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 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 2006.
As many of you know, my oldest son Michael is a gemologist and is currently working in Gainesville as a jeweler and appraiser at A.G. Klaus Jewelers. When Mike was small, he and I put together a mineral collection. We would write to the various state universities and ask if they could send us a few mineral specimens from their state. Some of the professors would respond and send us specimens. We would then catalogue the minerals and put them into a display case, reading about each one in a geology book. We would also refer to the the Periodic Table of Elements (blocks and rows of elements) that you may remember from your high school science or chemistry classes. There are 92 elements found in nature and another 22 theoretical and/or observed elements that can be made in the laboratory. Scientific study of these elements has discovered that many of them are absolutely essential to life on this planet. In this issue and upcoming issues, I will discuss the importance of minerals to our health while highlighting select minerals.
Minerals and Human Health – Part I
Dr. Charles Northen was an Alabama physician and a pioneer in the field of nutrition way back in the 1930's. He knew that minerals were vital to human metabolism and health and stated that “no plant or animal can appropriate to itself any mineral which is not present in the soil upon which it feeds.” He was ridiculed for this viewpoint by other physicians that era, who denied there were any such things as vegetables and fruits that did not contain sufficient minerals for human needs. He was also criticized by the agricultural authorities, who insisted that all soil contained all necessary minerals. The truth is that our foods vary enormously in value and some of them aren’t worth eating. For example, vegetation grown in one part of the country may contain 1,000 parts per billion of iodine against 20 parts per billion grown elsewhere. The goiter belt in the mid-west, where enlargement of the thyroid gland occurs more often due to iodine deficiency in the soils, is a well known fact. This example applies to many other trace minerals.
Food chemistry is almost entirely dependent on government agencies for its research, and our current knowledge of nutrient values is about where medicine was a century ago. Dr. Northen proved that crops grown in a properly mineralized soil were bigger and better, that seeds germinated quicker, grew more rapidly and made better plants, that trees were healthier and put on more fruit of better quality. By scientific soil feeding where he would add iron, iodine, and other elements to soil, he raised better seed potatoes in Maine, better grapes in California, and better oranges in Florida. He experimented with a variety of growing things and in every case the story was the same. By mineralizing the feed at poultry farms, he got more and better eggs; by balancing the pasture soils, he produced richer milk. Dr. Northen eventually moved to Florida and gave up practicing medicine to devote his time to soil research. In a scale infested orange grove in Florida, he restored the mineral balance to part of the soil, and the trees growing in that part became clean while the rest remained diseased. By the same means he grew healthy rose bushes between rows that were riddled by insects. The insects did not want to attack the healthy plants. Dr. Northen felt it was neither a complicated nor an expensive undertaking to restore our soils. “It is simpler to cure sick soils than sick people.” While modern agriculture adds nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil, the remaining 60 minerals that are found in the human body are not added to the soil. Plants growing in the soil do not “create” these missing minerals, so they become deficient and so do the animals and humans that feed on the plants.
Mineral deficiencies may occur for a variety of other reasons in humans. Deficiencies in the water, mineral imbalances (many minerals work together such as potassium, lithium and sodium), processing of water (e.g. reverse osmosis or steam distillation removing minerals) or soil, and inadequate dietary intake can cause deficiency states in humans. The absorption of minerals is dependent on multiple factors such as age, adequacy of stomach acid, lack of intestinal parasites and illnesses, dietary fiber intake, and balance of bowel flora. There is confusion about what form a mineral should be in to be best absorbed in the human body. Some supplement companies tout their minerals are in organic form; others colloidal form; others in liquid form. So what is the best form?
First of all, absorption occurs in the small intestine. For some elements, such as iron, the compound it is bound to can have a significant influence on intestinal absorption. There are 8 minerals that should be in ionic form (an ion is a particle such as an atom or group of atoms that carries an electrical charge) to be readily absorbed. These minerals are chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. This does not mean that if a mineral is not ionic it cannot be absorbed by the body. For the most part, minerals and trace elements can be absorbed if they are bound to certain compounds, such as chelates. The minerals we have at the Center from Biotics are chelated in plant cultures at the Biotics facility, for instance. Others are chelated to certain salts. The 8 minerals that need to be in ionic form normally get into this form by being liberated by stomach acid. Conditions that affect stomach acid, such as aging, taking antacids, or taking medications that block acid production, such as Nexium or Zantac, may interfere with the absorption of these minerals. The assumption that “organic minerals” are somehow superior to “inorganic minerals” is not quite as important as making sure the mineral is in ionic form. As mentioned, there are exceptions to this where certain minerals are absorbed from foods as components of complex organic entities, such as cobalt or iron.
How Much is Enough?
I am often asked “how much of such and such” should I take. RDA’s (recommended daily allowances) are the amounts of minerals and vitamins necessary for an “average person” to take to prevent deficiency diseases, such as rickets or survey. These values were established in the 1960's by the Federal government, and were last revised in 1989 by the National Academy of Sciences. The concept of “biochemical individuality,” coined by the late chemist Dr. Roger Williams, suggests that we have to get away from the mistaken assumption that every person utilizes and absorbs minerals in the same way. This is why I like to use both a hair analysis and SpectraCell analysis of leukocytes (white blood cells) to determine functional nutritional levels in patients.
Also, we are talking about very small amounts in most cases. To appreciate how much a gram weighs, a typical metal paper clip weights one gram. One milligram is one one-thousandth of a gram. This doesn’t sound like much, but toxic metals such as cadmium, consumed over a life-time, may significantly increase the risk of diseases, especially given its half-life is between 10-30 years in humans. It can also displace essential trace elements such as zinc and copper, which are critical for multiple enzymes and proteins. So how much is enough?
An Overview of Some of the Basic Minerals Needed for Human Health
In this section I will start a brief overview of different minerals important for human health. Due to space considerations, this will be continued in the March 2006 issue of the newsletter.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. 99% of the body’s calcium is bound up in bone, the remaining 1% circulates in the blood and is crucial for proper pH balancing of the body, nerve and muscle function, and regulation of cell metabolism. It also assists in protein and fat metabolism and the absorption of vitamin B12. The best food sources of calcium include dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. kale and spinach), and cooked bones (such as in canned salmon). The RDA of calcium is 800- 1200mg daily. A low calcium intake is a risk factor for colon cancer. In one study, half the patients with pre-cancerous colon polyps had a significant decrease in cell proliferation when given calcium supplements. In spite of the mass media promotion of high calcium intake to prevent osteoporosis of the bones, numerous studies do not show a relationship between the level of dietary calcium intake and the incidence of osteoporosis. In North America and in Scandinavia, there is a high consumption of dairy products containing calcium. These same countries also have the highest incidence of osteoporosis. Other populations take in 300-400mg of calcium a day without high incidences of osteoporosis. However, these populations also consume much lower protein amounts. Proteins are high in phosphorus, requiring higher calcium intakes. An increase in protein affects urinary calcium loss. Optimal intake of all nutrients essential to bone formation and homeostasis are required and include calcium, protein, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, boron, manganese, copper, vitamin K and others. Also, age, hormonal status, gender, and activity level influence bone density. It is recommended that calcium intake be increased during pregnancy, adolescence, and lactation.
Magnesium is essential in at least 300 different enzyme reactions in the human body, including the conversion of ATP for energy. In animals, magnesium deficiency can spontaneously generate bone tumors and lymphomas. Magnesium has a central role in regulating DNA synthesis. The RDA for magnesium is in the 250 to 350mg per day range. Over half of the body’s magnesium resides in bone. Other important functions of magnesium include maintaining proper function of the nervous system and neuromuscular transmission. Lack of magnesium can be associated with tremors, muscle spasms, heart disease, convulsions, and neuropsychiatric disturbance. In many ways, magnesium acts like a classical calcium channel blocker by relaxing the coronary arteries and has the ability to lower blood pressure. Intravenous magnesium can reverse serious arrhymthias (irregular heart beat). Magnesium deficiency is common in patients with diabetes, patients with intestinal disorders or kidney disease, and in patients taking diuretics or who drink alcohol. Aging itself is a risk factor for low magnesium. Excess magnesium intake will result in a laxative effect. At the Center, we use IV magnesium to treat migraine headaches and this important mineral is also part of the formula in many of our IV solutions such as a Myer’s nutritional cocktail or Magnesium EDTA chelations. Patients feel calmer after receiving IV magnesium. The best food sources of magnesium are kelp, whole grains, nuts, and molasses.
Potassium is the primary cation (positively charged ion) inside human cells. The richest sources of potassium are banana, avocado, tomato, and potato. Meats and fish also provide significant amounts of potassium. Potassium is crucial for the control of skeletal muscle contractility, the maintenance of normal blood pressure, the transmission of nerve impulses and in the conversion of glucose into glycogen for energy storage in the liver. The RDA for potassium has been established at 2 grams daily. Potassium must exist in balance with sodium. A low sodium diet enhances potassium conservation and a high sodium diet promotes potassium excretion. Primitive cultures who consume diets high in potassium and low in sodium, have an incidence of coronary artery disease and heart failure that constitutes less than 5-10% of the population living in their 6th and 7th decades. The incidence of hypertension in these same populations is less than 1%. Diuretic drugs can deplete potassium as can the use of alcohol, coffee and excessive sweating (up to 3 grams daily).
Zinc is the most multi-talented mineral in the body, participating in everything from sexual development, to immunity, to maintenance of nerve tissue, to apoptosis (programed cell death), which may be missing in cancer cells. The RDA of zinc is 15mg. Best food sources include shell fish, organ meats, meat, fish, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, seeds and nuts. Zinc works in opposition to copper, and supplementing zinc much above 180mg daily may result in copper deficiency in the body. Zinc is also antagonistic to toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury and lead. Virtually every enzyme reaction in the brain is zinc dependent, and impairments of taste, vision, smell, and appetite may be early signs of zinc deficiency. Zinc is one of the few minerals lost more rapidly in the urine following acute or chronic emotional stress. In males, zinc is found in high concentrations in the sperm and prostate gland.
To Be Continued . . . . .
Success Story – Patients with Chronic Fatigue and IV Vitamin C
Mr. C is a 31 year old accountant who was referred to the Center by a friend. He had suffered with a case of infectious mononucleosis 6 months before, but had not regained his normal strength and stamina. He was having a difficult time at work and felt washed out and couldn’t concentrate. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Once this virus is in a person’s system, there is no way to permanently “remove” it. A person’s immune system must activate and quell the virus into remission. Mr. C’s physical exam and routine lab work were unremarkable. However, his nutritional assessment with a hair analysis and SpectraCell analysis showed multiple low nutrients that are needed for proper immune function such as vitamin B12, folate, zinc, Co-enzyme Q10, Glutathione. Mr. C was placed on the appropriate supplements and Methylcobalamine (activated B12) shots several times weekly to correct a very low B12 level found in his leukocytes. At his first revisit in one month he felt “50% improved” and was going golfing that upcoming weekend for the first time this year. He was then began a series of Vitamin C IV’s and rapidly regained the rest of his strength and stamina.
Mr. JC is a younger patient in his late 20's who had problems with intermittent swelling of his lymph glands in the neck, sore throats, and profound periodic fatigue. He did have a remote history of “strep throats” for which he was placed on antibiotics. A diagnosis of mononucleosis was never made. After his initial screening here, a diagnosis of possible early chronic fatigue syndrome was made. Mr. JC didn’t have all the features necessary for the diagnosis, but he did have high titers of EBV. He was also found to have an increased body burden of mercury, a toxic metal that can depress the immune system. Mr. JC had no mercury dental amalgams and it was felt the mercury was due to eating contaminated seafood and possibly sluggish body detoxification pathways that didn’t allow normal removal of the metal. A series of Vitamin C IV’s was started as well as oral nutrition, all intended to boost immune system function. Within several treatments Mr. JC noted significant improvement in his stamina and energy levels. He is now undergoing detoxification of the mercury and feels the best he has in years.
Mrs. B is a 37 year old mother of two children who was experiencing chronic intermittent low-grade fevers for over 7 years as well as severe fatigue. She underwent extensive testing by several other physicians prior to seeing me with all studies being negative for illnesses such as TB, malignancy, Lyme’s disease, etc. Her lab work and blood cultures here were all normal as well. Nutritional analysis showed multiple deficiencies. She underwent a whole body thermography scan that showed a thermal pattern that was consistent with chronic fatigue syndrome. She began both oral and IV nutritional therapies with IV Glutathione and the Myer’s nutritional formula (which has vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium). Within 6 months she felt normal for the first time in years. Her fevers totally subsided.
Vitamin C, along with Glutathione, are the main antioxidants in the human body. Although most animals can manufacture vitamin C in their bodies, humans cannot. We must get our vitamin C from the foods in our diet and from supplements. In May 2004, the American Journal of Public Health reported that close to 23% of Americans have low vitamin C levels in their blood. Extensive research at the Linus Pauling Institute has demonstrated the importance of vitamin C in maintaining human immune function. Vitamin C appears to enhance the T-lymphocyte activity (a type of white blood cell that responds to infection) and also increases phagocyte functions (cells that ‘eat’ invading microorganisms). Since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, it has the ability to work both inside and outside the cells, protecting against damaging free radicals. High doses of intravenous vitamin C are usually well tolerated, whereas oral vitamin C may cause diarrhea or stomach upset once the dose gets to around 3,000mg or more. In addition to boosting immune function, vitamin C helps to chelate mercury and other toxic metals. It also is essential in the manufacture of collagen, a key protein in our connective tissues, cartilage and tendons. Vitamin C is also an important vitamin for heart health. At the Center, we use non-corn derived forms of vitamin C, as most corn in this country is genetically modified and it is my opinion and that of other CAM (complimentary and alternative) physicians that non-corn derived vitamin C may work better in the human body.
The Bird Flu – Hype or Threat?
There has been a lot of publicity on an avian flu that surfaced in Asia in 1997 in chickens called the H5N1 virus, or “bird flu”. It has infected other birds such as ducks and geese. In this region of the world, chickens are a stable part of the diet and live in close proximity to people in very primitive conditions. The H5N1 virus has also spread to birds in parts of Eastern Europe as well. Scientists are fearful this strain has the potential to cause a world-wide pandemic as it has spread from animals to humans in about 60 cases since 1997, many of them fatal. Humans have no immunity to H5N1 and scientists do not know why this strain is so lethal. In order to cause a pandemic, however, the virus would have to mutate and be capable of human to human transmission, which is unlikely, or mutate and combine with the RNA of flu that already infects humans, in which case it would be less lethal. There is no concrete evidence that this will occur. The 3 great flu pandemics of 1918-19, 1957, and 1968 were all bird viruses that mutated to allow human to human transmission.
The flu vaccination is touted by the CDC and government health authorities as the only way to prevent getting the flu. Because flu strains mutate all the time and because flu vaccines are made up 9 months in advance based on educated guesswork on how they should be formulated, there is no “100% effective” vaccine. Most of our immunity is from previous flu exposures. In older patients the flu vaccine is only 40% effective due to their weakened immune systems. Much of last year’s vaccine was held from the market due to purity problems in manufacturing, but the reduced number of persons vaccinated did not result in increased influenza deaths. There are no current vaccines available to prevent a potential bird flu outbreak, but there may be antiviral drugs that would be helpful.
I am often asked about getting a flu shot. The flu vaccine is a dead-virus vaccine, but there are contaminants in it, such as mercury or other preservatives, and egg protein (the virus is incubated in chicken eggs). This is a risk-benefit question that each person must answer for themselves. In patient’s with cardiac disease, lung disease, insulin dependant diabetes, kidney disease, cancer patients on chemotherapy, or other serious chronic diseases where getting the flu would put the person at risk for complications because of the underlying disease , the benefits of immunization usually outweigh the risks. In these types of patients I suggest administering the vaccination intradermal, rather than intramuscular, with a reduced dose of vaccine so that an exaggerated immune response does not occur, making the person sick.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that between 10 - 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu during the flu season. Most people recover after a week without problems other than lingering fatigue. Complications of the flu in the elderly, newborns, and people with certain chronic illnesses however, can be life-threatening. Some researchers state that deaths from influenza are exaggerated. According to the CDC’s own statistics located on their web site, influenza and pneumonia killed 62,034 people in 2001, but only 257 died of the flu itself.
Key in preventing the flu is keeping your immune system healthy and strong. Avoid fast foods, sugars, processed grains, and trans-fats. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, reduce stress, and wash your hands regularly. LDM-100, an herbal antibiotic that contains Lomatium dissectum root is effective in treating many flu strains. This is a special formula that we have a herbalist make for the Center and have used for years with great results. There are other supplements that may be used to boost immune function that contain glandulars, mushroom extracts, botanicals or anti-oxidant vitamins (such as vitamin C, E, Co-enzyme Q10). Intravenous bio-oxidative therapy with hydrogen peroxide has also been used successfully for decades in treating this virus.
Access to Medical Treatment Act (AMTA)
“If people let the government decide what foods to eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny.” — Thomas Jefferson
The Access to Medical Treatment Act (AMTA) is legislation currently pending before Congress. It would allow any individual access to any type of medical therapy, whether conventional or alternative, that the individual chooses by a licensed health care provider so long as:
1) The treatment causes no more harm or side effects than conventional treatment for the condition being treated.
2) Full informed consent is given.
It will allow therapies that are accessible only by going out of the United States to be legally used in the this country without fear of harassment or recrimination of the health care providers using these therapies. It will also grant access to promising, beneficial allopathic and CAM treatments that the FDA has not approved or where approval has not been sought. Many herbal/botanical products are non-patentable and will never be FDA approved due to financial burdens placed on the manufacturers. AMTA is a freedom of choice issue for citizens. Log on to www.citizenshealth.org/amta.htm. for more information. Write your congressman to voice your opinion.
What’s New At The Center?
