTECTION

The Latest on Lithium...............p.7

NOTABLE QUOTE

He who has health has hope; and he

who has hope has everything.

— Arabian proverb

Coronary Artery Disease: Back to BasicsIf you've ever had a heart attack or recurring angina, chances are you've

either had or been recommended to have an angioplasty (or, as it's now called, percutaneous coronary intervention—or PCI). This procedure involves inflating a balloon on the tip of a catheter inserted into a narrowed artery. Performed more than a million times a year, angioplasty is the standard of care for patients who have had a heart attack. It is also a popular therapy for many who are suffering with angina and for asymptomatic patients with blockages in the coronary arteries.

But there's a problem. Contrary to popular belief, angioplasty does not prevent heart attacks or save lives.

Studies Show HarmConventional wisdom dictates that angioplasty is best done within 12 hours

after a heart attack, but at least a third of patients are not treated within that time frame. Nevertheless, 'late" angioplasty is routinely performed on the assumption that it provides benefit. Well, it doesn't.

A large, multi-center study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that when angioplasty was done three to 28 days after a heart attack, it failed to reduce the occurrence of death, repeat heart attacks, or heart failure. Even worse, during four years of follow-up there were more heart attacks in the group that had angioplasty, compared to those treated conservatively with drugs.

Another major drawback of angioplasty is restenosis, or closing up of the opened artery. To counter this, a tiny metal "scaffold" called a stent is usually placed in the artery to keep it propped open. But even stents can become blocked with scar tissue over time, so most are coated with drugs to reduce this risk.

While this may sound like a good idea, three new studies show that it's anything but. Although drug-coated stents may decrease restenosis, they interfere with the creation of collateral circulation that naturally bypasses blocked arteries, increase risk of potentially fatal blood clots—and more than double the risk of heart attack or death!

Even the FDA Warns of RisksThe FDA recently convened an expert panel to look at

the safety of drug-eluting stents, and they concluded that these stents are safe and effective only when used as originally approved: in patients with one blocked artery and no significant heart damage.

Well over half of all drug-eluting stents are implanted in patients who do not meet these criteria. The panel warned physicians to be more discriminating and judicious in their use of these stents, stating that, in many patients, they increase risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and death from heart disease.

Cardiologists are not likely to pay much attention to this. I predict that business will continue as usual, but the hundreds of thousands of stent recipients will be forced to take Plavix, a drug that helps prevent blood clots, for the rest of their lives—at a cost of $1,400 a year. That's great news for stent and drug manufacturers, but it's bad news for you.

"Cures" Worse Than the DiseaseIt's very difficult for me to even read these studies,

much less comment on them as if they were newsworthy. It's like additional evidence that the earth is round. Angioplasty, bypass, and other invasive heart procedures not only do not, but cannot, prevent heart attacks or prolong lives in the vast majority of patients who have them.

Way back in 1983—long before angioplasty became the revenue-generating darling of cardiology—the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) was published. This definitive clinical trial was expected to confirm the benefits of bypass surgery in patients with significant heart disease.

Instead, CASS showed that bypass was a bust. Rates of heart attack and death from heart disease were no lower in patients who had surgery than they were in a similar group of patients treated without surgery. The death rate in the patients who didn't have bypass surgery was a surprisingly low 1.6 percent per year. The chance that any surgery will improve upon a death rate this low is virtually nil. It boils down to one indisputable fact: You cannot save the life of someone who is not going to die.

This Study Is Relevant TodayThe findings from this study are as relevant today as

they were 24 years ago. At the time of the CASS trials, the death rate of patients 65 and older hospitalized for bypass was 11 percent. While the in-hospital death rate for bypass has dropped to 2.2 percent (this includes all age groups; it's higher for older people), the annual mortality rate for patients with heart disease treated with noninvasive methods has fallen below 1 percent—meaning you're still more than twice as likely to die from the surgery as you are from the disease.

I've said for more than 20 years that a middle school math student could take these figures and determine that the current use of invasive heart procedures is fraud. When you weigh the certain pain and cost of surgery against the slim chance of benefit, it's



Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing^ (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceCEO: Kevin Donoghue Senior Managing Editor: Bill Todd Associate Research Editor: Ryann Smith

© Copyright 2007, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whitaker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.


an easy call. Yet today, bypass, angioplasty, and other "lifesaving" heart procedures continue to be foisted upon more and more folks who don't need them.

Follow the MoneyIf hard science and patient benefit were central factors

at work here, these procedures would be a rarity. But invasive cardiology has nothing to do with science. It has nothing to do with saving lives or improving quality of life. It has to do with money. Period!

According to the American Heart Association, every year in US hospitals, 1,414,000 cardiac catheterizations (angiograms) are performed at an average cost of $24,893; 1,244,000 angioplasties at $38,203 each; and 467,000 bypass surgeries at $83,919 per operation. These procedures generate more than $121 billion a year, a windfall that makes up approximately 45 percent of the total revenue of most hospitals!

That's why angioplasty and bypass remain popular, despite dozens of studies that have been conducted over the past quarter-century—not one of them showing that either of these procedures prevents heart attacks or premature death for the overwhelming majority of people.

Scared Into SurgeryThe millions of patients required to fill beds in cardiac

care centers across the country are not that hard to come by. All a heart surgeon or interventional cardiologist has to do is tell them, "If we don't operate, you're going to die in the parking lot." Presto! Grossly misinformed and frightened, people quickly embrace these "lifesaving" therapies.

One such patient is Health & Healing Health Achievement Award winner Lee Larson of Arizona City, AZ. Lee is a heart surgery veteran. Back in 1997, he had a heart attack and underwent angioplasty. Within months, his angina returned, and he was told the artery had closed up. So he had another angioplasty, then another. He finally ended up having a bypass. Despite all this, Lee was unable to walk more than half a block before severe chest pain and pressure forced him to stop and rest. Realizing that the route he was on wasn't working, he decided to come to the Whitaker Wellness Institute.

You Do Have OptionsAt the clinic we treated Lee as we treat all of our

patients who have heart disease. We started him on a therapeutic diet and a mild exercise program. He underwent a course of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to restore blood flow and helpbuild collateral circulation. He began taking multiple supplements to address the underlying causes of heart disease, including fish oil to counter inflammation, red yeast rice and policosanol to lower his cholesterol, nattokinase to improve blood flow, and coenzyme Q10 to strengthen his heart.

Today, Lee rides his bicycle five to 15 miles a day and walks on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a nine percent incline

without chest pain or pressure. He has lost 25 pounds and states that he feels better than he has in 10 years.

Look Before You LeapWe see patients with improvements as dramatic as

Lee's every day. It's not that hard to help them— we simply go back to the basics. Heart disease is systemic, not localized to a specific artery. The condition is multi-factorial, not just about cholesterol and blood pressure, and it is best treated by addressing all of the factors that increase risk of heart attack.

The most disheartening aspect of the bypass-angioplasty charade is that it prevents people from receiving appropriate care. Going after blockages with stents or bypass is not the answer. It just gets in the way, frequently making the situation worse. In reality, if we tied the thumbs of all catheter-pushing cardiologists and heart surgeons, the death rate from cardiovascular disease would decline dramatically.

Recommendations:• You need to think this invasive cardiology issue through

now, not when you're lying in the ER with a doctor telling you you're going to die if you don't do something right away. To learn more, read my book Reversing Heart Disease (Warner Books, 2002). You'll find it in bookstores, online, or by calling (800) 810-6655.

• To learn more about the Whitaker Wellness approach to treating heart disease, call (800) 488-1500 or visit whitakerwellness.com.

ReferencesHochman JS, ct al. Coronary intervention for persistent occlusion after

myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2006 Dec 7;355;23:2395-2407.

Eisenstein EL. et al. Clopidogrel use and long-term clinical outcomes after drug-eluting stent implantation. JAMA. 2006 Dec 5; [Epub ahead of print].

Hochholzer W, et al. Impact of the degree of peri-interventional platelet inhibition after loading with clopidogrel on early clinical outcome of elective coronary stent placement. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006 Nov 7;48(9): 1742-1750.

Coronary artery surgery study (CASS): a randomized trial of coronary artery bypass surgery. Survival data. Circulation. 1983 Nov;68(5):939-950.

MINERAL BALANCE

Get Smart About SaltSalt is born of the purest of parents: the sun and the

sea. — Pythagoras

Mankind has always valued salt. Throughout history, this mineral has been traded, treated as currency, and used in religious ceremonies. And itsindustrial and medical applications continue to make it an essential commodity.

Physically we cannot live without sodium and chlorine, the minerals that make up salt. Like other electrolytes, these minerals carry electrical charges that drive a number of cellular activities. Sodium is especially important because, in tandem with potas-

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February 2007 Page 3

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Dear Dr. Whitaker





IT] Please address a major problem of older people who have developed bruising and bleeding. I have to wear long-sleeved shirts to hide the ugliness of this condition. Moisturizers do not help. I have been on your vitamin supplements for several years. Could there be something lacking in my system? — Robert K. All red, Escondido, CA

Bruising typically occurs when the tiny capillaries near the surface of the skin break after blunt trauma. As we age, our skin gets thinner and these blood vessels become more fragile, which can result in bruising from the slightest bumps and scrapes.

Aging aside, easy bruising can be due to a number of factors. A common cause is drugs, especially blood-thinning medications (Coumadin/warfa-rin). anti-clotting drugs (Plavix), corticosteroids, and aspirin. Bleeding disorders and other diseases may also be an issue, so you should discuss these things with your doctor. (Do not stop taking any drugs unless advised to do so by your physician.)

You asked if there could be something lacking in your system. Severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is marked by pervasive bruising as collagen breaks down. However, since you are taking my multivitamin and mineral supplement, you're getting 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily, so this is not likely to be the cause of your bruising. On the other hand, increasing your intake of vitamin C can't hurt, so I suggest upping your dose to at least 2,000 mg per day.

Deficiency in vitamin K, which is involved in blood clotting, is another potential but rare cause of bruising.

The best way to make sure you're getting enough vitamin K is to eat more broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. Bioflavonoids such as rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin are also helpful because they decrease capillary fragility. Look for combination products in your health food store and take as directed, along with vitamin C.

To speed healing and minimize the appearance of existing bruises, I suggest you try topical vitamin K cream. In a recent study, patients who had received laser treatment had significant reductions in bruising after applying vitamin K to the affected areas. (Life Extension's Vitamin K Healing Cream is a good brand.) Arnica montana is another tried-and-true remedy for healing bumps and bruises; we use Heel's Traumeel cream at the clinic, and this homeopathic remedy is also available as sublingual tablets. And don't overlook bromelain, a pineapple enzyme that has been shown to reduce trauma-related inflammation and swelling.

The best solution, albeit a pricey one (about a week), is human growth hormone (HGH). Like other hormones. HGH production declines with age. Raising your levels to those of a young adult with supplemental HGH confers multiple health benefits. It boosts bone and muscle mass growth, reduces body fat, and increases skin thickness—in one study by an average of 7.1 percent! Thicker skin means less bruising. To find a physician in your area who prescribes this therapy, visit the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) at worldhealth.net, or the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) at acam.org. — JW





http://acam.org/

http://worldhealth.net/

Works for me...I want to pass along a tip that has worked wonders for me and many, many friends. The best thing to put on a burn is

honey. People think I am crazy until they try it. Last year, I got a large burn on my arm from my barbeque grill. On went the honey, and the next day I had no pain. Last week, my friend burned his hand on a hot weld. I said, "Honey." He tried it, no blister, no nothing. It really does work. — RL, Wichita, KS

If you're crazy, then so am I. I've been using sugar (which works the same way that honey does) to speedhealing of serious wounds and open skin ulcers for years. To learn more about this inexpensive, very effectivetherapy, visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com. — JW ___________________








Did You Know?• Serotonin levels drop about 40 percent during the winter.

• People with vitamin D deficiencies are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes than those with higher levels.

• Supplemental progester-one reduces risk of death following traumatic brain injury.

• Thirty to 70 percent of patients taking placebos in medical studies show improvements.

• Drinking green tea is linked to a lower risk of age-related mental decline.

• Tongue prints, like fingerprints, are unique.

• The most recent study of cell phones found no increased risk of cancer with long-term use.

• Forty percent of antibi-otic prescriptions in 2004 were filled by people who hadn't seen a doctor in at least a month.

• Smoking appears to increase pain and cartilage erosion in men with arthritis of the knee.

• Eating leafy greens with a little oil improves absorption of lutein and other protective phytonutrients.

• Close to 4 million Botox treatments are done yearly.

• The surface area of your intestines is about the size of a tennis court.

• Every year 40 million tons of dust from the Sahara reaches South America.

MELATONIN FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASEYou probably know that melatonin,

a hormone produced in the pineal gland, is an effective sleep aid, but that's not all it is. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and anti-aging therapy that has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, boost mood, help patients with tinnitus, and lower blood pressure. Studies show that melatonin is also cardioprotective. Spanish researchers measured the nighttime melatonin levels of heart attack patients in a coronary care unit, then followed them for six months. They discovered that the patients who suffered a subsequent heart attack or sudden cardiac death during the follow-up period had significantly lower levels of melatonin than those who fared well.

The best way to boost your melatonin level is to take 3 mg (the dose used in most of the studies) 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This supplement is safe and well tolerated, and with all these benefits what have you got to lose? Look for melatonin in your local health food store, or order by calling (800) 810-6655.

SUDOKU FOR MEMORYI'm hooked on Sudoku, the popular puzzles that involve

filling in missing numbers in a grid of 81 squares so that the numbers 1 through 9 appear only once in each row, column, and square. Sounds simple, but Sudoku puzzles can border on diabolical. They are so engrossing that once you get started it's hard to put them down. I focus so intently on my puzzles at times that I'm surprised I don't burn a hole right through the paper.

Games of logic like Sudoku give your brain a workout. Many scientific studies have demonstrated that doing puzzles, playing games, reading books, and learning new skills help to stave off age-related mental decline. Princeton researchers recently monitored the neural patterns of people doing Sudoku and found that these puzzles turn on the brain's associative memory, which allows us to discern patterns from partial clues.

Give Sudoku a try. You'll find all levels of puzzles in daily newspapers, bookstores, and online at websudoku.com . Start with "easy." Beware, Sudoku is addictive.

HOUSEPLANTS FOR IMPROVED AIR QUALITYWhat do philodendrons and air

filters have in common? According to landmark NASA research, they both have the ability to rid your home of harmful airborne pollutants. Last month when I wrote about poor indoor air quality, I ran out of room to tell you about this simple, yet extremely efficient solution.

Plants are nature's air filters. They draw in airborne chemicals and other harmful compounds through their leaves and deposit them in the soil where they are broken down and utilized as plant food by microorganisms. This process effectively removes toxins such as nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, to name a few.

I have live plants all over my home and office. In addition to their health effects, they brighten up the place. Experts recommend using one to three plants for every 100 square feet of living space. Spider plants, philodendrons, golden pathos, aloe vera, and Chinese evergreen plants all ranked highly in their ability to remove pollutants. Keep in mind that the soil in potted plants can collect mold and mildew over time, so keep an eye on them if you are susceptible to these allergens.


http://websudoku.com/


sium, it is involved in muscle contractions, nerve impulse transmissions, and regulation of fluid levels.

Since the body does not produce sodium on its own, we must rely on our diet to get proper levels. But, as is true in many cases, too much of a good thing can be bad for you.

Sodium GluttonyIt's no secret that we eat way too much salt. In fact, on

average, Americans consume almost 4,000 mg of sodium daily—nearly double the upper daily recommended intake (2,400 mg). This excess sodium intake is implicated in numerous diseases.

You probably know that eating lots of salt can raise blood pressure, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. According to the American Stroke Association, people who consume more than 4,000 mg of sodium on a daily basis nearly double their risk of stroke compared with those whose daily intake is no more than 2,400 mg. Asthma, osteoporosis, kidney problems, and stomach ulcers have also been linked to excess sodium intake.

When I was in medical school in the '60s, we put people on low-sodium diets (500-1,000 mg daily) all the time. The problem was that nobody could eat the food. (If you don't believe me, try it yourself.) Fortunately, there is an easier and far tastier way to get the benefits of low sodium without cutting out all the salt, and that is to substantially—and I mean substantially—increase your intake of potassium.

The problem isn't really the amount of sodium in your diet; it's the lack of potassium. You'll see astounding benefits from increasing your potassium intake, even if you keep your sodium intake the same.

A Simple SolutionIn a recent study published in the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, Taiwanese researchers examined the effects of potassium-enriched salt on the cardiovascular health of veterans residing in an assisted living facility.

During the preparation of food, potassium-enriched salt (half sodium chloride, half potassium chloride) was slowly substituted in place of regular salt in a group of 768 men. Regular salt (99.6 percent sodium chloride) continued to be used in the food of 1,213 members of a control group.

The results were remarkable. Over a 31-month average followup, the men using the potassium-enriched salt had a 33 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those eating regular salt. Furthermore, their inpatient medical expenditures for treatment of cardiovascular disease were reduced by an average of $426 per year.

These amazing benefits were accomplished without any cost, effort, or even knowledge on the part of those eating the far healthier, potassium-enriched salt. They didn't even know that any changes had been made because the seasoning quality and taste of the high-potassium salt were the same. These men were still eating a substantial amount of sodium, but according to the researchers the increase in potassium offset the ill effects of high sodium.

The Proof Is in the ShakerThis study just reinforces what I've been saying all

along—potassium is what really matters. Since so many people fall short in the potassium department (the suggested daily intake is 4,700 mg), I'm going to give you an easy way to beef up your levels: Mix one part regular table salt with three parts potassium salt and use in place of regular salt. It's that simple.

The Not-So-Common CulpritsNearly 80 percent of our sodium intake comes from

processed foods. However, some seemingly healthy foodscontain more sodium than you might think, and many are

not balanced with an adequate amount of potassium. (Thegoal is at least a 4:1 potassium-to-sodium ratio.)

Food Potassium

Sodium Approximate

(mg) (mg) Ratio1 medium orange 237 0 no sodium1 medium apple 159 0 no sodium1 medium avocado 1204 20 60:11 medium tomato 273 11 25:1V2 cup broccoli 115 10 11:13-ounce salmon fillet 275 57 5:11 cup 1% milk 381 123 3:12 large eggs 134 140 1:1VA cup peanuts 240 297 1:11 slice whole-wheat 71 148 1:2

bread1 slice bacon 31 101 1:3Vi cup instant oatmeal 143 409 1:33 oz. ham slices 271 1166 1:43 oz. turkey breast slices 259 1217 1:52 oz. cheddar cheese 56 352 1:61A cup pretzels 0 170 no potassium12-ounce can Coca-Cola 0 50 no potassium12-ounce can Sprite 0 70 no potassium♦Nutritional values calculated using MasterCook Deluxe 9.0 by ValuSoft

Recommendations:• Good brands of potassium salt include Nu-Salt and Morton's Salt

Substitute. They can be found in most health food and grocery stores. If you don't like the taste, do what we do at the clinic. Replace the salt in your shaker with a mixture of three parts potassium salt and one part table salt. Bon appetit!

• If you'd like to learn more about the dangers of excess sodium, pick up a copy of The Salt Solution, by Herb Boynton, Mark F. McCarty, and Richard D. Moore, MD, PhD (2001, Avery, New York, NY). It's available in bookstores or online at amazon.com.

• Visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com for more information on how excess sodium can adversely affect your health.

ReferenceChang HY, et al. Effect of potassium-enriched salt on cardiovascular mortality and

medical expenses of elderly men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jun;83(6): 1289-1296.

NEUROPROTECTION

The Latest on LithiumMany of our best therapies have come to us in a roundabout

way. Vitamin C wasn't isolated until 1931, but the British navy knew nearly two centuries earlier that something in citrus fruits staved off scurvy. Viagra was being tested for its effects on cardiovascular disease when study subjects noted it enhanced erectile function. Dilantin was developed as an antiseizure drug, but scores of other applications have emerged, such as the treatment of anxiety. Folic acid was first linked to prevention of neural tube birth defects; now it's known to also protect against heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

The point is that discovery and development of effective therapies often take a circuitous route. The truly good ones usually have a wide range of uses— some of which get overlooked or forgotten altogether.

Lithium is such a therapy. First used in the late 1800s to treat gout, it was found over the years to have profound mood-stabilizing effects. Today, its near-exclusive use is for bipolar, or manic-depressive, disorder. But there is a lot more to the lithium story. Low doses of this safe, inexpensive, over-the-counter supplement offer multiple benefits.

Lithium Is Highly NeuroprotectiveLithium provides tremendous support for the brain. It facilitates

intercellular signaling and shields neurons from the adverse effects of toxic drugs and damage caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain. It also protects against glutamate "excitotoxicity." Glutamate is an essential neurotransmitter that "excites" or stimulates the brain. Excessive levels of glutamate, however, overstimulate neurons and can literally "excite" them to death. Lithium intervenes in this destructive cycle by stabilizing glutamate levels.

Equally important, lithium boosts the expression and synthesis of two unique proteins: bcl-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

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(BDNF), which are involved in the upkeep and development of neurons. As a matter of fact, lithium has actually been shown to help grow new brain cells. In a study published in the Lancet, researchers from Wayne State University in Detroit gave high-dose lithium to study subjects, and after four weeks observed in four-fifths of them a three percent increase in gray matter!

It May Stave Off, Slow Down Alzheimer'sAnother thing that piqued my interest in lithium is its

purported effects on Alzheimer's disease. As you know, Alzheimer's is a looming threat as we get older, and its prevalence is expected to rise exponentially in coming years.

All of the mechanisms discussed above provide a degree of protection against this neurodegenerative disease, but inhibition of glutamate excitotoxicity is particularly promising. I'm not the only one who thinks so. By dampening the receptors that are over-stimulated by glutamate, memantine (Namenda), a drug prescribed for

patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, does pretty much the same thing—with a price tag of over $100 a month.

Lithium also appears to have a direct effect on amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, deposits in the brain that are telltale signs of Alzheimer's. It blocks the activity of an enzyme required for their formation and, in animal studies, reduces the deposition of amyloid-beta by 40 to 78 percent!

Can Lithium Reduce Crime Rates?If high-dose lithium has such a significant impact on mania and

depression in patients with bipolar disorder, do lower doses—or deficiencies—affect mood and behavior in healthy people? Gerhard Schrauzer, PhD, of the University of California San Diego, conducted several studies to answer this question.

In one of them he analyzed the lithium content of hair samples of more than 2,600 adults and found levels to be particularly low in incarcerated violent criminals. In another study, he compared the rates of suicide, homicide, rape, burglary, and drug use in counties in Texas with high levels of natural lithium in the ground water (70-170 meg per liter) to rates in counties with almost no lithium in the water. Suicide,

Vol. 17, No. 2

crime, and drug dependency rates were much higher in counties that had low lithium levels.

Dr. Schrauzer concluded, "These results suggest that lithium at low dosage levels has a generally beneficial effect on human behavior...increas-ing the human lithium intakes by supplementation, or...[adding lithium to] drinking water is suggested as a possible means of crime, suicide, and drug-dependency reduction at the individual and community level."

Alcohol Cravings, Dermatitis, and MoreWhile I'm not about to promote anything as drastic as adding lithium to our

water supplies, I am a firm believer in the potential benefits of low-dose supplemental lithium. Jonathan Wright, MD, a physician in Renton, WA, has been using it in his practice for years, and he reports a number of benefits in addition to the support of brain health.

It is very helpful for patients struggling with alcoholism. Small doses (5-10 mg three times a day) improve mood and curb cravings in the majority of alcoholics after about six weeks of use. Topical ointments containing lithium help relieve herpes flare-ups and the dry, flaky skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis. And don't forget its original therapeutic use as a treatment for gout. Just 10-15 mg of lithium, plus 2 grams of vitamin C, twice a day reduces attacks by lowering levels of uric acid and making it more soluble so it won't crystallize in the joints and cause pain.

Lithium is also a proven therapy for fibromyalgia and cluster headaches, as well as Grave's disease and hyperthyroidism. However, larger doses may be required for these conditions, and they should be taken only under the care of a physician.

Safe and ProtectiveMany people are wary of lithium because of its association with mental

illness, and because it's perceived as dangerous. Granted, patients taking high doses must be closely monitored to prevent adverse effects, but for neuroprotection and most of the other conditions discussed here, we're only talking about 10-20 mg of elemental lithium (from lithium aspartate or orotate)—one to two percent of the amount in prescription drugs. At this dose lithium is quite safe, well tolerated, and highly beneficial.

Recommendation:• Lithium aspartate and lithium orotate are available in health food stores or may be

ordered from the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary at (888) 893-6878 or the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 810-6655. The general recommendation is 10-20 mg per day, taken in divided doses.

ReferencesMoore GJ et al. Lithium-induced increase in human brain grey matter. Lancet. 2000 Oct 7:356:1241-

1242.

Schrauzer GN et al. Lithium in drinking water and the incidences of crimes, suicides, and arrests related to drug addictions. Bio Trace Element Res. 1990;25:105-113.

Chuang DDM. Neuroprotective and neurotrophic actions of the mood stabilizer lithium: can it be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases? Crit Rev Neurobiol. 2004:16(1—2):83—90.

To your health.

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Watch Future Fssues For:■ A Novel Therapy for Diabetes

■ Breakthrough Cancer Treatment

■ Ibuprofen: Yea or Nay?

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Come Join MeIf you've ever had a hankering to visit Greece and Italy, consider joining me on the fall Health & Wealth cruise. The Crystal Serenity sets sail from Athens on October 17th and ends up in Rome on October 28th. Hear about the latest trends in health and finance against the backdrop of one of the world's most beautiful and historic regions. Call (800) 970-4355 or visit intershow.com for details.

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In This Issue:WEIGHT LOSSA Total Commitment toHealth.................................... .p.lHBOTReversing Paralysis............... .p.3DEAR DR. WHITAKERIndoor Air Pollution.............. ..p.4WORKS FOR MECold Sore Cure...................... .p.4WELLNESS MEDICINEHeart Failure...Dementia-Back Pain............................... n.5

EXERCISEKeep Going All Winter.. .p.7ACHIEVEMENT AWARDSAnd the Winners Are............. .p.8JOIN MEI'll be giving lectures everyevening the week of February18, 2007, at the Whitaker Well-ness Back to Health Program.Reserve your space by calling(800) 488-1500.I________________________

WEIGHT LOSS

A Total Commitment to HealthIn 1998, 39-year-old Mark Bellinger tipped the scales at 340 pounds. Of

course, he was concerned about his weight, but what really worried him were increasingly frequent bouts of severe angina. When the pain became loo much to bear, he came to the clinic.

While he was sitting in the waiting room, he picked up a copy of my book. Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing, and began reading about weight loss. He read about Oprah Winfrey's attempts to lose weight, her crazy fad diets (such as the 400-calorie liquid protein diet), and the temporary successes she'd experienced over the years. She'd lose a little weight, only to regain it—and usually a bit more—once she stopped dieting.

What finally changed Oprah's way of thinking was the realization that she had to "make a total commitment to achieving health rather than losing weight." She had to change the way she thought about all aspects of her health and revamp her lifestyle for good. A light bulb went on in Mark's head: In order to get rid of those unwanted pounds, he had to look at the whole picture of his health.

Winds of ChangeMark went home, pored through years of Health & Healing, and noted the

changes he needed to make in order to regain his health. First was figuring out which supplements would help with weight loss. He started on a potent daily multivitamin and mineral supplement to lay the proper nutritional foundation, then added green tea, L-carnitine, and ephedrine.

Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineJanuary 2007

Vol. 17, No. 1Dear Reader,

Left to my own devices, I'd be as big as a house. I was almost that big last year when I weighed in at 256 pounds. So I used my "instant discipline" program to stop eating sugars and starches, and over the course of about six months, I lost 33 pounds. (More on this foolproof way to keep your New Year's resolutions on the next page.)

It was pretty easy for me to lose weight within the confines of this program, so I got a little cocky and decided to forgo renewing my contract, feeling sure that I could go it on my own. Within eight weeks I had gained 10 pounds! Let me tell you, it is far easier to gain weight than to lose it. So I reinstated my commitment contract, got back on my regimen, and to date I've lost six pounds—again.

With the New Year upon us, many of you may be planning to lose weight. To help motivate you, I want to tell you how one of my patients accomplished this goal—and has kept the weight off for eight years.


Director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, Newport Beach. California

Keep Your Resolutions With "Instant Discipline"

The easiest promise to break is the one you make to yourself. That's why I created "instant discipline." It's a sure-fire way to achieve any goal, whether it's losing weight, getting more exercise, quitting smoking, or any other resolution. Here's how it works.

1. Decide on the behavior you want to change rather than the end result. Make sure your expec-tations are realistic; it's important your goal is practical and something you honestly want to change. Let's use weight loss as an example. Rather than aiming to lose 15 pounds, promise instead to cut out sugars and starches and/or to exercise four days a week for a period of three weeks. You can always renew your commitment until you achieve your ultimate goal.2. Come up with a disincentive that will hold you accountable if you break your contract. Your pocketbook is a natural choice. Should you deviate from your plan, pledge to donate a chunk of change to your least favorite cause.3. Write the details down in a commitment contract (see form on this page), sign it and have it witnessed, and then, to ensure accountability, go public with it.This is the program that helped me lose 33 pounds

last year and was necessary to get me back on track again. Discipline is easy if there is a negative consequence to not following through.

big old piece of greasy bacon was doing to him, he just didn't want to put it into his body anymore.

He also began exercising. In the beginning, when he weighed nearly 350 pounds, 10 toe touches left him "huffing and puffing like crazy." After just three weeks he was up to 1,000 toe touches a day. He also added jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and other calisthenics to his daily routine, which he split up and did morning, noon, and night, often stepping into the men's room at lunch to knock off 200 toe touches. As his tolerance built up and he increased his repetitions, the pounds just started melting off.

Take Control of Your HealthToday, at age 47, Mark is literally a shadow of his

former self. The self-proclaimed "big balloon" now enjoys life at a healthy weight (between 180 and 200 pounds), which he has maintained for more than seven years. He has never felt better. His chest pain resolved with his weight loss (plus the use of coenzyme Q10). And, as an added bonus, the combination of exercise, eating right, and taking supplements

Commitment Contract

i,______:_____________________________agree to____________________________________

for three weeks beginning______________________.

If I so much as______________________________


Next, he took a long, hard look at his diet. Mark severely limited his carbohydrate intake by cutting out breads and sweets and focused instead on lean protein such as fish and chicken with lots of vegetables. He started his mornings off with protein shakes and a fistful of nutritional supplements. To his surprise, his cravings for sugar and other unhealthy foods disappeared. And once he realized what that

I agree to give

to____________

Signed:_______

Witnessed by:

Date:_________



Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing- (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.




has chased off his "cloudy days," made his thoughts clearer, and sent his energy levels through the roof.

Eight years ago, Mark Bellinger made a decision that would change his life forever: He chose to take total control of his health. I hope his story inspires you to do the same.

Recommendations• Mark's weight loss regimen closely mirrors the program

outlined in my book, The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program (Rutledge Hill Press, Nashville, TN, 2006). It is available in bookstores, online at whitakerwellness.com, or by phone at (800) 810-6655.

• On the Web: For a simple regimen—10 exercises you can do at home without any special equipment— visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

"You'll Never Walk Again"Damien, an athletic 24-year-old, was on vacation

with his family at Lake Mead, Nevada, when he dove off the back of a pontoon boat, hit the bottom, and broke his neck. He woke up in a hospital 10 days later, hooked up to ventilator and unable to move due to a dislocation of the vertebrae in his neck.

He underwent a number of surgeries, including a spinal fusion. When he left the hospital three months later, his doctors told him that except for a twitch in his left bicep, he would have no movement from the neck down for the rest of his life. They were wrong.

Today, two and a half years later, Damien does wheelies in his wheelchair, leg presses 160 pounds, takes halting steps with a walker, and is 100 percent convinced that he will walk again.

Damien's road to recovery began after he got out of the hospital and into an intensive rehabilitation program. But it really took off about a year ago, when he came to the Whitaker Wellness Institute for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

HBOT and the Central Nervous SystemHBOT is an extensively studied therapy that's been

around for close to 100 years. Although it's administered in special chambers that look like something out of a sci-fi movie, HBOT is actually fairly low-tech—it simply involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized environment. (Hyperbaric means "at pressures higher than normal atmospheric pressure.") But for disorders of the brain and central nervous system (CNS), it consistently produces better results than any other therapy.

All neurological traumas, whether they're caused by stroke or an injury to the spinal cord or head, have many things in common. The initial injury triggers swelling and inflammation in the brain and/or spinal column, which hampers blood flow and oxygen delivery. This leads to the accumulation of metabolic waste products, which further

aggravate swelling and inflammation, starting a vicious cycle of oxygen deprivation and damage.

Neurons at the site of injury begin to die within minutes, but those in the surrounding areas go into a state of "suspended animation." These are the cells that can be awakened by HBOT—which is why this therapy can restore almost unbelievable function.

Boosts Circulation and Promotes HealingEvery time you undergo a hyperbaric treatment, your

cells, even those with little or no blood supply, are flooded with oxygen. This is because when you breathe 100 percent oxygen under pressure, all of the body's fluids and tissues are saturated with oxygen. This influx of oxygen is to dormant neurons what rain is to parched plants.

The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy go far beyond raising oxygen levels during a treatment. The increased pressure in the chamber also facilitates the draining of excess fluid and toxic waste products. It stimulates the growth of new capillaries that restore circulation and oxygen delivery—even after you've left the chamber.

Increases Stem Cell ActivityHBOT also signals DNA to "turn on" the production

of growth factors and hormones that repair damaged neurons. In addition, it increases stem cell mobilization by an astounding 800 percent. These cells, which we all carry in our bone marrow, are able to differentiate, or transform, into a number of different cell lines. In other words, HBOT promotes the growth of brand-new neurons!

The combination of these mechanisms explains the remarkable recovery and return of function seen time and again in patients with brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, and degenerative neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Scans Show Brains Literally Waking UpAt the recent American College for Advancement in

Medicine (ACAM) conference in Palm Springs, Paul Harch, MD, a researcher and associate professor from Louisiana State University School of Medicine reported on his use of HBOT for the treatment of neurological and intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Harch presented dozens of case histories of patients with stroke, head injury, autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other chronic neurological problems. He documented them with before -and-after SPECT scans, which monitor blood flow through the brain. Prior to treatment, scans of theaffected areas were dark, indicating poor circulation and impaired neurological activity. After treatment with HBOT, the brain literally lit up with dramatic increases in blood flow. In virtually every case, SPECT scan changes mirrored clinical progress.

Continued on page 6

January 2007 Page 3



Dear Dr. Whitaker


f ?1 // seems like every year I get a cold that lasts most of the winter. I follow your recommendations (vitamin C, echinacea, etc.) but the sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy throat come on like clockwork and last for weeks on end. / am otherwise very healthy. Can you help me? — JL via email

Since your symptoms crop up only at this time of year, it's possible that you're not suffering with colds but with an allergy or environmental sensitivity. Colds rarely last more than a week to 10 days, so your lingering symptoms—especially since you are taking steps to boost your immune system—suggest that something else is going on.

The first thing I would work on is the quality of the air in your home and workplace. As we spend more time indoors with the windows closed and the heater cranked up, exposure to dust mites, animal dander, insect droppings, mold, and other allergens soars. Concentrations of airborne pollutants such as smoke from fireplaces, gas from stoves and furnaces, volatile chemicals from household cleaners and building materials, and other airborne pollutants that trigger respiratory problems also build up. It's easy to see how such an environment could bring on symptoms in sensitive individuals.

I'm not going to tell you to open your windows when it's 20 degrees outside, but there are things you can do to clean up your indoor air. Start by eliminating as many pollutants as you can. Ban smoking. Replace furnace

filters, and make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly vented and maintained. Turn on exhaust fans when cooking and showering. Use allergen-proof covers on your mattresses and pillows. Maintain humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, and clean dehumidificrs regularly. Avoid air fresheners and aerosols. Vacuum often and use nontoxic cleaners.

These precautions will only go so far. I strongly suggest you also get an air purification system. They can really make a difference for people with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities. Look for one that contains a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Used in hospitals and clean rooms, these filters remove particulate matter—the tiny particles of smoke, dust, soot, pollen, and other pollutants that are abundant in indoor air. An air purifier should incorporate a carbon filter, which soaks up volatile gases and other chemicals that are so fine they cannot be screened out even by a HEPA filter. The best systems also utilize ultraviolet light to kill bacteria; viruses, and other microbes.

Even if you don't have chronic respiratory problems, I believe that everyone, especially those of you who are cooped up indoors, would benefit from these recommendations. The unit I use at home and in the clinic is the Sun-Pure air purifier, available by calling (888) 886-8213. It incorporates all of these features, plus it has sensors that notch it up when particulate levels increase and turn it down when things settle out. Placing it in your bedroom usually produces the best results. Let me know if this helps. — JW


Works for me...I thought I would let you know about a supplement I used one evening in desperation to relieve the burning itch of a

fresh cold sore. It formed quite a painful blister under my nose, which was driving me crazy. I read somewhere that a person should take garlic and vitamin Efor cold sores, and to put plain vitamin E right on the sore. Well, I didn't have any plain vitamin E in the house, but I did have capsules of garlic with vitamin E, which I take every day. I broke the capsule open into a little dish, added a few drops of water to make a paste, and applied it to the ugly, painful blister, thinking "What have I got to lose?"

Since it caused a burning sensation at first, 1 thought I had better not leave it on too long. Within one hour, the pain and itching stopped. I was shocked because I had tried all of the usual over-the-counter ointments and they never helped. But just one hour after applying the garlic/vitamin E not only was the pain gone, so was the actual blister. The sore took the typical few days to disappear, but this homemade remedy really worked wonders. — Margaret Rose, California

Got a question for Dr. Whitaker? Send it to Health & Healing, 7811 Montrose Road. Potomac, MD 20854 or [email protected]. For health tips, use the same address or [email protected].





January 2007 Page 5

Did You Know?• Eating at least 2.8 servings of vegetables daily slows decline in cognitive function by 38-40 percent-leafy greens are best.

• A large, 31-year Italian study shows that flu vaccines fail to protect against flu-related deaths in elderly people.

• The average mattress is home to 100,000 to10 million dust mites.

• Regular exercise reduces risk of wet age-related macular degeneration by 70 percent.

• Playing the harmonica is a great therapy for impaired lung function.

• The British Medical Journal reports that brandy causes the most hangover symptoms, then (in order) red

-wine, rum, whiskey, white wine, gin, and vodka.

• A new study reaffirms that the majority of children's ear infections should not be treated with antibiotics.

• A program of aerobic and lower body resistance exercise was shown in a recent study to significantly alleviate symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

• Low levels of testosterone increase the risk of falls in men over age 65.

• A hot air treatment similar to a blow dryer is more effective at getting rid of head lice than the widely used toxic chemicals.

• Young women who eat three or fewer servings of red meat per week have half the risk of breast cancer compared to those who eat 10 servings weekly.

TESTOSTERONE FOR HEART FAILUREResults of the largest study to date of

testosterone for the treatment of heart failure are just in, and they are resoundingly positive. Spanish researchers treated men with moderate chronic heart failure with Androderm patches (containing 5 mg of testosterone) or placebo patches for one year. At the study's conclusion, the men using testosterone were able to walk an average of 19 percent further than they could at baseline, their handgrip strength increased significantly, and their heart size began to normalize. All of these endpoints worsened in the placebo group.

I'm glad to see that this therapy, which we've been using at the clinic for more than 20 years, is getting some respect. Testosterone does much more than improve strength. It also bolsters the heart muscle, helps dilate the blood vessels, and curbs inflammation.

Testosterone is natural, safe, inexpensive—and vastly underused as a therapy. Other uses in aging men include maintenance of muscle and bone mass and improvements in mood, libido, and sexual function. Talk to your doctor about topical preparations or injections, which are better tolerated than patches. They may be obtained through a compounding pharmacy. All forms of testosterone require a prescription.

icikM:<cfia >];yjr ^:i ^LM^;^.i >]^j /Ni ?»r^ Ginkgo biloba is an herb with a long history of treating memory and cognitive dysfunction. In addition to its powerful antioxidant effects, it also increases blood flow to the brain, which facilitates the delivery of nutrients and oxygen and boosts overall brain function. Now, Italian researchers have shown that ginkgo works just as well as donepezil (Aricept), one of the most popular drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's-related dementia. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with mild-to-moderate dementia were given daily doses of either 160 mg of ginkgo, 5 mg of donepezil, or a placebo. After 24 weeks, the researchers concluded that ginkgo was "clinically comparable" in efficacy to the drug.

In one corner we have an herb that's inexpensive ($14 for a month's supply) and safe (its only potential side effect is slight blood-thinning properties, making it unsuitable for people taking blood thinners such as Coumadin). In the other corner we have a drug that's expensive ($120 per month) and riddled with side effects (nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, runny nose). When a supplement can produce the same results as a drug, I'm all for it. Look for Ginkgo biloba in health food stores, and go with the 160 mg dose used in the study.MAGNESIUM FOR BACK PAIN

According to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 31 million Americans are suffering with back pain at any given time. In past issues, I've written about several excellent therapies for this very common condition, including white willow bark and other herbal extracts, fish oil, topical analgesics, specific exercises, and prolotherapy. One oldie but goodie has slipped through the cracks: magnesium.

One of magnesium's many roles in the body is in neuromuscular function, so it's not surprising that deficiencies in this mineral may cause muscle cramps and spasms. Unfortunately, only about a third of Americans get the RDA of 310-420 mg per day. When levels are restored with supplemental magnesium, muscles relax and back pain and other muscle aches are often alleviated. The suggested daily dose is 500-1000 mg in divided doses. Note that high doses of magnesium can cause loose stools. If this becomes a problem, simple reduce your dose.

January 2007 Page 5


Want to Participate in a Clinical Trial?The largest-ever clinical trial of EDTA chelation therapy

is currently recruiting participants. The government sponsors of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study are looking for patients 50 years of age or older who have had a heart attack. Participants will receive 40 infusions of either EDTA or a placebo at no charge at one of more than 100 sites across the country. The researchers will be evaluating chelation's effects on heart attack, stroke, angina, congestive heart failure, and death.

I am a firm believer in EDTA chelation—we've been using it at the clinic for more than 20 years, and I've seen clear benefits in thousands of patients. If you fit these criteria, I encourage you to consider participating in this trial. Even if you end up in the placebo arm of the study, you'll still benefit from the medical attention you'll be given.

For more information, call (888) 644-6226 or visit nccam.nih.gov/chelcition/chelationstucly.htm.

Here at the clinic, we don't use SPECT scans to track progress in our patients. In my opinion, the expense is unwarranted. It's like proving that the earth is round over and over and over again. What we're looking for is functional improvement, and our patients have it in spades.

Wounds, Autism, Parkinson's, Stroke...At Whitaker Wellness, likely the largest HBOT

facility in the United States, we treat about 50 patients a day. Some of them have difficult wounds or ulcers, usually caused by diabetic neuropathy, and for many the healing power of HBOT prevents amputation. Others have burns, surgical incisions, or infections and are looking to speed up healing. HBOT is also extremely effective for these conditions.

However, most of our patients have issues with the brain or CNS. We are currently treating 40 children with autism. When used in conjunction with chelation and other therapies, most of these kids achieve better eye contact, behavior, and sociability. We also see a lot of patients with Parkinson's disease, who generally experience improvements in gait, mobility, rigidity, sleep, and other symptoms.

We've treated hundreds of stroke patients who were told by their doctors that they'd just have to learn to live with slurred speech, a permanent contracture of an arm, or an inability to walk without a walker. Yet after a course of HBOT, in combination with physical therapy, they're back on the road to optimal health.

Proving Doctors Wrong—AgainThe most dramatic recoveries are seen in patients like

Damien, who have the most to gain. When Damien first starting coming to the clinic for HBOT, he had so little muscular control that he was unable to sit up and required a reclining wheelchair. At first, progress was measured in terms of twitches—he recalls sitting for hours and hours trying to get a calf muscle to contract. But he stayed moti-vated; worked very, very hard in physical therapy several hours a day, five days a week; and kept on coming in for regular HBOT treatments. And over time, it all started to come together.

HBOT is not a magic bullet. Some patients come in expecting a miracle with only one to two hours in the chamber. As Damien and hundreds of other patients will tell you, it is often a long process that requires lots of effort and motivation. But with HBOT plus physical therapy, hard work, perseverance, and a good attitude, miracles do indeed happen.

Damien, now 27, has far surpassed all of his doctors' predictions. He is so inspired by his progress that he is writing a business plan to open a facility where people with spinal cord injuries can receive HBOT, physical therapy, and nutritional therapies in a positive, healing, caring

environment. With this young man's determination and resolve, I have no doubt that he will succeed.

Recommendations• HBOT's only downside is its availability and expense. A fair number of hospitals have hyperbaric chambers, but they charge $1,000 to $2,000 per hour of treatment. (We charge $210 per hour.) Yet even if you could afford hospital-based HBOT, these facilities use it with only a fraction of the patients it could help. They do not and will not use it for any of the conditions discussed above.• Your best bet is to find a private clinic that offers HBOT. But don't get your hopes up. This simple, safe, highly effective therapy is still invisible to the overwhelming majority of conventional doctors. To learn more about treatment at Whitaker Wellness, call (800) 488-1500. For a listing of other clinics that offer HBOT, visit hbomecltoclay.com.• One word of caution. I know of physicians who use only a modest enrichment of oxygen (about 30 percent) mixed with air and small increases in pressure in soft plastic tanks. While this "knockoff' therapy may have some benefits, it's not HBOT.• On the Web: There's another remarkable therapy for spinal cord injuries. Read more about it in the Subscriber Center at clrwhitaker.com.

EXERCISE

Winter's No Excuse to Hibernate"Study Finds Exercise Helps Delay Dementia."

"Exercise: Key to Good Sex, Good Sleep." "Exercise Boosts Mood in Depressed Patients." "Three-Week Diet/Exercise Study Shows 50 Percent Reversal in Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes." "Study Finds Both Weight and Exercise Are Key to Longevity."

Knowing Versus DoingThe headlines above describe just a handful of the

recent studies detailing the benefits of regular physical activity. But you don't need me to tell you that exercise is good for you—you already know it. Unfortunately, knowledge doesn't always translate into action, and this is especially true of exercise. As a result, fewer than one in 10 of us exercises regularly—a sad situation that only gets worse in winter.

As the above and myriad other studies underscore, people who are physically active are healthier, happier, and sharper than those who are sedentary. This got me to thinking: Does a strong constitution and ebullient nature impel people to exercise, or is regular physical activity the reason behind good health and a cheerful, take-charge attitude? Which is the chicken, and which is the egg?

An Ingrained HabitLet me give you an example. Sandy is a vibrant 88-

year-old who has led an adventurous life. After graduating from high school in New York City, she took a train and chugged for four days across America to Utah, where she met her future husband Wayne. The couple moved to Northern California, bought some land, and lived in a tent while developing Squaw Valley Ski Resort, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Wayne died in 1995, but Sandy remains actively involved in the family business.

I asked Sandy how she maintains her good health, energy, and mental edge, and she attributes much of it to a lifelong commitment to exercise. She makes a point of walking for half an hour every day—and she doesn't use inclement weather as an excuse to hibernate. When Sandy was younger, she skied often during the winter. Now when she is snowed in, she strides vigorously around her house. In short, exercise has become such an ingrained habit for this woman that inactivity is simply not an option.

Commit to Get FitAs to the question of which came first, Sandy's fitness

habits or her ongoing good health, motivation,


http://clrwhitaker.com/

http://hbomecltoclay.com/

http://nccam.nih.gov/chelcition/chelationstucly.htm

and success, who knows? After a lifetime of activity and good health, the chicken-egg question gets blurred.

But I can tell you that for most people—myself included—the best laid exercise plans all too often go awry. I am honest enough with myself to recognize that I will not stick with an exercise regimen without invoking some negative consequence in the event that I slack off. That's why I've had such good success with my "instant discipline" program (see page 2).

Don't Let Winter Hijack Your ExerciseWhatever it takes to get off the couch, just do it. My

patients tell me that exercise is particularly difficult at this time of year what with the holidays, cold weather, and short, dark days. I understand, but it's no excuse. You just have to be creative.

You can still exercise outdoors, but aim for the daylight hours and dress warmly in layers. Look into local health clubs, indoor public pools, and yoga, Pilates, and dance classes. Consider walking in malls or other indoor areas—many places even have organized "mall-walks." You can also exercise at home. Check your library or video store for exercise DVDs, and rather than purchasing high-powered equipment, get some inexpensive hand weights, a jump rope, an exercise ball, or a mini-trampoline. Or get a

copy of my latest book, The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, which includes a step-by-step resistance training program that requires no equipment at all.

If you can get in just three or four 30-minute sessions a week, I guarantee you'll start the New Year off right with less stress, more energy, a sunnier mood, and better overall health.

Doctors in DistressFive physicians are under attack in Washington State.

There have been no allegations of patient harm; in fact, patients have come out in droves to support these doctors. They've been dragged through expensive investigations solely because they offer alternative therapies.

State medical boards are kangaroo courts out to rid the profession of physicians who refuse to buy into the pharmaceutical paradigm. When a medical board jerks the license of a physician simply for using an unconventional treatment, it dissuades thousands of others from offering safe, effective alternative therapies. If we are to have freedom of choice, physicians must be allowed to treat patients as they see fit. Otherwise, your only options will be drugs, surgery—or nothing at all. (To take action, see page 8.)


HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Watch Future Issues For:



And the Winners Are...I just completed one of the most difficult tasks I've undertaken in a long time:

selecting the 10 winners of the Health & Healing Health Achievement Awards. Reading through the hundreds of entries we received wasn't hard. In fact, it was a pleasure hearing how information and inspiration gleaned from Health & Healing helped readers turn their health around. Every letter was a resounding, moving testimonial of the power of alternative therapies—and a reminder to me of how fortunate I am to be able to broadcast these therapies to so many people through the vehicle of this newsletter.

But you have no idea how challenging it was to choose only 10! I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to send your stories in. If I had my way, we'd reward you all. The truth is, you are all winners, for the real prize—as I'm sure you'll agree—is the strides you've made in improving your health.

My Top Ten• D. K., Omaha, NE, who had glaucoma, cataracts, and several blind spots, has

reversed her vision loss—and astounded her ophthalmologist.• J. C, Cibolo, TX. suffered through a lifetime of GI problems, including ulcers,

reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome that ended once he replaced his drugs with supplements.

• Roy Ellis, Kearney, MO, who had a stroke in 2004 and was left with no feeling on the right side of his body, has had an almost complete return of function since being treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chelation therapy, and exercise.

• Bernard Karlin, Longmont, CO, lost 100 pounds and got off insulin after starting on a diet, exercise, and nutritional supplement program.

• Raymond Lee Larson, Arizona City, AZ, who couldn't walk more than a block until he came to the clinic for EECP and HBOT, now cycles up to 16 miles a day.

• R. Waldo McBurney, Quinter, KS, attributes his good health at 104 to "faith, fitness, food," and nutritional supplements.

• G. P., Rockport, TX, dramatically lowered his blood pressure and blood sugar by treating his sleep apnea and taking supplements.

• A. P., Avon, IN, was in constant pain and could hardly walk until she discovered natural alternatives to her rheumatoid arthritis drugs.

• D. S., Bagley, MN, lowered her cholesterol from 297 to 177 in three months on a regimen she read about in the newsletter.

• Don Thomas, Phoenix, AZ, who was told he would require a heart transplant, now plays squash and scuba dives, thanks to a nutrient regimen he learned about in Health & Healing.

Again, thank you for your participation, and congratulations to the 2006 Health Achievement Award winners. I'll be sharing further details of these and other subscriber successes in upcoming issues.

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year,

Subscriber Center Password: Cedar (at drwhitaker.com)

■ Improve Your Sex Life, Improve Your Health

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Now at drwhitaker.com:Visit the Subscriber Center for regular updates. Log in with your registered e-mail address and use the password at the bottom of this page for access to more health-enhancing advice.




Forward Nutrition(800) 722-8008 drwhitaker.comT o order patient-proven, high-performance nutritional and herbal supplements.


How You Can Help(from page 7) Washington residents: Contact elected officials (ww w. I eg. wa. gov/legislature or (800) 562-6000), and Governor Gregoire, P.O. Box 40002, Olympia. WA 98504, (360) 902-4111, or govemor.wa.gov. This is an important issue for all Americans. For more information, visit wachoice.org or whitakerhealthfreedom.com.

©2007 Healthy Directions, LLcJjft



http://whitakerhealthfreedom.com/

http://wachoice.org/

http://govemor.wa.gov/








Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineJune 2006 Vol.


Health & Healing will celebrate its 15"' anniversary in August, and from the very first issue, I have warned readers about the dangers of conventional medicine.

I have told you about the glut of unnecessary surgeries and hospitalizations and the appalling overuse of prescription drugs that kill and harm millions of Americans every year. I have exposed how the pharmaceutical companies have distorted the doctor-patient relationship, and how these corporations basically own modern medicine. I have demonstrated again and again the bias of many "scientific" studies published in medical journals, which are little more than advertisements for drugs.

Guess what? I underestimated the problem.CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE



In This Issue:

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

Paying More, GettingWorse...........................................

CROHN'S DISEASE

New Hope for IBD.....................p.4

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Is L-Tryptophan Safe?...............p.4

WORKS FOR ME

Chew Longer, LoseWeight........................................p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Avocado/Soy Extract...Blueberries...Cloves andCinnamon...................................p.5

DIET

Fantastic Flax............................p.7

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong."

— Charles Wadsworth

Paying More, Getting WorseJohn Abramson, MD, a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, has

written a remarkable book, Overdosed America. Like a skillful surgeon. Dr. Abramson lances the abscess of American medicine, releasing a most putrid stench.

He begins by discounting the myth that we have the best medical system in the world. Actually, we have one of the worst! In virtually every international comparison of health status, the US ranks extremely low. One of the most highly regarded of these is the World Health Organization's (WHO) "healthy life expectancy." a measure of total life expectancy minus years of illness. Among industrialized countries, the US ranks an unbelievable 22nd out of 23, just in front of the Czech Republic.

Our poor performance doesn't come cheap. Each year, more than $6,000 is spent on health care for every man, woman, and child in this country, more than twice as much as other developed countries spend. Yet, when the WHO takes these expenditures into account, our health system's performance is ranked 37"' among the nations of the world. And when efficiency in improving citizens' health is added in, we drop to a dismal 72!

In other words, we are paying the most to be the worst.

Drugs Companies Are the Primary CulpritsThe debacle of American health care can be laid squarely at the feet of the

pharmaceutical industry, which has compromised virtually every aspect of medicine, medical education, clinical guidelines, and scientific research.

The primary mission of the drug corporations is to make money, and their big cash cows are the latest drugs, which arc touted to physicians and

consumers as remarkable advancements. In reality, older, less expensive drugs are usually as good as these blockbusters. Of the 569 new drugs approved in the US from 1995 to 2000, a mere 13 percent contained new ingredients or were significantly better than older drugs.

So why the parade of new drugs? Because the drug companies can slap a much higher price tag on them — and mind-numbed doctors will prescribe them.

Duping the DoctorsDoctors are simply duped! Medical journals contain

more drug advertisements than articles. Doctors' offices are full of samples and propaganda from pharmaceutical reps that entice them to prescribe the newest products. Medical conferences have become tradeshows for drug pushers, and the experts that lecture are no more than paid shills.

Even clinical practice guidelines, the "standards of care" that most physicians follow, are polluted by the pharmaceutical industry. Three out of five "experts" who help craft these guidelines get consultation fees from the drug companies.

Yes, doctors should resist these unholy advances, but they don't. And when doctors' opinions and clinical practices are bought and sold with consulting fees, travel junkets, and gifts, the net result is a medical system that is sicker than the patients.

Biased Research Fills Drug CoffersThe most dismaying realization I gleaned from

Overdosed America is the new low to which the integrity of scientific research has sunk. Medical research used to be university-based and publicly funded. Today, most of it is done by for-profit organizations funded by drug companies, and this is a big problem. "Either a study is designed to maximize sales or it is designed to determine the best way to prevent or treat a particular health problem." You can't have it both ways.

Three quarters of the clinical studies in the top medical journals such as The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, and JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) are commercially funded. Studies with negative results, showing the drug in question to be ineffective, are less likely to get published than studies showing benefits. Results are manipulated, dangerous side effects are covered up, and scientific standards are irrelevant —just to sell more drugs.

"Spin Doctors" Save the DayDr. Abramson gives several examples of this. A few

years ago, a large study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute compared the effects of four different drugs in preventing complications from high blood pressure. It not only showed that inexpensive diuretics were as effective as or better than the newer, more expensive drugs, it also revealed that Cardura, an alpha blocker, significantly increased risk of congestive heart failure.

Well, the drug companies' "spin experts" went to work to undo the damage and convince doctors and patients that the newer drugs were safe and effective, and they succeeded. Fifty million dollars of PR can negate the truth. These less effective drugs are still being recommended, and Cardura is still on the market.

Shady Studies, Dangerous DrugsAccording to the national guidelines, cholesterol-

lowering statin drugs are recommended for more than 40 million Americans. Yet the medical literature backs their use in only a limited subgroup of patients, and even then, their benefits are small. According to one of the major studies supporting their use, if 100 men at very high risk of heart attack took a statin daily for two years (at a cost of $336,000), it would prevent heart attack in just one of them. The remaining 99 men would not only receive no benefit, they would also suffer adverse effects of the drugs, such as lowered production of coenzyme Q10, a critical nutrient for the heart and for overall health.


Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 12 health books including: Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing® (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.Dr. Julian whitaker's Health & Healing-Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceA Healthy Directions Publication.^ CEO: Kevin Donoghue Executive Editor: Kimberly Day Associate Research Editor Ryann Smith© Copyright 2006, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whitaker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.


Furthermore, the experts who formulated these guidelines (two-thirds of whom had financial ties to drug companies) seemed to have missed the studies showing that these drugs are of no benefit in healthy women or people over age 60, and that they actually increase deaths from cancer and other causes. Yet they continue to rake in billions of dollars per year.

The HRT ScamPremarin is a classic example of drug company

misinformation run amuck. Once the country's best-selling drug, Premarin was the cornerstone of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for decades, despite the fact that none of its claims to fame, such as protecting against heart disease, had ever been proven.

When a study was finally undertaken, it revealed that Premarin, combined with progestin (synthetic progesterone), actually raised risk of heart disease by 50 percent during the first year. Furthermore, this HRT combo increased risk of stroke, blood clots, Alzheimer's disease, and breast cancer, causing an extra 19 cancers per 1,000 women over 10 years. This translates into more than 94.000 preventable cases of breast cancer in this country alone! This is what you get when you use horse estrogen and adulterated progesterone.

What Is the Solution?I called Dr. Abramson to discuss potential solutions to

these huge problems. One is to eliminate commercial control of clinical research, which is "riddled with conflict of interest at virtually every level and every stage." He proposes a new, independent public organization that would have access to all drug studies, not just those that show benefits.

Another is to sever the financial ties between the pharmaceutical industry and those who are supposed to be monitoring them. Right now, at least half of the funding of the FDA's division that approves new drugs comes from the drug companies. We can't have the fox guarding the henhouse.

Rebalancing the mix of physicians would also help. In 2004, only 8.8 percent of medical school graduates entered family practice residencies. I understand why these doctors chose specialties such as radiology, oncology, surgery, and cardiology. The income is much higher and, in many cases, the workload is lower. But this translates into poorer overall health care and higher costs.

Unfortunately, Dr. Abramson and I agree that changes are unlikely. The system is firmly entrenched, the pharmaceutical companies will never voluntarily relinquish control, and no legislative, legal, or scientific body is going to force their hand. In fact, "Big Pharma" owns them all.

Then it dawned on me that the only thing that can fix our extremely dangerous health care system is you.

Taking ResponsibilityYou can blame the pharmaceutical companies, but they

are no different from any other corporation; they just want to make money. You can blame the doctors, but they are fallible human beings.

The primary reason our medical system is out of control is because YOU believe everything doctors say. YOU take their advice without any skepticism or questioning. YOU simply do what they tell you to do!

Over the years, thousands of patients have washed up on the shores of the Whitaker Wellness Institute, desperately ill from the horrendous side effects and interactions of their eight, 10, or 12 prescription drugs. We have the enormous task of dealing with the problems caused by all these

dangerous drugs before we can even start the treatment of a disease. I assure you, the toxic nature of interacting prescription drugs makes our common diseases look like the sniffles. In fact, one study shows that for every dollar spent on prescription drugs, we spend $1.30 taking care of their side effects.

Who is responsible for this? Sure, the doctors who wrote all these prescriptions were negligent, but the patient is ultimately responsible. If you take at face value what another person says simply because he is wearing a white coat, then you are being neither responsible nor reasonable, and you must share in the responsibility when things go wrong.

Let's Hear It for SkepticismWhen we deal with car salesmen, real estate agents,

lawyers, and the like, our skepticism protects us. But when we deal with doctors, we are worse than sheep. Throughout history, physicians have been placed on a pedestal. This needs to stop. It gives physicians power. Power coiTupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Modern medicine is now the third leading cause of death in the US, claiming about 225,000 lives each year. The more you interact with it, the more dangerous it becomes.

You need to read Dr. Abramson's book. Remember, 70 percent of your health depends upon your lifestyle choices, but a good part of the remaining 30 percent depends on how well you resist the allure of modern medicine.

Recommendation:• Look for Overdosed America by John Abramson, MD,

(HarperCollins, 2004) in your local bookstore or order online at amazon.com.

June 2006 Page 3

http://amazon.com/

CROHN'S DISEASE

New Hope for IBDWhen Josh was a junior in college, he spent a semester

abroad in Australia. It was a great adventure for a 21-year-old, and he loved every minute of it — until he woke up one morning in intense pain and was rushed to a hospital for an emergency appendectomy.

Over the next month, he was in and out of the hospital with fevers, infections, and fluid build-up in his abdomen. He then began having periodic episodes of gastrointestinal (GI) pain with severe cramping, diarrhea, and loss of appetite that increased in frequency after he returned to the US and throughout his senior year at Arizona State.

After graduation, Josh got a managerial job, working long hours under tremendous stress, and that's when things went from bad to worse. His GI episodes accelerated, occurring up to four times a day, to the point that he eventually had to stop working. His parents, understandably concerned, took him to one doctor after another. According to Josh, "All of

them would feel around, run some tests, and either give me a drug or pat me on the head and tell me everything was fine. One of them actually told me it was 'all in my head' and put me on an antidepressant."

The ABCs of IBDJosh was eventually diagnosed with Crohn's disease, an

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the same family as ulcerative colitis. The exact cause of these chronic conditions, which are marked by inflammation and ulcerations in the intestinal tract, are unknown. There appears to be a genetic susceptibility. (Josh's uncle has Crohn's.) Beyond that, some believe it is instigated by bacterial infections (which could explain Josh's onset after his appendectomy) or overuse of antibiotics (he was on one antibiotic after another for months on end). Other suspected culprits include NSAIDs, food additives, aluminum, fluoride and chlorine in water, and "microparticles" in processed foods and items such as toothpaste.

Whatever the cause, the conventional treatment of IBD is — no surprise — drugs. Once Josh was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, he was started on an

Continued on page 6

Dear Dr. Whitaker





mI've heard that L-tryptophan is hack on the market.

Is this true and is it safe? — AMH, Chicago, IL

Yes, it's back, and it's about time. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite. For decades, many people depended on this supplement as a treatment for depression and insomnia. Then, in 1989, it was banned by the FDA after a single contaminated batch from a Japanese supplier was linked to an outbreak of a disease called eosino-philia myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious disorder that affects the lungs, muscles, and other organs.

The problem was identified and corrected, and the impure batches were recalled. Yet, the FDA refused to return L-tryptophan supplements to the market for nearly a decade. After that, access was limited to

prescription use. Finally, last year, it became available over-the-counter once again.

Many of you may remember a similar situation that occurred in the fall of 1982. Seven fatalities were linked to Extra Strength Tylenol capsules that had been laced with cyanide. Johnson & Johnson acted swiftly and responsibly and pulled millions of bottles off shelves and destroyed them. The difference between the two scenarios? Tylenol was back in stores in a matter of months.

If you'd like to try L-tryptophan, get it from a reputa-lbe manufacturer, such as BIOS Fine Nutrients. Call (800) 404-8185 or visit biochemicals.com to order. 5-HTP, another serotonin precursor we use at the clinic, is also an option. Suggested doses are 1,000 mg for L-tryptophan or 100-200 mg of 5-HTP taken about an hour before bedtime. — JW

http://biochemicals.com/

Works for me...In a recent newsletter, you spoke about losing weight. I'd like to tell you about another simple method that worked for me:

chewing your food 25 times, rather than the seven times most people do. This breaks the food into finer particles and mixes it more thoroughly with saliva, which improves digestion. It also makes you eat less, which means fewer calories. With this plan, there is no need to change your diet or do additional physical exercise. It takes discipline at first, but what doesn't?

I read about this in an advertisement a few years ago. When I began, I weighed 176 pounds. Within three months, I was down to 163. This morning, several years later, I weighed 165. — Rev. Arthur Hoppe, Freeport, MN


June 2006

Did You Know?

• Deep, slow breathing (six or seven breaths per minute) can help stop a hot flash.

• Nearly three-fourths of Americans do not get the RDAof zinc, and more than 60 percent don't get adequate calcium or magnesium.

• Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke increase risk of diabetes.

• Twenty percent of the alcohol consumed in this country is drunk by people under the age of 21.

• By the year 2020, one new patient will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease every seven seconds.

• When doctors went on strike in Los Angeles, Saskatchewan, and Israel, death rates dropped 17 to 50 percent. Within five days after the strikes ended, rates returned to normal.

• Eating lots of French fries during childhood raises risk of breast cancer later in life.

• Deaths from stroke have declined by 2.9 percent per year since 1998, when folic acid food fortification began.

• A recent 15-year study of Dutch men links eating dark chocolate with lower blood pressure and death from cardiovascular disease.

• Central obesity, or fat carried in the midsection, increases risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Eighty-five percent of recently surveyed obese people do not recognize that they are obese.

• Leafy greens, carrots, and tomatoes dramatically reduce risk of asthma.

AVOCADO/SOY EXTRACT FOR ARTHRITISGlucosamine and chondroitin, move

over and make way for avocados and soybeans. Compounds derived from the oils of these plants are one of the hottest new natural treatments for arthritis. That's because these extracts, called avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU or FASU), have been shown to reduce inflammation, boost collagen formation in cartilage, and improve symptoms in people suffering with arthritis.

Belgian researchers evaluated its effect in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving patients with arthritis of the knee. For three months, study subjects took either 300 mg or 600 mg of ASU/FASU or a placebo daily. At the study's conclusion, those taking both dosages had marked reductions in pain and function. Furthermore, 71 percent of them had reduced their NSAID and analgesic intake by more than half.

Sold as a prescription drug in France, ASU/FASU is now available in the US as a nutritional supplement. One good brand is Avosoy. Look for it in your health food store and take as directed.

BLUEBERRIES FOR MEMORYWant to give your brain a boost? Eat blueberries.

Inspired by studies showing improvements in short-term memory, balance, and coordination in aging rats, researchers enrolled 50 people, aged 50 to 84, in a two-year study to see if blueberries could retard or reverse age-related memory decline. Study subjects were instructed to eat 10 pounds of raw blueberries a month (about one cup a day), and they were periodically evaluated with memory tests, such as word recall.

At the study's conclusion, errors on memory tests declined by an average of 12 percent, suggesting that blueberries did indeed enhance memory. In addition, several participants reported improvements in mood, energy, hearing, and sharpness, and some also reported lower PSA levels and stronger fingernails.

Blueberries are one of nature's richest sources of proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage. Free-radical damage is one of the predominant theories of aging, and that includes aging of the brain. Enjoy these delicious berries while they're at their peak throughout the summer months, or buy them frozen for year-round use. Another option is a concentrated, nutrient-dense extract such as Blueberry Solid Extract, available at drhoffman.com , (800) 456-9384.

CLOVES AND CINNAMON FOR DIABETES AND HIGH CHOLESTEROLAs I've

written in the past, cinnamon has powerful blood sugar- and cholesterol-lowering effects. New research reveals that another popular spice, cloves, has a similar effect. Researchers divided 36 subjects with type 2 diabetes into four groups who consumed one, two, or three grams of cloves in capsule form daily or no cloves at all. After 30 days, each of the clove-consuming groups experienced reductions in LDL cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides, regardless of amount ingested.

Both cinnamon and cloves are extremely beneficial for people looking for safe, natural ways to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. I do, however, wish to alter my usage recommendations. In the past, I suggested sprinkling a little cinnamon on your oatmeal or applesauce. However, recent research has revealed that when cinnamon mixes with saliva, its beneficial components are rendered ineffective.

Therefore, I now recommend taking it in capsule form. Shoot for the equivalent of 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon and/or cloves and start spicing up your health today.

June 2006

http://drhoffman.com/


intense regimen of steroids and anti-inflammatories. Yet nothing helped. He continued to have pain, diarrhea, and further weight loss, wasting away from a once-muscular 170 pounds to a skeletal 126.

Josh's Road Back to HealthAfter about a year of this, Josh had had enough. He

refused to return to his gastroenterologist stating, "They just give me drugs and don't get down to the nitty-gritty." So, he started looking into alternatives.

The first thing he found that helped was a product containing Aloe vera and glutamine (Digestinol) he found on the Internet. Shortly afterwards, a friend suggested that he contact the Whitaker Wellness Institute. He came to the clinic and was started on a program of diet, nutritional supplements, and other natural therapies.

Today, Josh is on the road to recovery. He's back up to 152 pounds, and he feels "10 times better" than he did a year and a haff ago, when he was taking numerous drugs and was essentially bedridden. But, perhaps most important, this young man has hope. He was told that Crohn's disease is chronic and incurable, and he would likely require surgery somewhere down the line to remove a portion of his colon. There was also the possibility of an ileostomy (external bag to collect wastes).

Josh still has to watch his diet, take supplements, and deal with occasional flare-ups. However, now that he has learned how to manage his disease, it no longer controls his life.

Diet Is Crucial in IBD ManagementAlthough gastroenterologists may give lip service to

diet by recommending bland foods, they fail to recognize the tremendous role diet plays in the management of IBD.

Food allergies are very common among IBD sufferers, so it is important to determine what foods irritate and inflame the intestinal tract. Common allergens include gluten (a protein in wheat, oats, barley, and rye), milk, citrus, and tomatoes. Processed foods, food additives, and preservatives should be avoided as well because they often contain micropar-ticles and other compounds that irritate the gut.

Another dietary modification that is extremely helpful for patients with IBD and other bowel problems is sugar and starch restriction. These carbohydrates cause bacterial overgrowth that leads to chronic inflammation in the intestines. Avoiding these foods, which include grains, potatoes, soy, milk, and all forms of sugar — as well as allergens unique to each individual — stops further damage to the gut and gives it a chance to heal.

Supplements, Not DrugsBecause bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth is a

prominent feature of IBD, we go after these microbes — not with antibiotics, but with herbs such as Uva-Ursi, oregano oil, olive leaf and grapefruit seed extract, and plant tannins.

We also give our patients probiotics such as L. acidophilus and B. bifidum to replace the beneficial bacteria in the gut that are decimated by antibiotics and pathogenic bacteria and yeast. Children with Crohn's disease who took probiotics twice daily for six months averaged an incredible 73 percent decline in disease activity, and some of them had complete remission.

Another important supplement is fish oil, which contains omega-3 essential fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory actions. In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 60 percent of patients

taking enteric-coated fish oil capsules remained in remission for a year, compared to just 26 percent of those taking placebo.

I mentioned that Josh benefited from a product that contained glutamine, and I recommend copious amounts of this amino acid. Glutamine serves as a primary fuel of the cells lining the intestinal tract, plus it boosts production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. Together, these mechanisms help repair and restore integrity to the intestinal walls. His supplement also contained Aloe vera, which, along with ginger, curcumin, licorice, slippery elm, and EGCG from green tea, have been proven to improve symptoms of IBD.

Shore Up NutrientsPoor nutrient absorption, loss of appetite, and diarrhea

virtually guarantee that individuals with IBD are suffering with nutritional deficiencies. Yet conventional physicians know as much about replacing nutrients as they do about diet. None of Josh's doctors recommended that this young man — who was wasting away before their eyes — shore up his nutritional status with supplements.

Antioxidants are particularly important because oxidative stress is part and parcel of the inflammatory processes in IBD. Critical depletions of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium, and zinc, are common, and beefing up stores of these crucial nutrients with supplemental antioxidants protects against free-radical damage. Deficiencies in iron, calcium, copper, vitamin D. folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin K are also widespread in IBD. Patients gain significant benefits in their overall health by taking a good daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.

Many patients with IBD also have protein malnutrition, a factor that contributes to weight loss and poor health. At Whitaker Wellness, we use a product called Seacure, a protein concentrate that contains pre-digested, easily absorbed and assimilated peptides and amino acids. In addition to improving protein status, it also supports the GI tract.

Recommendations:• Most of the nutritional supplements discussed in this article are available in your health food store or can be ordered by calling (800) 810-6655. Recommended brands include Garden of Life's Primal Defense and Pearl probiotics; Metagenics' Glutagen-ics; and Proper Nutrition's Seacure. Use as directed.• For more information on diet, I recommend Elaine Gottschall's book Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Though Diet. Kirkton Press, Kirkton, Canada, 1994.

ReferencesBelluzzi A et al. Effect of an enteric-coated fish-oil preparation on relapses

in Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med. 1996 Jun 13;334(24):1557-1560.

Gupta P et al. Is lactobacillus GG helpful in children with Crohn's disease? Results of a preliminary, open-label study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000 Oct;31(4):453-457.

DIET

Fantastic FlaxAs its botanical name suggests, Linum usitatis-simum,

commonly known as flax, is a versatile and valuable plant. (Usitatissimum means most useful.) The cultivation of flax dates back at least 9,000 years. Flax fibers were woven into linen, the cloth that swaddled mummies in Egyptian tombs, and used to make twine, rope, and paper. Flax oil was an ingredient in soap and paint, the blue flowers of the plant


were rumored to ward off sorcery and evil doings, and its seeds were eaten to improve gastrointestinal health.

Flax has certainly withstood the test of time. Linen remains a popular fabric, flax oil (also called linseed oil) has a number of industrial applications, and additional medicinal benefits continue to be discovered. In fact, it is so healthful that virtually every patient who comes to the Whitaker Wellness Institute is prescribed a daily dose of flaxseed. Here's why.

Get Your Fiber FixFor starters, flaxseed is an excellent source of both

insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber, or "roughage," bulks up the stool and helps it pass through the intestinal tract, preventing constipation and other gastrointestinal complications.

Soluble fiber has even more benefits. It fills you up, which promotes satiety, and helps with weight control. It also delays the emptying of the stomach, allowing glucose to be released more slowly and keeping blood sugar on an even keel. This is not only valuable for anyone who has diabetes, but also for those with weight problems, since spikes and plummets in blood sugar levels can lead to intense cravings for starchy and sugary foods.

Better Than Statins?Another attribute of flaxseed's soluble fiber is its ability

to lower cholesterol. It is so effective that rather than the statin drugs conventional physicians prescribe for patients with elevated cholesterol, we turn to flaxseed.

Researchers in Rome recently studied the effects of flaxseed on a group of 40 patients with total cholesterol

greater than 240. They were divided into three groups: 10 on a low-fat diet, 10 on a low-fat diet plus statin drugs, and 20 on a low-fat diet plus 20 g (about 1/8 cup) of ground flaxseed daily. Cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at the start of the study and after two months of treatment.

The flaxseed group saw their total cholesterol levels plummet by 17.2 percent, their triglycerides by 36.3 percent, and their total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios by 33.5 percent. The big news here is that these results were not statistically different from the statin group. What does this mean? Flax works just as well as statins in lowering cholesterol!

A Good Source of EFAs and LignansThe oils in flax are the most abundant plant source of

alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA). It is converted into DHA and EPA (the same fatty acids found in fish oil), which improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation throughout the body, and boost overall health.

Flaxseed is also nature's richest source of plant lignans. Lignans are classified as phytoestrogens because they are transformed by bacteria in the intestines into compounds that bind to estrogen receptor sites throughout the body and exert weak estrogenic activity. In a study of menopausal women who were plagued with hot flashes (at least five a day), taking 40 g of flaxseed daily reduced the frequency of hot flashes by more than one-third.

Equally important, flax's phytoestrogens block more potent forms of estrogen. This not only helps keep hormone levels balanced, but it also does one other very important thing: It protects against certain types of cancer.


My Favorite SmoothieIn a blender, place 1/4 cup of freshly ground flaxseed, 3/4 cup of water. 1

cup of ice cubes, 1 1/2 cups of fruit* (I prefer blueberries and strawberries), and 2 scoops of protein powder. Blend well and serve immediately. For variation, add plain yogurt or a scoop of greens. (Serves 2.)

"If you use frozen fruit, use less ice and more water.

Watch Future Issues For:■ A New Approach to Allergy Relief■ Diagnostic Tests: Should You Get Them?

■ Why Lipoic Acid Is a Must



Protection Against CancerOne type is breast cancer. New York researchers looked at the dietary lignan

intake of more than 3,000 women in relation to breast cancer risk. After adjustments were made for age and other relevant factors, they determined that premenopausal women who consumed the highest levels of lignans had a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Another is prostate cancer. Swedish researchers recently found that eating foods rich in phytoestrogens and lignans, such as flaxseeds and soybeans, is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Flaxseed also appears to reduce tumor growth in women with existing breast cancer. A Toronto research team gave 19 participants with newly diagnosed breast cancer a muffin containing 25 g of flaxseed every day for about a month, while 13 were given placebo muffins. In the group eating flaxseed, tumor proliferation was reduced by an average of 34.2 percent, and a 30.7 percent increase in apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells was observed.

Bountiful BenefitsNow you can see why flaxseed is included in my general recommendations. In

addition to the benefits listed above, flax also protects against atherosclerosis and decreases risk of heart attack, improves symptoms of ADHD, and boosts overall health. Add it to your daily regimen today.

Recommendations:• Incorporate about 1/4 cup (50 g) of freshly ground flaxseed into your daily diet.

To grind, place whole flaxseeds into a coffee grinder, food processor, or blender and process for about five seconds. Sprinkle on yogurt, fruit, salads, and other foods; or try My Favorite Smoothie recipe.

• Look for whole flaxseeds in your local health food store. Good brands include Pizzey's Premium Whole Flaxseed and Heintzman Farms' Dakota Flax Gold.

ReferencesHedelin M et al. Dietary phytoestrogen, serum enterolactone and risk of prostate eancer: the cancer

prostate Sweden study (Sweden). Cancer Causes Control. 2006 Mar:17(2):169-180.

Mandasescu S et al. Flaxseed supplementation in hyperlipidemic patients. Rev Med ChirSoc Med Nat Iasi. 2005 Jul-Sep;109(3):5()2-506.

McCann SE et al. Dietary lignan intakes and risk of pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 1:111(3):440-443.

Thompson LU et al. Dietary flaxseed alters tumor biological markers in postmenopausal breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2005 May 15;1 l(l()):3828-3835.

Have a wonderful summer!

Visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com:

■ In Praise of Probiotics

■ Top 10 Healthiest Foods

■ Bye, Bye Athlete's Foot



Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic (800) 488-1500 whitakerwellness. comTo make an appointment for a one-, two-, or three-week Back to Health Program of medical testing, treatment, and education.



Come Cruise With MeJoin me on the next Health & Wealth Cruise, September 10-21. 2006. Take in the sights from Dover to Gibraltar, Barcelona to Monte Carlo — and learn about the latest trends in the health and financial arenas. For more information call (800) 435-4534 or visit intershow. com.







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Health &£ HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine

In This Issue:

OBESITY

How to Lose Weight.................p.l

A New Anti-AgingTherapy.....................................p.3

When Should I Take MySupplements?.............................p.4

March 2006 Vol. 16, No. 3

Dear Reader,

This year has really started out with a bang. Connie and I enjoyed the company of many Health & Healing subscribers on a recent Panama Canal cruise. Here at home, the clinic is full of patients seeking hyperbaric oxygen and the other therapies we offer (more on this later). We're adding new treatment rooms, so Connie is busy tearing down and putting up walls to accommodate them — I think she's first cousin to the Energizer bunny!

After the success of The National Health Test, a nationally televised special hosted by Bryant Gumbel, I was invited to host a weekly half-hour TV program, so I've been busy taping that. Although I've been on quite a few shows over the years, I'm new to this weekly thing. It's a lot of fun interviewing guests and chatting with the audience, but it's time consuming — a lot of "hurry up and wait." The show is called Dr. Whitaker, America's Wellness Doctor. I'll keep you posted on when it begins airing. (If you missed The National Health Test in January, you can order a free DVD of the show by visiting nationalhealthtest.com.)

I'm also working on a weight loss book. I'm sure a lot of you are interested, so I want to give you a sneak preview in this first article. The book is called The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program.

OBESITY


Founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute. Newport Beach, California

http://nationalhealthtest.com/

WORKS FOR ME

Stop Pets From Chewing....p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Fish Oil.......Fruits and Vege-tables.....Vitamin B12.................p.5

SLEEP

Insomniac Nation.......................p.6

AN IRISH BLESSINGMay the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your hack. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

How to Lose WeightI'm 61 years old. During my first 50 years, I was very active. I played sports in

high school and college and ran for many years, competing in seven marathons and dozens of 10-kilometer races. I took up cycling in my late forties, and, when I was 51,1 rode a bicycle across the country, logging in 3,000 miles coast to coast.

Then I began to slow down. Although I would exercise in spurts, I wasn't consistent. And I began to gain weight, about five pounds a year. That may not sound like much, but over 10 years, it added up to 50 pounds! It's not that I didn't try to tame my expanding waistline. I would cut back on calories, eat less fat, go on exercise binges, and lose five or 10 pounds. But then I'd slack off and gain them back — plus a few more.

But that's in the past because I've finally figured out how to lose weight and keep it off.

1. Avoid Starches and SugarsAccording to government surveys, between 1971 and 2000, the average

number of calories consumed by American men and women increased by 168 and 335 calories, respectively, and virtually all of these excess calories

came from carbohydrates — specifically starches and sugars. No wonder we're fat!

When you eat starches and sugars, a large amount of glucose is released into your blood, followed by a correspondingly large release of insulin. The human body is not designed for such large influxes of glucose and, as a result, insulin often overshoots its mark, driving glucose down too low. In response, your brain sends out powerful hunger messages to get more of its favored fuel into the system. So you reach for a granola bar, a "healthy" muffin, or another starchy snack, and you start the cycle all over again. If you've ever had trouble staying on a low-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet, now you know why. These foods cause blood sugar swings that make it hard for even the most strong-willed to resist overeating.

Another problem with starches and sugars is that they put you in fat-storage mode. Glucose is your body's preferred source of energy, so if you're eating carbohydrate-dense foods all day, there's no way you're going to mobilize fat stores. Only when you stop eating concentrated carbohydrates will your cells switch over to burning fat for energy.

This is the most important part of the Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program. Don't simply cut back on these foods — eliminate them altogether. That's the only way to stop storing fat and start burning it.

2. Get Enough ProteinOf all the foods out there, protein is the most satiating

— it fills you up and tides you over. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle found that when people got 30 percent of their calories from protein and 20 percent from fat, they ate 441 fewer calories per day than when their diet contained just 15 percent protein. Furthermore, over 12 weeks, this resulted in an average weight loss of 11 pounds.

When you eat protein, you also burn more calories. You may not realize this, but between five and 15 percent of your daily energy expenditure goes toward digesting, absorbing, and storing food, a

process referred to as postprandial or diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). The DIT of fat is only zero to three percent. Carbohydrate digestion, absorption, and storage is more complicated, and thus requires more energy. Its DIT is five to 10 percent. The champ of DIT is protein. It burns 20 to 30 percent of calories ingested. In a 2004 study, Dutch researchers found that the DIT of a high-protein/low-fat diet is twice as high as a high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet!

Aim for about four ounces of protein (20-25 grams) with every meal — a little more if you have a big build or a little less if you're small. Good sources include fish and seafood, skinless poultry, lean meat, eggs and egg whites, nonfat or low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat cheese, tofu, and soy and whey protein.

3. Eat Lots of Vegetables and Some FruitAlthough I want you to restrict starches and sugars, that

doesn't mean you should shun all carbohydrates. Vegetables, modest amounts of fruit, nuts, and seeds should be a big part of your diet. These foods contain an abundance of health-enhancing nutrients. They're also excellent sources of fiber, which, among its many attributes, is very satiating. In addition to filling you up, fiber stimulates the release of a hormone in your intestines that signals satiety.

Limit your carbohydrate intake to about 10 grains per meal and five grams per snack. This may not sound like much, but it would be tough to eat enough salad and green vegetables at one sitting to get those 10 grams. Because fruits contain more natural sugars, I recommend only moderate amounts if you're trying to lose weight.

Once you achieve your weight loss goals, you can increase your carbohydrate intake by eating more fruit, beans, an occasional bowl of fiber-rich oatmeal, or a sweet treat such as a square of dark chocolate from time to time. But don't make the mistake of going back to a steady diet of bread, pasta, potatoes,


Vol. 16, No. 3


Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing9 (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription.'Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceDr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing'

A Healthy Directions Publication^. CEO: Kevin DonoghueAssociate Research Editor Ryann SmithExecutive Editor: Kimberly Day

© Copyright 2006, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whita-ker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.

Page 2

and sweets. These are the foods that contributed to your weight problem in the first place.

If I Can Do It, You Can Do ItOf course, permanent weight loss requires commitment

and discipline, and in the book I've included a surefire way of staying on track. In addition, I've designed a very specific weight training program you can do at home to build muscle and increase your metabolic rate. As an added bonus, I wrote a chapter on nutritional supplements that burn fat and curb appetite.

The guts of this program are pretty simple. Use your "instant discipline" program outlined in the January issue to change your behavior. Remember, commit to the behavior and the results will take care of themselves. Let me say it again. Commit to the behavior and the results will take care of themselves.

For the last few months, I've honored my pledge to cut out starches and exercise five days a week. I don't miss bread and pasta, I have no food cravings, and I've come to enjoy, rather than dread, my workouts. I've lost a steady pound or two a week and I'm well on my way to my fighting weight.

Recommendation:• Look for The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program in

bookstores soon.

ReferencesWeigle DS. et al. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite,

ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma lcptin and ghrelin concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul:82(l):41-48.

Westerterp, KR. Diet-induced thermogenesis. Nutr Metal). 2004; 1:5.

STEM CELLS

A New Anti-Aging TherapyWhen you think of stem cells, you probably think of the

ethical and legal controversies surrounding embryonic stem cell research. But I want you to know that stem cells aren't just found in embryos, nor is their therapeutic use a distant goal years in the future.

Your body is a repository of these amazing, regen-erative cells, and there are things you can do right now to get them to work for you, rebuilding tissues, fighting disease, and dramatically improving your health.

What Are Stem Cells?Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate, or

transform into cells with specialized forms and functions. The reason there's so much fuss about embryonic stem cells is because they have a virtually unlimitedcapacity to convert into any type of cell — after all, that's how an embryo develops into a full-blown human being. As the fetus matures and more and more cells differentiate to create neurons, muscles, bones, and other specialized tissues and organs, the number of stem cells dramatically declines. Umbilical cords still harbor some undifferentiated cells, which is why they are another highly prized source of these amazing cells.

The excitement over stem cell research is justified. Cells that can be coaxed into developing into specific cell types could, for example, be transplanted into the pancreas of patients with diabetes to restore insulin production, or into failing hearts to rebuild cardiac muscle. Stem cells even hold the promise of growing completely new organs!

Putting Your Own Stem Cells to WorkWhat gets lost in all the controversy and "futurist"

considerations is that adults also produce stem cells. Adult stem cells (known as somatic stem cells) have been identified in the bone marrow, brain, blood vessels, muscles, skin, intestines, and liver. Although they generally remain inactive, they can be called into action by injury or disease to repair those organs and tissues.

The best-studied and most promising adult stem cells reside in the bone marrow. One type, called hematopoietic stem cells, form red and white blood cells and have been used for decades in bone marrow transplants. Others called endothelial progenitor cells home in on damaged areas of the endothelium lining the blood vessels, repair damage, and thus protect against atherosclerosis.

But new research hints at even broader therapeutic uses. That's because some adult stem cells are pluripo-tent, meaning that, like embryonic stem cells, they can differentiate into a number of different cell lines. We now know that hematopoietic stem cells, for example, can transform into brain, cardiac, muscle, and liver cells. Other bone marrow-derived stem cells, once believed to produce only bone, cartilage, connective tissue, and fat, can also differentiate into cardiac and muscle cells.

This makes the study of adult stem cells all the more interesting. Unfortunately, as we get older, our stem cells decline in both numbers and regenerative capacity. If only there were a way to increase the activity of our stem cells, we'd really be onto something, wouldn't we?

Well, there is: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

HBOT Mobilizes Stem CellsA landmark study conducted at the University of

Pennsylvania School of Medicine recently discovered that HBOT dramatically increases stem cell activity.

March 2006

The research team, led by Stephen Thorn, MD, PhD, hypothesized that stem cells might play some role in the remarkable benefits of HBOT. So they measured circulating levels of stem cells in the blood of study volunteers before, during, and after 20 treatments of HBOT.

The results were astounding. After only one treatment, concentrations of stem cells doubled, and after the full course, there was an eight-fold increase in these rejuvenating cells!

I've always known that HBOT works. At the Whitaker Wellness Institute, we have a very busy hyperbaric center, treating up to 60 patients a day, and

we have seen absolutely amazing results. Stroke patients once told there was no hope of regaining function are walking and talking again. Diabetics scheduled for amputation of their legs due to gangrenous ulcers have cancelled surgeries. People with severe burns, trauma, and other injuries heal so rapidly that they return to normal function much earlier than anticipated.

I had long believed that HBOT's therapeutic powers were attributed to flooding the cells with oxygen. (When you breathe 100 percent oxygen in a special pressurized chamber, oxygen levels in all of your body's tissues dramatically increase.) Now I know that it also

Continued on page 6

Dear Dr. Whitaker1 ? 1 I've been a subscriber to your newsletter for over eight years now, and I have two questions to ask. First, how empty is an "empty stomach? " Or when a supplement says "take with water," does that mean any time at all? I seem to be taking them constantly, from morning until night, and am frankly going a bit nuts between my husband's and my supplements. Perhaps you might address this in a future newsletter.

Second, I am about to toss the old copies of the newsletter I have from January to December 1998 because I thought that by now the news is out of date or repeated. How long do you suggest keeping back issues? — K. Hazelhojf, Honokaa, HI

I know that taking supplements at various times throughout the day is a pain. I learned a long time ago that if I'm going to expect people to stick with a supplement regimen, it has to be convenient and easy. Therefore, I recommend that you take your supplements just twice a day, with breakfast and with dinner — no matter what the labels say.

While many manufacturers recommend taking their products between meals, I cannot (with a couple of exceptions) find any good scientific reason for this. On the contrary, there are many advantages to taking supplements with meals. It's easier on the stomach, some nutrients are better absorbed with food, and, last but not least, it's far more convenient. So make it easy on yourself and simply take half of your supplements with breakfast and the other half with dinner, and forget about them the rest of the day.

Now, let's talk about exceptions to the rule. One is amino acids. Because the amino acids in protein may compete for absorption with L-arginine, 5-HTP, GABA, L-glutamine, and other amino acid supplements, it's best to take them between meals. This leads to your "empty stomach" question. It doesn't mean a prolonged fast. Two hours after eating or at least 30 minutes prior to eating is perfectly adequate. The second exception is supplements to help you sleep. They should be taken 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.

Regarding whether or not to toss old newsletters, since every one of them is a masterpiece, of course you should keep them. Seriously, while some of the studies in back issues may seem dated, most of the information is not. If a natural therapy worked 50 years ago, it will work a thousand years from now. Hold on to your issues. — JW

Works for me...I have an adorable four-month-old German Shepherd, as well as a 12-year-old Australian Shepherd mix. I was nervous

about leaving the puppy alone while I was at work because I have new furniture, and you know how much they love to chew. My vet told me about Bitter Apple spray. This product is wonderful. You spray it on furniture, plants, shoes, and other "temptations," and it works like a charm. I know this isn't exactly health related, but it's such a great natural product I thought you might be interested. — RR, Anaheim Hills, CA

Thanks for the tip. Grannick's Bitter Apple, which was invented in 1960 by a pharmacist, is known as a taste deterred, meaning it tastes extremely bitter to most animals, so it discourages them from biting, chewing, scratching, or licking. In addition to keeping pets off furniture, it can be sprayed on their fur to prevent them from biting or licking wounds. Best of all, it's natural, smells good, doesn't stain, and is nontoxic. It's sold in pet supply stores. — JW

Got a question for Dr. Whitaker? Send it to Health & Healing, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854 or ^\shitakercfi/esrions@drwhitakeKCom. For health tips, use the same address or [email protected].



March 2006 Page 5

Did You Know?• A new study shows that regular

physical exercise significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

• A full 29 percent of all births in the US are cesareans, up from 20 percent 10 years ago.

• According to a survey conducted by Harvard and UCLA researchers, fewer than 40 percent of health care workers get flu shots.

• New conventional medicine guidelines suggest that anti-histamines work better at relieving coughs than over-the-counter cough suppressants or expectorants.

• Periodontal disease is linked with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and having low birth weight babies.

• Chronic work-related stress almost doubles the risk of metabolic syndrome.

• The EPA recently ordered the phasing out of a suspected carcinogen used to make Teflon that is present inthe blood of more than 95 percent of Americans.

• Laughing burns calories.

• The longer a mother breast-feeds her baby, the lower her risk of type 2 diabetes.

• New studies suggest that coffee reduces risk of liver disease and breast cancer.

• Caffeine increases libido in females — at least in rats.

• The human tongue has about 10,000 taste buds.

• COX-2 inhibitors, touted as being safer than other NSAIDs, were shown in a recent study to cause just as many gastro-intestinal problems.

• Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer of the larynx, mouth, esophagus, colon, and breast.

J For almost 80 percent of people with asthma, vigorous exercise can trigger constriction of the airways, making breathing difficult and discouraging sufferers from engaging in physical activity. Recognizing that asthma is an inflammatory disorder and looking for a natural way to decrease exercise-induced asthma, researchers at Indiana University turned to fish oil. They found that patients taking fish oil supplements had a 64 percent improvement in lung function, their use of rescue inhalers fell by 31 percent, and their blood markers of inflammation declined. In fact, improvements were so dramatic that their symptoms fell "below the threshold used to diagnose the disease."

I'm not suggesting that supplementing with fish oil will allow everyone with asthma to throw their inhalers away, but it does have the potential of reducing symptoms, decreasing medication requirements, and, because of its multiple benefits, improving overall health. The dose used in this study was 3.2 g EPA and 2 g DHA (the equivalent of 20 fish oil capsules or 5-6 teaspoons of liquid fish oil a day). Look for a high-quality supplement free from mercury and other toxins.■J ;timt .-YIIILM >yi ^CIQI ^:^».imiJHyijkii i ;{»]^^ if you know anyone who's suffered a stroke, you know that prevention is the best medicine. According to a study published in The Lancet, upping your intake of fruits and vegetables may be just the ticket for protection. This meta-analysis, which reviewed data from eight studies involving over 250,000 people, found that those who ate more than five servings of fruhr and vegetables daily decreased their risk of stroke by 26 percent.

This should be a wakeup call for Americans, who eat an average of only three servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables contain a cornucopia of protective vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, and among the most important is potassium. Adequate potassium intake helps keep blood pressure in the normal range, and, as you know, hypertension is the number one risk factor for stroke. Boosting your consumption from three to five servings a day would increase your potassium intake by 50 percent.

Eating more produce isn't that hard. A piece of fruit with breakfast, a large and colorful salad for lunch, a couple of vegetables with dinner, and snacks of peanut butter and celery or raw vegetables and cottage cheese — that's six servings and some change right there. Bon appetit!■:| li |Jj |^^miit.ia >];L »]MîVi^J;UTijj >if ]i ?B I've long taken issue with the government-mandated recommended daily allowance (RDAs). For most vitamins and minerals, they are far too meager to have much therapeutic value. This isn't just my opinion. Danish researchers recently examined blood levels of vitamin B12 and other markers of its metabolism in postmenopausal women and came to the same conclusion: The current RDA for vitamin B12 (2.4 meg) is woefully inadequate and needs to be dramatically increased!

B12 is a crucial vitamin involved the maintenance of healthy neurons, red blood cells, and DNA. In addition, it helps lower homocysteine levels, which, when elevated, increase your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, depression, and heart disease. What's more, deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to anemia, fatigue, and irreversible neurological damage.

Food sources of B12 include clams, mussels, crab, salmon, lean beef, and dairy products. But diet alone isn't going to cut it, especially if you are vegetarian or over the age of 50 (both of which can impair B12 absorption). Play it safe and supplement with at least 100 meg, preferably 150 meg, daily. Vitamin B12 is exceptionally safe and well tolerated.

March 2006

FISH OIL FOR ASTHMA

Page 5


mobilizes stem cells, something few other therapies can do, and this goes a long way toward explaining the magnitude of its benefits in so many conditions.

EECP May Also HelpThe authors of this study reported that the mechanism

for the mobilization of stem cells was nitric oxide (NO). HBOT increases the synthesis of NO in the bone marrow, which signals the release of stem cells — and this leads us to enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP).

EECP is another very effective therapy we use at the clinic. During an EECP treatment session, a patient lies on a bed and, in concert with each heartbeat, pressure cuffs squeeze blood up from the lower extremities. This stimulates blood flow, improves arterial elasticity, and increases the production of NO.

Although EECP is used primarily for the treatment of angina, it also provides serendipitous benefits for many other conditions, lowering blood pressure, relieving neuropathy, and, in many cases, improving symptoms of Parkinson's disease and heart failure. We can certainly attribute some of these benefits to the direct effects of NO, which relaxes the arteries and protects the endothelium. But I was always hard-pressed to explain some of its other effects.

Does EECP mobilize stem cells? Nobody knows. As far as I can tell, there have been no studies on this phenomenon. However, it certainly makes sense, considering the nitric oxide-stem cell connection and the plethora of EECP's broad and often unanticipated benefits.

Who Needs Stem Cell Therapy?The HBOT study is a medical breakthrough that should

convince conventional doctors to take a closer look at this amazing treatment. Imagine, a safe therapy that mobilizes your own stem cells! Best of all, it is available today at a relatively minimal cost.

I will continue to use and recommend HBOT and EECP for my patients with the conditions discussed in this article. But I also envision this duo as a preeminent anti-aging therapy for people seeking to prevent disease, repair the ravages of aging, and maximize their health.

Recommendations:• To learn more about HBOT, visit hbomedtoday.com. For

information on EECP, contact Vasomedical at vasomedical.com or (800) 455-3327.

• If you'd like to schedule an appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500 or visit wh it a kerwellness. com.

ReferencesSteiner S, et al. Endurance training increases the number of endothelial

progenitor cells in patients with cardiovascular risk and coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Aug;181(2):305-310.

Thorn SR, et al. Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen. Am J Physiol Heart Ore Physiol. 2005 Nov 18 [Epub ahead of print].

SLEEP

Insomniac Nation

Do you have problems falling asleep? How about waking up in the night unable to go back to sleep? If you do, join the club. Nearly one-third of all Americans suffer with some form of insomnia. It's important to get a handle on it, for the consequences of poor sleep go far beyond feeling drowsy during the day.

More Than Being GroggySleep deprivation impairs cognitive function and mental

alertness and can actually affect reaction time and judgment to a degree similar to drinking alcohol. In fact, depression, anxiety, low sex drive, hyperactivity, and attention deficit are all linked to poor sleep.

Inadequate sleep may even make you fat. After surveying more than 9,000 Americans, researchers from Columbia University found that people who slept for four hours or less each night were 73 percent more likely to be obese than those who regularly got seven to nine hours of shuteye. People who slept only five hours were 50 percent more likely to be obese than their well-rested counterparts, and those getting six hours of sleep — which is considered to be pretty normal these days — had a 23 percent greater risk.

It gets worse. Sleep deprivation depresses your immune response and increases susceptibility to infection. Poor sleep is also linked with increased risk of diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. That's why I urge you to take action now to uncover what's behind your sleep problem and take steps to correct it.

So Why Aren't We Sleeping?For many people, the inability to sleep doesn't seem to

be caused by anything. In fact, a panel formed by the National Institutes of Health recently deemed insomnia a stand-alone condition. However, a number of factors can contribute to it.

First, look at the drugs you're taking. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications, including some pain medications, drugs for attention deficit disorder, weight loss pills, amphetamines, and nasal decongestants contain stimulants that can keep you awake, especially when taken too close to bedtime.

Vol. 16, No. 3PÔP 6

http://vasomedical.com/

http://hbomedtoday.com/

(The same goes for caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.) Diuretics, commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure, disturb sleep because they cause frequent urination, and antidepressants count insomnia among their many side effects. All of these drugs can be replaced with safer, equally effective natural therapies that do not interfere with sleep.

Second, rule out medical conditions that may disturb your slumber. Restless leg syndrome, characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs, makes it hard to fall asleep. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is as common in older men as gray hair, causes nighttime awakenings for trips to the bathroom. For women in menopause, hot flashes can ruin sleep. Depression and anxiety can also leave you tossing and turning at night. The good news is that all of these conditions can be addressed, and once they are, you can often say goodbye to sleep problems.

Rule Out Sleep ApneaThe most serious sleep-related medical condition, and

one I am intimately familiar with, is sleep apnea. If you snore, chances are you are one of the 12 million Americans who have this problem. Befitting its name {apnea comes from the Greek word meaning "without breath"), obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the fleshy tissues at the back of the throat relax and block the airway, causing you to stop breathing. The brain, sensing oxygen deprivation, sends signals that wake you enough to take a breath.

This not only makes getting a good night's sleep impossible, but also leads to a number of very serious problems. Sleep apnea triples your risk of hypertension, more than doubles your risk of stroke, and quadruples your risk of arrhythmia. It raises levels of C-reactive protein (an indicator of inflammation) and markers of oxidative stress, and is closely linked with obesity. It also interferes with insulin sensitivity and quintuples your risk of diabetes.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable. I used to snore like a freight train until I discovered I had sleep apnea and got treatment. Now, I use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which gently blows a constant stream of air through a small mask and prevents the tissues in my throat from collapsing. I have to tell you it has changed my life. I sleep like a baby and wake up rested and invigorated. My wife loves it too — no more snoring or worrisome episodes when I would literally stop breathing.

At the clinic, we screen patients whom we suspect may have sleep apnea, or conditions resulting from it, with an inexpensive test called nocturnal pulse oximetry, which records pulse and blood oxygen

levels periodically during the night via a small, clip-on sensor. If it is suggestive of sleep apnea, we recommend an automatic CPAP machine or refer them to a specialist for a sleep study.

Stay Away From Sleeping PillsIf you don't have a reversible medical problem

underlying your insomnia, your doctor will likely prescribe a drug to help you sleep. Millions and millions of prescriptions are written each year for Ambien, Sonata, and the like. More than six percent of adults over the age of 65 are use prescription sleep drugs — a 16 percent increase since 2000.

Worse still, the number of children and young adults taking these prescriptions has nearly doubled. Frighteningly few of these drugs have been subjected to trials lasting more than six weeks, and many carry labels warning they are for short-term use only. Yet countless patients use them on a regular basis, sometimes for months or even years at a time.

The addiction factor aside, these drugs come with a host of side effects, especially for people over the age of 60. In fact, a meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal showed that the risks of sedative hypnotic drugs far outweighed the benefits. Particularly disturbing is the significantly increased risk of adverse events such as falls (which land over a million and a half people over the age of 65 in the emergency room annually) and cognitive impairment. For a group of people already susceptible to these events, the added risk simply isn't worth it.

Natural Sleep Aids...Fortunately, there are natural remedies that have been

used for years to battle insomnia with impeccable safety records and unquestionable efficacy. Here are a few of my favorites.

L-theanine is an amino acid derived from green tea. Renowned for its calming effects, L-theanine works by enhancing alpha-wave activity in the brain, which results in relaxation, and by increasing levels of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the brain down and helps relieve anxiety.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the most common sleep aid in Europe, and studies suggest that this herb works as well as prescription drugs, without the side effects. Like L-theanine, it helps relieve anxiety by working on GABA pathways, but it also has a mild sedative effect that helps you fall asleep more quickly. In some studies, valerian is used in combination with hops. Although hops is best known as an ingredient in beer, it is an approved therapy in Germany for insomnia and nervousness.

March 2006 Page 7

Melatonin has long been one of my top recommendations for sleep. Produced naturally in the pineal gland, melatonin is the hormone that regulates your circadian rhythms, or "body clock." As darkness falls, melatonin secretion rises, signaling your body that it's time to sleep. After the age of 40, melatonin levels decline, which is one reason so many older people have trouble falling and staying asleep. In addition to facilitating sleep, melatonin is also useful for jetlag, and it's a potent antioxidant that protects against disease. (I don't recommend melatonin for people under age 40 — their bodies produce enough naturally.)

...With Proven ResultsThe best thing about these natural sleep aids is that, in addition to working,

they are safe. You're not going to wake up feeling groggy, nor are you going to get addicted to them. Let me tell you about one of my patients who overcame insomnia and gave up sleeping pills for good.

C.S. is an energetic career woman with a stable home life, a good balance of work and play, and no health problems. She confided in me that, for the past 10 years, she could rarely fall asleep without taking one drug or another. From over-the-counter sleeping pills and antihistamines such as Benadryl to prescription drugs like Xanax, she'd been popping pills for insomnia for nearly a decade. Yet she would still lie awake at night, her mind full of anxious thoughts that would sometimes reach the point of panic attacks. As you can imagine, it was ruining her quality of life.

That all changed when we gave her the natural sleep aid we use at the clinic. The first week she took this product, she felt less anxious and was able to fall asleep more quickly. As the months passed and her sleep continued to improve, everything in her life got better — energy level, mood, work, relationships, you name it.

That's how important a good night's sleep is.

Recommendations:• For more information on sleep apnea and its diagnosis and treatment, call

American Sleep Systems at (866) 364-7378.• The suggested doses of the natural sleep aids discussed in the this article are:

200 mg L-theanine, 250-500 mg valerian, 120 mg hops, and 1-3 mg melatonin. They may be taken individually or in combination. Take 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime, preferably on an empty stomach. You can find these products in your health food store.

ReferencesGlass J, et al. Sedative hypnotics in older people with insomnia: meta-analysis of risks and benefits.

BMJ. 2005 Nov 19;331(7526):1169. Epub 2005 Nov 11.

Iittp://www.scienccnews.org/articles/20Q51I26/bob9.asp.

http://www.americansportsdata.com/obesitystats.asp.

NAASO. the Obesity Society. Lack of sleep leads to excess weight. http://www.naaso. org/news/20041116.asp.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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■ Why Magnesium Matters

■ Irregular Heartbeat: Should You Be Concerned?

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Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineNovember 2006 Vol. 16, No. 11

Dear Reader,

Odd Thomas, my favorite Dean Koontz character, stated in Forever Odd, "The joys of life can be found anywhere. Far places only offer exotic ways to suffer."

I agree. Connie and I just returned from an 11-day Health & Wealth cruise through the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, stopping at ports in France, Spain, and Portugal. We had a great time, but not because of these exotic locales.

Foreign cities interest me, but they rarely play out the way they are described in brochures. The famed casino in Monte Carlo, for instance, was solemn and unfriendly—nothing like the noisy, boisterous casinos of Las Vegas. I thought about trying my luck at the roulette table, but I couldn't figure out how it was configured. I was too intimidated to ask. so I kept my money. Barcelona, though, was a pleasure with its tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and gaudy Antoni Gaudi architecture.

What we enjoyed most was riding around on a big boat with friends both old and new. It was like summer camp for adults with a high school prom thrown in. Twice in the 11 days we played dress-up for dinner and dancing, I in a tuxedo and Connie in evening dresses with glittery baubles. (At home, I wear a tuxedo once a decade, if that often.)

The best part, however, was the opportunity to rub elbows with Health & Healing readers. I loved hearing their stories and helping with their health challenges when I could. One of their most common complaints was pain. In the

story below, I want to tell you about a unique and effective approach to rapid relief.PAIN RELIEF

Taking the Pain Out of Painkillers

A few months back I attended a conference on pain management and end-of-life care, which the state medical board requires all California physicians to take. Am I glad I did! Although I am often critical of mainstream medicine and its obsession with drugs, I'm always on the lookout for therapies, alternative or conventional, that will help my patients.

At this conference, I learned about a novel approach to pain relief that, although it's a drug and requires a prescription, works like a charm.

Pinpointing the PainThe problem with drugs that address pain is that—as with any drug you take orally—they affect not only your aching

back or throbbing joints but your entire body. And while they may provide relief, they do so at a cost. Prescription narcotics such as Vicodin are addictive.


In This Issue:

Join me in Houston on Saturday, January 6, 2007. I invite Texans and visitors to the area to an exclusive subscriber seminar. You'll hear Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, talk about his breakthrough cancer treatment, and I'll address your most pressing health concerns. I look forward to meeting y'all. To attend, return the enclosed invitation letter by December 15th. Space is limited.

PAIN RELIEFTaking the Pain out ofPainkillers..............

.p.lASTHMAArresting Asthma............................

p.3DEAR DR. WHITAKERNatural Cold

Remedies.....p.4WORKS FOR MEProbiotics for IBS......

.p.4WELLNESS MEDICINEHomemade

Laxative...Chewing Gum...EECP.p.5BREATHING DISORDERSBreathe Life Into

COPD..p.7MARK YOUR CALENDAR


Natural Pain Relievers


In addition to topical prescription pain relievers, there are a number of safe, natural, over-the-counter alternatives. The one we've had the most success with at the clinic is a proprietary blend of Chinese skullcap and acacia, combined with ginger, rutin (a flavonoid), and bromelain and papain (plant enzymes). This formula is especially effective at quelling inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.

I recently received a letter from a subscriber who had suffered with hip pain since 1988. Refusing to believe his doctor's proclamation that permanent pain relief was unattainable, he tried every remedy he could get his hands on—so many, in fact, that his "closet looked like a pharmacy shelf." Then he read about this herbal pain reliever in Health & Healing and, with his "usual skepticism," started taking it. He wrote, "To my utmost astonishment and disbelief, the pain started melting away. I began having a feeling I had not had for 17 years— the feeling of wellness."

Another OTC favorite is fish oil. Many of the cardiovascular benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids in

fish oil stem from their potent anti-inflammatory activity. And since inflammation is the root of pain, fish oil is an obvious, yet overlooked, therapy. Joseph Maroon, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, gave fish oil supplements to 250 patients with back pain, along with their usual medications (NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors). After an average of 75 days, 60 percent of these patients had improvements in symptoms, and 59 percent were able to quit taking their drugs.

Finally, I want to tell you about Asalixx, a unique white willow bark extract. White willow has a long history as an effective therapy for pain relief. In fact, aspirin was originally derived from the bark of this tree, although today's synthesized version contains only one of its components. Asalixx, on the other hand, has a wider range of active constituents, which contributes to its superior efficacy and safety. In a double-blind trial involving patients with low back pain, this supplement was shown to pack a pain-relieving punch similar to the much more expensive and dangerous COX-2 inhibitors.


Acetaminophen (Tylenol) increases your risk of liver and kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are hard on the GI tract, and many of them harm the cardiovascular system. And COX-2 inhibitors have caused hundreds of thousands of heart attacks and tens of thousands of deaths.

There is a safer and more direct route to relief. When a pain-relieving drug is mixed into a readily absorbed cream and rubbed into the affected area, the active ingredients penetrate the skin and can provide quick and dramatic relief. Equally important, these drugs are not systemically absorbed to any significant degree, and there is little risk of adverse side effects.

A number of drugs can be administered in this form, but the ones we're using most often at the clinic are ketoprofen,

an NSAID, and ketamine, an anesthetic. A compounding pharmacist simply mixes individualized doses and combinations of these or other drugs into a cream or gel, and the patient applies it directly to the affected area (called "topical" application) two to four times a day. The results, as I can tell you from personal experience, are remarkable.

It Works for Connie and MeMy wife, Connie, has been dealing with sciatic pain in

her lower back for the past 15 years, since a tow truck plowed into the back of a car she was riding in. She was in a lot of pain for about a year afterward, but it slowly resolved thanks to extensive courses of chiropractic, acupuncture, and prolotherapy.

Unfortunately, she had foot surgery a couple of years ago due to a sports injury, and it caused an


Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 13 health books including: The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution. Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing9 (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.


Associate Managing Editor: Thorn Young


alteration in her gait that reactivated her sciatic pain. Connie isn't a complainer, but sitting at her desk, exercising, etc., exacerbated her sciatica, and it was really causing her severe discomfort. Then I started her on topical ketoprofen and ketamine.

Now Connie swears by this treatment. She notices relief within 10 minutes of application, and its effects last four or five hours. She doesn't use it 24/7, only when she has flare-ups, but it has made a significant difference in her quality of life.

I have my share of nagging aches and pain as well, especially in my lower back when I play golf. I've been using the same formula for about a month now, and it definitely makes a difference.

Conventional Drugs Gone AlternativeIn addition to sciatica and low backache, many types of

pain syndromes—arthritis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, sprains and strains, and muscle spasms—respond extremely well to topical drugs. This approach is also particularly effective for all types of neuropathic pain, including diabetic, peripheral, post-herpetic, post-surgical, and posttraumatic neuropathy.

The primary downside of these drugs is that your physician is no! likely to know about them and even less likely to prescribe them. That's because rather than being pushed by drug reps or listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference, topical NSAIDs and analgesics are formulated by compounding pharmacies, which are not on the radar of most conventional doctors. Nevertheless, I believe they are a true breakthrough in pain control.

Popping an NSAID or Tylenol every now and then to relieve an occasional ache or pain is perfectly acceptable. However, high doses and long-term use of pain-relieving drugs have a host of well-documented dangers. If you're suffering with chronic pain. I strongly urge you to look into these topical drugs.

Recommendations:• Topical NSAIDs and analgesics require a prescrip-tion that can be filled at a compounding pharmacy. The best way for physicians to learn more about these drugs is to contact a compounding pharmacy such as California Pharmacy and Compounding Center at (800) 575-7776. CaliforniaPharmacy.com. To locate other pharmacies, contact the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacies at (800) 927-4227, iacprx.org.• The suggested dose of the Chinese skullcap/acacia product is one capsule twice a day. (It should not be taken by patients who have ulcers or who are taking Coumadin.) The fish oil dose for pain relief is at least 1,200 mg of EPA (eight or more capsules per day). For Asalixx, take two tablets twice a day as needed. (It isn't recommended for people with asthma or aspirin allergies.) Look for these products in your health food store or order them from the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 810-6655.

ASTHMA

Take Action Against AsthmaThe first thing Toni, who has suffered with asthma since

she was two years old, does when she wakes up in the morning is reach for her inhaler. The mere thought of another full-blown asthma attack— the wheezing, panicky, exhausting fight for air and terrifying trips to the emergency room—is just too overwhelming to risk. She admits that her inhaler has become a crutch, and that she uses it too much, but she figures it's worth it for her peace of mind.

She might want to rethink her strategy. Researchers from Stanford and Cornell Universities recently reviewed 19 studies involving nearly 34,000 patients and came up with an alarming finding. People using the popular inhalers containing the long-acting beta-agonist drugs salmeterol (Serevent and Advair) or formoterol (Foradil) were 2.5 times more likely to be

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP. MANAGEMENT AND CIKCl'I.ATIO.N lAs required under Act of August 12. 1970: Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code). 1. Publication title: Dr. .11111(111 Whitaker's Health & Healing. 2. Publication no.: 10!">7-9273. 3, Filing date: October 4, 2006. 4. Issue frequency: Monthly. 5. No. of issues published annually: 12. 6. Annual subscription price: $69.00, 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, Montgomery, MD 20854. Contact person: Eric Jones. Telephone: (301) 340-7788. 8. Location of the headquarters or general business offices of publishers: 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854. 9. Names and addresses of publisher, editor and managing editor: Publisher: Robert Kroening, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854. Editor: Dr. Julian Whitaker, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac. MD 20854. Managing Editor: William Todd, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854. 10. Owner (If owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding I'.l or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given, i Healthy Directions, LLC. 7811 Montrose Road. Potomac. MD 20854. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding VI or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 12. Not applicable. 13. Publication name: Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing. 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2006. 15. Extent and nature of circulation: A. Total no. copies printed (Net Press Run): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 281,350; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 285,000. B. Paid and/or requested circulation: 1. Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (include advertiser's proof and exchange copies): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 240.283; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 242,788. 2. Paid in-county subscriptions (include advertiser's proof and exchange copies): None. 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other non-USPS paid distribution; Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 17,417; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 17,961. 4. Other classes mailed through the USPS: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 435; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 113. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation Isum of 15b. (1), (2). (3) and (4)): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 258.135; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 261,192. D. Free distribution by mail (samples, complimentary, and other free copies): 1. Outside-county as stated on Form 354 1: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 649; No. copies of single issue published DMrwt to filing date: 649. 2. In-county as stated on Form 3541: None. 3. Other classes mailed through the USPS: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 288; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 288. E. Free distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means). Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 2,910; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 3,130. F. Total free distribution (sum of 15d and 15e): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 3,847; No. copies of sing\e issues published nearest to filing date: 4,067. G. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 150: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 261,982; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 265,259. H. Copies not distributed: Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 19,368; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 19,741. I. Total (Sum of 15g and h): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 281,350; No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 285,000. J. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (15c/15g x 100): Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: 98.5^; Actual no copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 98.5^.. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: November 2006. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. William V. Todd, Editor, October 4,2006.





http://iacprx.org/

http://CaliforniaPharmacy.com/

hospitalized for severe asthma attacks and 3.5 times more likely to die from an attack than those using a placebo inhaler. Of the 5,000 deaths attributed to asthma in this country every year, an estimated 4,000 of them are actually caused by these drugs!

If you're one of the millions of people who, like Toni, have become reliant on these inhalers, discuss these unnerving findings with your doctor at once. Chances are, however, that he'll only swap one drug out for another—and not tell you about safe, natural therapies that can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, improve lung function, and lower drug use.

The Carbon Dioxide ConnectionA simple and surprisingly effective way to get a handle

on asthma is to learn how to breathe correctly. Ukranian scientist Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko came up with this theory back in the 1950s, postulating that hyperventilation or "over-breathing" is an underlying cause of asthma and other

health problems. He hypothesized that deep or rapid breathing depletes the body of carbon dioxide (CO,), which causes the constriction of the blood vessels and airways that leads to restricted breathing.

This theory makes a lot of sense to me. Everyone knows the benefits of oxygen, but CO., is often viewed as nothing more than a waste product of respiration. In reality, CO, governs your respiratory rate. As you exhale, falling CO, levels in the blood send signals to the respiratory center in your brain that stimulate the impulse to breathe. CO, also regulates the pH balance of the blood, which affects oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body.

When you breathe normally, there is equilibrium between oxygen and CO, levels. Blood vessels dilate and hemoglobin readily releases oxygen. But when you take deep or rapid breaths, CO, levels dip, the blood becomes overly alkaline, blood vessels constrict, and hemoglobin binds tightly to oxygen.

Continued on page 6

Dear Dr. Whitaker

l~?1 What do you think about over-the-counter cold remedies'/ Are there any natural alternatives?

— PR, Sebring, OH

Decongestants are tempting if you have a stuffy nose, but you can use them only for a few days, and they are contraindicated with quite a number of heath conditions and drugs. I suggest that you first try Sinupret Forte (1 tablet 3 times a day), an herbal blend that relieves congestion by thinning mucus and promoting nasal drainage. Steam and saline nasal sprays are also helpful, and good old chicken soup is one of the best ways out there to fight a cold. It keeps you hydrated, and studies show that it helps relieve congestion by increasing mucus flow. If you really want to open up your nose, add a dash of cayenne pepper.

That itchy feeling you get in your eyes, nose, and throat is triggered by the release of histamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines work pretty well because they block histamine receptors, but they can cause drowsiness—

diphenhydramine (Benadryl), one of the most common antihistamines, is also used as a sleep aid. If you want to go the natural route, try vitamin C (500-1,000 mg per waking hour, or as tolerated) and quercetin (200-400 mg twice a day). Also, make sure to drink lots of fluids.

For coughs, forget about cough syrups. Two of their main ingredients, dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, were recently shown to be no more effective than a placebo. Instead try ginger tea (see page 8) or N-acetylcysteine (250-500 mg), a powerful mucus thinner and expectorant that helps bring up phlegm. And there's always the tried-and-true menthol rubs, especially when applied with a little TLC by a loved one.

If you do turn to over-the-counter drugs, use single-drug products rather than combination formulas. For example, if you have only a stuffy nose, it's overkill to take a product that contains a decongestant, a pain reliever, and a cough suppressant. The natural remedies listed above are available in most health food stores. — JW

Works for me...I read your article in the June 2006 issue entitled "New Hope for IBD" and really enjoyed it. I want to tell you about

another inexpensive treatment called Digestive Advantage. This probiotic blend improved my Crohn's disease and IBS symptoms by 95 percent! It's readily available in drugstores and online at amazon.com, and usually costs less than $15. — Maxine, Nebraska

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Did You Know?• Children born to women with

low levels of vitamin E are six times as likely to have asthma as those whose mothers have high levels.

• Orange juice reduces risk of kidney stones.

• Talking on a cell phone, even on a headset, impairs driving as much as being drunk.

• According to a recent survey, only 35 percent of physicians told patients about adverse effects of new prescriptions.

• Progestins (progesterone mimics such as Provera) are linked with hearing loss.

• Drinking lots of green tea has been shown to increase longevity.

• Tall women are more likely to have twins than short women.

• Broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables help protect against lung cancer.

• Vanderbilt researchers have found that most people cannot accurately interpret the dietary information on food labels.

• Both sleeping pills and carbonated sodas can cause indigestion during sleep.

• Taking 1,500 mg of supple-mental calcium during pregnancy halves the risk of preeclampsia.

• We shed about 40 pounds of skin during our lifetime.

• Americans spend $14 million a minute on health care.

• The affinity for sweets is instinctive; all others tastes are learned.

• A British survey revealed that 87 percent of obese people underestimated their weight, and 17 percent described them-selves as normal weight.

HOMEMADE REMEDY FOR CONSTIPATIONOver-the-counter laxatives are big

business, generating sales of more than $800 million per year. Among the safest and most healthful are Metamucil and other products that contain psyllium—an excellent source of soluble fiber that bulks up the stool and stimulates peristalsis, the wavelike contractions of the colon that keep things moving along.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas recently tested a homemade concoction against psyllium. They found that it worked just as well—and cost half as much. In a six-week study, patients taking the "pantry solution" (consisting of applesauce, wheat bran, and prune juice) had improvements in bowel function that actually surpassed those of a control group taking the usual dose of psyllium. In addition to soluble fiber (which also helps lower cholesterol), this mixture provides a hefty dose of phytonutrients. Here's the recipe: Mix 1 cup applesauce, unsweetened preferred; 1 cup coarse, unprocessed wheat bran, available in health food stores; and 1/4 cup prune juice. Store in the fridge and take four tablespoons daily.

CHEWING GUM FOR HEALTHGum chewing goes way back. Ancient Greeks chewed

on the resin of mastic trees to treat stomach problems, Mayans used the sap of sapodilla trees to clean their teeth, and North America Indians preferred spruce sap to freshen their breath. Today, gum remains as popular as ever, and new health benefits keep popping up. Chewing gum has been shown to increase saliva production and quell heartburn, improve performance on memory tests, and even help with weight loss—burning about 12 calories per hour. (Besides, if you have gum in your mouth, you won't be eating.)

Most remarkable, according to a study involving 34 patients recovering from bowel surgery, chewing gum also speeds healing. Half the patients chewed a stick of sugar-free gum three times a day for an hour at a time, beginning the morning after their surgery. They had a much faster return of normal bowel function, and they left the hospital more than two days earlier than patients who didn't chew gum.

Look in your health food store for brands such as Unique Sweet and Spry that are sweetened with xylitol. They are low in calories, contain no dangerous chemicals, and are actually good for your teeth.

■ ««;««];III*Jrta/!iHUH^ I've been extolling the benefits of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) for years. Often referred to as a "natural bypass," it's a proven therapy for relieving angina, increasing exercise tolerance, and improving circulation. Recent findings presented at the 10th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America reveal that EECP is also an effective treatment for another common and debilitating condition: heart failure.

Researchers in India demonstrated that after a course of EECP (35-40 treatments), patients with heart failure doubled their exercise capacity and had a markedly better quality of life. Even more impressive, the benefits of the therapy were still present after a year. In another study, a research team from Florida examined 53 patients with systolic heart failure. After treatment, considerable improvements were seen in symptoms, ventricular function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. EECP also improved levels of a marker of heart failure progression called BNP (brain natriuretic peptide). To locate an EECP provider in your area call (800) 455-EECP (3327) or visit vasomedical.com . For treatment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500.

http://vasomedical.com/


This binding inhibits the release of oxygen into tissues—which explains the feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, and tingling brought on by hyperventilation. Breathing into a paper bag relieves these symptoms because you're rapidly raising C02 levels by rebreathing exhaled air.

Breathe Your Way to ReliefPeople with asthma tend to breathe rapidly, deeply, and

through the mouth. As a result, their C02 levels are low. To prevent further C02 losses, the smooth muscles of the airways constrict and spasm, bringing on shortness of breath and other signs of asthma. This effect leads to even more over-breathing, setting up a cycle of chronically low C02 levels.

To counter all of this, Dr. Buteyko created a series of exercises designed to restore normal breathing, raise CO, levels, and dilate the airways. These breathing exercises have been shown to dramatically improve symptoms and reduce drug use. In a 2003 New Zealand study, 38 patients with chronic asthma were instructed in the Buteyko method. At a six-month follow up, those in the Buteyko group had cut their use of inhaled steroids in half and their use of beta-2-agonists by 85 percent, compared to 0 and 37 percent, respectively, in the control group.

The Buteyko method is pretty simple, but you need to practice in order for it to become second nature. It basically consists of decreasing the volume of air you breathe by learning to use your diaphragm correctly and breathing through your nose. I've read scores of testimonials from people who have used this breathing technique to overcome asthma. Some swear it has put an end to anxiety, panic attacks, sleep apnea, and other ailments. I've yet to see research for these other conditions, but I highly recommend this method for asthma.

Hold Your BreathAnother technique for raising CO, levels is to simply

hold your breath. Begin by breathing normally. After an exhalation, hold your breath for a count of five to 10 seconds. Resume normal breathing for 10 breaths. Repeat this sequence five or six more times. Do this cycle at least three or four times a day.

Remember, these exercises are designed to prevent future attacks, not thwart an attack in progress—so don't toss out your meds. Note symptoms and medication usage as your breathing patterns change, and let me know how it works for you.

Other Natural TherapiesBreathing exercises aside, there are supplements that

can also curtail episodes. Foremost is magnesium, which relaxes the bronchioles and helps keep airways open. People with asthma are often deficient in this mineral, and taking magnesium has been shown to reduce drug requirements. (Intravenous magnesium sulfate can actually thwart an acute attack, but few emergency rooms use this lifesaving therapy.)

You should also take high-dose fish oil, since inflammation of the airways is a key factor in asthma. In a 2006 study of patients with exercise-induced asthma, a fish oil supplement essentially reversed the asthmatic condition.

Similarly, the herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) contains compounds that inhibit the inflammatory chemicals that aggravate asthma symptoms, and it has been demonstrated to reduce medication requirements as well as the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Supplements such as quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettle, vitamin C, and N-acetylcysteine are also helpful because they dampen the allergic response that often sets off asthma attacks.

Even drinking lots of water, which discourages histamine release, may confer dramatic benefits. One subscriber told me how increasing her eight-year-old son's water intake helped him so much that within one month his tests of lung capacity went from 60 percent of normal on medication to 120 percent off all drugs.

Finally, identify and avoid airborne and food allergens that can trigger asthma flare-ups. Comedian Steve Allen once said, "Asthma doesn't seem to bother me any more unless I'm around cigars or dogs. The thing that would bother me most would be a dog smoking a cigar." So watch out for cigar-smoking dogs, and use these ideas to ensure a lifetime of easier breathing.

Recommendations:• Although the Buteyko method is popular outside the US,

there are only a handful of practitioners in this country. To locate one, visit Buteyko Asthma Education at Buteyko-usa.com. Kick Asthma Naturally, a home education kit with a DVD and instructional booklets, is available by visiting KickAsthma.com or calling (877) 278-4623.

• The suggested doses are magnesium 500-1,000 mg and fish oil 3.2 g of EPA. If you take Coumadinor other blood-thinning medication, check with your doctor before taking fish oil at this dosage. A broad-based daily vitamin and mineral supplementis also recommended. The dose of butterbur is 50-150 mg; look for it in health food stores. A good allergy formula is Natural D-Hist, which is sold in doctors' offices or may be ordered from (800) 810-6655.

ReferencesSalpeter SR et al. Meta-analysis: Effect of long-acting B-agonists on severe

asthma exacerbations and asthma-related deaths. Ann Intern Med. 2006 June 20; 144:904-912.

McHugh P et al. Buteyko breathing technique for asthma: an effective intervention. NZ Me dJ . 2003 Dec 12:116(1187):U710.

Mickleborough TD et al. Protective effect of fish oil supplementation on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma. Chest. 2006 Jan;129(l):39-49.

BREATHING DISORDERS

Breathing Life Into COPDIn July 2005, Roger Davies' physician told him he'd be

dead within a year. Today, more than 16 months later, 81-year-old Roger is most definitely alive—and doing better than his doctor could have ever imagined.

What prompted Roger's doctor to dish out such an ominous prognosis? Roger has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. This devastating condition, which affects more than 16 million Americans, is our nation's fourth leading cause of death.

What is COPD?Diseases that fall under the umbrella of COPD are

marked by restriction of airflow to the lungs. Emphysema is a prime example. Most often caused by smoking, this disorder involves the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When these structures are compromised, less oxygen is inhaled with each breath. To make up for this lack, the lungs overin-flate, filling in the chest cavity and causing shortness of breath and obstructed breathing. Emphysema is often accompanied by chronic bronchitis or other pulmonary disorders that further narrow the airways and fill them with viscous mucus, making breathing even more difficult.

It's no wonder Roger's doc had such a doom-and-gloom attitude—conventional medicine has little to offer patients suffering with COPD. Roger's wife, however, wasn't about to throw in the towel.

An Old Home Remedy


http://KickAsthma.com/

http://Buteyko-usa.com/

http://Buteyko-usa.com/

Pearl Davies was tired of watching her husband suffer. The constant coughing and excessive phlegm buildup was so bad that at times she feared an emergency room visit might be in order. Then she recalled an old home remedy.

"I thought of everything to try and bring him relief. Then I remembered as a child my mother used to make us drink ginger tea for almost everything. I started him on the tea and amazingly his cough and phlegm production began to subside almost immediately and his breathing improved."

Pearl gives Roger the tea when the coughing is really bad, and she describes the result as "nothing short of a miracle." I'm not surprised. This herbal remedy was used in ancient Chinese medicine to treat a multitude of respiratory disorders, and it has proven particularly effective at breaking up mucus.

Iodine Gets the Phlegm OutWhile reading Health & Healing, Pearl came across

another therapy that gave Roger some much-needed relief: potassium iodide (SSKI). This simple compound helps thin the mucus, enabling patients with chronic lung disorders to get the phlegm out, and Roger now uses it on a regular basis.

Again, I wasn't surprised at the efficacy of this treatment. I used to write prescriptions for SSKI all the time as an intern 30 years ago, and I still do today. So why isn't it

used more often? Because this natural compound cannot be patented and nobody makes any money off it. Nevertheless, in my opinion SSKI is the best expectorant available.

Thank Goodness for GlutathioneWhile the ginger tea and SSKI really helped ease

Roger's symptoms, by far the most effective therapy he has tried is inhaled glutathione. Free radical damage plays a role in COPD, and glutathione is one of nature's most potent antioxidants. Patients with chronic lung diseases have low levels of all antioxidants including glutathione, so it only makes sense that this powerhouse would be beneficial.

Glutathione isn't only protective either—in some cases it can even reverse damage. The key is to deliver glutathione directly to the lung tissues, and the only way to do this is to inhale it. The liquid form of glutathione is placed in a nebulizer (a machine that turns liquid into vapors) and taken into the lungs by breathing through a mask or mouthpiece. The entire process is quick and easy. Roger uses inhaled glutathione twice a day, and he has noticed dramatic and lasting improvements.

A Ray of HopeBoth Roger and Pearl know that he will never be 100

percent. But he's able to use considerably less


Getting Your Hands on GlutathioneInhaled glutathione has been a lifesaver for many of my patients suffering

with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. I strongly encourage anyone with these conditions to find a physician who is open to helping them obtain and use this treatment. (Both the glutathione and the nebulizer require a prescription.)

Glutathione may be ordered from McGuff Compounding Pharmacy (877) 444-1133, nicguffphannacy.com; Wellness Pharmacy ApotheCure (800) 227-2627, wellnesshealth.com; and most other compounding pharmacies. Nebulizers, also called breathing machines, are sold by medical equipment companies, such as Tri-Med, Inc. at (866) 832-4549, thmed.freeservers.com.

Protocol for physicians: Glutathione 300 mg nebulized twice a day (200 mg/cc, draw 1.5 cc and place in nebulizer). Treatments take about five to 10 minutes and may be continued as long as the patient remains symptomatic.

oxygen when he's out and about, his pulse oximetry (a measure of oxygen saturation in the blood) regularly hovers around a healthy 98 percent, and his appetite has returned. Though he won't be running marathons, he has certainly made great strides in regaining his health. These therapies have given Roger back a quality of life he thought was gone for good.

I asked Pearl why she decided to share this story with all of you and her answer was simple, "Most people with COPD just accept it. We want them to know there's hope."

Recommendations:• Ginger tea is available in health food stores. You can also make your own from

scratch. Visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com for a quick and easy recipe. Drink as necessary to loosen phlegm.

• The suggested dose of SSKI is three to six drops diluted in water daily. It may be ordered from the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary at (888) 893-6878, tahoma-clinic.com, or the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 810-6655. SSKI should not be used by anyone with an iodine allergy. If you develop a rash with use, discontinue it immediately. Be aware that high doses of iodine for prolonged periods may suppress thyroid function, so have your thyroid checked periodically.

• Inhaled glutathione can be used at home (see box above) but does require a prescription. To locate an alternative physician in your area who may be willing to prescribe it, visit acam.org or call (888) 439-6891. To become a patient and receive inhaled glutathione treatments at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500.

ReferenceLamson DW et al. The use of nebulized glutathione in the treatment of emphysema: a case report. Altern

Med Rev. 2000;5(5):429-431.

Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving,

Watch Future Issues For:■ Amazing MSM

■ Good News About Hormones


■ Take Dr. Whitaker's Pain Quiz

■ Winter Survival Tips






Introducing......the Whitaker Health Freedom Foundation, a sister organization of the nonprofit Freedom of Health Foundation. Our goal is to actively engage in lobbying and other political actions, the real battlefront in the fight for health freedom. We're working with a top-notch DC lobbyist, and we could really use your support. Visit whitakerhealthfreedom.com or call (800) 243-3153 for more information.









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©2006 Healthy Directions,

LLC A.



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- Health &C Healin Your Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine

October 2005 Vol. 15, No. 10

Dear Reader,

Meet me for lunch in New York City on October 21s1 in the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor of the NBC building. If you want to experience "breathtaking," you will, looking down on Rockefeller Center and the entire city of Manhattan.

This is the first Freedom of Health Foundation awards event, and we are privileged to have as our keynote speaker Walter Cronkite: "And that's the way it is." Walter Cronkite is perhaps the most trusted and beloved icon in news broadcasting. I'll never forget his reporting on the day John F. Kennedy was killed. For perhaps the first time in his career, he interrupted his report, choking on his own grief.

We will be honoring Jack Dreyfus for his Herculean efforts to make an inexpensive, highly effective therapy available to the millions and millions of people it could benefit. Forty years ago, Jack, the founder of the highly successful Dreyfus Fund, suffered from crippling anxiety and depression. When all other treatments failed, he persuaded his doctor to let him try Dilantin, a drug that controls seizures by normalizing electrical activity in the brain. Instant and miraculous success: Dilantin cured his anxiety and depression.

Jack wanted to share this amazing therapy with others, but he ran into the stone wall of modern medicine. Little did he realize that the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry

were to be his primary obstacles. Dilantin is an older drug, no longer covered by patent, so there is no profit motive in promoting it. Furthermore, it competes with newer, more

profitable antidepressants, tranquilizers, and other drugs. The fact that Dilantin is far more effective and safer than most of these newer drugs only increases their resistance. As for

conventional doctors, they have a mindset of granite. No help there, either. This is the playing field that Jack Dreyfus, discovery in hand, entered. Forty years and $80 million

of his own money later, he is still fighting to help his fellow man as only Dilantin can.

Please join me, Jack Dreyfus, Walter Cronkite, a number of honored dignitaries, and other Freedom of Health Foundation members on October 21s'. VIP seating includes photos with our guests of honor. Let's spend some time together celebrating our successes and furthering the health freedom movement in the city that doesn't sleep. For more information or reservations, visit thefhf.org/event or call (888) 217-6200.

ARTHRITIS

The ABCs of DMSO and MSMWhen Vioxx was pulled from the market last year due to revelations that it

increased risk of heart attack and stroke, two million Americans were hung out to dry. Subsequent studies have brought to light dangers of



In This Issue:ARTHRITISThe ABCs of DMSO andMSM........................................ n.l

[DIETThe CarbohydrateConundrum.............................. n.3

DEAR DR. WHITAKERHair Loss in Women?.............. .p.4WORKS FOR MEWorking Out the Knots... .p.4WELLNESS MEDICINEPumpkin Seeds...Calcium &Vitamin D...Vitamin E ..p.5LIVER DISEASEDeliverance for Your Liver .p7JOIN ME

I will be presenting daily lectures during our Back to Health Program the week of October 16lh Join us and experience dramatic improvements in your health. Call (800) 488-1500 to reserve your space now.

http://thefhf.org/event

other COX-2 inhibitors as well as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

This is why, if you're suffering with arthritis, you need to know about two safe, inexpensive remedies that help ease pain and inflammation: DMSO and MSM.

The Healing Powers of SulfurDMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and MSM

(methylsulfonylmethane) are compounds that are rich in sulfur, one of the most abundant elements in your body. Sulfur is a constituent of several key amino acids and is required for protein synthesis. It is involved in the formation of muscle, skin, hair, and nails and is a major building block of collagen, the connective tissue that makes up cartilage. Without this cushiony substance, your knees, elbows, hips, and other joints would grind away against one another with every movement. In fact, lab studies show that cartilage afflicted with degenerative arthritis contains subnormal levels of this important element.

Since ancient times, sulfur has been used for medicinal purposes, and to this day health seekers around the world flock to the rejuvenating waters of natural sulfur springs. The warm, mineral-rich waters relieve chronic pain and inflammation, facilitate healing, and improve function and range of motion. Unfortunately, most of us don't have sulfur hot springs in our backyards — which is why you should have DMSO and MSM in your cupboard. Simply put, they're a great way to restore sulfur levels and relieve joint pain.

DMSO: A Truly Unique CompoundI want to tell you a personal story about DMSO. Ten

years ago, I got a bee in my bonnet to ride a bicycle across the United States. Although I had trained for months ahead of time, during the first week on the trail I was really hurting. (The first leg through the Cascade Mountains in Washington was actually the hardest of the entire trip.) My knees ached so much that I doubted I could finish the first week, let alone the whole 3,000 miles. I looked up a vet in the

phone book of some forgotten town in Washington and asked for some DMSO. He obliged, I rubbed it on my knees, got back on my bike, and 10 weeks later cycled into Washington, DC.

When DMSO is applied topically to the skin over an aching joint, it rapidly passes through to the tissues below, where it dampens pain and inflammation, scavenges free radicals, and speeds up healing. It is a truly unique compound that can also be administered intravenously or intramuscularly to treat a wide range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders such as scleroderma and Raynaud's phenomenon, traumatic head and spinal cord injuries, and interstitial cystitis (bladder inflammation).

Stanley Jacob, MD, professor at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland and the "father" of DMSO, has been working with DMSO since 1962. He has published nearly 200 scientific papers, had remarkable clinical successes, and persevered in promoting DMSO. Yet, incredibly, this inexpensive, unpatented therapy — which is an approved drug in more than 100 countries around the world — is used by more veterinarians in the US than medical doctors.

MSM to the RescueI've got to tell you, DMSO does have a downside,

especially when taken internally — it stinks. It produces a strong, unpleasant odor on the skin and breath that's hard to tolerate. We used to use intravenous DMSO at the clinic and it worked well, but the smell was just too much.

Enter MSM, co-discovered by Dr. Jacob and chemically similar to DMSO, but without its trademark smell. While it may not be quite as potent as DMSO, MSM is also effective in relieving arthritis pain. In a 2005 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 people, 40 to 76 years of age, with osteo-arthritis of the knee took either three grams of MSM or a placebo twice a day. When they were reevaluated after 12 weeks, those taking MSM experienced

Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 12 health books including: Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in W Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing00 (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your .subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.d. Mho Whtaker'i Health & Heating Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy Dace

A Healthy Directions Publication A CEO: Kevin Donoghue Executive Editor: Kimberly Day Associate Research Edttor. Ryann Smith

Assoc. Managing Editor: Elisa Subin <e> Convrioht 2005 Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying,

reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of thejpubfehen

x<rre<a~^ N(,10

marked improvements in pain and physical function compared to the placebo group.

We've had similar experiences with MSM at the clinic. Several years ago, Marilyn, a professional violinist, sustained three separate whiplash injuries in the space of 13 months. She had such severe and lingering neck pain that she was forced to give up performing. Only after discovering MSM did her pain subside to the point that she could resume playing.

Safe and EffectiveThe best thing about DMSO and MSM is they are both

effective and safe, which is a lot more than you can say about most drugs. Although Vioxx has bitten the dust, other highly promoted, side effect-riddled drugs have taken its place. Before you buy into the hype, give natural remedies such as DMSO, MSM, glucosamine, and herbal pain relievers a fair shake. All you've got to lose is pain.

Recommendations:• Rub topical DMSO on painful joints twice a day. Odor

shouldn't be an issue with topical use. Don't be alarmed if the label refers to DMSO as a solvent or to avoid contact with skin. This is just FDA nonsense. To avoid skin irritation, use a 50-70 percent diluted solution.

• Daily doses of MSM range from 1,200 to 6,000 mg.• MSM and DMSO may be purchased in health food stores

or ordered from (800) 810-6655.

References:Axclrod L et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in knee

osteoarthritis pain: a pilot clinical trial. 20th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Phoenix, 2005 Aug. 24-27.

DIET

The Carbohydrate ConundrumThe diet and weight loss industry is booming.

Everywhere you turn, there's one gimmick or another guaranteed to melt the pounds away. From billboards and magazines to TV and radio ads, you can't escape the promises of the latest and greatest. Trying to figure out what works and what doesn't is enough to drive you crazy.

Folks, forget about low-fat this, carb-free that, and diets that require rocket science-level math to compute portion sizes and caloric intake. There's an easy way to eat your way to health and fitness.

October 2005Understanding Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. As they are digested and released into the bloodstream as glucose, they signal cells in the pancreas to

produce insulin, which escorts glucose into the cells, where it is metabolized into energy.

According to conventional wisdom, carbohydrates are lumped into two main categories: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are so named because they contain only one or two simple sugars, such as sucrose or fructose. Starchy carbohydrates, comprised of long chains of sugars, are considered complex. The old school of thought figures simple carbs are bad and should only be eaten in limited quantities, while complex carbs are given carte blanche since, in theory, they have less of an impact on blood sugar levels.

Turns out, it's much more complicated than this. We now know that the effect carbohydrate foods have on blood sugar goes far beyond the old simple-complex model. Starchy complex carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice rapidly drive up blood sugar levels like "simple" carbs, while the blood sugar effects of "complex" grains are dependent on factors such as particle size. For example, whole oats behave quite differently than instant oatmeal. This is why a preferred method of evaluating carbohydrate foods based on the glycemic index (GI) has evolved.

Glycemic Index vs. Glycemic LoadThe GI measures the degree to which carbohydrate-

containing foods trigger a rise in blood sugar levels. (Proteins and fat have little effect on blood sugar.) Foods with a low GI provoke smaller, more sustained elevations and provide a nice, steady supply of glucose and energy. Foods with a high GI, however, prompt rapid blood sugar spikes, followed by equally dramatic plummets. If you've ever experienced a "food coma" a few hours after a carb-heavy meal, you now know why.

Building on this knowledge, Walter Willett, MD, professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, and colleagues took the concept of the GI and expanded it into something more practical: the glycemic load (GL). Simply put, GL takes into account quality and quantity. It is determined by both the GI of any given food, plus the amount of available, or net, carbohydrates (fiber excluded) in a standard serving.

The GL has revealed a few surprises: Some foodswith a high GI actually have minimal effects on bloodsugar levels when eaten in normal quantities, whileothers with a low GI are potentially problematic. Forexample, a large carrot and a cup of spaghetti havesimilar GIs. Yet that carrot contains only 5 grams of

Continued on page 6

Page 3

Dear Dr. Whitaker


Vol. 15, No. 10Poop A



• Do you have any recommendations for combating hair loss in women? This is of great importance to women and help is so needed. Thank you for your consideration. — LAH, email

I can only imagine how distressing hair loss must be for women, and I'll tell you right up front that I know of no magic bullet that will restore a full head of hair for women or men. However, there are a number of things that might help.

There are three primary types of hair loss in females. Telogen effluvium, marked by diffuse thinning, occurs when unprecedented numbers of hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) of hair growth. Caused by physiologic stress or hormonal changes, it usually comes on suddenly (usually two to four months after the causative event) and resolves just as suddenly, often within six months.

Triggers include surgery or other major trauma, high fever, chronic illness, anorexia, or drugs such as beta blockers, anticoagulants, retinoids, and medications to treat gout, ulcers, seizures, and hyperthyroidism. Hormonal changes such as thyroid disorders, pregnancy, delivery, or cessation of estrogen-containing drugs are also common causes, as are iron, zinc, protein, and other nutritional deficiencies. Adjustments in drug regimens, correction of hormonal and nutritional imbalances, and good old-fashioned patience are among the best therapies for telogen effluvium.

Alopecia areata, which involves sudden, patchy hair loss, is also fairly common. It is believed to be an autoimmune response in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Although it may be associated with Hashimoto's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or pernicious anemia, its cause is often unknown. Alopecia areata is sometimes treated with steroids and other drugs, but the bald patches usually fill back in on their own. even without treatment.

Female androgenetic alopecia, which also appears as gradual, diffuse, overall thinning of the hair most prominent on the crown of the head, is the most common

and stubborn type of hair loss. This inherited condition, also called female pattern baldness, affects more than 10 percent of premenopausal women and up to 75 percent of those over age 65 — to varying degrees of severity. It is caused by dihydrotestosterone, the same androgenic hormone that causes male pattern baldness by affecting the size of hair follicles and growth phases of the hair. Stress hormones and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or menopause may also exacerbate this condition.

The only FDA-approved treatment for female androgenetic alopecia is two percent topical minoxidil (Rogaine). However, it takes three to six months before it begins working, it stimulates moderate regrowth in only 19 percent of women and minimal regrowth in 40 percent, and it doesn't help other types of hair loss at all. Some physicians prescribe anti-androgen drugs such as Propecia and Proscar for women but, in my opinion, they have unacceptable side effects. I would recommend instead a trial of natural hormone replacement therapy. Natural estrogen and progesterone help balance androgen levels and may improve hair growth. Thyroid disturbances should be corrected as well with natural thyroid replacements, such as Armour Thyroid. Eating a good diet with adequate protein and essential fatty acids and taking a high-potency daily multivitamin and mineral supplement are also recommended for maintaining a healthy head of hair.

There's one other therapy that looks promising for most types of hair loss in women and in men. It's a low-level laser called LaserComb that harnesses the energy of certain wavelengths of light to stimulate and increase blood flow to the hair follicles. It's safe and easy to use: You simply comb it through your hair for 10 minutes, three times a week. Results are noted by many in about eight weeks, and in the majority within 16 weeks. It's pricey — the cost is $645 — but if you aren't satisfied there is a 100 percent money-back guarantee if you return it within 90 days. You may order the HairMax LaserComb by calling (800) 705-5559. — JW





Works for me...I have a great way to work out knots and sore spots in my back. I put a tennis ball in a long sock and stand with my back

against a wall. Holding on to the end of the sock, I position the ball over painful areas, then lean against the wall and move slightly so the ball massages the area. I can position the ball anywhere and control the pressure I apply. It may not be as good as a massage, but I can do it anytime, and it really works. — VW, Laguna Beach, CA

Brilliant idea! In a similar vein, you can relieve foot cramps by rolling your feet over a golf ball. — JW






October 2005 Page 98

Did You Know?• According to a Norwegian

review of 16 studies on Paxil, seven times more patients taking this drug attempted suicide than those on placebo.

• A vegan diet was recently shown to stop and even reverse progression of prostate cancer.

• Macadamia nuts, which are native to Australia, not Hawaii, have a very high fat content, but it's 80 percent heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

• Mayo Clinic researchers have found that acupuncture offers significant relief for fibromyalgia patients.

• The popularity of the Atkins diet peaked last year, when nine percent of Americans claimed to follow it. Today only two percent do.

• Your body has 650 muscles; an elephant's trunk has 40,000.

• Last year, Americans doled out over S3 billion on Halloween candy, costumes, decorations, etc., making it the sixth-largest holiday of the year, in terms of spending.

• In a recent Harvard study, women with the highest blood levels of vitamin B6 had a 58 and 44 percent reduced riskof colon and colorectal cancer, respectively, compared to those with the lowest levels.

• Olive oil contains a phytonutrient called oleocan-thal that has anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen.

• Kissing or sharing utensils spreads cavity-causing bacteria from parents to children.

• University of California researchers have found that taking 400 mg of folic acid cuts the risk of Alzheimer's in half.

• American adults get more anti-oxidants from coffee than from any other source. Runners up are black tea, bananas, dried beans, and corn.

• Texas researchers found perchlorate, a chemical toxin used in rocket fuel, in virtually all the cow's milk and breast milk samples recently tested from across the US.

PUMPKIN SEEDS FOR PROSTATE HEALTH_ "Halloween" or "All Hallow's Eve" dates

back 2,000 years to the most significant Celtic holiday: the night before the new year (November 1 on their calendar), when the dead returned to mingle with the living. Scary faces were sculpted into turnips and gourds and lit with burning embers to ward off evil spirits. Today's jack-o-lanterns are but one vestige of that pagan celebration.

Pumpkins have other uses besides keeping evil spirits away and frightening trick-or-treaters. Their seeds contain phytonutrients called cucurbita-cins, which help slow the growth of the prostate. They do so by inhibiting the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that fuels benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or age-related enlargement of the prostate. Plus, pumpkin seeds contain high levels of zinc, which not only protects the prostate but also promotes bone and eye health. In addition, they are loaded with omega-6 essential fatty acids, manganese, and other nutrients. For prostate health, eat a small handful of pumpkin seeds daily. You'll find them in your health food store or prepare them yourself after you've scooped out your Halloween pumpkin. (Check out the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com this month for an easy recipe.)

CALCIUM & VITAMIN D FOR PMS'Women complain about PMS, but I think of it as

the only time of the month when I can be myself." — Roseanne Ban

While most women can live with and, like Roseanne Barr, even make light of the emotional and physical changes that may occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle, up to one in five women have full-blown premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For them, PMS symptoms such as mood swings, food cravings, bloating, weight gain, and breast tenderness are so marked that they interfere with quality of life.

A study recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests1 that there may be a safe and easy way to prevent PMS. Researchers examined data on the dietary and supplemental intake of calcium and vitamin D of more than 2,000 women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. They found that the women getting at least 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily had a 40 percent lower risk of developing PMS. Given this and all the other benefits of calcium and vitamin D, including prevention of osteoporosis and some types of cancer, it just makes sense for all women to add these nutrients to their daily supplement regimen.

VITAMIN E FOR HEART AND OVERALL HEALTHFor years, vitamin E has been a

top-selling nutritional supplement and for good reason. It is a premier fat-soluble antioxidant that improves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and a host of other conditions. Most vitamin E supplements contain alpha-tocopherol. We've long known that d-alpha-tocopherol, the natural form of vitamin E, is preferable to synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol. However, the latest research suggests that there's something even better: the entire vitamin E family.

Alpha-tocopherol does not occur alone in nature — it is accompanied by three other tocopherols and four tocotrienols. One of them, gamma-tocopherol, is actually more abundant in the diet than alpha-tocopherol. A potent antioxidant in and of itself, it also boosts the power of its more prominent cousin. Tocotrienols also magnify the effects of alpha-tocopherol, but they have independent protective actions as well, particularly for the cardiovascular system. Japanese researchers have just discovered that tocotrienols accumulate in the endothelial cells lining the arteries and dramatically inhibit the adhesion of monocytes, which is the first step in atherosclerosis. For optimal health, make sure your supplements contain the entire gamut of tocopherols and tocotrienols.



Continued from page 3available carbs (it's mostly water), while the spaghetti contains 38 grams, giving them GLs of 2 and 16, respectively. Therefore, they have dramatically different effects on blood sugar. Carrots, watermelon, pineapple, and other fruits with a high GI once thought to be inappropriate for those minding their glucose levels turn out to be acceptable, while the GL confirms the need to go easy on pasta, bagels, and other starchy, carbohydrate-dense foods.

The Benefits of a Low GI/GL DietHundreds of studies on the effects of a low GI or GL

diet have been conducted, most of them focused on diabetes. One typical study, a meta-analysis of clinical trials involving more than 350 diabetic patients, revealed that a low GL diet improved both long- and short-term management of blood sugar levels. But eating low GL carbs has other benefits as well.

Glycemic Index Glycemic Load

Low 55 or under 10 or underMedium

56-69 11-19

High 70 or above 20 or above

as their thinner counterparts who consumed low GI foods. High GL diets are also linked to increased risk of diabetes, gallbladder disease, and elevations in triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (a marker of

inflammation implicated in a number of diseases). The GI/GL may also play a key role in weight loss. To date, 15 published studies demonstrate that when people eat foods with a low GI, they feel full longer and end up eating less.

Lighten Your LoadHere at the clinic, we strive to lighten our patient's

glycemic load. Our chef, who prepares three meals a day for patients attending our Back to Health Program, serves only low GL carbohydrates. That includes lots of salads, green vegetables, beans, and legumes. We go easy on breads, and for sweet treats we opt for fruit and occasional desserts made with low GL natural sweeteners, such as stevia and xylitol.

Of course, the glycemic load is not the only consideration in a healthful diet. White sugar has a low GL, but that doesn't mean it's good for anything. And don't let the GL lull you into overeating: You still need to be mindful of calories and portion control. In addition to healthy carbs, the Whitaker Wellness dietary program also includes modest amounts of healthy fats and moderate portions of protein with each meal. This aids in blood sugar control for our diabetic patients and also helps with weight loss. A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois confirmed that a protein-rich diet, in conjunction with exercise, is more effective at reducing body fat than a diet low in calories alone.

I've personally taken this research to heart: One of my favorite meals is a hearty salad with a nice piece of salmon on top. It's an easy way to get a tasty serving of healthy fats, plenty of protein, and lots of low GL carbs.

Recommendations• For an expanded list of glycemic indexes and glycemic

loads, visit mendosa.com/gilists.htm.

ReferencesOh K, et al. Carbohydrate intake, glycemic index, glycemic load, and dietary

fiber in relation to risk of stroke in women. Am J Epidemiol 2005 Jan 15;161 (2): 161-9.

http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/foods/grains/gigl. html

FoodGlycemic Index (GI)Serving SizeGlycemic Load (GL)Xylitol002 teaspoons1Peanuts144

oz2Carrots471 large2Peas481/3 cup3Watermelon721 cup4Rye Pumpernickel Bread

411 large slice5Apples381 medium6Kidney Beans281 cup7Popcorn722 cups7Flour Tortilla301

mediumCOAll-Bran Cereal381 cup9Honey551 tablespoon9White Bread701 slice10Ice Cream611 cup10Corn601/3 cup11Oatmeal581 cup12Pizza302

slices13Low-Fat Yogurt331 cup16Spaghetti421 cup16Raisins621 small box20French Fries752/3

cup22Vanilla Cake With Frosting 421 small slice24Plain Bagel721 small25Baked Potato851 medium28Potato Chips544 oz30Macaroni and

Cheese641 serving30Snickers Bar551 bar35This chart has been modified with permission from

mendosa. com, with additional information from nutritiondata.com/ glycemic-index.html.

A large, multi-year study by Harvard researchers found that overweight women who ate a high GL diet were twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease

Page 6

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/foods/grains/gigl

http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm

http://mendosa.com/gilists.htm

http://nutritiondata.com/

LIVER

Deliverance for Your LiverWhen Jim was 55, he went to his doctor for a checkup.

It had been a few years since he'd had a physical exam, and although he had no significant problems, he was a little tired and he knew he needed to lose the 30 pounds that had crept up around his belly. When Jim sat down with his doctor to go over his lab results, he was told that he had mild diabetes, borderline hypertension, and liver disease.

The first two things he could understand, but liver disease? He drank little alcohol, and only an occasional beer or glass of wine. He had never engaged in anything that increased risk of hepatitis such as unprotected sex, IV drug use, or foreign travel. And he'd never even heard of the disease he was diagnosed with: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Beyond Belly FatJim isn't alone. Contrary to popular belief, the leading

liver problem in this country is not alcoholic cirrhosis or hepatitis, but NAFLD. Afflicting roughly one in four Americans, it is not caused by alcohol or a virus but by obesity and insulin resistance, which made Jim a prime candidate. At least half of all type-2 diabetics are affected by this condition, as are up to three-quarters of obese people and 90 percent of the morbidly obese. Although NAFLD usually develops in people over age 50, it is becoming increasingly common in children as obesity rates skyrocket in our younger age groups.

NAFLD is a progressive disease with three distinct stages. Simple fatty liver, or steatosis, is characterized by elevations in liver enzymes and fatty deposits in the liver (at least 10 percent of the liver cells are replaced by fat). If the disease is arrested in this stage, it remains relatively benign. Unfortunately, for one in five patients, it progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, involving inflammation of the liver. From there, half develop cirrhosis, marked by advanced and irreversible scarring, fibrosis, and loss of liver function.

The most significant risk factors for progression include a body mass index greater than 30, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The unifying link here, common to all these conditions, is insulin resistance. When the cells resist insulin's signals to let glucose in, the pancreas secretes higher and higher levels of insulin to get the job done. Elevated concentrations of insulin in the blood create metabolic imbalances that drive up blood levels of free fatty acids. This influx of fatty acids overwhelms theliver's ability to handle them, and they are converted into triglycerides and stored in the organ, setting up a vicious

cycle of lipid peroxidation (free radical damage), inflammation, and liver cell injury.

SOS for NAFLDThe best treatment for preventing and treating NAFLD

is weight loss. Losing just 10 percent of body weight lowers fatty deposits and improves liver enzymes. Slow, gradual loss of a pound or two a week is most desirable, for rapid weight loss may actually worsen the condition. Getting diabetes and other manifestations of insulin resistance under control are also helpful and, in fact, metformin (Glucophage) a diabetes drug that increases insulin sensitivity, has been shown to decrease fatty deposits, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Natural therapies that improve insulin sensitivity include exercise, vanadyl sulfate, cinnamon, chromium, and magnesium. Because oxidative stress contributes to liver damage, antioxidant therapy is also useful. The best-studied antioxidant for fatty liver is vitamin E, with doses ranging from 400 to 1,200 IU per day resulting in reductions in fatty liver infiltration.

Give Your Liver Some TLCIn addition to therapies that specifically address

NAFLD, there are other things you can do to enhance the health of your liver. One is to avoid known liver toxins. Go easy on alcohol, especially if you're obese — the combination of excess alcohol and obesity is especially damaging to the liver. Also, do your best to stay away from certain drugs, or at least monitor liver enzymes if you must take them. These include statin cholesterol-lowering drugs, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, glitazone diabetic drugs, triglyceride-lowering fibrates, some anticonvulsants, Strattera (for ADHD), steroids, synthetic estrogen, tamoxifen, and methotrexate.

You can also support your liver by supplementing with nutrients that enhance liver function. Your liver is a major organ of detoxification, but rather than physically screening out toxins as many people believe, it converts them into compounds that can be eliminated from the body. It accomplishes this through a complex two-part process called phase I and phase II detoxification.

During phase I, enzymes collectively known as cytochrome P450 neutralize some toxins and ready others for phase II. Phase II involves a number of conjugation reactions that transform toxins into safe, water-soluble compounds that can be excreted in the urine and bile. A number of nutrients are required for each of these phases. Not the least of these are antioxidants such as lipoic acid, silymarin (from milk thistle), and

October 2005 Page 7



selenium to protect the liver against the free radicals generated during phase I. Calcium-d-glucarate, n-acetyl-cysteine, ellagic acid (found in pomegranates and raspberries), and trimethylglycine all support various conjugation reactions that occur in phase II detoxification.

When You Need Extra HelpIf you've been diagnosed with more advanced liver disease, don't despair.

Unlike other organs, the damaged liver has the unique ability to regenerate itself, provided that it gets a little help. We've had a lot of success at the clinic helping people who have hepatitis with "triple therapy," developed by my friend and colleague Burton Berkson, MD, PhD, who practices medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This potent combo of lipoic acid, silymarin, and selenium dramatically increases the liver's antioxidant defenses, stimulates the production of new liver cells, and curbs the proliferation of the hepatitis virus. High doses of intravenous (IV) vitamin C and glutathione round out our hepatitis treatment protocol.

There's even hope for often-fatal sudden liver failure. When Dr. Berkson was a medical resident back in the 1970s, two patients deathly ill with amanita mushroom poisoning came into Case Western Reserve Teaching Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was working. He remembered reading how lipoic acid might counter this deadly poison, and he managed to get a hold of some, which he administered in an IV infusion. Against all expectations, they got well. Dr. Berkson has since treated or consulted on the treatment of more than 100 patients with severe liver failure and, in every case but one (when the attending physician stopped the therapy prematurely), lipoic acid saved their lives.

Recommendations:• To protect against fatty liver, maintain a healthy weight and do what you can to improve insulin sensitivity. Suggested doses of recommended nutrients are 100 mg vanadyl sulfate, one-half teaspoon cinnamon, 200-400 meg chromium, and 500 mg magnesium.• For general liver support, look for a combination formula in your health food store containing the following nutrients: 100 mg lipoic acid, 420 mg silymarin, 70 mg selenium, 200 mg calcium-d-glucarate, 600 mg n-acetyl-cysteine, 50 mg ellagic acid, and 300 mg trimethylglycine.• "Triple therapy" for hepatitis and other serious liver diseases consists of 600 mg lipoic acid, 900 mg silymarin, and 400 meg selenium.

• All of these nutrients are safe, well tolerated, and may be taken daily.

ReferencesNonalcoholic stcatohepatilis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

http://digestiveMiddk .nih .gov/ddiseases/pubs/nash/ .Burgianesi, E et al. A randomized controlled trial of metformin versus vitamin E or prescriptive diet in

nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2005 May; 100(5): 1082-90.

Patrick, L. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: relationship to insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress. Treatment approaches using vitamin E, magnesium, and betaine. Ahem Med Rev 2002;7(4):276-291.

Happy Halloween!

Watch Future Issues For:■ The Amazing Powers of Amino Acids

■ Safe Relief for Stomach Distress

Visit the Subscriber Center■ Power of the Pumpkin

■ More on Glycemic Index and Load

■ Additional Relief From PMS

■ MSM and Sulfa Allergies


Customer Service (800) 539-8219 drwhitaker.comTo renew your subscription, change your address, order back issues, or give feedback on the newsletter.




Meet Me in New York......on October 21sl for the Freedom of Health Foundation 2005 Awards Luncheon honoring Jack Dreyfus and featuring Walter Cronkite. The event will be held in the Rainbow Room in Rock-efeller Center. Tickets for the luncheon start at $175 for Foundation members. I hope you will join us. I guarantee you it will be an affair to remember. For more information or to make a reservation, visit thefhf.org/ event or call (888) 217-6200.

http://thefhf.org/





http://digestiveMiddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/nash/

Subscriber Center Password: Apple Service Code 45272E


Health &C HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine

Dear Reader,

April 2006 Vol. 16, No. 4

In This Issue:

ALCOHOLISM

Reversing Alcoholism

Naturally....................................p.l

MAGNESIUM

The Miracle Mineral..................p.3

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Too Much Vitamin A?....p.4

WORKS FOR ME

Alternative medicine is going mainstream. The University of Kansas School of Medicine recently established the Hugh D. Riordan, MD, Endowed Chair for Orthomolecular Medicine and Research. (Orthomolecular therapies are substances common and essential to the body used to prevent disease and enhance health.) The late Dr. Riordan was a pioneer in the use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, and this allows his very important work to be carried on.

My friend and colleague, Jeanne Drisko, MD, has been appointed the first Riordan Professor, and I can think of no one more worthy. Dr. Drisko is not only a protege of Dr. Riordan, but also an innovative clinician, researcher, and educator in her own right. This $500,000 endowment is a great start, but as you might imagine, this entity will certainly not receive any funds from the pharmaceutical industry, which owns most medical school research and education. For information on how you can help, call the University of Kansas Medical Center at (913) 588-6208. All donations are tax deductible. Congratulations Dr. Drisko, and best of luck.

For some conditions, I truly believe orthomolecular therapies are the only effective solution. Alcoholism is an excellent example. It is imperative that we change the paradigm for treating this disease. The following story details how this can be achieved.





Chlorine Bleach and White

Vinegar......................................p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Melatonin...........Creatine..........

Folic Acid..................................p.5

GERD

GERD: BeyondHeartburn.........

A NOTABLE QUOTE

Spring is Nature's way of saying,

"Let's party!" — Robin Williams

ALCOHOLISM

Reversing Alcoholism NaturallyOur current treatment of alcoholism, looking at it primarily as a character

disorder amendable by group therapy and pressure, is a travesty. Alcoholism is a disease, a biochemical disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans. And yet we continue to treat alcoholics as if they caused their disease.

Worse still, the myths surrounding this disease can be fatal. One particularly harmful misconception is that alcoholics have to hit rock bottom before they will seek treatment or can be effectively helped. This is as absurd as saying that a woman with breast cancer has to have multiple metastases throughout her body before she will respond to therapy. Another is that alcoholics drink to overcome emotional stress or hardship, and that they have control over their behavior. Folks, this is nonsense.

Despite widespread acknowledgement that alcoholism is. in fact, a disease rather than a psychological disorder, psychological "treatment" is

p.7

usually all that is offered. This makes about as much sense as using group counseling to lower the blood sugar of patients with diabetes. Yet the evidence that alcoholism is likely caused by suboptimal intake of nutrients and can be treated with nutritional support is almost 50 years old.

Nutritional Underpinnings of AlcoholismIn the late 1950s, Nobel Laureate Roger Williams,

PhD, conducted a series of groundbreaking experiments. He found that when rats fed standardized rat food were given the choice between a solution of 10 percent alcohol in water or just plain water, approximately 10 percent of the animals would gravitate toward the alcohol and became alcoholics. He then demonstrated that if he reduced the micronutrient levels in the food — particularly B-complex vitamins, calcium, and magnesium — nearly the entire population would become alcoholic. Conversely, boosting the levels of B-complex vitamins and minerals to mega doses caused virtually the entire population to stop drinking.

As a result, Dr. Williams formulated the genetotrophic theory of disease which, simply put, means we are all biologically unique and that many of us have needs for nutrients that differ from others. When these needs are not met, disease ensues, such as abnormal and destructive cravings for alcohol or alcoholism.

But even with scientific proof, the misguided notion that alcoholism is a character disorder, like most paradigms, is firmly entrenched. Conventional medicine refuses to incorporate, or even consider, evidence that counters this belief. In fact, the idea that alcoholism in some way is the fault of the alcoholic is so much a part of our culture that the evidence contrary to this belief is simply ignored or, worse, scorned.A Proposed Cure

Stepping into this vacuum of rationality was Joan Mathews-Larson, PhD. After watching her teenage son Rob spiral downward through all the stages of severe alcoholism, and attending many demeaning and demoralizing psychological group sessions with him, it dawned on her that this approach simply was not working. This reality hit her like a freight train when, after several weeks of sobriety and what seemed like marked improvement, Rob committed suicide at age 17.

Dr. Larson pledged to find out what this disease was all about and made it her life's work to formulate a better, more therapeutic approach. And she has.

After pouring over studies and examining the relationship between nutrition, alcohol, and genetics, Dr. Larson created specific treatment protocols for the disease of alcoholism. In 1981, she opened the Health Recovery Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has treated thousands of alcoholics over the past 25 years.

Detoxify and Reduce CravingsDuring her clinic's six-week program, Dr. Larson gives

her patients large amounts of vitamins and minerals — a protocol that closely mimics the half-century-old findings~oTDrr~ Williams. Patients also undergo a detoxification process that includes copious amounts of intravenous vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which helps curb addictions and cravings. Other nutrients that figure prominently are magnesium, calcium, and B-complex vitamins, as well as the amino acids L-glutamine and tryptophan.

Diet is also taken into consideration. Dr. Larson has discovered over the years that most alcoholics are hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), and they drink alcohol to give their brains a quick boost of energy. That's why eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates and keeping blood sugar on


Vol. 16, No. 4


Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing® (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.Dr. luiian whitaker's Healths, Healing Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy Dace

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Page 2

an even keel is one of the first and most important steps in the battle with alcohol.

Proven ResultsSo, how do I know this treatment approach works? Dr.

Larson's published success rate is close to 75 percent. Nearly three-fourths of those patients who complete the program remain sober for one year or longer. This is astounding considering that conventional treatment centers — which are amply funded by insurance and government and widely regarded as the only option for treating alcoholism — report abysmal 15-25 percent success rates.

The effects of excessive alcohol use are far more widespread than you can possibly imagine. From debilitating, even deadly, motor vehicle accidents to crippling impacts on personal relationships and job performance, alcoholism and alcohol abuse run rampant in our culture. But I truly believe, based on the research of Dr. Larson and others, as well as my own clinical experience, that this disease can be cured.

Recommendations:• If you drink alcohol at all, it is imperative that you

supplement with a potent daily multivitamin and mineral regimen. This will not only reduce alcohol intake and make it easier to control drinking, but also compensate for the nutrient losses that occur, even with social drinking.

• If you have an alcohol problem, the following supplements will help curb cravings: 500-1,000 mg buffered vitamin C whenever cravings hit (up to 10,000 mg daily) and 500-1,000 mg L-glutamine three times a day on an empty stomach. I also suggest taking additional calcium, magnesium, zinc, and B-complex vitamins.

• For a more detailed program, read Dr. Larson's book Seven Weeks to Sobriety. In it, she outlines a week-by-week nutritional protocol for overcoming addiction. Look for it in bookstores or order it online from Jtealthrecovery.com or by phone, (800) 24-SOBER (800-247-6237), where you can also obtain more information regarding treatment at the Health Recovery Center in Minneapolis (800-554-9155).

• The vitamins and supplements mentioned in this article can be found in most health food stores and may also be ordered by calling (800) 810-6655.

ReferencesLarson JM. Seven Weeks to Sobriety. New York, NY: Fawcett Columbine;

1997.

Williams RJ, et al. Alcoholism, the Nutritional Approach. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press; 1959.

MAGNESIUM

The Miracle MineralFrom time to time, I like to revisit tried and true

orthomolecular therapies. Although we have a tendency to take them for granted, these extremely valuable and trusted modalities deserve additional exposure. Because these therapies work with the body to prevent and treat disease, they don't go in and out of style like drugs, which block or

otherwise alter normal function. If they were safe and useful when I first wrote about them, they are safe and useful now.

Magnesium, an indispensable therapeutic ally for nearly 30 years, certainly fits this category.

Magnesium Cuts Cardiovascular DiseaseIf I were limited to just one use for magnesium, it

would have to be for cardiovascular disease. It has been estimated that if every American regularly took oral magnesium supplements, deaths from cardiovascular disease, our leading killer, would fall by a staggering 150,000 per year!

That's because magnesium has many diverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This mineral relaxes and dilates the blood vessels, which improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. It prevents spasms in the heart muscle and coronary arteries, a common cause of angina and even heart attack. Magnesium also smoothes out cardiac arrhythmias, helps prevent blood clots, and protects against free-radical damage.

As you know, inflammation has emerged as one of the more prominent risk factors for heart disease and, at the clinic, we routinely test our patients' blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). a marker of inflammation. Guess what? We now know that magnesium also helps lower CRR

Magnesium has been used as a treatment for cardiovascular disease for more than 70 years. Nobody knew (or really cared) why it worked — it just did, so we used it. But today, we understand why, as serious, university-based researchers are publishing studies about magnesium's mecha-nisms and benefits in the top medical journals.

IV Magnesium Saves LivesIn addition to oral supplements, magnesium may also

be administered intravenously, and IV magnesium is a powerful therapy. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that it dramatically reduces risk of death from heart attack. In onestudy of 200 people given IV magnesium right after a heart attack, it lowered the death rate by an incredible 74 percent. A review of seven other studies showed that it cut the death rate in half.

But if you were rushed to an emergency room in the throes of a heart attack, do you think you'd receive IV magnesium? Not likely. You'd get streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, or anotherexpensive clot-busting drug, or you'd be rushed in for an emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery. Why not magnesium?

It's not for lack of studies or an understanding of its biochemical activity. The only plausible reason is negative bias. Let me give you an example.

A few years ago I saw a patient, an avidbicycler, who came to the clinic with severe__________________ Continued on page 6

April 2006 Page 3

http://Jtealthrecovery.com/

Dear Dr. Whitaker

Page 4 Vol. 16, No. 4

1 • 1 Please reevaluate your vitamin A recommendations. If one took your vision product plus your daily multivitamin supplement, it would total 35,000 IU! This is enough to make me and all patients I have counseled on supplementation stop taking your products. — HT, Encino, CA

I'm glad you asked this question, and I completely understand your concerns. I want to reassure you that these products contain nowhere near that much vitamin A. The FDA requires that vitamin A and beta carotene be lumped together on nutritional supplement labels — despite the fact that the two have markedly different safety profiles.

Vitamin A encompasses a number of related nutrients. First, there are the retinoids such as reti-nol and retinal, often called preformed vitamin A. The most popular supplemental forms are retinyl palmitate and retinyl acetate. Second, there are the carotenoids, which can be converted in the body into retinol and retinal. Beta carotene is the most common carotenoid in supplements; high-quality brands may also contain "mixed carotenoids."

Preformed vitamin A can be toxic when taken in excessive doses for prolonged periods of time, but beta

carotene and other carotenoids are very safe and have never been linked to vitamin A toxicity. That's because its conversion in the body goes down when vitamin A levels are high. Even very high doses of carotenoids are safe. The only potential problem is a harmless yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, which goes away when the dose is lowered.

So, back to the amounts in the products in question. Each packet of the multivitamin and mineral supplement in question contains, as stated on the label, "10,000 IU of vitamin A (as beta carotene from mixed carotenoids, retinyl palmitate)." But only 1,750 IU are preformed vitamin A; the rest is beta carotene and other carotenoids. The recommended dose of the multi is two packets, for a daily dose of 3,500 IU preformed vitamin A—If-you add in the 1,500 IU of preformed vitamin A in the vision product, you're at 5,000 IU, well under the tolerable upper level of 10,000 IU.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer cannot print this information on vitamin labels because the FDA forbids it. This agency isn't trying to protect consumers. It's out to weaken the nutritional supplement industry with these confusing regulations. — JW


Works for me...Most of us keep chlorine bleach in our laundry rooms to brighten whites, and it is also an ingredient in many products

used in homes and hospitals as a disinfectant. I recently came across a study showing that adding white vinegar to ordinary laundry bleach increases its antimicrobial strength 80- to 200-fold! Vinegar changes the pH of bleach from alkaline (pH 11) to acidic (pH 6) and, according to this study, acidified bleach will kill "virtually anything" in 10 to 20 minutes.

Here's how vinegar and bleach "worked for me." I have a decorative fountain in front of my house, and algae buildup is a perennial problem. I poured equal amounts of chlorine bleach and vinegar into the water and, lo and behold, the algae disappeared before my eyes.

This simple, yet powerful disinfectant has a plethora of uses. It has been shown to be effective against Aspergillus negri, the black fungi that thrives in the grout of your shower, as well as anthrax and other disease-causing microbes. It also has the potential of helping control hospital-acquired infections, which strike two million patients a year, result in approximately 20,000 deaths, and add up to S2 billion in medical costs.

For household use, simply dilute one cup of household bleach and one cup of white vinegar in onegallon of water, then find some bugs and spray 'em. — JW ______Got a question for Dr. Whitaker? Send it to Health & Healing, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854 or

[email protected]. For health tips, use the same address or [email protected].





April 2006 Page 5

Did You Know?

• The annual profits generated by the 10 largest drug compa-nies are greater than half of the profits of all other Fortune 500 companies combined.

• Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths annually, including 41 percent of all traffic fatalities.

• In a seven-year study of nearly 50,000 women, a low-fat diet failed to protect against heart disease, breast cancer, or colon cancer.

• Stress during early pregnancy, marked by increased levels of the hormone Cortisol, triples risk of miscarriage.

• Older people who eat fish at least once a week have better memories and slower cognitive decline.

• Sexual intercourse twice a week has been shown to increase levels of protective antibodies by one-third.

• Middle-aged people who are 30 pounds overweight are more likely to die of heart attack, even if they have normal blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

• Smoking cigarettes doubles risk of root canals, while all types of tobacco, including cigars and pipes, are linked to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

• Eating cheese (which is rich in a protective fat called CLA) is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

• Women with vitamin D defi-ciencies during pregnancy tend to have children with reduced bone mass.• Love and other positive emotions raise DHEA levels.

• Every year, more than $33 billion in medical costs and $9 million in lost productivity due to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke can be attributed to diet.

MELATONIN FOR TINNITUS^Tinnitus, which affects more than 15 million Americans, is

characterized by a buzzing, ringing, or humming in one or both ears. Depending on the level of severity, it can adversely affect mood, sleep, and quality of life. Conventional treatment includes hearing aids and other devices that mask annoying sounds, biofeedback, and antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs.

Exciting new findings from the University of Washington School of Medicine suggest that melatonin, a hormone most commonly associated with sleep, may also alleviate the bothersome symptoms of tinnitus. Researchers enrolled 24 patients, ages 18 to 70, who had been suffering with tinnitus for six months or longer and gave them 3 mg of melatonin every day for four weeks. During that time, and for an additional four weeks of follow-up, significant improvements in tinnitus were noted. An added, though not unexpected, bonus was that patients also reported better sleep.

CREATINE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASECreatine, a nutritional supplement popular

among body builders, is about to step out of the locker room. A placebo-controlled pilot study was just released showing that when patients with early Parkinson's disease took 10 g of creatine daily, disease progression was retarded. (In another arm of the study, the antibiotic minocycline also slowed deterioration.)

I told you about creatine's potential benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases a couple of years ago, and I'm thrilled that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which funded this study, is exploring this safe, natural therapy. Despite creatine's promise, NIH experts were quick to point out that it's prema-ture for Parkinson's patients to start taking it. One of them actually said, "We are not concluding that these agents are useful, just that they are not useless." This is ridiculous. Folks with Parkinson's, which is a progressive degenerative disorder, don't have the luxury of waiting for future, more definitive studies. If you are suffering with this disease, I recommend you start taking 10 g of creatine immediately. (Patients with kidney disease should use with caution.) Creatine is available in both powder and capsule forms and can be found in most health food stores.HIGH-DOSE FOLIC ACID FOR HYPERTENSION

_ Last month, I attended a lecture by Jeffrey Bland, PhD, a nutritional biochemist I've known and admired for almost 30 years. One of the "take-aways" from this seminar was yet another use for folic acid: lowering blood pressure. We've been using supplemental folic acid at the clinic for years. This vital nutrient, which is impossible to get in therapeutic doses from food alone, lowers blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked with increased risk of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida, heart attacks, depression, autoimmune diseases, some types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other degenerative diseases.

What I learned from Dr. Bland was that high-dose folic acid is also an excellent therapy for hypertension. It reduces arterial stiffness, which relaxes the arteries, improves blood flow, and results in lower blood pressure. When Australian researchers gave borderline-hypertensive volunteers 5 mg of folic acid a day for three weeks, their systolic blood pressure (top number) fell by nearly 5 mm Hg, compared to when they were taking placebo. Five mg of folic acid may sound like a lot, but it's safe, well tolerated, and highly therapeutic. If you want to try this therapy and you can't find high-dose folic acid in your health food store, call the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 810-6655.

April 2006 Page 5


ventricular arrhythmia, a potentially lethal rhythm disturbance of the heart. Because he was such a serious exerciser and therefore sweated a lot, I immediately suspected a magnesium deficiency and treated him accordingly. Just one infusion of magnesium quelled his arrhythmia completely, and he was back on his bike in less than a week.

Had this patient gone to a cardiologist, he would have been placed on drugs and put through all sorts of electrophysiological tests, with absolutely no thought that his problem could be corrected with an inexpensive mineral.

Migraines: The Magnesium LinkPeople who suffer with migraines — and there are 36

million of them in this country — need to know that magnesium can also help prevent and treat headaches. Magnesium concentrations affect neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain, and research suggests that at least half of patients suffering with migraines have low levels of ionized magnesium.

Supplemental magnesium has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraines. Several months back, I received a letter from a subscriber who read about this in a previous newsletter and started taking daily doses of magnesium. His migraines essentially stopped.

IV magnesium is also useful for knocking out acute headaches. Researchers from the State University of New York in Brooklyn treated 49 patients with migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic tension headaches with an IV infusion of 1 g of magnesium sulfate. Within 15 minutes, 80 percent of them had complete resolution of pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Adios to Asthma AttacksEveryone with asthma should be taking magnesium.

Just as it relaxes the arteries and lowers blood pressure, it also relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchioles and helps keep airways open. Studies suggest that patients with asthma tend to have suboptimal levels of magnesium, so keeping levels up with daily supplementation is crucial.

Where magnesium really shines is during an acute asthma attack: Intravenous magnesium sulfate can stop an attack in its tracks. This is not some alternative therapy that nobody knows about. It has been intensely studied and, according to a 2006 survey involving more than 100 emergency rooms, most ER doctors are aware of this therapy and accept its efficacy. Yet, despite

this knowledge and the ready availability of magnesium sulfate in emergency rooms, it is only used in 2.5 percent of cases. Lifesaving treatments can only be lifesaving if they are used.

Compelling new research supports a role for inhaled magnesium. Used alone or in addition to a beta-2 agonist (a common asthma drug), it has been shown to improve pulmonary function and reduce hospital admissions in patients suffering with asthma attacks. Although this therapy is not widely available at this time, expect to hear more about this unique method of magnesium delivery in the future.

Load Up on MagnesiumIf nighttime muscle cramps or restless leg syndrome

keeps you awake, take magnesium before you hit the sack; it cuts down on such episodes and improves sleep. If you are at risk of colon cancer and kidney stones, take magnesium; it reduces risk of both. If you're concerned about osteoporosis, take magnesium; it increases bone mineral density. If you have dental problems, take magnesium; it protects against periodontal disease. If you suffer with sudden sensorineural

hearing loss, take magnesium; it has been shown to help restore hearing.

I could go on and on about magnesium, but the bottom line is this: Load up on magnesium and stay loaded.

Recommendations:• Take at least 500 mg of supplemental magnesium per day

(that's the amount in my daily multivitamin and mineral), and if you're affected by any of the conditions discussed in this article, consider adding more, up to 1,000 mg per day. Note: High doses cause diarrhea in some people (it's actually a good laxative) and individuals with kidney disease should talk to their doctors before increasing their dose.

• My favorite brand of stand-alone magnesium is Magna-Calm by Longevity Science. This powdered form of magnesium citrate is a little more expensive than magnesium tablets or capsules, but when you mix it in water, it's rapidly absorbed, highly bioavailable, well toler-ated, and a bottle lasts a long time. It can be ordered from Longevity Science/Klabin Marketing at (800) 933-9440, Ioiigevity-science.net or Whitaker Wellness at (800) 810-6655.

ReferencesDean C. The Miracle of Magnesium. New York, NY: Ballantine Publishing

Group: 2003.


http://Ioiigevity-science.net/

April 2006

Mauskop A, et al. Intravenous magnesium sulfate rapidly alleviates headaches of various types. Headache. 1996 Mar;36(3):154-160.

Rowc BH, et al. The use of magnesium sulfate in acute asthma: rapid uptake of evidence in North American emergency departments. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006 Jan;l 17(l):53-58. Epub 2005 Nov 28.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

GERD: Beyond HeartburnRuth was plagued with a chronic cough. She didn't

smoke, she had no allergies, and everything from bronchitis to lung cancer had been ruled out. Yet her cough persisted.

Jean began wheezing a few months ago. It was especially worrisome at night, and she was convinced she had asthma.

Steve awoke in the middle of the night with severe chest pain. Believing he was having a heart attack, his wife drove him to the emergency room.

Hortense suffered with heartburn for years. She had burning pain behind her breastbone that worsened after meals and when lying down.

Four Health & Healing subscribers, four unique sets of symptoms but, surprisingly, one underlying cause: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD Causes HeartburnGERD is caused by a glitch in the esophageal sphincter,

the ring-like muscle at the bottom of the esophagus. Like a one-way valve, it opens when you eat or drink to allow food and liquids into the stomach, but most of the time it remains closed to prevent stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. Unfortunately, this muscle occasionally relaxes enough to allow reflux, or backward flow, of gastric acid to spill into the esophagus.

Gastric acid is potent stuff — with a pH of 1 to 3, it could eat right through your skin. But while your stomach and intestines are shielded by a dense layer of mucus that allows them to tolerate a high degree of acidity, your esophagus lacks this protective lining. So even small amounts of corro-sive acid in the esophagus can cause problems.

GERD's signature symptom is heartburn. Fifteen million Americans experience heartburn daily, and more than 60 million have it at least once a month. Occasional episodes are no big deal, but chronic exposure to gastric acid harms the esophagus and can lead to erosion, ulceration, Barrett's esophagus (abnormalities in the cells lining the esophagus), and increased risk of esophageal cancer.The Not-So-Obvious

So, Hortense's heartburn is understandable. But, what do coughing, wheezing, and chest pain have to do with a gastrointestinal disorder? Although many patients and physicians are unaware of it, these symptoms are common manifestations of GERD, and treating the underlying condition has the potential to completely alleviate these problems.

Ruth's chronic cough was a reflex triggered by irritation of the esophagus. GERD is the third most common cause of "unexplained" chronic cough.

Jean's wheezing was due to inflammation of the airways activated by acid reflux. Recent studies suggest that untreated, unrecognized GERD may be a significant cause of asthma, and that a majority of adults with asthma also suffer from GERD.

Steve's chest pain, which mimicked angina and was so intense he thought he was having a heart attack, was caused by the caustic action of acid in the esophagus. Any ER doctor can tell you that false alarms such as this are quite common.

Chronic hoarseness, laryngitis, and throat clearing; recurrent sore throats; ear and sinus infections; difficulty swallowing; and dental erosions can all be caused by GERD and remedied with natural therapies and lifestyle changes. But if your doctor happens to be astute enough to recognize this often-overlooked association, chances are he'll prescribe you a drug.

Don't Buy the Drug HypeThe third and fourth best-selling prescription

pharmaceuticals in the United States in 2005 (after the cholesterol-lowering behemoths Lipitor and Zocor) were drugs used to treat GERD and ulcers. Nexium and Prevacid belong to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They block an enzyme in your stomach that produces acid, and the resulting reduction in stomach acid is supposed to prevent and heal ulcers in the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum.

These drugs do provide symptomatic relief, but thanks to one of the most aggressive marketing campaigns in history, they are excessively and inappropriately prescribed. Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca's Nexium — the ubiquitous "Purple Pill" — ratcheted up 54.4 billion in sales last vear at an average cost of S4 a pill. Yet it works no better than Prilosec, an older PPI a/so made by AstraZeneca that costs about 70 cents'd pop and is available over-the-counter. But, since Prilosec went

PR P P 7

off patent in 2002 and sales fell as generic competitors came online, AstraZeneca has pulled out all the stops to switch patients over to Nexium. And its massive advertising campaign has worked. Nexium sales rose by 19 percent last year.

I'm glad that awareness of GERD is growing, but remember that a lot of this "educational" outreach is a thinly veiled attempt to sell drugs. GERD is both preventable and treatable, and it doesn't require expensive PPIs, antacids, or any other drugs, for that matter. In most cases, it can be controlled with a few simple lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements.

Safe, Natural SolutionsFor prevention and treatment of GERD, my number one recommendation is

deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This herbal extract promotes your gastrointestinal tract's natural defense mechanisms, increases production of protective mucosal cells, and helps reduce inflammation. DGL has a long history of medicinal use and research, but my clinical experience is even more compelling.

I have a stack of letters and comments from patients and subscribers singing the praises of this inexpensive supplement for longstanding heartburn, chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, hiatal hernia, and severe stomach and chest pain. Some tell about getting off asthma inhalers, PPIs, and antacids. Others relate the rapidity of response and duration of benefits. All in all, DGL is a supplement that has been a consistent performer for my patients for more than 20 years.

Other preventive measures include avoidance of foods and beverages known to trigger esophageal sphincter relaxation, such as alcohol, caffeine, fatty and spicy foods, tomatoes, peppermint, citrus, and chocolate. Obesity, lying down after meals, pregnancy, tight-fitting clothes, and overeating (the leading aggravator of acid reflux) also provoke symptoms by putting pressure on the stomach and esophageal sphincter.

If you have any of the symptoms discussed in this article, think outside the box and rule out GERD as an underlying cause. One way to do this is to give DGL a trial run for one to two months. Let me know how it works for you.

Recommendation:• The suggested dose of DGL is two tablets, chewed about 20 minutes before

meals three times a day. Use only chewable DGL — it must be mixed with saliva in order to be effective. Unlike regular licorice, DGL will not cause water retention, raise blood pressure, or lower testosterone levels. This supplement, which is also beneficial for ulcers and canker sores, can be found in most health food stores.

Happy Easter!

Watch Future Issues For:■ Is the Media Biased Against Nutritional Supplements?

■ Why You Should Take Flaxseed■ Good News for Crohn's Disease

Visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker, com:

■ The Upside of Alcohol

■ Are You "Regular?"■ Do Supplements for Erectile Problems Really Work?



Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic (800) 488-1500 whitakerwellness.com To make an appointment for a one-, two-, or three-week Back to Health Program of medical testing, treatment, and education.



Want to Lose Weight?

Look for my new book, The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, in bookstores, online at amazon.com, or by phone at (800) 810-6655. This program worked for me, it works for my patients, and it will work for you.

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In This Issue:ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT

In Dire Need ofVitamin D...................................p.l

February 2006^ ^ , Vol. 16, No. 2Dear Reader,

In a few days, Connie and I will be joining Health & Healing subscribers on a cruise. We'll sail to several islands in the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, and end up in Costa Rica. I'm looking forward to relaxing, meeting subscribers, giving a few lectures, seeing new places, and spending some time in the sun.

Sunlight, like oxygen and water, is a requisite for human health, yet many people get far too little of it. In some parts of the country, it is possible to go for days, or even weeks, at this time of year without getting any direct sunlight, and this can take a toll on your health. Luckily, there's something simple you can do to protect yourself.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT



DIABETES

Overcoming DiabeticNeuropathy................................p.4

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Vitamin E and Aspirin?.............p.4

WORKS FOR ME

Colds and Flu.............................p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Supplements........Coffee.......Calcium......................................p.5

HEALTH TRENDS

Baby Boomers Turn 60...............p.l

HOW HEALTHY ARE YOU?

Did you catch The National Health Test on TV this January? If not, check nationalhealthtest. com for remaining show times and channels, to order your copy of the DVD, or to take the test online.

In Dire Need of Vitamin DEverybody knows that colds, flu, and other viral infections are more common in

the winter than the summer. But did you know that hypertension, heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, depression, and hip fractures are also much more likely to come on or flare up at this time of year? If you plot the prevalence of all these conditions over a calendar year, you'll notice distinct rises during the winter months.

What is it about cold weather that predisposes you to disease? Does your immune system and other natural defenses go on hiatus in the winter? Could it be a relative lack of activity during the colder months? Is there something about the shorter days and longer nights that affects your health?

There is a growing consensus that one common link underlies these seasonal variations: vitamin D deficiencies. Simply increasing your vitamin D level is an easy, yet overlooked, way to improve your health.

The Sunshine VitaminUnlike vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, which you get from your diet, vitamin D is

synthesized when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from the sun. This fat-soluble vitamin is then transported to the liver and kidneys, where it is converted into the biologically active forms required by tissues throughout your body.

Vitamin D performs a host of crucial roles. It is necessary for calcium absorption and utilization. It regulates the activity of dozens of genes and promotes normal cell division and growth. It is also intimately involved in immune function, insulin secretion, blood clotting, and blood pressure control.

The amount of vitamin D you produce is directly related to your UVB exposure, and for most North Americans, this equates to reduced levels in the wintertime. If you live in one of the southern states and you get outside in direct sunlight several times a week, you probably have decent levels of vitamin D. However, at latitudes 40 degrees or more north or south of the equator (Reno, Denver, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia all lie near this parallel), the angle of the sun during winter allows no UVB radiation to hit the earth. You could stand outside buck naked in Seattle or Chicago at this time of year and you still wouldn't produce any vitamin D!

Now you can see why wintertime deficiencies of this multifaceted vitamin are so common, and why it is important that you take steps to boost your levels by taking supplemental vitamin D.

Bone-Building BasicsVitamin D is best known for its effects on the bones. In

addition to facilitating calcium absorption and making bones stronger, it also enhances muscle function and improves balance and agility, which reduces risk of falls and fractures.

Deficiencies in this vitamin are extremely common among people with hip fractures. In a 2005 study conducted at King's College Hospital in London, medical records of 103 patients hospitalized with hip fractures were reviewed, and "almost universal vitamin D inadequacy" was noted — especially among those admitted during the winter (98 percent were deficient versus less than 83 percent in the summer). Similarly, Australian researchers recently found that older people in assisted living facilities or nursing homes could dramatically reduce their risk of falls simply by taking vitamin D supplements.

Another very common but largely overlooked vitamin D-deficiency-related bone disease is osteomalacia. Marked by chronic diffuse pain and tenderness at specific points, it is often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia.

If applying moderate pressure on your sternum (breastbone) hurts, you should have your vitamin D level checked to rule out osteomalacia. The good news? It is easily corrected with supplemental vitamin D.

Deliverance From Heart Disease?It has been observed for decades that, in addition to

wintertime increases in deaths from heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases, mortality rates are higher in colder, northern areas. Hypertension and heart disease are also more common in African-Americans who, because of their dark skin, have lower levels of vitamin D. (Individuals with dark skin are at risk because they require at least 10 times more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as those with fairer complexions.)

There are lots of reasons to link vitamin D deficiencies with heart disease. This vitamin helps maintain normal calcium levels and control smooth muscle proliferation in the artery walls. It has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation linked to heart attack risk. There is also an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and blood pressure — raising vitamin D levels with high-dose supplementation or exposure to UVB radiation reduces blood pressure in study subjects.

I'll be the first to admit that there are no definitive studies on vitamin D as a treatment for cardiovascular disease. That's because there's no money to be made on this inexpensive, over-the-counter vitamin, although a number of drug companies are sponsoring research on synthetic, patentable versions. Nevertheless, ensuring optimal vitamin D levels should be a consideration for everyone with hypertension, heart failure, or any other disorder of the cardiovascular system.

Infection ProtectionWhen you think of ways to boost your immune system,

vitamin D probably doesn't spring to mind. Yet, according to John Cannell, MD, of the Vitamin D Council, deficiencies of this vitamin could be the


Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 12 health books including; Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing* (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.Dr. Julian whitaker's Health & Healing Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceA Healthy Directions Publication.^. CEO: Kevin Donoghue Executive Editor: Kimberly Day Associate Research Editor. Ryann Smith

Assoc. Managing Editor: Elisa Subin© Copyright 2006, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whitaker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.

underlying cause of the cold and flu "season" that predictably comes on every winter.

In a thought-provoking article, he summarizes the work of renowned epidemiologist, Dr. R. Edward Hope-Simpson, who discovered that shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated in adults. Dr. Hope-Simpson also believed that there was an alternative explanation for influenza and other viral outbreaks: "The virus does not spread from the sick, but becomes latent in them, reactivating seasonally so that they later infect their companions."

Dr. Cannell builds a strong case for vitamin D deficiency as the activator of flu and other viruses. In addition to a host of epidemiological research, he cites older animal studies showing that vitamin D prevented the flu, and a more recent clinical trial demonstrating that vitamin D supplements improved immunity in dialysis patients who received flu shots.

He also reported on a study in which children with frequent infections were treated with 60,000 IU of vitamin D, along with calcium, once a week for six weeks, and they stopped getting sick. Dr. Cannell himself tried taking 50,000 IU of the vitamin when he started coming down with an infection, and stopped it in its tracks.

Again, there is no clear-cut research linking vitamin D deficiencies with flu prevention, since research dollars go towards studying new drugs. But you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose by taking a little extra vitamin D at this time of year.

The Cancer ConnectionMore than a dozen forms of cancer have been

associated with vitamin D deficiencies. That's because this vitamin inhibits cell proliferation, the out-of-control growth that marks cancer; stimulates differentiation, which keeps cells on the normal growth track; and suppresses the growth of new blood vessels that nourish tumors.

In a meta-analysis published in the February 2006 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, researchers looked at 63 studies of vitamin D status and cancer risk and found that the majority of them demonstrated a protective role of adequate vitamin D levels.

This analysis also confirmed that people living in the less sunny northeastern states and those with darker skin are more likely to have vitamin D deficiencies, and that, because of this deficiency, African-Americans are at increased risk of death from breast, prostate, colon, and ovarian cancers.

How significant is the impact of vitamin D deficiency? In a 2005 paper, leading vitamin D researchers estimated that it is responsible for 50,000-63,000 premature cancer deaths in this country every year. They also pegged the annual economic burden of vitamin D deficiencies at $40-$50 billion!

How to Reverse D DeficienciesI hope this information encourages you to look into

your vitamin D status. This is especially important during the winter if you live in a northern state. But keep in mind that factors other than seasons, geography, and skin tone also contribute to vitamin D deficiencies. Up to 80 percent of nursing home residents are deficient, as are more than half of all hospitalized patients. Obese people are prone to deficiencies (their excess fat stores make vitamin D less bioavailable), as are patients with kidney, liver, and some bowel diseases, who cannot absorb or convert vitamin D properly.

Another at-risk group is sun phobics who never leave the house unless they're slathered in sunscreen. I appreciate

the adverse effects of UV radiation, including the increased risk of skin cancer, but even an SPF of 8 blocks vitamin D production by 95 percent! I'm not saying you should throw your sunscreen away altogether, but I do recommend that you make a concerted effort to get about 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure several times a week. If you are dark-skinned or live at a higher latitude, you'll require more time in the sun for optimal vitamin D production.

You can also get some vitamin D in your diet. It is most abundant in salmon and other cold-water fish, which explains why Eskimos and others who live in the far North are protected against deficiencies. (Cod liver oil, which many of you endured during the winters of your childhood, is another excellent source of vitamin D.)

But aside from fish, dietary sources of vitamin D are few and far between. Although many foods used to be enriched with vitamin D, today only a handful of foods are fortified. The main one is milk, but you'd have to drink four to six glasses just to get the RDA of 400 to 600 IU!

That leaves vitamin D supplements, which every physician should recommend.

Recommendations:• To ascertain your vitamin D level, ask your doctor for a

25(OH)D blood test, the only accurate test of vitamin D status. Optimal levels are between 40 and 60 ng/mL.

• For healthy people with adequate sun exposure, 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) per day should suffice. If you live north of the 40th parallel, I recommend 2,000 IU per day from late fall through early spring. During the summer, assuming that you get enough sun exposure, 800 to 1,000 IU should do the trick.

• Fears of toxicity are overblown. Vitamin D is perfectly safe at these levels and, for short periods of time, in much larger doses. High-dose vitamin D may be required to overcome deficiencies, but it should be taken only under the care of a physician.

• To learn more about vitamin D, visit the Vitamin D Council's website at choleccilcifewl-coiincil.com.

ReferencesCannell JJ. Pascal's wager. The Vitamin D Newsletter. 2005 Nov.

http ://wYw .chohcalciferol-council.com/pascal.pdf .

Flicker L et al. Should older people in residential care receive vitamin D to prevent falls? Results of a randomized trial. J Am GeriatrSoc. 2005 Nov;53(l 1): 1881-1888.

Garland CF et al. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. Am J Public Health. 2005 Dec 27; [Epub ahead of print).

Grant WB et al. Comparisons of estimated economic burdens due to insufficient solar ultraviolet irradiance and vitamin D and excess solar UV irradiance for the United States. Photochem Photobiol. 2005 Nov-Dec;81(6):1276-1286.

Moniz C et al. Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in osteoporotic hip fracture patients in London. Curr Med Res Opm. 2005 Dec;21(12):1891-1894.

DIABETES

Overcoming Diabetic NeuropathyWhen a subscriber comes to me and tells me how this

newsletter and the therapies we provide at the clinic literally saved his life, I am truly humbled. This is Bill Bellomy's story — in his own words.

Bill's Story"I probably had diabetes for 10 years before I was

diagnosed. Whenever I had my yearly check-ups, my fasting blood sugars were always within normal limits. Several years earlier, I told my doctor that it hurt when I clapped my hands. He said, 'Well, don't clap.' After months passed, I noticed that my hands were hurting more than ever. I told my doctor, and


http://wYw.chohcalciferol-council.com/pascal.pdf

http://choleccilcifewl-coiincil.com/

he sent me to a neurologist. After many neurological tests, my doctor sent me to yet another doctor for evaluation. More tests were performed, and I was finally diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

"Both of my hands had no response to vibration, heat or cold, or pinprick. From just above my knees to the soles of my feet, there was hardly any response. Also, I was dragging

my left leg when I walked, and coordination in that leg was poor.

"I was told four times that I would never improve, that I should avoid stress, keep moving, and try to control my diabetes. The neurologist also said that there was no treatment for my neuropathy, and

Continued on page 6


Dear Dr. Whitaker/ am presently taking a multivitamin, saw palmetto, CoQIO, and 400 IU of vitamin E. My doctor has advised me to start

taking one baby aspirin daily. I heard somewhere that you should not take aspirin and vitamin E at the same time. Any truth to that? I am 69 years old. — BK, via email

It is perfectly safe to take these supplements with the low dose of aspirin (81 mg) your doctor recommended. The only one that could be potentially problematic would be vitamin E. Like aspirin, it also inhibits platelet aggregation, and thus has slight blood-thinning effects. However, this combination has been studied in numerous clinical trials without incident. Overall, I'd say you're on a great program for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. — JW

Works for me...After reading about oscillococcinum in your newsletter a few years ago, I gave it a try. What a find! Now, whenever I feel

a cold or flu coming on, I immediately reach for a vial of this amazing product. Even my very conventional husband can't deny the effectiveness of this homeopathic remedy, asking me where the "little white bumpy things" are whenever he has a sore throat or runny nose. I don't know how it works, but it clearly does. I can't tell you how many colds we've fended off over the years. It's the one therapy that is in my medicine cabinet year round! — Kimberly Bowes, Erie, PA







Did You Know?• A diet high in vitamins C and E,

beta carotene, and zinc reduces risk of macular degeneration.

« Barrow, the northernmost town in Alaska, doesn't see the light of day from November 18 through January 24.

• Dartmouth researchers found that eating chicken reduces your risk of colorectal cancer, while a high intake of hot dogs and other processed meats increases your risk.

• Dark chocolate dramatically improves blood vessel function in smokers.

• More than 180,000 Americans under the age of 20 take sleep medications.

• When cooking dried beans, add salt after the beans are nearly done — salt slows cooking and toughens the skins.

• Are you a snorer? Playing the didgeridoo (an Australian Aboriginal musical instrument) has been shown to be an effective treatment for sleep apnea.

• A high intake of dietary fiber is associated with a significantly reduced risk of weight problems, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol and triglycerides.

• According to a German study, jogging for 30 minutes twice a week improves concentration and visual memory.

• In 2005, an estimated $393.5 billion was spent both directly and indirectly on cardiovascular disease.

• Only five percent of smokers successfully quit each year.

• While alcohol tends to raise homocysteine levels, beer, which contains B-complex vitamins, does not. In fact, it may actually lower this risk factor for heart disease and other conditions.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR BEDSORES|Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are far

from innocuous. These painful, slow-healing ulcers, which are epidemic in patients who are bedridden, paralyzed, or have limited mobility, can lead to systemic infections. In fact, complications from bedsores kill a minimum of 60,000 Americans every year! A compelling study from "Down Under" suggests that nutritional supplements facilitate the healing of these common lesions. Australian researchers studied the effects of three nutritional protocols on hospitalized patients with bedsores. Group one was fed the regular hospital diet; group two was given the regular diet, plus two energy and high-protein supplements; and group three got the diet and energy/protein supplements, plus 9 g of arginine, 500 mg of vitamin C, and 30 mg of zinc. Only the patients receiving supplemental arginine, vitamin C, and zinc had significant improvements in healing.

This isn't surprising, since all three of these nutrients are well known for boosting immune function. Nor is it surprising — unfortunate, but not surprising — that the results of this small but important study are unlikely to change hospital procedures or the way bedsores are treated. However, if you or a loved one is suffering from this painful and potentially serious condition, I suggest you take this study to heart and add these supplements to your daily regimen.

wi a a a * m : w ;« a i a i\ ■ a » a W ; v J Acco r d i n o to the National Coffee Association, 54 percent of Americans drink coffee on a daily basis. If you're one of those people who swears you just can't function without it, you may be on the right track, at least as far as short-term memory is concerned. Austrian researchers recently conducted a study in which volunteers were given either 100 mg of caffeine (the amount found in about two small cups of coffee) in water or a placebo. Twenty minutes later, when the caffeine's effects peaked, they underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while taking a test of short-term memory. The scans revealed that caffeine produced greater than expected activity in the region of the brain that regulates memory, as well as the area that controls attention. It also improved reaction time in the test takers. Results were similar when the two groups were crossed over, with heightened brain activity found in those volunteers taking caffeine, as compared to those on placebo.

Here's yet another study validating my support of coffee. In addition to improving memory, coffee is also Americans' most abundant source of protective antioxidants. If coffee's not your "cup of tea," you'll get an equivalent dose of memory-boosting caffeine in three cups of green tea or two and a half cups of black tea.CALCIUM AND WEIGHT CONTROL

iNumerous studies link a high calcium intake with a reduced risk of obesity. That's because calcium deficiencies stimulate the release of hormones that not only help convert calcium, but also promote fat storage and retard fat burning. But does getting extra calcium help with weight loss? Michael Zemel, PhD, of the University of Tennessee, divided overweight people into three groups and placed them on low-calorie diets containing varying amounts of calcium. After six months, the individuals with a daily calcium intake (mostly from dairy products) of 400-500 mg lost an average of 15 pounds. Those getting 800 mg lost 19 pounds, while those getting 1,200 mg lost 24 pounds, as well as a higher percentage of body and abdominal fat.

Although I'm not suggesting that calcium is the answer, the fact that two-thirds of Americans are overweight and nearly three-quarters have inad-equate calcium intake (a daily average of only 400-500 mg) does give me pause. What I do suggest, not only for weight control but for overall health, is that you increase your consumption of dietary calcium (nonfat cottage cheese is an excellent source of both calcium and protein), and make sure your daily multivitamin and mineral contains at least 1,000 mg of calcium.


Therapy Mechanisms and BenefitsAnodyne Anodyne therapy delivers special wavelengths of infrared light through the skin to the

affected tissues, increasing the production of nitric oxide (a signaling molecule in short supply in diabetics). This painless procedure enhances blood flow, improves circulation, and has restored sensation in 93 percent of patients in eight separate clinical trials.

Chelation Chelation is an intravenous therapy that binds to metal ions in the blood, carrying them to the kidneys where they are excreted in the urine. Used for heavy metal poisoning, chelation also improves circulation, which helps alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP)

EECP increases blood flow to the extremities and reduces symptoms of diabetic and peripheral neuropathy. During 35 one-hour sessions, pressurized cuffs are placed around the lower extremities. With each beat of the heart, the cuffs contract, squeezing blood up toward the heart and throughout the body, increasing circulation.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT is administered in a specially designed, pressurized chamber. When 100 percent oxygen is inhaled in this environment, it is easily absorbed, even in areas where blood supply is limited. This infusion helps boost circulation and improves a wide number of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy.


Continued from page 4that I would possibly be in a wheelchair within one year. I was also turned down for a research project by my endocrinologist because, in his opinion, "No matter what treatment for neuropathy might be available in the future, your left leg will never get any better.' 1 went home very depressed.

Alpha Lipoic Acid to the Rescue*'At the time, 1 had been subscribing to Dr. Whitaker's

Health & Healing for about six months. 1 had stacked the newsletters by my chair, but hadn't read very much. About three days after my diagnosis on September 1, 1999, one of the papers fell at my feet, and opened to a page on which was written, 'If you have diabetic neuropathy, this is what you should do.' It talked about how alpha lipoic acid (sometimes referred to as lipoic acid) would help the regeneration of nerves. I immediately went to the health food store and purchased this supplement.

"Before taking alpha lipoic acid, I was dropping things such as my keys, a water glass, etc., but after about eight weeks, this was no longer a problem. Also, the pain in my hands and feet stopped. (I was told later that natural products sometimes take about two months before they start showing a positive response.) In April 2000,1 went to see my neurologist again. He noted that coordination was normal in my right and left legs and ankles, and I was no longer dragging my left foot. Pinprick tests showed improvement in my hands and

legs. He was astonished to learn from his tests that I had improved. He said he had never had a neuropathy patient turn around like I had.

"Of course, the doctor wanted to know what I had been doing, and for 20 minutes we discussed alpha lipoic acid. I believe that without my regimen of this supplement, I would be in a wheelchair or even possibly dead. I returned to the same medical facility to see my neurologist two more times, and I continued to improve. I was told they had nothing for me, and since I was doing so well, I could just return as needed.

"I have told many people about alpha lipoic acid and they are currently taking it, too. My neighbor had hepatitis C, and was given six months to live. He told me that his doctor had already put him on alpha lipoic acid and milk thistle, and today this man who was given only half a year to live is alive and well.

No More Diabetes Meds!"I felt that since I'd had such a major improvement in

my life by reading Health & Healing, I should go to the Whitaker Wellness Institute to further improve my health. They fine-tuned my vitamin and supplement program and recommended enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), chelation, and Anodyne therapy. I took some of these treatments at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, and some near my home in the Dallas area. Every one of these treatments has definitely helped me.

"Presently I take no prescription medications for my diabetes. I control my condition with diet, exercise, and the following supplements: 600 mg alpha lipoic acid, 1,500 mg evening primrose oil, a potent daily multivitamin, a natural product aimed at balancing glucose levels, and small amounts of chromium picolinate and vanadium.

"My current doctor in Texas used to give me a hard time about all the supplements I was taking. He said, 'What is this stuff — this alpha lipoic acid?' I told him that, without it,

I would be dead or in a wheelchair. He said he would investigate it.

"Finally, months later, he said to me, 'I investigated that supplement, and it seems to be a good thing. Keep taking it.' Then, at another visit, he stated that he had put several of his patients on alpha lipoic acid, and they were all doing well. It's great to know that some doctors will actually listen to their patients!

"I believe God helped me by having that newsletter fall open at my feet to the page about diabetic neuropathy, and I am so thankful for Dr. Whitaker, Health & Healing, and these alternative therapies for treating my condition. Without them, I believe I would be dead or helpless.

"Thank you, Dr. Whitaker!"

Recommendation:• For more information on the therapies mentioned in this

article, call the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 488-1500.

HEALTH TRENDS

Baby Boomers Turn 60Sixty years ago, the first of the baby boomers were

born. Over the next 18 years, a baby was born every eight seconds, swelling the US population by 76 million people. This massive influx of children took the nation by storm. There was an unprecedented demand for baby formula and massive shortages of diapers. Public schools were stuffed to the gills, and other systems were similarly overwhelmed.

Today, baby boomers make up nearly one-third of the US population and, as they age, they will impact other systems — notably our healthcare systems. In 2030, a projected 69 million Americans will be over the age of 65 and, by 2050, a whopping 79 million will be elderly. What will the needs and desires of the baby boomers be then?

From a health perspective, I suspect they'll want what all of us want: to live a long and healthy life. But as members of this generation have done at allstages of their lives, they'll go about achieving it in their own unique way.

Baby Boomers Want ChoicesConventional medicine has nothing whatsoever to offer

baby boomers — or anyone else for that matter — except disease care. If you want to go through your 60s and 70s taking increasing numbers of prescription medications with an occasional surgery thrown in for good measure, conventional physicians can surely accommodate you. But if your desire is to stay healthy by using safer, more natural therapies, then you need to think outside the box — and that is exactly what baby boomers are doing.

Last year, researchers from Ohio State University reported that 71 percent of Americans over the age of 49 use alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine. Evaluating data from a 2000 survey of 848 people funded by the National Institute on Aging, they found that respondents were particularly likely to use alternative rather than mainstream therapies if they were in poor health or dissatisfied with their conventional healthcare.

As baby boomers get older, I guarantee that the popularity of alternative medicine will continue to grow. After all, this is the generation that grew up with Adelle


Davis {Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit), experimented with vegetarianism, and has routinely taken vitamins.

The Future of Anti-Aging MedicineI gave a talk a few months ago at the American

Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine meeting in Las Vegas, which was attended by more than 5,000 physicians and other delegates. In fact, it was another talk I heard there by Ken Dychtwald, PhD, author of Age Power: How the 21s' Century Will Be Ruled by the New Old, that got me to thinking about how baby boomers are changing the face of medicine.

As you would expect, there were presentations on a variety of therapies for retarding aging. There were lectures on stem cell therapy and the genetic aspects of aging. Hormone replacement therapy was a hot topic, as were vitamins and other nutritional therapies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, memory loss, and other "diseases of aging."

There were also talks on the cosmetic aspects of aging, a subject that conventional doctors sometimes criticize as being frivolous and unnecessary. Of course it's not necessary, but if surgery or other cosmetic procedures make you feel better and more confident, why not? It fits right in with the overarching philosophy


of anti-aging: Rather than focusing on adding more years to your life, work on putting more life in your years.

Grow Old GracefullySo what's a reasonable baby boomer program look like? First, take copious

amounts of nutritional supplements. As you get older, your ability to absorb nutrients decreases at the same time your nutritional requirements increase. Start with a potent daily multivitamin and mineral supplement and add to it as needed.

Second, exercise regularly — it is perhaps the most rejuvenating of all anti-aging therapies. Make sure you include weight training two or three times a week to maintain your muscle mass, which will go a long way toward ensuring a lifetime of independence.

Third, consider natural hormone replacement therapy. Restoring testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and particularly growth hormone to levels of young adults is a quintessential anti-aging therapy that we utilize at Whitaker Wellness with excellent success.

Fourth, pay attention to the harbingers of disease. For example, virtually all older men develop prostate enlargement. Rather than waiting until you have to get up several times at night to urinate, nip it in the bud by taking saw palmetto (160-320 mg per day) in your mid-40s to early 50s. When you first feel twinges of arthritis in your joints, start taking glucosamine (1,500 mg daily). If your blood sugar shows signs of creeping up, get it under control by cutting starches and sugars out of your diet before it turns into diabetes. The same goes for your blood pressure. Monitor it regularly, and, if necessary, treat it with natural therapies so you can sidestep a diagnosis of hypertension.

Finally, if serious problems such as Parkinson's, heart disease, diabetes and its complications, and memory loss do come up, look to alternatives before getting inextricably caught up in the web of conventional medicine. Once you step on that slippery slope of drugs and surgery, it's hard to turn back.

Set the Stage NowWe all want to be as active, happy, and engaged in life as we possibly can.

If you are in the baby boomer generation — in your 40s, 50s, or inching into your 60s — now is the time to set the stage for optimal health in your 70s, 80s, and 90s. Who knows? By the time you reach these years, living to be 100 may be the norm.

ReferencesOhio State Research. About 70 percent of older adults use alternative medicine. 2005 April 9.

http://researchnews.osii.edu/archive/olaltined.htin.

http://www.genpolicy.com.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Watch Future Issues For:

■ Lose Weight and Keep It Off

■ Boost Stem Cell Activity With Hyperbaric Oxygen

■ The Low-Down on Reflexology

Visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker. com:

■ Even More Reasons to Drink Coffee

■ Nutrients All Diabetics Need

■ What Is Your Biological Age?




Forward Nutrition (800) 722-8008 drwhitaker.com To order patient-proven, high-performance nutritional and herbal supplements.


MEET ME IN MARCH

I will be giving nightly lectures for the Back to Health Program the week of March 13th—17th. Call (800) 488-1500 to reserve your space now. I look forward to meeting you!






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Subscriber Center Password: Strawberry (at drwhitaker.coin) Service Code 73919D




Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineMay 2006 Vol.


The nutritional supplement industry is growing by leaps and bounds as researchers continue to discover and develop nutritional products that improve our health and well-being. Natural Products Expo West, the industry's largest trade show recently held in Anaheim, CA, drew more than 3,000 exhibitors and 43,000 health food store retailers, buyers, and other attendees.

Without the benefit of government support — more like government repression — or the lure of windfall profits that patented drugs reap, supplements are garnering tremendous support in the marketplace for one reason: They work. But the deck is stacked against them, from biased scientific studies to spurious reporting in the media. Let's take a closer look.



In This Issue:

MEDIA BIAS

Don't Believe Everything

You Hear....................................p.

1

MEDIA BIAS AGAINST SUPPLEMENTS

PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS

Drugs + Children = Bad

Medicine....................................p.3

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Is ChapStick Addictive?............p.4

WORKS FOR ME

Probiotics and Antibiotics ...p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Topical Estrogen...Vitamin C...

Avemar.......................................p.5

EXERCISE

Why Weight Training

Can't Wait...................................p.6

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

"God could not be everywhere;

therefore, He made mothers.'''' —

Proverb

Don't Believe Everything You Hear"Big study finds no clear benefits of calcium pills." "Supplements fail to stop

arthritis pain, study says." "Saw palmetto no better than placebo for enlarged prostate." "Evidence for omega-3 fats less conclusive than we thought, say experts."

You surely have seen these or similar headlines in recent months. Every time a report declaring that a widely used and commonly heralded nutritional supplement doesn't work hits the press — and they hit like clockwork — our phones light up with calls from concerned subscribers. I don't blame them. With so much conflicting information out there, who should you believe?

What is the significance of these negative reports? If they're not accurate, why do they get so much media attention? Here are the answers.

Bad News SellsFor starters, bad news sells — bad news about anything. When a policeman

uses force, necessary or otherwise, it makes the 6:00 news. But you never hear of the tens of thousands of times armed police interact with the public doing their job when no force is used. When an elected official accepts bribes or "goes to the dark side," it hovers around in the news for weeks. But you never read about the honest, hardworking majority.

The same concept is true for supplements. Let's use a recent study of calcium and vitamin D's effects on risk of fractures as an example. Virtually all physicians, alternative and conventional alike, accept the fact that calcium and vitamin D supplements strengthen the bones and protect against fractures. So a news story that challenges this — "Big study finds no clear benefits of calcium pills" — is very compelling.

Yet, if you actually look at this study, you'll find that it didn't reach that conclusion at all. Even a superficial reading of the first page states,

This combo also worked better than the drug Celebrex, which was given to some study participants, although this too got scrambled in many of the news reports.

The authors themselves admitted that this study had a number of limitations. One was a very high rate of placebo response (60.1 percent) — double the normal placebo effect — which masks the effects of the treatment. They also noted problems with the measures used to identify improvements. But this didn't stop the media from reporting that these supplements don't work.

Bottom line? Glucosamine and chondroitin do improve arthritis pain. Continue to use them.

Conflicts of InterestThere also appears to be conflicts of interest in

reporting about medical studies. After all, drug companies spend $4 billion every year hyping their wares in TV, newspaper, magazine, radio, and Internet advertisements. The PR machine that fuels this outreach routinely sends out press releases extolling the benefits of their drugs, and the media dutifully reports them.

Even more ominous is the very real concern in the academic research community about financial conflicts of interest and how they may taint clinical trial results. If a researcher is on the payroll of a drug company, he or she may be-less-than-object-ive-about interpreting or reporting study outcomes — there are scores of examples of squelching, misinterpreting, or otherwise "spinning" negative studies.

An excellent example of this is the February 2006 study of saw palmetto for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Headlines across the country screamed, "Saw palmetto no better than placebo for enlarged prostate," and, indeed, a superficial look shows no benefits. But when you dig a little deeper, you'll find several flaws in the study. One is its inherent design.

Saw palmetto is known to be beneficial for menwith mild to moderate BPH, so why did this study onlyinvolve men with moderate to severe symptoms? Another

Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he

formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 12 health books including: Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing9 (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

nr. Julian whitaker's Health & Healing- Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy Dace, CEO: Kevin Donoghue Executive Editor: Kimberly Day Associate Research Editor Ryann Smith

A Healthy Directions Publication^ Associate Editor: Michelle Henderson



"Among healthy postmenopausal women, calcium with vitamin D supplement resulted in a small but significant improvement in hip bone density...." It also says that it "did not significantly reduce hip fracture," but if you read the entire study, you'll find that the women who actually took their supplements also had 29 percent fewer hip fractures. Believe it or not, approximately 40 percent of the women in the calcium/vitamin D group didn't take their supplements, while those in the placebo arm were allowed to take supplements containing calcium, vitamin D, and other bone-building nutrients!

What should have made headlines is that the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine allowed such a shoddy study to be published in the first place. Now that's bad news. The truth is, calcium and vitamin D supplements do strengthen bones and protect against fractures. Continue to take them.

Reporter Error and BiasSecond, reporters don't always get it right. Either they

don't do their homework, or their personal bias is so overpowering it seeps into their reporting. Again, this isn't limited to articles about nutritional supplements. According to a 2005 UCLA study of 20 major news outlets, 18 were found to be "left of center." But you don't need a study to tell you that. All you have to do is read The New York Times or the Los Angeles Times, or watch the CBS Evening News.

Let's look at another study in the New England Journal of Medicine, this one on glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis of the knee. When a news report of this study popped up in The New York Times in February of this year, it was entitled "2 top-selling arthritis drugs found to be ineffective." Wait a minute. These are nutritional supplements, not drugs. The paper quickly corrected this mistake and renamed the article "Supplements fail to stop arthritis pain, study says."

But it gets worse. While this article blatantly states that glucosamine and chondroitin had no effect, according to the study itself, the combination of the two supplements actually caused about a 25 percent improvement in pain.

problem is that the men in the saw palmetto group had more serious BPH than those in the placebo group, putting the supplement at a disadvantage from the start.

Finally, three of the physicians who authored the study received fees from drug companies who make BPH drugs that directly compete with saw palmetto. And, if you read the accompanying editorial, as reporters often do, you'll be treated to obvious bias — not only against saw palmetto, but against all nutritional supplements.

More than 20 studies support the use of saw palmetto for increasing urinary flow, relieving hesitancy, reducing nighttime urination, and other symptoms of BPH. Men, continue to use it.

Failure to Look at the Big PictureAnother common reason for negative reporting is

failure to look at the big picture. An isolated incident of teenagers behaving badly makes way for endless commentary on the depravity of America's youth. Or one negative study on a nutrient is reported without mentioning the larger body of positive research — as if a single study negates hundreds of others.

"Evidence for omega-3 fats less conclusive than we thought, say experts," is just such an example. Reports in an April 2006 review study in the British Medical Journal questioned the value of fish oil, concluding that ".. .omega 3 fats do not have a clear effect on total mortality, combined cardiovascular events, or cancer." This is pure nonsense. Had reporters looked at the hundreds of other studies supporting the use of fish oil, they just might have put this one in perspective.

Fish oil is an excellent therapy for heart disease, inflammatory conditions, arthritis, high triglycerides, depression, ADHD, and other conditions, including some types of cancer. Continue to take it.

Blatant Disregard for the TruthIf reporters get inaccurate information, they're going to

write inaccurate stories. Here's a particularly noxious example. A couple of years ago, Stephen Bent, MD, an investigator on the saw palmetto study, was also the lead author of an article on ephedra published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In this article, he used inaccurate statistics that made ephedra appear to be far more dangerous than it really it is.

I reported the accurate statistics — which negated the argument against ephedra — in a letter printed in the Annals a few months later, but the damage was already done. Based in part on Dr. Bent's article, ephedra is now off the market.Ignoring the Real News

Finally, news reporting on the value of nutritional supplements is generally ignored by mainstream press. Major advances in medical science are not the new drugs that flood the market — the majority of which are unlikely to even be in use 40 years from now. They are the safe, inexpensive, natural, unpatented nutritional therapies that escape the media's radar screen.

Here are some headlines you didn't hear about. "IV vitamin C kills cancer cells." "Multivitamins reduce infections and absenteeism." "Chronic pain controlled with light therapy." "Bypass surgery avoided with EECP."

It takes time and effort to look for and report on these things. I know your newspapers and TV news aren't going to tell you the truth about the supplements discussed in this article, or the hundreds of other therapies I've written about in Health & Healing over the years. But that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

My responsibility to you is to continue to tell you about these breakthroughs. Your responsibility to yourself and your family is to use all of the information at your disposal and take charge of your health.

ReferencesBent S, ct al. The relative safety of ephedra compared with other commonly

used herbs. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2003; 38:468-471.

Bent S, et al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. /V Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 9;354:632-633.

Clegg DO, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. /V Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 23;354(8):795-808.

Faloon W. Dietary supplements attacked by the media. Life Extension Magazine. 2006 June, http://www.lef.0rg/maga/.i11e/ mag2006/jun2006_awsi_03.htm.

Hooper L, et al. Risks and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review. BMJ. 2006 Apr; 332:752-760.

Jackson RD, et al. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and the risk of fractures. N Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 16;354:669-683.

Kolata G. 2 arthritis drugs are found to be ineffective." NY Times. 2006 Feb 23.

Whitaker JW. The relative safety of ephedra compared with other herbal products. Ann Intern Med. 2003 Sep 2;139(5 Pt 1):385: author reply 386-387.

PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS

Drugs + Children = Bad MedicinePsychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, teachers, and

other nefarious members of the mental health cohort have teamed with the drug companies to destroy your children. There is no other way to say it.A Five-Fold Increase

According to a new study by researchers from Vanderbilt University, pediatric prescriptions for antipsy-chotic drugs increased five-fold between 1995 and 2002, up to a whopping 2,490,720, or nearly 40 prescriptions per 1,000 children. This means that one in every 25 American kids is taking an extremely potent, brain-altering, mind-controlling, side effect-riddled drug!

When you add this to the six million kids taking Ritalin, Strattera, Adderall, and other drugs for ADHD, and the 10 million more on antidepressants, more than a quarter of our children are being drugged into submission under the criminal banner of "mental health."

Powerful, Inappropriately Prescribed DrugsAntipsychotics are among the most powerful of all

psychotropic drugs and are used primarily to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses. They have very serious side effects, including significant weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Yet incredibly, more than half of the time these drugs are prescribed to children for behavioral or affective disorders — despite the fact that there are virtually no scientific studies indicating that they're effective for these indications, let alone safe.

I Dear Dr.1 ? I I've heard that ChapStick is addictive. It sounds strange, but I can't fall asleep at night without putting it on my lips. I'd like to know what you think about this. — BB, Columbus, GA

May 2006 Page 3

http://www.lef.0rg/maga/.i11e/

http://www.lef.0rg/maga/.i11e/

Like waiting an hour after you eat before swimming, this is nothing more than an urban legend. ChapStick is not addictive and contains nothing that could be addictive. Nor does it cause the skin on your lips to peel off, which I've also heard. However, I did an informal survey on this, and a surprisingly large

Nevertheless, two and a half million of our children have their brains twisted, polluted, and shackled by these drugs every year. There is only one way to describe this phenomenon: It is pure, unadulterated evil.

A "Disease" Called ChildhoodI graduated from a large public high school in

Atlanta, Georgia, in 1962. Like kids today, we all went through stages, hit bumps in the road, failed a test every now and then, got sent to the principal's office, had to stay after school in detention, and got demerits. But none of us had to report to the nurse to get drugged. One of my classmates had epilepsy and took an anti-seizure drug, but I do not remember a single student on a stimulant, antidepressant, or antipsychotic drug. Not one.

Today, normal childhood behavior has been turned into a disease. It is normal for children to be active, even

rambunctious; it is not normal for them to sit for hours at a desk. It is normal for children to have a short attention span; it is not normal for children to focus and stay focused at the behest of a teacher.

But now, just being a child warrants a prescription for control, and the mental health brigade has just the thing: powerful drugs to treat the "symptoms" of childhood. This indiscriminate drugging is destroying our children's development and turning them into chemical zombies.

(Continued on page 6 )

Whitaker Inumber of people feel a need to apply some type of lip moisturizer at least once a day.

What you may be "addicted" to is the way ChapStick makes your lips feel. When you go without it, your lips may feel unpleasantly dry or chapped. Although I don't think there's anything terribly wrong with ChapStick, you might want to consider a more natural product that does not contain petroleum, especially if you reapply often. Look for Eco Lips (ecolips.com) and other natural, organic brands in your health food store. — JW

May 2006 Page 3

http://ecolips.com/

Works for me...On general principle, I try to avoid taking antibiotics. I know that they wipe out all the "good bugs" along with the bad,

so I only take them when absolutely necessary. Problem is, every single time I use them, I get a horrible yeast infection. I won't go into detail, but it's bad. But I finally found a natural and easy way to avoid this painful side effect: probiotics!

I take two probiotic beadlets (each containing I billion cfu) twice a day starting the day I begin the antibiotic and continue this regimen for a week after I'm finished with my prescription. If I start to get a little itchy "down there," I just increase my intake to two beadlets, three times a day until the symptoms disappear. It works like a charm! — GP, via email






May 2006 Page 5

Did You Know?

• Pomegranate juice appears to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart disease.

• In a recent study, acupressure helped 90 percent of patients with low back pain and reduced disability by 89 percent.

• Black cod (sablefish) has 50 percent more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon.

• Our rear ends are expanding. In a recent study, the needles used for injection into the buttocks failed to penetrate fat to reach muscle in 92 percent of women and 44 percent of men.

• Wearing athletic shoes or sneakers around the house, rather than going barefoot, reduces risk of falls tenfold.

• Up to 39 percent of older patients take inappropriate medications.

• Chronic exposure to air pollu-tion is a greater risk factor for death from heart disease than from respiratory disease.

• Statin drugs double the risk of death from stroke in patients with diabetes-related kidney disease.

• People who work indoors are more likely to get melanoma than people who work outdoors.

• Erectile dysfunction is linked with cardiovascular disease.

• The military has come out with a new product for improving marksmanship, vigilance, and physical performance: caffeinated chewing gum.

• Eating a diet rich in magne-sium and vitamin C improves lung function.

TOPICAL ESTROGEN FOR AGING SKINAny woman over 50 knows that

skin aging accelerates around menopause. Wrinkles become deeper, elasticity declines, and sagging becomes more noticeable. That's because estrogen is highly active in the skin, boosting collagen, skin thickness, and hydration. Several studies suggest that, regardless of age, women with naturally high estrogen levels have more youthful-looking skin, as do those on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Here's a great way to revitalize aging skin: topical estrogen. Austrian researchers evaluated the skin and hormone levels of 59 perimenopausal women, then gave them creams containing estrogen (0.01 percent estradiol or 0.3 percent estriol) to use for six months. The effects were remarkable. Skin elasticity and firmness markedly improved, wrinkle depth and pore size decreased by 61 to 100 percent, and skin moisture increased. No one in the study had any side effects of HRT, nor were there significant changes in blood hormone levels.This therapy, particularly topical estriol (0.3 percent) combined with collagen-enhancing glycolic acid, is gaining popularity with dermatologists and plastic surgeons. It may be ordered from California Pharmacy by calling (800) 575-7776. Because it contains estrogen, it does require a prescription.■ iwt I rii iiflti M ;«: 11 [ci ■ &m One in 10 Americans will endure the pain of shingles at one time or another. Caused by the same virus as chicken pox (Herpes zoster), shingles is characterized as a burning, tingling pain or numbness in the skin, followed by a rash with fluid-filled blisters. It can cause unrelenting pain that, in some cases, turns into a chronic condition called postherpetic neuralgia.Unfortunately, conventional doctors overlook a safe, simple, and highly effective therapy for shingles: intravenous vitamin C. Jane Orient, MD, an internist in Tucson, AZ, reported on two cases of successful treatment of shingles with vitamin C in the Spring 2006 issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. One was a 40-year-old woman with a week-long history of severe pain on the right side of her chest. After receiving four IVs of 3 g of vitamin C every 12 hours and taking 1 g orally every two hours, her pain and rash completely resolved. The other patient also had an excellent outcome.We use IV vitamin C at the clinic to treat a number of infectious diseases, and it is extremely effective. To schedule an appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, visit whitakerwellness.com or call (800) 488-1500.AVEMAR FOR CANCER

If you're battling cancer, you need to know about Avemar, a nutritional supplement that recently won the prestigious Nutraward at Nutracon, a major tradeshow for nutritional supplement developers and manufacturers. Extracted from wheat germ and fermented with baker's yeast, Avemar increases natural killer cell activity, balances and coordinates the immune response, and inhibits replication and metastasis.In a six-month Hungarian study of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing treatment, there were fewer new metastases (3 vs. 17.3 percent) and deaths (12 vs. 31.7 percent) in the group taking Avemar. Avemar also improves quality of life. Patients report reductions in pain and fatigue, an increase in appetite and weight, and, when used in conjunction with conventional treatments, better toleration and increased efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation. Avemar is sold by American Biosciences (their product is called Ave) in some health food stores and may be ordered from the Harmony Company at (888) 809-1241, ext. 301, or theharmonyco.com . It's pricey, but definitely deserves a try.

May 2006 Page 5

http://theharmonyco.com/



You Must Protect Your ChildrenIt is one thing for me to point out the nefarious nature of

those who are polluting your children, but it is quite another thing for me to remind you that they are doing it with your consent. Let this be a warning to you as parents and grandparents that your children are in the crosshairs of absolute evil and you have a responsibility to protect them.

I have three young children, ages 16, 14, and 12. They are all unique, but they have one thing in common: None of them will ever take a psychotropic drug at the command of a teacher, psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor who wishes to use drugs as control tools.

Your children, your progeny, are your most valuable asset — they're what you leave behind to carry on human culture. If you don't look after them, who will?

Recommendations:• First, protect your own children and help others protect

theirs as well. Just say no to mind-controlling drugs,as well as psychiatric screening tests designed to label your kids as defective. If your child's school requires him to be drugged in order to attend, yank him out and look for other schools or opt for home schooling.

• Make use of the plethora of safe, nurturing methods of behavior modification, including a compassionate, structured, and disciplined environment. Don't forget that kids need to run around — physical activity helps to expend extra energy.

• Take a look at your child's diet and eliminate or severely restrict sugars, starchy foods, and potential allergens, such as food additives, that may underlie behavior problems.

• Nutritional supplements that are helpful include 75-300 mg per day of DHA (a fatty acid in fish oil) and 500 mg a day of DMAE (a safe, over-the-counter remedy that 25 years ago was used to treat what was called ADD). Pedi-Active by Nature's Plus is a great DMAE product.

• Small doses of Dilantin, (a prescription drug used to control seizures) 50-100 mg per day, are ideal for improving focus, behavior, and mental and physical function. Unlike antipsychotic and other psychotropic drugs, Dilantin, which normalizes electrical activity in the brain, is safe and highly effective.

• For more information on Dilantin, read Jack Dreyfus' book, A Remarkable Medicine Has Been Overlooked. To learn more about safe alternatives to drugs, read No More ADHD by Mary Ann Block, DO, and 101 Reasons to Avoid Ritalin Like the Plague, by Howard Glasser.

• To order these supplements and books, call (800) 810-6655 or visit amazon.com.

ReferenceCooper WO, et al. Trends in prescribing of antipsychotic medications for US

children. Ambulatory Pediatrics. 2006;6(7):79-83.

EXERCISE

Why Weight Training Can't WaitIn 1966, Tom was healthy, active, and in his early

twenties. He ate a balanced diet and weighed about 175 pounds on a 5'10" frame. Now, 40 years later, Tom is in his early 60s. He continues to eat well, remains active, and still weighs only 175 pounds; however, his body has changed considerably. Bulges have replaced well-toned muscles, and though he's active, he looks decidedly out of shape. Thank you, Mother Nature.

You see, as we age, we lose muscle and gain fat. Between the ages of 30 and 80, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of our muscle mass disappears. This age-related muscle wasting is known as sarcopenia, which literally means "vanishing flesh." It results in weakness and increased risk of falls and fractures, and is one of the more prominent factors leading to limited mobility in elderly individuals. And while exercise in general is undeniably necessary for increasing

health and vitality, the only way to retain and build muscle mass is to incorporate weight training into your workouts.

Weight Training 101Also called resistance or strength training, weight

training involves building and strengthening muscles by pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving against resistance. While barbells, weight machines, and in-home gyms are usually the first things that come to mind, the heavy object you lift can be your own body. Pushups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges are good examples.

Weight training prevents and reverses some of our most debilitating conditions. In addition to sarcopenia, it can help prevent osteoporosis and subsequent falls and fractures, increase insulin sensitivity, and even aid in weight loss.

The Osteoporosis ConnectionDid you know that heavy people are less likely to have

osteoporosis? The reason is because excess weight puts additional stress on the bones, which respond by becoming stronger and denser. I certainly do not suggest that you gain weight in order to prevent osteoporosis, but some physicians do suggest wearing a weight vest while walking to accomplish the same result. These vests evenly distribute five to 15 additional pounds, which stimulate the bones to strengthen themselves to accommodate.


http://amazon.com/

Growth Hormone: The Ultimate Therapy for Sarcopenia

May 2006 Page 7

Many of the physical changes associated with aging — including loss of muscle, or sarcopenia — are caused or accelerated by declines in hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy with bio-identical hormones is an excellent way to retard some of these changes, and the mother of anti-aging hormones is human growth hormone (HGH).

HGH, which is secreted by the pituitary gland, promotes bone and muscle growth and fat mobilization. Levels are exceptionally high during the growth spurts of childhood and adolescence, but after we reach our twenties, production declines and continues to decline every decade thereafter for the rest of our lives. Most people over the age of 60 have low HGH levels, some of them precipitously low.

In 1990, Daniel Rudman, MD, and colleagues published a study evaluating the use of supplemental HGH in adults. While HGH had been around for decades, used to boost height in children with HGH deficiencies, Rudman's study was the first of its kind.

Over the course of six months, 12 healthy men between the ages of 61 and 81 were given injections of growth hormone three times a week, while another nine served as a control group. The results were astounding. The men on HGH gained an average of 8.8 percent in lean body mass and had a 14.4

percent reduction in fat. Their lumbar spine bone density increased by 1.6 percent, and their skin thickness increased by 0.1 percent. According to this study, "The effects of six months of human growth hormone on lean body mass and adipose tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10 to 20 years of aging."

Since 1990, hundreds of studies have been conducted on supplemental HGH. They have demonstrated that HGH is an excellent therapy for reversing wasting conditions, enhancing wound healing and postsurgical recovery, treating heart failure, and increasing muscle mass in frail, elderly patients. It is also used by healthy older people, like those in the Rudman study, as an anti-aging therapy with excellent results.

HGH is administered by injection, which patients can be taught to give themselves. It's a little expensive, running about $80 a week, but you get a lot of bang for your buck. Many conventional doctors just don't get HGH and may tell you it's ineffective or unsafe. They're wrong, and the research proves it. If you're interested in trying this remarkable therapy and your doctor won't give you a prescription, look for one who will by visiting the Web site of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) at worldhealth.net. For an appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500.

May 2006 Page 7

http://worldhealth.net/

Resistance exercises, or weight training, also create stronger bones. One study involving 62 men and women aged 60 to 83 examined whether six months of low-intensity or high-intensity resistance exercise training could increase bone mineral density. Participants were divided into two groups, and each group performed its respective weight-training exercises three times a week for 24 weeks. Strength increased in both groups, but only the high-intensity group experienced significant improvements in bone mineral density.

Improvements in Insulin SensitivityInsulin sensitivity, or the way in which cells respond to

insulin, can also be significantly altered with exercise of all kinds. However, combining aerobic exercise with strength training appears to have the greatest effect. Researchers in Vancouver examined obese, postmenopausal women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The patients were divided into three groups: a control group, an aerobic exercise (AE) group, and a group who practiced resistance training (RT) plus aerobic exercise.

After 16 weeks, both exercise groups had greater muscle mass and decreased abdominal fat; however, the RT group experienced "a significantly greater increase in muscle density" than the AE group. Glucose disposal was also enhanced in the RT group, leading researchers to conclude that resistance training significantly improved insulin sensitivity in the study participants. They credited this occurrence to increased muscle density coupled with the loss of abdominal fat.

Metabolism MattersAnother benefit of resistance exercise is weight control.

Everyone has a friend who can eat whatever she wants whenever she wants and never gain a pound — she's just one of those people who burn calories at a faster rate than others. The speed at which we burn calories even has a scientific name: metabolic rate.

About 70 percent of your body's energy is used for maintaining basic physiological functions, such as breathing, pumping of the blood, beating of the heart, and sustaining normal body temperature. The minimum number of calories you need to stay alive while at rest is called your basal metabolic rate (BMR, also

May 2006 Page 7

known as resting metabolic rate). The BMR of a 30-year-old, 5'10" man who weighs 180 pounds is about 1,870 calories. A 5'5", 140-pound, 45-year-old woman's BMR is about 1,334 calories.

Your BMR is affected by a number of factors, and one very important factor is how much muscle tissue you have. Muscle is your body's furnace, where sugars and fats are burned. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your BMR. Men's BMRs are higher than women's because they naturally have more muscle and less body fat. Younger people's BMRs are also higher for the same reason. And tall people have higher BMRs than short people, simply because they have more body surface area to keep up.

In addition to these usual variables, some people are just born with a faster metabolism. They burn more calories, even when they're sleeping, and tend to be thin. Others have slower metabolic rates and gain weight easily. One way to increase your BMR is to beef up your muscle mass, and weight training does just that. When you add more muscle, you'll burn more calories — even at rest — resulting in a higher metabolism and subsequent weight loss.

Do What Works for YouI'm not going to give you a specific formula for weight training because I think

that, like favorite color, it is an individual preference. I will tell you what works for me and my family.

My wife, Connie, does sit-ups and push-ups and uses an abdominal machine. I use a Bowflex in-home gym, a lightweight machine that uses resistance bands instead of heavy metal plates for weight-training purposes. I truly believe this machine has been a big factor in my own weight loss.

Whether you're male or female, young or old, investigate, experiment, and find a type of weight training that works for you. Just do it.

Recommendations:• If barbells, personal trainers, and crowded gyms aren't for you, my new book, The

Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, features a complete weight training workout that uses your own body weight for resistance. Order your copy now by visiting whitakerweightloss.com or by calling (800) 810-6655.

• Another great option for resistance training is the Resistance Chair, a special folding chair that has four cables attached to it to offer moderate resistance. It even comes with an easy-to-follow wall chart with exercises and instructions. To order, call (800) 705-5559.

• Pointing out that there are numerous ways to engage in resistance exercise is only 10 percent of the solution. The other 90 percent is actually doing it. Pay close attention to the chapter in my book on "instant discipline" for foolproof ways to get and stay motivated.

ReferencesCuff DJ. et al. Effective exercise modality to reduce insulin resistance in women with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Care. 2003 Nov;26(ll):2977-2982.

Vincent KR. et al. Resistance exercise and bone turnover in elderly men and women. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002 Jan;34(l):17-23.

Here's to your health!


■ The Dirt on Drugs

■ Beyond Glucosamine and Chondroitin

■ Blueberries: A Boon for Health


■ At-Home Weight Training■ Why Kids Need Supplements

■ Multi-Purpose Probiotics

■ Don't Give Up on Glucosamine






Great News!My latest book, The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, is finally available. Now you can lose weight — and keep it off— using my all-encompassing diet, exercise, and motivational plan. With summer just around the corner, now's the perfect time to shed those unwanted pounds. Get your copy at whitakerweightloss. com or call (800) 810-6655 today.








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Health &c HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine

In This Issue:BLACK COHOSH

A Wrong Must BeRighted.......................................p.

Much Ado AboutNothing......................................p.3

Psychiatry Revisited................p.4

White Tea for Lowering BloodSugar..........................................p.4

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Alcohol Cravings..Sense ofSmell...Safe Consumption ofFish.............................................p.5

NATURAL THERAPIES

Simple Solutions forComplex Problems.....................p.6

TAKE CONTROLTo get old is in the hands of God, hut to stay young is a human skill. — Croatian proverb

December 2006 Vol. 16, No. 12

Dear Reader,

Natural therapies are the Rodney Dangerfield of medicine: They "don't get no respect." For starters, they are ignored. Few physicians use vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements in their practices, and peer-reviewed medical journals rarely publish studies on them—you're lucky if you see one every few months in a major journal. That's because these publications are devoted almost exclusively to drug studies, not to mention the pages and pages of drug ads that keep them in the black.

But what really gets my blood boiling is when safe and effective treatments are viciously, fraudulently, and unethically maligned. And this is precisely what is happening to two safe and useful supplements: black cohosh and DHEA.

BLACK COHOSH

A Wrong Must Be RightedSusan Grant, a 51-year-old woman, started taking black cohosh for menopausal

symptoms in 2002. Five months later, in February 2003, she was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis that progressed to fulminant (rapid and severe) liver failure, and in March she underwent a liver transplant.

Later that year, she and her husband filed a product liability suit against the manufacturers of the black cohosh supplement she had taken, claiming that the product caused her liver disease. To support their claim and prove that black cohosh was the culprit, they retained her treating physician—Michael F. Sorrell, MD, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center—and a toxicologist, Michael Corbett, MD.

In September 2006, Lyle E. Strom, a Senior US District Court Judge, threw out the testimony of both of these "expert witnesses" on the grounds that neither of them were able to establish causation between black cohosh and liver damage. In the absence of causation the plaintiffs no longer had a case, so the judge dismissed the suit as well.

Something's Rotten in NebraskaThe characterization of these two doctors by Judge Strom in the court record is

telling. "Dr. Corbett began with an opinion, which he termed a working hypothesis, that black cohosh was hepatotoxic. Dr. Corbett did not test this working hypothesis in reaching his opinion.... Testing done by other scientists has failed to determine that black cohosh is hepatotoxic to humans." He continued, "...Dr. Corbett's untested hypothesis contradicts the body of research regarding black cohosh and liver disease. Dr. Corbett's response is simply to declare the research



'wrong.'" "It is undisputed that Dr. Corbett's theory that black cohosh is hepatotoxic was developed solely in connection with this litigation." Based on this, the judge tossed Corbett's testimony.

With Michael Sorrell, it's worse. "Dr. Sorrell is a physician, not a pharmacologist or toxicologist. He was Grant's treating gastroenterologist and admits that prior to treating Grant, he knew nothing about black cohosh." "Only after plaintiffs retained him did Dr. Sorrell submit a report on Grant's case for publication in which he linked her liver disease to black cohosh." This report, submitted by Sorrell and three other Nebraska doctors and published in March 2005, was titled "Fulminant Liver Failure Associated With the Use of Black Cohosh."

Worldwide RepercussionsIn the article, Dr. Sorrell and the other authors stated

that their patient "had no significant medical history or family history of liver disease, did not drink alcohol or use illicit drugs, and was not taking any medications, including other herbal medications, acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." It went on to say, ".. .the development of liver failure and the absence of an alternative etiology or a prior history of liver disease strongly suggests a cause-effect relationship" with black cohosh. It concluded, "While generally believed to be safe, black cohosh can result in severe liver injury...."

Sorrell's article had worldwide repercussions. Based on this and just a handful of other case reports, black cohosh was branded as a liver toxin. Several countries issued advisories on the dangers of the herb, and Australia required that product labels inform patients of its toxic side effects. The toxicity warning soon showed up in publications and on the Internet—a Google search turns up almost half a million hits for "black cohosh and liver." (Even if the article were retracted, the original would continue to show up in searches.) As the word got out and women became wary, it filtered down into the marketplace."Serious Factual Errors"

Major problem: The article had, according to Judge Strom, "several serious factual errors." Based on court documents and the patient's medical records—which Sorrell used to write his case report—the following facts are clear:

Grant had used alcohol, mostly wine, consistently for 30 years at a rate she estimated as one drink per day. Everybody knows that alcohol increases risk of liver disease.

She had a long history of taking ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and in fact had even used it to excess. Several years before her liver problem, she had been taking so much ibuprofen that she became anemic and developed gastrointestinal complaints, and at the time of her hospitalization she was taking it about three times a week. Drug-induced hepatitis is a well-known side effect of ibuprofen.

About three months before developing liver failure, Grant used the antibiotic erythromycin, which is also linked to liver damage. And for at least two years she had been taking yet another drug that patients are warned increases risk of hepatitis—for a chronic condition that itself raises hepatitis risk in otherwise healthy people.

The Facts Speak for ThemselvesThe crux of Sorrell's statement that black cohosh

caused Grant's liver failure was that her medical history showed no other potential causes. This is a "serious factual error." She had five other well-known causes of hepatitis and

liver damage— some of which Sorrell specifically and by name stated that she did not have!

As Grant's treating physician, Sorrell surely would have known about these other potential causes. Had he included an accurate presentation of her medical history, his statement, that "in the absence of an alternative etiology" black cohosh must be the culprit, could not have been made.

Vol. 16, No. 12Page 155


Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing® (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker'sHea/th & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.


Associate Editor: Thorn Young© Copyright 2006, Healthy Directions, LLC. Photocopying, reproduction, or quotation strictly prohibited without written permission of the publisher. Subscription: $69.99 per year. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing is dedicated to providing timely, accurate information by drawing on Dr. Whitaker's expert opinion and experience. Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing cannot offer medical services; we encourage our readers to seek advice from competent medical professionals for their personal health needs. Dr. Whitaker will respond in the newsletter to questions of general interest.

Vol. 16, No. 12Page 156

The Question Is, Why?Why would two established, highly respected doctors

position themselves as expert witnesses when they had so little knowledge, so little preparation, so little evidence as to suffer the ignominy of having their testimony thrown out by a judge on the grounds of unreliability?

In my opinion, some physicians, cloaked in the mantle of authority, assume that what they say is going to be accepted as true just because they say it. Or perhaps they believe their authority grants them leeway, regardless of proof—or lack thereof.

In Michael Sorrell's case, it's worse. He has done immense harm by polluting the scientific literature with the inexcusable omission of crucial pertinent facts. Thankfully he wasn't allowed to pollute our justice system as well.

ReferencesLevitsky J et al. Fulminant liver failure associated with the use of black

cohosh. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Mar;50(3):538-539.

US District Court case number 8:05-cv-00066-LES-TDT; Document # 149:1-12. 2006 Sept 8.

Liske J et al. Physiological investigation of a unique extract of black cohosh; J Women's Health Gend Based Med. 2002 Mar;l 1(2):163-174.

DHEA

Much Ado About NothingThe New England Journal of Medicine recently

published the results of a study on the effects of DHEA supplementation in elderly men and women. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Padua, Italy, gave 75 mg of DHEA daily to29 men and 50 mg to 27 women, while 31 men and30 women took a placebo. (Another arm of the study looked at a low-dose testosterone patch in 27 men.)

At the end of two years, there wasn't much to report. There were small but significant increases in bone density; no changes in body composition, lipid or hormone levels, glucose tolerance, or physical performance; and absolutely no adverse side effects.

Yet this study and the editorial accompanying it generated a maelstrom of vitriolic press about DHEA, culminating in a call for it to be removed from the market! Coincidentally or not, the US Senate is currently considering a bill to reclassify DHEA as an anabolic (tissue-building) steroid and severely curtail its use.

At best, this is, to quote William Shakespeare, "much ado about nothing." At worst, it's a witch hunt against yet another safe, natural, useful supplement.

The Truth About Black CohoshBlack cohosh (Actaea racemosa aka Cimicif-uga

racemosa) is a medicinal herb native to North America that was used by Native Americans to treat gynecological disorders and other conditions. Today, extracts of black cohosh are a popular treatment for menopausal symptoms.

Compounds in this herb, which is supported by more clinical research than any other natural therapy for menopause, occupy estrogen receptor sites in estrogen-sensitive tissues—helping to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other symptoms. In one double-blind study, significant improvements were noted within four weeks of starting on black cohosh and, after six months, a majority of women reported a 70 percent reduction in physical and emotional symptoms.

Exceptionally safe and well tolerated, black cohosh has no liver toxicity, nor does it stimulate breast or uterine tissue growth, so it can be used by women with a history of these

cancers. Choose your black cohosh product carefully. A 2006 study found that some contain a related, ineffective Asian herb rather than true black cohosh. The best-studied brand is Remifemin, which was developed in Germany more than 50 years ago. The recommended dose of Remifemin is 40 mg per day.

DHEA Is Not an Anabolic SteroidI can understand some confusion about DHEA, since

testosterone, estrogen, and other naturally occurring steroidal hormones are made during a cascade of chemical conversions that begins with cholesterol and ends with DHEA, the direct precursor of these hormones.

But a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. DHEA is not an anabolic hormone. As this study shows, it doesn't raise hormone levels, increase muscle mass, or otherwise behave as an anabolic steroid. Nor is there any good evidence that DHEA raises testosterone levels in men (although it does increase them slightly in women).

Nevertheless, this supplement, which has been around for 20 years, has come under attack in the sports community, and it has been banned by the Olympics, NFL, and NBA. Call it guilt by association—plus an inexcusable lack of knowledge of the medical literature—but this is simply an overreac-tion to the rampant abuse of steroids in professional sports in recent years. And the fact that this small, benign study of elderly men and women even enters the dialogue about steroid abuse is preposterous.

December 2006 Page 157

Fountain of Youth?So should you take DHEA? I take it myself and

recommend it to most of my older patients, and I will continue to do so. DHEA, as this study shows, helps preserve bone mass. (Oddly, this wasn't mentioned in the study's conclusion, which said DHEA had no "physiologically relevant beneficial effects.") Scores of other clinical trials have revealed additional benefits in older people, including maintenance of muscle mass, and improvements in libido and sexual performance, lipid levels, insulin sensitivity, mood,and sense of well-being. One paper, which was actually cited in the above study, concluded that the blood level of DHEA

"is independently and inversely related to death from any cause and death from cardiovascular disease in men over age 50."

Yet the center ring of this media circus overlooked these benefits and instead attacked DHEA for being touted as a "fountain-of-youth hormone." The most absurd quote came from the Associated Press. "No harmful side effects were detected. That is good news, but it does not mean the supplements are

Continued on page 6

Dear Dr. Whitaker


Vol. 16, No. 12Page 158



|~?1 / have read your column with interest for years and applied several of your suggestions and thought of you as an expert on supplements, so I was shocked and very disappointed to read your last column in which you took such a wild broadside swing at the entire psychiatric branch of medicine... — KS, Arroyo Grande, CA

(I got quite a bit of static on my recent criticism of psychiatry—including this letter from a licensed psychotherapist, which included several well-written examples supporting her point of view. Here's my response to her.)

I don't deny that emotional dysfunction and suffering—whether they are labeled depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or something else—are real entities that affect millions. But I cannot abide by the unscientific method that the psychiatric profession uses to come up with ever-increasing numbers of diagnoses. What validates the bulk of psychiatric diagnoses as "diseases"? While I understand your concern about underplaying the seriousness of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, surely you can see the absurdity of labeling poor math or writing skills and many of the other 370+ psychiatric diagnoses as illnesses.

My most vehement criticism is directed at the aggressiveness with which the profession promotes the use of psychiatric drugs. You mentioned that some of your patients have benefited from these drugs, and I'm sure that's true. But in the case of depression, for example, I can point to scientific

studies showing that the most popular class of anti-depressants works no better than a placebo—and you well know that these drugs now carry a warning that they increase risk of suicide.

In your letter, you ask why I'm not looking into the causes of ADHD and other problems rather than putting my "head into the sand of denial by saying they don't exist." I assure you that I am. Although none of the physicians at the Whitaker Wellness Institute is a psychiatrist, when a patient comes to us in emotional distress we look for potential causes such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, allergies, food and environmental sensitivities, and underlying illness. Even when we don't find a specific cause, symptoms often improve with lifestyle changes, optimal nutrition, and the like.

I applaud you on your use of nondrug therapies such as nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and positive thinking. I also feel you and your fellow therapists provide a valuable service. Past experiences affect our present and future emotions, and I do believe that articulating personal experiences to a trained professional can be restorative.

If I offended you, I'm sorry. But the bottom line is that the answer to emotional problems is not labeling and drugging patients but getting to the root causes of their complaints and then offering them safe, effective solutions. Psychiatry as it currently functions just gets in the way. — JW

Works for me...Your article on white tea interested me, so I bought some from a store in Detroit. My wife and I found that one or two

cups a day dropped our blood sugar levels to the point that I may reduce my prescription drugs for diabetes. We have tried aloe vera juice, cherry juice, and other products, but they soon fell by the wayside. But this white tea really works. — RW, Portage, MI


Did You Know?• If just 10 percent of adults in

the US walked on a regular basis, we'd save $5.6 billion in heart disease health care costs annually.

• Although 57 percent of family physicians know the cardiovascular benefits of fish oil, only 17 percent prescribe it regularly.

• Multivitamins increase fertility in women trying to get pregnant.

• Exercising just 30 minutes a day halves the risk of catching a cold in postmenopausal women.

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improved cognitive function in a recent study of people with Alzheimer's disease.

• To remove fresh stains, saturate with soda water and blot with a towel.

• Drinking lots of coffee protects against coronary artery disease.

• Germans and the French work about 25 percent fewer hours per year than Americans.

• According to a large British survey, regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding smoking gives 45- to 79-year-olds the life expectancy of someone 11 years younger.

• Eating lots of vegetables (2.8 servings per day) slows memory loss by 40 percent in people over 65.

• Most drugs retain 90 percent of their potency for at least five years after their expiration dates.

• More than 20,000 US kids are treated in ERs for shopping cart-related injuries each year.

KUDZU FOR ALCOHOL CRAVINGSIf you're from the South like I am (I grew up in

Atlanta), you're familiar with kudzu, a fast-growing vine that has overtaken more than 7 million acres of land, enveloping trees, telephone poles, and anything else in its path. But this pesky weed also has a positive side: It curbs alcohol cravings.

To test this, Massachusetts researchers set up a "lab" in an apartment where study subjects came after work. They took either a kudzu supplement or a placebo capsule and then drank as many beers as they desired. The experiment was later repeated and the kudzu-placebo groups were switched. Across the board, those taking kudzu drank more slowly and drank about half as much as when they were taking a placebo. We're in the thick of the holiday season, and eggnog, hot toddies, and champagne abound. If you tend to overindulge, give kudzu a try. Look for a standardized kudzu extract in health food stores, take as directed, and let me know how it works for you.

NUTRIENTS FOR SENSE OF SMELLEvergreen and peppermint, candles and

potpourri, sugar cookies and other sweets...the smells of the season are upon us. Unfortunately, this simple pleasure is denied to millions of people, most of them over 65, who suffer with an impaired sense of smell—a condition that also affects sense of taste, enjoyment of food, and the ability to detect hazards such as smoke and spoiled food. If you're one of them and your doctor has told you age-related smelling loss is untreatable, don't give up.

First, look into reversible underlying conditions such as allergies, sinus inflammation, infections, nasal polyps, hypothyroidism, and smoking that can alter sense of smell. Also examine your drug regimen for culprits such as anti-psychotics, reserpine, amphetamines, and prolonged use of decongestants. And beef up your nutrient intake. People with smelling impairment are more likely to be malnourished, and deficiencies in zinc and vitamins B1, E, and A have been linked with this condition. A good daily multivitamin and mineral supplement is imperative. (Aim for 30 mg zinc, 5,000 IU vitamin A, 50 mg B1, and 400 IU vitamin E.) Alpha lipoic acid can also help restore the sense of smell in some cases, so I recommend a trial of 300-600 mg per day.

FISH FOR HEALTHEveryone knows that fish is high in protein, low in saturated fat,

and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Nevertheless, concerns about farmed fish, mercury, and other contaminants leave many people confused. Should you eat fish or not? A Harvard research team recently concluded that the pros of eating fish far outweigh the cons, since fish consumption reduces risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 36 percent and total mortality by 17 percent. Yet researchers from the Institute of Medicine were not so optimistic, noting that only salmon and other fatty fish are cardioprotective and pointing to high levels of contaminants, especially in farmed fish.

When you sift through these studies, it isn't all that confusing. As I've been telling you for years, avoid shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, which are unacceptably high in mercury. Make wild Pacific salmon your fish of choice, and also enjoy omega-3-rich sardines, herring, and small tuna, as well as shrimp, crab, halibut, and other species with low levels of contaminants. As for farmed fish, the Harvard group noted that farmed salmon contains twice as much omega-3 as leaner wild salmon, plus fish farming protects our oceans from overfishing.

Continued from page 4altogether safe." How in the world could they have come to that conclusion?

By the way, the DHEA study came out in the same week that JAMA published a CDC study reporting that adverse reactions to medications send more than 700,000 Americans to emergency rooms every year. Where are the calls to get some of these dangerous drugs off the market?

ReferencesNair KS et al. DHEA in elderly women and DHEA or testosterone in elderly

men. N Engl J Med. 2006 Oct 19;355( 16): 1647-1659.

Stewart PM. Aging and fountain-of-youth hormones. /V Engl J Med. 2006 Oct 19;355( 16): 1724-1726.

Budnitz DS et al. National surveillance of emergency department visits for outpatient adverse drug events. JA M A . 2006 Oct 18;296(15):1858-1866.

NATURAL THERAPIES

Simple Solutions for Complex Problems

One question I'm routinely asked is "If you hadto recommend just one supplement for__________(fill inthe blank), what would it be?" I could easily spout off a laundry list of safe, natural therapies for virtually all common health concerns. Narrowing it down to only one therapy per condition is much more of a challenge, but based on recent patient and subscriber feedback, here goes.

Manage Pain With MSMFor joint and muscle pain, I've been hearing great things

about MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a naturally occurring sulfur compound and close chemical cousin of DMSO—that doesn't have DMSO's obnoxious smell. MSM relieves pain by several mechanisms. It's a powerful anti-inflammatory, it blocks the pain response in nerve fibers, and its sulfur may help with cartilage regeneration.

One of our patients, the mother of a Whitaker Wellness doctor, was bothered by nagging pain in her neck and shoulders—until she started taking MSM. Another patient, who is an actor, used to have such excruciating pain in his knees that he'd have to take Vicodin before going on stage and was considering arthroscopic surgery. He reported miraculous results with MSM and no longer requires painkillers. The suggested daily dose of MSM ranges between 1,200 and 6,000 mg. Start low and increase as needed.

How to Get a Good Night's SleepOccasional sleeplessness is a very common concern. I

used to recommend melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your "body clock"; valerian, an herb with mild sedative effects; or L-theanine, an amino acid with profound relaxing properties. Each of these worked for some people, but not everyone. Then I tried them in combination, and bingo! For the majority of patients and subscribers, this combo engenders a good night's sleep.

Tom, a VP at the company that publishes Health & Healing, shared his story. He was eating right, exercising, and taking vitamins, but when it came time for bed, despite the fact he was physically and mentally drained, he still sometimes had trouble falling or staying asleep. Since he started taking this supplement, however, he sleeps like a baby. Look for combination sleep products in your health food store. Suggested doses are 1,000 meg melatonin, 500 mg valerian extract, and 200 mg L-theanine 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.

V8 Gives Hypertension the BootExperts predict that an astounding 90 percent of

middle-aged Americans will develop hypertension at some point in their lives. This sounds extreme, but I have to admit that many of the patients who come to my clinic have high blood pressure. Fortunately, we are very successful at getting them off drugs with diet changes, exercise, and a handful of supplements. But if I had to select just one thing for high blood pressure it would be Low Sodium V8 juice.

Low Sodium V8 has a slight blood-thinning effect, which reduces pressure on the arteries, and it's loaded with potassium, which balances sodium and helps lower blood pressure. One of the many patients who has benefited from this therapy is Ted, an old friend of mine. After struggling with hypertension for years, Ted took me up on my suggestion to drink 12 ounces of this juice every day. Much to his surprise, this simple step worked to normalize his blood pressure.

Flaxseed Lowers CholesterolIt seems like everyone's trying to lower their

cholesterol, and about 13 million Americans are taking dangerous statin cholesterol-lowering drugs to bring it down. When a patient walks through the doors of Whitaker Wellness on one of these drugs, however, we immediately discontinue it and start them on natural therapies that accomplish the same goal in a much safer and saner manner. The one I'd recommend you try first is flaxseed.

Page 163

Simply grind up a quarter cup once a day, mix it in water or a smoothie, and drink it. The soluble fiber and omega-3 oils in flax can dramatically lower cholesterol. One of my staff members tried it herself, and after three weeks of use her total cholesterol level fell about 23 points. But don't use her as the norm. Health & Healing subscriber James, whose initial cholesterol level was 288, saw his numbers drop to 232 after 15 days, and plummet to an incredible 188 after six months.

DGL Quells HeartburnPeople are always asking me about digestive problems,

and I always recommend the same thing: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). This herb helps boost your natural defenses by enhancing production of protective mucosal cells that line the entire gastrointestinal tract. Many of my patients swear by DGL for relieving acid reflux and heartburn. One in particular, Hortense, hasn't had a single episode since beginning her daily DGL regimen.

DGL's suggested dose is two tablets chewed 20 minutes before meals three times a day. In order for DGL to be effective it must be mixed with saliva, so only purchase chewable forms. Unlike regular licorice, DGL does not cause water retention, raise blood pressure, or lower testosterone levels.

See Clearly With NutrientsVision problems plague many people as they get older,

and whether it's an inability to read fine print, dry eyes, floaters, or macular degeneration, these impairments interfere significantly with quality of life. That's why for more than a decade I've recommended lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, bilberry, and other nutrients that target eye health.

These nutrients consistently provide good results—in fact, in just the past month I've heard from three subscribers who began using them. One woman reported that her macular degeneration, a progressive condition that is the leading cause of blindness in older people, is now under control and holding steady. Another says they help with her vision and dry eyes. And a 93-year-old man told me that now his 40-year-old relatives depend on him to read fine print! Look for vision products that contain 15 mg of lutein, 600 meg zeaxanthin, 50 mg zinc, and 320 mg bilberry, among other nutrients.

Rev Up Energy With RiboseLack of energy is another common problem that can be

caused by a number of things, from low thyroid to sleep apnea to a serious disease. But for

run-of-the-mill fatigue, I vote for ribose. It's a simple sugar required in the production of ATP, the fuel that runs our cells. Low stores of ribose mean less ATP can be generated, and that translates into sapped energy. I've written about ribose for the treatment of heart failure and fibromyalgia, but it also shores up energy levels in cells throughout the body, giving you a natural energy boost.

One ribose "success story" is my wife, Connie, who, like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going. Even though she works full time, travels with me, and is always juggling a number of additional projects, this woman never runs out of steam. Connie says that ribose noticeably perks her up, and it also improves her endurance while exercising. I recommend taking 5 g (one heaping teaspoonful) of ribose mixed in water, tea, or juice once or twice a day.

Say Bye-Bye to BPH With Saw PalmettoWomen may have to go through menopause, but older

men have to deal with enlarged prostates. This condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be a real inconvenience. My patient Fred wasn't getting enough sleep because he had to make up to five nighttime trips to the restroom. Problem was, despite a sense of urgency, he had trouble going and his urinary flow was little more than a dribble. He tried cutting back on liquids before bed and concentrating on emptying his bladder, but nothing worked. Then I told him about saw palmetto.

Saw palmetto works in a fashion similar to the drug Proscar to treat BPH symptoms—without the side effects of the drug, which include erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. After two weeks of taking saw palmetto, Fred noticed improvements. Over the next three months his nighttime bathroom trips decreased from five to one. The suggested dose is 320 mg daily taken in divided doses with meals.

Magnesium Relaxes MusclesCharley horses and nocturnal leg cramps plague all of

us at some time or another. These painful muscle spasms are not only inconvenient, they interfere with sleep and quality of life. The solution? Magnesium, which relieves cramps by relaxing the muscles. This mineral has been shown to be extremely effective at reducing the occurrence of nighttime leg cramps, especially in pregnant women and older individuals.

At the clinic we use magnesium citrate, a highly bioavailable form of magnesium. Look for powdered magnesium citrate, and take 420 mg in water about 30 minutes before bedtime. In addition to relaxing

December 2006 Page 164

your muscles, it may help you sleep better too. (Some people are sensitive to larger doses of magnesium; if it causes diarrhea, reduce your dose.)

A Unique Product for PsoriasisSkin problems, though rarely life threatening, cause patients an inordinate

amount of distress—and one of the most distressing is psoriasis. A former employee of mine who suffered with this condition for 25 years described not only the pain of her bleeding, weeping lesions but also told me she felt like a leper during much of her childhood and adolescence. She tried every treatment imaginable for her psoriasis, from steroids to fish oil to fasting, to no avail.

Then she discovered an over-the-counter spray called Skin-Cap. It worked like nothing else for this woman, as it has for many, many others. I want to give you a heads-up about some controversy over Skin-Cap. The FDA has reported that it contains a prescription steroid. The product's manufacturer denies this, stating the active ingredient is zinc pyrithione. It's a murky situation, but it hasn't deterred users who swear it's the only thing that gives them relief—including some of my patients who have been using it for years with no adverse effects.

Cranberries for UTIsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are not something people like to talk about, but

they are extremely common—and surprisingly easy to prevent. One subscriber told me she used to have frequent UTIs until she started drinking unsweetened cranberry juice. At the first sign of an infection, she drinks one or two glasses a day, and she says she hasn't had a UTI since she started this preventive measure.

Cranberry juice is one of those "kitchen remedies" that really works. These berries contain proanthocyanidins and a sugar called d-mannose that prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to bladder walls and setting up residence in your urinary tract. Regular cranberry juice is full of sugar, so I recommended the unsweetened varieties. They are very tart, but you can sweeten them with stevia or xylitol. Another option is cranberry extract supplements, which are sold in health food stores. If you're prone to infections, use cranberry juice or supplements regularly.

To Your Health...I can't guarantee that these "one-shot wonders" will do it for everyone, but I can

tell you that we've had excellent success over the years with these tried-and-true therapies. Stay tuned during the upcoming year for more solutions to your most common health concerns.

Recommendations:• Most of these therapies are sold in health food stores. Low Sodium V8 and

unsweetened cranberry juice may be found in grocery stores, and you may have to look for Skin-Cap on the Internet. All of these products may also be ordered by calling the Whitaker Wellness Institute at (800) 810-6655.

A blessed and happy holiday season to you and yours,

Watch Future Issues For:■ Winners of the 2006 Health

Achievement Awards

■ How to Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick


■ More Simple Solutions

■ Stimulate Your Sense of Smell With Aromatherapy

■ My Favorite Fish Recipes






Come Join Me...on the Mexican Riviera, on the next Health & Wealth Cruise, March 4-ll, 2007. Enjoy the tropical sun and the exotic ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta as you learn about the latest trends in the health and financial arenas. For more information call (800) 435-4534 or visit intershow.com.

©2006 Healthy Directions. LLCJJ^

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Dr. Julian Whitaker'sCELEBRATING 15 YEARS

Health & HealinYour Definitive Guide to Wellness MedicineJ March 2007

Vol. 17, No. 3

Dear Reader,Deborah Ray, host of Healthy Talk Radio, has been one of the most consistent and capable voices in health care for

25 years. Recently, I teamed up with her to co-host this important program. Radio provides a timely and effective way to give out information, and it offers listeners the opportunity for personal interaction. I encourage you to tune in, call the station, and ask me your most pressing health questions. I promise to do my best to answer them.

Stations, dates, and times vary across the country, so visit the clinic Web site at whitakenvellness.com and select the button "Click Here to Listen to Dr. Whitaker on the Radio." You'll find links to information on when the show airs and how to listen to it live online, plus how to access past shows. I hope you tune in soon.



In This Issue:CANCER TREATMENT

Old Therapy, New Uses ... .p. 1

http://whitakenvellness.com/

HEART DISEASE CANCER AND AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

Niacin: Frontline Defense..p.3

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Are Supplements Safe?..............p.4

Restored Sexual Function

and Libido..................................p.4

Vaginal Dryness...Alzheimer'sPrevention...Bone Loss..............p.5

Challenging the

Paradigm....................................p.6

NOTABLE QUOTE

May your blessings outnumber The

shamrocks that grow, And may

trouble avoid you Wherever you go.

— Irish Blessina

Old Therapy, New UsesThe American Cancer Society (ACS) recently announced that for the second

year in a row, there was a decline in annual cancer deaths: 553,888 in 2004, which is 3,014 fewer than in 2003. It also reported that the decline was not just a "statistical blip" but part of a continuing trend.

Before you get too excited, consider that the ACS's Cancer Facts & Figures 2007 predicts that nearly 560,000 Americans—an increase of more than 6,000 over 2004—are expected to die of cancer this year. Furthermore, nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed.

Obviously, all the back-patting is a bit premature. Cancer kills more than 1,500 Americans a day. It is still our second most common cause of death and the leading cause of death among people younger than 85. Many of the cancer drugs approved in recent years have turned out to be expensive duds, yet most of the multi-billion dollar annual research budget goes toward more of the same. And although experts state that at least one-third of cancer deaths could be averted by tackling obesity, nutrition, and inactivity, there is far too little emphasis on prevention.

Most disappointing, safe and effective therapies continue to be ignored. I want to tell you about one of these overlooked therapies, which shows great promise not only for cancer but also for autoimmune disorders: low-dose naltrexone (LDN).

A Serendipitous DiscoveryNaltrexone is a drug used to help addicts withdraw from heroin and other

opiates. Bernard Bihari, MD, was treating heroin addicts in New York City when naltrexone first came on the market in 1984, and he

began using it with his patients. It works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain that heroin and other opiates seek out—so when an addict uses heroin, it can't bind to the receptors and produce a high. But naltrexone also blocks the binding of the body's own endorphins, enkephalins, and other natural opiates that boost mood and sense of well-being. As a result, it makes people feel lousy, and no one stays on it.

At about the same time naltrexone was introduced, the AIDS epidemic struck. Because so many needle-sharing addicts were HIV-positive and there were so few effective treatments for AIDS, many of Dr. Bihari's patients became ill and died. Looking for ways to help them, he tested their endorphin levels, and noting that the levels were critically depressed, he thought there might be some link between endorphins and immunity.

Although Dr. Bihari had dismissed the therapeutic value of naltrexone for heroin withdrawal, he recalled research suggesting that lower doses of the drug might stimulate endorphin release. So he began giving 1.75-4.5 mg (the dose for addicts is 50 mg) to his AIDS patients at bedtime. Their endorphin levels doubled or tripled, and more important, their immune systems bounced back and they got better.

A Shift of FocusDr. Bihari knew he was on to something, and his focus

shifted away from addiction and toward immune function.

In 1985, he gave LDN to a friend with recurring non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To Dr. Bihari's amazement, the tumors in her neck, chest, and abdomen shrank and disappeared! He also gave LDN to a friend of his daughter who had acute multiple sclerosis (MS), and for five years she had no symptoms. Then she ran out of LDN and within a month developed numbness and weakness. She got back on it, and her symptoms resolved. That was 16 years ago, and she has had no MS attacks since.

Today, 22 years after its discovery, LDN is making inroads. It's not because a drug company is advertising it on TV or paying for research. Its patent ran out long ago, so there is no financial incentive. Nor are many doctors prescribing it, since no drug reps are spoon-feeding them info on it. But LDN's popularity has steadily grown, driven by word of mouth from the many patients whom it's helped.

LDN Normalizes the Immune ResponseAt first glance, it seems unlikely that a single drug,

taken at less than one-tenth of the recommended dosage, would have such profound effects on so many seemingly unrelated conditions. It just doesn't fit modern medicine's "magic bullet" model of a different drug for every disease. But that's the beauty of this therapy. Because it works with the body to help regulate the immune system and make it more efficient, it has widespread benefits.

When LDN is taken at bedtime, it attaches to opioid receptors. This action signals the body to produce large amounts of endorphins and enkephalins, which are powerful stimulators of the immune response. Once the short-lived blockade of LDN wears off, these opiates bind to receptors in bone marrow progenitor cells (stem cells), macrophages, natural killer cells, T and B cells, and other immune cells and influence their development, differentiation, and function. Recent research suggests that natural opiates also bind to receptors on cancer cells and inhibit their growth.

Solid Track Record in CancerOver the years, Dr. Bihari has treated patients with a

variety of cancer types, including colon, prostate, melanoma, multiple myeloma, breast, ovary, uterine, brain, neuroblastoma, lung, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He estimates that about 60 percent of cancer patients—for virtually all of whom conventional treatment had failed—receive benefits. He followed a group of patients between 1999 and


Julian Whitaker, MD, has practiced medicine for over 30 years, after receiving degrees from Dartmouth College and Emory University. Dr. Whitaker has long been an advocate of living a healthy life. Dr. Whitaker is compensated on the sales of the supplements he formulates for Forward Nutrition, a division of Doctors' Preferred, LLC. He is not compensated for other companies' products that he recommends in this newsletter. He is the author of 13 health books including: 7"ne Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, Reversing Hypertension, The Memory Solution, Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks, The Pain Relief Breakthrough, Reversing Heart Disease, Reversing Diabetes, and Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing.

Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing9 (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription.'Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

• Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Publisher: Robert Kroening Research Editor: Peggy DaceCEO: Kevin Donoghue Managing Editor: Jamie Whaley Associate Research Editor: Ryann Smith



2004 and reported that 86 had a minimum tumor reduction of 75 percent and were headed toward remission. Another 125 had stabilized but hadn't achieved that level of tumor shrinkage. Nine had tumor progression, and 84, most of whom were very ill to begin with, died.

Burton Berkson, MD, a friend of mine and an expert in alpha lipoic acid, has been using LDN at his clinic in Las Cruces, NM, for several years. In 2006, he published a case study in Integrative Cancer Therapies of a 46-year-old man diagnosed in October 2002 with pancreatic cancer and metastases to the liver. The prognosis for this type of cancer is dismal; average survival after diagnosis is just three to six months. This man had a single dose of chemo, which he tolerated very poorly, and he was told that further treatment would be "fruitless."

So he went to see Dr. Berkson, who started him on 3-4.5 mg of naltrexone at bedtime, along with 300-600 mg of intravenous alpha lipoic acid twice a week and daily oral supplementation with lipoic acid, selenium, silymarin, and B-complex vitamins. Today, this gentleman is back at work, symptom free, and "without appreciable progression of his malignancy."

An Answer for Autoimmune Disorders?LDN's track record in multiple sclerosis, lupus,

rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and other autoimmune disorders appears to be even better.

A multi-center trial studying LDN for the treatment of MS is currently underway in Italy, and in a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, patients with active Crohn's disease were given 4.5 mg of naltrexone at bedtime for 12 weeks. Eighty-nine percent had symptom improvements, and 67 percent achieved remission.

People with these chronic conditions, which are caused by a dysfunctional immune system, often suffer horribly, so they know what works and what doesn't. They are among the most passionate and vocal advocates of this therapy. If conventional medicine picks up on LDN at all, it will likely be for autoimmune conditions, as these patients educate their own doctors.

Safe, Inexpensive, and Worth a TryI'm not suggesting that LDN is a cure-all for cancer or

autoimmune disease. But I do recommend that you look into this safe, inexpensive ($25-30 a month) therapy. It may take some work convincing your doctor because this is an "off-label" use of an approved drug—but its long track record of benefits makes it worth the effort.Recommendations:• Visit lowdosenaltrexone.org to learn more about LDN, and

peruse the Internet. You'll find hundreds of thousands of links and many inspiring stories of patients it has helped.

• Naltrexone requires a prescription and, at low doses, is available only from compounding pharmacies such as The Compounder Pharmacy in Aurora, IL, (800) 679-4667, thecompounder.com.

• The therapeutic dose of LDN is 1.75-4.5 mg; 4.5 mg is the most common dose. It must be taken at bedtime. Do not use time-release or full-strength (50 mg) naltrexone. Try it for at least three months to evaluate effectiveness. LDN is safe and well tolerated, but should not be taken by patients on opioid narcotics.

• If you can't find a doctor willing to prescribe LDN, consider an appointment with Dr. Bihari in New York, (212) 929-4196. For treatment of autoimmune disorders, contact Dr. Berkson in Las Cruces, NM, at (505) 524-3720, or the Whitaker Wellness Institute, at (800) 488-1500.

ReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2007. Atlanta, GA, 2007.

Berkson BM, et al. The long-term survival of a patient with pancreatic cancer with metastases to the liver after treatment with the intravenous alpha-lipoic acid/low-dose naltrexone protocol. Integr Cancer Ther. 2006;5(l):83-89.

Low Dose Naltrexone. [Low Dose Naltrexone Web site]. www.Iondosenaltre.xone.org. Accessed January 29, 2007.

Smith J P. et al. Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn's disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Jan 11: [Epub ahead of print].

HEART DISEASE AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Niacin: Frontline DefenseA few months ago, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer was

sitting pretty. Its LDL cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor was, and continues to be, the best-selling drug in the world, and it was looking to get approval for torcetrapib—an HDL-boosting drug that was expected to be the next blockbuster. Pundits predicted that this one-two punch would dominate the cholesterol and heart disease drug market.

Today, Pfizer's stock is down, the company has announced plans to close plants and lay off more than 2,000 sales reps, and the $800 million effort to bring torcetrapib to the market is over. The company pulled the plug on the drug after data from a 15,000-patient study revealed that it increased heart problems and death rate.

Continued on page 6

March 2007 Page 3

http://www.Iondosenaltre.xone.org/

http://thecompounder.com/

http://lowdosenaltrexone.org/

Dear Dr,

Whitaker





recently read Dan Hurley's book, Natural Causes: Death, Lies and Politics in America's Vitamin and Herbal Supplement Industry. He says outright that vitamins and minerals are "untested, unproven, and often tragically unsafe." As a longtime subscriber to your newsletter, I'm curious what you have to say about this. Personally, I think it's a lot of bunk. —AP, Wichita, KS

In this book, Dan Hurley makes the nutritional supplement industry out to be a serious menace to the public, causing widespread injury and death. He reports that from 1983 to 2004 there were more than 1.5 million calls to poison control centers related to supplements and 203 reported deaths. That's a yearly average of almost 70,000 "incidents" and approximately nine deaths associ-ated with—not definitely caused by—supplements.

To put this into perspective, let's say that nutritional supplements do cause nine deaths per year. This pales in comparison to other consumer products, which kill 25,100 Americans annually. More than 1,000 choke to death on food and other household items. Accidental poisonings result in 4.833 deaths. Accidents involving bicycles kill 784, motorcycles another 4,553, and automobiles a whopping 33,041. Aspirin and other over-the-counter NSAIDs are responsible for 16,000 fatalities, and even food causes 5,000 deaths annually.

The notion that any consumer product must be absolutely safe is irrational, but to single out

nutritional supplements, arguably one of the safest consumer products available, is irresponsible. As in any industry, there are people out to make a quick buck with shoddy products and exaggerated claims. But Hurley casts mean-spirited aspersions over the entire industry. The man's clearly on a witch hunt.

Hurley's "solutions" include proposals to regulate nutritional supplements like drugs. He calls for dosage limits (likely at paltry RDA levels), restrictions on the number of nutrients allowed in products (only one per supplement), and limitations on where supplements could be sold. He also espouses increased funding of the FDA and dismantling of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which funds research on natural therapies.

To imply that FDA regulation would ensure safety is ludicrous, especially because the single most dangerous consumer products are FDA-approved prescription drugs. When used exactly as prescribed, they result in 106,000 deaths per year— making them more than 10,000 times more deadly than nutritional supplements!

Folks, the dark forces are gathering. In addition to this book, CBS News, the New York. Times, and other media have launched attacks on nutritional supplements, and Congress recently passed adverse events reporting legislation, handing the FDA unwarranted regulatory powers. We must fight back. Visit whitakerhealthfreedom.com or call (800) 243-3153 to see how you can help. — J W






Works for me...For the last six months I have wanted to tell you thank you, thank you, thank you! My husband and I are both 70 years

old and have been married for 50 years. The past 14 of those years, my husband was on the prescription drugs allopurinol, propranolol, Lipitor, and Hyzaar. We had been through a very hard time in our marriage, and he had no sex drive. Of course, I thought it was my fault.

But about nine months ago, he got fed up with his doctor and turned to you for the information that changed our lives. He began taking natural supplements such as CoQIO, L-arginine, L-camitine, and policosanol instead of the drugs, and now, thanks to you (and most certainly my wonderful husband), our sex life is fantastic. I guess he was just as frustrated during those 14 years as I was. He's turned into such a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and I can truly say we are both enjoying this time together. — AK, Ohio

At least 131 drugs are known to cause sexual dysfunction and/or loss of libido. Discuss this with your physician, and if he isn't willing to try natural approaches, find one who will by calling the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (888) 439-6891 or visiting acam.org. For more information about erectile dysfunction and enhancing libido, visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com. — JW






http://acam.org/


Did You Know?• To get the heart-health benefits of tea, drink it black. Milk negates tea's ability to relax the arteries.

• Vitamin D reduces risk of Parkinson's disease.

• Physicians' sloppy hand-writing on prescriptions causes more than 7,000 drug-related deaths a year.

• Japanese researchers have found that a carotenoid in mandarin oranges protects against atherosclerosis, liver disease, and insulin resistance.

• Dioxin, a common envi-ronmental toxin, lowers testosterone levels in men.

• Three-quarters of the estimated six million Ameri-cans with sleep apnea have not been diagnosed or treated.

• Pharmaceutical companies now spend $4.5 billiona year advertising drugs directly to consumers.

• In a recent survey, 78 percent of doctors reported being asked by patients for specific drugs they'd seen on TV; 67 percent have granted those requests.

• Severe periodontal disease and tooth loss are linked with increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

• Ghrelin, a hormone secreted when the stomach is empty that stimulates appetite, also enhances learning and memory.

• Prozac and other anti-depressants are becoming a popular treatment for misbehaving and "depressed" pets.

ESTRIOL FOR VAGINAL DRYNESSA common change that occurs with menopause is

vaginal dryness. As estrogen production declines, the membranes of the vagina become thinner and less elastic, and production of lubricating fluid drops. Although this is not life threatening, it can make sexual intercourse difficult and uncomfortable. Of course, you can always use a personal lubricant, but I want to tell you about another solution: vaginal estriol.

Estriol is a type of estrogen produced in the body. When applied topically, estriol stimulates estrogen receptors in the vagina, increasing lubrication and plumping up tissues, yet its systemic effects are minimal. Studies suggest that this therapy may also help ward off urinary tract infections and improve incontinence. Topical estriol requires a prescription and is only available from compounding pharmacies that prepare it in suppositories, tablets, or creams that are inserted into the vagina. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area, check with the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) at (800) 927-4227, iacprx.org , or contact Wellness Health Pharmacy at (800) 227-2627.

FOLIC ACID FOR ALZHEIMER'S PREVENTIONWant to reduce your risk of

Alzheimer's disease? Take more folic acid. According to a 2007 study, folic acid protects against this devastating disease. Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center enrolled a group of 965 New Yorkers who were 65 years old or older and did not have dementia, and measured their dietary and supplement intake of folate/folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. The participants were followed for an average of six and a half years; over that period, 192 of them developed Alzheimer's. Researchers then looked at the study participants' intake of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 and found one very significant association: the higher the folic acid intake, the lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. (Interestingly, there was no link between Alzheimer's and the intake of vitamins B6 and B12).

We're looking at a quadrupling in the number of cases of Alzheimer's disease over the next 40 years. But this inexpensive vitamin just might help put the brakes on the impending epidemic. I suggest you increase your intake of folate-rich foods (beans, leafy greens, and other vegetables) and take at least 800 meg of supplemental folic acid daily. For further recommendations on how to protect against memory loss, visit the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com .

PRUNES FOR REVERSING BONE LOSSKnown mostly for their laxative effect,

prunes (or dried plums as they are called these days) boast myriad health benefits. Rich in fiber, potassium, iron, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, they're high on the list of healthful foods. Recent animal studies have uncovered more good news: Prunes may reverse bone loss and promote bone formation.

In a recent study, female rats whose ovaries had been surgically removed were fed a diet supplemented with prunes, and marked restoration of bone mass occurred. The results were so profound that researchers at Florida State University are beginning a year-long clinical trial with postmenopausal women. Half of the women will add 9-10 prunes (100 g) to their daily diet, and the other half will consume an equivalent portion of dried apples. All of the women will take 500 mg of calcium and 200 IU of vitamin D a day, undergo quarterly blood and urine tests, and have their bone mineral density measured at the start and end of the study. We won't know the results for a while, but the way I see it, why wait? Start reaping the benefits of prunes today.


http://iacprx.org/

Page 5

Continued from page 3The idea of raising HDL cholesterol is a good one, but

we don't need a new drug to do it (especially one that kills people). There's already a therapy out there—an inexpensive B-complex vitamin that not only increases levels of protective HDL cholesterol, but also lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), and other risk factors for heart disease.

A Powerhouse of a NutrientNiacin, or nicotinic acid, is a form of vitamin B3 that

has been used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides since the late 1950s, decades before statin drugs came on the market.

The first large placebo-controlled trial of the effects of niacin on cardiovascular disease began in 1966. In this study, more than 8,000 men with a history of heart attack took 3,000 mg of niacin or a placebo daily. After six years, the average total cholesterol of the men taking niacin fell by 10 percent, triglycerides by 26 percent, recurrent heart attacks by 27 percent, and strokes by 26 percent more than those in the placebo group. Although there was no difference in the death rate at that time, in a nine-year follow-up period there were 11 percent fewer deaths among those who took niacin.

With a vitamin like this, who needs drugs?

Beyond Total CholesterolNot long after this study was published, the race to

develop cholesterol-lowering drugs shifted into high gear. Consequently, whenever niacin was studied thereafter, it was as an adjunct therapy along with one drug or another. But even in these studies, niacin shines in ways that no other therapy can.

As discussed earlier, niacin raises HDL cholesterol, which shuttles cholesterol out of the arteries to the liver. A low HDL cholesterol level is an independent risk factor for heart disease, while a high level is protective, even if total cholesterol is above normal. Researchers from the University of Washington recently concluded, based on an analysis of 23 controlled clinical trials, that a 30 percent increase in HDL (which can be achieved with niacin) plus a 40 percent drop in LDL (attainable by using natural therapies as well as statins) adds up to an astounding 70 percent risk reduction—and a "revolution in cardiovascular prevention."

In addition, niacin favorably affects other blood lipids. It causes a shift away from small, dense LDL cholesterol particles to larger, more buoyant, and less damaging LDL particles. Moreover, it is one of the few proven therapies for lowering lipoprotein(a), another risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Consider Niacin a Frontline TherapyClearly, niacin deserves to be a frontline therapy for

cardiovascular disease. Its primary downside is the flushing it can cause when taken in therapeutic doses. Niacin dilates the blood vessels and promotes the release of histamine in the capillaries, resulting in a discomforting warm, tingly, itchy feeling.

You can minimize flushing by taking sustained-release (also called timed-release and controlled-release) niacin, rather than immediate release niacin. (I no longer recommend inositol hexaniacinate, or "no-flush" niacin, for lipid lowering because it doesn't work as well.) Start with a low dose and build up gradually over the course of a few weeks. Taking it in divided doses with meals also reduces flushing, or you can take it all at once at bedtime so you'll be asleep if flushing comes on. A baby aspirin (81 mg) or 15-25 mg of Benadryl half an hour before taking niacin at bedtime is helpful as well.

Recommendations:

• Most of our patients see benefits with 1,000-2,000 mg daily. High-dose niacin is best taken under the supervision of a doctor. In addition to flushing, other side effects include occasional gastrointestinal distress, skin sensitivity, and rare liver toxicity, so liver enzymes should be checked periodically. High-dose niacin may worsen blood sugar control in diabetics, but with proper monitoring it can be used safely. If you have a peptic ulcer, gout, or liver disease, use with caution.

• Niacin is sold by prescription (Niasafe) and over the counter in drugstores (Endur-Acin). We use OrthoMolecular's Time Release Niacin at the clinic. To order, call (800) 810-6655.

• Read about other natural cholesterol-lowering therapies in the Subscriber Center at drwhitaker.com.

ReferencesBrown BG, et al. Simultaneous low-density lipoprotein-C lowering and high-

density lipoprotein-C elevation for optimum cardiovascular disease prevention with various drug classes, and their combinations: a meta-analysis of 23 randomized lipid trials. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2006 Dec;17(6):631-636.

Canner PL, et al. Fifteen year mortality in Coronary Drug Project patients: long-term benefit with niacin. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1986;8(6): 1245-1255.

DIABETES

Challenging the ParadigmBenjamin Franklin defined insanity as doing the same

thing over and over and expecting different results. This is clearly the case with conventional physicians and pharmaceutical companies when itcomes to treating type 2 diabetes. Doctors are quick to whip out the prescription pad to dispense Band-Aid solutions, but these so-called cures, with their multiple side effects, are often far more damaging than the disease itself.

Prescription for DisasterTake Avandia, for example, which along with Actos

belongs to a class of drugs called glitazones that are used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity. This drug is bad news. It's hard on the liver (the first glitazone was taken off the market in 2000 because of liver toxicity), and it causes weight gain and fluid retention.

It has been known for some time that both glitazones and metformin (Glucophage, the best-selling diabetes drug) should not be prescribed to patients with heart failure. Package inserts and product labels clearly state that these drugs pose dangers to people with this condition. Yet an article published in JAMA in 2003 revealed that from 2000 to 2001, 11.2 percent of patients hospitalized for heart failure were given prescriptions for metformin upon discharge, and 16.1 percent got a glitazone.

If this weren't bad enough, last year the FDA issued a warning that Avandia and Avandamet (which contains both metformin and Avandia) could lead to a serious vision problem called macular edema. Caused by fluid retention and swelling in the eye, it can lead to blurred vision and eventual blindness. Patients with diabetes are already susceptible to this and other degenerative disorders of the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy. The last thing they need is a drug that increases this risk!

Worst of all, Avandia is now being promoted as a way of preventing diabetes. In a 2006 study of people considered to be at risk of developing diabetes, Avandia was found to slightly reduce this risk, but it came at a hefty price: a sevenfold increase in congestive heart failure!

The Natural RouteWe never prescribe Avandia or other oral diabetic drugs

at the Whitaker Wellness Institute because we get better results with diet, exercise, and targeted nutritional



supplements. If you take the bull by the horns and make significant lifestyle changes, the benefits can be remarkable. Here are two Health & Healing subscribers who are living proof.

In November 2005, Billy Cox from Rosamond. CA, was riddled with serious health problems. He had hypertension and had been on blood pressure medication for 30 years, and his chest pain andshortness of breath had led his cardiologist to recommend bypass surgery. But he decided to come to the Whitaker Wellness Institute instead.

During his three-week stay at our Back to Health Program, we treated his angina and shortness of breath and weaned him off his prescription drugs. We also found that his blood sugar was a dangerously high 435, a clear-cut case of diabetes, and addressed that as well. He began implementing important lifestyle changes such as exercising daily, modifying his diet significantly, and taking targeted nutritional supplements. By the time he left the clinic, his blood sugar readings were down to 89!

To date, Billy has lost 37 pounds and kept it off. He uses his treadmill and takes his supplements daily. He continues to maintain normal blood sugar and blood pressure levels and states, "You folks made my life 100 percent better, and I'll do anything

Low Testosterone = Diabetes?With all the focus on "fixing" diabetes with drugs,

underlying causes of the condition are rarely considered. One potential contributor is low testosterone, which affects one in three diabetic men. But which came first, testosterone deficiency or diabetes?

A study published in Diabetes Care may answer that question. Finnish researchers measured levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone in 702 middle-aged men who had no blood sugar problems, and then reexamined them after 11 years. At the time of follow-up, 147 had developed metabolic syndrome and 57 had diabetes. What's important about this study is that regardless of other factors, the men with the lowest testosterone levels were nearly two and a half times more likely to have developed diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

The idea that diabetes can be treated by normalizing testosterone levels is picking up speed. A study looking at supplemental testosterone as an adjunct therapy is underway, and many physicians who use bioidentical hormones have been treating patients with it for years.

Men over the age of 45 should have their testosterone level tested. If it's low, replacement should be considered. In addition to regulating insulin, testosterone reduces body fat, increases libido, boosts energy levels, and improves mood and memory. Testosterone requires a prescription and may be obtained from compounding pharmacies.


I can to make other people see the value in your program and decide to turn their lives around as well."

Goodbye Insulin, Hello HealthHere is what Health Achievement Award winner Bernard Karlin from

Longmont, CO, had to say:

"Six years ago, I weighed 282 pounds and injected 90 units of insulin daily, monitoring four times per day. I was diagnosed with diabetes and congestive heart failure. In addition, I was terribly depressed. I learned from Health & Healing to modify my eating habits, cutting out all pasta, bread, starches, and other high-carb foods, and to concentrate on eating green and colored vegetables, berries, nuts, minimal red meat, and plenty of chicken, salmon, and other omega-3 sources. Sugar substitutes were a problem until sucralose (Splenda) came along. Within a year, I was able to cut out insulin entirely.

"Today I weigh 180-185 pounds, have normal blood sugar, monitor only once per week, and take no medications. I walk two and a half miles a day and play tennis for two hours three times a week. I'm 80 years old and teach privately in my studio three days a week. I owe my life to your alternative advice, and I look askance at conventional medicine. In fact, I take only supplements—no drugs of any kind.

"Six years ago, I thought I'd be dead in two years. Today, I believe I will live another 20. Am I grateful to you? Bet on it!!!"

Recommendations:• To help lower blood sugar safely and naturally, try Gymnema sylvestre (400 mg),

chromium (400 meg), and, most important, vanadyl sulfate (100 mg). And be sure to take a high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement. Look for these supplements in your health food store or order by calling (800) 810-6655.

• Cut sugars and starches out of your diet and incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine four or more times a week.

• For a comprehensive overview of this safe, natural approach, read my book Reversing Diabetes (Warner Books, 2001), available at amazon.com or (800) 810-6655.

• If you would like to become a patient at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500 or visit whitakerwellness.com.

ReferencesDREAM trial investigators. Effect of rosiglitazone on the frequency of diabetes, in patients with

impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2006 Sep 23;368(9541): 1096-1105.

Laaksonen DE, et al. Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin predict the metabolic syndrome and diabetes in middle-aged men. Diabetes Care. 2004 May:27(5):1036-1041.

Masoudi FA, et al. Metformin and thiazolidinedione use in Medicare patients with heart failure. JA M A . 2003;290:81-85.

Medwatch I US FDA Web site] ww\\Kfda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safetyO Accessed January 29. 2007.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Subscriber Center Password: Pine (at drwhitaker.com)


■ An Anti-Aging Powerhouse

■ The Spices of Life

Now at drwhitaker.com:Have you visited the Health <§ Healing Subscriber Center? As a FREE part of your subscription, you get exclusive access to even more health-enhancing advice on the topics in this issue, plus much, much more. It's easy—just log in with your e-mail address and the password at the bottom of this page. You can even send your questions to Dr. Whitaker, which he may answer in an upcoming issue!






Come Join MeI'll be giving evening lectures at the Back to Health Program from April 29 to May 4. Call (800) 488-1500 to learn how our one-, two-, and three-week programs can get you back on the road to optimal health.

©2007 Healthy Directions, LLC 4&









http://amazon.com/


Vol. 16, No. 10

October 2006 Vol. 16, No. 10

Dear Reader,

Page 184

In This Issue:

CELLULAR ENERGY

Rejuvenate With Ribose....p.l

IMMUNE ENHANCEMENT

A Novel Approach to FluPrevention..................................p.3

DEAR DR. WHITAKER

Is Hydrogen PeroxideSafe?...........................................p.4

WORKS FOR ME

I do love Alaska. For eight summers now I have visited this state to bask in its beauty, enjoy old friends, and, of course, catch some fish. We were transported to our fishing sites by float planes, and flying around this wild and woolly state at 200 to 1,000 feet off the ground gives you a unique perspective.

We fished for salmon, halibut, and trout in some of the most scenic surroundings on earth. The silver salmon (also called coho) were running, and the rivers were choked with them. What a phenomenon! There's nothing like eating fish, caught only minutes before, cooked on an open fire. I even scooped out the eggs and ate them raw right there on the bank— much to the disgust of my fishing companions. Humans! They are so easy to condition.

Raw salmon eggs are an expensive delicacy in restaurants around the world. Yet eating them on a sand bar when they are the most fresh and healthy is "disgusting"?

Bears are not so irrational. As I was eating my salmon roe, I saw two or three grizzlies doing the exact same thing. All told, I think we saw about 150 bears, some more than once, fishing alongside of us (but not too close). For them, the salmon runs are a 24-hour buffet.

It was one of those vacations that invigorates as much as it relaxes, and I have a freezer full of healthy wild Northern Pacific salmon and halibut to enjoy all winter long.



Vol. 16, No. 10

SSKI for Toenail Fungus...p.4CELLULAR ENERGY

WELLNESS MEDICINE

Page 186

Chiropractic...Curcumin...Testosterone...............................p. 5

SKIN HEALTH

How to Eliminate Acne....p.7

MARK YOUR CALENDARJoin me March 4-11, 2007, for the 13th Phillips Health & Wealth Mexican Riviera cruise. For information, call (800) 435-4534 or visit intershow.com.

Rejuvenate With RiboseAt age 68, Tom Elliot was losing his battle against congestive heart failure. Just

walking 40 feet to get his mail was an ordeal that required a walker and a 15-minute rest before heading back into the house. His ejection fraction, a measure of the heart's pumping capacity, was a dangerously low 17 percent (normal is 50-60 percent). He was too weak to drive, and he often used a wheelchair. Tom's condition was so dismal that doctors at UCLA wouldn't even consider him for a heart transplant.

As a last resort, his cardiologist recommended he try ribose, a nonprescription food supplement. Tom's energy was restored almost instantaneously. Within three weeks, he was feeling better and his ejection fraction began to improve. Over the next few months, this man—who could once barely make it to the mailbox—was able to start a light exercise program, resume golfing, and even get back on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Today, after nearly a year and a half, Tom confidently strolls into his


cardiologist's office wearing his Superman T-shirt and telling anyone who will listen, "I've got a new lease on life."

Nancy Moody began experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia at the age of 9. For almost four decades, she saw a never-ending chain of doctors and specialists who told her the same thing: Her symptoms were all in her head. Her chronic pain and fatigue were so debilitating that some days she couldn't muster the strength to get up in the morning, and she often needed the help of her husband and children just to sit up in bed. Her muscles ached and burned, her body was bloated, she couldn't sleep at night, and she was completely devoid of energy. In an attempt to mitigate her symptoms, Nancy tried everything from cortisone shots in her back to pain and sleeping pills, but nothing gave her relief.

In April 2004, she started taking ribose. Three days later, she was able to sit up in bed by herself, and after just five days, her pain, swelling, burning, bloating, and aching were gone. Now, more than two years later, Nancy emphatically states, "I haven't felt this good since I was 9. I feel absolutely fantastic. My husband calls it my 'miracle drug,' even though it's not a drug, and I don't take any other medication. I would love to shake the hand of the man who invented this product. It has given me back life. I sleep better at night and I have no pain. It has been my godsend."

So, what exactly is ribose and how did it restore energy, vitality, and health to Tom and Nancy's lives?

Ribose 101Ribose (alpha-D-ribofuranose), a simple, five-carbon

sugar, is required in the manufacture of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the fuel that runs the human body. In fact, it is the structural backbone of ATP, driving both its synthesis and recycling. If your cells don't have enough ribose, they can't produce enough ATP to meet energy demands. This lack is precisely what happens in conditions such as congestive heart

failure, coronary artery disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even exercise-induced fatigue, for that matter. Your cells simply run out of juice.

Here's where supplemental ribose comes in. Although ribose synthesis occurs naturally in the cells, energy needs often outpace supplies in hardworking tissues such as the heart and muscles. This is particularly true in people with heart disease or muscle conditions such as fibromyalgia. And while there's technically no such thing as a ribose deficiency, ribose cannot be stored in cells. Fortunately, when ribose is taken orally, virtually all of it is absorbed and delivered to energy-starved tissues— where, as Tom and Nancy will attest, it rapidly and dramatically rebuilds energy reserves.

Give Your Heart a BoostRibose is particularly effective in restoring energy to

the heart muscle. Research has shown that patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease who are given ribose feel better and are able to increase their level of physical activity. In one study, published in Lancet, 20 men between the ages of 45 and 69 with exercise-induced angina and coronary artery disease took either high-dose ribose (60 g daily) or a placebo. After just three days, the men receiving ribose were able to walk longer, and their onset of angina was significantly delayed.

Because ribose plays such an important role in restoring cardiac energy, we give it to all of our patients before and after undergoing enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP, a very effective therapy for reducing angina), and other medical facilities are following suit. Though ribose is seldom used by cardiologists, its benefits are so remarkable that a few, like Tom's doctor, are coming around. Ribose is, now part of the formulary in about 50 hospitals nationwide.

Newfound Hope for FibromyalgiaAs Nancy's story clearly indicates, conventional

medicine doesn't have a solution for fibromyalgia.


Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing1" (ISSN 1057-9273) is published monthly by Healthy Directions, LLC, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854-3394, telephone (800) 539-8219. Please write to us at PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438 or call if you have a question concerning your subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Dr. Julian Whitaker's Health & Healing, PO Box 2050, Forrester Center, WV 25438.

Author: Julian Whitaker, MD Senior Managing Editor: Bill Todd Research Editor: Peggy DaceCEO: Kevin Donoghue Associate Managing Editor: Thorn Young Associate Research Editor Ryann Smith


Patients suffering with the fatigue and pain of this chronic condition are often given dangerous drugs— such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and antiinflammatory drugs—that may help symptoms but do nothing to address the underlying problem. Ribose, on the other hand, boosts energy stores and reduces muscle fatigue and soreness, making it an excellent therapy for this painful condition.

One groundbreaking, yet-to-be published study examined 41 patients previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue. They were treated with 5 g of ribose three times a day, and, after just 12 days, 66 percent of them reported significant improvements. Specifically, they were sleeping better and had higher energy, improved mental clarity, less pain, and a better sense of overall well-being.

Restore Energy LevelsSupplementing with ribose can be beneficial for athletes

as well. They can speed recovery and lessen the severity of sore muscles by taking 5 g less than 30 minutes before and 5 g more within 30 minutes following strenuous exercise. In addition to shortening recovery time, ribose has also been shown to improve endurance. It must work, because it's a favorite of marathoners, cyclists, and other athletes.

But the fact of the matter is you don't have to be an elite athlete or suffer with any of the above conditions to reap the benefits of ribose. Bill, a colleague of mine, swears that taking ribose after a bout of pneumonia perked him right up and got him back in the swing of things. Others claim that it increases their energy level and just plain makes them feel better. I personally use it every day, and I encourage you to do the same.

Recommendation:• The suggested dose of ribose is 5 g (one heaping

teaspoonful) mixed in water, tea, or juice, or sprinkled on foods two to three times a day. (Tom and Nancy both use it three times a day.) Ribose is safe, well tolerated, and has no known drug interactions. The brand I recommend is CORva-len from Valen Labs. (They also offer a product called CORvalenM geared specifically toward fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue that also contains magnesium and malic acid.) Valen Labs stands so S\Y01\g\>/ behind these products that they offer a

^fPFôfcORvalenM)

ReferencesHellsten Y, et al. Effect of ribose

supplementation on resynthe-sis of adenine nucleotides after intense intermittent training in humans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2004 Jan;286(l):R 182-188.

Pliml W, et al. Effects of ribose on exercise-induced isch-aemia in stable coronary artery disease. Lancet. 1992 Aug 29;340(8818):507-510.

IMMUNE ENHANCEMENT

A Novel Approach to Flu Prevention

Well, folks, flu season is just about upon us. There will be admonitions from physicians and public health officials to get your flu shot. This, they insist, is the only way to protect yourself against the flu. But before you buy into the hype (see the box on page 6), let's look at influenza from a new angle.

Every year, the flu emerges like clockwork in the cold months of November and December, then fades back into the woodwork in March. Does this mean that the virus is activated by cold weather? No. Do people spend more time in close physical contact during these months with increased person-to-person contact and contagion? No. Does your immune system hibernate during the winter? Well, probably.

What Causes Flu?There has to be a reasonable explanation for the

seasonal appearance of influenza. Infectious diseases are caused by one of two things: either an excessively virulent bug, or a weakness in the host.

It can't be due to the virus suddenly becoming more virulent; viruses are equally infectious year round. If this were the cause, there would be no seasonal trends. You would be as apt to come down with the flu in July as you are in January. Yet people in the Southern Hemisphere don't get the flu in December through March—they get it from June through September, their winter months. A highly contagious virus would affect even more people, entire families, communities, and, in this world of international travel, broader geographic areas.

Therefore, it has to have something to do with the colder, darker winter months. And here is how we're weakened: We don't get enough sunlight on our skin, and our vitamin D production plummets.

The Problem: Vitamin D Deficiency

.-■.w ft* deft, »***^««^

vitamin to cells throughout the body. This vitamin is used in the intestines to facilitate the absorption of calcium, in the muscles to improve strength and agility, and in other tissues to dampen inflammation.

It also plays an important role in immunity. Vitamin D has been discovered in recent years to stimulate the release of potent antimicrobial peptides. In a 2006 study published in Science, a UCLA research team found that vitamin D-related peptides can actually kill the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. This effect was so profound that these research-ers concluded, "...differences in ability of human

populations to produce vitamin D may contribute to susceptibility to microbial infection."

That primary difference is sun exposure, for without it, vitamin D synthesis is stopped in its tracks. During the shorter, darker days of winter, vitamin D production plummets and the immune system falters, opening the seasonal door for flu.

The Solution: Vitamin D SupplementationWhile you may not be able to relocate to the tropics for

your daily dose of sunshine this winter,Continued on page 6

ate it if you could write about hydrogen peroxide, its benefits, how to use it, its safety, etc. I keep hearing about it being the miracle cure for many illnesses. Thanks so much. — Eli S., e-mail

The use of intravenous (IV) hydrogen peroxide, which has been touted as an effective treatment for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases, is extremely controversial. While I believe it has a lot of merit and is safe if used correctly, this is one therapy that is a huge red flag to the FDA.

For this reason, we don't use it here at the clinic. Instead, we use IV vitamin C, which, according to Jeanne Drisko, MD, professor of orthomolecular medicine at the University of Kansas, confers many of the same benefits. When vitamin C is delivered in very high doses—and this can only be done intravenously—it generates hydrogen peroxide, which scavenges viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells. This is the same mechanism used by your white blood cells, which also create hydrogen peroxide to kill microbes and errant cells.

That said, hydrogen peroxide has a number of safe, novel uses you may

not be aware of. Looking for a non-chemical way to rid your cutting board and other kitchen surfaces of bacteria? Wipe them down with hydrogen peroxide. Want to eradicate mold? Treat affected surfaces with hydrogen peroxide. For healthier teeth and gums, mix a l i t t l e of your anti-bacterial mouthwash with diluted hydrogen peroxide and swish it around in your mouth for a minute or two, then spit it out. To remove stubborn stains such as wine, blood, and grass, apply hydrogen peroxide before washing. (Remember, hydrogen peroxide works like bleach, so before treating clothing and surfaces in your home, you may want to test a hidden area first.)

Look for 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, the kind that you buy for less than a dollar in your drugstore. Be sure to store it in a sealed, dark bottle, because exposure to sunlight and air reduces its potency. If you are interested in receiving IV vitamin C therapy at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500. — JW

Dear Dr. WhitakerI"?] / subscribe to your newsletter, and I would appreci-

Works for me...As a physician, I see a variety of stubborn conditions, and one of the most difficult is fungal infections of the toenails. I

don't like prescribing Lamisil because it takes months to have any effect and is extremely hard on the liver.

Over the past few months, I've had great success treating these infections with SSKI (potassium iodide). Just 1-2 drops on and under the affected nail twice a day seems to do the trick Patients report improvements within a month, sometimes sooner, and so far I've had no complaints about the yellow-orange solution rubbing off on socks or other clothing. - Shiva Lalezcu; DO, Whitaker Wellness Institute

^SStSSSSSSS: * —P*». It

istitute

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Vol. 16, No. 10Page 194

Did You Know?Only 38 percent of physi-cians and health care work-ers get flu shots.Pomegranate juice reduces risk of arterial disease in people with diabetes.Exercise plus diet—but not diet alone—reduces the size of abdominal fat cells.Severely depressed children taking antidepressants are 15 times more likely to commit suicide than simi-larly depressed kids not taking these drugs.Air fresheners, toilet bowl deodorants, and mothballs contain a chemical linked to reduced lung function.Some breakfast cereals touted as "healthy" have more fat than a bacon sandwich or two fried eggs.Gout is associated with an increased risk of heart attack in men.A survey in Golf Digest reveals that two thirds of golfers are overweight and a third of golfers have had to abandon a round due to pain, injury, or illness.Drinking four cups of coffee daily cuts the risk of developing alcohol-related cirrhosis by 80 percent.A high HDL cholesterol level protects women against Alzheimer's disease.We spend an average of 25 years of our lives sleeping.Every year, 1.5 million Americans are harmed by drug errors, adding $3.5 billion to health care costs.Consumption of processed meats such as bacon, sau-sage, or smoked ham raises the risk of stomach cancer.Fosamax and other bisphosphonates, used to prevent bone loss, increase risk of necrosis of the jaw.

SPINAL REALIGNMENT FOR HYPERTENSIONMore than 65 million Ameri-

cans—about 20 percent of the adult population—have hypertension, and many of them take drugs such as diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and the like. But medication should not be the frontline defense, especially when safer, equally effective therapies exist. One of them is chiropractic. The idea that chiropractic manipulation can lower blood pressure has been floating around for more than 20 years, but a groundbreaking clinical trial has just confirmed it.In this study, presented at the most recent annual meeting of the American Society of Hypertension, 50 patients with blood pressure greater than 140/90 were divided into two groups and treated with either a realignment procedure of the atlas (the top cervical vertebra) or a placebo adjustment. Improvements were seen in the treatment group in just three weeks. After eight weeks, the systolic pressure averaged less than 130, while the placebo group's blood pressure remained unchanged. To locate a chiropractor near you, visit chiropractic.org or call (800) 423-4690. To make an appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500.

■ 1 n :wi A I k' ■ !•] ;«<•] MI : ■ Ki Most physicians recommend colonoscopy for patients age 50 or older. They are looking for colorectal adenomatous polyps, benign tumors that affect about a quarter of the people in this age bracket. Nearly all cases of colorectal cancer, which kills 57,000 Americans every year, develop from these polyps. In the past, I've recommended calcium, vitamin B6, and vitamin D as safe, inexpensive ways to prevent these growths. New research has uncovered yet another easy method you can use to stave off these pre-cancerous polyps—and it could be as close as your kitchen.Curcumin, a spice used to make curry, and the antioxidant quercetin, found in onions, both have reported anti-cancer effects. Researchers examined five patients who each had five or more polyps and gave them 20 mg of quercetin and 480 mg of curcumin three times a day for six months. All five had significant improvements, with the average size of polyps dropping 51 percent and the average number decreasing by 60 percent. The only side effects were mild gastrointestinal disturbances, which disappeared after a few days. The researchers believe that much of the cancer-fighting potential lies in the curcumin. Aim for a daily intake of 1,400-1,900 mg and take in divided doses. Curcumin supplements are available in most health food stores.

TESTOSTERONE FOR HEALTHTestosterone does much more than beef

up men's muscles, voices, and libidos. It also plays a key role in energy, vitality, and overall sense of well-being. It's no wonder that when levels of this crucial hormone drop, your health can really take a turn for the worse. A recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that low serum levels of testosterone were linked to an 88 percent risk of mortality in men over the age of 40.Here at the Whitaker Wellness Institute we routinely test the hormone levels of our male patients, and we boost suboptimal levels with supplemental testosterone. This therapy restores lost muscle mass, increases bone density, and improves heart function. It also enhances sexual function—in women as well as men. Testosterone does require a prescription. To locate a physician in your area who may be open to prescribing it, visit acam.org or call (888) 439-6891. To make an appointment at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, call (800) 488-1500.

1 My basic recommendation, for those who are unable to get a 25(OH)D blood test, is 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (not D2) per day for people living in the Sun Belt. (D3, or cholecalciferol, is the form made by the body. D2, ergocalciferol, does not


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Continued from page 4you can boost your vitamin D levels by taking supplements of this crucial vitamin. How much should you take? It depends on where you live (above 40 degrees latitude—the parallel running through Philadelphia, Denver, and Reno—there isn't enough UVB radiation during the winter to stimulate vitamin D production); how much sun exposure you get (if you live in the South, you need to get outside, without sunscreen, for at least 10 minutes a day); your age (production in older people is less efficient); and your skin color (darker skin needs considerably longer sun exposure to produce vitamin D).

At the Whitaker Wellness Institute, we test our patients' blood levels of 25(OH)D to determine vitamin D status. If it is low—and it frequently is— we prescribe enough supplemental vitamin D to bring it into the optimal range of 40-70 ng/mL. For some, 1,000-2,000 IU daily is enough. Others require as much as 50,000 IU a week for six or eight weeks to bring levels up.

It will probably be difficult for you to get your conventional doctor to test your vitamin D level, much less recommend supplementing it as treatment. Therefore, I suggest that you simply increase your vitamin D intake to 2,000 IU during the flu season to enhance your immunity. Rest assured that vitamin D is very safe, and 2,000 IU is not a very high dose. When you're out in the sun on a summer day, your body produces 20,000 IU in just 20 minutes.

John Cannell, MD, an innovative physician with a keen interest in vitamin D, says he used to take more than 50,000 IU for three days at the onset of a viral infection, and it put him back in the pink in no time. But now that he maintains his vitamin D level at 70 ng/mL, he reports that colds and flu are a thing of the past. (However, I don't recommend that you take this high a dose without a physician's guidance.)

In SummaryI'll be the first to admit that this emerging theory that

influenza could be prevented with vitamin D is not supported by scientific studies. I would also argue that since there are so few effective weapons in the arsenal against flu, increasing your vitamin D level makes sense. It's safe and inexpensive, and the only side effects are stronger bones and muscles, reduced risk of cancer, a more efficient cardiovascular system, and better overall health.

Recommendations:• Don't make the mistake of thinking you can get enough

vitamin D from your diet—it's present in appreciable quantities only in fortified milk and

Should You Get a Fk. u

No doubt about it, influenza takes ^ According to the Centers for Disease Control, it hammers 5 to 20 percent of the American population every year, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Proponents of the flu vaccine report that these numbers would be much higher if it weren't for flu shots—they claim that vaccination reduces risk of death among people over age 65 (the group at far greatest risk of complications and death) by more than 50 percent.

This simply isn't true. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health compared winter mortality rates in this age group with vaccination rates over the past 25 years, and they came up with some startling statistics. Although vaccination rates increased from 15-20 percent before 1980 to 65 percent in 2001, the influenza-related death rate remained about the same!

Mortality aside, a flu shot is no guarantee that you won't get the flu. Experts from the World Health Organization get together every year and make an

educated guess as to which influenza viruses are most likely to strike, and that's what's put in the vaccines. Some years they get it right; some years they don't.

I can't make the decision for you whether or not to get a flu shot. I can tell you that I and two-thirds of other physicians and health care professionals—an at-risk group if there ever was one—do not get them. Regardless of your decision, I urge all of you to increase your vitamin D levels (see the recommendations below) to boost your immune system and protect yourself against the flu and other infections this winter.appear naturally in humans.) Northerners may want to increase their dose to 2,000 IU per day during the autumn and winter months. • For more information on vitamin D, visit Dr. Cannell's Web site, vitamindcouncil.com.

ReferencesLiu PT, et al. Toll-like receptor triggering of a vitamin D-medi-ated

human antimicrobial response. Science. 2006 Mar 24;311(5768): 1770-1773.

Simonsen L, et al. Impact of influenza vaccination on seasonal mortality in the US elderly population. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:265-272.

SKIN HEALTH

How to Eliminate AcneMost everyone can relate to acne since we all likely

had some degree of it as adolescents. However, it plagues about half of us into adulthood, sometimes into middle age. We all know the routine: scrupulous face washing, avoidance of chocolate, and, when nothing else works, blame dear old mom and dad for passing on faulty genes.

Guess what? None of these things causes acne vulgaris, as it is officially called. They're all myths! Acne is not triggered by poor hygiene, chocolate per se, or genetics. Furthermore, the $100 million Americans spend on soaps, scrubs, gels, creams, and other over-the-counter acne products every year does little to foil outbreaks.

But there's good news. Cutting-edge research reveals an underlying cause—and a very successful treatment—of this very, very common skin condition.

Cavemen Don't Get AcneWhile researching the diet and health of primitive

hunter-gatherer societies such as the Bantu and Zulu of Africa and the Eskimos of Canada, Loren Cordain, PhD, a leading expert in Stone Age nutrition, observed that acne is virtually nonexistent in cultures that eat a traditional diet of wild game, fish, fruit, tubers, and the like. He also noted that once those people move to cities or are otherwise introduced to refined sugars and grains, vegetable oils, and other processed foods, acne becomes as common for them as it is for Westerners.

Vol. 16, No. 10

cold water fish—or in your multivitamin, which most likely contains only 400 IU.

• Do make a point of getting at least 10 minutes of direct, unfiltered sun exposure daily, and more if you have dark skin. Another option is to sit in front of a UVB lamp or light box for about 10 minutesa day during the fall and winter. Sperti makes a model that delivers UVB with a minimum of UVA. It's available by calling (859) 331-0800 or visiting their Web site, sperti.com.

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Dr. Cordain then collaborated with field research teams to study the Kitava Islanders in the South Pacific and the Ache in the remote Paraguayan jungle, which are among the few tribes in the world who still live a pre-industrial lifestyle. Sure enough, acne was all but unheard of. For example, examinations of the entire Kativan population of 1,200, including 300 between 15 and 25 years of age,revealed not a single blackhead, pimple, or other sign of acne—not one!

After ruling out genetics and other variables, Dr. Cordain concluded that acne vulgaris is "a disease of Western civilization." More specifically, our epidemic of acne rests squarely on the shoulders of our "civilized" diet, especially our unbridled consumption of high-glycemic (GI) carbohydrates, which is unprecedented in human history.

The Insulin ConnectionBread, cereal, rice, pasta, chips, desserts, candy (it's not

the chocolate but the sugar), and other sugary, starchy, high-GI foods make up nearly half of the average American's total caloric intake. When you eat these simple carbohydrates, they are rapidly converted into glucose and your blood sugar sharply rises. In response, your pancreas has to churn out large amounts of insulin in order to dispose of all that glucose. Eating pizza once a month wouldn't be a problem, but when you eat these foods multiple times a day, day in and day out, your insulin levels are chronically elevated.

If this sounds familiar, it's because I've been telling you about the adverse effects of elevated insulin for years. Over time, your cells become less sensitive to insulin's signals to take up glucose, a condition known as insulin resistance. This condition is linked with a host of problems, including hypertension, obesity, blood lipid abnormalities, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease. This cluster of conditions, called metabolic syndrome (formerly called syndrome X), is a huge problem in our country. According to the latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 70 percent of Americans have at least one of these insulin resistance-related disorders.

Sugars + Starches = AcneDr. Cordain believes that acne should be added to

this list. Elevated insulin triggers a cascade of hormonal reactions that adversely affect the skin. First, it prompts the secretion of androgens, hormones that cause the sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands in the skin to secrete excessive amounts of sebum, or oil. Second, it increases IGF-1, a growth factor that stimulates the overproduction of skin cells called keratinocytes and impairs the normal sloughing off of cells on the surface of the skin. And third, it triggers inflammation. Pores become blocked and inflamed and bacteria in the skin get trapped under proliferating cells, setting the stage for skin problems such as blackheads and pimples.


Although simply cutting out high-GI starches and sugars may be enough to put the brakes on blemishes, Dr. Cordain also advises taking supplemental fish oil and zinc for their anti-inflammatory effects and laying off refined vegetable oils (they cause inflammation) and dairy products (he describes milk as a "hormone cocktail" that contributes to acne).

The Proof Is in the MirrorWhat first intrigued me about this novel approach to acne is that, for the first

time ever, we can offer patients something that really works besides drugs such as Accutane (with their myriad adverse effects). But what really convinced me is the extraordinary success of patients who have followed this protocol.

Michelle suffered with acne for 16 years, since her early teens, and despite trying everything from Retin-A to antibiotics, she always had at least one pimple and lots of blackheads. After just one week on this diet, her skin cleared up. Every time she went off the diet her skin broke out again. She's been on it ever since, and her only problem is "the uncontrollable urge to go up to people at the grocery store and lecture them." Michelle also reports having more energy, and a "clearer head."

Penny, age 52, was plagued with "spots" off and on since her teens. After she made the suggested dietary changes, her skin improved significantly—and she lost 5 inches around her hips. This result is not surprising, because the diet is essentially the same one I recommend for weight loss.

Fast Results and Tremendous Side BenefitsOne of the best selling points of this approach to acne is that you'll see results

fast. It takes about 30 days for skin cells to turn over, so expect to see improvements within a week or two after making these dietary changes. Equally important is the fact that you will, like Michelle and Penny, reap tremendous benefits in other aspects of your health as well.

Recommendations:• To treat and prevent acne, eliminate starches and sugars, refined vegetable oils, and

dairy products from your diet. Replace them with low-GI vegetables, fruits, and nuts, along with plenty of protein from fish, poultry, and lean beef. Also include 2-4 g of fish oil and 25-50 mg of zinc in your daily supplement program. For details, read Dr. Cordain's book, The Dietary Cure for Acne, available at dietaryacnecure.com.

• This diet is also highly therapeutic for obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Read about it in greater detail in my latest book, The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Program, available in bookstores, online at amazon.com, or by phone at (800) 810-6655.

ReferenceCordain L, et al. Acne vulgaris: a disease of Western civilization. Arch Dermatol. 2002 Dec;138(12):1584-

1590.

Happy Halloween,

P.S. Look for your Health Achievement Awards entry form enclosed with this issue. Don't wait, the deadline is November 1st.

Watch Future Issues For:■ Arresting Asthma and Allergies

■The Dangers of OTC Drugs


■ More Reasons to Take Vitamin D■ Solutions for Other Skin Problems






Meet Me in...Houston on Saturday, January 6, 2007.1 invite Texans and visitors to the area to an exclusive subscriber seminar. You'll hear Stanislaw Burzynski, MD, talk about his breakthrough cancer treatment, and I'll address your most pressing health concerns. I look forward to meeting y'all. To attend, return the enclosed invitation letter by December 15th. Space is limited.

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cista.netcista.net/health/Dr. Whitaker/Whitaker.doc · Web viewDr. Julian Whitaker's. Health & Healin. Your Definitive Guide to Wellness Medicine. April 2007 Vol. 17, No. 4. Julian

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