Healthy by Nature radio show this week: Our old friend, Dr. Parris Kidd, digs into the marvel that is Curcumin (from the curry spice Turmeric). Then I interview Roger Mason about his book, Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs. I didn’t remember this from when he was on years ago, but he is quite a character. Because I had to record the show in advance, I know that he makes some relatively wild statements (some I don’t agree with). The program should be fun listening in any case. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
Writing prescriptions in the dark
Don’t we all wonder from time to time why intelligent and caring mainstream doctors so often prescribe medications that (a) don’t seem to work very well and (b) are frequently subject to horrible side-effects?

Obviously, most physicians cannot opt for the safer and more effective natural approaches because they have not been taught about them. But, there is something more sinister at work – the doctors are being bamboozled by drug companies. According to a thorough review of studies, it is estimated that half of drug trials completed are not published or even sent to the FDA for their consideration in approving the drug. Not surprisingly it is the drug trials with negative results that may be twice as likely to never see the light of day. Read more and view a TED video on the subject at this LINK. Docs are therefore left with the impression that medications are more effective and much safer than they actually are. That may be a good thing for the pharmaceutical company shareholders’ income, but it is not good for your health or for the doctors who genuinely want to help you.
 
The bigger picture
Three recent studies caught my attention because at first they seemed to be odd pairings of the substance with the condition.

Substance: Ginger
Usually associated with helping: Nausea (including motion sickness and morning sickness)
This study: Insulin insensitivity associated with Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes was improved.

Substance: Vitamin E
Usually associated with helping: Cardiovascular health
This study: Bone density in postmenopausal women improved.

Substance: Vitamin D
Usually associated with helping: Bone health and immunity (and, as noted in last week’s newsletter, deaths from all causes, depression, congestive heart failure, endometriosis, fibroids and bladder cancer)
This study: Osteoarthritis positive effect

These less common associations between nutrients and conditions just demonstrate that maybe we shouldn’t view one organ or function as being isolated from the others. The body is one big interconnected system and every one of its cells need complete nutrition and protection from toxins. Chasing a particular symptom with a single nutrient may be safer than using a drug to do that and will often bring relief. But that is using the same thinking and approach that drugs do. We stand to gain a lot more if we aim to make the whole body healthy and sweep away that symptom in the process.
 
Last Week
LINK to Archive. Constantine Kotsanis, MD answered questions. Cancer survivor and activist, Annie Brandt, told us about her amazing story of conquering advanced cancer with an innovative treatment and about a national event coming this month that offers public sessions.

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My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2013 Martie Whittekin, CCN