Dear Friends and Patients:
At the time this newsletter is going to press, my youngest son, Brian, will be graduating from the University of Florida. Although Brian is undecided as to whether he will go on to law school or pursue business opportunities, one of the things I am most proud of as his father is in addition to an education, he has gained the ability to think independently and critically. It is my belief that one of the primary goals of an educator should be to help students develop the desire and ability to think on their own. Dependent thinkers accept whatever they are taught and rarely question the information they receive. Independent thinkers try to make sense of the world based on personal observations and experiences, and don’t just go along with the thoughts of others. Critical thinkers are independent thinkers. They are able to able to assess claims and make objective judgements on the basis of well-supported reasons. As we mature we begin to see things in a more relative perspective, recognizing different people have different points of view. An instructor knows he or she has been successful in fostering independent thinking when his or her class starts asking a lot of questions.
Critical thinking also applies to the practice of medicine. Just because something is published in a major medical journal or appears on CNN doesn’t mean it’s so. For instance, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article on calcium and vitamin D not decreasing bone fracture risk. This didn’t make sense as there have been multiple previous studies validating the use of vitamin D and calcium supplements to improve bone health. When one looks at the study design with a critical eye, there were all sorts of problems. For example, there was an overall 12% lower rate of hip fractures in the calcium and vitamin D group, compared to the placebo group; this was not considered statistically significant. Not everyone took their supplements as directed, but these non-compliant people were included in the statistics. When one looked at patients who took at least 80% of their calcium and vitamin D, there was a 29% decrease in hip fractures, proving vitamin D and calcium made a big difference. So when an article in the New York Times entitled “Study Finds Calcium Supplements Don’t Prevent Broken Bones” appeared, what would you have thought if you read this headline? In this issue of the Preventive Medicine Center Newsletter I’ll discuss another study where the conclusions, in my opinion, were misleading.
The Government Proclaims Mercury Dental Amalgams are “Safe”
In the April 2006 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) a report on the ‘safety’ of mercury dental amalgams in children was presented. This report was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health. In this study 2 groups of children were followed for 5-7 years – those who received mercury containing dental amalgams to fill cavities, and those who received composite fillings. The report concluded that children whose cavities were filled with dental amalgam containing mercury “had no adverse health affects,” including no detectable loss of IQ, memory, coordination, concentration, nerve conduction or kidney function during the period the children were followed. The report did acknowledge that the amalgam filling group had higher levels of mercury in their urines than the group of children who received non-mercury containing composite fillings for the first two years, but this higher excretion became equal after two years.
In my opinion, this seriously flawed report should not have been published. Let’s look at facts. Dental amalgams are 50% mercury, a toxic heavy metal. There has been controversy surrounding their safety, even among dentists, for over 100 years. Amalgams do not lie inertly in a person’s mouth, but emit mercury vapor continuously. Before one can draw conclusions from this study it is imperative to know exactly how much mercury vapor these children were exposed to. This was not done. Instead, the author of the study wrote “dental amalgam . . . emits small amounts of mercury vapor.” This is opinion, not fact. We do know from previous scientific studies that one mercury amalgam can emit anywhere from 3 - 43 micrograms of mercury vapor a day that can be absorbed into the body. These children did not just receive one amalgam. Chewing food, drinking hot beverages, and high copper amalgams are factors that significantly increase the release of mercury vapor from an amalgam into the body. The Food and Drug Administration and the American Dental Association have steadfastly refused to address this issue by doing the appropriate studies, and this study is another example. In fact, the FDA has not revised its mercury safe limits since 1979, and they are four times the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) maximum. In my opinion the FDA and ADA know the level of mercury vapor emitted from dental amalgams is too high to be accepted as safe. What they would find is that only a fraction of the emitted mercury is coming out in the urine, with the bulk of the mercury being deposited within the body.
Dr. Boyd Haley, Chairman of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky in Lexington has studied the effects of mercury dental amalgams on brain tissue for over a decade. He has discovered mercury causes the identical changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. He has over 100 published scientific articles and is an expert in this field. He and I agree with the World Health Organization position that there is no such thing as a “safe” amount of mercury, especially with regard to children who have developing brains and nervous systems. Dr. Haley and I feel it is unethical to expose children to this toxin, whether in mercury dental amalgams or in vaccines as a preservative. Dr. Haley points out a 1 gram filling would contain 500,000 micrograms of mercury, or 100,000 days of emitting a toxic 5 micrograms a day. This equates to about 275 years of mercury before it is all gone from a single filling.
Another problem is this study excluded children with neurodevelopmental problems, ADD, or learning disabilities. This is the very group of children who could be most harmed by this toxin, but no cautions were given about amalgam use in this class.
Still another problem with this study was only blood and urine mercury levels were measured. But the primary route of excretion of mercury is through the liver (>90%) and into the feces. Fecal mercury should have, but was not, measured. So we don’t really know how much mercury was going into or out of these children. The drop in urine mercury output in the amalgam children after 2 years was ignored in this report. This serious finding reflects damage occurring to the kidneys with a decreased ability to excrete mercury after continuous exposure to this poison after two years.
In addition, there are much more sensitive tests to measure damage from mercury than those used in this study. No tests were performed to measure DNA or immune system effects, which mercury is known to damage. And finally, the toxic effects of mercury in low doses may not show themselves until considerable time has passed.
So don’t be fooled by this study and it’s incorrect conclusions. If mercury amalgam must be kept in a toxic waste container outside of a person’s mouth, it doesn’t “magically” become non-toxic in a person’s mouth. Keep this poison out of your children’s teeth. There are much safer alternatives.
IV Therapies at the Center
One of the services we offer at the Center are IV therapies. These are used both in traditional medicine and in integrative medicine when a more rapid response is needed or if a patient is unable to tolerate an oral route for a drug or supplement. IV antibiotics are often effective when oral antibiotics do not work or when higher doses than can be tolerated by oral administration are needed. The same applies to nutritional therapies. At the Center IV therapies are used in a variety of conditions.
IV Vitamins and Minerals: Patients may present to the Center with fatigue or malaise and are later found to have multiple nutritional deficiencies or insufficiencies either on their Spectracell testing (this is a functional lab test of vitamin levels within a person’s white blood cells) or on their hair analyses. Often patients may be taking vitamins or other supplements on their own but are having problems with adequate absorption. This can occur for a variety of reasons including leaky gut syndrome, poor quality bile or digestive enzymes, lack of stomach acid, antibiotic use, interference from drugs, poor quality supplements, advancing age, intestinal candidiasis or parasites, or disease states such as diabetes or thyroid disease to name a few. At the Center we custom tailor IV vitamin and mineral treatments based upon what a patient’s specific needs are. We often see rapid improvement in terms of a sense of well-being, calm, and increased energy in our patients. Vitamins and minerals are co-factors critical for the correct functioning of DNA and the body’s metabolic pathways.
IV Vitamin C: IV vitamin C therapies are used by alternative or integrative physicians in cancer patients and patient’s with compromised immune status such as chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, or chronic hepatitis. In 2005 NIH (National Institutes of Health) found intravenous Vitamin C in high doses killed cancer cells, at least in the laboratory. But oral vitamin C did not. What was found, according to lead researcher Dr. Mark Levine, was a 10 gram dose of vitamin C given intravenously produces bloodstream concentrations more than 25-fold higher than concentrations achieved from the same oral dose. “At the highest concentration of ascorbic acid, if given intravenously, they don’t touch normal cells and they kill lots of cancer cells. We don’t know why,” Levine said. A proposed mechanism is vitamin C led to the formation of hydrogen peroxide by the white blood cells, a chemical that can kill cancer cells and germs.
Vitamin C in high doses also acts like an antihistamine and reduces allergy symptoms. It also is an electron donor and chelates mercury and other toxic metals, and helps remove them from the body.
IV Hydrogen Peroxide: IV hydrogen peroxide is a bio-oxidative therapy used to treat certain viral infections. This treatment is not approved by the FDA; however this therapy has been used in Russia, Europe, and among some integrative medicine physicians in the USA. IV hydrogen peroxide has been discussed in previous issues of this Newsletter and on our website. In the 1900's Dr. Farr, prior to the advent of antibiotics, pioneered the use of this therapy using a very dilute solution of pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen peroxide. He would treat hospitalized patients, many of whom would have died from infections such as TB, influenza, bacterial pneumonia, septic abortions. Dr. Farr was able to cure a significant number of these patients and he was even nominated for the Nobel prize for his work. Hydrogen peroxide therapy fell out of favor with the advent of antibiotics. Our experience with this therapy is that it has been useful in treatment of influenza, viral pneumonias and upper respiratory infections, and in certain cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. This therapy also kills parasites.
Some health practitioners and websites suggest taking oral hydrogen peroxide. I do not recommend this. Oral hydrogen peroxide could combine with iron, ascorbate, and other substances present in the stomach to form products that can lead to cancer formation or erosions.
IV Glutathione : This is another IV therapy we use at the Center. Dr. David Perlmutter pioneered the use of IV Glutathione therapy in the treatment of Parkinson’s patients and other patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Glutathione is a triple amino acid that is produced within your body’s cells (primarily in the liver, lungs and kidneys) and is essential in the detoxification of chemicals, drugs, toxins, and also is critical in support of our immune systems. Oral Glutathione supplements generally do not work well as they are destroyed by the stomach acid. NAC (N - acetyl cysteine) is a precursor to Glutathione that can be taken orally, but its effect is unpredictable. It has been our experience that IV Glutathione treatments in patient’s who have a deficiency affecting their detoxification pathways often have rapid resolution (within hours to one day) of the fatigue, brain fog, malaise, nausea, body aches, and other symptoms that go along with a toxic state. It may take several IV’s at weekly to twice weekly intervals to help. Our experience has been mostly in patients with toxic metals and in patients who have had anesthesia for surgery.
IV CA EDTA, MG EDTA, and DMPS: IV EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is an FDA approved treatment for lead toxicity. EDTA chelates (binds with) many toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium to allow removal of these heavy metals from the body. DMPS (2-3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate) is a non-FDA approved medication used to chelate mercury, which EDTA does not do well. It also removes some lead and arsenic. DMPS was originally developed in China to chelate metals, and is used in Russia and parts of Europe as well. At the Center, these medications are given via intravenous administration under specific protocols set forth by the American Board of Clinical Metal Toxicology (ABCMT) in patients with increased body burdens of toxic metals. This is considered an elective/preventive therapy consistent with a person’s goal of preventive health measures. Dr. Erickson is board certified by ABCMT, having completed extensive training and passed both written and oral examinations.
The use of EDTA in the treatment of heart disease is controversial and not widely accepted by traditional medicine, which promotes the use of invasive procedures such as stent placement, coronary artery bypass surgery, or angioplasty, and often combines these procedures with drug therapies. Because of the numerous anecdotal reports from thousands of patients of symptomatic improvement in their heart disease after receiving IV EDTA, the National Institutes of Health is supporting a 30 million dollar five year study on the effects of EDTA chelation therapy in heart patients.
Success Story – Hypothyroidism
Mrs. C is a 47 year old teacher who came to see me for evaluation of fatigue, constipation and weight gain. She had been diagnosed as having a “thyroid problem” and was placed on Synthroid medication. In spite of her lab tests showing normal amounts of circulating thyroid hormone on Synthroid and a normal TSH level, she continued to experience joint aches, fatigue, drowsiness, cold intolerance, heat intolerance, PMS, low libido, brain fog, dry skin and brittle nails. All of these symptoms are consistent with hypothyroidism. She was switched to Armour thyroid and had dramatic improvement in most of her symptoms. She was also placed on Iodoral, an iodine supplement, when her Iodine challenge test showed very low body stores of iodine.
Mrs. C was also experiencing hot flushes. A low progesterone level was corrected with compounded bio-identical micronized progesterone cream applied at bedtime. This only helped somewhat. When Trans D Tropin therapy was added to improve her growth hormone output, her hot flushes went totally away and the severe insomnia she was experiencing resolved in one day. At her last visit several months ago she felt great and is being seen now on a routine basis.
Success Story – Kinesthetic testing
Mrs. H is a 49 year old nurse who has been coming to the Center for over four years. She recently developed discomfort in the right upper abdomen that persisted for one month. This wasn’t really related to meals and she described the pain as “crampy.” There was no associated nausea, diarrhea or fever. She was also having occasional pelvic discomfort at times. When I saw Mrs. H her physical exam was normal as were her blood tests, with the exception of a high cholesterol of 260mg/dL. She was sent for an abdominal ultrasound that did not show gallstones or other abnormality. Her gynecologist performed an evaluation that was normal, including a pelvic exam and pelvic ultrasound test.
Her kinesthetic testing at the Center, however, demonstrated positive reflexes in the gallbladder, bile duct, and liver meridians. She was placed on a combination of supplements to support liver and bile duct function, and to lower her cholesterol. One of the products used was from Thorne labs called Choleast. This is a red yeast rice product that safely reduces cholesterol production by the liver. Within a few weeks, her symptoms resolved and her cholesterol dropped by 40 points using just a half dose of the Choleast. It has been our experience that we often are able to help patients using kinesthetic testing of acupuncture points when traditional lab tests or other diagnostic tests are negative.
Success Story – Bad PMS
Mrs. K is a 44 year old lady who presented to the Center less than a year ago with perimenopausal issues and chronic fatigue. She had a history of chronic fatigue following the birth of her son in the mid 1990's. She was living up North and was seeing a CAM physician who diagnosed her as having chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme’s disease. She was treated at the time with a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and physical therapy. She was also experiencing perimenopausal symptoms consisting of hair loss, dry skin, vaginal dryness, palpitations around the time of her periods, brain fog, and irregular interval between periods.
After correcting nutritional deficiencies, Mrs. K was placed on natural micronized progesterone in the form of a cream applied to the skin during the last half of her menstrual cycle. She was also placed on herbal therapies. In spite of this she continued to experience mood swings, irritability and vague fatigue. Mrs. K was taken off the herbal supplements, but continued on the progesterone. Trans D Tropin to improve growth hormone function and Travacor (a supplement from Neuroscience that balances serotonin and other neurotransmitters) were then added. Almost immediately Mrs. K found dramatic improvement with this change in therapy. Her mental clarity returned, her muscle strength improved, and her periods and hormone imbalance normalized. At her last visit she continued to feel great.
Trans D Tropin is a product previously discussed in our newsletters that is a secretagogue (messenger protein) that instructs the pituitary gland to produce a normal amount of growth hormone. As a person ages, often times the pituitary gland produces a reduced amount of growth hormone, and this adversely effects all the body’s hormones, neurotransmitters, and organ systems. Travacor is a combination of amino acids and vitamin co-factors that improves certain neurotransmitters (primarily serotonin) without the use of anti-depressant drugs. Neurotransmitters work with hormones to improve hormone balance.
Success Story – Iodine Insufficiency
Mrs. H is a 27 year old female who was experiencing vague malaise, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities. Her gynecologist tried her on 3 different birth control pills without benefit. She also noticed she was intolerant to the heat and would have a lot of itching when hot or exercising. Extensive lab testing by her internist revealed Mrs. H to have a Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder.
The patient saw me earlier this year and was found to have a number of nutritional deficiencies, including a severe Iodine deficiency based on an Iodine Loading test (see the March 2006 issue of the newsletter for information about this test). After placing Mrs. H. on the appropriate nutritional supplements based on hair analysis and Spectracell testing, and also on Iodoral for iodine replacement, the patient’s symptoms completely resolved within four weeks.
Iodine deficiency in this country is very common, and can be a causative factor for obscure symptoms such as fatigue or menstrual irregularities.
Do You Wear Perfume?
We need your help if you wear perfume. Don’t! Please remember to be “fragrance-free” on the day of your visit to the Center. No perfumes, aftershave, or deodorant soaps. Many of our patients and some of our staff have sensitivities to chemicals and scents, and become ill. FYI many of the chemicals in perfumes (e.g phthalate esters, synthetic musks) are harmful to your health and should be avoided. Thank you for your cooperation.
What’s New At The Center?
• THERMOGRAPHY SERVICES – Check out the Thermography section on our www.prevent-doc.com website. Thermography is used in breast health screening and avoids the pain, compression, and radiation women experience from mammography. Thermography is also an excellent way to visualize soft tissue injury or pain from accidents, even when X-rays are negative. Call Gainesville Thermography, Inc. at (352) 332-7212 for scheduling. All scans are interpreted by a Board Certified Thermographer and are taken by trained clinical thermographers.
• Holiday Schedule – Labor Day: Closed Monday, September 4th, 2006.
Thanksgiving: Closed Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday November 24th, 2006
Christmas/New Year: Closed Friday, December 22nd, 2006 at noon and will reopen at 9:00AM Tuesday, January 3rd, 2007 for normal operations.
All staff and Dr. Erickson will be away during these periods of time. If you have an urgent medical problem while we are closed, please contact your primary care physician or go to an Urgent Care Center. If you require supplements or prescription refills, please see that these are obtained no later than one week prior to closings.
• Product Highlights: LDM-100 is an amazing product we have an herbalist make for the Center. It comes from the root of the Lomatium dissectum plant. The native Americans have used this herb for hundreds of years to treat flu’s, bladder infections, and skin infections. We are at the time of year when school is back in session and there is an increase in colds and flus. Why not have a bottle or two on hand.
• Established patients, don’t forget to ask for your letter to receive a 10% discount on all purchases at Mother Earth Markets.
