Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Scientist Examines Possible Link Between Antibiotics and Obesity - NYTimes.com

Scientist Examines Possible Link Between Antibiotics and  Obesity - NYTimes.com
In Some Cases, Even Bad Bacteria May Be Good

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/01/health/scientist-examines-possible-link-between-antibiotics-and-obesity.html

By KATE MURPHY

THE HYPOTHESIS
Overuse of antibiotics increases the risk of obesity.

THE INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Martin Blaser, New York University Langone Medical Center.

Overuse of antibiotics has led to the creation of drug-resistant bacteria ­ so-called superbugs, like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. But now some researchers are exploring an equally unsettling possibility: Antibiotic abuse may also be contributing to the increasing incidence of obesity, as well as allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux.

Among those sounding the alarm is Dr. Martin Blaser, a professor of microbiology at New York University Langone Medical Center. In a commentary published in August in the journal Nature, he asserted that antibiotics are permanently altering microbial flora of the human body, also known as the microbiome or microbiota, with serious health consequences.

The human gut in particular is home to billions of bacteria, but little is known about this hidden ecosystem. Take Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with an increased risk of ulcers and gastric cancer. Many doctors are quick to prescribe antibiotics to kill it even when the patient has no symptoms.

But in 1998, in a paper published in the British Medical Journal, Dr. Blaser was more circumspect, arguing that H. pylori might not be such a bad actor after all. “We’re talking about a bug that’s been in the human gut for at least 58,000 years,” Dr. Blaser said in an interview. “There’s probably a reason for that.”

His lab has since produced a stream of findings supporting his suspicion. Dr. Blaser and his colleagues discovered, for instance, that the stomach behaves differently after a course of antibiotics eradicates resident H. pylori.

After a meal, levels of ghrelin, a hunger hormone secreted in the stomach, are supposed to fall. But in subjects without H. pylori, the amount of ghrelin in the bloodstream held steady, in essence telling the brain to keep eating.

Moreover, mice in Dr. Blaser’s lab fed antibiotics in dosages similar to those given to children to treat ear and throat infections — which is enough to kill H. pylori in many patients — had marked increases in body fat even though their diets remained the same. (Indeed, farmers have long given antibiotics to livestock to promote weight gain without increasing caloric intake.)

Thes! e results dovetail with research by Peter Turnbaugh, a Harvard University geneticist, in collaboration with Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, a gastroenterologist at Washington University in St. Louis. They have found that the ratios of various bacteria in the guts of obese mice and obese humans were significantly different from those of lean controls, suggesting that altering the stomach’s microbial balance with antibiotics might put patients at risk for gaining weight.

Antibiotic overuse may be the root of other health problems, too. An epidemiologist at New York University, Yu Chen, has found an inverse correlation between H. pylori infection and childhood-onset asthma, hay fever and skin allergies in 7,600 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey.

Observation research has shown that the elimination of H. pylori actually increases the risk of gastric reflux, which is itself associated with asthma as well as esophageal diseases. Researchers in Switzerland and Germany have reported that mice given H. pylori actually are protected against asthma.

Dr. Barry Marshall, the professor of clinical biology at the University of Western Australia in Perth who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2005 for his part in the discovery of H. pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, had a more measured reaction. “I’ve never killed anyone giving them antibiotics for H. pylori, but people have been killed who didn’t get antibiotics to get rid of it,” he said.

Patients whose internal flora are disrupt by antibiotics tend to reacquire the bugs over time, particularly if the person lives with others, Dr. Marshall said.

Nevertheless, he agreed with Dr. Blaser that antibiotics are overused and even said he foresaw a day when a detoxified strain of H. pylori might be administered as a treatment for conditions like obesity and asthma.

But wider use of antibiotics may be wreaking havoc far beyond that resulting from the loss of H. pylori. “We have so far focused on H. pylori because we have the diagnostic tests to detect it, but you could say H. pylori is an indicator organism for what is probably a vast and disappearing microbiota and increasing disease risk,” said Dr. Blaser.

The National Institutes of Health shares his concern, not only awarding him a $6.5 million grant last year to investigate the role of the disappearing microbiota in the current obesity epidemic but also allocating $115 million in 2008 to fund the Human Microbiome Project, which proposes to identify microbes that reside on and within a healthy human being.

“You can think of it as the second human genome project, where we will sequence the genes of the tremendous diversity of bacteria that populate our bodies,” said Julie Segre, senior investigator at the N.I.H.’s Human Genome Research Institute. “We will take samples from 200 healthy volunteer! s to get an idea of what is a normal, healthy microbiota.”

It’s an ambitious project, given that bodily bacteria outnumber human cells 10 to one. But researchers involved in the effort said advances in DNA sequencing technology make it an achievable goal. The effort is so far focusing only on microbes on the skin and in the nose, mouth, gut and genital area.

Dr. David Relman, professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University, said the Human Microbiome Project is important because it’s not just antibiotics that are changing the human microbiota: “Many aspects of modern life, including diet, smaller families, more hygienic practices and improved public sanitation, are affecting our bacterial communities.”

Getting a genetic snapshot of bacteria populating humans today would provide a benchmark for tracking further degradation and resulting disorders.

“We need to get an understanding of how our microbial communities operate and what to feed them so they will bloom again,” said Dr. Relman. “It’s intriguing and entirely possible that in the future we will get a cocktail of strains and species of bacteria to repair the collateral damage that antibiotics and other practices have done to our inner ecology.”

Dr. Blaser’s ideas have not always been popular, but he is gratified by the gathering interest in the human microbiome and its links to health. “I know I am now doing the most important work of my career,” he said.

 

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Article - Homeopathy vs. Naturopathy/Herbal Medicine

Question: Is homeopathy the same as naturopathy and herbal medicine?
Answer: No.

Homeopaths, herbalists and naturopaths each encourage good health through nutritious food, clean air and water, sunlight, regular exercise, and supportive relationships they usually treat health problems – but according to very different principles.

The underlying principle of homeopathy is the Law of Similars, also known as 'like treats like'.

By it, homeopaths use substances in potentized form.  This is done by using a process called titration and many dilutions, depending on the potency.  The potentized homeopathic remedies will mimic the very symptoms of the unwell person has, in order to stimulate a healing response from the body.

Naturopathic and herbal treatments do not use this principle - except by accident. Treatments that oppose, palliate or suppress symptoms are usually prescribed in these methods. 

While medicines or remedies used by naturopaths and herbalists are likely to be less risky than their conventional counterparts, they won't be able to trigger a healing response from the body unless that 'like treats like' effect is present.

Instead, symptoms will be suppressed or palliated for the short-term and this is often done at the risk of deeper chronic problems arising in the future. In contrast, the homeopathic effect of mimicking symptoms works with the body rather than against it and so supports its efforts to heal. 

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Natural Insect Repellents!

Happy Summer!

 

Keeping bugs away with a conventional insect spray can help, but many insect repellants leave skin and clothing oily and smelling like heavy chemicals, some that are toxic. 

 

Some examples of natural ingredients which may already be in your cupboard and work to ward off summer insects include…..

·         Natural mint leaves and grinding it up into a paste, diluting with water and putting in a spray bottle for use as bug spray.

·         Chopped peppers also work when watered down in a spray.

·         Pure vanilla extract can also be rubbed behind the ears, on the neck, and wrists to ward off pests.

·         Cinnamon oil is very effective, but should not be applied in raw form to skin.

·         Lavender oil or a lavender flower rubbed behind the neck and ears helps keep the bugs away, and provides a pleasant fragrance. 

·         Catnip oil has ten times the effectiveness of DEET repellent. 

·         Celery extract keeps bugs away

·         And eating a diet rich in garlic also helps.

 

 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tip: Homeopathy and Traveling by Airplane Through Security

Here is an airplane travel tip regarding homeopathic remedies:

According to the TSA website, homeopathic remedies are considered medication and fall under the same regulations.

 

Here are the details, which state you have the right to request a visual inspection rather than x-ray, and how to do that:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#4

 

 

Saturday, April 2, 2011

World Homeopathy Awareness Week -- April 10-16!

World Homeopathy Awareness Week is April 10-16!

It always begins on April 10, Hahnemann's birthday. This year's annual international campaign to promote homeopathy around the globe is Musculoskeletal Well-Being. To learn more, visit the World Homeopathy Awareness site.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

April 1 - Intro to Homeopathy Online/Email Classes - 2 different ones!

Please see below about On-Line Homeopathy Classes!

 

All classes are taught by Sheri Nakken Email: homeopathycuresyou@gmail.com

 

Please REGISTER ON-LINE at the links below.

April 1      Introduction to Homeopathy Online/Email Classes

I've had a HUGE interest in my homeopathy online/email class that I have been teaching for nearly 9 years now.

I have created 2 introductory classes - one that is 4 months (and then has an optional Part 2) and one that is 6 weeks (and has optional Part 2 & Part 3 for those who want to go further.)

A. Introduction to Homeopathy, Part 1 of 2 - 4 month course - next class starts Friday, April 1, 2011 - for those that have the time and dedication (or a background in use of homeopathy) to really get into the laws and principles and how to take a case, repertorize and find & give a remedy.

B. Introduction to Homeopathy, Part 1 of 3 - 6 week course - next class starts Friday, April 1, 2011 - for those that don't have much time to devote to learning homeopathy in detail as in above 4 month course - this is a shorter, easier, quick introduction so you can get started using homeopathy right away (then there are further classes if you want to go into it more deeply after this shorter Part 1.)

All classes are taught by:
Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath   
Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Washington State, USA
Vaccines - http://vaccinationdangers.wordpress.com/
Homeopathy http://homeopathycures.wordpress.com
Vaccine Dangers, Childhood Disease Classes & Homeopathy Online/email courses - next classes start March 25 & April 1

 

Monday, March 21, 2011

Article: Prepare, Don't Panic Article by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny

Prepare, Don't Panic Dr. Sherri Tenpenny

While our thoughts and prayers go out to persons in Japan and their families, across the country, concerns about the potential for nuclear exposure are in our thoughts here at home. 

According to the media and government experts, Americans on the West Coast are not at high risk for radioactive fallout.

 

But as large aftershocks continue to occur, the world may only be one hard shake away from a global disaster. It's not too early for everyone in North America to prepare. But what is the best course of action? Read Dr. Tenpenny's important blog post about what you should do. 

http://tenpennyimc.com/Blog/post/2011/03/17/Prepare-but-dont-overreact.aspx

Prepare But Don't Overreact

Thursday, 17 March 2011 09:24 by Dr Sherri

NaturalNews.com is putting out a lot of good information about the uses of iodine and disaster planning. I'm working on an article about iodine that will be done soon. In the mean time, I wanted to share a few important points.

Iodine chemistry, iodine/thyroid issues are really complex. When it is ingested, it is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and duodenum. Iodate, widely used in salt iodization, is reduced in the gut and absorbed as iodide. Iodine doesn't stay in the blood stream for very long; under normal circumstances, it has either been absorbed into tissues or eliminated by the kidneys in less than 12 hours.

In my experience, you won't know how you will respond to iodine until you start taking it. In some, iodine is truly the "cure" to a long list of ailments. In others, it can cause a lot of problems and side effects. Iodine can correct Hashimoto's thyroiditis in some; in others, especially those who are low in selenium, it can *cause* Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid). Given the necessity of iodine for life, it is not clear why some people react to iodine in salt or seafood. Side effects can include gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, epigastric pain, and diarrhea), significant total-body rash, and something called "iodide fever". Toxic reactions generally require large doses, but some people are very sensitive and even small doses can cause a reaction. For patients on thyroid medications, taking iodine can effect their required dosage -- they may require less...or more. In almost everyone, the TSH will go up while on iodine, as explained below.

It takes 150 micrograms per day to prevent a goiter, but iodine is also required for the rest of the body requires more. For example, 3000 mcg/day (3mg) is necessary to keep breasts healthy and it has been recommended that approximately 12,000 mcg/day (12mg/d) is needed to keep the entire body healthy. The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for iodine is the amount expected to meet the needs of 50% of people in a specific age group, based on a review of the medical/scientific literature. The government also suggests something called the UL, the Upper Limit dose that most healthy people can tolerate without a side effect. Here is a table that gives an idea of the recommended amounts for you and your children. Up to 10 times these amounts, if added gradually, will not cause a problem.

Iodine is necessary for health of many organs including the pancreas, liver, and mucosa of gastric, small, and large intestine, nasopharynx, choroid plexus and the ciliary body of the eye, the skin, and the following glands: saliva, lacrimal (tear ducts) and both lactating and non-lactating mammary glands. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) increases the activity of the Sodium-Iodine Symporter (NIS) that drives iodine into the thyroid and into the cells of the other organs. That is the reason that the TSH blood levels increase when patients are taking iodine -- the TSH is needed to drive iodine into the cells.

Since many, if not most, people in the US and Canada are at least mildly iodine deficient, it is necessary to gradually increase the amount of iodine in your diet or as supplementation to avoid complications of suddenly introducing large amounts into your diet. Rapid addition of iodine can cause a list of side effects including thyroid suppression, palpitations, and skin rashes. Interestingly, a sudden increase in iodine intake may be linked to the development of a goiter, which is paradoxical since most goiters are linked to iodine deficiency.

The best way to be proactive is to start adding foods into your diet that are very high in iodine. Here’s a short list:

* Kelp (sea vegetable) – ¼ ounce, 415.00 mcg

* Yogurt (low-fat) – 1 cup, 87.22 mcg

* Cow’s milk (2%) – 1 cup, 58.56 mcg

* Egg (whole, boiled) – 1 each, 23.76 mcg

* Sardines and mackerel, fish with the highest iodine concentrations have approximately 250 µg of iodine/100 g

* Strawberries – 1 cup, 12.96 mcg

* Seaweed is particularly rich in iodine: that is, concentrations are 100-1000 times higher than in fish.  Kombu, a commonly consumed seaweed, contains approximately 130,000 µg of iodine/100 g

Other foods with small amounts iodine include Miso soup, spirulina, chlorella, brassica vegetables, beans and lentils. Cod liver oil and olive oil have vitamin A and D, both important for overall health.

When taking iodine supplements, it is important to also take the mineral selenium (100-200mcg/day). Selenium interacts uniquely with iodine. It has antioxidant properties and protects the thyroid during the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is also important for both activation and inactivation of thyroid hormone at the cellular level.  Increasing iodine foods and/or adding supplments slowly is a reasonable response to the current conditions. Potassium iodide, whose chemical formula is KI, is the recommended form of iodine to take in the event of radiation exposure because it saturates the thyroid gland. Once saturated, the thyroid – and the body – cannot absorb radioactive iodine if the tissues are saturated with healthy iodine. Another form of iodine, potassium iodate, is second option. Potassium iodate includes one molecule of oxygen that not only extends the product's shelf life, but helps to eliminate the bitter taste of potassium iodide. While KI has been the most studied, both types of the tablets can provide protection. 

While iodine is sold primarily as a supplement, it deserves respect. Consuming anything other than small quantities should be done under the supervision of a physician or healthcare provider familiar with its chemical quirks. This is especially true if you are taking thyroid medication or have other thyroid problems. Taking massive dosages of iodine, such as the government- recommended 130 mg/day in the event of a radiation exposure, is definitely not necessary, unless you are right next to the reactor. Massive doses should be reserved for only extreme and confirmed exposures. In fact, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine done to determine the dose of KI in the event of a nuclear accident or fallout have shown that a single dose of 30 mg of iodine will suppress the uptake of radioactive iodine to less than 1.5% within 24 hr, Daily doses of 15 mg will maintain uptake of radioactive iodine below 2%.

It is always good to be prepared. In this instance, it is really important to not overreact.



 

Dangers of Gardasil (HPV) - Watch 5 minute video

Please view this 5 min video “Gardasil Vaccine Victims and Deaths” at http://bit.ly/eLj4Th 

 

This video was made to share with doctors and nurses for them to consider stopping Gardasil use in their offices.

Webpage is linked at bottom of above video http://www.DutytoInform.org

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Bestselling New Book Vaccine Epidemic Released

Buy Here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D1616082720/wellwithinA/002-5765073-2088068

Bestselling Book, Vaccine Epidemic, Released Today

Epidemic: How Corporate Greed, Biased Science, and Coercive Government Threaten Our Human Rights, Our Health, and Our Children.

An Amazon Reviewer Tells You Why to Read Vaccine Epidemic:

With the tone that has overwhelmed the media coverage of the debate over America's childhood vaccination program... it is a refreshing surprise to find a book that adopts an entirely different tone. Habakus and Holland, an activist/advocate and a legal scholar, edit a book that is calm, cool, and collected, as it makes the case for vaccination choice as a fundamental human right. The two editors bring together essays by attorneys, epidemiologists, scientists, historians, and others to illuminate all angles of this complex issue, including the historical basis for government-mandated vaccination, the U.S. and international legal framework that is at odds with current U.S. vaccine policy, and the science that shows just how far we are from being able to say that current U.S. vaccine policy is worth the risks it poses.

Habakus and Holland take a clear stand: they believe that parents have the right to choose not to vaccinate their children. However, they invite people who disagree with them to read the book--and given the tone of civil discourse with which the book's argument is imbued, this invitation should be accepted. America's childhood vaccination program is a matter of public policy whose time has come to revisit, and in light of the evidence marshaled by Habakus and Holland, to change.

 

 

 

Homeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox

Homeopathic Remedies for Chicken Pox
http://www.homeopathyforwomen.org/chicken_pox.htm

Chicken pox is a common childhood viral illness. Many cases are mild; however, those that are uncomfortable can often be helped with homeopathy. Fatigue and low fever typically begin ten days to three weeks from the time of exposure.
A flat red rash comes out, transforms into pimples, then develops into blisters that eventually break and harden into itchy crusts.
If fever is very high and persistent, or if a person seems to be extremely ill, consult a licensed physician.
Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be indicated when eruptions are large and slow to emerge. The child feels sweaty, fussy, and may be nauseous with a white-coated tongue. If chest congestion with a rattling cough develops, or a bubbly sound on breathing, Antimonium tartaricum is likely to be the appropriate remedy.
Antimonium crudum: A child who needs this remedy usually is irritable and may object to being touched or looked at. The eruptions are sore, and touching them may bring on shooting pains.
Apis mellifica: When this remedy is indicated, the skin around the eruptions is pink and puffy and very itchy, with stinging pains. The eyelids may also be swollen. The person feels worse from warmth, is irritable, and usually is not thirsty.
Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when a child is hot and feverish, with a red flushed face, and eyes that are sensitive to light. A pounding headache may be felt, accompanied by either restlessness or drowsiness. The rash usually is red, with a feeling of heat and throbbing.
Bryonia: When fever persists for several days during chicken pox, and a dry nagging cough develops, this remedy may be useful. The person’s mouth is dry, with thirst for long cold drinks. The person may be very grumpy, feel worse from motion, and dislike being interfered with in any way.
Mercurius solubilis: This remedy may be indicated if eruptions are large and become infected. The child is very sensitive to temperature changes and feels worse at night. Perspiration and drooling during sleep, swollen lymph nodes, and offensive breath are strong indications for Mercurius.
Pulsatilla: A child who needs this remedy is often sweet and tearful when ill and wants a lot of attention and comforting. Itching and other discomforts are worse from warmth and in stuffy rooms, and improved by cool fresh air. The person is rarely thirsty, even during fever.
Rhus toxicodendron: This remedy is useful in cases of chicken pox with tremendous itching that is worse from scratching and relieved by warm baths or applying heat. The child may be very restless, both physically and mentally. The eyes may become inflamed and sticky. Muscles can ache and feel very stiff, also relieved by warmth and gentle motion. (Some homeopathic physicians recommend Rhus toxicodendron to people who have been exposed to chicken pox, to help prevent infection.)
Sulphur: If itching is so severe that the person finds it impossible to keep from scratching—or if eruptions have a nagging, burning pain—this remedy may bring relief. The symptoms (and the person) become worse from warmth and aggravated after bathing. Both heat and chills are felt during fever. The person may feel drowsy in the afternoon and restless and hot at night.
Urtica urens: Eruptions with stinging, burning pain and itching may be relieved by this remedy. Symptoms are aggravated by exertion and from overheating. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ON-LINE INTRO TO HOMEOPATHY COURSE: New shorter easier 6 week course!

For those of you wanting to know and understand more about homeopathy and prescribing, this is a wonderful on-line class taught by:

Sheri Nakken, former R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath
http://homeopathycures.wordpress.com/ & http://vaccinationdangers.wordpress.com/
ONLINE/Email classes in Homeopathy; Vaccine Dangers; Childhood Diseases

____________________________________________________________

New shorter easier 6 week Intro to Homeopathy class so you can use homeopathy right away!

Sheri writes:

I have been teaching classes online for many years now (by email and online). But some are not able to commit to the 4 months and finish the class. So I have designed a new, shorter easier class so you can begin to use homeopathy right away. Then there will be Part 2 and Part 3 classes to get deeper into it. I really want people to start to learn homeopathy and be able to use it with themselves and their families and decided this would be helpful

Starting a simpler class using a different book (Dana Ullman's Everybody's Guide) that will help you get started sooner (for those who just don't have the time to get into it as deeply as we have in the past Part 1 class).

This is the website for the class:  http://www.wellwithin1.com/homeo2A.htm


Next Class starts Friday February 4, 2011 (6 weeks)

Introduction to Homeopathy On-Line Class - Class #63a - Part 1 of 3 , Basic Level

(Also CEU's for those who are nurses - see below)

I've had a HUGE interest in my homeopathy online class. But I have found after teaching 62 classes online that many can't dedicate 4 months and the time needed to finish the class. So I have divided the class into 3 parts (instead of 2 as before). I have made the first part much more basic and easy to get started with (and then Parts 2 & 3 will be for those who want to go into more depth)

This next class will be the 63rd one and start on Friday February 4, 2011 and I anticipate it will last about 6 weeks. Lessons sent once or twice a week or 2 weeks-worth at a time when I am traveling.

Steps to sign in

  • 1. Create a Googlegroups account and sign on with link below
  • 2. Order the book below
  • 3. Make payment as below

Book:
For USA students - Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines: Safe and Effective Remedies for You and Your Family by Stephen Cummings, Dana Ullman

Cost: For Part 1 is $35.00 (Part 2 or Part 3 will be a separate cost)