Holistic Medicine for Pets

June 15, 2009

Many pet owners want to use holistic medicine for their dogs and cats – their other family members. Treatments can include chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements. People give glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to their arthritic dogs, for example. Homeopathy can treat a variety of acute injuries and even, sometimes, more serious illnesses, in pets, under supervision of a trained homeopathic veterinarian. Acupuncture can help relieve various types of pain and adjust immune function in dogs and cats, as it can in many people.

Many dogs develop food allergies to the ingredients in many dog foods that show up with skin or fur problems, itching, hair loss, gastrointestinal problems, and even more severe conditions such as kidney conditions. You can find good dog foods either through your veterinarian or better pet supply stores that avoid common allergenic foods such as wheat, barley, corn, yeast, and beef. Although it is sometimes difficult to find a qualified veterinarian trained in holistic treatment methods, it is worth finding one who can provide both conventional veterinary and holistic care in one place. This helps you avoid splitting the animal’s treatment.

Vitamin D’s Next Trick — Better Cognitive Ability

May 23, 2009

Vitamin D continues to emerge as a remarkable vitamin/hormone that needs to be monitored and supplemented if inadequate. The latest study on brain function in European men (ages 40-79) followed for several years suggests that vitamin D can protect mental abilities with aging. This study is by Lee et al and appears in the online January 2009 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.

Homeopathic Remedies for Flu

May 1, 2009

With the current concerns about the swine flu and flu in general, it is helpful to know that in addition to antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, people have options to lessen the severity of their illness. For instance, certain homeopathic remedies are very helpful in lessening symptoms. These would include homeopathic Belladonna, Eupatorium perforatum, Gelsemium, Baptisia, Bryonia Alba, and Arsenicum Album. Potencies can range from low (6c) to 30c or higher, but guidance from an experienced homeopath would be important at the higher potencies. You can find helpful resources on homeopathy in a variety of books and websites, including the National Center for Homeopathy.

Grape Seed Extract and Alzheimer’s Disease?

April 4, 2009

A new research study has shown that a polyphenol extract of grape seed interfered with the accumulation of tau proteins in mice prone to a type of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that occurs mainly later in life. The grape seed extract appears to protect against adverse effects of the abnormal protein formation (tau) that is believed to participate in causing the dementia. The net result was protection against cell toxicity (e.g., Ho et al J of Alzheimer’s Disease 2009; 16:433-439; Ono et al. J of Biological Chemistry 2008; 238:32176-32187; Wang et al Journal of Neuroscience 2008; 28:6388-92).

While animal studies and test tube studies are an essential early step in research, this work does not establish that grape seed extract could slow the development or progression of Alzheimer’s. This is one of those findings where the consumer has to make a personal choice based on individual circumstances and in consultation with his/her own health care providers. Full safety and clinical efficacy data are a long way off. Still, since grape seed extract is available in health food stores, it may be worth exploring the possibilities in people at high risk or in people who already have the dementia underway.

Vitamin C Lessens Gout Risk in Certain Men

April 3, 2009

A recent large scale study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 2009 Mar 9;169(5):502-7, reports that men who started the study with no gout history lowered their risk of developing the painful condition over a 20 year period by taking vitamin C. Doses were at least above 250 mg/day, and the highest benefit appeared to come from vitamin C supplements at levels of 1000-1500 mg/day. The authors concluded that high levels of vitamin C intake can lower the risk of gout in men.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Nerve Pain

March 18, 2009

Some research suggests that people who have nerve pain (doctors call it peripheral neuropathy) may benefit from a dose of 2 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine per day (divided into at least 2 doses). This, like alpha-lipoic acid (the R-form) can especially help diabetics with the nerve pain, tingling, and numbness that comes with damage to the nerves in the extremities (fingers and toes, for example). Ask your doctor about whether or not this might be helpful to you.

Stressed? Any Idea Why?

March 7, 2009

A recent study reports that 81% of American adults feel as stressed or more stressed than they did one year ago.

Non-drug options for coping with stress include meditation, walking, massage, biofeedback, and time-outs (remember how they helped you if you got wound up as a kid?) With the current economic crisis and its impact on everyone to one degree or another, it is essential for you to find time to take breaks and take care of yourself. If money is an issue in getting professional help with stress, be aware that there are community resources for emotional support and social work in extreme situations. Do not feel alone with whatever problems you are facing.

In addition, various natural product supplements may help you unwind without leaving you too sleepy or tired afterwards. Look at the options carefully to see if they fit with your health problems and current treatments as well as your own situation.

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Herb Teas for Type II Diabetes?

February 15, 2009

There is no quick and easy cure-all for diabetes, but there are simple steps that anyone with diabetes can work into their daily routine. We all need to drink enough water and fluids during the day, and many people make less healthy choices such as sodas or diet sodas.

An alternative is to drink herb teas. Many herb teas are caffeine-free, improve digestion, and/or foster relaxation. An added benefit that initial research studies have shown is that a number of different herbs and botanical products can actually improve the body’s ability to use glucose and balance lipids in the blood stream. For diabetics, these herbal effects can translate into less insulin resistance (lower blood sugar levels), less “bad” cholesterol and more “good” cholesterol and lower triglycerides, and, sometimes, even lower blood pressure (as recently reported for hibiscus tea).

Herbal tea options for consideration include: chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, blueberry leaves, cinnamon, and decaffeinated green tea. Anyone should first consult their doctor and pharmacist to make sure that these teas would not interact with any medications they must take.  People with allergies to the plants from which the teas derive also need to avoid specific allergens. Nonetheless, as a general idea, there are numerous herb teas that might be added into a healthier daily lifestyle for diabetics wanting to make changes.

Homeopathic Remedy May Help Treat the Flu

January 28, 2009

Even the Wall Street Journal is beginning to open up to the idea of using some types of complementary medicine in certain situations.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123301973773318017.html?mod=article-outset-box

The product mentioned here is available in most health food stores and is a homeopathic remedy that can help at the earliest signs of developing the flu. There are other homeopathic remedies that can help with a more established case.

The nice thing is that homeopathic remedies as a general rule are safer and less costly than conventional drugs, in most large scale studies on thousands of people.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123301973773318017.html?mod=article-outset-box

Alpha-Lipoic Acid – Versatile Antioxidant

January 18, 2009

The antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid can regenerate or replace the actions of both water-soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C and fat-soluble antioxidants such as vitamin E. It has significant protective effects against damage to nerve tissues and can relieve pain in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy.

In addition, a new study has shown that lipoic acid can block important mechanisms of free radicals and oxidative stress to protect DNA from damage (Mol Cell Biochem. 2008 Dec 1).

It can cause digestive upset, including nausea, so if you try it, begin dosing with meals and only gradually increase the dose. Always use supplements with the advice of your own physician, especially if you are diabetic. Lipoic acid is a potent hypoglycemic agent – that is, it can markedly reduce blood sugar and the need for insulin and other diabetic drugs. However, it is crucial to monitor blood sugar when taking it to avoid serious low blood sugar adverse events.

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