Emotional Freedom Training or EFT 
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This is a post from the budwig diet:
Healing Lactose Intolerance & Dairy Sensitivity With EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique): Case Reports
Introduction by Healing Cancer Naturally © 2006
Following are two case reports from Gary Craig’s highly recommended emofree.com site on how EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) has worked to free people of lactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity even of many years standing. They furnish yet another striking example of how our bodies cannot possibly be reduced to their chemical composition and constituents (as modern medicine is wont to do) but rather are ruled by their underlying energetic foundations as particularly evident in our emotions.
You will find more cases of lactose intolerance cleared up or improved apparently via EFT at emofree com where you can also download the free Get Started Package.
For an introduction to EFT, also see EFT: Healing Mind and Body By Reestablishing Healthy Energetic Flow.
A personal experience with EFT and lactose intolerance
By Kristine Lotoski
Hello Gary,
Here is a quick write up about my lactose intolerance experience with tapping [EFT].
1. Before tapping, I was probably lactose intolerant for most of my life. But it wasn't until my adult years that I experienced the first lactose attack that I could not ignore. Yogurt with granola was my all time favorite and a great way to get protein. It was also my nemesis.
Milk upset my stomach. So did heavy cream sauces and half-and half. Ice cream for some reason had not created any painful knots in my intestines at that point. Milk and yogurt bloated my stomach and intestines with painful gas. Yogurt was definitely the most painful attacker of all.
Also, before the tapping, I frequently ran to the bathroom following indulgence in heavy cream dishes. The pain for heavy cream dishes was a 5 (on a 0-10 scale) and my stomach and intestines broke the sound barrier. My stomach rumbled and wheezed and made some strange noises. I figured I had food poisoning. The yogurt was a 6 working its way to a unmistakable 10.
Though, I had had painful lactose gaseous attacks before, yogurt gave me a LEVEL 10 attack in 1992. Over the years I had what both my doctors and I thought were "just stomach aches'' and stress attacks. It was in the summer of 1992 that I could not ignore these aches any more. Still, I had no idea what they were.
Then it was that fall of 1992, that I had the worst attack in history. Literally, I was writhing in pain. It felt like my intestines would implode. I took all kinds of household medicines to help myself get past this unbearable pain. Nothing helped. Finally, my family, doctor and I dismissed this episode as a batch of bad yogurt.
In 1996, while a graduate student at a medical school no less, I was tested for gastro-intestinal problems. I drank barium and they did x-rays and such. The diagnosis came back as negative. My doctor said it was stress related.
2. Finally, In winter1999, I had a tapping session with a friend of mine. She said she suspected that I had lactose intolerance amongst other allergies.
My friend tapped me for lactose intolerance for 1 session for approx. 3 minutes. She tapped me for milk, yogurt, eggs, and butter. Yogurt she said was the worst: a 10.
Then she suspected that I had more allergies. She also tapped me for wheat allergy. If I remember right, she said that was a strong allergy and tapped me for 5 minutes. I now rate this a 2. I can eat wheat now without the watering eyes and blowing of the nose. I do, however, infrequently experience tightening of the lungs. (We would have done more but she was traveling back to Ontario. )
3. After the tapping
It had been years that I lived with lactose intolerance before my friend discovered it and provided a cure. She surmises that I had it most of my life, yet no one knew. Now I eat yogurt everyday, if I want. I can travel to friends' houses for a weekend trip without bringing soy products. I still enjoy soy, but I now use their milk and creams and yogurt and eat their ice cream. It is a huge relief. I don't have to pack a cooler! I can enjoy a latte, a cappacinno, or a malted. I generally do not eat or drink these. However, if I feel like splurging at a birthday party or some celebration, I am no longer concerned about my locality to a bathroom or at what time I will be in the car traveling, etc. I can eat Italian cream sauces again.
Heavy rich cream sauces will still upset my stomach a bit. Then some diarrhea later. However, there is no urgency to get to a bathroom. The stomach upset is a 2 for discomfort. I don't experience pain nor am I concerned that I will not make it to a bathroom quickly enough. I should tap again on the heavy cream sauces in order to knock the 2 to a 0, but I am not COMPLAINING!
Essentially, I have returned to a regular life. I am so grateful for this.
Warmest,
Kristine Lotoski
Another lactose intolerance case
By Dr. Alexander Lees
Hi Gary,
Thought you might like to hear about the following case.
A client was presenting her list to me of things she wished to resolve, there were marital difficulties, child raising differences, and a host of other related issues to be dealt with. As she was reading her list, she apologized for having "the sniffles" as she called it, and mentioned it was because she'd eaten something with milk in it, and followed up with "even though I know I shouldn't."
When I expressed concern and interest, she quickly explained she'd been diagnosed as lactose intolerant and had been advised to ingest lactase, an enzyme, whenever she used a milk based food. Her symptoms were runny nose, puffiness around the eyes, and an itchy sensation (especially on the face) and, occasionally, a red rash would appear on her throat.
I asked her how long had she been taking the enzyme. Apparently for at least a month. The second question, how long had the symptoms been present, was answered with "over a year."
I gave her the briefest of explanations of EFT, and tapped the hand P.R. point using the phrase "even though I have this allergy to dairy products, which I really love, I deeply and completely accept myself." These were the words she chose to frame the problem. We repeated this three times, then did a full round using the reminder phrase "this allergy to dairy products." She said she didn't feel any different, and we returned to the main reasons for her visit for the rest of the session.
On the third visit, I asked her how she was doing with her allergic reaction to dairy products. "Oh, fine, the doctor said that sometimes some people take longer than the normal time to respond to the enzyme treatment."
GC COMMENT: I've lost count of the number of times that someone has achieved relief using EFT but then explained the results by some other means. EFT, for now, is a belief violator and will continue to generate these "alternate explanations" until it becomes more widely known.
ALEX CONTINUES: We moved on to other issues, and one day, her sister was referred to me. (Approx. 2 months later.)
I asked how her sister was doing with her allergy. "Oh, that's long gone," she replied, "'Kelly' got over it shortly after she first came to see you."
Do enzymes have a delayed reaction ? I haven't a clue. Did EFT clear it in less than 4 minutes of application? I guess we won't ever know that, either. However, it was an interesting enough coincidence to pass along the story to you.
Sincerely
Dr. Alexander R. Lees
- Re: Emotional Freedom Training or E... mo123
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This is a reply to # 1,204,274EFT helps with prostate pain and urinary problems
Hi Everyone,
Here's a common male problem that was relieved easily with EFT. No drugs or surgery involved. Many thanks to JoAnn SkyWatcher for sharing this with us (complete with all the language details).
Hugs, Gary
By JoAnn SkyWatcher
My husband and I recently visited some old friends of his (I had never met them). We spent the night at their country home. “George” (who is 57 years old) went to bed early because he was having pain from his prostate problem. I told him that I did a technique that might be able to help, though I wasn’t sure because I had never worked on anyone with that issue before. We worked together for about an hour. I told George that in my experience, several things help with EFT working better:
* Rapport with the practitioner (we had established rapport during dinner)
* Willingness--he was incredibly willing for the pain to not be there
* Persistence
* Physical ways of changing energy: laughing, deeper breathing, crying, growling
PAIN:
I asked George where the pain was. He said that the tip of his penis hurt. Sometimes it gets up to an intensity level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10. At times, the pain goes all the way to his prostate gland. Tonight, it was 5 out of 10. He also said that his doctor had prescribed Antibiotics and that he was trying to stay away from them as much as possible. He had been off Antibiotics for a while.
Set-up phrases:
* Even though my penis sometimes hurts like hell…
* Even though my penis has a burning sensation ...
* Even though my penis really hurts...
Reminder phrase: Penis pain
For emphasis, I had him yell the different phrases. Also, I had him tap certain points for a prolonged time. I worked hard to get him to laugh, and eventually he did. His pain dropped to 0 out of 10 in one round.
URINARY PROBLEM:
The next issue that we worked on was difficulty emptying his bladder. On average, he had to get up five times during the night. He would have to stand there for a long time before anything would come out. When it would, it would really hurt, and he would anticipate the pain.
Set-up phrases:
* Even though it has been hard for me to pee…
* Even though sometimes it only comes out in a dribble...
* Even though when the pee only dribbles out it makes me feel like an old man and I hate that...
* Even though sometimes I pee like an old man...
Reminder phrases: (I had him alternate)
* It only dribbles
* Pee comes out slowly
Set-up phrases:
* Even though in the last couple of years my pee has come out slowly, I deeply and completely love and accept myself and my penis
* Even though my pee might come out slowly, I deeply and completely love and accept myself and my penis
* I forgive myself and my penis for anything that I may have done
Reminder phrases: (I had him alternate and had him imagine the positive images)
* Even though it may come out in a dribble
* And then again it may come out like a race horse
* And sometimes just a dribble
* I relax and let it flow like Niagara Falls
* And sometimes it's slow and I relax
* And let it flow like a fire hydrant
* I just let it flow and go easy on myself
* If I feel angry because it isn't flowing, I just let the anger flow easily out of my penis
I told him when he got up to go to the bathroom to turn the faucet on (an auditory reminder) and tap, then consciously breathe and use one of the visualizations:
* Peeing like a race horse
* Let it flow like Niagara Falls
* Flow like a fire hydrant
The next morning he reported:
* He had gotten up fewer times
* It was easier to pee
* He wasn't feeling pain
ANTICIPATING PAIN AND TENSING MUSCLES:
I noticed that before George would stand up that he would prepare for the pain by tensing up his facial muscles (and other muscles, too). I brought this up to him, and asked him to close his eyes and imagine himself being a vigorous 40-year-old man, breathing and standing up easily. Then we tapped.
Set-up phrases:
* Even though I have been tensing my body before I stand up, and that anticipation of the pain has helped intensify the pain…
* Even though by tensing my body before standing up has intensified the pain - I didn't know any better…
* Now, before I stand up, I breathe slowly, relax and imagine that I am 40 years old, and then stand up easily.
Reminder phrases:
* Releasing fear of penis pain
* It's easy to stand
* Go away penis pain
* It's easy to stand up
* Releasing penis pain
* Go away penis pain
* I am aware of my relaxed body
* It is easy for me to stand up
He was able to stand up without clenching his muscles in anticipation of the pain.
JoAnn SkyWatcher
- Re: eft for migraines mo123
16 y
6,223
This is a reply to # 1,204,28718 month migraine headache follow-up--"no more lying down in the middle of the day."
Note: To augment her original article (below) Dr. Carol Look conducted a further follow-up with her client after 5-6 years. She reports as follows: I told my doorman "John" that I was interested in how well the one short EFT session for the treatment of his chronic migraine condition had lasted. John told me that after suffering from weekly and sometimes daily migraines since childhood, he hadn't had a single migraine since the EFT treatment, which was between 5 and 6 years ago. He still doesn't understand what went on in my office, but is thrilled with his relief. Below is the original article.
Hi Everyone,
In her message below, Dr. Carol Look gives us an 18 month follow-up on a client who suffered from DAILY migraine headaches. Along the way she provides a professional look at the details of the case. My hope is that this article is passed along to healing practitioners from every discipline. Migraine headaches are among our most disabling ailments and are a mystery to most of the healing professions. In the typical case, the client is given medications in hope of some temporary relief. However, complete cessation of the problem using conventional means is hard to come by.
On many occasions I have seen EFT wipe out headaches on the spot--some of them migraines. Evidence of this is in our EFT Course videotapes and audiotapes. Some headache cases are "one minute wonders" while others require more diligence and skill. Overall, the clinical results are impressive, especially when one considers that neither drugs nor negative side effects are part of the picture. This is not to suggest, however, that one alter their use of medications. That is for one's physician to decide. It IS to suggest, however, that dedicated healing professionals need to take a serious look at what is happening here.
Here is Carol's message.
Hugs, Gary
By Dr. Carol Look
Dear Gary,
About 18 months ago I had a session with "John," a New York City doorman, who described searing pain at least once a day from migraine headaches. He had finally returned to work after months of medical treatment following an incident where he ended up in the middle of a street fight. He had been hit over the head with a lead pipe and ended up in the hospital with his skull split open. He has no memory of the accident. After weeks of hospital procedures and recovery, his final surgery was to place a metal plate in his skull.
In my office, John's current headache was only a "4" with pain and aches traveling down his neck to his shoulders. His eyes looked watery and he was clearly uncomfortable. He said a "4" wasn't too bad since he lived with "8's", "10's" and "off-the-chart" pain on a regular basis. In fact, he was a little disappointed that my scale [0-10 intensity] only went to a "10." We tapped as follows:
"Even though I have this dull headache..."Even though my head always hurts..."Even though my neck and shoulders are tight/sore..."Even though my head is throbbing..."Even though I can't see when I have these headaches...
We "chased the pain" in regular EFT fashion as it moved locations and changed either quality or texture. GC: This procedure is described in our tape set, Steps toward becoming The Ultimate Therapist. I used the exact words John used and tapped on myself at the same time. When John's current headache was reduced to a "1" we moved to work on the trauma of the accident. Since John had an amnesic period of about 3 days, he couldn't "tune in" to rate the trauma on a 0-10 scale. I asked him to follow my words and tap for it anyway, knowing that aspects of the trauma were stored somewhere, even if currently inaccessible by normal channels of recall.
"Even though I'm upset that I got caught in the fight..."Even though I don't remember what happened..."Even though I got hit over the head and my head still hurts..."Even though I suffered from the accident...the surgery...and myheadaches...
Then we talked more about John's recent headache patterns and why he never took anything stronger than Advil for the pain. He said, "All my life I've never gone near a painkiller..." I asked, "What do you mean, 'all my life...' " To my surprise, John told me that, BY THE WAY, he had suffered from migraine headaches since he was a little kid! He said that when he first had migraines, no one knew what they were and he would tell his mother he "had one of those fevers again." I had mistakenly assumed his headaches were a direct result of the accident, and had missed this HUGE aspect. We continued tapping:
"Even though I've always had migraines..."Even though my head has hurt me since I was a little kid..."Even though I have no idea why I've had migraines all my life..."Even though I don't know the SOURCE of my migraines...(This phrase seemed to hit a target as evidenced by facial movements and a sigh or two.)
Of course we couldn't rate these issues on the 0-10 scale, but I listened to that intuitive "pull" to use these phrases.
John left the office looking and feeling much better (no glassy eyes) but was still skeptical about the strange treatment. He knew nothing about acupuncture and didn't "believe" in therapy, so the analogy of EFT being a form of "Psychological Acupuncture" fell on deaf ears. I gave him the homework assignment of tapping every morning for "Even though I've had migraines all my life..." and tapping each time he felt a migraine beginning to brew.
When I spoke with John last Thursday for a follow-up discussion, he reported that he hadn't needed to do any tapping other than during the first two weeks since our session because his migraines were totally gone. His friends had mocked him [re: tapping] during that first two week period, but since he was able to effectively reduce any pain to a "1" or a "0" each time, he didn't care. John was beaming about the success of the treatment and the empowerment it gave him, and of course, he was enormously grateful for the pain relief. "No more lying down in the middle of the day." John explained that he used to take unscheduled breaks from his doorman shifts to lie down when his migraines became unbearable.
I asked several questions, checking and testing for details about his symptoms. "No more headaches whatsoever?" John said, "Well, once in a while I get a little headache if I've stayed out too late or if I don't get enough sleep..." (don't we all...) "but nothing like what I used to get."
Love, Carol
Carol C. Look, C.S.W., D.C.H.
More articles on Headaches and Migraine Headaches
- Re: eft for migraines mo123
16 y
6,785
This is a reply to # 1,204,292Many Migraine Sufferers Undertreated - What Can You Do For Migraines?
The proportion of migraine sufferers remained stable in the past decade, according to the results of a new national headache survey. However, doctors say many of the 28 million US migraine sufferers are still being undertreated for their disabling headaches.
Researchers conducted a nationally representative survey of 20,000 US households to examine the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of migraine headaches.
Migraine headaches are especially disabling headaches that usually occur on one side of the head, last 4 to 72 hours, and cause symptoms such as sensitivity to light and nausea.
The researchers reported that the proportion of migraine sufferers seems to have remained the same in the past decade, with about 13% of Americans over age 12 suffering migraine headaches, as defined by the International Headache Society.
The research found that the proportion of men and women experiencing migraines remained largely the same, with women still three times as likely as men to have migraine headaches. The new survey found that 18% of women and 6.5% of men reported migraine headaches.
The proportion of patients seeing a doctor for their migraines increased, with 48% of those with migraine headaches obtaining physician diagnoses in 1999 compared to 38% in the previous survey.
However, the research also showed that compared to a decade ago, the same proportion of headache sufferers -- a little more than half -- were still using over-the-counter pain medications to treat their migraines, while 41% were now using prescriiption medications, up from 37%.
Headache July/August 2001; 41: 638-645, 646-657
Natural Body Butter
Dr. Mercola Dr. Mercola's Comments:
The research is clearly biased, as it was funded by grants to the National Headache Foundation from Glaxo Wellcome, makers of the popular migraine drug 'Imitrex'. The intent is clearly to increase awareness that migraines are not being treated and that there are in fact expensive drug options to solve it.
The researchers, and Glaxo Wellcome, hope more migraine sufferers choose their new prescriiption drugs as a solution for their migraine.
However, if you have read this newsletter for some time you will realize that drugs are NOT my first solution for this, or most any health problem for that matter.
Following the eating plan seems to reduce migraines by about 80%. Avoiding wheat, grains, Sugar and all fluids but water seem to be particularly effective.
However, the eating plan does take some time to work. In the past I have used intravenous magnesium to relieve the headache pain, but now I find that EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to be incredibly effective at removing the pain in a few minutes.
I am sure it does not work for everyone, but I have yet to find anyone that it did not work on. It is amazing. EFT can also be used to eliminate food cravings and to help follow the eating plan.
Please be sure to read my other comments on EFT in this issue.
Related Articles:
Migraine Highly Prevalent but Often Undiagnosed
Migraines Undertreated, Misunderstood
Wheat Can Cause Severe Headaches
Lori says
I have been a migrain sufferer since I was 10 years old. I am now 48 years old. The one thing I found that cured my migraines was to use "mind over matter," and work through the head pain and not let it get to you. There was one time I had no choice BUT to work through the migraine, and that is when my battle to "rid the head pain" began. Every time I had a "head banging, head rocking, sick to my stomach" migraine, I worked on, and got the job done. The head pain got the hint. Now, all I am left with is the "aura" and sometimes a dull sensation and that is it. I can go through the day and laugh at the so-called "migraine."
[ Reply ]
- remedies for migraines mo123
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6,624
Lugol’s Iodine Free S&H
J.Crow’s® Lugol’s Iodine Solution. Restore lost reserves.
Kidney Stones Remedy
Hulda Clark Cleanses
This is a reply to # 1,204,306Migraine Remedies
Updated: 06/24/2008
Looking for Headache Remedies? Click here!
"Migraine is a neurological syndrome that can cause a wide range of symptoms during an attack. The most commonly thought of symptom is headache.
It is widespread in the population. In the U.S., 18% of women and 6% of men report having had at least one migraine episode in the previous year, with seriousness ranging from an annoyance to a life-threatening and/or daily experience.
Usually migraine causes episodes of severe or moderate headache (which is often one-sided and pulsating) lasting from four to 72 hours, accompanied by gastrointestinal upsets, such as nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Approximately one third of people who experience migraine get a preceding aura, in which a patient senses a strange light or unpleasant smell." (Wikipedia)
MOST POPULAR MIGRAINES REMEDIES:
REMEDY NAME # of YEAS
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR 13
ACUPRESSURE, GARLIC, PEPPERMINT TEA
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, BAKING SODA AND Sea Salt
AVOID MSG!
AVOID SOY
BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES
BUTTERBUR
CHOCOLATE BAR AND MILK!
COCONUT OIL
1 2 3 Next
ACUPRESSURE, GARLIC, PEPPERMINT TEA
1 YEA
[YEA] 03/06/2008: Claudette from Houston, Tx writes: "For the lady who thinks she will quit having migraines when she gets 50.You can quit dreaming. I am 64 and have had migraines for years. I take Imitrex and sometimes when it is not available and I get one, I pinch my hand between the thumb and index finger. And garlic does help, I also drink peppermint tea with honey. Dairy products cause me to have migraines because of the thick mucus it causes at night."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
13 YEA 1 NAY
[YEA] 06/06/2008: Jaimi from Orlando, FL writes: "WOW! I have come to love the wonderful product of ACV. I have had severe allergies and sinus problems since I could walk. Chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis (they have lonce since been removed), rhinitis, etc... I have always taken prescriiption medication. However I am 8 mos pregnant and have not been able to take anything but over the counter Tylenol products. For the past 3 days I have been down and out with a severe sinus migraine, congestion and pressure. Nothing worked and I am sleep deprived! Adding these symptoms to 8mos of pregnancy spells MISERY for sure. I was desperate so I hopped online and what do you know? I found the same product that cured my husband of his pesky wart will also clear my sinuses. I only wished I found this info sooner! I took 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of water and downed. Then I made a mixture and put it in my veggie steamer (ACV is also a great residue cleaner) and sat over it for about 5mins. Everything started to clear up within the hour. I then rinsed with saline solution and I can breathe out of both nostrils! My headache is almost gone and the pressure almost nil! Oh and by the way the ACV steam bath is great for oily skin. I noticed a difference immediately after the face bath. I was then curious to see if this was a known rememdy for acne/skin problems and sure enough it is!!! In fact, Earth Clinic was the first hit.
I am amazed that such a simple, inexpensive product can do so much. Thank you dearly for this site."
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[YEA] 01/13/2008: Abigail from Orlando, FL writes: "ACV treated my sinus infection! I came across this website looking for a treatment for my recurrent sinus infections that no Antibiotics ever took care of, and based on all the reviews I tried the ACV treatment. It worked in ONE DAY!! I can't believe it, because I am a doctor, and am a little wary of home remedies. I did the 2 tbsp in 8 oz of water, and in one day I didn't have as much sinus pressure, and by the second day the constant drainage from the infection had stopped, and my migraines which I have had on and off for years also have not returned. In addition, my bad breath from the infection is gone, and I don't have to constantly be chewing gum anymore! I definitely will be doing this treatment everyday for a very long time, and I've found if you eat just a little bit of bread or crackers with the ACV you don't get heartburn. To anyone who's suffering from a sinus infection, just try this, it doesn't cost you much money at all, and if you've suffered from sinus infections as much as I have, you owe it to yourself to give this a shot!!! Best wishes to all!"
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[NAY] 08/26/2007: Doreen (medrecruiter89atyahoo.com) from Atlanta, Ga writes: "I am laying here feeling like I'm going to die with yet another migraine. I found your website last evening when it started and asked my husband to get me some Apple Cider Vinegar because of all the success others have had mixing it in water with honey. I wish I could say it helped me but it didnt even touch my migraine, Ive tried it twice, please help me to find another cure, Im laying here with two Vicodins in me, yes my migraine is numb but its still there haunting me and I know itll be back after they wear off. Please help."
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[YEA] 08/04/2007: Ginnie ([email protected]) from Jeffersonville, Indiana writes: "I was having problems with acid reflux, migraines, and yeast infections. For over a year now I have been taking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar right before bed and I have not had problems since. The doctor was going to put me on medicine for my acid reflux, and since I started taking the acv, the medication is not needed."
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[YEA] 06/19/2007: Dawn from Kalamazoo, MI writes: "I tried the ACV cure for migranes 30 minutes ago. It worked, and best of all, I'm not muddle headed like I am with the prescriiption my doctor gave me."
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[YEA] 06/19/2007: Joanne ([email protected]) from Tallahassee, Florida writes: "I have now tried this twice (the apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp and honey, 2 tsp in a glass of water) for migraines and both times within 20 minutes the migraine was gone to my amazement. I will continue using it because nothing else from doctors or OTC has worked"
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[YEA] 05/30/2007: AEM from San Diego, CA writes: "I have chronic sinusitis and severe migraines and one morning I woke up with an incredible headache. Driving, walking, talking, etc all made it worse and add the nausea...I looked at the site and made a concotion of water, 1 tsp of organic ACV and 1 tsp of honey. It wasn't the best tasting but I gulped it down and voila, pain has dissipated greatly. Thanks!!!"
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[YEA] 05/22/2007: Courtney ([email protected]) from Northglenn , Colorado, USA writes: "Thank you all sooo much!! I have had a migrane for four days now. I have had them since I can remember. I just tried the ACV and Honey in a whole glass of water and its been about 10 minutes and the migrane is gone!! I would recomend this treatment to any one already. Nothing else has EVER worked for me!!"
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[YEA] 04/12/2007: David ([email protected]) from St. Cloud, MN writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar is AMAZING!! My entire life I was dealing with very painful and sometimes severe migraines and headaches. I tried almost every drug to get rid of the painful symptoms. Some of the drugs did help slightly but not always. My neighbor is a homeopathic doctor and listed all of the benefits of this "natural miracle" I ... started to take a couple of TBSP every morning. Every since I have been taking ACV I have not had a headache or migraine since. Apple Cider Vinegar will stay with me my entire life!"
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[YEA] 02/19/2007: Mohamed ([email protected]) from Abu Dhabi, UAE writes: "Apple cider cured my Migraine! I usually use it two times a day and when I feel there might be an onset I would increase to three times or more..and It works. I really want everybody to know this. You don't need to use any other medicine. I have only have been using homeopathy which had not helped a lot but no side effects. My sister who had been getting weekly migraines has the side effects of being deaf on one side of her ear due to side effects of medication.Now she started the Vinegar cure and she says it Works! How we don't know. Thanks for this Site .. let the world know about this!"
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[YEA] 02/01/2007: Sukie from Lake Los Angeles, CA writes: "My boyfriend recently told me about Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with apple juice as a cure for sore throat, colds etc... I remember hearing about ACV in the 70's for weight loss but never knew how to take it. I did some research and found this site and decided to try it. I AM CONVINCED THAT ACV IS A MIRACLE CURE!! Remember the old adage "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Well I thought it can't hurt so I started drinking 2 t. of ACV with 6 oz. apple juice twice a day, 5 days ago. I have increased energy, decreased appetite and for the first time in 10 years I did not get a menstrual migraine with my period this morning. I've been taking Maxalt at least twice a month for years for hormonal migraines and did not need it today. That in and of itself has made me a believer. My boyfriend has also reported increased energy and general overall well being. We will continue to drink ACV daily. Thank you for this great site!"
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[YEA] 11/12/2006: Uma from Gibraltar, Spain writes: "I take ACV 2TBS in 8oz water taking sips all through the day. I was bloated all month and had water retention 10 days before my period. I was miserable i tried everything , diet change , pills homeopathic, and my husband is a physician and he gave all kind of medicines but still everything just could not solve my problem. i was annoyed all the time because i do not know what my exact size was and i was restless all the time , never comfortable, in sitting or lying down. Then looking for cure on internet in homeopathy somebody mentioned earth clinic, and i went to the site, and from that day my life changed. After reading about ACV I got up and mix one TS in one glass of water and without thinking i drank it . After 10 minutes my head suddenly clear and then my migraine was gone which I have been having for the last 10 years every week and i do not know how many pandols i have taken for that.----Well for the last 2 months, I am bloat free, water retention free, migraine free, and i am feeling comfortable for the first time in last 10 years. I have lost 10 pounds and I know my exact size now. Plus I had very bad dandruff and hair Acne and twice a week I have been washing my hair with ACV and after two months I am free of dandruff and acne. There was no change initially except my migraine was gone but suddenly after one month before my periods i started noticing changes. No bloatedness and water retention and i had lost weight. I am thankful to all of u, whoever started this site. This has truly helped me. My doctor husband cannot believe it.
Just try it. Even if u don't see results initially it will show some benefits, later. I am hooked for life and i am giving it to my teenager son and daughter."
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[YEA] 07/23/2006: Nicolette from Dunedin, FL writes: "I suffer from menstrual migraines for the last 7 months & I have allergies to many medications so all I can take is extra strength tylenol. I have tried many home remedies because I usually have a migraine for 1-2 entire days without taking medication. I had this migraine for 14 hours & within 10 minutes of drinking the mixture my headache was gone! Thank you so much!!"
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[YEA] 07/08/2006: Sarah from Madison, IN writes: "I have suffered with Migraine headaches for years. I have taken Imitrex, which always cures them, plus I take an anti-seizure medicine to help prevent them. This weekend, I had a terrible Migraine in which the Imitrex didn't help. After becoming very tired of taking pills that were not helping, I came to the Internet and found this website. I drank 2 TBS. of apple cider vinegar with 8oz. of water and within 10 minutes, the headache I had suffered with for 2 days is totally gone!!! Unbelievable!! Thank you so much for posting this natural remedy."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, BAKING SODA AND Sea Salt
2 YEA
[YEA] 05/01/2007: PD from USA writes: "I wrote you the above message earlier, I am giving you an update, I wound up in a 4 day hospital stay do to my throat problem, I could not do my usual ACV & Baking Soda & iodine, wnet in the hospital on Wednesday night, Friday morning woke up with a terrible migrane, I have come to the conclusion, if I put one drop of Iodine on my hand every night and do my Backing Soda in the morning on an empty stomach, I do not get a migrane, or acid reflux, I think the Iodine is keeping me from getting the migraines, and I know the backing soda is keeping me from the acid reflux problem."
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[YEA] 02/27/2007: PD from USA writes: "MIGRAINE CURES: I usually have several migraines during a month, but since the first of January, until February 22, 2007 (during the time I could not eat or drink much, because of throat problems), I noticed I never got the first migraine during this time, On Thursday February 22, 2007 I had my first migraine, severe one. I thought I would try something I had bought for Migraines, It was called MY-GRASTICK, (roller stick 3ml/0.1fl.oz.) it contains 100% pure & Natural peppermint (menthe) & Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) & essential oils. I had used it on normal headaches and they went away but it was made for migraines. I tried it for several hours that day. It would ease it for a short while but it would come back just as strong, it would not go away, I finally took my migraine medicine. I then had a second Migraine on Sunday February 25, 2007, even more severe than the last one. I woke up with this one. I then decided to try your ACV remedy. I mixed ACV with Sea Salt , Baking Soda and water, sipped while putting ice packs on my head. The migraine eased off enough, where I could go to sleep, few hours later sipped some more of the ACV mixture, migraine eased off to a faint pain, never had to take any pills for it. I then got to wondering, what I had eaten, drank, took, did or did not do, that caused the first migraine and second migraine. These are the only changes in my diet before the 1st Migraine on February 22, 2007, I ate Chinese food, I had stopped taking my Vitamin B drops and I was no longer putting a drop of Iodine on my hand every night before I went to bed (was putting it on a skin problem) and I accidentally drank some buttermilk (thought it was milk). Between the first migraine on Thursday February 22 and second migraine February 25, 2007, I had eaten Chinese Saturday night, was not taking my Vitamin B drops and was not putting the iodine on my hand. I am not going to eat any more Chinese for awhile, and I am going to test the B Vitamins and iodine drop, to see if one of those were actually keeping me from getting a Migraine. Will let you know my progress."
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AVOID MSG!
1 YEA
[YEA] 05/05/2007: Joanne ([email protected]) from Tallahassee, FL, USA writes: "Like PD, I dicovered a connection between Chinese food and my migraines. It was MSG. I've had migraines from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and an ever growing list of prepared foods to the point where I don't eat them much anymore (better for my body anyway). I found the best way to avoid them is try to avoid MSG, but it's very difficult, so I also take magnesium (400 mgs) a day. It seems to help keep them down, although lately I've been getting a lot of them but I think it was dietary because I was eating junk. *L* I'm going to try the ACV and see if that helps.. But if Chinese food triggers you, it just might be MSG.. good luck!"
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AVOID SOY
1 YEA
[YEA] 01/29/2008: Darryl from Cato, New York writes: "I have no remedy except to stay away from soy. It causes me to have migraines.It is so hard to find food that doesn't have it in it."
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BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES
2 YEA
[YEA] 12/23/2006: Chris from Colorado writes: "Well, it was that time of the month and I had the mother of all headaches. I tried apple cider vinegar in apple juice and it got a little better. 2 hours later I gave up and took a tablespoon of molasses (don't particularly like that stuff). 10 minutes later my headache was completely gone!"
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[YEA] 11/09/2006: Karen from Union, KY writes: "This is the first time I've tried this for my monthly migraine, which I have had for several years. Nothing I tried seem to prevent this from happening, I could only medicate after it started. This is the first time I haven't had one after using the Molasses. I took a couple of spoonfuls in the morning and took it to work and used a couple of times during the day. I use an organic unsulphered brand. So glad I have found this, no more migraine this month. I really can't believe this, still waiting to see if one comes on."
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BUTTERBUR
1 YEA
[YEA] 07/14/2007: Ani ([email protected]) from ontario, canada writes: "I was reading your migrane section today because i just got over my first real migrane and wanted to educate myself on home remedies in case i ever get another one. In any case I ready the butterbur cure and remember a customer of mine telling me that she had suffered from weekly migranes until her doctor told her about Butterbur. She said it relieved her migranes significantly and she now leads a normal mostly migrane free life. Thought i'd pass it on."
Francoise from Los Angeles, CA sent us this remedy for migraines which she found on the internet. Like us, you've probably never heard of this product!
Here it is: "Don't like the thought of taking strong prescriiption medications for migraine headaches? Consider trying butterbur (Petasites hybridus). This herb is native to Europe, northern Africa and southwestern Asia, and has been used for centuries as an effective remedy for headaches, back pain and asthma. Recent studies suggest migraine sufferers may benefit from butterbur's actions - reducing inflammation and spasms in blood-vessel walls - without experiencing the side effects associated with prescriiption medications (except some burping). A study published in Neurology, Dec. 28, 2004, reported that after four months, people taking 75 mg of butterbur daily for migraines had 48 percent fewer migraine attacks per month - similar to the effects of prescriiption migraine drugs. Be very careful about the butterbur you purchase - only use butterbur extracts that are guaranteed to be free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The adult dosage ranges from 50-100 mg twice daily, and should be taken with meals."
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CHOCOLATE BAR AND MILK!
1 YEA
[YEA] 11/05/2006: Susan from Oregon City, OR writes: "my remedy is for migraines. A doctor told me this was his mother's cure for migraines. You eat half of a chocolate bar and drink half a glass of milk. Wait 25 min and eat the rest of the chocolate bar and drink the rest of the milk. For me the migraine was gone in 10 min."
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COCONUT OIL
1 YEA 1 NAY
[YEA] 11/29/2007: Sandy from Bangalore, India writes: "Dear Earthclinic, Thank you for putting up such a fabulously informative site. I am a daily visitor. After reading some virtues of coconut oil on your site, I decided to drink it daily for weight loss. Well, I began to notice that if I had a couple of teaspoons coconut oil in the morning with my breakfast, then I didnt get acidity the entire day. Also, I didnt get migraines that day. I am quite susceptible to migraines close to my periods. So during those days, I have a couple of teaspoonfuls twice/thrice a day, and dont get migraines that day. In fact, I now carry a small bottle of coconut oil in my purse, and drink some of it if I start feeling a migraine coming on, or if I start feeling nauseous(sign of acidity)--after drinking the oil I burp (because of acid base neutalization and subsequent gas release, I guess), and my acidity/migraine goes off.If I am home, I may drink the coconut oil with some cold milk--helps immensely. If I am out, I drink the coconut oil by itself, and just drink some water on top of it to take the oil taste off my mouth. Ever since I started taking coconut oil (thanks to earthclinic), I have been free of migraines and acidity nausea. My facial skin had open pores previously--the pores have closed now (!!) since drinking coconut oil and skin looks moisturized. Thanks again."
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[NAY] 01/11/2007: Tammy from Roseburg, Oregon writes: "I avoid anything with coconut oil in it! It gives me terrible migraine headaches. My whole family runs this allergic reaction. Now, I don't know if it's "virgin" - it's the C.O. you see in lots of products (candy, esp.) A small amount can set me back for a day; more has caused me a visit to the ER! I did not run across anyone else who said they had the same reaction, but my dad, aunts, cousins, etc. all are allergic to C.O."
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This is a reply to # 1,204,287
Prostate - Tiny But Troublesome
(READING TIPS: For fast reading, scan through the topic headings in BOLD BLACK, important conclusions in BOLD BLUE, and " Must Know " in BOLD RED. To jump to specific sections in this article, click on the respective LINKS in the Contents.)
Before You Begin
Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.
Contents
Introduction
Prostate 101
Causes of Prostatic Hypertrophy / Prostate Cancer
Therapeutic Options for BPH
Saw Palmetto
Pygeum
Stinging Nettle
Diet
Conclusion
Introduction
If you are a male and you live long enough, you're going to have prostate problems. It's a natural consequence of aging. Men need to be aware that their prostate can cause them some significant symptoms. Some 180,000 American men this year will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Celebrities afflicted by this disease include U.S. Senator Bob Dole, golf legend Arnold Palmer, comedian Jerry Lewis, and race car driver great Richard Petty. 34,000 Americans will die from the disease. Prostate cancer is the leading non-skin cancer in men. You have a higher chance of something going wrong with your prostate than any other organ in your body, and yet people don't think about that.
Prostate 101
Few men ever consider the walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder, until it starts to give them trouble. In fact, a 1995 survey in the London Times found that 89% of the men surveyed did not even know where the prostate was located.
The prostate is a single, doughnut-shaped gland about the size of a walnut that lies below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It secretes a thin, milky fluid that increases sperm motility and lubricates the urethra to prevent infection. The fluid is extremely important for successful fertilization of the egg.
After the age of 50, the prostate begins to hypertrophy, or increase in size. This condition is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) runs through the middle of the prostate. Consequently, when the prostate enlarges, the urethra is squeezed and therefore compressed. This can pinch off the flow of urine, cause difficulty in urinating, and make many men get up three or four times during the night to urinate. Most men don't know enough about the symptoms. Many think that it's just normal aging if you're getting up four to five times a night to go to the bathroom. But it's just not the case. In reality, they are having a prostate problem and they do not even know about it.
Other symptoms of BPH include hesitancy, dribbling, reduced force of the urinary stream, and occasional bleeding or infection. This condition may even proceed to the point of complete urinary obstruction, which is a surgical emergency.
5 to 10% of men at age thirty are already affected by this disease. 50% of men between 40-60 years of age suffer from BPH, escalating to 90% of men by age 85. If you live long enough, you are going to get it.
Fortunately, BPH is not deadly and can be treated. Untreated BPH can lead to more serious complications such as urinary tract infection and kidney damage. Severe cases of BPH may even require surgery.
BPH is a medical diagnosis requiring professional expertise of a qualified physician. Diagnosis is by digital rectal exam, where the prostate gland feels boggy and may be two to three times larger than normal. Definitive diagnosis of BPH can be made with ultrasound measurement. To differentiate between prostate cancer and BPH, as the symptoms can be similar, a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is used. The PSA test is regarded as a highly significant and sensitive marker for prostate cancer. The normal value for PSA is less than 4 ng/ml. A level above 10 ng/ml is highly indicative of prostate cancer with a sensitivity of over 90 percent.
Causes of Prostatic Hypertrophy or Prostate Cancer
Conventional medical thinking holds that both prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer are due to or are promoted by testosterone and/or dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This increase in levels of testosterone and DHT is largely due to a decreased rate of removal combined with an increase in the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-redcutase, which converts testosterone to DHT. Consequently, standard medical therapy for these conditions includes blocking DHT formation by drugs, avoiding testosterone replacement, or (in the case of prostate cancer) orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testicles) to reduce testosterone output. This hypothesis is not without its flaws. Some researches, such as Dr. William Campbell Douglass, a pioneer in alternative medicine, supports the opposite hypothesis that testosterone actually is protective against prostate cancer.
Another researcher, Dr. B. de Lignieres, conducted a nearly two-year survey of men aged 55-70 years of age who were treated with testosterone. He found that high levels of testosterone induced a number of clinical benefits, while reducing prostate size and prostate-related symptomatology.
Dr. G. Debled, a European urologist, also believes that testosterone deficiency, rather than excess DHT, is a major causative factor of BPH. In fact, Dr. Debled uses testosterone to treat BPH. Furthermore, Dr Debled reports that in over 20 years of administering testosterone for patients with BPH, he has not had a single case of prostate cancer develop - despite the fact that approximately 50 cases should have been discovered, based on statistical averages alone.
The final jury is still out on this controversy. It is clear that the link between testosterone and prostate cancer is not that firmly established, even among the most mainstream of medical communities.
Therapeutic Options for BPH
Attention
Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.
Surgical
Until recently, a surgical procedure called TURP (trans-urethral resection of the prostate) was about the only solution for this troublesome condition. This procedure can be complicated and is uncomfortable. Fortunately, less invasive and more physiological approaches to prevent and treat BPH are now available. Surgical intervention is therefore reserved as a modality of last resort.
Drugs
Proscarâ is a prescriiption drug, which inhibits 5-alpha-reductase. Use of Proscarâ results in a 20% decrease in prostate size in 50% of the men who are treated, according to clinical studies. Proscarâ is fairly expensive and carries significant side effects of sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, there are botanicals that provide, without adverse effects, equivalent or greater benefits at reduced cost.
Botanicals
Plant-based medicines are much more popular prescriiptions in Europe than synthetic drugs in treating BPH. Plant extracts account for more than 90 percent of all medications used in the medical management of BPH. In Italy, plant extracts account for roughly 50 percent of all medications prescribed for BPH, while alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors account for only 5.1 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively.
The chances of clinical success with any of the botanical treatments of BPH appear to be directly related to the degree of obstruction as measured by the residual urine content. For levels below 50 ml, the results are usually excellent. For levels between 50 and 100 ml, the results are usually good. For residual levels between 100 and 150ml, it is difficult to produce results within the customary 6 to 8 weeks treatment period. If the level is above 150 ml, it is unlikely that botanicals can be of much help. Surgical intervention may be considered.
There are about 30 different plant-based compounds currently available, but only a few have been widely researched, clinically tested, and used extensively.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Extracts of the saw palmetto berry, a native of Florida, are being used extensively throughout the world for the relief of BPH. It works by inhibiting DHT binding to cellular receptors, inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, and interfering with prostate estrogen receptors. As a result of these effects, excellent results have been produced in numerous clinical studies. Saw palmetto is commonly used worldwide for treatment of BPH. Both the French and German governments approve lipophilic extracts of saw palmetto berries for this purpose.
Recent studies show saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) berry extract can cause enlarged prostate glands to shrink and improve urinary flow. In one landmark study conducted by Braeckman and published in Current Therapeutic Research, 305 men were given a dosage of 160 mg of saw palmetto extract twice daily. After 45 days, 83% of the participants reported improvement. After 90 days, those showing improvement increased to 88%. Maximum urinary flow and the flow rate increased, while prostate volume actually decreased. Researchers also conducted "quality of life" tests in which participants were asked to evaluate their treatment and results. Most of the participants rated their lives after treatment as either "happy" or "satisfied." There were no serious adverse reactions from the treatments. A full 60% rated the treatment satisfactory to delighted, while only 10 percent felt unhappy about their results after 90 days of treatment. Maximum urinary flow (ml/s) increased from 9.8 to 12.2, mean urinary flow (ml/s) increased from 5.8 to 7.4, prostate volume decreased from 40,348 to 36,246 cubic ml, and the international prostate symptom score decreased from 19 to 12.4.
Saw palmetto's safety and efficacy is confirmed in another study conducted at the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine. Researchers observed the effects of saw palmetto and placebos in 44 men between 45 and 80 years old who were diagnosed with BPH in a randomized, double-blind study. The study found that enlarged prostate tissue decreased from almost 18% to 11%. It was also noted that prostate glands shrunk by as much as 40% after treatment. Researchers concluded that saw palmetto appeared to be a safe and highly desirable option for men with moderate BPH. Of special note is that after the study was no longer blinded, 41 of the 44 men elected to continue saw palmetto therapy.
Positive results with saw palmetto have been confirmed in numerous open, as well as double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in the past few decades. All of these studies demonstrated statistically significant and dramatic improvements in the symptoms of BPH, which included increased volume and rate of urine flow, alleviation of pain and night time urinations, and reduced number of voidings per day. Overall, these studies all showed a consistent benefit of saw palmetto extract, with virtually no side effects of any severe consequence. Most subjects experienced relief within days of beginning the therapy, with benefits continuing to improve over time to as much as one year. Most studies however, were terminated after 30, 60 or 90 days while the majority of the subjects elected to continue on the botanicals
When it comes to saw palmetto, health professionals universally appear to agree that the herb is safe and effective, and there is little disagreement within the medical establishment.
A recent study compared Proscarâ (a drug used to treat BPH) with saw palmetto extract. Saw palmetto extract showed reduced side effects, an equivalent or greater benefit, and reduced cost of treatment. While Proscarâ typically takes up to a year to produce significant benefits, saw palmetto extracts produces better results in a much shorter period of time. The optimum dose of saw palmetto in most clinical studies was 320 mg per day.
Physicians routinely use blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to test for prostate cancer. While saw palmetto has no effect on PSA levels, Proscarâ actually lowers them, which may interfere with test results and cloud the PSA test results.
Pygeum africanum
Pygeum is an evergreen tree native to Africa. Its bark has historically been used in the treatment of urinary tract disorders. Virtually all of the research on pygeum has featured a pygeum extract standardized to contain 14 percent triterpenes, including beta-sitosterol and 0.5% n-docosanol.
Extracts of the African herb Pygeum africanum have also shown impressive results in relieving symptoms of BPH. In one clinical trial, 18 patients with BPH or chronic prostatitis were studied. Many of these also had sexual disturbances. They all received an extract of pygeum for 60 days. At the end of the program, all urinary parameters that were investigated were improved, and sexual disturbances were relieved. In a placebo-controlled French trial of 120 patients, the pygeum group experienced significant reductions in the number of urinations and more complete bladder emptying with less residual volume than the control group.
An international, multi-center, double-blind, controlled trial of pygeum extract in 263 patients with BPH over a 60 day period showed improved urinary symptoms in over 60 percent of the patients. Most of the clinical studies with pygeum used dosages ranging from 75-150 mg per day, although much less can be used when taken in combination with other botanicals such as saw palmetto.
In double blind-studies comparing pygeum and saw palmetto, the saw palmetto extract produced greater reduction of symptoms and was better tolerated. The two extracts have somewhat overlapping mechanisms of actions, as some of the effects on prostate secretion are not produced by saw palmetto but with pygeum. The two are often used in combination, with synergistic effect.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Extracts of stinging nettle are used routinely in Europe to treat BPH. It appears to interact with binding DHT to cytosolic and nuclear receptors. Stinging nettle shares several mechanisms with pygeum and saw palmetto, but has several actions that are unique. Fewer studies have been conducted using this botanical alone, and the results comparing stinging nettle with saw palmetto showed that saw palmetto is a more effective agent in alleviating symptoms of BPH.
However, stinging nettle has been tested and found to be effective in BPH as a single nutrient, or in combination with pygeum and saw palmetto. Extracts of stinging nettle when used alone were superior to the placebo, but efficacy was enhanced when combined with pygeum. The dosages of stinging nettle in the clinical studies were 300 mg per day. Much less can be used in combination with other botanicals.
Attention
Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here.
Diet
Diet appears to play a role in the health of the prostate gland from clinical experience. It is important to avoid pesticides, increase intake of zinc, essential fatty acids and keep cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl. Zinc has been shown to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that irreversibly converts testosterone to DHT. The administration of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of many BPH patients. These effects appear to be due to the correction of an underlying EFA deficiency, since patients with BPH often have associated seminal lipid levels that are often abnormal. Cholesterol damaged by free radicals is particularly toxic and carcinogenic to the prostate. Drugs that lower cholesterol levels have been shown to have a favorable influence on BPH.
Since there have been no clinical trails on the use of diet alone in the treatment of BPH, the following diet recommendations are based mostly on clinical experience. The diet should be high in protein, low in carbohydrate, low in animal fats, and high in essential fatty acids. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods (legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds).
Conclusion
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a near universal disease of aging men. Furthermore, all men over 40 should have an annual digital rectal exam on their prostate, and men over 50 also need to have a special blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Prevention and enhancement of prostatic health with botanicals is widely practiced in Europe and has been shown to be more effective than drugs.
Decades of studies and hundreds of clinical studies have shown that extracts from Saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, and Stinging nettle have all demonstrated efficacy when used in the treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Because of their multiplicity of actions, it should be no surprise that when these botanicals are combined, they are even more effective than when used individually. In summary, roughly 90 percent of men who have mild to moderate BPH experience some improvement in symptoms during the first four to six weeks of therapy.
In particular, saw palmetto has been shown to have very few, if any, side effects. Since it does not interfere with measuring of PSA levels, saw palmetto won't mask cancer during PSA tests. For those who like to alleviate symptoms of BPH, botanicals should be seriously consider as a first line natural alternative to drugs. For those who are keen to prevent the onset of BPH, these botanicals acts as a prophylactic and can be considered for all healthy men over 35 years old as part of a comprehensive anti-aging program.
Message from Dr. Lam
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don’t understand, comments (good or bad), or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here.
About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He is currently the Director of Medical Education at the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, U.S.A. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Lam pioneered the formulation of the three clinical phases of aging as well as the concept of diagnosis and treatment of sub-clinical age related degenerative diseases to deter the aging process. Dr. Lam has been published extensively in this field. He is the author of The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity (available on-line). He also serves as editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Research.
For More Information
For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at
http://www.LamMD.com.
Feel free to email Dr. Lam at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Reprint Information
This article may, in its unabridged, unaltered form and in its entirety only, be reprinted and republished without permission provided that it is for personal and non commercial education use only and further provided that credit be given to the author, with copyright notice and
http://www.LamMD.com
clearly displayed as source. Written permission from Dr. Lam is required for all other use.
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