Say goodbye to the boys

Could hairspray use amongst expecting mothers be causing reproductive system birth defects in male babies. A recent study suggests a relationship. How could it be? Could all of those harmless industrial chemicals flooding our environment be causing a problem? Those producing and selling them would like us to think not, but the truth is most have not been studied for long term effects on our health or the environment.

Many of our environmental pollutants seem to be having estrogenic effects. These chemical substances are suspected to be acting as endocrine disrupters. A wide array of scientific studies support this theory. Certain food preservatives, pesticides and other industrial chemicals have been demonstrated to mimic estrogen (click here). Some studies show gender-bending effects in wildlife related to levels of these contaminates in the environment and the animals blood streams (click here).

Now a new study has related hairspray use amongst pregnant females with an increased risk of hypospadia in their male babies (check out this article from the BBC). The main theory is the exposure to phthalates disrupts the child's normal development.

Hypospadia is a birth defect resulting in a malformed penis. The penis in males develops from a closing and sealing shut of the genital folds in an embryo. These same genital folds develop into the labia of the vagina in a female embryo. In a male child with hypospadia the genital folds do not fully close. The degree to which this can occur varies from the urethra being displaced lower on the penile shaft to the whole urethra being opened on the underside of the penis. Surgical techniques can usually resolve most cosmetic issues related to hypospadia though there may be a small risk of erectile issues as the child matures.

It is not just male children at risk from these pollutants, females are also susceptible. Some studies have looked at the rates of breast cancer in relations to industrial contaminates. Here is an interesting study in epidemiology from Brazil. The study found possible relationships between pesticide sales in various regions of Brazil and incidents of hormone related cancers and reproductive system dysfunctions (here is a link). Here is a link to a great site through Cornell university summing up the risks of some of this estrogenic substances found in plastics, their link to breast cancer risks, and ways you can reduce your and your families exposure (check this out).

Herbal medicine and the fight against HIV

Astragalus root is a wonderful herb, and new research suggests it may be a candidate for replacing conventional anti-viral drugs. I have used it with many patients to increase white blood cell production and enhance the immune system in a long term way. It is an effective herb for those with suppressed immune systems whether due to HIV, cancer and chemotherapy treatments or chronic stress and fatigue. Here is a monograph on astragalus.

New research points to medicinal effects previously unknown. It has been found to not only increase immune cell counts and extend the lifespan of cancer patients, but a recent study has found is protects the immune systems cells from exhaustion in the struggle against the HIV virus. As cells replicate, their telomeres shorten. This acts like a clock winding down and eventually the cell can no longer replicate. In people infected with HIV, the white blood cells turn over and replicate much faster, shortening the telomeres at an increased pace. Astragalus has been shown in this new study to protect white blood cells by reducing shortening of the telomeres. Check out this link.

These new finding suggest potential uses of astragalus not just in the treatment of HIV, but in other areas associated with immunodeficiency such as chronic disease and aging.

Got Greed? Drink up.

Corporate greed is at it again, right here in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is proposing to ban dairies from labeling their milk as "rBGH-free," "rBST-free" or "no artificial hormones."

Consumers are beginning to educate themselves about the dangers of synthetic hormones used to increase milk production, and dairies that choose not to inject their cattle with such hormones are producing milk products that are becoming increasing popular. This emerging market is threatening the profits of big time dairies who are using the Monsanto developed (though recently sold to a division of Eli Lilly) synthetic growth hormones (rBGH, rBST). And they want the money -- so now there is an attempt to limit labeling and in effect hide from the consumer whether milk is produced using "bovine growth hormones" or not.

Free market economics works by giving people the choice to purchase what they want. This requires freedom to produce competing goods and truth in labeling. Doesn't it seem that if milk producers are using a recently developed synthetic hormone to increase milk production, they should be required to put it on the label. And if those who don't use these hormones are selling more of their milk, maybe the market is speaking. Large powerful corporations should not be able to manipulate the laws and in effect hide from consumers information used to make choices between competing products.

These hormones have been banned in many countries ( including Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan) due to fear of increased risks of disease, including hormone related cancers. Check out my previous post about the possible dangers of these hormone produced dairy products --here is the link.

Get involved. Please tell the governor of Kansas and the Kansas Department of Agriculture that we need truth in labeling and continued freedom of choice in the marketplace. Businesses should not be able to hide their inferior products through manipulation of labeling laws. The proposed rule would ban a true statement, and interfere with our rights as consumers to know what's in our food. Here is a link to the Kansas chapter of the Sierra Club to send a letter to the appropriate decision makers.

Where are all our honeybees going?

In the past few years honeybee populations have been decreasing at an alarming rate. This is not only disconcerting for those of us who love honey, or for those of us who use other bee derived products in the natural treatment of patients. Honeybees produce many medicinal substances such as the highly nutritious bee pollen, anti-microbial propolis, and hormone balancing royal jelly. Even the honeybees' sting is used as an alternative treatment of multiple sclerosis and as a homeopathic remedy for itching burning inflamed skin conditions.

The greatest concern over the the demise of the honeybee relates to their role in the environment. Biologists describe honeybees as a keystone species. When building a stone arch, masons would place all the stones in line and slip the keystone into the top slot. Due to the structural design of an arch, the keystone holds it all in place. Without it the arch will collapse. Likewise, the honeybee is a vastly important species in our ecosystem - the vast majority of flowering plants are pollinated by these insects. Without these little creatures the world would most likely fall deep into wide spread famine. The total ramifications are terrifying and not totally understood. But all experts agree it would be bad, very bad.

Recently there has been some evidence for at least one possible reason for the widespread death of honeybees. Might certain pesticides, toxic chemicals designed to kill insects, be related. check out this article about the possible link - click here.

A Natural Approach to Treating Hypertension

There are many ways to lower one's blood pressure. Each of us is an individual and each individual with hypertension requires an individualized approach to their high blood pressure. Some people will develop hypertension secondarily to other conditions such as renal disease and diabetes. Others acquire high blood pressure do to fluid retention, this can relate to cardiovascular and circulatory issues, or often it can be related to electrolyte imbalances. A very common cause of hypertension is nervous stimulation and low grade anxiety.

Each of these different causes may require different interventions. Most patients will have more than one of these aspects interacting in their life and manifesting as high blood pressure. When working with my patients, we address their personal needs and the specific issues in their life that relate to their health. From this knowledge, I develop a personalized approach to return them to normal physiological and psychological functioning.

Following are some basic interventions I prescribe for my patients with hypertension. This is only a sampling and I may not use all of these with any one patient. I may also use other interventions with some patients that I have not covered in this posting. The natural approach combines a number of interventions blended together to add up to a safe and simple healing effect. By supporting a number of systems in the body and addressing health conditions from a variety of directions, natural medicine assists the body's attempts to heal and normalize itself.

CoQ10
CoEnzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) is a wonderful nutritional supplement. It is used in every cell throughout the body for energy production. There are a number of studies showing its healing effects. Research has shown benefit for failing kidneys. It has been shown to help with heart disease and arrhythmias. There is much interest in amongst the anti-aging crowd. And yes, studies have shown it to be a helpful supplement for high blood pressure as well (Hodgson JM et al 2002).

One study of 109 patients with high blood pressure were given 225 mg of CoQ10 daily. Many were able to gradually reduce their medication over a one to six month period. Fifty-one percent of the subject were able to completely discontinue some of their medications after they began CoQ10 supplementation(Langsjoen P et al 1994).

Another study confirmed this blood pressure lowering effect (Burke BE et al 2001). Blood pressure was significantly lowered by an average of 17.8 mm HG amongst test subjects.

CoQ10 is relatively safe and helpful for a number of conditions. Cost is the most prohibitive factor -- a good dosage is 100mg, 2-3 times daily.

Magnesium
Another set of nutritional supplements to consider for hypertension are the minerals - calcium, potassium and magnesium. Numerous studies have connected low dietary magnesium to increased an risk of developing hypertension. A recent review (Champagne CM 2008) suggests that magnesium plays a major role in blood pressure regulation. Some research is based on understanding the biochemical and physiological mechanisms related to magnesium and blood pressure (Touyz RM 2006). Most all studies show a clear relationship between low magnesium levels and high blood pressure. A good dose is 500mg daily taken at night.

Olive Leaf Extract
Herbal supplements have shown real promise in controlling hypertension. One such herb is olive leaf. A few studies have shown an anti-hypertensive effect (Cherif S 1996) (Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T et al 2008). Do to no adverse reactions to taking olive leaf extract, it seems worth a try. A common dose would be 500mg daily.

Hawthorn Berry
An herbal extract of hawthorn berries (Crataegus oxycantha) can be great for cardiovascular support. Hawthorn berries are full of anti-oxidants with protective qualities particular to the blood vessels and cardiovascular system. These delicious red berries also have a mild anti-anxiety effect - this relates to hypertension. Many patients with hypertension have an over active sysmpathetic nervous system. Some older studies of hawthorn indicated lowering of blood pressure. A more recent pilot study supports these older less controlled experiments (Walker AF et al 2002) indicating a blood pressure lowering effect.

Motherwort
As an herb, motherwort ( Leonurus cardiaca) has many useful purposes, many of which relate to heart health. It normalizes heart function, and it is a nervine and general tonic to the heart. Traditionally, motherwort has been used for a number issues related to mothering -- either difficulties being a mother or issues with one's mother. It's relaxing qualities over time returns a heart to a normal rhythm and lowers high blood pressure. This herb is supported more by traditional and clinical use then from modern scientific research. Most of the research has looked at this herb's ability to relax the nervous system. Here is a nice description of this herb's background, research and uses (click here).

Linden Tree
The flowers of Tilia europaea, or Linden trees have traditionally been used for nervous tension and high blood pressure. The blossoms have a relaxing quality and have been used as a mildly anti-anxiety herb. Though there are not many scientific studies to support its use, there is a long tradition. Linden blossoms work well combined with other blood pressure lowering herbs.


Often I will combine a number of these interventions for any one patient. For example, I might prescribe 100mg of CoQ10, twice daily and 500mg of magnesium once daily at night.
And then I might suggest mixing equal parts of Tilia, Leonurus and Crataegus tinctures together and dose 30-60 drops of the herbal blend 3-4 times daily.

The important part is to work with the patient and continually check to make sure any strategy developed for an individual patient is actually working. Over time the methods used may be altered as the patient's body normalizes and healing moves on to deeper and deeper levels.

Keep in mind -- always work with your doctor to develop a strategy best suited to your individual needs.

Yin and Yang

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based around the concept of balance. Our bodies and the world around us are viewed as a delicate interplay of the two opposing principles of yin and yang. Yin is defined as cool, moist, passive and feminine, whereas yang is hot, dry, active and masculine. The terms yin and yang literally refer to the dark side of a hill (yin) and the sunny side of a hill (yang). Health is the perfect but dynamic balance of the two. Yet the deeper philosophical mystery is that there is only one -- we just experience it as two. At the core of each is the other and each is in a constant process of becoming the other. This is all demonstrated in the classic symbol of the Tao -- or the way.

Western medicine uses a similar concept called homeostasis. Though there are no specific terms to use in conceptualizing the two extremes of any balance as there is in Chinese medicine -- there are the Latin prefixes hypo and hyper. So a disease condition such as high blood pressure may be described as hypertension. Low blood pressure may be called hypotension. Being too hot is hyperthermia and too cold is hypothermia. Modern western medicine may strive to keep the various measures related to the body within a certain range-- temperature, blood pressure, heart rate or any number of lab values from blood work. Outside of the established range is considered disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine does the same. One patient may be too yang or another may be too yin in regards to a specific aspect of their physiology. Someone with high blood pressure may be considered too yang whereas certain types of low blood pressure may be related to an excess of yin.

The philosophy of Chinese Medicine takes it a step further. The body is seen as an extension of the environment -- we are interconnected with the whole world and all of existence emerges from this dance between yin and yang. The following video is a beautiful animation that visually expresses this concept of an emergent world made up of the constant interplay of yin and yang . Part meditation, part artistic rendition this short film visually demonstrates the Taoists concept of "The Way." Done in the style of a Chinese watercolor, I found it gentle and pleasing so I share it with you -- enjoy.

Naturopathic Medicine continues to get the recognition it deserves

A friend of mine who lives in New York City sent me this link. Naturopathic doctors are not licensed in the state of New York, though they have been working on passing a licensing law for the past few years. I hope it happens soon. Many wonderful naturopathic doctors practice in New York but are limited in what kinds of care they can provide.

Naturopathic medicine holds such promise for the future of health care. I have personally seen the power of good quality natural medicine. When coupled with highly educated health practitioners - natural medicine provides incredible results for patients courageous enough to give it a try. I use the term courageous because unfortunately we live in a climate of suspicion and fear of natural medicine. This perspective is propagated by other competing economic interests.

I hope you find this article interesting. Our medical system does not have to be based on a divided and divisive system - we can all work together to decrease suffering and increase healthy full lives.
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