Beyond Antibiotics

Comments by Kari J. Kindem, CFHom: Remember that homeopathy beautifully treats all types of infections and illnesses for which antibiotics are often prescribed, ear infections in particular with no damage to the immune system.

BEYOND ANTIBIOTICS

Portions from http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/antibiotics.htm

by Lawrence Wilson, MD

© April 2012, The Center For Development

 

Beyond Antibiotics is the title of a book by two medical doctors, Keith Sehnert, MD and Lendon Smith, MD.  These gutsy authors challenge one of the most sacred cows of conventional medicine, the widespread use of antibiotics.  I have found antibiotics are very rarely needed, and most often they are very harmful.  I have drawn information from the book to write this article.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics at what can only be termed an incredible rate.  According to several studies done around the year 2000, obstetricians and gynecologists wrote 2,645,000 antibiotic prescriptions every week.  Internists prescribed 1,416,000 per week.  This works out to 211,172,000 prescriptions annually, just for the two specialties!  Pediatricians prescribe over $500 million worth of antibiotics annually just for one condition, ear infections.
       

The intent of this article is not to suggest that antibiotics should never be used.  They can be life-saving.  However, many health authorities are beginning to admit that antibiotics are overprescribed and toxic, creating many subtle problems that are worse than the original condition.  Let us examine antibiotics more carefully in light of recent findings.

 

MYTHS ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS        

Among the prevalent myths about antibiotics are the following three:

       

Myth #1. Antibiotics are responsible for the decline in infectious disease.  The truth is that antibiotics are helpful for many infections.  However, antibiotics have not resulted in the elimination of infectious diseases by themselves.

In fact, we now have antibiotic-resistant diseases that are much more difficult to treat as a direct result of the use of antibiotics such as certain strains of gonorrhea and tuberculosis, as well as many others that are less well known such as MRSA, a resistant strain of staphylococcus.  These cause many deaths, especially in hospitals.
       

In Beyond Antibiotics, the authors use graphs to trace the incidence of the major infectious diseases from 1900 to 1973.  The diseases include measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, pneumonia, influenza, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio.
       

All were in decline for several decades before the introduction of antibiotics or vaccines.  After reviewing the data, researchers John McKinlay and Sonja McKinlay at Boston University concluded that ".. at most, 3.5% of the total decline in mortality since 1900 could be ascribed to medical measures introduced for the diseases considered here".  Improved nutrition and improved sanitation and hygiene were far more important than the 'wonder drugs' or vaccines to reduce these diseases.

 

       

Myth 2. Antibiotics are useful against colds and flu. 

In truth, antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections.  However, many physicians continue to prescribe them for viral conditions such as colds and flu.  The rationale is to prevent secondary bacterial infection.  This would be fine, except for myth #3 below, the dangers of antibiotics. Given the dangers of antibiotics, it is prudent in most cases not to take antibiotics for colds and flu’s.  They can worsen the situation and prolong recovery.

 

       

Myth #3.  Antibiotics are harmless. 

This is the most insidious myth.  It leads to overprescribing and blinds physicians and the public to the dangers of antibiotics, described in the next section.  Meanwhile, safer methods of avoiding and treating infections are ignored on the premise that the antibiotics will take care of everything.
       

The Physicians’ Desk Reference lists the adverse effects of antibiotics.  Anyone who is taking an antibiotic (or any other medication) should read about the adverse effects.  This can help prevent nasty surprises. The interaction between antibiotics and other medications should also be noted.  In addition to the side effects and cautions described in books, antibiotics present other problems that are described below.

 

PROBLEMS WITH ANTIBIOTICS      

The list of problems with antibiotics is quite long.  Some are common and well known.  Others are subtle, but no less important.  I have divided the adverse effects into nine categories:

1) They contribute to cancer. 
A 2008 study of 3,000,000 people divided the participants into groups that had taken no antibiotics for the past two years, those that had taken 2-5 prescriptions and those that had taken six or more prescriptions in the same time period.  Participants were tracked for six years afterwards.  Those who had taken 2-5 antibiotic prescriptions had a 27% increase in cancers compared to those who took none.  Those who took six or more prescriptions had a 37% increase in cancers.  This was a carefully done study on a large group of people and published in a very reputable journal (Int J Cancer 08;123:2152-2155).

Other studies show the same thing.  A National Cancer Institute study in a major medical journal found that the incidence of breast cancer doubled among women who took more than 25 antibiotic prescriptions or took antibiotics for more than 500 days over 17 years (JAMA 04;291:827-835).

       

2. Allergic Reactions. 
I used to worry every time I prescribed penicillin when I was a medical intern.  It had been explained that rarely   patient would have a fatal allergic reaction to it.  I was taught that if I practiced medicine long enough someone would die in my office after a shot of penicillin. While this is uncommon, other allergic reactions to antibiotics occur frequently.  Not only can the drug cause a reaction, but most antibiotics contain chemical colors, sugar and other additives that can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.  

       

3. Destruction Of Beneficial Bowel Flora. 

Like pesticides, antibiotics kill good bugs along with the bad ones.  Wide-spectrum antibiotics are notorious for this.  The human intestine has a somewhat delicate ecology in which certain bugs help digest food, produce certain vitamins, and maintain a balance of organisms that prevents harmful bacteria and yeasts from multiplying. 
       

Wide-spectrum antibiotics derange the normal ecology of the intestine.  This can cause parasitic infection, vitamin deficiencies, loss of minerals through diarrhea, inflammation of the gut, malabsorption syndromes and development of food allergies due to defects in intestinal function.

       

4. Development Of Resistant Species Of Micro-organisms. 

An article in Science Magazine, August 1992, stated, "Doctors in hospitals and clinics around the world are losing the battle against an onslaught of new drug-resistant bacterial infections including staph, pneumonia, strep, tuberculosis, dysentery and other diseases that are costly and difficult, if not impossible, to treat".  Bacteria have a certain ability to mutate.  Antibiotics kill bacteria that are susceptible to their action, but this leaves the field open for mutant strains to multiply even more.  It is a case of survival of the fittest.  The use of antibiotics actually encourages the development of the mutant, drug-resistant super-bacteria.

       

5. Immune Suppression. 

This may sound odd, as the purpose of antibiotics is presumably to help the immune response.  However, evidence indicates that people treated with antibiotics have more repeat infections than those who are not treated.  This is especially true of children whose ear infections are treated with antibiotics.  Vitamin A and C and the use of simple herbs such as Echinacea and astragalus, for example, are much safer and often equally effective.

In fact, antibiotics do not aid the immune system.  They replace one of its functions.  Antibiotics act by inhibiting certain enzymatic processes of bacteria, and by changing mineral balances.  Normal cells, however, are also affected.  This may be one reason why antibiotics weaken the immune response.  Other toxic effects of antibiotics, such as the effect upon the normal bowel flora, may also be a cause.      
       

AIDS research indicates that a risk factor for AIDS is an impaired immune response.  This can be due to a history of repeated antibiotic use.  Perhaps it is no accident the same group with the highest incidence of AIDS is also a group that uses more antibiotics than other groups in America.

The link between antibiotic use and increased cancer rates can also be explained this way.  This topic is discussed in the paragraphs above under #1.

       

6. Overgrowth of Candida Albicans And Other More Dangerous Intestinal Infections. 
Normally, candida albicans, a common yeast, lives peacefully in our intestines and elsewhere, in harmony with other flora that keep the yeast in check.  Take an antibiotic and all of this changes.  By suppressing the normal flora, candida takes over and problems begin.  In its mild form the result is diarrhea or a yeast infection.   
       

Far more serious is the growing problem of chronic muco-cutaneous yeast infection.  This is described in books such as The Yeast Connection and The Yeast Syndrome.  It is a major iatrogenic illness today, and a very debilitating and potentially fatal condition.  One of the prime risk factors for chronic candida infection is repeated antibiotic use.
       

Even more dangerous is that antibiotic use opens the intestines to infection by other species of pathogenic or disease-causing bugs, parasites, yeasts and other types of organisms ranging from amebas to far more toxic ones that can cause all types of systemic damage, as well as damage to the intestinal lining and related areas.      

       

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 
This is another 'new' health plague.  It is associated with chronic viral illness and a weakened immune system.  While its exact origins are not clear, one of the major risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome is - you guessed it - repeated antibiotic use.

8. Nutrient Loss And Resulting Deficiency States. 
Nutrient loss from antibiotics is due in part to diarrhea, which causes a loss of essential minerals.  Destruction of friendly bacteria in the intestines can also impair the synthesis of certain vitamins in the intestines.  While not a major cause of malnutrition, antibiotic usage may be another factor contributing to poor nutrition and thus a weakened body chemistry.

9. Treating Effects, Not Causes. 
Antibiotics only address the end-stage result of a weakened body chemistry - bacterial invasion.  The bacteria may only be there to "mop up" the biological debris that are present because the body is too weak to eliminate the poisons.

Fever is one way the body burns up toxic substances.  Providing it does not get out of hand, the infectious process can serve a useful purpose.  Cutting short the process with antibiotics aborts the cleansing function of a fever and impairs long-term health.
       

Not true, you might say.  However, I believe it is true in some cases because on tissue mineral tests, there are clear indicators of increased susceptibility to infections.  The indicators are: 1) a low energy level, 2) a low sodium/potassium ratio, 3) toxic levels of mercury, copper, or cadmium, and 4) low zinc.
       

In hundreds of cases, when these imbalances are corrected, the tendency for infections decreases drastically.  In other words, healthy people do not get as many infections.  Infections do not strike randomly.  There is a logic to infections, and the underlying causes can be addressed.  
       

This line of reasoning traces back to the famous debate between Pasteur and Beauchamp.  Dr. Pasteur insisted that germs are the cause of disease.  His colleague, Beauchamp, insisted that the health of the host was more important than the germs.
       

On his death bed, Pasteur was said to have declared that Beauchamp was correct - "the host is everything, the germs are nothing".  Orthodox medicine, however, embraced Pasteur's view, and ignored Beauchamp.  It is time to focus more on the person, and less on the germs.

       

10. High Cost. 

While the cost of a single antibiotic prescription may not be extremely high, newer ones are somewhat costly.   The costs are high when the side effects are considered, along with the sheer numbers of prescriptions that are written around the world each day , month and year.
       

Millions of doctor visits and prescriptions for antibiotics add up to a major expense.  While penicillin is not expensive, other newer antibiotics are quite costly.
       

These newer antibiotics are used more frequently today due to the presence of penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria.  We must also include in the cost of antibiotics the cost of allergic reactions, candida albicans infections, repeat infections, development of resistant organisms and immune suppression.    
       

The cost is justified if life is at stake.  However, if less toxic and less costly alternatives can be used, shouldn't these be tried first?  Bringing health care costs under control is not just a matter of eliminating waste and inefficiency.  We need methods of healing that build up the health of the people, not tear it down.

 

REDUCING THE NEED FOR ANTIBIOTICS      

Steps to avoid the need for antibiotics can be divided into two areas: prevention of infection, and alternative treatment of infections.

 

Preventing Infections: 
Preventing infections is a part of taking back control over your life and health.  You can do a lot to prevent infections.  Much of it involves common sense. 

       

1.Cleanliness. 

Wash your hands several times daily, wash wounds carefully, dress properly in cold weather, and obtain adequate rest and sleep.  Proper hygiene and sanitation are measures we often take for granted.         

Also, be careful in restaurants with what you eat.  Eggs are the best, soft boiled if possible.  If they will not make them this way, poached or even fried are best.  Scrambled are not as good.  Please avoid all meats that are not fresh, all dressings unless you know they are fresh and salads unless you are sure they are clean.  Cooked food is much better in restaurants.  Always avoid pork, ham and bacon in restaurants.  Most other foods are safe if cooked adequately.

Also on the subject of cleanliness, be careful in restroom, especially public ones.  Wash your hands before and after using the toilet, ideally, but at least afterwards, and use the towel that you dry your hands with to reach for the door and even the flusher if the room is not clean.  Most public restrooms are filthy.  Do not put clothing, baggage or purses on the floor.

2. Diet, Rest and Sleep. 

Rest and sleep are of utmost importance to avoid infections of all kinds.  In addition, a healthful diet is also most critical.  Adequate intake of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc are important for the immune system. 

Fresh, natural, unsprayed foods contain much higher amounts of nutrients than the processed and artificial 'junk' foods so commonly eaten today.  Do your best to find meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free. 

Drink water that is as pure as possible. Unlike some health authorities, I use bottled water although it is packaged in plastic.  I believe this is better than taking a chance on tap water in most locations.  The best is usually spring or distilled water.

Also, healthful eating habits are almost as important as what you eat.  Eat regular meals, slowly, in a relaxed manner, chew thoroughly and rest after the meal at least five or ten minutes before resuming your regular activities.  Do not eat on the run, but sit quietly without talking on the telephone or driving a car while eating.  

3. Reduce Toxic Exposure. 
Reduce or eliminate your exposure to toxic chemicals from food, air, water or through direct contact with your skin or elsewhere (such as mercury amalgam dental fillings).
Also, breathe air that is as pure as possible.  We realize that in cities this is impossible.  Air purifiers in the home can be helpful in this regard. 
       

Don’t store toxic cleaning agents, solvents and other toxic chemicals inside your home, and look for less toxic alternatives.  Have your silver amalgam dental fillings replaced, if possible, with composite or other, less toxic alternatives.  Mercury used in amalgams is known to inhibit the immune system.

4. Attitudes.
Your thoughts and attitudes affect your immune system more than you may imagine.  Fears, anger, worries and resentments tend to weaken the immune system. 
       

Positive, inspiring thoughts have a beneficial effect on the body.  Spiritual thinking, which is thinking about positive subjects and that God or the high self is present and loving, can even be helpful when  one is ill or to help prevent getting an infection.  However, this is not substitute for cleanliness and the other suggestions in this article.

Positive thinking not enough. 

While thinking correctly is a key, never avoid doing the physical suggestions here to prevent and get rid of infections, believing you can just think yourself well.   Some people can do this, but most cannot or will not have the discipline to do it correctly.  Since infections are always potentially life-threatening, always do all you can to care for them properly.
       

Deep breathing, which helps oxygenate the blood, has a very beneficial effect upon the immune system.  
       

Saunas, steam baths, yoga, and other natural health practices may also help prevent infections, providing you do not overdo on anything.

 

CONCLUSION             

Antibiotics are a class of medications that can save lives.  However, antibiotics are extremely overprescribed and most are quite toxic.  They should be used as a last resort, not the first.  Very often, simple, inexpensive natural methods described here work better with far fewer adverse effects.

Infections are always serious conditions, even seemingly mild ones.  Therefore, take care of all infections rapidly, and aggressively.  Natural remedies often work superbly.  Finally, always ask for help if you are not sure how to use simple, natural methods or if an infection is not beginning to get a little better, at least, after two or three days, at the most. 

NVIC: Will There Be An Ebola Outbreak in America?

 

Will There Be An Ebola Outbreak in America?

http://www.nvic.org/NVIC-Vaccine-News/October-2014/Will-There-Be-An-Ebola-Outbreak-in-America-.aspx

In the Digital Age, infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola ¹ are brought into our lives through our smart phones, tablets and laptops and we can easily access and quickly analyze the information we receive. As Americans get smarter and more savvy about how to sort through the kind of fear-based rhetoric that sells newspapers, we are able to better assess exactly what is going on with Ebola ^{2 3} in Africa and the U.S. and ask good questions about what we are seeing.^{4 5}

Inquiring minds want to know the truth about why Ebola hemorrhagic fever has landed on American soil. Unfortunately, Congress ⁶ and officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),⁷ Departments of Defense (DOD) ^{8 9} and Homeland Security ¹⁰ are having a hard time coming up with answers that do not raise more questions. ¹¹

Let’s review the brief timeline of what is being billed as “The Worst Ebola Outbreak Ever,” ¹² that has prompted top US public health officials to warn that Ebola could become as widespread as HIV/AIDS ¹³ while pharmaceutical companies partnering with federal agencies are scrambling to fast track experimental Ebola vaccines to market. ^{14 15 16 17}

Here is how a localized Ebola outbreak has been turned into a global public health emergency:

In the spring of 2014, the African nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone report a surge in cases of Ebola, a highly contagious viral infection that starts with symptoms of fever, headache, muscle and stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, bruising and, in severe cases, progresses to bleeding from the nose, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Between 25 and 90% of Ebola cases end in death and the current Africa-based outbreak is averaging a 40 to 50% case fatality rate. ^{18 19}

In June and July, missionary workers in Africa repeatedly contact US health officials, warning that there is urgent need for an immediate response to the spread of Ebola. ²⁰

By August 2, an American missionary infected with Ebola in Liberia is flown from Liberia to Atlanta for treatment with an experimental drug (ZMapp) ^{21 22} and shows signs of improvement within 24 hours, eventually fully recovering.

Ten days later, the World Health Organization approves use of fast tracked experimental drugs and vaccines in humans after declaring Ebola an “international public health emergency.” ²³

Eight days later, Liberian security forces violently clash with citizens trying to break out of a government-imposed quarantine that left panicked residents in a poor neighborhood without food or other supplies. ²⁴

On September 2, NIH announces upcoming clinical trials using an experimental genetically engineered viral vectored vaccine co-developed by NIH and GlaxoSmithKline that will by-pass normal FDA licensing regulations for demonstrating safety and effectiveness. ²⁵

Three days later, a third US missionary doctor working in Liberia is diagnosed with Ebola and flown to Nebraska for treatment, ²⁶ as deaths in Africa reach 2,100 people out of about 4,000 thought to have been infected.

On September 16, the U.S. announces that Ebola is a national and global security threat and that at least 3,000 American military personnel will be sent to the capitol of Liberia to establish a regional military command and control center. ^{27 28}

Two days later, the United Nations Security Council adopts a U.S.- developed resolution calling for a lifting of travel and border restrictions on citizens living in African nations where Ebola is widespread so that everyone can travel freely between countries, including into the U.S. ²⁹

On September 20, a Liberian citizen infected with Ebola flies from Liberia to Texas and exposes family members after a Dallas hospital misdiagnoses his symptoms on Sept. 26 and sends him home. When he is diagnosed with Ebola two days later, public health officials fail to immediately employ appropriate infection control measures and children and adults in Dallas are put at risk for Ebola infection. ³⁰

Ten days later, CDC officials hold a press conference and insist that the only way a person can transmit Ebola is when there is a fever and other symptoms of illness and the only way a person can become infected with Ebola is to have direct contact with body fluids of an infected person but that under no circumstances is Ebola airborne. Americans are assured that there will be no Ebola epidemic in this country because CDC officials are “stopping this in its tracks.“ ³¹

On October 2, a Missouri microbiologist and emergency trauma physician checks in at Atlanta’s airport wearing a Hazmat uniform with protective goggles, boots and gloves and a sign on his back declaring that  “The CDC is Lying” to protest non-existent infection control measures at airports and what he called a “sugar-coating of the risk of transmission” of Ebola, predicting the deadly infectious disease will consume every African nation and become epidemic in America. ³²

On October 8, top disease control and Ebola infection experts publicly admit that scientists are not sure how Ebola is transmitted, admitting there is a possibility that Ebola could be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and that an asymptomatic person without a fever may be able to infect others. The scientists also express concern that Ebola screening at airports targeting people with fevers could be ineffective because symptoms can be masked by taking Tylenol and other fever-reducing medications. ³³

The next day, the House Armed Services Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense approves nearly $1 billion dollars in funding for the U.S. to “lead the international response to the Ebola outbreak.” ³⁴

That same day, the first NIH-developed experimental Ebola vaccine starts being tested on humans in several African nations ³⁵ while a U.S. public opinion poll reveals that the majority of Americans want a ban on incoming flights from Liberia and other countries where Ebola is rampant. By a 2 to 1 margin, Americans oppose sending American soldiers to those countries and 50% of Americans suspect there will be an Ebola outbreak in the U.S. ³⁶

So here is what inquiring minds want to know: 

• Why did U.S. health officials in Atlanta and on the ground in Africa ignore the exploding Ebola epidemic last spring?  
• Why did U.S. government officials fly American aid workers infected with Ebola to the U.S. rather than treating them with experimental drugs at hospitals in Africa?
• Why did the U.S. government press the United Nations to adopt a resolution calling for no restrictions on international travel from Liberia and other Ebola-stricken countries?  
• Why did the Centers for Disease Control, supposedly the world’s leading infection control agency, fail to immediately assist Texas health officials when the first case of Ebola was diagnosed on US soil to guarantee that, at a minimum, the kind of infection control measures used in most nursing homes in America would be carried out?
• Why has the Director of the CDC repeatedly stated that the only way a person can transmit Ebola is if they have a fever and said that people cannot get Ebola unless they have direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person - but that under no circumstances is Ebola airborne - when he knows, or should know, those statements could be false? ^{37 38 39 40 41 42}
• And why are experimental Ebola vaccines being fast tracked into human trials and promoted as the final solution rather than ramping up testing and production of the experimental ZMapp drug that has already saved the lives of several Ebola infected Americans? 

A logical conclusion is that some people in industry, government and the World Health Organization did not want the Ebola outbreak to be confined to several nations in Africa because that would fail to create a lucrative global market ^{43 44} for mandated use of fast tracked Ebola vaccines by every one of the seven billion human beings living on this planet.  

Will there be an Ebola outbreak in America?^{45 46 47 48 49} Ask the CDC, WHO, DOD, NIH and Congress.

Learn more about Ebola and Ebola vaccines and share pins from our Ebola Pinterest Board.

It’s your health. Your family. Your choice. 

 

__,_._,___

Online Courses for Parents on Homeoprophylaxis - Learn More About Safe Homeopathic Immunization for Your Child!

Dear H4W Subscribers

I now offer Homeoprophylaxis in my practice - Safe Homeopathic Immunizations in my practice for clients, friends and family from newborns to adults, including for college students and adults who plan to be traveling to foreign countries and want protection from contagious diseases - without dangerous vaccination.

Read more here: www.homeopathyforwomen.org/homeoprophylaxis.htm

Read about two courses below for more education on this topic geared for parents!

Parents: Free Course
Take a free Course Online: "Immunization: Your Child, Your Choice"

Enroll: Immunization - Your Child, Your Choice

In this online video Course Dr. Isaac Golden, the world's foremost authority on homeopathic immunization  will provide facts about homeopathic immunization. He will look at the three important questions he is often asked by parents who are researching immunization options for their children.

This course is designed for parents who genuinely care about the health of their children, and who are prepared to take the time to carefully examine health options, and not just rely on being directed by health authorities.

1.      What is Homeopathic Immunization and Is It Safe?

2.      Is Homeopathic Immunization Effective?

3.      Is there any Evidence?

4.     What is the Government's position on Homeopathic Immunization. Are there issues with school entry etc.

Vitamin D deficiency may be related to ADHD in children, says new study

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitamin-d-news/vitamin-d-deficiency-may-be-related-to-adhd-in-children-says-new-study/?mc_cid=7a2dbaf1fc&mc_eid=ec1651b17f

New research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Experience National Conference & Exhibition found that low vitamin D levels are prevalent in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common disorder among children and is characterized by an inability to remain focused and difficulty in behavior control. The prevalence of ADHD has been steadily increasing, from 7.8% in 2003 to 11% in 2011.

Researchers are still studying the cause of developmental disorders such as ADHD or autism. In both of these conditions, it is thought that the genes you are born with play a role in developing these disorders.

Recently, researchers have become interested in the possible role that environmental and nutritional status play in these developmental disorders.

Vitamin D is one these factors of  interest and researchers from Qatar recently conducted a study to determine if vitamin D deficiency is linked to ADHD.

The research team recruited 1,331 children with ADHD and 1,331 children without ADHD to serve as a controls.

Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, cholesterol and phosphorus were measured in every child. Information on socio-demographics and family history was also collected.

The researchers compared these measurements between groups to determine how children with ADHD differed from children without the disorder.

They found that vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in children with ADHD when compared to the control group. The average vitamin D level in children with ADHD was 16.6 ng/ml, compared to 23.5 ng/ml in the control group.

“The study showed that vitamin D deficiency was higher among school age children and adolescents with the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder compared to controls,” the researchers concluded.

Source

Kamal, M. Is High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency a Contributory Factor for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents? AAP Experience National Conference & Exhibition, 2014.

 

Healing Crisis - What Does It Mean In Homeopathy?

Healing Crisis  - What Does It Mean In Homeopathy?

www.homeopathforwomen.org/healing_crisis.htm   by Kari J. Kindem, CFHom, Classical Homeopath, CEASE Practitioner San Jose, CA, USA October 2014 What is a Healing Crisis? A healing crisis is the body’s too rapid response to the STIMULUS of the homeopathic remedy. The weaker the immune system, the more likely a healing crisis with intensity will be. It can easily look like the “wrong” remedy to a practitioner who does not understand detoxification pathways or to a fearful parent.  It can be anxiety producing for a parent who is not informed about what to look for. In reality, it actually represents “good news” – that things are moving up and out, but it should NOT be excessive or overwhelming either. Why the healing crisis? When you provide NEW ENERGY from a homeopathic remedy, because homeopathy is energy medicine, the body (Vital Force) in its intelligence will use that energy immediately to the highest and best use. Which in most cases, would be to work a detoxification pathway and quickly. Analogy: Think of someone cleaning out whole garage filled with tons of garbage and mold and junk that has accumulated for many years, including 2 trunks from the parents, and 4 trunks from the 2 sets of grandparents that came unopened in the basement, stored there. Think of it this way: there is no way you could clean out a basement and not see proof you did so! It is the same with the body. Exit channels will be very busy, for quite a while. Basic Concepts to Remember Homeopathy is like “cleaning house” – this is what I tell my clients. Going through the “junk in the trunk” – and exiting i.e. detoxing through normal detox channels, which will be weaker in people with more toxins and miasmatic burdens. The fundamental function of homeopathy is adding new energy to stimulate detoxification and the return of body balance and organ function that comes once this is achieved. The detoxification process takes times! Some of the disturbances were transferred on DNA, just like the genes were and have to be energetically cleared. The body needs MORE ENERGY (provided from the homeopathic remedy) than it has, in order to stimulate a detox boost. All disease is from lack of adequate ENERGY. All ENERGY is reduced by STRESS – both external and internal stress. External stress is lifestyle, diet, drugs, vaccines, ones environment, including environmental toxins, family dynamics, etc. Internal stress is that set of unconscious beliefs or false beliefs - which we call core delusions in homeopathy and these come from past PERSONAL and INHERITED traumas with strong emotions like fright, fear, mortification, disappointment, lack of love, criticism, anger, etc. These are also transferred on DNA to offspring the same way genes are transferred. This is how we inherit disease patterns, called miasms in homeopathy and energetic disturbances. Luckily, homeopathy cleans the whole mess up…..but of course, it will take time! Exit Channels in Detoxification The key EXIT channels are stool, urine, sweat, saliva, skin, menstrual cycle in women with periods and dreams for the mental and emotional state. If the remedy is TOO STRONG, the exit channels will be bombarded and too quickly.  But do not confuse a healing crisis with an aggravation or the wrong remedy. Adjusting potency and water dosing helps mitigate against aggravations or extended crisis. The Role of Genetics and Detoxification It is a fact that 45% of all of us have ONE OR MORE of the genetic mutations.  As clients and practitioners, learning more makes sense. This is only known since the Human Genome Project came into being, in 2005. New stuff! Methylation cycles in those with A1298C and C677T and other SNP's and mutations are VERY weak. Some as challenged, such as if there are 2 copies of the C677 for example, with methylation challenges at 70% LESS than normal. It is a fact that 95% of children on the autistic spectrum have these genetic mutations. Read and learn more here on MTHFR. My suggestion is: get your child tested for MTHFR. I have new clients in my practice tested now.  Many of the children with ASD, PANDAS and moms with hypothyroid, hyperthyroidism, fertility challenges, autoimmune issues, etc. will almost always have 1 or 2 copies of these genes, as well as other SNP's. This is the “why” in how vaccinations with heavy metals HUGELY overwhelm detox pathways that are already incredibly week and insufficient. This is also the “why” that not every child has a negative reaction to the vaccines – because not everyone has these MTHFR genetic mutations. Homeopathy and Detox Supports Classical homeopathy is magnificent and does immediate work to stimulate detoxification, gently and effectively. The role of methylation is the detox function and if challenged, the basic nutritional balancing work around are essential for a smoother detox, in my view and in my practice experience to avoid prolonged healing crisis and discouragement. Extra Vitamin C (the water soluble form or sodium ascorbate form that is alkaline) and ascorbyl palmitate (the fat soluble form of vitamin C) always helps as does other companion minerals including zinc, B vitamins with the correct form of methylfolate and methylcobalamin for those with MTHFR, iodine, magnesium, omega-3’s, probiotics are all of significance in supporting detoxification pathways and the organs involved in detox. If the person LOW in Vitamin D (98% of Americans are!) then this of very significant importance to be adequate for detox also.  Read more about these basic supplements here.

What You Can Do To Help Prevent and Treat Ebola and Other Viral Infections

What You Can Do To Help Prevent and Treat Ebola and Other Viral Infections

http://blog.drbrownstein.com/?utm_source=eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_content=blog_link&utm_campaign=blast_new_blog

With the Ebola virus in the news, I thought it might be time to comment on what steps you can take to prevent becoming ill. Keep in mind that conventional medicine has no effective treatments for the Ebola virus. Due to a slow international response, Ebola has spread rapidly.

It is a scary infection as the death rate is very high—from 50-90%. Initially, the Ebola infection can mimic the symptoms from the flu or other upper respiratory infection.  However, as it progresses, it can lead to very severe muscle aches, liver and kidney failure along with bleeding out of various areas of the body. Needless to say, Ebola is something to be taken very seriously.

As I previously stated, there is no conventional treatment for the Ebola virus. That does not mean that you are powerless to do anything to combat it. There are many effective natural anti-viral therapies that may prove effective against Ebola. It would be nice if the Powers-That-Be would begin testing these therapies. But, that would make common sense. Instead the Powers-That-Be are actively discouraging the use of alternative therapies even though they have nothing to offer. It is a sad situation.

Keep in mind that Ebola, like any viral infection, can only be cured by a strong immune system. We are designed with a powerful immune system that should mount a response to an infectious agent.  However, the immune system can only mount a vigorous defense if it has the raw materials available to it. For over 20 years, I have been checking every patient for their nutrient status. Unfortunately, most are deficient in the basic raw materials that the immune system needs to function optimally.

I say, if you become ill with a viral illness, do the basics to help optimize your immune system. I will show you the four most important items you can use to aid your immune system to fight any illness.

The most important item is vitamin C. Humans are not able to manufacture vitamin C. Either we get enough vitamin C from our diet or the immune system will not function optimally and we will be more prone to becoming ill with various infections, Ebola included.   Throughout the medical literature there are many case histories of vitamin C curing viral and other infectious illnesses. Vitamin C activates the immune system so that it can fight any infection. How much vitamin C should you take? I would suggest taking at least 5,000mg of vitamin C on a daily basis. If you become ill with any infectious agent, take more as the body’s requirements dramatically increase when it is confronted with an infectious agent.

Intravenous vitamin C should be given to all Ebola patients. Though it has not been studied, I have no doubt that IV vitamin C would be a great benefit to any patient suffering not only from Ebola but from any infectious agent. In my practice, I have used IV vitamin C for over 20 years. Anytime the body is stressed, vitamin C requirements are elevated.  IV vitamin C achieves a much higher serum level as compared to oral vitamin C. IV vitamin C should be a standard-of-care treatment for all Ebola patients. In fact, it should be standard-of-care for any hospitalized patient.

What else can you take to prevent a viral infection? I would suggest taking vitamin A.   Vitamin A is integral for the maintenance and functioning of the immune system. In acute viral illnesses, I have found short courses of vitamin A (not beta carotene) very helpful. From 10-100,000U of vitamin A per day for a few days to a few weeks can stimulate the immune system to fight viral infections.

Vitamin D is also important. Over 80% of patients are deficient in vitamin D. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels helps lead to a strong immune system. For most patients, I suggest taking 2-6,000U of vitamin D3 per day. In times of acute illnesses, 50,000U of vitamin D3 per day for a few days has proven extremely helpful.

Iodine is essential. No virus, bacteria, or parasite has been shown to be resistant to iodine. Iodine levels have fallen over 50% during the last 40 years. Maintaining iodine sufficiency is one of the most important things you can do to help your immune system. For most patients, I have found 12-50mg/day can supply the body with the correct amount of iodine. More information about this can be found in my book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.

I do not suggest you try taking these large doses of nutrients without seeing a health care provider knowledgeable about natural agents. A competent health care provider can order the appropriate tests and guide you in which therapy is best for you.

There are many other natural therapies that may help fight Ebola and other infections including silver, alpha lipoic acid, medium and short chain fatty acids (found in coconut oil), minerals, and herbal therapies.

I would be remiss if I did not mention four other steps you can do at home which can help improve anyone’s immune system.

1.      First, it is important to maintain hydration.

2.      Next, eat healthy food. Eating too much sugar ruins the immune system. The ingestion of refined sugar has been shown to slow down the activity of the white blood cells for hours afterwards.

3.      Maintaining adequate salt levels is a must.  Most people do not ingest enough salt.  Unrefined salt should be the salt-of-choice.  Infectious agents prefer a low-salt environment–that is why salt is used to preserve food.  More information about salt can be found in my book, Salt Your Way To Health.  Finally, I cannot stress enough the importance of exercise. Exercise stimulates the immune system.

Ebola should be taken seriously. It would be nice if the Powers-That-Be would investigate the natural therapies that I have outlined here. I have seen them work in many serious illnesses. I have no doubt they would work in a patient suffering from Ebola.

 

Fluoride Action Network: Why we changed our minds about fluoridation

Why we changed our minds about fluoridation
http://fluoridealert.org/news/why-we-changed-our-minds-about-fluoridation/

Like many of our professional colleagues, we long held a belief that water fluoridation was beneficial and relatively low-risk. We now feel otherwise. We are convinced that it is of small benefit and carries an unacceptably large risk.

What changed our thinking so dramatically?

While reviewing medical studies for a new book, we were shocked to learn about the disturbing fluoride-thyroid connection.

We had been a prevention-oriented doctor-nurse team for twenty-five years. We’ve raised three children and have always viewed dental care as an integral part of a complete health program.

After training at Harvard and Walter Reed respectively, Richard worked at the National Institutes of Health and Karilee as a nursing professor, before settling into private practice.

Nothing on our medical paths shook our faith in fluoride. In fact, it was not until we were working with a New York publisher that we really did our homework on fluoridation. The topic of our book, Thyroid Power (HarperCollins 2001), was the unexplained skyrocketing of thyroid disease and its spin-off epidemics of fatigue, depression, anxiety, infertility, and overweight.

While researching influences on the thyroid gland, we were astounded by the large number of fluoride citations. We were confronted with long lists of articles from scientists around the world reporting in medical journals about the harmful effects of fluoride.

We discovered that in the history of history thyroid treatment, fluoride has previously been used by the medical profession to deliberately slow down overactive thyroid glands.

At first this data challenged our medical and nursing education. But then we recalled being taught that no substance has just one action on the human body.  Every medicine has a good action, called “the benefit,” and other less desirable actions, called “side effects.”

In hindsight, it did seem odd that fluoridated water was touted as the only substance ever discovered that had a great benefit with no side effects at all. And it became similarly curious that fluoride was the only medicine ever to be added to public drinking waters.

At this point, we felt compelled to investigate further. After reviewing hundreds of articles and books, it became clear that, regardless of any other benefits and side effects, fluoride was a “hormone disruptor” – a class of chemicals that have the unintended consequence of altering the proper function of important hormones in the body, such as thyroid.

In the Archives of Oral Biology (1982, Volume 27), Kleiner found that fluoride interfered with proper metabolism of cyclic-AMP and thus diminished cellular energy.

A career university scientist showed us a textbook about the mechanisms of fluoride tissue harm. Kenneth Kirk in his carefully written volume called Biochemistry of the Elemental Halogens and Inorganic Halides, described fluoride’s remarkable disruption of enzyme systems.

We then consulted with a toxicology expert, who explained that fluoride progressively disrupts the sensitive G-proteins. These are the building blocks of our body’s hormone receptors. Subsequent research on fluoride/thyroid was just as worrisome.

While it’s well known that fluoride is acutely poisonous and caustic at high concentrations, we now wanted to know whether the concentrations in municipal water could help teeth without thyroid harm.

The data showed otherwise. Research by Galletti and Joyet, published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that fluoride in the range of 2-5 mg. per day (what people now ingest in a fluoridated area) was enough to slow down thyroid function.

Thus, we came out “against fluoride” in our Thyroid Power book.

But fluoride is not simply isolated problem for identified thyroid patients. As a widespread hormone disruptor it is very likely to be causing wider mischief, even at supposed safe levels.

This larger environmental issue became the topic of our more recent book, Feeling Fat, Fuzzy, or Frazzled? (Hudson/Penquin, 2005),

With fluoride added to city water, millions of people are deliberately exposed to a hormone-altering agent.  There is now a massive epidemic of low thyroid, low adrenal, and low functioning sex glands. Many people rightly complain, “There must be something wrong with my hormones.”

Fluoride is, of course, just one of a great many environmental hormone disruptors. However, it is the only one we purposely put into our water.

Perhaps the most sensitive among us are like the canaries brought down into the mines. They might be feeling the adverse effects first. Their vague symptoms of ill health could be the early warning signal for us all.

Richard L. Shames MD & Karilee H. Shames PhD, RN practice in Sonoma and Marin Counties and authors of three popular books for thyroid patients:  ThyroidPower, Feeling Fat Fuzzy or Frazzled, Thyroid Mind Power

 =

New research reports vitamin D status immediately after birth may relate to postpartum depression

New research reports vitamin D status immediately after birth may relate to postpartum depression

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/blog/new-research-reports-vitamin-d-status-immediately-after-birth-may-relate-to-postpartum-depression/?mc_cid=73f2c76255&mc_eid=ec1651b17f

In a new study published this month in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese researchers examined how timing of vitamin D measurement related to postpartum depression.

Fu CW, Liu JT, Tu WJ, Yang JQ, Cao Y. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels measured 24 hours after delivery and postpartum depression. BJOG. 2014; DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13111.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common psychiatric conditions women develop after childbirth and is also a major cause of maternal mortality worldwide. While incidence has been reported to be as low as 0% of women in Singapore and as high as 56% of women in Brazil, typical estimates of PPD range between 10% and 40%. Symptoms usually begin within three months after childbirth.

Globally, the four main contributors to PPD are socio-economic status, demography, family history, and maternal and social support.

While several previous studies have linked low vitamin D levels with PPD, they have mainly evaluated the effects of vitamin D status during pregnancy and have not yet looked at Chinese populations.

There are a few lines of evidence to suggest a role for vitamin D in depression. First, the brain has numerous vitamin D receptors and vitamin D deficiency may interfere with normal cognitive functioning. Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in brain development and in the production of norepinephrine and dopamine, two hormones linked to depression.

This study was designed to see if symptoms of PPD are more common in Chinese women who have low vitamin D immediately following giving birth.

Women delivering full-term babies at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were invited to take part in the study. Blood samples were drawn 24-48 hours after delivery to determine their 25(OH)D levels.

Women were excluded from participating in the study if they were under psychiatric care during pregnancy, had a stillborn infant, were giving birth to more than one baby, or had an infant that was immediately admitted to intensive care after birth. Two hundred and thirteen women with a median age of 31 years completed the study.

Three months later the women returned to complete the Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a screening tool used to identify if new mothers are suffering from depression. They were also interviewed to find out if they were breastfeeding, experiencing any health problems, and to report other lifestyle and socio-demographic factors that may confound the results.

The researchers wanted to know if vitamin D status within 24-48 hours after giving birth was significantly related to PPD and if this relationship persisted after adjusting for confounding factors.

Here’s what the researchers found:

• Overall, 26 of the women were identified as having PPD.
• There was a significant negative relationship between vitamin D status and EPDS score (P < .0001). This remained significant after adjusting for factors such as age, stressful life events, education, partner support, and previous psychiatric care (P = .006).
• Women with 25(OH)D levels above 14.3 ng/mL were the least likely to suffer from PPD (p < .0001)
• Women with 25(OH)D levels below 8.3 ng/mL were the most likely to suffer PPD (P < .0001)
• After adjusting for the above factors, the analysis showed that women with higher vitamin D status had a significant 19% reduced risk of PPD (P < .0001).

The authors identified some limitations of the study:

• They did not measure 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy to see if the women were low during pregnancy too and not just immediately after delivery.
• Even though women were excluded from the study if they had been receiving psychiatric care, some of the women who participated could have had undiagnosed mental health conditions.
• The PPD diagnosis process did not include a structured clinical interview.

Vitamin D supplementation is a low-cost and safe intervention and all pregnant women should be screened for vitamin D deficiency to prevent the severe deficiency states seen in the women in this study.

 

Maternal Thyroid Problems and Lowered IQ in Children

Maternal Thyroid Problems and Lowered IQ in Children

http://blog.drbrownstein.com/maternal-thyroid-problems-and-lowered-iq-in-children/

It has been known for over 100 years, that thyroid problems during pregnancy can cause problems in the cognitive development of the children. Even mild thyroid problems in pregnant women can lead to a permanently lowered IQ in their children.

Perchlorate is a chemical that is produced by both natural and man-made processes. It is a substance that has been shown to interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland which can cause hypothyroidism. There is no known therapeutic use of perchlorate. It is an inhibitor of the sodium-iodide symporter that is responsible for transporting iodine into the glandular tissues including the thyroid and the breast. In other words, perchlorate exposure can inhibit the ability of iodine to be transported into the thyroid or the breast tissue as well as other endocrine glands.

Artificially produced perchlorate occurs during many manufacturing processes including the production of fireworks, rocket fuel herbicides and bleaching agents. Too much perchlorate can contaminate the soil and water. Low levels are perchlorate are known to contaminate water sources. Over four percent of our water supply is known to be contaminated with perchlorate especially in the U.S. West around Las Vegas and California.

Researchers studied 487 mother-child pairs in mothers who were hypothyroid during pregnancy and analyzed whether first trimester perchlorate levels in the highest 10% of the study population were associated with an increased risk of a low IQ in the offspring. (1)

The study reported that perchlorate was detectable in 100% of women and median iodine levels were low (72µg/L in urine). Maternal perchlorate levels in the highest 10% of the population were associated with a 214% increased risk of a lowered IQ in the children. Furthermore, the highest perchlorate-exposed children had a greater negative impact on verbal IQ. Maternal thyroid hormone supplementation did not reduced the negative impact of perchlorate on the children’s IQ.

Folks, this is an incredibly important article. Our perchlorate (and other toxic halides such as bromine and fluoride) exposure continues to increase at the same time iodine levels have fallen over 50% during the last 40 years. It should be of no surprise to anyone that our children’s health and mental status has suffered greatly during the last few decades.

What can you do? Unfortunately, our exposure to perchlorate and other toxic halides is not going to decrease.

However, there is a simple and easy solution—ensure that women of child-bearing age ingest adequate amounts of iodine in order to maintain optimal thyroid function.  Furthermore, it is important to ensure that young women eat a healthy diet free of toxic halides.  Perchlorate will cause more problems when iodine levels are low. Also, drink filtered water that is free of perchlorate. You cannot be sure that tap water is free of perchlorate. Therefore, it is important to filter your tap water. A good reverse osmosis or distillation system will remove perchlorate from the water supply. To find out more about home water systems, contact Tom Lee at United Standard: 248.557.7379. More information about perchlorate and other toxic halides can be found in my book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, 5th Edition.

1. J. of Clin. Endocrin. and Metab. 2014. Doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-1901)

 

October 9 is PANDAS/PANS Awareness Day

PANDAS NETWORK.ORG URGES PUBLIC AWARENESS OF PANDAS/PANS SYNDROMES AFFECTING CHILDREN
http://pandasnetwork.org/pressreleaseoct2013/

Multiple states have officially proclaimed this day of awareness and acknowledged the need for educating the public and medical community about this autoimmune disorder. PANDAS Network.org is urging the public to help children be correctly diagnosed, have the opportunity to be treated, and put an end to unnecessary suffering. These devastating syndromes can no longer be ignored.

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes) are devastating syndromes that are likely as prevalent as Pediatric Cancer and Pediatric Diabetes, yet awareness and education is scarce. Strep, walking pneumonia, viruses, Lyme, and other infections can trigger an autoimmune reaction resulting in inflammation on a child’s brain. In turn, the child quickly begins to exhibit life changing symptoms such as OCD, anxiety, tics, personality changes, decline in math and handwriting abilities, sensory sensitivities, and more. These infections are often asymptomatic and go undetected. The autoimmune reaction can be stopped and symptoms are able to completely remit, but DIAGNOSIS and TREATMENT are necessary for this to happen.

According to the CDC, “It is estimated that 13 –20 percent of children living in the United States (up to 1 out of 5 children) experience a mental disorder in a given year.” (www.cdc.gov/features/childrensmentalhealth) Finding out the root cause for these symptoms is imperative. If the onset is a result of PANDAS/PANS, a child can possibly be saved from a lifetime of suffering.

This year, President Obama launched the BRAIN Initiative with the National Institute of Health. Research and awareness of PANDAS/PANS can be the gateway into new discoveries involving the Blood Brain Barrier and disorders involving the brain, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis.

PANDAS Network.org (www.pandasnetwork.org) is a 501c3 non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of children with PANDAS/PANS.

_,_.

Mercury Toxicity: All Too Common

Mercury Toxicity: All Too Common by Dr. David Brownstein

http://blog.drbrownstein.com/mercury-toxicity-all-too-common/

I was presenting at the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology a few weeks ago in Austin, TX. At a breakout session, I was asked by a person in the audience why I did not speak out enough against mercury poisoning.

I was shocked at this question. I thought my views on mercury were clear.

So, let me reiterate my views on mercury. Mercury is a poison with no known therapeutic value to the human body. In fact, it is one of the most poisonous metals to the human body. Mercury is known to destroy the functioning of hundreds of enzymes in the body. It is a neurotoxin that has been associated with a host of neurological and immune system disorders such as depression, anxiety, seizures, autism, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. We should all try to limit our exposure to mercury.

For over 20 years, my partners and I have been testing nearly all of our patients for heavy metal levels.   Our testing has shown that mercury toxicity is alive and well in the 21st Century. Over 80% of our patients have tested positive for having elevated levels of mercury via hair, serum, and/or urine testing.

Where are we being exposed to mercury? The two most common sources are from dental amalgam fillings and seafood. Mercury amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury by weight. American dentists are the second largest users of mercury in the U.S. In fact, and still place over 30 million toxic mercury fillings every year. Dental mercury in the U.S. contributes about 28.5 tons of mercury into the environment. The American Dental Association, who still defends the use of mercury fillings, should be ashamed and held liable for this disaster.

There is simply no justification for a dentist to place a toxic metal—mercury–in any living being’s mouth. Any dentist who still uses mercury amalgam fillings should have his/her license revoked. Sadly, most conventional dentists not only still use mercury, they defend the use of mercury amalgam fillings.

The dentist may claim that the mercury filling is inert—that no mercury will be released from an amalgam filling. That idea has been disproven in many studies. Every time you chew or expose the filling to hot food or drink mercury is released as a vapor which is quickly taken up by the body. Studies have clearly shown a direct correlation with the amount of mercury in the body and the number of mercury amalgam fillings.

Seafood is another source of mercury. All fish are contaminated with mercury. High mercury-containing fish include tuna and swordfish.

Because mercury toxicity is so common, I suggest that everyone should be screened for mercury toxicity—especially those suffering with any neurological disorder. Detoxifying from mercury can help overcome many illnesses. I have found the use of sulphur-containing nutrients such as MSM and alpha lipoic acid along with chelating substances like EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA invaluable in helping someone overcome mercury toxicity.

What can you do? Number one, do not let any dentist put a toxic metal in your mouth. Any dentist who defends the use of mercury does not deserve your business. In fact, it should be a crime for a dentist to place a mercury filling in any person’s mouth. If you already have mercury fillings in your mouth, see a biological dentist who is properly trained on the correct methods to remove the amalgam fillings. You can find a dentist at: www.iaomt.org.

One final note. Dentists are not the only doctors at fault here. Any physician or health care professional that recommends a mercury-containing flu shot (or any other mercury-containing substance) similarly does not deserve your business. Keep in mind that mercury is one of the most poisonous substances known to mankind. You only have one body and one brain—it is important to make the right health care decisions. Do not knowingly allow mercury to be placed in your body. Finally, work with a holistic health care provider who knows how to test for and treat elevated mercury levels.