May, 2011

Chronic Sinus Problems

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Chronic sinus infections may be the result of bacterial or fungal infections. Sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotics and steroids. However, antibiotics will only make fungal sinus infections worse. I’ve found that many of my patients find relief from chronic nasal congestion and infections from using the following protocol.

If you have chronic sinus infections you should be using a daily nasal rinse program. I use a nasal rinse kit from Neil Med Products -available by calling Neil Med directly (1-877-477-8633). Patients simply add warm water and one of the (50 to a box) buffered sodium packets into the plastic six ounce bottle. For stubborn infections, I encourage patients to add several drops of liquid betadine. Betadine is a topical antiseptic; it kills viruses, bacteria, and yeast.

Make Your Own Nasal RinseMix together the following:
• __ teaspoon of betadine
• __ teaspoon of baking soda
• __ teaspoon of liquid glycerin
• __ 15–20 ounces warm water

Draw up into a baby bulb syringe, and flush each nostril several times. Don’t inhale through your nose. Just let mixture rest in your nose for a few seconds and then gently blow nostril clean. Note: Betadine will stain your clothes, so be sure to cover your upper body a with towel, etc. Use once a day for 2 weeks, then as needed at first sign of cold, flu, or sinusitis.

Many of my patients with chronic sinusitis find dramatic relief once they correct an unsuspected low thyroid. Please click here to see if you may be suffering from low thyroid despite normal blood tests.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and may be worsened by physical, emotional or mental stress. Patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, chemical sensitivities, allergies, poor immune function, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue lasting more than 24 hours. In some cases, CFS can persist for years. The cause, or causes, of CFS have not been identified and no specific diagnostic tests are available. Moreover, since many illnesses have incapacitating fatigue as a symptom, care must be taken to exclude other known and often treatable conditions before a diagnosis of CFS is made.

Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Major Criteria:

1. new onset of fatigue causing 50% reduction in activity for at least six months

2. exclusion of other illnesses that can cause fatigue

Minor Criteria:

1. presence of eight of 11 symptoms, or

2. presence of six of 11 symptoms and two of three signs:

Symptoms

1. mild fever

2. recurrent sore throat

3. painful lymph nodes

4. muscle weakness

5. muscle pain

6. migratory joint pain

7. prolonged fatigue after exercise

8. recurrent headaches

9. neurological or psychological complaints, such as:

• depression

• excessive irritability

• forgetfulness

• sensitivity to bright light

• confusion

• inability to concentrate

10. sleep disturbances

11. sudden onset of symptom complex

Signs

1. low-grade fever

2. non-exudative pharyngitis (sore throat)

3. tender lymph nodes

Similar Medical ConditionsA number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis. Although these illnesses may present with a primary symptom other than fatigue, chronic fatigue is commonly associated with all of them.

Other Conditions That May Cause Similar Symptoms

In addition, there are a large number of clinically defined, frequently treatable illnesses that can result in fatigue. Diagnosis of any of these conditions would exclude a definition of CFS unless the condition has been treated sufficiently and no longer explains the fatigue and other symptoms. These include hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, major depressive disorders, chronic mononucleosis, bipolar affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal disorders*, subacute infections, obesity, alcohol or substance abuse, and reactions to prescribed medications.

Other Commonly Observed Symptoms in CFS

In addition to the eight primary defining symptoms of CFS, a number of other symptoms have been reported by some CFS patients. The frequencies of occurrence of these symptoms vary from 20% to 50% among CFS patients. They include abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, earaches, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (depression, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks), shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling sensations, and weight loss.

Possible Causes of CFS

Due to weakened immunity, individuals with chronic fatigue have terrible problems with energy as well as reoccurring bouts with the flu, colds, sinusitis, and other immune problems. As with so many complex chronic illnesses, CFS may be aggravated by a wide variety of environmental and physiological challenges. Food allergies, environmental sensitivities (odors), heavy metal toxicity (mercury, aluminum, etc.), yeast overgrowth, parasites, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can all contribute to CFS.

The cause, or causes, of CFS remain unknown despite a vigorous search. While a single cause for CFS may yet be identified, another possibility is that CFS represents a common endpoint of disease resulting from multiple precipitating causes. As such, it should not be assumed that any of the possible causes listed below has been formally excluded, or that these largely unrelated possible causes are mutually exclusive. Conditions that have been proposed to trigger the development of CFS include virus infection or other transient traumatic conditions, stress, and toxins.

General Theories

Unfortunately, some physicians believe that CFS is a component of a psychological disorder or a symptom of other problems, similar to anemia and high blood pressure. Indeed, no primary cause has been found that explains all cases of CFS. A number of experts believe that CFS is caused by a combination of conditions that overwhelm the person’s stress coping abilities. These conditions or triggers may include the following:

• Genetic factors.

• Brain abnormalities or inability of the self-regulating mechanisms.

• A hyper-reactive immune system.

• Viral, bacterial, fungal, mycoplasma or other infectious agents.

The majority of patients report some preceding moderate to serious physical (eg, a chronic viral infection) or emotional event (eg, episode of depression). Some experts theorize that such events alone or in combination coupled in people with certain neurological and genetic abnormalities may overwhelm the person’s ability regulate their own homeostatic self-regulating systems.

Dysfunction of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Researchers investigating CFS are looking at the abnormalities in the brain system known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This system produces or regulates hormones and brain chemicals that control important functions, including sleep, response to stress, and depression. This is our self-regulating, homeostatic system. Stress Hormone

Deficiencies

A number of studies on CFS patients have observed deficiencies in cortisol levels, a stress hormone produced in the hypothalamus. Deficiencies may be the reason why CFS patients have an impaired and weaker response to psychological or physical stresses (such as infection or exercise).

Abnormalities in Neurotransmitters

Other research has reported that some patients with CFS have abnormally high levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain). Such elevated levels in the brain are associated with fatigue. Yet another study reported that deficiencies in dopamine and norepinephrine, other important neurotransmitters, may play a role in CFS.

Infections

Because most of the features of CFS resemble those of a lingering viral illness, many researchers have focused on the possibility that a virus or some other infectious agent causes the syndrome in some cases.

Here is what the Centers for Disease (CDC) Control has to say about Infectious Agents.“Due in part to its similarity to chronic mononucleosis, CFS was initially thought to be caused by a virus infection, most probably Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It now seems clear that CFS cannot be caused exclusively by EBV or by any single recognized infectious disease agent. No firm association between infection with any known human pathogen and CFS has been established. CDC’s four-city surveillance study found no association between CFS and infection by a wide variety of human pathogens, including EBV, human retroviruses, human herpesvirus 6, enteroviruses, rubella, Candida albicans, and more recently bornaviruses and Mycoplasma. Taken together, these studies suggest that among identified human pathogens, there appears to be no causal relationship for CFS. However, the possibility remains that CFS may have multiple causes leading to a common endpoint, in which case some viruses or other infectious agents might have a contributory role for a subset of CFS cases.” When researchers find no consistent elevations of EBV antibody levels, they conclude that viruses do not play a role in CFS. “This is like firefighters who ignore the billowing smoke on the horizon, responding only to the blaze, the discovery of which inevitably follows.”

I, like many other specialists, do believe there is an infectious agent or agents involved in CFS. Whether this is a latent or acute viral, bacterial, fungal, or mycoplasma, or a combination of these, which is interacting with and compromising the immune system, is the question?

There are three basic theories for infection-related causes of CFS

Some researchers suggest that chronic fatigue syndrome might be the result of a virus or bacteria that infects the body, causes immune abnormalities, and is then eliminated. It leaves behind a damaged immune system, however, that continues to cause flu-like symptoms even in the absence of the virus. The flu-like symptoms are most pronounced when the person is under stress. The evidence for CFS having a viral cause is not based on hard evidence but on various observations that suggest an association, such as the following:

• In up to 80% of cases, chronic fatigue syndrome starts suddenly with a flu-like condition.

• In the US, outbreaks of CFS occurring within the same household, workplace, and community have been reported (but most have not been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control).

• A large British study of people with both diagnosed CFS and idiopathic chronic fatigue also found no evidence of infection as a direct cause of either condition, but found that previous infections may play some role.

• Although no specific virus has been identified as a single cause, CFS patients typically have elevated levels of antibodies to many viruses that cause fatigue and other CFS symptoms, including Lyme disease, candida (“yeast infection”), herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), Epstein-Barr, measles, coxsackie B, cytomegalovirus, or parvovirus.

• In one study, some patients, particularly those with severe CFS symptoms, had higher-than-normal numbers of infection-fighting white blood cells known as CD8 killer T cells, which launch attacks on invading viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms. These same people had lower-than-normal levels of another white blood cell known as the suppressor T cell, which helps to shut down the immune response once the invading organisms have been killed. In such cases, the immune system becomes persistently overactive and produces fatigue, muscle aches, and other symptoms of CFS.

Immunology

Several investigators have reported lower numbers of natural killer cells or decreased natural killer cell activity among CFS patients compared with healthy controls, but others have found no differences between patients and controls.

T-cell activation markers have also been reported to have differential expression in groups of CFS patients compared with controls, but again, not all investigators have consistently observed these differences. One intriguing hypothesis is that various triggering events, such as stress or a viral infection, may lead to the chronic expression of cytokines and then to CFS.

Administration of some cytokines in therapeutic doses is known to cause fatigue, but no characteristic pattern of chronic cytokine secretion has ever been identified in CFS patients. In addition, some investigators have noted clinical improvement in patients with continued high levels of circulating cytokines; if a causal relationship exists between cytokines and CFS, it is likely to be complex. Finally, several studies have shown that CFS patients are more likely to have a history of allergies than are healthy controls. Allergy could be one predisposing factor for CFS, but it cannot be the only one, since not all CFS patients have it.

Some of the Immune Disorders Associated with CFS are Listed Below:

• Elevated levels of antibodies to various viruses.

• Altered helper/suppressor T-cell ratio.

• Decreased Natural Killer (NK) cells or activity.

• Decreased levels of circulating immune complexes.

• Low or elevated antibody levels.

• Increased cytokine levels.

• Increased or decreased interferon levels.

• Fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities.

The History of CFS

Epstein – Barr virus (EBV), OriginThere have been several studies that have focused on identifying an infectious agent as the cause of CFS. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has received a lot of attention over the last two decades.

In 1985, reports were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine about a mysterious severe viral epidemic the gripped the Lake Tahoe region in California. Initially, CFS was presumed to be caused by the Epstein – Barr virus because research at the National Institutes of Health confirmed the presence of elevated levels of antibodies against EBV in afflicted people. As times passed, EBV was deemed to be one of many viruses associated with CFS. But is CFS caused by these viruses? Or, do the viruses only show themselves once CFS manifests itself? EBV is a member of the Herpes group of viruses, which include Herpes Simplex Types 1 and 2, Varicella zoster virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Psuedorabies virus. A common aspect of these viruses is their ability to establish lifelong latent infection after the initial infection. This latent infection is kept in check by a healthy immune system.

We know that EBV causes the debilitating disease of teenhood, “Infectious Mononucleosis”, or in lay parlance ‘Mono’ (sometimes called ‘the kissing disease’). But not everyone who carries this virus develops “Mono.” In fact, over 90% of Americans have been exposed to EBV by age 20. Some of these individuals develop infectious mononucleosis; others simply experience flu-like symptoms for a few days, but most show no symptoms at all.

CFS and Immune DysfunctionEBV and the Herpes group of viruses can produce chronic lifelong infections. Most individuals have been exposed to one of these viruses and build immunity to them. Persons with a compromised immune system are susceptible to latent infections including EBV. The infection itself can compromise the immune system. Elevated EBV antibodies to the Herpes-group of viruses (Cytomegalovirus, Herpes 6, etc.,) measles, and other viruses have been observed in patients suspected of having CFS and who also display elevated EBV antibody levels. There is little argument that a disturbed immune system plays a central role in CFS, A variety of immune system abnormalities have been observed in EBV cases. The most consistent abnormality is a decreased number of or activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Natural killer cells are used to destroy cells that are infected with cancerous or viral toxins.

As with so many complex chronic illnesses, CFS may be caused and aggravated by a wide variety of environmental and physiological challenges. Food allergies, environmental sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, yeast overgrowth, intestinal dysbiosis, parasites, and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can all contribute to CFS. These disorders must be found and eliminated with a systematic protocol based on correcting causes and not merely covering up symptoms.

Traditional Drug TherapyPharmacologic therapy is directed toward the relief of specific symptoms experienced by the individual patient. Patients with CFS appear particularly sensitive to many medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system. Thus, the usual treatment strategy is to begin with very low doses and to gradually increase dosage as necessary and as tolerated. It is important to remember that use of any drug for symptom relief should be attempted only if an underlying cause for the symptom in question has not been found. The best example is use of a sleep-enhancing medication for non-restorative sleep. Although the patient may state that they sleep better, the sleep disorder remains obscured and thus treatment of the sleep disorder not given. It is also important to remember that all medications can cause untoward side effects, which may lead to new symptoms.

Prescription MedicationsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs can be used to relieve pain in CFS patients. Some are available as over-the-counter medications.

Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic agents may be prescribed for CFS patients to improve sleep and to relieve mild, generalized pain. Examples include doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, Limbitrol, Triavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Other antidepressants: Newer antidepressants have been used to treat depression in CFS patients, although non-depressed CFS patients receiving treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found by some health care providers to benefit from this treatment as well or better than depressed patients. Examples of antidepressants used to treat patients with CFS include serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil); venlafaxine (Effexor); trazodone (Desyrel); and bupropion (Wellbutrin). A number of adverse reactions, varying with the specific drug, may be experienced, but include agitation, sleep disturbances, and increased fatigue.

Anxiolytic agents: Anxiolytic agents may be used to treat symptoms of anxiety in CFS patients. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Clonazepam (Klonopin) is another member of this family of drugs that is used to control exaggerated nervous systems problems such as vertigo, burning or exaggerated tenderness in the skin, and “nervous” limb movements, may also be useful. However, they should not be used in the general treatment of CFS. Common adverse reactions include sedation, amnesia, and symptoms accompanying acute withdrawal (insomnia, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and convulsions).

Stimulants: Fatigue by itself is not a good indication for symptomatic therapy. However, if the fatigue represents lethargy or daytime sleepiness, treatment may be indicated. Trials of a wakefulness agent, modofanil (Provigil), have been completed, but the results have not yet been published. In a small group of patients with excessive sleepiness, the drug decreased symptoms compared with placebo. This drug is currently indicated only with the diagnoses of narcolepsy and excess daytime sleepiness when identified by the proper sleep studies.

Antihypotensive/antitachycardia therapy: CFS does not respond to treatment with antihypotensive or antitachycardic drugs and general use of such medications may be harmful. However, such medications may be useful in specific circumstances. For example, fludrocortisone (Florinef) has been prescribed for CFS patients who have had a positive tilt table test. However controlled studies have not found Florinef alone effective in the general treatment of CFS patients. Beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin) have also been prescribed for patients with orthostatic hypotension. Midodrine (Proamatine), an agent that directly increases blood pressure, may be useful in selected patients identified by an abnormal tilt test. Increased salt and water intake is also recommended for these patients but should be done only under supervision of a health care provider. Adverse reactions include elevated blood pressure and fluid retention.

Experimental Drugs and Treatments

Ampligen

Ampligen is a synthetic nucleic acid product that was designed to stimulate the production of interferons, a family of immune response modifiers that are also known to have antiviral activity. Although it may not directly induce interferon, reports of double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies of CFS patients documented modest improvements in cognition and performance among Ampligen recipients compared with the placebo group. These preliminary results will need to be confirmed by further study. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve Ampligen for widespread use, and the administration of this drug in CFS patients should be considered experimental. Ampligen is not widely available, is costly, and is generally not reimbursable through insurance programs. Finally, although most recipients of Ampligen tolerated the drug well, adverse reactions, such as liver damage, were reported and are still incompletely characterized.

Gamma globulinGamma globulin is pooled human immune globulin and contains antibody molecules directed against a broad range of common infectious agents. Gamma globulin is ordinarily used as a means for passively immunizing persons whose immune system has been compromised, or who have been exposed to an agent that might cause more serious disease in the absence of immune globulin. Gamma globulin is not effective in the treatment of CFS. Serious adverse reactions are uncommon, although in rare instances gamma globulin may initiate anaphylactic shock.

Corticosteroids Controlled studies of corticosteroids have been conducted because some patients with CFS had a slight decrease in urinary cortisol levels. Some benefits were noted in patients treated with low dose hydrocortisone but the effects disappeared after one month. High dose replacement therapy had some benefit but was complicated by attendant adrenal suppression.

Kutapressin

Kutapressin is a crude extract from pig’s liver. It is not readily available and there is no scientific evidence that it has any value in the treatment of CFS patients. Kutapressin can elicit allergic reactions.

Neurosurgery

Unpublished reports of malformations at the base of the skull (Chiari malformations) as being causative of CFS have been circulated, and surgical intervention has been suggested in some of those unsubstantiated reports. Surgical intervention is not recommended at this time.

While prescription drugs may offer some relief from the symptoms associated with CFS, potential side effects are often more problematic than the illness itself.

Potential Dangers Associated with Prescription Drug Therapy

NSAIDs causes 10,000-20,000 Deaths a YearA person taking NSAIDS is seven times more likely to be hospitalized for gastrointestinal adverse effects. The FDA estimates that 200,000 cases of gastric bleeding occur annually and that this leads to 10,000 to 20,000 deaths each year.5

Studies also show that neither drug (Celebrex ) alleviated pain any better than the older medicines. And the drugs cost close to $3 a pill; over-the-counter pain relievers, in contrast, cost pennies a dose.

Benzodiazepines (Tranquilizers) Medications – Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Restoril, Busbar, Tranxene, Serax, Librium, Tegretol, Valium, Trileptal, Seraquel, Risperdal, and Symbax.

Side effects associated with these medications include sleep disturbances (poor sleep), seizures, neuropsychiatric disturbances (mania, depression, suicide, etc.) tinnitus (ringing in the ears), transient memory loss (amnesia), dizziness, agitation (anxiety), disorientation, hypo-tension (low blood pressure), nausea, edema (fluid retention), ataxia (muscular in-coordination), tremors, sexual dysfunction (decreased desire and performance), asthenia (weakness), somnolence (prolonged drowsiness or a trance-like condition that may continue for a number of days), and headaches. The big problem with these medications is that they are loaded with side-effects that cause further health problems (depression, fatigue, memory loss, “fibro fog’” etc.) yet don’t promote deep, restorative sleep.

Stimulants – Adderall, Concerta, Cylert, EtcStimulants such as Adderall (amphetamine), Concerta (methylphenidate), Cylert (pemoline), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate HCL), Metadate (methylphenidate), and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are use to increase adrenalin. They can be very helpful in increasing a person’s energy. But you may remember the saying “speed kills.” With the exception of Provigil, these medications are nothing more than various forms of amphetamines (“speed”). These drugs are incredibly hard on the adrenal glands. Long-term use can cause adrenal fatigue or burnout at least and full blown Addison’s Disease (adrenal failure) at worst.

Potential Side effects include: insomnia (big problem), Tourette’s syndrome (movement disorder consisting of grimaces, ticks, and involuntary outbursts), nervousness, unstable mood (anxiety, mania, depression, irritability, aggression, etc) tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), hypertension (high blood pressure), tics (abnormal muscle movements), psychosis (abnormal behavior), headaches, seizures, visual disturbances, anorexia (unwanted weight loss), aplastic anemia (arrested development of bone marrow), liver dysfunction, and blood dyscrasias (disease).

Antidepressants – Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, Etc.Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the brain’s use of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin deficiency is linked to depression, lowered pain tolerance, poor sleep, and mental fatigue. All SSRIs are partially or wholly broken down in the liver. This can create liver dysfunction in some patients, so patients with a sluggish liver should be cautious in taking these medications. Examples of SSRIs include Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine HCL), Celexa (citalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), etc.

Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, chest pain, anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, weakness, changes in sex drive, tremors, dry mouth, irritated stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, rash, itching, weight gain, diarrhea, impotence, hair loss, dry skin, chest pain, bronchitis, abnormal heart beat, twitching, anemia, low blood sugar, and low thyroid.

Tricyclic Antidepressants – Elavil, Pamelor, Doxepin, EtcTricyclic antidepressants block the re-uptake of the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine. This produces a sedative effect. They also reduce the effects of the hormone acetylcholine. Like other antidepressant medications, these drugs are processed by the liver and can cause liver toxicity. Common side effects include sedation, confusion, blurred vision, muscle spasms or tremors, dry mouth, convulsions, constipation, difficulty in urinating, and sensitivity to light. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include Pamelor (nortriptyline) and Elavil (amitriptyline).

Integrative Medicine

Integrating natural therapies with a judicious amount of prescription drugs (only when natural fail) is the best approach. An integrative approach that combines the judicious use of prescription drugs and nutritional therapy offers the best chance of reducing the symptoms associated with CFS.

Nutritional Therapies

Several nutrients have been found to be deficient in CFS patients, including B vitamins, antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, sodium, zinc, L-tryptophan, L-carnitine, CoQ10, and essential fatty acids.

Essential Fatty Acids

There are several interesting interrelationships between EFA metabolism and viral infections. EFAs have direct antiviral effects and are lethal at surprising low concentrations to many viruses. The antiviral activity of human mother’s milk seems to be largely attributable to its EFA content. Interferon is dependant on EFAs and in their absence will be compromised. Viral infections lower the blood levels EFAs. This has been confirmed in the case of the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Of particular interest was the observation that at 8 and 12 months, those who have recovered from EBV showed normal or near normal EFA blood levels. In contrast, those who were still clinically ill from Epstein-Barr show persistently low EFA levels. This study and others like it are one of the reasons the CFS/Fibromyalgia Formula contains 2,000mg of essential fatty acids.

Magnesium

Magnesium participates in energy metabolism and is involved in over 350 enzymatic processes. depend on magnesium for activation. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted of patients with CFS who were found to have low magnesium levels. In the clinical trial, 32 CFS patients received either placebo or intramuscular magnesium sulfate every week for six weeks. Patients treated with magnesium reported improved energy levels, better emotional state, and less pain.

Malic Acid and Magnesium

A combination of magnesium and malic acid has also been recommended for treatment of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Reports from clinical experience using 300-600 mg. of elemental magnesium and 1200-1400 mg. of malic acid indicate that about 40% of the patients show some type of benefit. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) ATP, adenosine triphosphate, is the substance which stores the energy created when the body burns carbohydrates and fats in the Krebs cycle. When the body needs energy (as, for example, in muscular contraction), ATP is broken down into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and immediate energy is released. ATP is the universal energy molecule for the body in the same way that electricity is the universal energy source for a computer.

Magnesium, Potassium and Aspartic Acid Low levels of magnesium have been noted in many CFS patients. Magnesium is required for ATP synthesis and is a cofactor of more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy metabloism. Its primary site of action is within the cell. It also enhances transport of potassium into the cells.

Malaise is probably the most common symptom of chronic potassium deficiency and muscular weakness is almost always noted. Aspartic acid is converted intracellularly into oxaloacetate, an important substrate in the energy- producing Krebs cycle, and is also a carrier molecule for the transport of potassium and magnesium into the cell. In the potassium and magnesium aspartate studies of the ’60s, a beneficial effect was usually noted after 4-5 days, but sometimes 10 days were required. Dosage was generally one gram of each salt daily (250 mg. with each meal and at bedtime). Patients usually continued treatment for 4-6 weeks. In most cases, fatigue did not return after treatment was discontinued. Optimal levels of magnesium and malic acid are found in a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral formula (Essential Therapeutics CFS/Fibromyalgia Formula) I developed for my CFS and fibromyalgia patients.

CoQ10

In one study of 20 female patients with CFS (who required bed rest following mild exercise), 80 percent were deficient in CoQ10. After three months of CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day), the exercise tolerance of the CFS patients more than doubled: 90 percent had reduction or disappearance of clinical symptoms, and 85 percent had decreased post-exercise fatigue.

Thymus Extract Supplements

Thymus extracts have proven to be one of the best immune-boosting agents for treating CFS. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine showed that patients taking a patented thymus extract, obtained dramatic improvements in their CFS symptoms. The increase in their immune function, as demonstrated by blood tests, resulted in myriad benefits: a 47% improvement in sleep quality, a 43% reduction in food sensitivities, a 53% reduction in chemical sensitivities, a 47% improvement in short-term memory, a 79% improvement in depression symptoms, and a 100% improvement in panic disorder symptoms.

A substantial amount of clinical data now supports the effectiveness of using thymus extracts. They may well provide the answer to chronic viral infections and low immune function. Double-blind studies reveal not only that orally administrated thymus extracts are able to effectively eliminate infection, but also that treatment over the course of a year significantly reduced the number of respiratory infections and significantly improved numerous immune parameters. Thymus glandular extracts are able to raise T-cell numbers when needed but will lower T-cell numbers when an autoimmune disease is present. This balancing act is the big advantage that glandular extracts and many natural herbs have over prescription, synthetic drugs.

Thymus glandular extracts (like other glandular extracts) are able to raise T-cells when needed but will lower T-cells when an autoimmune disease is present. This balancing act is the big advantage glandular extracts, and many natural herbs, have over prescription (synthetic) drugs. I put the majority of my CFS patients on thymus glandular supplements.

Other Immune Boosting Supplements

• Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese herbal, is used to treat a wide variety of viral infections. Clinical studies in China have even shown it to be effective (with ongoing use) against the common cold. Research in animals has revealed that it apparently works by stimulating NK cells and T-cells. Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation.

• Echinacea (purple coneflower) is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the United States and Europe. In 1994, German physicians prescribed echinacea more than 2.5 million times. There are over 200 journal articles written about echinacea. This herb, from the sunflower family, can be grown in your garden and is thought to stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of and activity of white blood cells, especially NK cells. Persons with autoimmune illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or tuberculosis should not take echinacea. A typical dose is up to 900 mg. three times daily. Some physicians suggest discontinuing use after two–three weeks, then restarting as needed after one week.

• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb native to eastern North America, and it has shown itself to be a potent immune stimulator. It increases the blood flow to the spleen and the number and activity of macrophages. A typical dose is 250–500 mg. one–three times daily. Goldenseal is in my viral formula.

Immune Function Protocol

1. Poor sleep results in suppressed NK cell activity and poor immune function.

2. Restoring optimal adrenal function often reduces many of the symptoms associate with CFS including fatigue, poor stress coping abilities and poor immune function.

I’ve noted that almost all of patient’s with CFS have adrenal fatigue. This may or may not show up on blood or salivary tests. However, the majority of my CFS patient’s respond favorably to therapies, which help boost and restore optimal adrenal function including the use of adrenal cortex glandular, vitamin, mineral, and DHEA supplementation. An article in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that CFS may be associated with low cortisol levels and increased serotonin function.

Adrenal fatigue is known to cause many of the same problems associated with CFS and FMS:

• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• hypotension(low blood pressure)

• neural mediated hypotension (become dizzy when stand up)

• fatigue

• decreased mental acuity

• low body temperature (a sign of low thyroid function)

• decreased metabolism

• a compromised immune system

• decreased sense of well-being (depression)

• weight loss

• hyperpigmentation (excess skin color changes)

• loss of scalp hair

• excess facial or body hair

• vitiligo (changes in skin color)

• auricular calcification (little calcium deposits in the ear lobe)

• GI disturbances

• nausea

• vomiting

• constipation

• abdominal pain

• diarrhea

• crave salty foods

• muscle or joint pains

Individuals with FMS and CFS who suffer from adrenal fatigue (99%) will find that their stress coping abilities are shot. They don’t handle stress very well. They will try to avoid stressful situations. Stress will make their symptoms worse and cause them to have flare-ups. If they have a day when they feel good they may over do it (clean the house, paint the playroom, grocery shopping, etc.). Then they usually crash the next day. Therefore, restoring proper adrenal function is a crucial step in peeling away the layers of dysfunction associated with FMS and CFS. I believe that adrenal fatigue is a major contributory factor to the symptoms associated with FMS and CFS.

The Cortex

The adrenal cortex is primarily associated with response to chronic stress (infections, prolonged exertion, prolonged mental, emotional, chemical, or physical stress). The hormones of the cortex are steroids. The main steroid is cortisol. Chronic over secretion of cortisol leads to adrenal exhaustion, which accelerates the downward spiral towards chronic poor health. Once in adrenal exhaustion your body can’t release enough cortisol to keep up with the daily demands. Eventually you become deficient in cortisol and then DHEA. Chronic headaches, nausea, allergies, nagging injuries, fatigue, dizziness, hypotension, low body temperature, depression, low sex drive, chronic infections, and cold hands and feet are just some of the symptoms that occur with adrenal cortex exhaustion.

Not Enough DHEAThe adrenal cortex, when healthy, produces adequate levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

DHEA boosts:

• energy

• sex drive

• resistance to stress

• self-defense mechanisms (immune system)

• general well-being

and helps to raise:

• cortisol levels

• overall adrenal function

• mood

• cellular energy

• mental acuity

• muscle strength

• stamina

DHEA is notoriously low in CFS patients. Chronic stress initially causes the adrenals to release extra cortisol. Continuous stress raises cortisol to abnormally high levels. Then the adrenal glands get to where they can’t keep up with the demand for more cortisol. As the cortisol levels continue to become depleted from on going stress the body attempts to counter this by releasing more DHEA. Eventually they can’t produce enough cortisol or DHEA. Aging makes holding on to DHEA even tougher. Even in healthy individuals, DHEA levels begin to drop after the age of 30. By age 70, they are at about 20% of their peak levels.

Stress and DHEA

DHEA helps prevent the destruction of tryptophan (5HTP), which increases the production of serotonin. This helps provide added protection from chronic stress. Studies continue to show low DHEA to be a biological indicator of stress, aging, and age-related diseases including neurosis, depression, peptic ulcer, IBS, and others.

DHEA and Immune FunctionThe decrease in DHEA levels correlates with the general decline of cell-mediated immunity and increased incidence of cancer. DHEA protects the thymus gland, a major player in immune function.

I recommend a special adrenal cortex glandular supplement for all of my CFS patients.

Optimal Nutrients, EFAs, and Other FactorsOptimal levels of selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients are needed to repair and maintain a healthy immune system (these nutrients should be in your vitamin/mineral formula). Zinc is an important cofactor in the manufacture, secretion, and function of thymus hormones. When zinc levels are low, T-cell numbers drop. This might explain why zinc lozenges, when used at the first sign of a cold, can reduce the number of sick days. Selenium boosts the “killer instinct” of your blood cells. One study, using 200 mcg. daily in individuals with normal blood selenium levels, resulted in a 118% increase in the ability of their white blood cells to kill tumor cells, and an 82.3% increase in NK cell activity. All of my CFS patient’s take a special multivitamin/mineral formula .I formulated the CFS/Fibromyalgia formula especially for those with CFS and Fibromyalgia.

New evidence reveals that EFAs have direct antiviral effects and are lethal at surprisingly low concentrations to many viruses. In the case of the Epstein-Barr virus, for example, a good 90% of the US population carries this virus, yet only a fraction become ill from it. One theory is that those who actually develop symptoms have below-normal levels of EFAs and their derivatives. A study investigating sufferers of the EBV particularly confirms this: Both eight and 12 months into the study, subjects who had recovered from the virus showed normal or near normal EFA blood levels. In contrast, those who were still clinically ill from the EBV showed persistently low EFA levels.

Food allergies can cause a 50% reduction in white blood cell count (lowered immune function). When the allergic food is eaten daily, the allergy can cause intestinal inflammation and destruction of white blood cells. Food allergies can also lead to leaky gut symptoms and autoimmune reactions.

All pathogenic (disease causing) intestinal, yeast, parasites, viruses or bacteria should be eliminated.

Low thyroid function is a common finding in those suffering with CFS. Hypothyroidism can lower metabolism and reduce enzyme activities associated with initiating proper immune functions. Chronic infections, especially sinus infections usually drastically improve once low thyroid is corrected.

Start taking 140-280mg of thymus gland glandular (whole or extract) twice a day. Consider being tested for and taking DHEA. Most individuals will need between 25-50mg a day. DHEA is an important hormone for boosting the immune system.

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May, 2011

Brain Function

By Dr. Joel Rosen

I have found that many of you fit into certain groups depending on how you answer the following questionnaire.

Please use this questionnaire to find the group you fit into. It will help us make decisions about the correct way to start you on your road to recovery. Let’s see which brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) you may be low in by taking this quiz.

The “S” Group (S for Serotonin)

Please note the items which apply to your present feelings:

It’s hard for you to go to sleep.

You can’t stay asleep.

You often find yourself irritable.

Your emotions often lack rationality.

You occasionally experience unexplained tears.

Noise bothers you more than it used to. It seems louder than normal.

You “flare up” at others more easily than you used to.

You experience unprovoked anger.

You feel depressed much of the time.

You find you are more susceptible to pain.

You prefer to be left alone.

If three or more of the above apply, then read below.

The “S” Group

Serotonin is a hypothalamus neurotransmitter which is necessary for sleep to occur. A lack of serotonin causes difficulty in getting to sleep as well as staying asleep. It is often this lack of sleep that causes the symptoms mentioned above. Serotonin levels can easily be raised by supplementing with the essential amino acid, L-Tryptophan. Dietary supplements of L-Tryptophan are banned in the United States. The natural sources of L-Tryptophan include milk, cheese, meat, ham, peanuts, and cottage cheese. All of these are very high in calories and cholesterol content. As a consequence, in order to keep your serotonin supply at a proper level, you must supplement small amounts of food sources of L-Tryptophan with the serotonin production catalysts, calcium, magnesium, and trace element, chromium. 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) a form of Tryptophan, is available over-the-counter and works extremely well for most patients.

Peek X Warning

5HTP is derived from plant sources and when manufactured correctly is incredibly safe. However, some manufacturers try to cut corners and in may produce batches of 5HTP with potentially harmful contaminants, including a substance known as “peak X.” Always read the label and make sure the 5HTP you’re taking is certified to be “peak X” free. Every batch of Dr. Murphree’s 5HTP is certified to be “peak X” free and says so on every bottle.

Supplementing with 5HTP

Start with taking 50mgs 30 minutes before bed. Take on an empty stomach, along with 4 ounces of juice (apple or grape). You may need to increase this dose up to 200mgs a night. If you feel hung over the next day, decrease your dose of 5HTP. Warning – a few individuals who attempt to take 5HTP at night will have an adverse reaction. Individuals with a sluggish liver (usually more pronounced in CFS) may have trouble breaking down 5HTP fast enough. Instead of making them sleepy, it revs them up and they become more mentally alert. If this happens, simply take 1-2 5HTP tablets with food 1-2 times a day and discontinue using it at bedtime on empty stomach.

Group S needs 5HTP – Get it Here

The “O” Group (O for Opiods)

Do ANY of these apply to your present feelings?

Your life seems incomplete.
You feel shy with all but your close friends.
You have feelings of insecurity.
You often feel unequal to others.
When things go right you sometimes feel undeserving.
You feel something is missing in your life.
You occasionally feel a low self-worth or esteem.
You feel inadequate as a person.
You frequently feel fearful when there is nothing to fear.

If three or more of the above apply, then read below.

The “O” Group is named for the Opioid neurotransmitters contained in the Hypothalamus Gland.

These neurotransmitters have two primary functions:

1. Opioids are released in small bursts when we feel a sense of urgency (stress). Some individuals thrive on this sense of urgency. They love just meeting deadlines, racing around to get things done. They seem to feed off of this adrenaline rush.

A sense of urgency can help us get out of bed in the morning or get the kids off to school. However, if you can never turn this sense of urgency off, you’ll eventually deplete the opioids along with other vital hormones including cortisol, and DHEA.

As a way to turn off the constant mind chatter, those in the “O Group” use stimulants and mind numbing chemicals (alcohol, marijuana, food, etc.) to escape the constant pressure they place on themselves to be more, do more, have more. Type A’s are often overcome by opioid burn out. They cannot sit still. Until one day the bottom falls out and they “just can’t do it anymore.”

Alcohol and other chemicals can temporarily relieve the anxious feelings associated with opioid overload. They do so by providing artificial opioids. Unfortunately, these artificial opioids also cause the Opioid manufacturing cells in your brain to reduce their output.

In the long run these cells lose their ability to produce the needed opioid neurotransmitters. You then crave the artificial opioids and an addiction has been born.

2. When you exercise, your body causes extra quantities of the opioids to be released. This takes away the pain of sore muscles and may provide a feeling of euphoria. Long distance runners and other avid exercise enthusiast are well aware of “The High” that comes from pushing the body past its normal limits. The opioids play an important role in pain modulation.

A deficiency of opioids can lower our pain threshold. A lowered pain threshold means being more sensitive to painful stimuli.

DL-Phenylalanine (a special form of the amino acid Phenylalanine) can be extremely helpful in restoring proper opioid levels.

Supplementing with DL- Phenylalanine (DLPA)

Start with 1,000mgs, 1-2 times a day, on an empty stomach. If you don’t seem to notice any benefits, keep increasing the dose up to 4,000mgs twice a day.

If you experience a rapid heartbeat, agitation or hyperactivity, reduce or stop taking DL- Phenylalanine.

L- Glutamine increases the effectiveness of both DL and L- Phenylalanine.

Take 500mgs of L- Glutamine 1-2 times a day on an empty stomach along with the DL-Phenyalanine or L-Phenyalanine.

Both DL and L- Phenylalanine can increase blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking either form of Phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine can be stimulating and shouldn’t be taken past 3 in the afternoon.

Group O needs DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) – Get it here

The “G” Group (G for GABA)

Please note the items which apply to your present feelings:

You often feel anxious for no reason.

You sometimes feel “free floating” anxiety.

You frequently feel “edgy” and it’s difficult to relax.

You often feel a “knot” in your stomach.

Falling asleep is sometimes difficult.

It’s hard to turn your mind off when you want to relax.

You occasionally experience feelings of panic for no reason.

You often use alcohol or other sedatives to calm down.

If three or more of the above apply, then read below.

The “G” group symptoms are from the absence of the neurotransmitter, Gamma Amine Butyric Acid (GABA). GABA is an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods and mental clarity.

Tranquilizers used to treat anxiety and panic disorders work by increasing the GABA.

GABA is made from the amino acid, Glutamine. Glutamine passes across the blood-brain barrier and helps provide the necessary fuel needed for proper brain function.

A shortage of L- Glutamine can reduce IQ levels. L- Glutamine supplementation has been shown to increase IQ levels in some mentally deficient children. L- Glutamine is brain fuel. It feeds the brain cells, allowing them to fire on all cylinders. A deficiency in L- Glutamine can result in “foggy thinking” and fatigue.

Individuals with “Fibro fog” may benefit tremendously from this essential amino acid.

Even a small shortage of L- Glutamine will produce unwarranted feelings of insecurity and anxiousness. Other symptoms include continual fatigue, depression, and occasionally impotence.

Supplementing with GABA

Usually only a small dose of GABA is needed – 500 – 1,000mgs twice a day. Some individuals may need to take GABA 3-4 times a day. Like most amino acids, GABA needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Group G needs GABA (Gamma Amine Butyric Acid) – Get it here

The “D” Group (D for Dopamine)

Please note the items which apply to your present feelings:

You lack pleasure in life.
You feel there are no real rewards in life.
You have unexplained lack of concern for others, even loved ones.
You experience decreased parental feelings.
Life seems less “colorful” or “flavorful.”
Things that used to be “fun” aren’t any longer enjoyable.
You have become a less spiritual or socially concerned person.

If three or more of the above apply then read below.

The “D” Group

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the enjoyment of life, food, arts, nature, your family, friends, hobbies, and other pleasures. The popularity of cocaine (or chocolate) stems from the fact that it causes very high levels of dopamine to be released in a sudden rush.

This creates a euphoric state. A dopamine deficiency can lead to a condition known as anhedonia.

Anhedonia is the lack of ability to feel any pleasure or remorse in life (lifeless). It also reduces the person’s attention span. For example, a person who has taken cocaine for some time will have used up most of his or her dopamine supply.

Their attention span is often reduced to 2 to 3 minutes instead of the usual 50 to 60 minutes. Learning, for such a person, is nearly impossible.

Brain fatigue, confusion, and lethargy are all byproducts of low dopamine. The brain cells which “manufacture” dopamine use the amino acid L-Phenylalanine as the raw material. Like most cells in the hypothalamus, they have the ability to produce 4 or 5 times their usual output if larger quantities of the raw materials (amino acids and their co-factors) are made available through nutritional supplementation.

Supplementing with L-Phenylalanine

Start with 1,000mgs, twice a day, taken on an empty stomach. If needed, increase up to 4,000mgs twice a day.

If you experience a rapid heartbeat, agitation, or hyperactivity, reduce or stop taking L-Phenylalanine.

L-glutamine increases the effectiveness of both DL and L- Phenylalanine.

Take 500mgs of L-Glutamine, 1-2 times a day, on an empty stomach.

Both DL and L-Phenylalanine can increase blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking either form of phenylalanine. Phenylalanine can be stimulating and shouldn’t be taken past 3 in the afternoon.

Group D needs L-Phenylalanine – Get it here

The “N” Group (N for Norepinephrine)

Please note the items which apply to your present feelings:

You suffer from a lack of energy.

You often find it difficult to “get going.”

You suffer From decreased drive.

You often start projects and then don’t finish them.

You frequently feel a need to sleep or “hibernate.”

You feel depressed a good deal of the time.

You occasionally feel paranoid.

Your survival seems threatened.

You are bored a great deal of the time.

If three or more of the above apply, then read below.

The “N” Group

The neurotransmitter Norepinephrine, when released in the brain, causes feelings of arousal, energy, and drive. On the other hand, a short supply of it will cause feelings of a lack of ambition, drive, and or energy.

It can even cause depression, paranoia, and feelings of apathy. Norepinephrine is also used to initiate the “flow” of adrenaline when you are under psychological stress. People under a great load of stress, or a continual stress loading of almost any size, often find their Norepinephrine levels to be too low.

This is most frequently detected by the “feelings” listed in the questionnaire you have just taken. The production of Norepinephrine in the hypothalamus is a 2-step process. The amino acid, L- Phenylalanine, is first converted into Tyrosine.

The amino acid, Tyrosine, is then converted into Norepinephrine. In extreme cases L-Tyrosine is supplemented to increase Norepinephrine and Dopamine. However, if the levels of Tyrosine are not low, this can cause headaches. This is why I usually recommend L- Phenylalanine replacement therapy first.

Supplementing with L-Phenylalanine

Start with 1,000mgs, twice a day, taken on an empty stomach. If needed, increase up to 4,000mgs twice a day. If you experience a rapid heartbeat, agitation, or hyperactivity – reduce or stop taking L- phenylalanine.

L-glutamine increases the effectiveness of both DL and L- phenylalanine.

Take 500mgs of L-glutamine 1-2 times a day, on an empty stomach.

Both DL and L-phenylalanine can increase blood pressure.

If you already have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking either form of phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine can be stimulating and shouldn’t be taken past 3 in the afternoon.

Update – There’s an option to L-Phenylalanine

I’ve started recommending SAMe instead of L-Phenylalanine because of positive recent studies. S-Adenosyl-methionine (SAMe)- is involved in regulating the brain’s neurotransmitters. Normally the brain manufactures all the SAMe it needs from the amino acid methionine. However, low protein diets, malabsorption and deficiencies developed from excess methionine use in certain detoxification pathways can create a need for SAMe replacement. SAMe has been shown through several recent, well designed, studies to be one of the best natural antidepressants available.

SAMe helps boost serotonin and epinephrine levels. It also helps increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain blocking chemicals and are more powerful than morphine. Because it produces quick results, SAMe has been used to hasten the onset of action of the antidepressant imipramine.

SAMe Helps Boost the Effects of Antidepressants

Prescription antidepressants fail to work for fifty percent of those take them. One way to boost the beneficial effects of antidepressant medications is to take them with SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Research has already shown that SAMe increases both serotonin and noriepinephrine levels (brain chemicals) and is a potent antidepressant by itself. Now researchers have shown that combining SAMe with prescription antidepressants rreduces the failure rate by 43%.

SAMe has become one of my favorite nutritional supplement. I’m using it more and more in my practice for depression, fatigue, and pain disorders. SAMe elevates endorphin levels.

SAMe and Fibromyalgia

Studies involving FMS patients and SAMe have shown dramatic improvements in pain reduction. *One study showed that individuals taking SAMe for a period of 6 weeks had an improvement of 40% in pain reduction and 35% improvement in their depression! (Grassetto & Varotto, 1994, pp. 797-806).

Jaccobsen S, Danneskiold – Samose B, Anderson RB. Oral s-adenosyl-L-methionine in primary fibromyalgia. Double-blind clinical evaluation. Scandinavian Journal of Rheum 20(4): 294-302, 1991.

Supplementing with SAMe

Start with 200mg-400mg taken on an empty stomach in the morning. You can go up to a maximum 1200mg day. Don’t take late in the day. Not everyone will need to take the maximum dose. Take a good optimal daily allowance multivitamin/mineral formula like CFS/Fibro Formula (or something similar) and I also recommend taking adrenal cortex supplements.

Group N needs – L-Phenylalanine – Get it here

Group N (Option) – SAMe – Get it here

Group N needs Adrenal Cortex – Get it here

GET THE ANXIETY JUMPSTART PACKAGE HERE

GET THE DEPRESSION JUMPSTART PACKAGE HERE

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Comment?

May, 2011

Arthritis Pain?

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Arthritis Pain? Osteoarthritis Pain? and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Why is Arthritis Pain so painful?

How the Inflammatory System Works and why it produces arthritis pain:

Trauma, infection, ischemia (reduced blood flow), toxins, poisons, and normal wear and tear cause damage and destruction to cells. This damage then triggers an orderly inflammatory response by the body’s self-regulating mechanisms.

Inflammatory Chemicals responsible for arthritis pain

The first group of chemicals, histamine, leukotriens, and pro-inflammatory hormones (prostaglandins), cause the blood vessels to dilate or expand. The dilation of the blood vessels causes the area to become hot, red and swollen. Enter arthritis pain.

The healthy tissue surrounding the damaged area releases anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PG1 and PG3) to combat the inflammatory prostaglandins (PG2), trying their hardest to reduce arthritis pain.

Certain chemicals (proteolytic enzymes) are responsible for telling the white blood cells that their job is done. These chemicals sound the alarm for the white blood cells to stop attacking and digesting cells and tissues.

Proteolytic enzymes are manufactured to squelch the white blood cells from continuing to eat up cellular debris. As the damaged cells and tissues are removed, less of the pro-inflammatory chemicals and more of the anti-inflammatory chemicals are released. Again, the more inflammation, the more arthritis pain.

Once the inflammation process is finished, the body begins to repair itself. The balance between inflammation, destruction, and repair is an ongoing process. Normally, this process is kept in check.

When the process becomes unbalanced, chronic inflammation takes over. The result, Arthritis Pain. Inflammation is largely regulated by the prostaglandin hormones.

Prostaglandins
There are several different groups of prostaglandins, but inflammation and arthritis pain is largely controlled by prostaglandin 1 (PG-1), prostaglandin 2 (PG-2), and prostaglandin 3 (PG-3).

Prostaglandins are a group of regulatory hormones produced in the body from fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are essential for our existence. They can not be manufactured by the body but must be obtained from the foods we eat. Essential fatty acids are made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

PUFAs are divided into two families of essential fatty acids (EFAs)1. Omega 3 oils, including alpha linolenic acid (ALA), are found in flax seed, soybean, walnut, and chestnut oils, as well as some dark green leafy vegetables. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are omega 3 derivatives and are found in most cold water fish. These fish include salmon, tuna, and mackerel and will reduce arthritis pain.

2. Omega 6 is found in pure vegetable oils, including sunflower, safflower, and corn oil. Some individuals are genetically unable to convert linoleic acid (LA) into its derivative, gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This can be overcome by taking primrose or borage oil; both are high in GLA.

Anti-Inflammatory Hormones that can reduce Arthritis Pain

PG-1 and PG-3 are anti-inflammatory hormones. They help reduce and eliminate inflammation and arthritis pain. The best source for PG-1 and PG-3 is fish oil supplements or a diet high in cold water fish.

Arachidonic Acid (AA) PG-2
The pro-inflammatory (causes inflammation and arthritis pain) hormone PG-2 is made from arachidonic acid (AA). AA is found in corn and corn oil products. Corn products are used as the prominent foodstuff in westernized livestock. Read meat and pork products have a high AA content. All will produce more arthritis pain.

Arthritis Pain from Arachidonic acid is derived from the consumption of land-animal foods (meats, cheese, eggs, etc.). Arachidonic acid stimulates the production of inflammatory chemicals including leukotriens (notorious in causing allergic reactions), thromboxanes, and prostacylins.

Several research articles have demonstrated that the more animal fats a human eats, the more arachidonic acid they have in their blood and cell membranes and the more likely to have inflammation and arthritis pain.

Conversely, a diet high in fish oils promotes less inflammation and a lower level of inflammatory chemicals and less arthritis pain.

The average AA/EPA of Americans is approximately 11:1 (which will certainly create arthritis pain). In patients with inflammatory conditions and neurological disorders, the AA/EPA ratio is 20:1 or more. Ouch, that’s a lot of Arthritis pain.

An AA/EPA ratio of 1.5:1 is considered ideal.

This is the ratio found in Japanese populations, which have the highest life expectancy and the lowest rate of cardiovascular disease. Japanese also suffer with less arthritis pain.

Our inflammatory reactions and their chemicals are therefore largely determined by what foods (fatty acids) we eat. Since most Americans are carrying around at least 10–20 pounds of excess fat, it is no wonder that arthritis pain and other inflammatory diseases are out of control in our country.

The average adult weighs 150 pounds; 30% of this is fat. This means that on average a person is carrying around 45 pounds of inflammatory imbalanced fatty acids, and a lot of arthritis pain.

Reduce Red Meat, Dairy, and Vegetable oilsSince all grains, vegetable and seed oils, and corn-fed livestock have high AA levels, I suggest patients reduce these products. I recommend you reduce or avoid red meat, dairy and all vegetable and seed oil products. An increase in omega-6 fatty results in an increased risk of rheumatoid and other inflammatory-related illnessess. The result? increase Arthritis Pain

Password – JROSEN

Fish Oils Research: Some studies have shown that supplementing with fish oils results in a dramatic reduction in a person’s leukotriens (one of the chemicals implicated in asthma and other allergic reactions) by 65%.

This correlates with a 75% decrease in their clinical symptoms. Another fish oil study, involving rheumatoid arthritis pain sufferers (often treated with incredibly toxic and life threatening prescription drugs) who took 1.8 grams of EPA fish oil and reduced their saturated fats (land animal foods), showed significant improvement over and above a placebo. The result? Less arthritis pain.

Sixty percent of the US population is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) Several studies involving SAMe and fibromyalgia patients yielded substantial improvement in over all pain levels (as well as depression). Dosage is up to 1,200 mg. daily on an empty stomach. I also recommend SAMe when other therapies fail.

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) comes from the amino acid methionine and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory (and will reduce arthritis pain) and blocks pain without the side effects associated with NSAIDs.

SAMe helps boost serotonin and epinephrine levels. It also helps increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are the bodies natural pain blocking chemicals and are more powerful than morphine. When we have natural pain blocking chemicals circulating in our bodies, we experience less arthritis pain.

SAMe helps manufacture and repair cartilage components, also. A study of osteoarthritis patients compared SAMe with NSAID drugs in its ability to reduce pain. One double-blind study showed SAMe was superior to ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

DL-Phenylalanine DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of the D and L form of the amino acid phenylalanine. This form of phenylalanine acts as a natural pain-reliever and reduces arthritis pain.

DL-phenylalanine blocks the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of endorphins and enkephlins, substances within the body that help relieve arthritis pain. Endorphins are actually far more powerful than the drug morphine.

Small cells throughout the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and nerve endings are able to produce these morphine-like proteins that act as an appetite suppressant and mild stimulant.

Although caution is advised for individuals with high blood pressure, DL-phenylalanine is an effective supplement in treating musculoskeletal pains, including those associated with arthritis pain and FMS.

Many of my fibromyalgia and chronic arthritis pain patients have benefited from DL-phenylalanine. A clinical study shows subjects taking DL-phenylalanine had a remarkable improvement in their condition.

Improvements were seen in 73% of low back pain suffers, 67% with migraines, 81% with osteoarthritis, and 81% with RA. For pain control, or as an antidepressant, take 1,000–4,000 mg. twice a day on an empty stomach. Phenylalanine can elevate blood pressure, and very high doses can cause rapid heart beat. Start with a low dose and increase to higher doses only as needed—and only if no side effects are noticed. Watch the Arthritis pain disappear.

Avoid Instant CoffeeInstant coffee contains substances that block the receptor sites for endorphins (natural pain blocking chemicals).

Rheumatoid ArthritisOver 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. It is associated with pain, stiffness, inflammation, and decreased range of motion. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis the most common. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body actually attacks itself and antibodies develop in joint tissues and cause pain. Women are three times more likely to develop this arthritis than men.

What Causes It? The definitive cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. It appears to result from a dysfunction in the autoimmune system.

SymptomsRheumatoid arthritis usually affects the knuckles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders with painful, warm, red swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which tends to be unilateral (one sided), rheumatoid attacks joints bilaterally (both sides).

Traditional Arthritis Treatments• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and analgesics such as aspirin, Tylenol, indocin, sulindac, tolectin, ibuprofen, Daypro, naprosyn, Celebrex, and Vioxx can cause intestinal permeability. They cover up the symptoms but do not address the cause, and they can actually cause further joint destruction.
• Corticosteroids are strong hormonal drugs that can have serious side effects: peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, diabetes, glaucoma, depression, acne, water retention and weight gain, insomnia, facial hair growth, hypertension, and depressed immunity.
• Methotrexate is an immune-suppressing drug used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Reiter’s syndrome. It is a toxic therapy that can cause kidney failure and severe liver damage.
• Gold injections can cause serious side effects: damage to the liver and kidneys, stomach disorders, anemia, headache, neuritis, and ulcerations of the mouth and gums.

Avoid NightshadesIn one study 70% of those with arthritis reported relief from chronic pain over a period of seven years after eliminating all white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers (except black), eggplant, and tobacco.

Other Factors

Food allergies are common and are responsible for a wide variety of health problems! In fact, food allergies and intestinal permeability play a large role in causing and/or aggravating arthritis. Individuals with intestinal permeability are prone towards developing arthritis. A permeable, or leaky gut, allows fragments of intestinal bacteria to penetrate into the joints. These bacteria fragments may cause the body to release anti-bodies which then attack the joint tissue–a typical autoimmune response (typical of rheumatoid arthritis). Food allergies are now being implicated as one cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

Increased intestinal permeability allows undigested chemicals to leak out of the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. This triggers an autoimmune (allergic) reaction and can create pain and inflammation in any of the body’s tissues.

Fish Oil Reduces Rheumatoid ArthritisOmega-3 deficiencies increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Greenland Eskimos consuming diets high in omega-3 fatty acids (mostly from fish oils) rarely suffer from arthritis. In more than a dozen studies over the past decade, rheumatoid arthritis patients taking omega-3 oils drastically reduced their pain and stiffness.

OsteoarthritisSometimes wear and tear of the boney cartilage of the body causes bone spurs or calcium deposits to form on the ligaments surrounding the joint. This leads to inflammation, pain, and decreased joint motion. This is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). OA first appears asymptomatically in the 2nd and 3rd decades but becomes universal by age 70. Almost all persons by the age of 40 have some signs of OA in their weight-bearing joints, but only a minority report any symptoms. Surveys show that over 40 million Americans have OA.

CausesOsteoarthritis is usually caused by trauma or joint injury (wear and tear). Many of my patients can trace the onset of their arthritis to a car accident, but some don’t remember anything that could be causing their neck or low back pain. Some individuals develop osteoarthritis from repetitive motions, poor posture, or from simply carrying more weight than their joints can handle. Losing weight can often provide dramatic relief to those with weight-bearing osteoarthritis of the knees and hips. That’s because these joints bear loads 2.5–10 times a person’s weight. For a 200-pound individual, this can translate to one ton of pressure. Heredity also plays a role in osteoarthritis.

Hypothyroid and OsteoarthritisPatients with hypothyroid have been shown to be at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

SymptomsOsteoarthritis is characterized by early morning stiffness or pain that eases up as the day goes on, only to return again in the evening. This form of arthritis generally affects the joints of the knees, hands, feet, and spine. It develops gradually over several years and usually doesn’t cause joint redness, warmth, or swelling like rheumatoid arthritis.

Nutritional Supplements for Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine sulfate is an excellent approach to eliminating the destruction of osteoarthritis. A growing body of research supports the use of this natural supplement. Studies in Italy showed that glucosamine reduced arthritis symptoms by one half in 73% of the group, and 20% enjoyed total symptom relief.

A Portugal study involving 1,208 patients and 252 physicians showed glucosamine to be quite effective in eliminating pain and stiffness caused by the disease.

A study of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, performed at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Manila, Philippines, showed that patients who were administered glucosamine had an 80% reduction in pain. Other studies have demonstrated that glucosamine is more effective than ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, or Nuprin) in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is not only superior to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen it is also free of the side effects of most arthritic medications.

More importantly, glucosamine and chondroiten sulfate actually slow or arrest the destruction of cartilage.

Glucosamine, which is made up of glucose and the amino acid glutamine, actually helps repair damaged articular joint tissue. It does this by stimulating collagen cells within the articular cartilage to produce more proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are responsible for forming a protective netting within the articular cartilage, which helps prevent its destruction.

Dosage is 500 mg. three times daily. You should see improvement in three–four weeks. Treatment should continue for a minimum of three months and, since there are little or no side effects, long-term therapy is advisable.

Chondroiten SulfateChondroiten sulfate is composed of a large number of sugar molecules. It attracts fluid into the proteoglygan molecules, and this fluid acts as a shock absorber. Chondroiten inhibits certain enzymes that can damage cartilage, while stimulating the production of proteoglycans and other molecules needed for healthy new cartilage growth.

A study conducted in France, showed patients who received three months of chondroiten therapy had actually repaired a significant portion of their degenerated joint tissues.

Dosage is 800–1,200 mg. daily. You should see improvement in three to four weeks. Treatment should continue for a minimum of three months and, since there are little or no side effects, long-term therapy might be advisable.

I use a specially designed Arthritis Formula for my arthritis patients which contain:Glucosamine sulfate 500mg (see above).
Chondroiten Sulfate 400 mg (see above).

BosweliaOne of the oldest herbs in Indian ayurvedic medicine. Studies show it to be a potent pain-relieving anti-inflammatory. Boswellia helps shrink inflamed tissue, build cartilage, increase blood supply, and repair damaged blood vessels.

Bromelain:A protein-digesting enzyme derived from pineapple. There is considerable research (over 200 medical journal articles) on its effectiveness in treating such conditions as inflammation, pancreatic insufficiency, and respiratory diseases. It blocks inflammatory chemicals called kinins. It also digests excess fibren, a chemical implicated in osteoarthritis, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis, and scleroderma. As an anti-inflammatory, bromelain needs to be taken on an empty stomach. If taken with food, it acts as a digestive enzyme.

CurcuminA perennial plant found in eastern Asia and parts of India. It is a popular arthritis remedy in India and a powerful pain-relieving anti-inflammatory. It is as strong as hydrocortisone without the side effects.

Devil’s Claw A perennial vine native to South Africa. It is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Studies in Germany have shown this herbal medication to be very effective in relieving lower back pain and associated sciatica.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Protocol• Important! Correct intestinal permeability if present. This is necessary in order to reduce inflammatory reactions.
Many of my patients have enjoyed a reduction or elimination of arthritic symptoms after repairing their leaky gut.

• Strongly consider food alergy testing. Rheumatoid arthritis was absent in prehistory, when cereals and dairy products were not part of a daily diet. Some researchers believe that our bodies have simply not yet adapted to our modern eating habits. The most common allergy producing foods include wheat, corn, dairy, beef, and nightshades.

• Avoid nightshade foods. These include tobacco, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and white potatoes. Nightshade foods have been linked to an increase in arthritis symptoms.

• Treat any yeast or bacterial overgrowth of the intestinal tract. If you suspect you may have a problem please read the chapter on yeast overgrowth.

• Supplement with omega-3 essential fatty acids. Research suggests that the therapy must be continued for a minimum of 4–12 weeks before results are seen, and large doses of these oils are needed for the desired result: 3,000–9,000 mg. of fish oil (EPA/DHA).

• Supplement with digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and pancreatic enzymes (pepsin, amylase, lipase, etc.) with each meal. I recommend everyone with FMS or CFS take a digestive enzyme with each meal.

• I recommend the New Arthritis Jumpstart Package which contains the Essential Therapeutics Arthro Formula or Inflammation Support, or an alternate formula with similar ingredients.

• Exercise to keep the joints moving. Walking on a daily basis helps keep you limber and fit. Many of the back pain patients that I see are shocked to discover that they can severely reduce or eliminate the back problems they’ve had for years by simply walking 30–60 minutes a day.

NOTICE: On this page you’ll find some product links going to my new store. You will need to use the password JROSEN to use the new online VIP store. Please write this down. You only have to do it once and it will remember you after that. Thanks! Once you check out my store, you will find a number of products that can help you with your arthritis pain

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May, 2011

Anxiety & Depression

By Dr. Joel Rosen

In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from depression. Major depression is the leading cause of disability. The indirect and direct costs of mood disorder illnesses totals over 43 billion dollars a year. Depression and related mood disorders ranks behind high blood pressure as the most common reason people visit their doctors. Anyone who has suffered with a mood disorder knows first hand just how painful these illnesses can be. Anxiety and depression disorders affect every facet of a person’s life.. The pain, disappointment, fatigue, and hopelessness that these individuals experience slowly consumes every fiber of their being. They may lose their job, marriage, friends, and family as they spiral into an ever deeper abyss. At it’s worst the illness may cause some individuals to become so sick that death is a welcomed option. Over 30,000 Americans commit suicide each year.

(See our supplements related to Anxiety and Depression here)

Individuals who consult their family doctor for anxiety and or depression usually receive a prescription medication. The most often prescribed antidepressants are in the form of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Prozac, Effexor, Cymbalta, Paxil, Zoloft, Celex, or Lexapro. Prescription antidepressants can provide welcomed relief from the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Millions of Americans have benefited from taking these medications. And in fact as many as 10% of the U.S. population has taken one of these medications. Precription antidepressants sales reached a total of 37 billion in sales in 2003, which came out to $9 million more than was spent on treatments for the heart, arteries and blood pressure.

Prozac was cleared by the FDA in 1988. By 1994, it had become the fastest growing prescription drug in America with sales over $1.2 billion. In one year, 1993, prescription anti-depressant drug sales grew by almost 20%. Prescription drugs have helped millions of people overcome their depression. However, prescription medications are not effective for everyone. They have side effects that can be life- threatening. Prozac has been associated with over 1,734 suicide deaths and over 28,000 adverse reactions.

Prescription anti-depressants may cause depression, addiction, suicidal tendencies, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle spasms), sexual dysfunction, and Tardive dementia (senility). These side effects are due to poor liver function and drug-induced nutritional deficiencies. Metabolizing these anti-depressants uses up essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and may create nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies then lead to further symptoms including depression. The June 1990 Health Letter, published by the Public Citizen Health Research Group, estimates that muscle tremors, or akathisia, affect a whopping 15 to 25% of Prozac patients. Akathisia is a medical term for a condition characterized by inner tension or anxiety that drives or compels afflicted individuals to move their bodies.

(See our supplements related to Anxiety and Depression here)

Prescription anti-depressants attempt to increase the brains efficiency in using adequate amounts of neurotransmitters. Prozac is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Other SSRI’s include Zoloft, Paxil, and Lexapro. These medications inhibit the destruction of serotonin. This allows more time for more serotonin to circulate in the brain. But no one has a Prozac or SSRI deficiency. A serotonin deficiency, yes. But is prescription medication always necessary? Using SSRI’s is similar to using a gasoline additive in an empty gasoline tank. Most individuals with mood disorders have been running on fumes (low serotonin or other neurotransmitters) for years. A gasoline additive isn’t going to help. Some individuals do notice an improvement for a period of time but then their nutritional deficiencies begin to rob them of what little serotonin they have left. Once their serotonin is used up they are left to try yet another anti-depressant. Is it any wonder these individuals are depressed? There is a better way. Why not just correct the nutritional deficiencies? Why not pour gasoline into the tank? Forget the gasoline additive. Let’s just fill the tank back up with serotonin.

Nutritional Deficiencies
Medical science has now determined that how we feel is largely controlled by the foods we eat and how well these building blocks are converted into brain transmitting chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that control our moods. You may remember that chains of essential and non-essential amino acids make up proteins. Many of these amino acids are converted into neurotransmitters. The brain needs adequate amounts of protein and their amino acids for the production of neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and norepinepherine.

(See our supplements related to Anxiety and Depression here)

Orthomolecular Medicine
A group of progressive-minded physicians helped pioneer a new way of treating mental disorders. In 1968, Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling, Ph.D., originated the term “orthomolecular” to describe an approach to medicine that uses naturally occurring substances normally present in the body. “Ortho” means correct or normal, and orthomolecular physicians recognize that, in many cases of physiological and psychological disorders, health can be reestablished by properly correcting, or normalizing, the balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other similar substances within the body.

The premise of orthomolecular medicine extends back to the 1920s when vitamins and minerals were first used to treat illnesses unrelated to nutrient deficiency. During that time, it was discovered that vitamin A could prevent childhood deaths from infectious illness, and that heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) could be stopped by dosages of magnesium. Like their more conventional colleagues, orthomolecular physicians acknowledge that mental disorders originate from faulty brain chemistry. However, unlike their more conventional colleagues, orthomolecular physicians rely less on prescription medications. Instead, orthomolecular psychiatrists recognize the important role nutrients, including amino acids, play in creating and regulating neurotransmitters. They then seek to uncover any nutritional deficiencies that may be causing mental disorders. Once these deficient nutrients are found, they are replaced to provide optimal levels needed to correct the neurotransmitter dysfunctions.

Amino Acids and Orthomolecular Medicine

Most individuals who consult their medical doctor for mood disorders are placed on prescription medications. Many of these anti-depressants are in the form of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI). These drugs (Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft) are supposed to help the brain be more efficient at using the serotonin it produces. And, as I’ve already stated, it is analogous to a gasoline additive to help your car get more mileage out of the gasoline in your tank. Unfortunately, many of these individuals don’t have any serotonin in their tanks and they are running on fumes. Since their brain isn’t making serotonin, an additive isn’t going to help.

Where do the neurotransmitters come from?

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help relay electrical messages from one nerve cell to another. Neurotransmitters are produced from the amino acids in the foods we eat. Amino acids join together in different patterns to form a protein. Eating a protein-rich food allows us to replenish our ongoing demand for the essential amino acids. Half of the amino acids are essential. This means our bodies can’t manufacture them and we must get them from the foods we eat (protein). Certain amino acids, along with vitamins (B6, B3, C) and minerals (magnesium), produce the neurotransmitters. The amino acid Tryptophan turns into serotonin. The amino acid phenylalanine turns into epinephrine. Amino acids are the raw nutrients needed to manufacture the neurotransmitters which regulate our moods.

(See our supplements related to Anxiety and Depression here)

What do neurotransmitters do?

Neurotransmitters help regulate pain, reduce anxiety, promote happiness, initiate deep sleep, boost energy, and mental clarity. The neurotransmitters that cause excitatory reactions are known as catecholamines. Catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinepherine (adrenaline) are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. Inhibitory or relaxing neurotransmitters include serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. GABA is produced from the amino aid glutamine.

Correcting the cause of mood disorders.

No one is born with a Prozac deficiency. However, people can develop a serotonin deficiency. Using a SSRI doesn’t correct the cause. If someone is out of gas (serotonin), why would you use a gasoline additive (SSRI)? Why not fill the tank (brain) up with gas (serotonin) instead? I’ve been using amino acid replacement therapy for several years and have found this approach to be far superior to using prescription medicines (in most cases) for treating mild to moderate mood disorders. I’ve treated thousands of patients with mood disorder. I’ve found very few problems with mixing amino acid therapy with prescription anti-depressants. However, you may wish to work with a health-care professional familiar with orthomolecular or amino acid therapy.

BRAIN FUNCTION QUESTIONNAIRE The brain function questionnaire allows you to see if you’re low in certain neurotransmitters (serotoninin, norepinephrine, etc) and which amino acids you need.

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May, 2011

Allergies

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Allergy is defined as a hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen and subsequent re-exposure to the same allergen, which is then triggered by an inappropriate immune response; breathing in hickory pollen and then sneezing.

An allergen is defined as a substance capable of inducing an allergic response.

Examples of allergens include foods, dust mites, drugs, mold spores, feathers, animal dander, and pollens. Allergies may develop when an otherwise innocent substance comes into contact with an already inflamed surface. This inflamed surface could be due to an infection, exposure to irritants, or other inflammatory triggers. The allergen somehow becomes caught up in the immune response. Thereafter, repeated exposure initiates an allergic reaction. This reaction involves several different inflammation causing chemicals including histamine, leukotrienes, interleukins, and free radicals.

Most people think of allergies only affecting the eyes (dry or red eyes), nose (hayfever, runny or congested) or skin (hives or rashes). However any part of the body may be affected by allergies including the lungs, stomach, and brain. Allergies can initiate or contribute to headaches, sinusitis, asthma, hives, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, digestive disorders, anxiety, depression, fatigue, joint pain, autoimmune arthritis, muscle pain, and a host of other symptoms.

The most severe reaction is known as anaphylactic shock and is a medical emergency.

Traditional medical therapy includes the use of antihistamine (Benedryl, Zyrtec, etc.), leukotriene inhibiting drugs (Singular), and perhaps desensization shots.

Unfortunately, while these approaches can be helpful, they yield little long -term relief. Antihistamines may cause fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes, and mood disorders.

Blood Tests for Food and Inhalent Allergies

The two most common allergy tests, a skin prick test and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), are good at detecting acute or immediate allergic responses (IgE antibodies). But, they don’t measure the delayed sensitivity responses to food.

95% of all food allergies occur one hour to three days after eating allergic foods. These delayed reactions must be measured using a different antibody, immunoglobulin G1-4 (IgG1-4). Many of my patients come to me having already been tested and told they had allergies. Unfortunately they were only tested for IgE antibodies. Their airborne allergies were detected, but many of their food allergies were not.

Two tests that do measure delayed IgG1-4 reactions are the Enzyme-linked Immuno-absorbent Assay (ELISA) test and the Food Immune Complex Assay (FICA) test. Both offer the convenience and accuracy of measuring both types of antibodies, while costing hundreds less than RAST and skin prick tests.

All allergy tests are associated with some degree of error. Even ELISA and FICA tests are no better than 85% accurate. False positives and missed allergic foods are a common occurrence on most tests, so the gold standard for uncovering allergen sensitivities is still the two-week elimination diet.

Intestinal Permeability or Leaky Gut

Intestinal permeability occurs when the lining of the digestive tract becomes permeable (leaky) to toxins that cause chronic inflammation.

Intestinal permeability allows toxins to leak out of the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. This triggers an autoimmune allergic reaction that can create inflammation in any of the body’s tissues.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, caffeine, alcohol, and other prescription and nonprescription drugs renders the intestinal mucosa permeable to toxins and undigested food particles. For more information on Leaky Gut, please click here.

NOTICE: On this page you’ll find some product links going to my new store. You will need to use the password RMURPH to use the new online VIP store. Please write this down. You only have to do it once and it will remember you after that. Thanks!

Password – RMURPH

Natural Remedies
Supplement with extra vitamin C. It’s a natural antihistamine and may reduce the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Take an additional 2,000mg above your multivitamin/mineral formula. Keep increasing by 1,000mg a day, until you experience a loose bowel movement. Once you start having a loose bowel movement, reduce your dose by 1,000mg or until you have a normal bowel movement once again.

• Supplement with stinging nettle root (Nettles), which helps reduce allergic rhinitis (runny nose) and hay fever symptoms. It also helps prevent the bronchial spasms associated with asthma. Take 500–1,000 mg. three times daily.

• Supplement with quercetin, a bioflavonoid (plant pigment) found in black tea, blue-green algae, broccoli, onions, red apples, and red wine. It inhibits the synthesis of certain enzymes responsible for triggering allergic reactions. It is chemically similar to the allergy prevention medication Cromolyn. Take 500–1,000 twice daily. It may take months before quercetin reaches its peak of effectiveness. It can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, so don’t take quercetin and antibiotics together.

• Supplement with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) natural organic sulfur compound found in plant and animal tissues. MSM has proven beneficial in the treatment of allergic and inflammation disorders. It provides sulfur, an essential component in detoxification. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties, it’s included in my Essential Therapeutics Arthritis Formula. Normal dosage is 500 mg. three–four times daily.

• Reduce grains (wheat, breads, pasta, corn, etc.) and other high–omega-6 foods, including red meat. Omega-6 foods produce arachidonic acid, which leads to more inflammatory chemicals. Try to limit your intake of these foods.

• Increase fish oil (omega-3) consumption.

Studies have shown that supplementing with fish oils results in a dramatic reduction in a person’s leukotriens (one of the chemicals implicated in asthma and other allergic reactions) by 65%. This correlates with a 75% decrease in their clinical symptoms. I recommend you start taking between 2,000mg and 9,000mg a day.

Inflammation Formula

I use an anti-inflammation formula that seems to work well for my patients. I recommend this formula first and if the symptoms aren’t reduced, I’ll encourage my patients to add some of the supplements mentioned above.

• Turmeric root extract inhibits enzymes associated with arachidonic acid PG2 inflammatory hormones (“The bad guys”). PG2 hormones are a major trigger for allergic reactions.

• Rosemary leaf extract helps block synthesis of leukotriens (a cause of allergic inflammation) and PG2 hormones. The prescription medication Singular, works by blocking leukotriens.

• Holy basil leaf extract helps boost natural anti-inflammatory chemicals (PG1 and PG3).

• Green tea leaf extract is a potent antioxidant and increases the body’s own anti-inflammatory activity.

• Ginger root extract reduces inflammation.

• Chinese goldenthread root helps regulate prostaglandins; it reduces the inflammatory PG2 hormones and boosts the anti-inflammatory PG1 and PG3 hormones.

• Barberry root extract helps reduce the inflammatory PG2 hormones and increases the anti-inflammatory PG1 and PG3 hormones.

• Baikal skullcap root extract reduces inflammatory chemicals.

• Protykin polygonum cuspidatum extract is a potent antioxidant and reduces inflammatory chemicals including PG2.

Chronic Sinusitis

Chronic sinus infections may be the result of bacterial or fungal infections. Sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotics and steroids. However, antibiotics will only make fungal sinus infections worse. If you have chronic sinus infections you should be using a daily nasal rinse program.

I use a nasal rinse kit from Neil Ned Products, available by calling Neil Med directly 1-877-477-8633. Patients simply add warm water and one of the (50 to a box) buffered sodium packets into the plastic six ounce bottle. For stubborn infections, I encourage patients to add several drops of liquid betadine. Betadine is a topical antiseptic; it kills viruses, bacteria, and yeast.

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May, 2011

Effective and Safe Alternatives for Treating Heart Disease and Hypertension

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a major cause of coronary heart disease. Over 50 million Americans suffer from hypertension. Almost 43,000 Americans died from hypertension in 2002. To much pressure exerted on the arterial walls can cause a host of unwanted cardiovascular problems including:

Enlarged heart and possible congestive heart failure (CHF).

Formation of small arterial bulges or aneurysms.

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidney leading to failure.

Atherosclerotic arteries.

Blood PressureBlood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats (about 60 to 70 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping blood. This is known a systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is known as diastolic pressure.The systolic number is listed above the diastolic number. 120/80mm Hg is considered normal.
Pre-hypertension blood pressure is 120-130/80-90. Hypertension is when the systolic pressure is above 140 or when the diastolic pressure is above 90.

Stage I hypertension occurs when the systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 or diastolic is between 90 and 99.

Stage II occurs systolic is above 160 or when diastolic is above 100.

Individuals who are in stage I have a 31% greater risk of heart attack, almost twice the risk of stroke, and a 43% increase in death rate, compared to individuals with normal blood pressure.

Conventional Medical TherapiesTraditional medicine uses beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and other drugs to treat the symptoms of high blood pressure. All of these medications have potential side effects. Studies show that for two-thirds of individuals taking hypertension drugs, diet therapy alone will result in normal blood pressure. All of these medications have potential side effects.

Natural Therapies for Hypertension
Niacin, or vitamin B3, has been used as an effective anti-hypertensive medicine for decades. Although most doctors know about niacin and its role in reducing cholesterol, most don’t usually recommend this vitamin for hypertension. Niacin when taken in high doses helps dilate (expand) the blood vessel. Regular niacin is associated with an uncomfortable histamine flush and is not recommended. A special form of niacin, known as niacinate or inositol hexaniacinate (IHN), doesn’t produce the flush associated with regular niacin.

Recommended dose is 400-500mg twice a day for 5 days then double the dose.

Magnesium A magnesium deficiency leads to muscle spasm or contraction. It acts like a beta-blocker by inhibiting stimulatory hormones including norepinephrine and epinephrine (hormones that increase heart rate). Fortunately, magnesium doesn’t cause fatigue or the other symptoms associated with prescription beta blockers.

Calcium and magnesium help regulate the heart rate. Magnesium relaxes smooth muscle, including the heart, and calcium constricts or tightens smooth muscle. The more calcium within a muscle cell, the more tense or tight muscle becomes. The calcium channels are guarded by magnesium. This magnesium valve helps prevent too much calcium from entering a cell. However, if a person is deficient in magnesium calcium ions are able to infiltrate cells and cause muscle contraction. Magnesium acts as a natural calcium-channel blocker. It prevents too much calcium from entering the cell membrane. The more magnesium within a muscle cell, the more relaxed the muscle.

CoQ10 Research also shows that CoQ10 is able to reduce blood pressure in high risk heart disease patients. In one study CoQ10 lowered systolic pressure from an average of 141 to 126 and diastolic from 97 to 90.

Fish Oil Fish oil reduces blood pressure, inflammation, fibrinogen, irregular heart beats (arrhythmia), atherosclerosis, triglycerides (blood fats), and platelet aggregation (blood clot formation). Typically, between four, and seven grams of fish oil are needed to reduce high blood pressure. However, when fish oil is combined with other synergistic supplements like magnesium, CoQ10, taurine, and B vitamins, less is needed.

Along with IHN, I have my patients with hypertension take a good optimal daily allowance multivitamin/mineral formula (with minimum of 500mg of magnesium), 1-2 grams of fish oil, and 100mg of CoQ10.

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May, 2011

Congestive Heart Failure

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Congestive heart failure occurs when the muscle fibers of the heart become damaged from arteriosclerosis (and blockage), coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, faulty vales (regurgitation), or heart infections. The ventricles of the heart become bloated with blood that can’t be properly expelled. The heart fails to pump blood through the 60,000 miles of arteries and veins. This causes increased pressure in the circulatory system. The increased pressure causes fluid to escape from the blood stream and to accumulate in the tissues and organs. The symptoms of congestive heart disease include fluid-retention, shortness of breath, chronic non-productive cough, exertion induced fatigue, and generalized lethargy.

There are two types of heart failure; right-sided and left-sided.
Right-sided heart failure occurs when the right atria and ventricle can’t keep pace with the left atria and ventricle. Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left atria and ventricle can’t keep up with the right side. Right-sided heart failure causes blood to accumulate in the vessels leading to the heart. Excess fluid (peripheral edema) and swelling occurs in the legs, ankles and feet.

In left-sided heart failure blood accumulates in the veins leading from the lungs and the lungs become filled with fluid (pulmonary edema). The person may experience shortness of breath on exertion or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (shortness of breath that occurs after several hours of sleep). Salt intake should be restricted since sodium worsens the symptoms of CHF.

Conventional medical therapy for CHF includes diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. These medications only treat the symptoms and actually accelerate the rate of CHF.

Diuretics are used to help reduce excess fluid and decrease the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat. When taking these medications a person should at the very least increase their magnesium intake. Even netter is to add a good comprehensive multivitamin/mineral supplement with a minimum of 400-500mg of magnesium. If you’re taking diuretics , you’ll need to add additional 200-500mg of magnesium. Remember if you take to much magnesium you’ll have a lose bowel movement. If this does occur simply reduce the amount of magnesium you’re taking. Diuretics can cause a magnesium deficiency. As discussed earlier, magnesium is essential for proper heart function.

Nutritional therapies for managing CHF include the following nutrients:
Magnesium may prove to be the most important nutrient in facilitating optimal cardiovascular health. Studies have demonstrated that low magnesium levels decrease the survival rate in those with CHS, by almost 50 percent. Individuals with CHF should be taking a minimum of 500mg of magnesium citrate or chelate each day. I recommend all of my CHF patients start on my Healthy Heart Formula with 500mg of magnesium.

Hawthorne has been proven in double blind studies to help reduce the symptoms associated with CHF.

The recommended dose is 200 mg 3 times a day.

Numerous double-blind studies have demonstrated the importance of using the amino acid L-Carnitine in the management of CHF. L-Carnitine delivers long chain fatty acids to the heart. These fatty acids provide 70 percent of the energy needed by the heart. Studies involving carnitine replacement therapy have shown that it helps reduce cardiac arrhythmia, angina (chest pain), total cholesterol (by 20%), triglycerides (by 28%), while increasing HDL (by 12%). Recommended dose is 500mg 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

Arginine, an amino acid, helps dilate (relax and open) blood vessels that have been unresponsive to drug therapy. Studies involving arginine have shown it acts like the drug nitroglycerine, which increases nitric oxide. Because of its vasodiolating abilities, arginine is recommended for the management of angina. It also helps boost blood flow to the extremities (legs) by up to 29 percent. Recommended dose is 1,000-12,000gm a day.

CoQ10 has an impressive track record in regards CHF and should be recommended to those suffering from congestive heart failure.
In one study patients were administered a modest 30mg of CoQ10 a day. All the participants in the study showed improvement and 53 percent were asymptomatic after 4 weeks.

The largest study to date on CoQ10 involved 2,664 patients with congestive heart failure and was conducted in Italy. The results showed that individuals who took an average of 100mg of CoQ10 a day for 3 months noticed a drastic improvement in their symptoms.

Percentage of those with improvement follows:
cyanosis- 78% improved
edema (fluid retention) – 78.6%
vertigo -73%
insomnia – 66%
sweating – 79.8%
shortness of breath – 52%
pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs) – 77.8%
enlarged liver – 49%
heart palpitations – 75%
arrhythmia (abnormal heart beats) – 63%
venous congestion – 71.8%
CoQ10 reduces exercise induced angina (chest pain) by 53% percent.

I typically use the following combination for my CHF patients: Healthy Heart Formula, an extra 100mg of CoQ10, Hawthorne Extract, and L-Carnitine.

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May, 2011

Potential Dangers of Cardiovascular Drugs

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Statin Medications
No doubt, the statins lower cholesterol levels and perhaps do lower the risk of dying from a heart attack, at least in patients who already have had one, but the size of the effect is unimpressive. In one of the experiments for instance, the CARE trial, the odds of escaping death from a heart attack in five years for a patient with manifest heart disease was 94.3 %, which improved to 95.4 % with statin treatment. This is a difference of 1.1 percent. Surely not worth all the hype these medications have received.

The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported on an analysis of all the major controlled trials before the year 2000 and found that long-term use of statins for primary prevention of heart disease produced a 1 percent greater risk of death over 10 years compared to a placebo.

Potential Side Effects
The acknowledged side effects of statins include muscle pain and weakness, suppression of the body’s formation of Co-enzyme Q10, and, rarely, a potentially fatal muscle-wasting disorder called rhabdomyolysis. One statin, Baycol, has been withdrawn because it was linked to 31 deaths from rhabdomyolysis. Interference with production of Co-Q10 by statin drugs is the most likely explanation. The heart is a muscle and it cannot work when deprived of Co-Q10. See more about heart disease and solutions.

Calcium-channel blockers
Calcium-channel blockers include the drugs Diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Cardizem SR®, Dilacor XR®), Nifedipine (Procardia XL®), and Verapamil (Calan®, Calan SR®, Isoptin®, Isoptin SR®, Verelan®).

Calcium-channel blockers slow the rate at which calcium passes to the contractile fibers of heart muscle and into the vessel walls, a sequence that relaxes the vessels. Relaxed vessels allow the blood to flow more easily, thereby reducing blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and irregular heat beats (arrythmias).

In 1995, the Public Citizen’s Health Research Group filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration to add a warning to the labeling of all calcium channel blockers. This action was in light of observational studies which revealed that calcium channel blockers increase the risk of heart attack and death.

Common side effects associated with calcium channel blockers are fatigue, flushing, swelling of the abdomen, ankles, or feet, and heartburn. Less common side effects are changes in heart rate, either tachycardia or bradycardia (slow heart rate), shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and dizziness, numbness in hands and feet, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Chest pains, jaundice, and fainting are rarely reported

Beta- Blockers
Beta-blockers “block” the effects of adrenaline (and norepinephrine) on cells beta-receptors. This slows the nerve impulses stimulate the heart so that the heart does not work as hard. Beta-blockers are generally prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure (CHF), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and chest pain (angina). Beta-blockers are sometimes used in heart attack patients to prevent future attacks. Commonly prescribed beta- blockers include: Atenolol (Tenoretic®, Tenormin®), Metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol XL®), Nadolol (Corgard®), and Propranolol (Inderal®).

Beta blockers have several potential side effects including congestive heart failure, shortness of breath, heart block, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, depression, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, tingling in the hands and feet, wheezing, bronchospasm, increases severity of asthma or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, decreased sex drive, muscle fatigue, reduces HDL (good cholesterol), increases LDL and triglycerides.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include Captopril (Capoten®), Enalapril (Vasotec®), and Lisinopril, (Prinivil®, Zestril®).
Drugs that inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) decrease sodium and water retention, reduce blood pressure, improve cardiac output, and typically decrease heart size.

ACE inhibitors are used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmia and hypertension. Following a heart attack, patients may be prescribed ACE inhibitors to prevent further damage to the heart. ACE inhibitors may also be prescribed for kidney problems associated with diabetes.

Potential side effects include a dry cough, gastrointestinal disturbances, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, joint pain, fever, lightheadedness, and fatigue.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
These drugs are known as ARBs and are better tolerated than the older ACE drugs. ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to the receptor sites that allow it stimulate arterial blood vessel constriction. It is also prevented from releasing aldosterone. These medications which include Diovan, Benicar, Micardis, Avapro, Cozaar, Teveten, and Atacand, are used to treat hypertension and CHF.

Potential side effects to these medications include headache, upper respiratory infection, cough, dizziness, sinusitis, throat inflammation, diarrhea, fatigue, back pain, viral infections, and abdominal pain.

Direct Vasodilators
Apresoline, Vasodilan and Loniten (Minoxidil) are direct vasodilating drugs. Vasodilating drugs act on blood vessels, opening the vessel by relaxing the muscular walls. These medications are used along with other cardiovascular drugs; used alone they can cause increased heart rate, fluid retention and swelling. These drugs have potential side effects which include systemic lupus erythematosus, headache, fatigue, low blood pressure, palpitations, increased heart rate, fluid retention, nasal congestion, weight gain, and increased body hair.

Cardiac Glycosides/Anti-Arrhythmics
Cardiac glycosides are obtained from the plants digitalis purpurea and digitalis lanata or their semi-synthetic derivatives. These medications are commonly used for CHF because they increase the force of cardiac contraction without significantly affecting other cardiovascular mechanisms. Cardiac glycosides include Digoxin®, Digitoxin, Lanoxin®, Purgoxin®, and Crystodigin®.

Potential side effects include arrythmia (abnormal heart beat), heart block, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, mental disturbances, and apathy.
Digoxin causes over 28,000cases of life-threatening or fatal adverse reactions each year.

Diuretics
Diuretics reduce edema (fluid retention) and lower blood pressure by reducing sodium and water retention. The three types of diuretics (thiazides, potassium-sparing diuretics, and high-loop diuretics) all work differently, but the goal is to lower blood pressure and or heart fluid (CHF). These medications include Oretic, Euduron, Reneses, Hygroton, Bumex, Lasix, Anhydron, Diuril, Edecrin, Demadex, Dyrenium, Aldactone, Midamor, Zaroxolyn, and Lozol.

They may cause the following side effects; Excessive uric acid in the blood (gout), magnesium deficiency, potassium deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, lowered HDL, excessive sugar in the blood (diabetes), fever, rash, irregular menstrual cycles (Aldosterone), impotence (same), and excessive urination and thirst.

Diuretics have been shown to cause an eleven-fold increase in diabetes.
Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication. It is used to prevent blood clots from forming within the arteries. This is the same drug used to poison rats! It can cause several adverse reactions all associated with internal bleeding, including loss of consciousness, bloody or tarry stools, headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, constipation, abdominal pain, swelling in the ankles and feet, blue or purple toes, rashes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unusual weight gain, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, and sores or white spots in the mouth.

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May, 2011

Everything You Need To Know About Adrenal Fatigue: Part One

By Dr. Joel Rosen

Ever hear the words “Adrenal Fatigue“?

Have an idea what it is, but not exactly sure?

Let’s talk about adrenal fatigue, and its ravaging effects on the body. (Because “ravaging” is exactly what adrenal fatigue does to the body)

WHAT IS ADRENAL FATIGUE EXACTLY:

In order to understand adrenal fatigue, let’s first look at the anatomy.

adrenal gland 300x244 Everything You Need To Know About Adrenal Fatigue: Part One

Adrenal fatigue can better be understood by understanding the Adrenal Gland

The adrenals glands are a pair of pea-sized organs that can be found on top of each kidney.

Understanding exactly how the adrenals work requires breaking the adrenals into 2 components.

The adrenal gland’s inner portion is called the “medulla” for middle, and the outer portion called the “cortex”.

How Does Adrenal Fatigue Occur?

When we encounter a very stressful event, a number of interesting things occur inside your body, of course, inside the adrenal gland.

Let’s paint you a vivid picture.

Take for an example walking into a gas station right in the middle of a robbery.

May you and your loved ones never be held up at gun point. But I needed to paint you an image that you could probably imagine just how stressful that would be.

Imagine the immediate surge of adrenaline you would experience.

If you’re not exactly sure what that is, imagine:

your heart rate pounding so fast and hard, you think it’s going to explode.
Blood pressure would be pounding.
You’d probably be breathing so hard, almost to the point of hyperventilation.
Your muscles would be engaged, contracted, and ready to handle whatever in needs to do.

These basic bodily reactions, considered your “sympathetics” or part of the “sympathetic nervous system”, occur right from the moment that situation begins.

This is sometime known as the “fight or flight response”

From a physiological stand-point, the center portion of the adrenal gland (the medulla) receives nerve impulses that were initiated from the hypothalamus (a segment in the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian cycles, amongst other necessary bodily functions).

From there, information is sent down the spinal cord, and conveyed through nerve signals that go directly to the adrenal medulla.

When this happens, the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine/norepinephrine.

Aka Adrenaline.

That’s the acute, short-termed, immediate response to stress.

No adrenal fatigue yet.

As the robbery continues, a longer term stress response occurs.

Once the adrenaline hormone is released, and is at its peak, the hypothalamus in the brain, sends signals to the pituitary gland (also located in the brain).

It does this because the hypothalamus is aware of the initial fight or flight response that resulted in adrenaline release, and now senses the need to help the body return to its normal physiological functioning.

The pituitary gland in turn releases ACTH, which stands for “Adrenocorticotropic hormone”.

The ACTH is released in the blood stream, that will ultimately get circulated to the adrenal glands.

Once the adrenal glands outer lining (the cortex) receives blood with ACTH in it, cortisol when then be released.

Thus, a loop between the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the adrenals has been established to deal with stress.

This loop is called the HPA axis.

Both short term stressors and long term stressors are normal.

That is, our body, our HPA axis, is set up to enable the body to deal with stressful situations.

However, I believe in our modern society, with the advent of technology, the economic demands to survive (especially during recessionary times), increased processed/sugary foods, fast-foods, and our love affair with caffeine and alcohol, not to mention “energy boosters/supplements, our body has to process stress like never before.

Adrenal Fatigue: Consequences of Repeated Stressors

As written earlier, the body has an immediate stress response that involves the release of adrenaline, and a long term stress response that involves the release of cortisol.

Cortisol is signaled by the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary, which then tells the adrenal cortex to secret Cortisol.

Done over and over, and over and over again because of our stressful society, dysfunction of the HPA axis develops.

Depending on what stage of adrenal fatigue someone is in, will depend on how much dysfunction the HPA axis is in (more on this in part 2 of Everything You Need To Know About Adrenal Fatigue).

So the important take away from all of the above is the fact that “stress” is all around, day to day, month to month and year to year.

When this happens, adrenal fatigue will develop.

So much more to the story exists, such as;

In the next part of “Everything you need to know about adrenal fatigue“, you learn:

the action of cortisol
the normal circadian pattern and cortisol
low cortisol levels
elevated cortisol levels
Cortisol/DHEA relationship
Cortisol and Insulin
Adrenal Testing
Adrenal Fatigue and Immune function

Posted in Adrenal Fatigue | 1 Comment

Chronic Sinus Problems

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Brain Function

I have found that many of you fit into certain groups depending on how you answer the following questionnaire.

The “S” Group (S for Serotonin)

The “O” Group (O for Opiods)

The “G” Group (G for GABA)

The “D” Group (D for Dopamine)

The “N” Group (N for Norepinephrine)

Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis Pain? Osteoarthritis Pain? and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Why is Arthritis Pain so painful?

How the Inflammatory System Works and why it produces arthritis pain:

Anti-Inflammatory Hormones that can reduce Arthritis Pain

PG-1 and PG-3 are anti-inflammatory hormones. They help reduce and eliminate inflammation and arthritis pain. The best source for PG-1 and PG-3 is fish oil supplements or a diet high in cold water fish.

Anxiety & Depression

Allergies

Effective and Safe Alternatives for Treating Heart Disease and Hypertension

Congestive Heart Failure

Potential Dangers of Cardiovascular Drugs

Everything You Need To Know About Adrenal Fatigue: Part One

How Does Adrenal Fatigue Occur?

Adrenal Fatigue: Consequences of Repeated Stressors

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