ALTERNATIVE CANCER TREATMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

You have many choices to make about your cancer treatment. One choice you might be thinking about is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. 

Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine means treatments that you use instead of standard ones. 

Complementary medicine means nonstandard treatments that you use along with standard ones. Examples of CAM therapies are acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicines.

CAM treatments do not work for everyone, but some methods such as acupuncture might help with nausea, pain and other side effects of cancer treatment. 

In general, researchers know more about the safety and effectiveness of standard cancer treatments than they do about CAM. To make sure nothing gets in the way of your cancer care, talk to your doctor before you try anything new.

Alternative cancer treatments include, but are not limited to the following:

• Biological and Pharmcologic Therapies
• Immune Therapies
• Immuno-Augmentative Therapy (IAT)
• Nutritional Therapies
• Adjunctive Therapies
• Oxygen Therapies
• IV Therapy
• Chelation
• DMSO therapy
• Energy Medicine
• Bioelectric Therapies
• Homeopathy

MIND-BODY APPROACHES

The most successful practitioners seem to be those who integrate various components of the alternative cancer treatments listed above, without painting themselves into a corner by being committed to a particular model.

Resource: American College for the Advancement of Medicine.

ALLERGY TESTING AND DESENSITIZATION

If you have an allergy, your body is reacting to something you inhaled, touched or ate. The substances that trigger an allergic reaction are called allergens. Reactions to these allergens range from annoying to life-threatening.

Many people with untreated allergy symptoms aren’t aware of how much better they can feel once their symptoms are properly diagnosed and managed by an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist.

An allergist is a pediatrician or internist with at least two additional years of specialized training and is the best physician to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALLERGY TESTING?

Allergy tests, combined with the knowledge of your allergy specialist to interpret them, can give precise information about what you are and are not allergic to.

For instance, if you wheeze when you are at home and don’t know why, you don’t have to get rid of your cat if your allergy testing shows you are allergic to dust mites but not cats. With this information, you and your allergist can develop a treatment plan to manage or even get rid of your symptoms.

SHOULD I BE TESTED?

Testing done by an allergist is generally safe and effective for adults and children of all ages. Symptoms which usually prompt the allergist to perform skin testing include:

• Respiratory: itchy eyes, nose or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, cough or wheezing
• Skin: hives, itchiness or atopic dermatitis
• Abdominal: cramping and diarrhea or constipation consistently after eating certain foods
• Severe reactions to stinging insect stings (other than swelling at the site of the sting)
• Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis): a serious allergic reaction that affects many parts of the body at the same time

Most symptoms are caused by one or more of these allergens:

• Dust mites (tiny bugs you can’t see) that live in your home
• Proteins from furry pets, which are found in their dander, saliva and urine (it’s actually not their hair)
• Molds in your home or in the air outside
• Tree, grass and weed pollen
• Cockroach body parts and droppings

More serious allergic reactions can be caused by:

• Venom from the stings of bees, wasps, yellow jackets, fire ants and other stinging insects
• Certain foods
• Natural rubber latex
• Certain medications and drugs

Types of Allergy Tests

Different allergens bother different people, so your allergist will determine which test is the best for you.

The allergen extracts or vaccines used in allergy tests performed by allergists meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, making them safe for use.

SKIN TESTS

This type of testing is the most common and is relatively painless. A very small amount of certain allergens is put into your skin by making a small indentation or “prick” on the surface of your skin.

If you have allergies, just a little swelling will occur where the allergen(s) which you are allergic to was introduced. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen but not to cats, only the ragweed allergen will cause a little swelling or itching. The spot where the cat allergen was applied will remain normal.

You don’t have to wait long to find out what is triggering your allergies. Reactions occur within about 15 minutes. And you generally won’t have any other symptoms besides the small hives where the tests were done, which go away within 30 minutes. If your prick skin tests are negative but your physician still suspects you might have allergies, more sensitive intradermal tests will be used in which a small amount of allergen is injected within the skin.

Skin tests have to be done in an allergist’s office to minimize the risk of rare side effects.

CHALLENGE TESTS

In a challenge test, a very small amount of an allergen is inhaled or taken by mouth. Challenges are done mostly with potential food or medication allergies, and it is very important that they be supervised by an allergist.

BLOOD TESTS

This test involves drawing blood, so results are not available as rapidly as with skin tests. Blood tests are generally used when skin tests might be unsafe or won’t work, such as if you are taking certain medications, or have a skin condition that may interfere with skin testing.

WHEN TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION

There are methods of allergy testing that the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) believes are not useful or effective. These include: massive allergy screening tests done in supermarkets or drug stores, applied kinesiology (allergy testing through muscle relaxation), cytotoxicity testing, skin titration (Rinkel method), provocative and neutralization (subcutaneous) testing or sublingual provocation.

HEALTHY TIPS

Most people with nagging allergy symptoms don’t realize how much better they can feel once their symptoms are properly diagnosed and treated.

Allergy testing analyzed by an allergist can pinpoint what you are allergic to.

Testing done by an allergist is generally safe and practically painless.

Some new forms of testing, such as allergy screenings performed at supermarkets or drug stores, sound good but can actually be harmful.

FEEL BETTER. LIVE BETTER.

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, is a pediatrician or internist with at least two additional years of specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of problems such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases and the evaluation and treatment of patients with recurrent infections, such as immunodeficiency diseases.

The right care can make the difference between suffering with an allergic disease and feeling better. By visiting an allergist, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan that works and educational information to help you manage your disease.

Resource: American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology

AMINO ACID THERAPIES

When you hear about anxiety, you also commonly hear about low levels of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. Because of our poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals from environmental pollution, nutrient malabsorption, and chronic infections due to bacteria, fungi, and viruses, many people suffer from low neurotransmitter levels that affect the transmission of messages between nerve cells. This is sometimes referred to as neurotransmitter deficiency disorder.

Because of the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders, it is becoming more evident that neurotransmitter deficiency disorder is not only common, but may be epidemic in our modern society. The number of people who suffer from anxiety disorder, panic attacks, related depression, and mood disorders has increased in recent years.

But how do we get neurotransmitters? Neurotransmitters are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. There are 20 amino acids, which are divided in two categories: 10 non-essential and 10 essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are produced by the body. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body, and must be obtained from the foods that we eat. There are 10 essential amino acids that are necessary for humans: tryptophan, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine, histidine, and arginine. Histidine and arginine are particularly beneficial for children and seniors. A poor diet lacking in essential amino acids means that the body cannot sufficiently produce key neurotransmitters.

When you have a chronic condition, it is likely that your body is already deficient in amino acids due to an inadequate absorption of nutrients. Conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, candida, and bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, can inhibit the body’s absorption of amino acids, causing key neurotransmitters to be depleted.

Interestingly, stimulants such as caffeine, ephedra (found in weight loss products), stimulant prescription medications such as Ritalin®, and others, can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of neurotransmitters. Anxiety is often experienced after taking stimulants (such as drinking too much coffee or soda) in part due to the reduced effectiveness of neurotransmitters.

Prescription medications for anxiety (such as Paxil®, Effexor®, Zoloft®, Wellbutrin®, and a multitude of others) serve to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, but don’t fix the problem. When your body is low in serotonin, these medications work by tricking the body to metabolize serotonin. They work on serotonin metabolism, but they don’t replenish serotonin, which is actually what your body truly needs. Therefore, patients who suffer from low serotonin levels often experience withdrawal symptoms when they go off prescription medications, because serotonin is never being replenished. If you stop these medications, you will most likely return to low serotonin levels and continue to experience the same problems of anxiety and depression. In addition, these medications actually deplete serotonin with long-term use, which is exactly the opposite of what you need to do!

In addition, prescription medications that work on isolated parts of the brain can produce potentially severe side effects in other areas of the body. Many people find that they simply can’t take prescription psychotropic medications due to severe side effects. These include metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes; weight gain and obesity; drug-induced insomnia, mania, agitation, or depression; psychosis; suicidal and/or homicidal ideation; and a multitude of other digestive symptoms such as severe constipation. Essentially, in many cases you trade anxiety for another equally troubling symptom. It is now becoming clear that children who take certain psychotropic medications such as Paxil may increase their risk for suicidal ideation.1

Amino acid therapy, on the other hand, has virtually no reported side effects to date. There have been no reported cases of overdose from amino acids either.

Note: Speak to your healthcare professional about amino acid supplementation before combining it with prescription psychotropic medications, or before stopping any medication, since sudden discontinuation may produce severe withdrawal.

If you’re deficient in amino acids, how do you replenish them? Essential amino acids are found in your diet in the form of protein, such as red meat, fowl (turkey, chicken), wild-caught fish, nuts and seeds, eggs, and milk. Oftentimes, a lack of dietary protein causes amino acid deficiency, so it’s always important to eat protein at every meal in a healthy ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% healthy fat (Read more about good fats and bad fats). During each meal, you should try to come close to satisfying this ratio. In fact, eating protein during every meal can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, especially if you eat proteins (such as turkey and milk) that are high in tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. Eating a small protein snack, instead of a sugary refined snack, can immediately help relieve anxiety attacks (panic attacks), because amino acids are being replenished by the intake of protein.

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you are more susceptible to amino acid deficiency because protein in plant sources doesn’t contain all the amino acids that your body needs. Supplementing your diet with high-quality amino acids is essential to ensure that your neurotransmitter levels are replenished. Additionally, those who suffer from chronic conditions should consider supplementing their diets with high-quality amino acids, to ensure adequate amino acid levels during times of illness, particularly when amino acid deficiency is likely.

Recently, there has been a lot of attention given to 5-HTP. 5-HTP is made from the amino acid tryptophan (which is the precursor to serotonin). 5-HTP has been reported to help relieve anxiety and depression. Read more about 5-HTP.

Also, there are alternative therapies utilizing herbs and supplements that may produce results in curbing anxiety. Read more about living in the anxiety age.

Resource: Jigsaw Health

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES

The Center for Optimum Health compounds its own proprietary bio-identical hormones available through our pharmacy, blended of the highest-quality ingredients available in medicine. Some blood or urine testing may be required in order to start on a bio-identical hormone regimen.

WHAT ARE BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES?

Confusion exists regarding the use of the term “natural” versus “bio-identical” hormones, particularly as it applies to the hormones estradiol and progesterone which must be molecule for molecule absolutely “identical” to hormones produced by the human body to have the desired effects. These bio-identical hormones are made from plant sources. Diosgenin, extracted from wild Mexican yams or soy is the source for the manufacture of bioidentical hormones.

However, the human body is not capable of transforming diosgenin into either estradiol or progesterone. So using wild yam cream or eating soy is of no benefit as hormone replacement therapy or for treatment for symptoms of menopause.

People requiring hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should use ”bio-identical hormone replacement” products – not “natural” hormones. There are 15 different definitions of the word “natural” in the dictionary, and none of them applies correctly in describing hormones. Basically, the term “natural” is meaningless and useless in describing effective HRT products.

“Bio-identical hormones” are now commonly available. The American public (both men and women) knows this and seeks bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because it is better. The entire medical profession should know this as well. Old drugs such as Wyeth Ayerst’s Premarin is made from pregnant horse urine and contains a mixture of horse estrogens. It should no longer have any place in the practice of medicine with regard to human female HRT.

Resource: abouthormones.org

WHAT IS BIOPUNCTURE?

Biopuncture is a therapy whereby specific body locations are injected with biologically active substances which are physiologically regulating.  These substances are used to treat pain, swelling, inflammation and toxin accumulation, among other problems.  Most injections cause only minor discomfort because they are very shallow, given just under the skin or into the muscle.

WHAT KINDS OF PRODUCTS ARE INJECTED?

Products commonly used in Biopuncture are, for example arnica, Echinacea, and chamomile.  Arnica is used for muscle pain and Echinacea is used to boost your body’s immune system.  Biopuncturists usually inject a mixture of natural products.  Traumeel for example is used for inflammation in the setting of sports injuries and inflammation.   Zeel is used for chronic joint pain.  Spascupreel is used for muscle spasms/cramps.  Lymphomyosot is utilized for lymphatic drainage in chronically swollen or congested tissues.  These products are combined with a local anesthetic medicine like lidocaine.

ARE THE PRODUCTS SAFE FOR ME?

The solutions are not in high concentration.   They contain diluted products.  Therefore, toxic side effects are very unlikely.  The medications used in Biopuncture are manufactured by companies that guarantee the production quality of their products.  Most of the solutions are made in Germany, under strict quality control regulations.  Clinical studies on thousands of patients have confirmed the safety of solutions like Traumeel and Zeel.

HOW CAN THESE DILUTIONS ACTUALLY HAVE AN EFFECT ON MY BODY?

The fact that most solutions contain low concentrations of plant extracts is often a reason for conventional physicians to criticize the possible effects of these products.  Products used in Biopuncture are not diluted to the extent that the solution contains no active product (as in homeopathy).  That’s why we call them “micro-doses.”  How does this small dose influence the body?  A good example is to think of a tetanus vaccination – only small amounts of the product are necessary to stimulate your immune system (= your defense system) against lockjaw.  A few injections can protect your body for several years against this serious disease.  Biopuncture injections are not vaccinations of course; however, the mechanism is similar:  small doses of the right product can have a strong effect.  Biopuncture produces its clinical effects because it stimulates your own immune system and restarts your healing capacity.  (The medications used in Biopuncture have no relation whatsoever to the current controversy over childhood immunizations).

HAS IT BEEN PROVEN THAT BIOPUNCTURE WORKS BY STIMULATING MY IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Anecdotally, Biopuncturists have experienced the effects of these injections for decades.  Recent research on Biopuncture has revealed new insights into the mechanism of how these products work.  In June 2004, in the medical journal, Clinical and Developmental Immunology – a peer-reviewed, conventional medical journal – researchers showed that Traumeel inhibited IL-1ß and TNF-alpha secretion.  Both of these immune mediators are associated with increased inflammation and tissue damage.  Traumeel has also been shown to shorten recovery time for acute sports injuries.  (Orizola A et al. 2007).

WILL BIOPUNCTURE HELP ME AS QUICKLY AS CONVENTIONAL THERAPIES?

It’s obvious that injections of micro-doses are less powerful than for example cortisone injections.  The dose used is too small to immediately suppress inflammation.  But that’s not the goal of Biopuncture!  We consider inflammation as an important element of true and lasting healing.  The goal of Biopuncture is to stimulate the natural inflammatory processes in order to get a complete and natural healing of the injured tissues.  So, we do exactly the opposite of conventional drugs.  As a result, the symptomatic relief may take longer, especially for chronic cases.  But when approaching acute injuries, such as sports injuries or whiplash, the effects of the injections are apparent almost immediately.

WHERE ARE THESE INJECTIONS GIVEN?

Most people – especially those who are apprehensive about needles and injections because they have had bad experiences – are surprised how easily and quickly these injections are given.  In fact, these injections cannot be compared to the “usual” injections given in conventional medicine.  They are not as painful used to draw blood or given a knee or shoulder joint injection.  The needle is very fine and the quantity injected is very small.  In fact, the injection sites look more like little pinpricks.  Most of them are given into or just under the skin; others are given into specific muscle points or into ligaments.  Your doctor does not give the injections arbitrarily; the injections are administered in carefully chosen locations.  The place where the doctor puts the product injects the product is as important as the product itself.  It’s different for each patient and each type of problem.

HOW MANY INJECTIONS WILL I RECEIVE EACH SESSION?

First, you will need a consultation to assess your pain and what treatment methods are appropriate for your pain.

A lot of these injections are given at more than one spot during each session.  For example, if your doctor wants to work on your liver to help with detoxification, he or she will give about 7 little injections just under the skin on your abdomen.  When you have pain in the elbow, your physician will inject several painful spots in your arm muscles or elbow ligaments.  In such a case, you may receive an average of three to 10 injections in your elbow, neck or back.  In most cases, injections are given in the specific pain zone.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF THE TREATMENT?

It is clear that the physician who decides to use Biopuncture will always do so according to the latest technical and therapeutic standards.  This includes correct injection technique and appropriate infectious precautions with disposable one-time use needles.  The most common adverse effects after treatment are a small red area after injection or small bruise.  Serious side effects are rare.

WHAT IS A “DETOX” TREATMENT?

In addition to treating painful areas, detoxification of the body is one of the keys to success.  Detoxification refers to “cleaning the body” of toxins that may have accumulated in your body, for example from the environment, poor nutrition, certain medications, smoking or alcohol use.  These toxins can interfere with your body’s normal healing response and optimal functioning of your immune system.  They can disturb the reflex responses of your nervous system.  Elimination of these toxins is important, particularly in the case of chronic pain, but also in cases of optimizing peak performance.  Some injections work specifically on the liver, kidney and/or lymphatic system.  Improving the function of the lymphatic system with Lymphomyosot is considered very important in Biopuncture.

WHEN SHOULD MY PHYSICIAN SUGGEST BIOPUNCTURE?

Biopuncture cannot heal all of your medical problems.  It is not a miracle therapy.  It is up to your doctor work with you to decide what conditions can and cannot be treated.  The majority of patients choose Biopuncture because they are in pain which has not responded to treatment with conventional medications (i.e. NSAIDS like Advil, steroids or opiate pain-killers) or they prefer to treat their conditions with complementary medicine approaches.  It is critical to recognize that Biopuncture is not designed to “take away the pain” as with conventional pain killers.  Pain is seen as an important ‘signal’ from your body that something is going wrong.  It is like the warning light on your dashboard of your car:  the goal is not just to relieve the pain and restore function, but to treat the deeper cause.  This means that if pain can be alleviated with Biopuncture – without prescription or over-the-counter medications – there is good reason to conclude that the deeper cause of that particular pain has been eliminated.

I’VE HEARD THAT THINGS CAN GET WORSE IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY FIRST TREATMENT.  IS THIS CORRECT?

Every case is different.  Some patients improve immediately after the injection, sometimes within minutes.  Critics sometimes describe this phenomenon as a “placebo effect” by saying that you feel better because you believe you should feel better.  In Biopuncture, such an immediate improvement is most common with acute soft-tissue injuries, such as an ankle sprain or acute neck or back strain.  Chronic problems which have been present for many months or years need more time to heal.  Some patients report feeling a little worse (especially the day after the first treatment) – this is the exact opposite of the placebo effect.  A temporary worsening is generally considered to mean that the healing process has been activated.  In Biopuncture we call this the “reaction phase.”  When you understand that this means that healing is underway, most patients find these reactions to be minor and acceptable.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER BIOPUNCTURE?

Most physicians use Biopuncture or minor orthopedic problems.  Biopuncture would not be a considered a treatment for a fracture, large herniated disc with neurologic weakness or serious underlying medical illness.  Common indications for Biopuncture include:  neck, mid back, lower back and sacro-iliac pain; various tendon problems (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendonitis); shoulder pain; knee pain, tension headache etc.  Biopuncture is very successful for treating sports injuries.  The use of biotherapeutic injections can benefit patients who have tried conventional medicine but have had no success, or for those who have had to stop taking conventional medication because of side effects.  Some Biopuncturists specialize in treating patients with bronchitis, sinusitis, hay fever, eczema and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

CAN BIOPUNCTURE BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?

Some people believe that one has to stop conventional treatments when choosing natural medicine, this is not true.  For many patients it may be best to combine treatments.  When you are being treated with Biopuncture, you can continue the medications you already take.  Your treating MD can discuss the specifics of your situation with you.  For orthopedic problems, it is often recommended that patients receive physical therapy or exercise regularly to achieve optimal results.  Often patients are in a very weakened and deconditioned state and they benefit tremendously from a progressive strengthening program.  Biopuncture can also be combined with chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation and other techniques.  Often nutritional status is a key component to recovery.  Your physician may inquire about your diet and supplements regime to optimize healing.

WHEN IS BIOPUNCTURE NOT APPROPRIATE?

Let us be very clear.  Biopuncture cannot heal cancer, diabetes, a heart attack or AIDS, among other serious conditions.  Nor is it an appropriate treatment for high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disorder, depression, significant organ failure (emphysema, kidney disease) or epilepsy.  You doctor will help you determine if you are a candidate for biopuncture.  In many patients, the disease is too serious or too aggressive, and can only be treated through conventional medications, radiation therapy or surgery.  It is critical to have a diagnosis from a medical doctor or other medical professional before starting with Biopuncture.  In cases of doubt you can also consult with your primary care physician.

Reference: Chiro-Medical

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHELATION THERAPY?

Chelation therapy is widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other chronic degenerative diseases involving the circulatory system. It also has other benefits. Many scientists suggest that the beneficial effect of chelation treatment is from the removal of metallic catalysts that causes excessive free radical proliferation. This reduces the oxidation of lipids, DNA, enzyme systems and lipoproteins. The chelation halts the bad effects and initiates the body’s healing process, often reversing the damage. It removes the calcium and copper anions from the blood stream. The plaque lining the artery walls are made porous and brittle. Eventually they may get dislodged. Even if only a microscopic layer of the plaque is removed, it, along with a smoothening of the artery wall due to the healing of the cells that line the arteries, can improve the blood flow to the artery muscles substantially. This can prevent artery spasm and minimize or prevent angina pain. Many patients who could not walk due to muscle pain or angina pain have reported that they can walk without pain after chelation therapy.

We will examine how chelation therapy works.

REDUCES FREE RADICAL ACTIVITY IN THE BLOOD

We can think of our cells in the body as miniature factories. Inside the cell, the digestive process is going on. That means converting the raw materials into energy and protein compounds. Like in a factory, there are mechanisms to transport material within the cell as well as mechanisms to transport material to and from the cell.  In our body, these mechanisms are performed by complex enzyme activity.

The skin that surrounds a cell controls what goes in and what goes out of it. (It is like the shipping and receiving department in a factory.) The active cell membrane is made up of lipids (Cholesterol), proteins and water.

Fee radicals can cause lipid peroxidation (fat becomes rancid). Like in the factory example, if the shipping and receiving department is not functioning properly, it can cause chaos; the whole factory will go out of synch. It does not get raw materials in time or cannot ship out waste products and finished products out. In the body, this is the beginning of the cell degeneration. (In case of factory, it will go out of business.)

This is what happens when atherosclerosis begins in an artery wall. The majority of lipid peroxidation activity involves the presence of metal ions such as iron, copper or calcium. EDTA effectively locks onto these ions, preventing their destructive action. Proponents of Chelation Therapy claim that EDTA can reduce the production of free radicals by up to a million-fold!

Research over the past 30 years has confirmed the benefits of EDTA. This protective influence of EDTA would be enhanced by an appreciable presence of antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium, and amino acid complexes such as glutathione peroxidase. These not only mop up free radicals but also assist in reinforcing the stability of cell membranes.

BLOCKS CALCIUM ABSORPTION, REPAIRS DAMAGED MUSCLES, IMPROVES THE CELL ENERGY PRODUCTION

We have seen that calcium passes through the damaged cell walls into the cells. If calcium gets deposited in arterial walls, it inhibits the enzyme activity which, in turn, affects the production of energy, the movement of raw material, finished products, and waste products from the cell. The cells become energy starved and become acidic as a result. This can lead to premature aging, unbalanced calcium/magnesium ratios, free radical activity, local toxicity, oxygen deficit, nutritional imbalance, etc.

The cells that have become energy starved and acidic start to attract calcium ions, drawing them into the cell. This, further, blocks energy production. The result is degenerative cardiovascular conditions. When this happens, the muscles that surround the arteries go into spasm. Doctors start treating this problem with calcium channel blockers. The problem is that calcium channel blockers block the calcium intake by the muscles; but it does nothing to cure the underlying problems of cell damage.

This process gets really out of hand in the presence of additional Vitamin D and cholesterol. Free radicals helps to convert the cholesterol into substances with Vitamin D activity. This produces plaque, which, in turn, attracts calcium cementing the material.

How does EDTA infusion affect this scenario? First, EDTA removes the toxic metal ions such as lead, calcium, mercury, cadmium, copper, iron, and aluminum from the blood stream. These are necessary for the production of free radicals. By removing the extra calcium from the blood stream, there is no more free calcium available to produce plaque. It means that the cells can start to repair themselves. Their production of energy increases. As more and more cells rebuild, our body becomes healthier. They can ward off intruders. The result is that we have started a salvage and regeneration activity that repairs  previously damaged muscles and heart. And the whole body benefits as a result.

TOXINS AND DETOXIFICATION

WHAT ARE TOXINS AND WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

A toxin is defined as any substance that causes harmful effects to our body. Normally, the immune system, liver and kidneys work together to remove toxins at the same rate as they are encountered. When toxin levels are in excess of our body’s capacity to remove them, toxins build up and are stored until they are removed. We can have toxins stored in our bodies for years without experiencing any negative symptoms, but once the burden of toxins becomes too high, we start to feel ill. We tend to think about toxins coming from environmental sources such as exhaust fumes, solvents and inhalants, but it is important to consider the other numerous, less apparent toxin-producing sources we are exposed to on a daily basis. These include toxins from our lifestyle, toxins created within our bodies (internal toxins) and toxins created from our emotions.

THE ROLE OF THE LIVER IN DETOXIFICATION

The liver is the main organ of detoxification in your body. Every other system in our body is compromised if our liver is not functioning properly. This is because most of the toxins we are exposed to are fat soluble, which means that they are attracted to the fatty portion of cells throughout our body, instead of directly being excreted in water-based urine. Unfortunately, this attraction allows them to be easily transported into cells where they settle and exert their toxic effects. These toxins then stay in our systems permanently and start to negatively affect various organs – including liver, colon, kidney, heart, brain, lungs, skin and endocrine system (hormones). A good detoxification program should assist the liver in changing harmful fat-soluble toxins into a water-soluble form so they can be easily eliminated from the system through the kidneys or colon. The Core Restore BT Program, which we prescribe for our patients here at the Center for Optimum Health, will not only help to accomplish this, but also:

• Reduce incoming toxins into the body.
• Boost the liver’s ability to eliminate the incoming toxins, which will allow toxins that are stored in tissues to come out and be removed.

Generally speaking, our liver eliminates toxins through a two-step enzymatic process, also known as Phase I and II detoxification (biotransformation) pathways. Specific reactions occur in these two pathways that help breakdown these toxins into harmless substances:

PHASE I – A series of enzymes, called cytochrome P450, chemically changes harmful fat-soluble toxins into a more toxic substance called an “intermediary metabolite.” Since the intermediary metabolite is often more toxic than the original fat-soluble toxin, it has to go through Phase II to become less toxic.

PHASE II – Attachment (or conjugation) of specific molecules onto the intermediary metabolite occurs. This process makes intermediary metabolites non-toxic and water soluble so they can be eliminated through the urine or stool.

WHY SHOULD YOU DETOXIFY?

To Feel Better – When detoxification and elimination systems of the body are not working at their optimal level, they are unable to handle the load of incoming toxins and symptoms begin as the toxic levels build up in your cells, tissues and organs. Even after day-to-day external exposures are removed, toxins remain in our body until they are cleared out. An example of this is if we live near a factory and then decide later on to move to a less polluted town without any factories. Although we have stopped getting the external exposure of factory pollutants, the toxins we were exposed to from the previous factory we lived next to will still be in our body. Just knowing this, imagine the build-up of all the toxins from our environment, lifestyle and stresses that have been stored in our bodies since we were a child. Despite this, there is something you can do about reducing your toxic burden. By completing the Core Restore BT program, you can prevent further accumulation of destructive toxins from entering into your body. You will also see a gradual improvement in your symptoms as the stored toxins are released and eliminated through newly efficient detoxification pathways.

To Unmask GI and Other Health Problems – Your healthcare provider needs to get an accurate picture of the underlying cause, or true cause, of your illness. Identifying the underlying cause of your illness is important because it can be masked, or covered up, by the accumulation of toxins in your body. The accumulation of toxins can cause your present illness to either intensify, or it can manifest into other signs and symptoms related to ill health (depending on where most of the toxins accumulated in your body). After completing this detoxification program, most of the toxins trapped in your body should clear out, reducing the symptoms associated with toxin accumulation, giving your healthcare provider a better picture of the underlying cause. If your symptoms still persist, your healthcare provider will perform the appropriate tests needed to determine the underlying cause. This will help him or her formulate a specific treatment plan for you.

To Maintain Good Health - Like your car that needs periodic oil and filter changes, our bodies need periodic detoxification to clean out all the toxins that have accumulated in our system over the years. If you feel progressively sluggish, tired, achy and run down, maybe it’s time for your “filter to be cleaned” to maintain optimal health. Even if you feel fine, consider the Core Restore BT program at least once a year for continued good health. We hope that you now have a better sense of what some of the body’s detoxification processes consist of. We understand that you may also have many questions after reading this newsletter, and be eager to find out how all of this relates to you personally.

These questions and concerns would mostly likely be best answered in person during an appointment, where an individualized detox program can be tailored to suit your own health status and needs.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Many of the chronic health problems that plague people in the United States are related to poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, and gastrointestinal problems often develop as a result of diet. Nutrition is the backbone of naturopathic medicine. By changing our diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we can often change or reverse the course of an illness and restore good health.

Food impacts every cell in our body: you are what you eat. Unfortunately, the importance of nutrition is often downplayed. Foods can have a positive and negative impact on our health. One way food can have a negative impact on the body is from food sensitivities (also known as food intolerances), which are often incorrectly referred to as food allergies.

Dr. Green offers several nutritional plans for use in many disorders, including specialized diets for Candida, Food Elimination/Rotation Diets for allergies, Detoxes, Low-Carb, and Weight loss.

FOOD SENSITIVITIES VS. FOOD ALLERGIES

A food allergy is an immune response to a certain food. People who have a true food allergy (common examples are peanuts and strawberries) are usually aware of it and avoid the food due to the immediate and strong immunologic reaction that occurs (e.g., swelling, hives). A food sensitivity is a physiological reaction (e.g., headache, diarrhea) to a food, without an immune system response.

People often refer to a condition as a food allergy, when it actually is a food sensitivity. Food allergies are generally easy to determine through allergy testing or history of immune response. Food sensitivities can be more difficult to determine because reactions can be delayed (up to 48 hours) and/or more subtle. Also, it can be difficult to determine which food is actually causing the symptom, or if the symptom is caused by food or another pathological condition. Food sensitivity symptoms are many and varied. They include headache, diarrhea, constipation, sinus congestion, sore throat, and joint pain.

Food sensitivities can be more complex than just a symptom. When a food that is not tolerated is eaten, the stomach and intestines can become inflamed. Because of the inflammation, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract can develop little openings that bits of undigested or partially digested food can pass through. This is referred to as “leaky gut syndrome.” When these particles enter the bloodstream, the body’s immune system recognizes them as foreign and attacks them. Thus, an immune response is initiated at this point, but it is still not identified as a true food allergy.

Reference: Naturopathic  Health Communities

IMMUNO-RESTORATION THERAPY

COLD AND FLU SEASON IS ALMOST UPON US

CONSIDER IMMUNE INFUSIONS, I.E., “VITAMIN DRIPS”

Once again we are entering into the cold and flu season. Since many people around us will be sick, we must be ready and have prepared our immune system for potential assault. The best way to do this is to activate your immune system. While there are many ways to do this, one of the very best ways is through using immune infusion drips. Often called an “immune” or “vitamin drip” they “feed” the immune system the vitamins, minerals, glutathione, and antioxidants the immune system needs in order for it to do its job most effectively.

Activating the immune system is important for everyone but especially for people in high risk situations. High risk people are often those who have chronic illnesses, the elderly and those that have medical conditions such as macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, and chronic fatigue, illnesses that affect nerves and muscles and which are generated by free radical damage.

As you will see below, the value of the immune drip goes far beyond protecting against colds and flus. So while immune drips can help to protect you from acute illness, its added benefits are great and can help you with your overall health and well-being.

FREE-RADICALS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Free radicals are reactive substances that destroy cells through a process called oxidation. The antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E) help to prevent this oxidation (damage) to cells and protect against illness and deterioration. Most people, however, do not realize that the strongest, most important antioxidant in the body is a protein called glutathione. Although other antioxidants can be taken orally, glutathione has no effect orally because this protein is broken down in the intestine before it can get to the cells. Even though it is the most powerful antioxidant in the body, it cannot be taken orally which is why most people remain unaware of its existence or importance.

Glutathione is a very important detoxifying agent enabling the body to get rid of toxins, pollutants, heavy metals, cancer-producing chemicals, and drug metabolites. It is through this simple protein that the liver detoxifies and rids itself of toxins and free radicals that would otherwise damage cells. Although it is primarily found in the liver, glutathione is found in all cells and plays a crucial role in anti-oxidation, protecting cell integrity, the repair of crucial DNA, building proteins, and the regulation of essential enzymes. It is also required in the intricate steps of a strong immune response. It is needed for “killer lymphocytes” to kill undesirable cancer cells as well as most viruses.  The importance of glutathione cannot be overstated as it has multiple roles. The necessity for glutathione for optimal health becomes increasingly evident. Unfortunately, cellular levels of glutathione fall as we age and maintaining adequate levels for better health and maintaining a strong immune system becomes very important. Adequate levels of glutathione are therefore essential for protecting you against cold, flu and other viruses and infection in general.

If you keep up on health issues, you are probably aware of the many  books that have been written about the “master antioxidant,” Glutathione. No other antioxidant is as important to overall health as glutathione. It is the regulator and regenerator of immune cells and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the body to protect against environmental hazards. Low levels are associated with liver dysfunction, chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, premature aging, neurological disorders, and macular degeneration. It is the main antioxidant that conjugates (binds) xenobiotics (foreign proteins) and detoxifies them into harmless products that can be eliminated by the liver. The primary reason we use glutathione is for its immune response for which it plays a vital role.

Our immune drips consist of glutathione, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. High doses of vitamins cannot be absorbed orally but can be administered intravenously. Many people do not absorb adequate vitamins or minerals and high levels are needed for free radical generated illness, infections and fatigue. This can be administered safely and easily intravenously in what is termed immune drips. Immune drips are recommended for:

• Viral infections (including Cold’s. Flu’s and other)
• Any infections
• Chronic fatigue
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Pre-surgery tune-up
• Macular degeneration
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer therapy, especially during chemotherapy
• Neurodegenerative disease

Preventing illness, that is, wanting not to get sick, rather than waiting until you are sick and then unnecessarily having to pay for treatment, and experience pain and suffering, makes great sense. Using immune drips and glutathione to prevent illness and protect yourself, also makes great sense.

Reference: Preventive Medicine

IV THERAPIES

The Center for Optimum Health offers many intravenous therapies including, but not limited to:

• Amino Acid Drips
• Chelation Therapy
• Homeopathic IVs
• Immune therapy Drips
• Immune Pushes
• Lipotropics
• Mineral Drips
• Magnesium Drips
• Vitamin C Drips
• Oxidative IVs

JOINT INJECTIONS

Dr. Green performs joint injections of homeopathic aids as well as other medicines, which can help alleviate joint pain, stiffness and range of motion issues by injecting into the joint itself at various points.

WHAT IS LOW-DOSE NALTREXONE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Low-dose naltrexone holds great promise for the millions of people worldwide with autoimmune diseases or central nervous system disorders or who face a deadly cancer.

In the developing world, LDN could provide the first low-cost, easy to administer, and side-effect-free therapy for HIV/AIDS.

Naltrexone itself was approved by the FDA in 1984 in a 50mg dose for the purpose of helping heroin or opium addicts, by blocking the effect of such drugs. By blocking opioid receptors, naltrexone also blocks the reception of the opioid hormones that our brain and adrenal glands produce: beta-endorphin and metenkephalin. Many body tissues have receptors for these endorphins and enkephalins, including virtually every cell of the body’s immune system.

WHAT DISEASES HAS IT BEEN USEFUL FOR AND HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?

Cancer

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Carcinoid
• Colon & Rectal Cancer
• Glioblastoma
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell)
• Lymphocytic Leukemia (chronic)
• Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s)
• Malignant Melanoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Neuroblastoma
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer (untreated)
• Renal Cell Carcinoma
• Throat Cancer
• Uterine Cancer

Autoimmune/Neurodegenerative:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)
• Transverse Myelitis
• HIV/AIDS

Other Autoimmune Diseases:

• Behcet’s Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• CREST syndrome
• Crohn’s Disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
• Pemphigoid
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
• Systemic Lupus (SLE)
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Other Diseases

• Common Colds (URI’s)
• Emphysema (COPD)

Reference: lowdosenaltrexone.org

WHAT IS OXIDATIVE THERAPY?

Oxidative Therapy is simply treating the body with extra oxygen. Treatment methods include forcing extra oxygen gas (O2) into the lungs under pressure (hyperbaric oxygen), mixing blood with ozone gas (O3) and the intravenous infusion of liquid hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The addition of extra oxygen has many benefits for both prevention and treatment of disease.

Remember how hydrogen peroxide foams up when applied to an open wound? Those foaming bubbles are pure oxygen produced by hydrogen peroxide reacting with a blood enzyme catalase. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide can produce a very large amount of oxygen. Areas of the body suffering oxygen deficiency due to poor circulation benefit greatly from the addition of this extra oxygen.

OXIDATION is an extremely important energy producing chemical reaction in the body using various forms of oxygen. Like nuclear energy, this powerful oxidative energy must be tightly controlled to prevent damage to surrounding normal tissue. Anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins and enzymes protect the body from oxidative damage. The immune system however uses oxidative energy as a weapon to directly kill infectious agents such as bacteria, virus, yeast and parasites.

Intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide was first used by Dr. T. H. Oliver in 1920 to successfully treat patients during an epidemic of influenzal pneumonia. He published his results in the British Medical Journal, Lancet. 70 years later this old treatment was rediscovered by Charles Farr M..D.,Ph.D. whose modern day research resulted in the scientific paper “Therapeutic Use of Intravenous Hydrogen Peroxide.” This paper is the protocol for all physicians who administer intravenous hydrogen peroxide. There have been no reports of serious side effects using this protocol.

Oxidative therapy using hydrogen peroxide has been reported in the scientific literature and by physicians to be of benefit in the following conditions:

• Heart and Blood Vessel Diseases
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Cerebral Vascular Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Coronary Spasm (Angina)
• Heart Arrhythmias
• Gangrene of Fingers and Toes
• Raynaud’s Syndrome
• Temporal Arteritis
• Vascular and Cluster Headaches
• Pulmonary Diseases
• Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
• Emphysema
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Infectious Diseases
• Influenza
• Herpes Zoster (shingles)
• Herpes Simplex (fever blister)
• Systemic Chronic Candidiasis
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• (Ebstein_Barr Virus)
• HIV (AIDS) Infections
• Acute and Chronic Viral Infections
• Chronic Bacterial Infections
• Parasitic Infections
• Immune Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Diabetes Mellitus Type II
• Hypersensitive Persons (Environmental and Universal Reactors)
• Parkinsonism
• Alzheimer
• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Pain of Metastatic Carcinoma
• Blood and Lymph Node Cancers

How is this therapy administered? Weak, very pure Hydrogen Peroxide (0.0375% or lower concentration) is added to a saline solution, the same as used for intravenous feeding in hospitals. This is infused in doses of 250 ml into a vein in the arm, slowly over a period of 1 to 2 hours. Treatments are usually given about once a week in chronic illness, but can be given daily in patients with acute illness such as pneumonia or flu. Physicians may recommend 10 to 20 treatments depending on the condition of the patient and the illness being treated. Some patients, especially with chronic illness, may need to take follow up treatments in series of 5 to 10 treatments, or may need indefinite maintenance on a regular monthly schedule.

Reference: Anti-Aging MD

VITAMIN INJECTIONS

We offer a variety of vitamin injections at the Center for Optimum Health, including B-12 and B-Complex, as well as many homeopathic joint injections and biopuncture.

WHAT ARE NUTRACEUTICALS, AND COSMECEUTICALS?

AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT TO YOUR HEALTH?

NUTRACEUTICALS

The term “nutraceuticals” is a combination of the words nutrition and pharmaceutical, coined by Stephen DeFelice, a doctor and the founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FIM) in 1989. Since then, the popularity of nutraceuticals has soared, perhaps due in part to increasing suspicions and concerns about chemically over-processed foods and their impact on society at large.

The issues that linger on the minds of many who consider using nutraceuticals to combat their illnesses are frequently safety related. The idea of using nature’s best to cure the body’s problems sounds promising. After all, why should one involve synthetic chemicals—ones with long-term effects that are uncertain—in fixing that which is not synthetic? Then again, natural is not synonymous with safe. Plenty of naturally derived items have a negative impact on the mind and body, and experimenting with the unknown, or little-known, can be risky.

COSMECEUTICALS

Cosmeceuticals represent a marriage between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Like cosmetics, cosmeceuticals are topically applied, but they contain ingredients that influence the biological function of the skin. Cosmeceuticals improve appearance, but they do so by delivering nutrients necessary for healthy skin. Cosmeceuticals typically claim to improve skin tone, texture, and radiance, while reducing wrinkling. Cosmeceuticals are the fastest-growing segment of the natural personal care industry.  Consumers are always interested in maintaining a youthful appearance, and as the global population’s median age increases, this market is increasingly expanding.

The most important botanicals pertaining to dermatologic uses, such as cosmeceuticals, include teas, soy, pomegranate, date, grape seed, Pycnogenol, horse chestnut, German chamomile, curcumin, comfrey, allantoin, and aloe; only green and black tea, soy, pomegranate, and date have been studied to the extent that clinical trials for the treatment of parameters of extrinsic aging have been published.  Few botanical-based cosmeceuticals have uses that are supported by evidence-based science.

Top antiaging creams currently on the market were evaluated. These included Rosmarinus officinalis, Vitis vinifera (grape seed extract), Citronellol, Limonene, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice extract), Aframomum angustifolium seed extract, Diosgenin (wild yam), N6 furfuryladenine (kinetin), and Ergothioneine.[3] Randomized controlled trials are still needed, although some ingredients may have a scientfic basis for their use.

Chemoprevention by oral or topical use of dietary or pharmacologic agents to inhibit or reverse the development of cancer is a possibility.  Potential cosmeceutical agents in this category include green tea, grape seed extract, vitamin E, and beta-carotene.

Rescource: EMedicine