Alternative Options for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

If you have been following my blog, you know a few things about me.  I believe that I am my best advocate.  I don’t like to take drugs unless they are absolutely necessary and then only after I have tried alternatives that have been proven effective for others .  I am much more interested in individual testimonials as to how a treatment or drug performed for them than I am in clinical studies where the results may have been altered or even disregarded in order to present the desired results so that a pharmaceutical company can attain their bottom line—money, and lots of it.  I am aware that many alternative treatments are effective, sometimes more than drugs.  I am also aware that often drug companies know that natural alternatives are effective but these natural products are unable to be patented which means there is no money in it for them. Until the pharma company is able to change a molecule in that natural substance so that it is no longer as God made it and still get the response they want, it is of no interest to them.  I am also aware that we are all living in a very toxic world due to the  pesticides put on our food, the additional hormones in our  foods, the chemicals put in our water, the overall environment and the air we breath.  All of this impacts our health.  I feel that the last thing I need is to add more toxins to my body with unnatural drugs that block pathways causing side effects that in turn require more drugs and will eventually make me worse.

Therefore, I am on a quest for more natural alternatives to help me control the symptoms  of Multiple Sclerosis  or MS.  By the way, none of these are cures.  However, if they can control symptoms or even cause remission, they are worth trying I think until something better comes along.  (And remember, God is our Healer!)  MS and other neurodegenerative diseases are greatly on the upswing.  I believe that this is largely due to poor diets and the toxins we are subjected to on a regular basis.   Therefore, for anyone facing one of these neurodegenerative disease states , the first step is to start eating a whole foods, nutrient dense  diet and drink plenty of purified water.  Find out what supplements you need and take them.   I have written much about this in previous blogs so please refer back to them for specifics. Next I would recommend that you find a good Integrative doctor and have him check you for heavy metal toxicity.  Make sure that he has you take a product to challenge the metals in you, thus pulling them out in order to be properly measured. Also, exercise is important even if it is a little bit throughout the day.  Try to reduce stress.  I find that stress increases my symptoms.

Once I got the diagnosis of MS, my Integrative doctor recommended a protocol for me to  consider.  It is called the PK Protocol named after Patricia Kline, PhD.  It involves IV infusions of lipostabil which is a form of Phosphatidylcholine,  Glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) and Leukovorin. (folinic acid).  The following was written by Dr. Robert J.  Rowen about this treatment  under “EPL Phospholipids” along with some other alternative options to explore – http://www.alternative-medicine-digest.com/multiple-sclerosis.html.

Another treatment option that is listed in the above article is for Prokarin.  I decided to start with Prokarin after discussing my questions and concerns with the formulator of this product, Elaine DeLack, MS, who also has MS, and has been symptom free since using Prokariin.  For more information on Prokarin  go  to http://www.tldp.com/issue/11_00/ms.htm and to the official website for Prokarin, http://www.edmsllc.com/.   The Prokarin disc is now available through Custom RX Shoppe Compounding Pharmacy in Bellingham, WA., ph: 360-685-4266.  Your doctor must write a script for this product.  When you talk with Elaine she will give you all of the information you need to know including some dietary and supplement adjustments.  She will also give you information regarding possible insurance coverage if your coverage includes compounded products.  Elaine can be reached at 866-222-3367.

Some of my previous blog entries discuss some other options  including HBOT or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which  is considered first line therapy for MS in Great Britain.  Low Dose Naltrexone is another product to discuss with your  doctor.  Refer back to the blog entry on the book  “Honest Medicine” by Julia Schopick.

Let me know if you have found this entry helpful.  Tell me how you are doing.  If you have heard about another possible option, let me know so that I can do some research on it.  We are pilgrims on a journey.  Let’s help each other along the way.

The Importance of Being Your Own Advocate In Medical Care

I cannot say enough about the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to your medical care.   Do your own research.  Never assume that the doctor has all of the answers.  No one knows your body the way that you do.  If you don’t agree with the diagnosis or the doctor doesn’t seem to care to take the time to hear what you have to say, move on to another doctor.  Don’t let any doctor belittle you for watching out for your best welfare.  If you don’t, who will?

There have been all too many times in my life when I have had to stand up to a doctor and refuse the treatment being “suggested” or speak out on behalf of a loved one who was too ill to care for himself or herself.   There have also been times when I did go along with  the doctor’s recommendations and in more than one case it cost me serious damage to my health.  At the time I believed that doctor knew what he was doing.  After all, he was a doctor, right?!!

Over the past 5 or 6 years, I have had some neurological symptoms that concerned me.  I have had a history of head/neck/spine trauma from 3 car accidents all involving whiplashes (2 serious) as well as some other traumatic events to my body.  I had developed a mild tremor in my right hand at first.  I went to a neurologist who seemed to consider himself king of neurology.  In time that opinion seemed to carry over to some of his neurology colleagues.  After a few simple tests the first neurologist proclaimed that I had Parkinson’s Disease.  I wanted to tell him about the many traumatic occurrences that had happened to my body but when I began to ask him about them and the part I believed they played in my symptoms, his exact words were “You have Parkinson’s Disease.  Get over it and move on!”  Shocked by his unprofessional attitude as well as having a deep down feeling that something else was going on I followed his advice—I moved on to another neurologist.

The problem with moving on, especially in a tight knit old boys network of neurologists or other doctors for that matter, is that when you move on you likely are seeing one or several of the first doctor’s buddies.  So with each new neurologist,  I was barely seen for two minutes without the resounding “Yes, you have Parkinson’s Disease.”

Now, it wasn’t as if I didn’t WANT to believe this diagnosis.  It was just that a strong voice inside me kept saying no, it is something else.  I am not afraid of a name of a disease.  My God is far bigger than that disease name.  He can heal anything!  What I was concerned about was being treated for the wrong thing!  After having seen several (7 sounds about right) doctors, mostly neurologists who gave the same diagnosis,  I stopped the search.  I turned to prayer in a mighty way.  I knew that God knew what was going on with me and that He would lead me to the answers in His time.

One day a friend of mine, Sharon,  called a friend of hers to pray over me.   As Nancy, her friend, prayed, she said that God was giving her the word “myelin sheath”.  She was quite perplexed at these words she had never previously heard.  Then God began to give her pictures of my spine and brain and He spoke to her of tears on those areas.  She had no idea what she was saying but I did.   I told my Integrative doctor about this and asked him if I could have Multiple Sclerosis.  He was shocked by these specific responses to prayer and didn’t answer my question.  He then referred me to another doctor who, when told this scenario said “So, God is now in the business of diagnosing?”  Uh, yes, absolutely. . . . .  I moved on yet again.

Later I was asked to participate in some clinical  trials for a new  hypertensive  supplement that was being developed by my Integrative doctor.  The nurse helping with the study and I were talking and I told her my plight in finding a neurologist who would listen to me.  God intervened again and this nurse gave me the name of my current neurologist whose specialty is Multiple Sclerosis! In fact, I have  heard from his other patients  that he is one of the foremost diagnosticians  for MS in the country!  (She and I didn’t know that at the time.)  Not only that, but he is a great listener and an altogether wonderful, caring person!  This doctor ran a multitude of tests but within a matter of minutes of examining me he said, “No doctor who  knows what Parkinson’s Disease looks  like would think that you have PD.  However, I do think that you might have Multiple Sclerosis with some Parkinsonism symptoms.”  After many tests, including a spinal tap, an MRI, a multitude of lab tests and more, it is now confirmed that I DO NOT have  Parkinson’s Disease but I do have MS!

Oh, yes. . .I forgot to tell you that God told  2 other  people who were praying over me that I don’t have Parkinson’s Disease but that I just have the symptoms due to other causes.

Now I know the truth and as my Integrative doctor said, we now have a target to shoot at.  Think of my story the next time your doctor doesn’t have the time to listen to you.  You know your body.  Find a doctor who is in the business of caring for each individual and will listen to what you have to say.  Those doctors do still exist.  I actually have two  of them now.  And I still reserve the right to pick and choose whether or not I will follow their  recommendations because I do my homework and I am ultimately responsible for myself.  We are meant to work as a team. It just might take some time to find doctors like this but you will if you trust God to help.  You can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He cares about  you!

Natural Products That Lowered My Blood Pressure-Could they Help You?

I personally have a real thing about taking pharmaceutical drugs if I can find a natural alternative that works for me.  I have had a problem with hypertension.  Every time I went in for a doctor’s visit the doctor and his nurse practitioner were concerned to say the least.  My blood pressure was hovering around 170/100 and none of the alternative therapies I tried would work.  I finally got to the point where I, too, was concerned.  The last thing I need is to have a heart attack or stroke.   However, I was equally concerned about the potential side effects of taking blood pressure drugs.

One day a few months ago while doing some research I came across an article where an integrative doctor mentioned taking Bonita Fish Peptides to help with hypertension.  Having never heard of these, I did more research and found a product by Natural Factors for these peptides along with many very positive testimonials so I decided to give this a try before heading into pharma land.  Wow, am I glad I did! Within 2 days of taking a combination of two supplements my blood pressure began to drop with no side effects! Now after 2 months my blood pressure is in the high normal range, around 128/72.  My doctor and his nurse practitioner are amazed and thrilled to know about these products and the results!

These two products are PeptACE Fish Peptides 500 mg. and Celery Seed Extract  85% 3nB,, both  by Natural Factors.   I personally take 1 PeptACE 3 times a day and 2 Celery Seed Extract with breakfast and 2 with dinner.  IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY ON BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR!  Your doctor needs to monitor you closely and gradually reduce your medication while adding in this product.  (Make sure that you use these specific products.  I have tried other celery seed products with no success.)

For personal testimonials on how this product has worked for  others, go to http://www.iherb.com/Natural-Factors-PeptACE-Fish-Peptides-500-mg-90-Capsules/2639?at=1 and click on reviews.

For information on these products go to http://naturalfactors.com/ca/en/products/539/peptace-fish-peptides-500-mg

I order these products through iherb.com.  If you do try these products, I would love to know how they are working for you.

Several months ago I also participated in a clinical trial for a new hypertension supplement by Biotics.   I was in the control group so I didn’t experience any benefits but I understand that those people in the other group did show significant improvement.  The supplement is not available at this time.   I will let you know through this blog when it does become available.  I can then set you up with an account with them to order it if you are interested.

“Honest Medicine” by Julia Schopick

Who do you know who currently is dealing with:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Crohn’s Disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic Fatigue  Syndrome
• Lymes Disease
• Other autoimmune  diseases
• Certain cancers
• Epilepsy

Find out what Julia Schopick reveals in her book, “Honest Medicine”.  In this book Ms. Schopick, along with the testimonies of doctors and others,  discusses  “effective, time-tested, inexpensive treatments for life-threatening diseases  including Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy,  Liver Disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other  diseases. “

Julia begins this book by sharing her personal story about her very ill husband and what she and he went through with the medical establishment to try to get him the treatment he so desperately needed to heal the wound on  his head  from brain surgery.  She tells the story about Silverlon and how it immediately healed an unhealing wound;  how her husband’s doctor did not want her to have Silverlon used on the wound.   Apparently it is not unusual for head surgery wounds to not heal, especially in the case of brain surgery  when the person has previously had radiation.  Silverlon is a must to know about for you and your family.

Then the author discusses the use of oral low dose Naltrexone  and IV Alpha  Lipoic Acid and how each of these are being used to effectively help and bring relief in various diseases such as those listed above.  She includes personal accounts of doctors, patient advocates, and family members.  These are Patient-Evidence-Based treatments, “untainted. . .honest appraisals of their personal successes with these treatments.  No one is paying them to say anything—unlike the celebrities who are paid huge amounts of money by pharmaceutical companies to hawk their medications.” (One online resource for LDN is that of Dr. David Gluck, www.LDNinfo.org.)  On a personal note, I have recently started taking low dose Naltrexone or LDN for Parkinson’s Syndrome after reading about it in “The Oxygen Revolution”.  The difference in how I feel is amazing.  If someone would like to talk with me about this further, contact me through this blog and leave me your phone number.  I will be happy to share my personal experience.

Do you know someone whose child suffers from childhood epilepsy?  Are you or they familiar with the ketogenic diet?  Again, many children have needlessly suffered with epilepsy and have been exposed to many harmful drugs without having the opportunity to at least know about and try the ketogenic diet.  Apparently one third of the children put on the ketogenic diet become seizure free while another third find their seizures to be greatly reduced.   This book discusses the diet and tells of  some very moving testimonies of how this diet has amazingly turned this condition of childhood epilepsy around for many children who have been put on the diet.  For more information on this diet go to www.charliefoundation.org, or call 1-800-FOR-KETO .  I also recommend that you see the dvd “First Do No Harm” which is about a young boy with out of control epileptic seizures , the horror his parents experienced walking through our medical system  plagued with an onslaught of drugs; how, through the persistence of his mother and help from the staff at Johns Hopkins, he was able to be put on the ketogenic diet.  Within a short time this little guy was seizure free.

In the words of Ms. Schopick, “this book is for people who are discerning, who are open to doing their own research (or having someone they trust do it), who are open to being curious, and who are open to new information.  This book is also for people who have chronic and life-threatening conditions that have not been helped by the conventional standard-of-care treatments their doctors have prescribed for them.  And this book is for those who realize that medicine should be patient-oriented, not profit-oriiennted.”

For more on this important book go to http://www.honestmedicine.com/low-dose-naltrexone/ or you can purchase it through http://www.Amazon.com.  This is a book that should be a part of everyone’s reference library.  Share this information with friends and family.  No one ever knows when the need to know this information will arise.

What you need to know about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT

Life is a journey and if my personal journey can help others along the way then I consider that a blessing.   I have recently been introduced to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy also referred to as HBOT.   I have learned that each trauma or insult we experience in our body throughout our life has a cumulative effect.   Inflammation is the result of these traumas and this inflammation attacks all of our organs including the brain.

I have long suspected that there is a  connection between the three automobile accidents I have been in where I sustained whiplashes and a concussion, brain surgery due to a benign brain tumor which was a substantial insult to my brain (one neurologist suggested a possible connection between the  very serious injuries in the first car wreck and the subsequent brain tumor,) and finally the highly toxic sick building I worked in long enough to cause yet another insult to my brain and body initiating the beginning of Parkinson’s symptoms. The chemical exposures I experienced in that building caused major vertigo attacks as well as extreme weakness in my hands and legs so that in time it was extremely difficult to walk or type much less keep my balance.  Although those symptoms left within ten days of removing myself from that work environment, the damage was done.  Within months those symptoms slowly crept back and are now creating havoc inside my body.

I have been seeking natural therapies to deal with these symptoms.  First and foremost, I have made a whole foods nutrient diet a must.  As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I pay close attention to the importance of a healthy digestive tract as well as blood sugar regulation in an effort to deter inflammation, the culprit of so many degenerative diseases.  I also include some very important supplements to help with inflammation such as vitamin D3, fish oil or krill oil, and a good vitamin/mineral supplement.  I have worked hard to avoid taking medications but my day came a few weeks ago when I realized I need more help.  At the same time, while my integrative family doctor was discussing options with me he mentioned HBOT.  I decided to do some research on this subject and came upon some very interesting information along with a recommended book, “The Oxygen Revolution” by Paul G. Harch, MD.  (www.Amazon.com)  The subtitle really caught my attention–Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:  The Groundbreaking New Treatment for –

• Diabetes
• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Heart Disease
• Birth Injuries
• Learning disabilities
• Anti-Aging
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s
• Brain Injuries
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• PTSD with TBI
• AIDS
• Alcohol Abuse
• Parkinson’s
• Vision Loss
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Dementia
• And MORE

After reading this book I realized that HBOT could prove to be beneficial to me in many ways.  I decided to have one session or dive just to see how I would do.  I did fine although I do recommend using earplane plugs for your ears if you experience fullness in your ears when flying (landing and taking off).  The chamber I went into is large enough to lie down in or sit up and there are windows for looking out.  The hood I wore has a reading window.  I will admit that when I was first inside the chamber I felt a little uneasy but that feeling quickly left me as I felt the calming effects of the oxygen and I realized that this therapy can really make a difference in my life.  The amazing thing was that after just one dive which lasted one hour my eyes looked brighter, my gait was smoother and my writing improved.  After that one dive I felt very encouraged. I have now signed up for 40 sessions in the chamber beginning the end of March.   I will try to journal my progress for those who may be interested.

Please get this book, “The Oxygen Revolution” by Paul G. Harch, M.D. and Virginia McCullough and read it to learn about the expansive uses of HBOT even if you don’t need the information right now.   It is very well written and full of information that could prove invaluable at some time in your life or in the life of a family member or friend.   Knowing about HBOT and its uses could actually save the life of someone you know.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father  of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

The Burgeoning Infertility Epidemic

Infertility is a growing problem in our country.  Why is this?  The true cause can be from any number of nutrient deficiencies such as amino acids, essential fatty acids, etc.  It can be from eating a poor diet most of one’s life, a diet lacking in the many essential nutrients necessary to keep a body working well overall.  Not having enough exposure to sunlight thus limiting ones D3 can be a factor.  Consuming too many harmful foods such as wheat, sugars (including agave), alcohol, coffee, starchy foods, chemicals in foods and unfermented soy all can play a part.  Then add to these other environmental exposures including, but not limited to, new car chemicals, new homes and new furnishings among others.

In Dr. Pottinger’s study involving cats he found that the cat’s fertility started to vanish when they were fed processed foods.  The longer they ate the poor food the less healthy they became.  Every succeeding generation had poorer health until they could no longer reproduce.  He discovered that genes can be altered by what is eaten. However, there is NO  condition that cannot be changed or improved by diet.

Our poor diet is a major problem that is affecting today’s high infertility.  Fast food has definitely played a role in this problem.  People are eating poor quality protein.  Most men and women are deficient in magnesium (read “The Magnesium Factor” by Mildred Seelig and Andrea Rosanoff) and D3.  Most people are deficient in vitamin A which is found in liver.  Most men and women have a high toxicity level.   The consumption of alcohol causes the sperm count to drop.  Eating too much sugar and not eating enough GOOD FAT can lead to infertility problems.  Remember, your body needs healthy fats in order to make hormones!  (Those low fat diets are damaging our bodies.  Refer back to my blog entry regarding good fats vs. bad fats.)  Trans fats are in any form of hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats so avoid all of these!   Most people eat foods heated in microwaves so that any value that may have been in the foods prior to heating has at the very least been lost.

It always takes time to turn the body around.  Remember, any damage that exists in your  body that has impacted its function and has created deficiencies did not happen overnight.  If you are contemplating getting pregnant now is the time to begin strengthening your body through a healthy whole foods nutrient dense diet as well as finding out what nutritional  deficiencies you may have and addressing them through supplements in addition to whole foods.  Detoxing may be necessary and you would want to do this prior to becoming pregnant.  Some points that can assist you on your journey to becoming pregnant are:

• • Low fat diets and vegetarianism promote infertility!
  • Change to high fat dairy products to increase fertility (per studies.  Eliminate eating dairy if you have allergies to it.)
  • Remember. most of the healthiest foods have no ingredients label – fresh fruits and vegetables, grass fed beef, free range poultry and eggs,  wild fish,  whole grains, raw nuts and raw seeds, etc.
  • There is no such thing as soy milk, rice milk or almond milk because they don’t produce milk for their young.  This is mislabeling.
  • Avoid reduced fat food and reduced cholesterol food.
  • If you need coffee as a pick up you have a problem.  Explore why!
  • Learn which fish is highest in mercury – wild is preferred.
  • Stop now using the microwave.
  • Eat grass fed beef.
  • The healthiest sweeteners are Stevia , Yacon, and Luo Han Guo. (I am personally only familiar with Stevia but have heard about these others in my training.)
  • The healthiest fats/oils are butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, walnut oil and sesame oil and only if pressed at low temperatures.
  • Reduce your stress.
  • Moderate exercise.
  • Stop eating gluten for a few months and see if you feel better!  Food sensitivities or allergies can be causing inflammation in your system and you may not even be aware of them.  Gluten is a common  food sensitivity along with dairy and soy.
  • Remove all electrical cords from your bed.  No electric blanket or water bed heater.  These must be unplugged, not just off!  The reason for this is that electromagnetic and electric fields can cause infertility.

Finally, if you know that infertility is an issue then it is important that both the man and the woman are investigated.  Both partners must be on board and supportive of each other.  All required changes should be done on both sides.  Low sperm count or sperm mobility is a major issue and must be worked on.  The reference ranges on lab work for such has been dropped 40% from 50 years ago so if the test says it is normal it well may not be!

“Have Heart” by Steve and Sarah Berger

As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I am concerned about bringing complete wholeness to each individual.  When someone has experienced the loss of a loved one, that loss, particularly when you have unanswered questions,  can reverberate throughout your body and it can manifest in any number of ways – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  It can impact your personal relationships as well.  I want to recommend the book “Have Heart” by Steve and Sarah Berger to you and anyone you know who has questions about Heaven and/or has experienced the sense of deep loss.  In this book, Steve and Sarah have opened their hearts about their son Josiah who went to Heaven last year.  This is a scripturally based book about hope and an awaited reunion for Christians with their Christian loved ones.  People are experiencing healing from reading this book after years of not being able to let go of their grief.

Here are just a few testimonials of what people are saying about this book:

“I had the honor of reading your book last night! I could not put it down! I have never read a book and had chills and cried so much in my life! What a horrible tragedy that was but you and Sarah’s words and stories are absolutely amazing!! I got to the end and did not want it to end!!! All of those dreams and God nods just moved me like crazy and made me soooo excited to be a Christian!! God is amazing and that book made everything I have had questions about so clear! I feel like a new person.””

“God bless you and Sarah for allowing God to invade your grief, speak His comfort through you to the mourning, and then write down the gut-wrenching agony and the glorious victory.”

“My daughter’s dear friend lost her 24 year old husband in a drowning accident. She is pregnant and it is all so tragic from earth’s standpoint but oh the glory ringing the rafters in heaven at this moment. Last I heard she has read Have Heart twice but by now I’m sure she has scoured its pages again. She has hung on every word.”

“I’m sure that God has already confirmed this to you but the timing of your book release is providential in my life and I’m sure in the lives of many.”

“On my flight to Orlando this week I was reading Have Heart . As I walked up the jet way a gentleman asked what I thought of the book. I of course said I enjoyed it and felt a special kinship with the authors because you are my Pastor. The gentleman was visibly shaken as he said what a difference the book made to him. When I exited the jet way I turned to continue the conversation and he was gone. I waited several minutes and I never did see him again. I said a quiet prayer for the stranger in the jet way. Flying back I was finishing your book when the woman seated next to me said she’d been reading the book too…mine as I sat next to her! She wanted to know more so I told her your families story as best I could. She then explained that her husband was a Pastor in Lancaster county PA where the little girls were killed at the Mennonite school. He has struggled trying to tell people, as sad as it was here on earth, Heaven had those little girls, and things with them were better than ever. I gave her the book and asked her to pass it along when they were finished. Have Heart at work on a Southwest plane.”

“This is big and so is God!! I’ve given out all my copies, and I need to order more! I’m almost done with the book, Steve. It’s wonderful, and it has given me a brand new sense of how my Mom is enjoying her life now!”

“I just wanted to let you know how much your book has helped me & close friends and family in the last few weeks. One of our cousins went to heaven a week & a half ago. His wife is expecting their first child this November. I bought a bunch of “Have Heart” books to give to those closest to her because I didn’t know whether or not she was ready to read the book herself. Well, one of the brothers ended up giving it to her, and she has since read and finished the book. She’s let me know how much it has encouraged her during this time of grief and mourning.”

“I have been meaning to sit down and thank you and Sarah for your book. It is a special treasure to those of us who have loved ones in heaven.”

“I write today as I prepare to go this weekend to the funeral of ******, the 20 year old son of one of my life long best friends. ****** was killed Wed. night in a tragic car accident, 3 weeks before his wedding. I know you and Sarah know this pain. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your experience and God’s hope….because I have something to put in her hands when I hug her that I know will be helpful in the days ahead.

Go God and the Have Heart revolution…”

For more information about “Have Heart”, how to order and much more go to http://www.haveheart.net.

Transdermal Magnesium Therapy – Part 1

Recently I was talking with someone who mentioned Transdermal Magnesium Therapy to me as something I could possibly benefit from in regaining my own health.  I was fascinated as we talked and decided to research it and even give it a try.  Although I am only on day 7 of this therapy at the time of this writing, and knowing that studies have shown that it takes from 4 to 6 weeks to become magnesium sufficient rather than deficient when using the transdermal method of application, I am more than encouraged already by the benefits I personally am seeing.   The fact that I am able to even type this blog is a true sign of its efficacy.  The hypertension that I have had for quite some time is already showing significant improvement.  My coordination and strength shows improvement.  The wonderful thing about this is that it is treating the symptoms as well as the cause of those symptoms. Something important to note when considering the individual body is that God built an innate intelligence into each  one of us.  The body will prioritize what and where it needs to  heal first based on sustaining life.  When we are deficient in something our body will steal that nutrient from wherever it  can be found in order to try to overcome that deficiency.  When that nutrient is not available, our body is headed on a path to some degenerative disease.  This is why eating a nutrient dense whole foods diet is so important!

I recommend that you read at least one of these 2 books in regard to the importance of magnesium for body function and how the majority of our population is deficient in what has been referred to as the “miracle mineral”.  These books are “The Magnesium Miracle” by Dr. Carolyn Dean and “Transdermal Magnesium Therapy” by Mark Sircus, Ac., O.M.D.  By the way, transdermal means that it is applied to the skin and is absorbed into your system.  (Your skin is your body’s largest organ!) Next to an IV this is the most effective method of taking magnesium and it is in the form of magnesium chloride oil (which is not actually an oil but feels like it.)

“Dr. Dean and many other doctors and researchers are clear that ‘magnesium deficiency is a significant factor—often the major factor- in many severe illnesses including heart attacks and other forms of heart disease, asthma, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, fatigue, diabetes, migraines and other headaches, osteoporosis, insomnia, and most cases of muscular problems.”

“Dr Steven Johnson agrees adding, ‘The range of pathologies associated with magnesium deficiency is staggering: hypertension (cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver damage, etc.),  peroxynitrite  damage (migraine, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.), recurrent bacterial infection due to low levels of nitric oxide in the cavities  (sinuses, vagina, middle ear, lungs, throat, etc.), fungal infections due to a depressed immune system, thiamine deactivation (low gastric acid, behavioral disorders, etc.), PMS, calcium deficiency (osteoporosis, mood swings, etc.), tooth cavities, hearing loss, Type II diabetes, cramps, muscle  weakness, impotence, aggression, fibromas, potassium deficiency (arrhythmia, hypertension, some forms of cancer), iron  accumulation, etc.”

“Magnesium is essential in regulating central nervous system excitability thus magnesium deficiency may cause aggressive behavior, depression, or suicide.  Magnesium calms the brain and people do not need to become severely deficient in magnesium for the brain to become  hyperactive.” (“Transdermal Magnesium Therapy” pg. 4 – 5)

“Suboptimal intake of magnesium has been associated with the following prevalent and potentially serious conditions:

ADD/ADHD

Alzheimer’s

Angina

Anxiety disorders

Diabetes – Type 1 and II

Eating disorders – Bulimia, Anorexia

Fibromyalgia

Gut disorders – including peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease, colitis, food allergy

Arrhythmia

Arthritis – Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

Asthma

Autism

Auto immune disorders – all types

Cavities

Cerebral Palsy – in children from magnesium deficient mothers

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Congestive Heart Disease

Constipation

Crooked teeth – narrow jaw – in children from magnesium deficient mothers

Depression

Muscle cramps

Myopia – in children with magnesium deficient mothers

Obesity – especially obesity associated with high carbohydrate diets

Osteoporosis – just adding magnesium reversed bone loss

Parkinson’s Disease

PMS – including menstrual pain and irregularities

Heart Disease – Arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, high triglycerides

Heart Disease – infants born to magnesium deficient mothers

High Blood Pressure

Hypoglycemia

Impaired athletic performance

Infantile seizures – in children from magnesium deficient mothers

Insomnia

Kidney Stones

Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Migraines – including cluster types

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Multiple Sclerosis

PPH _ Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Raynaud’s

SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Stroke

Syndrome X – insulin resistance

Thyroid disorders – low, high  and auto-immune, low magnesium reduces T4”

(“Transdermal Magnesium Therapy”. Pg. 73 – 74)

How do you know if you are magnesium deficient?  According to both Dr. Sircus and  Dr. Dean, a blood serum test does not give the true picture.  “Blood serum tests will almost always show normal no matter what the magnesium levels are in the cells because the body tightly controls the level of magnesium in the blood ; if that level falls a heart attack is never that far away.”

Dr Sircus suggests that “one of the best ways to determine if you are magnesium deficient is to begin applying magnesium chloride transdermally to the body in low doses and to see within days, if not hours, if you feel better.” (NOTE: According to the doctors in these books, anyone with kidney failure should not use this therapy. )

You may go online or through a nutriceutical company that I use to purchase transdermal magnesium chloride oil.  You will want to make sure that the product you use is “ultra-pure and untouched by pollutants” from the Zechstein seabed.  I purchased some from 2 different sources.  MagneDerm is by Designs for Health.  This is an 8 oz. bottle of the oil and the cost is $24.00 plus shipping, etc .  You must go through a practitioner such as myself in order to purchase products through this company so you would need to contact me first so that I can get you set up as my client. (615-790-6650)   The other bottle I purchased is through Ancient Minerals.  I believe I paid $28.00 for 8 oz.  Whatever product you do purchase you want to make sure that it is from the Zechstein seabed for purity.

When you first begin applying the magnesium chloride oil to your skin (avoid the eyes) you might experience slight stinging or burning.  It is recommended that you mix 50/50 spring water with magnesium chloride oil and put in a spray bottle, at least when you are first adjusting your skin to it.  You keep it on for 30 minutes and then wipe off or shower.  (Put on legs and arm and massage it in.) It was mentioned in one of these books that if you put it in your armpits it is an effective deodorant.  My husband tried this and can attest that it does work!  I apply this oil to my body twice a day but it is always a good idea to start slow and build up.  I highly recommend that you purchase or at least look through one of the books I previously suggested so that you can read first hand about transdermal magnesium therapy and all of it’s known benefits, including how it surpasses oral magnesium supplements as far as efficacy in a much shorter period of time.  There is much to learn about this miracle mineral and it may just help you get rid of whatever is ailing you!!

More to come. . .

“The Doctor’s Heart Cure” by Al Sears, M.D. – a book review

If you or someone you know is currently dealing with hypertension, high cholesterol or other heart related issues I would like to recommend reading “The Doctor’s Heart Cure” by Al Sears, M.D.  In this book you will learn:

• Why starches – not fat – are the villains  behind heart disease
• Why traditional “cardio” may be harmful to your health
• Why cholesterol does not cause heart disease
• The real reasons obesity has been skyrocketing in America

What I greatly appreciate about this book is that it is full of empowering information that enables someone to become more in control of his or her health issues.  If you are currently taking statin drugs for cholesterol issues or medications for hypertension this book explains the down side of those drugs and the effective natural alternatives.  Dr. Sears educates the reader to big pharma in this equation and who is really benefiting by putting a large population of people on these popular drugs.

Dr. Sears recommends and lists five blood tests that paint a precise picture of your cardiovascular health, why they are important, what your levels should be and the importance of finding a doctor who will respect you and will work with your request.  (You might suggest to your doctor that he would find this book helpful, too, as he may not routinely order these tests.  If your doctor is not open to listening and working with you, you might consider moving on to another doctor.)  These tests need to be done annually and are important in determining your overall health.  A few of the questions he suggests that you might ask a doctor who you are considering to team up with you as you seek optimal health are:

• What is your attitude about preventive medicine?
• What is your attitude about alternative medicine?
• Do you recommend the use of vitamins and nutritional supplements?

Dr. Sears effectively uncovers many of the myths that have been promoted by big pharma and then filtered into mainstream medical and then to the public.  What I really like about this book is that he doesn’t simply unearth the myths but he offers alternative solutions so that you can take back control over your life and your pocketbook! He also emphasizes the importance of good nutrition and advises you as to the most important nutrients for your heart health.  Some of these nutrients that encourage a healthy heart are actually lost or the body is unable to produce them when taking the drugs that are supposed to deal with the symptoms of heart disease.  An example of this would be the effect of statins on the body’s ability to produce CO Q10 which is critical for all muscles, including your heart muscle.  (This decrease of essential nutrients is one of the downsides of all drugs.)  This is why addressing the nutritional deficiencies is so important and hopefully with the assistance of your doctor he or she will be able to help you to wean yourself off the drugs while you supply your body with the nutrients it is lacking. (Do not attempt to wean yourself off of your drugs without the care of your doctor.  Doing  such could be dangerous to your health.) As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner  I am able to work with you and your doctor to help uncover those nutritional deficiencies and help get you back on track nutritionally.

Dr. Sears talks about eating a healthy diet (which will be a review of everything I have written about but it definitely bears repeating). People who are still eating processed foods have no idea how delicious and satisfying a whole foods nutrient dense diet can be.  Challenge yourself with a whole foods diet for a minimum of 2 months.  You will never want to go back to eating processed/junk food! You will begin to notice a discernible difference when you rid your body of those bad fats and add in the good ones (see my entry on good fats versus bad fats), stop eating high fructose corn syrup which is in most processed foods (you would be amazed),and eliminate glutamates (MSG and all other excitotoxins) from your diet.  (If you don’t know what I am talking about contact me and we can discuss it.)

This doctor also discusses the PACE exercise program (Progressively Accelerating Cardiopulmonary Exertion) which has been found to strengthen the cardiovascular system and help with weight reduction.  This involves a series of short bursts of exercise with periods of rest in between.   Dr. Sears states,  “The right kind of exercise build’s the hearts ability to respond effectively to these demands.  You can indeed increase both your heart’s maximal capacity and its speed at increasing its output to respond to demand.  Yet long-duration exercise does NOT help you do this.  In fact, it has the OPPOSITE effect by forcing the heart to become smaller and more efficient.  The body trades the ability to handle big demands for the ability to go further.”

A book well worth not just reading, but using and keeping as an important resource!

Important food tips

Think about this next time you want to eat a bag of chips or any other processed food that contains hydrogenated oil:

Hydrogenated oils have a half-life in the body of about 52 days. That means for every teaspoon of hydrogenated oil you eat, half of that teaspoon is still in your body 52 days later, and 52 days after that 1/4 teaspoon remains, 52 days later there is still 1/8 of a teaspoon of the hydrogenated oil in your body. After 156 days (5 months) you still have 1/8 of that hydrogenated oil in your body. Most people in the United States eat hydrogenated oil every day.

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Important food product info:

For a glutamate free broth product (no excitotoxins) be sure to buy Pacific Natural Foods brand, the organic free range chicken broth or their organic vegetable broth.  DO NOT purchase their beef broth or their low sodium chicken broth as both contain glutamates.  (I called the company to confirm this.) Pacific Natural Foods brand is the only brand of broths that I have found to have any glutamate free products.  I purchase this product at Costco but it is also carried in Whole Foods and the local grocery stores. (Beware of boullion cubes for glutamates.  The package may read “no msg” but that does NOT mean that it doesn’t contain glutamates of a different name.  They are still excitotoxins and they will damage your brain cells!)

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We all know that the food we eat is the fuel of life. Food is the fuel we run on, like gasoline for your car. Sure, it seems like your car runs the same on all gasolines, but your body doesn’t. What this means to you is “eat better food, feel better, have more energy.”   Most people would be shocked if they fully understood the dramatic difference their food choices make. Simple changes in what we eat can make a huge difference in how we feel. Choose your food wisely.  What we put into our bodies EVERYDAY at EVERY MEAL  does matter!  Our body depends on a wealth of whole food nutrients to perform the multitude of tasks it has to do each second of each day.  It will literally rob from wherever necessary within the body to try to get what it needs.  So often our body is so deficient from poor eating that it has little to nothing to draw upon. It is truly running on empty. Poor diets lead to degenerative health.  So take care of this great gift that you have been given—your body!

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If you are experiencing digestive upset following your meals, try this “low tech” digestive fix:

• Never mix high proteins like meat, fish, eggs or cheese with concentrated starches like potatoes, cereals, breads, pastries or refined sweets at the same meal.
• Sugars inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach.  This means that if we eat a big steak and our stomach begins the secretion of hydrochloric acid to digest the food, a good thing; and then we add simple sugars like  bread, potatoes,  pie, brownies, soft drinks, most fruit juices causing the stomach to slow down its release of HCL.  When this happens, the food putrifies, rots and ferments.
• Starches “soak up” free HCL.  This prevents HCL from acting on the protein and the activation of other enzymes which is what is needed for complete protein digestion.

How many times have you or family members eaten a heavy protein meal like turkey with some bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy?  Maybe some sugared sweet potatoes, and then add pie for dessert?  What happens?  Of course this eating event is Thanksgiving and the result is indigestion and half the people falling asleep.  Now you know why!