Dr. Arturo M. Volpe

from The Allergy Self Help Cookbook by Marjorie Hurt Jones

Zucchini milk is a versatile liquid that’s ideal for making bread, cakes, and cream soups. Make the milk when zucchini are in season and freeze it in one-cup containers. For a pale, off-white milk, peel the zucchini thickly (or double peel). Unpeeled zucchini will result in green milk.

You will need 2-1/2 pounds firm zucchini, peeled and cut into chunks.

Place enough zucchini in a blender to fill it about one-quarter full. Process to a thick, smooth liquid. Pour into a large saucepan. Repeat until all the zucchini is pureed and in the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for one minute. Cool briefly and pour into one-cup jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to one year.

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Hemochromatosis is the third most common genetic defect in the United States, affecting one in 150 people. It causes iron to accumulate in the body until it reaches toxic levels and damages the liver, kidneys or heart. This life-threatening disorder does not produce early symptoms, and it is not uncommon for people with hemochromatosis to first learn about it when they are rushed to the hospital.

However, those with this condition can live full and healthy lives if it is identified early and blood iron levels are kept under control and closely monitored. Making regular blood donations is a simple way to keep iron levels down. In addition, the dietary supplement IP6, a rice bran derivative, helps leach excess iron from the body. For more information on IP6, see lewrockwell.com/orig/sardi10.html.

Hemochromatosis is so often missed simply because doctors do not screen for it routinely, even though testing iron level costs only pennies. The reason why this test is so rarely performed is probably linked to the fact that there is no drug treatment for hemochromatosis. I do not believe in conspiracies, but it often seems that it is the pharmaceutical giants that drive medicine today.

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In recent months we have all heard a lot about fish safety concerns. The issue is confusing, because while there are studies that show hazards, other studies continue to identify health benefits associated with eating fish. What should we do?

In one study, 48 cans of tuna bought at large chain stores, including Whole Foods, were analyzed for mercury content. 16 were found to contain twice or more the amount of mercury considered “safe” by the FDA. (Nutrition Week, June 30, 2003;31(13):6, see also www.mercurypolicy.com).

You may wonder how significant this really is to your health. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mercury is the most toxic substance in the United States, and is the third most frequently found after lead and arsenic (see www.atsdr.cdc.gov/clist.html).

Another report from the July 30, 2003 edition of The New York Times indicates that farm-raised salmon – which includes all the Atlantic salmon in stores – is high in PCBs, highly toxic chemical wastes. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer at very low concentrations and also have detrimental effects on the nervous system, affecting memory, focus, and ability to learn. For more information on the effects of PCBs on health, visit www.epa.gov/opptintr/pcb/effects.htm.

Some nutrition experts have concluded that, to ensure our safety, we should eliminate all fish from our diet. I disagree, because this position implies that other foods are pristine and that just replacing fish with something else will benefit our health. Unfortunately this is far from true. We need to become well-informed shoppers because fish, when carefully chosen, can be health-enhancing.

Other studies continue to show benefits, including lower cancer rates in people who regularly consume fish. This seems very confusing, but it makes sense when you realize that fish is a rich source of protein (amino acids) that help strengthen the immune system and provide tools our bodies need to cope with environmental toxins – ironic, but true. An example of this is the dietary supplement Seacure, which is made from predigested fish protein. Independent studies have shown that Seacure can help people with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions. The Pacific whitefish supply used to make Seacure is tested regularly and found to be free of contaminants. You can read about Seacure at www.seacure.biz.

The solution to this dilemma is to select the fish we eat very carefully. There are types of fish that are relatively uncontaminated, enabling us to draw the benefits from this valuable food source while avoiding unnecessary and potentially dangerous exposure to toxins. Possibly the best choice is true wild Alaskan salmon. To be sure you get the cleanest, order it from www.vitalchoice.com, a group that closely monitors the quality of their products, or other reliable sources. In general, I recommend avoiding large predator fish, including swordfish and tuna, bottom feeders (including flounder) and all farm-raised fish. The cleanest fish might well be those from the Pacific Northwest.

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Most women past the age of menopause have probably been offered one of several drugs to treat or prevent osteoporosis. These drugs work primarily by inhibiting hormones like parathyroid, although in most cases these hormones are at healthy levels and are not what causes bone loss. The drugs may well lead to stronger bones, but toxicity and side effects are a real concern.

All of us know about the importance of calcium for bone growth in children and healthy bones in adults. However taking calcium alone has not been shown to help reduce bone loss and osteoporosis. One reason is that the body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and deposit it in bones.

A recent study showed that taking 800 to 900 IU of vitamin D in addition to 1,200-1,300 mg of calcium resulted in increased bone density in both younger and older postmenopausal women. The study also revealed that vitamin D deficiency was widespread among aging individuals. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium would seem to be a reasonable first step in manag ing osteoporosis before even considering drugs that cause undesirable hormone disruption (J Women’s Health (Larchmnt) 2003 Mar; 12:2: 151-6).

Unlike other vitamins, our bodies can make Vitamin D. The skin has enzymes that, when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, convert cholesterol into Vitamin D. We also obtain some Vitamin D from food, but since the amount we get from the sun can vary a great deal, it is a challenge to determine exactly how much Vitamin D we need from our food or supplements.

The US recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 400 international units (10mcg) daily from infancy to adulthood, and it was long thought that intakes exceeding 2,000 IU daily posed a risk of toxicity. However, expert opinion is shifting on this point since it has become apparent that the body can make many times more Vitamin D from even brief exposure to the sun.

Deficiency of Vitamin D is probably becoming more common in part because of widespread use of sunblocks that interfere with the skin’s ability to synthesize this vitamin. Large doses of Vitamin A, while beneficial in certain cases, can also induce a deficiency of Vitamin D if the levels of the two vitamins are not monitored and maintained in proper balance.

Studies have also shown that Vitamin D plays a central role in regulating the immune system. People with low blood levels of Vitamin D have been shown to have a higher occurrence of numerous cancers, including prostate, breast, colon, and others. The rate of autoimmune disease is higher in those who are deficient in this important vitamin.

Regular but sensible exposure to the sun may be the best way to ensure adequate stores of Vitamin D. Individuals at risk for osteoporosis, those who take Vitamin A supplements, or those with immune system disorders should ask their healthcare professional to order a simple test called 25-hydroxy-vitamin D to help determine their level of this important vitamin.

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More and more of us are finding that eliminating dairy from our diet can help solve chronic health problems. Children stop having ear infections, digestive problems or constipation suddenly improve, and asthma, headaches and even depression may finally come to an end with just this simple step.

I am not suggesting that milk is always bad, or that everyone should avoid it, but those who are sensitive to it are better off without it. This is not an indictment of milk itself, but of the
modern production techniques that have altered an otherwise perfectly healthy food.

The next question on many people’s minds is: how can I get enough calcium without milk? The calcium story is a bit more complicated than just counting the number of milligrams consumed per day, but the good news is that there are many excellent sources of calcium aside from milk.

The first point to keep in mind is that the body cannot use calcium by itself. Without enough Vitamin D, for example, we cannot adequately absorb and utilize calcium. Bones also need other important minerals, and taking too much calcium alone can be actually damage our health by causing acidity in blood and contributing to plaque buildup in arteries.

To promote ideal calcium absorption, a majority of our calcium should come from natural food sources, whether we consume dairy products or not. Calcium-rich foods don’t just contain calcium; they also contain many associated nutrients including minerals and proteins that promote optimal calcium utilization. This complex food synergy cannot be easily achieved by just taking supplements. Supplements are man-made and can never quite match the optimal balance of nutrients found in nature.

Most foods contain at least some calcium as this mineral is found everywhere in nature. Certain grains, seeds and green vegetables are very rich in calcium, with sesame seeds containing four times more calcium than milk. The seeds can be digested properly only if finely ground – it’s easy to grind them in an inexpensive coffee grinder at home and sprinkle them over salads or other foods, add them to drinks like smoothies, use in baking, etc. If you are concerned about your ability to fully digest these foods and absorb the calcium and other nutrients they contain, having them with a digestive enzyme might help.

One strategy to obtain enough calcium is to select several combinations of high-calcium foods you can include in your or your child’s diet on a rotating basis. Calculate the calcium content of each combination using the table at the end of this section. You may also take a well-balanc ed, high-quality calcium supplement every day to fulfill any residual need.

For example, on Day One you can have one cup of amaranth flour and a quarter of a cup of ground sesame seeds in your meals for a total of 750 mg of calcium. Add 250 mg of calcium from a supplement if you need to reach 1,000 mg.

On Day Two, have half a cup each of almonds, tofu and ground flaxseeds and reach roughly the same 750 mg of calcium. You will not be able to match exactly every day’s calcium intake, so just average it and remember: variety is the key to obtain not only calcium but also a wide range of synergistic nutrients!

The next question is how much calcium do we really need on a daily basis? Unfortunately there is no general consensus on this point. Although the US recommended daily allowances (RDA) are often very low and have been nicknamed “recommended deficiency allowances,” they are unusually high when it comes to calcium.

The U.S. RDA for calcium in children aged 1 to 10 is 800 mg per day, whereas in the United Kingdom the recommended intake is 350-550mg. In addition, other dietary factors affect

calcium balance. Sugar and caffeine cause excretion of calcium and other minerals from the body, so if the diet is high in these products you will need extra calcium to make up for the loss.

In my opinion, an intake in the range of 500 mg in children under the age of 11, roughly double that for children over 11 and 700 mg in adults is adequate as long as the diet is “clean”
and low in sugar, stimulants and other junk foods. Higher intakes of calcium should be considered in special cases, including osteoporosis. I have included both the U.S. and U.K.

RDAs for calcium to give you more information about target intakes.

Food/Calcium content (mg) per cup unless otherwise indicated.

Dairy:
Milk, whole/291
Milk, 2%/297
Milk, nonfat/302
Cottage cheese/150
Yogurt, plain/274

Fruits:
Currants, zante, dried/124
Figs, dried/269 per 10 figs

Grains:
Amaranth grain, boiled/276
Amaranth flour/407
Carob flour/359
Cassava flour/193
Cottonseed flour (low fat)/1,080
Garbanzo flour/324
Quinoa flour/324
Rice bran/128
Soybean flour (low fat)/165
Sweet potato flour/115
Teff, grain or flour/407 (note: contains gluten)

Vegetables:
Hummus spread/124
Black-eyed peas, boiled/212
Navy beans, boiled/128
White beans, boiled/161
Wax beans, cut, canned/174
Beet greens, boiled/165
Chard, Swiss, boiled/102
Dandelion greens, boiled/146
Kale, boiled/180
Mustard greens, frozen, boiled/150
Okra, boiled/100
Parsley, dried/912
Taro, Tahitian, cooked/202

Soybean products:
Miso/184
Tempeh/154
Tofu/260
Firm tofu/516

Nuts, seeds and nut butters:
Almonds/600
Almond butter/688
Brazil nuts/400
Cashews/104
Cashew butter/96
Cottonseed flour, low-fat/1,080
Filberts (hazelnuts)/424
Flaxseeds/616
Macadamia nuts/160
Peanuts/136
Pistachios, shelled/304
Pumpkin seeds, dried/96
Safflower seeds, dried/176
Sesame seeds, whole/1,408
Soybean nuts, dry roasted/464
Sunflower seeds/272
Walnuts/216

Sea Vegetables:
Agar agar, dried/1,438
Arame, dried/2691
Carragheen, dried/2,036
Dulse, dried/681
Hijiki, dried/3,220
Kelp, raw/386
Kelp, dried/1,840
Wakame, dried/2,990

Fish and shellfish:
Salmon (canned)/167 per 3oz serving (includes bones)
Sardines (canned)/371 per 3oz serving (includes bones)
Oysters (raw)/226

Sources: mostly from “Calcium without the Cow” by Sally Rockwell, PhD, CCN. Other books by Dr. Rockwell include “Allergy-Free Baking Tips for Special Flours,” “Allergy Recipes” and “The Rotation Game,” all available from www.amazon.com.

Recommended daily allowances for Calcium

Category/Age (years)/US RDA (mg)/UK nutrient intakes (mg)
Infants/7-12 mo/400/535
Children/1-10/800/350-550
Males/11-19/1,200/1,000
Males/Adult/800/700
Females/11-19/1,200/800
Females/Adult/800/700
Females/Pregnant/1,200/700
Females/Lactating/1,200/1,250

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Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in lakes and other bodies of water. In recent years, it has become popular as a dietary supplement because it has been found to be a rich natural source of nutrients.

The sudden outbreak of SARS led to a flurry of research to find an antiviral agent that could reduce the severity of the disease and promote recovery. The virus responsible for SARS was found to belong to the coronavirus, a family that also includes the cold and flu viruses.

A German study evaluated the efficacy of various agents, including interferon, to inhibit viruses isolated from SARS patients. One of the agents evaluated was glycyrrhizin, an extract of the herb licorice root, and this particular substance proved to be the most effective one of all those tested.

Researchers found that, in addition to inhibiting replication of the virus more effectively than any other drugs, glycyrrhizin also inhibited ability of the virus to infect healthy cells. The authors also commented that glycyrrhizin had previously been used in the treatment of patients with HIV and chronic hepatitis C. Compared with the other agents tested, glycyrrhizin has the lowest occurrence of side effects: only increased blood pressure in susceptible individuals with long-term use. (The Lancet, June 2003; 361 (9374): 2045-6)

Licorice root standardized for its glycyrrhizin content can be purchased in the United States over the counter as a dietary supplement. Although the SARS epidemic seems to be behind us, glycyrrhizin can be considered as part of a strategy to address a variety of chronic and acute viral conditions in both children and adults.

Other herbal extracts have also been shown to be active against viruses. These can be combined with glycyrrhizin to obtain a synergistic effect at lower doses, thus reducing the risk of side effects and possibly even increasing effectiveness.

I will review a few of these herbs briefly:

Elderberry extract has been used traditionally to protect from the flu and other viral conditions.

Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has been shown to inhibit the replication of influenza viruses A and B (Boil Pharm Bull 1995;18(2):295-9). It has also been shown to inhibit HIV proliferation in animal studies (Cell Mol Biol Res 1993;39(2):119-24), and Epstein-Barr virus in humans (Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1992;40(2):531-3).

Astragalus has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for a variety of viral conditions. Research has shown its ability to correct deficient T cells (immune cells) in cancer patients (J Clin Lab Immunol 1988;25:119-23).

Berberine, an extract of several herbs, has been shown to have strong inhibiting effects against various fungal, bacterial and viral organisms (Can J Microbiol 1969;15(9):1067-76, J Prosthet Dent 1990;64(6):691-4).

Hypericin, extracted from St. John’s wort, has been shown to be effective against herpes simplex virus I and II and Epstein-Barr virus, among others. It received a European patent as an antiviral drug, but is available in this country as a dietary supplement.

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A large new health-care bill recently passed the Texas legislature and was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. The law contains a provision to allow parents not to vaccinate their children on the basis of “philosophical objections.” Details can be found at www.vaccineinfo.net.

The passage of this law was a huge victory for all of us who believe that individuals should have the freedom to make critical decisions regarding their health and the health of their children. It also specifically prohibits any punitive action towards parents who choose not to vaccinate and guarantees that unvaccinated children can remain anonymous.

Unfortunately, as soon as it was passed, the law stirred a great deal of controversy that culminated in a new bill being submitted to repeal it. This bill was to be debated beginning on July 10 and at the time of this writing the outcome is unclear.

The controversy stemming from the new vaccine law is described in an article published on July 4 in the Houston Chronicle (see http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/health/1979746 ). The article quotes several prominent Texas physicians as saying that parents cannot be trusted to make such important decisions regarding their children’s health because they do not follow rational scientific criteria.

I think I am as much a fan of science as anyone, but I also recognize that current scientific knowledge reflects just our present best estimate of a given issue, not necessarily the truth. Somehow medicine has consistently failed to distinguish between truth and current scientific knowledge.

As a result, for example, for more than twenty years physicians strongly urged that all women past menopause take hormone replacement therapy because the studies of the day showed it would protect their bones as wells as their hearts and improve the quality of their lives. Later, more in-depth studies showed that these same hormones actually did the opposite. They caused heart disease, stroke, dementia and cancer, and did not even protect women from osteoporosis. I think a little humility in medicine might be appropriate.

If you are interested in reading about a safer alternative vaccination schedule I recommend the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave, MD available from your local bookstore or www.amazon.com.

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Seasonal allergies are a widespread problem affecting a growing number of American children and adults, currently estimated at 23 million.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a dietary supplement that contains organic sulfur and so-called methyl groups. Both of these help the body rid itself of toxins and can have a protective effect for the liver and the body’s immune system.

In a recent study, 50 adults were given 2,600 mg of MSM daily, an easy and inexpensive dose for people to take on a regular basis. By the seventh day, the adults’ upper and total respiratory symptoms were reduced significantly and a further improvement in lower respiratory symptoms was observed by the third week. Improvements were also maintained at day 30 when the study was concluded.

Interestingly, participants also reported improved energy levels occurring by day 14 that were maintained at the conclusion of the study. (J Altern Complement Med, 2002; 8 (2): 167-73)

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Even if we don’t actually see the difference, the composition of many foods we eat on a daily basis has been altered in recent years through genetic engineering.

I don’t think anyone knows for sure that genetically modified foods are always safe for human consumption, although our government’s position is that they are safe unless proven otherwise and routine safety studies are not required.

A hint regarding possible heath risks associated with genetically engineered foods comes from a grass story I received from a subscriber.

Until I read this story I thought that all grass was the same and cattle raised on grass was the best. Not so, as apparently industry has been developing grasses with higher sugar contents to fatten up beef faster.

Industry may care much more about the weight of beef cattle than their health, but when horses that are expected to live longer also graze on these high-sugar grasses, they develop various types of metabolic disorders – like diabetes – that were previously rare. Now doesn’t this sound a bit like what’s been happening to people?

To read more about the horse story, visit www.safergrass.org.

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Lactobacillus GG is a type of beneficial bacteria that helps promote intestinal health. It is marketed here under the name Culturelle (see http://www.culturelle.com). This product may or may not be preferable to any of the many similar ones found in health food stores, but its manufacturer – ConAgra – has very deep pockets and has been regularly funding studies on it.

In the newest study from Finland, approximately 50 pregnant women were given Lactobacillus GG and fifty others were given a placebo. At two years and four years after birth, all children were evaluated. In both cases there were half as many children with eczema – an allergic skin condition – in the lactobacillus group than in the placebo group.

This shows not only that lactobacillus given to expectant mothers protects their children from later developing allergies, but also that the protection lasts past infancy (The Lancet, May 2003; 361 (9372): 1918).

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and wonder which other supplements besides lactobacillus and folic acid may help your child, fish oil has also been shown to be beneficial. However, you must be sure that the fish oil you take has undergone molecular distillation and is free of mercury and PCBs.

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Water fluoridation has long been a controversial topic, and a Google search brings up thousands of sites discussing the pros and cons of this practice. In theory, fluoride is added to drinking water to protect us from cavities.

In reality, there is little evidence that water fluoridation does any good. Although there are studies showing the protective effects of fluoride, they are based on its topical application to teeth, not adding it to drinking water.

Fluoride is actually an industrial by-product that is toxic and would normally be disposed of as any other environmental hazard. Critics of water fluoridation hold that fluoride should be
carefully eliminated from the environment, not added to drinking water and thus endangering our health and adding to the burden of pollutants in our bodies.

An interesting and well-referenced article on this topic can be found at www.suite101.com/article.cfm/11749/109036

The author – a self-appointed fluoride researcher – discusses a recent study showing that fluoridation causes children to absorb more lead and retain it longer in their bodies.

Lead is not only known to lower IQ and cause hyperactivity, autism, and more, it is also – believe it or not – itself a cause of cavities. This may be the reason why, when fluoridation
was discontinued in some European countries cavity rates went down (see Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, Oct. 2000; 28: 382-9 also reported at
www.mercola.com/2000/oct/29/fluoride_cavities.htm).

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Amino acids are natural building blocks of protein. They can be obtained from food and some, including carnitine, can also be made in the body from other amino acids. Carnitine plays a critical role in the metabolism of fatty acids, a process whereby fats are burned for energy. This particular process can be disturbed in individuals with ADHD, leading to a buildup of toxic fatty acids.

Some experts consider carnitine deficiency to be rare because this amino acid is plentiful in food and the body can also make its own. In reality, deficiency may be far more common than believed, either because of poor diet, or because carnitine production may be inefficient in certain people.

The beneficial effect of carnitine supplementation depends on the presence of B complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Without enough of these vitamins carnitine is ineffective, so it makes sense that these nutrients should always be supplemented together to improve outcomes.
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Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in lakes and other bodies of water. In recent years, it has become popular as a dietary supplement because it has been found to be a rich natural source of nutrients.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that a protein named cyanovirin-N (CV-N) contained in spirulina has the ability to slow down the progression of viruses, including HIV and Ebola, by reducing their ability to infect healthy cells. When this protein was administered to mice infected with the Ebola virus they were not cured, but their life was extended – quite a remarkable result! See www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/ebola for more information on the NCI report and the antiviral properties of CV-N.

While the CV-N protein is not currently available in pure form, spirulina itself may offer some of the same antiviral protection in addition to numerous other benefits. For example, the Russians used spirulina to decontaminate children who had been exposed to high-level radiation during the Chernobyl disaster. The Institute for Radiation in Minsk had the children take 5 grams of spirulina daily and observed a 50% decrease in body levels of radiation after twenty days. These results are impressive, especially considering that radiation levels decline very slowly if left untreated. Based on this experience, the Russian ministry of health now recommends spirulina as a standard treatment for radiation exposure.

The U.S. medical system may not lend much credence to reports like this one and is much more interested in high-tech and expensive solutions rather than simple natural ones. Nevertheless, the Russian experience with spirulina is of value for all of us, especially now that we face the possibility of nuclear terrorism in our country.

The Russians chose spirulina in the first place because Japanese researchers had found it to be a rich source of naturally occurring metallothioneins (MT’s). MT’s are proteins made in the body (and elsewhere in nature) that help protect us from environmental toxins, including radiation and heavy metals such as mercury or lead. A human genetic variant that leads to inefficient metallothionein production is believed to be a trigger for autism and ADHD in children who are exposed to excessive amounts of toxins.

In such cases, it is more likely that we are dealing with a normal genetic variant known as a polymorhism rather than a true genetic disorder. Such polymorphisms determine things like our appearance, but also the way that we digest food or eliminate toxins. In a relatively clean environment, a less efficient MT production is not a major disadvantage, but it becomes one when, for example, we begin to inject infants with vaccines that contain mercury. People with this genetic variant who escape childhood disorders such as autism or ADHD may have an increased risk of chronic health conditions in adulthood, although I don’t think this has ever been studied.

Before you run out to buy a bottle of spirulina, you should be aware that different strains have very different nutrient profiles. Spirulina pacifica and Hawaiian pacifica are considered the best strains. However, growing conditions, harvesting and bottling practices all impact the quality of the product and, unfortunately, much of what is available in retail stores is contaminated and of inferior quality.

Additional information on the benefits of spirulina can be found in the May 1997 issue of an Australian publication, “The Medifile Report” (Post Office Box 78, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia, tel. 043-622-458 or 621-871).

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A study published in a respected pediatric journal (“Melatonin in children and adolescents with insomnia” Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2003 Jan-Feb; 42 (1): 51-8) found that melatonin is effective in improving sleep in children who suffer from insomnia. The melatonin was administered one hour before bedtime to children ranging in age from 2 to 15 years. Dosing was 1.4 mg for children between the ages of 2 and 6, 2 mg between 7 and 11 years old and 3 mg for older children.

Researchers looked at how quickly children fell asleep and how often they woke up during the night. Within one to two weeks of starting the treatment, more than 90% of the children in the study experienced at least partial improvements in their sleep and no side effects of any kind were reported. In addition, parents reported that their children were more attentive, less hyperactive, performed better in school, and had better moods after their sleep stabilized.
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Allithiamine is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B-1. Although vitamin B-1 (thiamin) is most commonly found in its water-soluble form, allithiamine is also a naturally occurring form of this vitamin and is found in many foods, including garlic.

Since it is fat-soluble, allithiamine has the advantage of being excreted at a much slower rate than the common form of thiamin. In addition, while thiamin in any form is associated with health of the nervous system, the fat-soluble form is far more effective in promoting recovery of a damaged nervous system.

The reason for this may be that the nervous system is, in large part, made up of fat. Nerves are encased in a protective fatty cover known as the myelin sheath. Efficient functioning of the nerves is largely dependent on the health of this sheath. Because allithiamine is fat-soluble, it dissolves more easily and is better absorbed in these fatty regions of the nervous system where it can promote recovery.

Vitamin B-1 deficiency is widespread in our society due to the prevalent high-carbohydrate diets. This vitamin is consumed when carbs are digested and used (metabolized) in the body, so the more carbs we eat the more thiamin we need. However refined carbs are a poor source of thiamin and when they become the major component of the diet, people exhaust their thiamin reserves without replenishing them, so they become deficient. In our country some carbohydrate products are enriched with thiamin for this very reason, but the amount added is probably inadequate, at least for a segment of the population (besides, many carbohydrates like French fries are not enriched).

An extreme form of chronic vitamin B-1 deficiency is seen in alcoholics. Alcohol is metabolized like a carbohydrate but provides no nutrients at all and thus robs the body of many vitamins, especially thiamin. This extreme deficiency can lead to a form of dementia known as Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis that is treated with daily vitamin B-1 injections.

Diabetics are also often deficient in thiamin, although their deficiency is usually not severe enough to cause dementia. A prevalent symptom of deficiency in diabetics is polyneuropathy, a condition characterized by loss of sensation in the extremities. An early sign of this condition is “burning” feet, which explains why many diabetics (and alcoholics) often cannot tolerate sleeping with a blanket covering their feet.

Derrick Lonsdale, MD has found thiamin deficiency to also be prevalent in children with ADHD and autism. Dr. Lonsdale discovered that thiamin deficiency tends to manifest in children as hyperactivity and a sensitivity to touch that he calls “touch-me-not syndrome.”

A recent double-blind controlled study of allithiamine supplementation was performed in Germany on diabetic patients who suffered from polyneuropathy. Patients in the active treatment group were given oral supplements of allithiamine (actually benfotiamine, a form of allithiamine) plus vitamins B-6 and B-12 that have synergistic actions. After the 12-week duration of the study, all patients who received the vitamin combination showed significant improvements. Additional progress was observed nine months later in a group who continued to take the vitamins after the study was completed. Incidentally, no side effects were reported in this study (“A benfotiamine-vitamin B combination in treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy” Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1996; 104 (4): 311-6).

Allithiamine is also very effective as a piece of the treatment puzzle in children with ADHD and autism when there is a pre-existing deficiency. Although oral administration is highly effective, this vitamin has a viciously bad taste and it is usually administered as a cream to children who are too small to swallow pills.

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Cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that is responsible for making cholesterol. Unfortunately, this is the same enzyme that also makes Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), one of the most powerful antioxidants in our bodies. CoQ10 helps protect us from the harmful effects of free radicals that cause a multitude of health conditions, including heart disease and cancer.

Blocking the body’s ability to produce cholesterol inevitably also blocks its ability to make CoQ10. Because of this association, many experts believe that the use of cholersterol-lowering drugs over extended periods of time increases the risk of cancer. One such expert is Diana Schwarzbein, MD, an endocrinologist and author of the best-selling diet book The Schwarzbein Principle. In her book, Dr. Schwarzbein quotes several studies that support an association between these medications and cancer risk.

A recent short-term study from The Netherlands found that these drugs were “safe” and effective in children (“Simvastatin safe and effective for children with familial hypercholesterolemia” Circulation, 2002; 106: 2231-37). It is likely that physicians in this country will soon be under pressure to screen children’s cholesterol levels and prescribe medications when levels are found to be high. Since these medications are usually prescribed for life, it can be expected that children will be exposed to the highest risk of side effects from long-term use.
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Recently I was shocked to hear on the evening news that, as Americans age, most if not all of us are projected to develop high blood pressure. I asked myself how this could be, as high blood pressure is certainly not a normal part of aging.

A large-population study, performed on more than 80,000 women, sheds at least some light on this mystery. The study uncovered that common over-the-counter and prescription pain medications have a strong association with high blood pressure (Arch Intern Med, 2002; 162:2204-2208 “In addition to their antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects, analgesics may interfere with blood pressure regulation”).

Unquestionably, pain is a part of aging in our society and many people take acetaminophen and NSAIDS on a daily basis. Now we know that this type of frequent use is not free of risk.

Although these medications provide quick relief for occasional pain, there are natural approaches that have been proven to work as well or better in the long term without nasty side effects. These include dietary supplements like glucosamine and fish oil, and herbs like Boswellia. Some of these supplements also help lower elevated blood pressure. The nature of the pain should be the determining factor in selecting the most appropriate supplement or mix of supplements.

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Upper respiratory infections are easily the most common health concern for children and are probably among the most common in adults as well. The garden-variety cold, ear infections in children and sinus infections in adults are just a few of the forms they can take.

All of these problems begin with a local irritant, be it an allergen like pollen, a virus or bacteria. The immune system’s most immediate line of defense is to wash the irritant out by increasing drainage. This drainage is uncomfortable, so the tendency is to use antihistamines and decongestants to relieve symptoms. However, it is not often explained that these medications block the immune system’s effort to rid itself of the irritant without providing other benefits.

Often the next step in the sequence of events is a full-blown upper respiratory infection. At this point antibiotics may be the only sensible choice, although some infections might resolve through natural treatments and others spontaneously even if left untreated.
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For years we have heard about the presumed dangers of eating too much protein: those who are not vegetarians eat far too much protein and this is the cause of every modern ailment from cancer to heart disease, osteoporosis and so on. However, evidence supporting this view was always scant, and many of the studies quoted in support of these theories were deeply flawed.

A new large-population study that followed more than 88,000 women over a period of 18 years could find no association between intake of animal protein and risk of breast cancer (“Meat, fish and egg intake and risk of breast cancer” Int J Cancer 2003; 104(2): 221-7).

Another large study looked for a link between animal protein and heart disease and actually found that higher consumption of protein led to decreases in risk for certain types of heart disease. This led researchers to conclude that: “replacing carbohydrates with protein may be associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease” (Am J Clin Nutr 1999; 70(2):221-7 and Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71(3): 848-51 “Dietary protein and risk of ischemic heart disease in women”). It seems that the more we learn about diet, the more we find that it is sugar and starches that are the real problem.

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Question: I have been hearing many good things about coral calcium. What is your opinion about this supplement and do you recommend that I take it and give it to my child?

Answer: the truth is that I have been reading the same reports and, although I was skeptical all along, I knew very little about coral calcium until I decided to do some research on this topic.

If you want to sell a calcium supplement and really make some money, you’d better find a catchy name and make some bold claims even if you can’t substantiate them. In a nutshell,
this was my original thought and I must say I haven’t seen anything to change my mind.

Coral calcium is extracted from coral reefs near Okinawa, Japan and the health claims stem from the fact that Okinawans enjoy long healthy lives and apparently consume some of these coral extracts. The fact is that we have seen this type of marketing many times before and in all likelihood the Okinawans’ good health has more to do with their active lifestyle and traditional diet than coral calcium.

A closer look reveals that coral calcium is made primarily of calcium carbonate. This is the same type of calcium found in limestone and the antacid Tums. Although there is nothing specifically wrong with calcium carbonate, it is known to be very poorly absorbed, with absorption rates as low as 5%, especially in aging individuals. Other forms of calcium, including calcium citrate, far outperform the absorption of calcium carbonate.

One claim that is made for coral calcium is that it can raise blood pH making the body more alkaline. However, pH is determined by a complex set of factors and we can’t state either that raising pH is always desirable, or that calcium will predictably raise pH. In fact, within different ranges calcium can either increase or decrease alkalinity. One good place to start to assess pH balance of the body is to obtain a comprehensive blood chemistry, something that can be done with minimal expense.

The most outrageous claim I read was that coral calcium can extend life. I’ll let you be the judge of that one. To read all about these claims you can visit www.coral-calcium-supplement.com or www.coral-calcium-supplement.net.

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