Dr.

Whitakers

Unabridged Dictionary
of Drug Alternatives
and Non-Surgical Solutions
SECOND EDITION

JULIAN WHITAKER, MD

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 personal physician.
You should not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical for good health. If
you have symptoms that are similar to those discussed in this report, please tell
your physician.
If you are currently on a prescription medication, you must consult with your
doctor before discontinuing any drug. Any abrupt changes in your drug regimen
could have significant effects on your health and therefore must be monitored by
your physician.
If you wish to try the natural therapies in this report, first discuss them with
your 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 effective, but they work best when they are combined with a daily regimen that focuses
on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. The Whitaker Wellness Program will
guide 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 preventive medicine and natural healing. While recommendations in this manual represent the
opinions 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 Drug
Administration. Dr. Whitakers recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of
your physician, and you are encouraged to seek advice from a competent medical professional for your personal health needs.

Dear Reader,
The question Im most often asked by patients and Health & Healing subscribers is
how to reduce or eliminate the number of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
they take. Prescription medications (and some OTC therapies) have a host of negative side
effects, and they rarely address the underlying problems and really help you get well.
All too often, conventional physicians address health problems by prescribing powerful drugs that create new health concernsfor which the doctor then prescribes even
more drugs. This creates a vicious cycle of new ailments and a reliance on medications to
alleviate those symptoms.
Fortunately, there are safer, more effective, and far less expensive therapies that not
only improve many of todays most common health conditions, but also prevent them
from occurring in the first place. Unfortunately, Big Pharma has such a hold on medicine
that these natural therapies are generally ignored by conventional doctors.
Im 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 drugs
is a knee-jerk response, while safer, natural therapies arent even considered. The physicians at my clinic use supplements, lifestyle changes, and noninvasive therapies as firstline treatments. They are the basis of the Whitaker Wellness Program, a blueprint for
healthy living that I designed to help you take charge of your health.
For more than 35 years, we have been recommending this program of nutritional
supplementation, dietary changes, and exercise to help our patients at the Whitaker Wellness Institute achieve optimal health. These powerful natural therapies have the potential
to reverse disease and have enabled thousands to stop taking dangerous prescription
medications.
In this report, well take a look at the medications, both prescription and over-thecounter, commonly used to treat Americans most common health concerns. We will
discuss the downside of some of these medications, and I will provide information on
the safe, effective natural alternatives we use at Whitaker Wellness. Most of the supplements discussed in this report are available in health food stores, online, or by calling the
clinic, and Ive included a section at the end with additional information on some of the
other therapies and natural alternatives I recommend. Please note, new medications come
on the market continuously. If youre unsure about what class your drugs fall into, ask
yourphysician.
One thing to remember as you read: The natural alternatives in this report are
unquestionably safer and, in most cases, as effective as prescription drugs, but they are
not magic bullets. These approaches may require some time for your body to adjust, so be
patient. The effort is worth it.
Best of health to you,

Julian Whitaker, MD

Topics Found in This Report

Allergies............................................................... 1
Anxiety................................................................. 3
Arthritis and Joint Pain.................................... 5
Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis and
OtherAutoimmune Disorders .................. 7
Asthma................................................................. 9
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD).............................................................. 11
Big Pharma Rips Off Americans............. 11
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia........................ 13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease .............................................................. 14
Want to Kick the Habit?........................... 15
Colds and Flu ................................................... 16
Should You Get a Flu Shot?..................... 17
Depression......................................................... 19
The Best-Selling Drugs in America
AreBadNews ......................................... 19
The Best Weight Loss Program Ever....... 21
Diabetes............................................................. 22
Help for Diabetic Complications.............. 23
Erectile Dysfunction ....................................... 25
Drugs That May Cause Erectile
Dysfunction ............................................ 25
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD)/Heartburn........................................... 27

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

Statin Drugs Deplete CoQ10Levels........ 29
Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol.... 30
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure............ 31
Lower Your Blood Pressure With
WhitakerSalt....................................... 33
Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid
Function)............................................................ 35
Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid..... 35
Insomnia............................................................ 37
Do You Have Sleep Apnea?..................... 37
Menopause........................................................ 38
Men May Also Need Hormone
ReplacementTherapy............................... 40
Migraine Headaches........................................ 41
Osteoporosis...................................................... 42
Urinary Tract Infections.......................... 43
Ulcers.................................................................. 44
In Summary...................................................... 45
Resources .......................................................... 45
Referrals and Information........................ 45
Whitaker Wellness Institute
MedicalClinic,Inc................................... 46

Dr. Whitakers Unabridged Dictionary of

Drug Alternatives and Non-Surgical Solutions
Allergies

clemastine (Tavist)
fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra D)

One in five Americans suffer with irritating

allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose,
and itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms are often triggered by airborne allergens like dander from
household pets, dust, pollen, mold, smoke, or
strong odors. Most people turn to over-thecounter antihistamines and nasal sprays to
alleviate discomfort until they need something
stronger. Conventional doctors prescribe more
powerful drugs to mask symptoms, but these
drugs have significant negative side effects.

loratadine (Claritin,Claritin D, Alavert)

Prescription Antihistamines
acrivastine (Semprex-D)
carbinoxamine (Palgic)
cyproheptadine(Periactin)
desloratadine (Clarinex)
fexofenadine/Pseudoephedrine (Allegra D)
hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Allergies

levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Side Effects May Include: sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, sour stomach, vision changes,
dry mouth/nose, and irritability. More serious
side effects, such as heart palpitations, difficulty 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.

Antihistamines
The drugs most commonly used to treat
allergy symptoms are antihistamines. They fall
into two broad categories: sedating and nonsedating. The first category is made up of older
antihistamines. These medications do relieve
allergy symptoms; however, they are notorious
for causing drowsiness and other side effects.
The newer antihistamine drugs are marketed as
non-sedating but can still cause drowsiness in
some individuals. Both types of antihistamines
work the same way. They compete with histamine in the body to ward off or mitigate allergic
reactionsswelling, itching, tearing, etc.

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. Decongestants 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 Antihistamines
(sedating)
brompheniramine (Dimetane)

Over-the-Counter Decongestant
NasalSprays

chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Afrin

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines
(nonsedating)

Dristan
Neo-Synephrine

cetirizine (Zyrtec,Zyrtec-D)

Sinex

allergens like pollens, dust, and microscopic

fibers along with a carbon filter, which
removes toxic gases. A UV light to knock
out viruses and bacteria is also desirable.
Most vacuum cleaners dont trap all the
material they collect and actually disperse it
into the air. Make sure your vacuum cleaner
also has a HEPA filter. If you have pet allergies, but love dogs, consider breeds such
as poodles and Portuguese water dogs that
dont shed as much dander. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more.

Side Effects May Include: temporary burning,

stinging, or dryness in the nose, a runny nose,
sneezing, and rebound swelling if used more
than once every 12 hours for more than three
days.

Over-the-Counter Coritcosteroid
NasalSpray
fluticasone propionate (Flonase)
triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort)
Side Effects May Include: nasal dryness or
irritation,nosebleed, throat irritation,headache,nausea, vomiting,cough, and fungal
infections of the throat with long-term use.

3. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily

and 12 per day during allergy season. When
your bodys water stores are low, histamine
production increases in an attempt to preserve existing water supplies. These elevated
histamine levels increase your allergic
symptoms. Drinking adequate amounts of
water will result in reduced production of
histamine and fewer symptoms.

Prescription Nasal Sprays

beclomethasone dipropionate (QNasl)
budesonide (Rhinocort)
ciclesonide (Omnaris,Zetonna)
flunisolide (Nasarel)

4. Take a good daily multivitamin and mineral

supplement plus targeted nutrients that may
improve symptoms.

fluticasone furoate (Veramyst)

mometasone Furoate (Nasonex)
Side Effects May Include: Dryness, burning, or
stinging in the nasal passage, sneezing, throat
irritation, headaches and nosebleed, and infection, holes, or cracks in the nasal passages.

5. Take the following supplements:

Quercetin and bromelain:Quercetin,
a bioflavonoid, combats allergies and
inflammation and inhibits the release of
histamine and other inflammatory compounds. Absorption can be improved
by combining it with bromelain, an
enzyme that is also an excellent antiinflammatory agent. The suggested dose
is 400500 mg of quercetin and 100200
mg of bromelain, between meals, two to
three times a day.

Recommendations for Treating

Allergies Naturally
1. Minimize exposure to airborne allergens.
The most common offenders are dander
from household pets, dust, pollen, mold,
smoke, and strong odors. Clean your house
thoroughly, and remove as many carpets,
rugs, and upholstered furniture pieces as
you can. They are havens for dust and pet
dander. Pay special attention to the bedroom. Encase your mattress in allergenproof plastic, and consider using bedding
made from a special hypoallergenic material. Wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and
mattress pads every week.

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an amino

acid that has been used in Europe since
1963 to treat asthma and allergies. It
liquefies mucus in air passages and
increases the production of glutathione,
an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. I recommend 400500 mg daily.
Stinging nettle, or itch weed, actually
blocks the formation of inflammatory
compounds in your airways. Take 200
400 mg per day, in divided doses.

2. Install an air purifier in your home. Look

for one with a HEPA filter (the kind used
in laboratories and hospitals) to eliminate

Anxiety

6. Try probiotics. A recent review of several

published studies revealed that probioticsspecifically Lactobacillusand Bifidobacteriumare an effective treatment option
for allergies. Study after study showed that
regular use of probiotics not only reduced
allergy symptoms and their severity but also
cut the number of allergy flare-ups. Positive effects were noted in both children and
adults. Probiotics are safe, well tolerated,
and widely available. Use as directed.

Anxiety starts in your brains emotional

alarm center, which sends out stress hormones
and other chemical signals to prepare your
body for potential danger. Normally, when the
perceived threat has passed, the brain calms
down. Anxiety results when stress hormones
remain elevated, sending out warning signals
far in excess of any immediate danger and
resulting in a state of constant stimulation.

7. Sinupret is another option. One of the topprescribed supplements in Germany, Sinupret helps normalize mucus secretion, so
its useful for both stopped-up and runny
noses. It also reduces inflammation in the
sinuses and bronchioles and has antiviral
and immune-modulating effects. Take as
directed.

The most popular class of meds for treating anxiety is benzodiazepines. Although these
drugs tone down anxiety, I would never recommend them. There are natural alternatives to
these anti-anxiety medications that are much
safer and, in my opinion, are more effective. I
strongly recommend you work with your doctor
and gradually wean yourself off anxiety drugs
by using the natural alternatives in this report.

8. To trap pollen and other allergens before

they can enter your system, try Alergol Pollen Blocker cream. The offending particles
stick to the petroleum jelly-like barrier
before they have a chance to induce symptoms such as itchy or runny nose, congestion, or nasal irritation.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Anxiety
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, also known as tranquilizers, reduce anxiety by depressing the central
nervous system and have powerful sedative, hypnotic, and relaxant effects. They are
associated with sleep disturbances, cognitive
problems, and gait impairment. In addition to
dramatically increasing the risk of falls and
fractures, they impair driving ability and are
implicated in thousands of automobile accidents
annually.

9. For itchy, watering eyes, try homeopathic

remedies such as Allergy Eye Relief eye
drops by Similasan and Allergy Relief
Homeopathic Pollinosan by Bioforce USA.
10. Irrigate your nasal passages.This safe and
inexpensive procedure gently flushes irritating substances out of the sinuses. The most
basic nasal irrigation involves a mixture of
salt and lukewarm water(boil water, stir
in teaspoon of salt per eight ounces of
water, and cool), held in the cupped palm of
your hand and snorted up into one nostril
while blocking off the other. Tip your head
back slightly and allow the solution to flow
through the nasal cavity, then out of the
other nostril. This may also be done with
a bulb syringe, squeeze bottle, or neti pot
(a small, teapot-like device). Repeat a few
times in both nostrils over the sink or in the
shower, as it can get messy.

Benzodiazepines are especially risky for

older people, who are more sensitive to their
effects and have a harder time eliminating them
from the body. This age group is also more
prone to adverse side effects, which are all too
often chalked up to aging. Furthermore, these
medications are highly addictive. Even though
theyre meant for short-term or occasional use,
many people end up taking them for years on
end. And let me tell you, once youre dependent,
getting off these drugs is no picnic.
alprazolam (Xanax)

Also see Asthma.

Another option is PharmaGABA, a highly

bioavailable form of GABA; the suggested
dose is 100 mg, one to three times per day.

chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
clonazepam (Klonopin)
clorazepate (Tranxene)

3. L-theanine, derived from green tea plants,

is another amino acid renowned for its
calming 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 and
serotonin, neurotransmitters that also promote a calm and relaxed state. I recommend
200 mg 3060 minutes before bed taken on
an empty stomach.

diazepam (Valium)
estazolam (Prosom)
flurazepam (Dalmane)
lorazepam (Ativan)
midazolam (Versed)
oxazepam (Serax)
quazepam (Doral)
temazepam (Restoril)
triazolam (Halcion)

4. Ask your doctor about Dilantin (phenytoin).

This prescription drug has been available
for decades for seizure control. It quiets the
nervous system and provides effective, safe
relief from anxiety, self-defeating behavior, anger, and phobias. Ive been prescribing Dilantin to patients with a variety of
emotional problems for over a decade, with
excellent success. The usual dose for anxiety
is 100 mg once or twice a day. Some patients
report drowsiness. If this occurs, take
Dilantin only at bedtime. For more information on the clinical uses of Dilantin, read
A Remarkable Medicine Has Been Overlooked,
by financier Jack Dreyfus, whose life was
turned around by Dilantin.

Side Effects May Include: sedation, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, disorientation,

drowsiness, depression, nausea, change in
appetite, headache, sleep disturbance, agitation, skin problems, disturbances in vision,
and gastrointestinal problems. Incidence of
sedation, unsteadiness, and memory impairment increases with age. All benzodiazepines
are habit-forming, and its easy to become
physically and psychologically addicted to these
drugs. Withdrawal symptoms are similar to
barbiturate and alcohol withdrawal and include
convulsions, tremor, abdominal and muscle
cramps, vomiting, and sweating.

Recommendations for Easing

Anxiety Naturally

5. Get stress/anxiety relief with acupuncture,

massage, and other bodywork techniques.
The stimulation of acupuncture points as
well as the manipulations of various bodywork techniques elicit a relaxation response
in the body. They can actually reduce the
circulating levels of cortisol and other stress
hormones.

1. Exercise will benefit any type of anxiety,

phobia, or emotional problem. Brisk walking
or other aerobic exercise is recommended
three to six times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. Also do some type of strengthening
exercise such as weightlifting two to three
times a week. Many of my patients swear
by yoga for releasing tension and relieving
anxiety.

6. Reduce anxiety through meditation or deep

relaxation techniques. In addition to taking
nutritional supplements and herbal remedies
to counteract stress, you can help yourself
relax by performing a simple exercise. For
five to 10 minutes each morning and five to
10 minutes each afternoon (or whenever you
feel the need to de-stress), try this:

2. The amino acid gamma-aminobutyric

acid (GABA) naturally stimulates the same
receptor sites as dangerous benzodiazepine
drugs. For generalized anxiety, I recommend two capsules of Anxiety Control 24, a
mixture of pure GABA and other relaxationenhancing agents, taken twice per day.

Sit or lie in a comfortable position.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Arthritis

Close your eyes.

Relax the muscular tension in your
body, starting with your face and working down to your feet, by imagining
your muscles as warm, heavy, and
comfortable.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

(NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen, naproxen,
aspirin, as well as Celebrex and other COX-2
inhibitors, have many negative side effects.
Notorious for causing gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding, they are linked with
approximately 20,000 deaths a year from gastrointestinal complications. Furthermore, in
the long term they actually worsen arthritis by
accelerating cartilage destruction and blocking
the bodys mechanism for healing joints and
regenerating cartilage. Even worse, they are
associated with increased risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes,
heart failure, and cardiovascular death. COX-2
inhibitors are supposed to be safer, but they still
increase risk of bleeding, and one drug in this
class, Vioxx, was taken off the market due to
concerns about heart attack risk.

Inhale through your nose and exhale

through your mouth. Try inhaling to
the count of four to keep your breathing slow, deep, and regular. When you
exhale, repeat a comfortable word,
phrase or sound, such as one or love.
As you inhale, imagine warm, soothing
air flowing into your body and all of
your body parts. As you exhale, imagine
stress and tension leaving your body.
7. If anxiety keeps you awake at night, see the
section on Insomnia.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis can be a real pain in the neckor
any other area affected by degeneration of the
cartilage that cushions the joints and vertebral discs. In fact, its our number one cause of
pain and disability, affecting some 52 million
American adults. Of course its important to
get a handle on pain, but the most common
treatments for arthritispain-relieving medicationsdo nothing to stem cartilage erosion.
So once the analgesic effects wear off, youre
back to square one. Occasional use may be warranted, but long-term use should be avoided.

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)

The program I have used for years to help

patients with arthritis is designed not only to
alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but
also to stimulate joint repair by regenerating
the cartilage. It is also helpful for rheumatoid
arthritis and other conditions marked by joint
pain and cartilage degeneration.

diflunisal
etodolac
indomethacin (Indocin)
ketoprofen (Orudis)
ketorolac (Toradol)
nabumetone (Relafen)
naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Naprelan,
Naprosyn)
oxaprozin (Daypro)
piroxicam (Feldene)
salsalate (Disalsate)

hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lorcet,

Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)

sulindac (Clinoril)
tolmetin (Tolectin)

hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo)

Side Effects May Include: constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, skin eruptions,
bruising, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fluid
retention, allergic reactions, mouth inflammation or ulcers, sweating, palpitations, liver and
kidney problems. All NSAIDs require a label
warning of the increased risk of heart attack,
stroke, and stomach bleeding. Studies suggest
that not only COX-2 inhibitors but all NSAIDs
increase risk of heart attack by one third. Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation can occur at any time, with or without
warning symptoms. NSAIDs are not recommended for anyone with advanced kidney
disease. If you have asthma, use NSAIDs very
cautiously or not at all.

meperidine (Demerol)
methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
morphine (Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, OraMorph 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 psychic
dependence. Do not drive or operate equipment while taking opioids. Some people become
physiologically addicted to opioids, even when
used in the prescribed amounts. Overdoses may
be fatal; symptoms of overdose may include:
slow/shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain,
slow heartbeat, extreme tiredness, yellowing
eyes/skin, dark urine, and loss of consciousness.

Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medications

Another class of pain medications are opioid
or narcotic painkillers such as hydrocodone
and oxycodone. These drugs bind to opioid
receptors in the central nervous system and
elsewhere and block pain messages to the brain,
resulting in reduced sensations of pain. They
are generally prescribed to treat moderate to
severe pain that does not respond to other pain
medications.

Recommendations for Treating

Arthritis Naturally
1. Take glucosamine. Joint cartilage undergoes a constant process of destruction and
repair. Glucosamine is the bodys primary
tool for regenerating cartilage. It has been
extensively studied in over 300 clinical trials. In one study comparing glucosamine
with ibuprofen, the drug was more effective
during the first two weeks of the study in
alleviating pain, but by the end of the eightweek study period, glucosamine had caught
up with and surpassed it. In addition, glucosamines benefits were noted after patients
had stopped taking itfurther proof that
it does much more than just provide temporary pain relief. Take 1,0001,500mg of
glucosamine daily in divided doses with
meals. As you notice improvements, cut
back to 5001,000 mg. If your symptoms

All I can say is be very, very careful. Its

unbelievably easy to get hooked on these
medications. Weve seen a tremendous rise
in the use and abuse of prescription opioids
since 2000, when policymakers decreed that
chronic pain was undertreated, and Big Pharma
began heavily promoting prescription painkillers. Doctors now write more than 200 million
scripts per year! We have a serious drug
problem, folks, and its fueled not by shady
drug dealers but by physicians and pharmaceutical companies.
codeine
codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3)
fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora)
hydrocodone (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco,Vicodin)

dont improve, increase your dose to

3,000mg daily, and cut back later.

Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis

and Other Autoimmune
Disorders

2. Add chondroitin sulfate to your regimen.

Chondroitin sulfate has the special property of attracting and holding water. This is
important, as water gives cartilage its resiliency and cushioning effect. Take 600 mg of
chondroitin sulfate, with meals. This can be
increased up to 1,200 mg as symptoms warrant or reduced as symptoms improve.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by inflammation and overactivity of

the immune system. I want to tell you about two
effective therapies for this type of arthritis as well
as other autoimmune disorders such as lupus,
scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis.

3. Try MSM for relief from muscular pain.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring compound that relieves
inflammation and blocks pain signals that
travel along nonmyelinated nerve fibers. It
also increases blood flow, which delivers
needed nutrients to injured tissues. MSM is
also one of natures best sources of sulfur,
a compound that is crucial to cartilages
ability to attract water and cushion joints.
For relief of arthritis and other chronic
pain, take 5,000mg MSM daily, in divided
doses, with meals. This can be increased
to 10,000mg daily for severe pain. MSM is
extremely safe and well-tolerated, although
some people report minor gastrointestinal
discomfort at higher doses.

Antibiotic treatment. Autoimmune diseases

dont just spring out of thin air. Something has to
prompt the immune system to attack healthy tissues. 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 sufferers. 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 suffering with these conditions. It helps normalize
the immune response, reduce inflammation, and
relieve symptoms, sometimes dramatically. LDN
requires a prescription and must be obtained
through a compounding pharmacy. The recommended dose is 34.5 mg at bedtime. If your
doc isnt willing to prescribe it, come see us at
Whitaker Wellness.

4. Try anti-inflammatory botanicals:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the yelloworange spice in curry, has perhaps the
strongest anti-inflammatory activity of
all of the medicinal herbs. It has even
been compared to NSAIDs in terms of
efficacy. Take 1,5002,000 mg in divided
doses daily.

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

inflammation, I recommend essential fatty
acids, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids
high in EPA, most commonly found in
fish oil. These work in a manner similar to
NSAIDs, without the harmful side effects.
The recommended dose is four to eight
1,000mg capsules of fish oil daily.

Boswellia, an extract from the Boswellia

serrata tree, was an important remedy
in ancient India. Studies of patients
with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis have noted significant improvement with 400800 mg daily, taken in
divided doses, with food.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), the common
cooking spice, also mediates prostaglandin pathways and alleviates pain and
inflammation. Get fresh ginger at the
grocery store and eat a little every day,
or supplement with 100 mg daily.

6. OxyRub is a topical cream that has been

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

deep into the tissues, blood vessels absorb

the lights 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 separate
clinicaltrials.

essential oxygen oil. This specially processed oil, which contains superoxide dismutase (SOD, a potent antioxidant), been
shown to improve blood flow and oxygen
delivery to areas of discomfort and to stimulate the natural healing process. Several
clinical trials have demonstrated OxyRubs
effectiveness in providing quick and lasting
relief for acute and chronic joint pain, back
and neck ache, arthritis, muscle strains and
sprains, activity-related discomfort in athletes, and bumps and bruises. To use, rub
into affected area three or four times a day.

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 formation, and release growth factors that start
the healing cascade. PRP therapy involves
removing a small amount of a patients
blood, isolating the platelets and plasma,
and injecting them directly into the area of
injury or degenerationand unleashing the
power of platelets to promote the formation
of new tendon, ligament, cartilage, muscle,
and bone tissue.

7. Topical DMSO can be used to dampen pain

and inflammation, scavenge free radicals,
and speed up healing. Though its widely
used by veterinarians, for some reason it
hasnt seemed to catch on with regular doctors. Rub it on affected joints once or twice a
day.
8. Ketamine is a prescription-only drug, but
in a topical formulation it works wonders.
When a pain-relieving drug is mixed into
a readily absorbed cream and rubbed into
the affected area, the active ingredients penetrate the skin and can provide quick and
dramatic relief. Equally important, these
drugs are not systemically absorbed to any
significant degree, and there is little risk of
adverse side effects.

12. Stem cell therapy is an exceptionally promising treatment for arthritis. These unique
cells have the ability to differentiate, or
change into several cell types and help
regenerate and repair diseased or damaged areas of the body. Its a pretty simple
procedure. A few ounces of fatthe richest repository of stem cells in adultsare
removed during a quick liposuction procedure. The fat is separated out, leaving millions of concentrated, viable stem cells that
may be injected directly into the affected
joint space. The entire process, which is
done in a doctors office under local anesthesia and light sedation, takes no more than
an hour. Theres no downtime, and the only
discomfort, if any, is at the injection site.
Stem cell therapy is also an excellent treatment for COPD, Parkinsons, autoimmune
diseases, back pain, and other degenerative
conditions.

9. Prolotherapy, also called reconstructive

therapy, is a nonsurgical treatment for the
permanent relief of joint and disc problems.
Its based on the premise that, in many
cases, musculoskeletal pain is provoked by
lax ligaments and tendons that cause misalignment of bones, joints, and muscles.
Treatment involves the injection of a slightly
irritating solution into the affected joint capsule, causing initial inflammation. As the
structures heal, they regain strength and
stability. The result is improved function,
increased range of motion, and pain relief.
10. Infrared light therapy delivers pulses of
specific wavelengths of light to damaged or
degenerated tissues via flexible pads placed
directly over the targeted area. As this
particular wavelength of light penetrates

Asthma

Side Effects May Include: headache, dizziness,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, nervousness, tremor, heart palpitations, hives, and skin
rash.

Breathing is such a natural, unconscious

activity that you take it for grantedunless
you have a chronic respiratory disorder such as
asthma. Then its another story. Acute asthma
attacks have been likened to breathing through
a straw. This is an apt description because
asthma causes the airways (the bronchi and
smaller bronchioles) to inflame and constrict,
resulting in serious breathing difficulties.

Oral Corticosteroids (Used for Severe/

Acute Attacks)
methylprednisolone
prednisone
Side Effects (With Long-Term Use) May
Include: cataracts, thinning bones, muscle
weakness, decreased resistance to infection,
high blood pressure, and reduced growth in
children.

Asthma is a serious condition that affects 26

million Americans, including almost 10percent
of our children. Every year, it is responsible for
17million visits to doctors offices or emergency
rooms, half a million hospitalizations, and
nearly 3,500 deaths. Preventive and rescue
medications for acute attacks can be lifesaving, but in addition to being a windfall for Big
Pharma (see sidebar on page 11), asthma drugs
also have potentially significant adverse effects.

Long-Term Asthma Control Medications

Most of these drugs were designed to be
taken daily with the goal being to reduce
inflammation over the long term. Unfortunately, using these medications for long periods
of time is associated with several side effects.

The good news is, natural therapies have

been shown to be extremely effective for
addressing asthma symptoms. The goal of this
natural approach is twofold: First, eliminate the
potential causes of asthma, and second, support
the bodys natural healing process.

Inhaled Corticosteroids
beclomethasone (Qvar)
budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
ciclesonide (Alvesco)

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Asthma

flunisolide (Aerobid)
fluticasone (Flovent HFA)
mometasone (Asmanex)

Quick Relief (Rescue) Medications

Side Effects May Include: soremouth,sore

throat, hoarseness, cough, spasms of the large
airways, fungus infection in themouth(thrush),
slight reduction in growth, decreased bone
thickness in adults, cataracts, and glaucoma.

These bronchodilators are the medications

prescribed to provide rapid relief during an
asthma attack. While they do work quickly,
these drugs are only effective for approximately
three to six hours, creating dependence for
many patients with asthma. Furthermore, they
do nothing to prevent future asthma attacks.
Most are delivered via an inhaler or nebulizer.

Leukotriene Modifiers (oral)

montelukast (Singulair)
zafirlukast (Accolate)
zileuton (Zyflo)

Short-Acting Beta Agonists

Side Effects May Include: flu-like symptoms,

nervousness, excitability, headache, stomachache, nausea,vomiting, and nasal congestion. In
rare cases, these medications have been linked
to psychological reactions, such as agitation,

albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA,

others)
levalbuterol (Xopenex)
pirbuterol (Maxair)

primary culprits are dairy products, wheat,

eggs, citrus, corn, and peanut butter. A
modified elimination diet usually isolates
the problem food. Studies have shown that
a vegetarian, whole-food, organic diet can
help reduce asthma symptoms as well. And
keep in mind, some people with asthma are
allergic to food additives such as sulfites,
which are regularly used as preservatives in
restaurant salad bars, alcoholic beverages,
and processed foods.

aggression, hallucinations, depression, and suicidal thinking. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Long-Acting Beta Agonists

formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)
salmeterol (Serevent)
Important Note: These medications increase
risk of death from asthma and should only be
used as additional treatment for people who are
also using an inhaled steroid. For details, talk to
your doctor and see black-box warnings.

3. Nurture your lungs with these vital

nutrients:
Magnesium. Like conventional drugs
(but without their harmful effects),
magnesium promotes relaxation of the
smooth bronchial muscles. When your
body has a magnesium deficiency, your
cells release more histamine, which
causes constriction of the bronchioles
and triggers an asthma attack. With
each attack, you lose large amounts
of magnesium, which sets up future
episodes. Virtually all asthma drugs
deplete magnesium. Intravenous magnesium will stop an asthma attack even
when other drugs have failed. Talk to
your doctor about this. For preventive
purposes, I recommend supplementing
with 5001,000 mg of magnesium per
day. If your multivitamin doesnt contain
this much, youll need to add a separate
supplement.

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 exacerbation of asthma attacks, and death.

Recommendations for Treating

Asthma Naturally
1. Stay hydrated by drinking 12 eight-ounce
glasses of water daily. (Children under eight
should limit intake to eight glasses daily.)
Water acts as a natural antihistamine, without the side effects of drugs. It inhibits the
bodys release of histamine, which constricts
the tiny tubes of the lungs and can lead to
an asthma attack.

N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an amino

acid that has been used in Europe since
1963 for the treatment of asthma and
allergies. It liquefies mucus in air passages and increases the production of
glutathione, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. I recommend 400
500mg daily.

2. Watch out for airborne allergies and food

allergies. Allergies and asthma go hand in
hand, especially in children. Know your
triggers. This may take some sleuthing
because everybodys are different. For some,
its exercise, weather changes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dehydration, or
even laughter; for others, its irritants such
as smoke, strong odors, or air pollution.
Flare-ups can also be caused by an allergic
response, most commonly to airborne pollen, pet dander, dust mites, etc., but food
allergies can also cause exacerbations. The

Vitamin B12, which has been shown to

control or even eliminate wheezing. The
suggested daily dose is 150 mcg.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitaminE,
and selenium protect your lungs from
damaging free radicals produced during
the asthmatic response. Whats more, low

10

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

Average US
Pharmacy

Advair Diskus

$947.97

Flovent HFA
Singulair
Symbicort

Lowest
Online*

Savings

Annual
Savings

$149.00

84.28%

$3,195.88

$593.97

$186.00

68.69%

$1,631.88

$626.97

$110.00

82.46%

$2,067.88

$666.99

$222.00

66.72%

$1,779.96

* fromPharmacyChecker.com, March 2012; verified drugs, prescription required

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

levels of vitamin C are an independent risk

factor for asthma. Get daily amounts of at
least 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 300 IU of vitamin E, and 200mcg of selenium.

in patients with asthma. Its believed that

acupuncture relieves symptoms by helping rebalance the flow of energy through
thebody.

4. Raise your carbon dioxide level. Anytime

you feel an asthma episode coming on,
hold your breath for five to 10 seconds. This
causes an increase in levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the bodys most powerful
bronchodilators. When CO2 levels are low,
the airways constrict, causing shortness of
breath and other symptoms of asthma. Raising CO2 in this way relaxes the airways and
often nips attacks in the bud. Repeat this
breath-holding exercise until youre breathing freely again.

Also see Allergies.

Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder(ADHD)
According to a survey from the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC), 6.4 million children
(ages 417) have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Two-thirds of these kids are taking dangerous, addictive, side-effect-riddled prescription
drugs like Ritalin and Adderall. Even when
these drugs do work, theres a drawback. Ive
spoken to a number of parents who report that
their kids may calm down, but they lose their
spontaneity and zest for lifeeven to the point
of becoming robotic. Furthermore, some of
these drugs, including Strattera (in a different
class of drugs), have a black box label warning
of changes in mood and behavior and increased
risk of suicidal thoughts.

5. Install an air purifier in your home. The

most effective purifiers have a HEPA filter
(the kind used in laboratories and hospitals)
to eliminate allergens like pollens, dust, and
microscopic fibers, along with a carbon filter,
which removes toxic gases, and a UV light to
knock out viruses and bacteria. Make sure
your vacuum cleaner also has a HEPA filter,
as most vacuum cleaners dont trap all the
material they collect and actually disperse
allergens into the air.
6. Consider acupuncture. Clinical studies and
case histories have confirmed acupunctures
effectiveness in improving lung function

11

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat ADHD

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 be
carefully monitored because of the potential
for abuse. Psychic dependence and abnormal
behavior, including psychotic episodes, can
occur. Medical supervision is required during
withdrawal.

Stimulant Drugs
While no parent would encourage a child
to take speed or cocaine, the most popular
prescription meds for ADHD are disturbingly
similar to illegal stimulants. And not surprisingly, they have similar side effects, including
insomnia, anxiety, agitation, irregular heartbeat,
high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, decreased appetite, stunted growth, and,
in rare cases, psychosis or sudden death.

Recommendations for Treating

ADHD Naturally
1. A healthy diet low in sugars, flours, and
processed foods is a good beginning. Avoid
foods containing chemical additives and
preservatives.

Like speed and cocaine, ADHD drugs are

also addictive and subject to abuse. In fact,
theyre among the most-often abused of all prescription drugs. Adderall is particularly popular
among high school and college students, who
use it not only to get high but also to help
them stay focused and awake while studying.
Furthermore, prescription stimulant drugs are
remarkably easy to get, either illegally for a few
bucks or by making a quick visit to a doctor for
a diagnosis and prescription. The downside,
of course, as with any addictive drug, is that
things can and often do spiral out of control.

2. Search for allergies to foods, additives,

chemicals, and other substances. Undiagnosed allergies may be at the root of
hyperactivity.
3. Try Pedi-Active. Pedi-Active, by Natures
Plus, contains 50 mg each of two brainboosting nutrients, DMAE and phosphatidylserine (LECI-PS). Weve had great success
with this product at the clinic. The recommended dose is two tablets, three to four
times daily.

mixed salts amphetamine (Adderall and

Adderall XR)

4. Add the amino acids GABA, glutamine, and

glycine. Neurotransmitters are specialized
chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate with each other to orchestrate
brain function. Providing your brain with
an abundance of raw materials to make adequate amounts of key neurotransmitters
especially those that affect areas of the brain
dealing with inhibition and planningis
key to managing ADHD. The amino acids
GABA, glutamine, and glycine are available
singly in health food stores, but for ease
of use I prefer combination formulas. One
product I recommend, Anxiety Control, contains these three amino acids, along with the
cofactors needed for neurotransmitter synthesis. Another is a powdered formulation of
a wide range of amino acids, vitamins, and
minerals, called Brain Link Complex.

dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
dexmethylphenidate (Focalin and
FocalinXR)
lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate CD, Methylin, Ritalin)
methylphenidate HCl (Quillivant XR)
Side Effects May Include: addiction, decrease
in normal growth, mood changes, nervousness,
insomnia, joint pain, loss of appetite, dizziness,
palpitations, headaches, drowsiness, change
in blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms,
angina, and abdominal pain. The FDA warns
that stimulant drugs can be abused and lead
to dependency/addiction. They can have a
rebound effect as the drug wears off, leading to
increased hyperactivity. Several young people

12

5. If medication is required, I recommend

Dilantin (phenytoin) over Ritalin any day.
Many patients have experienced miraculous
changes with this drug, which has been
used safely to control seizures for decades.
Dilantin calms the central nervous system
without sedation, immediately increasing
ones ability to concentrate. More than 3,000
studies have shown that Dilantin is effective for ADHD, poor concentration, phobias,
aggression, temper tantrums, depression,
anxiety, and other problems. Dilantin is
available by prescription only.

benefits until 6 to 12 months after starting

drugtherapy.
finasteride (Proscar)
dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn)
Side Effects May Include: impotence, infertility,
decreased libido, decreased volume of ejaculate,
ejaculation disorder, breast enlargement, breast
tenderness, hypersensitivity reactions such as
swelling of the lips and face, and testicular
pain. These medications should not be usedor
even handledby women who are or may be
pregnant, as they may cause birth defects in a
male fetus. They should be used with caution
in patients with liver function abnormalities.
Patients with large residual urinary volume
and/or severely diminished urinary flow
should be monitored carefully for obstructive
uropathy, and may not be candidates for this
drug.

Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia
Seventy-five percent of men 50 years and
older have measurable enlargement of their
prostate gland, a condition called benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate
enlarges, it constricts the urethra, blocking the
passage of urine from the bladder. Urination
becomes difficult, the stream is weak, and the
need to urinate frequently (especially at night)
increases. In severe cases, a surgical procedure
called transurethral resection of the prostate
(TURP), in which the central core of the prostate gland is removed, may be suggested. Most
men, however, are treated with medications.
These drugs improve urine flow and reduce
symptoms, but they can cause a whole new set
of problems. The good news is that there are a
handful of safe, effective natural therapies that
suppress the growth of the prostate and restore
normal urinary flowwithout side effects.

Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax the smooth muscles in
the neck of the bladder and the prostate, which
promotes easier urine flow. Although these
medications improve symptoms of BPH, they
do not reduce prostate size and thus have no
lasting effects.
alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
doxazosin (Cardura)
silodosin (Rapaflo)
tamsulosin (Flomax)
terazosin (Hytrin)
Side Effects May Include: dizziness, fatigue,
hypotension (too low blood pressure), fluid
retention, malaise, drowsiness, palpitations,
vertigo, weakness, headache, and urinary tract
infection.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Prostate Enlargement
(BPH)
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

Recommendations for Treating

Prostate Enlargement Naturally

5-alpha reductase inhibitors block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone,

the hormone that stimulates the prostates
age-related growth spurt. In addition to rather
serious side effects, men taking medications
in this class of drugs likely will not notice full

1. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and zinc-rich foods. Good choices
include beans, chickpeas, fish, shellfish, and
pumpkin seeds.

13

Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease

2. Start taking saw palmetto extract on a regular 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, dihydrotestosteronebut with none of the drugs side
effects. Dozens of controlled clinical trials
have documented its ability to reduce prostate size and restore normal urinary function. If you already have prostate problems,
I recommend 320 mg daily. Make sure the
brand you use contains 85 percent to 95 percent fatty acids and plant sterols.

More than 12 million people in this country

have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an
equal number are affected but havent been
diagnosed. This progressive disorder, which
includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and a
handful of other lung diseases, trails only cardiovascular disease and cancer as our leading
cause of death and kills 138,000 Americans
every year.
In addition to the drugs discussed below,
antibiotics are often needed because COPD
patients are particularly susceptible to infections. I have no problem with any therapy that
makes life easier for patients with COPD. But
the reality is that the only conventional therapy
ever scientifically shown to alter its long-term
course and extend survival is oxygen therapy,
which is commonly required as the condition
progresses. Meanwhile, other therapies that
could really help are rarely offered to patients.

3. Consider taking the herb pygeum (Pygeum

africanum). European studies of this herb
show its as effective as Hytrin or Proscar
but far safer. I recommend 100200 mg of a
standardized extract (1213 percent phytosterols) daily, divided into two or three doses
and taken with meals.
4. Go-Lessis a combination ofsoy
isoflavonesandpumpkin seed extractthat
relaxes the bladder muscles. In one six-week
study, Go-Lessreduced nighttime urination
by 40 percent! Not surprisingly, sleep satisfaction also improved. The recommended
daily dose is 600 mg.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat COPD
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilator inhalers are usually prescribed to relax the muscles in the airways and
make breathing easier in patients with COPD.
There are two types: short-acting for emergency
situations or quick relief and long-acting, which
are typically used to treat COPD over a longer
time period. They are usually taken once or
twice daily over an extended period, and they
come as inhalers or nebulizers. Long-acting
bronchodilators are not effective as emergency
or rescue inhalers as they were designed to
work gradually.

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 youre experiencing prostate symptoms, boost that up to
60 mg. Most multivitamin-mineral formulas
contain zinc, so remember that when determining your daily dose. Because zinc may
interfere with copper absorption, supplement your intake of zinc with copper, keeping the ratio at about 15 to 1 (for example, if
you take 30 mg of zinc, take 2 mg of copper).

Short-Acting Bronchodilators
albuterol (Vospire ER, Combivent, Duoneb)

7. Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption,

which contributes to zinc excretion and
reduces levels of vitamin B6.

ipratropium (Atrovent)
levalbuterol (Xopenex)

14

Long-Acting Bronchodilators

Want to Kick the Habit?

aclidinium (Tudorza)

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 recommended 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 something physical: take a walk, do household chores
or 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.

arformoterol (Brovana)
formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)
indacaterol (Arcapta)
olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat)
salmeterol (Serevent)
tiotropium (Spiriva)
Side Effects May Include: dry mouth, blurred
vision, cough, tremors, runny nose, irritated
or scratchy throat, rashes, blurred vision, rapid
heart rate, diarrhea, and joint and back pain.

Corticosteroids
Inflammation of the airways makes it
more difficult to breathe. Inhaled and oral
corticosteroids are used to curb inflammation in the airways and the alveoli, the tiny
air 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 (mainly
prednisolone). Corticosteroids are sometimes
prescribed with bronchodilators.

Side Effects May Include: weight loss, diarrhea, cramps, and tremors. Tell your doctor
if you have liver problems before taking this
medication.

Inhaled Corticosteroids
budesonide (Pulmicort)

Recommendations for Treating

COPD Naturally

fluticasone (Flovent)
flunisolide (Aerospan)
mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)

1. Stop smoking (see sidebar).

Side Effects May Include: headaches, sore

throat, hoarseness, a change in voice, allergic
reactions, cold symptoms, thrush (growth of
fungus in the mouth and throat).

2. Take N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC). This natural substance thins and helps break up the
excessive mucus, which is a significant
cause of chronic cough and other symptoms, and inhibits the adherence of bacteria
in the lungs. NAC is also a precursor to
glutathione, the most active antioxidant in
the lungs. By boosting levels of this master antioxidant, NAC helps put the brakes
on a key underlying disease process. In a
2013 clinical trial, COPD patients ages 5080
took 600 mg of NAC or a placebo twice a
day for a year. Compared to those in the

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors
Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors help relieve
inflammation, which can improve air flow. This
drug comes as a pill that you take once daily. It
is typically prescribed along with a long-acting
inhaler.
roflumilast (Daliresp)

15

placebo group, the study participants who

had taken NAC had half as many exacerbations, shorter stays when hospitalized, fewer
hospital readmissions, and improvements in
forced expiratory flow.

an expectorant to thin and help cough up

mucus. It worked then, and it would work
nowyet hardly anybody ever uses it. Like
many natural therapies, this once-popular
remedy has been eclipsed by newer, costlier
drugs. This is a shame, because SSKI is an
extremely useful treatment for respiratory
problems and several other health concerns.
Drinking three to six drops in water daily
helps bring up mucus that builds up in the
lungs of patients with COPD. It also helps
relieve symptoms of allergies and chronic
sinus infections.

3. Try inhaled glutathione. Glutathione is the

most active antioxidant in the lungs, and
studies have confirmed that free radical
damage is a primary player in the development of COPD. Glutathione isnt well
absorbed when taken orally, but when
inhaled it goes straight to work. Inhaled
glutathione is administered at home via
a nebulizer, which turns liquids into tiny
droplets. This mist is then inhaled
through a mouthpiece directly into the
lungs. Weve been using this therapy for
well over a decade with predictably positive
results.

7. Install an air purifier with a HEPA filter in

your home and office. Make sure your vacuum cleaner also has a HEPA filter, as most
vacuum cleaners dont trap all the material
they collect and actually disperse allergens
into the air.

4. Take 5001,000 mg of magnesium per day.

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

8. Stem Cell Therapy. Stem cells, which are

isolated from a patients own fat through
a minimal liposuction procedure, have the
ability to differentiate into a number of cell
types, reduce inflammation, and promote
tissue repair throughout the body. Since
we adopted this therapy a year and a half
ago and treated nearly 200 patients with
a variety of health challenges, weve consistently observed that no matter what the
conditionmusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, etc.patients often report
improvements in lung function. This makes
sense. Stems cells are typically administered
intravenously (into a vein), and all venous
blood travels directly to the lungs, where it
picks up oxygen. Therefore, no matter what
area or organ system the stem cells are targeting, the first place they go to is the lungs.

5. Exercise. Regular exercise is an important part of the treatment and prevention

of respiratory problems. Steady, slightly
rapid breathing strengthens your lungs and
encourages what is called belly breathingwhen the breath gets deep down in
your diaphragm and your belly extends.
Most of us take shallow breaths, sucking in
as we inhale instead of letting the breath
fill our lungs. Start a mild walking program
at least three days a week for 30 minutes a
day. Go at your own pace, and stop if you
feel pain in your chest. Youll be surprised
how quickly your lungs respond by expanding and strengthening. If you currently have
serious breathing problems, let your doctor
know that youd like to start exercising regularly, and work together to set up a program
thats best for you.

Colds and Flu

According to nineteenth-century physician
Dr. William Osler, There is just one way to
treat the common coldwith contempt. Today,
there are thousands of cold remedies on the
market, but they are only slightly more successful than a healthy dose of contempt at combating this all-too-common malady. Conventional
medicine hasnt licked the flu, either. Vaccines

6. Another natural expectorant issaturated

solution of potassium iodide (SSKI). When I
was doing my medical internship at Grady
Memorial Hospital in Atlanta some 30
years ago, I wrote hundreds of prescriptions for this iodine compound. We used it
primarily for patients with lung disease as

16

are not very good at preventing flu, and the

pricey prescription antivirals arent nearly as
effective as drug companies would have you
believe.

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?

To make matters worse, many doctors prescribe antibiotics for colds and flu, just in
case. Big mistake. Antibiotics cannot touch the
viruses responsible for these infections, and
they can cause a host of unwanted effects, from
candida overgrowth to the emergence of super
strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

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 intervention. This comprehensive review, involving
90 studies and more than 9 million people, concluded that the vaccine has a very modest effect
in reducing flu symptoms and sick days and no
effect at all on preventing hospitalization or serious adverse events. For people over age 65, the
available evidence was of such poor quality that
the researchers couldnt determine if the vaccine
was protective or not. For children, the evidence
was somewhat stronger, except for the very
youngjust one study supported its use in kids
under age two.

If you do succumb to a cold or flu (and on

any given day, millions of us are fighting a
viral infection), a number of natural therapies
will help minimize your discomfort and bolster
your immune defenses.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Colds and Flu
Antibiotics
Resist the urge to ask for an antibiotic for
a lingering viral illnessand if your doctor
offers one, just say no. For decades, weve witnessed an alarming rise in drug-resistant bacteria, which now infect 2 million Americans
and kill 25,000 annually. But the gravity of
this crisis is not sinking in. Harvard researchers analyzed the prescribing trends of thousands of physicians and found that antibiotics
were given for 60 percent of sore throats and
73 percent of acute bronchitis cases. This is an
outrage. Just one in 10 sore throats is caused by
bacteria (strep), and acute bronchitis is almost
always viral, which antibiotics cant touch.
The same goes for sinus infections. Although
studies show these drugs work no better than
placebo, one in five antibiotic prescriptions is
for sinusitis.

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 countrys wholesale infatuation with
vaccinations.

to colonize the gut and can cause serious problems. Replace beneficial bacteria by taking
probiotic supplements during your antibiotic
course and for several weeks afterwards.

Penicillins
amoxicillin
cephalexin (Keflex)
cephalosporins
penicillin

Macrolides

If you must take antibiotics for strep or

another bacterial infection, be sure to complete
the entire course. Stopping the drugs in midcourse contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. All antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria in
the gastrointestinal tract, which allows pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms

azithromycin (Zithromax)
clarithromycin (Biaxin)
erythromycin (E-Mycin)

17

Fluoroquinolones

Side Effects May Include: nausea, vomiting,

dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, cough, diarrhea, headache, psychiatric disturbances, and
decreased natural immunity.

levofloxacin (Levaquin)
ofloxacin (Cipro, Floxin)

Sulfonamides

Recommendations for Treating

Colds and Flu Naturally

co-trimoxazole (Bactrim)
trimethoprim (Proloprim)

1. Increase your immune systems chances of

successfully fighting off infections by getting plenty of sleep, eating right, exercising
moderately, and taking a good multivitamin
that contains at least 1,000 mg of vitamin C
daily and 30mg of zinc.

Tetracyclines
doxycycline (Vibramycin)
tetracycline (Panmycin, Sumycin)

Aminoglycosides

2. Take extra vitamin D (as D3, or cholecalciferol). Your bodys natural synthesis of this
vitamin, which produces antimicrobial compounds called cathelicidins and defensins,
plummets during the winterat the same
time infectious diseases surge. Studies show
solid links between vitamin D blood levels
and risk of influenza, pneumonia, ear infections, and other viral and bacterial illnesses.
Your best bet is to get your vitamin D blood
level tested and take enough to keep that
level in the 5080 ng/mL range. This may
require as much as 5,00010,000IU per day.

gentamicin (Garamycin)
tobramycin (Tobrex)
Side Effects May Include: nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, skin rashes and hives, yeast infections,
vaginitis. Fluoroquinolones increase risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture. And several antibiotics taken over a long period can cause serious
problems, including inflammation of the intestinal tract and liver and kidney problems. Allergies to antibiotic drugs are not uncommon and
may cause life-threatening allergic reactions;
symptoms include skin eruptions, itching, and
acute swelling of the lips, face, orthroat.

3. If you get sick, increase your vitamin

C intake to 500 mg every hour or two.
Research shows that a high intake of vitamin C strengthens your immune system and
may shorten the duration of viral infections.

Antiviral Drugs
Tamiflu, Relenza, and other antiviral drugs
are all the rage. Problem is, they dont really
work. According to a 2014 review, the most that
can be expected of these drugs is shortening
of the duration of flu symptoms by half a day.
There is no evidence they reduce pneumonia,
bronchitis, sinusitis, hospital admissions, or
person-to-person spread of the flu. Yet aggressive marketing and unsubstantiated claims
outright lies, actuallymade by drug makers
led countries around the world to spend billions stockpiling antivirals in preparation for an
influenza pandemic. Dont waste your money
on these worthless drugs.

4. Add echinacea at the first sign of symptoms.

Phytonutrients in this herb increase the
number and motility of macrophages and T
cells. My favorite echinacea preparation is
a liquid extract, Insure Herbal from Zand,
which also contains goldenseal and other
herbs. Take 23 droppers throughout the
day, straight up or diluted in water.
5. Take N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC). This supplement is a precursor to glutathione, the
bodys preeminent antioxidant. Italian
researchers found that older people who
took 600 mg of NAC twice a day during the
fall and winter were significantly less likely
to develop symptomatic flu.

oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
peramivir (Rapivab)
zanamivir (Relenza)

18

6. Keep your intestinal flora healthy with probiotics. The beneficial bacteria that live in
your gastrointestinal tract produce important B vitamins, aid in the digestion and
absorption of food, and crowd out harmful
bacteria. This is especially important if you
take a course of antibiotics, which knocks
off helpful bacteria along with the harmful.
Look for a supplement that contains several
billion live and active bacteria, including
strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

The Best-Selling Drugs in

America Are Bad News
Guess what the top-selling drug (in terms
of dollars) in the United States is? Its not, as I
assumed, one of the wildly popular and pricey
statins or stomach acid medications. The topgrossing medicationwith sales exceeding $7 billion in 2014is 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 Americas bestseller?

7. Try Streptococcussalivarius (S. salivarius)K12

lozenges. This probiotic safely colonizes the
oral cavity and displaces pathogenic organisms. It has been shown to help stave off
sore throats, colds, and ear infections.

For starters, Abilify costs around $800 for a

months 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.

8. Get an intravenous vitamin C drip. During

the cold and flu season, the IV department
at Whitaker Wellness is filled with patients
relaxing in recliners, reading, or chatting as
they get their infusions of high-dose vitamin C. High blood levels of this vitamin,
attainable only through IV administration,
actually kills viruses, bacteria, and cancer
cells. Most doctors do not offer IV vitamin C
and know little aboutit.

Now theres a market for you. Ten percent of

Americansand a quarter of women in their 40s
and 50stake antidepressants. Once TV, Internet, 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 12 weeks, sales took off.
Growth has also been spurred by physicians who
are increasingly prescribing this drug for unapproved uses such as anxiety, insomnia, ADHD,
eating disorders, substance abuse, post-traumatic
stress disorder, and dementia.

Depression
One in 10 American adults and one in four
women in their 40s and 50s take prescription
antidepressants. This appalling statistic is a disturbing demonstration of the degree to which
Big Pharma has penetrated medicine and our
society as a whole. Physician mindset, time constraints, and insurance reimbursement policies
favor quick office visits and drug scripts over
really helping patients with their problems. And
the American public goes along with it, apparently believing those ubiquitous pharmaceutical
ads telling them that popping a pill will cure
whatever ails them.

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 channels into the medicine cabinets of millions of
Americans is a travesty. Abilify is not a booster
drug to make antidepressants work better. Its
an exceptionally potent medication that alters
brain function and comes with a long list of serious 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.

Antidepressants are dangerous drugs and

have a host of unpleasant side effects. Dangers
aside, they dont work very well. A metaanalysis published in JAMA concluded that
only patients with disabling depression have
even the slightest chance of being helped by

19

antidepressants. Yet the overwhelming majority of those who take these drugsand are
exposed to their incapacitating and disastrous
side effectsjust feel a little blue.

citalopram (Celexa)

There is no magic bullet for depression.

Because symptoms are often a normal response
to lifes challenges, your initial step should be
to address those challenges. Psychotherapy is
the first-line treatment for mild to moderate
depression in many countries, and talking to a
friend, family member, or spiritual counselor
may be an acceptable substitute. And there are
many natural therapies for boosting mood and
improving quality of life.

paroxetine (Paxil)

escitalopram (Lexapro)
fluoxetine (Prozac)
fluvoxamine (Luvox)
sertraline (Zoloft)
Side Effects May Include: increased risk
of suicide. Every antidepressant sold in this
country is required by the FDA to have a black
box label warning: Antidepressants increased
the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children,
adolescents, and young adults in short-term
studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and
other psychiatric disorders. Other side effects
include violent behavior, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, gastrointestinal
problems, and headaches, dry mouth, diarrhea,
excess sweating, impotence, sleepiness and
insomnia, tremor, and sinus infections.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Depression
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) are the most popular drugs for depression. These drugs increase the availability of
the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain by
blocking its reabsorption by brain cells. Low
levels of serotonin are believed to be a major
cause of depression, so, in theory, these drugs
should result in improved mood by making
more serotonin available for communication
between nerve cells. In reality, their dangers far
outweigh any potential benefit.

Recommendations for Treating

Depression Naturally
1. Exercise. Its the single most effective mood
elevator. Many researchers feel that lack of
physical exercise may be one of the major
reasons for the increasing incidence of
depression today. Exercise increases levels of
dopamine, a neurotransmitter with stimulating effects on the brain, as well as levels of
endorphins, feel good neurotransmitters
that create a sense of well-being. In addition,
physical activity helps decrease anxiety, hostility, and other stress-related disorders.

SSRIs increase risk of suicidal thoughts

and behaviors, extreme agitation, and acts of
uncharacteristic violence. Thousands of suicides
and most of the shocking and horrific assaults
against innocent students at schools, children
in their homes, and employees at work have
involved SSRI antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs. They are also notorious for causing
sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems,
headaches, insomnia, and weight gaina
quarter of people gain 10 pounds or more while
taking them. SSRIs are also associated with
increases in anxiety, nervousness, agitation, and
restlessness as well as a zombie-like blunting
of emotions and inability to empathize with
others.

2. Take S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe). SAMe

(pronounced Sammy) helps normalize
levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters believed to play
a role in regulating mood. Approximately 70
percent of depressed patients who try SAMe
notice improvements in mood within days
not weeks, as is the case with most drugs
and herbal therapies. The recommended
dose is 200 mg twice a day, before breakfast
and before lunch, preferably on an empty
stomach (at least 30 minutes before or two

20

recommend an additional 1,000 mcg daily, if

needed.

hours after eating). Some people may need

to double this to 400 mg twice a day.

5. Let in the light. Spend time outdoors and let

natural sunlight enter your eyes for a few
minutes each day. (Avoid looking directly
into the sun.) Also, consider installing fullspectrum artificial light, which contains
all the wavelengths of natural light, in the
rooms where you spend the most time. Fullspectrum light tubes and bulbs come in
varying sizes and strengths, and can be put
in existing fixtures.

3. Try 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). This natural treatment for mild to moderate depression is a natural precursor to serotonin. Start
with 3050 mg at bedtime, on an empty
stomach. This may safely be increased to
as much as 100 mg three times a day over
several weeks. Most of my patients respond
well to 50100 mg per day.
4. Boost your levels of B-complex vitamins.
Depression is a common symptom of various B vitamin deficiencies, including vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12
(cobalamin), and folic acid. Supplementation
is a must. I recommend 50 mg vitamin B1,
75 mg vitamin B6, 150 mcg vitamin B12,
and 800 mcg folic acid. Vitamin B12 has
a particularly potent effect on mood so I

6. The prescription drug Dilantin has one

of the safest records of any medication.
Dilantin normalizes the flow of electrical
impulses in the brain, enhancing mood,
concentration, and mental performance. Its
normally given for seizures but is also used
to treat depression, obsessive or impulsive

The Best Weight Loss Program Ever

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 dont have to count
calories, but you dont want to pig out at lunch or dinner,
either. Fortunately, youll 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.

Thousands of Whitaker Wellness patients and

newsletter subscribers have lost weightand kept
it offwith the mini-fast with exercise. Its the most
effective weight loss program Ive seen in my 40
years of practicing medicine. Heres 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 you
can take your supplements if you want. But do not
eat breakfast or drink juice.

The mini-fast takes advantage of and expands

upon the 1012 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 glycogen stores are progressively exhausted, your liver starts
to turn fat into ketones, which the brain and other tissues use as fuel. This fat-burning state is called ketosis.

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 2045 minutes with moderate effort. (Dont go overboard and burn yourself out
before you get started.)

Aerobic exercise is a crucial part of the mini-fast

program 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 morning walk youre taking in place of eating breakfast
comes from burning fat, which is exactly what you
want when youre trying to lose weight. Even better, if
you continue fasting after exercising, you will stay in
ketosis, reducing fat stores even more.

After you exercise, get on with your day, but continue fasting until lunch. Drink water, of course, and feel
free to have coffee or tea. Dont 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.

21

complications and enhance overall health.

With this in mind, weve treated thousands of
patients with type 2 diabetes at Whitaker Wellness, and the first thing we do is stop their
oral medications and insulin. Although this is
unheard of in conventional medicineand disconcerting for most patients, whove been told
they would be on these meds for lifeit works.
It may take a little time, but with diet changes,
exercise, and supplements such as berberine,
vanadyl sulfate, and chromium, blood sugar
control is as good as or better than with drugs
and insulin.

behavior, and anxiety. For severe depression, I encourage a therapeutic trial of this
extremely safe prescription drug. The recommended dose for depression is 100mg
per day.
7. Test your hormone levels. Depression is a
hallmark of hormonal disorders. Its especially likely to occur with hypothyroidism
(an underactive thyroid). Other common
signs of an underactive thyroid are fatigue,
hair loss, obesity, edema, infertility, irregular menstrual bleeding, fibrocystic disease,
chronic fatigue, and reduced immune function. (See the Hypothyroidism section for a
way to test your thyroid function at home.)
Estrogen and progesterone imbalances may
also contribute to depression. Required
dosages vary from woman to woman. Testosterone replacement has been shown to
boost feelings of well-being in both men and
woman.

This approach is also much safer and more

convenient than pills, shots, and constant monitoringand conventional doctors would realize
it if they put their prescription pads away,
worked with their patients to adopt lifestyle
changes, and got over their ill-informed bias
against nutritional supplements.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Diabetes

Note: These suggestions on mood elevation are not meant to take the place of medical
therapy for depression. If your depression is
severe, seek medical help immediately. If you
are currently on an antidepressant drug and
wish to stop taking it, work with your physician
to gradually stop taking this drug and replace it
with one of the natural therapies Ive discussed
here. Do not stop taking antidepressant drugs
cold turkey. You need to be weaned off these
medications gradually otherwise serious side
effects may occur.

Biguanides
Metformin, which is the generic name for
the drugs in this class, lowers blood sugar by
improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing
the cells ability to take in glucose. It is the
safest of the oral diabetes drugs and the only
one I would ever prescribe. However, as you
will see below, I recommend berberine in place
of metformin. They both have a similar mechanism of action, but berberine has other unique
benefits.

Diabetes
Diabetes is a devastating condition
with many serious complications, including increased risk of heart attack, blindness,
neuropathy, and amputations of the lower
extremities. The bad news is that the US is in
the midst of an epidemic of type 2 diabetes, and
the numbers continue to climb. The good news
is that this condition is preventable, treatable,
and in many cases reversiblejust not with
medications or insulin.

metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR,

Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet)
Side Effects May Include: vitamin B12 deficiency, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal
bloating, flatulence, loss of appetite, metallic taste. These symptoms are severe enough
to cause the medication to be discontinued
in about one out of every 20 patients. A rare
but potentially fatal side effect of metformin
is lactic acidosis. Avoid this drug if you have
kidney disease.

The goal of diabetes treatment isnt simply

to lower blood sugar but to protect against

22

Sulfonylureas

Help for Diabetic Complications

Sulfonylureas work by increasing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. This lowers
blood sugar but often works too well, resulting
in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia is a serious threat that causes confusion,
dizziness, falls and accidents, cardiovascular
disease, coma, and increased risk of death, and
its particularly prevalent among older people.
A quarter of the adverse drug events that result
in emergency hospitalization of people over
age 65 are due to hypoglycemia caused by
oral and injected diabetes drugs. Since 1984,
sulfonylureas have carried a black box label
warning that they increase risk of death from
heart attack. These drugs are also notorious
for causing weight gainthe last thing anyone
with type 2 diabetes needs. These are dangerous drugs, and I never prescribe them.

Diabetes is associated with several secondary

diseases, and two of the most common involve the
eyes and the nerves. Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by increasing damage to the retina and loss
of vision. Diabetic neuropathy involves inflammation
and deterioration of the peripheral nerves, leading
to numbness, tingling, pain, infections, and, all too
often, amputation. This condition is the leading cause
of amputation of the lower extremities. Despite what
conventional medicine may tell you, there are things
you can do to improve these conditions.
Alpha lipoic acid. This exceptionally powerful
and versatile antioxidant is both water-soluble and
fat-soluble and can enter all parts of a cell to neutralize free radicals. It has been shown in clinical trials to
protect and stimulate regeneration of the nerves and to
improve symptoms in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
The recommended dose is 6001,200mg per day.
Sugar dressings. Infected wounds that refuse
to heal are the gateway to amputation. Believe it or
not, at Whitaker Wellness, we successfully treat these
wounds with sugar. Sugar kills virtually all bacteria in
the wound by creating an osmotic environment in
which no microorganisms can survive. It also stimulates natural debridement, reduces swelling, and
promotes the formation of new tissue and skin with
minimal scarring. Simply pack the open wound with
sugar, cover it with a bandage, and change the dressing every three or four days.

chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
glimepiride (Amaryl)
glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL)
glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase
PresTab)
tolbutamide (Orinase)
Side Effects May Include: increased risk of
fatal heart attack, weight gain, nausea, diarrhea,
constipation, stomach pain, drowsiness, headache, hives, itching, low blood sugar, photosensitivity, skin rash and eruptions, and stomach
pain. A study of patients taking sulfonylureas
found that they had 2.5 times the rate of cardiac
mortality compared to patients treated with diet
alone. These drugs also increase risk of hypoglycemia, a potentially fatal complication.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). For

neuropathy and more serious wounds, we also use
HBOT. HBOT not only controls infection but also
delivers oxygen to areas with poor blood supply (such
as limbs affected by diabetic neuropathy) and dramatically increases levels of circulating stem cells, which
stimulate the healing process.
Supplements for vision. Several nutrients have
been demonstrated in clinical trials to support the
health of the retina and stave off or slow down degeneration of the eyes. Key nutrients include vitamin A,
vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin,
lycopene, and bilberry. Look for a combination product
that contains 1530 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. Mirtogenol, a proprietary blend of bilberry and
pycnogenol, has been shown to reduce intraocular
pressure and improve blood flow in the eyes. The recommended dose of Mirtogenol is 120240 mg per day.

Glitazones
A study published in the New England
Journal of Medicine in 2007 linked Avandia, a
glitazone drug, with a 43 percent increased
risk of heart attack and a 60 percent increased
risk of cardiovascular death. Regulators in
other countries pulled Avandia off the market
years ago, citing safety issues concerning heart
attacks, strokes, and death. The FDA, in predictable fashion, put the interests of the drug

23

More than 20 different types of insulin are

sold in the United States. Here are a few of the
most commonly prescribed:

companies above the safety of the American

people, and sales are strong in the US. These
drugs also cause weight gain. A study of more
than 4,000 patients recently diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes found that those taking Avandia
gained an average of 10 pounds over five years,
compared to a loss of six pounds among those
taking metformin and a gain of three pounds
for those on glyburide.

insulin aspart (Novolog)

insulin detemir (Levemir)
insulin glargine (Lantus)
insulin glulisine (Apidra)
insulin lispro (Humalog)
Side Effects May Include: substantial weight
gain, potential hypoglycemia, and allergic reactions (redness, swelling and itching at injection site, rash over the entire body, shortness of
breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure,
fast pulse, and sweating).

pioglitazone (Actos)
rosiglitazone (Avandia)

rosiglitazone maleate and glimepiride

(Avandaryl)
rosiglitazone maleate and metformin
hydrochloride (Avandamet)

Recommendations for Treating

Diabetes Naturally

Side Effects May Include: weight gain,

increased risk of heart attack and stroke,
upper respiratory tract infection, headache,
muscle pain, tooth disorders, edema, and sore
throat. Another drug in this class, Rezulin,
was recalled because it caused liver damage in
some patients. There is potential for these drugs
to have the same effect. These drugs can also
cause fluid retention that will worsen or cause
heart failure. The risk is increased in patients
who have poor kidney function.

1. The optimal diet for diabetes is based on

low-glycemic carbohydrates, lots of vegetables, moderate amounts of lean protein, and
small servings of healthy fats (from nuts and
seeds, fish, flaxseed, and olive oil). Avoid
processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and
starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, and
white rice.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise lowers your
blood sugar levels while youre active and
increases your bodys overall sensitivity to
insulin. A brisk 10-minute walk alone has
been shown to lower blood sugar levels dramatically in some people. Executed after a
meal, it can help prevent the postprandial
(after meals) elevation in the blood sugar
that is so common in people with diabetes.
Exercise also stimulates weight loss, which
is highly beneficial for most diabetics. I
recommend exercising at least four times a
week, for at least 30 minutes each time. Add
a couple of muscle-building weight training
sessions, as this increases insulin sensitivity.

Insulin
When oral drugs fail to control blood sugar,
doctors add insulin. About one in four people
with type 2 diabetes inject insulin every day.
However, the problem here is not a lack of
insulin; its a lack of insulin sensitivity brought
on by obesity. And what does insulin do?
Invariably, routinely, and without exception, it
causes weight gain!
Insulin is a nutrient storage hormone. It
ushers not only glucose into the cells but fat
as well. Furthermore, when insulin levels are
elevated, as they are in type 2 diabetes, fat
burning shuts down. Ive had scores of patients
who have put on 50, 75, 100 pounds or more
after starting on insulin.

3. Lose weight with the mini-fast with exercise

(see sidebar on page 21).
4. Use berberine. This herbal supplement is,
in my opinion, the safest and most effective therapy for controlling blood sugar.

24

Several clinical trials have shown the positive effects of berberine for patients with
type 2 diabetes. In a study published in
Metabolism, patients with newly diagnosed
diabetes were given 500mg of either metformin or berberine three times a day for
three months. Berberine came out on top. It
lowered average fasting blood sugar from
190.8 to 124.2, hemoglobin A1C from 9.5 to
7.5percent, and postprandial (after meals)
blood sugar from 356.4 to 199.8. Modest positive effects were also noted on triglycerides.
Berberine is safe and well tolerated, but it
may cause transient gastrointestinal upset in
some people. The suggested dose is 500mg,
three times a day.

and blood vessels that often occurs with

diabetes. Replacing these lost nutrients with
a potent daily multivitamin and mineral
supplement is essential.
8. Add the trace mineral chromium. This mineral helps transport glucose and other nutrients into cells and facilitates weight lossa
powerful diabetic treatment by itself. I recommend 200400 mcg of chromium daily.

Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is estimated to
affect some 30 million American men, but the
truth is most men will encounter this problem
at some point in their lives. ED is primarily
a circulatory disorder, and the greatest risk
factors are age, atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular
diseases. However, it can also be a side effect of
some drugs or surgeries such as radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the
prostate (TURP). The good news is that you
have many options for enhancing sexual activity, no matter your age or current sexual health.
And believe it or not, for this particular health
concern, I believe the best therapies are prescription drugs.

5. Put some spice in your life. Adding just

three grams of cinnamon a day (about
teaspoon) can help you reduce your blood
sugar level by 10 percent or more. Add cinnamon to your food or take it in supplement
form. The suggested dose is 1,000 mg per
day, taken in divided doses.
6. Consider vanadyl sulfate. Vanadyl sulfate is
a form of the trace mineral vanadium that
has proven extremely effective in reducing
the need for insulin in diabetics. In large
doses, vanadyl sulfate works remarkably
like oral insulin. In animal tests, it has completely eliminated diabetes permanently,
even after the vanadyl sulfate was stopped.
The suggested dose of vanadyl sulfate is
100mg perday.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Erectile Dysfunction
PDE5 Inhibitors
Male sexual arousal begins in the brain,
which signals the release of nitric oxide (NO)

7. Boost your supply of antioxidants,

B-complex vitamins, and minerals. The biggest oversight of the conventional approach
to treating diabetes is failure to recognize
that diabetes is a nutrient-wasting disease.
An elevated blood sugar level overwhelms
the kidneys ability to reabsorb excess sugar,
and it spills out in the urine. Thats why diabetics experience increased urination. Also
lost in the urine are important water-soluble
vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins
B1, B6, and B12, magnesium, zinc, and chromium, to name a few. This loss contributes
to, and could be the primary reason for, the
deterioration of the eyes, kidneys, nerves,

Drugs That May Cause Erectile

Dysfunction
Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can cause ED and loss of libido. They
include blood pressure meds (especially diuretics
and beta-blockers), chemo agents, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotics, acidreducing drugs, antihistamines, anticholinergic
drugs, and drugs that block male hormones. If
you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, discuss
your drug regimen with your doctor.

25

in the penis. NO activates an enzyme called

cGMP that causes the arteries in the penis to
become engorged with blood, harden, and
compress the veins that drain blood from
the penis, preventing outflow. After orgasm
another enzyme, PDE5, causes the erection
to subside. ED occurs when blood flows out
of the penis as fast as it flows in. PDE5 overpowers cGMP and prevents full erections and
orgasms. As the name suggests, this class of
drugs inhibits the action of PDE5, thus promoting normal erections. There are subtle differences among these drugs. For example, the
effects of Cialis last up to 36 hours compared
to four to six hours for the others. Theyre not
for everyone, but most men get decent results.

2. Give the amino acid arginine a try. Like the

prescription drug Viagra, arginine increases
nitric oxide levels in the blood. My patients
who are taking arginine for cardiovascular
conditions (it improves overall circulation as
well) often report improvements in erectile
function, which likely stems from the boost
in NO production. Even those who dont
have problems with ED note increased duration and firmness of erections. I recommend
5001,000 mg every two hours throughout
the day, or 6 grams or more 45 minutes prior
to having sex. Arginine is best absorbed on
an empty stomach. If you experience stomach upset when taking it, try it with some
carbohydrate-containing food. Avoid eating
protein at the same time, as this may impair
absorption. Consult your physician before
taking arginine if you take Viagra, nitroglycerin, or a related drug.

avanafil (Stendra)
sildenafil citrate (Viagra)
tadalafil (Cialis)
vardenafil (Levitra and Staxyn)

3. Try Prelox. Prelox is a proprietary blend

of L-arginine and Pycnogenol, which
also boosts NO production. It was shown
in placebo-controlled trials to improve
moderate erectile dysfunction. Use
asdirected.

Side Effects May Include: nasal congestion,

headache, flushing, dyspepsia, changes in
vision, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash. Rare side
effects include heart attack, sudden cardiac
death, ventricular arrhythmia, cerebrovascular
hemorrhage, hypertension, urinary tract infection, and priapism (painful erections lasting
more than six hours). For men who are taking
nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin, all drugs in
this class can cause a dangerous drop in blood
pressure and increase in heart rate. If youre
taking any drug that reduces blood pressure,
have a serious heart condition, experience hypotension, or suffer with retinitis pigmentosa,
these drugs may be contraindicated. Talk to
your doctor.

4. Testosterone replacement can be an effective sexual stimulant. Testosterone primarily

helps with libido, but also improves performance in some men. It may be administered
by pill, injection, pellets implanted under
the skin, skin patches, cream, or gel. I would
steer clear of pills, as they may cause liver
damage. At the Whitaker Wellness Institute,
we offer our patients two types of natural testosterone replacement: transdermal
agents that are applied to the skin and injections. If youre interested in this therapy,
discuss it with your doctor.

Recommendations for Treating

Erectile Dysfunction Naturally

5. Many natural potency enhancers are overhyped and underperforming. Furthermore,

several supplements of this kind have been
found to be spiked with drugs. That said,
herbs such as horny goat weed and maca
may be helpful, and theyre certainly worth
a try. Buy only from reputable manufacturers; use as directed.

1. Clean up your lifestyle. Harvard researchers have found that men who eat a good
diet, exercise regularly, and maintain their
optimal weight are able to delay age-associated erectile dysfunction by about 10 years.
Among the bad habits that contribute to sexual problems are drinking too much alcohol,
overeating (obesity), and smoking.

26

Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD)/
Heartburn

are linked with increased fracture risk. They

can cause rebound effects that make heartburn
and stomach distress worse when they are discontinuedand studies suggest that more than
half of the prescriptions written for these drugs
are inappropriate.

Heartburn is a burn all right. Its caused

by hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is secreted
in the stomach to facilitate digestion. HCl is so
caustic it would eat through the stomach itself if
not for its thick, protective mucosal lining. The
esophagus, however, has no such protection,
and if the muscular valve between the stomach
and esophagus allow stomach acids to seep up,
youre going to feel it. Most of us get occasional
heartburn after overeating, etc., but for people
with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
its a chronic problem.

dexlansoprazole (Kapidex)
esomeprazole (Nexium)
lansoprazole (Prevacid)
omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)
pantoprazole (Protonix)
rabeprazole (AcipHex)
Side Effects May Include: weight gain, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, edema,
increased risk of pneumonia and C. difficile
infections, hyper- and hypotension, flatulence, decreased libido, calcium and B12 deficiency, joint pain, muscle cramps, and rebound
stomach pain. Should be used as a short-term
treatment only (four to eight weeks, depending
on condition). PPIs can also interact with a host
of other medications.

GERD can cause frequent esophageal pain,

inflammation, and erosion as well as seemingly
unrelated symptoms such as hoarseness, sore
throat, and chronic cough. Conventional medicine goes after it with medications to neutralize
or reduce stomach acid. These drugs do provide
temporary relief, but at a cost. HCl is required
for the breakdown of food in the stomach, so
they impair digestion and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, stomach discomfort, especially in older people, may be due
to an inadequacy of stomach acid rather than
an excess, and these drugs only make matters
worse. Fortunately, GERD and its many symptoms can be remedied with natural therapies
and lifestyle changes.

H2 Blockers
Histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) block the action of histamine on parietal
cells in the stomach. This reduces the amount
of acid produced and changes the pH (acidity)
of the stomach. H2 blockers can help relieve
stomach pain, but they also impair digestion
in particular, the digestion of protein, which
requires HCl. Theyre meant to be taken for no
more than two weeks, but because several of
these meds are now available over the counter,
many people taken them indefinitely. Chronic
use of these drugs is associated with the overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria, which can infiltrate
the stomach lining to cause ulcers.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat GERD
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block the
production of acid in the stomach. They do
provide symptomatic relief, but thanks to one
of the most aggressive marketing campaigns in
history, they are excessively and inappropriately
prescribedand they have a number of serious
side effects. PPIs cause weight gain. They
increase risk of pneumonia and of C. difficile
bacteria-related diarrhea. They interfere with
the absorption of vitamin B12 and calcium and

cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB)

famotidine (Pepcid AC, Pepcid Oral)
nizatidine capsules (Axid AR, Axid
Capsules)
ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75, Zantac Efferdose, Zantac injection, and Zantac Syrup)

27

Side Effects May Include: headache, abdominal

pain, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, constipation, nausea, flatulence, indigestion, dry mouth,
loss of appetite, hives, and urinary problems.
Long-term use may increase risk of decline in
mental function in later life.

production of the protective mucosal cells

lining the GI tract. For heartburn, ulcers,
or any kind of stomach upset, I highly recommend this supplement. Take 20 minutes
before meals for chronic problems or as
needed for occasional heartburn or stomach
upset.

Recommendations for Treating

Heartburn and GERD Naturally

5. Soothe your stomach with aloe vera. This

time-honored therapy is beneficial for the
entire gastrointestinal tract. There are many
aloe products on the market. Concentrates
the stronger, the betterof the whole leaf
are your best value. Buy from a reputable
manufacturer and take as directed.

1. Watch your diet. Common trigger foods for

heartburn include fried foods, spicy items,
fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate.
Eat at a moderate pace, and wait at least an
hour after meals before exercising and at
least three hours before lying down.

6. Take digestive enzymes. Enzyme production also tapers with age, and this too can
be corrected with supplements containing
enzymes that break down protein (protease),
carbohydrate (amylase), and fat (lipase)as
well as problematic foods like beans (alphagalactosidase) and dairy (lactase). We keep
bottles of digestive enzymes on the tables
for our patients to take with meals, and they
routinely report reductions in gas, bloating,
belching, and post-meal discomfort.

2. Lose weight. This measure alone corrects

many cases of chronic heartburn because it
reduces the pressure on your abdomen that
contributes to digestive discomfort. (See
page 21 for details on an effective weight
loss program.) Drink at least 8 to 10 eightounce glasses of water per day. Drink one to
two glasses half an hour before meals, and
upon rising. Take your supplements at meals
with a tall glass of water.

7. Try supplemental glutamine. This amino

acid is especially supportive of the gastrointestinal system and is an excellent therapy
for digestive ailments. At the clinic, we use
a product called Glutagenics from Metagenics. One teaspoon of this powdered supplement contains 3,500 mg glutamine, along
with 50 mg aloe vera and 500 mg DGL. The
suggested dosage is one teaspoon, mixed in
water, three times a day.

3. Try hydrochloric acid supplements. You can

assess your need for HCl by taking HCl capsules with meals and observing their effect.
At your next meal, take one HCl capsule.
Increase the dose by one capsule with each
meal until you experience a warm sensation
in the upper part of your stomach. This is
an indication that you have a slight excess
of HCl, and is a signal to cut your HCl dose
by one capsule. Dont take more than five
capsules under any circumstances. If you
take five and feel nothing, continue taking
five capsules per meal, as this dose can only
enhance your digestion. Look in your health
food store for an HCl product with pepsin
such as the HCl with pepsin capsule made
by Solaray.

8. Dont forget to take a good daily multivitamin. As weve discussed, stomach issues
can interfere with nutrient absorption, so its
important to boost your intake of vitamins
and minerals.

Heart Disease and

HighCholesterol

4. Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

instead of antacids. Unlike antacids, which
decrease stomach acid secretion, this popular supplement does not disrupt the normal digestive process. In fact, it stimulates

There are so many classes of drugs used

to treat cardiovascular disease that I couldnt
begin to cover them in this special report.
Therefore, I am going to focus solely on statin

28

drugs, since virtually all patients with heart

diseaseand millions of healthy peopleare
prescribed these medications.

Statin Drugs Deplete

CoQ10Levels

If youre in your 40s or older, chances are

your doctor has recommended a statin drug.
Current guidelines decree that half of Americans in this age groupand 77 percent of those
over 60need a cholesterol-lowering medication. As long as your LDL cholesterol is above
the designated level, youre a candidate. Even if
your cholesterol is low but you have diabetes,
obesity, or other risk factors, youll walk out of
the office with a prescription for a statin. Its
crazy! These medications are not the miracle
drugs theyre made out to be. Yes, they reduce
LDL cholesterol levels, but so what? Contrary
to the exaggerated claims made by drug companies and parroted by physicians, statins have
minimal effects on risk of heart attacks and
cardiovascular death. If your doctor prescribes a
statin, I implore you to opt for alternative measures for lowering cholesterol and, most important, reducing risk of heart disease.

Statin drugs have a very significant side effect

that few physicians mention to patients. They significantly reduce your bodys production of coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is integral to the generation of
energy in the mitochondria of virtually every cell
in your body. This is especially important for heart
health. People with heart failure have measurable deficiencies in CoQ10, and the seriousness
of the disease correlates directly with the degree
of CoQ10 deficiency. The incidence of heart failure has exploded in the last 20 years. I consider
CoQ10 deficiencies caused by the exploding use
of statin drugs to be in large part responsible for
this current epidemic.

atorvastatin (Lipitor)
fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)
lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev)
pitavastatin (Livalo)

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Heart Disease and
HighCholesterol

pravastatin (Pravachol)

Statin Drugs

simvastatin + ezetimibe (Vytorin)

rosuvastatin (Crestor)
simvastatin (Zocor)

Side Effects May Include: muscle pain and

weakness, memory loss, global amnesia, liver
damage, sexual dysfunction, headache, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal and chest pain,
hypertension, constipation, gastroenteritis,
insomnia, bronchitis, depression, rash, and
cough. All drugs in this class deplete levels
of coenzyme Q10, and this has very serious
adverse effects. Muscle pain and weakness
affect a large percentage of users, and any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
should be reported immediately. Additionally,
statins are linked with an increased risk of diabetes and cancer. Note: All statin users should
take 200300 mg of supplemental CoQ10 daily
to protect against drug-induced deficiencies.

Statins are the best-selling drugs in history.

Its easy to get taken in by the glowing statistics
and over-the-top advertisements, how these
drugs save lives and reduce risk of heart attack
by 3050 percent. But as Mark Twain once said,
There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned
lies, and statistics. In reality, the difference in
heart attack rates in patients enrolled in clinical trials who took a statin drug compared to
those who took a placebo was about 1 percent.
To summarize the clinical trials involving the
use of statins for primary prevention, to prevent
one heart attack, 104 people had to take a statin
drug every day for five years. The other 103
got no benefitsbut they were exposed to the
drugs serious side effects. At least 1 in 10 had
muscle damage and 1 in 50 developed diabetes.
And no deaths were prevented.

29

they often get worse. Work with your physician to set up a plan for regular activity
thats appropriate for your condition.

Supplements for Lowering

Cholesterol

3. Take antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize

free radicals that are implicated in heart
disease and virtually every other ailment
of modern life. In addition to damaging
the blood vessels, free radicals also transform LDL cholesterol into its oxidized form,
which promotes arterial blockages. Suggested daily doses:

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia). The juice of this

citrus fruit contains exceptionally large amounts
of unique polyphenols that have broad cardiovascular benefits. Concentrated bergamot extracts
lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, raise
protective HDL, help control blood sugar, and
improve overall arterial function and cardiovascular health. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial,
Italian researchers gave either 500 mg or 1,000
mg of bergamot extract daily to study volunteers
with high cholesterol levels. After one month, the
average LDL in the two groups fell by 37 and 39
percent, respectively, HDL increased by 38 and
43 percent, and triglycerides, another cardiovascular risk factor, declined by 38 and 42 percent.
The suggested dose of bergamot is 5001,000 of
standardized extract, taken once or twice a day
2030 minutes before meals.

Vitamin C, 1,0002,000 mg in divided

doses. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and strengthens and
restores the elasticity of blood vessels. In
addition, it helps control lipoprotein (a),
which is an independent risk factor for
cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin E, a minimum of 300 IU. A
World Health Organization (WHO) study
that included thousands of men and
women in 16 different countries found
that a low level of vitamin E was more
than twice as predictive of a heart attack
than either an elevated cholesterol level
or high blood pressure.

Niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin is a terrific therapy

for lowering LDL cholesterol levels while raising
levels of protective HDL cholesterol. Even conventional doctors recommend it! Start with 500
mg three times a day with meals. If the flushing bothers you, take the dose at bedtime so
the flushing happens while youre asleep. This
therapy is not recommended for patients with
liver disease, gout, or ulcers. Note: No-flush
niacin formulations (inositol hexaniacinate) do not
lowercholesterol.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene, 15,000IU,

mostly as natural beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, often referred to as pro-vitamin
A, is transformed in the liver to vitamin
A as needed.
4. Make sure your multivitamin provides
ample B-complex vitamins. I recommend a
multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 800 mcg of folic acid, at least
75 mg of vitamin B6, and 150 mcg of B12.
B vitamins help detoxify homocysteine, a
compound that encourages the formation
of blood clots and damages arterial walls.
Hundreds of medical journal articles have
shown the relationship between an elevated
level of homocysteine, low intake of folic
acid and vitamins B6 and B12, and increased
incidence of heart disease.

Recommendations for Treating

Heart Disease and Lowering
Cholesterol Naturally
1. Base your diet on fresh whole foods such
as vegetables, beans, legumes, fruit, Greek
yogurt, chicken, and fish. Plant foods are
good sources of antioxidants, B vitamins,
and minerals that, as youll see below, are
crucial to protecting your heart and blood
vessels. Go easy on high-fat dairy, processed
foods, refined sugars, and excess salt.

5. Include omega-3 essential fatty acids, 210

1,000mg capsules of fish oil or 5001,000
mg of krill oil a day. Omega-3s help normalize blood lipids, improve circulation,

2. Establish a reasonable exercise program.

When heart patients are completely inactive,

30

reduce the risk of blood clots, and smooth

out abnormal heart rhythms. Your body
cannot manufacture omega-3 essential fatty
acids, which is why its so important to eat
salmon and other cold-water fish and to take
high-quality fish or krill oil supplements.

ankles to just below the waist. Then, timed

with each heartbeat, the cuffs contract, forcing blood up the extremities, through the
veins, and back to the heart, thereby increasing blood flow throughout the body. One
treatment session lasts about an hour, and
a usual course is 35 treatments, given once
or twice a day. In three or four weeksfar
less time than it takes to recuperate from a
bypasschest pain is often eliminated.

6. Add these supplements, which are geared to

heart health. I recommend:
L-carnitine, 2,0004,000mg per day,
taken in divided doses. This natural
compound, which transports essential
long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where theyre burned for energy,
has proven cardiovascular benefits.

8. A course of EDTA chelation therapy may

also be warranted. EDTA chelation is a procedure used to remove accumulated minerals and heavy metals from the body. When
diffused into the body slowly, the proteinlike compound attaches to mineralsparticularly heavy metals such as lead, cadmium,
and mercuryand makes them soluble.
Both the EDTA and the mineral complex
are excreted from the body via the urine. By
removing these unwanted minerals, EDTA
chelation helps loosen and remove arterial
plaque, thereby restoring the artery wall to a
healthier state. When administered properly
by a physician, intravenous EDTA has an
extremely low risk of side effects.

Coenzyme Q10 (preferably the ubiquinol

form), 200300 mg daily. Since your heart
is your most metabolically active organ,
CoQ10 is naturally more concentrated
in this organ. Age, disease, and the use
of statin drugs deplete CoQ10 levels,
increasing your risk of cardiovascular
disease and numerous other health concerns. If you are taking a statin drug,
it is imperative that you supplement
withCoQ10.
Magnesium, 5001,000 mg per day.
Magnesium relaxes the arteries, helps
regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure, and increases efficiency of the heart
muscle. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates critical links between sufficient
magnesium levels and healthy heart
function.

Also see the section on Hypertension.

Hypertension/High
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects roughly 75
million Americans. This condition increases risk
of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney
disease, and those who are labeled with hypertension pay higher insurance rates and are frequently subjected to lifelong use of dangerous
medications.

7. Consider Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) for symptomatic heart disease.

This noninvasive therapy dramatically
enhances blood flow to the coronary arteries by squeezing blood out of the lower
extremities up toward the heart. Because
it stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (collateral circulation) around blocked
arteries, its like a natural bypass. EECP was
developed at Harvard University as a treatment for angina, and scores of studies at
major medical centers have shown EECPs
safety and efficacy. During EECP treatment,
you lie on a bed and pressure cuffs are
strapped on your lower extremities from the

There are many classes of medications used

to lower blood pressure, and in some cases
drugs are necessary. But research suggests that
millions are inappropriately diagnosed with
hypertension. One study found that four in
five blood pressure readings taken in doctors
offices are inaccurate! Improper positioning,
talking during testing, uncalibrated equipment,
and white coat hypertension (high blood pressure due to the anxiety of being in a doctors

31

kidney and lung problems. The most dangerous

side effect is acute swelling of the face, tongue,
lips, vocal cords, and extremities, and medical
help should be sought immediately.

office) all contribute to faulty readings and

over-diagnosis. I am convinced that the lack
of awareness of this very common and serious
problem has turned millions of healthy individuals into medication-dependent patients.

Diuretics

If you truly do have high blood pressure,

you need to understand that hypertension is
often a reflection of the bodys response to
diet, stress, excess weight, inactivity, and other
factors that you can control without resorting to
medications.

Diuretics, or water pills, cause an increase

in the production of urine. This reduction in
fluids reduces pressure in the arteries, and
because theres less blood for the heart to
pump, it reduces the hearts workload. Longterm use of diuretics to manage high blood
pressure, however, can deplete your body of
vital water-soluble nutrients. This can result in
cardiac arrhythmias, muscle cramps, and other
problems related to mineral imbalances. Thats
because diuretics also block the kidneys ability
to reabsorb minerals and other water-soluble
nutrients, which are excreted from the body in
the urine. Potassium-sparing diuretics address
potassium losses, but all drugs in this class
can cause deficiencies and imbalances in key
nutrients.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Hypertension
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors block the production of angiotensin, a
hormone that constricts the arteries. This allows
the blood vessels to relax and dilate, thus reducing blood pressure against the artery walls.
ACE inhibitors have been around for decades,
and I consider them to be the safest of the antihypertensive drugs. However, they do disturb
the bodys levels of trace minerals, decreasing
selenium and zinc levels and increasing copper
levels. Furthermore, up to 20 percent of people
who take these drugs develop a persistent dry
cough due to elevated blood levels of a protein
that causes contraction of smooth muscle and
constriction of the bronchioles.

There are several types of diuretics. Loop

diuretics (Lasix and Bumex) are powerful medications that are prescribed for congestive heart
failure and to rapidly reduce fluid load in emergency situations. Potassium-sparing diuretics
such as Aldactone (spironolactone) are most
often used in patients with congestive heart
failure patients. Neither of these types of diuretics significantly lower blood pressure, so we
will focus on thiazide diuretics.

benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin)

captopril (Capoten)
enalapril maleate (Vasotec)

Thiazide Diuretics

fosinopril sodium (Monopril)

lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
moexipril (Univasc)

amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic)

perindopril (Aceon)

chlorthalidone (Hygroton)

quinapril hydrochloride (Accupril)

chlorothiazide (Diuril)

ramipril (Altace)

hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril,

Microzide)

trandolapril (Mavik)

indapamide (Lozol)

Side Effects May Include: chronic dry cough,

skin rash, loss of taste, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, low blood pressure, difficulty
breathing, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and

metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)

spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide
(Aldactazide)

32

triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide)

Lower Your Blood Pressure

With Whitaker Salt

Side Effects May Include: mineral imbalances,

allergic reactions, rash, hives, arrhythmia, dizziness upon standing, eye pain, vision changes,
severe dehydration, nausea, vomiting, acute
renal failure, muscle cramps, weakness, and
fatigue. Make sure youre taking a good multivitamin to replace lost nutrients and stay
hydrated by drinking lots of water.

According to a Dutch study in the Archives

of Internal Medicine, the effects of eating more
potassium are of similar magnitude to what
can be achieved by lowering sodium intake.
The researchers suggested that this could be
accomplished by eating more potassium-rich
vegetables and fruits and replacing sodium
chlorideespecially in processed foods, our most
abundant source of sodiumwith potassium salt.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Weve been doing that at Whitaker Wellness

for years. In place of regular salt, we mix three
parts potassium chloride (Nu-Salt or Mortons Salt
Substitute) with one part sodium chloride. Potassium chloride by itself has a metallic taste and
doesnt enhance flavor much. However, with this
mixture, which provides a substantial amount of
potassium, few people can tell the difference.

Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by restricting calciums entry into the
smooth muscle cells of the arteries and heart.
This has a relaxing effect on artery walls, allowing them to dilate and thus reducing the pressure. It also makes the hearts contractions less
forceful, which reduces heart rate and further
lowers blood pressure. I am not convinced of
the safety of this class of drugs. Several studies
suggest calcium channel blockers alone or in
combination with diuretics as a treatment for
high blood pressure actually increase risk of
death. These meds have also been linked with
an elevated risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and of gastrointestinal bleeding
in elderly people. Until this is all sorted out,
I recommend looking for options to calcium
channel blockers.

(too low blood pressure), palpitations, anxiety,

confusion, diarrhea, dry mouth, potential
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, breast
cancer, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some
calcium channel blockers interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers reduce the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, stress hormones that
stimulate pulse rate and blood pressure. Therefore, they slow the heart rate and decrease the
hearts workload and output of blood, which
lowers blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also
used to treat congestive heart failure and to
prevent migraines. In addition, some people
take them to reduce performance anxiety.

amlodipine besylate (Norvasc, Lotrel)

bepridil (Vascor)
diltiazem hydrochloride (Cardizem CD,
Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Tiazac)
felodipine (Plendil)
isradipine (DynaCirc, DynaCirc CR)
nicardipine (Cardene SR)
nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia XL)

acebutolol (Sectral)

nisoldipine (Sular)

atenolol (Tenormin)

verapamil hydrochloride (Calan SR,

Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan)

betaxolol (Kerlone)
bisoprolol fumarate (Zebeta)

Side Effects May Include: fluid retention in the

face or extremities, headache, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, constipation,
rapid heartbeat, rash, impotence, hypotension

carteolol hydrochloride (Cartrol)

hydrochlorothiazide and bisoprolol (Ziac)
metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL)

33

syndrome, a cluster of conditions that also

includes elevated blood sugar, abdominal
obesity, and lipid abnormalities. An underlying cause of metabolic syndromeand
therefore of hypertensionis insulin resistance. Foods with a high glycemic index
contribute to this problem by rapidly driving up blood sugar and insulin. Choosing
foods that are more slowly metabolized
helps avert the devastating effects of insulin resistance. Items to go easy on include
sugar, bread and other baked goods, starchy
grains, and potatoes.

metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

nadolol (Corgard)
penbutolol sulfate (Levatol)
pindolol (Visken)
propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
sotalol hydrochloride (Betapace AF)
timolol maleate (Blocadren)
Side Effects May Include: insomnia, cold
hands and feet, weight gain, fatigue, slow
heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, sun
sensitivity, constipation, erectile dysfunction,
loss of libido, depression, and high blood sugar
(in people with diabetes). Because beta-blockers
reduce heart function, they can precipitate more
severe heart failure in people with reduced
heart function. Be aware that these drugs also
interact with grapefruit juice.

4. Exercise. Regular physical activity (at least

3045 minutes a day, four or more times
a week) helps keep blood pressure under
control. It also promotes weight loss, which
is associated with improvements in blood
pressure.

Recommendations for Treating

Hypertension Naturally

5. Take a daily multivitamin with robust doses

of antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, and
especially magnesium. Magnesium relaxes
the arteries and has positive effects on blood
pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
The usual dose for anyone with hypertension is 5001,000 mg. If you are taking an
antihypertensive drug, this is especially
important. As noted above, some of these
medications are associated with nutrient
losses.

1. If you are on high blood pressure medication, talk with your physician about starting
natural therapies. This may be your biggest
hurdle, as many conventional physicians
seem to believe the only treatment for high
blood pressure is drugs. Do not stop any
medication or start new therapies without
your doctors supervision. If you need to
find a new doctor, see the Resources section for referring organizations and other
information.

6. Try Balance 3. Weve had great success at

the clinic with this blend of Chinese herbs
even in patients with medication-resistant
hypertension. The suggested dose is 24 tablets per day.

2. Eat foods that are rich in potassium. Everyone knows that excess sodium can increase
blood pressure, but numerous studies have
shown that sodium-to-potassium ratio has
a greater impact than sodium alone. Foods
high in potassium include apricots, avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, citrus fruits,
peaches, prunes, tomatoes, beans, and
LowSodium V8 Juice (an eight-ounce glass
provides 900 mg of potassium). I also suggest you do what we do at Whitaker Wellness: replace regular salt with Whitaker
Salt (see sidebar on page 33 for my recipe).

7. Consider other supplements with proven

blood pressure-lowering effects. They
include coenzyme Q10 100300 mg, fish
oil 26 1,000-mg capsules, garlic 12 fresh
cloves or the equivalent in supplement form,
vitaminD2,0005,000 IU, quercetin500
750mg, grape seed extract 150300mg,
olive leaf extract5001,000mg, and stevia
extract7501,000mg.
8. Make a conscious choice to manage your
stress level. One stress-reduction tool to
consider is to simply concentrate on your

3. Avoid high-glycemic carbohydrates. Hypertension is part and parcel of metabolic

34

breathing for a few minutes. Slow, deep,

rhythmic breathing is a quick way to reduce
internal stress and naturally bring down
your blood pressureand you can do it anywhere and at any time. Heres how:

Symptoms of an Underactive
Thyroid

Make yourself comfortable and close

your eyes, if possible.
Begin by slowing and silently tracking
your breathing: Inhale-2-3-4. Hold-2-3-4.
Exhale-2-3-4.
Repeat two or three times.

Hypothyroidism
(LowThyroid Function)
Eight million Americansseven times
more women than menhave some sort of
thyroid problem. In most cases, the problem
is an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism, or
low thyroid function, is an underlying cause
of a wide range of complaints such as headaches, fatigue, weight gain, skin and hair problems, chronic infections, allergies, menstrual
irregularities and infertility, osteoporosis, and
mood and memory disorders. Laboratory tests
will pick up significant thyroid deficiencies.
However, the mild hypothyroidism that impairs
quality of life for many people may not register
on these tests. Therefore, subclinical hypothyroidism generally falls through the cracks.

Weight gain and difficulty losing weight

Dry skin
Depression
Cold hands and feet
Colds, allergenic illnesses, and chronic sinusitis
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
Chronic constipation
Muscle and joint stiffness
Headaches
Hair loss
Edema
Infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and
irregular menstruation
Fibrocystic disease

2. Upon awakening, place the thermometer

in your armpit for a full 10 minutes (or two
minutes for a digital thermometer). Remain
still and reclined throughout the test.
3. Record the temperature, date, and time. Do
this for at least three days. If you are having
symptoms of hypothyroidism and feel you
may benefit from thyroid replacement, share
this information with your physician.
Note: Menstruating women must perform
the test on the second, third, and fourth days of
menstruation. Men and postmenopausal women
can perform the test at any time.

If you suspect low thyroid function despite

normal blood levels, you can get a pretty good
idea of the health of your thyroid gland by the
old tried-and-true method of underarm basal
(resting) temperature testing. Your bodys basal
body temperature reflects your metabolic rate,
which in turn is largely determined by thyroid
hormones. If yours is consistently under 97.8
degrees you may have low thyroid production. Heres how to test your bodys basal
temperature:

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid gland produces several hormones, but the two main ones are thyroxine
(T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is the most
active hormone, and when T4 is released by
the thyroid gland, the bulk of it is converted
to T3. Most doctors prescribe synthetic thyroid
hormones, the most popular being copycat versions of T4. Synthetic T3 is also available, and
one drug, Thyrolar (liotrix), contains both T3
andT4.

1. Before going to bed at night, leave a thermometer within arms reach of the bed. If its
a mercury thermometer, shake it below 95
degrees. (This test is easier with a basal or
digital thermometer, but a regular thermometer will do.)

35

Ive never understood the enthusiasm for

synthetic hormones, especially since natural
thyroid, which has been around for decades,
is widely available. Natural desiccated thyroid
derived from pork glands (which contain
thyroid hormones that closely resemble our
own) contains not only T3 and T4 but the full
gamut of thyroid hormones. I have found that
when patients switch from synthetic to natural
thyroid, they tend to feel better, have more
energy, and notice improvements in symptoms
of hypothyroidism. Furthermore, if a patient
comes to me with complaints consistent with
low thyroid function but normal blood tests, I
do not hesitate to prescribe a six-week therapeutic trial of low-dose natural thyroid. We
then carefully monitor the patients well-being
and adjust the dose upward or downward as
needed.

that natural hormones are difficult to standardize, but Ive used this form of thyroid
replacement exclusively and successfully in
my practice for decades. Be persistent, and
try to educate your doctor. Be patient and
dont expect results overnight. After a few
weeks to a few months on natural therapy,
most people notice a significant difference
in their mood, energy level, and overall
well-being.
2. Im often asked about over-the-counter products that contain animal thyroid and other
glandular tissues. While Im not averse to
OTC products with these ingredients, I prefer prescription natural thyroid as discussed
above. The dosages can be properly monitored, and its safe, inexpensive, and highly
effective in restoring thyroid function and
improving quality of life.

Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Drugs

3. Take nutrients that support thyroid function,

including:

levothyroxine (T4) (Synthroid, Levothroid,

Levoxyl, Tirosint, Unithroid)

Iodine is required by the thyroid gland

to produce hormones, so its important to
get enough of this mineral. To increase
your intake, eat iodine-rich seafood
(seaweed is especially abundant in this
nutrient). Our primary source of iodine
is iodized salt, but half the salt sold in
this countryincluding sea salt, kosher
salt, and salt used to make pickles and
flavor pretzels and nutsis not iodized.
Most multivitamins contain the RDA of
iodine (150 mcg), and supplements with
kelp or other sources of iodine may have
up to 600 mcg. These may be helpful, but
some people do not tolerate supplemental iodine well. Before you bump up your
intake significantly, I suggest having
your urine iodine level tested.

liothyronine (T3) (Cytomel)

liotrix (T3 and T4) (Thyrolar)

Natural Thyroid Hormones

desiccated thyroid or thyroid extract
(Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid)
Side Effects May Include: allergic reactions
(rash, itching), hair loss, adverse effects of
overdose (weight loss, palpitations, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweating,
tachycardia, increased blood pressure, cardiac
arrhythmias, tremors, headache, insomnia,
intolerance to heat, fever). Many drugs interact
with these medications. Go over all your prescription and over-the-counter drugs with your
physician. Take between meals and not at the
same time you take your nutritional supplements, as fiber and certain nutrients may impair
absorption and bioavailability.

Selenium is another nutrient that supports the thyroid. A common underlying

cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimotos
thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder.
Recent studies have shown that 200 mcg
of supplemental selenium helps decrease
autoimmune-induced inflammation of
the thyroid.

Recommendations for Treating

Hypothyroidism Naturally
1. Take natural thyroid hormone. It requires a
prescription, and your doctor may protest

36

Insomnia

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

A restful nights sleep is one of the best

things you can do for your mind, body, and
soul. When you sleep, your brain discharges
and readies you for the next days onslaught of
stimuli. Your immune system shifts into high
gear, and your bodys repair mechanisms get
to work. Poor sleep is associated with a broad
range of health concerns. In addition to making
you tired and cranky, poor sleep can wreck
your memory and mood, make you fat, raise
your blood pressure and blood sugar, stress
your immune system, and increase your risk of
diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and dementia.

Apnea means no breath, and obstructive sleep

apnea is the periodic cessation of breathing while
asleep. It is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the airway by the tissues in the back of the
throat. Oxygen levels in the blood drop and carbon
dioxide rises, waking you up just enough to start
breathing. Its no wonder that people who suffer
with this condition get sleepy during the day!
But thats just one of many problems associated with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for hypertension, coronary
artery disease, stroke, heart failure, diabetes,
obesity, memory loss, and mood disturbances.
If our patients at Whitaker Wellness have any of
these symptoms or disordersor if they snore,
a common sign of this conditionwe evaluate
them for sleep apnea with a portable monitor to
use in the comfort of their home or hotel room.
Much less expensive and far more pleasant than
an overnight test in a sleep lab, this test is widely
accepted as a reliable diagnostic tool. Its shocking how many of our patients do have sleep
apneaan estimated 70 percent of those who are
tested. But its heartening to see how much better
they feel once they adapt to CPAP/APAP therapy.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition. If you snore,
sleep poorly, or have any of the health challenges
discussed above, get tested!

Sleeping pills may allow you to fall asleep

more easily, but they will not induce the kind
of sleep that nourishes your body and brain as
nature intended. In the long term, natural sleep
agents will serve you far better than prescription drugs.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Insomnia
Sedative Hypnotics
eszopiclone (Lunesta)
zaleplon (Sonata)

Recommendations for Treating

Insomnia Naturally

zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar,

Zolpimist)

1. Melatonin, the hormone of sleep, governs

our natural sleep cycles. As darkness falls,
melatonin levels rise, resulting in drowsiness that promotes sleep. Artificial light has
blurred the lines between day and night,
and melatonin levels have taken a hit. Thats
why Im such a fan of supplemental melatonin. Taken at bedtime, it decreases the time
required to fall asleep and produces a deep
and restful sleep. Melatonin production
drops as we age, so this may be just what
you need to get you back on track. The suggested dose is 16 mg (average 3 mg) 3060
minutes before bedtime. Newer time-release

Side Effects May Include: daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting,
increased risk of falls, diarrhea, confusion,
impaired alertness (as when driving a car),
memory loss, parasomnias (uncharacteristic
and sometimes disturbing behaviors that are
not remembered the next day), and rebound
insomnia, especially during the last third of the
night. According to the Physicians Desk Reference, Hypnotics should generally be limited to
7 to 10 days of use, and re-evaluation of patient
is recommended if they are to be taken for more
than two to three weeks.

37

If you complain to your doctor about hot

flashes, mood swings, fatigue, or difficulties
with sleep or sex, youll likely be prescribed
conventional hormone replacement therapy
(HRT). Although all hormone replacement
drugs can ease symptoms, someespecially
conjugated estrogens and synthetic progestinshave serious side effects that offset their
benefits. The question isnt whether to replace
hormones, its how to replace themand
the only way to go is bioidentical hormones,
which are identical to those produced by the
human body. Bioidentical hormone replacement
therapy not only alleviates classic menopausal
symptoms, but it protects the cardiovascular
system, reduces risk of heart attack, and lessens
the likelihood of memory loss and perhaps
Alzheimers disease. It also stops the progression of, and even reverses, osteoporosis.

supplements appear to be even more

effective.
2. L-theanine, an amino acid derived from
green tea, is renowned for its calming
effects. It enhances alpha-wave activity in
the brain, which results in relaxation, and
increases levels of gamma amino butyric
acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms
the brain and helps relieve anxiety. To use,
take 200 mg of L-theanine, 3060 minutes
before bedtime, preferably on an empty
stomach.
3. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the most
popular sleep aid in Europe. Studies suggest that this herb works as well as prescription drugs, without the side effects.
Like L-theanine, it helps relieve anxiety by
working on GABA pathways, but it also has
a mild sedative effect that helps you fall
asleep more quickly. The usual dose is 500
mg 3060 minutes before bedtime.

Drugs Commonly Prescribed to

Treat Menopause

4. If none of these safe, drug-free approaches

help, I suggest you talk to your doctor
about Dilantin. In these stressful times,
ruminating, busy minds underlie many
a restless night. Low doses of Dilantin, a
drug used primarily for seizure disorders,
tone down the static and help banish the
worrisome thoughts that keep us awake. The
recommended dose of Dilantin is 100 mg at
bedtime. Dilantin requires a prescription,
and many physicians are unfamiliar with
this low-dose, non-seizure use. To learn
more, visit whitakerwellness.com.

Estrogen
Estrogen is actually a group of related
steroid hormones, the major forms being
estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is by
far the strongest and most active. Estrone is
converted in the intestinal tract from estradiol.
Estriol is the weakest, but also the most benign.
Some studies point to the possibility that it may
actually protect against breast cancer. Popular
delivery methods include oral, transdermal
patches, and topical application to various areas
of the body. The only types of estrogen I recommend are bioidentical estradiol and estriol.
(Estriol is only available from compounding
pharmacies and may be difficult to get.) The
only delivery system I recommend is topical
creams and gels. Stay far, far away from conjugated estrogens.

Menopause
Strictly speaking, menopause means the
date of your final menstrual period. More commonly, however, it refers to the gradual changes
that occur over a decade or more as hormone
levels, particularly estrogen, progressively
decline. Because estrogen-sensitive tissues are
present throughout the bodynot only in the
reproductive organs and breasts but also in the
brain, bones, liver, heart, and skinthe hormonal changes associated with menopause can
cause a multitude of uncomfortable symptoms.

Oral Estrogen (Pills and Tablets)

estradiol (Estrace, Femtrace, Gynodiol,
Vagifem)
conjugated estrogens (Cenestin, Enjuvia,
Premarin)
esterified estrogens (Menest)

38

norgestimate

estropipate (Ogen, Ortho-Est)

Prefest

Topical Estrogen (Creams, Gels,

VaginalRings)

Prempro
Side Effects May Include: headache, weight
gain, breast tenderness or pain, upset stomach,
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness,
mood swings, irritability, excessive worrying,
runny nose, sneezing, cough, vaginal discharge,
problems urinating, and muscle, joint, or bone
pain. Rare but serious side effects may include:
breast lumps, migraine headache, severe dizziness or faintness, slow or difficult speech,
weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, lack
of coordination or loss of balance, shortness of
breath, fast heartbeat, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, leg swelling or pain, loss of vision
or blurred vision, bulging eyes, double vision,
unexpected vaginal bleeding, seizures, stomach
pain or swelling, depression, hives, skin rash,
itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing,
hoarseness, swelling of the face, throat, tongue,
lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs.
(Natural progesterone is much safer; see below
for more information.)

estradiol (Alora, Climara, Divigel, Elestrin,

Estrasorb, EstroGel, Evamist, Menostar,
Vivelle)
Side Effects May Include: headaches, nausea,
vaginal discharge, fluid retention, weightgain,
breasttenderness, and spotting or darkening
of the skin, particularly on the face. Estrogen replacement therapy can also increase
your risk of stroke, blood clots, gallstones,
ovarian cancer, dementia, urinary incontinence, increased growth of preexistinguterine
fibroids,and worsening ofendometriosis. If
you have a uterus, estrogen should always be
taken with progesterone. (See below for more on
bioidenticalestrogen.)

Progesterone
Natural bioidentical progesterone (Prometrium and compounded hormones) is great. But
progestins, which are synthetic progesterone
wannabes, are awful. Progestin is commonly
prescribed with estrogen for treatment of menopausal symptoms but has many negative side
effects. Natural progesterone is much, much
safer and better tolerated.

Recommendations for Treating

Menopause Naturally
1. The only type of hormone replacement I recommend is bioidentical hormones, which are
identical to the hormones produced in the
human body. Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone not only ease hot flashes and other
signs and symptoms of menopause, but
also boost sex drive, improve vaginal tone
and dryness, relieve PMS, and help prevent
urinary incontinence. These natural hormones, which we order from a compounding pharmacy, are every bit as effective as
brand-name prescription hormones, yet
have far fewer safety issues and side effects.
Furthermore, they can be personalized in a
wide range of dosages and delivery systems
so theyre much better tolerated. The preferable form of estrogen is topical estradiol in
transdermal creams that are rubbed into the
skin. This delivery method not only ensures
steadier blood levels of the hormone, but
theres a reduced risk of blood clots, which

Natural Progesterone
micronized progesterone (Prometrium)
compounded form of natural progesterone

Progestin
medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera)

Combination Estrogen and Progestin

Activella
Angeliq
Climara
Combipatch
ethinyl
Femhrt
Levonorgestrel

39

with improvements in body composition.

And when applied directly to the vagina a
couple of times a week, it effectively relieves
vaginal dryness and atrophy. The primary
form of progesterone I prescribe is oral
bioidentical micronized natural progesterone (although some women prefer topical
creams). Unlike synthetic progestinswhich
are linked with worsening of cholesterol
levels and other cardiovascular risk factors, weight gain, loss of libido, and mood
swingsnatural progesterone enhances the
positive effects of estrogen and improves
quality of life. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy requires a prescription and
some forms must be ordered from a compounding pharmacy.

Men May Also Need Hormone

Replacement Therapy
Although menopause gets all the attention, men also experience age-related hormone
changes, a condition sometimes referred to as
andropause. And just as falling levels of estrogen
usher in menopausal symptoms, age-related
reductions in testosterone are accompanied by
declines in sexual desire and performance, mood,
cognitive function, bone and muscle mass, and
more. This affects virtually all older men to some
degree, yet it is treated in only a small minority.
There are many misconceptions about
testosterone replacement, but when properly
administered, this therapy is exceptionally safe.
Some men gain a little weight on testosterone,
but its usually associated with increased muscle
mass. In fact, small studies suggest it may help
with abdominal fat loss. Because testosterone
does fuel prostate cancer growth, you should
be screened before starting on this hormone.
However, it has been definitively proven that the
treatment does not cause prostate cancer. Talk
to your doctor about testing your hormone levels and supplementing with topical testosterone.
I do not recommend oral testosterone, as it may
harm the liver, and, according to some research,
injected testosterone is associated with a greater
risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalizations,
and deaths.

2. If you prefer not to use hormone replacement at all, consider phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds with
mild estrogenic activity in the human body.
Although they are very weak, phytoestrogens are not only therapeutic when hormone
levels are low, as in menopause, but they
also protect against conditions related to
high estrogen exposure, such as breast cancer. This is because they fill estrogen receptor sites, including those in the breasts, and
prevent stronger, potentially harmful estrogens from occupying those receptor sites.
Herbs that have mild estrogenic activity
include:

Here are just a few benefits of boosting agerelated testosterone depletion:

Increased energy and endurance

Better mood, focus, and motivation

Stronger bone density

More muscle mass and less body fat

Enhanced libido and erectile function

Reduced insulin resistance and inflammation

Improved vascular health, blood lipids, and

heart function

Black cohosh is an herb native to North

America that has been used by American
Indians for a number of medicinal purposes, including pain relief during menstruation and childbirth. Extracts of this
herb have been used extensively in Germany as a natural alternative for menopausal symptoms for more than 50years.
Black cohosh is well tolerated and has no
toxicity when used in therapeutic doses.
A good brand is Enzymatic Therapys
Remifemin. Use as directed.
Dong quai is an herb used in traditional
Oriental medicine. Although there
are few controlled clinical studies on
dong quai, its uses are legendary. Its
been used for a wide variety of female

are associated with oral estrogen. Furthermore, while oral estrogen/progestin tends
to increase fat and decrease lean body
mass, transdermal estrogen is associated

40

Side Effects May Include: fatal heart attacks

and arrhythmias, tingling, burning, feeling of
numbness, tightness, pressure in chest, sore
throat, abdominal pain, redness at site of injection, dizziness, mouth and tongue discomfort,
weakness, neck pain, sleepiness, and sweating.
People have died from heart attacks and suffered cardiac rhythm problems within one hour
after using an injected form of triptans. In addition, cerebral hemorrhage and stroke have been
reported and have resulted in some fatalities.
These drugs are not for those with a history of
heart attack, hypertension, or angina. In fact,
doctors are advised not to use them in males
over 40, postmenopausal women, or people with
a family history of heart disease. Dont use if
you are taking MAO inhibitors.

conditions, including menstrual cramps

and abnormal periods, pregnancy, childbirth, and hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Its safe, and its only
documented side effect is increased sensitivity to the sun in a very few individuals. Extracts vary, so use as directed.

Migraine Headaches
Migraines can make your life a misery. Just
ask any of the 14 million Americans who suffer
with these excruciating headaches, which are
characterized by recurrent pain, usually on
one side of the head, and often accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
Migraines are notoriously difficult to manage.
One reason is because nobody really knows
why some people get migraines, although
theyre believed to be related to inflammation
and dilation of blood vessels in the brain.

Recommendations for
Preventing Migraines Naturally
Note: These recommendations will help
prevent headaches, but will not relieve a fullblown migraine.

I know of no natural cure for a full-blown

migraine, and the suggestions below for preventing these headaches dont work for everyone. But they have helped many of my patients
and are certainly worth a try.

1. Identify food allergies and other triggers.

Common culprits include milk, wheat,
chocolate, food additives, aspartame, tomatoes, and fish. Chocolate, cheese, beer, and
wine may bring on migraines because
of compounds called vasoactive amines,
which causes the blood vessels to expand.
Eliminating trigger foods may eliminate
migraines. Other common triggers are eyestrain, muscle tension, poor posture, and
inadequate or excessive sleep. In women, the
onset of a migraine is often associated with
hormonal changes, such as menstruation,
ovulation, or the use of birth control pills.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Migraine Headaches
Researchers arent really sure how Imitrex
and other triptans relieve headaches. They do
constrict blood vessels in the brain, but they
may work by some other mechanism. In any
case, although they dont prevent migraines,
many patients swear by these medicines for
relief of painful headaches. They do, however,
have some potentially serious side effects.
That said, its understandable why anyone in
the throes of an attack would take a drug
regardless of its side effectsto stop the pain.

2. Make sure youre getting 5001,000 mg of

magnesium daily from your diet and supplements. Research has shown that individuals who experience frequent migraines are
likely to have low levels of magnesium in
the brain.

Triptans
almotriptan (Axert)
frovatriptan (Frova)

3. Add fish oil capsules to your daily supplement regimen. Omega-3 essential fatty acids
block the production of inflammatory prostaglandins while increasing the production

rizatriptan (Maxalt)
sumatriptan (Alsuma, Imitrex, Zecuity)
zolmitriptan (Zomig)

41

of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They

also enhance blood flow by making the
blood less sticky. Take 2 capsules of fish oil
a day for migraine prevention, or up to 6
capsules a day if you are prone to frequent
migraines.

risk factors speed loss and impede natural bone

repair and rebuilding.
The current prescription drugs for treating
osteoporosis arent very impressive. However,
my biggest beef is how Big Pharma and doctors
push these meds on people who have no business taking them. The target market is younger
women with osteopenia. Osteopenia is a
pseudo-disease that simply describes lower
bone density than age-matched controls. These
women are healthy, their bone mass is not critically low, they have never had a fracture, nor
are they at great risk of having one. Nevertheless, doctors dont hesitate to write prescriptions
for expensive drugs that these low-risk women
will be taking for the rest of their lives
willingly exposing them to degeneration of the
jawbone, atypical fractures of the thigh bone,
irritation and ulceration of the esophagus, bone
and muscle pain, and increased risk of atrial
fibrillation, to mention just a few of the adverse
effects that have surfaced so far.

4. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) modulates the production of prostaglandins and

reduces inflammation, which can contribute
to the onset of migraines. For prevention,
take 150 mg of feverfew, daily, for four to six
months. If your symptoms have not gone
away after completing a course of feverfew,
its probably not going to work for you.
5. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) relaxes smooth
muscles in the blood vessels and inhibits
inflammation. In a German study involving 60 migraine sufferers, butterbur extract
reduced the frequency of migraine attacks
by 60 percent compared to placebo. Sixteen
percent of those given butterbur experienced
no migraines at all during the final eight
weeks of this 12-week study.

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Osteoporosis

6. Talk to your doctor about taking a low-dose

beta-blocker as a preventive. Metoprolol,
propranolol, and timolol all have proven
effectiveness in reducing the number and
severity of migraines. A friend of mine was
started on 100 mg of metoprolol per day for
an unrelated condition, and her migraines,
which were occurring about three times a
month, disappeared. Its not for everyone,
and beta-blockers are contraindicated for
some people, but when it works, it really
works. (Read more about beta-blockers in
the section on Hypertension.)

If you have osteoporosis, its likely that

your doctor has talked to you about Fosamax,
Actonel, Boniva, or Reclast. But the truth is
bisphosphonates arent very effective. Advertisements say they reduce the risk of fracture
by 50 percent, but thats just a statistical spin.
In a widely cited study, Fosamax decreased the
likelihood of fracture from 2.2 to 1.1 percent.
Yes, thats a relative risk reduction of 50percent.
But in terms of absolute risk reductionthe
far more important considerationits only a
1.1percent drop. The number needed to treat
(NNT) in order to prevent just one fracture is
100. The other 99? Theyd be better offa lot
better offtaking a placebo.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that
affects 10 million Americans over age 50. One
in three older women and one in five men will
eventually sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture. The most common type, spinal or compression fractures, may lead to stooping, loss
of height, and pain; and hip fractures can have
devastating consequences. While some loss of
bone density is a normal part of aging, inactivity, nutrient deficiencies, and other modifiable

Bisphosphonates
alendronate (Fosamax)
ibandronate (Boniva)
risedronate (Actonel)
zoledronic acid (Reclast)

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Side Effects May Include: bone, joint, muscle,

and back pain, weakness, indigestion, dizziness, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, degeneration of the jawbone, atypical fractures of
the thigh bone, irritation and ulceration of the
esophagus, increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
Oral bisphosphonates are not recommended for
patients with any abnormalities of the esophagus that delay esophageal emptying, those
unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30
minutes, those with low blood levels of calcium,
or those with severe kidney disease.

Urinary Tract Infections

Most women will experience the discomfort of
a urinary tract infection (UTI) at least once in their
lives. UTIs are caused by a migration of bacteria into
the bladder. Although bacteria are usually flushed
out with urination, they sometimes anchor to the
bladder walls and proliferate, leading to telltale
symptoms of burning and pain. The good news is
there are proven natural therapies for both preventing and treating these common infections.
If youre prone to UTIs, make sure you drink
plenty of water, 10 to 12 glasses per day, to promote urination and flush out bacteria. You should
also make cranberry juice or supplements part of
your daily regimen. Cranberry contains compounds
that bind to bacteria and prevent them from attaching to the bladder walls. Be aware that most brands
of cranberry juice contain a lot of sugar. You can
find pure cranberry juice in your health food store,
but youll probably want to dilute it and sweeten it
with stevia. In my opinion, its easier to take a concentrated cranberry extract. (Look for a brand that
contains a standardized extract, such as Cran-Max,
and take as directed.) If you come down with a UTI,
I recommend D-mannose. This sugar, naturally
found in cranberries and other fruits and berries,
inhibits bacteria from sticking to the walls of the
bladder. At the first sign of symptoms, mix one teaspoon in water and drink every three to four waking
hours; continue for three days.

Recommendations for
Preventing and Treating
Osteoporosis Naturally
1. Exercise your way to stronger bones. Stress
or strain on bones stimulates the formation
of new bone. Studies show that an exercise
program can increase bone mass by five to
10 percentand even more in those with
low bone mass to begin with. Although
weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking and jogging is ideal for maintaining
bone mass, more strenuous exercise may be
needed to actually increase bone density. If
youre battling osteoporosis, I recommend
at least two sessions of weight training a
week. Have an exercise instructor at your
local gym show you how to start with small
weights you can use at home.
2. A healthy diet promotes stronger bones.
Standout foods include dairy, leafy greens,
sardines, and soy, and recent research suggests omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene in tomatoes, and polyphenols in tea, citrus, olives,
berries, and grapes also preserve bone
integrity. Protein is important as well, but
dont go overboard; aim for 2530 grams per
meal. Whey is a good supplemental protein
source, and a whey-derived supplement
called milk basic protein was shown in a sixmonth study to lower markers of bone loss
and increase bone density.

requires an array of micronutrients. Calcium, of course, is key as are vitamins D,

K, and C, magnesium, zinc, boron, silicon,
and other trace minerals. Daily doses of
bone-building supplements include calcium
1,000mg, magnesium 500 mg, vitamin K2
(preferably as MK-7) 100150 mg, zinc 30 mg,
boron 6 mg, silicon (orthosilicic acid ) 10 mg,
and milk basic protein 40 mg (see #2). Vitamin D is particularly important. Government guidelines say that doses lower than
400 IU (the amount in many multivitamins)
do little to prevent fractures, and I agree.
Most of my patients require 5,00010,000 IU
in order to maintain protective blood levels
of 5080 ng/mL.

3. Take a high-dose multivitamin plus bonebuilding supplements. Your bones are

vigorous living tissue that are constantly
remodeling. In order to do this, your body

43

4. For more significant bone loss, I recommend

strontium, a trace mineral routinely used
in Europe but largely ignored here. Clinical
trials on strontiums efficacy and safety are
impressive. In a Belgian study, women with
osteoporosis who had taken strontium for
10 years had continuously increased lumbar
bone density, and their incidence of fractures was 3538percent lower than a control
group. The usual dose is 681 mg per day.
Strontium must be taken on an empty stomach (at bedtime or two hours after eating) as
calcium interferes with its absorption.

drugs. The FDA warns that high doses and

long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
such as Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec are
associated with nutrient deficiencies, fractures, anemia, pneumonia, and Clostridium difficile infections. Excessive use of H2 blockers
(Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid) can also cause problems, including constipation, diarrhea, aluminum toxicity, and serious mineral imbalances.
(See the section on GERD to read more about
these medications.)

Drugs Commonly Recommended

to Treat Ulcers

5. Consider bioidentical hormone replacement

therapy. Estrogen, testosterone, and human
growth hormone play crucial roles in bone
health in both men and women, and agerelated declines are a well-recognized factor
in bone lossanother reason why bioidentical hormone replacement is a popular
therapy at Whitaker Wellness (see the section on Menopause to learn more). Another
hormone that facilitates bone remodeling
is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA
does not require a prescription and is sold
in health food stores. The suggested dose
is 25 mg per day for women and 50 mg
formen.

Triple Therapy
Triple therapy is the standard of care for
stomach ulcers, and studies suggest that a
two-week course works for 80 to 95 percent of
patients. Because it is effective at eradicating
H.pylori and healing ulcers, I would not hesitate to recommend it for my patients. If you do
undergo this treatment, make sure you take
probiotics during your treatment course and for
at least two or three weeks afterwards.
bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
plus the antibiotics tetracycline and
metronidazole

Ulcers

Recommendations for Treating

Ulcers Naturally

Peptic ulcersopen sores on the lining of

the stomach, duodendum (upper small intestine), or esophagusused to be blamed on
stress and spicy foods. We now know theyre
caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), spiralshaped bacteria that burrow through the protective mucosa and trigger inflammation and
ulcers. Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and other
NSAIDs also play a role because they block
an enzyme that suppresses the production of
gastric mucus, making the stomach much more
vulnerable to damage.

1. Get tested for the bacteria H. pylori, especially if you are experiencing signs of acute
bleeding such as black stools, sweating, and
dizziness upon rising. If you test positive,
begin triple therapy at once. Although I am
against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics,
this is the most appropriate treatment for
ulcers. While taking the antibiotics, I recommend you take a probiotic supplement.
2. Drink a glass or two of water when you
have stomach pain or 30 minutes before
meals. This dilutes stomach acids and may
ease discomfort.

Ulcers are treated with a short course of

antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs. Its an
effective approach, but thanks to antibiotic
resistance, it doesnt work as well as it used to.
Therefore, many patients have recurrences or
end up on extended courses of acid-reducing

3. Take deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

DGL enhances normal defense mechanisms

44

that prevent ulcer formation by increasing the amount and quality of the mucous
membranes that line the stomach. Treating
gastrointestinal problems with DGL has no
side effects. If you have an ulcer, chew three
or four tablets 20minutes before each meal,
and at bedtime. For prevention of ulcers and
general improvement and maintenance of
the gastrointestinal tract, one or two tablets two or three times a day (before meals)
should suffice.

some time before you notice results, but Im convinced that if you stick with the recommended
therapies and make positive lifestyle changes,
you will significantly enhance your general
health and well-being.

Resources
Therapies: EECP, hyperbaric oxygen, chelation,
prolotherapy, IV vitamin C, stem cell therapy,
and the other clinic-based modalities discussed
in this report are the primary treatments at
Dr.Whitakers clinic. To learn more about
becoming a patient at Whitaker Wellness, call
(800) 488-1500 or visit whitakerwellness.com.
To look for facilities that offer these therapies in
your area:

4. Take a good daily multivitamin. Zinc is particularly important, as its been shown to
protect against NSAIDs harsh effectsand
to work as well as some drugs in reducing
the size and symptoms of duodenal ulcers.
The recommended daily dose of zinc is
30mg.

EECP: For information on Enhanced External

Counterpulsation (EECP), call Vasomedical at
(800) 455-3327 or eecp.com.

In Summary
This report should empower you to talk
with your doctor about decreasing and possibly
even eliminating the prescription drugs you
presently take. Its important to remember that
natural therapies are not a quick fix. It may take

Prolotherapy: For a list of names of doctors

skilled in prolotherapy, contact the American
Association of Orthopaedic Medicine at
aaomed.org.

Referrals and Information

For a referral to an acupuncturist
near you:
American Association of
Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine
aaaomonline.org
For a national directory of
naturopathic physicians who
specialize in herbal medicine:
American Association of
Naturopathic Physicians
naturopathic.org

For help finding holistic resources

in your area:
Academy of Integrative Health
&Medicine
aihm.org
For compounding pharmacies in
your area:
International Academy of
Compounding Pharmacists
iacprx.org
For information on homeopathy:
National Center for
Homeopathy
nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org

45

For referrals to physicians who

prescribe bioidentical hormones:
American Academy of
Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
worldhealth.net
For referrals to physicians with
expertise in IV and chelation
therapy, nutritional medicine, and
bioidentical hormones:
American College for
Advancement in Medicine
acam.org

Dr. Whitakers Books and Other

Publications

Chelation and IV Vitamin C: To find a physician in your area who offers chelation therapy,
visit acam.org. Many ACAM members are also
proficient in nutritional medicine and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

In addition to Health & Healing and numerous special reports, Dr. Whitaker has authored
or co-authored 13 books, including:

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement: To locate

a physician with expertise in bioidentical hormones, contact the American Academy of AntiAging Medicine (A4M) at worldhealth.net.

The Mini-Fast Diet

The Whitaker Wellness Weight Loss Plan
Reversing Diabetes Cookbook
Reversing Diabetes
Reversing Heart Disease
Quick and Easy Recipes for Vibrant Living
Reversing Hypertension
The Memory Solution
Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks
The Pain Relief Breakthrough
Is Heart Surgery Necessary?
Dr. Whitakers Guide to Natural Healing
Reversing Health Risks

Recommended Prescription Drugs: Dilantin,

LDN, topical ketamine, and inhaled glutathione
must be prescribed by a physician. The best
way for physicians to learn more about these
drugs is to contact a compounding pharmacy.
For referrals, call the International Academy of
Compounding Pharmacists at (800) 927-4227 or
visit iacprx.org.

Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic, Inc.

4321 Birch Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660, Phone: (800) 488-1500 or (949) 851-1550
www.whitakerwellness.com
The Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic
offers one-, two-, and three-week Back to Health
Programs that provide:

One-on-one physician consultations

Comprehensive medical testing

Safe, effective natural therapies for a wide

range of health conditions, including
hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease

In addition, the clinic offers a full range of

outpatient services, including general physical
exams and consultations, second opinions to drugs
and surgery, medical testing, and unique therapeutic
modalities such as EDTA chelation, Enhanced
External Counterpulsation (EECP), and hyperbaric
oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Lectures and workshops on the latest in

medical and nutritional research
Targeted exercise programs
Healthy gourmet meals

Sophisticated individualized nutritional

supplementation programs

Techniques for stress reduction

46

drwhitaker.com
Visit Dr. Whitakers website. In addition to the latest
medical news, youll find:

Answers to your most frequently asked

health questions

Solutions for your most pressing health concerns

Frequent articles and updates on the latest

medical news and advancements

Dr. Whitakers top nutritional

recommendations

Stop in and start feeling better today!

6710A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817

Healthy Directions

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without written permission of the publisher.

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