by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
| It is thought that MS is an autoimmune disease, that is, a disease where the immune system attacks Body tissues as if they were foreign proteins. What triggers this process in initiating or exacerbating MS is unknown.
Food Prescriptions
Dr. Roy Swank, professor of neurology at the University of Oregon Medical School, has provided convincing evidence that a diet low in saturated fats, maintained over a long period of time, tends to retard the disease process of MS and reduce the number of attacks. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts
|
 In the metaphor of traditional Oriental medicine, cold is an environmental energy that attacks the surface of the Body. When the Body is under attack of cold, the Body will try to defend successive layers of tissues from cold's attack.
The next pair of indicators are similarly easy to understand. Excess and deficiency measure the person's degree of vitality and ability to withstand disease. People with signs of excess react vigorously to disease, with a state of elevated physiological function. They are susceptible to diseases of excess, such as high blood pressure or insomnia. |
| Therefore, treating motion sickness attacks prevents future attacks. If severe symptoms appear within a few seconds, or if there is chest pain or loss of muscle control on one side of the Body, the problem is not motion sickness. Seek medical help immediately.
Unless otherwise specified, the herb dosages recommended here are for adults. Children under age six should be given one-quarter of the adult dosage. Children between the ages of six and twelve should be given one-half of the adult dosage. Formula dosages for children should be discussed with a knowledgeable health-care practitioner. |
| It may be caused by an allergic reaction to drugs or chemotherapy, or by an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. IRPG may also be a complication of the body's immune response to infections or cancer. Nephrotic syndrome also causes the kidneys to lose protein. In addition, it causes high cholesterol levels, mineral deficiencies, and swelling. It can arise from many of the same conditions that cause IRPG. |
| Eating half a pound (225 grams) of canned or fresh cherries a day has been shown to be a very effective means of preventing gout attacks. When fresh cherries are out of season, use cherry extracts or concentrates in tablet or tincture form, available from many health-food stores. It is likely that cherries inhibit compounds that cause inflammation. This reduces inflammation after uric acid builds up in a joint.
Ll To flush uric acid from the Body, drink no less than eight glasses of water daily.
Avoid alcohol, since alcohol increases uric acid production. |
| Ll Steroids may be prescribed during acute attacks. (For more information about the side effects of this treatment, see Side Effects of Cancer Treatment under cancer in Part Two.)
LJ Gout can be a sign of lead poisoning. Make sure you are not using serving dishes or pitchers fired with a lead glaze for anything other than decorative purposes. When acid foods touch the lead glaze, toxic lead leaches out into the food, and can promote uric acid formation in the Body. A home lead-testing kit is available from The Lead Tester. (See Appendix B: Resources. |
| Depression and heart attacks often go hand in hand. It is therefore wise to actively treat depression.
J Researchers have found that eating just an ounce of walnuts a day (about seven nuts) may reduce the risk of a heart attack by 8 to 10 percent.
þ See also angina and atherosclerosis in Part Two.
Heart Disease
See angina; congestive heart failure; heart attack (myocardial infarction).
Heart Failure
See congestive heart failure.
Heartburn
See under indigestion.
Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs if physical activity during heat and humidity upsets the body's fluid balance. |
T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Unlike heart disease, cancer, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, with autoimmune diseases the Body systematically attacks itself. The afflicted patient is almost guaranteed to lose.
A quarter million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with one of the forty separate autoimmune diseases each year.1'2 Women are 2.7 times more likely to be afflicted than are men. About 3% of Americans (one in every thirty-one people) have an autoimmune disease, a staggering total of 8.5 million people; some people put the total at as many as 12-13 million people.3
The more common of these diseases are listed in Chart 9. |
Paul Pitchford
See book keywords and concepts
|
 This occurs when an organ becomes hyperactive or excessive in some way and then, instead of beneficially controlling the next organ in the Control Cycle, attacks it. See the Control Cycle in the preceding chart.
Control Cycle example: Balanced kidneys protect the heart, since the yin fluid of the kidneys is distributed throughout the Body and protects the heart from inflammation.
Destruction Cycle example: Kidneys that cause excessive fluid retention weaken the heart (Water can put out Fire). |
Sydney Walker III, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Lupus is an autoimmune disorder—that is, a disease in which the immune system goes haywire and the Body mistakenly attacks its own cells. SLE, a very serious form of lupus, is potentially fatal; but although it can't yet be cured, it can be managed with appropriate therapy. The life expectancy of SLE patients has increased greatly over the past few decades because cases are being diagnosed earlier, allowing for prompt treatment—particularly treatment of the kidney problems SLE often causes. |
| While he may be suffering from some unavoidable disorder, it's equally likely that his panic attacks originally stemmed from caffeinism (from his excessive coffee drinking), or hyperinsulinism (from his bad diet and overconsumption of alcohol). His anxiety and dizziness may be symptoms of inner-ear problems, which can be brought on by cardiovascular disease—something Bob's smoking and bad diet could have caused. His weight and his sedentary lifestyle aren't doing his brain any good, either.
Virtually any vice that's bad for the Body is bad for the brain. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 By following the dietary guidelines given in the chapter A Health-Promoting Diet, as well as the recommendations for nutritional supplementation given in the chapter Supplementary Measures, you will provide your Body with the land of nutritional support it needs to counteract the biochemical derangements found in patients with anxiety and panic attacks.
Flaxseed Oil and Agoraphobia
It has been suggested that patients who get panic attacks may suffer from a deficiency of alpha-linolenic acid, the essential omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in flaxseed oil. |
| Reducing the level of lactate is a critical goal in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks.
Therapeutic Considerations
The natural approach to anxiety builds upon the recommendations given for stress in the chapter Stress Management. After all, anxiety is usually a symptom of severe stress. If you suffer from mild anxiety, follow all of the recommendations given in that chapter for diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation, calming the mind and Body, and taking Panax ginseng. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Acute anxiety disorder manifests itself in episodes commonly known as panic attacks. A panic attack is an instance in which the body's natural "fight or flight" reaction occurs at the wrong time. This is a complex, involuntary physiological response in which the Body prepares itself to deal with an emergency situation. Stress causes the Body to produce more adrenal hormones, especially adrenaline. The increased production of adrenaline causes the Body to step up its metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to quickly produce energy for the Body to use. |
| Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant or nursing, or suffer from panic attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, or PKU.
L-Tyrosine
As directed on label. Take at bedtime.
Suppresses cravings and has antidepressant qualities. (See AMINO ACIDS in Part One.)
Body Mass Index
The Body mass index (BMI) is a figure that represents the height. The following table will give you a rough idea of your percentage of your Body weight that is due to fat. It is deter- BMI. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the cell lining inside the joint). An overactive immune system can be just as harmful as a weak one. As with other autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis is a "self-attacking-self" disease. In this case, the body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign. The synovium becomes inflamed and thickened. Inflammation damages cartilage and tissues in and around the joints. |
| Within ten days of the last dose, there was a 67 percent drop in the number of attacks.
Q Research shows that sleeping in a bedroom kept at a cooler temperature can help to prevent cluster headaches. Headaches are more frequent when environmental heat increases Body temperature, which causes blood vessels to dilate.
Q One study reported that taking 10 milligrams of melatonin near bedtime was effective in reducing the frequency of episodic cluster headaches. Chronic cluster headaches did not show improvement with this treatment, however. |
| Improves heart muscle oxygenation and may help to prevent second heart attacks. A patented form of coenzyme Q.10 that is more easily absorbed than standard forms, so you can take less with the same plus effect.
Coenzyme A from
Coenzyme-A
Technologies
As directed on label.
Works well with coenzyme Q10 to streamline metabolism, ease depression and fatigue, increase energy, support adrenal glands, process fats, remove toxins from the Body, and boost the immune system.
Grape seed extract or
Pycnogenol
150-300 mg daily. As directed on label.
Powerful antioxidants. |
| Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of hair loss, but some scientists believe the body's immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. Many suspect a genetic component.
A less dramatic, but more prevalent, type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness. AGA is common in men. As the name implies, a genetic or hereditary predisposition to the disorder and the presence of androgens—male sex hormones—are involved in this condition. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts
|
 That means that the immune system mistakenly identifies part of the Body as an outside invader and attacks it with substances called antibodies.
According to conventional medicine, Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes occurs because the immune system attacks and kills the cells of the pancreas, the organ that produces the hormone insulin, which ushers blood sugar (glucose) out of the bloodstream and into the cells of the Body. To make up for the shortfall of insulin, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections. |
| But, he says, use alternative home remedies as well, along with a corrective diet to prevent future attacks.
HIGH-PURINE FOODS: A Must to Avoid
One way to control uric acid levels is to avoid eating too many foods rich in purine, a protein-related substance that the Body turns into uric acid.
"If you avoid high-purine foods, gout attacks won't be as common," says Dr. Aesoph, "and when they occur, they won't be as severe. |
| APPLE-CIDER VINEGAR: A Tablespoon of Relief
Taking a tablespoon of apple-cider vinegar each morning is very effective in helping to prevent gout attacks, says Dr. Holder. For severe cases—frequent and very painful attacks—a tablespoon morning and evening may be necessary.
VITAMIN B6 AND MAGNESIUM: For Better-Hydrated Tissues
Vitamin B6 helps distribute water in the Body to keep all of its tissues maximally hydrated, which helps prevent uric acid from turning into crystals. Magnesium aids in the absorption of vitamin B6.
Dr. |
| One caution: This technique is so effective that you may be tempted not to bother with trying to prevent gout attacks. That would be a big mistake, says Dr. Holder, because the disease would still progress, slowly but surely destroying your joints. If you have a gout attack, use this technique. But, he says, use alternative home remedies as well, along with a corrective diet to prevent future attacks.
HIGH-PURINE FOODS: A Must to Avoid
One way to control uric acid levels is to avoid eating too many foods rich in purine, a protein-related substance that the Body turns into uric acid. |
| This means that the immune system misidentifies a part of the Body as a foreign invader and attacks it. (As you'll see, some alternative healers have other opinions about the actual causes of rheumatoid arthritis.)
Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 2 million Americans, about 70 percent of whom are women. And because it's an inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis not only produces pain and stiffness but also makes joints swollen, red, and hot. Moreover, the disease doesn't limit its damage to joints. It can also harm the eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, and other parts of the Body. |
| The conventional treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, which is thought to occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the intestine, is to give people powerful antiinflammatory drugs. If those drugs don't help, they may be given even stronger ones with more serious side effects. And when that doesn't work, the only recourse may be to surgically remove the diseased part of the intestine.
"People may need prednisone and other anti-inflammatory drugs if a flare, or episode, of the disease is serious enough," says Patrick Donovan, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Seattle. |
Joseph E. Mario
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Magnesium, B-Complex, and Vitamin C every other day during attacks; and B-Complex and C muscle shots on alternate days. The Mineral Salts Iron Phosphate (3x) twice daily; sublimated Sulfur (12x). Croton seed oil (30x) if with diarrhea. May Apple (for pain). Comfrey root, Marshmallow, Cranesbill, Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Wild Yam. Pinellia, Skullcap, Coptis, Ginseng, Jujube, Ginger, and Licorice. Bach Flowers: Crab Apple; andCerato.
Color Therapy: Overall Body exposure to Blue. PlaceaRedclothontheabdomennot over 10minutes3timesaday(lessens inflammation). |
| Garlic oil for swollen lymph glands, congested sinuses; attacks disease factors in the Body.
Kelp 2-3 tabs per day has Trace minerals for respiratory conditions; Dulse, or Irish Moss.
Simmer for 30 minutes 3-4 Onion slices, 2 Garlic cloves, and 1 pint of Irish Moss; strain and add 4 oz. of Honey; alternate every 2 hours 1 tsp. of Remedy with one tsp. of only Honey (for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, or lung inflammation. Raspberries or leaf tea for colds, with fasting.
Turnips, freshjuices, vegetables, salads. Cod liver oil. Acidophilus. |
| Colchicum root extract 2-3 times daily during attacks.
2 oz. Black Cohosh tincture, 1 oz. Colchicum wine (every 2-3 hours), and 1 gr. Potassium Iodide in a half cup warm water, dose 1 tsp. 3 times daily.
Homeopathic: Nux Vomica; Aconite (if with fever); Arnica (for joint spasms); Pulsatilla (for pain migrating joint to joint); Calcium (if affected by weather changes); Colocynth (ifleft with stiff limbs); Pulsatilla; Bryonia; orColchicum.
SEE Blistering under Arthritis.
•Body GROWTH Two Growth Factors were discovered in 1986 by Rita L. |
| B3 may give 25% fewer attacks, take up to 3000-6000 mg. N iacin; B4 for heart muscle, help prevent congestive heart failure; B5 Pantothenic acid; 100 mg. B6 Pyridoxinetwicedaily(neutralizes toxic Aminoacidhomocysteine precursing artery plaque, and converts Amino acids for regeneration of heart and Brain cells; reduces excess heart fluid edema); Choline, and 250-600 mg. Inositol (in Lecithin, a heart and Brain food, composes 115 of Brain cells, is in every Body eel 1 and tissue of nerves, muscle, bone, skin, glands, etc.. |
| Thiazide Diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and diuril given forhigh blood pressure, cause Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium deficiencies, cardiac arrhythmia, high cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and blood glucose; risking diabetes and/or heart attacks and death. Diuretics also flush Body B1 Thiamine (risking heart failure).
Artificial Estrogen Therapy With Premarin, Orthodienestrol cream, and Diethylstilbestrol causes slurred speech, appetite loss, tender breasts, ankle and leg swelling, chest and leg pains, and stroke. The fifth most prescribed drug in the U .S. |
| At 40-70 years of age, most succumb to cirrhosis, heart attacks, stroke, cancer, kidney fai lure, emphysema, or a specific organ disease that drags the rest of the Body down with it. There is no such disease as old age. Cumulative damage overtime causes the very old to die of worn out tissue. |
Attaining Medical Self SufficiencyDuncan Long
See book keywords and concepts
|
| If the body's defenses are left in operation, the transplant will usually fail to "take" because the Body sees such transplant tissue as an "invader" and attacks it.
Within a few days such a graft becomes red, then blackens, and finally dies. Bad news in the case of an extensive graft of any type.
To avoid the rejection of a graft, doctors now exploit a process called immunosuppression, during which the patient is given medication that prevents the immune response that normally attacks a graft. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Some researchers believe this virus eventually becomes activated in a person's elderly years, and attacks the genetic coding of brain cells.
Some physicians and researchers believe that the same general toxins that harm other organs in the Body also harm the brain. These include pesticides and herbicides, various environmental pollutants, and a number of industrial chemicals.
Other experts on the disease believe that damage is done by the body's own immune system; they theorize that the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack brain cells. |
Marie-France Muller, M.D., N.D., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 An essential trace element for the Body, copper takes part in complex enzymatic reactions that protect our cells from the attacks of free radicals. It is known to have hundreds of functions. Copper possesses a remarkable anti-inflammatory ability, especially against joint or rheumatoid pain. It plays a role in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the construction of bone and is an important constituent of elastic tissue. The first signs of its deficiency include gray hair, the appearance of wrinkles, varicose veins, and a loosening of the skin. |
| Specific properties:
• Maintains balance in the sympathetic nervous system
Indicated for use in the treatment of:
• Stress, nervousness
• Neurovegetative dystonia (panic attacks)
Phosphorus (P)
Indicated for spasmophilia, tetany
Phosphorus is present in the Body in the form of phosphates and is principally found in the bones and the blood, though its action is particularly notable on the nervous system. It plays a role in energetic exchanges with the cells. |
H. Winter Griffith, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 Reduces number and severity of trigeminal neuralgia attacks. dosage & usage information
How to take:
• Tablet—Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
• Oral disintegrating tablets—Dissolves in the mouth.
When to take:
3 or 4 times daily as directed.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Blocks body's pain and reflex messages to brain. |
Herbert Ross, DC with Keri Brenner, L.Ac.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 The Immune System: If You Don't Snooze, You Lose
Antioxidants are not the body's only defense against harmful substances roaming the Body The Body is equipped with a potent immune system that identifies, attacks, and ultimately eliminates invading pathogens (antigens). During an immune response, white blood cells called T cells neutralize pathogens and B cells, another type of white blood cell, produce antibodies (protein molecules that bind with specific pathogens and other foreign substances to help destroy them). |
| These "sleep attacks" can occur repeatedly in the course of normal daily activities, such as talking, eating, working, or walking—even after a full night's sleep. Another classic symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy, an episodic disorder marked by the sudden loss of muscle function. Cataplexy can range from slight weakness, such as limpness of the neck or knees, sagging facial muscles, or an inability to speak distinctly, to complete Body collapse. |
Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts
|
 There is also a suspicion that excessive iron may contribute to heart attacks and even cancer. A current theory holds that the anemia so often present in infections is a defensive, adaptive reaction by the Body and should not be corrected. According to the proponents of this theory, harmful bacteria must have enough iron in order to multiply and do their dirty work. The Body responds by rendering you anemic and depriving them of iron. You can apparently withstand the impact of the anemia better than the nasty little bugs can. |
| The drugs that prevent the attacks are allopurinol (which reduces the amount of uric acid made by the body) and sulfinpyrazone and probenecid (which prevent its accumulation by increasing its excretion in the urine). But you've got to take them every single day of your life. The only side effects these agents may give you are a skin rash or disturbed liver function, both of which clear up when the drug is stopped. Whatever happened to colchicine? |
Email this page to a friend
