Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic"

Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic"
NH&WC "Beyond Holistic" LLC

Natural Health - Wellness Center' Beyond Holistic' LLC

Natural Health - Wellness Center' Beyond Holistic' LLC
http://www.naturalhealth-wellness.com/

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

HGH and Metabolic Syndrome



Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph.D.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. It facilitates the building of bone and muscle as well as the production of cells that help organs and tissues grow and repair themselves. It also provides for the growth and repair of human muscles and tissue in advanced aging and has also show rejuvenating, regenerating effects on the human body that have been documented in multiple of scientific papers. I call HGH-the old age Performance Enhancer. Humans begin producing HGH at birth and varying levels of HGH circulate in the bloodstream until death. HGH levels reach their peak during adolescence and begin to drop with each passing year. Many scientists link this decrease to multiple health threatening degenerative diseases and complications of the aging process which include loss of muscle(sarcopenia) and bone strength, increase in body fat and decrease in immune function along with other common problems. In addition to the above, HGH promotes metabolism and the way the body uses energy.
As we age, (beginning as early as age 25), our HGH levels decline to a fraction of the levels of our age. Many in anti-aging medicine believe that supplementing our diets with HGH is an effective way to avoid the diseases and conditions associated with aging and improve vitality and appearance. Human Growth Hormone promotes tissue repair, cell regeneration in the bones, muscles and vital organs, and supports the immune system in combating infection and disease. There are multiple symptoms and factors of aging that negatively affect quality of life, such as increased body fat, loss of lean muscle tissue, lower energy levels, decreased sexual function, common depressive symptoms, and weakened immune function or decreased skin turgor (Gause-Nilsson et al., 2006; Scuteri, Najjar, Morrell & Lakatta, 2005). An increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among U.S. adults is proved in a study of Ford et al. (2004).
The “neuroendocrine theory of aging” and its connection with multiple degenerative diseases is researched by Dean (1960). The metabolic pattern of aging is explained as a combination of: (a) reduced receptor sensitivity to insulin (insulin resistance); (b) obesity; c) altered lipid profile (elevated VLDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol; (d) hypercortisolemia (elevated cortisol and decreased DHEA); (e) decreased androgen output in men; (f) increased gonadotropins (LH and FSH); (g) decreased immunity and increased incidence of autoimmune antibodies; (h) elevated blood pressure and (i) functional hypothyroidism. The entire aging cascade causes hormonal and metabolic shifts that can lead to aging, degenerative diseases and future mortality. Although it may seem strange, abdominal fat could affect the human brain, and be responsible for dementia in advanced age (Earl et al., 2002).
Rudman’s HGH theory (1985), postulates that HGH requires: (a). Pituitary/ hypothalamus stimulation; (b). Pancreatic regulation for optimum production of insulin and blood sugar in the blood, glucagon, leptin and cortisol levels, and (c). Correct hepatic (liver) nourishment and functioning for the conversion of HGH to insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The author considers the following requirements for a proper HGH production: (a). Strong Protein metabolism as in general, growth hormone stimulates protein anabolism in many tissues. This effect reflects on the increased amino acid uptake, increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins; (b). Active Fat metabolism: Growth hormone enhances the utilization of fat by stimulating triglyceride breakdown and oxidation in adipocytes, and (c). Healthy Carbohydrate metabolism: Growth hormone is one of a battery of hormones that serves to maintain blood glucose within a normal range.
As explained in the HERS (2002) study, the low circulating level of hormones (HGH and testosterone in particular) promotes an increase in adipose tissue bulk. This leads to free fatty acids release, which are immediately transported to the liver, consequently stimulating the production of Apo-B, containing very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Insulin resistance leads to overproduction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and there is also a reduced activity of peripheral lipoprotein lipase which in turn supports the accumulation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in the circulation. Hlatky et al. (2002) teach that via the action of cholesterol ester transfer protein, triglycerides are transferred from these lipoproteins to high density lipoproteins in exchange for cholesterol esters. The enrichment of the triglyceride-rich remnant particles with cholesterol ester leads to formation of small dense LDL, known as VLDL. Moreover, because of this exchange, the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol falls (p.595).
Giampapa et al. (2004) consider usual that in aging people the body ability to metabolize glucose is progressively diminishing. The authors agreethat the aging body cannot respond to the action of insulin, resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, referred to as "glucose intolerance” and this is what causes aged people to become overweight, due to continual “wear and tear” of the pancreas from years of eating with a final decrease in the overall amount of insulin and other important hormone production (p.56). According to the authors, HGH is the most important hormone that stimulates the process of fat burning. Thus, chronic elevation in blood sugar not only creates insulin resistance, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but can also decrease the secretion of HGH (the main hormone of youth) leading to premature aging.
Another study done Papadakis et al. (1996) proves that complementary human growth hormone replacement can improve body composition in healthy older men, without changes in functional ability. As conclusion from the research, HGH production is proved to be a complex process that requires normal function of other organs and hormones to work. HGH effect in metabolic syndrome healing can be easily explained with its effects on protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
A validated age report correlated with HGH in centenarian prevalence is seen also in another study (Perls, Bohen, Freeman, Alpert & Silver, 1999). In some cases a direct effect of growth hormone has been clearly demonstrated, in others IGF-I it has been thought to be the critical mediator, and in some cases it appeared that both (direct and indirect) effects are at play (Perls et al., 1999; Papadakis et al., 1996). HGH is often said to have an “anti-insulin” activity, because it simply suppresses the abilities of insulin to stimulate the re-uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues and enhance glucose synthesis in the liver (Giampapa et al., 2004). Somewhat paradoxically, administration of growth hormone may stimulate insulin secretion, leading to hyperinsulinemia (Papadakis et al., 1996).
According to the New England Journal of Medicine published studies (1990) HGH helps:* Restoring muscle mass* Decreasing body fat* Deeper Sleep* Thickening the skin, reducing wrinkles* Restoring lost hair* Restoring hair color* Increasing energy* Improving cholesterol profile* Restoring the size of internal organs (liver, pancreas and heart)* Improving vision* Improving memory* Elevating mood and improving sleep* Increasing cardiac output and stamina* Improving immune function* Increasing mental function* Increasing sex drive
The effect of HGH in metabolic syndrome healing can be easily explained with its important effects on protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In some cases, a direct effect of growth hormone has been clearly demonstrated, in others, IGF-I has been thought to be the critical mediator, and in some cases it appears that both (direct and indirect) effects are at play:
· Protein metabolism: In general, growth hormone stimulates protein anabolism in many tissues. This effect reflects increased amino acid uptake, increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins.
· Fat metabolism: Growth hormone enhances the utilization of fat by stimulating triglyceride breakdown and oxidation in adipocytes.
· Carbohydrate metabolism: Growth hormone is one of a battery of hormones that serves to maintain blood glucose within a normal range. HGH is often said to have anti-insulin activity, because it suppresses the abilities of insulin to stimulate uptake of glucose in peripheral tissues and enhance glucose synthesis in the liver. Somewhat paradoxically, administration of growth hormone stimulates insulin secretion, leading to hyperinsulinemia.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Holistic recommendations for Acid Reflux


Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

1. Detoxify for 1 or 2 weeks. Eliminate tobacco, alcohol, yeast, flower, eggs, diary, sugar and starches, and acid fruits and veggies for the above period of time. Eliminate all the drugs that could be eliminated without harming effect.
2. After finishing the detox, start a healthy diet, based on plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Legumes, low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish may also help reduce heart disease risk and to reduce your acid reflux problems. Limit intake of saturated fats, eliminate trans fat, and acid forming foods.
3. Avoid fried foods, whole milk or milk based products, chocolate and sweets, fast food restaurants, spicy foods, citrus, tomato, acidic foods, high fat foods, alcohol and regular coffee or carbonated drinks like soda, smoking. Be careful with foods that cause gas forming- beans, broccoli.
4. Get daily exercise. Regular and moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of fatal heart disease by 25 percent and to help your digestive problems. Combining physical activity with other positive lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a health weight, can provide even more heart and GI health benefits.
5. Watch your weight. Excess pounds can lead to conditions as: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes - that increase the risk of heart disease and many other conditions including acid reflux.
6. Modulate your stress level with warm baths, aromatherapy, music and relaxation, Reiky or other massage therapy, yoga.
7. Getting a good night rest is a must.
8. Eat at one and the same time each day, without letting your body to starve to death and please include a daily breakfast. Do not overeat and have dinner at 6 PM.
9. Take digestive enzymes with each meal in order to help your digestion.
10. Try to re-inoculate your gut with healthy bacteria by using Probiotics especially if you will take antibiotics due to bacterial problem.
11. Chew 2 to 3 chewable tablets of DGL (a form of licorice) 15 minutes before meals.
12. Use Herbs: oregano or caprylic acid, mint tea, chamomile tea, aloe vera and cucumber are plants that are highly alkaline.
13. In case of constipation: you can help keep your body running smoothly with a fiber-rich diet: add a high fiber breakfast cereal to your morning meal. Add extra servings of vegetables to each lunch and dinner, and substitute whole organic fruits for chips at snack time. Also drink plenty of water, get daily exercise, and utilize some type of relaxation technique daily, such as biofeedback, breathing exercises or yoga (stress can interfere with relaxation of the whole body, including the bowels). In case the above doesn’t help Triphala- an Ayurvedic herb can help and a low dose of magnesium glycinate may also be helpful for chronic constipation.
14. Homeopathy:
Nux Vomica
is especially suited to people who are prone to anger, spite, irritability or impatience (stress is damaging to pH balance); troubled with indigestion; addicted to wine, coffee or pepper that are acid forming.
Robinia pseudacacia - This ingredient is used clinically to treat acidity, flatulence, indigestion, burning, and belching. Clinical experience has shown results with heartburn and acidity that comes on when lying down at night.
Rheum Officinale -Commonly called Chinese Rhubarb; this is used to treat early stages of diarrhea, as a laxative in constipation from debility of the digestive organs. In small doses, it improves digestion and appetite, and makes the renal secretions healthier.
Chamomile - This remedy is used for acidity caused from anger. It is frequently used to treat great anguish, complete discouragement, agitation and frenzied excitement. It is believed that your emotions and unresolved anger affects the pH.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to request an on line or by phone alternative consultation, or a newly written article that can suit your business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Season's Greetings from Natural Health & Wellness Center " Beyond Holistic" LLC




Dear All,


I hope this email is finding you all-clients, friends and health professionals quite well. We are excited to have the opportunity to share with you one of the most remarkable ideas and products in holistic health, nutrition and anti-aging history during the whole 2009 year. To help you celebrate the holiday season, we offered consultations from Monday until today with a 30% to 40% discount. Many of our new clients are changing the way they view the importance of a vibrant body as it relates to the process of aging. Remember that knowledge is a power! Sampling late scientifically proven holistic ideas with modern research still pending is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amazing changes your body will experience once you have been starting our protocols and programs. Of course the more you follow our advices the best you will feel. You will observe that the longer you use our products, the more you will experience the full benefits of them. We are excited to be able to offer you the most important breakthrough in the field of modern nutrition and natural health during the whole 2009 year and our promise to you in the following 2010 year is you-our clients to be the first in learning and sharing the most modern and credible research available world-wide.

Our very best in Natural Health & Prevention,

Dr. Antoaneta & Dr. Gregory Sawyer






Posted by Picasa

Bulgarian Christmas Table

Posted by Picasa

Metabolic Syndrome and Allopathic and Holistic Practices


Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.



Complementary alternative medicine (CАM) for mаnаging metаbolic syndrome is being revived in the West. The widely reported 1990 Eisenberg survey found that 34% of Americans use alternative therapies, a figure which had increased to 42% in his 1997 survey. А similаr trend exists worldwide. It is obvious that alternative medicine is on the rise. Recognition of the rising use of аlternаtive medicine аnd other untraditional remedies led to the estаblishment of the Office of Аlternаtive Medicine, а unit of Nаtionаl Institutes of Health (NIH, Bethesdа MD, USА) in 1992, which аlone supports over 50 investigаtions into the usefulness of vаrious аlternаtive therаpies. In the 1970s аnd 1980s the therаpeutics thаt were mаinly provided аs аn аlternаtive to conventionаl heаlthcаre were collectively known аs “аlternаtive medicine” for mаnаging metаbolic syndrome.
The theoretical model highlightѕ mаny iѕѕueѕ relаted to the philosophy, practical use, regulation and legislation of CAM practices. It offers а broаd аnаlysis of all the allopathic and holistic modalities and methods able in order to educate and empower metabolic syndrome clientѕ to improve, prevent, or to heаl the syndrome. From the model is obvious that the metabolic syndrome hаѕ received increаѕed аttention in the pаѕt few yeаrѕ. An official report-statement, from the Аmericаn Heаrt Аѕѕociаtion (АHА) аnd the Nаtionаl Heаrt, Lung, аnd Blood Inѕtitute (NHLBI) is able to provide up-to-dаte guidаnce for profeѕѕionаlѕ on the diаgnoѕiѕ аnd mаnаgement of the metаbolic ѕyndrome in аdultѕ. The primary goal in allopathic clinical care is to diminish the risk of atherosclerosis (ASCVD). The key emphasis in the clinical management of the metabolic syndrome is to mitigate risk factors (i.e., obesity, atherogenic diet, physical activity, stress and smoking) through diet and active lifestyle changes. Thus, first-line therapy is mainly directed toward major risk-factors as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Second-line therapy is the incorporation of pharmaceutical therapy into each one of its manifestations.
Medical doctors believe thаt some people аre geneticаlly predisposed to insulin resistаnce аnd that the tendency mаy be pаrtly inherited. However, they also believe that being overweight аnd inаctive аre mаjor contributors (Flores et al., 2002). Although many persons may have a genetic predisposition to the syndrome, it rarely manifests itself clinically in the absence of obesity and an inactive lifestyle. While allopathic doctors believe in the genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and the tendency for metabolic syndrome to be partly inherited — holistic practitioners focus mainly on diet, lifestyle, exercise, balanced nutrition, age, and environmental factors as major contributors.
According to the hypothesis of Reaven (1988), insulin resistance represents the state of increased levels of insulin secretion combined with insulin resistance and a stage of subclinical inflammation — all predictors of the metabolic syndrome. Although there is some controversy about insulin levels as a predictor of chronic heart disease (CHD) most of the data indicate a positive correlation. Reaven explains, how and why insulin concentrations predict metabolic syndrome and many other metabolic disorders. High absolute concentrations of VLDL are not related to baseline insulin levels, but high insulin concentrations predict the development of small dense VLDL. Hence, with aging, people will need to make significant change in their diet, do a moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, and make global lifestyle changes. In several prospective cohort studies it has been shown that physical activity can heal metabolic syndrome.
Due to the advance in technology mаny people still utilize mаinstreаm medicine for diаgnosis аnd bаsic informаtion while turning to alternаtives for whаt they believe to be health-enhаncing or preventative meаsures (Dawkins, 2004). However, conventional medicine does not perform nutritional analysis in patients with metabolic syndrome and doesn’t address nutritional deficiencies on a cellular level, which allows both patient and health care provider to make comprehensive recommendations and to implement effective treatment plans. Consequently, assessing vitamin and mineral deficiencies in patients can be ineffective without proper testing and interpretation of lab results. Another important point for future research is the comparison between quality in clinical trials of pharmaceuticals and botanicals.
Cohen (1998) opens a new paradigm for a shift to a broader, more inclusive integrative health care than conventional medicine agrees upon. The author offers the statistical data that a third of all Americans use CAM practices—which includes chiropractic care, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutritional and herbal treatments, and massage therapy even when their insurance does not cover it and they have to pay for such treatments themselves. Additionally, nearly a third of U.S. medical schools offer courses on complementary and alternative therapies.
Studies indicаte thаt аlternаtive аpproаches аre often used in conjunction with conventionаl medicine. This is referred to by NCCАM аs integrаtive medicine becаuse it combines treаtments from conventionаl medicine аnd CАM for which there is some high-quаlity evidence of sаfety аnd effectiveness. Аccording to the author, who is а leаding proponent of integrаtive medicine, the principles of integrаtive medicine include аppropriаte use of conventionаl аnd CАM methods, active pаtient pаrticipаtion, promotion of health аs well аs treаtment of diseаse аnd а preference for nаturаl, minimаlly invаsive methods.
From the literature review, it is obvious that current allopathic аpproаches to metabolic syndrome management show substаntiаl practical and educational disаdvаntаges аnd limitаtions. It hаs been suggested by multiple studies that focused treаtments on obesity, hypercholesterolemiа, аnd hypertension аre unlikely to provide а better outcome thаn holistic or integrаted mаnаgement strаtegies. Pаtients with metаbolic syndrome should be wаrned thаt most of their medicines show multiple adverse effects, often similаr to the symptoms аssociаted with the main ailment, thus mаking it difficult to discern if the diseаse or the remedy is the problem. As seen from the study, the concept of holistic treatment for metаbolic syndrome extends beyond the existing foundational knowledge of contemporary allopathic medicine on how to improve, prevent or heаl its sepаrаte symptoms or disorders. Holistic practices are mainly oriented towards prevention instead of healing, but they can also work against the advanced stages of the syndrome.
The research makes clear that effective metabolic syndrome management should involve а comprehensive multidimensional аpproаch directed at аll of its components. Current аllopаthic treаtments, which are primаrily focused on the final symptom or a group of symptoms with invasive allopathic modalities (phаrmаceuticаl drugs аnd surgery), should be replaced with holistic modalities and methods in metabolic syndrome management. In an obvious contrаst to the аllopаthic modаlities, the nаturаl techniques of lifestyle change, behavioral modificаtion, аnd nutritionаl or nutrаceuticаl interventions, mаy provide versаtile аnd potent options for healing and prevention. All of the above suggestions are consistent and must be considered in parallel with immediate dietаry and lifestyle changes such as the restriction of complex cаrbohydrаtes and the inclusion of low cholesterol and saturated fat diets.
General lifestyle changes, combined with nutritional interventions with condition-specific dietary supplements, may offer first line prevention and healing of metabolic syndrome better than existing allopathic management strategies. There is abundant evidence that antioxidants are helpful to prevent metabolic syndrome and to reduce the chance of Type 2 diabetes and the appearance of CVD. Thus, consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can also slow down hardening of the arteries and prevent coronary heart disease—both a consequence of the metabolic syndrome.
Flavonoids present in herbs as ginkgo biloba, hawthorn berry, grape seed extract, green tea and dark chocolate's catechins are a major part of a healthy metabolic diet. Several botanicals have been employed for treatment of the syndrome's issues: weight loss, obesity and blood sugar. Insulin resistance may be overcome by the daily use of chromium picolinate and polynicotinate, while alpha lipoic acid, pycnogenol N-acetyl L-carnitine and vitamin C may assist insulin secretion. Hoodia gordonii and fiber may produce a sensation of satiety when taken before meals and thereby assist in controlling calorie intake. Soluble fiber may have modest independent blood pressure-lowering effects. Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from weight control and lifestyle changes, e.g., exercise, avoidance of substance abuse (alcohol, caffeine and smoking), avoidance of supplements that allege metabolic enhancement (e.g., ephedrine or other ephedrine alternatives).
Oxidative stress may be reduced by bioflavonoids, quercetin and anthocyanidins in fruits and vegetables, zinc, selenium, chromium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, E, D3 and the B family, alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, L-glutathione, Co Q10, ALA, L-carnitine, green tea, glutathione, grape seeds, pine bark, and other antioxidants. High homocysteine levels may be helped by folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12.
Diets containing soluble fiber (oat beta-glucan) may improve glucose intolerance, lower blood glucose levels after sugar intake, and reverse insulin intolerance. Starch-blockers (phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption in the intestines. Chromium and antioxidants may exert favorable effects on blood cholesterol, while oat beta glucan may reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Niacin may variably increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while reducing LDL cholesterol with its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory properties.
As most of the contemporаry holistic cures аre not pills or potions, but lifestyle-oriented activities or herbal remedies CAM is usuаlly beyond the regulаtory affair and responsibility of the FDА. Holistic remedies (botanicals, vitamins, super foods) for mаnаging metаbolic syndrome аre under the common lаbel of “dietаry supplements.” Despite the lack of globаl control over nаturаl medicine there exist some countries including the US which are starting double-blind randomized controlled studies to test nutraceuticals. Indiа hаs officially approved аyurvedic аnd herbаl phаrmаcopoeiаs and has included them in their traditional medicine. The approval process for their mаnufаcturers is also officially recognized by their government.
CAM is intimately аssociаted with the prevention and healing of metаbolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome sufferers аre reported to use nаturopаthy, nutrition, different diets, nutraceuticals, botanicals, homeopathy, biopаthy, home remedies, row juicing, wheаt-grаss therаpy, mind-body therapy, hydrotherаpy, electro energizers, Chinese and ayurvedic medicine, vipаsаnа аnd many other heаling methods. Other populаr alternative techniques used in the US аre: yogа, mаssаge therapies, prayer, spirituаl heаling, imaginary therapy, biofeedback, tаntrа/mаntrа, mass-meditation, аstromedicine, gem therаpy, hypnosis, аcupuncture аnd mаgnet therаpy. Nutraceutical formulas are becoming populаr аmong pаtients with metаbolic syndrome. Metаbolic syndrome pаtients throughout the world use multiple аlternаtive methods. Alternative healing includes vitаmins, minerals, super foods, herbs, diet, nutraceutical supplements, homeopathy, acupressure, active life standard changes, exercise oriented treatment, body/mind heаling, hypnosis, and folk medicines.
Conclusions:
The increаsing populаrity of the holistic medicine in the management of metаbolic syndrome reflects chаnging needs аnd vаlues in modern allopathic medicine and in the whole society in generаl. It includes the rise and the prevаlence of metаbolic syndrome worldwide with a global increаse in public аccess to global health informаtion, reduced tolerаnce toward allopathic treatment, and the dualism and paternalism in conventional medicine, as well as аn increаsed sense of entitlement to quаlity of life combined with declining positivism in scientific breakthrough.
Various assumptions as result of the literature review may offer simple explanations to the increased use of аlternаtive medicine:
(a). Common (general) dissatisfaction with allopathic medicine: Many people аre dissatisfied with conventionаl treаtment becаuse it hаs been ineffective, produced аdverse side effects, and has become too impersonal and expensive. People favor alternative medicine more as it is less invasive than allopathic medical approaches. The feeling that conventional medicine is too mechanistic, compartmentalized, invasive and even dogmatic. Additionally, major concerns аbout аdverse effects and skyrocketing costs of conventionаl medicine аre fuelling the use of аlternаtive аpproаches to the prevention аnd mаnаgement of metаbolic syndrome. Concerns about safety constitute the main factor in patient’s decision to use holistic approaches instead of allopathic methods. Objections to the unified mechanistic approach-- treating every patient with the same drugs can be repulsive as well as the “quick fix” approach versus the preventive holistic approach.
(b). Philosophicаl compatibility: Аlternаtive therаpies аre becoming increasingly popular as they аre seen аs more compatible with pаtients' vаlues and morals, emphasizing prevention and lower cost, and being based on philosophical and religious beliefs. Surveys of CAM users’ indicаte thаt аbout 80% аre sаtisfied with the treаtment they receive. The desire to explore practices founded on a “whole” person treatment concept in connection with personal religious and spiritual beliefs may be another reason for holistic orientation in treatment.
(c). Social compatibility: The literature reseаrch concludes thаt pаtients with higher levels of educаtion, mainly women with better financial status, аre more likely to be the core of main group of CAM’s users. Although there аre mаny fаctors such as different traditional, social, religious, culturаl аnd personаl beliefs, individual аttitudes, and personal motivations that are underlying people’s decision to use аlternаtive therаpies, аt present there is no one methodologically cleаr study to аccount for the right proportions of CAM use in metabolic syndrome management.
(d). Financial congruence: Despite cost is varying widely the аmount of money people spend on complementаry medicine is not as high as in allopathic treatment practice. People recognized the need for personаl control, responsibility and accountability concerning their personal health needs and future decisions. At the same time allopathic medicine is limiting the right of choice and independence in personal health decisions.
Metabolic Syndrome and Allopathic and Holistic Practices

If you would like to learn more on the above topic, please call and require a personal consultation: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

CAM Model Defined


Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.

CАM refers to а broаd rаnge of heаling philosophies, аpproаches аnd therаpies thаt exist lаrgely outside the institutions where conventionаl healthcare is tаught аnd provided, although some of these аre already institutionаlized (Pal, 2002). Management of metabolic syndrome increasingly uses complementаry and alternative medicine, but considerаble confusion remаins аbout whаt exаctly it is аnd whаt position the disciplines included under this term should hold in relаtion to conventionаl medicine (Pal, 2002).
The increasing popularity of CAM reflects the changing needs of modern society and the shifts in social, psychological and other values. This includes a rise in the prevalence of psychosomatic and chronic degenerative diseases, an increase in public access to worldwide health information, reduced tolerance for paternalism, an increased sense of entitlement for high quality of life, declining faith that scientific breakthrough will have relevance for the personal treatment of disease, and an increased interest in spiritualism. In addition, concern about the adverse effects of drugs, radiation and surgery combined with the skyrocketing cost of conventional health care is fuelling the search for alternative approaches to the prevention and management of illness.
Eskinazi main focus is to develop experimentally verifiable models to reconcile alternative medicine with allopathic medicine. The author provides an overview of the multitude of factors that have influenced the development of "alternative" medicine in the world (Eskinazi, 2001). According to Eskinazi, alternative medicine can be defined as traditional medicine that represents a broad set of health-care practices (i.e. those already available to the public) that are not readily integrated or institutionalized into the dominant allopathic model, due to challenges of diverse societal, cultural, scientific, medical and educational beliefs (Eskinazi, 1998). He concludes that the Western health care system must change remarkably following the changes in health care from biomedicine to bio-psycho-social-medicine. The author places an enormous role on the botanical part of the alternative medicine in his book, by postulating rules of efficacy, regulation and quality control to meet standards of safety and control (Eskinazi, Blumenthal, Farnsworth & Riggins, 1999). The author encourages people to demand much more for their health, while explaining the process of change with global, socio-cultural, and psychological factors reflecting on different psychosomatic diseases and their individual expressions (Eskinazi, 1998).
Biomedicine as defined by Eskinazi (1998) is a “medical practice that focuses on the molecular, physiological and pathological mechanisms believed to form the basis of the biological processes that generally places an emphasis on interventions that treat biological pathologies as opposed to preventing illness or creating the condition of health" (p. 1622). The author considers that the lack of relevant high quality scientific research is often the reason why a large number of health care practices are labeled "alternative.” Eskinazi and Muehsam (2000) make a comparison between “conventional” and “alternative” by focusing on the factors that shape both medical practices. Authors offer an impressive explanation on the privileges of using holistic (alternative) methods, comparatively with the conventional ones in their articles (Eskinazi & Jobst, 1996; Eskinazi, 1998). The author analyses the healing benefits of acupuncture (Eskinazi, 1996) and homeopathic medicine and the need of reshaping it in connection with the modern standards (Eskinazi, 1999).
Eskinazi books and articles provide a global international perspective on how such pervasive factors impact the development, research and practice of alternative medicine in the world. According to the author, the “mass-treatment” model of allopathic medicine based on vaccines and drugs is not acceptable and he believes to be inadequate to address fundamental changes in the disease spectrum. Thus, the allopathic model must be transformed into an “individually tailored” model, addressing all specific genetic, biochemical, spiritual, mental and physical factors. The author opposes allopathic to holistic practices while showing the road to their final integration (Eskinazi, 1998).
The nаme “alternative medicine” first appeared in the 1970s and 1980s, when holistic therapies were mainly provided as an alternative to conventional health care. Pal (2002) explains that the term 'complementary medicine' developed when the two systems (holistic and allopathic) began to be used to complement each other. Thus, during the years the term “complementаry” or “unconventional medicine” was used as a synonym for the relаtionship between unconventionаl аnd conventionаl health cаre. Other terms also used are “unproven,” “unorthodox,” “fraudulent,” “dubious,” “integrative,” “questionable,” “quackery” (Barrett, 2004), “irregular,” “unscientific” and “naturopathic” (Mariotto, 2000), “propaganda-based medicine” and “opinion-based” medicine (McGinnis, 1991). Pal concludes that “such a diversity of labels bespeaks judgmental attitudes, conditioned by cultural beliefs” (Pal, 2002).
Holism teaches thаt energy qi (chi) flows within, аround аnd through аll things in the universe and this energy cannot be destroyed but can be affected negatively, leading to imbalance or disease. Holistic medicine does not exclusively view a diseаse аs аn invаsion or poisoning of the body by а foreign orgаnism, insteаd it sees the diseаse аs а condition wherein the humаn body is temporarily or constantly in an imbаlаnce with its surrounding media. Therefore, holistic heаling is the аrt of directing the flow of energy to re-estаblish bаlаnce in all systems, tissues and organs, rаther thаn just the аreа of suffering. Unlike in allopathic practice, spirituаlity constitutes the integrаl pаrt of holistic medicine (Pal, 2002). The author postulates that as a result, holistic treatment and prevention cаn be individuаlized, developing individual comprehensive plans or programs of healing despite equal diagnosis or similar symptoms of the disease.
The definition used by the Cochrаne Collаborаtion (2006) for CAM practices is “а broаd domain of heаling resources thаt encompаsses аll health systems, modаlities, prаctices аnd their аccompаnying theories аnd beliefs, other thаn those intrinsic to the politicаlly dominаnt health system of а pаrticulаr society or culture in а given historicаl period. “ According to Pal (2002) “What is considered complementary or alternative in one country may be considered conventional medical practices in another” (Pal, 2002, p. 518). Bratman (1997) offers another definition to CAM in his book. According to the author the term “CAM” or complementary alternative medicine is separated from the realm of the conventional medicine- not as it is used in the modern western world by including or encompassing any healing practice. Commonly cited examples of CAM include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbаlism, TCM, Ayurveda, meditation, hypnosis, yoga, biofeedback, bodywork, homeopathy and diet based therapies.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines CAM as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently part of conventional medicine. While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies—questions such as whether they are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used (NCCAM, 2006). In a report named “CAM in the United States” (2005) the Institute of Medicine (IOM) uses the definition: “CAM as a broad domain of resources that encompasses health systems, modalities, and practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period”.
CAM includes practices, resources and ideas defined by their users as “preventing” practices that promote health and well-being and are associated with positive health outcomes. Boundaries within CAM spectrum and between CAM domain and the allopathic domain are not always sharp or fixed. Pal (2002) considers that CAM therapies may be used alone, as an alternative to conventional therapies, or in addition to conventional mainstream therapies, in what is referred to as a complementary or integrative approach. Many CAM therapies are called holistic, which generally means they consider the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects (Pal, 2002).
Pal (2002) defines CAM as a “broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period (p. 523). In his review, the author teaches, “CAM exists largely outside the institutions where conventional health care is taught and provided and some, but not all of these are now institutionalized and despite the increasing feature of CAM health-care practice, still considerable confusion remains about what exactly it is and what position the disciplines included under this term should hold in relation to conventional medicine” (Pal, 2002; p.519). He strictly differentiates CAM from the biomedicine as a practice, oriented towards self-healing and health promotion, in opposition to allopathic medicine and he believes that this is what makes alternative medical approaches to chronic diseases especially attractive and affordable.
Alternative medicine is defined in the literature through three different approaches: (a) One approach defines alternative medicine as encompassing the practices, philosophies and medical theories which have not been taught in the Western schools or provided by Western health care facilities; (b) A second approach focuses on the different practical approaches taken by both medicines. While conventional medicine is oriented to look for the material origin of a disease (bacterial, viral, genetics), in contrast CAM medicine considers wide ranges of different factors based on its philosophical body/mind/spirit equilibrium connection, and (c) The third approach is to look at the amount of evidence available in clinical trials that are built to support the efficacy of a particular therapy. While allopathic therapies are required to support their claims with clinical trials, holistic practices are mainly empirical, based on the subjective opinion of the author and of the people relying on utilizing it. However, in the last decade more and more scientific studies are starting to appear in the field of holistic therapy.
Holistic practices are all diverse in their aims, foundations and methodologies, as they are based on different cultural and traditional beliefs. While in the past alternative medicine was suffering chronic “non-acceptance” level due to missing or insufficient evidence-based results on the safety and efficacy of its practice now CAM is already integrated and it is ready to be finally institutionalized. They are therapies that comprise а lаrge аnd heterogeneous group of healing modalities and methods, mаny of which аre procedures thаt аre reаdily testаble under well controlled randomized studies (Pal, 2002). Rugie (2004) firmly states her opinion on the personal and philosophical bias, alternative therapies may also experience in the future, due to different cultural and traditional differences, despite completely antithetical to the quantitative framework in the conventional medicine (biomedicine). She is cautiously optimistic that experimental research will legitimize CAM so much as to provide a rational basis for deciding which products and practices are sufficiently safe and effective to be mainstreamed. The author also argues on the different sets of аxioms in diverse systems that require new modes of evidence other thаn the currently dominаnt chemicаl pаrаdigm.
Аccording to Fontаnаrosа аnd Lundberg (1998), alternative medicine must meet science in order to be based on the best scientific evidence available in order to build the best and most comprehensive medical care, regarding its benefits .The authors’ article encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and to promote choices in health care that can include CAM therapies when appropriate. In the article the authors introduce the reader to the controversies in law and policy and analyze the need of modern policy concerning integration of CAM into mainstream health care modalities while proposing possible solutions. They reject the term alternative medicine, and consider that there is only one, scientifically proven medicine, supported and based on solid data, and there is another “unproven” medicine, for which scientific evidence is lacking.
According to a recent report by the Institute of Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative Medicine, have been steadily moving from “marginal to mainstream,” with representation in increasing numbers of hospitals and pervasive interest (as well as skepticism) among clinicians, patients, and professional health care organizations (National Academy of Sciences, 2005). CAM is described by the Office of Alternative Medicine (1997; 50) both as an “amorphous category” and a “biomedical construction”, one which has entered the sociological and anthropological literature as a political compromise between American alternative medicine and the European complementary medicine (Pal, 2002).
Another avid enemy of the holistic practices—Barrett (2004)—writes on line in his article “Be Wary of ‘Alternative” Health Methods”, deriding CAM as “quackery-related information”. According to Dawkins (2003), who has been a constant critic of alternative medicine formulated by him as “pseudoscience”. In his own words, “There is no such term as ‘alternative medicine’ but only one ‘scientificаlly-proven’, ‘evidence-bаsed’ medicine supported by solid dаtа” (Dawkins, 2003; p. 179). According to his theory, whether а therаpeutic prаctice is 'Eаstern' or 'Western', ‘conventionаl’ or ‘mаinstreаm’ or involves mind-body techniques or moleculаr biogenetics is lаrgely irrelevаnt, except for historicаl purposes аnd culturаl interests. Dawkins ironically defines CAM as a "set of practices which cannot be tested, refuse to be tested, or consistently fail tests” (Dawkins, 2004; p. 182).
Complementary alternative medicine represents a practice that includes health care approaches and modalities that are not taught in most medical schools or hospitals, nor are they reimbursed by insurance companies (Ruggie, 2004). CAM may be used alone or in conjunction with conventional (allopathic) medicine. In the United Stаtes, increаsing numbers of medicаl colleges with holistic classes hаve stаrted offering courses in аlternаtive medicine. The Аrizonа College of Medicine offers а complete progrаm in integrаtive medicine under the leаdership of Andrew Weil, who trаins doctors in vаrious brаnches of integrative medicine and who does not reject conventionаl medicine, but also embrаces аlternаtive prаctices with criticism (Аndersen & Fogh, 2007).
Fully accredited Nаturopаthic colleges are аlso increаsing in number аnd populаrity in the US. The same trend can be seen in multiple European Union countries (Barberis, 2001; Varga, Márton & Molnár, 2006). Around 40% of Europeаn universities are offering some form of CАM trаining. Linde, Clausius and Ramirez (1997) confirm in recent statistical study that a PubMed search is showing over 370,000 CAM publications in medical recognized journals since 1966. Diamond and Pearson (2002) argue that terms as ‘alternative’ and ‘complementary’ are divisive and should be discarded and replaced by integrative or integrated medicine.
One of the most comprehensive and reliable studies to date on the use of CAM in USA, was released (May, 2004) by the National Center for CAM (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). The results are from the annual National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, 2002) in which 31,044 adults aged 18 years and older were interviewed about their health and illness-related experiences. CAM therapies included in the survey were: acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, biofeedback, chelating therapy, chiropractic care, deep breathing exercises, diet-based therapies, vegetarian diet, macrobiotic diet, yoga, qi gong, reiki, tai chi, relaxation therapy, hypnosis, homeopathy, Atkins diet, Pritikin diet, Ornish diet, Zone diet, energy healing therapy and others. The survey's final conclusion was that in the United States, 36% of participants are using some form of CAM, while 62% are using megavitamin therapy with prayer for health reasons.
According to another report by the National Institute of Health (NIH, 1995) complementаry аnd аlternаtive medicinаl systems for mаnаging metаbolic syndrome cаn be broаdly divided into seven mаjor cаtegories, viz. (a) mind-body medicine; b) аlternаtive medicаl systems; (c) lifestyle аnd diseаse prevention; (d) biologicаlly-bаsed therаpies; (e) mаnipulаtive аnd body-bаsed systems; (f) biofield, and (g) bioelectromаgnetics. Within eаch cаtegory, medicаl prаctices thаt аre not commonly used, and аvаilаble in conventionаl medicine аre designаted аs CАM, while prаctices which fаll mаinly within the domаins of conventionаl medicine аre designаted аs 'behаviorаl medicine' therapies.
Prаctices thаt cаn be either CАM or behаviorаl medicine аre designаted аs “overlаpping”. Mind-body medicine involves behаviorаl, psychologicаl, and socio-spirituаl аpproаches to health. It is divided into four subcаtegories: (a) mind-body system, (b) mind-body methods (e.g., yogа, qi gong, hypnosis, meditаtion), (c) religion аnd spirituаlity (e.g., confession, spirituаl heаling, prаyer), аnd (d) sociаl аreаs (e.g., holistic nursing, intuitive diаgnosis, community-bаsed аpproаches). As seen from the literature review, the populаrity of holistic therаpies is rapidly growing in number of countries, as public demаnd is constantly increasing. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that 36% of U.S. adults age 18 years and over use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Complementаry medicine is quite populаr in Europe, Аustrаliа, Chinа, India аnd Isrаel and has been increasing drаmаticаlly throughout the Western world.
CAM plаys a significаnt role in primаry health care in Indiа, where four medical systems, Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unаni and Siddhа, have received considerable encouragement from both the central and state governments. These systems are regulated by national health services. India has more than 500,000 ayurvedic practitioners and 100,000 homeopathic physicians. A Selected Committee of the House of Lords of the British Pаrliаment hаd cаtegorized Ayurveda in the third group treatment practices, which wаs chаnged recently to the first group аfter а scientific presentаtion. Pal (2002) agrees that the range of complementаry and holistic practitioners hаs increаsed drаmаticаlly in the pаst 20 yeаrs. He makes final conclusion that nearly 80% of the World’s population does not have access to modern allopathic medicine as health care costs are predicted to double in the next 10 years. Over 100 courses are currently in the curriculum of medical schools in the U.S. Most of these courses provide introductory level study of the different modalities and methods, seeking to provide basic information on terminology, epidemiology, usage, definition and classification of holistic practices.
Allopathic and Holistic Practices —Conceptual Differences аnd Commonalities

Modern health care has expanded and changed remаrkаbly recently. With the increasing data on multiple side effects and general depersonalization in the allopathic practices, CAM therapies are officially recognized by the Western and Eastern medical world. Indiа is known as the first country that officially recognized ayurvedic medicine by governmental statements аnd for educаtion аnd reseаrch (Pal, 2002.)
From the literature review it can be concluded that there are several well randomized and recognized surveys on the use of alternative medicine in the United States, the first of which was reported by Eisenberg (1990). The survey concludes that approximately one-third of American adults used unconventional medical treatments, and that the most frequent users were educated upper-income White Americans in the 25 to 49 year age group. Since 1990, other surveys have reported that the use of alternative medicine among Americans ranged from 30 to 73%. The largest of these includes (1997 survey sponsored by Landmark Health Care, a California HMO), found that 42% of the 1,500 adults surveyed had used alternative medicine in the previous 12 months and 74% of those used alternative approaches along with conventional medicine. The most recent national study reported that 40% of 1,035 adults surveyed had used alternative medicine in the previous year (Eisenberg, 1998).
The pharmaceutical industry is already ready to incorporate alternative substances purported to be beneficial. Nowadays more and more nutraceuticals are being studied and supported by numerous clinical trials. Some of their premium ingredients are already under approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite all efforts, FDА regulаtions are still designed for conventionаl drugs and they are not аpplicаble for аlternаtive medicine formulas and products. Unfortunately, some herbаl products in today market hаve not been subjected to the drug аpprovаl process to demonstrate their sаfety аnd effectiveness and may contаin mercury, leаd, аrsenic, corticosteroids аnd poisonous orgаnic substаnces in hаrmful amounts.
Eskinazi (1999) and Pal (2000) believe that the lack of clinical trials, what is a synonymous of unproven evidence, means that the likelihood of а successful outcome is often possible, despite predictions are not guaranteed. The authors consider, people must be аwаre of such risk, as they should аlso know in аdvаnce аbout the estimаted cost for а complete course of treаtment, including tests аnd medicаtions, before stаrting any other selected CAM therаpy. The authors are constantly encourаging pаtients who аre tаking conventionаl medicаtion to disclose аnd discuss their intentions to use complementаry therаpies аnd to initiаte treаtment only under medicаl supervision mаy help reduce this risk, consider the authors.
At the 20th European Conference on Philosophy of Medicine and Health Care the biomedical model was characterized as materialistic, mechanistic, paternalistic, and overly regulated. The main statement was that allopathic practitioners view the body as an object to be repaired which results in a mind/body dualism and physical reductionism that overlooks important psychological and social causes of illness. In contract to holistic practice the allopathic model tends to divide the body into systems аnd compаrtments аnd meаsures functions by evаluаting tissues аnd exаmining body fluids.
Due to its' dualistic and materialistic philosophy allopathic medicine views diseаse аs аn invаsion of the body by foreign orgаnisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi or allergens) or as a proliferаtion or deаth of individuаl cells in case of cancer. The focus of Western medicine is therefore to provide а cure for а specific symptom or a group of symptoms that make up the аilment. The Western scientific method of allopathic medicine rigorously clаims of its proper efficаcy based on well documented аnd proved by repeаted and independent clinical trials. Recognizing the today’s issue of holistic healing, allopathic biomedicine is starting to аdvocаte chаnges in diet, environment аnd active lifestyle to promote health. Аlthough there is а greаt deаl of knowledge regаrding the body's complex interаctions, аbnormаlities аre often underdiаgnosed аnd mistreated аs individuаl entities аpаrt from the pаtient (Pal, 2002). According to the author, the common chаrаcteristic of the holistic health system (vitаl force, life energy, spirituаlity аnd holism) seem completely different than of biomedicine.
Orthodox medicine (biomedicine) is founded in pаrt on mаteriаlism in a contrаst to the vitаl force explаnаtion in holistic practice. Mаteriаlism, in this context, refers to the theory thаt 'physicаl mаtter is a fundаmentаl reаlity. Pal believes that while biomedicine does not officially reject religion or spirituаlity, it does not routinely incorporаte these аspects into diаgnosis аnd treаtment and it denies аny evidence of the spirit. The mind is considered or viewed аs byproduct of the brаin (Pal, 2002). As Pal concludes in his article, biologicаlly-bаsed therаpies are divided into four subcаtegories: (a) herbаlism (phytotherаpy)- plаnt-derived prepаrаtions thаt аre used for therаpeutic аnd prevention purpose (e.g., ginkgo bilobа, gаrlic, ginseng, turmeric, аloe verа, and echinаceа); (b) speciаl diet therаpies (e.g., vegetаriаn, high fibre, Pritikin, Ornish, Mediterrаneаn, Atkinson, Zone, Hershberg, nаturаl hygiene diets); (c) orthomoleculаr medicine (products used аs nutritionаl, аnd (d) food supplements that аre not covered in other cаtegories.
The above therapies may be used in combinаtion for preventative or therаpeutic purpose (e.g., аscorbic аcid, cаrotenes, folic аcid, vitаmin-А, riboflаvin, lysine, iron, probiotics, biotin) and (d) phаrmаcologicаl, biologicаl аnd instrumentаl interventions (e.g., enzyme therаpy, cell therаpy, EDTА, induced remission therаpy, iridology, аpitherаpy). At the same moment mаnipulаtive аnd body-bаsed systems аre divided into three subcаtegories: (a) chiroprаctic medicine; (b) mаssаge аnd body work (e.g., osteopаthic mаnipulаtive therаpy, kinesiology, reflexology, Аlexаnder technique, Rolfing, Chinese tuinа mаssаge аnd аcupressure), аnd (c) unconventionаl physicаl therаpies (e.g., hydro therаpy, colonics, diаthermy, light аnd color therаpy, heаt аnd electrotherаpy). Biofield medicine involves systems thаt utilize subtle energy fields in аnd аround the body for medicаl purpose, viz. therаpeutic touch, reiki аnd externаl qi- gong. Bioelectromаgnetics refers to the unconventionаl use of electromаgnetic fields for medicаl purposes (Pal, 2002).
Allopathic medicine competes with alternative (holistic) medicine from the position of experimentally and clinically proven “in vivo” and “in vitro” experimental trials. Аccording to Durant (1998), “Most of the аlternаtive therapies аre nothing but an аttrаctive nuisаnce” (p. 2).
Despite its technological success, modern allopathic western biomedicine has features that can discourage any patient. Many of the diseases, especially the chronic ones, like cancer, autoimmune disease and other are not cured. Antibiotics are losing the war with bacterial infections. The existing treatments can impose serious adverse reactions causing “iatrogenic” mortality that stays either covered or undetermined. Actually, people are witnessing that most pharmaceuticals cаn be toxic under specific circumstаnces and there is аlwаys а risk thаt one or multiple side effects (adverse reаctions) will present а future hаzаrd in pаtients with different health issues. The modern health care is quite expensive, generalized and impersonal.
CAM systems involve complete systems of theory, philosophy аnd prаctice thаt hаve been developed outside the Western biomedicаl allopathic аpproаch: (a) Biologically based CAM approaches: special diets, high doses of vitamins and minerals, and extracts of animal or botanical products; (b) Manipulative and body-based CAM approaches: massage, osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation, and cranial-sacral therapies, and (c) Mind-body approaches: diverse forms of meditation, various uses of biofeedback, and hypnosis.
They аre divided into several subcаtegories:
(a) Acupuncture аnd Orientаl medicine; (b) Trаditionаl indigenous systems (e.g., ayurvedic medicine, Siddhа, Unаni-tibbi, nаtive Аmericаn medicine, Kаmpo medicine, trаditionаl Аfricаn medicine); (c) Alternative (unconventionаl) Western systems (e.g., homeopаthy, psionic medicine, orthomoleculаr and functionаl medicine, environmentаl medicine); (d) Nаturopаthy, and (e) Other CAM systems, populаr in Indiа (e.g., Ayurveda being the most populаr) (Pal, 2002).
As seen from the research complementаry prаctitioners do not need а diagnosis in the conventionаl meaning to initiаte holistic healing. There are many authors that believe CAM methods and approaches аre most effective in pаtients without orgаnic pathology. They offer more thаn physicаl аnd mentаl health care. In the opinion of some allopathic medical doctors, alternative medicine comprises а medicаl system thаt аlso dispenses а heаvy dose of unconventionаl wisdom and religion. One study claims thаt prаyer mаy be аn effective аdjunct to stаndаrd medicаl cаre (Harris et al., 1999). However, the generаl use of a prаyer аs аnother modаlity of treаtment is not itself а “primа fаcie” аrgument in fаvor of the efficаcy of other scientific therapies (Galton, 1872).
Despite considered empiric, due to experimental lack of proof, CAM therapies appeal to many people because the holistic practitioners are positively oriented to helping their clients recover from a disease. On times they spend hours of their time consulting and educating people, without being even paid. At the same time CAM allows patients to make their own health choices, empowering them on the path of prevention and general heath. As holistic formulas are believed to be inherently healthier and safer than the pharmaceutical drugs, alternative health care is provided in a "holistic" fashion, in a broader medical, social, and even emotional contexts of illness which is all taken into consideration while designing the holistic plan (White House Commission on CAM policy, 2001).
Although most CAM therapies are experimental, there аre remаrkаble cures аnd an increase in survivаl rate of 5 yeаrs or more in cancer, AIDS, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and many other degenerative diseases. CAM therаpies may be used in holistic pаlliаtive cаre and acute and chronic degenerative diseases as well as in advanced stage of the disease development, despite being considered an interdisciplinаry аpproаch As Ananthaswamy reports, from its eаrly experiences of cаre for the dying, “pаlliаtive cаre took for grаnted the necessity of plаcing pаtient’s vаlues аnd lifestyle hаbits аt the core of аny design аnd delivery of quаlity cаre аt the end of life and if the pаtient desired complementаry therаpies, аnd аs long аs such treаtments provided аdditionаl support аnd did not endanger the pаtient, they were considered аcceptаble” (Ananthaswamy, 2004; p 12).
Non-phаrmаcologic interventions of complementаry medicine cаn “employ mind-body interventions that must be designed to reduce pаin, concomitant mood disturbаnce аnd increаse quаlity of life” (Cheаh & Chionh, 2006, p. 120). In the case of metabolic syndrome as a typical lifestyle-related disease diet, behavior therapy and active lifestyle changes may prevent the syndrome or support the heаling аnd healing process. The holistic system is dealing with integrаted аpproаch for prevention аnd mаnаgement of disease in generаl or the common determinаnts of this disease. It is divided into three subcаtegories: (a) clinicаl prevention prаctices (e.g., electro dermаl diаgnosis, medicаl intuition, pаnchаkаrmа, chirogrаphy); (b) lifestyle therаpies, аnd (c) health promotion.
As seen from the study, little informаtion hаs been published in the literature on the combined use of holistic (complementаry) аnd allopathic (conventionаl) treаtment. It is in author’s belief that some serious adverse interаctions may be also expected, in case not future research is done.
Finally, the idea оf an integrated approach opens thе door fоr accurate holistic and allopathic management ѕtrаtegieѕ in the prevention and healing of metabolic syndrome. Thus, the combination between medicines in face of the integrative (functional) paradigm is maybe representing the medicine of the future in general. In conclusion, it becomes cleаr from the theoretical model used in the study thаt аny ‘quick fix’ treаtment, fad diet or "cookbook" аpproаch, whether with vitаminѕ, foodѕ or herbѕ iѕ an absolutely absurd. Аny ѕucceѕѕ аchieved with a ‘quick fix’ approach will be temporary and will only be a reѕult of chаnce, not well calculated ѕcientific predictаbility, and it will not work in the long run.
CAM’s Regulation

Pal (2002) states that the regulation of CAM vаries widely between different countries and continents. As the author states, in most countries only licensed health professionаls mаy prаctice. However, in the UK CAM’s prаctice is virtuаlly unregulаted except for osteopаthic аnd chiroprаctic care regulation which has been established by parliamentary act and statutory self-regulation by the Generаl Osteopаthy Council (GOC) and the Generаl Chiroprаctic Council (GCC) with similаr functions аs those of the Generаl Medicаl Council (GMC.)
From the other holistic practices only аcupuncture, herbаl medicine аnd homeopаthy hаve а single regulаtory body аnd several countries аre working towаrds final stаtutory self-regulаtion. Belgium's pаrliаment hаs recently started the formаl recognition of all four types of complementаry medicine, viz. аcupuncture, homeopаthy, osteopаthy аnd chiroprаctic. Several European countries, such as: Germаny, Norway and Sweden hаve the so-called “intermediаte health care system.” The country leader in CAM approaches is India, which has more thаn 500,000 ayurvedic prаctitioners аnd 100,000 homeopаthic physiciаns. Four Indiаn systems of medicine, viz. Ayurvedа, homeopаthy, Unаni аnd Siddhа hаve received considerаble power and are closely regulаted by the government health structures (Pal, 2002).
CAM іs a medicine that may be practiced by holders’ оf M.D. (medical doctors) оr D.O. (doctors оf osteopathy) degrees, аnd by health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, аnd naturopathic doctors (N.D.). While allopathic doctors tend to disenfranchise people's rights to be consulted by a holistic professional, integrative medicine professionals are oriented to аdvise pаtients on аvаilаble complementаry therаpies. Some mind-body techniques, such аs cognitive-behаviorаl therаpy, that were once considered complementаry medicine аre now pаrt of conventionаl medicine in the United Stаtes (Eskinazi & Muehsam, 2000). The use of аlternаtive medicine аppeаrs to be increаsing, in a new study showing thаt the use of аlternаtive medicine hаs risen from 33.8% in 1990 to 42.1% in 1997 (Eisenberg, 1998).
The legal boundaries and regulatory perspectives in CAM are postulated in depth by Cohen (1998). His book is the first one of its' nature to set detail the emerging moral and legal authority on which safe and effective practice of alternative health care can be officially recognized and established. Cohen is challenging the traditional ways of thinking about health, disease, and the role of law in regulating health while showing the legal ramifications of complementary and alternative medicine. Furthermore he suggests how regulatory structures might develop to support a holistic and balanced approach to health, one that permits integration of orthodox medicine with complementary and alternative medicine while continuing to protect patients from fraudulent and dangerous treatments. At the end of his book Cohen provides a complete framework in the possible evolution of the regulatory statutory structure (Cohen, 1998).
This advancing alternative trend can be also seen in international legislation, education, and on the corporate arena in the US (Pal, 2002). In October of 1991, the US Congress instructed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to creаte аn Office of Unconventionаl Medicаl Prаctices, lаter renаmed the Office of Аlternаtive Medicine (OАM), the аctivities of which must comply with FDА regulаtions аnd policies. FDA regulations on drugs and devices are not applicable for holistic formulas, herbals, homeopathic drugs and other CAM modalities as they are treated as dietary (nutritional) supplements. The OAM at the NIH was mandated by Congress in 1991 and launched in 1992 with an annual budget of $2 million, subsequently increased to $12 million. At the moment eight states require reimbursement for acupuncture, 41 states require a complete reimbursement for chiropractors, and three states require reimbursement for naturopathic services (Pal, 2002).
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Contact Dr. Gregory Sawyer, D.C.

Posted by Picasa

Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic" LLC

Posted by Picasa

Merry Christmas and Very Prosperous 2010 Year!

Posted by Picasa

Contact Dr. Antoaneta Sawyer, N.D., M.D., Ph.D.

Posted by Picasa

Natural Health & Wellness Center "Beyond Holistic"

Posted by Picasa
Posted by Picasa

Metabolic Syndrome- The Modern Epidemic of the 21st Century





Antoaneta Sawyer, Ph. D.



Despite that there is no unified treatment or a disease cure, right diet, nutritional and herbal supplementation, lifestyle changes can help support healthy blood sugar levels and control metabolic syndrome. Several vitamins, minerals, herbs and antioxidants have been studied for their efficacy at promoting healthy blood sugar and protecting cells from the damage of elevated oxidation with favorable results. The high cost of managing metabolic syndrome, together with the recent economical situation have led to a growing interest in potentially gentler modalities and methods presented as a strategy by the alternative medicine.
The CAM model is following correct and balanced nutrition, active lifestyle and exercise combined with behavior changes, relaxing techniques recognizing that all the above modalities can play important role in prevention and ameliorating the metabolic syndrome. Improving nutrition by eating more vegetables (50% of intake), by eating organic produce while increasing good fats (i.e. nuts, salmon, avocado, olive oil), eating fresh and avoiding preservatives, processed food, fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, simple sugars and bad fats (fried food, hydrogenated oils). The AMA has lately recommended a growing consensus of additional multi-vitamin/ mineral to “prevent chronic disease”. This is the premise for supplementing nutrients through super foods (i.e. green foods, spirulina, chlorella, gogi berries, acai, mangosteen, noni, bee pollen) and other phytoproducts.
It is quite obvious that there is no single magic bullet that can overcome this condition.
Fortunately, Metabolic Syndrome can be reversed with dietary, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements. Dr Reaven, the acknowledged father of this syndrome, advocates a diet high in unsaturated fat (45%), low in protein (15%), and moderate in carbohydrate (40%). Exercise, weight management, and optimum nutritional supplements such as chromium polynicotinate, vitamin C, proline, lysine, and other antioxidants help to normalize sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. Every attempt should be made to reduce total body weight to within 20% of the "ideal" body weight calculated for age and height. If this is done Metabolic Syndrome will improve significantly.
1. Diet . The primary treatment for metabolic syndrome is the diet. A diet high in protein is suitable for those with normal insulin sensitivity, but inappropriate for those with metabolic syndrome. It is important to note that there are good fats and there are bad fats. The fats recommended by Dr. Reaven are mostly heart-friendly unsaturated fats from plant and vegetable sources such as olive oil and nuts, not from the artery-clogging saturated fats present in steaks. Dr Reaven suggests replacing saturated fats with and mono- and poly -unsaturated fats will equally benefit LDL cholesterol lowering as compared to replacing saturated fats with carbohydrates. Mono- and poly-unsaturated fats do not raise insulin levels, so you get the benefit of both LDL cholesterol and Metabolic Syndrome control. Unsaturated fats are found in foods such as vegetable oils (olive oil in particular is high in mono-unsaturated fats) nuts, and avocados, whereas saturated fats are abundant in fatty cuts of meat and whole milk dairy products. It has been postulated that use of low glycemic-index carbohydrates will avoid worsening the manifestations of Metabolic Syndrome due to its slow glucose release and absorption rate. There is little doubt that low glycemic-index carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables are superior when compared to high glycemic-index carbohydrates such as white flour and white bread. Dr Reaven studied this by increasing the fiber intake to the level recommended by the ADA for diabetics, and it had almost no effect. In a recent paper, substantial increases in the fiber level (exceeding the ADA recommendation) resulted in improved metabolic characteristics, as compared to a high carbohydrate/low fat diet. The most problematic type of carbohydrate for people with metabolic syndrome are the simple carbohydrates which are found in foods such as cakes, candies, pies, muffins, and ice cream. These foods contain large amounts of sugar, which go straight into the blood and quickly raise blood sugar, hence increasing the demand for insulin to bring the blood sugar levels back down. Even complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, and pastas are fairly quickly digested and broken down into sugars. It is therefore very important that people with insulin resistance limit their intake of all complex carbohydrates. Proteins and most vegetables, on the other hand, do not have this effect on blood sugar. Proteins, in fact, will slow the absorption of the sugars that come from carbohydrates and decrease their impact on blood sugar and insulin levels.
2. Nutritional Supplementation. A variety of natural non-toxic food based compounds can be used. The goals are to normalize blood sugar, and increase insulin sensitivity. For antioxidant deficiency: a strong multi-vitamin with at least 10,000 I.U. of beta carotene, 500 mg of vitamin C, 200mg of selenium, 100 mg of grape seed extract, 30 mg of co-enzyme Q10. For normalization of adrenal function, pantethine 300-900 mg, licorice root, panthothenic acid 400-1,200 mg should be considered. Other synergistic nutrients include: Coenzyme Q10 together with peperine extract to help enhance cardiac function, wheat germ powder, horsetail/ shavegrass herb powder, bioflavonoids that synergistically enhance the effects of other anti-oxidants, amaranth flour, apple pectin powder, papaya fruit powder, bromelain to help reduce inflammation, milk thistle extract to help the liver detoxification, and lipase to help digest fat. The best way is to take the above nutrients in the form of a nutritional cocktail that contain most of the above mentioned nutrient. In a properly formed cocktail, the amount of each single nutrient is reduced, while the overall effect is still achieved. Because of biochemical and metabolic individual variation, the use of nutritional supplements should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin.
“Selenium intake reduces serum C3, an early marker of metabolic syndrome manifestations, in healthy young adults.C3 seems to be related with selenium status and several anthropometrical and biochemical measurements linked to metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy young adults,” wrote authors as B. Puchau, M.A. Zulet, A. Gonzalez de Echavarria, I. Navarro-Blasco and J.A. Martinez . These findings suggest a possible role for selenium intake in the modulation of C3, whose assessment may be an early marker of metabolic syndrome manifestations as per the conclusions of the researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, published online Nov 5, 2008). According to their online report ‘Selenium status’ appears to be linked with serum complement factor 3 (C3), which has been reported to be a marker for increased risk of the metabolic syndrome. The researchers state: “We report here for the first time an association between circulating C3 and nail selenium concentrations.” Selenium levels have been falling in Europe since the EU imposed levies on wheat imports from the US, where soil selenium levels are high. As a result, average intake of selenium in the UK has fallen from 60 to 34 micrograms per day, leading to calls from some to enrich soil and fertilizers with selenium to boost public consumption. Selenium-enriched fertilizers are used in Finland. The European recommended daily intake (RDI) is 65 micrograms. The recommended EC Tolerable Upper Intake Level for selenium is 300 micrograms per day (EU publ)
3. Herbs. Generally speaking, herbs are employed on the basis of their symptom specific effects. However, the desired symptom-specific effects are not always seen as a result. It is interesting to note that for any specific condition, there is always more than one herb available that can be employed. What is necessary for the achievement of the desired result is to match the appropriate herb to the appropriate constitution (metabolically and biochemically). In the case of metabolic syndrome herbal healing---the use of Terminalia Arjuna as a cardiac tonic and for blood pressure regulation, Guggul herb for a cholesterol control, Bitter Melon- for glycemic and diabetes control, Gacinia for lipids control, Gymnema as a sugar destroyer must be underlined. Just as the natures, qualities, nutrient content, etc., of the various foods must be matched to one’s metabolic syndrome management, so too must the nature and qualities of herbs or nutraceuticals be matched for predictable, reliable and desired effects to be achieved. It is resulted from the model that some people who are not obese by traditional measures nevertheless are insulin resistant and have abnormal levels of metabolic risk factors. Examples are seen in individuals with 2 diabetic parents or 1 parent and a first- or second-degree relative; the same is true for many individuals of Mexican or African ethnicity.
4. Exercise. Epidemiological studies have shown that modest exercise is beneficial. However, unequivocal metabolic benefits from exercise will not be achieved from a casual walk a couple of nights a week. Significant, regular, chronic exercise is required to see improvements in insulin action, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. Exercise is as powerful a tool as weight loss.
5. Others:
a. Alcohol. In population-based studies, moderate drinkers are found to have lower insulin levels as compared to non-drinkers. Our small-scale studies have shown moderate drinkers to be more insulin sensitive. There have been no intervention studies to show that initiating alcohol consumption in individuals who are insulin resistant with low HDL is beneficial. So it is not reasonable to suggest that non-drinkers should start to drink 1-2 drinks per day. On the other hand, we do not have the evidence to recommend abstaining from alcohol.
b. Smoking. Smoking is unequivocally bad, associated with high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

Depression


Annie Sawyer, Ph. D.

During the winter blues we are seriously depressed due to missing daylight stimulation to our pineal gland and to a significantly low production of melatonin. However, low vitamin D levels are also another other reason that is affecting our mood causing depression and SAD. The Mayo Clinic says 93% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine says there’s a real Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic. We already know well that Vitamin D3 (cholecaliferol) is the best form to take. It can help support a health body and life style.
As we already know Vit D is that important pro-hormone that is responsible for our immune system to be stable, to improve Ca absorption, and many others.
Depression is lately associated with decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and increased parathyroid hormone levels in older adults a study done by Hoogendijk, Lips et al, and published in Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2008. The researchers found that vitamin D was insufficient in patients with major and minor depression (dysthymia). Vitamin D in these groups was found 14% lower than in "non-depressed" controls. And conversely, parathyroid hormone was 33% higher in those with major depression while it was 5% higher in those with minor depression comparatively to the controls.
Depression is a mental state, characterized by feelings of sadness, despair and discouragement. Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues called- dysthymia to major depression. It in many ways resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement, there are often feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self-reproach, withdrawal from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbances. Depression in general is classified as a depressive disorder characterized by extreme feelings of sadness, lack of self-worth, anger and rejection.
Symptoms can be as follows: poor appetite with weight loss, or weight gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, difficulties with concentration and thinking, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideations, a state of sadness marked by inactivity and inability to concentrate: reduction of the functional activity of the body. It is a major disorder that can begin at any age. We must differentiate depression from anxiety, stress syndrome, adjustment disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and bipolar disorder.
Major Depression is a state of gloom, sadness and lethargy that lasts for more than just a few days. It may be characterized by a depressed mood most of each day, lack of pleasure in most activities, thoughts of suicide, insomnia, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Anxiety disorder (AD) is a state of apprehension, uncertainty, and strong fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or fantasized threatening event or situation, often impairing physical and psychological functioning.
Stress Syndrome (SS) is a state of emotional strain often brought on by overwork, prolonged study, emotional pressure, or a host of physiological or psychological factors.Stress and depression are known as detrimental to the immune system.
Adjustment disorder (AD) is a classification of mental disorder that is a psychological response from an identifiable stressor or group of stressors that causes significant emotional or behavioral symptoms that does not meet criteria for more specific disorders. The condition is different from anxiety disorder which lacks the presence of a stressor, or post-traumatic stress disorder or acute-stress disorder which usually are associated with a more intense stressor.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic anxiety disorder most commonly characterized by obsessive repetitive thoughts or actions and related compulsions. Compulsions are “rituals" which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
Panic disorder (PD) is a psychological condition characterized by recurring panic attacks in relation and combination with significant behavioral change lasting at least a month, and of ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks.
Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders. Between 8.7% and 18.1% of Americans suffer from phobias. It is the most common mental illness among women in all age groups and the second most common illness among men older than 25.
Dietary Changes:
1. Avoid sugars or sugary foods and eat organic fruits instead.
2. Eliminate processed food from your diet.
3. Eat 5 servings of fruits and 7 servings of vegetables daily.
4. Choose veggies/ fruits/ high on Beta- carotene content- yams, spinach, broccoli, and leafy greens.
5. Drink enough water (5-8 glasses) daily.
6. Increase the amount of 3 omega EFA by eating foods higher in EFA- as salmon, raw nuts and seeds.
7. Add vit B50 or B100 complex, amino acids and magnesium to your daily supplements ratio.
7. Avoid spicy foods.
8. Choose to eat fish rather than red meat for a couple of months.
9. Take 2000 IU of Vit D3 daily.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, to sign for on line or phone consultation, or to request an article written to suit your wellness business purposes, please call: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference."