Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients articles from November 2003

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients archives from November 2003

Letter from the publisher.
November 1, 2003... This issue of the Townsend Letter is focused on multiple sclerosis and neurologic disorders. The Townsend Letter has covered multiple sclerosis by various authors over the years, for reasons known only to the powers-that-be, none of these...

Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.
November 1, 2003... This ground-breaking text written by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone is the only comprehensive, thoroughly researched, carefully referenced, up-to-date text on the practice of herbal therapy written by herbalists who have active experience in...

Metagenics contribution to naturopathy recognized.
November 1, 2003... Today a reported 69% of Americans utilize a complementary/alternative approach to better health. And the practice of naturopathy, which combines traditional approaches with the most current advances in modern nutritional science, has grown in...

Alzheimer's & preventative drugs.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Duke University Medical Center is performing drug-company-sponsored clinical trials to test the effectiveness of four drugs for treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI, characterized by memory loss, is considered a risk factor for...

Aspartame.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet, Equal) contains ingredients that can cause many of the symptoms found in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative illnesses. Although aspartame does not cause MS, it can aggravate or accelerate...

Pesticide effect on Preschool Children in Mexico.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... The effect of pesticides on children's growth and development was the subject of a 1998 study led by Elizabeth A. Guillette, a research scientist in anthropology at the University of Florida. The researchers compared two groups of Yaqui...

Fasting & neurodegenerative disease.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Studies by Mark P. Mattson, PhD, chief of the National Institute on Aging's Laboratory of Neurosciences, and colleagues have found that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction affect the progression of Huntington's, Parkinson's, and...

Estriol & relapsing-remitting MS.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... A small clinical trial, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, indicates that pregnancy doses (8 milligrams) of the estrogen metabolite estriol may be beneficial for women with relapsing-remitting MS. Estriol levels, which are...

Fetal cells & Parkinson's.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Transplanted fetal cells failed to benefit Parkinson's patients in a recent study, supported by National Institutes of Health. Neuroscientist C. Warren Olanow at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine led a study in which brain tissue from...

Epilepsy & the ketogenic diet.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Due to the effort of Hollywood director Jim Abrahams, the ketogenic diet has, once again, become an accepted therapy for pediatric epilepsy. In 1994, Jim's year-old-son Charlie began to have seizures, as many as 100 in a day. When the boy did...

Parkinson's Disease.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Although genetic susceptability plays a role in early-onset Parkinson's Disease (PD) that arises before age 50, genetics is not as significant in the majority of cases, according to a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences...

Cerebral cysticercosis.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... Neurological disease, including adult-onset epilepsy, in non-Muslim developing countries often results from cysticercosis, an infection caused by pork tapeworm larvae (Taenia solium). The larvae are transmitted by inadequately cooked pork and...

Therapeutic hypothermia.(Shorts)
November 1, 2003... In July 2003, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that therapeutic hypothermia be used in some cases of cardiac arrest. The AHA recommendation is based on a clinical trial that compared 'chilled' cardiac arrest patients to cardiac...

Literature review & commentary.
November 1, 2003... Treatment of multiple sclerosis with estriol Twelve non-pregnant women (mean age, 44 years) with multiple sclerosis (MS) were treated with 8 mg/day of estriol for 6 months. Compared with baseline, 3 months of estriol treatment resulted in a...

The war on cancer.
November 1, 2003... A Friendly Skeptic Looks at Graviola Graviola burst onto the Internet in early 1999 and is now incorporated into many patients' regimens. An increasing number of alternative practitioners are recommending it to their patients. What exactly...

Irradiated food controversy.(Health Risks and Environmental Issues)
November 1, 2003... The food and nuclear industries, backed by government support, are using recent outbreaks of meat poisoning as a rallying call to "mobilize public acceptance of large scale food irradiation." (1) The Food and Drug Administration ((FDA) already...

Medical anthropology: Cannibalism, Flying Foxes, Absinthe and white bread: the cultural basis of neurological disorders.
November 1, 2003... The Background [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To what extent is neurological disease culture-bound or bio-logically based around the world? My interest in this topic began in the late 1980s while studying linguistics and anthropology at...

Phytotherapy review & commentary: the impact of quality issues on the safety of herbal products.
November 1, 2003... Introduction Probably the most commonly documented reason for toxic or adverse reactions to herbal products is the presence of adulterants. In this context the term "adulterants" can be defined as the intentional or unintentional presence...

Chinese medicine update: multiple sclerosis & Chinese medicine.
November 1, 2003... Keywords: Chinese medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, multiple sclerosis, treatment based on pattern discrimination [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a slowly progressive autoimmune disease characterized by disseminated...

Medicinal properties in whole foods: whole food nutrition and neurodegenerative disorders.
November 1, 2003... "Functional foods," "nutraceuticals," "designer foods" and "medicinal foods" are terms that describe foods, and key ingredients isolated from foods, that have non-nutritive or tertiary functional properties. Researchers, healthcare...

New therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis.
November 1, 2003... Introduction For decades, multiple sclerosis has been explained in terms of autoimmunity and inflammation. Based on these premises, MS patients were given corticosteroids and immunosuppressants with, unfortunately, limited benefits and a...

Multiple sclerosis: approaches for a complex disease.
November 1, 2003... Characterized by demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system (CNS), the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) include weakness, balance problems, impaired vision, numbness, bladder dysfunction, and changes in psychological status. A...

Multiple sclerosis--functional approaches.
November 1, 2003... Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a fairly common and generally progressive disease of the central nervous system with a prevalence in the United States of approximately 350,000 cases annually. (1) Although the onset of MS typically occurs between the...

Multiple sclerosis--disease of mystery.
November 1, 2003... Introduction The causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) have remained a mystery despite very extensive and intense research over a period of many years. There are, however, some very intriguing hints that suggest the possible nature of this...

The reduction of Candida albicans "yeast" overgrowth using Fungal Defense and Primal Defense along with lifestyle modifications a 23 patient pilot study.
November 1, 2003... Candida albicans, a member of the yeast family, has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor in numerous health problems. Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, where in modest amounts it can, through...

Cardinal Nutrition loses MSM pioneer, chairman and CEO, George Bergstrom.
November 1, 2003... George Edwin Bergstrom III, a man widely respected for his leadership in the natural products industry, died Auqust 9, 2003, at Southwest Washington Medical Center after a courageous fight against vascular lymphoma. Bergstrom was admired for...

Shingles East and West: a case conference with the doctor as patient.
November 1, 2003... Introduction It began with a slight tingle under my right arm. Maybe I stayed in my damp running clothes too long after a run and my skin was irritated. Unfortunately, this was not the case and I was headed for more than three months of...

Integrative Orthopedics and Pain Management part 1.(Scars)
November 1, 2003... Scar Dysfunction: Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies This article is part 1 of a two-part series on an integrative approach to Pain Management Including Internal Organ and Orthopedic Problems. In the second article of the series...

Vaccination: an analysis of the health risks--part II.
November 1, 2003... In Part 1 of this series, we discussed the reasons why we should challenge our assumptions that vaccines are safe and effective. These reasons include the adverse effects associated with vaccines, the unsound principles on which they are based,...

Unsuspected adrenal-immune disturbances in pets may explain vaccination failures and adverse reactions in humans.
November 1, 2003... Summary Controversy over effectiveness and safety constantly hovers over the public health issue of vaccinations. Although vaccines are rigorously tested, no vaccine can really be considered 100% effective or safe. Moreover, no programs...

Medical journalist report of innovative biologics: DNA destabilization as a major source of metabolic pathology research findings of Mirko Beljanski, PhD, exhibit dramatic anticancer and anti-aging detoxifications.
November 1, 2003... Aging, a natural bodily process, occurs to all living creatures. From the viewpoint of holistic medicine, a working definition of aging may be applied to practically all clinical patients. The definition is adapted almost universally by health...

Nutritional immune modulation therapies for CFIDS--part III.
November 1, 2003... These are the major individual nutrients that affect the immune response: Zinc, a potent T helper cell inducer, the only nutrient that can act as a T cell mitogen, that similar to PHA or Con A, it can increase the activation and...

Correction Notice.(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2003... I thank you kindly for publishing my article on Polyunsaturated Fats in Heart Disease in the August/September 2003 issue. There is a correction that needs to be made. As of 1960 the Black population of Uganda was found to be completely free...

Mycotoxins: etiology for Multiple Sclerosis.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: My name is Deanna Benson, a 55 year-old widow. In 1991 I was diagnosed by a neurologist to have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I had the classic symptoms which included numbness in my arms and legs, I was so numb front my waist down that...

Differential diagnosis of von recklinghausen disease.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... (Neurofibromatosis) Editor: The July 2003 issue carried a letter from Janet Pettit of North Carolina, requesting assistance. Mrs. Pettit reported that a Dr. Chris Reading of Australia had treated 2 cases and suggests the cause while...

A simple treatment for flu.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: Although the head of the World Health Organization is an expert in SARS, he's not nearly as worried about the effect of that virus as he is the flu pandemic that he expects this season (Wall Street Journal, B1, May 29 2003). ...

Chronic fatigue syndrome (post viral fatigue): a highly effective approach using manipulative treatment.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: Abstract: A manipulative treatment (or "bodywork") is described which has been very effective in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. This approach involves no medication, and can easily be used as an adjunct to other natural...

Prayer appears to benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: According to the first comprehensive, nationwide survey in the USA of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), prayer was rated as the most effective intervention. "The...

Vaccines, adjuvants and potential toxicity.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: "Vaccines are the only drugs that Americans are required by a government agency to take. The federal government is also the largest purchaser of vaccines. It is thus imperative that the federal government ensures the safety of...

Comprehensive search engine.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: We have created the first comprehensive Search Engine for Pub Med, the Database of the National Library of Medicine, at wellnesswatch.com. The service is absolutely free. It will enable everyone to immediately get the most...

Dysfunction of iron utilization.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Editor: Dysfunction of iron utilization, excess iron and iron deficiency are conditions that are sadly becoming more common. (1-3) The absorption of iron, which depends on sufficient gastric acidity, is often misunderstood. (3) A stomach...

The painter's wife.(Editorials)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Several months ago, we hired a painter to do some touch-ups around the house. After a couple of days on the job, he called to cancel, stating that his wife's asthma was acting up and he wanted to keep an eye on her. That awakened the nosy...

Help for Autoimmune Disorders.
November 1, 2003... What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Autoimmune Disorders by Stephen B. Edelson, MD and Deborah Mitchell Warner Books, Inc. 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 USA Softbound, ISBN 0-446-67924-0, 2002, 340 pp.,...

Potent medicine for the immune system.
November 1, 2003... Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies for Modern Ailments by Georges M. Halpern, MD, PhD and Andrew H. Miller M. Evans and Company, Inc. 216 East 49th Street, New York, New York 10017 USA Softcover, 2002, $14.95, 172 pp. In...

Some truths; some falsehoods.
November 1, 2003... Low-Fat Lies, High-Fat Frauds, and the Healthiest Diet in the World by Kevin Vigilante, MD and Mary Flynn, PhD LifeLine Press, 1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 USA Recipes, references, index, quality paperback; 334 pp.;...

What can go wrong with GM foods.
November 1, 2003... Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating by Jeffrey Smith Yes! Books, P.O. Box 469, Fairfield, Iowa 52256 USA, 641-472-8338 2003, 304 pp.,...

Homeopathic research.
November 1, 2003... Homeopathic Family Medicine (eBook) by Dana Ullman, MPH Electronic download from www.homeopathic.com [C] 2003 (regularly updated); $29.95 for one-time download/ $49.95 includes 2-year updates Although most people are not aware...

Ask the herbalist; "treating memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease".
November 1, 2003... Dementia [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dementia is a decline in mental functioning, in which memory, thinking, judgement and the ability to concentrate are impaired. There also may be a change in personality. Dementia can develop suddenly...

Web page potpourri: a column devoted to informative alternative health resources on the internet.
November 1, 2003... I'll admit to a special interest for the subject of Lyme Disease, having been diagnosed with it five years ago. I combed the web, I went to Lyme medical conferences, I got to know Lyme patients. And back when I thought my head-to-ankle rash was...

Highly effective treatments for pain and fatigue; treating adrenal insufficiency naturally.
November 1, 2003... People with hypoglycemia can treat low blood sugar symptoms by: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. Cutting sugar and caffeine out of their diets, and increasing fiber. Excess sugar intake can stimulate insulin release for several hours, as this...

Healing with homeopathy: how do you know if homeopathy is for you? Ten questions to ask yourself to see if it is a good match.
November 1, 2003... So Many Natural Therapies, So Little Time When we first dipped our toes into the stream of natural medicine some 30 years ago, options were relatively few. A manageable number of flagstone books had been written on the subject of...

Acupuncture and moxibustion: acupuncture for Meniere's disease.
November 1, 2003... Keywords: Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Meniere's disease, dizziness, vertigo [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meniere's disease is a disorder characterized by recurrent prostrating vertigo, loss or diminution of auditory acuity, tinnitus, and...

Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology review and commentary.
November 1, 2003... Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology describes the unity of mental, neurological, hormonal and immunological functions with its many potential applications. PNIE addresses the impact of cognitive images of the mind (whatever its elusive definition)...

Calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... OCTOBER 24-25: THE HEALTHY BREAST INITIATIVE @ the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. Topics include natural solutions to hormonal imbalances (Sat Dharam Kaur, ND), sauna detoxification (Stephen Tripodi, ND and Mary...

Women's health update: frequently asked questions; what women want to know.
November 1, 2003... Q: I am dying of hot flashes! I need something that really works and not just some gimmick. I would rather not take prescription medication because I am afraid of side effects. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A: It sounds like you are pretty...

Nutritional influences on illness: essential fatty acids in multiple sclerosis.
November 1, 2003... Multiple sclerosis appears to share with many other neurological diseases a lipid imbalance arising from faulty lipid metabolism and involving the essential fatty acids. (1) More specifically, reductions in levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),...