This is the first in a series of articles about alternatives to common pharmaceutical medications.

There are situations when antibiotics are necessary and sometimes life-saving. Severe infections of the nervous system, kidneys, blood, and lungs require antibiotics. But common respiratory and ear infections, for example, do not need antibiotics.  Most of these are caused by viruses anyway, so antibiotics will have no benefit. And antibiotics can cause significant adverse health effects, including setting the body up for future infections. Antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria that discourage infections. Antibiotics also have a suppressing effect on the immune system, especially whilte blood cell productions and the body’s own ability to fight infection. In addition, overuse of antibiotics and exposure to antibiotics through the food we eat has led to bacterial resistance. Then antibiotics are ineffective in fighting infections and we have to move to stronger antibiotics with even more side effects.

A better way

A much better solution is to use antiviral and antibacterial herbs and supplements to fight infections. So at the first sign of a virus take a Chinese Herbal Yin Chiao (pronounced “chow”) formula. There are also children’s liquid versions of this formula (Children’s Clear and Release by Golden Flower and Yin Chiao Jr by Health Concerns and). Windbreaker by Kan Herbs is a similar formula. Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also an excellent antiviral and safe for children. It is available in liquid extracts for children. Echinacea is sometimes helpful to stimulate white blood cell production as well. These are all available at many health food stores or on the Internet.

For any infections take liquid silver, vitamin C (children can take Emergen-C powder, vitamin A (10,000-50,000 IU), and increase your vitamin D to at least 10,000 IU (children can take 4,000-5,000 during infections).

Use homeopathic Belladonna pellets for any type of acute inflammation and infection, whether it’s a fever, red sore throat, earache, or skin infection. If colds develop with congestion then switch to Pulsatilla. And for flus with chills, aching muscles, and extreme tiredness take Gelsemium. Homeopathic medicines are always safe for children as well.

Stock up on these supplements for the winter season. Keep them available and start taking them at the first sign of infection.

These presentations were delivered by Dr. Neustaedter. The notes are available here as reference for attendees.

Cabo – Holistic Pediatrics for Parents (ppt)

Cabo – Immune System (ppt)

For everyone – I hope your new year has gotten off to a great start and your resolution is to achieve optimum health this year through healthy eating and exercise. I have plans to continue sending regular health guides to you about breaking news and easy alternatives to treat illness and create good health. Watch for the new series about alternatives to drug treatment starting later this week.

For patients – I will be out of the country, lecturing in Mexico next week. If you need any supplements or medicines before then, come into the office.

I wish you all a wonderful year filled with the best of everything. And I will be there to help you achieve your goals.

http://www.yipi.me/ interviews Dr. Randy Neustaedter from http://cure-guide.com/ as he shares insights on holistic and traditional approaches to health.

At this time of year when we give thanks and gifts I would encourage everyone to thank their favorite practitioners by writing a Yelp review and sending them a testimonial. This is an excellent way to guide other health care consumers to find practitioners they can trust. Many people are finding it hard to justify spending money on health care, but they are also seeking holistic care in unprecedented numbers. You can encourage them by recommending practitioners you rely on for your own health care. Writing a Yelp review is one of the best ways for you to express your thanks and ensure that your high opinion of your trusted medical providers is communicated to others.

Your holistic doctors need your support, whether they are chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, or holistic physicians. Your massage therapists, midwives, nutritionists, personal trainers, coaches, and everyone on your health care team need to hear your thanks and gratitude.

The holistic health care movement is a groundswell of monumental proportions. But make no mistake, the full power of the pharmaceutical industry aligned with the FDA and government health committees have no love for your access to holistic care, natural remedies, or nutritional supplements. Your access to these forms of treatment is constantly threatened. Legislation, FDA rulings, and international laws are all being designed to limit your ability to seek alternative care. We all need to join together to preserve everyone’s access to holistic medicine and make sure that the field thrives. All of us can support the holistic medical world by opposing legislation that promotes only the conventional medical model.

Support your own health care practitioners. Take a moment to write a Yelp review that will guide others to the best sources of health care outside the allopathic medical world. You know who those practitioners are. You have researched the best providers for yourself and your family. Share that information with others and help build others’ support network in their quest for health and the best medical care for their families.

For my patients you can write a Yelp review by clicking on the following address. Send it to me as well and I will post it on my website also.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/neustaedter-randall-omd-lac-redwood-city

Three of the most widely used screening tests in medicine have taken a hit lately and been cast into disfavor or abandoned.

Prostate Cancer

The Prostate Specific  Antigen (PSA) test has been condemned as useless in saving lives and accused of leading to unnecessary surgical interventions. This test, which had previously been popular as a screening tool for prostate cancer in men over 50, is now reviled. It not only does not reveal cancers that lead to loss of life, but it leads to unnecessary biopsies and surgeries that can result in impotence and incontinence. It is no longer recommended.

Breast Cancer

Mammograms have also run aground amidst accusations that they cause the very problem they are intended to prevent – breast cancer. The radiation risk from repeated mammograms puts women at a higher risk of getting breast cancer, not a very good trade-off when alternatives are available. And mammograms too lead to aggressive treatment which may not be necessary in many cases. A better testing tool is breast thermography, which detects heat changes from abnormal tissue growth. Thermography does not involve any exposure to radiation.

Colon Cancer

And now colonoscopies have been questioned as well. An editorial in the Nov. 9, 2011 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that colonoscopy as a screening tool has not been adequately investigated for benefits and harms. Colonoscopy is expensive and prone to overdiagnosis and overtreatment as well. The primary result of colonoscopies is the removal of benign polyps, which are not cancerous. A better strategy, these authors suggest, may be to screen for blood in the stool with a simple test and perhaps perform limited flexible sigmoidoscopy before recommending a full colonoscopy. The strategy of screening for blood and performing a sigmoidoscopy has been shown in controlled studies to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, but no additional benefit has been shown from performing an additional colonoscopy.

True Prevention

Perhaps our focus should shift from unproven, expensive, and invasive screening tests to a strategy of prevention with supportive measures. Certainly limiting alcohol and tobacco use are proven methods of reducing cancer risk. Avoiding known carcinogens in the form of petrochemicals in household products, pesticides in foods, and skin care products (soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, deodorants) makes sense. Eating a primarily whole foods diet with minimal amounts of processed food products will provide essential vitamins and minerals. A diet focusing on plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with clean, preferably organic protein sources is ideal. A program of regular exercise is also essential for maintaining a resilient immune system.

Supplements

Vitamin D supplementation is probably the most important single measure for preventing these cancers. A sensible strategy is to take 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day and then testing 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels to make sure this an adequate dose. Levels should be in the range of 40-100.

Taking antioxidant supplements is another preventive measure that can help avoid abnormal tissue growth and the deleterious effects of aging on cells. A potent antioxidant program could include resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid (or r-lipoic acid), astaxanthin, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and n-acetyl-cysteine (a precursor of the body’s own antioxidant glutathione).  Taking a high quality multi-vitamin supplement can also supply the cofactors necessary for detoxification and prevention of oxidation in the body’s tissues, supporting healthy organ function.

Winter cold and flu viruses can cause annoying, debilitating, or even dangerous symptoms. Fortunately, there are ways to head off colds and prevent complications.

If you think you may have been exposed to a virus, for example someone sneezes on you, one of your kids has a cold, or you shake hands with someone who is coughing, you can use xylitol nasal spray (Xlear) to ward off the cold. Xylitol inhibits the reproduction of viruses and bacteria.

The initial symptoms of a viral illness may include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, foggy thinking, tiredness, aching muscles, headache, and fever with chills. As soon as you get any of these symptoms start taking vitamin C and elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra). Elderberry is available in liquid extracts and syrups that children can take, or as tablets or capsules, often combined with Echinacea. Elderberry is an antiviral herb that has been proven to reduce the symptoms of colds and flus, and Echinacea stimulates white blood cell production to encourage the body’s fight against infection. The easiest form of vitamin C for children to take is Emergen-C flavored, powder packets, which also contain vitamin A, zinc, and elderberry. Avoid using chewable vitamin C, which can eat away tooth enamel. Colloidal silver or a liquid silver in water preparation (Silvercillin by Designs for Health) will provide additional antiviral support.

Yin Qiao is the premier Chinese herbal formula for treating the initial stages of colds and flu. Gan Mao Ling is a stronger formula for treating flu. These herbal formulas can be found in many health food stores in tablet or capsule form. Follow the directions on the label. Children’s doses are usually half the adult dose. Health Concerns makes a combination Yin Qiao and Gan Mao Ling tablet (Cold Away), as well as a Yin Qiao Jr liquid extract. Other manufacturers make similar products for children, for example Chinese Medicine Works’ Windbreaker, available through Amazon and other online retailers.

The most commonly indicated homeopathic medicine for the first stage of colds with watery nasal discharge is Allium cepa. Children often respond well to homeopathic Pulsatilla, especially if the nasal discharge is becoming a little thicker.

If a cold or flu is followed by continuing congestion or cough, then Chinese herbal decongestant formulas or cough formulas may be needed. For the treatment of these secondary symptoms seek out a Chinese herbalist, a homeopath, or a holistic or naturopathic doctor.

Every year studies are conducted evaluating the effectiveness of flu vaccines. Every few years the Cochrane Collaboration reviews the scientific literature on the effectiveness of flu vaccines. And every review shows that flu vaccines are relatively ineffective. Despite these findings, vaccine manufacturers and government committees continue to recommend flu vaccines for the entire population.

The July 2010 Cochrane Database Review of 50 studies of flu vaccine use in healthy adults showed once again that these vaccines are not effective for those adults (Jefferson 2010). This confirms a previous review from 2007. That review looked at 274 studies. Both these reviews revealed that flu vaccine had no effect on complications such as pneumonia or on hospital admissions. And flu vaccine reduced the symptoms of illness by only a modest one percent. The authors of these reviews make an interesting observation. Industry-funded studies were more likely to be cited by other articles and the media. And publicly-funded studies were much less likely to show results favorable to vaccines. Don’t forget that if a vaccine manufacturer study does not show the results that the industry wants, they will discard the study.

The authors also note widespread misrepresentation of the conclusions that were reached in these reviews. They berate official government articles that misquote their findings to justify actions previously taken to recommend flu vaccines. Articles from the Centers for Disease Control that quote the Cochrane reviews misrepresent the efficacy of the flu vaccine to serve an agenda that promotes the use of these vaccines. Their conclusion: “The CDC authors clearly do not weight interpretation by quality of the evidence, but quote anything that supports their theory.”

The final conclusion of these authors is that their results should discourage the use of flu vaccine in healthy adults as a routine health measure.

Previous reviews of other age groups have shown similar ineffectiveness of the flu vaccine. The vaccine is ineffective in babies and in the elderly. The Cochrane review of flu vaccines in children less than two years of age showed the vaccine had no protective effect compared to placebo (Jefferson 2008). Similarly in the elderly, who are more susceptible to complications of the flu, studies were unable to show effectiveness (Rivetti 2006).

Finally, the flu vaccine itself causes notable adverse effects. For example the swine flu vaccine campaign of 1976 was halted because of a significant incidence of paralysis as a direct effect of the vaccine. This was an H1N1 vaccine similar to the swine flu H1N1 vaccine that is included in this year’s flu shots. And the new H1N1 vaccine is showing similar problems.

There are much more effective ways to prevent the flu. Taking immune system enhancers such as vitamins A and D supplements and medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps, reishi and shiitake, as well as lactoferrin and immunoglobulins contained in whey powder or colostrum will maintain a strong immune system. All of these supplements are available at most health food stores. There are also excellent natural treatments for the flu (Neustaedter 2005).

References

Jefferson T O, Rivetti D, Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, and Demicheli V.. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 (2): CD001269.

Jefferson,T O, Rivetti A, Harnden A, Di Pietrantonj C, and Demicheli V.. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008 (2): CD004879.

Jefferson,T O, Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, Bawazeer GA, Al-Ansary LA, Ferroni E. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010 (7): CD001269.

Neustaedter R. FLU: Alternative Treatments and Prevention. 2005. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA.

Rivetti D, Jefferson T, Thomas R, Rudin M, Rivetti A, Di Pietrantonj C, and Demicheli V.. Vaccines for preventing influenza in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 (3): CD004876.

Do you have relatives or friends who have received a diagnosis of cancer, and now you are really worried? Or have you or your loved ones gone through cancer treatment and personally seen the dire effects of conventional treatment?

It is time to develop a cancer prevention plan for yourself and your family.

This is not a difficult task. It involves attention to diet and lifestyle, elimination of toxins in your life, and a simple nutritional supplement program.

Diet.

First, your diet should be as clean as possible. Eat whole foods, the way they come from nature, and limit processed foods. Read ingredient labels on packaged foods and avoid preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. Eat organic foods when possible, especially fruits, that tend to be heavily sprayed with pesticides, and animal products.

Chemicals.

Avoid exposure to petrochemicals. Many household products and personal care products contain synthetic chemicals made from petroleum. These chemicals are hormone disruptors and carcinogens. The list includes laundry detergents, household cleaners, dishwasher and dish soaps, air fresheners, shampoos, skin moisturizers, toothpaste, perfumes, and cosmetics. The list goes on. My advice is to buy organic personal care products and environmentally friendly household cleaners. And never use pesticides in your home or yard. If you smoke cigarettes, figure out a way to stop right now. Don’t wait. Cigarette smoking will cause cancer, no matter how much you deny it. Drink alcohol in moderation, as little as possible. Alcohol in any form will increase your risk of many types of cancer.

Exercise.

Make sure that an exercise program is part of your weekly regimen. Schedule exercise on your calendar and stick to your program. You will feel more alert, experience better moods, and enjoy more refreshing sleep. You will remain more fit and keep off unwanted fat.

Relaxation.

Make sure that you do activities that are enjoyable and fun. You need personal rejuvenation and relaxation to counter the inevitable stress that accompanies pursuing your goals and projects and occupation.

Supplements.

Finally, your supplement program needs to contains adequate antioxidants. The strongest, state of the art antioxidants are astaxanthin, resveratrol, alpha lipoc acid (or r-lipoic acid), reduced liposomal glutathione (or its precursor n-acetyl-cysteine). Make a list of these and seek them out at your health food store or online. You can add immune activators like medicinal mushroom formulas, or modified citrus pectin, that have been shown to prevent and treat cancer. As we age our bodies inevitably undergo cellular damage. This damage needs to be repaired and abnormal cell growth kept in check. At the same time our bodies produce less natural antioxidants as we age.

And don’t forget vitamin D3 for healthy immune function.

Following this program is your best protection from cancer. Don’t worry about cancer, take action to prevent it. If you have had cancer in the past, then this program is even more important for you to live a long and happy life.

Governor Jerry Brown has just signed an unprecedented bill into law that allows 12-year-old children in California to choose for themselves whether they want to get an HPV vaccine (Gardasil) without their parents’ consent.

This vaccine is intended to prevent human papilloma virus infection, a sexually transmitted disease associated with cervical cancer. Boys and girls are both being targeted to receive the vaccine without their parents’ knowledge. However, the vaccine is questionably effective and is also associated with some devastating adverse effects. More than 100 young girls have died suddenly from acute heart attacks and blood clots following the shot. Thousands of girls have suffered permanent disabilities, which also began soon after receiving the controversial shot.

The rationale for this new law is that teens are already empowered to seek treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and medical care for contraceptives, pregnancy, and abortion without parental consent.

Opponents of the bill have voiced concerns that children are not qualified to make the choice about receiving a vaccine that has the potential for very serious side effects. They may not receive full disclosure about the vaccine’s potential for harm, or adequate information about safer alternatives. Condoms will prevent infection with HPV and provide protection from the risk of cervical cancer from this virus without any adverse effects.

I urge parents to discuss this vaccine with their children. Share the stories about girls whose lives have been ended or ruined after receiving this shot. It may mean the difference between life and death for your child. This is an opportunity to discuss sexual activity and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Encourage your children to take responsibility for their decisions and beware of vaccines pushed on them by medical providers.

For more information about the Gardasil vaccine, see the National Vaccine Information Center website at http://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases/hpv.aspx or www.TruthAboutGardasil.org.