Colic in infants is characterized by bouts of intense crying that are prolonged. In some cases, allergic reaction to cow’s milk formula is the cause. In breast fed infants, some infants have reactions to foods eaten by their mother. Milk is especially likely to be the culprit, as well as many other common foods. Lactose intolerance is another cause of colic. The milk sugar lactose is indigestible in some infants and causes gas, cramps and diarrhea.
Research has shown that certain types of probiotics will reduce the symptoms of colic. It is a good idea to consult your pediatrician or family doctor about symptoms of colic so that more serious illness can be ruled out. Then, a trial of eliminating cow’s milk exposure is a worth a trial, followed by probiotics.
Infantile Colic
March 28th, 2011Cold Laser Therapy
March 14th, 2011Cold lasers are medical devices that use low intensity laser light to treat a multitude of conditions. Most common is treatment of painful soft tissue injuries and conditions. The low intensity means that the light does not heat the tissue enough to cause damage, unlike surgical lasers that cut and burn tissue.
I recently attended a seminar on using cold lasers and have purchased one for use in my practice. I encourage you to ask me about whether a cold laser is appropriate for you. A website with answers to commonly asked questions is www.erchonia.com/faq.
Psoriasis
February 21st, 2011Psoriasis is a common skin disease of unknown cause. Skin lesions may be improved by a variety of non drug interventions. Diet should avoid alcohol (especially males) and refined sugar. Food allergens should be identified and avoided, especially wheat. Omega-3 oils are likely helpful but evidence is weak. Take Vitamin E along with the oil. Folic acid at high doses of 50 to 100 milligrams daily are clearly beneficial. Avoid high dose folic acid if methotrexate has been used to treat the disease. Vitamin C dosing of 1 gram daily can help. Other potential therapies include Vitamin D3, thyroid hormone and treatment for Candida overgrowth. Consult an experienced health practitioner for guidance.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
February 14th, 2011Fatty infiltration of the liver (NAFLD) in people who do not drink alcohol is increasingly common amongst the overweight and obese. This is a significant health risk that causes inflammation leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer in advanced cases. The major risk factors for NAFLD are obesity, type 2 diabetes and high triglycerides. Diagnosis is suggested by elevated liver enzymes and confirmed by an ultrasound of the liver.
The most effective primary treatment is weight loss. Dietary restrictions should include high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and sucrose. Limit iron intake if your iron stores are high (have your physician test for this).
Supplements that can be helpful include 800 units of mixed tocopherol Vitamin E, Vitamin C 1 gram, L-carnitine 1 gram twice daily, choline 1 gram daily and betaine 5 grams daily.
Arginine and Heart Disease
February 7th, 2011Arginine is an amino acid that can be turned into nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide is a potent dilator of blood vessels. In a clinical trial, 3 grams per day of arginine was given to people who had angina (chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart). The supplement was well tolerated and decreased numbers of episodes of angina. Arginine has also been found to be helpful in people who have heart failure. Some cardiologists are starting to recommend this to their patients.
Wellness Connections Fair
January 31st, 2011The Central Valley Wellness Connection Annual Fair was held January 30, 2011 in Fresno. It was well attended and had a variety of health practitioners and vendors selling health products. Speakers talked on detoxification, meditation, sound healing, Japanese tea ceremony, and other topics. I encourage people to attend these fairs to learn about new products, get useful information about specific health problems, meet various practitioners and gather inspiration for the new year. I will have follow up information on some of the new therapies I will try out over the few months.
Have a great year 2011.
Mitral valve prolapse
January 24th, 2011This common disorder is typically treated by giving the person with symptoms a beta blocker drug. Nutritional approaches with clinical evidence of effectiveness include magnesium, L-carnitine, and Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. For those who do not respond to or tolerate beta blocker medication, a trial of these supplements may be worthwhile. Consult your physician about dosages and contraindications.
Thrombosis of veins
January 10th, 2011DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is common and can lead to clots spreading to the lungs, a potentially life threatening event. DVT can be prevented by Vitamin E (mixed forms) 400-800 mg daily, Vitamin C 1 gram daily, and nattokinase (an enzyme that dissolves clots). Travelers on long airplane flights are at risk of DVT and could consider using this protocol to reduce risk. Other options include exercise, staying hydrated and compression hose for the legs.
SAMe and Depression
December 30th, 2010Studies using the supplement SAMe to treat depression have shown that it can be moderately effective. It is very safe and well tolerated. Higher doses have been needed to improve low mood symptoms. Doses of 800 milligram daily or more may be needed. The cost of this supplement is significant but may be no more than the cost of a an antidepressant that is still on a drug patent. SAMe can also help decrease arthritis symptoms.
Urinary Incontinence
December 20th, 2010Urinary incontinence is a common problem that is more frequent in women. There are a number of treatments available.
The medications are only helpful in a minority of cases and cause significant side effects in many who try them.
A variety of non drug approaches can be helpful.
I recently learned about several of these from a nurse practitioner in Fresno, M. Webb N.P.
Her website is http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~mlwebb. Her phone number is 559-299-6592.
For a person who wants to try a non drug and non surgical approach, get an office evaluation from her.