Dear Friends and Patients:
As another year comes to a close the staff at the Preventive Medicine Center and I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season. It is our hope that you are able to spend time with your family, friends, and loved ones. We appreciate the confidence you have in us and we thank you for your referrals. Let=s all work together to have a healthier 2008.
In this issue of the Newsletter I am going to discuss detoxifying the body by using far infrared sauna therapy. We are in the middle of an epidemic of autism, ADD, heart disease, cancer, asthma, multiple chemical sensitivities, and Alzheimer's disease. What these conditions have in common is that are directly impacted or caused by toxic chemicals in the environment. When I graduated from medical school in the early 1970s, chronic diseases caused by environmental pollutants were virtually unheard of except for lead poisoning from lead based paints. About this same time a terrible event happened in the state of Michigan, where PBB (a dioxin-like chemical that is used as a fire retardant) was accidentally placed in animal feed for cattle at the manufacturing plant. By the time this was discovered virtually everyone in Michigan and also the surrounding states had come into contact with contaminated milk, meat, and dairy products. A research team from Mt. Sinai Medical Center studied Michigan residents and found 97% had detectible levels of PBB in their fat on fat biopsies. Even more frightening was 5-6 years later there was no decrease in PBB fat levels on repeat biopsies. In addition, patients were showing adverse effects from this exposure with markers such as elevated liver enzyme lab tests. PBB is known to cause cancer in lab rats, but because there is a two to three decade lag between exposure and development of cancer in humans, this risk could not be determined by this particular study. In another fat biopsy study, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) found that 100% of people studied had dioxins, PCBs, dicholorobenzene, and xylene stored in their bodies - all proven to cause cancer.
Detoxification of Chemicals through Sauna Therapy
Detoxification of chemicals and heavy metals stored in the fat can be accomplished in a safe and scientific manner through sweating. During the same time period as the Michigan PBB disaster, a controversial figure named L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer, adventurer and founder of Scientology along with Adelle Davis, a vitamin guru of that era, developed what is known today as the Hubbard protocol. This protocol is basically a sweating program that utilizes a traditional sauna or steam room along with progressively increasing doses of vitamins (especially niacin which causes fat turnover), minerals, potassium and sea salt, and essential oils to remove toxins and drugs from the stored fat. The average length of this program is one month with individuals staying in the sauna on average 2 - 4 hours a day. The Hubbard protocol requires close medical supervision by personnel trained to administer the program and clearance by a physician to participate in a safe manner. This same protocol was used to treat some of the PBB victims in Michigan. Before and after fat biopsies of the participants showed an average 21.3% reduction in 16 chemicals found in the fat, including the PBBs and PCBs, at the completion of the program. More astonishing was fat biopsies taken 4 months after completion of the program showed the 16 chemicals had decreased 42.4%. Other studies using the Hubbard protocol showed dioxin levels to decrease by 97% over a 250 day period. Some physicians hypothesized that the continued drop months after completing the sauna program was due to a rehabilitative effect on the body's natural detoxification pathways.
How Extensive is the Problem?
Since WWII approximately 80,000 new synthetic chemicals have been released into the world environment, but less than half have been tested for potential toxicity to adult humans. Over 4 billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the United States alone according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This amounts to 8 pounds for every man, women, and child. Current law allows approximately 350 different pesticides to be used on the food we eat. Of the roughly 900 pesticide active ingredients registered in the United States, over 160 have been classified as known or suspected carcinogens by the EPA. Non-organically grown foods have higher toxicity from pesticide residue. Those that are especially high include apples, peaches, grapes, pears, winter squash, green beans and spinach. Americans consume about 3 million pounds of antibiotics every year, but chicken and cattle consume more than 24 million pounds of antibiotics annually. Antibiotics are added to animal feed to reduce infection caused by over-crowding in animal feed lots or poultry cages. This means the animals are getting a low dose of antibiotics on a daily basis, creating superbugs that are resistant to many of our common antibiotics. Consumers unsuspectingly eat the antibiotics (and also growth hormones) along with the poultry or beef.
Toxic Bioaccumulation, a One Way Street
Our bodies were never meant to handle the load of multiple chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis in our food, water, and environment. For many of these chemicals our bodies do not have the detoxification pathways to remove them. Our bodies are generally well-equipped to excrete water-soluble chemicals, but not so well equipped to excrete the fat-soluble ones. A process, called toxic bioaccumulation occurs, where chemicals that cannot be processed and excreted are stored in the body's fatty tissues. Over time and with continued exposures, these chemicals increase in amount and we literally become poisoned as these bioaccumulated chemicals leach out of storage and damage body systems, producing what we know as chronic disease. Over 300 foreign chemicals have been identified in human fat, which is found in most systems of the body, including the brain and nervous system, as well as in human breast milk.
What Are the Symptoms of Chemical Toxicity?
We all remove toxic wastes through our livers, kidneys, lungs, and sweat. There are no other natural ways these poisons can come out. In our liver, Phase I detoxification involves the conversion of toxins by enzymes and minerals so that in Phase II they can be combined with glutathione, a naturally occurring triple amino acid produced within the cells of the liver (and also lungs and kidneys) to send toxins out of the liver, into the feces, and out of our bodies. But what about the toxins locked in our fat? Fat is mobile within the body and triggers such as heat exposure, exercise, fasting, emotional stress, illness and the overnight fast during sleep can send stored fat back into the bloodstream along with its burden of toxic material. Since the body is ill-equipped to excrete these toxins, they circulate freely through the body only to return later to the fat. The response to these chemicals varies from person to person depending on individual sensitivities, genetic factors, diet and environmental factors, and the age of the person.
Symptoms of chronic toxicity are often vague and misdiagnosed. Symptoms can include headaches, fatigue or lack of energy, lack of mental clarity and poor concentration, irritability, memory loss, cold or flu-like symptoms, eye and mucous membrane irritation, skin rashes, low body temperature, insomnia, nausea, anxiety and depression, and musculoskeletal or fibromyalgia pains to name a few.
Dr. Erickson's Own Story
In the early 1990's I went in for “minor surgery” to fix a hernia and had a reaction to the anesthesia. To make a long story short the anesthesia activated a 20 year old dormant parasitic infection I picked up during a trip to Mexico in the 1970's. When traditional medical tests couldn't find what was going on, the parasitic infection was found and cured through an alternative medicine doctor, but the symptoms of fatigue, irritability, decreased mental clarity, and intolerance to chemical fumes such as in a mall or car exhaust didn't go away. I learned about a sauna detoxification program in California directed by David Root, M.D., an Environmental Medicine and Aerospace Medicine specialist. Taking things on faith, as any new patient must do, I flew out to the West Coast for 45 days of sauna therapy. During that time I was not only a patient, but I studied how the program worked and had the opportunity to talk to and observe dozens of patients both undergoing therapy and those who had completed the program. The results in almost every case were dramatic and exciting. I felt younger and better than I had in decades.
Benefits of FIR (Far Infrared) Sauna
The one thing negative about the program was that it was difficult to tolerate the heat of a traditional sauna (around 165 - 180 degrees), especially for hours on end. For individuals with heart disease or hypertension, it is unsafe to be exposed to that high a heat. I later investigated FIR sauna therapy where a much lower temperature that is actually enjoyable can be used with better results. The FIR sauna works in a different manner and is superior to a traditional lava rock sauna. You are all familiar with how sunlight behind a cloud feels nice and warm on your body. You are feeling the far infrared rays of the sun warming your body directly. On the opposite end of the light spectrum are ultraviolet waves which cause sunburn, and in between, are the visible light wavelengths. I don't want to get too technical for our readers but our bodies absorb over 90% of the infrared waves presented to us. Infrared lights are used to keep babies warm in newborn nurseries and are quite safe.
In a lava rock sauna, the sauna heater uses the principle of convection to heat the air and, in turn, the people in the sauna. In a FIR sauna, the infrared energy penetrates the first centimeter or so of tissue, causing mobilization of toxins from the fat and superficial tissues so toxins can be excreted in the sweat or go into the blood stream to be eliminated by the kidneys or liver into the bowel. The air is heated to a much lower temperature (110 - 135 degrees) than a lava rock sauna, and a person could actually leave the door open to the FIR sauna and still sweat. The sweat produced in a FIR sauna is of different composition that regular sweating from exercise or a lava rock sauna, and is much more concentrated in solutes rather than water. In fact, most patients say their sweat feels “slimy and thick” as toxic debris comes out.
Other Benefits of FIR Sauna
Infrared has other beneficial properties besides toxin removal. A typical sauna session will cause a brief 1 -3 degree rise in body temperature. Fever is the body's defense against infection and microbes, and this beneficial side effect triggers production of white blood cells by your bone marrow and killer T cells by your thymus gland. The result is immune system improvement.
Another benefit is some cardiovascular conditioning. The body's natural reaction to heat is to cool itself. It does this by diverting blood from deeper tissues to the skin and extremities. There is an increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. I have found the resting pulse rate while in the FIR sauna is around 100 beats per minute. This may be important in individuals who are not physically capable of exercising. Up to 600 calories may be burned up during one short sauna session. This may help in weight control, but more important, weight loss cannot be accomplished easily unless toxins are removed first. FIR sauna therapy also improves lymphatic flow and circulation, stimulates endorphins (“happy hormones of the brain”), and lowers lactic acid which causes muscle pain.
Treat the Root Cause, Not the Symptoms
I used to hesitate recommending something as expensive as a home sauna to patients. Saunas can cost several thousand dollars (about the same as a 58” Plasma TV) but after reading a book called “Detoxify or Die” by Sherry Rogers, M.D. I agreed with Dr. Rogers that there is no other good way to effectively detoxify ourselves in a world that is causing environmentally-related illnesses. The title of her book is very dramatic for a reason - we are seeing environmental illnesses, especially cancers, in epidemic numbers. Studies are cited showing that 95% of cancer is caused by diet and environment. Dr. Rogers is an international specialist in Environmental Medicine, a prolific writer, educator and physician who is well known and respected in the CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) community. Backed up by more than 700 references, this book is a must read if you are in search of regaining health as the information goes well beyond the general advice of eating whole foods, exercising, and avoiding chemicals.
In the Introduction, Dr. Rogers states: “You have been brainwashed into believing that the diagnosis given to your condition, a mere label, is the end of the line. But nothing could be further (and more dangerously) from the truth. In fact, the name or label that has been given to your collection of symptoms is totally inconsequential. The only thing that matters is what has caused the symptoms . . .” I couldn't agree more. Getting the body chemically unloaded and nutritionally primed so that it can heal itself is the key to regaining health in many cases. In her book she suggests patients use a FIR sauna daily or every other day for 30 minutes for the rest of their lives.
Where Can I Get an FIR Sauna?
There are a number of places that sell FIR saunas and I would suggest to our readers that they investigate any company they are considering dealing with. We have had a HealthmateÍ cedar FIR sauna that my wife and I have enjoyed for 9 years. HealthmateÍ is the largest FIR sauna manufacturer in the world and produces a very high quality product. They have a lifetime guarantee on their products and have been around since 1979. We have had to replace a control panel or two under warranty. High Tech health also sells a FIR sauna (that is actually made for them by HealthmateÍ) but it is made out of Poplar wood for chemically sensitive folks. They also have a lifetime warranty on their saunas. These saunas can be placed on a covered patio, in a garage, or in the home. They are modular, and can be disassembled and moved if needed. We are able to obtain a discounted price on these two brands for our patients for those of you who are interested. If medically necessary, a prescription will also eliminate paying sales tax, further lowering the cost.
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Success Story -- Asperger's Syndrome
Jack (not his real name) is an 11-year-old youngster who was brought to the Center by his mother because of problems concentrating. He was the product of a normal 9-month pregnancy and delivery. Both parents noticed at about age 18 months, after the administration of multiple childhood vaccines, Jack became less responsive and more withdrawn. He would point to things rather than asking for things. In Kindergarten he would get very emotional and was easily frustrated. He wouldn't look at the teacher and his thinking process was slow. Eventually he underwent psychological testing at Shands Hospital and Clinics and a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome was made. This syndrome is a form of autism. Austism now affects 1 in 150 children in the United States according to a Center for Disease Control survey done earlier this year. Jack was placed on Ritalin and Strattera, but he felt “zoned out” on these drugs. His mother stated they did nothing to improve his concentration but made him lose his personality. This is a complaint I have heard from parents whose children were treated with psychotropic medications for ADD and ADHD as well.
After careful examination and laboratory testing Jack was found to have multiple allergies, both to foods and some of the vaccines themselves. His screening for an elevated body burden of toxic metals was negative. He underwent a series of NAET allergy treatments (a non traditional type of allergy elimination using acupressure). He became much calmer and more outgoing after a number of these treatments, and is doing better in school. In addition to the NAET treatments, B vitamins, essential oils and amino acid therapies were used.
Success Story -- Elevated Cholesterol and Triglyceride Treatment
Mrs. M is a 64-year-old patient who has high cholesterol and lipids. Her primary care physician placed her on Lipitor, but this caused severe joint pain and the medication was discontinued by the patient. Mrs. M was placed on Red Yeast Rice and also a policosinol product, but in spite of these alternative therapies her cholesterol remained in the 300 range and her triglycerides were in the 550 range. An attempt to restart Lipitor at the lowest dose of 10mg was unsuccessful due to recurrence of her joint pains. She refused to take Niacin (Vitamin B3) due to the severe flushing she had experienced in the past on this vitamin. Niacin in some patients will reduce lipid blood levels. She was started on an exercise program and a Metagenics product called Ultrameal, which helps correct insulin resistance and promotes glycemic control. In 6 weeks the patient was having much more energy and was sleeping better. Her cholesterol dropped to 249 and her triglycerides decreased almost 300 points to 260! Her ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to the total cholesterol was a healthy 3.8. Her weight had also decreased by several pounds and she was excited about the improvement. Insulin resistance is a condition that contributes to lipid abnormalities and overweight, and can be treated with dietary management and certain supplements.
Success Story -- Breast Thermography to Monitor Efficacy of Treatment for Hormone Imbalance
Thermography has recently been promoted on national news networks, including Fox news and CBC, for early detection of breast cancer, and possibly avoiding unnecessary biopsies. This case study discusses a different use. Mrs. J is a 61 year old lady who saw me initially in 2006 for osteoporosis and vaginal dryness. After an extensive evaluation she was placed on bio-identical hormonal replacement to help her vaginal dryness and preserve bone mass. The patient was concerned about getting annual mammography due to the cumulative radiation exposures and decided to do this every other year instead of annually. The current recommendations by organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health are for women age 40 and above obtain screening mammograms on an annual basis. In Europe mammography is not used until after menopause for screening purposes and is not done annually. Mrs. J. was given information about breast thermography (digital thermal infrared imaging) as an adjunctive technology in breast health screening. Its overall accuracy is about the same as mammography at 90%, but there is no compression of the breasts or radiation. When mammography and thermography are combined, the efficacy rate jumps to about 97%, better than either technology used individually.
This patient was found to have a thermal pattern consistent with estrogen dominance, a condition where the body is producing more estrogen relative to progesterone. This condition is associated with an increased breast cancer risk that mammography cannot see. In fact, estrogen dominance, which makes breast tissue more dense, may lower the accuracy of mammography. Mrs. J was started on bio-identical progesterone cream to be applied to the breasts and skin. A repeat thermography of the breasts at 3 months showed improvement in the thermal patterns, and her progesterone was adjusted to a higher dosage. Six months later another thermogram of the breasts was taken and was completely normal. The patient was very happy about this improvement in her physiology, especially in light of a family history of breast cancer in a paternal grandmother and a cousin. For more information on thermography, call Gainesville Thermography at 332-7212 or click to the thermography section.
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