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  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid Arthritis, (RA), while less frequent than osteoarthritis, is a serious and painful joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis affects nearly 2.1 million people in the U.S., most of who are women. The problem usually starts between the age range of 20-50, although it can begin at any age.

    Signs and Symptoms

    The onset of RA symptoms can be slow with mild discomfort in the joints, morning stiffness, low-grade fever systemically or in the affected joints, and a gradual increase of symptoms. Or RA can strike quickly, and people can develop the disease seemingly overnight.

    Night sweats, depression, lethargy, fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness, and vague joint pain. These symptoms can lead to the appearance of painful, swollen joints within several weeks. RA may affect only one side of the body, but it is common for RA to strike the same joints on both sides of the body simultaneously – in the elbows, for instance. Later in the development of the disease, the affected joints become thicker and deformed.

    Causes

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. This is called an autoimmune response. The disorder affects many organs throughout the body, but is most noted for its significant disability, deformity, and inflammation of the joints and other structures comprised of connective tissue.

    Delayed food allergies which disrupt the permeability from the intestinal wall space can lead to the onset of RA. This particular abnormal permeability allows undigested food particles to damage the walls of the digestive tract and to enter the bloodstream where, if not cleared, they are ultimately deposited within tissues. This can cause an inflammatory reaction, as the defense mechanisms begin to attack the tissues, especially around the joints.

    Many scientific studies have documented that there is increased intestinal tract permeability in over 90% of patients with autoimmune illness and arthritis. The foods known to bring about rheumatoid signs and symptoms include whole milk, yeast (both brewers as well as baker’s), wheat, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, as well as potatoes), corn, and eggs.

    Other causes of rheumatoid arthritis consist of genetic susceptibility, lifestyle elements, nutritional elements, toxicity, as well as microorganisms. There may also be an association between rheumatoid arthritis and abnormal bowel function. These types of underlying causes work in numerous combinations to trigger inflammation in the body. Cigarette smoking and persistent exposure to secondhand smoke may also contribute to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

    Natural Cures

    Aromatherapy: For treating rheumatoid arthritis, the following are recommended: Detoxification with cypress, fennel, and lemon. Massage affected joints with rosemary oil, benzoin, lavender, camphor, juniper, or rose.

    Ayurveda: Problems in the digestive function of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats increase the production of intermediate molecules known as ama, along with a condition called “leaky gut,” syndrome. This digestive condition triggers defense and allergic responses and results in the inflammation of the joints.

    Patients are further recommended to avoid proteins, especially from animal sources such as beef, chicken, seafood, and pork (fish proteins are acceptable), and to avoid alcohol, coffee, and teas. Pineapple juice with a touch of turmeric helps the body combat leaking gut syndrome.

    Diet: Diet plan plays an integral part in reducing or preventing the onset of all types of arthritic conditions. A diet that includes excess consumption of fatty meats, hydrogenated fats such as margarine or shortening, as well as conventionally created dairy products creates highly acidic conditions within the blood. For healing to occur, these foods should be minimized if not eliminated in the diet. Caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and all processed sugars, ought to be eliminated. Replace processed sugar with natural sweeteners or normally sweet fruits. An occasional green tea is alright if caffeine is preferred, and alcohol should be had in moderation, such as a glass of wine during a special event.

    Soft drinks are high in phosphoric acid, which can dangerously raise phosphorus amounts in the blood. The normal ratio of calcium to phosphorus in bone fragments is around 2 to 1, although a one-to-one ratio is adequate to maintain skeletal growth. However, within the average American diet, this particular ratio is very skewed, rich in amounts of phosphorus relative to calcium. This causes your body to pull calcium from the bone fragments to supplement blood calcium levels, which could exacerbate arthritis conditions.

    An essential step in treating arthritis is based on achieving regular body weight, because excess weight puts increased tension on weight-bearing joints impacted by arthritis. A diet rich in an abundant selection of fresh vegetables, and a wide variety of fairly sweet and non-sweet fruits, nuts, and whole grains is recommended for maximum dietary benefit. Whole (unprocessed) foods are rich in the nutrients needed to fight destructive free radicals, promote pore, skin and tissue health, restore bones, and muscles, and promote bowel frequency. Additionally, eating a whole foods diet may gently and slowly detoxify the system, ultimately resulting in higher energy and inspiration to eat better, exercise, and follow through with required lifestyle changes on your road to health and healing.

    Dietary fats are an important thing to consider for anyone with arthritis. The wrong kind of fats can increase inflammation in joints, while the “good” fats will help reduce inflammation. Hydrogenated fats as well as trans-fatty acids may directly cause inflammation and also the destruction of joint tissues. Avoid foods that contain these types of fats, such as margarine, vegetable shortening, mayo, crackers, chips, cookies, cakes, pastries, packaged breads, candy, and most refined foods. Read all food labels, and do not purchase or eat food that contains partially hydrogenated oils, canola oil or any artificial, chemically generated fat.

    Whole foods are usually high in healthy fats, including the essential fatty acids (for example Omega-3 as well as omega-6 natural oils). Cold-water seafood is a good source of essential fatty acids, much like flax and hemp oils and seeds. All are valuable for the prevention of arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics. Joint disease patients showed major clinical improvement whenever supplementing their diets with cod liver oil, which may also reduce the inflammation process.

    Also strongly recommended for arthritic conditions are the whole or juiced exotic goji and/or acai berries, and Noni juice, which is especially great for counteracting excess inflammation and for strong antioxidant protection. Pomegranate fruit, in concentrated amounts has been shown to block enzymes that contribute to cartilage degradation, particularly in cases associated with osteoarthritis.

    As stated before, arthritis victims commonly have high amounts of acidity which increases the potential for developing inflammation related conditions. Decrease your intake of acid-developing foods as well as increase your intake of alkaline-forming foods to decrease acid. (See our pH section for comprehensive information, in-home testing, as well as diet methods.) The most acid-developing foods are sugar, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, espresso, meat, trans-fats and dairy products. Foods known to decrease the alkalinity in the body include all vegetables, especially generous amounts of clean raw salad vegetables such as kale, chard, collards, and energy-providing natural foods such as chlorella, algae, barley , wheat grass, parsley, and alfalfa.

    Get tested for potential food allergies and sensitivities and avoid those meals to which you test positive. Consider a rotating or elimination diet plan in order to additionally reduce the likelihood of food allergies.

    Nutrition and diet tend to be key factors in the recovery and removal of imbalance as well as disease. For a complete, nutrition packed, whole foods eating plan, browse the Whole Foods Diet plan. You can printout these full articles for simple reference.

    The Raw Meals Diet – The uncooked food plan is a diet that can have many advantages. After a few months of following our suggested basic whole-foods diet, it’s possible to then transition into a 100% raw diet if desired. This diet is composed of raw and live meals only, and includes a large selection of uncooked fruits, vegetables, soaked and sprouted seeds and nuts, and ocean vegetables, in a wide variety of innovative combinations. If choosing a raw food plan, we highly recommend daily consumption of fresh green juices, produced from an array of vegetables, such as celery, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot, kale, parsley, with an ever rotating periodic selection of additional organic vegetables. Daily meals include dehydrated flax cookies, seed and nut pates, blended soups, smoothies and marinated veggie salads, frequently mixed with soaked sea veggies. Since virtually no cooked food is consumed, the raw diet offers the advantage of immediate elimination of many common allergens. No cooked wheat, whole wheat byproducts or even grains (generally) are consumed, and very small, if any, dairy products. Raw foodists sometimes include small amounts of dairy, typically cultured uncooked goat or sheep’s milk, yogurt and kefir, generally homemade (these items can occasionally be found online or from nearby sources).

    Uncooked food creates rapid results because of its capability to thoroughly detoxify and liberate your body’s previously untapped power. Dr. Gabriel Cousens, from the Tree of Life Middle in Patagonia Arizona, promotes the uncooked food plan as the ultimate recovery diet, and offers delicious 100% raw food meals at all of the healing retreats he offers.

    We recommend the raw food diet with regard to long term cleansing and detoxification. Eating mainly raw meals for 3-12 months is definitely an incredible way to help improve energy, detoxify your body, and reduce food allergies. Most of us eat a variety of addicting foods, from sugar to pasta. The addictive nature of these meals is often overlooked, even in the healthiest of food plans. When consuming raw, these things are instantly eliminated, therefore freeing up energy the body may use to heal.

    What is important to note when choosing a raw diet is the issue of trade-offs. You may miss prepared foods, although you will not miss your disease, and more often than not the raw diet is an incredible device that can be used to help shift serious health problems into better overall well-being.

    Environmental Medicine: Allergic reaction and allergic reaction-like sensitivities are often factors which contribute to the painful signs and symptoms in arthritis patients. Theron G. Randolph, M.D., the founder of environmental medicine, found that the link between arthritis and allergic reactions is environmental chemical substances in meals. His research with over 1,000 joint disease patients found commonly consumed foods, particularly nightshade veggies, as well as chemical substances (ranging from natural gas, auto exhaust, paints, fragrance, and hairspray to pesticides, and tobacco smoke from cigarettes) caused a lot of his patients’ symptoms.

    Extra research has discovered that foods, chemicals, grasses, pollen, molds and other airborne substances caused allergic reactions within the joints associated with nearly 85% of the arthritics in one study. Food additives, as well as foreign invaders like protozoa, bacteria, yeast, and fungi, can also bring about or aggravate arthritic signs and symptoms.

    Although any kind of food may theoretically trigger an allergic reaction in a person, the following includes the most common food allergens of arthritis patients: Milk products, beef, whole wheat, yeast (each baker’s as well as brewers), eggs, chocolate, grapefruits, sugar, nut products, corn, green or yellow wax beans, and nightshade vegetables (eggplants, Irish potatoes, green and red peppers, paprika, tomatoes and cigarettes).

    All joint disease patients should be tested in regard to food allergies. Once you know the foods you are allergic to, the next step is to get rid of them in your diet. Initially, you should totally refrain from eating all allergenic foods for 60-90 days. Following this period, start to slowly reintroduce all of them into your diet. You should also vary the foods that you eat every day to avoid building new allergies.

    Cleansing and detoxification might help arthritis sufferers reverse the accumulation of toxins that otherwise promote the destruction of joint tissues and contribute to additional degenerative conditions. Many methods of detoxification are currently available, such as colon and bowel cleansing therapies, renal system and gallbladder flushes, physical medicine, and homeopathic remedies. Related therapies for detoxing incorporate bodywork, lymphatic water flow, aromatherapy, antioxidant defense support, and nutritional and herbal supplements in order to boost the organs used for detoxification.

    Going on a fast is another detoxification strategy used to reduce allergy symptoms and the corresponding arthritic symptoms. During a quick, a patient typically eats just high–nutrient soups broths, pure water, and/or vegetable juices. Following this kind of protocol below an alternative doctor’s care for several weeks can prove very useful, and reduces the number of immune complexes (the substances created when antibodies attach to antigens) circulating in the blood.

    Physical exercise and Physiotherapy: Isometric exercises, stretching, and yoga can help ease arthritis pain.

    Herbal Treatments: Many anti-inflammatory herbs assist in alleviating the symptoms of the 3 types of arthritis. Of the many possible combinations, of this can be a safe blend that can be taken over a long time. Combine the tinctures of meadowsweet, willow bark, dark cohosh, prickly ash, celery seed, and nettle in equal components, and take one tsp. of this blend three times each day. In cases associated with rheumatoid arthritis, add wild yam and valerian to the blend (one teaspoon, three times a day).

    Yucca and devil’s claw possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The use of the yucca plant has proven extremely successful as a nonspecific immune stimulator which reduces infection and irritation. Yucca extract is made from the yucca plant found in deserts in the southwestern U.S. and in South America. Yucca extract is secure enough to take for long periods of time to prevent any kind of recurrence of symptoms and can be purchased without a physician.

    Green tea (Camellia sinensis) consists of bioflavonoids called catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is helpful for dealing with rheumatoid arthritis by neutralizing toxins that act on synovial membranes.

    Ayurveda physicians dealing with rheumatoid arthritis conditions used Boswellia serrata, also known as boswella, for centuries. Its chemical component, boswellic acidity, has effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Boswellic acidity inhibits allergen-causing agents, helps prevent interference with GAG (glycosaminoglycan) synthesis, and improves blood and lymphatic system circulation to the joints.

    Lignum vitae (Guiacum officinale and Guiacum sanctum) is a tree native to southern Florida and a few other southern states. The gum of this sapling, guaia-gum, contains therapeutic resins and natural oils used as a pain reliever for osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and gout.

    Other recommended herbs include licorice and alfalfa. Feverfew has also been found to be effective in inhibiting the functionality of inflammation related compounds and decreasing your body’s inflammatory reaction. Herbal remedies that have proven effective with regard to rheumatoid arthritis include turmeric, ginger, skullcap, bupleurum, and ginseng.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of using water, ice, steam and alternating hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore wellness. Treatments consist of full entire body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic cleansing and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy works well for treating a wide range of problems and can easily be used in the home as part of the self-care plan. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physiotherapists and day spas make use of Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment.

    There are several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. For treating rheumatoid arthritis, we suggest constitutional hydrotherapy (apply two to five times weekly) or a heating shrink (apply once daily to affected areas). Please seek the advice of your alternative health care specialist before going through these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

    *Purified water is important for any hydrotherapy treatment.

    Juice Therapy: For treating rheumatoid arthritis, the following juices are recommended: Carrot, celery, cabbage juice, and parsley; the juice of half a lemon before every meal and before going to sleep; carrot, beet, and cucumber; celery liquid; and radish and garlic juice.

    Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers should avoid tomato juice, because tomato is a nightshade veggie.

    Nutritional Supplements: Numerous researchers believe a proper balance of minerals and vitamins is essential in the treatment of arthritis. Large quantities of vitamin C in many cases, is recommended. Functioning both as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory agent, vitamin C helps repair and maintain healthy connective tissue. It is essential for collagen manufacturing and the upkeep of joint lining, helps tissue repair, and reduces the discoloration and inflammation often associated with arthritis.

    Nutritional vitamins A, B1, B6, and niacinamide (a form of supplement B3) also have proven effective for treating and stopping arthritis. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient, considered to be both a supplement and a hormone. It regulates the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus used in bone formation.

    Other dietary supplements that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are important for joint disease prevention and treatments include boron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, pantothenic acid, and sulfur. Bee pollen, regal jelly (another bee product rich in pantothenic acid), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and evening primrose oil are also helpful in relieving arthritis signs and symptoms, especially among rheumatoid arthritics. All these supplements, though, should be taken only under supervision by a competent health professional.

    Manganese has many functions in the body, including regular growth and metabolism. It helps to trigger enzymes, is used for normal bone improvement, and functions as an anti-inflammatory. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are usually significantly deficient in manganese and supplements are recommended.

    Cetyl myristoleate, a rare substance which is currently created synthetically, acts as lubrication for important joints and muscle tissue, modulates defense mechanisms function, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Cetyl myristoleate is usually given orally for a one-month period, in a 10-15g dose. It is also available as a lotion. This fatty substance should be taken in conjunction with 100mg of lipase, an enzyme which digests body fat.

    Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)* is a source of sulfur (derived from wooden pulp, garlic clove oil, or even as a byproduct of petroleum) and is regarded as a free-radical scavenger with anti-inflammatory properties. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sister compound of DMSO derived from food sources. MSM is naturally created in the body, however, levels reduce with age and degenerative ailments such as arthritis. These supplements can reduce inflammation and scar tissue, relieve discomfort, and improve blood flow for improved nutrition. Of unique importance within rheumatoid arthritis, MSM can help normalize the defense mechanisms and reduce the autoimmune reaction.

    *Caution: When using DMSO on the body use clean hands and cotton swabs. Be extremely careful because whatever substance comes in contact with DMSO carbamide peroxide gel is soaked up quickly and driven deeply into the body. Avoid contact with dirt before the area is totally dry.

    Shark cartilage in pill form is now being used to combat the pain of arthritis. Shark cartilage contains large amounts of mucopolysaccharides (carbohydrates that type chemical bonds with water), which stimulate the immune system and reduce irritation caused by joint disease. Shark cartilage material is administered by mouth a minimum of 30 minutes before meals. Enzymes, especially Wobenzyme, a pancreatic enzyme, are also essential for helping to reduce symptoms of irritation.

    Alternative Expert Care

    The following therapies are recommended for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Acupunture, Detoxification Therapy, Energy Medicine (electrodermal screening), Environmental Medicine, Enzyme Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapies, Qigong, Sound Treatment, Tai chi, and Chinese medicine.

  • Raynaud’s Disease

    Definition

    Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes but it also affects the nose, tongue and feet. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood cannot get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. In severe cases, loss of blood flow can cause sores or tissue death.

    Types

    When Raynaud’s symptoms develop without any obvious cause, it is labeled Raynaud’s disease. Whenever these same symptoms occur as a result of other health problems, this is known as Raynaud’s Trend and is usually more serious.

    Symptoms

    The affected areas become white or bluish, and are usually accompanied by a tingling feeling. At times, the affected areas can take on a red hue as well as. In more uncommon cases, the walls of the arteries may thicken, permanently obstructing blood flow, causing ulcers, infections, and in some cases gangrene to form around the fingernails.

    Trigger

    Typically, the first symptoms of Raynaud’s disease are triggered by exposure to cold weather or due to chronic emotional stress.

    Nutritional deficiencies resulting from an inability to tolerate cold, and poor circulation can cause Raynaud’s disease. Smoking is another common cause and can trigger signs and symptoms, as can certain drugs, such as the beta-blockers, which regulate high blood pressure. Raynaud’s disease may also be caused by silicon breast implants.

    Natural Cures

    Arm Movement Exercise: Rapid arm movement can force blood into tiny capillary vessels. Stand with arms at your side and swing them like a windmill, as fast as you can. This often reduces hand symptoms in just a few minutes.

    Diet: Consume plenty of organic foods high in vitamin E, such as raw seeds and nuts. Hot vegetable soups, vegetable purees, and fresh, organic raw vegetables are also recommended. Avoid coffee as well as alcohol, both of which constrict blood vessels.

    Herbs: Combine equal parts of ginkgo, prickly lung burning ash, and ginger and consume one tsp. of this mixture three times each day.

    Homeopathy: Arsen alb., and Secale are useful homeopathic remedies.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

    *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

    Juice Treatment: Drink plenty of fresh, organic fruit and vegetable juices.

    Lifestyle: The key to treating and preventing Raynauds disease, is improved circulation. Breathe deeply throughout the day and keep your hands and feet warm. Ensure you are getting plenty of exercise and avoid cigarettes.

    Dietary Supplementation: The following nutrients are recommended: Vitamin B, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin E, folic acid, the mineral magnesium, essential fatty acids, primrose oil, and digestive enzymes with meals. If you are anemic, consider taking iron.

    Optional Professional Care

    If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional therapies have all proven to be useful for treating Raynaud’s disease: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Biofeedback Therapy, Chelation Therapy, Chiropractic care, Environmental Medicine, Enzyme Treatment, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Therapy, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy, Qigong, and deep breathing yoga. (See References for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

  • Raw Food Diet

    Raw Food Diet

    The raw food diet consists of raw and live meals only, and has many excellent health benefits. Those following the diet should consume a wide selection of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and kelp. Prepared meals such as blended soups, smoothies, and marinated salads are common entrées. If following a raw food plan, it is highly recommended you drink fresh organic juices produced from an array of vegetables such as celery, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrots, kale and parsley. Avoid dairy, prepared wheat, grains and whole-wheat byproducts. If you must have dairy, incorporate raw cultured goat or sheep’s milk, which is typically available in health food stores.

    The raw food diet produces rapid results due to its ability to thoroughly detoxify your body and liberate its untapped power. Dr. Gabriel Cousins of Patagonia Arizona, endorses the raw food plan, as the ultimate recovery diet. Dr. Cousins offers delicious 100% raw foods at his café during the healing retreats he hosts.
    We recommend the raw foods diet for long-term cleansing and detoxifying. Consuming raw meals for a period of three months to a year is an incredible way to increase energy. Cleansing your body allows you to release addictions, and create a healthier foundation. Most people eat a variety of addictive foods such as pasta, and sugar, without realizing their addictive nature. Typically the vegetables we do eat are overcooked which removes most of their healthy components. When eating fruits and vegetables raw, you are eating them at their highest potential.

    It is important to note that there will be trade-offs when consuming a raw foods diet. You many miss cooked meals, but the energy you receive from the raw foods diet will surpass your desire for hot food. The raw foods diet is an incredible tool to cleanse and purify your body and increase your overall well-being.

  • Rash

    Definition

    A rash is an allergy or irritation on the skin’s surface, which typically appears red and splotchy.

    Symptoms

    Rash’s are red inflamed spots on the skins surface. Rash’s appear in a variety of forms, depending on the cause but they can typically be described as scaly, blistered, dry, patchy, or rough spots.

    Cause

    Although most rashes are not indicators of serious health issues, they can be signs of allergies, liver/gallbladder problems, lupus, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

    Breakouts can occur because of airborne toxins. For example, if you live near a waste dump and you experience reoccurring rashes, their cause may be environmental. If you feel this may be the case, carefully observe your rash and seek immediate medical attention.

    Caution: If your rash becomes chronic, forms a “butterfly” shape over your cheekbones, and is accompanied by high fever and joint pains, seek immediate medical assistance to rule out a more serious illnesses.

    Organic Cures

    Diet: Get screened for food allergies and avoid anything you test positive for. Consume an organic, whole foods diet, with plenty of yellow vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. Focus on carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Drink plenty of pure, filtered water, and avoid all processed foods and chemical additives.

    Flower Essences: Save Remedy Cream® applied topically to the affected areas has proven to help speed rash healing.

    Herbs: These herbal remedies may speed recovery: A tincture of equal parts burdock root and gentian root, mixed with the fresh juice of coriander, or Aloe-Vera juice.

    Homeopathy: Useful naturopathic remedies consist of Belladonna, Sulfur, Graphites, and Calc Carb.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

    *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

    Juice Therapy: Drink pure vegetable juices on a daily basis. Focus on carrot, beet, radish, and garlic juices.

    Nutritional Supplements: The following nutritional supplements have proven to be helpful in speeding recovery time: Vitamin A, and vitamin E (both orally and topically), ascorbic acid, essential fatty acids, flaxseed oil, and amma linolenic acidity (GLA). In addition, add half a tsp of baking soda to water and drink every fifteen minutes. Do this every few hours, for a few days until the rash subsides.

    Optional Professional Care

    If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following expert care therapies have all been shown to be helpful for treating breakouts: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Detoxification Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Air Therapy (Hydrogen Peroxide), and Traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for explanations of these optional therapies.)

  • Psoriasis

    Description

    Psoriasis is a highly common, persistent skin condition.

    Symptoms

    Flaky red patches on the skins surface similar to scales, are a typical obvious sign of Psoriasis. It usually does not cause itching but it will cause distress and embarrassment at ones appearance. Areas of the body most often affected by psoriasis are the hands, elbows, behind the ear, scalp, back, legs, and knees.

    Cause

    Psoriasis is metabolic and can be triggered by environmental or stressful conditions, poor diet, flu-like problems, penicillin, and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with psoriasis are also at a higher risk for rheumatoid diseases.

    Psoriasis can be caused by food allergies, essential fatty acid deficiencies, reduced digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid amounts, vitamin B complicated deficiencies, psychological stress, illness, drugs (for example beta–blockers, lithium, and chloroquine), poison ivy or walnut, skin damage, and microbial or virus infections.

    Natural Remedies

    Aromatherapy: The following essential oils are recommended: Bergamot (to assist in healing pores and skin), lavender (to reduce excessive drying), melissa (for irritated skin), jasmine (for dry sensitive skin), geranium (for dry irritated skin), and sandalwood (for inflamed, and sensitive skin).

    Diet: Eliminate all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Eat an organic diet rich in whole-foods, rotating meals as much as possible. Get rid of wheat bread and wheat products for 1-3 months. Consume seafood high in omega-three fatty acids such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Daily take one tablespoon of olive or even flaxseed oil, and be sure to drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Organic beef, venison, poultry, garlic, onions, parsley, organic plain yogurt, and sauerkraut are all recommended.

    Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream® applied topically can soothe symptoms.

    Herbal treatments: Combine equal parts of burdock, sarsaparilla, as well as cleavers tinctures and consider one teaspoon three times each day. Silymarin (whole milk thistle) is also helpful for skin psoriasis due to its positive effects on lean meats function.

    Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies consist of Psorinum, Sulfur, Graphites, Cuprum met., as well as Arsen alb.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies but please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

    *Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy.

    Lifestyle: Moderate cases of psoriasis may be helped by daily exposure to sunlight. Regular exercise is additionally recommended.

    Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can be helpful: evening primrose oil, Ω-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B Complicated, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, folate, lecithin, zinc, and a multimineral supplement. Taking hydrochloric acid (HCL) with each meal can also be of use.

    Topical ointment Treatment: Apply seawater to the affected skin several times every day. Linseed or even avocado oil, aloe vera carbamide peroxide gel, and capsaicin cream used topically can help to eliminate the scaling, thickness, inflammation, and itching.

    Alternative Professional Care

    If your symptoms continue despite following the remedies listed above, seek the assistance of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have been shown to be useful for treating psoriasis: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Instruction, Bodywork, Chelation Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, Light Therapy, Permanent magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy, Reflexology, and Chinese medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

  • Prostatitis

    Overview

    Prostatitis is a chronic infection or inflammation of the prostate. It primarily occurs in men between the ages of 20-50, however it may appear in men of any age.

    Note: Conventional medicine typically recommends antibiotics to heal prostatitis. Such drugs are known to cause various side effects and are inadequate for dealing with prostatitis not caused by bacterial infection.

    Types of Prostatitis

    There are two types of prostatitis—chronic and acute. Chronic prostatitis, as its name suggests, is continual or repeating, while acute prostatitis tends to be isolated.

    Symptoms of Prostatitis

    The signs of both acute and chronic prostatitis typically involve tenderness and discomfort in the prostate that can also be accompanied by lower back discomfort, chills, exhaustion, fever, and blood or pus in the urine. In some cases, the urine flow can become obstructed and there is a danger of renal system failure. Prostatitis can also cause pain in the anus and genitals, and can cause or exacerbate impotence.

    Other symptoms include painful or burning urination, and pus in bowel movements. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in cases of chronic prostatitis signs can be intermittent with random occurrences.

    Caution: In most cases, symptoms of chronic prostatitis are less serious than those associated with acute prostatitis which can cause men to disregard them and forego proper treatment. This can be dangerous because, left untreated chronic prostatitis can lead to further complications such as epididymitis (an inflammatory reaction of the epididymis, the tube that operates along the back of the testicles) as well as orchitis (a painful swelling from the testicles). A complete vesica obstruction is also possible.

    Causes of Prostatitis

    Factors that can cause prostatitis include viral infections, funguses, parasites (Chlamydia), and bacterial infections such as E. coli. Urinary tract infections are most commonly the cause of acute prostatitis.

    Additional potential causes include food allergies, persistent dehydration, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and prostate enlargement (BPH). Some men also develop prostatitis as a result of regular sexual activity, particularly with multiple companions. Regular sex can cause the depletion of vital enzymes and nutrients such as zinc, which are necessary to keep the male urinary system sterilized. Alcohol, caffeine, and the regular consumption of spicy foods can also result in prostatitis.

    Avoidance

    Prevention is the best approach for dealing with prostatitis as well as all other health conditions affecting the prostate and male sexual organs. For men over forty this includes having an annual examination that includes both an electronic rectal exam and, and a blood test to determine your PSA (prostate specific antigen) score, which screens for signs of prostate enlargement. (Note: The PSA test is also commonly used to test for prostate cancer, but in recent years has been found to be ineffective for this function, to the point where even its creator no longer suggests that it be as the only test for cancer of the prostate.) Other useful diagnostic tests you can consider, depending on your symptoms, include urinalysis, ultrasound, and other blood tests that can help determine you immune status. Hormone testing should also be considered for men over 40 years of age.

    Other preventive steps include eating a healthy diet, proper nutritional supplementation, and regular (at least three times per week) exercise. In addition, practice safe sex, always using a condom to avoid an infection.

    Natural Remedies

    Aromatherapy: The following essential oils can help to decrease symptoms of prostatitis: Bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood, and tea sapling oil.

    Ayurveda: Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, can help to reduce symptoms, as can the herbal combinations amla, triphala, natures neem, and shilajit.

    Diet: Avoid foods which are high in harmful saturated fats and low in dietary fiber. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, simple carbs, sugar products, hydrogenated and partly-hydrogenated fats and oils, margarine, shortening, and all other processed or, “junk food.” Rather, focus on eating organic whole-foods with plenty of fresh uncooked fruits and vegetables, oats, whole grains, and seeds and nuts, particularly pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Minimize your intake of red meat, but be certain you are eating an adequate amount of natural free-range poultry, and wild-caught fish. Throughout the day, drink plenty of fresh filtered water, and avoid drinking or bathing in unfiltered tap water which contains heavy metal and pesticide deposits that can concentrate in the prostate gland, causing further problems. Also avoid foods that are overly spicy.

    Flower Essences: Crab Apple and Pine can each be useful for men with prostate problems.

    Herbs: Useful herbs for preventing and treating prostatitis include Echinacea, green tea, oregano oil, saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens), and nettle root (Urtica diocia). Whole milk thistle can also be helpful due to its ability to detoxify the liver and enhance hormone stability.

    Chimaphila umbellata, or pipsissewa, an evergreen plant, may also be helpful, especially for chronic prostatitis, as can horsetail and ova use, all of which have potent antiseptic properties.

    Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic treatments for prostatitis include Apis mellifica, causticum, chiaphilla umbellate, clematis, lycopodium, medorrhinum, pulsatilla, sulphur, and thuja.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of using water, ice, steam and cold and hot temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of warm and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-treatment program. Numerous Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Health spas use hydrotherapy as part of their healing treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care specialist before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

    *Purified water is an essential part of any hydrotherapy treatment. Treatments involving purified water offer clear instructions.

    Liquid Therapy: Combine red cabbage, celery, and lettuce juice, and consume 8 ounces twice every day.

    Lifestyle: Stop all sexual activity including masturbation, to allow the prostate to renew itself and to keep the infection from spreading further. Also make sure to exercise regularly, at least 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes each time. Learn to properly manage and reduce stress because tension can adversely affect healthy immune function. In addition, consume an 8oz. glass of pure, strained water every two hours throughout the day to help eliminate your urinary tract infections and keep your body properly hydrated.

    Nutritional Supplements: Useful nutrients for treating and preventing prostatitis include vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B3 (niacin), B-complex vitamins, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. The amino acid M-arginine, lipoic acids, omega-3 natural oils, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are also recommended. Garlic clove capsules, acidophilus, and muriatic acid (HCl) can also be useful, as can Wobenzyme, to help protect against inflammation. Other helpful nutrients include the proteins alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine, and beta-sitosterol. Rye pollen and quercitin are also recommended as well.

    Glandular treatment can also help to significantly reduce prostate problems. Extracts of bovine (livestock) or porcine (pig) prostatic tissue taken orally or administered intramuscularly provide important nourishment for the prostate. Glandular therapy can also help protect the immune system against harmful attacks that may slow the healing of prostatitis.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM professionals believe prostate problems are caused by a combination of stress, low hormonal levels, and diminished kidney performance. To resolve these problems the following treatments are recommended: Acupucnture, consumption of traditional Chinese herbs such as ginseng and lotus seed, deep breathing, and Tai chi and Qigong. Traditional Chinese physicians also believe prostatitis can be caused by moist heat. To combat damp heat, TCM physicians will often utilize herbs which remove dampness and excess water, such as polyporus, akebia, or even cephalanoplos, and Dianthus formulas.

    Alternative Expert Care

    Other useful therapies for stopping and treating prostatitis include: Acupuncture, Psychophysiological feedback Training and Neurotherapy, Bodywork (Feldenkrais Technique, Reflexology, Shiatsu), Chelation Treatment (to improve general circulation as well as detoxify heavy metals), Chiropractic, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine (Light Beam Electrical generator), Led Imagery and Visualization, Hypnosis, Magnet Therapy, Mind or Body Treatments, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathic Treatments, and Yoga. (See References for explanations of these Optional Therapies.)

  • Prostate Cancer

    Summary

    Prostate cancer kills an estimated 35,000 men in the United States every year and affects another 165,000. Most cases of prostate cancer do not occur until after the age of 50 but in recent years there has been a steady rise in occurrences among men in their 30’s and 40’s. Prostate problems, including cancer, are also on the rise among all ages as a result of poor diet and increasing environmental pollution. Overall, cancer of the prostate is the most typical type of cancer in men over 50, and the second most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly common in black men who have a 40% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of other races.

    Treatment choices for cancer of the prostate vary depending on how far the cancer has progressed and the individual’s age. For men 70 years and older, if their cancer is localized, often the treatment method is simply, “wait and see,” rather than intense treatment. In younger men, or men whose cancer shows signs of spreading into additional areas of the body, physicians will frequently suggest intense treatments. Included in this are chemotherapy, radiation, surgical removal of the prostate gland (revolutionary prostatectomy), internal seed radiation (in which radioactive seeds are surgically placed into the prostate), synthetic endocrine therapy, and cryosurgery, which freezes both the prostate gland and the cancer cells till they die. These conventional therapies all have intense side effects and do not guarantee the cancer won’t return at another time. In addition, particularly in older men, treatment may not be necessary, because, in 80% of prostate cancer cases, the cancer grows slowly and does not spread past the prostate gland itself, therefore causing little additional problems.

    Extreme caution: If you suspect you have prostate cancer, speak to your physician immediately.

    Types of Prostate Cancer

    There are two types of prostate cancer—localized and metastasized. Localized prostate cancer refers to the initial phase of prostate cancer in which the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland. Metastasized prostate cancer is a far more serious condition in which cancer cells have spread into other parts of the body (generally via the blood or lymph nodes).

    Prostate Cancer Signs

    The signs of prostate cancer include blood in the urine; pain in the prostate region, genitals, or lower back; prostate enhancement (BPH), difficulty urinating, extreme fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

    Caution: Early-stage prostate cancer can develop without any obvious signs or symptoms. Scheduling regular (annual) testing and check-ups is very important for males 50 and older, and men who have a family history of prostate cancer.

    Causes of Prostate Cancer

    There are many potential causes of prostate cancer. These include, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), congestion and buildup of waste products within the lymphatic system, lack of physical exercise, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, environmental toxins, chronic constipation, impacted colon, hormone imbalances, parasites, sexually transmitted diseases (especially gonorrhea), stress, and genetic predisposition. Men who enter puberty later than normal, also have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer.

    Males who suffer from chronic autoimmune diseases are also at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer because their weakened immune system allows cancer cells to easily spread forming tumors in the prostate gland and other parts of the body. Often, in this circumstance, prostate cancer can spread aggressively. Men who have jeopardized immune systems must be extra careful about all types of cancer and should schedule themselves for regular checkups.

    Vasectomy may increase the risk for prostate and testicular cancer. This is most likely due to the production of antibodies known as anti-sperm, which are created during vasectomies. Anti-sperm reduce the defense response, making it more difficult for that immune system to identify and assault cancer tissue.

    Chronic rigidity in the muscle tissue that surrounds the prostate gland can also cause prostate cancer because such tightness can restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the prostate gland. This is particularly true of chronic tightness in the abductor muscles which surround and overlay the prostate gland. (You can feel your own abductor muscle tissue by probing with your fingers where your inner thighs meet the section of your groin.) Tight abductor muscles can create added stress on the prostate, causing it to become solidified, losing its natural softness. This further limits the flow of air to the bloodstream, reducing the delivery of vital nutrients to prostate cells and tissues.

    Restricting clothing, particularly tight underwear and devices that place pressure on that part of the body, can also restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the prostate. Moreover, according to researchers in the field of energy medicine, belt buckles—especially buckles that contain nickel—create energy congestion when worn over the center of the waistline. This blocks the essential energy pathway to the prostate, known in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. To avoid such energy blockages, avoid wearing belts with nickel buckles and position your buckle off-center if you must wear one.

    In addition to wearing loose underclothing, choose breathable natural fibers, such as cotton or other natural fibers, rather than man-made materials.

    Radiation, including the radiation emitted by microwave cooking units, can also increase the chance of prostate cancer, even if such units are not in use.

    Prevention

    Avoidance is the best approach for dealing with prostate cancer. This includes scheduling an annual physical examination that includes both a digital rectal exam and, a blood test to determine your PSA (prostate particular antigen) rating and potential for prostate enlargement. (Be aware: Although the PSA test can also be commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, recently it has been discovered to be ineffective for this purpose, to the point where its developer no longer suggests that it be utilized to screen for cancer of the prostate.) Other useful diagnostic tests to consider, depending on your symptoms, include urinalysis, ultrasound, and other blood tests to help you determine your immune status. Hormone testing should also be considered for men 40 and older.

    Other preventive measures include consuming a healthy diet, proper dietary supplementation, and regular (a minimum of three times each week) exercise. In addition, minimize exposure to infectious diseases that can compromise your immune system. Whenever engaging in sexual activity, wear a condom to protect yourself.

    Testing for Prostate Cancer

    Conventional medicine utilizes a variety of techniques to screen for cancer of the prostate. In addition to the PSA test, biopsy, digital rectal examination (DRE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all regularly used. Other tests which might be used include bone fragment scans, and tests to determine if the cancer has spread, such as the ACP, ALP, and (RT)-PCR. Below is an overview of each testing method as well the limitations associated with each one.

    Biopsy: Biopsy involves the cutting away of a small piece of prostate cells which are sent to a medical lab for evaluation. The procedure is performed by placing a very thin needle into the rectum and through the lining separating the prostate from the colon.

    Although biopsy is a good way to determine whether or not cancer exists, it has two potential shortcomings. First, it is very possible that not all cells of the prostate are infected with cancer. If the needle happens to reach normal cells, the tissue test will render a false-negative reading (a reading that signifies the patient is free of cancer, when in fact he is not really). Second, biopsy procedures can cause cancers to spread because they can push small cancer growths into the bloodstream where they can travel undiscovered to other areas of the body, forming new tumors and perhaps metastasizing. Because of this, holistic cancer specialists frequently prefer to not perform biopsies.

    Bone Scan: Bones scans are performed intravenously by injecting sufferers with a radioactive substance. A couple of hours later, the patient is scanned with a sophisticated diagnostic device that enables radiologists to capture specialized images from the patient’s body. These pictures are then examined by the radiologist who looks for indicators that would suggest cancer has spread to the bone. Bone scans are not typical because they are expensive and not always accurate. Often, other bone problems such as joint disease or brittle bones are mistaken for cancer, thereby causing undue stress and additional difficulties for the individual who is misdiagnosed.

    Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The DRE test involves a physician inserting his or her gloved finger into the patient’s rectum in order to check the prostate for possible cancer signs. Typical signs include changes in prostate size, shape, and hardness, as well as protrusions or solidified nodules. The DRE isn’t always correct and is by no means 100% conclusive. Moreover, these types of signs can be mistaken as cancer whenever all they actually indicate are an enlarged prostate (BPH). However, if these symptoms do occur, it is important to continue with additional testing.

    MRI: This procedure enables physicians and radiologists to see inside the body to look for feasible signs associated with cancer. Usually, MRIs are used to detect the spreading of most cancers and are not usually useful for diagnosing most cancers in the early stages. Additionally, the procedure can be quite expensive, particularly for individuals who do not have insurance.

    ACP, ALP, and (RT)-PCR Tests: The ACP test, also known as the acid, serum and phosphatase check, is a bloodstream test that helps determine if cancer has spread. However, it is not always accurate and can provide a false-positive result (indicating a person has cancer whenever he does not) for a variety of reasons, especially if there was ever catheterization for urinary problems, recent digital rectal exams, or if the patient has prostate problems other than cancer.

    The ALP, or alkaline phosphatase check is another bloodstream test which screens for a specific molecule associated with the bones, liver, and other body parts. If the liver molecule is higher (more than 90-239 units for each liter of blood), it may indicate that cancer has spread to the bones. However, the test is far from definitive, and can result in false positive readings because of such factors as bone breaks and fractures, and the use of various pharmaceutical grade drugs such as barbituates.

    (RT)-PCR stands for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It’s a fairly newly developed bloodstream test that screens for the presence of most cancers cells within the bloodstream. Unlike the ACP and ALP tests, this is much more precise and can be highly successful in detecting if cancer has spread. However, it is much less accurate for diagnosing early-stage localized cancer.

    Nonconventional Cancer Tests

    Holistic cancer specialists attempt to diagnose cancer of the prostate at the very first possible stage using analysis methods that are both accurate and safe. To do this, they employ a number of diagnostic techniques, including electro-dermal screening (EDS), thermography, ultrasound examination, and nonconventional blood assessments, such as the Molecular Oncology Bloodstream Test.

    Electro-dermal Screening (EDS): Electro-dermal screening (EDS) is a noninvasive diagnostic technique which measures the electrical current of particular points on the hands, face, or feet that correlate with energy meridians associated with traditional Chinese medicine. The electric signals radiated at these points provide information about the status of the body’s organs and internal systems, and can be used to detect the presence of toxins, energy and hormone imbalances, and harmful microorganisms, all of which can contribute to the onset of cancer. At the disposal of a highly skilled EDS practitioner, EDS can detect most cancers, and a number of other health conditions, even when other advanced testing techniques fail to do so.

    Thermography: Thermography is a unique and highly accurate method for detecting hidden cancers, including those in the prostate gland. The practice of thermography uses warmth to find tissues infected with cancer. Warmth is emitted as an organic byproduct of cellular metabolism. However, cells and tissues infected with cancer usually emit higher levels of infrared warmth compared to wholesome, normal tissue. Thermography devices are able to detect these differences in infrared warmth emission, helping to pinpoint possible cancer problem areas in the body that might otherwise be undetected.

    Ultrasound examination: an ultrasound is a highly effective diagnostic technique employed by both conventional and holistic healthcare professionals. Many holistic cancer specialists prefer it over biopsy and PSA tests as a means of detecting prostate cancer due to the accuracy and the fact that, unlike biopsy, it provides no potential risk of cancer cells breaking away to enter into the blood stream.

    The Molecular Oncology Blood Check: Developed by the researchers at the Bio Focus Institute for Molecular Oncology and Laboratory Medicine in Recklinghausen, Germany, this method is widely used by doctors and oncologists throughout Germany and other European countries. The Molecular Oncology Blood Test is extremely effective for discovering cancers in their earliest stage, making treatment far more successful. The test functions by identifying and isolating minute cancer cells in the blood stream, often ahead of when conventional diagnostic techniques can detect cancer. In addition, the exam can be used to successfully match the most appropriate therapeutic treatment with each person’s unique health needs, considerably increasing the probability of a successful end result.

    The Molecular Oncology Blood Test has become available to patients in the United States as well as Canada. To learn more, please visit www.biofocus.de and click top of the right part of web page for the English version.

    Organic Cures

    Aromatherapy: The following essential oils can help to reduce symptoms of prostate cancer: Bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood, and tea tree essential oil.

    Ayurveda: Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, can help to relieve symptoms, as can the herbal combination of amla, triphala, neem, as well as shilajit.

    Diet plan: Avoid all foods which are high in unhealthy saturated and trans-fats, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats and oils, margarine, and shortening. Eliminate refined white flour which can be found in the majority of foods found on grocery store shelves including, white bread, bagels, crackers, cakes, snacks, and other baked goods and entrees. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, simple carbs, sugars, spicy foods, and all processed and industrial “junk” foods. Stay clear of all non-organic pasteurized milk and dairy products, such as yogurt or cheese. It is best to eat raw natural dairy products.

    Take control of your health and consume a diet of organic whole foods, raw fruits and vegetables, oats, and whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat. Include water soaked nuts and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Minimize your consumption of red meat but be sure to consume adequate amounts of organic free-range poultry, bison and wild-caught fish. Consume generous amounts of raw or lightly steamed organic vegetables and large fresh salads daily. Cook with avocado butter or oil and use extra-virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil and hemp seed oil as sauces on vegetables or as the base for your daily salad dressing. Throughout the day, consume plenty of real, filtered water, and avoid drinking—as well as bathing in—unfiltered tap water, because tap water contains heavy metals and pesticide residues that can become highly concentrated in the prostate gland.

    The raw food diet can be highly beneficial to sufferers of prostate cancer. Using the guidelines outlined above as a base for a clean and healthy diet plan, one can then transition into a raw food diet when ready. Those who follow a raw food diet see changes within themselves very quickly because the diet plan helps detoxify the body and release stored energy.

    The diet mainly consists of raw fruits and vegetables, and soaked nuts and seeds, supplemented with a daily consumption of fresh organic juices produced from a variety of vegetables such as celery, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot, kale, and parsley. Constantly rotate periodic selections of other organic vegetables for variety. Raw foodists enjoy salads, dehydrated flax crackers, seedlings, patés, combined soups, smoothies, and marinated veggies which are often mixed with drenched sea vegetables. Since little to no cooked food is consumed, the raw diet has the advantage of immediately eliminating many common things that trigger allergies. No prepared wheat or wheat byproducts are consumed, and dairy is usually emitted, though some might choose to consume moderate quantities of uncooked goat or sheep whole milk products in the form of a fermented food, such as homemade raw kefir or natural yogurt.

    Dr. Gabriel Cousens, of the Tree of Life Center, endorses the raw diet and only offers 100% raw foods at his healing escape in Patagonia, Arizona because he believes the diet has healing powers. It is essential to note, for those considering selecting a raw food diet plan, you might miss cooked foods, though you will not miss the toxins in your body. More often than not the raw meals diet is as an incredible tool that can be used to quickly transition from a serious wellness challenge into a healing process, ultimately resulting in higher immune function and better health.

    Detoxification Treatment: Cleansing the colon is a valuable preventative method that can help clear energy pathways and release pressure on the prostate caused by poisonous build up within the colon. Also, if you are constipated, this will cause an overall toxic condition which makes the prostate gland more vulnerable to cancer. After you have improved your diet plan, consider a number of Colon cleansing treatments, perhaps beginning with a basic cleanse and progressing to a more in depth colon cleanse. Both can be done in the comfort of your own home. In addition, colon hydrotherapy with a skilled therapist is highly recommended.

    The Light Beam Generator, or even LBG, is another valuable energy device for preventing as well as treating cancer of the prostate. The LBG employs low-current, cold gas photons which transmit and transfer numerous energy waves to the cells of the lymphatic system. In addition to being an important part of the immune system, the lymphatic system also serves as the body’s filtration system and plays a vital role in eliminating wastes. When wastes and their by-products are improperly eliminated, the lymphatic system becomes clogged which blocks oxygen from getting to the cells.

    The energy frequencies emitted by the LBG positively affect the electromagnetic field associated with cells and tissues over which it is positioned, including those of the prostate. This, in turn, rebalances their electrical charge, enabling the cells to rapidly eliminate their accumulated waste products and cellular debris. This process not only aids the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, but it also helps to reduce inflammation and related pain and symptoms. In addition, as the lymphatic system is cleansed, the body becomes better able to deliver vital nutrition and air to the prostate gland’s cells and tissues thereby improving the body’s overall ability to fight and reverse prostate and other cancers.

    Flower Essences: Crab Apple as well as Pine works well for men with prostate difficulties.

    Glandular Therapy can significantly relieve prostate gland problems. Extracts of bovine (cattle) or porcine (pig) prostatic cells taken orally or given intramuscularly provide essential nutrients to help fight prostate cancer. Glandular therapy can also help protect against antibodies brought on by infection and diminished immune function.

    Herbal treatments: Saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) is recommended for prostate cancer due to its ability to inhibit testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excessive amounts of DHT in the body is a common element among sufferers of various male health problems, including prostate cancer. These herbs also help to decrease swelling of prostate tissue, and provide increased bloodstream and air flow to the prostate.

    Extra herbs that may directly help to ease prostate cancer symptoms are: Artemisia, pokeroot, periwinkle, mistletoe (Viscum recording), colchicines, hemlock, Berberis aquifolium, foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and burdock root. Hoxsey method (an herbal method, developed by the late Harry Hoxsey, D.D.) is recommended. The natural spice turmeric, which contains cur cumin, an anti-cancer agent, can also be useful, as can astragalus and maitake, a therapeutic mushroom. Fennel tea will help reduce the results of radiation treatment and radiation.

    Other helpful herbs tackle problems commonly associated with prostate cancer such as immune deficiencies, and Cat Scratch Fever (uno de gato). Helpful herbs include: Echinacea, garlic clove, green tea, oregano oil, Pau d’arco, and nettle root. Milk thistle can also be helpful because of its ability to detox the liver and improve hormonal imbalances. Also consider Chimaphila umbellata, or pipsissewa, (an evergreen plant) horsetail, and uva ursi, which all have potent antiseptic properties.

    Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Hansi, also known as Enercel, developed by Argentinian biologist Juan Jose Hirschmann, can be helpful for all types of cancer but particularly prostate cancer. Additional useful homeopathic remedies consist of Apis mellifica, causticum, chiaphilla umbellate, clematis, lycopodium, medorrhinum, pulsatilla, sulphur, and thuja.

    Hydrotherapy: Alternate between cold and hot sitz bath two to five times per week to help improve blood flow to the penis and prostate, and strengthen the overall health of the male genital system.

    *Purified water is essential for this and all hydrotherapy treatments. Treatments for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water, provide clear directions and recommendations.

    Juice Treatment: Combine red cabbage, celery, and lettuce juice, and consume 8oz. twice daily. Carrot, cucumber, beet, radish, and garlic clove juice can also be helpful. Fresh green juices provide an essential nutrient boost to the diet. Create new mixtures of vegetables, and discover your personal favorites.

    Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, at least three times a week for 45-60 minutes each session. If you smoke, stop, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Also avoid alcohol, and all caffeinated beverages. Learn to properly manage and reduce stress, as stress can negatively affect healthy immune function. In addition, drink an 8-oz glass of pure, filtered water every few hours to cleanse the urinary tract and properly hydrate the body.

    Mental/Psychological Aspects: Prostate issues can often be connected to emotional issues, thoughts, and beliefs. Sexual guilt often plays a part. Support for these types of issues can be found in numerous locations. Many alternative practitioners can help you experience a deep release. These types of professionals can help one delve into the deeper layers of emotions which may need to be explored in order to fully unravel the issues related to prostate cancer.

    Nutritional Supplements: Useful nutrients for treating and preventing prostate cancer include vitamin A, beta-carotene, supplement B3 (niacin), B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. The amino acid L-arginine is actually recommended, as are alpha-lipoic acidity and a find mineral method, as well as Ω-three oils, flaxseed oil, evening primrose, and eicosapentaenoic acid (Environmental protection agency). Garlic pills, acidophilus, and hydrochloric acidity (HCl) can be helpful, as can Wobenzyme, a proteolytic enzyme method than assists protect against irritation. Other nutrients include the proteins alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine, in addition to beta-sitosterol and quercitin. Modified citrus pectin is also recommended because of its ability to reduce the chance of prostate cancer becoming metastasized. Furthermore, the nutrient IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is suggested for its potent immune-improvement properties.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM professionals believe prostate problems are caused by a combination of stress, low hormonal levels, and diminished kidney performance. To resolve these problems the following treatments are recommended: Acupucnture, consumption of traditional Chinese herbs such as ginseng and lotus seed, deep breathing, and Tai chi and Qigong. Traditional Chinese physicians also believe prostatitis can be caused by moist heat. To combat damp heat, TCM physicians will often utilize herbs which remove dampness and excess water, such as polyporus, akebia, or even cephalanoplos, and Dianthus formulas.

    Alternative Treatments

    Other useful therapies for preventing and treating prostate cancer include: Acupuncture, Psychophysiological feedback Training and Neurotherapy, Bodywork (Feldenkrais Technique, Reflexology, Shiatsu), Chelation Treatment (to improve general circulation as well as detoxify heavy metals), Chiropractic, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine (Light Beam Electrical generator), Led Imagery and Visualization, Hypnosis, Magnet Therapy, Mind or Body Treatments, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathic Treatments, and Yoga. (See References for explanations of these Optional Therapies.)

  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

    Overview

    Premenstrual syndrome or pms, or PMS, is a condition related to hormone fluctuations which affect more than half of all premenopausal women in the usa. It typically occurs 10-14 days just before menstruation, enduring through the very first two to three days of menstruation, and may present along with a wide range of symptoms.

    Types and Symptoms of PMS

    According to Susan M. Lark, MD, an all natural physician that specializes in ladies health issues, you will find four fundamental types of PMS, which your woman categorizes because Type The, Type C, Type Deb, and Type H, in line with the symptoms that predominate within each class.

    Women who are suffering from Type A PMS typically experience anxiety, becoming easily irritated, and moodiness. Women in the Type C category mainly experience exhaustion, headache, and sugar carvings. Symptoms with regard to Type D usually present themselves as depression, confusion, and memory and cognition problems, while Kind H sufferers most commonly encounter bloating, aching breasts, as well as fluctuating weight gain.

    Other typical PMS symptoms that can be experienced by women in most four categories above consist of acne, greasy skin and hair, cramps (dysmenorrhea), back pain, nausea, and sleeping problems, including hormonal insomnia.

    Leads to

    The primary reasons for PMS are hormonal and nutritional imbalances, poor diet, stress, as well as, in many cases, the unwarranted perception by ladies that menstruation is in some way unnatural as well as revolting. This type of belief is actually primarily because of social fitness and totally false, because menstruation is in fact a vital and natural part of every healthy woman’s life period and evidence of her natural feminine power.

    Natural Remedies When dealing with PMS, the treatment goals of alternative health practitioners are to assist women accomplish balance within body, mind, and spirit using a mix of the following treatments, which can all be used as personal-care treatments.

    Ayurveda: According to professionals of Ayurvedic Medicine, the signs of PMS frequently manifest based on a woman’s specific metabolic type, or dosha. (See Ayurveda within the Reference for further explanation.) For women who are primarily vata types, well-established daily programs both at home and at work will help prevent additional stress due to PMS. Adequate sleep, rest and deep breathing are also recommended. Eating more fairly sweet-as well as-sour tasting foods can also assist, as can growing your intake of comfortable, cooked meals.

    Women who are primarily pitta types should eliminate all spicy, fairly sweet, and greasy foods using their diet, as well as avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages. Such women also need nicely-set up home as well as work programs, and should try to meditate or engage in regular relaxation workouts.

    Kapha body types should improve their level of physical exercise, being sure to engage in physical activity every day. They should may also increase their intake of spicy foods, as well as legumes, and eliminate just about all sweet-and–sour mouth watering foods.

    In addition, if possible, all women should try to go to bed by 10 p.m., and wake up at six a.m. According to Ayurvedic theory, these are the peak hours once the earth’s powers are best able to improve the flow of power through the body. Ayurvedic specific herbs tend to be included in the herb section below.

    Aromatherapy:

    The following essential oils, added to the warm, calming bath, can be quite effective within preventing as well as relieving PMS symptoms:

    Bergamot (for fatigue and tension)

    Chamomile (with regard to irritability)

    Clary sage (for menstrual cramping/dysmenorrhea, irritability, and emotional surprise)

    Frankincense (for irritability as well as stress)

    Geranium (to help detox the lean meats of toxins, which can aggravate PMS symptoms) Jojoba oil oil (for irritability)

    Lavender (for becoming easily irritated, stress, and liver toxicity)

    Lemon as well as lemongrass (for mental confusion)

    Marjoram (with regard to cramps, muscle mass tension, and emotional surprise)

    Neroli oil (for insomnia)

    Patchouli (for stress)

    Peppermint (for cramping and menstrual pain, as well as for liver poisoning)

    Roman chamomile (for sleeplessness)

    Rose (for emotional surprise)

    Rosemary (for muscle tension, liver poisoning, and exhaustion)

    Ylang-ylang (with regard to emotional shock)

    Bach Flower Essences:

    Bach Flower (called after Ed Bach, the British physician and homeopath, who developed flower essence therapies within the 1930s) and other flower essence therapies can be quite effective at recovery the mental and psychological issues of someone’s life that are leading to them stress, including PMS. Flower essences work through healing the underlying psychological causes that bring about physical health conditions, helping to solve emotions for example anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loneliness, panic, and worry. Rescue Treatment, an all–purpose mixture of Bach Blossom Essences can be particularly useful in this regard. Give a few drops to a glass of pure filtered water and drink from it throughout the day. There are also a number of other companies which make wonderful blossom essences. We like and recommend the Star Flower Essences as an alternative to the Bach Flower Remedies. Each flower essence carries a specific vibrational frequency, and some women feel more drawn to one corporation’s products more than another. Many times a local source that offers the added advantage of freshly-created local items that appeal to you.

    Diet plan:

    Avoid just about all refined sugars and carbs, sodas, processed foods, chemical preservatives, artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame), hammer toe syrup, traditional chocolate, coffee, alcohol, whitened bread as well as white flour products. This includes bagels, pastries, cake, cookies, conventionally–raised animal products, particularly red meats, milk as well as dairy products. Don’t eat saturated, trans-, hydrogenated or even partially–hydrogenated fat and natural oils. Instead, choose virgin avocado butter/oil as your cooking oil, additional virgin olive oil, high lignin flax seed oil, and unrefined hemp seed, walnut, as well as sunflower oils for preparing salads or in shakes; and, uncooked butter or coconut essential oil to distribute on a bit of whole grain toast or tortilla, to dissolve onto newly steamed veggies, or drift in a bowl of soup. Eating high quality essential natural oils is important for ladies, and if a person avoid all the toxic natural oils found in just about all processed as well as conventionally produced foods, there’s room within the diet to savor moderate levels of raw, organic healthy fat or oils.

    Drink plenty of pure, strained water throughout the day. Emphasize natural, fresh vegetables and fruit, organic whole grain products and dried beans, nuts and seeds, as well as (sparingly) natural, free–range chicken and wild-caught fish, by having an occasional fist-sized serving associated with red meat from Bison, lamb, or from grass–fed, natural cow beef. Fermented soya products for example miso soups and tempeh are also suitable; especially miso, which is considered a powerful recovery food. Perform avoid other processed soya products for example tofu, soy milk, soya ice creams, soy dairy substitutes such as soy parmesan cheese and soy yogurt, in addition to soy proteins isolates and all sorts of other soya-based powders. Soya products are not only seen difficult to digest, but also tend to be heavily processed, and known to be a highly hypersensitive food. The soy industry has become a good over–hyped market full of deceptive information as well as soy items contain dubious nutritional value.

    Choose to eat 3 healthy foods each day, and 2 small snacks. This eating pattern will help your body to prevent fluctuations inside your blood sugar levels, and help strengthen the adrenals. When blood sugar drops because of lack of consuming, increasing levels of adrenaline are released in the body, exacerbating PMS symptoms. Supporting the actual adrenals is a vital aspect of managing PMS signs and symptoms, and preparing for the ultimate transition in to menopause. All of us advise you to decide on to eat small quantities of quality proteins at least twice a day; and, lots of fresh as well as steamed darkish leafy greens, in addition to all from the above suggested foods.

    In addition, undergo testing for potential food allergic reactions and sensitivities and avoid individuals foods that you test positive. Think about a rotation diet or eradication diet in order to further decrease the likelihood of food allergies.

    Nutrition and diet plan are crucial players in the healing as well as elimination of discrepancy and disease. For a complete, nutrition loaded, whole foods diet plan, read the Whole Foods Diet. Oftentimes, a raw food eating plan, especially for three-five days as a small-cleanse the week before your own period, can be extremely beneficial. For more information, read Raw Food Diet plan. See the Cleansing and Detoxing section for additional info on cleansing; many woman report feeling great relief from PMS symptoms by doing a light monthly cleanse such as 3–5 days from the Quick and Easy Cleanse, the week before their period arrives. You can print out these articles for easy reference.

    Led Imagery and Visualization:

    Led imagery and visualization techniques are an easy way to enhance your ability to unwind, which is essential during times of PMS. The following exercise can provide you with tools you can use to quickly shift away from emotions of stress to feelings of rest. Sit easily in an easy chair and close your vision. Take a couple of gentle, heavy breaths, as well as imagine your self becoming increasingly calm with each breath you are taking. Feel rest spreading more than your entire body like a wave of peace. Now recall a time from your past whenever you were truly happy and at ease. Imagine yourself back again within that moment as if it is really happening right now in the present. Use all of your sensory faculties to make the actual scene real. Hear the actual sounds, smell the fragrances, and see every thing about you entirely color. While you relive this experience, notice anew how relaxed, happy, and at peace you feel. By taking a few moments to assume this scene whenever you really feel PMS signs and symptoms building up, you will be able to quickly release your own tension as well as reclaim the positive mood you were in when you first experienced the picture you are recalling.

    Herbs: Helpful herbs for treating PMS include chasteberry (for general symptoms and as a precautionary), cramp bark (for monthly pain and dysmenorrhea), dandelion (for bloating and drinking water retention as well as liver congestion), and skullcap (for trouble sleeping, anxiety and irritability). The Ayurvedic plant, Ashwaganda, is called an excellent tonifier for the reproductive system; and, Triphala may be used for bowel tonification and to ease premenstrual constipation — an issue for many ladies.

    Lifestyle: Numerous aerobic and stretching exercises performed regularly can help to reduce symptoms. An excellent adjunct physical exercise option is bouncing on a mini-trampoline otherwise known as the rebounder with regard to 10 to 20 minutes each day. This can aid your body’s ability to provide oxygen and nutrients to the breasts by way of the bloodstream, as well as help to eliminate waste buildup within the lymphatic system. To further decrease stress as well as improve feeling, brisk jogging for 30 minutes each day is also recommended. Find something you can commit to doing at least 5 days per week that you enjoy, be it walking, dance, swimming, walking, biking or even anything which works for you, and do it. Movement is actually as important as diet plan when it comes to managing PMS; as well as, for that matter, just about all hormonal issues women are faced with in life.

    Organic Hormone Alternative Therapy: Using natural progesterone cream to your breasts for ten days prior to your menstrual period can reduce symptoms as well as, in many cases, trigger PMS to totally disappear. Please consult your alternative health practitioner to determine if transdermal progesterone cream is an appropriate choice for you personally.

    Nutritional Supplements: The following nutrients can help relieve and stop PMS signs and symptoms: vitamin A, experiment with carotene, vitamin b complex-complex, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc oxide, omega-3 oils, evening primrose oil, as well as gamma linolenic acid (Please).

    Printable Version for the subsequent exercise.

    Relaxation Exercises: Exercising exercises that help your mind and body to relax can quickly release feelings of stress and tension associated with PMS. Here is one particualr relaxation physical exercise that you can very easily make section of your daily wellness routine:

    Sit in a peaceful room with dim illumination, with your feet flat on the ground.

    Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Gently begin to inhale deeply in and out from your stomach.

    Each time you exhale; mentally tell yourself, “Relax.” Do this for a few moments, until you feel a wave of relaxation starting to move through your body.

    Now place your attention in your head, mouth, and encounter. As you continue breathing, immediate the influx of rest throughout all of the muscles of your face as well as jaw, such as those of the actual eyes, after that over your scalp as well as along your head, down to the bottom of your neck.

    Now tight your face, jaw, as well as eye muscles for a few seconds, then, quickly release and relax them.

    Repeat this process with every remaining section of your body, beginning with your shoulder blades, back, hands, and hands, then moving down to your chest, belly, pelvis, thighs and upper legs, calves, ankles, feet, and feet. Be sure every area of the body becomes more relaxed before you proceed your attention to the next area.

    Once you have proceeded all the way to your toes, continue to sit with your eyes shut for a few more minutes, nevertheless breathing gently in and out of your belly, allowing your feelings of relaxation in order to deepen.

    Just before opening your vision, allow your inhaling and exhaling to become deeper and larger, feeling the wave associated with energy passing through you. Once you feel vitalized, slowly open up your eyes as well as return to your daily activities.

    Option Professional Care

    The following expert care treatments are also effective for stopping and treating PMS signs and symptoms: Acupuncture, Psychophysiological feedback Training, Detoxing Therapy, Energy Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Hypnosis, Mind/Body Treatments, Naturopathic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Yoga.

  • Pre-operative Protocols, Self–Support Before Surgery

    Definition

    Pre-operative refers to the mandatory actions patients must take before undergoing any surgical treatments. The purpose of pre-operative protocols is to increase patient’s ability to withstand surgical treatments. Properly following these protocols typically leads to reduced complications, shorter recovery times, and less pain.

    Organic Cures

    Be aware: In general, follow these suggestions for several weeks prior to surgery, especially if your surgery requires local anesthesia.

    Diet plan: Eat an organic, whole foods diet with plenty of fresh, natural vegetables. Avoid all sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, soda, and processed foods. In addition, drink plenty of pure, filtered water and consume a minimum of one glass of fresh vegetable juice every day.

    Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy to deal with associated anxiety and stress.

    Herbal treatments: The following herbal treatments can be helpful: Pycnogenol, yellowdock, mustard greens, and turnip greens.

    Homeopathy: Arnica is an excellent homeopathic remedy to prepare your body for surgery.

    Dietary Supplementation: Two weeks before surgery, start building up your immune system by taking a daily higher-strength multivitamin/mineral supplement. Ensure you are consuming ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, vitamin B complex complex, vitamin E, beta carotene, magnesium, blood potassium, zinc, essential fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Consult your doctor about taking enzymes to reduce swelling before and after surgery.

    Alternative Expert Care

    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an excellent way to prepare your body for surgical treatment. Professional athletes use this method to prepare their bodies for hard hits and excessive wear. Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery have also proven to be useful when preparing for surgery. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)

  • Postoperative Methods, Self–Support After Surgery

    Description

    Postoperative methods refer to the steps patients must take after they have a surgical procedure. Properly following these protocols leads to minimized pain, and quicker recovery times.
    Note: Follow these recommendations for as long as your doctor requires. This may be several weeks, many months, or they may become a permanent part of your routine.

    Natural Cures

    Diet plan: Initially, concentrate on eating light organic foods, such as sauces, juices, broths, pureed vegetables and fruits. As your recuperation progresses, begin consuming an organic, whole-foods diet with plenty of clean, organic vegetables. Avoid all sugars, processed carbohydrates, alcohol, and soda. In addition, consume plenty of fresh, filtered water and try to drink one glass of fresh vegetable juice each day.

    Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are typically recommended after all surgical procedures: A daily high-potency multivitamin/mineral which contains ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, zinc, essential fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Also, add free-form proteins, glutamine, and extra vitamin B6. If you have trouble healing, consider proteolytic enzymes between meals. Chromium and selenium can also be helpful.

    To lessen the swelling caused by surgery, take protease or bromelain and omega-3 essential fatty acids (fish as well as flaxseed natural oils). Vitamin E can be used topically postoperatively by putting a teaspoon onto the skin near the incision once a day.

    If antibiotics are used before or after surgery, consider acidophilus to restore beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract.

    Flower Essences: Save Remedy

    Herbs: Combine equal parts Siberian ginseng, ginkgo, milk thistle, and hawthorn tinctures and consume a 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture three times per day for several weeks following surgery. Aloe vera gel can also be used topically.

    Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

    *Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

    Optional Professional Treatment

    If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. In addition, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Treatment, Energy Treatments (Light Column Generator), Enzyme Treatment, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathy, Air Therapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine can speed up the healing process. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)