Dr Julian Whitaker's Unabriged Dictionary of Drug Alternatives and Non-Surgical Solutions

8/19/2019 Dr Julian Whitaker's Unabriged Dictionary of Drug Alternatives and Non-Surgical Solutions

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JULIAN WHITAKER, MD

Dr. Whitaker’s

Unabridged Dictionaryof Drug Alternatives

and Non-Surgical Solutions

SECOND EDITION


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IMPORTANT NOTE What You Should Know Before You Read This Report

The information in this report is not intended to take the place of your per-sonal physician.

You should not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical for good health. Ifyou have symptoms that are similar to those discussed in this report, please tellyour physician.

If you are currently on a prescription medication, you must consult with yourdoctor before discontinuing any drug. Any abrupt changes in your drug regimencould have significant effects on your health and therefore must be monitored byyour physician.

If you wish to try the natural therapies in this report, first discuss them withyour physician. Your physician may not know about these treatments, and it will

be up to you to educate him or her.

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural therapies can be extremely effec-tive, but they work best when they are combined with a daily regimen that focuseson diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. The Whitaker Wellness Program willguide you; elements of my program are outlined throughout this report.

Note: Julian Whitaker, MD, is a medical doctor with extensive experience in the fields of pre-ventive medicine and natural healing. While recommendations in this manual represent theopinions of Dr. Whitaker based upon his knowledge, experience, and training as to safety

and effectiveness, these recommendations have not been reviewed by the US Food and DrugAdministration. Dr. Whitaker’s recommendations are not intended to replace the advice ofyour physician, and you are encouraged to seek advice from a competent medical profes-sional for your personal health needs.


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Dear Reader,

The question I’m most often asked by patients and Health & Healing subscribers ishow to reduce or eliminate the number of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugsthey take. Prescription medications (and some OTC therapies) have a host of negative sideeffects, and they rarely address the underlying problems and really help you get well.

All too often, conventional physicians address health problems by prescribing pow-erful drugs that create new health concerns—for which the doctor then prescribes evenmore drugs. This creates a vicious cycle of new ailments and a reliance on medications toalleviate those symptoms.

Fortunately, there are safer, more effective, and far less expensive therapies that notonly improve many of today’s most common health conditions, but also prevent themfrom occurring in the first place. Unfortunately, Big Pharma has such a hold on medicinethat these natural therapies are generally ignored by conventional doctors.

I’m not saying you should never take prescription or over-the-counter drugs. There

are certainly circumstances when they can save lives. But all too often, prescribing drugsis a knee-jerk response, while safer, natural therapies aren’t even considered. The physi-cians at my clinic use supplements, lifestyle changes, and noninvasive therapies as first-line treatments. They are the basis of the Whitaker Wellness Program, a blueprint forhealthy living that I designed to help you take charge of your health.

For more than 35 years, we have been recommending this program of nutritionalsupplementation, dietary changes, and exercise to help our patients at the Whitaker Well-ness Institute achieve optimal health. These powerful natural therapies have the potentialto reverse disease and have enabled thousands to stop taking dangerous prescriptionmedications.

In this report, we’ll take a look at the medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, commonly used to treat Americans’ most common health concerns. We willdiscuss the downside of some of these medications, and I will provide information onthe safe, effective natural alternatives we use at Whitaker Wellness. Most of the supple-ments discussed in this report are available in health food stores, online, or by calling theclinic, and I’ve included a section at the end with additional information on some of theother therapies and natural alternatives I recommend. Please note, new medications comeon the market continuously. If you’re unsure about what class your drugs fall into, askyour physician.

One thing to remember as you read: The natural alternatives in this report areunquestionably safer and, in most cases, as effective as prescription drugs, but they arenot magic bullets. These approaches may require some time for your body to adjust, so bepatient. The effort is worth it.

Best of health to you,

Julian Whitaker, MD


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Allergies .............................................................. 1

Anxiety ................................................................ 3

Arthritis and Joint Pain ................................... 5

Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Other Autoimmune Disorders ................. 7Asthma ................................................................ 9

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) ............................................................. 11

Big Pharma Rips Off Americans ............ 11

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ....................... 13

Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease ............................................................. 14

Want to Kick the Habit? .......................... 15

Colds and Flu .................................................. 16Should You Get a Flu Shot? .................... 17

Depression ........................................................ 19

The Best-Selling Drugs in America Are Bad News ........................................ 19

The Best Weight Loss Program Ever ...... 21

Diabetes ............................................................22

Help for Diabetic Complications ............. 23

Erectile Dysfunction ...................................... 25

Drugs That May Cause ErectileDysfunction ........................................... 25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)/Heartburn .......................................... 27

Heart Disease and High Cholesterol........... 28

Statin Drugs Deplete CoQ10 Levels ....... 29

Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol.... 30

Hypertension/High Blood Pressure ........... 31

Lower Your Blood Pressure With“Whitaker Salt”....................................... 33

Hypothyroidism (Low ThyroidFunction) ........................................................... 35

Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid .... 35

Insomnia ........................................................... 37

Do You Have Sleep Apnea? .................... 37

Menopause........................................................ 38

Men May Also Need Hormone

Replacement Therapy .............................. 40Migraine Headaches ....................................... 41

Osteoporosis ..................................................... 42

Urinary Tract Infections ......................... 43

Ulcers ................................................................. 44

In Summary ..................................................... 45

Resources ......................................................... 45

Referrals and Information ....................... 45

Whitaker Wellness Institute

Medical Clinic, Inc. ................................. 46

Topics Found in This Report


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AllergiesOne in five Americans suffer with irritating

allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose,and itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms are often trig-gered by airborne allergens like dander fromhousehold pets, dust, pollen, mold, smoke, orstrong odors. Most people turn to over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays toalleviate discomfort until they need somethingstronger. Conventional doctors prescribe morepowerful drugs to mask symptoms, but thesedrugs have significant negative side effects.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Allergies

Antihistamines

The drugs most commonly used to treatallergy symptoms are antihistamines. They fallinto two broad categories: sedating and non-sedating. The first category is made up of older

antihistamines. These medications do relieveallergy symptoms; however, they are notoriousfor causing drowsiness and other side effects.The newer antihistamine drugs are marketed asnon-sedating but can still cause drowsiness insome individuals. Both types of antihistamineswork the same way. They compete with hista-mine in the body to ward off or mitigate allergicreactions—swelling, itching, tearing, etc.

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines

(sedating)

brompheniramine (Dimetane)

chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)

diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines(non-sedating)

cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D)

clemastine (Tavist)

fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra D)loratadine (Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert)

Prescription Antihistamines

acrivastine (Semprex-D)

carbinoxamine (Palgic)

cyproheptadine (Periactin)

desloratadine (Clarinex)

fexofenadine/Pseudoephedrine (Allegra D)

hydroxyzine (Vistaril)levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Side Effects May Include: sleepiness, head-

aches, dizziness, sour stomach, vision changes,

dry mouth/nose, and irritability. More serious

side effects, such as heart palpitations, diffi-

culty breathing, urination difficulties, or trouble

breathing, should be reported to your doctor at

once. They could indicate an allergy to the drug

itself or signs of a more serious problem.

Nasal Sprays

Your doctor may also recommend a nasal

spray either alone or in combination with an

antihistamine. The most common nasal sprays

are decongestants and corticosteroids. Decon-

gestants restrict the small blood vessels in the

nasal passageways thereby reducing swelling

and nasal secretions. Corticosteroid nasal sprays

reduce inflammation and swelling.

Over-the-Counter DecongestantNasal Sprays

Afrin

Dristan

Neo-Synephrine

Sinex

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Side Effects May Include: temporary burning,stinging, or dryness in the nose, a runny nose,sneezing, and rebound swelling if used morethan once every 12 hours for more than threedays.

Over-the-Counter CoritcosteroidNasal Spray

fluticasone propionate (Flonase)

triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort)

Side Effects May Include: nasal dryness orirritation, nosebleed, throat irritation, head-ache, nausea, vomiting, cough, and fungalinfections of the throat with long-term use.

Prescription Nasal Sprays

beclomethasone dipropionate (QNasl)

budesonide (Rhinocort)

ciclesonide (Omnaris, Zetonna)

flunisolide (Nasarel)

fluticasone furoate (Veramyst)

mometasone Furoate (Nasonex)

Side Effects May Include: Dryness, burning, orstinging in the nasal passage, sneezing, throatirritation, headaches and nosebleed, and infec-tion, holes, or cracks in the nasal passages.

Recommendations for Treating Allergies Naturally

1. Minimize exposure to airborne allergens.The most common offenders are danderfrom household pets, dust, pollen, mold,smoke, and strong odors. Clean your housethoroughly, and remove as many carpets,rugs, and upholstered furniture pieces asyou can. They are havens for dust and pet

dander. Pay special attention to the bed-room. Encase your mattress in allergen-proof plastic, and consider using beddingmade from a special hypoallergenic mate-rial. Wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, andmattress pads every week.

2. Install an air purifier in your home. Lookfor one with a HEPA filter (the kind usedin laboratories and hospitals) to eliminate

allergens like pollens, dust, and microscopicfibers along with a carbon filter, whichremoves toxic gases. A UV light to knockout viruses and bacteria is also desirable.Most vacuum cleaners don’t trap all thematerial they collect and actually disperse itinto the air. Make sure your vacuum cleaneralso has a HEPA filter. If you have pet aller-

gies, but love dogs, consider breeds suchas poodles and Portuguese water dogs thatdon’t shed as much dander. Talk to your vet-erinarian to learn more.

3. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water dailyand 12 per day during allergy season. Whenyour body’s water stores are low, histamineproduction increases in an attempt to pre-serve existing water supplies. These elevatedhistamine levels increase your allergic

symptoms. Drinking adequate amounts ofwater will result in reduced production ofhistamine and fewer symptoms.

4. Take a good daily multivitamin and mineralsupplement plus targeted nutrients that mayimprove symptoms.

5. Take the following supplements:

• Quercetin and bromelain: Quercetin,a bioflavonoid, combats allergies and

inflammation and inhibits the release ofhistamine and other inflammatory com-pounds. Absorption can be improved by combining it with bromelain, anenzyme that is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. The suggested doseis 400–500 mg of quercetin and 100–200mg of bromelain, between meals, two tothree times a day.

• N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an aminoacid that has been used in Europe since

1963 to treat asthma and allergies. Itliquefies mucus in air passages andincreases the production of glutathione,an antioxidant that neutralizes free radi-cals. I recommend 400–500 mg daily.

• Stinging nettle, or “itch weed,” actually blocks the formation of inflammatorycompounds in your airways. Take 200–400 mg per day, in divided doses.


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6. Try probiotics. A recent review of severalpublished studies revealed that probiot-ics—specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobac-terium— are an effective treatment optionfor allergies. Study after study showed thatregular use of probiotics not only reducedallergy symptoms and their severity but alsocut the number of allergy flare-ups. Posi-

tive effects were noted in both children andadults. Probiotics are safe, well tolerated,and widely available. Use as directed.

7. Sinupret is another option. One of the top-prescribed supplements in Germany, Sinu-pret helps normalize mucus secretion, soit’s useful for both stopped-up and runnynoses. It also reduces inflammation in thesinuses and bronchioles and has antiviraland immune-modulating effects. Take as

directed.

8. To trap pollen and other allergens beforethey can enter your system, try Alergol Pol-len Blocker cream. The offending particlesstick to the petroleum jelly-like barrier before they have a chance to induce symp-toms such as itchy or runny nose, conges-tion, or nasal irritation.

9. For itchy, watering eyes, try homeopathicremedies such as Allergy Eye Relief eye

drops by Similasan and Allergy ReliefHomeopathic Pollinosan by Bioforce USA.

10. Irrigate your nasal passages. This safe andinexpensive procedure gently flushes irritat-ing substances out of the sinuses. The most basic nasal irrigation involves a mixture ofsalt and lukewarm water (boil water, stirin ¼ teaspoon of salt per eight ounces ofwater, and cool), held in the cupped palm ofyour hand and “snorted” up into one nostril

while blocking off the other. Tip your head back slightly and allow the solution to flowthrough the nasal cavity, then out of theother nostril. This may also be done witha bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot(a small, teapot-like device). Repeat a fewtimes in both nostrils over the sink or in theshower, as it can get messy.

Also see Asthma.

Anxiety Anxiety starts in your brain’s emotional

alarm center, which sends out stress hormonesand other chemical signals to prepare your body for potential danger. Normally, when theperceived threat has passed, the brain calmsdown. Anxiety results when stress hormones

remain elevated, sending out warning signalsfar in excess of any immediate danger andresulting in a state of constant stimulation.

The most popular class of meds for treat-ing anxiety is benzodiazepines. Although thesedrugs tone down anxiety, I would never recom-mend them. There are natural alternatives tothese anti-anxiety medications that are muchsafer and, in my opinion, are more effective. Istrongly recommend you work with your doctor

and gradually wean yourself off anxiety drugs by using the natural alternatives in this report.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Anxiety

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquil-izers, reduce anxiety by depressing the centralnervous system and have powerful seda-

tive, hypnotic, and relaxant effects. They areassociated with sleep disturbances, cognitiveproblems, and gait impairment. In addition todramatically increasing the risk of falls andfractures, they impair driving ability and areimplicated in thousands of automobile accidentsannually.

Benzodiazepines are especially risky forolder people, who are more sensitive to theireffects and have a harder time eliminating them

from the body. This age group is also moreprone to adverse side effects, which are all toooften chalked up to aging. Furthermore, thesemedications are highly addictive. Even thoughthey’re meant for short-term or occasional use,many people end up taking them for years onend. And let me tell you, once you’re dependent,getting off these drugs is no picnic.

alprazolam (Xanax)


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chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

clonazepam (Klonopin)

clorazepate (Tranxene)

diazepam (Valium)

estazolam (Prosom)

flurazepam (Dalmane)

lorazepam (Ativan)midazolam (Versed)

oxazepam (Serax)

quazepam (Doral)

temazepam (Restoril)

triazolam (Halcion)

Side Effects May Include: sedation, dizzi-ness, weakness, unsteadiness, disorientation,drowsiness, depression, nausea, change in

appetite, headache, sleep disturbance, agita-tion, skin problems, disturbances in vision,and gastrointestinal problems. Incidence ofsedation, unsteadiness, and memory impair-ment increases with age. All benzodiazepinesare habit-forming, and it’s easy to becomephysically and psychologically addicted to thesedrugs. Withdrawal symptoms are similar to barbiturate and alcohol withdrawal and includeconvulsions, tremor, abdominal and musclecramps, vomiting, and sweating.

Recommendations for Easing Anxiety Naturally

1. Exercise will benefit any type of anxiety,phobia, or emotional problem. Brisk walkingor other aerobic exercise is recommendedthree to six times a week for 30 to 60 min-utes. Also do some type of strengtheningexercise such as weightlifting two to threetimes a week. Many of my patients swear

by yoga for releasing tension and relievinganxiety.

2. The amino acid gamma-aminobutyricacid (GABA) naturally stimulates the samereceptor sites as dangerous benzodiazepinedrugs. For generalized anxiety, I recom-mend two capsules of Anxiety Control 24, amixture of pure GABA and other relaxation-enhancing agents, taken twice per day.

Another option is PharmaGABA, a highly bioavailable form of GABA; the suggesteddose is 100 mg, one to three times per day.

3. L-theanine, derived from green tea plants,is another amino acid renowned for itscalming effects. It works in two ways.First, it increases alpha-wave activity in the

brain, which results in relaxation. Second,L-theanine ups your level of GABA, which,in turn, increases levels of dopamine andserotonin, neurotransmitters that also pro-mote a calm and relaxed state. I recommend200 mg 30–60 minutes before bed taken onan empty stomach.

4. Ask your doctor about Dilantin (phenytoin).This prescription drug has been availablefor decades for seizure control. It quiets the

nervous system and provides effective, saferelief from anxiety, self-defeating behav-ior, anger, and phobias. I’ve been prescrib-ing Dilantin to patients with a variety ofemotional problems for over a decade, withexcellent success. The usual dose for anxietyis 100 mg once or twice a day. Some patientsreport drowsiness. If this occurs, takeDilantin only at bedtime. For more informa-tion on the clinical uses of Dilantin, read A Remarkable Medicine Has Been Overlooked,

by financier Jack Dreyfus, whose life wasturned around by Dilantin.

5. Get stress/anxiety relief with acupuncture,massage, and other bodywork techniques.The stimulation of acupuncture points aswell as the manipulations of various body-work techniques elicit a relaxation responsein the body. They can actually reduce thecirculating levels of cortisol and other stresshormones.

6. Reduce anxiety through meditation or deeprelaxation techniques. In addition to takingnutritional supplements and herbal remediesto counteract stress, you can help yourselfrelax by performing a simple exercise. Forfive to 10 minutes each morning and five to10 minutes each afternoon (or whenever youfeel the need to de-stress), try this:

• Sit or lie in a comfortable position.


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• Close your eyes.

• Relax the muscular tension in your body, starting with your face and work-ing down to your feet, by imaginingyour muscles as warm, heavy, andcomfortable.

• Inhale through your nose and exhale

through your mouth. Try inhaling tothe count of four to keep your breath-ing slow, deep, and regular. When youexhale, repeat a comfortable word,phrase or sound, such as “one” or “love.”

• As you inhale, imagine warm, soothingair flowing into your body and all ofyour body parts. As you exhale, imaginestress and tension leaving your body.

7. If anxiety keeps you awake at night, see thesection on Insomnia.

Arthritis and Joint PainArthritis can be a real pain in the neck—or

any other area affected by degeneration of thecartilage that cushions the joints and verte- bral discs. In fact, it’s our number one cause ofpain and disability, affecting some 52 millionAmerican adults. Of course it’s important toget a handle on pain, but the most commontreatments for arthritis—pain-relieving medi-

cations—do nothing to stem cartilage erosion.So once the analgesic effects wear off, you’re back to square one. Occasional use may be war-ranted, but long-term use should be avoided.

The program I have used for years to helppatients with arthritis is designed not only toalleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, butalso to stimulate joint repair by regeneratingthe cartilage. It is also helpful for rheumatoidarthritis and other conditions marked by joint

pain and cartilage degeneration.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Arthritis

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen, naproxen,aspirin, as well as Celebrex and other COX-2inhibitors, have many negative side effects.Notorious for causing gastrointestinal ulcer-ation and bleeding, they are linked withapproximately 20,000 deaths a year from gas-trointestinal complications. Furthermore, inthe long term they actually worsen arthritis byaccelerating cartilage destruction and blockingthe body’s mechanism for healing joints andregenerating cartilage. Even worse, they areassociated with increased risk of serious cardio-

vascular events such as heart attacks, strokes,heart failure, and cardiovascular death. COX-2inhibitors are supposed to be safer, but they stillincrease risk of bleeding, and one drug in thisclass, Vioxx, was taken off the market due toconcerns about heart attack risk.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs

aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer, Ecotrin)

ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

naproxen sodium (Aleve)

Prescription NSAIDs

celecoxib (Celebrex)

diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR,Zipsor, Zorvolex)

diflunisal

etodolac

indomethacin (Indocin)

ketoprofen (Orudis)

ketorolac (Toradol)

nabumetone (Relafen)

naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Naprelan,Naprosyn)

oxaprozin (Daypro)

piroxicam (Feldene)

salsalate (Disalsate)


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sulindac (Clinoril)

tolmetin (Tolectin)

Side Effects May Include: constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, diz-ziness, drowsiness, itching, skin eruptions, bruising, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), f luidretention, allergic reactions, mouth inflamma-

tion or ulcers, sweating, palpitations, liver andkidney problems. All NSAIDs require a labelwarning of the increased risk of heart attack,stroke, and stomach bleeding. Studies suggestthat not only COX-2 inhibitors but all NSAIDsincrease risk of heart attack by one third. Gas-trointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perfora-tion can occur at any time, with or withoutwarning symptoms. NSAIDs are not recom-mended for anyone with advanced kidneydisease. If you have asthma, use NSAIDs very

cautiously or not at all.

Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medications

Another class of pain medications are opioidor narcotic painkillers such as hydrocodoneand oxycodone. These drugs bind to opioidreceptors in the central nervous system andelsewhere and block pain messages to the brain,resulting in reduced sensations of pain. Theyare generally prescribed to treat moderate to

severe pain that does not respond to other painmedications.

All I can say is be very, very careful. It’sunbelievably easy to get hooked on thesemedications. We’ve seen a tremendous risein the use and abuse of prescription opioidssince 2000, when policymakers decreed thatchronic pain was undertreated, and Big Pharma began heavily promoting prescription painkill-ers. Doctors now write more than 200 million

scripts per year! We have a serious drugproblem, folks, and it’s fueled not by shadydrug dealers but by physicians and pharmaceu-tical companies.

codeine

codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3)

fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora)

hydrocodone (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)

hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lorcet,Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)

hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo)

meperidine (Demerol)

methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)

morphine (Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, Ora-Morph SR)

oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxyfast, Percocet,Roxicodone)

oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)

oxycodone and naloxone (Targiniq ER)

Side Effects May Include: lightheadedness,dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea,allergic reactions, euphoria, constipation,abdominal pain, itching, and, at higher doses,respiratory depression, impairment of mental or

physical performance, anxiety, fear, and psychicdependence. Do not drive or operate equip-ment while taking opioids. Some people becomephysiologically addicted to opioids, even whenused in the prescribed amounts. Overdoses may be fatal; symptoms of overdose may include:slow/shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, lossof appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain,slow heartbeat, extreme tiredness, yellowingeyes/skin, dark urine, and loss of consciousness.

Recommendations for Treating Arthritis Naturally

1. Take glucosamine. Joint cartilage under-goes a constant process of destruction andrepair. Glucosamine is the body’s primarytool for regenerating cartilage. It has beenextensively studied in over 300 clinical tri-als. In one study comparing glucosaminewith ibuprofen, the drug was more effectiveduring the first two weeks of the study in

alleviating pain, but by the end of the eight-week study period, glucosamine had caughtup with and surpassed it. In addition, glu-cosamine’s benefits were noted after patientshad stopped taking it—further proof thatit does much more than just provide tem-porary pain relief. Take 1,000–1,500 mg ofglucosamine daily in divided doses withmeals. As you notice improvements, cut back to 500–1,000 mg. If your symptoms


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don’t improve, increase your dose to3,000 mg daily, and cut back later.

2. Add chondroitin sulfate to your regimen.Chondroitin sulfate has the special prop-erty of attracting and holding water. This isimportant, as water gives cartilage its resil-iency and cushioning effect. Take 600 mg of

chondroitin sulfate, with meals. This can beincreased up to 1,200 mg as symptoms war-rant or reduced as symptoms improve.

3. Try MSM for relief from muscular pain.Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natu-rally occurring compound that relievesinflammation and blocks pain signals thattravel along nonmyelinated nerve fibers. Italso increases blood flow, which deliversneeded nutrients to injured tissues. MSM isalso one of nature’s best sources of sulfur,

a compound that is crucial to cartilage’sability to attract water and cushion joints.For relief of arthritis and other chronicpain, take 5,000 mg MSM daily, in divideddoses, with meals. This can be increasedto 10,000 mg daily for severe pain. MSM isextremely safe and well-tolerated, althoughsome people report minor gastrointestinaldiscomfort at higher doses.

4. Try anti-inflammatory botanicals:

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the yellow-orange spice in curry, has perhaps thestrongest anti-inflammatory activity ofall of the medicinal herbs. It has even been compared to NSAIDs in terms ofefficacy. Take 1,500–2,000 mg in divideddoses daily.

• Boswellia, an extract from the Boswelliaserrata tree, was an important remedyin ancient India. Studies of patientswith both osteoarthritis and rheumatoidarthritis have noted significant improve-ment with 400–800 mg daily, taken individed doses, with food.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale), the commoncooking spice, also mediates prostaglan-din pathways and alleviates pain andinflammation. Get fresh ginger at thegrocery store and eat a little every day,or supplement with 100 mg daily.

5. Take high doses of fish oil daily. To address

inflammation, I recommend essential fattyacids, particularly the omega-3 fatty acidshigh in EPA, most commonly found in

fish oil. These work in a manner similar toNSAIDs, without the harmful side effects.The recommended dose is four to eight1,000 mg capsules of fish oil daily.

6. OxyRub is a topical cream that has been

used for more than 10 years in Europe forthe relief of acute and chronic pain. In addi-tion to menthol, a common ingredient inpain-relieving creams, OxyRub contains

HELP FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND OTHER AUTOIMMUNE

DISORDERS

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune dis-

ease marked by inflammation and overactivity of

the immune system. I want to tell you about two

effective therapies for this type of arthritis as wellas other autoimmune disorders such as lupus,

scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis.

Antibiotic treatment. Autoimmune diseases

don’t just spring out of thin air. Something has to

prompt the immune system to attack healthy tis-

sues. Studies suggest that in many cases it may

be a microorganism called mycoplasma. Using

antibiotics to eradicate this “bug” has provided

relief for thousands of rheumatoid arthritis suffer-

ers. The safety and effectiveness of antibiotics for

RA and other autoimmune conditions has been

addressed in more than 200 scientific papers.

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN). My number

one recommendation for autoimmune disorders

is low-dose naltrexone (LDN). One of the few

prescription drugs I routinely recommend, LDN

has been a godsend for many of my patients suf-

fering with these conditions. It helps normalize

the immune response, reduce inflammation, and

relieve symptoms, sometimes dramatically. LDN

requires a prescription and must be obtainedthrough a compounding pharmacy. The recom-

mended dose is 3–4.5 mg at bedtime. If your

doc isn’t willing to prescribe it, come see us at

Whitaker Wellness.


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“essential oxygen oil.” This specially pro-cessed oil, which contains superoxide dis-mutase (SOD, a potent antioxidant), beenshown to improve blood flow and oxygendelivery to areas of discomfort and to stimu-late the natural healing process. Severalclinical trials have demonstrated OxyRub’seffectiveness in providing quick and lasting

relief for acute and chronic joint pain, backand neck ache, arthritis, muscle strains andsprains, activity-related discomfort in ath-letes, and bumps and bruises. To use, rubinto affected area three or four times a day.

7. Topical DMSO can be used to dampen painand inflammation, scavenge free radicals,and speed up healing. Though it’s widelyused by veterinarians, for some reason ithasn’t seemed to catch on with regular doc-

tors. Rub it on affected joints once or twice aday.

8. Ketamine is a prescription-only drug, butin a topical formulation it works wonders.When a pain-relieving drug is mixed intoa readily absorbed cream and rubbed intothe affected area, the active ingredients pen-etrate the skin and can provide quick anddramatic relief. Equally important, thesedrugs are not systemically absorbed to anysignificant degree, and there is little risk ofadverse side effects.

9. Prolotherapy, also called reconstructivetherapy, is a nonsurgical treatment for thepermanent relief of joint and disc problems.It’s based on the premise that, in manycases, musculoskeletal pain is provoked bylax ligaments and tendons that cause mis-alignment of bones, joints, and muscles.Treatment involves the injection of a slightlyirritating solution into the affected joint cap-

sule, causing initial inflammation. As thestructures heal, they regain strength andstability. The result is improved function,increased range of motion, and pain relief.

10. Infrared light therapy delivers pulses ofspecific wavelengths of light to damaged ordegenerated tissues via flexible pads placeddirectly over the targeted area. As thisparticular wavelength of light penetrates

deep into the tissues, blood vessels absorb

the light’s energy, which stimulates the

release of nitric oxide (NO). Though the

light itself is invisible, its effects are readily

apparent: enhanced blood flow, improved

sensation, and regeneration of tissues. This

painless procedure has restored sensation

in 93 percent of patients in eight separateclinical trials.

11. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a beneficial

therapy for anyone with joint pain caused

by injury, overuse, or arthritis. Platelets are

fragments in the blood that are activated by

injury and bleeding. They stick to the lining

of damaged blood vessels, initiate clot for-

mation, and release growth factors that start

the healing cascade. PRP therapy involves

removing a small amount of a patient’s

blood, isolating the platelets and plasma,

and injecting them directly into the area of

injury or degeneration—and unleashing the

power of platelets to promote the formation

of new tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle,

and bone tissue.

12. Stem cell therapy is an exceptionally prom-

ising treatment for arthritis. These unique

cells have the ability to differentiate, orchange into several cell types and help

regenerate and repair diseased or dam-

aged areas of the body. It’s a pretty simple

procedure. A few ounces of fat—the rich-

est repository of stem cells in adults—are

removed during a quick liposuction proce-

dure. The fat is separated out, leaving mil-

lions of concentrated, viable stem cells that

may be injected directly into the affected

joint space. The entire process, which isdone in a doctor’s office under local anesthe-

sia and light sedation, takes no more than

an hour. There’s no downtime, and the only

discomfort, if any, is at the injection site.

Stem cell therapy is also an excellent treat-

ment for COPD, Parkinson’s, autoimmune

diseases, back pain, and other degenerative

conditions.


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AsthmaBreathing is such a natural, unconscious

activity that you take it for granted—unlessyou have a chronic respiratory disorder such asasthma. Then it’s another story. Acute asthmaattacks have been likened to “breathing througha straw.” This is an apt description because

asthma causes the airways (the bronchi andsmaller bronchioles) to inflame and constrict,resulting in serious breathing difficulties.

Asthma is a serious condition that affects 26million Americans, including almost 10 percentof our children. Every year, it is responsible for17 million visits to doctors’ offices or emergencyrooms, half a million hospitalizations, andnearly 3,500 deaths. Preventive and “rescue”medications for acute attacks can be lifesav-

ing, but in addition to being a windfall for BigPharma (see sidebar on page 11), asthma drugsalso have potentially significant adverse effects.

The good news is, natural therapies have been shown to be extremely effective foraddressing asthma symptoms. The goal of thisnatural approach is twofold: First, eliminate thepotential causes of asthma, and second, supportthe body’s natural healing process.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Asthma

Quick Relief (Rescue) Medications

These bronchodilators are the medicationsprescribed to provide rapid relief during anasthma attack. While they do work quickly,these drugs are only effective for approximatelythree to six hours, creating dependence for

many patients with asthma. Furthermore, theydo nothing to prevent future asthma attacks. Most are delivered via an inhaler or nebulizer.

Short-Acting Beta Agonists

albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA,others)

levalbuterol (Xopenex)

pirbuterol (Maxair)

Side Effects May Include: headache, dizziness,nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, nervous-ness, tremor, heart palpitations, hives, and skinrash.

Oral Corticosteroids (Used for Severe/ Acute Attacks)

methylprednisoloneprednisone

Side Effects (With Long-Term Use) May

Include: cataracts, thinning bones, muscleweakness, decreased resistance to infection,high blood pressure, and reduced growth inchildren.

Long-Term Asthma Control Medications

Most of these drugs were designed to betaken daily with the goal being to reduceinflammation over the long term. Unfortu-nately, using these medications for long periodsof time is associated with several side effects.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

beclomethasone (Qvar)

budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)

ciclesonide (Alvesco)

flunisolide (Aerobid)

fluticasone (Flovent HFA)

mometasone (Asmanex)

Side Effects May Include: sore mouth, sorethroat, hoarseness, cough, spasms of the largeairways, fungus infection in the mouth (thrush),slight reduction in growth, decreased bonethickness in adults, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Leukotriene Modifiers (oral)

montelukast (Singulair)

zafirlukast (Accolate)

zileuton (Zyflo)

Side Effects May Include: flu-like symptoms,nervousness, excitability, headache, stomach-ache, nausea, vomiting, and nasal congestion. Inrare cases, these medications have been linkedto psychological reactions, such as agitation,


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aggression, hallucinations, depression, and sui-cidal thinking. Seek medical attention immedi-ately if any of these side effects occur.

Long-Acting Beta Agonists

formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)

salmeterol (Serevent)

Important Note: These medications increaserisk of death from asthma and should only beused as additional treatment for people who arealso using an inhaled steroid. For details, talk toyour doctor and see black-box warnings.

Combination Inhalers

budesonide-formoterol (Symbicort),

fluticasone-salmeterol (Advair Diskus)

mometasone-formoterol (Dulera)

Side Effects May Include: rapid heartbeat,tremor, nervousness, cough, throat irritation,hoarseness, and in some cases, severe exacerba-tion of asthma attacks, and death.

Recommendations for Treating Asthma Naturally

1. Stay hydrated by drinking 12 eight-ounce

glasses of water daily. (Children under eightshould limit intake to eight glasses daily.)Water acts as a natural antihistamine, with-out the side effects of drugs. It inhibits the body’s release of histamine, which constrictsthe tiny tubes of the lungs and can lead toan asthma attack.

2. Watch out for airborne allergies and foodallergies. Allergies and asthma go hand inhand, especially in children. Know your

triggers. This may take some sleuthing because everybody’s are different. For some,it’s exercise, weather changes, gastroesopha-geal reflux disease (GERD), dehydration, oreven laughter; for others, it’s irritants suchas smoke, strong odors, or air pollution.Flare-ups can also be caused by an allergicresponse, most commonly to airborne pol-len, pet dander, dust mites, etc., but foodallergies can also cause exacerbations. The

primary culprits are dairy products, wheat,eggs, citrus, corn, and peanut butter. Amodified elimination diet usually isolatesthe problem food. Studies have shown thata vegetarian, whole-food, organic diet canhelp reduce asthma symptoms as well. Andkeep in mind, some people with asthma areallergic to food additives such as sulfites,

which are regularly used as preservatives inrestaurant salad bars, alcoholic beverages,and processed foods.

3. Nurture your lungs with these vitalnutrients:

• Magnesium. Like conventional drugs(but without their harmful effects),magnesium promotes relaxation of thesmooth bronchial muscles. When your body has a magnesium deficiency, your

cells release more histamine, whichcauses constriction of the bronchiolesand triggers an asthma attack. Witheach attack, you lose large amountsof magnesium, which sets up futureepisodes. Virtually all asthma drugsdeplete magnesium. Intravenous mag-nesium will stop an asthma attack evenwhen other drugs have failed. Talk toyour doctor about this. For preventive

purposes, I recommend supplementingwith 500–1,000 mg of magnesium perday. If your multivitamin doesn’t containthis much, you’ll need to add a separatesupplement.

• N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an aminoacid that has been used in Europe since1963 for the treatment of asthma andallergies. It liquefies mucus in air pas-sages and increases the production ofglutathione, an antioxidant that neutral-

izes free radicals. I recommend 400–500 mg daily.

• Vitamin B12, which has been shown tocontrol or even eliminate wheezing. Thesuggested daily dose is 150 mcg.

• Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E,and selenium protect your lungs fromdamaging free radicals produced duringthe asthmatic response. What’s more, low


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levels of vitamin C are an independent risk

factor for asthma. Get daily amounts of atleast 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 300 IU of vita-min E, and 200 mcg of selenium.

4. Raise your carbon dioxide level. Anytimeyou feel an asthma episode coming on,hold your breath for five to 10 seconds. Thiscauses an increase in levels of carbon diox-ide (CO2), one of the body’s most powerful bronchodilators. When CO2 levels are low,the airways constrict, causing shortness of

breath and other symptoms of asthma. Rais-ing CO2 in this way relaxes the airways andoften nips attacks in the bud. Repeat this breath-holding exercise until you’re breath-ing freely again.

5. Install an air purifier in your home. Themost effective purifiers have a HEPA filter(the kind used in laboratories and hospitals)to eliminate allergens like pollens, dust, andmicroscopic fibers, along with a carbon filter,which removes toxic gases, and a UV light toknock out viruses and bacteria. Make sureyour vacuum cleaner also has a HEPA filter,as most vacuum cleaners don’t trap all thematerial they collect and actually disperseallergens into the air.

6. Consider acupuncture. Clinical studies andcase histories have confirmed acupuncture’seffectiveness in improving lung function

in patients with asthma. It’s believed that

acupuncture relieves symptoms by help-ing rebalance the flow of energy throughthe body.

Also see Allergies.

Attention DeficitHyperactivity

Disorder (ADHD)

According to a survey from the Centers forDisease Control (CDC), 6.4 million children(ages 4–17) have been diagnosed with ADHD.Two-thirds of these kids are taking danger-ous, addictive, side-effect-riddled prescriptiondrugs like Ritalin and Adderall. Even whenthese drugs do “work,” there’s a drawback. I’vespoken to a number of parents who report thattheir kids may calm down, but they lose theirspontaneity and zest for life—even to the pointof becoming “robotic.” Furthermore, some of

these drugs, including Strattera (in a differentclass of drugs), have a black box label warningof changes in mood and behavior and increasedrisk of suicidal thoughts.

BIG PHARMA RIPS OFF AMERICANS

Americans pay much, much more for prescription drugs than anyone else in the world, thanks to sweetheart

deals between the federal government and Big Pharma. Take a look at the average prices of the best-selling

brand-name asthma drugs (three months’ supply of the most popular doses) in US pharmacies compared with

the lowest prices for the same drugs ordered online, with a prescription, from reputable pharmacies.

DRUG A VERAGE US

PHARMACYLOWEST ONLINE* S AVINGS

ANNUAL S AVINGS

Advair Diskus $947.97 $149.00 84.28% $3,195.88

Flovent HFA $593.97 $186.00 68.69% $1,631.88

Singulair $626.97 $110.00 82.46% $2,067.88

Symbicort $666.99 $222.00 66.72% $1,779.96

*from PharmacyChecker.com, March 2012; verified drugs, prescription required

pharmacychecker.com/news/asthma-drug-price-comparison-table.pdf


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Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat ADHD

Stimulant Drugs

While no parent would encourage a childto take speed or cocaine, the most popular

prescription meds for ADHD are disturbinglysimilar to illegal stimulants. And not surpris-ingly, they have similar side effects, includinginsomnia, anxiety, agitation, irregular heartbeat,high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, vom-iting, decreased appetite, stunted growth, and,in rare cases, psychosis or sudden death.

Like speed and cocaine, ADHD drugs arealso addictive and subject to abuse. In fact,they’re among the most-often abused of all pre-

scription drugs. Adderall is particularly popularamong high school and college students, whouse it not only to get high but also to helpthem stay focused and awake while studying.Furthermore, prescription stimulant drugs areremarkably easy to get, either illegally for a few bucks or by making a quick visit to a doctor fora diagnosis and prescription. The downside,of course, as with any addictive drug, is thatthings can and often do spiral out of control.

mixed salts amphetamine (Adderall andAdderall XR)

dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)

dexmethylphenidate (Focalin andFocalin XR)

lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Meta-date CD, Methylin, Ritalin)

methylphenidate HCl (Quillivant XR)

Side Effects May Include: addiction, decreasein normal growth, mood changes, nervousness,insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, dizziness,palpitations, headaches, drowsiness, changein blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms,angina, and abdominal pain. The FDA warnsthat stimulant drugs can be abused and leadto dependency/addiction. They can have arebound effect as the drug wears off, leading toincreased hyperactivity. Several young people

have committed suicide after withdrawal or

a reduction in their dosage of these drugs.Emotionally unstable patients or those with a

history of depression or alcoholism should becarefully monitored because of the potential

for abuse. Psychic dependence and abnormal

behavior, including psychotic episodes, canoccur. Medical supervision is required during

withdrawal.

Recommendations for Treating ADHD Naturally

1. A healthy diet low in sugars, flours, and

processed foods is a good beginning. Avoidfoods containing chemical additives and

preservatives.

2. Search for allergies to foods, additives,

chemicals, and other substances. Undi-agnosed allergies may be at the root of

hyperactivity.

3. Try Pedi-Active. Pedi-Active, by Nature’s

Plus, contains 50 mg each of two brain- boosting nutrients, DMAE and phosphati-

dylserine (LECI-PS). We’ve had great success

with this product at the clinic. The recom-mended dose is two tablets, three to four

times daily.

4. Add the amino acids GABA, glutamine, andglycine. Neurotransmitters are specialized

chemicals that enable brain cells to com-

municate with each other to orchestrate brain function. Providing your brain with

an abundance of raw materials to make ade-quate amounts of key neurotransmitters—

especially those that affect areas of the brain

dealing with inhibition and planning—iskey to managing ADHD. The amino acids

GABA, glutamine, and glycine are available

singly in health food stores, but for easeof use I prefer combination formulas. One

product I recommend, Anxiety Control, con-tains these three amino acids, along with the

cofactors needed for neurotransmitter syn-

thesis. Another is a powdered formulation ofa wide range of amino acids, vitamins, and

minerals, called Brain Link Complex.


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5. If medication is required, I recommendDilantin (phenytoin) over Ritalin any day.Many patients have experienced miraculouschanges with this drug, which has beenused safely to control seizures for decades.Dilantin calms the central nervous systemwithout sedation, immediately increasingone’s ability to concentrate. More than 3,000

studies have shown that Dilantin is effec-tive for ADHD, poor concentration, phobias,aggression, temper tantrums, depression,anxiety, and other problems. Dilantin isavailable by prescription only.

Benign ProstaticHyperplasia

Seventy-five percent of men 50 years and

older have measurable enlargement of theirprostate gland, a condition called benignprostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostateenlarges, it constricts the urethra, blocking thepassage of urine from the bladder. Urination becomes difficult, the stream is weak, and theneed to urinate frequently (especially at night)increases. In severe cases, a surgical procedurecalled transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP), in which the central core of the pros-tate gland is removed, may be suggested. Most

men, however, are treated with medications.These drugs improve urine flow and reducesymptoms, but they can cause a whole new setof problems. The good news is that there are ahandful of safe, effective natural therapies thatsuppress the growth of the prostate and restorenormal urinary flow—without side effects.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Prostate Enlargement

(BPH)5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the con-version of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone,the hormone that stimulates the prostate’sage-related growth spurt. In addition to ratherserious side effects, men taking medicationsin this class of drugs likely will not notice full

benefits until 6 to 12 months after startingdrug therapy.

finasteride (Proscar)

dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn)

Side Effects May Include: impotence, infertilitydecreased libido, decreased volume of ejaculate,

ejaculation disorder, breast enlargement, breasttenderness, hypersensitivity reactions such asswelling of the lips and face, and testicularpain. These medications should not be used—oreven handled—by women who are or may bepregnant, as they may cause birth defects in amale fetus. They should be used with cautionin patients with liver function abnormalities.Patients with large residual urinary volumeand/or severely diminished urinary flowshould be monitored carefully for obstructive

uropathy, and may not be candidates for thisdrug.

Alpha Blockers

Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscles inthe neck of the bladder and the prostate, whichpromotes easier urine flow. Although thesemedications improve symptoms of BPH, theydo not reduce prostate size and thus have nolasting effects.

alfuzosin (Uroxatral)

doxazosin (Cardura)

silodosin (Rapaflo)

tamsulosin (Flomax)

terazosin (Hytrin)

Side Effects May Include: dizziness, fatigue,hypotension (too low blood pressure), fluidretention, malaise, drowsiness, palpitations,

vertigo, weakness, headache, and urinary tractinfection.

Recommendations for TreatingProstate Enlargement Naturally

1. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veg-etables, and zinc-rich foods. Good choicesinclude beans, chickpeas, fish, shellfish, andpumpkin seeds.


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2. Start taking saw palmetto extract on a regu-

lar basis in your mid-40s (160 mg per day) as

a preventive measure. Like the prescription

drug Proscar, the herb saw palmetto (Serenoa

repens) blocks the conversion of testosterone

to its problematic cousin, dihydrotestos-

terone—but with none of the drug’s side

effects. Dozens of controlled clinical trialshave documented its ability to reduce pros-

tate size and restore normal urinary func-

tion. If you already have prostate problems,

I recommend 320 mg daily. Make sure the

brand you use contains 85 percent to 95 per-

cent fatty acids and plant sterols.

3. Consider taking the herb pygeum (Pygeum

africanum). European studies of this herb

show it’s as effective as Hytrin or Proscar

but far safer. I recommend 100–200 mg of astandardized extract (12–13 percent phytos-

terols) daily, divided into two or three doses

and taken with meals.

4. Go-Less® is a combination of soy

isoflavones and pumpkin seed extract that

relaxes the bladder muscles. In one six-week

study, Go-Less reduced nighttime urination

by 40 percent! Not surprisingly, sleep satis-

faction also improved. The recommendeddaily dose is 600 mg.

5. Take a daily high-potency, antioxidant-rich

vitamin and mineral supplement.

6. Take zinc picolinate along with vitamin B6,

which enhances zinc absorption. Start with

30 mg of zinc per day, and if you’re experi-

encing prostate symptoms, boost that up to

60 mg. Most multivitamin-mineral formulas

contain zinc, so remember that when deter-

mining your daily dose. Because zinc may

interfere with copper absorption, supple-

ment your intake of zinc with copper, keep-

ing the ratio at about 15 to 1 (for example, if

you take 30 mg of zinc, take 2 mg of copper).

7. Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption,

which contributes to zinc excretion and

reduces levels of vitamin B6.

Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease

More than 12 million people in this countryhave been diagnosed with chronic obstruc-tive pulmonary disease (COPD), and anequal number are affected but haven’t been

diagnosed. This progressive disorder, whichincludes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and ahandful of other lung diseases, trails only car-diovascular disease and cancer as our leadingcause of death and kills 138,000 Americansevery year.

In addition to the drugs discussed below,antibiotics are often needed because COPDpatients are particularly susceptible to infec-tions. I have no problem with any therapy that

makes life easier for patients with COPD. Butthe reality is that the only conventional therapyever scientifically shown to alter its long-termcourse and extend survival is oxygen therapy,which is commonly required as the conditionprogresses. Meanwhile, other therapies thatcould really help are rarely offered to patients.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat COPD

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilator inhalers are usually pre-scribed to relax the muscles in the airways andmake breathing easier in patients with COPD.There are two types: short-acting for emergencysituations or quick relief and long-acting, whichare typically used to treat COPD over a longertime period. They are usually taken once ortwice daily over an extended period, and they

come as inhalers or nebulizers. Long-acting bronchodilators are not effective as emergencyor rescue inhalers as they were designed towork gradually.

Short-Acting Bronchodilators

albuterol (Vospire ER, Combivent, Duoneb)

ipratropium (Atrovent)

levalbuterol (Xopenex)


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Long-Acting Bronchodilators

aclidinium (Tudorza)

arformoterol (Brovana)

formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)

indacaterol (Arcapta)

olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat)

salmeterol (Serevent)

tiotropium (Spiriva)

Side Effects May Include: dry mouth, blurredvision, cough, tremors, runny nose, irritated

or scratchy throat, rashes, blurred vision, rapidheart rate, diarrhea, and joint and back pain.

Corticosteroids

Inflammation of the airways makes it

more difficult to breathe. Inhaled and oralcorticosteroids are used to curb inflamma-

tion in the airways and the alveoli, the tinyair sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are

exchanged, increasing airflow to the lungs.They come in inhalers, powders, liquids, pills,

and even shots for emergency rescue (mainlyprednisolone). Corticosteroids are sometimesprescribed with bronchodilators.

Inhaled Corticosteroids budesonide (Pulmicort)

fluticasone (Flovent)

flunisolide (Aerospan)

mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)

Side Effects May Include: headaches, sore

throat, hoarseness, a change in voice, allergicreactions, cold symptoms, thrush (growth of

fungus in the mouth and throat).

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors help relieveinflammation, which can improve air flow. This

drug comes as a pill that you take once daily. Itis typically prescribed along with a long-acting

inhaler.

roflumilast (Daliresp)

Side Effects May Include: weight loss, diar-rhea, cramps, and tremors. Tell your doctor

if you have liver problems before taking thismedication.

Recommendations for TreatingCOPD Naturally

1. Stop smoking (see sidebar).

2. Take N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC). This natu-ral substance thins and helps break up theexcessive mucus, which is a significantcause of chronic cough and other symp-toms, and inhibits the adherence of bacteriain the lungs. NAC is also a precursor toglutathione, the most active antioxidant inthe lungs. By boosting levels of this “mas-ter antioxidant,” NAC helps put the brakeson a key underlying disease process. In a2013 clinical trial, COPD patients ages 50–80took 600 mg of NAC or a placebo twice aday for a year. Compared to those in the

W ANT TO KICK THE H ABIT?

Smoking is a biochemical addiction, and

breaking that addiction requires serious effort.

Nicotine binds with the neuroreceptors in the

brain. As it dissipates, the receptors cry for more.

This is the premise behind the gums and patches

containing nicotine. Once cravings have subsided,the desire for a cigarette is no more than habit. A

habit takes about 21 days to break. Unfortunately,

the natural alternative to these conventional

smoking cessation treatments that I recom-

mended is no longer available. However, there are

some other ways to help control cravings while

you are quitting the habit. When the desire for a

cigarette strikes, take 500 mg of buffered vitamin

C (take no more than 10,000 mg per day). This

can take the edge off cravings. Then do some-

thing physical: take a walk, do household choresor paperwork, mess around on the computer—

anything to keep your hands and mind busy.

Expect to feel anxious and edgy during this time.

For help, take Anxiety Control, which contains

soothing amino acids. Two capsules twice a day

should help you through this period.


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placebo group, the study participants whohad taken NAC had half as many exacerba-tions, shorter stays when hospitalized, fewerhospital readmissions, and improvements inforced expiratory flow.

3. Try inhaled glutathione. Glutathione is themost active antioxidant in the lungs, and

studies have confirmed that free radicaldamage is a primary player in the devel-opment of COPD. Glutathione isn’t wellabsorbed when taken orally, but wheninhaled it goes straight to work. Inhaledglutathione is administered at home viaa nebulizer, which turns liquids into tinydroplets. This “mist” is then inhaledthrough a mouthpiece directly into thelungs. We’ve been using this therapy forwell over a decade with predictably positive

results.4. Take 500–1,000 mg of magnesium per day.

Magnesium opens air passages by relaxingthe smooth muscles of the airways.

5. Exercise. Regular exercise is an impor-tant part of the treatment and preventionof respiratory problems. Steady, slightlyrapid breathing strengthens your lungs andencourages what is called “belly” breath-ing—when the breath gets deep down in

your diaphragm and your belly extends.Most of us take shallow breaths, sucking inas we inhale instead of letting the breathfill our lungs. Start a mild walking programat least three days a week for 30 minutes aday. Go at your own pace, and stop if youfeel pain in your chest. You’ll be surprisedhow quickly your lungs respond by expand-ing and strengthening. If you currently haveserious breathing problems, let your doctorknow that you’d like to start exercising regu-

larly, and work together to set up a programthat’s best for you.

6. Another natural expectorant is saturatedsolution of potassium iodide (SSKI). When Iwas doing my medical internship at GradyMemorial Hospital in Atlanta some 30years ago, I wrote hundreds of prescrip-tions for this iodine compound. We used itprimarily for patients with lung disease as

an expectorant to thin and help cough upmucus. It worked then, and it would worknow—yet hardly anybody ever uses it. Likemany natural therapies, this once-popularremedy has been eclipsed by newer, costlierdrugs. This is a shame, because SSKI is anextremely useful treatment for respiratoryproblems and several other health concerns.

Drinking three to six drops in water dailyhelps bring up mucus that builds up in thelungs of patients with COPD. It also helpsrelieve symptoms of allergies and chronicsinus infections.

7. Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter inyour home and office. Make sure your vac-uum cleaner also has a HEPA filter, as mostvacuum cleaners don’t trap all the materialthey collect and actually disperse allergens

into the air.

8. Stem Cell Therapy. Stem cells, which areisolated from a patient’s own fat througha minimal liposuction procedure, have theability to differentiate into a number of celltypes, reduce inflammation, and promotetissue repair throughout the body. Sincewe adopted this therapy a year and a halfago and treated nearly 200 patients witha variety of health challenges, we’ve con-

sistently observed that no matter what thecondition—musculoskeletal, cardiovascu-lar, neurological, etc.—patients often reportimprovements in lung function. This makessense. Stems cells are typically administeredintravenously (into a vein), and all venous blood travels directly to the lungs, where itpicks up oxygen. Therefore, no matter whatarea or organ system the stem cells are tar-geting, the first place they go to is the lungs.

Colds and FluAccording to nineteenth-century physician

Dr. William Osler, “There is just one way totreat the common cold—with contempt.” Today,there are thousands of cold remedies on themarket, but they are only slightly more success-ful than a healthy dose of contempt at combat-ing this all-too-common malady. Conventionalmedicine hasn’t licked the flu, either. Vaccines


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are not very good at preventing flu, and thepricey prescription antivirals aren’t nearly aseffective as drug companies would have you believe.

To make matters worse, many doctors pre-scribe antibiotics for colds and flu, “just incase.” Big mistake. Antibiotics cannot touch the

viruses responsible for these infections, andthey can cause a host of unwanted effects, fromcandida overgrowth to the emergence of superstrains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

If you do succumb to a cold or flu (and onany given day, millions of us are fighting aviral infection), a number of natural therapieswill help minimize your discomfort and bolsteryour immune defenses.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Colds and Flu

Antibiotics

Resist the urge to ask for an antibiotic fora lingering viral illness—and if your doctoroffers one, just say no. For decades, we’ve wit-nessed an alarming rise in drug-resistant bac-teria, which now infect 2 million Americansand kill 25,000 annually. But the gravity of

this crisis is not sinking in. Harvard research-ers analyzed the prescribing trends of thou-sands of physicians and found that antibioticswere given for 60 percent of sore throats and73 percent of acute bronchitis cases. This is anoutrage. Just one in 10 sore throats is caused by bacteria (strep), and acute bronchitis is almostalways viral, which antibiotics can’t touch.The same goes for sinus infections. Althoughstudies show these drugs work no better thanplacebo, one in five antibiotic prescriptions is

for sinusitis.

If you must take antibiotics for strep oranother bacterial infection, be sure to completethe entire course. Stopping the drugs in mid-course contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacte-ria. All antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria inthe gastrointestinal tract, which allows patho-genic bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms

to colonize the gut and can cause serious prob-lems. Replace beneficial bacteria by takingprobiotic supplements during your antibioticcourse and for several weeks afterwards.

Penicillins

amoxicillin

cephalexin (Keflex)

cephalosporins

penicillin

Macrolides

azithromycin (Zithromax)

clarithromycin (Biaxin)

erythromycin (E-Mycin)

SHOULD YOU GET A FLU SHOT?

Doctors, pharmacies, schools, billboards,

TV ads, and public health campaigns stress the

necessity of annual flu shots. So the flu vaccine

must be great, right?

Wrong. In 2014, scientists reviewed all the

studies comparing outcomes in healthy adults

and pregnant women who had flu shots with

those who had received a placebo or no inter-

vention. This comprehensive review, involving

90 studies and more than 9 million people, con-

cluded that the vaccine has a “very modest effect”

in reducing flu symptoms and sick days and no

effect at all on preventing hospitalization or seri-

ous adverse events. For people over age 65, the

available evidence was of such poor quality that

the researchers couldn’t determine if the vaccine

was protective or not. For children, the evidence

was somewhat stronger, except for the very

young—just one study supported its use in kids

under age two.

Yet every man, woman, and child six months

and older is urged to get vaccinated. Scientific

rationale and integrity are absent when it comes

to our country’s wholesale infatuation with

vaccinations.


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Fluoroquinolones

levofloxacin (Levaquin)

ofloxacin (Cipro, Floxin)

Sulfonamides

co-trimoxazole (Bactrim)

trimethoprim (Proloprim)

Tetracyclines

doxycycline (Vibramycin)

tetracycline (Panmycin, Sumycin)

Aminoglycosides

gentamicin (Garamycin)

tobramycin (Tobrex)

Side Effects May Include: nausea, vomiting,diarrhea, skin rashes and hives, yeast infections,vaginitis. Fluoroquinolones increase risk of ten-dinitis and tendon rupture. And several antibi-otics taken over a long period can cause seriousproblems, including inflammation of the intes-tinal tract and liver and kidney problems. Aller-gies to antibiotic drugs are not uncommon andmay cause life-threatening allergic reactions;symptoms include skin eruptions, itching, andacute swelling of the lips, face, or throat.

Antiviral Drugs

Tamiflu, Relenza, and other antiviral drugsare all the rage. Problem is, they don’t reallywork. According to a 2014 review, the most thatcan be expected of these drugs is shorteningof the duration of flu symptoms by half a day.There is no evidence they reduce pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, hospital admissions, orperson-to-person spread of the flu. Yet aggres-

sive marketing and unsubstantiated claims—outright lies, actually—made by drug makersled countries around the world to spend bil-lions stockpiling antivirals in preparation for aninfluenza pandemic. Don’t waste your moneyon these worthless drugs.

oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

peramivir (Rapivab)

zanamivir (Relenza)

Side Effects May Include: nausea, vomiting,dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, cough, diar-rhea, headache, psychiatric disturbances, anddecreased natural immunity.

Recommendations for TreatingColds and Flu Naturally

1. Increase your immune system’s chances ofsuccessfully fighting off infections by get-ting plenty of sleep, eating right, exercisingmoderately, and taking a good multivitaminthat contains at least 1,000 mg of vitamin Cdaily and 30 mg of zinc.

2. Take extra vitamin D (as D3, or cholecalcif-erol). Your body’s natural synthesis of thisvitamin, which produces antimicrobial com-pounds called cathelicidins and defensins,

plummets during the winter—at the sametime infectious diseases surge. Studies showsolid links between vitamin D blood levelsand risk of influenza, pneumonia, ear infec-tions, and other viral and bacterial illnesses.Your best bet is to get your vitamin D bloodlevel tested and take enough to keep thatlevel in the 50–80 ng/mL range. This mayrequire as much as 5,000–10,000 IU per day.

3. If you get sick, increase your vitamin

C intake to 500 mg every hour or two.Research shows that a high intake of vita-min C strengthens your immune system andmay shorten the duration of viral infections.

4. Add echinacea at the first sign of symptoms.Phytonutrients in this herb increase thenumber and motility of macrophages and Tcells. My favorite echinacea preparation isa liquid extract, Insure Herbal from Zand,which also contains goldenseal and other

herbs. Take 2–3 droppers throughout theday, straight up or diluted in water.

5. Take N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC). This supple-ment is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s preeminent antioxidant. Italianresearchers found that older people whotook 600 mg of NAC twice a day during thefall and winter were significantly less likelyto develop symptomatic flu.


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6. Keep your intestinal flora healthy with probiotics. The beneficial bacteria that live inyour gastrointestinal tract produce impor-tant B vitamins, aid in the digestion andabsorption of food, and crowd out harmful bacteria. This is especially important if youtake a course of antibiotics, which knocksoff helpful bacteria along with the harmful.

Look for a supplement that contains several billion live and active bacteria, includingstrains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

7. Try Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) K12 lozenges. This probiotic safely colonizes theoral cavity and displaces pathogenic organ-isms. It has been shown to help stave offsore throats, colds, and ear infections.

8. Get an intravenous vitamin C drip. During

the cold and flu season, the IV departmentat Whitaker Wellness is filled with patientsrelaxing in recliners, reading, or chatting asthey get their infusions of high-dose vita-min C. High blood levels of this vitamin,attainable only through IV administration,actually kills viruses, bacteria, and cancercells. Most doctors do not offer IV vitamin Cand know little about it.

DepressionOne in 10 American adults and one in four

women in their 40s and 50s take prescriptionantidepressants. This appalling statistic is a dis-turbing demonstration of the degree to whichBig Pharma has penetrated medicine and oursociety as a whole. Physician mindset, time con-straints, and insurance reimbursement policiesfavor quick office visits and drug scripts overreally helping patients with their problems. Andthe American public goes along with it, appar-

ently believing those ubiquitous pharmaceuticalads telling them that popping a pill will curewhatever ails them.

Antidepressants are dangerous drugs andhave a host of unpleasant side effects. Dangersaside, they don’t work very well. A meta-analysis published in JAMA concluded thatonly patients with disabling depression haveeven the slightest chance of being helped by

THE BEST-SELLING DRUGS IN AMERICA ARE B AD NEWS

Guess what the top-selling drug (in terms

of dollars) in the United States is? It’s not, as I

assumed, one of the wildly popular and pricey

statins or stomach acid medications. The top-

grossing medication—with sales exceeding $7 bil-lion in 2014—is Abilify, an antipsychotic drug. How

in the world could a powerful, mind-altering drug

originally approved to treat serious mental illnesses

like schizophrenia (which affects just 1 percent of

the population) become America’s bestseller?

For starters, Abilify costs around $800 for a

month’s supply of 30 tablets. In addition, the FDA

has broadened approved uses to include bipolar

disorder in adults and schizophrenia, bipolar, and

autism in children. But the real coup came in 2007,

when the FDA gave Abilify the stamp of approval

as an “add-on treatment for adults with depression

when an antidepressant alone is not enough.”

Now there’s a market for you. Ten percent of

Americans—and a quarter of women in their 40s

and 50s—take antidepressants. Once TV, Inter-

net, and print ads began urging them, “Ask your

doctor about the option of adding Abilify,” and

claiming it “may help with unresolved depressive

symptoms as early as 1–2 weeks,” sales took off.

Growth has also been spurred by physicians whoare increasingly prescribing this drug for unap-

proved uses such as anxiety, insomnia, ADHD,

eating disorders, substance abuse, post-traumatic

stress disorder, and dementia.

This is nuts! The fact that a drug for a severe

mental illness like psychosis (loss of contact with

reality, e.g., hallucinations and delusions) could

weasel its way through FDA regulatory chan-

nels into the medicine cabinets of millions of

Americans is a travesty. Abilify is not a “boosterdrug” to make antidepressants work better. It’s

an exceptionally potent medication that alters

brain function and comes with a long list of seri-

ous side effects: agitation, aggression, movement

disorders, weight gain, elevated blood sugar and

lipids, and black-box warnings of increased risk

of suicidal thoughts in young people and death in

elderly patients with dementia.


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antidepressants. Yet the overwhelming major-ity of those who take these drugs—and areexposed to their incapacitating and disastrousside effects—just feel a little blue.

There is no magic bullet for depression.Because symptoms are often a normal responseto life’s challenges, your initial step should be

to address those challenges. Psychotherapy isthe first-line treatment for mild to moderatedepression in many countries, and talking to afriend, family member, or spiritual counselormay be an acceptable substitute. And there aremany natural therapies for boosting mood andimproving quality of life.

Drugs Commonly Recommendedto Treat Depression

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors(SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) are the most popular drugs for depres-sion. These drugs increase the availability ofthe neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain by blocking its reabsorption by brain cells. Lowlevels of serotonin are believed to be a majorcause of depression, so, in theory, these drugs

should result in improved mood by makingmore serotonin available for communication between nerve cells. In reality, their dangers faroutweigh any potential benefit.

SSRIs increase risk of suicidal thoughtsand behaviors, extreme agitation, and acts ofuncharacteristic violence. Thousands of suicidesand most of the shocking and horrific assaultsagainst innocent students at schools, childrenin their homes, and employees at work have

involved SSRI antidepressants or other psychi-atric drugs. They are also notorious for causingsexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems,headaches, insomnia, and weight gain—aquarter of people gain 10 pounds or more whiletaking them. SSRIs are also associated withincreases in anxiety, nervousness, agitation, andrestlessness as well as a zombie-like bluntingof emotions and inability to empathize withothers.

citalopram (Celexa)

escitalopram (Lexapro)

fluoxetine (Prozac)

fluvoxamine (Luvox)

paroxetine (Paxil)

sertraline (Zoloft)

Side Effects May Include: increased riskof suicide. Every antidepressant sold in thiscountry is required by the FDA to have a black box label warning: “Antidepressants increasedthe risk compared to placebo of suicidal think-ing and behavior (suicidality) in children,adolescents, and young adults in short-termstudies of major depressive disorder (MDD) andother psychiatric disorders.” Other side effectsinclude violent behavior, loss of libido, erec-tile dysfunction, weight gain, gastrointestinalproblems, and headaches, dry mouth, diarrhea,excess sweating, impotence, sleepiness andinsomnia, tremor, and sinus infections.

Recommendations for TreatingDepression Naturally

1. Exercise. It’s the single most effective moodelevator. Many researchers feel that lack ofphysical exercise may be one of the major

reasons for the increasing incidence ofdepression today. Exercise increases levels ofdopamine, a neurotransmitter with stimulat-ing effects on the brain, as well as levels ofendorphins, “feel good” neurotransmittersthat create a sense of well-being. In addition,physical activity helps decrease anxiety, hos-tility, and other stress-related disorders.

2. Take S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe). SAMe(pronounced “Sammy”) helps normalize

levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepi-nephrine, neurotransmitters believed to playa role in regulating mood. Approximately 70percent of depressed patients who try SAMenotice improvements in mood within days—not weeks, as is the case with most drugsand herbal therapies. The recommendeddose is 200 mg twice a day, before breakfastand before lunch, preferably on an emptystomach (at least 30 minutes before or two


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hours after eating). Some people may needto double this to 400 mg twice a day.

3. Try 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). This nat-ural treatment for mild to moderate depres-sion is a natural precursor to serotonin. Startwith 30–50 mg at bedtime, on an emptystomach. This may safely be increased to

as much as 100 mg three times a day overseveral weeks. Most of my patients respondwell to 50–100 mg per day.

4. Boost your levels of B-complex vitamins.Depression is a common symptom of vari-ous B vitamin deficiencies, including vita-mins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12(cobalamin), and folic acid. Supplementationis a must. I recommend 50 mg vitamin B1,75 mg vitamin B6, 150 mcg vitamin B12,and 800 mcg folic acid. Vitamin B12 hasa particularly potent effect on mood so I

recommend an additional 1,000 mcg daily, ifneeded.

5. Let in the light. Spend time outdoors and letnatural sunlight enter your eyes for a fewminutes each day. (Avoid looking directlyinto the sun.) Also, consider installing full-spectrum artificial light, which contains

all the wavelengths of natural light, in therooms where you spend the most time. Full-spectrum light tubes and bulbs come invarying sizes and strengths, and can be putin existing fixtures.

6. The prescription drug Dilantin has oneof the safest records of any medication.Dilantin normalizes the flow of electricalimpulses in the brain, enhancing mood,concentration, and mental performance. It’snormally given for seizures but is also usedto treat depression, obsessive or impulsive

Thousands of Whitaker Wellness patients and

newsletter subscribers have lost weight—and kept

it off—with the mini-fast with exercise. It’s the most

effective weight loss program I’ve seen in my 40

years of practicing medicine. Here’s how it works.

Get up in the morning and drink a glass of water

or a cup of coffee or tea. You can use a little creamer

or low-caloric sweetener like xylitol or stevia, and youcan take your supplements if you want. But do not

eat breakfast or drink juice.

Then put on your workout gear and do some

aerobic exercise. You can walk briskly, jog, or cycle;

use a treadmill, stair-stepper, mini-trampoline, or

stationary bike; or take an aerobics class or work out

with an exercise video at home. The important thing

is that you exercise for 20–45 minutes with moder-

ate effort. (Don’t go overboard and burn yourself out

before you get started.)

After you exercise, get on with your day, but con-

tinue fasting until lunch. Drink water, of course, and feel

free to have coffee or tea. Don’t worry about being too

hungry to make it through the morning. You may have

to try this to believe it, but this fasting/exercise combo

seriously dampens your appetite, and the caffeine in

coffee and tea helps to blunt hunger as well.

At lunchtime, break your fast and eat normally for

the rest of the day: plenty of lean protein, a little fruit, and

lots of vegetables, beans, and other fiber-rich, low-fat,

low-glycemic carbohydrates. You don’t have to count

calories, but you don’t want to pig out at lunch or dinner,

either. Fortunately, you’ll find that the discipline required

to eat sensibly for two meals a day is far less than the

discipline required to cut calories at three meals.The mini-fast takes advantage of and expands

upon the 10–12 hours you normally fast during the

night. When you awaken in the morning, your body is

beginning to deplete the glycogen in your liver (from

the carbohydrates you ate at your evening meal) and is

starting to rely more on fat for energy. As your glyco-

gen stores are progressively exhausted, your liver starts

to turn fat into ketones, which the brain and other tis-

sues use as fuel. This fat-burning state is called ketosis.

Aerobic exercise is a crucial part of the mini-fastprogram because it rapidly puts you into ketosis.

Overnight fasting is a start, but exercise really kicks

things into high gear. The fuel used during that morn-

ing walk you’re taking in place of eating breakfast

comes from burning fat, which is exactly what you

want when you’re trying to lose weight. Even better, if

you continue fasting after exercising, you will stay in

ketosis, reducing fat stores even more.

THE BEST WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM E VER


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behavior, and anxiety. For severe depres-sion, I encourage a therapeutic trial of thisextremely safe prescription drug. The rec-ommended dose for depression is 100 mgper day.

7. Test your hormone levels. Depression is ahallmark of hormonal disorders. It’s espe-

cially likely to occur with hypothyroidism(an underactive thyroid). Other commonsigns of an underactive thyroid are fatigue,hair loss, obesity, edema, infertility, irregu-lar menstrual bleeding, fibrocystic disease,chronic fatigue, and reduced immune func-tion. (See the Hypothyroidism section for away to test your thyroid function at home.)Estrogen and progesterone imbalances mayalso contribute to depression. Requireddosages vary from woman to woman. Tes-

tosterone replacement has been shown to boost feelings of well-being in both men andwoman.

Note: These suggestions on mood eleva-tion are not meant to take the place of med

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Dr Julian Whitaker's Unabriged Dictionary of Drug Alternatives and Non-Surgical Solutions

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