Alpha Lipoic acid – Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) functions as a cofactor for certain mitochondrial enzymes, exhibits antioxidant activity as well as enhancing the regeneration of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and glutathione. ALA is synthesized by the human body but can also be found in small amounts in many foods. ALA has been found to be useful for preventing or treating Amanita phalloides mushroom poisoning, burning mouth syndrome, diabetes, hepatitis, myopathy, disorders of taste and vitiligo. It also can be used to chelate copper in patients with Wilson’s disease.

Beta-sitosterol – Beta-sitosterol is part of a group of compounds with chemical structures similar to cholesterol. Beta-sitosterol will reduce prostatic hypertrophy and help lower LDL-Cholesterol levels. Foods high in phytosterols are peanuts, soy, olives, sesame, and pumpkin seeds.

Butyric acid – Butyric acid is also called butanoic acid which is a fatty acid ester found in animal fats and plant oil. It makes up about 4% of butter and contributed to the disagreeable odor when it turns rancid. Butyric acid is used as a supportive agent in the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases such diarrhea, diverticulitis, colitis, and radiation induced inflammation. It is found in butter, cheeses, milk, yoghurts, cream, sauerkraut, and other fermented soy products.

Co Q 10 – also known as ubiquinone, Coenzyme Q 10 is a fat soluble that is largely synthesized in vivo and acts as a cofactor in the cellular electron-transport chain. CoQ10 has antioxidant properties, enhances immune function, and provides resistance against infection. It is used for a variety of conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, Cerebellar ataxia, hearing loss, Muscular dystrophy, tinnitus, myopathy, infertility, myelodysplasia, and AIDS.

DHEA – Dehydroepiandrosterone is an androgenic hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and in smaller amounts by the testis and ovaries. DHEA and DHEA-S are precursor hormones and are metabolized to testosterone and estrogen and may serve an immune function. DHEA levels decline as we age and therefore are often provided as a supplement in older patients. DHEA has been used to treat autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease, depression, dysthymia, erectile dysfunction, low adrenal function, menopause, motion sickness, osteoporosis, schizophrenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, female sexual dysfunction, ulcerative colitis and urticaria.

Diindolylmethane (DIM) – Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol a compound that is found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. DIM is thought to be effective in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. DIM supplements have not been found to have serious side effects but may cause an increase in bowel movements, a darkening of urine headaches, and gas and bloating. Nausea and vomiting as well as skin rash are less common side effects.

5-Hydroxy tryptophan – 5-Hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP) is a metabolite of L-tryptophan and a precursor to serotonin. It is useful in the prevention and treatment of cerebellar ataxia, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, migraines, and sleep terrors. 5-HTP is generally well tolerated but may cause some patients to develop nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, myalgia, drowsiness, and headaches.

Lithium – Lithium is a mood stabilizing medicine used to treat mania (feeling highly excited, overactive, or distracted), depression, bipolar disorder and to reduce aggressive or self-harming behaviors. Because lithium has known toxic effects on the thyroid gland and kidneys, its use medically has decreased in favor of other medications.

Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone that is synthesized from tryptophan in both the pineal gland and gastrointestinal tract. Its main function is in regulating the bodies circadian rhythms and enhancing sleep. It also will enhance immune function as well as protect retinal epithelium cells from oxidative damage. Melatonin secretion decline with age in individuals with age related morbidity or due to certain medications. Medical conditions affected by melatonin are age related macular degeneration, cancer, cluster headaches, hemicrania continua, headaches, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, non-ulcer dyspepsia, sarcoidosis, seasonal affective disorder, tardive dyskinesia, thrombocytopenia, and tinnitus.

N-Acetylcysteine – N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is derived from the amino acid cysteine and is chemically more stable than cysteine. Cysteine is the precursor molecule for the antioxidant glutathione and acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. NAC decreases the viscosity of mucus and thus is beneficial in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when administered through a nebulized. NAC is useful for acetaminophen overdose, akathisia, bipolar disorder, blepharitis, COPD, cocaine addiction, cystinuria, hyperhomocysteinemia, pulmonary fibrosis, influenza, obsessive-compulsive disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome, schizophrenia, scleroderma, and septic shock.

Phosphatidylserine – Phosphatidylserine is normally found in cell membranes and plays a role in cell-to-cell communication and neurotransmitter release. It is useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and to enhance athletic performance.

Turmeric/curcumin – Turmeric and curcumin are often treated as being one in the same, but while curcumin is a component of turmeric, there is a significant difference clinically between them. Curcumin provides relief from muscle soreness after exercise and because of the helps to cut down on muscle injury. Additionally, it helps slow the aging process of muscle tissue. Curcumin also helps to prevent type 2 diabetes by improving insulin resistance which in turn lowers one’s blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Additionally, more recent research shows that curcumin is an effective in the treatment of cancer.

Vitamin A – Carotenoids alpha, beta and gamma are converted to Vitamin A primarily in the intestines. Beta carotene is made up of 2 Vitamin A molecules that are linked but is not as biologically active as a single Vitamin A molecule. Only bout 1/3^rd of Beta carotene is absorbed with about 2/3rds converted to Vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for growth and development of skeletal and soft tissues through differentiation of basal cells into mucus epithelial cells. It is also needed for development of the rods and cones of the eye. Vitamin A maintains the integrity of the mucus membranes and thus has been termed the “anti-infective vitamin” as well as providing protection against the development of breast, lung, bladder skin and cervical cancers.

Vitamin B-12 / Cobalamin – Vitamin B12 is a group of cobalt containing molecules that are termed cobalamins. Methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin are coenzyme forms that play a role in metabolism. Vitamin B12 plays a role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, homocysteine metabolism, and synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine as well as enhancing nervous system and immune function.

Vitamin B1 / Thiamin – Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin that is present in the body in several forms. Thiamine diphosphate is the coenzyme form which functions as a cofactor for several enzymes that play a role in energy production. Magnesium is needed in order to convert thiamine to its biologically active form. Thiamine deficiency (beriberi) may cause weight loss, weakness, peripheral neuropathy, edema, tachycardia, and congestive heart failure. As thiamine is not stored in the body to any significant extent and therefore a deficiency can occur within 4 to 5 days. Food sources are whole grains, legumes, nuts, meat and enriched flour.

Vitamin B2 / Riboflavin – Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin that is most often found in its biologically active form riboflavin-5’-phosphate and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Riboflavin is primarily involved with the formation of ATP through the cells electronic transport system. ATP is the bodies main storage form of energy and therefore a deficiency can result in fatigue. Riboflavin also is involved in various oxidation-reduction reactions and is a cofactor in the generation of glutathione. Riboflavin also aids in the conversion of vitamin B6 to its biologically active form, pyridoxal phosphate. A deficiency leads to stomatitis (cheilosis), glossitis, weakness, depression, personality changes, anemia, seborrheic dermatitis, keratitis, and conjunctivitis. Food sources are dairy, eggs, legumes, meat, fish, poultry, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Vitamin B3/ Niacinamide/Niacin – Vitamin B3 occur naturally in 2 forms, niacinamide and niacin. Vitamin B3 is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) which plays a role in the cellular electron transport system which in turn affects the production of ATP. Vitamin B3 also the precursor to NAD phosphate (NADP) which functions as a coenzyme in oxidation reduction reactions. Vitamin B3 also plays a role in tryptophan metabolism allowing it to be converted to serotonin. Deficiency can result in dementia, dermatitis, and diarrhea. A number of medical conditions such as arteriosclerosis, acne, vertigo, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, opioid addiction, and insomnia to name a few are amenable to treatment with vitamin B3. Food sources are meat, chicken, fish, grains, legumes, and dairy products.

Vitamin B5 / Pantothenic acid – Pantothenic acid is a component of coenzyme A (CoA) which is involved with the tricarboxylic acid (Krebs) cycle for oxidation and synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, heme, and acetylcholine. It is also needed for amino acid catabolism. Pantothenic acid is useful for the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris, allergic rhinitis and hypoadrenalism.

Vitamin B6 / Pyridoxine – Pyridoxine exists in nature in 3 forms, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. The phosphate ester pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), functions as a coenzyme and is a cofactor for more than 50 enzymes. It is involved with lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism as well as steroid hormones. Pyridoxine also plays a role in immune function by being involved in the synthesis of niacin. Because of its involvement in a wide number of enzymes pyridoxine is useful in the prevention and treatment of a large number of medical conditions. Food sources include potatoes, bananas, meat, poultry, fish, and whole grains.

Folate / Folic acid – Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and is converted to different biologically active folates such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate. Folate plays a role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA and is involved in homocysteine and vitamin B12metabolism. It also supports the function of the immune and nervous systems. If inadequate amounts of folate are present, patients develop megaloblastic anemia but also show up as various psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, apathy, confusion, or dementia. Additionally, it can manifest as polyneuropathy, angular cheilosis, glossitis, hypotonia in infants and children and depressed cell mediated immunity. As with other B vitamins a large number of medical conditions are prevented and treated by folate. Foods high in folate are green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes, beets, and whole grains.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid and can not be made by the human body. Lack of Vitamin C causes scurvy which sailors would get after a few weeks at sea. It is an antioxidant and immune system enhancer. It is essential for the formation of collagen and carnitine. Additionally, it demonstrates antiviral and antibacterial activity and helps hydroxylation reactions in mitochondria, catalyze cholesterol catabolism and is involved in the neurotransmitter metabolism.  Vitamin C affects a large number of medical conditions which is why it is commonly added to nutrient IV solutions for treatment and prevention.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D can be broken down into cholecalciferol (Vit D & D3), ergocalciferol (Vit D2). Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin with exposure to ultraviolet light as well as being absorbed in the small intestine in the presence of bile salts. Vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines and increases serum levels which can then be deposited in bone. A lack of Vitamin D can result in the development of rickets, increase in the risk of fractures, development of osteoporosis and development of psoriasis. Sources of Vitamin D are mushrooms, fish, sardines, cod-liver oil, egg yolk, lamb, and beef.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E or tocopherols are made up of 8 naturally occurring compounds that possess antioxidant activity. They can be broken down into, alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols. Alpha-tocopherol has been found to have the highest level of activity. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, stabilized cellular membranes, inhibits platelet aggregation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to Vitamin C, Vitamin E is useful in the treatment of many medical conditions.

Biotin – Biotin is a B vitamin that functions as a cofactor for enzymes that are involved with carboxylation reactions. Biotin also plays a role in the oxidation and elongation of fatty acids and the oxidation of carbohydrates. It also induces glucokinase, the enzyme that is involved with glucose utilization. It is useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, brittle nails, seborrheic dermatitis during infancy and uremic neuropathy.

Vitamin K / Phytonadione – Vitamin K is a general term for a group of structurally related compounds (K1, K2, K3, K4) with a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone nucleus that possess anti-hemorrhagic activity in the body. Vitamin K is most often used to treat arteriosclerosis, cancer, cirrhosis, hemorrhagic disease in newborns, hepatitis, myelodysplasia, nausea & vomiting of pregnancy and osteoporosis. Food sources are green leafy vegetables, soybean, olive, cottonseed and canola oils, cheese, egg yolk and meat.

Zinc – Zinc is a cofactor for a number of metalloenzymes as well as participating in many biochemical pathways. It is involved in DNA and protein synthesis and is an essential element for growth, visual function, hearing, taste sensation, spermatogenesis, sexual development, immune function, and wound healing. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, stabilizes cell membranes, and demonstrates antiviral activity against some viruses such as COVID-19. Adverse effects of zinc include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, decreased appetite, diarrhea, headache, and a a metallic taste in the mouth. Food sources are seafood, meats, whole grains, wheat germ, dairy products, legumes, peanuts, egg yolk, nuts, and seeds.

References:

Nutritional Medicine            Alan R. Gaby M. D.               Fritz Perlberg Publishing

Concord, NH              2011

Medical Nutrition From Marz 2^nd Edition             Russell B. Marz, N. D.  M.Ac.OM

Omni Press     Portland, OR               August 1997

Textbook of Natural Medicine 5^th Edition Joseph E. Pizzorno N. D., Michael T. Murray, N. D.            Elsevier    St. Louis, MO        2021

One thing you can definitely expect when you are trying to get pregnant is that the ‘shoulds’ and ‘should nots’ are absolutely in full supply. It seems like everyone has the solution or simple, quick fix, and if you would just do x, y, or z, you will become pregnant with ease. As exasperating as those interactions may be, luckily, we are all not the same. Each of us has a unique health profile that may include nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all meal plan for fertility, a lot of conflicting advice and honestly, a lack of research on the topic. However, there are definitely some solid recommendations coming in strong about what lifestyle changes you can implement to improve the quality of your nutrition, which can boost your chances of conception. Avoiding foods that tend to promote disease and inflammation, and eating more of what fuels your body in a balanced way will lead to optimal fertility potential.

Here are some foods you can focus on, as well as some options you may want to leave behind not just to improve fertility, but for your overall health and well-being!

Foods to Include:

Many researchers believe that the majority of infertility cases can be improved with diet and lifestyle modifications. Women who follow the principles of The Mediterranean Diet have shown improved chances of becoming pregnant.  This nutritional lifestyle focuses on eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables, quality fat sources such as seafood and olive oil, and lean proteins including nuts and legumes.

• Fruits- A study of almost 6,000 women found that a higher fruit intake reduced the chance of infertility and Time to Pregnancy. The type of fruit you eat matters, and you should aim for fruits that are low on the glycemic index (GI) scale to help keep blood sugar levels balanced. Oranges, apples, berries, grapefruit, and mango, are all fruits that are low on the GI scale.  Figs and Black Raspberries are also known for high levels of antioxidants, vitamin c, phytonutrients, and minerals.
• Vibrant Vegetables- High in Folic Acid, green leafy vegetables also have other minerals important to fertility, such as iron, and magnesium. Evidence shows higher folate levels lead to better reproductive outcomes. Most vegetables are also low on the Glycemic Index and provide fiber, which helps you feel satisfied and improves digestion.
• Healthy Fats – Eating healthy fats helps to regulate hormones such as progesterone and testosterone. MUFA (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) are healthy sources of these fats. Good sources of MUFA include olive oil, walnuts, and seeds. Because avocados contain folate, potassium, carotenoids, and other critical compounds for general health such as fiber, MUFA, and antioxidants, they are recommended for reproductive health. PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) plays an important role in androgen synthesis, which may support healthy ovulation. Fish and flaxseed are good sources of PUFA oils.
• High-Quality Protein- While some studies promote mostly plant-based protein options for fertility, such as beans, lentils, and other legumes, also including a variety of satiating animal protein, which is lean and low in saturated fat seems to be the best. Salmon is at the top of the list for its concentration of healthy fats as well. Beans and legumes offer folate, fiber and protein, and a healthy gut microbiome. Eggs are a great source of protein during pregnancy as well because they contain choline, which promotes neurological development, folate, and other vitamins and minerals. Oysters are loaded with Zinc, which helps the ovaries develop and release healthy eggs.
• Complex Carbs – Choose carbohydrate sources with a low glycemic index, like Quinoa, which is high in protein and fiber. Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which reduce inflammation, and are a low glycemic starchy vegetable, along with orange squash.

Foods to Avoid:

Following an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan, similar to the Mediterranean Diet, which also includes reducing processed meats and simple sugars, has been shown to increase the chances of conception. Hypoglycemia, Type 2 Diabetes, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are conditions that make it more difficult to become pregnant. Reducing your intake of unhealthy fats and simple sugars, ingredients often used in convenience foods, can help increase your chances of getting pregnant.

• Trans Fats- A fertility study found trans fats have a negative impact on fertility outcomes. This study directly implicated higher fast food consumption with impaired fertility. Processed meats and other packaged convenience foods contain trans fats. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to eat on the go, packing your meals is the best option, but you can usually find a salad with lean protein, beans, and/or nuts or some fresh produce with hummus or cheese to satiate your hunger.
• Simple Sugars – Foods with a high glycemic index cause spikes in blood sugar that contribute to conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages, skip the soda or sweet tea, and when you drive through for a caffeine fix, focus on unsweetened drinks without added foams or creams. Corn syrup and sweeteners made from sugar beets often contain genetically modified or bioengineered ingredients, and the impact on fertility or hormonal health has not been studied extensively. Naturally sweetened drinks and fruit-essenced carbonated waters are great alternatives.

Foods to Eat Selectively:

• Dairy- Many studies come back with little to no correlation in regards to the effect of consuming dairy products on fertility. One study found a correlation between consuming low-fat dairy and infertility, and others suggest that high-fat dairy may promote fertility. Fermented dairy products like yogurt have added health benefits and should be included in a balanced diet for someone free from sensitivities. Dairy products contain essential vitamins and minerals and can be a flavorful way to enhance a dish.

Nourish Yourself

When you are trying to conceive, you might be tempted to alleviate some of the associated stressors with food. Dietary choices that are more similar to the Mediterranean Diet have been shown to improve conception outcomes for women. Given the widespread Standard American Diet, confusing mixed messages, and diet fads, it’s vital to consult with a holistic fertility specialist who is committed to staying informed on the most current and diverse bodies of research on fertility and nutrition. There is support available to help you integrate these healthier options into your meal and snack routines while also enjoying your food!

You must be gentle with yourself and remember that food is nourishment that can and does heal. Research may not offer a one-size-fits-all, “get pregnant quick” diet prescription, but consuming a balanced diet including healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables will contribute to balanced hormones and keep inflammation at bay. Your fertility doctor can guide you to healthier lifestyle choices that promote ideal pregnancy conditions in the kitchen, while enjoying a meal at a restaurant, or even going through the drive-through. Many of us have used tasty food as a reward, so it can also be helpful to explore non-food ways to treat yourself, too. A diet to promote fertility is not about counting calories or restricting, it’s about being kind to yourself and consuming a variety of whole foods for nourishment that promote health in all aspects.

Scorpions don’t bite but they do sting. Remaining calm is important in treating the sting as it slows down absorption of the venom. Scorpion stings are not difficult to treat. We have many types of scorpions in Arizona, and even if you are stung by the Arizona Bark Scorpion, the most dangerous and venomous of the scorpions in Arizona, it is not likely to be fatal or even to have long-lasting effects.          It is however important to recognize scorpion sting symptoms which are immediate pain or burning, very little swelling, sensitivity to touch, and a numbness/tingling sensation.

If you stung by any scorpion, including the venomous Arizona Bark Scorpion, here are some immediate actions you should take:

1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply a cool compress on the area of the scorpion sting. Ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) may be applied to the sting location for ten minutes. Remove compress for ten minutes and repeat as necessary.
3. If stung on a limb (arm or leg) elevate the limb to heart level.
4. Take a dose of Ledum 30c every 15 minutes for 4 doses.
5. Call the Poison & Drug Information Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or contact the clinic at 480-767-7119 if you are having difficulty.

Mosquito Bites

Why does it seem that some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites than others? The answer may be because of the compounds we spread on our skin or odors we emanate. Research has suggested that people with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also target people who produce excess amounts of certain acids, such as uric acid, probably being attracted by the smell. Any type of carbon dioxide is attractive, even over a long distance. As larger people tend to give off more carbon dioxide, mosquitoes typically prefer munching on adults to small children. Children however are very active which also attracts mosquitos. Pregnant women are also at increased risk, as they produce a greater-than-normal amount of exhaled carbon dioxide. Movement and heat also attract mosquitoes, so playing sports and sweating increases your chances of becoming a mosquito meal.

One in 10 people are highly attractive to mosquitoes but it’s not dinner they’re sucking out of you. Female mosquitoes (males do not bite people) need human blood to develop fertile eggs. Mosquitos transmit certain diseases such as malaria, a disease not seen as much in the U.S. these days but is found in tropical countries.

Here are some natural mosquito repellants you can try to cut down the chances of being bitten. Our thanks to Heather Caruso for passing them along.

Fire Ants

Three species of desert fire ants inhabit the southwest: Solenopsis xyloni (southern fire ant), Solenopsis aurea and Solenopsis amblychila. S. xyloni has the widest distribution of the three species in Arizona. If the nest location poses no hazard to people, the best solution may be to do nothing. Red Imported Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are not established in Arizona yet but do show up periodically. These ants are more aggressive than our native fire ant species and the stings are far more painful.

The fire ant’s attack is a two-part process consisting of a bite and a sting. When one ant stings, they all sting and inject a venom that causes the release of histamine, a chemical in our bodies that can produce pain, itching, swelling and redness of the skin. Within seconds after the stings, discomfort occurs at each site and a small red welt appears. Each welt can enlarge rapidly, depending on the amount of venom that was injected and the victim’s sensitivity to the venom. The reaction persists for up to an hour, and then a small, clear blister will form. The fluid in the blister may turn cloudy, and the area will begin to itch. Most people experience only a small amount of redness around the sting site. A small percentage of people however are sensitive to the venom and experience more extensive redness and swelling. A few victims have extensive allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties or widespread swelling of body parts or worse which requires a visit to the ER.

Fire ants do not commonly nest in buildings. If found inside they are generally being drawn there by FOOD. Extreme temperatures may also bring them indoors. If found inside, do not spray but make sure floors are clean, especially the corners where food can accumulate. Spraying will not eliminate the ants but may increase them.

As with any insect bite, applying a cold compress, taking Ledum or Apis 30C may alleviate the initial symptoms. If symptoms persist, contacting the clinic or visiting the local emergency room is recommended.

Tick bites

Ticks  are small spider like animals (arachnids) that bite to fasten themselves onto the skin as they feed on blood. Ticks live in the fur and feathers of many birds and animals. Tick bites occur most often during early spring to late summer and in areas where there are many wild animals and birds.

Most ticks do not carry diseases, and most tick bites do not cause serious health problems. But it is important to remove a tick as soon as you find it as those that do can pass along some serious and debilitating diseases. Removing the tick’s body as soon as it is discovered helps avoid diseases the tick may pass on during feeding. Most importantly, removing the tick’s head helps prevent an infection in the skin where it bit you.

Usually, removing the tick, washing the site of the bite, and watching for signs of illness are all that is needed but some people may develop an allergic reaction to a tick bite. This reaction is usually mild with a few annoying symptoms. But in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis may occur.

Many of the diseases ticks carry cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Symptoms may begin from 1 day to 3 weeks after the tick bite. Sometimes a rash or sore appears along with the flu-like symptoms. Common tick-borne diseases include: Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis. Relapsing fever, Colorado tick fever, and Babesiosis.

It is important that the tick be removed immediately upon being discovered and if possible, preserved so it can be identified by you physician. Again, use of Ledum 30C as an initial medicine is recommended.

Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse spider bites often go unnoticed initially because they are usually painless bites with little tissue destruction. Occasionally, some minor burning that feels like a bee sting is noticed at the time of the bite. Symptoms usually develop two to eight hours after a bite. Symptoms commonly encountered are severe pain at the site which occurs after a few hours, itching, nausea & vomiting, fever, and myalgia (muscle aches/pain).

Initially the bite site is mildly red and upon close inspection may reveal fang marks. As time progresses, the bite site will become firm and heal with little scaring over the next few days or weeks. Occasionally, the local reaction will be more severe with erythema and blistering, sometimes leading to a blue discoloration, and ultimately leading to a necrotic lesion and scarring.

As with any bug bite, keeping it clean, using ice and a few doses of Ledum 30C will help alleviate symptoms. Consultation with you doctor is in order.

Bee Stings

A bee sting is strictly a sting from a bee (honey bee, bumblebee, sweat bee, etc.) but it most often can mean a sting of a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket. Some people may even call the bite of a horsefly a bee sting. The stings of most of these species can be quite painful and are therefore keenly avoided by many people.

Bee stings differ from insect bites in that the venom or toxin of stinging insects is quite different. Therefore, the body’s reaction to a bee sting may differ significantly from one species to another.

The most aggressive stinging insects are vespid wasps (including bald-faced hornets and other yellow jackets) but not hornets in general (e.g., the European hornet is less harmful). All of these insects aggressively defend their nests.

In people with insect sting allergy, a bee sting may trigger a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that is potentially deadly. Honeybee stings release pheromones that prompt other nearby bees to attack.

The first step in treatment following a bee sting is removal of the stinger itself. The stinger should be removed as quickly as possible without regard to method: studies have shown the amount of venom delivered does not differ whether the sting is pinched or scraped off and even a delay of a few seconds leads to more venom being injected. Once the stinger is removed, pain and swelling should be reduced with a cold compress and a dose of Apis 30C should be administered. Apis 30C can be taken every 15 minutes for 4 doses if necessary.

Many traditional remedies have been suggested for bee stings including damp pastes of tobacco, salt, baking soda, papain, toothpaste, clay, garlic, urine, onions, aspirin or even application of copper coins.

If you are having difficulty following any sting, contacting your physician or a trip to the nearest emergency facility is important.

Bed Bugs

Bedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed but after feeding their bodies swell and turn a reddish color.

Bedbugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. Female bedbugs may lay hundreds of eggs, each of which is about the size of a speck of dust. Immature bedbugs, called nymphs, shed their skins five times before reaching maturity and require a meal of blood before each shedding. Under favorable conditions the bugs can develop fully in as little as a month and produce three or more generations per year. Although they are a nuisance, they do not transmit diseases.

Bedbugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, or other items. Their flattened bodies make it possible for them to fit into tiny spaces, about the width of a credit card.  Bedbugs do not have nests like ants or bees but tend to live in groups in hiding places. Their initial hiding places are typically in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards where they have easy access to people to bite in the night when they are most active.

Because bedbugs live solely on blood, having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. You are as likely to find them in immaculate homes and hotel rooms as in filthy ones.

Most bedbug bites are painless at first, but later turn into itchy welts. Unlike fleabites that are mainly around the ankles, bedbug bites can be found on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. Bedbug bites do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites do.

If you wake up with itchy areas you didn’t have when you went to sleep, you may have bedbugs, particularly if you got a used bed or other used furniture around the time the bites started. Other signs that you have bedbugs include blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases; dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls; bedbug fecal spots, eggshells, or shed skins in areas where bedbugs hide; an offensive, musty odor from the bugs’ scent glands.

Getting rid of bedbugs begins with cleaning up the places where bedbugs live. This should include the following:

1. Clean bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting. Place stuffed animals, shoes, and other items that can’t be washed in the dryer and run on high for 30 minutes.
2. Use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams to remove bedbugs and their eggs before vacuuming.
3. Vacuum your bed and surrounding area frequently. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and place in garbage can outdoors.
4. Encase mattress and box springs with a tightly woven, zippered cover to keep bedbugs from entering or escaping. Bedbugs may live up to a year without feeding, so keep the cover on your mattress for at least a year to make sure all bugs in the mattress are dead.
5. Repair cracks in plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to get rid of places bedbugs can hide.
6. Get rid of clutter around the bed.

If your mattress is infested, consider getting rid of it awhile taking care to rid the rest of your home of bedbugs so they will not infest your new mattress.

Statistics from a long-term European Youth Heart Study concluded that children who are physically unfit at the age of 9 years old have double the risk of developing attention problems (ADHD) during their teenage years compared with physically fit children. There are many different factors that contribute to ADHD, including genetics and exposures to environmental toxins, like cigarette smoke. There are also many different options when it comes to treatments. But in my opinion, if there are completely free and completely risk-free things we can do to reduce young children’s risk of ever developing ADHD in the first place, then we should do them!

Now we know that keeping kids active and physically fit is one of those things. Here are some fun ideas to keep our kids moving and their bodies strong:

• Kick around a soccer ball
• Play frisbee
• Jump on a pogo stick
• Roller skate
• Ride scooters or bikes
• Jump rope
• Race down the block
• Play hopscotch
• Play 4 Square
• Have a dance party
• Go for a hike

Can you think of more?

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of ADHD

If we are going to help our kids reduce the risk of ADHD, there are some foundational tools we can focus on.

Remove sugar!

Yes, that is top of the list, and many of you probably know why.  Sugar sets the brain off into a tailspin for many with ADHD.  Have you ever heard the phrase “The other white powder”?  That is a comparison of sugar to cocaine.  Sugar can hit the same buttons, and have the same addictive quality.  When someone has a tendency towards ADHD, sugar acts like a drug in many ways.  Cut it out of the diet and replace with non-glycemic natural sweetners like Stevia, Monkfruit, or slightly higher on the glycemic chart would be honey and maple syrup.  Choose foods that are more complex, and provide adequate supplemental nutrition to a poor diet when you have picky kids.  When you fill kids up on healthy fats, proteins, veggies and fruits, there isn’t much room for sugary treats.

Get to Sleep!

Kids need a lot more sleep than we adults do, and even we don’t often get enough.  Think about this.  Adults should have an average of 7-9 hours a night, while kids from the ages of 7-10 due best with around 11 hours at night.  If we don’t set up a focused bedtime routine, one that gets kids to bed early enough and with a sense of calm, their brains have a tendency to start getting wired again.  It’s like missing the last train, and now we’re in for a night!  This is more so for really young children, but often times the habit is set up early on.  An appropriate bedtime for kids ages 7-10 years old is around 8pm when waking around 7am.  Try to schedule after school activities to work with this.  It will make a world of difference to their growth.

Fats, Protein, Veggies, and Fruit…oh my!

Further hitting on dietary support here.  Ensure an adequate diet of healthy foods that are conducive to brain health.  Ideally, grassfed-pastured meats, raw/grassfed dairy if appropriate (I find many kids have problems with dairy so best to check with your naturopathic doctor if this is ok), clean and fresh (or fresh frozen) vegetables and fruits.  More veggies than fruit by 4:1.  Keep veggies either raw or gently steamed or roasted.  Use healthy spices and herbs to flavor and add medicinal value.  When you find that your child is not eating much of what you are providing then it’s time to bring supplementation on board to ensure plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are being consumed.

Get The Wiggles Out!

Physical exercise and playtime are known to help with several areas of health including mental health.  When the body is getting daily movement, the blood is circulating better and bringing nutrients and oxygen to the entire body, including the brain.  Exercise is known to increase endorphins and benefit the processing and usage of neurotransmitters.  Exercise uses excess glucose and other energy sources sustainably to help with regulation of sleep and other important daily lifestyle factors.  Understanding this, exercise will only benefit any child with ADHD.  This has been evident in several designed studies to observe the benefit.  One study showed a 30% improvement over those with ADHD in mental tasks after physical exercise, and 40% better than those without ADHD.  Remember to include adequate water and hydration.

Nutritional Supplementation!

Try as we may, it can be difficult to get all of our nutrition in our food alone these days.  There are many reasons for this, but primarily, our food is often not as nutritious as it used to be.  This is due to our soil being over farmed, depleted, and not replenished with nutrients from proper cover cropping and other bio-dynamic farming techniques.  With that general concern for most of us, this can cause even more of an issue for children who are already picky eaters and diagnosed with ADHD.  Some of the main supplements that have been demonstrated in research to provide the most benefit to kids with ADHD are as follows:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Zinc
• Probiotics
• Magnesium

All of these can be supplied in a couple of capsules, chewable, or liquid daily to help supply the typically depleted nutrients in the daily diet.  In general, while kids are growing into eating a healthy diet, I usually recommend parents include at least a quality sourced multi, fish oil, and probiotic to help mitigate not just ADHD tendencies but also low moods and other behavioral and mental/emotional concerns.

As you can see there are many ways to approach ADHD in children.  With all the above on board, I like to find the correct homeopathic remedy for each child.  Homeopathy is amazing medicine that can balance the mental/emotional and other behavioral tendencies of the ADHD child.  I have seen it benefit each one of the children I see in practice for ADHD.  If you are finding it difficult to make the changes listed above, reach out for guidance.  We are here to help you and your family achieve your optimal health goals.

Reference

Muntaner-Mas A, Ortega FB, Femia P et al. Low cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity for ADHD in childhood and adolescence: A 6-year cohort study. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2021; 31: 903-913. [link]

Silva, A. P., Prado, S. O. S., Scardovelli, T. A., Boschi, S. R. M. S., Campos, L. C., &

Frère,A. F. (n.d.). Measurement of the effect of physical exercise on the concentration of

individuals with adhd. PLOS ONE. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0122119.

Huss M, Völp A, Stauss-Grabo M. Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, magnesium and zinc in children seeking medical advice for attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems – an observational cohort study. Lipids Health Dis. 2010 Sep 24;9:105. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-9-105. PMID: 20868469; PMCID: PMC2955638.

Between the ages of 20 to 50, problems with the prostate usually are associated with infection known as prostatitis. This may include symptoms of high fever, chills, a sense of fatigue, frequent and painful urination. Prostatitis may become a chronic condition, resulting in burning on urination, frequency of urination and a mild but irritating perineal pain. Prostatitis is associated with infection by a variety of organisms and often accompanies increased amounts of sexual activity, especially if there are multiple partners. Infection which is untreated or unrecognized can result in re-infection of the partner.

What is the prostate gland and why is it doing this to me?
The prostate gland lies between the bladder and external urethra and secretes a thin, milky white fluid which is high in citric acid, calcium, acid phosphatase and zinc. In addition to its function in the packaging and delivery of sperm, the prostate acts as the genital urinary systems first line of defense against infection. Enlargement of the prostate is caused by an abnormal over growth or swelling of tissue which blocks the urethra or opening from the bladder. This in turn is the cause of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis or cancer.

Contrary to belief, benign prostatic hypertrophy does not necessarily develop into prostatic cancer, the second leading form of cancer in males. Rather, they are felt to be two independent processes which can cause similar symptoms. One of the problems with cancer of the prostate lies in the fact that it may be present without any detectable symptoms until its later stages. This of course can lead to its continued growth and subsequent spread throughout the body.

While there are many treatments for these conditions, they are often uncomfortable and have many undesirable side effects. Use of a few simple herbal medicines in conjunction with dietary changes offers the best alternative to standard drug and surgical therapy.

Prevention recommended by American Cancer Society.
It is recommended by the American Cancer Society that males over the age of 40 receive yearly examinations for the presence of prostatic enlargement and cancer. These guidelines have recently been modified so that it is not recommended as often because the benefits of frequent testing and early detection have not translated to a decrease in prostate cancer mortality. Prostatic cancer is the second leading form of cancer in men in the Unites States. Reluctance to undergo examination on the part of many men often causes early treatment to be postponed allowing the condition to become worse. It is only after symptoms become unbearable that many men will seek treatment. Early detection has become much simpler and more refined with the introduction of a few relatively noninvasive diagnostic procedures such as blood testing, ultrasound diagnosis and urinalysis.

Under normal conditions, the cellular tissue of the prostate produces a protein termed prostatic specific antigen (PSA), so named because it is found primarily in the prostate gland. With increasing growth or hypertrophy, the levels of PSA will also increase in relative proportion. The nice thing about PSA is that its level can be measured by a simple blood test which makes it a good screening procedure for excess growth of the prostate. Prostatic specific antigen is also elevated with cancer of the prostate but is not diagnostic of that condition. Used in conjunction with the serum prostatic acid phosphatase level (PAP), color-doppler ultra sound, and findings on physical examination, the probability of cancer of the prostate may be eliminated as an etiology without further testing.

So what about treatment?
Recently there have been reports about research on a new drug which will help to shrink the prostate gland thus negating surgery. Unfortunately this drug is experimental at this time and causes impotency. For the most part medicines which decrease the size of the prostate without causing impotence are already available, having been used and researched in Europe since the early 1970’s.

By themselves the medicinal plants, Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanus, have been shown to be very effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Coupled with preventive measures such as dietary changes and exercise, early detection and intervention will lead to a decrease in suffering from this common affliction. These plants which are found both in the United States and Africa, have been used for centuries for treatment of prostatic and urological disorders in men. It has been only within the last few years that modern technology has made it easier to concentrate their active principles in order to achieve standardization and a higher level of effectiveness.

The berries of the plant Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) contain about 15% saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and sterols which have been found in studies to possess anti-androgen or testosterone properties, immune stimulating effects and reduces edema or swelling of the prostate. Specifically, when used in clinical trials, an extract of Serenoa repens has been shown to prevent the conversion of testosterone to its more potent form resulting in a significant decrease in prostate size and relief of symptoms.

Similar to Serenoa, ingestion of the powdered bark of the tree Pygeum africanus has for centuries been reported to be a treatment for urinary disorders. Recently researchers in France have begun to scientifically examine some of the clinical observations and claims made about Pygeum africanus. Isolating its active compounds, scientists were able to conclude that the herbal preparation did in fact produce antiinflammatory, anti-edema and cholesterol lowering properties. Both double blind clinical trials in humans and studies on animals clearly showed regression of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy as well as conveying tumor blocking properties. Furthermore, a reversal of abnormally appearing tissue on histologic examination was also found. In other words, Pygeum africanus consistently reversed the effects of benign prostatic hypertrophy and were shown to aid in the prevention of prostatic cancer. In each of the studies conducted there were no toxic side effects observed, even at large doses and with prolonged usage.

Standard medical treatment for BPH involves the usage of the Transuertheral Resection of the Prostate or TURP, a surgical procedure which clears excess tissue from the urethra and requires hospitalization. While the procedure is effective, it is often uncomfortable and may have the side effect of impairment of ejaculation or impotence. Indwelling catheterization or balloon implantation may also be used to relieve pressure caused by the obstruction. Each procedure along with drug therapy has side effects which make them less than desirable. In addition, these procedures treat the symptoms rather than the cause of the disorder often necessitating further treatment as the gland continues to enlarge.

Considering the far reaching effects these conditions have on the lives of sufferers in terms of discomfort, side effects of standard treatments, and the enormous costs that are brought to bear, prevention of prostatic disorders should be undertaken by all men. Both the research literature and my own experience in clinical practice make it clear that prevention and early intervention using non toxic medications can relieve the suffering caused by this inevitable process of aging.

Summer is in full swing, but it doesn’t have to be summer for us to be sure we are eating for sun protection. The UV rays of the sun are always poking through whether we have blue skies or gray, and while it may be more difficult to be affected adversely by a sun burn in the winter, we still want to give the body as much protection against those rays as possible.

Did you know that a sunburn is actually an inflammatory reaction of the skin after too many UV rays? When we think of it like that, we can start to realize there are plenty of nutritional antiinflammatory and anti-oxidant options out there to protect our skin from the inside. Researchers use a measurement tool called the minimal erythema dose (MED), which measures the minimal amount of UV light exposure that produces redness after 24 hours. When something can extend that measurement, then it is classified as photoprotective. This does not mean it is an all-out barrier to the damages of UV light, but it can sure add a protective layer.

Some of those sun protective nutritional agents are as follows:
• Beta-carotene
• Lycopene
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

When it comes to our nutrition, ideally we would get everything from our food. However, due to our soil which is often depleted, we must be sure we have a good back up in supplement form. So, what is the best way to get each of the above super sun protective nutrients from our food? Check out the best food sources as follows:

Beta-carotene

Carrots might be what come to mind when we think of carotenes. However, carotenes are also present as a carotenoid mixture within all green leafy foods, as well as all red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables. These are also highly available in edible flowers of the same colors, for example Calendula, Dandelion, and Nasturtium flowers. Beta-carotene is the most prominent carotenoid available in nature. Researchers have found that plasma levels of betacarotenes are significantly reduced in prolonged sun exposure, indicating the need to increase consumption of these colorful foods with increased UV exposure. Researchers have also found that it is especially important to get this compound predominantly in food and especially for smokers where a higher rate of lung cancer was seen when taken as a single supplement.

Food sources of Beta-carotenes:
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Dark leafy greens
• Butternut squash
• Red bell peppers
• Appricots
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupe

Lycopene

You might have heard of lycopene in reference to the benefits of cooked tomato products like pasta sauces, stewed tomatoes, and ketchup even. Homemade is best for these cooked tomato products, or if store bought look for products with the least amount of ingredients. There is definitely truth behind the proclaimed health benefits of cooked tomato products especially with regards to lycopene. Lesser amounts are found in other red colored foods, but just as with beta-carotene it is preferable to find this compound in your food rather than solely as a single nutrient in in a supplement. Research has shown lycopene to be a strong antioxidant which may benefit by preventing cancer of the prostate, lung, stomach, and possibly many others. Healthy volunteers in a clinical trial who were given lycopene rich food products like tomato paste and tomato extract for 10-12 weeks, showed a significant decrease in the severity of sunburn by about 40%. Other trials done for 4 weeks did not show a significant result.

Food sources of lycopene:
• Guavas
• Watermelon
• Cooked tomatoes
• Papaya
• Grapefruit
• Cooked red bell peppers
• Cooked asparagus
• Purple cabbage
• Mango

Vitamin A

Beta-carotene mentioned above is a pre-cursor to vitamin A. Thus, if we ensure plenty of betacarotene rich foods in our diet, then we are bound to be on the road to having a good supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a strong antioxidant that can potentially prevent the free radical damage posed by UV rays. Vitamin A (retinol) is both immunomodulating and cardioprotective as well as being a super antioxidant. However, large doses can be harmful, so again try to get the bulk of this nutrient in colorful fruits and veggies.

Food sources of vitamin A:
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Butternut squash
• Spinach
• Cantaloupe
• Lettuce (not iceberg)
• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Grapefruit

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is probably one of the most well-known antioxidants. It is a water-soluble antioxidant and is biosynthesized in all green plants which is one of the best sources to acquire this vitamin. Also known as ascorbate, it actually protects plants from UV damage during photosynthesis. As we know, we are what we eat! By eating plants high in vitamin C, we are also protecting ourselves from harmful UV free radical damage. Research has specifically found the benefit of vitamin C for sun protection is best when in combination with Vitamin E, both topically prior to sun exposure as well as taken orally. In studies done on pig skin, topical application of vitamin C and E enhanced sunscreen effectiveness and showed a 4-fold protection to skin compared to only 2-fold when given individually.

Food sources of vitamin C:
• Guavas
• Bell peppers
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• Papaya
• Broccoli
• Tomato
• Kale

Remember when it comes to fun in the sun, stay hydrated and cover up as much as possible when taking a break. We want a little bit of sun exposure to make our vitamin D, so get out when the sun is not too intense, and at other times use quality sun blocks with titanium oxide and zinc oxide. Enjoy the delicious, colorful fruits and veggies as the perfect snack, and have fun!

References:
Gaby, Alan. Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing, 2017.
Ganora, Lisa. Herbal Constituents: Foundations of Phytochemistry: a Holistic Approach for Students and Practitioners of
Botanical Medicine. Herbalchem Press, 2009.

Soups, stews, roasted vegetables, curries, chili, are just a few of the delicious home cooked, warming, meals that come around during the fall and winter seasons. When we bring these foods to the table, there is so much more that just a warm meal, there are usually numerous culinary and medicinal herbs in each bite.

Some of our most common culinary herbs have been first line medicine in our kitchen for centuries. Cooking with these gives us an immune boost, digestive help, anti-inflammatory support, and any number of other medicinal properties that are carried in those simple herbs we throw into our home cooked meals. Below are just a few of our favorite and most commonly found herbs in the kitchen.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
A flourishing Mediterranean herb, Rosemary can be seen growing throughout the temperate climates around the world. This pungent herb contains rosmarinic acid which is a powerful antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-microbial compound. It has numerous volatile essential oils all of which carry health benefitting properties such as stimulating, diaphoretic, and tonifying. Rosemary also contains numerous vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins, C, A, B-complex, and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, Iron, manganese, and zinc. Historically, Rosemary has been used to strengthen the memory as it is considered a nootropic herb, one that stimulates blood flow to the brain.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean regions, Thyme packs a punch when used as medicine. It has numerous phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins in those tiny leaves. The main essential oil in Thyme, thymol, has been found to have anti-septic and anti-fungal properties. Researchers published in the 2004 issue of the journal Food Microbiology that thyme essential oil was found to decontaminate lettuce that had been inoculated with Shigella, a highly pathogenic organism that triggers diarrhea and causes intestinal damage.

Many of the most common and powerful antioxidants are also found in Thyme. Zeaxanthin, lutein, and luteolin are just a few, and fresh thyme has been found to have one of the highest antioxidant levels according to its ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score. It is also a great source of vitamins A and C, and a good source of manganese, copper and iron.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Another Mediterranean herb, also found in South-East Europe and many of the temperate climates around the world, Sage has been bred to produce a number of cultivars for both culinary and medicinal uses. Sage has numerous active essential oils which are primarily anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antifungal, and anti-septic. One of the components, Thujone, improves mental concentration and attention span due to its effect on certain neurotransmitters. When you think of the phrase “Sage advice” and the reference to a wise elder as a “Sage”, you can get the idea that this herb has played an important role in historical context as improving the memory at all ages. Salvia officinalis is often included in botanical blends for women after menopause due to its cooling and hormone modulating effects. In 2003 research was presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference that showed that the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza contains active compounds similar to those developed into modern drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. It has been considered a sacred herb throughout the centuries as it has so many medicinal uses. Even its name Salvia comes from the Latin word ‘salvere’ translated as “to be saved”. Sage has healthy amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex. It also carries a number of minerals and phytonutrients.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
This pungent, spicy, root herb is native to southeast Asia, but throughout the centuries made its way through China, India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and eventually the Spanish introduced it to the West Indies, Mexico and South America in the 16th century. There is a tremendous amount of research describing the numerous therapeutic properties of ginger, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, digestive, anti-emetic, and immunomodulating. Ginger has numerous phenolic and essential oil compounds that give off that distinct ginger-y scent such as gingerol, shogaol and citral to name a few. Each of these aid in the many actions that ginger works on in the body. For example, gingerols have been shown to improve intestinal motility (among so many other actions) and are often used in the treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth as the pro-kinetic to help restart gut motility. Researchers have also found that the phenolic compound zingerone, which is only present in dried or heated ginger, is effective against E.coli induced diarrhea due to its ability to inhibit enterotoxins of the pathogen.

Eating Your Medicine
The fall and winter seasons are full of holiday fun, warming food and drinks. Remember that each meal and each beverage of choice has the potential to act in benefit to or against your good health depending on the individual ingredients. We all know what is best for us intuitively; moderation is the key at all times. Enjoy the process of preparing each nutritious, home-cooked meal this season. Think about how much love and medicine you are putting into each meal! Cooking can be a contemplative practice and can verge on a form of meditation if it can bring you into the present moment and help you clear your mind. If you haven’t done much cooking or feel it’s just not your thing, follow a few simple recipes that are based on whole food nutrition (no boxed ingredients) and see how your creativity soars. Eventually you might start to improvise, and you’ll be so surprised at how creative you can be with your home cooked meals.

From our family to you and yours, Happy Holidays!

As the population ages the demand for medical services will increase as the elderly population in general experience greater morbidity associated with the aging process. Consider that with the recent economic crises and the efforts by legislators to curb spending and reduce the deficit, programs such as Medicare may be reduced, placing a greater burden of care on alternative providers. Additionally, allopathic medicine has largely become a managed care system which means that disease conditions are managed, usually by adding more prescription medications, with little emphasis on prevention. Therefore it becomes all the more important that naturopathic physicians be aware of the areas of morbidity in the elderly population as demand for naturopathic services will only increase in a population that already has a high utilization of natural therapies.

Immobility in this population can have serious consequences, and an elderly person who is largely immobile or remains bed ridden is at higher risk for the following conditions.

Contractures are caused by prolonged immobility in a bedridden patient, but sometimes due to tightness of bed sheets. Contractions can occur in a matter of 2-3 days if the joins are not mobilized daily. With immobilization, fibrosis and tendon contracture will occur, which in the elderly, is difficult to treat due to the slower healing times.  Contractures may lead to decubitus ulcers.

Pressure Sores are due to prolonged bed rest especially if there is some type of sensory loss as in diabetes.  Obesity, anemia, poor nutrition, low blood pressure, poor peripheral vascular flow, skin infections and fecal contamination are factors leading to bed sore formation.  Muscle and fat layers are more vulnerable than dermis and so sores may be larger than they seem. Low pressure for prolonged periods is worse than high pressure for a short time and there is a direct correlation between size and prognosis.  Areas of higher incidence are the heels, greater trochanters, spine, sacrum, scapular spines and elbows.  Vulnerable areas should be kept clean and dry.  Fluid loss through ulcers can be considerable and replacement is often necessary.  Consider higher protein, vitamin and mineral intakes, especially zinc and vitamin A to help with healing.  Special beds or nursing care may be necessary.

Thromboembolism is also of concern in immobile patients as spontaneous thrombosis may occur even in the absence of neoplasm, post surgery or obstruction. A high degree of suspicion for embolus is present if unilateral leg swelling occurs, but bilateral leg swelling is not unheard of.  There may be patients who have no swelling or calf tenderness.  Paralyzed patients need to have regular physical therapy and frequent leg and arm inspection is necessary with anyone on prolonged bed rest.  It is best to get the person up and walking, do leg exercises and deep breathing when possible.  Consider some form of prophylactic herbal anticoagulant therapy.

Dehydration can occur due to prolonged immobility. Common causes of low fluid intake are fear of incontinence, inadequate or difficult-to-utilize bathroom facilities, fear of falling, or loss of drinking habit.  Clinically you will see a dry brown tongue, sunken cheeks, inelastic skin, elevated blood urea nitrogen and often electrolyte imbalance.  Over use of diuretics, coffee, alcohol or diabetes may cause this condition as can diarrhea or vomiting.  Lassitude, weakness and prostration should suggest potassium depletion (< 3.5 meg/l), which can occur due to dehydration.

Constipation from prolonged bowel inactivity may lead to irritation with subsequent passage of large amounts of mucous.  Bowel obstruction should be considered.  An impacted bowel may cause an elderly person to become mentally confused or disoriented, which will abate after passage of stool.  Bowel problems can be avoided by increasing fluid and fiber intake.  Fruits and greens are often found to be lacking in the geriatric diet, especially in rest homes.

Incontinence is one of the leading causes of admissions to rest homes.  During illness the incidence increases, much to the embarrassment of the elderly patient, but returns to normal afterward.  Prolonged bed rest also predisposes to incontinence, especially at night. The person may also be totally unaware of the problem they have with incontinence due to their mental status.

Some causes of fecal incontinence are proctitis, cancer of the rectum, prior rectal surgery, anal prolapse and lesions of the spinal cord or cortical region.  Most often it is due to chronic constipation which causes diarrhea or looser stools due to irritation.  Rectal exam often provides information regarding fecal impaction and helps to clear the problem while several days of enemas or colon hydrotherapy may be needed to get things flowing again.

Independence – For most elderly patients, maintaining their independence as long as possible is a must.  For some, it is very easy to give it up and become dependent upon others.  For therapeutic and mental health reasons it is probably best to allow an older patient to do as much as possible by themselves.  This may require great patience on the part of the family, but it is the best for the elderly.

Hypothermia – A Body temperature of 35 °C or less is considered hypothermic.  Hypothermia can be seen at the onset of diseases such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, cardiac infarction and stroke.  Often it is due to sleeping in cold bedrooms or from having fallen on ice or on the floor and not being able to get up.  Complications are pneumonia, pancreatitis, organ infarct and gangrene of the extremities.  Death may be quite sudden and unexplained even if the patient seems to be responding. Hypothermia may present as clouded consciousness, slurred speech, no shivering, puffy face, slow pulse, muscle rigidity and very cold skin, especially of the abdomen.  They may not appear ice blue but pink.  Rapidly re-warming a hypothermic patient is contraindicated as cardiovascular collapse may occur.  Re-warm at not more than 0.5 °C per hour along with other support measures such as oxygen etc.  The best treatment is prevention.

Hyperthermia – direct sun exposure need not occur in order to become hyperthermic.  Environmental temperatures above 38 °C for several days may cause symptoms such as apathy, weakness, faintness and headache.  Signs include body temps of 39.5 °C, tachycardia, and dryness of the skin.  Electrolyte abnormalities may or may not be present and perspiration is reduced due to less active sweat glands. Treatment with ice water sponging, fans, alcohol sponge baths to rapidly reduce the temperature is desirable.  Some IV therapy may be needed but isn’t always necessary as fluid loss may not have occurred.  As with hypothermia, any medical condition the patient has (i.e., diabetes) may be made worse by this condition and in fact may precipitate an exacerbation.

Often elderly patients that are seen in the office or inpatient settings will present with few symptoms. More often than not they will end up in your office because a caregiver or loved one will have noticed that there is a change in their personality or normal activities of daily living (ADL’s). This becomes important because this may be the only sign of an underlying disease process.

Headaches – Periodic or frequent headaches should alert the clinician to the possibility of a space-occupying lesion.  This is due to the fact that the elderly generally present with fewer headaches.  Temporal headache or facial pain should suggest arteritis and needs to be worked up. Headache due to dehydration is almost never seen as often as it would be in a younger patient.

Sleep/Insomnia – It is somewhat of a myth that elderly people generally requires less sleep than younger. Often an older person will take periodic naps to compensate. If they are sleeping more it may be due to boredom or depression.  Sedative use needs to be considered, as does uremia, heart failure or respiratory insufficiency. Insomnia may also be due to depression or some type of mental upset. An elderly patient may need to urinate more often at night either through habit, bladder disease or use of alcoholic drinks to help them sleep.

Dysphagia – Is often seen and may be due to neurological dysfunction more often than physical obstruction.  Conditions that need to be considered are cancer of the esophagus or larynx, Plummer-Vinson Syndrome, diverticula’s and hiatal hernia.

Anorexia – Appetites are variable in this age group and it is important to consider how the person ate in the past when trying to assess their eating pattern now.  Appetite is probably the last thing to recover from an illness, but anorexia may be the first sign of gastric cancer or other underlying illness. Anorexia nervosa is not found in the elderly but some patients may decide not to eat, as they do not wish to live.  It may also be a sign of depression.

Dyspnea – With age, the lung vital capacity decreases, as does the ability of oxygen to diffuse, whereas the residual volume increases.  A certain amount of dyspnea may be present, with the elderly person restricting their normal ADL’s to compensate.  It is also present in obesity as well as anemia.  With respiratory disease the respiratory rate will increase and is often the first sign before the pulse and temperature increase.  Dyspnea occurs with heart failure and it is important to ask how many pillows they sleep on or it there is coughing at night.  Persistent deep, panting respirations in someone who looks sick suggests acidosis.  Attacks of breathlessness may be Cheyne-Stokes respiration and is somewhat common or perhaps an acid-base imbalance.

Vertigo – Is a very common complaint with or without a disease process.  Causes are anemia, acute GI bleeding, carotid sinus syndrome, postural hypotension, hypertension, cardiac rhythm changes, MI, minor CVAs, wax in the ear, middle ear disease, acoustic neuromas, acute labyrinthitis, sinus congestion, Menieres disease. Also consider drugs such as salicylates, quinidine, beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics and antihypertensives.

Syncope – These often present as attacks and cause much anxiety and alarm which may make it difficult to get a history.  Concern may arise from the family or spouse as to whether or not the patient is capable of living by themselves or needs to be in an assisted living environment.  Etiology can be from minor epileptic fits, stroke, cardiac event or localized cerebral ischemia or plaques.  The carotid sinus syndrome can be reproduced by having the person do exactly what caused the attack to see if it occurs again (often neck hyperextension). So-called drop attacks where the patient suddenly falls and can’t get up due to muscle flaccidity may last from minutes to hours.  The cause is often unknown and needs a complete work up.  Finally the patient may present with hysteria, especially if they are feeling neglected, unloved or are facing a move to a different location.  This is often a difficult situation to deal with but needs to be addressed and may require the assistance of a social service agency.

Hypotension – Patients complain of dizziness, limpness, or fainting on standing up.  Some will have trouble sitting because they feel ill, or perhaps feel giddy.  Usually this is a sign of a severe circulatory disturbance or acute GI hemorrhage or a cardiopulmonary event needs to be considered.  MI rarely takes the classic form in the elderly and a low BP may be its first and only sign.  A pulmonary infarct, especially if there is a history of being bed ridden, may present the same way.  Elderly people on hypertensive drugs are very susceptible to their effects while hypokalemia may cause low BP.  In addition, postural hypotension has been shown to be common in those patients with low serum sodium levels.

Blindness/poor vision – Gradually decreasing sight may not be as common as is generally thought and should not be automatically assumed.  It may however, be the reason for a decreasing mobility, poor orientation or bizarre visual impressions.  Cataract formation may present as direct light causing a glare and the person compensating by sitting with their back to a window or wearing dark glasses while reading.  Sudden onset of blindness may mean retinal detachment, hemorrhage, retinal vein thrombosis, giant cell arteritis or an occipital lesion or due to stroke.  Quite often the elderly person will be in a state of denial until it is too late to learn Braille.

Deafness and hearing loss is common while impaired hearing isn’t.  Usually the loss is in the higher tone range but it is not uncommon for the elderly person to hear female voices better than male voices.  Being unable to hear, the elderly person will usually withdraw and become less social.  If totally deaf, they may respond to questions with a blank stare or smile and may be considered mentally deficient until the question is written out for them.  Selective hearing is not uncommon and often results from the person’s interest level.

Fatigue – Along with inactivity and a negative outlook, fatigue may be due to depression or boredom.  It may also be due to wasting illnesses, anemia, heart disease (especially left ventricular failure), hypokalemia and cachexia. Consider that they are on to many prescription medications, the onset of fatigue often following a medication change or addition. While the vitality level drops off somewhat, if an elderly person is expected by their family or physicians to be fatigued, they generally will be. Following an illness, energy levels will return too normal, but somewhat slower.

Prevention of disease and development of morbidity, one of the primary precepts of naturopathic medicine, is all the more important in the aging population as diseases often do not present with easily recognizable symptoms and the course of the illness can progress rapidly.  Awareness of risk factors and recognition of them early on will allow the physician to be proactive to help alleviate the disease as well as its economic burden in this population.

References

Principals of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, 4^th Edition,        Hazzard,W., Blass,J., Ettinger, Halter,J & Ouslander,J (Eds),         San Francisco, Mc Graw-Hill Co   1984

Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics,  Kane,RL, Ouslander, JG.& Abrass, IB,(Eds), San Francisco, Mc Graw-Hill Co. 1984

The Merc Manual of Geriatrics          Merc & Co, Inc           Rahway, NJ                1990

Reactions to nosodes are considered to be good because it means that the person had a susceptibility or previous exposure to the disease that the corresponding nosode has now corrected. The next time the nosode is given, the person generally will not experience the same reaction.

Between dosing seasons, administering the appropriate nosode remedy immediately following exposure to the corresponding disease will often help to stop the development of the disease. As an example, if your child is exposed to measles or chicken pox, even though they have had the corresponding nosode administration, giving it again will act as a reminder to the immune system.

HOMEOPATHIC NOSODES

The following list of available homeopathic nosodes for use is much larger than what is actually administered to your child. Those recommended are marked with an asterisk (*). Unlike the conventional medicine vaccines, reactions to homeopathic immunizations are rare. Often, if one occurs, it is because of an underlying familial miasm to which the person is reacting. If a reaction does occur, it is generally mild and lasts for a few days. Symptoms can be fever, fatigue, restlessness, irritability and mild skin rash. Occasionally the patient will develop mild flu-like symptoms for a few days. Convulsions, more commonly encountered with conventional vaccinations, are almost never seen. If a reaction does occur, your physician should be notified as additional prescriptions may be needed to complete the healing reaction.

Reactions to nosodes are considered to be good because it means that the person had a susceptibility or previous exposure to the disease that the corresponding nosode has now corrected. The next time the nosode is given, the person generally will not experience the same reaction.

Between dosing seasons, administering the appropriate nosode remedy immediately following exposure to the corresponding disease will often help to stop the development of the disease. As an example, if your child is exposed to measles or chicken pox, even though they have had the corresponding nosode administration, giving it again will act as a reminder to the immune system.

The issues regarding vaccinations in the modern era are many and varied but still have their roots embedded in the philosophical differences spawned by the germ and terrain theories from over a century ago. While medicine has always recognized the body’s ability to develop, maintain and utilize its immune system in order to combat disease, it has differed as to how this should be accomplished. Naturopathic physicians have always held that naturally occurring immunity through exposures during childhood is ultimately the best and most complete way to achieve immune competency while allopathic medicine has emphasized vaccination against the various diseases as being superior. (1)

Homeopathic physicians too recognized the inherent problems with conventional vaccinations and the superiority of homeoprophylaxis and the genus epidemics for prevention and treatment. The goal of both approaches is to enhance immunity while imparting vigor to the system in order to maintain homeostatic balance when someone encounters a disease entity.

Naturopathic medicine has long held that immunity is best developed through exposure during childhood when the child’s immune system is undergoing development and because of naturopathy’s ability to treat infectious diseases without suppressive therapies such as antibiotics and antipyretics. Because of this naturopathic physicians have traditionally opposed conventional vaccinations that introduce foreign substances through the skin completely bypassing the evolutionary oral/nasal route. (2) While this approach to enhance immunity through natural means has a sound basis in immune system function and development, it is also subject to variables such as diet and nutrition, poverty, genetic make up and psychosocial, as well as environmental factors that were not present a century ago. Therefore, many naturopathic physicians have also sought to enhance immunity through alternative therapies such as homeoprophylaxis and vaccination.

Controversy about whether homeopathic medicines actually have an effect on the body when administered has been present since its introduction by Hahnemann in 1796. The controversy lies in the fact that; at a 30c potency, the actual molecular content of the solution approaches Avogadro’s number (1060 ) so that theoretically there should be no measurable remnants of the starting materials. (3) Therefore it has been difficult to those whose scientific training is largely based on measurable substances and their actions on biological systems, to accept that a substance that contains essentially nothing could produce any effect at all. This has been particularly difficult for physicians who are now being trained in “evidence” based medicine that requires clinical studies in order to validate a therapy, often dismissing clinical outcomes as being coincidental or placebo.

Until recently, our ability to measure and evaluate how homeopathic preparations work has been hampered by a lack of technology. Because of some of the more recent advances in scientific technology however, researchers are better able to measure and evaluate their effects upon biological systems.

A number of more recent studies on homeopathic preparations have begun to shed some light on how these medicines work and their effects upon the host. Utilizing techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), as well as nano-diffraction (SAD), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), researchers have begun to provide scientific evidence that homeopathic medicines, following succession, exhibit nanoparticles which are crystalline nature and rich in silicon and are able to take on the properties of the substrate. Many of these studies also provide evidence as to how homeopathic dilutions affect living systems. (3, 4, 5)

Hahnemann’s genius was in the fact that he discovered that the process of dilution and succession of the substance in alcohol and water in glass vials, imparted the activating properties to the medicine, whereas if this was not done, the substance was not as effective.

Changes in the ultrastructure of water, nanobubbles and ions as seen with proton NMR relaxation times demonstrated solvent modifications at low to ultra molecular ranges up to 12c dilutions that persisted after destructuring of the initial solvent. (5,6) Additionally when a specific substance is dissolved or immersed in alcohol and water and subjected to the potentization process, the water’s structural organization is changed in a manner dependent on the physical properties of the specific substance being potentized. (7)

More specifically the potentization process has been found to form nanoparticles that were discovered to be crystalline conglomerates of silicon particles that impart information to individual cells through interacting with proteins, DNA, RNA and other cellular components to effectively correct cellular imbalances due to a stressor/disease process. This occurs because the information of the source particle becomes encrypted through growth of a crystal layer or epitaxy with each successive succession, producing nanoparticles that migrate to the surface to form as a monolayer. The information contained is then transferred to the next dilution/succession process where the same sequence occurs. (3,8,9)

The resulting homeopathic preparation carries explicit “signals” that can be identified by specific cellular receptors that then act to turn on or turn off relevant genes. This then initiates a cascade of actions that alter and correct the gene expressions that have gone wrong resulting in the disorder or disease condition experienced by the patient. (8,10)

Because of their highly reactive catalytic surfaces, nanoparticles absorb other nanoparticles from metals, proteins, organic materials, biological entities, neutraceutical or plant extracts on to their surfaces. (10) They are then able to convey specific biological effects to the organism to strengthen cellular resilience by affecting the allostatic stress response network. The resulting adaptive changes act to make the organism better resist maladaptive disruptions to the system while improving its ability to rebound from them.

Additionally, this process appears to also differentiate between the various substances undergoing potentization based upon Raman and Ultra-Violet-Visible spectroscopy findings. (11) Thus, a high level of specificity can occur which supports the homeopathic concept of similia similibus curentur, or like cures like.

A study conducted by Montagnier et.al (12) demonstrated that homeopathically prepared substances emit detectable electronic signals that are thought to convey remedy specific information to the cell. This occurs through the electrical conductivity of silica and other nanoparticles contained in the substances being potentized.

• The allostatic stress response network is seen as the interface between the environment and the organism that protects the organism from the accumulation of physiological, psychological and environmental stressors. (11) In the context of physiology, a stressor is any type of environmental or exogenous stimulus or signal that perturbs the system’s homeostasis and sets compensatory adaptive changes into motion that over time, cause the body’s homeostatic mechanism to become skewed so that we begin to experience the signs and symptoms of disease. The range of stressors can include environmental, biological, infectious, chemical, physical, psychological, nutritional, electromagnetic, and/or psychosocial types, changes that constitute a perceived threat to the survival of the organism. (10) In the early stages these are often not accompanied by measureable parameters, but none-the-less, are experienced as a disturbance by the individual.

Because homeopathic medicines act as low level triggers for systemic stress responses, they work differently than pharmaceutical agents that alter biochemistry in order to maintain or alter homeostasis. Homeopathic medicines are thought to mobilize a hormetic response in the organism following exposure to generated nanoparticles created during the potentization process. This distinguishes them from drugs due to their unique structure and function. Clinical outcomes become a function of the organism’s ability to adapt to the novel stressor rather than a reaction or modification to a cruder substance i.e. drug. (10)

In addition to studies on humans, one of the requirements for scientific validation involves whether the experiment can be reproduced under laboratory conditions in order to eliminate any placebo effect.

Experiments utilizing cell cultures and measuring heat shock proteins (hsps) demonstrate that during periods of enhanced sensitivity, cells react to stressors applied in low dose to which they would otherwise not react. In a series of experiments on cell cultures, hsps were produced by healthy cells, in response to low dose stressors. The researchers then applied homeopathic preparations of the individual stressors and measured for the presence of hsps. What they found was that the cells produced hsps in response to the individual preparations allowing for greater resistance to the stressor. After repeated dosing, the cells ability to resist low dose stressors increased, making them more resilient to the perturbation.

The result was cumulative, and affected cells were better able to make adaptive changes in order to restore homeostasis. Additionally, the researchers found that with repeated dosing of the stressor substance, cell response continued to increase, which remained long after the cells were exposed to the homeopathic preparation. In essence, cells in culture became more resistant to external stressors allowing them to resist the stressor/disease. (14)

Researchers also have looked at whether homeopathic preparations affect cellular DNA/RNA. In an experiment designed to see if homeopathic medicines affected gene expression, Saha and Das et al (15) pretreated Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria with Arnica, Belladonna and Rhus tox, at the 30c potency to see if there was an increase in activity of E coli DNA activity in response to bacteriophage exposure. The researchers also looked at whether the homeopathic medicine affected the bacteriophage by pretreating it prior to infecting the E coli. Pretreatment did not affect the bacteriophages effect upon the bacteria where as pretreatment of the E coli increased their ability to resist the bacteriophage. They concluded that the homeopathic medicines effects were to modify gene expression of the E coli in order to produce the necessary proteins to resist infection by the bacteriophage.

The authors observed that, “Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) from peculiar genetic loci, which provide acquired immunity against viruses and plasmids by targeting nucleic acid in a sequence-specific manner. These hyper variable loci take up genetic material from invasive elements and build up inheritable DNA-encoded immunity over time.” The authors went on to speculate that the homeopathic medicines used in the experiment could have enhanced the activity of the gene-clustered elements to destroy the bacteriophages as they entered the cell. They cited a number of previous studies that also presented strong evidence of homeopathic medicines affecting specific gene activity.

Another study (16) looked at the effect of ultra violet radiation on E coli and the organism’s molecular repair pathways. Escherichia coli utilizes specialized repair proteins that continually scan the internal environment and trigger repair when damaged DNA is found. Arnica 30c significantly reduced intracellular oxidative stress by increasing super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Analysis of DNA damage showed considerably less damage in cells treated with Arnica 30c compared to placebo. The researchers also found “clear evidence” of over expression of the protective genes resulting in “enhanced up-regulation” of the repair genes under the action of the Arnica.

In a series of articles, Iris Bell, M.D., PhD. and her research team at the University of Arizona have characterized the organism’s cellular response to homeopathic preparations as a complex adaptive system that initiates plastic and metaplastic adaptations that occur over time to reestablish homeostasis and impart cellular memory to recognize and respond to further perturbations by the same or similar agents. This occurs because the allostatic stress response network is able to recognize low dose stressors provided by the homeopathic preparations in order to initiate adaptive changes by activating the body’s complex adaptive system to restore normal function. Further, the more often the organism is presented with the homeopathic preparation, the more resilience that occurs, again similar to the cell culture experiments that demonstrate that repeated exposure imparts lasting vigor to the system. Additionally, when the homeopathic preparation is administered to a healthy individual, the metaplastic effects are found to enhance the disease related defense mechanisms of the organism. (11, 13, 17) This occurs because the actions effect physiological function to alter physical, optical, biochemical, biological, electrical, magnetic and quantum properties of the system unlike drugs which can only affect the system pharmacologically by altering biochemical pathways.

This process is based upon the principle of similarity as the organism perceives the remedy as a stronger disease state than the current affliction and is able to make adjustments at the cellular level to restore the normal homeostatic state. (18)

Homeopathic Medicine’s Effects Upon Immunity

There are 219 viral organisms that can potentially infect humans resulting in a variety of diseases. Many of these are considered to be benign illnesses acquired during childhood when the immune system is developing causing little harm unless the child is malnourished or immune-compromised. (19) Not all persons exposed to a viral invader will react the same way as a variety of factors such as genetic predisposition, environment, diet and nutrition, immune response and the ability to mount a fever must be taken into account. In naturopathic philosophy, it is the soil, not the organism that gives rise to infectious disease.

Because of the limited complexity of viral capsules, they are often composed of similar capsomeres made up of a limited number of proteins. These caspsids may be of icosadhedral or helical symmetry and are termed nucleocapsids when combined with nucleic acids. Many of the viruses that infect humans possess a simple nucleocapsid structure that mediates contact with uninfected cells while other more complex viruses modify themselves once they come in contact with the cell surface. (20)

The immune system can be divided into two functional components, the innate immune and adaptive immune systems that are activated in response to a viral exposure. The innate immunity response results from recognition of viral or bacterial components such as nucleic acids, by a limited set of cellular recognition receptors, and secondly through the activation of intracellular signaling mechanisms once the virus has entered the cell or bacteria adheres to the cell wall. This occurs through pathogen-associated molecular-patterns (PAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors. (21) Their action leads to induction of type I interferon production resulting in an acute inflammatory response, as well as presenting antigens for activation of the adaptive immune response. Repeated exposure to the virus or bacteria will evoke a similar response due to genes encoding for the receptors and signaling mechanisms. Repeated exposure to the viral signature, results in an enhancement of this mechanism.

Also part of an initial innate response involves the proteins of the complement system and other acute phase proteins such as collagen containing C-type proteins or lectins, whose function it is to bind to oligosaccharide or lipid structures on the bacterial or viral capsid. These act to eliminate viral and bacterial organisms through opsonization, phagocyte activation, complement activation or inhibition of cell growth. Found in the blood and interstitial fluid, they are rapidly produced by the liver in response to foreign invaders.

The adaptive immune response will take days to evolve because both the T and B-lymphocytes must identify the virus. B-lymphocytes form cellular memory for the specific virus while T-lymphocytes recognize viral infected cells through recognition of processed peptide proteins found on the surface of infected cells. With both T and B-lymphocytes, the more often an exposure to the virus or viral signature, the more rapid the response time due to developing immunological memory. (20, 22, 23)

Nature has provided sufficient amounts of lymphoid tissue throughout the oral, nasal and respiratory tracts in order to accommodate antibody formation to specific viral invaders. These are primarily made up of B-lymphocytes and the mechanism is enhanced by an initial activation of the innate response in order to allow sufficient time for B-lymphocyte recognition and formation of antibodies. This process is largely bypassed by injecting vaccines through the skin where attenuation and recognition of the virus resulting in the formation of antibodies in response to the vaccine is less effective. This also occurs to some extent because peripherally, there is a preponderance of T-lymphocytes compared to B-lymphocytes. (24, 25)

Conventional vaccinations work primarily on the adaptive immune system, the immune response being measured by the formation of antibodies, whereas homeopathic nosode preparations affect the innate as well as the adaptive immune system. This is probably the reason that antibody titers are generally not found following nosode administration because the immunity developed by the cell occurs primarily through the innate mechanism. However, it has been my observation/experience that a subset of patients will in fact develop antibodies following the administration of nosodes. This probably occurs due to subsequent exposure to the virus, but because of the protection and enhancement of the innate cellular defense mechanisms imparted by the nosode, the patient does not develop the disease, only antibodies. This seems to parallel the work conducted by Chavon, Boyd and Patterson when they demonstrated immunity to Diphtheria following nosode administration as they too utilized high potencies.

Historic Use of Homeoprophylaxis and Vaccination

The use of homeopathic nosodes and using the simillimum during outbreaks of epidemics has been a part of homeopathic medicine since its inception by Hahnemann in the late 1700’s. In fact it was the success of homeopathic medicines during an epidemic of Scarlatina in Germany in 1801 that brought rapid recognition to an emerging medical therapy. Hahnemann published a pamphlet Cure and Prevention of Scarlet Fever in 1801. At the time he promoted Belladonna as a specific prophylactic remedy for Scarlatina. This was later changed to include Aconite as other homeopaths found it worked as well. (26)

Homeopathic vaccination involves the use of the routine administration of a series of specific viral nosodes in order to confer long-term resistance. Homeoprophylaxis involves the use of individual remedies, selected in an individualized and non-routine manner, to reduce or eliminate the morbidity of epidemic and sporadic contagious acute diseases in the short term. Homoeopathic vaccination is a relatively modern day innovation, largely developed as an alternative to allopathic vaccination, whereas homoeoprophylaxis is well rooted in classical homeopathic practice.

According to Hahnemann another aspect of the Law of Similars is: A substance which is capable of producing symptoms in a healthy person similar to the characteristic symptoms of an infectious disease, is capable of preventing these same characteristic symptoms in a previously unprotected person. An example would be the use of homeopathic China or Naturm muriaticum as a preventive for Malaria. Conversely, a substance that is capable of removing the characteristic symptoms of an infectious disease in an infected person, is capable of preventing the same characteristic symptoms of the disease in a previously unprotected person. For example: Belladonna for Scarlet Fever and Pulsatilla for Measles.

In 1897 British homeopath J. Compton Burnett wrote a booklet entitled Vaccinosis and its Cure by Thuja. In it he raised the idea that vaccination can induce a disease state onto the vital force, which he called vaccinosis. Vaccination protocols, following the work of Pasteur, in the early days were responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality due to the crude preparations being used at that time. While the preparations have changed in the “modern era”, the vaccines due largely to the added adjuvants also have been implicated in increased morbidity, and mortality. Burnett’s ideas later helped form the basis of the homeopathic view of vaccination. (27) Success using Thuja as well as Silicea and Ledum, to counter the negative effects of conventional vaccination, is a therapy that is still effective today.

Boyd and Patterson conducted studies using homeopathic preparations of Diphtherinum during World War II in England to see if there could be conversion of the Schick test. This followed a publication by Chavano in 1932 where he demonstrated antibody formation to Diphtheria following treatment with homeopathic Diphtherinum. Chavano converted 45 children from Schick test positive to Schick test negative which demonstrated antibody formation to Diphtheria (28). The Schick test was the standard test that evaluated whether someone had immunity to Diphtheria, then a dreaded childhood illness with a high mortality rate. Boyd and Patterson’s study resulted in 20 of 33 children converting to Schick test negative. These results were duplicated by Roux in 1946. The potencies used by Patterson and Boyd were 30c and 201 made from Diphtheria membrane. (29)

Clinical research by Isaac Golden, PhD utilizing homeopathic vaccination shows a much better response to homeopathic nosode preparations when compared to conventional immunization. In his work Golden compared the pertussis attack rate between unimmunized children and those given the whooping cough prophylactic during his 15-year study. From this he was able to determine efficacy. The unimmunized had an attack rate of 85% while the homeopathically protected group had an attack rate of 11.7%, producing a figure of efficacy of 86.2%. Over all there was a 90.4% effectiveness of homeopathic vaccinations in those who do not suffer from the disease following exposure. (30, 31)

In a similar study conducted by Dr. A.D. Fox, (32) prophylaxis with a nosode prepared from a disease component of whooping cough was administered to children. Of the received 61 parent responses, 5% of children definitely contracted whooping cough and 82% remained whooping cough free while the other 13% developed undiagnosed coughs over a five-year period. The prophylaxis was well tolerated with 67% of parents rating its effectiveness as “very good”.

While few studies for the effectiveness and safety of homeopathic homeoprophylaxis and vaccination preparations have been conducted, A. H. Grimmer reported that of the over 30,000 individuals that received Lathryus sativa to prevent Polio, no one reported a side effect. (33) Grimmer also documented the effectiveness of various homeopathic remedies and nosodes for treatment and prevention of other infectious diseases. Golden reports that the use of homeoprophylaxis for multiple diseases resulted in about a10% side effect rate with many of these being mild and brief. (34)

Both Grimmer’s and Golden’s results parallel our own when it comes to the effectiveness of homeopathic immunization and prophylaxis. Additionally, we have seen very few if any reactions to nosode administration. In those cases where there were, similar to Golden’s experiences, they too were brief and limited. When such reactions have occurred, I have considered them to be a clearing of a probable miasm and have noted that with the next round of nosode administration, there was no recurrence.

Additionally, it has been my observation that children immunized homeopathically, with doses repeated yearly from age 1 until age 12, generally have fewer childhood illnesses, are better able to handle the childhood exposures to infectious diseases with little or no morbidity, and have a quicker immune response when an exposure occurs.

Genus Epidemicus and the use of Homeopathic Medicines in Epidemics

During the influenza pandemic of 1918, from which 20% of the world population died and the lifespan in the U. S. decreased by 10 years, homeopathic medicines were used to not only treat the disease but also used as prophylaxis. The average mortality rate under standard allopathic care was 2.5 to 10% while there was a 1% mortality rate under homeopathic care.

In an article titled “Homeopathy in Influenza – A Chorus of Fifty in Harmony” published in the Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1921, W. A. Dewey, M. D. reviewed influenza cases treated by homeopathic physicians during the pandemic compared to conventional medicine.

Of 26,795 patients treated by homeopathic physicians in Philadelphia, the mortality rate was 1.05% compared to the conventional rate of 30%. Dr. Wieland who treated influenza in 8000 factory workers in Chicago reported only one death, while Dr. Williams from Rhode Island reported no losses from influenza and only a 2.1% loss in those who developed pneumonia. This was in contrast to conventional medicines 60% death rate following the use of aspirin. Numerous other examples were given which clearly established the superiority of homeopathic medicines for the treatment of infectious diseases such as influenza.

A later clinical trial utilizing homeopathic medicines for influenza showed that the use of homeopathic medicines prevented flu and acute respiratory infection symptomatic episodes in children, suggesting a homeopathic prophylactic potential. The authors concluded that the use of homeopathic medicines to prevent different diseases should be encouraged in the Public Health System, considering that homeopathy is a safe, low-cost and effective therapy. (35)

In Cuba where Leptospirosis becomes a problem during the monsoon season, the Cuban government in 2007 distributed a homeopathic nosode comprised of four strains of Leptospirosis to 2.3 million people considered at high risk for contacting the disease, while 8.8 million went unvaccinated. In the provinces where treatment with the nosode was initiated, an 84% decrease was noted while the numbers of infections in the untreated provinces remained at expected infection rates. What was of interest however was that in 2008 the previously treated provinces again showed an 84% reduction in Leptospirosis cases despite no vaccinations being administered that year while the number of cases increased by 22% in the unvaccinated regions. (36) This suggests that the initial homeoprophylaxis retained its effectiveness.

In 1974 during a Meningococcal epidemic in Brazil, 18,640 children were immunized homeopathically against the disease while 6,340 were not. Of the homeopathic cases only 4 cases of Meningococcal disease were recorded as opposed to 32 cases among the unimmunized children. (37)

Based upon these results, Mroniski and his associates initiated a second study also utilizing homeopathic immunization against Meningococcus that showed a 95% protection rate during the first 6 months and 91% over the next year. (38)

A study conducted in India on Chikungunya fever showed there to be a “highly significant effect” utilizing the genus epidemicus for this rare form of viral fever transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The authors demonstrated that 73% of those who were unprotected contracted the disease, while only 17% of the homeoprophylactic group did. (39) While the fever is not generally considered to be fatal, a number of deaths were reported in 2005-2006.

Homeopathic medicines utilized in Brazil for Dengue fever in May 2001 showed that a single dose of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH demonstrated an 85% effectiveness rate when compared to areas where it was not used. (40) This protocol was repeated with similar results in a number of studies conducted in countries such as Cuba, India and Thailand from 2006 to 2014. (41)

Based upon an increasing number of scientific studies, epidemiological data and clinical outcomes observations, there seems to be little question as to the effectiveness of the use of homeopathic medicines as nosodes, genius epidemicus and homeoprophylaxis for the treatment, and most importantly, the prevention of infectious diseases. Certainly their track record as preventatives during epidemics, as well as their long-term protective effect, warrants their consideration as a viable therapeutic option.

Our own clinical experience utilizing homeopathic nosodes to immunize children is that they are extremely safe and highly effective, as very few children in over 30 years of administering them, have come down with the disease immunized against. In those rare cases, the child afflicted experienced a shorter course and responded well to additional homeopathic prescriptions. Additionally, we see very few influenza cases among our established patients as we promote the influenza nosode to be taken weekly during the cold and flu season. Many of the cases we do see are in patients that have obtained a flu shot.

Scientific studies now reinforce what has been observed since homeopathic medicines were introduced in the 1700’s, that not only do they work, but are safe and effective and affect the human organism in a way that conventional vaccines and drugs are unable to do. Considering the many problems encountered with conventional vaccinations, homeoprophylaxis and immunization protocols should be considered as a safe, viable and effective alternative.

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41. Compiled by Fran Sheffield 2005 – 2014 (Updated 22nd August 2014) www.fransheffieldhomeopathy.com