Red Wine and Breast Cancer

New research supports the use of a popular supplement called resveratrol as a possible preventative step against breast cancer. The laboratory study shows that resveratrol can "suppress the abnormal cell formation that lead to most types of breast cancer...."

Resveratrol is a substance found in the skin of red grapes. The making of red wine naturally concentrates this substance. Many studies have looked at this antioxidant's possible effects on a number of health related conditions. Research has looked at resveratrol for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies support its use in relation to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It has also been considered for adjunct support in the treatment of cancer.

The French paradox first brought attention to resveratrol and the consumption of red wines. The French people are known to consume far higher amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol than those from the USA, and yet have lower rates of coronary artery disease. This paradox baffles scientist and research has pointed to red wine consumption as part of the reason. Though there are other possible factor to explain this "paradox" - such as eating less quantities and more physical activity, red wine consumption may hold part of the answer.

Resveratrol is a trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene, which is produced when the plant is grown under stressful conditions. It is thought to help function as a deterrent against pathogens and pests. Organic and naturally raised grapes having considerably more resveratrol content than those conventionally grown, especially when pesticides are used. With the use of pesticides, it seems the grapes have no reason to produce as much resveratrol.

Those looking to use this substance for its health benefits can drink a glass of organic red wine daily (any more and the health benefits are probably offset by the alcohol). It is also advisable to check for sulfite free versions as these substances can cause other health problems. For most looking to add this medicinal substance to their diet - a supplement is the most consistent and reliable form.

Naturopathic Licensing

Minnesota has just licensed naturopathic doctors through a bill signed into law this July. The law will go into effect in 2009.

Currently there are 18 states, districts and territories licensing naturopathic doctors in the US – Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota*, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the United States Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Naturopathic doctors are also licensed in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.


Massachusetts has a bill (bill number S2820)in its house that would license naturopathic doctors. If you reside in or have contacts in Massachusetts - urge them to contact their Speaker of the House and ask the bill be brought to the floor for a vote.

Use this link to contact the Speaker of the House. Remember, calls must come from Massachusetts residents only.


Licensing of naturopathic doctors is very important. Licensing assures that those calling themselves naturopathic doctors have an educational background equivalent to other doctors. It protects the public ensuring a high degree of training amongst health care providers and creates a legally defined scope of practice for the naturopathic doctors in that state.

Continued expansion of naturopathic licensing is important for the growth of natural medicine and its integration as a health care option for the general public.

Take a look at this video. Dr. Andrew Weil and other experts discuss the importance of licensing naturopathic doctors.

Dr. Jeykll and Mr. "Hide"

International fugitive Radovan Karadzic was arrested on July 21st, 2008 in Belgrade. Karadzic had been the Supreme commander of the Bosnian Serb armed forces and is accused of war crimes including genocide.

He was found posing as an alternative medicine guru by the name of Dragan David Dabic. Claiming to be an expert in the field of bioenergy, Karadzic was giving lectures to hundreds of people on alternative medicine and offering his services in the treatment of a number of conditions. Check out his website (Here).

A lesson to always check credentials.

Lunacy!

Since ancient times it has been a belief in many culture that the moon influences cycles and patterns in nature. The word lunacy refers to this common belief of madness increasing or being somehow related to the full moon. Legends of werewolves imply the idea as well. The moon cycles have been historically believed to affect behavior. Have you ever noticed a change associated with the cycles of the moon?

Modern science has taken a look. Researcher's conclusions vary between studies. Some show strong statistical evidence for a full moon effect, others not so.

One study published in the British Medical Journal indicated a strange trend in increased animal bites occuring during the time of the full moon.

Number of animal bite admissions to an emergency room were compared from 1997 to 1999. The records of 1621 patients admitted for animal bites were correlated with the lunar phase. They concluded a strong correlation between an increase in animal bite and the full moon.Picture Source: BMJ

Another study from Australia seems to contradict these findings. This study also published in BMJ compared dog bite admissions to an emergency room over the period of one year. No increase in dog bite admissions was indicated during the full moon.

Interestly there was a weak correlation though not statistically significant with a decrease in dog bites in relation to the moon's fullness. When looking at the graph of the lunar year, I can't help but notice a quite obvious pattern related to the lunar cycle.

Picture Source: BMJ

A Study published in Experientia found a strong correlation with a decrease in the predatory behavior of mites in relation to the full moon.

Research published in Current Urology tracked urological emergencies in relation to the lunar cycle. Though the findings from this study were not statistically significant, there was a general trend of urology emergency escalating during the full moon.

The verdict is still out from scientific research. If there is a relationship how does it effect behavior. Light has been found to effect some hormonal cycles. Our circadian rhythm or sleep cycles based on the pineal gland's release of melatonin are known to be related to light exposure. Could the brightness of the full moon shift our biochemistry.

Louise Lacey wrote a book in the 70s called Lunaception. In the book, she describes how with the use of a night light in her bedroom, she was able to synchronize her menstrual cycle with the moon phases. Since then Lacey has taught her technique to many women claiming to have similar results. Can the light of the moon effect hormonal cycles. To my knowledge there has not been much scientific research in this area. However, many claim to use this technique successfully in understanding and becoming aware of their fertility. For more information on fertility awareness, click here.

Some mystical traditions relate the light of the moon to metaphysical energies. It is thought that one can harness the energy of the moon for one's own purposes. Some shamanic traditions use the natural cycles of the moon in healing. Such traditions believe it is beneficial to time healing with the natural energetic trends of the environment. Thus it would be beneficial to build a persons immune system or somehow strengthen them during the period when the moon is heading towards becoming full - waxing. During the waning phase or as the moon transitions from full to new it would be beneficial to try and eradicate an infection or decrease a tumor. In other words the waxing phase of the moon is mystically connected to building, while the waning phase is associated with taking apart or diminishing.

Click here to see a current moon phase calendar. Does the moon effect behavior? Watch the moon and see for yourself.

Animated image (top) shows moon phases and libration (the wobble) in high speed - available through Wikipedia.

A Delightful Film - The Man Who Planted Trees

This is an inspiring story about a man who regularly performed a simple act. He planted trees. The man transforms the region around him through simply planting trees.

I remember hearing this short story read on NPR. It was a summer afternoon and I was driving a tractor on my parent's farm. What a great way to spend an afternoon. Around and around I drove that tractor, working the ground and preparing it for planting while listening to this wonderful story.

Years later I saw this animated version on PBS and fell in love again. This eco-fable inspires me to think about our environment and its relationship to our health and happiness. In what ways can we plant trees and what might they grow to become.

The Man Who Planted Trees
Written by Jean Giono (30 minutes long)


Part 1





Part 2





Part 3





Part 4






This story demonstrates how small actions diligently repeated over time can result in big changes. This is an important principle relating to natural medicine and our health in general.

In natural medicine the body as an environment is an important and useful concept. It helps reveal the ways living systems contain dynamic interactions. It draws to mind the thought - to what degree does one's internal environment support life.

Small consistent actions can result over time in changing the environment of the body - creating an environment to support more life. Take a good quality multivitamin a couple times daily, exercise on a regular basis, change you diet to include more wholesome and natural foods - in what ways might you facilitate an increase in life?

Choose wisely and start planting.

Welcome - a gift to you, a gift to me

I am finally up and "blogging." Over the next few months expect to hear a lot from me. The area of natural and holistic medicine is full of information that can benefit large numbers of people, and I believe -- make the world a better place. All of us can improve our lives and learn from what nature has to teach us.


Information about health, wellness, medicine and science is filled with politics and economic interests. There are misconceptions, myths and underlying motives throughout the web and other forms of media. Confusion is like static and makes it difficult to hear with clarity.


Over the past few years I have often found news stories, books, films and other media that have inspired me, taught me and enriched my life in a multitude of ways. I have also been exposed to ideas and opinions that have made my skin crawl. My hope is to use this forum and address these ideas - both good and bad.


The origin of the word "doctor" is docere meaning teacher. It is one of the guiding principles of naturopathic medicine. I love to share knowledge with others and the internet is a powerful medium for connecting. Through this blog I will express my views based on my experiences, sharing the knowledge I have gained from both my formal education and my life in general. Outside of the classroom, my family/friends, mentors, nature itself and my patients have all been great teachers. I will try to give those gifts I have received to you.


If you find fragments of value, gather them up and share them with your friends and family, apply them to your life, and together we can all continue to grow, develop and progress.

Milk does the body...what?

We have all grown up believing that a healthy diet must contain milk and other dairy products to get the calcium we need. Not true! (click here for other calcium rich foods).

I must admit one of my most favorite all time foods is the wondrous and extremely varied world of cheese, but for many individuals dairy can cause all kinds of problems. As adults the majority of people are lactose intolerant. In other words many people do not produce the enzyme "lactase" needed to breakdown the lactose sugar found in milk. Some of us stop producing this enzyme as we age. This lack of the ability to breakdown lactose can cause all sorts of digestive troubles -- gas, bloating and diarrhea. Certain groups of people may be more genetically prone to these problems. Lactose intolerance is quite common in many parts of Asia. When was the last time you had a cheese sauce in a Chinese restaurant?

For others problems with dairy may be more insidious and go for years unnoticed or at least without making the connection to their health conditions. They may be plagued with vague symptoms like fatigue, pain or headaches sometimes days after consuming an offending food. This is the case of food sensitivities or commonly known as food allergies. These subtle allergies to foods can develop from any food we commonly consume. Dairy is a common culprit because it is consumed frequently and is often given to babies when they are more susceptible to developing food sensitivities. There are other individuals with dairy related issues, for example people with autism are much improved on dairy free diets. Milk proteins are also thought to contribute to the production of thicker mucus -- individuals suffering from allergies and chronic sinus issues as well as those with cystic fibrosis may find some relief from going dairy free.

Now I believe in balance and I am a strong advocate of individual differences. For many individuals, dairy may be a fine food and cause them no problems. Peoples from India and parts of Europe have included dairy in their traditional diets for hundreds maybe thousands of years. Foods such as kefir and yogurt can be powerful and healthy foods for certain conditions (Plus did I mention I love cheese).

The biggest problem with dairy today may be the widespread used of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST and rBGH). This hormone is used in the dairy industry to increase the production of milk from dairy cows and may pose a health risk to those who consume that milk. It is illegal in many countries but is used widespread here in the USA. The research related to possible dangers this hormone may pose have been ignored and probably suppressed. I suggest to all of my patients, family and friends that if they do eat dairy products, eat organic or at least products free of these hormones. Check out this two part video about the dangers and politics revolving around these issue. I think you will find it quite enlightening.

Part 1




Part 2




Dairy products may have a place in some individual's diets. If you choose to include it as part of your diet, just make certain you are buying and consuming your dairy from good quality sources and free of rBST (rBGH).