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ASK
DAVID - FAQ'S
Alternative Medicine
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| Ask David
Recently, I heard that
there was a connection between volunteering and a
decrease in addictions amongst volunteers. Is this true?
The belief is that
volunteering may work in the battle against addiction by
giving volunteers a "deeper sense of purpose" which
boosts self esteem, thereby lowering stress levels.
Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study and
found that volunteers had a greatly reduced risk of
being heavy driners. What is really great about this is
that everyone wins. Do your share today.
Is it true that kids
with ADD eventually grow out of this condition? What
health changes should be make to help a child with ADD?
I have yet to see any
information stating that ADD or ADHD is a condition we
"grow out of." As a matter of fact, I believe there are
countless numbers of adults who have had a misdiagnosis
of ADD since childhood who are still struggling in life
today. Check out
Ritalin Free Kids by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman &
Robert Ullman, and also
Is This Your Child's World? by Doris Rapp, M.D., a
wonderful book that looks at how allergies can affect
children's behavior. I would try to implement a diet
rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (fish, fish oil capsules,
flax oil or capsules) and organic foods. Remove as much
sugar, white flour, and products containing aspartame as
you possible can. Structure homework times with frequent
breaks as needed and encourage journal writing or
keeping a diary to help release the emotional
bottlenecks that happen in life. Art or music therapy
can become a great outlet to explore and release
creative energies.
Do you think the cold
lozenges with zinc really work?
A recent study evaluated
the top six studies on the effectiveness of zinc
lozenges (the original study a number of years ago was
with the product "Cold EEZE") and showed a surprising
end result: Three concluded that these products cut the
length of a common cold in half, from 8 to 4 days, and
three said they had no effect on the duration of a cold.
So, according to this study, you have a 50/50 chance of
cutting the length of a cold in half by using a zinc
lozenge every 4-6 hours — sounds like a good bet to me.
Also, remember about the power of standardized echinacea
or an echinacea and goldenseal combination. Also, as
always, drink at least a gallon of water every day and
supplement with Vitamin C and the healthiest foods you
can find.
Recently you discussed
a major executive who has severe dyslexia, yet has
beaten the odds and is extremely succesful. Who is this
person and what is his web site?
Don Winkler, CEO of Ford
Motor Credit, heads this company that has more than
19,000 employees with the severest form of dyslexia
called "deep dyslexia." (See his story in USA Today,
July 19, 2000, Money Section.) His web site is dedicated
to helping those with this disorder,
www.cyberwink.com/
An inspiring story that can help us all search a higher
level of success in our existence.
Do you have any
information about Lasik eye surgery?
This is something I've
considered from time to time and will probably do it in
the future. This procedure can help people who are
either near or far sighted at a cost of approximately
$2,000+ per eye. A recent article in Glamour
(October 2000) offered some good tips:
- According to James
McDonald II, M.D., of the American College of Eye
Surgeons, one should choose a doctor who has
performed at least 1,000 of these surgeries and be
certified by The
American Board of Eye Surgery (888-335-0077).
- Patients should stop
using contact lenses a minimum of 7 days prior to
surgery.
- Lasik surgery is a
definite NO for those who are pregnant or lactating,
due to the medicated eye drops used for the surgery.
Your discussion
regarding failure rate of birth control pills recently
was shocking. Please repeat this information.
Shocking is definitely
the word to use . . . but it isn't “The Pill's” fault
for it's failure to prevent pregnancies, but the
user's. If used per instructions, oral
contraceptives are effective 99.9% of the time. This
means that out of 1,000 female users, only one should
get pregnant. Yet . . . listen to this. In the U.S.
one out of twenty women on the pill became
pregnant. But the problem is not in the pill but in the
lack of consistency in use for women on this form of
birth control. Several side effects such as nausea,
breast tenderness, and missed periods (which usually
will diminish after 3-4 months of use) have been the
reason why many women stop taking the pill, or purposely
miss several days that can lead to conception. For
information on the correct way to use the pill and what
can diminish its effectiveness (such as the use of
antibiotics), go to
www.jhuccp.org/ (Johns Hopkins University, Center
for Communication Programs).
You mentioned about
health benefits of giving blood which I have never heard
of. Please list these again.
In a recent interview,
Harvey Klein, who leads the Department of Transfusion
Medicine at the National Institute of Health, said that
regularly donating blood can increase longevity and
heart health. One study quoted stated that men who
donated a pint of blood every year saw an 86% decrease
in the risk of heart disease. Just amazing. The theory
states that as blood vessels age, they are less capable
of passing through the smaller vessels in the heart. The
body makes new, more flexible red blood cells as blood
is donated, leading to greater heart health. So don't
wait . . . donate!
I seem to be
forgetting small things on a normal basis. Any quick
tips to resolve this issue?
The supplements most
recommended to enhance memory are Ginkgo Biloba
(standardized extract) and Phosphatidyl Serine. Ginkgo
improves circulation in the brain and Phosphatidyl
Serine improves neurotransmitter activity. Meditate
daily — this will relieve stress which can lead to
memory loss. And stay away from aspartame, the
artificial sweetener. Ken Giuffre, M.D., and author of "The
Care and Feeding of Your Brain: How Diet and
Environment Affect What You Think and Feel," believes
this product may lower seratonin levels, a
neurotransmitter that aids memory. For women ages 28-48,
check out the additional ideas regarding shifting
hormone levels offered by Ann Louise Gittleman in her
book "Before
The Change: Taking Charge of Your Perimenopause."
After recently turning
40, I began having to urinate often at night. Since this
never happened before, I'm not sure if this is normal
for a man as part of the aging process, or if there are
supplements to take for this.
I recommend that you
visit your physician for a check of your prostate gland.
Symptoms of prostate troubles can be frequent urination
(especially at night), along with the feeling that the
bladder is not empty even after urinating recently. Both
of these symptoms are associated with an enlarged
prostate. Herbs that have successfully been used to
treat this condition are pygeum and/or saw palmetto, but
check with your doctor first to rule out any other
potential health problem.
Recently you discussed
a formula to help us figure out how much water we need
daily. Please share this again.
The Journal of the
American Dietetic Association published a study that
followed a formula used for depicting the amount of
water one needs daily, and it far exceeds the often
recommended 8 glasses per day. Multiply your weight in
pounds by .04 and then double that result. This amount
is the number of glasses of water needed per day for a
sedentary person. If you weigh 185 lbs., the amount
would be 15 glasses of water per day. If you exercise
regularly, I'd add another 8-10 glasses. It seems like a
lot, because it is! For more information on the benefits
of a well hydrated body, check out
Your Body's Many Cries For Water by Dr. Feydoon
Batmanghelidj.
You've written about
making sure we get enough water, can one consume too
much?
Hyponatremia is a
condition caused by over-hydration, but it seems to be
extremely rare. This may occur if one takes in too much
water and a minimal amount of sodium, which is almost
imposible if you are consuming an adequate amount of
food. Symptoms include muscle cramping, seizures,
headaches, and nausea. From all I've read, this
condition might be found amongst high caliber endurance
ahtletes exercising in hot climates with little intake
of food. Of course, if these symptoms are present, see
your doctor.
Getting sufficient
sleep has always been an issue. Any ideas or tips would
be appreciated.
I've seen statistics that
state at least 25% of the popularion struggles with
sleep issues that are serious enough to create problems
physically as well as in our relationships at home and
at work. The
Sleep Foundation has created a diary for you to use
as a way to track how your lifestyle affects the
quantity and quality of sleep we get. Also, the best
temperaturefor sleeping is a cool 68°. More information
is available in the book
Power Sleep: The Revolutionary Program That Prepares
Your Mind for Peak Performance by Dr. James Maas.
There are many
alternative stop snoring products in my health food
store and I don't know if any have gone through the
testing process.
Before you begin taking
any of these products, check with your doctor to make
sure there are no underlying problems that you may be
unaware of. There is one product, Snore Stop, a
homeopathic remedy that was discussed in the journal
Sleep and Breathing. This double blind, placebo
controlled study found either excellent or moderate
results with 61% of the snorers. Available at stores
across the USA.
You discuss the need
to decrease stress and I'd like to know how I can stop
telemarketers from calling as they add stress to my life
daily.
One way is to sign up
with your phone company for a service where your phone
does not accept calls from selected numbers. Most
telemarketers block their numbers so they do not show up
on your telephone I.D. screen. Or, to get off their
caller lists permanently, send your request with your
full name, signature, phone number and area code to:
Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing
Association, Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Allow one
to three months for this service to kick in.
We've been listening
to your show for six years and are impressed with your
own growth as a host. The topics you cover are so varied
and you offer a perspective unparalleled on radio.
Recently you covered such variety, from when kids should
do homework to pursuing your dreams at mid life to when
to break off a relationship. Amazing! My question
relates to another topic you delved into — should
doctors sell supplements in their offices. Does the AMA
have a stance here?
Wow, thanks for sharing
your thoughts and kind words. Right on! The American
Medical Association issued guidelines recently asking
physicians to refrain from selling any products like
supplements, sunscreen, etc. to their patients for
profit. Their fear, I believe, is based on the concept
that doctors may take advantage of their patients'
faith. Patients then may start purchasing these products
because their doctor sells them, even if they don't need
them. I think this will turn into avery hot and debated
topic in the near future. Stay tuned.
Are there any natural
repellents for roaches that will not hurt the
environment?
The two best natural
combatants that I am aware of are diatomaceous earth
(800-634-1380) and, believe it or not, catnip. I believe
the diatomaceous earth works by killing the bugs after
they have ingested it. It is a very fine powder that
somehow disrupts the digestion process. Catnip was
recently proven in a study at Iowa State University to
act as a repellent to the roaches. While it will not
kill them, it will keep them out of kitchen areas where
food is stored.
My husband started
smoking a cigar every day a year ago and insists the
health related risks are minimal. Do you have any
information about this?
The popularity of cigar
smoking seems to be waning from its zenith several years
ago, but the health risks are quite substantial. The
New England Journal of Medicine this year released
statistics that stated men who smoke cigars have: 1)
twice the risk of developing cancers of the lung, throat
and mouth; 2) 45% higher risk of emphysema and chronic
bronchitis; and 3) almost 30% higher risk of heart
disease than non-cigar smoking men. Statistics to take
very seriously.
Several months ago you
quoted an article regarding tap water and the danger in
some cities posed to pregnant women. What city was that?
While I cannot locate the
article, a study showed that in certain communities
around Los Angeles there was a higher level of
miscarriages for women who drank tap water than those
who did not. A recent study out of Nova Scotia uncovered
a startling fact: Women who lived in areas where the
local water supply had high levels of a certain chemical
that is formed during the chlorination process (triholomethanes
- THMs) had a 60% greater incidence of still
births than women whose local water supply had under 100
micrograms of THMs per liter. The EPA has lowered our
standard level of THMs per liter to 80, yet
approximately 20% of our public water systems do not
meet this requirement. Call your local water utility to
find out the ratio in your area. Better yet, use a
filtration system. For information on the many available
systems, call 1-800-634-1380. I use the "Elite" system,
which is excellent.
Please print the
information stated about a woman's waist size and her
health.
This information we
shared came from a study at the University of Pittsburgh
that linked a waistline in women larger than 32 inches
with an increased risk (two times the rate of those with
waistlines under 32 inches) of colorectal cancers. Past
studies we've shared have also reported an increased
risk of heart disease in men and women who are
apple-shaped, meaning they carry a large percentage of
fat cells in the waist area.
I just started
listening to your show and feel I may be experiencing a
slight form of depression, but I don't know where to
begin to take care of this. Please respond.
Depression is one of the
least discussed, yet most prevalent diseases in our
country. For information and screening pamphlets on what
depression is and how to see if you have the symptoms,
contact the National
Mental Health Association (1-800-969-6642) or the
National Institute of
Mental Health (1-301-443-4513). I personally have
battled depression and began my healing by journaling my
thoughts, concerns and pain — this journal eventually
turned into a book,
Phoenix
Soul: One Man's Search for Love & Inner Peace. I
also recommend counseling, looking at some alternative
therapies that have been proven effective as
treatments for this disease: acupuncture, St. John's
Wort, meditation and a variety of homeopathic remedies.
And don't forget the importance of a healthy diet
(removal of refined products, alcohol, cigarettes, and
limited caffeine). While this condition can be hard to
talk about, releasing your fears and feelings is
critical to achieving the success you deserve.
I saw you speak at a
convention recently where you focused a lot of your
lecture around a quote talking about lack of our own
uniqueness and strength that we have a tendency to
forget about. I don't know who the author is but would
love to see it in print.
You spoke with an author
a while ago regarding perimenopause. I seem to fit the
category, easily forgetting things, getting "hot" in
cold rooms from time to time and more emotional mood
swings. Who was she?
Ann Louise Gittlemen, a
wonderful author wrote the book you are referring to
Before The Change. Your symptoms seem to be quite
common, and according to this author can begin to show
up in women as young as 30. As we've said many times,
soy protein eaten regularly (about 25 gms/day) in the
form of soy milk, tofu, soy burgers, soy hot dogs and
soy protein powders has helped diminish or banish hot
flashes. Exercise can lift our mood and help reduce
emotional swings as can daily meditation. Calcium,
approximately 1,200 mg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses can
effectively diminish the symptoms of perimenopause, and
the herb Black Cohosh has successfully helped some women
during this time and has proven successful for women
during menopause.
You have talked in the
past about alternative ideas to help increase the
chances for getting pregnant and also what herbs to
avoid. Please print the name of the book and any other
information.
One of the several great
books on the market that discusses the role lifestyle
plays regarding pregnancy is called
Inconceivable: Winning the Fertility Game by Julia
Indichova. Too often we forget about the role stress and
diet play in every area of our lives, including the
ability to conceive. Preliminary test tube experiments
done at Loma Linda University in California found that
Echinacea, St. John's Wort, and Ginkgo Biloba all
interferred with conception if these were taken by
either the woman or the man.
After all of these
years of hearing about the importance of fluoride for
our teeth, how can you say on the show that it should
not be used?
Here's another case where
I recommend that you be the judge. I referred on our
program to a study done by the New York State Department
of Health. The dental records of children from two
cities were compared: Newburgh, NY (where the water
supply has been fluoridated for 50 years), and Kingston,
NY (where the water supply has never been fluoridated).
Here's the shocker — the Newburgh kids actually had more
discoloration of their teeth due to the addition of
fluoride to the water supply and more cavities!
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Is there some financial
gain somewhere for the ADA in promoting the use of
fluoride, when not only do we not need it, but that it
actually may be doing more harm than good?
You've mentioned in
the past an address to request your name being removed
from mass marketing mail lists. Could you please repeat
that here? The gobs of junk mail I receive is
ridiculous.
Since most of us just
toss this unwanted mail away, it can be a good move for
the environment. By decreasing the junk mail sent out we
can actually save trees and space in our landfills.
Write a request to be removed from these marketer's
customer lists, and sign it, to: Direct Marketing
Assoc., Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008,
Farmingdale, NY 11735.
I have a job that
requires me to sit at my desk all day at a computer. Is
there anything I can do that would help prevent RSI
(repetitive stress injury)?
For everyone who sits for
a prolonged period of time at work, I recommend built in
periods of movement during your day. Try to get into the
habit of standing while you are on the phone and then
use the following tips to enhance your health and
productivity at work. 1) Adjust your chair height so
your feet are flat on the floor; 2) position your
keyboard so your elbows are at the same height as the
keyboard; 3) set up your monitor so that the top of the
screen is at or slightly below eye level; 4) position
the screen so that it doesn't reflect glare into your
eyes - keep it clean; 5) make sure your monitor's
brightness and contrast controls are properly adjusted;
6) alternate working at the computer with tasks that use
different muscles; 7) position your mouse at the same
height at the keyboard or use a built-in touch pad (Cirque
makes a great keyboard with touch pad).
I have dandruff and am
tired of trying all of these medicated shampoos that
leave my hair very dry. I also heard you talk about
herbs that heal. Do any of these help?
Many dermatologists
looking for assistance in this area promote the use of
the herbal antiseptic Tea-Tree Oil (melaleuca) due to
its ability to fight yeast buildups and bacteria. There
are many of these products on the market or you can
create your own by adding 4 to 6 drops of this oil to
your own shampoo. Use daily for 45 to 60 days and make
sure you rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water
after each shampoo. Also, increase your intake of Omega
3 fatty acids. I take MAX EPA fish oil capsules daily.
Both my husband and I
suffer from a little known problem with our feet at
night known at Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Our doctors
are unfamiliar with this. Can you help?
RLS can cause sleep
deprivation and should not be taken lightly. While I
have not heard of a cure, several physicians have
recommended trying calcium/magnesium/potassium
supplements in the early evening, as well as acupuncture
which seems to lessen the severity of this condition. A
minimum of 4-6 sessions may be needed before one will
see favorable results. Quinine tables were used
regularly in the past until they were found to create
serious complications in a large number of people.
Contact the RLS Foundation
for information or send them an email at rlsfoundation@rls.org
or call 1-877-463-6757 to receive a free booklet titled
“Living with Restless Legs.”
I am interested in
finding ways in which I can get more energy. I feel
tired throughout the afternoons. I eat breakfast and
lunch and walk for twenty minutes a day at noon. Would
Ginseng or any other supplement help?
My first suggestion is to
look at the amount of water you are drinking throughout
the day. If we become even slightly dehydrated it can
affect our energy levels. Also, what types of food are
you eating for lunch? High fat foods can be hard to
digest, possibly robbing you of energy. Substitute
complex carbohydrates and low fat protein for fattier
foods. Your twenty minute walk is a great way to break
up your day and reduce your stress levels. Ginseng has
been used for thousands of years as an anti-fatigue
supplement and is becoming more popular in our country
as an alternative to caffeine. Also, consider taking
60-second "breather" breaks in the morning and
afternoon. Practice deep breathing by filling your
abdominal area first, then your chest, hold for one
count and slowly exhale. Do this ten times, slowly,
several times each day. Taking in more oxygen not only
reduces stress, but also may give you the lift you
desire.
What is the difference
between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy?
Occupational Therapists
help people regain their life after accidents or surgery
through basic retraining skills for eating and household
chores. They also help people regain mobility through
artistic work (like painting, sculpting, pottery,
drawing), which helps psychological development as well.
Physical Therapists help
people rehabilitate from injuries or surgery with a
variety of techniques for physical rehabilitation
including ice, heat, ultrasound and electrical
stimulation. They help people to re-learn how to walk
after surgery and perform range of motion exercises with
individuals who are bed-ridden and much more.
The above descriptions
are just the basic tasks provided. For more information,
call your local hospital and ask to meet with the
managers of both of these departments to get an up-close
look at all of the great work these professionals do.
Please provide
information for Intestinal Candida!
To everyone with
questions on intestinal problems from bloating to
constipation to candida, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.,
check out the book
The Yeast Connection Handbook by Dr. Crook
(800-634-1380). There is a lot of great information that
has turned millions of people's lives totally around:
supplements with caprylic acid, garlic, peppermint oil,
glutamine and aloe vera juice have all helped. Also, you
might try removing all wheat, yeast, sugar and milk
products from your diet, meditation to decrease stress,
yoga and regular exercise. It can initially seem
overwhelming, but once you get your digestive system
working right, the relief can be fantastic -- I know,
I've been through some tough experiences with intestinal
candida myself.
I'm confused over this
whole issue with water. Is bottled better than tap? What
kind of bottled water is safest? What about filters?
According to many water
quality experts including Dr. Roy Speiser, our municipal
water supply is in dire straits. Just look at 1993 and
the catastrophe in Milwaukee where more than 40 people
died and thousands became ill from bacteria in the water
supply. The best choice in bottled water (I have a very
hard time recommending that anyone drink tap water
without boiling it first . . . just my humble opinion)
is purified and/or distilled. For a good water filter,
check out one that has a four stage carbon filter
surrounded by a ceramic filter for your kitchen faucet.
That is the kind I use in my home. (For information,
call Elite Water Filters @ 800-634-1380.)
I would like to learn
more about detoxification and how it might boost my
metabolism. I have looked in many book stores and can't
find any books on the subject. Do you have any
recommendations?
For some great resources
on body cleansing/detoxification, check out these
titles:
The Detox Diet by Elson Haas, M.D.,
Surviving the Toxic Crisis by Dr. William Kellas and
can be ordered by calling 619-632-9042, and
Body Smart System by Helene Silver. Also Therapeutix
5 System Cleanse Supplements (1-800-9-NATURE). |
