Certified in both Nutrition and Life Coaching, Lori Shemek, PhD is a health expert for ABC’s Good Morning Texas. She is the author of FIRE-UP YOUR FAT BURN! Super Easy Quick Tips, Strategies and Goals for Fast Weight Loss (Kindle Edition…print version will soon be available on her website.) We will talk about weight loss. My second guest is Dr. Ross Pelton a PhD pharmacist and Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN). He will discuss the side effects of anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drugs as well as alternatives. (This is the subject of a webinar you can preregister for on his website.) He also answers a listener question about bio-identical hormones. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.
 
Cool news
A pharmacist said that she discovered my book, Natural Alternatives to Nexium…and Other Acid Blockers on the suggested reading list of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) which provides certification for doctors in advanced medicine. That makes sense because taking acid blocking drugs for any extended period of time can certainly shorten your life. Also, I put enough references in my book to provide comfort for doctors that what I recommend is based on science.

Bio-identical Hormones and Insurance
A NJ listener, Donna, asked a good question. (I wish I had an equally good answer.)

Q. “HELP!HELP!HELP! What course of action can be put into place regarding bio-identical hormones that were once covered with my insurance but not being covered any longer?  This is an OUTRAGE and detrimental to women’s health, something has to be done. Thank you!!!”

A. That is a real problem. On a show in January, Dr. Kyl Smith talked about how men can re-balance their testosterone naturally and I reviewed some of that in the following week’s newsletter. Although a very healthful diet and lifestyle can also balance female hormones, the situation is more complex. It seems that insurance is more willing to pay for mainstream pharmaceuticals than for compounded hormone replacement. This really worries me because the reputable neighborhood compounding pharmacists are such a great resource. While searching to determine if Tri-est (see below) is less expensive from Canadian mail order pharmacies, I found this interesting article on female hormone alternatives. It includes some options for nutritional and herbal support.
 
Dr. Pelton says:
The following estrogen review was adapted from what my guest, Dr. Pelton, emailed in response to Donna’s question. We talk about “estrogen” like it is just one thing but it is not:

There are 3 estrogenic hormones shown below with the strength of each compared to the others and in the % quantity relative to the total:
Estriol = Strength 1, quantity 80% of total
Estrone = Strength 10x, quantity 10% of total
Estradiol = Strength 100x, quantity 10% of total

Given that “strength” refers to how aggressively the hormone stimulates multiplication of cells (i.e. greater cancer risk), it makes sense that the body uses only small amounts of Estradiol. The weakest type is Estriol, which is protective or anti-cancer. Therefore it is normally in the greatest supply.

Legendary integrative physician, Jonathan Wright, MD, started the bio-identical movement when he stated that we should logically follow nature: (1) provide women with natural hormones identical to what the body makes and (2) do so in approximately the same normal percentages. Tri-est is a popular combination of all three estrogens balanced on that principle. However, some docs prescribe Bi-est which is only the stronger estradiol and estrone.

There are at least two mainstream pharmaceutical products that are bio-identical and may therefore be more reimbursable. Estrace (estradiol only) is available as oral tablets. Because it is the strongest estrogen, extra caution is advised–including periodic testing. There is also Estrace vaginal cream which acts mainly locally and does not affect blood levels as much. Prometrium is oral natural progesterone that the body can use to create other hormones including the estrogens. Both of these drugs may now be available as generics.

Last Week Follow-up
LISTEN to that show in the archives.  If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, you should listen to this show. Although adrenal fatigue is a common problem, it is not commonly addressed in mainstream medicine. Richard Snyder, DO discusses his new book, Adrenal Fatigue for Dummies which explains the condition and how to reverse the problem.

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MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

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 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN