Archive for March, 2009
Dietary magnesium toxcity?
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Q : I’ve been taking magnesium supplements to help me with sleep and my addiction to chocolate but I heard you can get magnesium poisoning easily.
A : Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone with the other half found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines and is excreted through the kidneys.
Dietary magnesium does not pose a health risk, however pharmacologic doses of magnesium in supplements can promote adverse effects such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. Risk of magnesium toxicity increases with kidney failure, when the kidney loses the ability to remove excess magnesium. Very large doses of magnesium-containing laxatives and antacids also have been associated with magnesium toxicity. Therefore, it is important for medical professionals to be aware of the use of any magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids. Signs of excess magnesium can be similar to magnesium deficiency and include changes in mental status, nausea, diarrhoea, appetite loss, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, extremely low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
In your particular case, whilst Magnesium can be helpful for sleeplessness due to nervousness and cravings resulting from blood sugar imbalances, it is generally better to confirm such a deficiency first. At ICIM Medics a hair mineral analysis or blood test is conducted to confirm mineral deficiencies or indeed excesses. That way one can monitor the precise need or not as the case may be for Magnesium supplementation.
For further information on Magnesium supplements and testing contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or info@icim.ie.
Is it true Irish tap water is full of harmful chemicals?
Friday, March 20th, 2009
Q : Is it true Irish tap water is full of harmful chemicals and would you recommend buying bottled water instead?
A : Water is the most abundant nutrient in the body, comprising of two-thirds of the body’s mass. Some people make a real effort to obtain unadulterated food but neglect to seek water of similar quality.
Every type of water has a unique quality. Rain water tastes lighter; well water is more mineralised; river, lake, and spring water each bears qualities encountered in their journey. As rain water falls through the atmosphere, it encounters the thick band of pollution that now encircles the Earth. It picks up smoke, dust, germs, lead, strontium 90, minerals, and a host of chemicals. A generation or two ago, rain water was considered a good source of drinking water. Now we can no longer recommend drinking unfiltered rain or snow water. This suggestion is based not only on scientific dater about atmospheric pollution but on the testimonials of many who have had adverse reactions.
We mistakenly believe that drinking bottled water will meet the body’s requirements for vital minerals. Unless, the body can utilise the minerals, the body’s cells will reject them and can deposit in our systems. The source of water being bottled is another factor to consider. The downfall with bottled water is that efforts to ensure that eradication of all possible microbes are not being made. Another problem with bottled water lies in the plastic that holds the water. Soft plastic bottles are toxic and leach oestrogens and other substances into the water.
Like bottled mineral water, tap water also contains hard deposits and can likewise accumulate in our systems. There are also added chemicals to tap water such as fluoride and chlorine with the objective to kill microbes and assist in the prevention of tooth decay. This I have to say needs to be properly debated and contemplated !
We cannot avoid that pollution is continuing to be an ever more prevalent problem affecting our water supplies. In my opinion the best option for me is to filter tap water or buy glass bottled water. Some options to explore regarding the cleansing and purification of water is : water distilling and/or filtering through the principle of reverse osmosis.
For further information on water testing contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or e-mail info@icim.ie
Relieving PMS Symptoms
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Q : Every month I suffer from PMS can you recommend anything to help ?
A : Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) covers a variety of symptoms both emotional and physical. Studies confirm that PMS symptoms are predominantly caused by raised oestrogen and progesterone levels. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, an excess of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and physical stress from food allergy & digestive related problems may all make matters worse.
Reduce fat intake (fat produces oestrogen) & supplement with omega 6 & omega 3 fatty acids (Evening Primrose Oil / Flaxseed oil). Introduce high-fiber (ground flaxseeds) to assure daily bowel motions (oestrogen is excreted from the large intestine) and exercise more. Avoid caffeine and chocolate as they stimulate stress hormones.
Liver support (site for oestrogen clearance in the body) Herbs: Goldenseal, barberry bark, milk thistle, and dandelion root all provide liver support & help treat digestive disorders.
Supplements : vitamin B6 & magnesium-calcium supplements help relieve PMS. Vitamins A, C, and E and the minerals selenium, zinc, and iron are also beneficial.
Herbal support: Agnes Castus for cramping, breast pain, acne flare ups & irregular menstrual cycle (usually late) (do not take if you are on the pill); Wild yam for painful menstruation & ovarian pain; Dong Quai for cramping, migraine & ovarian pains, it is a menstrual regulator; Damiana is an hormonal tonic, helps libido, depression & energy levels. These herbs can taken together if needed. However, supervision would be recommended.
Homoeopathic remedies in a 30C & taken twice daily; Sepia for irregular periods with sadness & weeping. Dragging sensations.; Calc Carb for early periods, profuse and long lasting periods; sore breasts before & during period; Kali Carb for backache before & during menses, feels badly week before menstruation; Pulsatilla late or irregular periods, pains changeable and weepy.
For further information on PMS please call ICIM Medics 045 844 819 or visit our website www.icimmedics.com
Preventing Fibroids from Re-occuring
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Q : I am undergoing surgery to remove fibroids. What can I do to stop them growing back?
A : Fibroids are an overgrowth of uterine muscle that may develop as a type of polyp into the uterine space. The symptoms of a fibroid may differ depending on their location, although many fibroids display no symptoms and will cause no problems.
Fibroids are considered an oestrogen sensitive condition. They often diminish through menopause when oestrogen levels drop dramatically. Progesterone treatment is considered an excellent option to help prevent them growing back.
You could try these suggestions:
* Natural progesterone absorbed into the body through the skin can have beneficial effects but needs to be taken over a two year period. This needs to be monitored by a health practitioner with experience in this field. Natural progesterone is usually available by extraction from the Mexican Yam. In tablet form this is not recommended as it cannot pass through the acid in the stomach.
* The herb Agnes Castus is very promising for assisting with balancing oestrogen and progesterone production as well as limiting testosterone production.
* Because oestrogen is produced by body fat, eat a diet that does not promote excess fat. Take more fibre as it increases the rate at which oestrogen is excreted by the body. Use acidophilus supplements – while the liver breaks down oestrogen before sending it to the digestive tract for elimination, bacteria in the intestines can turn these breakdown products back into oestrogen. Taking acidophilus helps complete the correct process needed for oestrogen elimination.
* If taking oral contraceptives with high oestrogen content, consider barrier forms of contraception. Some alternatives include the cap, condoms or diaphragm.
* Liver support through milk thistle is also recommended (Site for oestrogen clearance). Avoid alcohol and caffeine as both can interfere with liver function.
For further information on fibroids please visit ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel 045 844819
Recommendations for High Blood Pressure
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Q : I have high blood pressure what do you recommend ?
A : Blood pressure – the force that circulating blood exerts against the walls of arteries – that is too high can cause arteries to narrow, which can lead to arteriosclerosis, heart attack, kidney disease, memory loss and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer in Ireland and more emphasis needs to be placed on prevention !
It is not certain exactly what causes primary high blood pressure, however, in some there may be a genetic tendency, but also lifestyle, diet, smoking, alcohol use, excessive caffeine and salt intake and lack of exercise all contribute. Certain medications, such as the birth control pill can elevate blood pressure as can pregnancy.
Patients with high blood pressure are urged to lose weight, exercise, and cut salt consumption. If these measures do not work drug intervention often results. Clinical researchers have found that some herbal treatments lower blood pressure and have been found to be helpful where sufferers have ‘borderline’ cases.
The following herbs can offer support: Bilberry, Hawthorn, and Garlic.
Supplements Vitamin C, E, Magnesium, Flaxseed oil and Coenzyme Q10 are also beneficial.
Diet: eliminate salt, sugar, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking. Eliminate animal fats while increasing vegetable oils such as flax seed oil, olive oil. Increase your consumption of celery, garlic and onions. Encourage a high-potassium diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, wholesome grains, fruit.
Healthy lifestyle: do more exercise and use stress reducing techniques.
I normally encourage patients to have blood tests to measure triglycerides, total cholesterol plus HDL & LDL (good and bad cholesterol), homocysteine and C-reactive protein. This will give both patient and practitioner an idea about risks for coronary artery disease and provides a base line for monitoring progress. Often an integrated approach is beneficial where the patient in question has access to both GP and Natural Practitioner.
For further information on high blood pressure or blood tests please visit ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel. 045 844 819.
Preventing Coldsores
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Q : Both myself and my husband get a lot of cold sores, which can be quite sore and upsetting. Is there something we can do to prevent them? What’s the best way to treat them?
A: Herpes is a group of about 70 viruses, the most common of which are herpes simplex (HSV-1) (cold sores). Those with recurrent attacks harbour the HSV in a nerve centre known as ganglia. Herpes tends to lie dormant until an individual is run down with a cold, stress, periods, or allergic reaction to foods. Also, sunburn, and over exercising can trigger the recurrence.
Combating herpes is carried out on two fronts. The first is to enhance the individual’s own defence system and the second is to weaken the defence that the virus puts up by surrounding itself with an impregnable protein coat that the immune system cannot penetrate.
Some recommendations to help treat and prevent recurrences :
- Increasing lysine and reducing arginine (both amino acids) in the diet is required. Foods to be discouraged are nuts, chocolate, seeds, pulses, all wholegrains, pork, sunflower oil, and crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. Foods to encourage are fish (especially halibut), chicken, turkey, yeast-containing foods such as raised white bread, potatoes, milk and lamb.
- Recognize the cause of the immune suppression and try to avoid exposure to known allergic foods, stress and lack of sleep. At ICIM I often recommend allergy testing where foods are suspected.
- The supplements vitamin C, bioflavanoids, zinc and lysine can be administered during an acute attack and well as to help prevent recurrences.
- Licorice and Lemon Balm herbal tinctures applied neat to the lesion are excellent. You must apply it as soon as you feel it coming on to prevent a full blown lesion.
- Astragalus, Olive leaf extract, Licorice and Bitter melon all possess immune enhancing properties thus aiding in prevention of recurrence. Supervision would be recommended. Blood testing at ICIM can confirm a compromised immune system.
- Homoeopathic remedies Nat Mur for herpes at the corners of mouth and lower lip, or Rhus tox for around the lips in a 6c potency administered 3 times daily.
For further information on Herpes simplex/Cold Sores, testing or treatments contact ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or e-mail info@icim.ie
Treating Athlete’s Foot
Monday, March 9th, 2009
Q : I have athlete’s foot – is there anything you can suggest to help the healing process?
A : Athlete’s foot is characterised by a red, itching and peeling skin generally between and around the gaps in the toes. This is created by a fungus usually (Tinia versicolar), although secondary bacterial infection can make the condition worse. It is most commonly contracted from damp changing room or swimming room floors, the condition usually responds to good food hygiene.
If you are displaying signs of other fungal related infections such as thrush, digestive disturbances such as bloating, flatulence, and bowel changes, this could reflect a systemic fungal infection. At ICIM, we conduct gut fermentation tests and/or ICIM Blood Analysis to help determine signs and presence of fungal related problems. This type of situation would benefit from systemic rather than local treatment. Gut fermentation diets and anti-fungal’s as well as probiotics would be helpful here. The most common foods that ferment and should be avoided include: sugar, dairy, wheat, yeast, fermented drinks, processed food and even certain fruit such as apples, citrus, grapes, deciduous fruit. Herbs that offer anti-fungal support include; Berberis vulgaris, Hydrastis canadensis, Grapeseed extract, and Oregano. If you think your fungal infections are only localised to the feet, then try some of the following recommendations:
· Treatment is often unnecessary if the basics of food hygiene are followed.
· Always keep the feet dry and use non-medicated talc.
· Spend as much time barefoot as possible, keeping in mind that these fungal infections are transmittable.
· Tea tree oil, applied in concentrated oil and then dried with a hair dyer, is beneficial.
· Rub crushed garlic onto the affected areas, leave for 20minutes, wash off and dry thoroughly. Calendula ointment can be used similarly.
· For resistant infections, apply grapefruit extract twice a day for one week.
· Avoid orthodox preparations if possible. They can lead to resistant strains of fungus that are harder to clear up.
For further information on Athlete’s foot or fungal related infections please visit ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel. 045 844 819.
Recommendations for controling Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009
Q: I’ve recently been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and I’m interested in controlling the condition with natural supplements. Can you recommend anything?
A: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis only to be considered when all other reasons for the symptoms have been ruled out. The characteristics of IBS are persistent and recurrent abdominal pains, usually gripping but sometimes with sharp or cutting episodes, bloating, irregular bowel habits with diarrhoea or constipation, flatulence and associated nausea, and lethargy. All or some of these symptoms may be present.
When considering a treatment plan for any ailment an understanding of the potential cause must be contemplated. At ICIM we devise strategic testing to help determine and uncover the cause for each and every patient. For example, stress may be a cause in one individual, low stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme production another, intestinal yeast, bacterial or indeed parasitic infection, food allergy or intolerance or indeed gut damage or inflammation for another person.
Specific testing can be conducted to confirm possible underlying causes before strategic treatment programs implemented.
Once the potential cause has been uncovered then treatment is devised to address the cause. Valerian root can aid IBS where stress is a trigger. Digestive enzymes help you digest your foods where low enzymes are contributing. Anti-microbial herbs such as Hydrastis, Berberis Vulgaris, Black Walnut may be considered where intestinal infections are occurring. Glutamine powder helps to heal a damaged or irritated gut. Acidophilus or probiotics help restore balance to the intestinal flora.
Allergy like reactions can often be a ‘symptom’ of an underlying cause. If you suddenly appear to have allergies that you never had before – they are most likely resulting from maldigestion, intestinal infections or gut inflammation. Although the food looks like the cause it can actually be the consequence. Meaning,that it is in fact your digestive system that needs treatment.
Avoiding fermenting foods can help accelerate the healing process – avoiding sugar, dairy, fermented drinks, wheat, deciduous fruit etc. but may not solve the problem.
For further information on IBS, treatment or testing contact the ICIM Medics on 045 844 819 or e-mail info@icim.ie
