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The Clinical Picture of Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone plays a central role in energy metabolism and immune competence. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism is essential to restoring health. But most physicians rely too much on questionably reliable blood tests, and not enough on what their eyes and their patients are telling them. This photo gallery, compiled by Roby Mitchell, MD, reveals the common clinical signs of hypothyroidism.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Chronic Fatigue, Cardiomyopathy & Oxidative Stress: New Thinking Opens New Approaches
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), one of the most vexing conditions for patients and doctors alike, reflects a state of oxygen toxicity, and management of oxidative stress appears to be a key to reversing the fatigue, pain, and neuropsychological complaints associated with this disorder, says Paul R. Cheney, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the clinical research of CFS.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Mushroom-Derived Compound Boosts Immune System Function in the Elderly
Immune system function tends to diminish with advancing age, leaving many elderly people more susceptible to influenza, common colds, and pneumonia, as well as various cancers. A new study shows Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC), a mushroom-derived compound used in Japan as an adjunct in treatment of cancer and hepatitis, can boost T-cell mediated immune function in otherwise healthy elders.
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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Helping Women with Osteoarthritis: Share Your Clinical Experience!
New studies are showing that, like cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis affects women differently than it does men. Women tend to have more severe pain, in more joints simultaneously, and the diseaes often has a far greater psychosocial impact. To better understand how joint disorders affect women and to identify strategies that can improve care, Holistic Primary Care is collaborating with Joyn, makers of the SheaFlex 70 joint health supplement, and Everydayhealth.com, one of the nation’s largest online health communities, on a first-of-its-kind survey of doctors and patients. We invite your participation!
Vol. 9, No. 3. Fall, 2008
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IV Nutritional Therapies: Infusions Overcome Limitations of Oral Supplementation
The intravenous use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and other important nutrients has a long and venerable history in American medicine. For many decades, IV nutrition has been underutilized, but a growing number of doctors are re-discovering the potential value, especially for patients with compromised digestive function who may not benefit from oral nutritional supplements.
Vol. 9, No. 2. Summer, 2008
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Copper Deficiency May Underlie Osteoporosis, Anemia & Neurodegenerative Disorders
Copper seldom gets the attention lavished on other minerals like calcium and magnesium, but it is an essential factor for myelination of nerves, activation of immune system cells, synthesis of collagen and formation of hemoglobin. Copper deficiency, which is very common, may underlie anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, and it may even mimic multiple sclerosis. Drugs that suppress stomach acid, as well as zinc and vitamin C supplements, contribute to copper deficiency.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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Can Vitamin D & Calcium Reduce Diabetes Risk?
A recent metanalysis by Tufts researchers shows a clear correlation between vitamin D deficiency and increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes. The data also suggest that combined supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may prevent progression to diabetes in high-risk individuals.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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Dark Chocolate: A Good Treat-ment For Hypertension; Soy Staves Off Bone Loss
A daily 6 gram dose of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate can induce small but clinically meaningful blood pressure reductions, and it's a lot more patient friendly than low-salt diets or antihypertensive drugs. Genistein, one of the key isoflavones from soy, actually increases bone mineral density in women at risk for osteoporosis.
Vol. 9, No. 1. Spring, 2008
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New Data Reveal Anti-Inflammatory, Cartilage-Sparing Effect of Shea Extract in Osteoarthritis
A new study of 89 people with osteoarthritis shows that a triterpene extract from Shea nut butter can markedly reduce inflammation and collagen breakdown, leading to improvement in symptoms and better joint function.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Japanese Researchers Find Ampelopsis Vine Harbors Potential Hepatitis Therapy
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata aka Porcelainberry, a rapidly growing vine in the grape family, has become a bane of many American gardeners and landscapers, owing to its rapid and invasive growth. In Japan, it has been used as a medicinal for centuries. Recent research suggests the "grapes" from this plant can halt liver fibrosis and improve liver function in people with hepatitis.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Is Acupuncture Useful in Treating Hypertension?
By reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in treating mild-to-moderate hypertension. In some cases, it can obviate the need for antihypertensive drugs which often have a lot of side effects. Researchers at the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, are learning how acupuncture works at the neuronal level.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Hypothyroidism: Very Common But Easily Missed
Hypothyroidism is often missed because doctors rely exclusively on blood levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). But for many patients, the problem is that the immune system creates antibodies to enzymes and receptors involved in converting and processing the hormones. Blood levels may be normal, but these antibodies prevent the hormones from doing their job.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Ecology and Public Health: Healing the Web of Life
Environmental issues are inseparable from health care issues. Physicians need to renew their commitments to public health and join forces with environmental scientists. The American Holistic Medical Association’s 2007 conference provided an historic forum for clinicians, activists and eco-researchers to share data and explore practical solutions at the individual and ecosystem levels.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Is Diabetes an Environmental Illness?
People tend not to think of diabetes as being related to environmental toxin exposure, but three recently published studies indicate a strong correlation between onset of type 2 diabetes and increased blood levels of hormonally-active pollutants.
Vol. 8, No. 4. Winter, 2007
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Sustainable Weight Loss: Understanding Famine Physiology and the Psychology of Obesity
In 2001, Jon Abrams was a successful fast-track Wall Streeter. He was also morbidly obese, weighing over 400 lb. Despite disciplined dieting on everything from Atkins to Zone, he couldn’t lose weight, until he began to understand why his body wanted to be fat. Speaking at the American Holistic Medical Association’s annual conference, he shared lessons learned on his journey back to fitness.
Vol. 8, No. 3. Fall, 2007
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Mostly Ocean: A New Wave of Interest Quinton’s Marine Therapy
More than 100 years ago, French physiologist Rene Quinton described similarities between human blood plasma and ocean water, and he established a whole system of "marine therapies," making use of specially harvested seawater to treat everything from skin rashes to tuberculosis. Today, a new generation of clinicians worldwide are discovering the salutary effects of Quinton’s "Marine Plasma."
Vol. 8, No. 3. Fall, 2007
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Obesity in Women: Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Calcium May Be Valuable Allies
Obesity is especially common among women. Recent studies show that women can lose small but clinically meaningful amounts of weight through the Atkins, Zone, Ornish or LEARN diet regimens. Conjugated linoleic acid may be a valuable ally in weight loss. Calcium supplementation may also help.
Vol. 8, No. 3. Fall, 2007
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Ecology and Public Health: Healing the Web of Life
Environmental issues are inseparable from health care issues. Physicians need to renew their commitments to public health and join forces with environmental scientists. The American Holistic Medical Association’s 2007 conference provided an historic forum for clinicians, activists and eco-researchers to share data and explore practical solutions at the individual and ecosystem levels.
Online Only. Fall, 2007
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Is Diabetes an Environmental Illness?
People tend not to think of diabetes as being related to environmental toxin exposure, but three recently published studies indicate a strong correlation between onset of type 2 diabetes and increased blood levels of hormonally-active pollutants.
Online Only. Fall, 2007
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For Psoriasis Patients, Olive Polyphenols May Provide Relief
What began as a serendipitous observation during a cardiovascular trial could be a beacon of hope for individuals with severe psoriasis. Antioxidant compounds found in water pressed out of olives during oil-making, can down-regulate the inflammation underlying the skin symptoms. In some cases, this results in dramatic clinical improvements.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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The Naturopathic Approach for Psoriasis
Conventional drug therapies for this common and devastating skin disease squelch inflammatory processes thought to be responsible for the symptoms. The naturopathic approach involves identifying and reducing the antigens that trigger psoriatic flares, and reducing inflammation through dietary and botanical interventions.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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Angelica Extract Brings New Mechanism to Bear on Alzheimer's Disease
In the 100 years since Dr. Alois Alzheimer described the devastating brain disease that bears his name, neurologists have learned a lot about the disease process, but there have been few treatment advances. Korean researchers have found that substances from Angelica gigans, an Asian medicinal plant, reduces amyloid plaque formation and improve cognitive function in people with early Alzheimer's disease.
Vol. 8, No. 2. Summer, 2007
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In the Thick of It: Blood Viscosity Emerges as Key Heart Risk Factor
Blood viscosity, the actual thickness of a person's blood, is emerging as an important risk factor for heart disease: thicker blood means higher risk. New technology will soon enable doctors to measure viscosity routinely. Best of all, an enzyme derived from the Japanese soy food called natto, can effectively lower blood viscosity with minimal risk of side effects.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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The Vascular Roots of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the end result of the same disease process that leads to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, according to Dr. Phil Cheras, an Australian investigator whose research shows that the vessels supplying the joints in patients with osteoarthritis become blocked with blood clots and lipid droplets. The good news is that triterpene compounds derived from the African shea nut can reverse this process in many patients with this devastating disease.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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A Golden Wonder: Turmeric Compounds Trigger Apoptosis in Lymphoma, Lower LDL Cholesterol
Long valued for its culinary zing, turmeric also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds. New data suggest that it could be an ally in treating certain types of lymphoma, and also that it reduces "bad" cholesterol.
Vol. 8, No. 1. Spring, 2007
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Basic Supplements for Reversing Metabolic Syndrome
Lipoic Acid, Green Tea Extract, and Fish Oils are among the cornerstone supplements for helping people improve their glucose metabolism and preventing diabetes.
Vol. 7, No. 4. Winter, 2006
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Whole Grains Mean a Whole Lot Less Diabetes
Black women who eat whole grains at least once daily had a 30% reduction in diabetes risk, according to data from a massive 8-year survey involving more than 40,000 subjects.
Vol. 7, No. 4. Winter, 2006
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Resisting Insulin Resistance: Early Detection, Intensive Nutritional Therapy is Key
The metabolic syndrome-the stepping stone to type 2 diabetes-can be reversed without pharmaceuticals, if it is caught early enough. Dr. Mark Houston, a leader in applying functional medicine to this increasingly common problem, says new diagnostic tests and better understanding of the disease process can help identify at-risk individuals much earlier.
Vol. 7, No. 4. Winter, 2006
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Inflammation, Autoimmune Reactions Underlie Many Common Thyroid Problems
Effective management of thyroid problems requires an approach that goes beyond simply manipulating thyroid hormones. Many thyroid problems are related to underlying inflammatory processes, environmental toxin exposure and dietary factors. A guide to assessing and treating thyroid disorders from a holistic viewpoint.
Vol. 7, No. 3. fall, 2006
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Low Vitamin D, High Blood Pressure Plague Obese Children & Adolescents
Two recent studies of inner-city youth show that vitamin D deficiency and high-blood pressure correlate strongly with obesity. The former problem is fairly easy to treat, through vitamin D supplementation. The latter presents a major clinical challenge.
Vol. 7, No. 2. Summer, 2006
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Obesity: WAT's Up With That?
White Adipose Tissue (WAT), the raw material of love handles, secretes a wide range of signaling substances that can radically change metabolism. Dr. Jay Udani reviews the new science emerging on this topic, and explains why it becomes progressively more difficult for obese people to lose weight, even when they try very hard.
Vol. 7, No. 2. Summer, 2006
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High-Dose Vitamin D Shows Anti-Inflammatory Effects in CHF
Vitamin D deficiency correlates strongly with many heart disease risk factors. A new study from Germany shows that vitamin D supplementation produces beneficial anti-inflammatory changes in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Vol. 7, No. 2. Summer, 2006
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Amino Acid Therapy for Autism: Quelling The Nervous System on Fire
Neurotransmitter testing is revealing much about the nature of autism. Kids with this condition have extremely high levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, and very low inhibitory neurotransmitters. Basically, they're constantly on overload. Carefully guided nutritional therapy can make a profound difference in their lives.
Vol. 7, No. 2. Summer, 2006
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Iodine Therapy Gains Favor for Thyroid Problems, Chronic Fatigue
Iodine, once a mainstay medical therapy that was largely abandoned after WWII, is experiencing something of a resurgence for treatment of thyroid problems, chronic fatigue, women's health problems, and even diabetes.
Vol. 6, No. 4. Winter, 2005
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Coping with the Challenge of Celiac Disease
Once thought to be relatively rare, celiac disease is actually very common, and physicians need to pay more attention to it. A naturopathic physician who has the condition herself offers insights on diagnosing, treating and living with this complex digestive disease.
Vol. 6, No. 4. Winter, 2005
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The Staff of Aesculapius and the Medicine Wheel
Few American communities have been as hard-hit by diabetes as the Native American communities in the Southwest, where Type-2 diabetes affects up to 50% of all adults. Don Warne, MD, an Oglala Lakota physician, approaches the problem with a combination of allopathic medicine and traditional healing practices aimed at addressing the spiritual, cultural and social factors that drive the epidemic.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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Why is Glucose Monitoring So Difficult?
The data are clear: diabetics who monitor their blood glucose daily are much more able to keep their sugars in the healthy range than those who do not. Yet many people with diabetes find it extremely difficult to stay on top of the monitoring.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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Improving the Pancreas-Kidney Marriage: A Yogic View of Diabetes
Ayurvedic medicine and yoga view diabetes as the result of a poor marriage between the kidneys and the pancreas. This, like most illnesses, arises when organ systems are in disharmony. Bikram Choudhury, founder of the popular Bikram style of yoga, sees yoga as a way of entraining greater unity and accord among the organs.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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The CADRE Summit Growing Evidence Supports Role of Chromium in Prevention, Treatment of Diabetes
The trace element chromium, in the form of chromium picolinate, is proving to be an effective treatment for insulin resistance. Though the mechanisms are not precisely understood, clinical data show that chromium increases insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. A summary of data presented at a meeting of the Council for Advancement of Diabetes Research and Education.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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Stemming the Diabetes Tidal Wave: A Comprehensive Holistic Approach
Type 2 diabetes has its roots in metabolic dysfunctions that begin decades before the symptoms appear. Lev Linkner, MD, a holistic family physician, defines a comprehensive, multimodal approach to preventing and treating these underlying metabolic problems.
Vol. 4, No. 3. July, 2003
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