High Levels of Zinc Can Cause Neuropathy.

Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reported that 4 patients developed numbness, weakness and difficultly walking after ingesting high levels for zinc. An article in the February 10 issue of the Lima (OH) News reported on a 26 y.o. woman who became wheel chair-bound due to the zinc in her denture cream. The message is to avoid high doses of zinc over a long time. IF you need to take maintenance zinc, you probably should take copper as well to avoid a deficiency of the latter.

Google zinc and neuropathy and/or Dr. Sharon Nations at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

How much should we do to prevent relapse?

An article in the Findlay Courier quoted Cardiac surgeon, Gary Parenteau, about Bill Clintons recent balloon and stent procedure only 6 years after he underwent bypass surgery. Dr. Parenteau said, “Bypass is not a 100 percent cure-all forever (even with improved lifestyle and cholesterol control).” I believe a comprehensive program to prevent relapse should include chelation therapy, which reduces the clotting tendency, removes toxic metals and appears to stabilize the plaque to avoid heart attacks and strokes.


See The Courier (click here), Feb. 23, 2010, p. A6.

New Recommendations for Plavix Trade One Problem for Another

Plavix is used to prevent clotting that leads to future heart attacks after angioplasty with stents. Recent studies indicate that a much higher dose during the first week after these procedures might prevent 6 more heart attacks for every 1000 patients treated. However, this treatment will also cause 3 more severe bleeding episodes. Which would you like least, a brain hemorrhage or a repeat heart attack? Personally, I would much prefer chelation therapy and/or a combination of fish oils and nattokinase.

See Prescriber’s Letter, (ckick here-subscription required) October, 2009, vol. 16, no. 10, p. 57.

Are Anti-Depressants Safe During Pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy is a risk factor in itself. According to Prescriber’s Letter, Paxil use by the mother can cause birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy. In fact, for mild depression, counseling is now preferred over drug therapy. For severe depression, other drug therapy is still recommended. I would be cautious about herbal therapies, many of which act like drugs. But nutrient therapies, if carefully monitored might be a safer choice than drugs for treating most depression. We like to use various amino acids, such as 5 HTP, while measuring neurotransmittors to be sure that levels are therapeutic, not excessive.

See Prescriber’s Letter (click here,supscription required) October, 2009, vol. 16, no. 10, p. 56.

H1N1 Flu is Spreading Widely but Effects are Usually Mild

Prescriber’s Letter published CDC guidelines on the H1N1 (swine flu), pointing out that about 97% of circulating influenza flu viruses this winter are H1N1. Of course, immunizations are widely recommended (even though they contain mercury). Seniors are lowest priority because of previous lifetime exposure. Treatment with Tamiflu or Relenza is recommended only for severe cases because resistance is emerging. H1N1 does not appear to be any more severe than other flu viruses for the general population. A new study in Canada contends that those who received a regular flu shot have a higher risk of coming down with H1N1. Our recommendation is to use a homeopathic (Mucococcinium) once every two weeks as a prophylactic and to be sure you are taking enough vitamin D (usually 1000-2000 iu for children and 5000 iu for adults.

See Prescriber’s Letter (click here, subscription required), October, 2009, vol. 16, no. 10, p. 55.

Clinical Trials of Limited Value When Studying Supplements

Epidemiologic or observational studies often indicate the positive effects of nutrient and biological substances such as vitamins C, D and E and Selenium and Magnesium, but large, double-blind trials do not confirm the benefit. The reason for this discrepancy was discussed in an article in Family Practice News. Dr. Paul Coates, director of the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements acknowledged that researchers might be designing the trials wrong, expecting nutrients to act like drugs (that block actions of the body rather than enhance normal function). At a meeting sponsored by the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Jeffrey Bland pointed out that nutrients exert subtle, nonspecific effects on multiple pathways, creating many variables that are impossible to study with controlled clinical trials, whose purpose is to limit variables. Certainly, integrative physicians see the positive benefits of nutrient therapy every day, and there is no doubt that nutrients are much safer and cheaper than prescription drugs.

See Family Practice News (click here), February 1, 2010, p. 55.

White Coat Hypertension is not Benign!

An Italian Study showed that blood pressure elevations that appear to occur just in the doctor’s office are just as dangerous as sustained hypertension. Both the blood pressure and the weight increased substantially more in the group with White Coat hypertension than in the consistent hypertension group. Both groups developed an equal amount of left ventricular hypertrophy. Medications are often needed to control hypertension. However, we also like to use nutrients, herbs and lifestyle changes in place of or in addition to drugs. The Kaufman technique by neutralizing trigger points with gentle hand pressure can give long-lasting results as well.

See the HARVEST study (click here, subscription required) Dr. Lucio Mos, chief investigator, reported at the annual session of the American Heart Association.