I know what you are thinking:  “aren’t those two ideas mutually exclusive?”   Actually, after 35 years of advocating healthy eating (and at the same time having to watch our family’s food budget), I can honestly say, “they are not!” Here’s why:    When you take a portion of your hard earned money & invest it wisely in foods that provide superior nutrition, you are sick less often which translates into spending less on doctor’s visits, prescriptions and over the counter medications.   You’ll also miss fewer days of work which may result in promotions & career advancements.   Best of all, you’ll be more productive, have more energy to exercise and do other activities that you love which adds up to keeping you healthier longer.

Don’t let the societal myth that you have to spend a lot of money in order to eat healthy stop you from trying these:

Tips for Saving Money and Eating Healthy

Buy in Bulk: Packaging food in fancy boxes and bags is costly.   If you don’t mind scooping up your own spices, nuts, flours &, grains,  you can save a considerable amount.  If your grocery store doesn’t  have a bulk section,  try a local food co-op  (coopdirectory.org)
Buy local: Many communities now have farmer’s markets that sell locally-grown eggs, beef, chicken and seasonal  vegetables & fruit.  Since the farmers are selling to you directly, the food is less expensive often saving you up to 25%. Another option is to join a CSA farm (community supported agriculture).  You pay one lump sum per season and each week pick up your produce directly from the farmer who only grows according to how many families buy a share in his farm.
Make Food in Batches:   Whether it’s loaves of whole grain bread, a pot of soup or a healthy snack such as homemade humus….take a couple of hours on a weekend, invite a friend over and cook big batches of your favorite recipes together.  Then freeze them… and voila’, that mid-week dinner practically makes itself!  Just add a fresh green salad and you’ve just quelled the temptation to go out to dinner and spend more money.
Grow Some Food: Whether it’s a pot of fresh herbs by your windowsill, a small backyard garden, or a row in an inner-city community garden, growing even a small amount of food can save you a considerable amount of money.
Buy Organic: “How can buying organic possibly save our family money ?” Consider these two facts:  food grown in non-organic soils do not contain anywhere near the nutrient content of food grown in organic soil.  So although you might be paying a bit more,  your body is receiving higher levels of health promoting nutrients.  Secondly, conventionally- grown food is sprayed with chemicals that cause a burden on our health.   If you can’t afford all organic foods,  try and stay away from the fruits and vegetables with permeable skin. For a full list of these  check: foodnews.org

So with finances being a major concern for all of us,  healthy eating not only adds years to your life and life to your years, but now more than ever, it just makes good economic sense!

Just today I saw about 10 different signs advertising the flu vaccine. I’ll never know why, instead of this massive ad campaign physicians don’t  just encourage the use of  immune boosting herbs such as Echinacea, and Elderberry  or recommend fresh-made vegetable juice, essential oils, miso soup, Omega 3’s and Vitamin D.  Actually, I do know why…. except for a few docs who have broken from the pack, physicians are not trained in nature’s healing secrets.  And when these strategies are not part of one’s tool box …… you know what they say:  “if all you have is a hammer, everything else looks like a nail.” If all you have to prescribe are pharmaceuticals and vaccines, then every infection and condition looks like something that requires a drug or vaccine.  And there’s one more reason conventional physicians do not understand or recommend natural remedies. They believe that there’s no good science to support their use.  Hopefully, in addition to providing safe, effective and natural strategies for preventing the cold and flu, the scientific studies referenced throughout this article will help put that false notion to rest.

I have been very fortunate during my 35 years as a nurse to learn about natural healing strategies from herbalists, nutritionists, naturopaths, chiropractors and naturally oriented MDs. I was even lucky enough to have a pediatrician for my own children who instead of prescribing medications when they showed signs of an infection (some of which have recently been proven to be harmful for children)(1), would tell me to make the kids organic carrot juice.  He’d also recommended increasing their dose of Vitamin C, encourage me to make them homemade chicken soup and give them a few doses of Echinacea.   I feel blessed because now my kids are healthy adults and applying some of these same principles with their own children.  It is s these common sense approaches often forgotten in our high- tech, pharmaceutically-oriented culture that I’d like to discuss.

As far as staying healthy during the cold and flu season, one can never underestimate the importance of certain lifestyle habits such as: getting enough rest and sleep, proper hand washing, daily exposure to sunshine and fresh air, exercise, practicing positive thinking, and staying well hydrated with ample amounts of water.  But now, thanks to emerging science, as well as a new reverence for ancient healing principles, our understanding of how to prevent colds and the flu  goes beyond these basics and gives us access to additional tools for maintaining optimal health throughout the winter season.   Although there may be some variations to the suggestions below based on our age, gender, health history, stress level etc, most of us can derive great benefits from applying some or all of these tips:

v  Let’s start with Sugar: Did you know that a serving of sugar that exceeds 4gms (a little over a teaspoon) causes our immune system to function less effectively?   If the goal is to keep our immune system strong, doesn’t it make sense to cut way back on our sugar intake?   Look for those not so obvious sources such as juices (certain brands contain 30-50gms per serving), some brands of ketchup are 33% sugar, and a few varieties of granola have 45 gms of sugar per serving!  Don’t be fooled because the package says it’s natural. Read the sugar content on the label first. If you are going to have something with sugar in it, try not to exceed  4gms of sugar per serving.  Still not convinced?  Read the book: Sugar and Immunity by William Stoll, M.D. http://askwaltstollmd.com/articles/sugarimm.php

v  Vegetables and Fruit:  The current recommendation is to consume 4 ½ cups per day…. which is not always easy to do.  One solutions might be to get out the juicer (I know you have one in that back cupboard!) and juice some of veggies and fruit.  Yes, it’s a pain to clean, but there is no better source of nutrition then a fresh made batch of organic vegetable juice.   You might be thinking “let me grab a V8”.  Although there is some nutritional value left in those cans or bottles, even the nutrient content of fresh made juice begins to decline within 20 minutes after making it.  So you can imagine how little is left in the canned version that has been sitting on the shelves for months!   When making your own juice, the carrot/apple combination s a good place to start because it tastes great.  From there, you can add more greens like watercress, parsley and beets and cut back on the sweet carrots.  For kids: get bolder as they get older!

v  Multi –Vitamin: My recommendation for anyone seeking a comprehensive supplement program to enhance their overall health and boost their immune systems is to start with a great multi.   Try to get one that has optimal levels and easily absorbable forms of these important nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, B vitamins and Ester C.   Check the labels and compare it to one of my personal favorites Nutritionists Choice multi at www.NutritionistsChoic.com Whenever adding a multi or any other supplement, start with a low dose of one, take with food, and gradually, (very gradually) work up to the full dose before adding the next supplement.

v  Fish Oil: Following the introduction of a good comprehensive multi, many professionals focused on optimizing your health suggest adding a mercury- free fish oil which contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil is notorious for reducing inflammation caused by free radical damage. It can improve attention, support cardiovascular health, strengthen immune function and affect each cell’s ability to absorb nutrients and release toxins. (3) Omega 3’s can also improve skin texture (check for bumps on the back of your arms and watch them disappear after a few months of taking fish oil).  Look for a reputable company that goes the extra mile of ensuring their product does not contain mercury.

v  Vitamin D: Recent studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to an array of acute and chronic health problems including a higher rate of respiratory tract infections. (4)  Optimal levels (above 70) on the other hand have been shown to promote cognitive function and cardiovascular and immune health.  Dr. Larry Rosen, MD,  (a naturally- oriented pediatricians from NJ) reporting on a Vit D survey (5) wrote “that those individuals with Vitamin D deficiencies are at higher risk to contract the flu and develop complications from those infections.”  For more information on vitamin D and to check appropriate tests and dosages for children , go to: www.VitaminDcouncil.org

v  Echinacea: Echinacea is an immune supportive herb that tends to be most effective when used at the first signs of an infection and is not as effective once you already have an illness.  For studies and more information on Echinacea (my all time favorite immune boosting herb), go to (6)

v  Probiotics: Foods such as miso, kefir and yogurt are sources of “friendly” gut bacteria.   Probiotics with funny names like Acidophilus and Bifidus help crowd out pathogenic organisms such as  yeast, parasites and nasty bacteria.  Probiotics also keep the gut wall from becoming porous which prevents toxins and undigested food from getting across its barrier into the blood and causing an improper immune response. They also help the body create B vitamins.   There have been studies showing that taking probiotics as an infant can lessen a child’s incidence of allergies, eczema, and asthma and that if given when a child is developing a cold or flu, can help short circuit and lessen the time of the infection. (7)

v  “Vitamin C: Many health practitioners including Dr. David Berger, MD a pediatrician from Florida recommend Vitamin C to help support immune function. Dr. Berger has a wonderful website Wholisticpediatrics.com and on it you can find the following dosage recommendations for children: For children under 1 year of age give 100mg per month of age. For children up to age 5, 1000mg per year of age, and as much as possible for older children and adults, as long as the stool does not become loose.

v  Elderberry Syrup: My daughter-in- law Jen has degrees in botany, environmental science and is a master gardener.  She knows more about herbs and plants than almost anyone I know and she was the one who told me about the healing properties of elderberries.    These berries that come from the Elder tree (Sambucus) are a rich source of antioxidants. Jen makes her own syrup and gives it to my son and grandkids. Although they live in Portland, Oregon where winter days are often damp, cold and rainy, they are rarely sick.   One study that was recently published showed that in a test tube (in vitro) when cells were exposed to the flavanoids in elderberry syrup they created antibodies against HINI (the swine flu!). (8) I find it amazing that very few of us know about this study.  Where are the announcements from the CDC about how effective elderberry is against the flu?   Instead we see signs on roadways and parking lots encouraging us to get our flu shot as if the shots are the only option to prevent the flu.

v  Essential Oils: According to Tacy Apostolik (a Board Certified Reflexologist and an Internationally Certified Aromatherapist), using essential oils, (aromatic liquids distilled from plants), can be very effective for cold and flu prevention.  In addition to being highly antibacterial, and anti-viral, they can also help speed up recovery, and lead to a better, overall state of health. Tacy states: “According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, winter is the time to support the kidneys and adrenals.  Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove are supportive to these organs.  Interestingly, these are the very spices we associate with the winter months.  These particular oils are considered “hot” oils, meaning they can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin.  Therefore, you can mix them (50-50) with a mild oil such as lavender or Roman chamomile, and apply to the bottoms of the feet.  This can have a double effect of supporting the urinary system, while reducing stress and aiding in a good night’s sleep.” Tacy recommends only using oils of the highest quality.  Instead of an antibacterial soap, she also suggests mixing 8 – 10 drops of any antiseptic citrus oil such as lemon, orange, or grapefruit with filtered water in a small 2 oz. spray bottle as a great way to keep your hands bacteria free.  The wonderful thing about essential oils Tacy says “is that they are intuitively smart.  While protecting you from “bad” bacteria, they support the “good” bacteria we need to stay healthy. “   

v  Water: Drink lots of filtered water….not from plastic bottles.  More information including good water filtration systems can be found at    http://www.ewg.org/tapwater/findings.php

v  Some additional supplements that can be helpful in boosting the immune system that I’ll discuss at length another time are: Zinc, the homeopathic remedy Oscilloccinum and Vitamin A from cod liver oil,

To summarize: if you or your child feel like you are getting sick,  give the immune system all the help you can!   Try to rest, cut out sugar and dairy (very mucus forming), make some fresh juice made from carrot/apple/ginger (just a smidgen of ginger or the kids won’t drink it), make some miso soup or take another source of probiotics, drink herb teas with a little honey and lemon, use Echinacea drops in water every 4 hours, maybe add Elderberry syrup, Vitamin C and eat really really healthy food including lots of veggies and homemade organic chicken soup!   If none of the above works…..be smart…go see your naturally oriented physician……

Bio:         Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 34 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)   Maureen is the former national coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  Her published articles on autism and health can be found at www.SOKHOP.com .     In addition to writing a monthly column Common Sense Approaches to Women’ Health. she is the owner of Nutritionist’s Choice multi vitamin:  www. NutritionistsChoice.com.   Presently Maureen is the Medical Coordinator for the Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer.   She and her husband H Hanson have five grandkids and feel blessed to be living in the beautiful mountains of WNC
References

1. Schaefer MK, et al: Adverse events from cough and cold medications in children. Pediatrics. 2008 Apr;121(4):783-7.
2. Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children Pediatrics 2009; (ISSN: 1098-4275)

Bjorksten B. Evidence of probiotics in prevention of allergy and asthma.  Curr     Drug            Targets Inflamm Allergy. 2005 Oct;4(5):599-604

3. Richardson AJ. Omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

4. Int Rev Psychiatry. 2006 Apr;18(2):155-72. Review.,  Parker G, Gibson NA, Brotchie H, Heruc G, Rees AM, Hadzi-Pavlovic D. Omega-3 fatty acids and mood disorders.Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;163(6):969-78. Review. La Guardia M, Giammanco S, Di Majo D, Tabacchi G, Tripoli E, Giammanco M. Omega 3 fatty acids: biological activity & effects on human health.Panminerva Med. 2005 12;47(4):245-

5. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA Jr.: Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009 Feb 23;169(4):384-90.    Kumar J, et al: Pr2nd Vit D study:   Prevalence and Associations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in US Children: NHANES 2001-2004. Pediatrics. 2009 Aug 3.

6. http://www.sokhop.com/why-use-the-herb-echinacea-and-when-not-to-use-it-32

1. 8.  Leyer GJ, et al: Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children. Pediatrics. 2009 Aug;124(2):e172-9.Roschek B, et al: Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009 Jul;70(10):1255-61.            Zakay-Rones Z, et al: Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40.

Facts not fear should guide our decisions about the HPV vaccine

Maureen H. McDonnell, BS,RN

Of course we want to protect our children and ourselves against the most common sexually transmitted disease:  Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that an estimated 20 million Americans are now infected with.   Unquestionably if the body does not clear it, this virus can turn into a persistent infection which can lead to the development of genital warts and or cervical (as well as other types of) cancer.   However, the question some of us are asking is: without long term safety studies, why is the vaccine to prevent HPV now being recommended (and in some states mandated) for all 11 year old girls and boys?   Many of us are also wondering if vaccines are always the safest, best and only way to prevent the spread of infections.

Epidemiological studies report that sexually active men and women are at the greatest risk for developing a HPV infection and that 74% of infections occur between the ages of 14 and 24.  These studies also estimate that 80% of sexually active women will acquire a HPV infection by age 50.  Just as important a fact however is that 90% of HPV infections clear on their own within 2 years and in younger women, they often clear within a year.

Diane Harper, MD was the principal investigator and  lead research scientist  in the development of the vaccine for HPV.  She appears in the new film that questions the safety of vaccines entitled:  The Greater Good (GreaterGoodMovie.org) in which she expresses concern about the rush to market the HPV vaccine after only 15 months of an originally scheduled 4 year trial.  She says the vaccine should not have been “fast-tracked” in this way and is troubled by the reports of many adverse reactions including Juvenile ALS, pancreatitis, and autoimmune problems.   She also states that the vaccine has only been shown to provide protection from HPV for 5 years.  The question then that begs to be answered (since most women  are not becoming sexually active until on average age 17.3) is why are we vaccinating children as young as 9 years old?

Barbara Loe Fisher, the founder and director of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC.org) in Washington, DC who appears with Dr. Harper in the film discusses her opposition to forced vaccination policies as well as her concern over the sheer number of vaccines children now receive.  In the 1980’s children received approx 11 vaccines before entering kindergarten, and now  3 decades later they receive anywhere from 36-45 vaccines prior to the age of 5.  It should also be noted that during this same time period Autism rates increased in children from 3 per 10,000 to 1 in 110 (1 in 93 in North Carolina), Asthma increased by 300% and many other chronic illnesses  including Diabetes, Cancer and ADHD  have escalated beyond anyone’s prediction or expectation.

Several physicians interviewed for the film expressed their dismay regarding the fact that since the release of Gardasil, in 2006, the Vaccine Adverse Event Recording System (VAERS) received and recorded over 15,000 incidences of adverse reactions.  Additionally, the Judicial Watch group (after obtaining records from FDA via the Freedom of Information Act) reported in October 2011,  that since its release, 47 deaths have been associated with the HPV vaccine.

A few facts to consider regarding HPV, cervical cancer and the vaccine:

v  50% of men and women will acquire a HPV infection in their lifetime

v  Persistent infections can lead to genital warts in men and women and cervical cancer in women

v  90% of HPV infections clear on their own. A quote from the National Cancer Institute “It is important to note however that the great majority of high risk HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause cervical cancer” (2)

v  HPV has been detected in 99.7% of all cervical cancers making it the highest level of association for a specific cause of a major human cancer. (3)

v  The American Cancer Society estimated that “in 2007 about 11,150 cases of cervical cancer would be diagnosed in the US and an estimated 3,6770 of those women would die from the disease” (1)

v  For women in the US, Cervical Cancer represents 1.6% of all cancers diagnosed and 1.3% of deaths

v  Cervical cancer typically takes 20 years to develop.

v  Pap smears remain the only proven method for cervical cancer prevention and is primarily responsible for the decline in mortality from cervical cancer.

v  The CDC states that about 30% of cancers will not be prevented with the vaccine

v  Cervical cancer is also associated with other risk factors: smoking, increased age, presence of other STD’s and a suppressed immune system.

v  “Not all persistent infections develop into precancerous lesions and  not all precancerous lesions persist to become cervical cancer” (4)

v  The manufacturer of the vaccine spent over 100 million dollars in advertising the first year the vaccine was on the market.

v  Sales of Gardasil topped 2 Billion dollars in 2008.

v  Spain withdrew 76,000 doses of the vaccine in 2009 after reports of women being hospitalized after receiving the vaccine

v  According to a poll conducted by the National Vaccine Information Center,  there have been more reactions and deaths associated with Gardasil than with any other vaccine. The original study followed 1200 girls ages 16-26 for a period of 15 months prior to the release of Gardasil.  It was not tested on 9-11 year olds.

v  The vaccine contains 225mcg of Aluminum (a known neurotoxin)  and Polysorbate 80

v  Congress passed a law in the 8Os which does not allow an individual to sue a vaccine manufacturer for damages caused by a vaccine.  One must go through the .Vaccine Compensation Court.  To date, that court has awarded over 2 Billion in damages associated with vaccines.

v  There are an estimated 6000 cases per year of HPV associated neck and head cancers in men.  The duration and efficacy of Gardasil in males has not been established beyond 3 years. (read Gardasil’s FDA Biologics License Application for indication in males for genital warts).  Compare 6000 cases of men with HPV related cancers with 215,000 incidents of lung cancer and 182,000 individuals diagnosed with breast cancer per year.

v  Men who have sex with men are 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer.  But research has shown the vaccine provides heterosexual males with wart protection for 2.9 years, not homosexual men.

v  A study in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that the use of condoms decreases the risk of acquiring HPV by 70%

v  100 HPV genotypes have been identified.  Most infect the epithelium and cause benign plantar warts.  Approx 40 types are responsible for mucosal infection.     HPV 16 and HPV 18 cause approx 70% cervical cancers worldwide.

v  HPV 6 and 11 cause 90% genital warts in men and women

This is not an easy list of facts to wade through. But as we make our individual choices regarding whether we, or our 9-11 year old children should receive this vaccine, it is these very facts, not fear that needs to be the basis from which we make our decisions.

Recently, in California, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that permits children as young as 9 to be presented with information on cervical cancer and subsequently receive the HPV vaccine in school without their parents knowledge or consent!   It’s also interesting to note (while you are digesting that piece of information) that when the Governor of Texas (and Republican presidential hopeful) Rick Perry tried to mandate that all 11 year old girls in his state receive the vaccine, it was discovered that his chief of staff was a former lobbyist for  Merck.     As Barbara Loe Fisher is quoted as saying “That’s not science, that’s politics!”

A few unanswered questions about Gardasil:

1. The vaccine is produced in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast).   So it is contraindicated for people with a yeast problem.  However, many individuals with candida or yeast have never been tested for or diagnosed with it and therefore would not be aware that they are potential candidates for having an adverse reaction to the vaccine.
2. Because it is not a live vaccine, co-administration with other vaccines (given at the same time)  is permitted.   Really?  In all the research done for this article,  I did not find one study in which the (long or short term) reactions of administering Gardasil at the same time as other vaccines was studied.
3. It is also recommended that the vaccine can be given with minor acute illnesses and to immuno-suppressed individuals.   If physicians, the FDA, the CDC  and, the American Academy of Pediatrics actually listened to thousands of parents of children who developed autism after receiving immunizations while sick, no one would ever give vaccines at a time when a child or teen was sick, was showing signs of illness or was just recovering from an illness.

In Summary:  When I was in college, I vividly recall a conversation that took place around our very Irish Catholic dinner table.   At this particular family gathering, my uncle, a priest was visiting.  When I pronounced, that after 17 years of Catholic school, I had some serious questions regarding the infallibility of the Pope; my uncle turned to me and said “if you question this basic tenet of the church, you will be excommunicated!”   Excommunicated…. Really…for questioning something that seems so unreasonable?   “Absolutely and unequivocally” he said.

We now live in a time when vaccines have become the Holy Grail of the pharmaceutically- dominated medical system, and the belief that they are the only safe and effective method for  eradicating disease is a  basic tenet of this system.   Those of us in the nursing and medical profession who challenge these beliefs are considered by some to be heretics.    However, with insufficient safety data and reports of mild, severe and even fatal adverse reactions, challenge we must.   It is our moral obligation to question why we are subjecting  11 year old girls and boys to a vaccine for an infection that 90% of the time clears on its own and for which the idea that the benefits  outweigh the risks remains  uncertain

In closing I would like to thank my colleague, friend and renowned physician Stuart Freedenfeld, MD for lending his perspective on this  fear-infused and confusing topic:  “Cervical cancer is a disease that takes the life of perhaps 3 women out of every 10,000 women in this country.  In my medical training I was taught that cervical cancer death is completely preventable with yearly Pap smears.  Over time we discovered that Pap screening as infrequently as every 3 years would be just as effective in preventing death from this disease.  The vast majority of women who succumb to cervical cancer are women who do not get screened or are immune deficient such as those suffering with advanced HIV.  To now take that reality and scare the American public, and more specifically the American children, into unwarranted fear about developing cancer if they do not rush off and get this set of vaccines is an outrage and an affront to our collective responsibility to those children.

I have always been particularly uneasy about injecting DNA virus material into our bodies, but when that DNA is combined with 225 mcg of aluminum, the safety of which has never been tested in humans, and 50 mcg of polysorbate 80, then I have very serious concerns about the safety of this substance that we are proposing to inject into a child to protect against a disease that they almost certainly would never be harmed by”.

References:

1.Jemal A, Siegel R, Ward E et al. Cancer statistics, 2007. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007;

57:43-66.

2. Markowitz LE, Dunne EF, Saraiya M etal. Quadrivalent human papillomavirus

vaccine: recommendations of the AdvisoryCommittee on Immunization Practices(ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2007;56(RR-2):1-24.

Franco EL, Villa LL, Sobrinho JP et al. Epidemiology of acquisition and clearance of cervical human papilloma virus infection in women from a high-risk area for cervical cancer. J Infect Dis. 1999; 180:1415-23.

3. Walboomers JM, Jacobs MV, Manos MMet al. Human papilloma virus is a necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer worldwide. J Pathol. 1999; 189:12-9.

4. Saslow D, Castle PE, Cox JT et al. American Cancer Society Guideline for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Use to Prevent Cervical Cancer and Its Precursors. CA Cancer J Clin. 2007; 57:7-28.

Additional References:

British Journal of Cancer (2006) 95, 1459–1466. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6603469 www.bjcancer.com Published online 21 November 2006

N Engl J Med, Quadrivalent Vaccine against Human Papilloma virus to Prevent Anogenital Diseases 2007;356:1928-43.

,N England J Medicine, Efficacy of Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine against HPV Infection and Disease in Males, Anna R. Giuliano, Ph.D et al, ,  Feb 2011

The Greater Good Movie www.greatergoodmovic.org

Cholesterol…..There’s More to This Story

Maureen McDonnell, RN

I always find it amazing how we reach a tipping point in our culture (causing many of us  to accept a certain theory as “the Truth”) and then, we find out the whole concept was wrong?  Remember when we were convinced that margarine was a healthy food?  Or, how about when we thought a low fat diet was the only way to lose weight and prevent heart disease?   Then research emerged showing the destructive nature of trans-fatty acids (found in most margarines) and the fact that there is such a thing as “good” fats (such as those found in extra virgin olive and organic coconut oil), and that these fats are not only incredibly healthy, they can assist in weight loss and preventing heart disease!

Well, there is a similar misguided myth about cholesterol.  Although many believe it’s an evil, destructive substance that is solely responsible for cardiovascular disease leading to heart attacks and stroke and should be reduced at all costs, we now know that’s simply not true.

According to Dr. Uffe Ravskov, MD, PhD,  author of Fat and Cholesterol are Good for You “Cholesterol is actually one of the most important molecules in your body, indispensable for the building of your cells and for producing stress and sex hormones as well as Vitamin D.”

Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance that is found in every cell in the body.  In addition to its role in the production of hormones and Vitamin D, it is involved in the formation of cell membranes and bile salts (that help you digest fat) and it is essential for memory.  The neurotransmitter serotonin (which helps us sleep and stay in a good mood) and other neurological functions also rely on cholesterol for proper function.   75% of the body’s cholesterol is made by the liver.

4  Measurements of Cholesterol:

HDL or High Density Lipoprotein is what people refer to as the “good” cholesterol.  It actually removes or shuttles excess cholesterol away from your arteries and can help prevent heart disease.

LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol which can build up in your arteries and form plaque, making your arteries less flexible and narrow.   If a clot forms in one of these narrow arteries it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Triglycerides: these fats are considered dangerous when elevated and have been linked to both diabetes and heart disease.  They tend to become elevated when one is inactive, eats too much sugar or processed carbs, is overweight or obese, smokes or drinks excessive amounts of alcohol

Lp(a) Lipoprotein (a) is made up of an LDL part plus a protein (apoprotein a).   When these levels are elevated, there is a strong risk for heart disease.

What’s Behind an Elevated Cholsterol Level?

When arteries become damaged, inflammation occurs and cholesterol levels rise: Let’s first look at the process of inflammation.   If you cut yourself, the blood vessels constrict to keep you from bleeding excessively. Then your blood thickens so clots can form.  Your immune system sends specific types of cells and chemicals to fight any germs, and finally cells multiply to repair the damage which leads to the formation of a protective scar.

Now if we take this scenario and apply it to your arteries, a similar process occurs except the “scar” in your artery is known as plaque.   When plaque forms and the blood thickens, the inflammatory process in your arteries also involves a constriction of the blood vessels.   Although these are natural consequences of inflammation, you can see how this constriction could lead to higher blood pressure and heart attacks.   But believe it or not, with all that’s going on with arteries at this point in response to inflammation , cholesterol hasn’t arrived yet.  As Dr. Mercola explains in his many excellent reports on this subject  “Cholesterol comes in because in order to replace your damaged cells, it is necessary.  Remember that no cell can form without it.  So if you have a bunch of damaged cells that need to be replaced, your liver will be notified to make more cholesterol and release it into the blood stream.   This is a deliberate process that takes place in order for your body to produce new healthy cells”.

Don’t’ get me wrong, cholesterol is not totally exempt as a culprit.  If it oxidizes (goes rancid) it can irritate or inflame tissues where it is lodged (such as in the lining of the arteries).  But oxidized cholesterol is only one of many numerous causes of inflammation in the arteries.

Why Put All the Blame on Cholesterol?

If a car accident occurred, and an ambulance arrived on the scene to come to the rescue, would you think the ambulance was responsible for the accident?   Of course not!.  Same is true with cholesterol, it is called on by the body to come to the rescue when arteries become damaged by the inflammatory process.

Many more naturally oriented health care practitioners feel that the conventional medical approach of lowering cholesterol as the main way to reduce the risk of a person having a heart attack or stroke is too simplistic and may be missing the most important point.   What is actually more essential to understand and address  whatever is causing damage to the arteries and leading to the inflammation.  Basically, it is the underlying inflammation that is causing the increase in cholesterol.

The Typical Statin Drugs Are Not Dealing with the Cause:

If you’ve been reading my articles each month (Common Sense Approaches to Health) its probably become quite obvious to you that I’m not a big proponent of pharmaceuticals as the  best or only solution  for all our ailments. I’ve been a registered nurse for 34 years, so I’m not naïve enough to state that drugs are never necessary.  What I am saying is, drugs mask symptoms they do not deal with the underlying cause of the condition.  In recent yeara, many savvy individuals and a whole host of integrative health practitioners including MDs  have begun to  look deeper at the reasons the body calls on the liver to make more cholesterol.  These medical detectives probe into why the individual developed inflammation.  Causes of inflammation range from excessive stress, too much sugar or processed carbohydrates, consuming foods with trans fatty acids, smoking, excessive alcohol, and eating too many foods with a  high glycemic index.

By remedying the causes of the inflammation, we often see a drop in the cholesterol levels.   One of the country’s leading anti-aging experts, Dr. Rosedale says it best: “If excessive damage is occurring such that it is necessary to distribute extra cholesterol through the bloodstream, it would not seem very wise to merely lower the cholesterol and forget about why it is there in the first place. It would seem much smarter to reduce the extra need for the

cholesterol — the excessive damage that is occurring, the reason for the

chronic inflammation.”

Statin drugs are typically prescribed for elevated levels of cholesterol and they work by inhibiting an enzyme that your liver needs to manufacture cholesterol.  Ever since my early days as a nurse working in labor and delivery and teaching childbirth classes, I developed an understanding that “when you mess with Mother Nature, be ready for her wrath”.   Taking a drug that inhibits a naturally occurring enzyme might for instance create unintended consequences.  In the case of statins,  the production of cholesterol is reduced but the drugs also can cause other problems.  According to Sally Fallon from the Westin A. Price Foundation and author of Nourishing Traditions “statin drugs deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10 which is beneficial to heart health and muscle function.”.   If you know about this side effect, you can take Coenzyme Q 10.  If not, then the depletion can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, soreness and possibly heart failure.

In addition, other side effects including dizziness, decreased function of the immune system, liver problems (this is the reason liver enzymes are monitored while on statin drugs)  cognitive impairment and an increased risk of polyneuropathy (nerve damage that causes pain in the hands and feet)  have been reported with the use of these medications.

Several studies have shown that when cholesterol becomes too low there can be an increase in depression and or violent behavior (as cholesterol affects the metabolism of serotonin the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep) and one Dutch study showed very low levels were associated with higher rates of suicide.

Tips for Lowering Cholesterol Naturally by Reducing Inflammation

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Exercise regularly

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol consumption

Avoid eating pro-inflammatory foods such as: sugar, trans fats (found in margarine, potato chips and baked goods) avoid foods cooked at a high temperatures,  processed foods and foods with a high glycemic index including grains

Supplements: Dr. Mark Hyman, MD former medical director of Canyon Ranch and author of Ultra-Metabolism) believes that, after eliminating the causes of inflammation, adding herbal remedies and supplements can dramatically improve the inflamed state of the body. He suggests that, along with a standard regimen of multivitamins and minerals, fish oil (for the anti-inflammatory Omega 3’s), probiotics and enzymes, such as bromelain, can be powerful additions. Read more at http://www.livestrong.com/article/273941-list-of-foods-to-reduce-inflammation-in-the-body/#ixzz1X5oL7JZY

Diet: Unlike the diet developed by the National Institutes of Health, (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes or TLC) and promoted on the statin drug websites, here is a list of Anti-inflammatory foods compiled by Jack Challem, a  trusted nutrition and health writer and bestselling author. For more information go to: www.Dlife.com. The food suggestions below have more to do with reducing inflammation, than avoiding foods that contain fat.

Anti-inflammatory foods are:

1. Salmon. Coldwater fish, including salmon, contain anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s.Wild salmon has more of these super-healthy fats than does farmed salmon.

2. Grass-fed beef and other animal foods. Meat from grain-fed animals has virtually no omega-3s and plenty of saturated fat.

3. Olive oil. …Opt for extra-virgin olive oil, which is the least processed,

4. Salads. Dark-green lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and other salad veggies are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, nutrients that dampen inflammation.

5. Cruciferous vegetables. broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts,and kale,

6. Cherries. A study in the April 2006 Journal of Nutrition showed that eating cherries daily can significantly reduce inflammation.

7. Blueberries.

8. Turmeric.

9. Ginger.

10. Garlic

11. Green tea.

CRP: You might want to ask your doctor to measure your CR P level (C Reactive Protein level) which is a blood test used to determine if you have chronic inflammation

In Summary:   I don’t think I, or any of these doctors and authors I’ve quoted have all the answers for solving the problem of elevated cholesterol for every person.  What I do know is, when it comes to finding the underlying causes of our health challenges, we must dig below the surface and do our own research in order to obtain the information required to make better and more informed decisions. Taking responsibility for our health as opposed to blindly accepting what others tells us can be challenging, but also empowering, enlightening and rewarding. My advice:  Do your homework, find a health care practitioner who stays up with the research from both sides of the discussion and let common sense, rather than profit-driven propaganda influence your decisions.

New Bio: Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 34 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)   She was the former national coordinator  of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of  Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  Her published articles on health can be found at www.SOKHOP.com .     She is the owner of Nutritionist’s Choice multi vitamin:  www. NutritionistsChoice.com.   Most recently, Maureen  became the Medical Coordinator for the Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer.   She and and her husband H Hanson have five grandkids and feel blessed to be living in the beautiful mountains of WNC

Side Bar: Working the Numbers:

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, MD  “HDL percentage is a very potent heart disease risk factor. Just divide your HDL level by your cholesterol. That percentage should ideally be above 24 percent. You can also do the same thing with your triglycerides and HDL ratio. That percentage should be below 2.  Keep in mind, however, that these are still simply guidelines, and there’s a lot more that goes into your risk of heart disease than any one of these numbers. In fact, it was only after word got out that total cholesterol is a poor predictor of heart disease that HDL and LDL cholesterol were brought into the picture. They give you a closer idea of what’s going on, but they still do not show you everything.”

References:

• Dietary Fat And Coronary heart Disease: Summary of Evidence from Prospective Cohort and Randomized Controlled Trials, C.Murray Skeaff Jody Miller, Univ of Otago, New Zealand Ann Nutr Metab 2009:55:173-201
• Fallon, S. and Mary Enig. “Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About
  • Popular Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines,” The Weston A. Price Foundation
  • http://www.westonaprice.org/moderndiseases/statin.html

• Asgard, R., A. Basu, E. Rytter, et al. 2007. High intake of fruit and vegetables is related to low oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Scandinavian Journal of Food and Nutrition 51:149-
• Mozaffarian D et all Dietary Intake of trans fatty acids and systemic inflammation in women Am J Clin Nutr 2004 Apr; 79(4): 6006-12
• Read more at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/10/26/think-twice-before-using-statin-drugs.aspx?e_cid=20111026_DNL_art_1

Anxiety…..what to do when it gets too much

If you have been reading these articles for a while, two things have probably become obvious to you.  One is, I have a strong belief that common sense approaches including healthy food, lifestyle changes and appropriate nutrient supplementation play major roles in preventing and treating many chronic illnesses and 2. I’m pretty stubborn in my stance against big pHARMa’s domination of our health care system..

Now that I’ve confessed my shortsightedness and personal prejudices, let me forewarn you that this month’s discussion on anxiety is no different.   Although the article contains opinions from other health care practitioners, therapists and healers , the overarching theme is that there are plenty of natural, non-pharmaceutical ideas and remedies to help reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety.

Most of us are familiar with feelings of anxiety, especially the ones that precede important events such as having to speak in public or going on a first date.   Some anxiety in response to life’s challenges is normal.  Anxiety disorders however differ in that they cause one to feel frightened, and uneasy for no apparent reason.   When these disorders are not addressed or treated they can drastically reduce a person’s ability to function and diminish an individual’s quality of life.

Anxiety disorders include:  Panic disorders, obsessive, compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and phobias

According to the National Institute of Mental health, 40 million people (or 18% of adults over age 18) suffer from anxiety disorders making them the most common form of mental illness in the US.  Directly and indirectly, the cost associated with this disorder is approximately $46.6 billion dollars per year.

Drugs to the Rescue:

As is true with much of the research being done on other types of illnesses, underlying causes of anxiety are rarely explored.  Instead, research money is spent on the development of newer drugs. Drugs have their place, but when it comes to treating anxiety, many are ineffective and some cause a cascade of health problems.   According to Joseph Mercola, MD “… drugs are rarely ever the solution for treating the cause of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, which are frequently the result of bioenergetic malfunctioning due to either emotional, biological or environmental stress.”

Commonly prescribed medications  for anxiety include benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan, Xanax and Valium    They work by increasing the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which in turn activates dopamine in the brain (referred to as the gratification hormone).  Since these are the same pathways that are used when heroin is taken, you can see why these anti-anxiety meds can be so addictive.  These same drugs also have common side effects that include: an unsteady gait, dizziness, increased risk of car accidents, thinking impairment and memory loss.

As if that wasn’t enough, many researchers agree that the drugs used to treat anxiety and depression simply don’t work.   In several studies, antidepressants have been shown to work only slightly better than a placebo. Dr. Mercola also states on his website “Medication (for anxiety) will merely serve as a Band-Aid to these “patterned” emotional challenges, and most people would greatly benefit from practicing stress reduction techniques and exercise rather than resorting to drugs as their first choice”.

I’m not suggesting that there is never a time for pharmaceuticals.   I’m just pointing out that they are currently overused, they mask symptoms instead of addressing underlying causes of disorders, and the quick fix approach they offer has a price that many of us are no longer willing to pay.

What else can be done to minimize the symptoms associated with anxiety?

For most of my 34 years as a registered nurse I’ve been preaching the value of nutrition for almost anything that ails you.  So, I used to think just cutting out caffeine, taking an herb like Kava, making the right dietary change or taking specific doses of Magnesium and B vitamins were the answers to treating anxiety. But if I’ve learned anything as I’ve gotten older, it is that rarely does just one approach or intervention resolve a complex problem like anxiety.  In addition to the nutritional components, I now acknowledge the importance of examining issues from our past that may be at the route of certain health and mental health problems. Working with someone qualified to assist you in discovering and letting go of old thought patterns that no longer serve you can be just as critical as nutrient support.  In other words, anxiety may be an indicator that we need to release or change in some way, and a variety of strategies including behavioral and other types of self-healing methods may be necessary to resolve it.

As Erin Everett, the former editor and publisher of The New Life Journal said in a brief interview:  the anxiety she experienced was an indicator that her life was out of balance.  Once she listened to herself, made changes including practicing meditation, working with a plant spirit medicine practitioner, shifted her career, and reconnected with nature, her anxiety resolved.

More Natural Solutions for Reducing Anxiety Include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: According to the National Association of Cognitive Therapists (www.nacbt.org) Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events.  The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change.

The Orthomolecular Approach According to Bonnie Camo, MD, author of the upcoming book:  Natural Medicine, For a Healthy Mind and Body, and a Healthy World.  “The term Orthomolecular Psychiatry was coined by Linus Pauling (winner of two Nobel prizes, for chemistry and peace) in his famous article in Science magazine in 1968.  It refers to the treatment of mental illness with substances that occur naturally in the human body, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids.  The brain is dependent on nutrients supplied by the body.  If these are inadequate due to a poor diet (deficiency) or a genetic need for more than the usual amount of a particular nutrient (dependency), the brain may be unable to function normally. Orthomolecular psychiatry attempts to determine the biochemical cause of the brain malfunction and treat it with the appropriate nutrients.”

Although not endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, you can obtain additional information on nutritional approaches for anxiety and other forms of mental illnesses via www.Orthomolecular.org or consult an integrative medical physician familiar with this approach.

Other Nutritional Interventions that can ease anxiety

Stabilizing blood sugar levels by eating a whole food, organic-based diet that includes a healthy form of protein every 4-5 hours and minimizes sugar and chemically laden foods.

Minimizing caffeine and alcohol as both substances taken in excess can cause the excretion of  nutrients (such as B vitamin, Magnesium, Zinc etc) that are essential co factors in the formation of  neurotransmitters.

Optimal Nutrients such as those found in a comprehensive, high potency (especially Magnesium and B vitamins) and absorbable Multi Vitamin with added fish oil can make a big difference.  One of the B vitamins Inositol is often referred to as “the poor man’s Valium.”  One study found that at very high doses is was as effective as SSRI’s in reducing the intensity and frequency of panic attacks.

Exercise changes the level of serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that when properly balanced helps us sleep soundly and maintain a good mood.   Exercise also increases the body’s production of endorphins which are our “feel good” chemicals.
Meditation and Yoga both help reduce stress by providing tools that calm the mind and relax the body.

Herbs such as Valerian and Passionflower are known for their ability to help calm nervousness and reduce anxiety.  Several studies have found the herb Kava reduces symptoms in people with Generalized Anxiety Disorders

Homeopathics: consult a qualified Homeopath for individual remedies to help with anxiety

Acupuncture: There is some research showing acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of general anxiety disorders.

Reflexology: Caroline Hobson Zocher, a licensed massage therapist in Weaverville finds in her practice reflexology can be helpful in activating endorphins and reducing anxiety

Aromatherapy: using essential oils such as lavender and rosemary have been shown to be effective

Breath Work: breathing deep into the belly and repeating several times slows down the mind and relaxes the body

Hormone Balancing: estrogen dominance and lack of progesterone can contribute to anxiety.

Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT works by balancing the meridians in a way similar to acupuncture but instead of using needles, the meridians are stimulated by tapping your fingertips on the specific acupuncture points.   EFT can be learned by anyone and can be self applied.

Doing what you love:  Eve Davis, the owner of the beautiful holistic  B and B (the Hawk and Ivy)  in Barnardsville, NC says in addition to eating a piece of very dark chocolate, she minimizes her anxiety by stopping what she is doing and laying down in the earth.  She suggests taking time to do something that feels good each day.

Train your mind toward positive self-talk regarding whatever subject you are thinking about.

There’s no one simple solution that will be effective for everyone dealing with anxiety.   But when we see  anxiety as a form of communication from our body and spirit letting us know something in our life is out of balance (whether that be physical, emotional or spiritual), we can view it in a more positive light.  As Cathy Pidek a dance and movement therapist told me, she encourages her clients to “pay attention to anxiety, say hello to it and not try to run or hide from it”   Once we open up to its message, rebalancing our life using some or all of the suggestions listed above can be helpful.

In the middle of the night if I awaken with my own version of anxiety, I repeat the affirmation from the book You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay   “I love and approve of myself and I trust the process of life.  I am Safe. If I haven’t had too much wine or caffeine and I remembered to put on my hormone cream, it usually works!

Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 34 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)   Maureen is the former national coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of  Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  Her published articles on autism and health can be found at www.SOKHOP.com .     In addition to her new position as the Medical Coordinator at the Imus  Ranch for Kids with Cancer, Maureen is the Health Editor for WNC Woman Magazine. She and and her husband H Hanson have five grandkids and feel blessed to be living in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

 A new study(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876285910002500) begs us to ask this question because these new statistics are not only startling, they are completely unacceptable! 

“Was this always the case?” you might ask.  The answer is an emphatic no!   Better diagnosis can certainly account for some of the increase, and we know genetics plays a role.  But, having been a pediatric registered nurse for the past 34 years, the way I see it is:  the increase in the production and use of chemicals (87, 000 in our air, water and food) , poor nutrition (Americans spend 90% of their food budget on processed foods) and an outlandish number of vaccines  (36-45 now given before the age of  five) have combined to create a perfect storm  allowing 54% of our children to develop one form or another of chronic illness including developmental and behavioral disorders.  

Since I was in nursing school in the late 70’s, there has been a 300% increase in asthma  (6.7 million  children  presently have a diagnosis of asthma (1)and 7.3 million have allergies) (2)

Additionally:

• The CDC tell us 1 in 6 children have either a neurological, developmental or behavioral disorder (1 in 6 children in public schools today receive special education)
• The Autism rate in this country is 1 in 110 and the incidence in North Carolina is 1 in 94.
• 1 in 4 American are diagnosed with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes

—   9 million have obesity-(rate has tripled since 1980)

—  The Infant Mortality is one of the most important indicators of the health of a nation, as it is associated with a variety of factors such as maternal health, quality and access to medical care, socioeconomic conditions, and public health practices.  In 2004 (the latest year that data are available for all countries), the United States ranked 29th in the world in infant mortality, tied with Poland and Slovakia (6).  From CDC website:

—  Consider the economics: According to author and environmental activist  Deirdre Imus “the health care costs associated with all these preventable illnesses are enormous. It is estimated that childhood cancer, asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders and lead poisoning alone cost American taxpayers nearly $55 billion annually.”

I’m sure you are saying ”enough already!.  I get the picture.”  But I’m uncertain if any of us really get the picture?   The study that was referred to early in this article suggests the answer to our children’s health crisis is to have better health insurance coverage and more specialists.  Although access to health insurance and having more doctors are important, I have a slightly different take on what to do about the escalating number of sick children.  What if we began looking at the underlying causes of these illnesses?.  What if we made the logical assumption that by exposing our children to 87,000 chemicals (with only 413 of them ever tested for safety) we may be setting the stage for disastrous consequences (3)

Here are a few reasons why we need to connect the dots between environmental toxins and the deterioration of our children’s health:   

According to Doris Rapp, MD author of Our Toxic World, a Wake Up Call

—  A range of developmental and learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, behavioral disorders and autism appear to be linked to pesticides (4)  

—  60,000,000 lbs of pesticides applied to 30,000,000 acres of lawns yearly

—  30 to 90% fungicides, herbicides  or pesticides cause cancer

—  30% cause reproductive problems.

—  25% may cause genetic/birth defects

—  There are few to no checks for safety or effects on unborn, children, pregnant women, elderly even though these are most vulnerable

—  Few are checked for their effect on a child’s ability to learn, behavior, activity, endocrine or immune factors

—  Few studies are done looking at the combined effect of chemicals yet most of us are  exposed to multiple chemicals on a daily basis.

—  Kidney cancer in children is linked to paternal pesticide exposure ⁽⁵⁾

—   One half of the 5000 chemicals and preservatives in our foods cause cancer

—  Americans eat 20 plus pesticide- like chemicals each day. Our bodies and our children’s bodies are becoming toxic dump sites.

What Can We Do?:

More so than in other parts of the country that I’ve lived in or visited, moms and grandmothers in Western North Carolina are quite savvy when it comes to reducing the number of chemicals they and their children are exposed to.   Many eat locally grown organic food and purchase green cleaning and personal care products etc.    But in addition to making these wise choices, Dr. Stephanie Cave, MD (author,  environmental expert and presenter at the recent Autism Healing Retreat held at the Kanuga conference center in Hendersonville www.YourHealingRetreat.com) had this list of suggestions to share with the 100 plus parents and clinicians who were in attendance:

• Work toward thimerosal (mercury) free, aluminum free vaccines
• Use nickel free, stainless utensils
• Avoid aluminum foil or plastic wrap around food
• Do not microwave food
• Use non-out-gassing materials in building
• Use HEPA filters in houses
• Avoid soft plastic water bottles
• Choose wooden toys with eco-safe finishes
• Eat fresh organic foods
• Avoid dental metals
• Use solid wood furniture that has no particle board
• Do not use vinyl wallpaper that traps moisture
• Do not put hot food on plastic plates or in plastic containers
• Do not use pesticides around family
• Discard scratched sippy cups or cups (source of BPA)
• Use only fragrance free, color free detergents
• Eliminate fragrances from living environment
• Eliminate sources of mold in environment

Dr. Doris Rapp, MD also adds the following suggestions:

—  Since maternal stress has been shown to heighten the effect of toxins on the fetus, Dr. Rapp recommends moms reduce their stress levels  by learning techniques for relaxation such as yoga and meditation.

—  Keep the body  Slightly Alkaline (I’ll write another article on this in the future)

—  Familiarize yourself or consult with professionals who are trained in using more natural remedies such as those from Herbals and Homeopathics

—  Exercise More, Read and Study more

—  Avoid XS Electromagnetic Energy (don’t put your laptop on your lap, minimize cell phone use and or use a wire, turn off wireless at night etc)

—  Object if officials spray for mosquitoes with malathion or toxic chemicals

—  Use and tell neighbors about available safe lawn herbicides

—  Contact TV and radio with  info about chemicals in your area.

—  Keep children & pets off grass and inside homes when lawn spraying done

Should we live in a bubble?

Sometimes it seems like that might be the only solution. Yet, Dr. Nancy O’Hara, MD (a pediatrician and well known lecturer on children’s health who also spoke at the Autism healing Retreat) has another more practical idea. She suggested in her recent talk that in addition to minimizing our children’s exposure to chemicals, there are many lifestyle and nutritional factors that can improve the body’s ability to detoxify which in turn lessens the risk of developing chronic illnesses.  

Dr. O’Hara’s suggestions are: 

• Make sure your kids get adequate amounts of exercise  
• Give what heals (nutrient dense foods and appropriate  supplements such as a comprehensive multi, Omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics etc) and avoid what harms: (toxic chemicals, mold, allergic foods etc)
• Make some basic nutritional changes in their diets including:  

–     Use fresh, unprocessed, unrefined, unadulterated foods

–     Offer a variety of foods (don’t give them the exact same foods every day)

–     Stay away from allergenic foods (kids often crave that which they are most sensitive to)

–     Provide an organic or grass fed source of protein (every 4-5 hours) to stabilize their blood sugar levels which in turns helps improve their mood, temperament, attention and behavior.

–     The most important food items to buy organic are:  pears, apples, peppers, celery, strawberries, cherries, grapes, spinach, lettuce, potatoes, chicken, rice.

–     According the Environmental working group (www.ewg.org), these items have a lower level of pesticide residue: Onion, Avocado, Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Peas, Kiwi and Cabbage.                       

–     Vegetable juicing.  A small amount of freshly made organic vegetable juice packs a big punch when it comes to supplying minerals, vitamins and important enzymes.         

–     Filter water (water in plastic bottles may be unsafe)

–     Do not microwave food—especially in plastic containers

–     Use non-toxic cleaners in the home

–     Do not send children out to play on the lawn if it is sprayed with pesticide or herbicide

It’s time for moms and grandmothers (and all of us who care about our children) to stand up and reclaim our right to have and raise healthy children.  Quite simply, we need to stop being influenced by the slick propaganda created by companies and industries whose focus is on profit not people. and start trusting our own inner wisdom when it comes to what to feed and how to care for our children.  

Knowledge is power. So lets keep learning and improving our health and the health of our children so that the unacceptable statistics this recent study reports become a thing of the past!  

Books and videos for learning more: Super Size Me, Food Inc, Food Matters, Fast Food Nation and, The World According to Monsanto

Bio: Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 33 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)  She provides private health consultations for children affected by  Autism and ADD and adults with chronic health conditions who are seeking a nutritional or integrative approach to wellness.  Her office is in Weaverville, NC  and she can be reached via email for an appointment (MauraHealth@aol.com or call 828-689-2200).  Maureen is the former national coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of children’s green health expos: Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  Her published articles on autism and general health can be found at www.SOKHOP.com .  In addition to writing a monthly column Common Sense Approaches to Women’ Health. For WNC Woman Magazine, she is the owner of Nutritionist’s Choice multi vitamin:  www. NutritionistsChoice.com.  Maureen lectures around the country on the biomedical approach to treating  autism.   She and her husband H Hanson have five grandkids and feel blessed to be living in the beautiful mountains of WNC

References: 

1. Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2006 NHANES [2003-2004], NCHS; JAMA. 2006;295:1549-1555.

1. Branum AM, Lukacs SL. Food Allergy among U.S. children: Trends in prevalence and hospitalizations. NCHS data brief, no 10. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, 2008.

1. Environmental Working Group.  Houlihan J, Kropp T, Gray S, Campbell C. “Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns” July, 2005.
2. Landrigan, PJ, Schecter CB, Lipton JM, Fahs MC, Schwartz J. Environmental Pollutants and Disease in American Children: Estimates of Morbidity, Mortality and Costs for Lead Poisoning, Asthma, Cancer and Developmental Disabilities.  Environ Health Perspect 2002; 110 (7):721-728.
3. Fear, NT, Roman E, Reeves G, Pannett B.  Childhood Cancer and Paternal Employment in     Agriculture; the role of pesticides.  BR J Cancer 1998; 106 (6): 347-353.
4. CDC website
5. Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behavior of children with attention deficit hypearactitiy disorder (INCA study) a randomized controlled study  Pelsser LM, Frankena K, Toorman J, Savelkoul HF, Dubois AE, Pereira RR, Haagen TA, Rommelse NN, Buitelaar JK.

                 Lancet. 2011 Feb 5;377(9764):494-503.

When my husband and I began dating seriously, we discussed future hopes and plans.  One thing we immediately agreed upon was that we wanted to try to start a family as soon as we were married.  As a woman in my early 30s, I observed several friends who married with the same hopes and plans, and found they were unable to conceive.  Still more perplexing many who had conceived delivered children with serious behavioral issues.  I then purposed to do all that was possible to insure that my body was able to conceive and also give our children the best chance to thrive.

I visited my gynecologist and had a list of questions for her.  She said that I could be checked for STDs, I could take a prenatal vitamin and stay away from cigarettes, but that was all the counsel my OB-GYN had for me and I was already taking a prenatal and was not sexually active or a smoker, so the visit was not productive.

My mother had met Maureen McDonnell, a registered nurse, through a mutual friend.  Maureen works with women prior to conception to minimize the risks mentioned above and she also worked with children with behavioral disorders.  I telephoned Maureen and she had the answers I had been searching for.  Maureen and I lived in different states, so through a series of emails and conversations, she took a extensive medical history.  Maureen helped me determine the additional supplements my body needed; she helped me to discover a food allergy (that was later confirmed by a blood test) and advised me to increase my natural progesterone levels.  Maureen became my health and conception coach before I ever conceived.

When my husband and I were married in January 2010, we conceived within 6 weeks (everyone was counting the months – lol) and our beautiful healthy boy that I carried full term was born in November 2010.  Since Jack’s birth, Maureen has been my advisor on breast feeding, first foods and a vaccination schedule that makes us comfortable.  As my husband and I consider more children in the future, Maureen is already beginning to advise me on what simple things I can do to ensure I give our next child the best start possible.  She has been my most valuable advisor and I have and will continue to recommend her services to other women.  Thank you Maureen!

Most of us are aware that there are an array of factors at play in the days and weeks immediately following conception that are crucial for the development of the fetus.  A poor diet, tobacco use, environmental toxins, alcohol, drugs etc. all pose a threat to what every woman hopes for…..a healthy baby.   However, what we don’t often consider or discuss (and yet it may be of equal, if not greater significance) is the health status of the mother prior to becoming pregnant.   But times are changing and many savvy individuals contemplating parenthood are educating themselves regarding the role the environment and nutrition play in minimizing complications associated with pregnancy, labor and birth. They also realize that in order to tip the scales in favor of having the healthiest child possible, it makes  sense for both of them to be in an optimal state of health prior to conceiving.

Did you know that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that I out of every 6 children born in this country have either a neurological, behavioral or developmental problem?   The CDC also states that 31% of pregnancies are complicated by maternal health issues and 12% of all babies are born prematurely (which greatly increases their risk for developing health and or neurological problems later on.)  (1) The National Research Council in Washington says:  7% of all couples are now sterile, 50% of all pregnancies end in a stillborn, miscarriage, birth defects or a chronic health problem, and finally, in spite of all our medical advances, 7 out of every 1000 US newborns die, (which ranks us 29^th, tying us with Poland  and Slovakia for infant mortality)  (2).  I don’t know about you, but I find these statistics startling, more than a little scary, and completely unacceptable!   Good news lies in the fact that emerging science, combined with common sense provide more tools for our society to change these statistics.

Do I think that every single childhood illness or congenital abnormality can be prevented?  Not exactly…..but I do think in many cases we can shift the odds in favor of a healthier outcome. This is why for years I have half jokingly told my daughters: ”give me your body for one year prior to getting pregnant, and I may be able to save you from the heartache and stress that so many parents of sick or disabled children know only too well.”   What do I mean when I say “give me your body for a year prior to conceiving?”    What I am suggesting is this:  let me, or some other naturally-oriented health care provider take a good health history including an assessment of your diet and nutritional status, look at levels of heavy metals and other toxins in your system and in your environment, and check to see if there is an overgrowth of yeast or some other intestinal pathogen that might be wreaking havoc on your health.  If there is a history of migraines, fatigue, depression, yeast infections, PMS, acne, constipation etc. I’m proposing we address those issues by utilizing a naturally based, nutritional approach that may include a detoxification program.  My goal for my daughters (and all young women in their child bearing years) is to get them healthy prior to conceiving so they can increase the likelihood of having a great pregnancy, labor, birth and the healthiest baby possible!

Before I get into the specifics of what will help put the odds in favor of an optimal outcome for mom and baby,   let me explain a bit about what has changed in our world in the past 60 or so years that may be contributing to the rise in health problems affecting our children.   Around the mid 1940s, exhausted from World War ll, parents of the baby boomers began demanding products that were “convenient.”  As a result, industries began creating more and more items that were derived from plastics and other synthetic materials.  The use of both pesticides and prescription drugs escalated, chemicals in cleaning and personal care products became more prevalent, and processed convenience food became the rage.    Industry and technology were answering the call of the culture by creating better living through better chemistry. In the 1950s, the 1^st generation of children exposed to these chemicals was  born (I was one of them!).  As we now know, many of these chemicals created for this modern, more convenient lifestyle “bio-accumulate” or build up in our bodies and the higher up on the food chain we eat, the more toxins we accumulate.   To date, the EPA tells us there are over 80,000 chemicals in our air, water and food and 2.2 billion pounds of chemicals are sprayed on our crops annually.  The average American home contains 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials and 85% of the chemicals that are registered have never tested for impact on the human body.

A recent report from the CDC (December 2006) found the average American had 116 of the 148 synthetic compounds tested for including the infamous dioxin, polycyclic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides.  Further studies revealed these same substances were also in human milk, placenta and umbilical cord blood, and in the blood and body fat of newborns.  Phthalates, found in hundreds of products including soft vinyl plastic toys, shampoos, hair spray, nail polish, perfumes, new cars, pharmaceuticals and deodorants are known hormone disrupters that can cause sperm and genital problems in males. They were found in 75% of human urines tested.

Martha Herbert, MD, PhD a pediatric neurologist working with children on the autism spectrum and those with other neurological disorders at Mass General is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. She recently told me:  “In the last several generations, our technology has been ahead of our science.  We have filled the world with new-to-nature substances and we have massively altered our food supply without measuring the health and ecological consequences.  Now it’s time to wake up, take responsibility for our dangerous situation, and put wisdom back into our lives”.

In December 2007 the Collaborative on Health and the Environment’s Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative spoke to this issue by stating:  “Given the established knowledge, protecting children from the neurotoxic environmental exposures…is an essential public health measure if we are to help prevent learning and developmental disorders.”  (3)

Before we go on to the good news (which is what we can do to minimize our exposure to toxins, and maximize our nutritional status thereby proactively working toward preventing health and developmental problems in our offspring), let me just share some additional information that I found astounding:  Bisphenol A:  BPA  is found in hard plastics including baby bottles, food containers, lining of tin cans and dental sealants. A study from the Environmental California Research and Policy Center 2/27/07 revealed that BPA leached from 5 out of 5 plastic baby bottles tested and all five brands leached BPA at levels found to cause harm in laboratory animals. Yes, you did read that correctly……”leached from baby bottles”  (4) Independent lab tests reported by EWG found levels of BPA in over half of the canned products tested at levels high enough to cause birth defects.  The highest levels were in chicken soup, ravioli and infant formula!  Studies have also shown that children who live closer to agricultural fields sprayed with pesticides have an increased incidence of autism that is directly related to the amount of pesticide usage and the closeness the child lives to the field being sprayed. (5)

A quote from the Environmental Health Perspectives (June, 2001) summarizes the issue:  “These recent studies on diesel exhaust, plastics, and pesticides make clear that the full costs of continuing with old technologies and rates of use of toxic materials may well include permanent damage to the gene pool and brains of the youngest generation.  Problems of neurologic development and reproduction that stem from early life exposures will not be reparable later, no matter how much money is available”

Are you ready for an anti-depressant or have you decided to never get pregnant?   I have a better idea…..As women, and especially women of childbearing age, we need to continue to empower ourselves and our partners with information about the health hazards inherent in these chemicals, and minimize our exposure to them.  Additionally, and of utmost importance, we need to boost our nutritional status so we can detoxify more effectively to minimize the damage from those chemicals we can’t avoid.  Although there are no guarantees in life, by taking this type of direct action and adhering to some of the tips listed below, we can help prevent many health problems from developing in ourselves and in our offspring…..

15 Tips for Getting Healthy Before You Get Pregnant…

1.       Optimal Nutrition: In addition to working with a naturally-oriented health care practitioner for routine tests and monitoring,  one of the best things a woman considering pregnancy can do is give herself six months to a year to “clean up” her diet and lifestyle.  Laying the foundation by putting herself in optimal shape nutritionally prior to conceiving will go a long way in minimizing the chance of miscarriage, or developing other complications of pregnancy and delivery.   Specifically reduce or eliminate alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine and shift from a diet based on processed nutrient- deficient white foods: sugar, white bread, pasta, pizza, bagels etc to one that contains more organic natural foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, lean sources of protein, healthy fats etc. (6)   Eating a diet rich in colorful organically grown vegetables and fruits will provide an adequate intake of antioxidants to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.  Juicing organic vegetables is a great alternative if one can’t seem to consume the recommended  4 ½  cups of veggies and fruit per day. Avoid all genetically modified food (non GMO) (8).  Also avoid uncooked meats.

2. Minimize Exposure to Toxins: Do what is reasonable to “green” your home and minimize exposure to toxins in your food, cleaning products, personal care products etc.   If remodeling is planned and or a new home is being constructed, try to select no VOC paints, sustainable wood as opposed to composites and resin based products. Allow out- gassing of new materials etc.  If at all possible: buy a mattress and bedding that is free of PBDEs and Antimony.  (7). The fetus is not as protected by the placenta as we once thought due to its immature and porous blood brain barrier and the exposure pound for pound is greater than for those of adults.   For information on greening your home & life, see the Green This! series of books by Deirdre Imus

3. Exercise: Begin or continue an exercise routine

4.       Weight Control:  Obesity during pregnancy increases the incidences of neural tube defects, diabetes, premature labor, cesarean section, preeclampsia etc.  In my work with infertility, I’ve observed that getting weight under control (via a healthy diet emphasizing good quality protein, additional zinc and B vitamins, exercise, increased water consumption, additional fiber, essential fatty acids etc, can be effective and inexpensive strategies for enhancing fertility.

5. Detox: If a woman’s toxic load has been high (has taken many prescriptive, or non prescriptive medications, has multiple amalgam fillings, or works or lives in a chemically-laden environment), she might want to consider a detoxification or cleansing program like the ones found at www. BlessedHerbs.com. If a detox program alone does not relieve fatigue, migraines, PMS  and or other symptoms associated with being toxic, she may want to consult a physician familiar with nutritional and or chelation protocols for a more advanced detoxification process. Contact a MD, ND or DO in your area affiliated with either the American Academy of Advancement in Medicine ACAM: www.ACAMnet.org, or ABIHM: American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine www.holisticboard.org or the Institute for Functional Medicine:  www.functionalmedicine.org

6. Gut Health: If a woman has had a history of yeast infections and or frequent antibiotic usage during her formative years or teens, she may want to consider consulting a physician who is well versed in the treatment of yeast (Candida). A yeast free diet along with herbs and other treatments will help ensure a healthy population of beneficial bacteria in mom which has been shown to positively  impact a newborn’s immune system (8). An informative book on the subject is The Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates or go to www.BodyEoology.com

7. Dental Amalgams: If a woman has mercury based amalgam dental fillings, prior to becoming pregnant, she may want consult a dentist familiar with safe procedures for their removal.  To locate an informed dentist associated with The American Holistic Dental Association check www.holisticdental.org (9)

8. Supplements: Also in anticipation of conception, it makes sense to begin taking a natural and comprehensive pre-natal multi-vitamin mineral supplement.  A good, easily absorbed prenatal supplements is Opti-Natal.   Any pre-natal should have at least 800mcg of Folic acid which has been shown to decrease the incidence of Neural Tube Defect up to 70%   Adding a mercury free source of EFAs (Omega 3s) is also important. DHA is an Omega 3 which influences brain development.

9.        Watch the Fish: Minimize consumption of large fish. For mercury levels of fish check: www.gotmercury.org.   Most fish have 0.2-0.3 mcg of mercury gm. Sharks, swordfish and tilefish have 1.0mcg/gm.

10. Test Vitamin D levels and add additional Vitamin D3 if necessary.  Many studies are supporting the use of higher levels of Vitamin D  For more information  go to www.VitaminDcouncil.org

11.   Vaccines: Discuss with your naturally- oriented health care provider the idea of avoiding the flu shot and any other vaccine for one year prior to conception.  The yearly flu shot as well as the new Swine Flu vaccination both contain Thimerosal (a mercury containing preservative).  For more information see Safer Ways to Vaccinate at www.SOKHOP.com

12.   STDs: STDs are associated with an increase in premature delivery, fetal malformations, neonatal  infections and developmental abnormalities. Avoid Hot Tubs: If you are considering pregnancy or think you might be pregnant avoid high temperature hot tubs.  If the mother’s core temperature goes higher than 100.4 in the first trimester it can increase the risk of developing neural tube defects.

13. Water: Get a good home water filter system and drink from a stainless steel water bottle instead of buying water in plastic. Heated or not, soft plastic bottles release phthalates.     See resource guide for info on best filtration systems below

14.   Indoor Air: The CDC reports that indoor air pollution is quickly becoming a top health hazard.  Open your windows to create some ventilation. Sleep in a darkened room with no TV or computers. Computers and TVs emit Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMF’s)  Use cell phones only when necessary and keep the phone in your pocketbook instead of your pocket. (10)

15.   Dry Cleaners: Find a “green” dry cleaners.  Perchloroethylene used in dry cleaning may cause tremors, numbness, and with higher levels coma and death due to respiratory paralysis. Consumer Reports study concluded 1/6700 will get cancer from wearing PERC cleaned clothing once per week. (11)

For a complete resource guide on organic, personal care, household products, lawn care alternatives &water filtration systems etc, go to www.stocktonfamilypractice.comresourceguide

the author: Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 33 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)  She is the former national coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of children’s green health expos: Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  She presently provides health consultations for women and children at her Weaverville, North Carolina office and can be contacted at MauraHealth@aol.com for an appointment.   Her published articles including What Can Be Done to Prevent Autism Now!, and Safer Ways to Vaccinate can be found at  www.SOKHOP.com.  Maureen is also the owner of Nutritionist’s Choice multi vitamin:  www. NutritionistsChoice.com.   She is a parent and step-parent to six grown children,  has four granddaughters and lives with her husband H Hanson near Asheville, North Carolina.

References:

1.        www.cdc.gov/hceh/dls/report

2.        MacDorman, et al, Recent Trends in Infant Mortality in the US www.cdc.gov/nchsi/databrief/db09.htm

3.        www.iceh.org/pdfs/LDDI/LDDIStatement.pdf

4.        . Exposure of the US Population to Bisphenol A and 4-terriary-octyphenol: 2003-2004, Environmental Health Perspectives; Volume 116; Number 11, January 11, 2008 WWW.EWG.ORG/reports/bisphenola/execsumm.php

5.        Maternal residence Near Agricultural Pesticide Applications and Autism spectrum Disorders Among Children in the California Central Valley. Environmental Health Perspectives; July 30, 2007Molecular Psychiatry, November 10, 2005

6.        Organic Diets Significantly Lower Children’s Dietary Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides.  Environmental Health Perspectives; February 2006.and Organic Foods vs Supermarket Foods: Element Levels; J of Appl. Nutrition, 45 [1], 1993 35

7. Associations between indoor environmental factors and parental-reported autistic spectrum disorders in children 6-8 years of age. NeuroToxicology. Available online 2/10/09

8. Perez, PF et al, Bacterial imprinting of the neonatal immune system lessons from maternal cells.  Pediatrics, March 2007:119(3)e724-32

9. FDA Presentation: An Evaluation of Dental Amalgam Mercury Release and Corresponding toxicology Concerns, Boyd Haley, Ph.D. September 7, 2006

10.  Resources regarding the biological effects of EMF’s August 2007 (available on www.bioinitiative.org), and the 2009 special EMF issue of the Journal of Pathophysiology.Public Health SOS: The Shadow Side of the Wireless Revolution, Camilla Rees, Magda Havas, PhD

11 Consumer Reports study in 1996 concluded 1/6700 will get cancer from wearing PERC cleaned clothing once per week. Dry Cleaning Alternatives online; http://consumerreports.org accessed March 16, 2007

Mother Nature has some answers

This article is not meant to be perceived as medical advice or to be misconstrued as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of options. Rather, I am offering an overview of some common sense, natural approaches (which many have the backing of scientific study) on ways to protect ourselves in the event of radioactive exposure.  Minus the fear mongering, my goal is to just get the conversation going about what we can all do to feel more prepared in terms of minimizing the harm to ourselves and our children should we encounter an incident such as the one taking place in Japan.

Other than the advice from the CDC and other government agencies to take Potassium iodide if exposure is imminent, there are not many solutions being offered regarding this subject. However, even before beginning the research for this article, I “knew” Mother Nature wouldn’t leave us stranded in the face of this man-made catastrophe.

When we think of the damaging effects caused by exposure to chemicals and or radiation, we typically limit our focus to the toxin itself, and rarely consider the person’s nutritional or health status as a determining factor in the outcome.  Similarly, when we examine the germ theory (that presently dominates the medical-pharmaceutical mind set, and is responsible for the heavy emphasis on vaccines and antibiotics), we see the same limited thinking.   If one just focuses on “the germ”, but not much consideration is given to the health or nutritional status of the host, we are missing a big piece of the puzzle…  Luckily, what many savvy individuals are realizing is the simple fact that the person with the stronger nutritional status fares much better when exposed to a germ, chemical toxins, or radiation then someone who is in a weekend or poorly nourished state.

Martha Herbert, MD, PhD a professor at Harvard’s medical school and pediatric neurologist once remarked “  The quality of one’s nutritional status determines one’s ability to detoxify”.    In other words, the healthier you are prior to exposure, the better the chances your body has of detoxifying or getting rid of the damaging germ, chemical or radioactive material and the less chance you have  of experiencing long term damage or illness as a result of that exposure.

From several sources, I read of a physician, Dr. Akizukie, MD who after the atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki ending World War 11, made the decision to feed himself, his patients and his staff a diet comprised of brown rice, miso soup, sea salt and seaweed.  No sweets were allowed as he felt they suppressed the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.   Subsequently, according to these reports, none of his patients or staff developed sicknesses related to radiation poisoning.  I found that story quite compelling and supportive of the idea that if we fortify our bodies with whole foods that are high in natural iodine, enhance the function of our GI system and provide nutrients that support our immune function , we can avert the typical side effects associated with radiation poisoning. .
Another report of a natural substance helping to minimize the toxic effect of radiation exposure came out of the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.   There, a group of children were given a daily dose of Spirulina and followed by the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk.     Subsequently this group was reported as having improved immune function.

Additionally Israeli physicians treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene  which helped normalize their blood counts.

The recent disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan has created world-wide concern regarding the toxic effects of radiation exposure.   For me, it hit closer to home when my son and his wife, who live on the west coast, called to obtain information on preventative measures that they could take for themselves and my two granddaughters should the radiation cloud travel to their farm in Oregon.  To be honest, I had nothing to offer them.  Initially I began reading about potassium iodide.  But later in my research I discovered  that potassium iodide only protects the thyroid gland, not the rest of the body and can often have pretty serious side effects especially if one has a pre-existing thyroid condition.(1)    Driven by my interest to help my children as well as anyone else who might be interested,  I soon discovered that there is actually a host of substances  that can help protect our entire body against radiation poisoning and they are, in many instances safer,  more effective and more comprehensive than potassium iodide.

What is Radiation Sickness?

According to the Mayo clinic: Radiation sickness is damage to your body caused by a very large dose of radiation often received over a short period of time (acute). The amount of radiation absorbed by the body — the absorbed dose — determines how sick you’ll be.  Common exposures to low-dose radiation (according to the Mayo Clinic that is)  such as X-ray or CT examinations, do not cause radiation sickness.

In another report it stated that acute radiation sickness occurs at a measurement level of 100,000 millirems.  A typical chest x-ray has 10 millirems and the most recent reading of the radioactive spike at Fukashimi nuclear power plant measured 40,000 millirems.

How Contamination Differs From Exposure

According to the CDC: A person exposed to radiation is not necessarily contaminated with radioactive material. A person who has been exposed to radiation has had radioactive waves or particles penetrate the body, like having an x-ray. For a person to be contaminated, radioactive material must be on or inside of his or her body. A contaminated person is exposed to radiation released by the radioactive material on or inside the body. An uncontaminated person can be exposed by being too close to radioactive material or a contaminated person, place, or thing.

A wake up call: Getting Healthy before an Incident

It is the inability to see the effects of chronic, low level toxicities on human health that has been, and remains, our greatest failing as intelligent beings. -Dr. Boyd Haley

In addition to Dr. Haley wise and timely warning for us to be aware of what damage the 87,000 chemicals in widespread use may cause to our health, we now have the added threat of being negatively affected by radioactive materials.  Whether we are living in Japan, the west coast or concerned about a nuclear explosion occur closer to our home, the time to wake up and heed this warning is now!   Since it seems likely that the healthiest among us will fare better and develop less illness should such a situation occur, it makes perfect sense to begin these lifestyle changes before an incident occurs.  By eating a whole foods diet comprised of nutrient dense vegetables, mineral rich broths, organic sources of  lean protein,  minimizing sugars, drinking green tea and taking specific supplements we can lessen the odds of experiencing severe damage from exposure to radiation or any other toxin.

The Action Plan

What to Do and take When Dealing with Actual Radiation Exposure

The first consideration is to try and prevent radiation from getting into the body in the first place and the second thing to do it to try and eliminate it if it has entered.

1. As soon as possible after exposure, remove all clothing and discard them.
2. Since our skin is our  largest protective organ, as soon as  possible after exposure shower with soap or soak in a clay or Epsom bath to minimize the chance of having the radioactive material cross the skin barrier.

Obviously medical assistance may be warranted, but there is also an array of natural substances that can help minimize the negative effects of radiation.  These should all be obtained from non-contaminated sources.  Many are slow acting, but can provide some protection and offer immune support minimizing the long term damage cause by radiation

Aloe Vera: If skin irritation occurs, symptoms similar to a severe sunburn can result. The leaf of the Aloe vera plant possesses great healing properties when the leaf is opened and liquid applied to skin. .

Bee Pollen:  has been shown to reduce the side effects from radium and cobalt 60.  It also helps stimulate the immune system which becomes weakened after exposure to radiation

Curcumin: has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is known to have protective    affects after radiation exposure

Dandelion: If obtained from non-contaminated areas is known to support the liver in its detoxification function.   It is often readily accessible and has nutritive value.

Echinacea:  the purple cone flower has been shown to increase white blood cells and the production of interferon.   It has anti-viral properties and helps fight infection especially when caught early.  Echinacea also has anti inflammatory properties   Both Echinacea and olive leaf extract support the immunes system.

Fermented Foods:   Since the immune system is negatively impacted by exposure to radiation, fermented foods can help as they are a source of beneficial bacteria.  One can never over estimate the health benefits of having a good balance of beneficial flora in the gut.   Having these organisms helps crowd out pathogenic ones such as parasites, yeast and bacteria. These good bacteria also help in the production of  B vitamins. Miso, kefir, raw sauerkraut, yogurt are examples. .

Garlic: According to several sources, garlic helps keep radioactive isotopes from getting absorbed into the body.

Gingko biloba has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has been shown to be   protective even after exposure to radiation. One study in the International Journal of Low Radiation from October 2009 found that cell death was much lower among those treated with gingko (2)

Ginseng: The Soviet Union distributed Siberian ginseng after the Chernobyl disaster and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation.

Glutathione: is a tri-peptide necessary for an efficient detoxification system

Green Tea:  Contains several antioxidants which help minimize the free radical damage caused by radiation. Several studies conducted by Japanese and Chinese researchers suggest that the ingredients in tea are “radioactive antagonists”.  Green tea also contains L-theonine which has a calming effect.    Many problems related to a threat of, as well as an actual incident of radiation poisoning (including anxiety, depression, suicide, etc) stem from stress.

Homeopathic Remedies: Cobaltum 30C and Radium bromatum 30C are just two examples of the many effective homeopathic remedies that can help mitigate symptoms associated with radiation exposure.   These should always be administered by and taken under the watchful eye of an experienced homeopath.

Kombucha: Kombucha made by fermenting tea helps detoxify gamma radiation produced by nuclear power generating stations.   See study from the Journal of Environmental Biology 9/12 “Protective effect of kombucha mushroom (KM) tea on chromosomal aberrations induced by gamma radiation in human peripheral lymphocytes in-vitro”  (3)

Melatonin: is known for its ability to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, but it also has antioxidant properties that help protect against radiation damage.

Miso: is a source  of iodine which may be helpful for preventing the thyroid from absorbing and being negatively impacted by radioactive iodine.    It is also a fermented food that helps the GI system crowd out nasty opportunistic organisms.

Milk Thistle:  also called Silymarin: an herb that helps support the liver in its main function of detoxification

MSM: is a source of sulfur which blocks the absorption of radioactive sulfur

Multi Vitamin: most multis contain an array of minerals which can help prevent the uptake of radioactive materials and  support general health and immune function.   Magnesium for instance can prevent the  uptake of strontium 90, iron prevents the absorption of  plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12 inhibits cobalt-60 uptake,  zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake and sulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body.

Mushrooms: Certain members of the mushroom family such as the Reishi mushroom enhance immune function which helps reduce the damage caused by radiation.  Studies have shown it to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after being exposed to high levels of radiation .

Oral Sodium Bicarbonate: (baking soda) is recommended by the military to take after exposure to uranium as it can diminish the severity of the changes produced by uranium in the kidneys.

Organic Foods: when possible, consume non-contaminated organically grown foods to limit the amount of additional chemicals you consume and must ultimately demand of your liver to detoxify.   Pre exposure is the ideal time to begin identifying and learning how to prepare certain edible plants such as dandelion greens and nettles.   Foods most highly recommended as part of an optimal organic diet:Brassica vegetables: broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage, kale,  vegetables that are high in betacarotene , beans and lentils, spirulina, chlorella (high in chlorophyll), kelp,  and avoid sugary foods as they weaken the immune system.

Pectin: foods high in pectin like carrots, apples, sunflower seeds help keep toxic substances form getting absorbed.

Reseveratrol: In a 2008 study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, lead scientist Joel S. Greenberger found that Resveratrol administered before radiation exposure enhanced resistance to radiation.  Colorado State University researchers in cell and molecular biology and environmental and radiological health sciences demonstrated that Resveratrol reduced the incidence of chromosome aberration in mice exposed to radiation. A 2010 study at the School of Radiation Medicine and Public Health at the Medical College of Soochow University in China reported that Resveratrol’s ability to protect from oxidative stress is effective in protecting against irradiative damage.  According to Joseph C. Maroon, MD “Resveratrol made normal tissue less sensitive to radiation, and this lower sensitivity would help minimize adverse side effects of radiation.”

Seaweed: like Wakame and Hijiki contain sodium alginate which binds to radioactive strontium and helps eliminate it from the body.  Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp.

Spirulina and Chlorella Both are alga that are sources of nutrients and can reduce  radiation levels.  According to Dr. Mercola at www.mercola.com “Spirulina has a 16 percent phycocyanin content—a blue pigment that is attached to its photosynthetic membranes. Phycocyanin is also a nitrogen storage molecule. The nitrogen atoms can form a complex with heavy metals such as radioactive cesium and strontium, hence “cleansing” these radioactive metals from your body. These substances as well as the seaweeds need to be obtained from non contaminated sources.

Sulfur Containing Foods: Cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, onions, garlic help prevent free radical damage by combining with heavy metals.

Vitamin C according to Dr. Brownstein, an expert in thyroid function who was interviewed by Dr. Mercola   “If you do get exposed to toxicity, vitamin C is one of the best anti-toxicity nutrients you can take,” he says. “In this case, it’s wise not only to be taking vitamin C going into the situation, but if you know a radioactive cloud is coming, to increase your intake of vitamin C to give your body a little cushion against this toxic load.”

Thyroid: Radiation Exposure and Potassium Iodide :

As I mentioned earlier in the article, the government as well as mainstream medical advisors emphasis using potassium iodide shortly before and just after exposure to radiation.   I also mentioned that what I found out in researching this topic is that although potassium iodide protects the thyroid, it is not effective in protecting any other  organ or system (such as immune function or detox pathways)  in the body.  I don’t want to underestimate the value of protecting the thyroid however.  It is the body’s energy generating system and depending on the extent of the damage can result in fatigue or exhaustion, severe health problems or death.   The rationale for using potassium iodide stems from the fact that the thyroid does not know the difference between radioactive iodine and non radioactive iodine.  So if the thyroid takes up the non-radioactive source (potassium iodide), it cannot absorb the radioactive version that comes from radiation exposure

Recommended Doses of Potassium Iodide

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends potassium iodide supplementation at the rate of 130 mg (milligrams) per day to prevent the thyroid’s uptake of radioactive iodine

Most experts agree that supplementation at this high a level should be done only in radiation emergencies, and only for as long as needed.  Most state it should be given for about a day before the radiation exposure and no more than one day after.

Dr. Leonard Wartofsky, spokesman for the Endocrine Society and a thyroid expert was quoted on Dr. Mercols’s website as saying “Panic could spark a “mini-epidemic” of potassium iodide ingestion and overdoses”.  He also warned that the drug could cause serious reactions in some people and even backfire in the case of an actual emergency, putting people past a two-week window of safe dosage. After that period of time, the drug can induce severe hypothyroidism, a condition that essentially shuts down thyroid function.  It is inappropriate, foolhardy and dangerous to be taking iodine supplements at this time, It’s very important to hold off until it’s absolutely necessary. Taking potassium iodide can be harmful to people who are allergic to iodine, those who have certain skin disorders and people with thyroid diseases including goiter, Graves’ disease or autoimmune thyroid disorders.”

Here’s what the CDC has to say:

“Newborn infants (less than 1 month old) who receive more than one dose of KI are at particular risk for developing a condition known as hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone levels that are too low). If not treated, hypothyroidism can cause brain damage. Infants who receive potassium iodide should have their thyroid hormone levels checked and monitored by a doctor. Avoid repeat dosing of potassium iodide to newborns.”

One article on the Gaia Herbs website stated  “Unless an exceptionally large dose of radiation is expected, people over the age of 40 probably shouldn’t dose themselves with potassium iodide. They are significantly more likely to have adverse reactions to high doses, and are better served by taking a natural source of iodine. The heartening news, though, is that people over 40 are much less likely to get thyroid cancer, so their risk isn’t as great.”

A natural source of iodine is seaweed (kelp) which several experts feel should be included in ones diet for these reasons 1. Many of us are already deficient in iodine which predisposes us to developing breast cancer and other chronic conditions 2.   Having adequate amounts of iodine on board lessens the likelihood that our thyroid would absorb radioactive iodine.

In Dr. Mercola’s article from 3/25/11 at mercola.com Why 95% of Japanese May Not Suffer from Radioactive Iodine Exposure, Dr. Brownstein a thyroid expert recommends 12.5mg every day which is about what the Japanese typically would consume in their diet.  He believes this will provide about 95% of the protection that 130mg of one-time adult dose that is currently recommended by public health authorities for radiation prophylaxis.

The article goes on to say that damage to the thyroid can also be blocked by painting 8mls of 2% tincture of iodine on abdomen or forearm 2 hours prior to 1-131 contamination. Tablets are best, but this is an alternative

Of course toxicity from taking high doses or too many supplements (especially potassium iodide) is always a concern. Consult with a knowledgeable health care provider before taking supplements or giving them to your children     Using organic sources for all of the recommended food and supplements is always preferred.

Summary:   Although Japan is far from the mountains of western North Carolina where I presently reside, I recently discovered there is a nuclear power plant within 75 miles of my home.   Although I refuse to succumb to fear and paranoia and obsessively stockpile products to protect myself and my family,  I am grateful that my my son reached out to me for guidance  which started me on this quest to learn more about  prevention and treatment strategies.    It’s clear I have a lot more to learn regarding this subject and as my knowledge grows, I’m happy to share it.  For now, it’s reassuring to know that by putting ourselves in optimal health beforehand and utilizing a variety of  natural substances we  can minimize the damage to our health caused by exposure to radiation or any other toxic insult.

References:

1. Koutras DA. Control of efficiency and results, and adverse effects of excess iodine administration on thyroid function. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 1996; 57(6):463-469.
2. International Journal of Low Radiation from October 2009
3. Protective effect of kombucha mushroom (KM) tea on chromosomal aberrations induced by gamma radiation in human peripheral lymphocytes in-vitro, Journal of Environmental Biology published  Sept 2010 .
4. General References:  www.Mercola.com Why 95% of the Japanes May Not Suffer From Radiation Exposure 3/25/11
5. www.GaiaHerbs.com
6. www.MayoClinic.com
7. http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/contamination.asp

Article to be published in the April issue of WNC Woman Magazine

Join Me for a Detox…..My Poor Irish Liver Needs a Rest!

I began writing a monthly column for WNC Woman Magazine titled: Common Sense Approaches to Women’s Health because, with the current dominance the pharmaceutical industry has over the medical profession, common sense approaches to staying or regaining our health are often ignored.  We live in a time when drugs are prescribed for symptoms such as headaches, elevated cholesterol, poor attention, depression, PMS, irritability, GI distress (to name a few),  when in actuality, those symptoms often represent an  underlying imbalance in the body that can frequently be corrected with alterations in lifestyle, dietary changes, proper supplementation and varying degrees of detoxification.   This is where I get my conservative friends upset.  So, let me explain: I’m not suggesting that there is never a time for pharmaceuticals.   I’m just pointing out that they are currently overused, they mask symptoms instead of addressing underlying causes of illness, and the quick fix approach they offer has a price that many of us are no longer willing to pay.

It wasn’t always this way. Up until the early part of the last century (when the pharmaceutical approach began to invade and take over the medical mind-set) physicians or healers relied on many forms of natural healing including detoxification or internal cleansing to help their patients regain health.  Internal cleansing as a practice has been used for centuries as a means of eliminating toxins from the body in order to restore vibrancy and health.  Cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Native Americans and Ayurveda in India have all used botanicals and other forms of cleansing to get rid of toxins from the body and optimize health.

In addition to the reasons these ancient cultures used and valued purging the body of toxins created by our own metabolism, we now live in a time where there’s the added burden of 87,000 relatively new chemicals in our air, water and food including the 2.2 billion pounds of chemicals that are sprayed on crops each year. Almost ¾ of these new substances are small enough molecules to cross cell membranes (1),

The most recent report from the CDC found the average American had in her body 116 of the 148 synthetic compounds tested for, including the infamous dioxin, polycyclic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides.  (2) Further studies revealed these same substances were also in human milk, placenta and umbilical cord blood, and in the blood and body fat of newborns. Another report showed out of the 287 chemicals detected in umbilical cord blood, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animals.  (3)

Okay, so here’s where the common sense comes into play: there are 287 million people in the US today and approximately 41% of them suffer from some form of chronic illness.  That is 118 million people not feeling well.  I’m thinking; maybe there is a connection between toxins, their build up in our systems and these illnesses and it might be time to consider bringing back the ancient art of detoxifying as a common sense approach to regaining our health.

After all, we clean out our cars and our homes, doesn’t it make sense to also clean out our bodies periodically?  I know my poor Irish liver needs a rest once in awhile which is why, as I write this article, I happen to be smack dab in the middle of my own spring cleanse.   Although a bit challenging at first…..(I don’t know too many people who cherish the idea of  giving up coffee in the morning and red wine at night), but it is so worth the effort.  I feel FABULOUS!

There are many different ways to cleanse, and it’s a good idea to work with someone who has experience to guide you through the process.  To understand a bit more about how it all works, , lets start with a brief discussion of two pivotal organs; the liver and the colon.  The liver has over 750 jobs to perform. One of its main functions is to convert harmful chemicals into water-soluble molecules that can be eliminated via the urine and stool.  In the new book Digestive Wellness by Asheville’s PhD, CCN (certified clinical nutritionist), Liz Lipski, the author gives us some insight into just how important a job the liver has in maintaining our health   “The liver is, in my opinion, the most overworked organ of the body.  It has the responsibility for manufacturing thirteen thousand different enzymes, producing cholesterol, breaking down estrogen, regulating blood sugar, filtering blood, manufacturing bile, breaking down old red blood cells and detoxifying harmful substances. When the liver loses its ability to easily perform these functions, we begin to feel ill, with many systems out of ­balance”.

We overwhelm our livers with processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, cleaning chemicals, perfumes, scented shampoos, skin lotions made from mineral oil (a derivative of petroleum), heavy metals (from dental amalgams that are 50% mercury), infections and stress.  When the liver becomes overtaxed, symptoms such as low energy, poor digestion, skin eruptions and an inability to lose weight often develop.  When the body begins to eliminate some of the internal pollution, it relieves enormous stress on our livers, organs and tissues. Immune function is enhanced, energy improves, and other symptoms such as headaches and GI conditions improve.

The second organ that gets some relief with a good spring cleaning is the colon. One of my favorite sayings is: “The road to good health is paved with good intestines”. No one likes to discuss the colon, but having a healthy intestinal tract that is in optimal functioning order absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxins is one of the pillars of great health.   People often laugh when they hear me say “bowels are my business”, yet, in my efforts to help children with autism and women with chronic conditions regain their health, the gut is exactly what we begin to heal first. From there, so many other conditions improve including behavior, attention, immunity and vitality..      Just like the physicians that pre-date the dominance of the pharmaceutical industry, I firmly believe many chronic conditions that plaque us today are the result of an unhealthy gut.

So what are some of the ways we can give our liver a rest, clean out our colons of toxic debris and improve our health and vitality. And what if anything do these different approaches have in common?  Most of the detox programs I’ve come across in the 33 years I’ve been practicing holistic health care, start with a change in diet.  The rationale behind this first step is simple: if you begin a deep cleanse on a lousy diet and don’t first switch over to  a healthier, mostly organic one, its very likely your liver could become overwhelmed and symptoms such as headache, fatigue and nausea could become severe and prevent you from going further.  Some programs like the Master Cleanse (which consists of   lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days) can be effective, but many practitioners now caution against this “no food” or “no added supplements” approach because the body needs certain nutrients to perform the complicated detox processes in the liver and depriving the body of nutrients while cleansing can actually be counterproductive. .

Nance Pettit, a local acupuncturist, psychologist and founder of The Art and Heart of Vibrant Living agrees:  “I’ve seen that it is rarely necessary to do a radical water or juice only cleanse. Most folks find huge benefit in eliminating flour, dairy products, sugar (or any other sweeteners other than stevia), stimulants, trans fats, and alcohol. Replacing these things with exercise, green veggie juices, fermented vegetables, soaked grains, seeds, and nuts and good fats like coconut oil with an increase in sleep to 8 hours (starting by 11pm at the latest) is usually all that’s needed. For some, this is enough. Where others need to add fish or grass feed meat as sources of protein. I think perhaps the greatest advantage in doing this, is not what happens during the cleansing time but when you reintroduce foods back to your life and have an awakened sense of the impact they have on your vitality and happiness.”

Other plans similar to the one Nance describes add cleansing herbs such as senna, buckthorn, licorice root, vegetable protein shakes, a good multi, and detox teas which have a gentle (or not so gentle, depending on the condition of your intestines) laxative effect.     If you’d like to find out more about my detox program, email me at MauraHealth@aol.com or Maureen@sokhop.com

Another form of cleansing is practiced by Ayruvedic practitioner Vishnu Dass LMT, NTS, CAyu at Blue Lotus Ayurveda in Asheville  Panchakarma, is the ancient Ayurvedic method of cleansing widely used in Ayurvedic hospitals worldwide for the treatment and prevention of disease. Vishnu Dass states that this form of cleansing is the foremost purification therapy because it reverses the mechanisms that carry toxins into your tissues,bringing them back to the digestive tract and gently expelling them from the body. The program is tailored to meet the  individual needs in a holistic and natural manner. Panchakarma includes a preparation phase to loosen and mobilize toxins; a cleansing phase to remove metabolic wastes from your system with the help of treatments including tandem warm oil massage, herbal steam baths, herbal medicines; and a series of highly refined detox measures designed to remove toxins through the natural routes of elimination. The last phase is rejuvenation, whereby your body is replenished with a healthy diet and lifestyle as well as nourishing herbal tonics that facilitate in establishing healthy metabolic function, immunity, vitality and longevity.website: www.bluelotusayurveda.com.

Julia Monet “creates beautiful women from the inside out” In addition to her amazing designs (that do make you feel beautiful on the outside), Julia also provides  consultations in the Ayruvedic traditions of health.  Spring, she says is a great time to consider a cleanse as Ayurveda harnesses and works with this intelligent and natural cleansing process.  If you catch the wave you can get Nature’s support to facilitate your annual internal cleanse instead of adding new toxic build-up on old un-eliminated waste”.

All of the different modalities encourage drinking a lot of water and making sure you have at least 1-2 bowel movements per day by adding extra sources of fiber.  A few years back a good friend did a 7 day cleanse and called to report to me at the end that he hadn’t moved his bowels all week.  I almost jumped through the phone!   Building up all those toxins and then not eliminating them on a daily basis is really dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Dry brushing (with large strokes toward the heart) is another frequently suggested recommendation to accompany a cleanse.  On his  very popular website, Dr. Joseph Mercola, MD reminds us about the importance of sweating when attempting to detoxify “ Your skin is another major organ of elimination, but many people do not sweat on a regular basis. One beneficial detox method is using an infra-red sauna, particularly for slow metabolizers. It heats your tissues several inches deep, which can enhance your natural metabolic processes. It also enhances circulation and helps oxygenate your tissues.”

And finally, what kind of diet and lifestyle do I return to in order to minimize the build up of toxins once the cleanse is completed?.  In addition to recommending that one should reintroduce foods slowly back into the diet (instead of gorging yourself the day the cleanse is over)   I suggest adhering to the Weston A Price Foundation list of common sense recommendations for a healthy diet:

• Eat foods that are natural, unprocessed, and organic (and contain no sugar except for the occasional bit of honey or maple syrup).
• Eat foods that grow in your native environment. In other words, eat locally grown, seasonal foods.
• Eat unpasteurized dairy products (such as raw milk) and fermented foods.
• Eat at least one-third of your food raw.
• Make sure you eat enough healthy fats, including those from animal sources like omega-3 fat, and reduce your intake of omega-6 from vegetable oils.

Review of important tips for detoxification/cleansing

1.      Work with someone who can assess your readiness to detox and guide you through this process

2.      Start by cleaning up your diet and eating mostly organic, healthy, foods before beginning a detox program..

3.      While doing the cleanse, make sure you consume plenty of pure water, have at least 1-2 good bowel movements per day and give your body (either via food, vegetable juicing or supplements) the nutrients it needs to properly perform the detoxification process in the liver.

4.      Since the skin is our biggest eliminative organ, do dry brushing (using long strokes toward the heart) prior to bathing to stimulate the lymphatic system

5.      Try to induce a good sweat as our skin is our biggest eliminative organ.

6.      Once the cleanse is over, add foods back gradually assessing their effects.

As we shake out our rugs and open the windows to let the sweet smell of spring fill our dusty  winterized homes, think about how good it’ll feel to shake out the toxins from your system and enjoy the vitality and energy that comes from a little spring cleaning of your beautiful body!  Feels like the common sense thing to do, wouldn’t you say?,

Maureen McDonnell has been a registered nurse for 33 years (in the fields of: childbirth education, labor and delivery, clinical nutrition, and pediatrics.)  She provides private health consultations at her office in Weaverville, NC and offers a detox support program online and in person.  She can be reached via email for an appointment (MauraHealth@aol.com).  Maureen is the former national coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now! Conferences and is the co-founder of children’s green health expos: Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet.  Her published articles can be found at www.SOKHOP.com .     In addition to writing a monthly column for WNC Woman Magazine:  Common Sense Approaches to Women’ Health, she and her husband H Hanson are the owners of  Nutritionist’s Choice multi vitamin:  www. NutritionistsChoice.com.   Maureen and  H have five grandkids, and are delighted to be living in the beautiful mountains of WNC

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References:

1.       Statistic from official FDA government site. http://edkb.fda.gov/

2.       www.cdc.gov/hceh/dls/report

3.       Environmental Working Group, July 14, 2005