Vitamin D--time to start supplementing to reduce winter colds

We will soon be on the shady side of the world here in North America as we move into Fall and Winter.  What that means for nearly everyone is less natural vitamin D production in the body.  Vitamin D is normally produced when sunlight hits the skin and changes cholesterol into vitamin D precursors which then get activated in the kidneys and sent out into the circulation to help in all of the processes where vitamin D is necessary.

What are those processes, you ask? Good question.  New research has shed light on the importance of maintaining healthy vitamin D status in all ages.  A recent Harvard affiliated study published this year in the scientific journal Pediatrics stated that supplementing children with vitamin D during the winter decreased the  incidence of respiratory infections by half!  All of the children in the study had low vitamin D status at the beginning of the study and even the children who were still lower than optimal in vitamin D but whose vitamin D had increased through supplementation fared better than the children who had not been given vitamin D at all.

In the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine researchers this year gave their results on vitamin D effects on damage to the lungs caused by tobacco smoke.  In study subjects who had adequate levels of vitamin D, the damaging effects of tobacco smoke such as decreased respiratory function were reduced.  Subjects low in vitamin D had twice the decline in respiratory function.  It is important to remember that all subjects experienced decline in lung function due to smoking--smoking tobacco is never a good idea. However, smokers who had adequate vitamin D levels declined in lung function at a much slower rate.

Even non-smokers can benefit from vitamin D.  The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences this year printed a study assessing possible vitamin D effects on mobility in people in their 70s.  It was found that those who had low vitamin D status throughout a span of 6 years had a 30% higher incidence of decline in mobility (mobility being defined as the ability to walk half a mile, climb 10 steps and perform daily activities without help).  Wow! a simple supplement can help protect an older person's ability to care for themselves?  Although the direct effects of vitamin D on mobility are not known, it is postulated that since vitamin D is important for muscle function, protecting adequate levels of vitamin D kept people strong and active, which then protected mobility.

There are several reasons vitamin D levels decrease in winter. The obvious reason is we are not wearing bathing suit, shorts and short sleeves outside; therefore, less of our skin is exposed to the sun.  Also the hours of sunlight per day are decreased and mainly fill the hours when we are indoors at work or school.  Furthermore, since the sun is actually near the equator rather than directly overhead during the winter, the sun's rays must pass through more earth atmosphere before reaching our skin, similar to putting a lampshade over a lightbulb.  Then there is the obvious effect of more days of rain and cloudy weather on sunlight.

Luckily, vitamin D is easy to supplement.  In our office, we carry liquid vitamin D drops that can be dropped directly into the mouth or added to food (without your child knowing the difference!).  At 1200 drops per bottle, one bottle will supplement a family of four at a dosage of 2,000iu per day (2 drops) for 6 months!  If you'd like more information, call 360-573-2273

Is it a cold or is it mercury exposure?

Mercury.  In a thermometer it looks so benign.  In fact people were so convinced it was benign that kids used to play with the mercury from broken thermometers, rolling the balls of quicksilver in their hands.  But now we know better.

A patient in Colorado contacted me today. She had been sick since having some dental work done.  Even though the symptoms were of a typical bad sore throat and cold, she was convinced that it all started after her dental work a couple of weeks ago.  Her children (who were normally the sources of colds in the family) were not sick and no one had caught a cold from her as well.  She went back to the dentist and they took X-rays to make sure there were no abcesses in the gums.  There were not.  Because she did not have a root canal (she had three fillings done), it was not likely to be an abcess.  More likely was the possibility of mercury exposure. 

"What type of fillings were they?" I asked.  They were white.

"Were they new cavities or replacements for silver fillings?"  One was new, and two were replacements for silver amalgam fillings which the dentist removed that day.

"Did he use a rubbery dam in your mouth to prevent you from swallowing anything during the procedure?"  No, he had not.  She knew what I was talking about because had gone to another dentist before that had used a dental dam on her.

"Was there any type of fan or air suction near your mouth or face at the time of the procedure?" No. There was not.

Then I asked about her cold symptoms.  It had started as a sore throat that came on almost immediately after going to the dentist.  Then her sinuses plugged up with thick mucous. The mucous is excoriating--makes her nose red when she blows her nose.  Classic mercury symptoms.

The homeopathic remedy Mercurius identifies symptoms that can be created from a mercury toxicity, both acute and chronic:

• colds with thick excoriating mucous
• sore throat, can feel raw, burning.  
• When swallowing, feels a stitching pain going to the ears, esp. Right sided
• lose of voice
• large tongue (you can see the indents of teeth on the sides of the tongue)
• sensitivity to hot and cold (human thermometer)
• bad breath
• headaches with sinus congestion, feels like a band around the head
• sneezing
• nostrils raw, ulcerated
• earaches, worse at night
• excessive salivation, drooling
• gum inflammation including receding, bleeding, and swelling
• acne that discharges pus and leaves a scar
• abdominal pains, especially right sided
• urination: frequent urging to void the bladder
• pain with urination, at the start of urination, burning in the urethra
• cough with yellow mucous
• stitching pains in the lungs
• weakness and bone pain in the extremities, sensitive to cold
• tremors
• slow, lingering fever with night sweats
• Mental symptoms: hurried to get through tasks, irritable, introverted, closed, precocious, suspicious, impulse to scream, impulse to hit, withdrawn and depressed, suicidal.

You may think the mental emotional symptoms are a stretch, but in actuality, dentists have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Scientific studies have looked into this statistic and have seen that rates are still high even when correcting for divorce rates and other variables.  See this scientific study:

Suicide Risk Among Dentists: A Multivariate Analysis

The silver amalgam (silver amalgam sounds nicer than mercury amalgam) contains a toxic amount of mercury.      Dentists and dental hygenists have to treat the amalgam filling substance as a toxin: wearing gloves and masks when working with dental amalgam.  Yet they say it is safe to then put into your mouth where it will stay for years!  If you shouldn't touch it at all, how can it be safe to put in your mouth were it will be expose to soft tissues, saliva, the large blood vessels under the tongue, enzymes, acidic foods, hot beverages and more?!  Furthermore, many dentists "polish" old silver fillings when you get your teeth cleaned.  Why do they polish them? to make them nice and shiny again.  Why do they look dark rather than nice and shiny? Because chemical reactions have occurred to the amalgam fillings in your mouth.  That means that the amalgam is not inert, it wants to react with fluids and tissues around it, potentially (and probably) releasing atoms of mercury into your body.  When the dental hygenist polishes your fillings, they are again exposing mercury that wants to react to your tissues.  Always request that the dentist NOT polish your fillings if you have them.

What to do if you do have mercury toxicity:  The patient above was put on a gentle detox protocol that includes vitamins, minerals, and foods that aid the detox pathways in your body, fiber to bind the toxins when they are leaving the body, herbs to support the liver, and homeopathic mercurius pellets for the symptoms of her cold and sore throat.

If the above symptoms are very familiar to you and you are wondering if you have a chronic mercury toxicity, you can get a urine heavy metal test done for $60.  If you are in the Vacounver, WA area, call the office at 360-573-2273 or in Longview and the surrounding area 360-353-3822.  If you are not located in the Northwest, go to www.naturopathic.org to find a naturopathic doctor near you.

Gene Sequencing

Gene sequencing is the hot topic these days.  Can genes predict disease? Can prediction help prevention of disease?  Would gene sequencing affect couple's reproductive decisions?  Will gene sequencing affect the ability to acquire health insurance and life insurance?

Health insurance and life insurance questions aside, having genetic testing does affect treatment plans here in my office.  Many genetic tests can be done for far less than the $1000 complete gene sequencing which has been the major topic of discussion in the news.

MTHFR
The MTHFR test which tests two genes that affect methylation of folic acid to provide folate to the body has been useful in patients with chronic fatigue, detoxification problems, fibromyalgia, depression, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease and sensory integration disorders. Folate is needed for the mitochondria of the cells to replicate DNA and RNA.  In addition, it is needed to make ATP for the energy cycle, which fuels the detox cycle and the neurotransmitter and hormone cycles.  The effects of having any or all of these pathways low functioning are many. In addition, this test is vital to anyone who is about to start chemotherapy.  The presence of these genetic mutations can predict unfavorable results (even death) from chemotherapy.  This $150 test can tell you if you carry on or two gene mutations and how likely you are to pass these on to your children.  For more information about the MTHFR genetic mutation, see my post on the topic at http://drsherylwagner.blogspot.com/2012/06/mtfhr-genetic-mutations-is-it-cause-of.html

DETOX GENOMICS
There are more genes associated with detoxification than just the MTHFR genes.  A detox genetic test will provide information about eight different genes affecting the detoxification of aromatic hydrocarbons (exhaust fumes), nicotine, medications, alcohol, and hormones.  Certainly we have general protocols concerning diet and lifestyle that aid in the detox cycle of the body, however, the genetic test can show us where extra help is needed.  Luckily, the extra help is simply targeted supplements and very specific dietary practices.  This test is $448.

NEURO GENOMICS
One aspect of gene sequencing which of particular interest lately is the possibility that genes, or genetic mutations to be more precise, can cause autism.  For that we have a neurological genetic test that will check seven genes for mutations. These genes affect both methylation and detoxification.  Since autism is a spectrum, this test would be important for anyone with neurological disorders: autism, sensory integration disorder, tics/tourrettes, learning difficulties, carpal tunnel or any other neurologic dysfunction.  This test is $336.

IMMUNE DISORDERS
Why do some people get asthma and eczema or autoimmune conditions while others (even in the same family) do not?  The immune genetic test will show SNPs or specific DNA sequences the affect the levels of 6 cytokines which cause inflammation in the body.  When these SNPs are present, a person's body produces much more inflammation than the person standing next to them in the same environment.  Finding out which SNPs are present will determine your propensity to getting chronic viral infections, cancer, asthma and other allergic conditions, and autoimmune disease.  Targeted diet, lifestyle and supplemental regimens (herbal and vitamn/mineral) can reduce the rate at which these SNPs are expressed and the level of inflammation in the body

CARDIO
Have high blood pressure in the family that will just not come down?  Strong family history of cardiovascular disease?  We have a genetic test specifically for genes that affect these conditions. Your genes can tell you what lifestyle factors will be most important for you concerning your heart, what targeted high dose nutrients will be beneficial and whether or not statin drugs or hypertensive medications will even work for you.  This test is by far the most bang for your buck as you get 15 genes tested for $504.  The methylation tests are included in this profile.  Well worth it for anyone with high blood pressure, family history of heart disease or anyone who smokes, drinks alcohol, or people who are about to start taking medication or chemotherapy.

INFLAMMATION
We've all heard by now that all chronic disease is caused by inflammation.  Did you know that 6 genes can determine what type of lifestyle practices and targeted supplementation would be most beneficial for you?  No wonder why  people get different results when taking fish oil or tumeric or many of the other anti-inflammatory helpers in our natural medicine cabinet.  Knowing your genetic makeup makes long term supplement regimens easy.  When you decrease inflammation, you decrease muscle and joint pain, cardiovascular disase, immune system problems, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue and more.  This test is $440 and includes one of the genes for methylation (MTHFR). In addition, it gives current inflammation marker values for hs-CRP, Homocysteine, and fibrinogen.

Getting these tests done is easy for our patients.  To schedule an appointment or find out more about the services offered at our clinic, call 360-573-2273

Patient Results

A patient that was in the office yesterday suggested that I post stories from patients who have gotten great results with their treatment plans. This would encourage people that are in at the start or middle of a treatment plan, or help people come in (she's had a hard time convincing her friends to go ahead and make an appointment).  So  here are two stories, just from yesterday and today of patients who have had great results from their treatment plans:

the first patient works in a beauty salon as a nail technician.  She had recently started getting red swollen rashes on her face.  In addition she had numbness and tingling sensations in her hands. She also felt tired in the mornings and on days off but managed to rally on workdays, having good energy throughout the day when needed. In addition to being around hair chemicals, laquers and nail polish thinners daily, she was in the process of renovating her kitchen, stripping and sanding her cupboards herself.  She was taking no medications or supplements at the time.

I tested her for environmental sensitivities and she was sensitive to solvents, turpentine, mold, dust, and spices.  Certainly these could cause an allergic skin reaction and a buildup of toxins could explain the neuropathy (numbness and tingling) in her hands.  The numbness could also have been a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome (which is usually caused by lack of B vitamins) or a pinched nerve in the neck.

I did an NAET allergy treatment for solvents, put her on a supplement that aids the detoxification of solvents from the body, a high dose B complex, and gave her a homeopathic remedy that matched the stinging, hot, red rashes.  I instructed her to come in for more allergy elimination treatments and a follow up.  I didn't hear from her for six months.

She came in yesterday saying that the reason she hadn't been back was that her symptoms were resolved!  The homeopathic had worked immediately for the rash so she had come in to the office to purchase more of it.  Her numbness and tingling were gone and when I mentioned the fatigue, she didn't even remember that it had been a complaint in the first place.  The reason she came back was she had a similar rash on her neck that had been on her face before.  I reminded her of the allergies we had not treated and we embarked on finishing the treatment plan.

Patient number two had originally come in for neck pain that was chronic for years.  She needed chiropractic adjustments monthly and massages weekly in order to keep the pain and tension down to a manageable level.  She was tired of maintaining this regimen and asked what I could do for longer term results or at least give her some advice on what she could do at home.  She had already done NAET allergy treatments in the past for hayfever and felt that her allergies were well under control.  She has a lot of work stress with long hours and knows that some of her neck tension comes from this but some from an unknown chronic problem.

Although she didn't want to explore allergies, some symptoms prompted me to think of metals.  We tested her and she was sensitive to metals. She was wearing a lot of metal jewelry--several earrings, a necklace, bracelets and a metal watch.  She also had a few amalgam fillings in her mouth which we discussed.  Her symptoms matched a certain homeopathic remedy often given for neck tension and pain.  We did an NAET treatment for metals and I gave her a dose of the homeopathic pellets. I instructed her to refrain from wearing metal jewelry for the time being and to do more metal treatments at home. I didn't hear from her for a month.

She called today to order more of the homeopathic. It had worked incredibly overnight.  She had awaken the day after our visit without any neck pain or tension at all.  She used a second dose of the homeopathic I gave her a week or so later and felt that it really released the tension and pain immediately.  She was pleased that homeopathic medicine is so inexpensive and without side effects and can be taken at home as often as needed.  She had been really afraid that going to a naturopathic doctor would mean embarking on a really expensive and lengthy treatment plan.

I had to update this blogpost a few hours later to include another great patient result today.  The third patient is an 11 year old girl diagnosed with autoimmune iritis and idiopathic juvenile arthritis.  She also had headaches daily.  She had been put on a strong dosage of steroids, methotrexate, and an experimental medicine.  It took a year to find this drug cocktail to make the iritis calm down. Every time they tried to cut back on the steroids, her iritis came back.  Mom really wanted her to come off of the steroids since it was causing weight gain, stretch marks, and fatigue.

On the first visit, we found allergies to gluten, casein, DNA, pollen, and flowers. The gluten was most likely to be causing the headaches and autoimmune condition.  I put her on a gluten free dairy free diet.   I suggested tapering off the steroids after being on the diet for 2 weeks.  They came back after three weeks to get an NAET allergy treatment for casein so she could add dairy back into her diet.

At the return visit at 4 weeks, the girl had no headaches and no iritis even though they had completely discontinued steroids.  Their M.D. insisted she stay on the experimental drug since she was in a study which paid for the drug, and he decreased the methotrexate by 20%.  We talked about tapering off methotrexate and started NAET treatments for DNA.

Now ideally, for all of these patients the first visits would be the start of a health journey in which we address various symptoms, health concerns, and lifestyle factors as quickly as possible and end up with a much healthier patient in the end. Many times when the initial complaints the patient came in for are remedied, as in the patients above, they don't come back for a long time.  It's important to remember all of your health concerns and stick with a doctor, being sure to come in for follow ups so they know how you're doing and can prevent as well as treat other illnesses that arise.  Even so, the above cases are very encouraging that naturopathic medical care really works, sometimes even with the very first treatment plan.

If you're still not sure if naturopathic medicine is right for you, come in for a free 15 minute consult where you can ask more questions about the services offered, whether your insurance covers our visits, and more.  360-573-2273.  Go to www.drsherylwagner.com    for more information.

Latex Allergy and Reaction Triggers

Latex Allergy

Many people know they are sensitive to latex. Others don't know why they get rashes, scaly skin, or itchiness.  This is because some allergic reactions can happen 12 to 36 hours after exposure to latex (or other allergens).  Latex allergies can be:
delayed
immediate
anaphylactic

Symptoms can include redness, itchy skin, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itchy watery eyes, swelling, itchy throat, swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden pale skin.  The more life threatening symptoms happen right away, giving away the allergy, but the rash and itchiness can occur hours later.  I have also seen tics stimulated by allergy to latex.

People often do not realise they have been exposed to latex.  Common sources of latex exposure are medical gloves, condoms, balloons, Bandaids, rubber balls such as basketballs, athletic shoes, carpeting, rubber bands, disposable diapers, swim goggles, motorcycle and bicycle hand grips, and some soft sided above ground pools.

Not all latex is natural latex. Many latex paints and memory foam mattresses are not natural latex and will not cause an allergic reaction.  However some are.  Some car interiors have latex in the dash covers, floor mats and in carpet backing.

Foods can also stimulate a latex allergic reaction.  Some food proteins cross react with latex antibodies.  Foods with high incidence of causing allergic reactions in latex sensitive people are: bananas, avocado, chestnut and kiwi.  A smaller incidence of this has been noted with apple, carrot, celery, papaya, potato, tomato, and melons.

If your or your child's symptoms seem difficult to predict, it may be a latex allergy with hidden sources of latex exposure as well as cross reactivity to foods which stimulate a latex response.  Luckily, in our office, we can test for allergy to latex as well as to foods.  In addition we can do an allergy treatment (no shots!) to decrease and eliminate the allergy.  Call today! 360-573-2273