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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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
Secrets of Optimizing Thyroid Health
By Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., M.Sc.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland situated in the neck wrapped around the windpipe located just below the Adam’s apple. It controls metabolism and virtually every aspect of health including weight, mood, energy and circulation. Damage to the thyroid can lead to underactivity (hypothyroidism), overactivity (hyperthyroidism), thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis) and thyroid cancer.
The thyroid uses iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to manufacture the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodotyrosine) and T4 (thyroxine). About 80% of the hormones made are T4 while 20% is T3. It is T3 that is the more biologically active form of thyroid hormone. In order to have adequate amounts of T3 there has to be some conversion of T4 into T3. This is something that can occur both inside and outside of the thyroid.
The thyroid is controlled by a rather complex feedback mechanism. When the hypothalamus in the brain senses there is an inadequate amount of thyroid hormones present, it releases a hormone known as TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone) which in turn tells the pituitary gland to release TSH which then stimulates the thyroid gland to synthesize and release more thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) into the circulation. Thus, the level of TSH goes higher in order to help the thyroid manufacture more of the hormones. The reverse occurs when there is an excess of thyroid hormone, a condition referred to as hyperthyroidism.
Causes of thyroid gland damage
1.Radiation exposure – Think of the radiation catastrophe that has just occurred due to the Japan earthquake of March 2011. The thyroid is quite vulnerable to radiation. You do not have to be a victim of any radiation disaster to get thyroid damage. CT scans, x-rays and nuclear medical tests are more common ways people damage their thyroids. One especially unfortunate decision in the 1950s had dermatologists treat acne in teenagers with x-rays. As a direct result of this, thousands developed thyroid damage leading to various cancers. Let’s also not forget the numerous types of radiation therapies for different types of cancer that end up destroying the thyroid.
2.Overconsumption of soy – Despite a great deal of evidence that soy products are a health benefit in terms of cancer prevention, too much consumption can tip the balance in favor of boosting estrogen function. High estrogen activity weakens the thyroid. The advice here would be to restrict soy to one serving a day and stay with cultured soy products only (tofu, miso, tempeh, soy milk).
3.High doses of lithium – In high doses (1200 mg daily) lithium is one of the treatments used by psychiatrists for bipolar disorder. These very high doses of lithium can cause hypothyroidism. Clever doctors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine have used this side effect of high dose lithium to reverse an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Lithium, in low doses (10 – 20 mg daily) is effective as a memory booster in older adults.
4.Amiodarone – This is a drug often prescribed for abnormal heart rhythms. Unfortunately, it can damage the thyroid.
5.Iodine deficiency or iodine excess – Iodine deficiency is probably one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. Too much or too little iodine can damage the thyroid. The World Health Organization in 1990 estimated that 28.9% of the population was iodine deficient. Severe deficiency of iodine produces a large lump in the neck known as a goiter. It can also produce mental retardation, impaired mental function and hypothyroidism. Excessive iodine has been documented to result in thyroiditis, goiter, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and acne. Intakes of 1000 mg/day are probably safe for the majority of the population but with iodine, we must respect biochemical individuality to be safe. Even those who use large amounts of kelp or dulse will very rarely develop a problem with iodine side effects. There are some very sensitive individuals who will develop adverse skin and thyroid reactions to even a few milligrams of iodine. Fortunately, this is very rare.
6.Thyroid Toxic Foods – The overconsumption of uncooked “goitrogenic” foods can weaken thyroid function and these include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cauliflower, kohlrabi, radishes, cabbage, kale and millet. These foods, very much like soy products, are non-toxic to the thyroid in moderate amounts. It’s only when one consumes these foods in large quantities that thyroid function is weakened. This, in itself, is an aspect of biochemical individuality.
7.Other thyroid toxins - Tobacco smoke, perchlorate, fluoride, fungal (candida) infestations, toxic heavy metals like mercury and lead and a high sugar intake have also been reported to damage the thyroid. Once again this may be true for only some people and is not a generalized phenomenon.
8.Stress – This is a frequently overlooked cause of thyroid damage but is certainly one of the causes of suboptimal thyroid function.
It is conservatively estimated that at least 60 million people in North America have some form of thyroid dysfunction. At least 10% of these people go undiagnosed. There remains a great deal of disagreement about making the diagnosis of thyroid disease between glandular specialists (endocrinologists) and natural health care practitioners.
Conventional endocrinologists are a rather dogmatic bunch when it comes to thyroid health. Most follow strict guidelines in making a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and tend to dismiss symptoms that suggest the disease may be present when lab tests are not abnormal enough for them to treat the disorder. They are also quite adamant about the prescription of synthetic chemicals to correct the condition and are generally of the belief that natural solutions are useless or potentially dangerous.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland has become damaged and fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, the TSH levels will remain high. If the TSH blood test is above 2.0 there is a strong chance that your thyroid is underactive. The normal range for the TSH is 0.4 – 2.0 but this is an area of controversy with the conventional medical forces saying that the upper limit should be 5.0.
There are a large number of symptoms that could make you think that you have an underactive thyroid. You do not have to have all these symptoms to be diagnosed as being hypothyroid but the majority will have several of these symptoms if their thyroid is not in optimal health. Combined with a high TSH a trial therapy for hypothyroidism is warranted.
Symptoms
1.Fatigue – If you feel exhausted and weak despite getting 8 – 10 hours of sleep you may well have an underactive thyroid.
2.Weight gain – If you have been on a low calorie diet, exercise daily and have eliminated all possible food allergies (especially gluten) yet you are still not losing weight, chances are high that your thyroid function needs help. There may be swelling in the eyes, face, arms or legs.
3.Low body temperatures – If your body temperatures on average are below 97.4 F, chances are you are lacking an adequate supply of thyroid hormone. People who have hypothyroidism often feel cold in normal temperature rooms. They also do not tolerate cold temperatures (cold intolerance) as well as their normal thyroid function friends.
4.Depression and Anxiety – When there is no apparent cause for depression, anxiety, irritability, short-term memory loss, panic attacks and insomnia, there is a strong chance that hypothyroidism could be involved. This is not to say that all mental health issues are related to a low thyroid activity but that it is a commonly overlooked reason for suboptimal mental function. The common practice is to drug these symptoms with anti-depressants. Unfortunately, this does not correct the thyroid deficiency.
5.High cholesterol – When a high blood level of cholesterol does not respond to diet, exercise or cholesterol lowering supplements, hypothyroidism may well be the cause. A high cholesterol reading combined with fatigue and obesity is almost always due to an underactive thyroid. Even in the face of normal blood levels of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), a trial therapy to reverse low thyroid function should be attempted.
6.Infertility and Menstrual Abnormalities – Infertility is quite a common symptom of hypothyroidism. In my practice I have seen at least a dozen cases of successful pregnancies after treatment was started with natural thyroid hormone even though the thyroid blood tests were quite normal. In the majority of cases, the TSH was normal and the patient was assumed to have normal thyroid function. Quite commonly, a low libido and menstrual difficulties (pain, excessive bleeding and cramping) are associated with a previously unsuspected case of hypothyroidism.
7.Constipation – If you drink plenty of water and consume lots of fiber and still need to resort to laxatives to get regular bowel movements, consider a low thyroid condition as a potential cause.
8.Hair Loss – This is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and is particularly distressing to women who reach the menopausal years. Hair can become brittle, coarse and dry, breaking or falling out easily. Although hair loss is often blamed on low estrogen levels, a more common finding is hypothyroidism. Look for an unusual loss of hair in the outer edge of the eyebrows. This is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism.
9.Dry skin – Fragile and thin skin that does not respond well to moisturizers or vitamin E creams is not necessarily a sign of normal aging but may be an indicator that your thyroid is not functioning well. Cold hands and feet are sometimes also connected to a low thyroid.
10.Carpal Tunnel Problems – This is a painful wrist condition that is under-recognized as being associated with a low thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism could also be the unexpected cause of chronic tendonitis and joint pain virtually anywhere in the body. Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches and pains are not always a sign of exotic problems like Fibromyalgia but could simply be due to a low thyroid.
11.Neck swelling or discomfort - A thyroid gland enlarges in a futile effort to make more thyroid hormone. As a result of this gland enlargement (a.k.a. goiter), one can have a sensation that there is swelling in the neck and develop some pain or hoarseness due to this.
12.Family history – It is quite common to see a low thyroid condition in family members of those who suffer from hypothyroidism. Although it is not a given, there is a strong chance you will develop the condition if your mother or father was diagnosed with a low thyroid.
Treating Hypothyroidism
There are various levels of treatment for an underactive thyroid gland. It all depends on severity of symptoms, the blood levels of TSH, T3, T4 and the thyroid antibodies. Body temperatures are also a crucial factor in the treatment protocol. Sorting all this out is a fairly complex issue and is best dealt with the help of a natural health care practitioner.
For mild cases:
These are cases where the TSH is greater than 2.0, underarm body temperatures are on average below 97.4F and where there are one or more of the signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid present (e.g. fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, etc.). A combination of the following supplements will often help return the thyroid function to a more optimal level:
L-Tyrosine – 1000 - 3000 mg daily – the body will use this amino acid to manufacture more thyroid hormone. Often, this amino acid is used as a treatment for fatigue or mild depression.
Zinc citrate or picolinate: 50 mg daily. Zinc and copper are both needed in the control of thyroid hormone production.
Copper citrate – 4 mg daily. The ideal zinc to copper ratio in the body is approximately 8:1 (zinc:copper).
Selenium – 200 mcg. daily is required to help convert T4 (inactive) to T3 (active) thyroid hormone. Selenium is also important to prevent the formation of abnormal antibodies that can attack the thyroid leading to disease.
Vitamin D – 10,000 IU daily. Vitamin D has been linked to both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Blood levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D should be done prior to supplementation.
Iodine as potassium iodide – 1 - 10 mg. daily. Iodine is part of active thyroid hormone. The use of iodine is often strongly criticized by endocrinologists as potentially dangerous. Studies, however, have proven that most people can easily tolerate doses as high as 1000 mgs a day without any harm.
Homeopathic thyroid (5-10 drops twice daily). There are reports that homeopathic thyroid is effective at reversing many of the signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid. It may be a worthwhile product to try for those homeopathically inclined.
If 6 weeks or more of this supplement regime fails to do much for any of the signs and symptoms, a trial therapy with natural desiccated thyroid (30 mg twice daily) is recommended. Lab tests and symptoms should be monitored and dosages adjusted accordingly. I must point out that this is a type of treatment that is vehemently opposed by conventional endocrinologists who insist that desiccated thyroid is unacceptable because it fails to maintain stable thyroid hormone blood levels.
Endocrinologists believe that synthetic thyroid hormone (Synthroid, Eltroxin, L-throxine) is the correct treatment. Unfortunately, while synthetic thyroid hormone may return blood levels of T3 and T4 to normal, it does not always help the hypothyroid symptoms as well as desiccated thyroid. This remains an area of great debate between natural health care practitioners and endocrinologists. Personally, I prefer to treat the patient and not the blood tests.
In mild cases, the use of homeopathy or the supplementation of the amino acid L-Tyrosine, zinc, copper, selenium and iodine combined with a sugar-free, caffeine-free diet can be used. Dosages of these nutrients depend on various biochemical tests as well as trial and error. For some cases, this may not be effective and actual thyroid hormone may be required.
The preferred thyroid hormone treatment is desiccated thyroid, which seems to be effective for at least 80% of the cases. For some this will not work and their thyroid can only be regulated by a pure T4 prescription (L-thyroxine). See a natural health care practitioner to get personalized therapy.
For moderate to severe cases:
These are cases where natural thyroid boosting supplements have been tried for at least 6 weeks and no benefits have been seen. Usually the TSH is above 5.0 and there may even be a swelling in the thyroid gland area. In such cases, one could certainly use desiccated thyroid starting at 30 mgs. twice daily and monitor the hormone blood levels. In cases that are poorly controlled by the natural thyroid extract, the use of synthetic thyroid hormone may be needed. In my experience, this may only be true for about 10% of individuals diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Many people have also read about the Wilson’s Syndrome protocol for an underactive thyroid. To call Wilson Syndrome’s therapy controversial would be an understatement. This treatment is so complex that a book and therapeutic manual have been written to help patients do the therapy correctly. It involves the scrupulous monitoring of body temperatures several times daily and the use of time released capsules of T3 (active thyroid hormone). One basically uses increasing doses of T3 to raise the body temperatures and adjusts dosages accordingly. For more information on this protocol seehttp://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/
Moderate or severe cases of hypothyroidism are best treated by a family physician. It’s usually a good idea to get an ultrasound done in order to rule out more serious thyroid conditions such as thyroid cancer. Most family doctors will refer their more difficult cases to an endocrinologist for further assessment and treatment.
Other Thyroid Disorders
Although not as common as hypothyroidism, these conditions are often misdiagnosed and treated as if the issue were really one of anxiety, stress or some other mental illness requiring tranquilizers or anti-depressants as opposed to a real physical illness.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid Disease)
Hyperthyroidism (a.k.a. thyrotoxicosis or Grave’s disease) is a condition whereby the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. It is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 20 and 40. The cause is unknown but often associated with severe stress. It produces a hyper metabolic state, which may be associated with a few or more of the following signs and symptoms:
• Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland); a goiter may also be associated with iodine deficiency and a low thyroid condition. Lab tests help to sort this out.
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations.
• Warm, fine, moist skin; nail problems; thinning hair.
• Tremor.
• Heart beat irregularities and high blood pressure.
• Nervousness, tremors and hyperactivity.
• Increased perspiration; heat intolerance.
• Weight loss often similar to that occurring in systemic cancer
• Diarrhea and increased appetite.
• Insomnia; fatigue; weakness.
• Increased bowel movements.
• Exophthalmos (protruding eyeballs); blurred and double vision.
• Myopathy (muscle pain and weakness)
Prognosis with conventional medical treatments is generally very good but variable from person to person. Conventional treatments include anti-thyroid drugs such as Tapazole, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Beta-blocker drugs may be required to prevent heart beat irregularities and high blood pressure in the more severe cases.
Natural treatments can often reduce or eliminate the need for drugs and surgery. This is especially true if the disease is in its early stages. The mineral lithium can suppress thyroid function almost as well as prescription anti-thyroid drugs with fewer side effects. Like calcium or zinc, lithium is a mineral. It is most often associated with the treatment of bipolar disease (manic depressive disease) but in these cases the dosages used are very high (1200 mg daily) and there are side effects that can adversely affect the kidneys.
In hyperthyroidism, the lithium dosages used are in the neighborhood of 10 – 100 mg daily. One of the side effects of high dose lithium therapy, usually prescribed for bipolar illness, is hypothyroidism. The doses used for suppression of the thyroid gland are much less than those used in bipolar disorder and far less toxic. Toxicity of lithium can be curtailed by the use of omega-3 fatty acids, such as the ones found in fish and seafood. If you want to avoid eating fish because of their high mercury content, you can supplement with about 4000 mg of omega-3 oil capsules.
High doses of essential fatty acids (evening primrose oil, fish oils and flax seed oil) and mega doses of vitamin E (3000 I.U. or more daily) are also usually effective at cooling off an overactive thyroid gland.
Many foods help suppress thyroid function naturally and may be wise to increase in the diet of anyone suffering from a hyperthyroid state. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, spinach and turnips.
Supplements Dr. Rona recommends to his patients for Thyroid & Hypothyroid support: CLICK HERE
Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s Disease can be quite confusing for many people to comprehend. It is a type of autoimmune inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland in which the immune system makes antibodies that attack proteins in the thyroid gland causing gradual destruction of the thyroid gland itself leading to eventual hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid function).
Hashimoto’s belongs to the same category of diseases as celiac disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, scleroderma and ulcerative colitis.
In Hashimoto’s there could be a goiter and high levels of antibodies against thyroglobulin (TG) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). A fine needle biopsy of the gland will show large numbers of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages) and an ultrasound usually shows an enlarged thyroid gland.
People with Hashimoto’s have variable symptoms. Some do not complain of any problems but many will feel a neck enlargement with discomfort or pain. In severe cases, swallowing or breathing can become difficult and occasionally require surgery. Thyroid hormone production may periodically become excessive, producing some of the symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Hormone levels may cycle between very high and very low levels, eventually settling into hypothyroidism.
Common symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, hair loss, weight changes, muscle and joint aches and pains as well as fertility problems. In the case of a symptomatic goiter, most doctors will prescribe thyroid hormone (usually L-thyroxine). Conventional medical doctors and endocrinologists, however, will not treat Hashimoto’s unless there is a goiter or the TSH is outside normal limits. Complementary and alternative practitioners will often treat the condition, depending on the symptoms, with low dose desiccated thyroid (natural thyroid hormone replacement therapy).
PABA (para amino benzoic acid), one of the B complex vitamins, in doses between 3000 and 5000 mgs daily can also be of help in weakening the impact of autoimmune diseases. The herb, curcumin, an extract of tumeric has potent anti-inflammatory effects in just about all autoimmune disorders. The same can be said for the mineral, selenium in slowing any autoimmune reaction. Studies have also shown that low dose DHEA (10 - 100 mg./day), progesterone, pregnenolone and/or testosterone (5 - 100 mg./day) can be of some help.
Low stomach acidity is a common finding in autoimmune diseases as is pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. Lab tests can help your doctor or naturopath determine whether or not supplementation of the diet with betaine and pepsin, glutamic acid and/or pancreatin is necessary. Plant based proteolytic intestinal enzymes are another option which might not only help digestion but also reverse the inflammatory process.
Some doctors have found that delayed food allergies may be responsible for autoimmune disease. The commonest of these are milk, dairy products, wheat, gluten, chocolate, and stimulants like coffee, tea, cigarette smoke, nicotine gums or patches and caffeinated soft drinks.
Mercury hypersensitivity due to dental amalgams should also be suspected in any autoimmune disease. Aside from food and chemical allergies, victims of Hashimoto’s may be suffering from extreme stress, a variety of other hormonal imbalances (pituitary, adrenal, gonadal, etc.), bowel infections (especially Candida, parasites and fungi) and other digestive problems, especially the leaky gut syndrome. These may all need to be addressed for a complete recovery to take place. If possible, consult a naturopath or holistic doctor in your area for a nutritional assessment and a personalized supplement program.
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 “Vitamin D, The Sunshine Vitamin.”
REFERENCES
Barnes, Broda O. Hypothyroidism, The Unsuspected Illness. Harper and Rowe, 1976.
Stephen Langer, M.D. and James Scheer. Solved: The Riddle of Illness by Keats Publishing, USA 2000.
Ridha Arem, M.D. The Thyroid Solution , Ballantine Books, USA 1999.
Iham Amir Al-Juboori , Rafi Al-Rawi, Hussein Kadhem A-Hakeim. Estimation of Serum Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and Zinc in Hypothyroidism Patients. IUFS J Biol 2009, 68(2): 121-126
Mary Shomon. What is the optimal TSH for Thyroid Patients? http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/optimaltsh.htm
The Iodine Deficiency Disorders. http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter20/index.html
Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease. http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/VitaminD.pdf
Jose, B., James, A (2007). Challenges of treating thyroid disease: the need for a revisit.JRSM 100: 68-68
Singer PA, Cooper DS, Levy EG, et al.
Treatment guidelines for patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
JAMA. 1995;273:808-812.
G Placidi, A Patronelli, M Boldrini, Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Thyroid Diseased Patients, Neuopsychobiology, Vol 38(4) 1998.
Weight Loss Naturally
Thinking of a crash diet to shed a few pounds from winter’s inactivity? Unfortunately, less than 2 per cent of people who go on a diet, regardless of the type, keep the weight off after a year. In the long run, the more you diet the more weight you gain. This occurs because dieting lowers metabolic rate – the rate at which you burn off calories – by putting the body in a conservation mode.
The past decade has seen low-fat diets come in and out of fashion. The latest fad appears to be no- or low-carbohydrate diets like the “Enter the Zone Diet,” the “Sugar Busters Diet” and the “Protein Power Diet.” While all these diets work for some people with a tendency to convert carbohydrates into fat storage, they fail miserably for others.
High protein diets work because they encourage water loss and they’re low in calories (1,200 to 1,600 calories per day). All can cause varying degrees of ketosis, a high acid condition in the blood. Ketosis can cause dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, headaches, gout, dehydration, low blood pressure, accelerated atherosclerosis and a loss of lean body mass (muscle, bone and other organs). There are far safer ways to lose fat and, in the long run, excess weight. Here’s what works for just about everyone:
Eat More Fat Burning Foods
Snacking on citrus fruits between meals will help you get rid of unwanted fat. That’s because they’re a terrific source of vitamin C, which increases fat burning by converting an amino acid called tyrosine into adrenaline. Adrenaline not only increases fat breakdown but raises energy, too. Throughout your day, try snacking on two grapefruits, one orange and one lemon squeezed into water.
Another effective fat reducer is lecithin, found mainly in soybeans. Soybeans are proven cholesterol-lowering agents that bolster your body’s ability to dissolve fatty deposits. Use cultured, organic soy products like miso, tofu and tempeh at least three times each week as a source of lecithin and high quality protein. Another option is to use lecithin granules, available at health food stores (1 tbsp/15 mLtwice daily).
Eat more apples, applesauce, berries and fresh fruit. They’re high in pectin, which limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb. Pectin can also lower your cholesterol and levels of body fat. At least two apples or servings of berries each day are recommended.
Favour Foods that Fight Water Retention
Asparagus contains the chemical asparagine, an alkaloid that stimulates the kidneys and improves fluid elimination. Asparagine also breaks down fat and helps to remove waste from the body. Aim for at least one daily serving of asparagus.
Beets are another diuretic food that assist the lymphatics, liver and kidneys to flush out body fats and water. Brussels sprouts are also friendly to dieters. They’re especially stimulating to the pancreas, which releases hormones and enzymes that improve waste elimination. Cabbage contains sulphur and iodine – natural diuretics that help melt away fat.
Other vegetables that help rid the body of excess water, waste or fat include carrots, celery, cucumbers, horseradish, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and garlic. Each day, munch on a salad featuring these vegetables. For extra health benefits, and still more diuretic and fat- dissolving action, dress your salad with a few tablespoons of unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Why not combine the vinegar with flaxseed oil, which also has special metabolism-boosting properties.
For weight loss and good health, it’s also important to drink 2 litres of water a day, sipping on it frequently. Water is essential for enzymes to work well and for a speedier metabolism. Alcohol, pop and anything containing concentrated sugar will slow metabolism but whet your appetite.
Use More Fibre
High fibre foods control weight effectively by reducing the caloric density of the diet. This slows the rate of calorie ingestion and leaves
you feeling fuller longer.
Foods earning top marks for fibre include the brans of grains, psyllium seed powder, ground flaxseeds, root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips and kohlrabi, green beans, green peas and unsalted seeds and nuts. Try adding two to three tablespoons (25-45 mL) of ground flaxseeds or psyllium powder to your morning whole- grain cereal. (To avoid gas and bloating, build up gradually to this amount.) This simple act will reward you with a highly beneficial fat- lowering effect.
Choose Effective Weight Loss Supplements
There are no magic bullets for weight loss. The following natural products, however, can make it easier for some people to change their eating and exercise habits. (Although there isn’t space for discussion, aerobic exercise, strength training and behaviour modification are important considerations in any weight loss program.)
Chitosan is derived from chitin, which is extracted from the hard parts of shellfish. When taken before a meal (three or four 500 mg capsules), chitosan binds fat in the small intestine blocking its absorption. In lab animals, it’s been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic plaque. Excessive use of chitosan could potentially cause the malabsorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K).
5-HTP (5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan) raises the circulating levels of serotonin and melatonin. These neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) are needed for sleep, mood regulation and appetite control. Unlike L- tryptophan, 5-HTP does not require a prescription. Effective adult dosages are 50 to 300 mgs three times daily between meals. The only known side effect is nausea, which disappears with a lower dose or after two weeks of using the same dose.
L-Tyrosine promotes the healthy functioning of the adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands (thyroid hormone is made in the body from tyrosine). Tyrosine converts into norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that suppresses appetite. It also stimulates the release of growth hormone, which causes muscle growth while reducing body fat.
Ma huang (ephedra) contains ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and other compounds that burn fat and boost metabolic rate. Too much can cause anxiety, nervousness, palpitations, high blood pressure, prostate problems and insomnia. Start with the lowest possible dose recommended on the bottle and build up gradually to tolerance.
Kelp is a source of iodine as well as dozens of other minerals. It has a mild fat burning effect, possibly because of its ability to stimulate the thyroid gland. Small amounts are harmless, but excess iodine can cause acne in some individuals.
Conclusion
No two people will get exactly the same results using any of these diet and supplement recommendations. Try a few of them or try them all. Chances are high, you’ll be pleased with the results.
Leaky Gut
The leaky gut syndrome is the name given to a very common health disorder in which the basic organic defect (lesion) is an intestinal lining which is more permeable (porous) than normal. The abnormally large spaces present between the cells of the gut wall allow the entry of toxic material into the bloodstream that would, in healthier circumstances, be repelled and eliminated. The gut becomes leaky in the sense that bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state, pass through a damaged, hyperpermeable, porous or "leaky" gut. This can be verified by special gut permeability urine tests, microscopic examination of the lining of the intestinal wall as well as the bloodstream with phase contrast or darkfield microscopy of living whole blood.
Why is The Leaky Gut Syndrome Important?
The leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Any other treatment is just symptom suppression. An autoimmune disease is defined as one in which the immune system makes antibodies against its own tissues. Diseases in this category include lupus, alopecia areata, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, vitiligo, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, urticaria (hives), diabetes and Raynaud's disease. Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the gastrointestinal tract in the development of allergic or autoimmune disease. Understanding the leaky gut phenomenon not only helps us see why allergies and autoimmune diseases develop but also helps us with safe and effective therapies to bring the body back into balance.
Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall, larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign, invading substances. The immune system starts treating them as if they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from previously harmless foods.Human tissues have antigenic sites very similar to those on foods, bacteria, parasites, candida or fungi. The antibodies created by the leaky gut phenomenon against these antigens can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed or the microbe is encountered. Autoantibodies are thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) develops. If it occurs in the brain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (a.k.a. chronic fatigue syndrome) may be the result. If it occurs in the blood vessels, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is the resulting autoimmune problem. If the antibodies end up attacking the lining of the gut itself, the result may be colitis or Crohn's disease. If it occurs in the lungs, asthma is triggered on a delayed basis every time the individual consumes the food which triggered the production of the antibodies in the first place. It is easy to see that practically any organ or body tissue can become affected by food allergies created by the leaky gut. Symptoms, especially those seen in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, can be multiple and severely debilitating.
The inflammation that causes the leaky gut syndrome also damages the protective coating of antibodies of the IgA family normally present in a healthy gut. Since IgA helps us ward off infections, with leaky gut problems we become less resistant to viruses, bacteria, parasites and candida. These microbes are then able to invade the bloodstream and colonize almost any body tissue or organ. When this occurs in the gums, periodontal disease results. If it happens in the jaw, tooth extraction or root canals might be necessary to cure the infection.
In addition to the creation of food allergies by the leaky gut, the bloodstream is invaded by bacteria, fungi and parasites that, in the healthy state, would not penetrate the protective barrier of the gut. These microbes and their toxins, if present in large enough amounts, can overwhelm the liver's ability to detoxify. This results in symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, brain fog or facial swelling when the individual is exposed to a perfume or to cigarette smoke that he or she had no adverse reactions to prior to the development of the leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome also creates a long list of mineral deficiencies because the various carrier proteins present in the gastrointestinal tract that are needed to transport minerals from the intestine to the blood are damaged by the inflammation process. For example, magnesium deficiency (low red blood cell magnesium) is quite a common finding in conditions like fibromyalgia despite a high magnesium intake through the diet and supplementation. If the carrier protein for magnesium is damaged, magnesium deficiency develops as a result of malabsorption. Muscle pain and spasms can occur as a result. Similarly, zinc deficiency due to malabsorption can result in hair loss or baldness as occurs in alopecia areata. Copper deficiency can occur in an identical way leading to high blood cholesterol levels and osteoarthritis. Further, bone problems develop as a result of the malabsorption of calcium, boron, silicon and manganese.
The Causes
The leaky gut syndrome is basically caused by inflammation of the gut lining. This inflammation is usually brought about by the following:
Mold and fungal mycotoxins in stored grains, fruit and refined carbohydrates. The leaky gut syndrome can cause the malabsorption of many important micronutrients. The inflammatory process causes swelling (edema) and the presence of many noxious chemicals all of which can block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids. A leaky gut does not absorb nutrients properly. Bloating, gas and cramps occur as do a long list of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, systemic complaints like fatigue, headaches, memory loss, poor concentration or irritability develop.
Prescription broad spectrum antibiotics, especially when taken for extended periods of time, wipe out all the gut friendly bacteria that provide protection against fungi and amoebic (parasitic) infections, help the body break down complex foods and synthesize vitamins like B12 and biotin. Since this friendly bowel flora is killed off, the body now has no local defence against the parasites or fungi that are normally held in check. This then causes an inflammatory reaction leading to the leaky gut syndrome. Food allergies quickly develop and these may trigger the signs and symptoms of arthritis, eczema, migraines, asthma or other forms of immune dysfunction. Other common symptoms of this bowel flora imbalance and leaky gut syndrome are bloating and gas after meals and alternating constipation with diarrhea. This set of symptoms is usually labelled as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or spastic bowel disease and treated symptomatically by general practitioners and gastroenterologists with antispasmodic drugs, tranquilizers or different types of soluble (psyllium) and insoluble (bran) fiber.
The Leaky Gut and IBS
The mainstream thinking on IBS is that it is caused by stress. Irritable bowel syndrome is the number one reason for general practitioner referrals to specialists. In well over 80% of the cases, tests like the intestinal permeability test (a special urine test involving the determination of absorption rates of two sugars called lactulose and mannitol), CDSA or livecell darkfield microscopy reveal the presence of an overgrowth of fungi, parasites or pathogenic bacteria. The one- celled parasite, blastocystis hominis and different species of candida are the most common microbes seen in IBS. The only stress associated with IBS is that which is generated by infection and the leaky gut syndrome. If allowed to persist without the correct treatment, IBS can progress into more serious disorders like the candidiasis syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, many autoimmune diseases and even cancer. If treated medically, IBS is rarely cured. To treat it correctly, natural treatments work best and must include the removal of the cause, improvement of gastrointestinal function and healing the lining of the gut.
How to Reverse Leaky Gut Syndrome
Band-aid treatments with corticosteroids, prescription antibiotics and immuno suppressive drugs may be temporarily life-saving for acute episodes of pain, bleeding or severe inflammation as occurs in lupus or colitis. In the long run, however, none of these treatments do anything to heal the leaky gut problem. To reverse the leaky gut syndrome the diet must be completely changed to one which is as hypoallergenic as possible. Sugar, white flour products, all gluten-containing grains (especially wheat, barley, oats and rye), milk and dairy products, high fat foods, caffeine products, alcohol and hidden food allergies determined by testing must all be eliminated for long periods of time (several years in the most severe cases).
Treatment might also include the use of natural antibiotics (echinacea, colloidal silver, garlic), antiparasitics (cloves, wormwood, black walnut) and antifungals (taheebo, caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract) depending on the type of infection which shows up on objective tests. It is rare that victims require prescription drugs for these infections and they should be discouraged. The drugs are usually expensive, have unpleasant side effects and are best reserved for life-threatening conditions.
Leaky gut syndrome patients can help themselves by chewing their food more thoroughly, following the basic rules of food combining, eating frequent small meals rather than three large ones and taking more time with their meals. Gastrointestinal function can be improved with a juice fast or a hypoallergenic diet and supplements like lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidus as well as FOS (fructooligosaccharides) derived from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, the dahlia plant or burdock root.
Beneficial Supplements for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Natural digestive enzymes - from plant (e,g, bromelain, papain) or pancreatic animal tissues (porcine, bovine, lamb) and aloe vera juice with a high MPS concentration (good brands are International Aloe, Earthnet and Royal) stomach acidity enhancing supplements -betaine and pepsin, glutamic acid, stomach bitters, apple cider vinegar amino acids - L-glutamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG) essential fatty acids - milled flax, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, olive oil, fish oils, black currant seed oil soluble fiber - psyllium seed husks and powder, apple or citrus pectin, the rice derived gamma oryzanol, antioxidants - carotenoids, B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, germanium, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, catechin, hesperidin, rutin and proanthocyanidins (pycnogenols, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry) herbs and plant extracts - kudzu, various high chlorophyll containing green drinks like spirulina, chlorella and blue green algae, burdock, slippery elm, Turkish rhubarb, sheep sorrel, licorice root, ginger root, goldenseal, bismuth and bentonite. Combination Green Foods.
Due to the increasing recognition of chronic fatigue syndrome, the leaky gut syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity, a number of supplement companies have been marketing powdered hypoallergenic formulations containing most of the nutrients mentioned above in one convenient package. Some brand names include UltraClear Sustain®, UltraClear Plus® and Synaclear. The products are only available through natural health care practitioners like chiropractors, nutritional doctors and naturopaths. If you suspect you may be suffering from leaky gut syndrome, the most important thing to do is get yourself tested by a natural health care practitioner. A personalized natural program of diet and supplements can then be instituted to help you reverse this debilitating condition.
Dr. Rona also recommends these products to his patients
UltraClear Sustain® L-Glutamine Multistrain
