DIVERTICULOSIS
Zoltan Rona MD MSc
A diverticulum is a small, pouch-like area in the large intestine. The appendix can be considered to be a particularly large diverticulum. When stool gets stuck in it, inflammation develops (appendicitis). Diverticula (more than one diverticulum) come about as a result of increased pressure needed to force hard, dry stool through the bowel when constipated. They do not cause symptoms unless waste matter becomes trapped in them. The diverticula can then get infected and inflamed (diverticulitis). Conventional doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for diverticulitis attacks in addition to pharmaceutical brands of psyllium seed products (e.g. Metamucil). This approach works for the majority of cases.
Diverticulitis is a completely preventable problem through natural means alone.
It is the end result of poor North American diets, the overuse of drugs (antibiotics, codeine, etc.) and alcohol and stress. Avoid sugar, white flour products, all animal products including milk and cheese, fried foods, coffee, tea, alcohol and processed foods. High in animal protein (dairy, fish, meat, etc.) diets are to be avoided. Cheese in particular is a poor choice for anyone suffering from diverticular disease. Get yourself food allergy tested to see which foods specifically cause you problems. Both temporal arteritis and high blood pressure can be linked to excessive consumption of animal products, salt in dairy, meat, cheese and food allergies. Tests to consider include the CDSA (Comprehensive Stool and Digestive Analysis) and the ELISA/Act blood test for food allergies.
If you tolerate grains, seeds and nuts well, leave them in your diet. If these give you problems in any way (bloating, gas, constipation, cramps, etc.), stay with only well cooked brown rice, fruits, vegetables, legumes and juices. Oat bran, psyllium seed powder, glucomannan, guar gum, prune juice, aloe vera juice and green drinks such as Barley Green, Green Magma or cabbage juice are good things to take on a regular basis. Periodic juice fasting is a very good idea, particularly when attacks occur. Follow the guidelines discussed in Klaus Kaufmann’s excellent book, The Joy of Juice Fasting available from Alive Books.
Herbal remedies that may be very effective for diverticulitis include alfalfa, cayenne, chamomile, echinacea, pau d’arco, goldenseal, garlic, red clover and yarrow. Essiac or Flor-Essence is a herbal combination which could help diverticular disease. The combination herbal digestive supplement, Swedish Bitters, also has remarkable soothing effects. Dairy free acidophilus supplements should be taken on a daily basis to prevent bacterial or yeast (candida) infections of the large bowel. These same herbal remedies are effective for the prevention and treatment of bladder infections. Consider also the use of buffered vitamin C or ester C as well as the amino acid, L-glutamine (6000 - 12000 mg. daily). Trapped gas and symptoms related to it can be absorbed/eliminated by charcoal tablets (e.g. Eucarbon). Have these on hand to prevent and treat embarrassing gas attacks if you are forced to follow a less than optimal diet at various social functions.
Reversing diverticulitis requires an unshakable commitment to healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Aside from a vegetarian, high complex carbohydrate, high fiber diet, supplements that promote healing include digestive enzymes (pancreatin, etc.), vitamin A, B complex vitamins, buffered vitamin C (ester C is best), vitamin E and essential fatty acids (flax seed oil, oil of borage, evening primrose oil or Efamol), high fiber supplement. A naturopath or doctor familiar with nutritional remedies can help you with a personalized program.
Products Dr. Rona has recommended to his patients
Ultimate Fiber Plus Dipan 9 Intenzyme Forte 500 Super Digestive Aid
THE NATURAL APPROACH TO ADHD
By Dr. Zoltan P. Rona
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood. It affects thousands of infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Some reports claim that 1 in 10 children suffer from some degree of ADHD but US government statistics claim that it affects about 3 – 5% of school aged children.
It shows up as abnormalities in behavior like excessive, uncontrollable, physical activity, learning disorders and communication problems in early childhood with some remission occurring during puberty. In the past two decades there has been a growing diagnosis of the disorder in adults.
It is thought that children are usually affected by ADHD before birth and that, left untreated, continue to suffer from the condition into adulthood. ADHD affects more boys than girls with a ratio of 3:1. A high percentage of hyperactive children have blond hair and blue eyes and suffer from what appear to be allergic signs and symptoms.
In the history of an ADHD child, the mother often describes that, during pregnancy, there was a great deal of fetal movement and very hard kicking. As infants, hyperactive babies are often colicky, sleep poorly or very little and cry or scream a lot. In childhood, they look restless and fidgety and eat poorly. In the more severe cases they may be “rockers” or “head bangers” rejecting affection and mothering.
As the child becomes older, there is a very noticeable rushing from one thing to the next, a shortened attention span and easy distractibility. Behaviour can become destructive with poor coordination and general clumsiness. Some hyperactive children have trouble integrating what they see and hear due to visual perception abnormalities which, in turn, leads to inabilities to understand basic concepts.
Other conditions that have been documented to occur in many ADD children are eczema, asthma, chronic infections, hay fever, headaches, stomach aches and fungal infections of the scalp, skin and nails. Some believe that ADHD is a condition that runs in families but there is no consensus amongst various medical and psychological authorities on the causer of the condition. Based on imaging studies, it is now becoming more accepted that the brains of ADHD children and different from those of children who do not suffer from the condition. Most children with ADHD have at least one other behavioural or developmental problem. They may also have a psychiatric problem such as depression or bipolar disorder.
SYMPTOMS IN INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
SYMPTOMS IN OLDER CHILDREN
CAUSES OF ADHD
genetic abnormalities
birth injuries
hormonal imbalances
psychological or emotional problems
biochemical imbalances caused by toxic heavy metals (lead or cadmium excesses), food allergies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, amino acid deficiencies
toxins from chronic infections with bacteria, fungi (e.g. candida overgrowth) and parasites
digestive enzyme or stomach acid deficiencies
environmental hypersensitivities, especially to food dyes, chemicals and additives
multiple food cravings and delayed (Type II-IV) allergies/food intolerances
dyes, chemicals, inhalants, and other irritants
hypoglycemia or sugar hypersensitivity
ADD children should be thoroughly tested and treated by diet changes and nutritional supplements before resorting to amphetamine-like drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin®).
TESTS TO CONSIDER
routine blood and urine tests
hormonal tests for thyroid, adrenal, pancreas (enzymes, insulin, glucagon)
insulin and glucose tolerance tests
vitamin and mineral testing via blood, urine and hair
livecell microscopy
CDSA and Comprehensive Parasitology
gut permeability testing
food allergy testing
amino acid analysis
DRUGSTORE CHILDREN
In the early 1990s the production of Ritalin and other amphetamines used to treat ADHD increased by over 500%. The vast majority of the medication is given to boys between 5 and 12 years of age. IMS America, a marketing research firm in Plymouth Meeting, PA., reported that the number of prescriptions written for the 3 main stimulant drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Cylert tripled from 1990 to 1994. Ritalin's increasing popularity lead to a shortage of the drug last year. That, in turn, caused the Drug Enforcement Administration to increase the production quota for Ciba-Geigy, the manufacturer of Ritalin, to 8,189 kilograms, 4 times the allotment 4 years earlier.
One of the reasons for the increased use of Ritalin is because it is being used as a diagnostic tool for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by too many primary care physicians. This often results in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. If a child responds to a stimulant, it does not necessarily mean that the child has attention-deficit disorder.
Certain allergy medications have been reported to have adverse side effects on learning and behavior because they affect the central nervous system. For example, the use of the anti-asthma drug, theophylline has been significantly correlated with reports of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, irritability, drowsiness and withdrawal behavior, these negative side effects being directly proportional to the length of use. The use of this medication may also cause learning disabilities.
Corticosteroids are other drugs used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis and other allergic conditions. Unfortunately, these drugs, whether swallowed or inhaled, have a direct and indirect impact on the central nervous system. They have been documented to cause a change in brain electrical activity, mood changes, changes in sleep patterns, increased irritability and even psychotic reactions. Children on continuous steroids for at least a year have been reported to have lower performance on standardized academic achievement tests for reading, verbal memory and mathematics.
Commonly used prescription and over the counter antihistamines have been reported to cause slower reaction time on visual-motor tasks, worsened attention and cerebral processing speed and drowsiness. Antihistamines can cause sedation, dry mouth, and irritability. There is also some suggestion that antihistamines are associated with a greater cancer risk. Decongestants have been associated with visual hallucinations in some children. While spokespersons for the medical profession tend to minimize such side effects, they can be of significant concern to parents of children with ADHD or learning disabilities (LD).
NUTRIENT DEPRIVED CHILDREN
Micronutrient deficiencies or dependencies (e.g. zinc) can have deleterious effects on both short and long term memory. White spots on the nails could be a sign of zinc deficiency even when blood tests for zinc are normal. The expression, “No zinc, no think” is not without merit. Many studies have shown that zinc supplementation is helpful with memory, thinking and I.Q. The best way of getting zinc is to optimize the diet. The most recently published RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for adults is 15 mgs. per day. The richest sources of zinc are generally the high protein foods such as organ meats, seafood (especially shellfish), oysters, whole grains and legumes (beans and peas).
Studies show that cognitive development can be impaired when there are low iron blood levels. Deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly vitamin B 1 and choline may also be involved. Toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can accumulate in the body and cause both hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities in some susceptible children. A hair mineral analysis can reveal whether or not these toxic heavy metals are building up in the body. The good news is that, with a natural program of vitamins and minerals, accumulations of lead and cadmium can be removed from the system.
Since amino acids are the precursors to the neurotransmitters, low levels can lead to neurotransmitter deficiency. Higher than accepted levels may lead to neurotransmitter excess. One example of amino acid excess causing hyperactive behaviour occurs with the artificial sweetener, aspartame. Some children are highly sensitive to aspartame and scrupulous attention should be aimed at keeping this potential neurotoxin out of the child’s diet. In children who consume large amounts of aspartame in soft drinks or other processed foods, amino acids can be significantly abnormal. Once the amino acid levels are determined, treatment can be aimed at balancing brain chemicals more accurately.
A history of allergies has been reported by many authors for behavioral problems like being overtalkative, irritable, inattentive/distractible, hyperactive, impulsive, difficult to handle, drowsy/sleepy, mean, withdrawn, and euphoric. ADHD has been particularly connected with food allergies, chemical allergies and salicylates. Food allergy testing via a blood test known as the IgG- RAST is now available in Canada through Gamma Dynacare to test the immune system reaction to as many as 200 different foods. Any doctor in Ontario can order this test at a patient cost between $250 and $325. Other blood based food allergy tests are available from assorted labs in the United States but the costs are considerably higher.
Conventional medicine, in particular conventional psychiatry, treats ADHD children with Ritalin® and similar amphetamine-like drugs. These stimulant medications work fairly quickly and, for many kids, this is effective treatment, especially in the case of the child about to be expelled from school or causing the family to fall apart. On the negative side, amphetamine-like drugs are only effective in about 70-75% of cases. In many cases, increased hyperactivity occurs after the last dose of the day has worn off. The child may have trouble going to sleep, difficulty getting up the next morning and experience a loss of appetite. The risk of marginal deficiencies in iron, zinc, calcium, B vitamins, protein, etc. increases.
Amphetamine-like drugs do not address the cause of ADD/Hyperactivity. It's akin to taking an aspirin for recurrent headaches. The pain temporarily goes away but the reasons for the headaches remain a mystery. The majority of parents do not like the idea of medicating their children. Some parents reluctantly medicate their children only because they are pressured by teachers, schools and dogmatic physicians to use stimulant drugs. Further, there are no long term studies showing that medicated children do better in the long run academically, emotionally and otherwise compared to the children of parents who say no to drugs.
According to recent scientific research, Ritalin, the deceptive quick fix for hyperactivity/attention deficit disorder (ADHD) interferes with blood flow to the brain and routinely causes gross malfunctions in the developing brain of the child.
Some of its damaging effects include:
* Decreased blood flow to the brain associated with impaired thinking ability and memory loss.
* Disruption of growth hormone, leading to suppression of growth in the body and brain of the child
* Permanent neurological tics, including Tourette’s Syndrome
* Addiction and abuse, including withdrawal reactions
* Psychosis (mania), depression, insomnia, agitation, and social withdrawal
* Possible shrinkage (atrophy) or other permanent physical abnormalities in the brain
* Worsening of the very symptoms the drug is supposed to improve (hyperactivity and inattention)
* Decreased ability to learn
According to American psychiatrist, Dr. Peter Breggin, Ritalin and similar drugs "work" by producing robotic or zombie-like behavior in children, enforcing docility and obedience. This can produce a few weeks of subdued behavior but has no positive effect on academic achievement and no positive long-term effects. There is no scientific evidence that giving Ritalin to a child helps prevent future problems such as school failure or delinquency. In his is book, “Talking Back to Ritalin” he documents how Ritalin brain damage suppresses creative, spontaneous and autonomous activity in children while producing no benefit for a child's psychology, academic performance or achievement.
While weaning a child off Ritalin, it is very important to optimize nutritional status. Tests for food allergies, toxic heavy metal excesses (especially lead and cadmium), hidden parasites and candidiasis as well as the levels of amino acids (protein), vitamins and minerals should be done to individualize diet and nutritional supplements as much as possible.
My book, “Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection” (Prima Publishing, 1997) goes into this in detail. Irrespective of lab testing, any child on Ritalin and drugs like it can take the following nutritional supplements and antioxidants at individualized levels to minimize the brain damaging effects of the drug and its withdrawal symptoms:
Omega-3 fatty acids are also often referred to as essential fatty acids (EFAs) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). EFA’s make up at least 60% of the mass of our brains. These are called essential because our bodies cannot produce these from other nutrients. They must therefore be obtained from either diet or supplements. They are needed as basic elements of our cell membranes. They control the inflammatory response and, hence pain and the spread of disease. They also mediate the immune response, control hormone production and regulate nerve transmission.
The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is 1:1. The standard North American diet, due to the over consumption of breads, cereals, eggs, poultry, nuts, vegetable oils such safflower, corn, soy and sunflower from processed foods has a ratio of between 20:1 and 30:1. This relative omega-3 deficiency is what is believed to be the cause of numerous health problems.
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to the structure and function of neuronal membranes. The communication between various nerves could not occur in a normal way without omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, just about every brain condition would benefit from optimal levels of DHA and EPA.
Depression is one of many common conditions that could benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. They influence something called the cytokine system in the brain. These cytokines are known as interleukin-1 -2 and -6, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. They can directly and indirectly influence the severity and outcome of depression.
Cognitive health promotion is another area of proven benefit of omega-3 fatty acids. The incidence of ADHD (Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is rapidly escalating with a greater and greater dependency on drugs such as Ritalin (an amphetamine). In fact, at one time in the 1990s, so much Ritalin was being prescribed that the drug companies manufacturing it ran out of stock and could not keep pace with the demand.
The good news is that there are now numerous studies supporting the use of EPA and DHA in the treatment of ADHD. EPA and DHA are crucial in proper retinal and brain development. They improve school performance, learning, focusing on tasks and behaviour in children.
One study from Australia published in 2007 by Sinn and Bryan concluded that a 30 week treatment of children with ADHD with fatty acid capsules (providing 560 mg/day of EPA, 175 mg/day of DHA, 60 mg/day of gamma-linolenic acid, and 10 mg/day of vitamin E) plus a multivitamin tablet containing low (RDA) amounts of vitamin and minerals yielded slightly better results than seen in children who used Ritalin. These fish oils reduce ADHD symptoms whether or not a child is on Ritalin.
For those wanting an official seal of approval, Health Canada’s Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) requires a minimum of 1.5 – 3.0 g of EPA and DHA per day including at least 1.0g of EPA per day (at a ratio of 2:1) to support mood balance. As we all know, if Health Canada says so, it must be true.
Omega-3 fatty acids preserve the blood levels of vitamin D, now universally acknowledged as being one of the most important nutrients for the prevention of cancer, heart disease, inflammation of any kind, diabetes and all auto-immune diseases. Most scientists now believe that the reason why omega-3 is so important is that it supports the many functions of vitamin D. If you want to read more about vitamin D but do not want to spend weeks doing that, read my new book, “Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin”.
Fortunately, many of these can be combined into one supplement. Frequent follow up visits for supervision by a natural health care practitioner are important to ensure compliance and optimal results.
THE REAL CAUSES
Like the other chronic diseases of our times like multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, cancer, asthma and autoimmune disease, ADHD is at epidemic levels in the post-industrial revolution era. Childhood learning problems are also on the rise. Some argue that this is because of better recognition and objective testing but respected authors like William Crook and Lendon Smith strongly disagree. Learning disability (LD) was not a major problem for children growing up in the the early 1800's and as late as 1950, there was only one child in each classroom with LD or ADHD. Today, it is more like five or six. Ritalin, other amphetamine like drugs or intense psychotherapy have done nothing to change the dramatic rise in incidence of these diagnoses because they do not address the source of the problem. The answers to why a child develops LD or ADHD lie in the field of genetics, environmental toxicology and nutrition.
Although genetics, infections and brain damage (trauma) have been cited as causes of ADHD and LD, these cases are quite rare compared to causes like a dysfunctional home, heavy metal toxicities, nutritional deficiencies, and food and chemical allergies.The majority of cases are caused by an immune defect and allergies to food additives, preservatives, chemicals, or inhalants. To deal adequately with this illness, we must address all these potential imbalances. Some of the nutritional deficiencies that correlate with LD or ADHD are calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron and zinc. On the other hand, high copper, lead, cadmium and aluminum levels have also been seen in learning disabled children.
Aside from diet changes excluding food and chemical (food additives, dyes, preservatives) allergies, there are many natural treatments including a long list of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, essential fatty acids and enzymes. The treatments all depend on the case history, physical examination and the results of biochemical tests.
Evening primrose oil is a common remedy recommended for ADD children. It and numerous herbs have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties through their ability to modulate prostaglandin levels, the hormones responsible for inflammation, pain, allergic reactions and other aspects of the immune system. Based on the findings of biochemical tests, a personalized nutritional program of diet and supplements can be recommended.
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona practices Complementary Medicine in Toronto and is the medical editor of “The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing.” He has also published several Canadian best-selling books, including “Return to The Joy of Health.” For more of his articles, see http://www.highlevelwellness.ca , http://mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona, and http://www.tristarnaturals.com/home.html
REFERENCES
US Government Publication. PubMed Health. ADHD. March 25, 2012; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/
Batoosingh, Karen. Ritalin Prescriptions Triple Over Last Four Years. Family Practice News, June 1, 1995;4.
Boris, M. Foods and food additives are common causes of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Annals Allergy 72, 1994, pp. 462-68.
Breggin, Peter. Talking Back to Ritalin, Revised: What Doctors Aren’t Telling You About Stimulants and ADHD. Perseus Books, 2001.
Breggin, Peter. Brain-Disabling Treatments in Psychiatry. Springer Publishing Compamy: New York, 2008.
Breggi, Peter. Psychiatric Drug Facts. http://breggin.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=42
Carter, C.M. Effects of a few foods diets in Attention Deficit Disorder. Archives of Diseases of Childhood . 69, 1993, pp. 564-568.
Crook, William G. Solving the Puzzle of Your Hard-to-Raise Child, Jackson, Tennessee:Professional Books, 1987.
Crook, William G. Detecting Your Hidden Allergies, Jackson, Tennessee:Professional Books, 1988.
Crook, William G. The Yeast Connection Handbook, Jackson, Tennessee:Professional Books, 1996.
Egger et al. Effect of diet treatment on enuresis in children with migraine or hyperkinetic behavior. Clinical Pediatrics, pp. 302-307, 1992.
Goldman, Erik, L., Ritalin Wrongly Used to Diagnose Attention Deficit. Family Practice News, November 1, 1995;33.
Hagerman, R.J. and Falkenstein, M.A., An association between recurrent otitis media in infancy and later hyperactivity. Clinical Pediatrics, 1987; Vol.26, No.5
Kahn, Cynthia, A.", M.D., et al. Lead Screening Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Developmental Delay. Clinical Pediatrics, September 1995;498-501.
Kahn, Cynthia, A., M.D., et al, Lead Screening Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Developmental Delay. Clinical Pediatrics, September 1995;498-501.
Kaplan, B.J. Dietary replacement in preschool-aged hyperactive boys. Pediatrics 83, 1989, pp.7-17.
Needleman, H.L. Bone lead levels and delinquent behavior. Journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 275, Feb. 7, 1996, pp. 363-369.
Rapp, Doris J. Allergies and the Hyperactive Child., New York, New York: Cornerstone Library, (Simon & Schuster), 1979.
Rapp, Doris J. Allergies and Your Family. New York, New York: Sterling Publishing, 1980.Stevens, Laura J., et al. Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism in Boys With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1995;62:761-8.
Rona, Zoltan P. Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin. Tennessee, USA: Alive Books, 2010 http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-D- Sunshine-Zoltan-Rona/dp/0920470823Rona, Zoltan. Childhood Illness and the Allergy Connection. Prima Publishing 1997.Smith, L. 1983. Feed Yourself Right. New York: McGraw-Hill.Stevens, Laura J., et al, Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism in Boys With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1995;62:761-8.Tuthill, R.W. Hair lead levels related to children's classroom Attention-Deficit behavior. Archives of Environmental Health Vol. 51, May/June 1996, pp.214-220.
Natural Glucose Regulation
Natural medicine is gaining in popularity and increasingly supported by scientific research. In the not too distant past, natural remedies were criticized by the authorities of medical orthodoxy as being “unproven” because of a lack of controlled studies. This may have been true in the 20th Century, but science in the 21st Century is catching up to support time honored natural approaches to health care.
Berberine is a common herbal extract derived from one of several plants including goldenseal, barberry and Oregon grape. It has over a 3000-year history in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine as a natural antimicrobial agent effective against bacteria, fungi, yeast, parasites and viruses. Berberine can stimulate parts of the immune system as well as bile secretion for better digestion in those suffering from numerous digestive problems including irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, berberine has been documented to lower abnormally high cholesterol levels and improve symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
Reported with very little publicity in 2008, berberine was shown to be as effective as the commonly prescribed type-2 diabetes drug Metformin. This information was published in a respected “peer reviewed” medical journal and was largely ignored by mainstream media. There were actually two studies done on berberine and type-2 Diabetes in 2008, both reported in the same medical journal.
In the first study, 36 newly diagnosed type-2 diabetics were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 500 mg, three times daily of berberine or 500 mg, three times daily of Metformin. This was done for 13 weeks and at the end of that time, blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1C (a measure of the average level of blood glucose over the life of a red blood cell) and triglyceride levels in both groups fell equally to near normal levels.
The researchers were quoted as saying, “Compared with metformin, berberine exhibited an identical effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism, such as HbA1c, FBG [fasting blood glucose], PBG [blood sugar after eating], fasting insulin and postprandial insulin [insulin level after eating]. In the regulation of lipid metabolism, berberine activity is better than metformin. By week 13, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the berberine group had decreased and were significantly lower than in the metformin group (P<0.05).”
Insulin resistance, the main cause of type-2 diabetes, was reduced by 45% by berberine. For an inexpensive, non-prescription drug, this is more than impressive. Even more amazing is the fact that this was accomplished without any side effects.
A second study from the same publication reporting on 48 adults with type-2 diabetes showed similar results with berberine improving blood sugar levels as early as seven days after starting supplementation and lasting the duration of the three month study.
Researchers concluded, “In summary, berberine is a potent oral hypoglycemic [blood sugar lowering] agent with modest effect on lipid metabolism. It is safe and the cost of treatment by berberine is very low.”
In a different publication, other researchers in a double-blind trial reported that 116 individuals with type-2 diabetes and high cholesterol and triglycerides were able to decrease their blood sugars and lipid levels significantly with berberine as compared to a placebo. Other effects of berberine included weight loss and a lowering of high blood pressure readings.
Berberine lowers blood sugar by influencing how insulin works and by regulating hormones in the gastrointestinal tract called incretins. The biochemical effects are complex but the net effect is that there is less insulin resistance and more efficient metabolism of glucose
. If you have type-2 diabetes and are taking prescription drugs or insulin to control your blood sugar levels, consider using berberine at a dose of 500 mg or more three times daily. As blood sugar levels drop to more normal levels, the doses of the medications can be slowly lowered. Ideally, work with a natural health care practitioner familiar with the use of all these remedies.
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona practices Complementary Medicine in Toronto and is the medical editor of The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. He has also published several Canadian best-selling books, including Return to The Joy of Health. www.highlevelwellness.ca and http://mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona
REFERENCES
1.Jun Yin,ab* Huili Xing,a and Jianping Yeb Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Metabolism. 2008 May; 57(5): 712–717. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/
2.Jonathan V. Wright. Get Your Type 2 Diabetes Under Control….Without a Single Drug http://tahomaclinicblog.com/berberine-diabetes/
3.Ronald Teriti, ND, PhD Berberine for Diabetes Type 2. Natural Medicine Journal on line; 10/1/2010 http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/article_content.asp?article=61
4. Zhang, Y., X. Li, et al. (2008). Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 93(7): 2559-65.
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM FACTS AND FALLACIES
By Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., M.Sc.
Calcium and Heart Attacks
Do calcium supplements really cause heart attacks? A recent randomized controlled trial published in the January edition of the British Medical Journal (15 January 2008) concludes that
"Loading with high doses of calcium reduces bone loss but at a cost in heart health that is not justified."
According to researchers Dr. Ian Reid and his colleagues, the risk of a heart attack, stroke and sudden death is about 1.5 times greater for those who supplement with calcium.
How can this be true? Like other nutrients, calcium is interdependent on numerous other factors including the levels of vitamins, other minerals, hormones, the health of the digestive system and the degree of physical activity. To make a simple pronouncement based on one factor, namely calcium supplementation, without looking at the numerous other variables in calcium biochemistry and nutrition can only lead to erroneous conclusions.
Sure, it’s possible that calcium supplements without a proper diet, enough physical activity and in the presence of magnesium and vitamin D deficiency leads to heart disease. But, does this mean that all middle-aged women should stop taking calcium supplements? I think not.
CALCIUM QUICK FACTS
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body.
Calcium is 1.5 - 2% of our body weight.
98% of all calcium is found in our bones, 1% in our teeth and 1% in other tissues
Calcium requires many other minerals for healthy bone formation: magnesium, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, silicon, strontium and phosphorus.
Calcium requires vitamins A, C, D and K for optimal metabolism.
Calcium absorption becomes less efficient with age.
Aside from osteoporosis, calcium deficiency can cause kidney stones and allows the body to accumulate lead.
High animal protein (very high in phosphorus) intakes may increase calcium loss through the intestines and kidneys.
A very high fat intake also inhibits calcium absorption.
Hydrochloric acid helps calcium absorption in the duodenum where most calcium is absorbed.
Antacids and prescription acid suppressing drugs all reduce calcium absorption.
Stress can lower calcium absorption.
Excess sugar and salt intake leads to calcium loss in the urine.
Phytic acid (phytates) found in whole grain foods or foods rich in fiber may reduce the absorption of calcium and other minerals as well.
Foods high in oxalic acid (spinach, rhubarb, chard, and chocolate) can interfere with calcium absorption by forming insoluble salts in the gut.
30-80% of all calcium consumed is not absorbed due to all the above factors.
Overactive thyroid function can cause calcium loss from bone.
IS YOUR CALCIUM IN THE RIGHT PLACE?
When a person absorbs calcium, regardless of the amount, there is no guarantee that this same calcium will be deposited into the bones.
Calcium tends to gravitate towards areas of injury in the body. If the lining of the arteries is damaged, calcium deposits there and causes hardening of the arteries. This could make cardiovascular disease worse. If the kidneys are damaged, the result of calcium deposition could be kidney stones. Calcium also tends to deposit in other soft tissue injured areas like tendons and ligaments causing stiffness or other disability.
Several studies in the past decade have shown that EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) when combined with calcium can ensure that calcium deposition will take place in bone and not in the arteries, the kidneys or other soft tissues. EFAs enhance the effects of vitamin D in the gut and improve calcium absorption from the small intestine, reduce the urinary excretion (loss) of calcium, increase calcium that is deposited in the bone and improve the strength of bone.
The dosage required for evening primrose to do this in both men and women is between 1500 – 6000 mg. daily. Of course, calcium deposition also depends to variable degrees to the frequency of weight bearing exercises as well as the presence of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, strontium, silicon, manganese and boron. If your calcium supplement does not contain evening primrose oil, make sure you take an extra 1500 – 6000 mg. of this omega-6 source of essential fatty acids each day to prevent or reverse osteoporosis with much greater assurance.
CALCIUM TOXICITY
Calcium toxicity can be a very complex issue and is not simply a question of the dose that one consumes. Virtually any amount of calcium supplementation can be toxic (soft tissue calcification, hardening of the arteries and kidney stones) in the presence of parathyroid disease, magnesium and vitamin D deficiency. In fact, given the proper conditions, calcium deposits can occur in the arteries or kidneys with daily calcium intakes below the RDA. It all depends on the individual’s nutritional and general health status at the time.
Through the actions of the parathyroid hormones PTH and calcitonin, the body attempts to keep blood levels of calcium within a certain normal range. The adrenal glands, the thyroid, the small intestines, the liver and kidneys can all modify whether or not calcium absorbs, stays or comes out of the bones.
Calcium status is also strongly influenced by the levels of vitamin D, vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, strontium, manganese, zinc, silicon and copper. High blood levels of calcium leading to soft tissue calcification will occur with both severe deficiency as well as excessive calcium intake.
Calcium deficiency or very low blood levels of calcium can cause a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, hyperactivity, headaches, irritability, muscle cramps or spasms, numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, palpitations, insomnia, confusion and even depression. Drinking soft water (distilled, reverse osmosis or calcium deficient water) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is something that has been documented for over 100 years. In other words, a lack of dietary or supplemental calcium causes heart disease.
Calcium Sources
Food Portion Calcium (mgs.)
Swiss cheese 2 oz. 530
Jack cheese 2 oz. 420
Cheddar cheese 2 oz 400
Other cheeses 2 oz. 300–400
Yogurt 6 oz. 300
Broccoli, cooked 2 stalks 250
Sardines (w/bones) 2 oz. 240
Goat milk 6 oz. 240
Cow’s milk 6 oz. 225
Collard greens, cooked 6 oz. 25
Turnip greens, cooked 6 oz. 220
Almonds 3 oz. 210
Brazil nuts 3 oz. 160
Soybeans, cooked 6 oz. 150
Molasses, blackstrap 1 Tbl. 130
Corn tortillas (4, w/lime)2 oz. 125
Carob flour 2 oz. 110
Tofu 3 oz. 110
Dried figs 3 oz. 100
Dried apricots 3 oz .80
Parsley 1½ oz. 80
Kelp ¼ oz .80
sunflower seeds 2 oz. 80
Sesame seeds 2 oz. 75
Adequate Intake (AI) for Calcium
Life Stage Age Males (mg/day) Females (mg/day)
Infants 0-6 months 210 210
Infants 7-12 months 270 270
Children 1-3 years 500 500
Children 4-8 years 800 800
Children 9-13 years 1,300 1,300
Adolescents 14-18 years 1,300 1,300
Adults 19-50 years 1,000 1,000
Adults 51 years and older 1,200 1,200
Pregnancy 18 years and younge - 1,300
Pregnancy 19 years and older - 1,000
Breast-feeding 18 years and younger - 1,300
Breast-feeding 19 years and older - 1,000
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Calcium
Age Group UL (mg/day)
Infants 0-12 months Not possible to establish*
Children 1-13 years 2,500
Adolescents 14-18 years 2,500
Adults 19 years and older 2,500
Dairy Dithering
While North Americans have the highest intake of dairy products in the world, they also have the highest incidence of osteoporosis. Cow’s milk has been linked to numerous digestive disorders including constipation, lactose intolerance, casein (milk protein) allergy, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and a long list of allergic and autoimmune disorders including juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. The good news is that there are many healthy calcium alternatives to dairy products. Although cow’s milk has the highest calcium content, many studies demonstrate that absorption is inferior to that seen with calcium from plant sources.
Dark green leafy vegetables have relatively high calcium concentrations. With the exception of spinach, due to the high oxalate content, the calcium from greens is very well absorbed. Kale and other members of the same food family such as broccoli, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, collard greens and mustard greens are also excellent sources of magnesium, a trace mineral that is important for calcium utilization and which is found in only small amounts in cow’s milk. In the past few years, a large number of excellent whole food supplements high in both calcium and magnesium have come out on the market. These include spirulina, chlorella, barley green, green kamut, blue green algae and several others. These all make ideal supplements for children because they are easy to mix with juices, are highly bioavailable, easily absorbed and have a very healthy balance of dozens of trace minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Other natural sources of calcium include cooked beans and peas, seaweeds, soy products like tofu and soy milk, sprouts (e.g. alfalfa), seeds and nuts like sesame, pumpkin and hazelnuts as well as whole grains (e.g. corn tortillas, quinoa).
Best Calcium Supplements and Worst Calcium Supplements
Whatever the calcium supplement, make sure it is balanced by at least half the amount of magnesium and that vitamin D levels in your system are adequate. Many health experts recommend a 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium in a supplement but this is not something cast in stone (or, dolomite, if you prefer).
If a calcium supplement is giving you constipation, just up the dose of the magnesium you take with it to where your bowels are moving well enough to your liking. Ideally, get biochemical tests for the levels of all these nutrients before engaging in any aggressive supplementation.
Since many people are unable to follow a diet with an acceptable calcium intake, have digestive problems, food allergies that prevent calcium absorption and a long list of other special situations already enumerated, calcium supplements can become a necessity.
Studies indicate that calcium carbonate, the most widely used calcium supplement, is suitable for most people. While other forms of calcium like calcium citrate, fumarate, gluconate, lactate, malate, orotate, succinate and aspartate may be better absorbed, the disadvantages of using the carbonate forms can be overcome by taking the supplement with food or something that acidifies the duodenal contents (e.g. betaine hydrochloride, apple cider vinegar or citrus juice). The big advantage of calcium carbonate is that it is inexpensive and requires fewer capsules or tablets to obtain equivalent amounts of elemental (pure) calcium.
Microcrystalline calcium hydroxyapatite, a hyper-hyped form of calcium supplementation provides no advantage over calcium carbonate, is more expensive and is the poorest absorbed of all the supplemental forms of calcium.
Coral calcium, another of the over-hyped calcium supplements, has been found to contain traces of lead and other toxic impurities. Like oyster shell calcium, dolomite and bone meal, coral calcium is nothing more than calcium carbonate plus lead and other poisons. None of these are recommended.
Calcium bound to Krebs Cycle intermediates (citrate, lactate, aspartate, gluconate, malate, etc.) have the decided advantage of being better absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract than calcium carbonate, even in the absence of adequate stomach and duodenal acidity. The problem with all of them is the expense and the fact that they are all bulkier molecules requiring more capsules or tablets to achieve the same dosage as calcium carbonate.
Some supplements contain calcium phosphate, which is very poorly absorbed and can block the absorption of iron and other trace minerals. Calcium phosphate is the most constipating of all the calcium supplements and should be avoided.
Dumb and Dumber Studies
Every year, without exception, we see counter-intuitive studies concluding nonsense like “calcium supplements cause heart attacks” or “vitamin C causes DNA damage” or “beta carotene causes cancer” or “vitamin E causes phlebitis”. The public panics, throws the vitamin and mineral supplements into the garbage and heads for the Aspirin and Lipitor bottles.
Examine any of these not so brilliant studies closely enough and you discover that the research was conducted in a test tube as opposed to a human or that smokers taking prescription cholesterol lowering drugs were used in the study or that synthetic inactive forms of a vitamin were used. If a study sounds too weird to be true, it’s probably not true.
In this study on calcium supplements there was no mention of magnesium or vitamin D blood levels, dietary animal protein intakes or any of at least a dozen factors influencing calcium metabolism. There is therefore no evidence that calcium supplements taken as part of a balanced nutritional program of diet and vitamin and mineral supplements leads to heart attacks. If you are still not convinced, see a natural health care practitioner who can sort out what’s high or low in your body so that the appropriate adjustments can be made to get you into balance.
Calcium is the mineral that has always had the most media attention as well as the overwhelming approval of the medical profession as a supplement that women should be taking. That in itself may be enough to arouse suspicion. As you might suspect, there are other more important minerals to consider for optimal health. For example, despite a great deal of published medical and biochemical research, there is little, if any, attention paid to calcium’s neglected cousin, magnesium and most certainly no medical pronouncements that anyone should be supplementing this mineral in any serious way. Its under-utilization in clinical medicine is nothing short of scandalous, especially in its use as a life-saving cardiovascular tonic.
Magnesium Facts and Figures
Magnesium appears by many names. Below is a list of how you might see it in health food stores and pharmacies:
Chelated Magnesium, Dolomite, Epsom Salts, Magnesia, Magnesium Aspartate, Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Disuccinate Hydrate, Magnesium Gluconate, Magnesium Glycerophosphate, Magnesium Glycinate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Lactate, Magnesium Malate, Magnesium Murakab, Magnesium Orotate, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Trisilicate, Milk of Magnesia.
the second most plentiful cation (positive ion) in the intracellular (inside cells) fluid and the most plentiful cation in the body
involved with more than 300 enzyme systems; plays an essential role in more than 300 cellular reactions
the body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, divided equally between the skeleton and soft tissue
extracellular (outside cells) magnesium makes up only 1% of total body magnesium
absorbed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, although whether maximal absorption occurs in the duodenum or colon is unclear
about one third of dietary magnesium is absorbed with efficiency of absorption depending on magnesium stores in the body, among other factors.
average absorption of supplements is 38%, but varies from 65% in people with low magnesium stores to 11% with high magnesium stores
excreted mainly through the kidneys
is important for normal bone structure
required for the formation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and is involved in ion movements across cell membranes
requires both parathyroid hormone and vitamin D for absorption
Sources and Bioavailability of Magnesium
Magnesium is well absorbed from food sources such as legumes, whole grains, vegetables (especially broccoli, squash, and green leafy vegetables), seeds, and nuts (especially almonds). Magnesium is the central element of chlorophyll, the substance that gives plants their green colour. Hence, if it’s green, consider the food as a potentially good magnesium source.
Water with a high mineral content, or "hard" water, is also a source of magnesium. So-called “soft water” (e.g. distilled or reverse osmosis water) is not only void of magnesium but may actually promote its loss from the body.
Absorption of magnesium from supplements (i.e. bioavailability) varies. Magnesium chloride, magnesium lactate and magnesium aspartate appear to be most bioavailable. Magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate have bioavailability only of about 4%. Enteric coating of some magnesium products may reduce the absorption of magnesium.
Magnesium Deficiency Effects
Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in North America, especially among African Americans and the elderly. Low intake and impaired absorption of magnesium are associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and stroke.
Serum magnesium levels are depressed only in cases of severe magnesium deficiency and it poorly correlates with body magnesium). The body preserves serum magnesium at the expense of magnesium in cells and bone, so serum levels may appear normal in magnesium deficiency. Red cell and urine magnesium levels are also poor indicators of body magnesium). The intravenous magnesium loading test is considered to be a more reliable test to measure magnesium status but the test is cumbersome and is known for poor patient compliance.
Free ionic magnesium levels have been shown to vary with many disorders such as cardiac disease, stroke, diabetes, and migraines but measurement of ionized magnesium may not be readily available in labs outside the research setting.
Since magnesium is an anti-spasmodic or relaxant, one expects and sees symptoms of severe magnesium deficiency to include convulsions, confusion, muscle weakness, abnormal muscle movements such as spasms, tremors, myoclonus, and tetany as well as arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, and something called torsades de pointes.
Magnesium is often referred to as nature’s calcium channel blocker. When intracellular levels of magnesium are low, this causes an increase in intracellular calcium. In addition to contributing to insulin resistance, higher intracellular calcium levels enhance calcium-mediated vasoconstriction, and inhibit cardiac and smooth muscle relaxation. The increased vascular tone can cause increased blood pressure. The pharmaceutical industry makes use of calcium channel blocking drugs to reverse this. Practitioners in the natural health care industry use magnesium to accomplish this with fewer side effects.
Low serum magnesium is related to low-grade chronic inflammation. Magnesium deficiency is associated with elevated serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP). People with high dietary magnesium intake have lower levels of CRP, which may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Consuming less that the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for magnesium is associated with a 1.48 to 1.75 times higher risk of having an elevated CRP.
Health Enhancing Uses of Magnesium
The following list includes many very well documented uses of magnesium in health promotion:
To correct magnesium deficiency
Laxative effects (constipation and to prepare bowel for colonoscopy or surgery)
Asthma
Allergic rhinitis
Cancer-associated neuropathic pain
Cardiovascular disease: angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, mitral valve prolapse, vasospastic angina, myocardial infarction
Multiple sclerosis
As an antacid for symptoms of gastric hyperacidity
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - in people with low red blood cell magnesium, there is some evidence that weekly intramuscular injections of 1 gram magnesium sulfate improves CFS symptoms
Lyme disease
Fibromyalgia
Pregnancy-induced leg cramps
Diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Kidney stones; magnesium can prevent the recurrence of especially calcium oxalate stones
Migraine headaches and cluster headaches
Neuroprotective agent in patients diagnosed with acute stroke
Osteoporosis
Post-hysterectomy pain
Premenstrual syndrome
Altitude sickness
Urinary incontinence
Erythromelalgia
Restless leg syndrome
Preventing hearing loss
Paranoid schizophrenia treatment because levels appear to be lower in acute attacks of paranoid schizophrenia
By athletes to increase energy and endurance
Topically, used for treating infected skin ulcers, boils, and carbuncles; and for speeding wound healing
Stroke risk reduction in men
Topically as a cold compress in the treatment of erysipelas and as a hot compress for deep-seated skin infections
Intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) used for acute hypomagnesemia occurring in conditions such as pancreatitis, malabsorption disorders, and cirrhosis, and for treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy); considered the agent of choice for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
As an additive to total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Controlling seizures (IV or IM) associated with epilepsy, glomerulonephritis, or hypothyroidism when low serum magnesium levels are present
IV or IM in the treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, for preventing arrhythmias after myocardial infarction and for cardiac arrest
IV for treating acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for migraine headaches, neuropathic pain and postoperative pain, as an osmotic agent for cerebral edema, and for tetanus.
Both oral and IV forms reduce the need for numerous prescription drugs
Safety Issues
Used orally, magnesium is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 350 mg per day. Doses greater than that frequently cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, loose stools and diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea caused by excessive magnesium intake can even cause worsening magnesium deficiency.
Doses of 5000 mg daily have been used IV and IM without significant side effects. Intravenously, rapid infusion of magnesium can cause a flushing sensation, local pain and irritation, dizziness, bradycardia (a very slow heart rate), and low blood pressure. In children, magnesium is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 65 mg per day for children 1 to 3 years, 110 mg per day for children 4 to 8 years, and 350 mg per day for children older than 8 years. Higher doses can cause diarrhea and symptomatic hypermagnesemia (high blood magnesium) including hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Some research suggests intravenous magnesium at higher doses in pregnant women can increase fetal mortality and adversely affect neurological development.
Although extremely rare, death is possible from excess magnesium supplementation. There are two reports of fatal hypermagnesemia. One report involved a 28 month-old child treated with 800 mg of oral magnesium oxide per day for constipation, then given 2400 mg magnesium oxide for several days before hospital admission. Another report involved a patient who gargled with Epsom salts (almost 100% magnesium sulfate) over several weeks. The patient used an entire box two days prior to hospital admission. Just a reminder here that deaths can occur with drinking too much spring water too. Virtually any natural or synthetic substance can be toxic to some individual at some dose.
Supplement Interactions
Boron supplements can reduce urinary excretion of magnesium and increase serum levels in women. This may be one of the reasons why boron is effective supplementation for osteoporosis.
Calcium supplements, when unbalanced by magnesium, can decrease the absorption of dietary magnesium, but only at very high doses (2600 mg per day). The advice here, especially for those at high risk for magnesium deficiency is to take calcium supplements at bedtime, instead of with meals, to avoid inhibiting dietary magnesium absorption. This may help explain the finding a few months ago that found that people who used high doses of calcium supplements tended to have higher rates of heart disease. Magnesium, on the other hand, does not seem to affect calcium absorption.
If you use high doses of zinc, you might also need a magnesium supplement. Supplementation with high doses of zinc, 142 mg/day, decreases magnesium absorption and magnesium balance in healthy adult males. Moderately high dietary zinc intake (53 mg per day) seems to increase magnesium excretion without affecting copper metabolism in postmenopausal women. Zinc may compete with magnesium for ion exchange transport in the intestine but research on the clinical importance of these observations is needed.
Alcohol abuse increases the risk for magnesium deficiency because alcohol impairs the ability of the kidney to conserve magnesium
Drug Interactions
Neuromuscular weakness and even paralysis can occur if magnesium and aminoglycoside antibiotics are taken concurrently. The aminoglycosides include amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), streptomycin, and tobramycin (Nebcin).
Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), gatifloxacin (Tequin), and others) and decrease their absorption. It is best to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements.
Magnesium can also form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines and decrease their absorption and antibacterial activity). It’s therefore best to take these drugs at least 2 hours before, or 4 to 6 hours after, magnesium supplements. Tetracyclines include demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin).
Magnesium can decrease bisphosphonate (e.g. Fosamax, Actonel, Didronel) absorption. If one separates doses of magnesium and these drugs by at least 2 hours, no adverse reaction can occur.
Magnesium inhibits calcium entry into smooth muscle cells and may therefore have additive effects with calcium channel blockers like amlodipine (Norvasc). Severe hypotension and neuromuscular blockades can occur when nifedipine (Adalat) another calcium channel blockers used with intravenous magnesium. Does this necessitate removing magnesium from the market? How about removing calcium channel blockers from the market? Just be careful to avoid the two taken together.
Theoretically, increased magnesium levels could result from concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics and magnesium supplements. The potassium-sparing diuretics include amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium), and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Loop diuretics (furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), and torsemide (Demadex)) and, to a lesser extent thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDiuril), chlorothiazide (Diuril)), interfere with magnesium reabsorption in the kidneys, which increases urinary losses and reduces serum magnesium levels.
Estrogen therapy including the use of oral contraceptives lowers serum magnesium levels and can cause hypomagnesemia, especially in people with low dietary magnesium intake or other factors contributing to magnesium loss.
Conclusion
Magnesium is just one of numerous trace minerals that are highly important both for disease prevention and treating existing illness as far ranging as asthma, osteoporosis, migraine headaches, coronary artery disease and diabetes. Before reaching for that anti-spasmodic, analgesic or anti-inflammatory drug, you might be better off considering healthy doses of magnesium. The optimal doses depend on the health situation, the current magnesium level and other biochemical individuality factors. If you are not sure what to do, consult a natural health care practitioner.
Dr. Zoltan P. Rona practises Complementary Medicine in Toronto and is the medical editor of “The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing.” He has also published several Canadian best-selling books, including “Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin.” For more of his articles, see www.mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona
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Tunstall-Pedoe H, Kuulasmaa K, Mahonen M, Tolonen H, Ruokokoski E, Amouyel P. Contribution of trends in survival and coronary-event rates to changes in coronary heart disease mortality: 10-year results from 37 WHO MONICA project populations. Monitoring trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease. Lancet. 1999 May 8;353(9164):1547-57McKevoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Whitney E, Cataldo CB, Rolfes SR, eds. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1998.
Meacham SL, Taper LJ, Volpe SL. Effect of boron supplementation on blood and urinary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and urinary boron in athletic and sedentary women. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:341-5
de Valk HW, Verkaaik R, van Rijn HJ, et al. Oral magnesium supplementation in insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabet Med 1998;15:503-7
Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, Hunt JR. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB J 1987;1:394-7
TREATING ARTHRITIS NATURALLY
About 50 million North Americans (approximately one in seven people) have some form of arthritis. In another 20 years, as baby boomers grow older and people live longer, close to 70 million people in Canada and the United States will have arthritis.
Arthritis means inflammation of a joint. The most common conditions are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis. Severity can range from mild to crippling and may even be life threatening in certain cases.
CAUSES
A family history of arthritis appears to play a part in the disease, but the exact mechanisms are still a mystery. The wear and tear of aging and previous joint damage or injury is specifically associated with osteoarthritis. Another potential cause of osteoarthritis, and of rheumatoid arthritis, is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach. Released in digestion, this acid helps us to absorb the minerals we need for healthy bones and joints. Mineral deficiencies can either cause or worsen just about any type of arthritis. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, sulfur, boron, strontium and numerous other lesser-known minerals are involved in bone synthesis, breakdown and repair.
We have all been brainwashed about the importance of fluoride for dental health but studies indicate that fluoride, at levels as low as one part-per-million in drinking water, can cause osteoarthritis by breaking down collagen, the mesh-like protein in bone and other connective tissue. A deficiency of vitamin D may cause loss of cartilage and degenerative bony spur formation, which are linked to increased risk for osteoarthritis progression.
Food allergies may be a hidden cause of chronic inflammation in a joint and are linked with immune system dysfunction like rheumatoid arthritis. Food allergies are also linked to leaky gut syndrome – damage to the gut lining that allows large protein molecules to be absorbed. As the immune system treats the molecules as foreign substances and starts making antibodies, joint inflammation may result. Another source of immune system inflammation is mercury fillings, which leak mercury vapor into the body on a daily basis.
Known food allergies and foods that are "pro-inflammatory", such as red meat, unhealthy fats, sugar, caffeine, and wheat, to name a few, may worsen or cause symptoms and should be eliminated. Members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and tobacco) might have to be eliminated by some sensitive individuals.
Yeast, fungi and their mycotoxins initiate many autoimmune diseases involving joint inflammation. Parasites and unfriendly bacteria compete with us for nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids and secrete waste products into our gut and bloodstream that are capable of causing various allergic or autoimmune reactions.
THE ARTHRITIS DIET
Pro-inflammatory foods and known food allergies should be eliminated. These most often include beef, pork and fried foods, sugar and refined carbohydrates in any form, coffee, regular tea and alcohol, dairy products, corn, yeast, all citrus and gluten-containing grains, especially wheat, rye, oats and barley. Nightshade foods (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, tobacco) might have to be eliminated by some sensitive individuals. Foods, like fish, flax and hempseed, are anti-inflammatory in that they have the reverse effect. For more detailed information on diet, see my two books on
SUPPLEMENTS (in order of importance)
We are all biochemically unique, and consequently no single regimen will work equally well for one and all. One or some combination of the following nutritional supplements is generally effective for most people afflicted with arthritis.
Long before supplements like glucosamine sulfate became household names for reversing osteoarthritis, millions of people found great relief from joint pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion by swallowing with daily cod liver oil. Cod liver oil works. It continues to help reverse osteoarthritis naturally, and is, I believe, first-line therapy for any inflammatory condition. Cod liver oil, halibut liver oil, krill oil, seal oil, salmon oil and shark liver oil all contain fats that stimulate the body to manufacture anti-inflammatory hormones called prostaglandins. These fats referred to as eicosapentaenoic acid (epa) are found in large amounts in cold water fish (trout, salmon, cod, halibut, mackerel, catfish, shark, etc.), and are highly effective as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Good results can be anticipated in three to six months. When combined with glucosamine sulfate osteoarthritis can be significantly improved within six weeks or less. Typical therapeutic dosages are nine to twelve grams daily of capsules or two to three tablespoons of the oil.
Dosage: 9 to 12 grams daily of capsules, or two to three tablespoons of the oil. An alternative but less potent source of omega-3 oils comes from hempseed, a favorite of the vegan set. Dosage: 2 to 3 tablespoons daily
Glucosamine is the building block of articular cartilage. Numerous double-blind studies done in the 1980s concluded that supplementation reverses osteoarthritis, and other studies show it to be superior in pain relief to ibuprofen and nsaids. Glucosamine is required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which aid in the repair of the cartilage destroyed by arthritis.
Glucosamine supplementation has produced a 95 percent response rate in patients compared to 72 percent in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucosamine sulfate has been the drug of choice for treatment of osteoarthritis in Portugal, Spain and Italy since the early 1980s. Shark, cow and chicken cartilage are other sources of glycosaminoglycans but may be more expensive than glucosamine sulfate therapy.
"There is such a treatment that inhibits the degradation and actually starts rebuilding the cartilage, costs less, does not require a prescription, does not make the osteoarthritis worse by further destroying the cartilage, and does not have all of the extremely dangerous side effects of nsaids [e.g. ibuprofen and other drugs which can cause nausea and even hemorrhaging] This substance is glucosamine sulfate."
Sherry A. Rogers, M.D., Health Counselor, "Osteoarthritis is Repairable" v8, no3, p55-6, 1997.
“We spend billions each year treating joint pain with steroids and analgesics, but those drugs don't repair the damage, and their side effects can be deadly. The new regimen won't work for everyone, and it's sure to fail in people with advanced disease, since they lack cartilage to restore. But if half the people now lining up for the stuff respond to it, arthritis treatment will never be the same.”
Newsweek, The Arthritis Cure? February 17, 1997, p54*
Glucosamine helps bind water in the cartilage matrix and has been shown to help produce more collagen. It normalizes cartilage metabolism, the substance that helps to keep the cartilage from breaking down. Glucosamine can also improve joint function and help reduce the pain of those suffering from osteoarthritis. Double-blind studies show that glucosamine sulfate helps symptoms such as joint tenderness, pain on standing, pain on walking and joint swelling.
Numerous double-blind studies done in the 1980s concluded that supplementation with glucosamine sulfate reverses osteoarthritis. Glucosamine may speed healing of recurrent joint injuries such as chondromalacia patella and thus prevent the development of osteoarthritis.
Dosage: 500 mgs 3 times daily.
Methyl Sulfonylurea Methane (msm)
MSM is a natural form of organic sulfur, a critical component of the amino acids methionine, cysteine and cystine contained in the cellular proteins of all living organisms. Next to salt and water, msm is the third largest ingredient found in the body. Sulfur is needed for the proteins of hair, nails and skin as well as glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. msm is present in raw fruits, vegetables and some grains but is commonly lost during cooking, food processing and storage.
msm is an odorless and stable metabolite of dmso, a compound used in conventional medicine to treat scleroderma and chronic urinary bladder inflammation (interstitial cystitis). dmso was a short-lived fad treatment for arthritis and other sports related injuries (tendinitis, sprains, strains and non-specific musculoskeletal pain). The drawback to dmso therapy was that it gave users a powerful garlic breath odor. When dmso was applied to the skin, it rapidly absorbed into the circulation and provided pain relief to the affected areas. The garlic odor problem, however, made its use unpopular to all but the most motivated to take this unusual remedy. msm is as powerful in its effects as dmso but there is no offensive odor.
A deficiency of msm can result in fatigue and an increased susceptibility to arthritis. Long used in veterinary medicine as a supplement to control arthritic pain, msm also has proven therapeutic benefits in humans. MSM is also effective in controlling symptoms from allergies and is a natural anti-parasitic nutrient. It can also help the body offset the harmful effects of toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic. Dosage: 6 to 12 grams daily
This hormone like nutrient comes primarily through the effects of sunshine on the skin and plays an essential role in calcium metabolism. It is strongly anti-inflammatory. Thus, daily intake of vitamin D is an effective treatment for all types of arthritis.
Dosage: 5,000 IU daily from May to October; 10,000 IU daily from October to May; dosages need to be adjusted downwards for those living closer to the equator and exposed to more sunlight.
The yellow pigment of the herb turmeric is called curcumin. In some studies it has been reported to be equally effective as cortisone without any of the associated side effects. Curcumin also has powerful anti-cancer effects and protects the liver from damage from various toxins from the environment.
Dosage: 500 – 1000 mgs. 3 times daily
Boswellia is an herb native to India with well proven anti-arthritic effects through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, prevention of decreased cartilage formation and improved blood supply to the joints. Boswellia contains boswellic acids, which have been shown to be responsible for the tissue-protective actions, the inhibition of leukotrienes, a class of mediators of the body’s inflammatory response.
Dosage: 400 mgs. 3 times daily
Devil’s Claw (Harpagagophytum procumbens)
Devil’s claw root is a South African plant observed to have an action comparable to that of an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in several European studies.
Dosage: 500 mgs. 3 times daily with meals
Hyaluronic Acid
This is an important lubricating component of synovial fluid found in all joints. Deficiency can lead to a loss of cushioning needed to prevent pain and inflammation.
Dosage: 50 mg daily
Vitamin C has been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage: 6,000 mgs or more daily to bowel tolerance.
At dosages of 800 iu daily, vitamin E may be a prostaglandin inhibitor similar to nsaids, but without the side effects.
Dosage: 800 iu daily
This amino acid supplement helps repair leaky gut syndrome, a phenomenon associated with most autoimmune forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dosage: 500–15,000 mg daily.
Boron
Boron is essential to the body’s synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D, both of which are vital for normal bone growth and repair.
Dosage: 6 to 9 mgs daily
Daily supplementation with selenium helps elevate levels of glutathione peroxidase, a selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme that is a potent free radical scavenger.
Dosage: 200 to 600 mcg daily
Levels of these minerals are often low in those suffering from osteoarthritis.
Dosage: zinc – 30 mg. Daily; copper – 4 mg. daily
Manganese
Manganese is an important component of articular cartilage, and is, therefore, helpful in treating osteoarthritis.
Dosage: 15 to 30 mgs daily.
Chondroitin sulfates
Although very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, chondroitin sulfate
taken orally appears to have a beneficial effect. The body also manufactures it directly from glucosamine sulfate, provided there is enough of it on hand.
Dosage: 500 mgs 3 times daily with food
This is a naturally-occurring bioflavonoid which has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Dosage: 500 mg. 3 times daily
This B vitamin (a synthetic form of niacin) may enhance glucocorticoid secretion, a naturally produced anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone.
Dosage: 500 mgs six times daily
Enzymes
Plant-based digestive enzymes (bromelain, papain) and pancreatin enzymes (animal based) work as a powerful anti-inflammatory agents, reducing pain, swelling and infection while improving joint flexibility. The proteolytic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, usually considered as enzymes that break down dietary protein in the gastrointestinal tract, also have been shown to promote the healing of many exercise damaged tissues. Bromelain (from pineapple stalks) and papain (from papayas) have been reported to have similar beneficial effects.
Dosage: 5 capsules 3 times daily on an empty stomach
Regular supplementation for 3 months or longer can reduce pain, swelling an inflammation in osteoarthritis in 75% of people.
Dosage: 1000 mgs. or more 4 times daily
Yucca
A saponin extract of the desert yucca plant has been demonstrated to help reverse osteoarthritis within 3 months of use without side effects.
Dosage: 500 mgs 4 times daily
Velvet elk antler
Velvet elk antler is said to prevent aging, boost energy and enhance immunity. It has started to become a popular supplement in Canada and the US owing to its anti-arthritis effects.
Dosage: 500 to 1,000 mgs daily
Oil of oregano has been used successfully as an anti-arthritis, anti-inflammatory remedy by millions.
Dosage: 2 or 3 drops (mixed with some olive oil to improve palatability) under the tongue several times daily, or applied topically
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
This supplement has been used extensively in Europe for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It stimulates the synthesis of proteoglycans, which provide essential nutrition for cartilage cells.
Dosage: 200 to 400 mgs 3 times daily
Pantothenic Acid
Some studies indicate that supplementing vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) improves osteoarthritis pain and mobility by enhancing the adrenal gland secretion of glucocorticoids, hormones with an anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage: 500 – 1000 mgs. 3 times daily
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
One double-blind study indicates that high doses of vitamin B12 and folic acid works as well as NSAIDS for pain control.
Dosage: vitamin B12 – 1000 mcgs. daily; folic acid – 5 mgs. daily
Molybdenum
Molybdenum deficiency worsens osteoathritis and that supplementation clears osteoarthritis symptoms within a month.
Dosage: 1 mg. daily
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle has long been recognized as an effective treatment for arthritis and gout. It can stimulate the body to excrete uric acid, a substance that can form stones and arthritic joints.
Dosage: 500 mg. 3 times daily
Cat's Claw (Una de gato)
Cat’s claw comes from the Peruvian rainforest. Six oxindole alkaloids have been isolated in the inner bark of the plant and have been proven to provide a general boost to the immune system. Other alkaloids and phytochemicals (glycosides) present in Cat's Claw have been isolated and have been proven to provide pronounced natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Health care providers are now using it successfully with their arthritic patients for its anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
CONCLUSION
The treatment approach taken to any form of arthritis depends on many different factors and is best individualized for the patient by a natural health care practitioner.
REFERENCES
Rona, Zoltan. Osteoarthritis. Alive Natural Health Guides #16. Vancouver:Alive Books, 2000
Rona, Zoltan. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alive Natural Health Guides#26. Vancouver:Alive Books, 2000
DrovantiA, Bignamini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of oral glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis: a placebo-controlled double-blind investigation. Clinical Therapeutics 1980; 3(4): 260-272.
Muller-Fassbender H, Bach GL, Haase W, et al. Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1994; 2: 61-69.
Noack W, Fischer M, Forster KK, et al. Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1994; 2: 51-59.
Vaz AL. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee in out-patients. Current Medical Research and Opinion 1982; 8(3): 145-149.
THE VITAMIN D REVOLUTION
Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., M.Sc.
“We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world.”
Dr. Michael F. Holick, Vitamin D expert
When the June 8, 2007 front page of the Toronto Globe and Mail proclaimed the cancer preventing benefits of vitamin D (a.k.a. “the sunshine vitamin” or D3) and the Canadian Cancer Society chirped in with their modest recommendation for everyone to take 1100 IU of vitamin D daily, the natural health community may have felt vindicated. Many scientists felt hoodwinked.
This cancer preventive property of vitamin D was no big news to world experts and researchers who have been touting the numerous benefits of the vitamin for well over a decade. The medical profession and its various antiquated societies are, unfortunately, far behind in applying scientific data to clinical health concerns. It’s a nice gesture on their part to recommend 1100 IU of vitamin D a day to prevent cancer but it’s far from enough. Current research indicates that the figure for cancer prevention should be closer to 10,000 IU daily.
Vitamin D is really not a vitamin but a steroid hormone precursor that plays a major role in many diseases. It is created under the skin by ultraviolet light and is found in few foods commonly consumed by most Canadians. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (sub-optimal levels) plays a role in causing seventeen types of cancer (especially breast, prostate and colon) as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, depression, especially seasonal affective disorder, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, and periodontal disease.
In my practice, at least half the patients I see for chronic health problems have insufficient blood levels of vitamin D despite consuming vitamin D fortified dairy products or taking a multiple vitamin supplement. Sun phobia, a condition imposed on the population by sun paranoid dermatologists, sunscreens and spending too much time indoors have all contributed to the vitamin D insufficiency problem. One of the worst offenders in creating vitamin D deficiency is the use of commercial sun blocks. Studies now indicate that while these may prevent sunburns, they do virtually nothing to prevent melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Research indicates that to get 4000 IU of vitamin D daily if you totally avoid the sun, you must drink 40 glasses of milk a day or take 10 typical multivitamin pills daily. As mentioned earlier, a more optimal daily dose of vitamin D is 10,000 IU daily. If your blood levels of vitamin D are below the optimal levels research indicates that it will take at least 4000 IU of vitamin D daily to push the levels back to the desirable range.
The purported toxicity of vitamin D is overstated. According to well documented research, a person standing in the summer sun for an hour at noontime in a southern latitude in swim trunks, would naturally produce about 10,000 IU of vitamin D through skin exposure but sun poisoning from vitamin D overdose has never been reported anywhere.
For those who cannot tolerate the sun and prefer to take supplements, Dr. Reinhold Vieth PhD, researcher at the University of Toronto, notes that vitamin D toxicity begins at 40,000 IU daily only after many weeks of use. Taking 10,000 IU daily for months at a time provided there is no sun exposure is perfectly safe. Blood levels can be done periodically to verify this.
BESIDES CANCER, WHY TAKE VITAMIN D?
“Because vitamin D is so cheap and so clearly reduces all-cause mortality, I can say this with great certainty: Vitamin D represents the single most cost-effective medical intervention in the United States.”
Dr. Greg Plotnikoff, Medical Director, Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Vitamin D supplementation is not only effective for cancer prevention (60 % of all cancers prevented) and treatment but for a long list of other conditions. Below are a rapidly growing number of health problems that have been proven to be either prevented or treated effectively by boosting the blood levels of vitamin D:
Rickets – even conventional medicos know this childhood bone disease is caused by vitamin D deficiency and was the major reason why milk became fortified with tiny doses of the supplement.
Osteoporosis – even though this is common knowledge numerous individuals who suffer from osteoporosis are low in their D levels and simply need to take more.
Heart disease – hardening of the arteries is caused by calcium deposition and vitamin D is an anti-calcifying agent when at optimal levels in the bloodstream; both extremely high and low intake levels of vitamin D induce calcification of arteries but calcification from overdose of vitamin D requires many hundreds of thousands of international units and is rare; vitamin D deficiency is common and calcified arteries are a direct result of deficiency. Also, as is noted below, heart disease is often triggered and perpetuated by inflammation and vitamin D is anti-inflammatory.
Diabetes – evidence is mounting that vitamin D can improve insulin resistance and favorably affect Type 2 diabetes.
Hypertension – emerging evidence has compared the blood pressure lowering effects of vitamin D to ace (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, a class of blood pressure lowering drugs commonly prescribed by conventional doctors; don’t go off your blood pressure pills yet but consider high dose supplements of vitamin D and get the blood levels checked along with your blood pressures.
The common cold and the flu – ditch that mercury and formaldehyde laden flu shot; vitamin D has strong antibiotic properties and some studies indicate that optimal blood levels will prevent the flu far better than those toxic flu shots. Dr. John Cannell, the director of the Vitamin D Council, suggests high-dose vitamin D (50,000 IU) be consumed for 3 days at the first sign of a cold or the flu. If you have an infection, you need more vitamin D. That’s a given.
Arthritis – Any kind of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, benefits from optimal levels of vitamin D. Ideally, vitamin D supplementation should be accompanied by omega-3 from the diet or supplements.
Autism - Research has shown that low maternal vitamin D levels can adversely affect the developing brain and lead to autism and that vitamin D supplements can improve some of the signs of autistic behavior. Since most of the medical and conventional treatments for autism are so dismal, supplementing with vitamin D may be well worth a try.
Inflammation – vitamin D is anti-inflammatory; if you have inflammation (arthritis, iritis, thyroiditis, pancreatitis, anything ending in “itis”), you need more vitamin D.
Autoimmune Disease – multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and numerous other diseases where the immune system attacks various organs involves inflammation that can be arrested by high dose vitamin D.
Melanoma – this most deadly form of skin cancer is now thought to be caused by a sunlight/vitamin D deficiency coupled with a deficiency in omega-3 oils; safe sun exposure actually helps prevent melanoma, a counter intuitive finding confusing the heck out of dermatologists.
Obesity – vitamin D levels are significantly lower in overweight individuals; taking a vitamin D supplement certainly beats dieting but check your blood levels first.
For more information on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and disease, see my book, “Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin.”
The Bottom Line
“No other method to prevent cancer has been identified that has such a powerful impact.”
Dr. Cedric Garland, Vitamin D expert
The only way to ensure vitamin D adequacy is to expose you to the sun regularly. In Canada and other northern latitude countries, this is next to impossible at any time other than the summer. As discussed earlier, drinking milk is not the answer. Although frowned upon by frumpy dermatologists, I recommend people use a sun bed (avoiding sunburn) during the winter months. Either that or make frequent trips to Florida, southern California, Mexico (beware of the banditos) or the Caribbean.
For people who want nothing to do with sun beds or trips to the Deep South, there are oral supplements that will do the trick. One choice would be cod liver oil or halibut liver oil liquid or capsules. The only problem here might be the high vitamin A (each capsule may contain as much as 5000 IU of vitamin A) that comes along with the vitamin D (usually 200 – 400 IU per capsule). If you want to take 2000 IU daily of vitamin D, this might be suitable. If you want to push the dose up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily, you might be getting too much vitamin A. There is also some new evidence indicating that excessive amounts of vitamin A will interfere with the action of vitamin D in the body.
An alternative to cod or halibut liver oil would be a capsule containing only vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). These usually come in dosages of 400 IU or 1000 IU per capsule. Higher potencies per capsule are available by prescription only.
Why Micro Emulsified Vitamin D?
There are many individuals who have a problem absorbing vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract. In my practice, certain people taking even 50,000 IU of vitamin D daily for months fail to boost their blood levels sufficiently. This may be due to various bowel diseases like celiac disease or various forms of inflammation (Crohn’s disease or colitis), food allergies, bacterial flora imbalances, candidiasis, digestive enzyme deficiencies or because of the use of numerous drugs affecting the gastrointestinal tract. These people can only achieve successful absorption with a micro emulsified form of vitamin D. Essentially, this converts a fat soluble vitamin into a water soluble form.
This most bioavailable form of vitamin D is most suitable for people who hate taking pills of any kind or who have problems with absorption. It can be taken straight from the bottle or mixed into any food or beverage. Emulsified Vitamin D used to be only available at a high price from some health care practitioners or pharmacies specializing in natural remedies. It is now available at much more reasonable prices at your neighborhood health food store without a prescription.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from any chronic health problem, ask your doctor to check your blood level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status. The optimal blood levels should be between 100 and 250 ng/ml. Levels below 75 are considered insufficient and levels below 25 are definitely in the deficiency category. With continued research, I predict these numbers will all change, so stay tuned.
REFERENCES
The Vitamin D Council. http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/
Bill Sardi. Just One Pill Away. http://www.lewrockwell.com/sardi/sardi70.html
Martin Mittelstaedt: Sweeping cancer edict: take vitamin D daily: Recommendation comes on heels of U.S. study suggesting supplement slashes risk of disease by as much as 60 per cent; Toronto Globe and Mail; June 8, 2007.
Rona, Zoltan P. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Vancouver:Alive Books. 2000.
Rona, Zoltan P. Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin. Tennessee, USA: Alive Books, 2010 http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-D- Sunshine-Zoltan-Rona/dp/0920470823
