Regular, moderately intense exercise is a powerful preventative. The satisfaction of achieving something, and seeing an improvement in muscle tone and fitness, increases your sense of self worth (Behavioural Modification, 1994; 18: 171-185), and studies have clearly linked exercise with a positive outlook (J Psychosomatic Res, 1993; 37: 565-574; Psychology and Health, 1993; 8: 89-99).

Dance therapy has a positive effect on the body image and general outlook of Parkinson’s patients (Am J Dance Ther, 1989; 11: 27-38), and it is quite likely that other neuropsychiatric disorders may see similar benefits. It has showed a strong positive effect, both physically and mentally, in young children and their mothers, whose troubled background involved abuse (The Arts in Psychotherapy, 1991; 18: 3).

Yoga has been found to help treat epilepsy, as well as to improve the social adjustment, and increase the IQ, of mentally retarded children (J Menta Defic Res, 1989; 33: 415-21). Geriatric patients also found yoga improved their concentration, memory, learning ability and sense of contentment (Activities Adaptation in Ageing, 1987; 9: 61-8).

However, exercise must be carefully introduced into your lifestyle if you are also receiving therapy that affects the body’s chemistry such as special diets or drugs that alter the blood sugar level.

Food sensitivities or other environmental elements can be the cause of a person’s mental unwellness with symptoms like aggression, depression, withdrawal and hypersensitivity to touch, sound or smell. If you suspect a single type of food, avoid it for 10 days, and then reintroduce it. The answer is self evident if the symptoms abate, but recur upon reintroduction. Professional help will be needed when several foods and/or environmental chemicals, such as garden pesticides, are suspected (W Rea, Chemical Sensitivity, Dallas: Lewis, 1992-1997).

Schizophrenia is thought to be a biomedical disease caused by adrenochrome (produced by the oxidation of adrenaline). Vitamin B3 inhibits the formation of adrenaline and vitamin C tends to block the oxidative process of adrenaline to adrenochrome (A Hoffer, M Walker, Putting It All Together: The New Orthomolecular Nutrition, New Canaan; Keats: 1996). Orthomolecular psychiatrists have prescribed nutrient supplements in doses far above the “recommended daily allowances” for schizophrenics. This approach has seen dramatic results, but should only be undertaken with the guidance of a qualified professional.

One form of self therapy is music. It influences our emotions and triggers responses in various areas of the brain. Respiration, heartbeat, coordination and our basic emotions are measurably affected. One study showed 93 per cent of patients were cured of their depression through auditory stimulation (G Berard, Hearing Equals Behaviour, New Canaan: Keats, 1993).

Ginkgo biloba which has been around for over 200 million years is an obvous first choice in treating the problems of old age. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) affects the blood system and, above all, improves mental performance, neural transmission and even hearing loss. GBE has been researched extensively; a meta analysis, covering more than 40 clinical studies of GBE in the treatment of cerebral insufficiency, concluded that GBE is clearly effective in reducing all dementia symptoms, including impaired mental function (Br J Clin Pharmacol, 1992; 43: 352-8).

!AHarald Gaier

Registered naturopath, homoeopath and osteopath

The enzymes we need to break down and digest milk are renin and lactase. By the age of four, many of us lose the ability to digest lactose because we can no longer synthesize the digestive enzyme lactose. This lactose intolerance results in diarrhea, flatulence and stomach cramps. Some 90 per cent of adult Asian and black people, and 20 per cent of Caucasian children, are lactose intolerant.

The level of the protein casein in cows’ milk is 300 times higher than in human breast milk, which is predominantly made up of the protein lactalbumin, which is easily digestible by babies. Nature has designed the milk of each animal species specifically to meet the needs of its young. Casein is intended to be broken down by the four stomach digestive system of baby cows. In human stomachs, it coagulates and forms large, tough, dense, difficult to digest curds. When the protein of another animal is introduced into the body, it may cause an allergic reaction (Journal of Allergy, 41: 226, 1968), the most common symptoms of which are chronic runny nose, persistent sore throat, hoarseness, bronchitis and recurrent ear infections. The mucus membranes lining the joints and lungs can become swollen or inflamed, contributing to rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Some babies are so sensitive that they can react badly to the cows’ milk that their breast feeding mother ingests. In one study, breast fed babies were found to react to foods eaten by their mother, mainly cows’ milk and eggs, and once the mother stopped eating these, the baby’s symptoms cleared up (David Freed, ed, Health Hazards of Milk, Baslliere Tindall 1984). Cows’ milk can also clog the arteries of young children and babies. A pathologist in Derbyshire, England, noted that out of 16 cot deaths, the only baby with normal arteries was the one who was breast fed (reference, as above).

One of the most outspoken opponents of dairy products, US Dr William A Ellis says: “Over my 42 years of practice, I’ve performed more than 25,000 blood tests for my patients. These tests show conclusively, in my opinion, that adults who use milk products do not absorb nutrients as well as adults who don’t. Of course, poor absorption, in turn, means chronic fatigue” (Healthview Newsletter, Virginia, spring 1978).

Milk actively blocks absorption of iron from other sources. Breast fed babies have a much higher rate of iron absorption than those fed cows’ milk formulae, even if those formulae are fortified with iron (John Robbins, Diet for a New America, Stillpoint Publishing, New Hampshire, USA, 1987).

Milk is touted as a great natural source of calcium, and we are told to eat plenty of calcium to prevent osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. In fact, eating dairy products can increase the rate at which calcium is lost from the body and so hasten osteoporosis. As well as being high in calcium, dairy products are also high protein foods. If we have too much protein in the diet from milk products or any other source, such as meat, fish or eggs, the body has to get rid of the excess. To do this, the kidneys must lose calcium as they cleanse the blood of excess waste, a process known as protein induced hypercalciuria (J Nutr, 1981; iii: 553; Trans NY Acad Sci, 1974; 36: 333; Am J Clin Nutr, 1974; 27: 916).

People in the United States and Scandinavian countries consume more dairy products than anywhere else in the world, yet they have the highest rates of osteoporosis (Clin Ortho Related Res, 1980; 152: 35). This fact emphasizes the threat of excessive protein in the diet and suggets that dairy products offer no protection against osteoporosis, probably due to the high protein content of milk (Am J Clin Nutr, 1985; 41: 254).

The body’s ability to absorb and utilize calcium depends on the amount of phosphorus in the diet (R Hur, Food Reform: Our Urgent Need, Heidelberg Press 1975). The higher the calcium/phosphorus ratio, the less bone loss takes place and the stronger the skeleton, provided the intake of protein is not excessive. The foods which contain higher calcium/phosphorus ratios are fruit and vegetables. Nor is low fat milk any better. It contains one per cent butter fat and a full complement of allergy inciting milk protein.

To the list of problems naturally inherent in human consumption of milk designed for baby cows, we can add a whole host of “unnatural” ones. Cows’ milk contains the accumulated pesticides that have been sprayed on the grain fed to cattle, and the female hormones given to cows to increase milk production and body fat. Some milk has also been shown to contain trace metals and radioactivity at levels higher than those permissible in drinking water (Health Hazards in Milk, reference as above). Some 20 per cent of milk producing cows in America are infected with leukemia viruses which, because milk is pooled when collected, infects the whole milk supply.

These cancer inducing viruses are resistant to being killed by pasteurization and have been recovered from supermarket supplies (Medical World News, 16 May 1969). Can it be a coincidence that the highest rates or leukemia are found in children aged three to 13 who consume the most milk products, and dairy farmers who, as a profession, have the highest rate of leukemia of any occupational group?

The poor mutt can be in line for 16 different vaccines a year, although they’re often given in one shot. They are supposed to offer protection against rabies, and various canine viral infections, along with other, milder, conditions such as Lyme disease.

But, as with our children, dogs can also develop side effects, such as skin rash, allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. Cats that have been vaccinated have suffered even worse reactions, including the development of malignant tumours.

So are we vaccinating our pets too often and with too much? Canine vaccine experts in America believe that we are. Like humans, dogs could be vaccinated at an early age and be protected for life, instead of being given annual ‘top-up’ shots, they say. At the very least, the core vaccines, including rabies, should not be given more than once every three years.

(Source: Journal American Animal Hospital Association, 2003; 39: 119-31).

Could be caused by an allergy to feathers or dust, suggests one reader, whose own daughter’s problem was caused by just that. All the feather pillows and cushions were removed from the home, and her ears returned to normal.

Another reader thinks it could be related to a lack of fish oils, which echoes the views of another reader, who says the problem indicates an omega-3 deficiency.

Then there’s a product called Audiclean that’s supposed to ‘disperse ear wax fast and effectively’, according to Pitrok, the supplier. Does it? We have no idea.

Try some bicarb in water regularly, says another.

Don’t use cottonbuds to clear the ears, but once a month lie on your side and put in a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide, or try warm olive oil to soften the wax, or even try fresh morning urine. We recall that the patient in question hasn’t even started drinking water, so the latter may be asking a little too much at the moment.

Specifically, IBD sufferers can benefit from a diet high in fibre and low in sugar (Gastroenterol, 1987; 92: 1483; J Gastroenterol, 1981; 19: 1-12; Br Med J, 1979; 2: 764-6). Avoid polyunsaturated fatty acids, and food with the amino acids glutamine and argenine.Nutritional supplements. Fish oil capsules have been shown, in a small placebo-controlled, double-blind study, to reduce the rate of relapse in Crohn’s patients. More than double the number of those taking 2.7 g omega-3 fatty acids over those taking placebo were in remission after one year of therapy (N Eng J Med, 1996; 334; 1557-60). Those with ulcerative colitis can also be helped by taking increased supplements of fish oil (J Clin Gastroenterol, 1990; 12: 157-61).

Taking extra folic acid may help (J Lab Clin Med, 1981; 97: 779-84; Scand J Gastroenterol, 1979; 14: 1019-24; Lancet, 1946; i: 849). Folic acid can be destroyed by drugs such as sulphasalazine or may be deficient due to inadequate diet or the malabsorption which accompanies IBD.

Extra vitamin E may also help relieve symptoms (Digest of Chiropract Economics, Sept-Oct 1984; Am J Clin Nutr, 1976; 29: 1333-8).

Healthy gut mucosa depends on the presence of several nutritional elements. Make sure you are getting enough of all the B vitamins, as well as C (levels of which can be reduced in those with IBD), vitamin A and D. Those with chronic gastrointestinal disorders may also be deficient in vitamin K (Am J Clin Nutr, 1985; 41: 639-43). Zinc, iron and calcium levels may also be low.

Taking probiotics. Replacing the gut’s friendly bacteria can also help to boost immune system function (Townsend Letter for Doctors, Aug/Sept, 1997). Patients may experience what is known as the Herxheimer reaction a temporary allergic response resulting from the death of large amounts of pathological organisms when taking these. This, while uncomfortable, is a sign that your body is beginning to recover.

Herbs. Several herbs have been shown to help soothe gastrointestinal tract disorders. Of these, goldenseal, rich in berberine, can help to destroy bacteria in the gut (Nature, 1967; 215: 527-28; Yakugaku Zasshi, 1962; 82: 726-31; and 1961; 81: 1387). Licorice root contains several elements which can help heal ulceration (Gut, 1972; 13: 816-24; Scand J Gastroenterol, 1971; 6: 683-6; J Ther Clin Res, 1968; 1: 2-5). Papaya leaf also has an anti-ulcer action.

Rule out food sensitivities. Dairy and yeast products are the most common allergens. Enzyme potentiated desensitization where the patient is given minute doses of what he or he is allergic to in order to desensitize them has also proved to be more effective than placebo, providing better long-term prognosis for Crohn’s patients (Clin Ecol, 1987; 5: 1131-4).

The elemental diet (see main story), which is free of protein, has been shown to be successful in treating Crohn’s (Lancet, 1990; i: 816-19). This is true for children as well as adults (Arch Dis Child, 1987; 62: 123-7).

Lifestyle changes. Stopping smoking and coming off the contraceptive pill may also help since both aggravate the tendency of the blood vessels to block (Dig Dis Sci, 1991; 36: 1147-50).

A strong link has been made between MS and dietary fats, particularly from cow’s milk (Am J Med Sc, 1950; 220: 421-30; Lancet, 1974; ii:1061-6).

One study showed that inland rural communities in Norway, which consume high quantities of cow’s milk, had a significantly higher incidence of MS than those near the coast, with a high consumption of cold water fish (New Engl J Med, 1952; 246:721-8). The incidence of MS in Japan is also surprisingly low, where fish and foods with an abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-3 essential fatty acids oils are widely consumed. Omega-3 oils are known to be essential for the formation of normal healthy myelin, which are damaged in MS. A survey of 134 people with MS over a course of 34 years showed that such a low fat diet leads to significantly less deterioration and lower death rates from the disease (The Lancet, 1990; 336:37-39).

Intestinal biopsies in MS sufferers have revealed small intestinal abnormalities, or “porous” gut, associated with an increased gut permeability and food allergies (The Lancet, 1976; ii:1319-22). So it’s also important to eliminate any foods you are allergic to from the diet.

Cocoa products, normal tea, cola and coffee may cause an MS related reaction. There is a striking correlation between high cocoa consumption and high MS incidence; whenever cocoa is introduced to an area, MS cases rise sharply (Ann Allergy, 1987, 59:76-79). MS patients should also eliminate caffeine and tannin.

Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in the red and white blood cells should be checked at a laboratory. This determines the body’s detoxification pathway. If it is low (signifying a toxic overload), taking selenium and vitamins C and E may increase it (Eur Neurol, 1983; 22:442-6).

In Tibetan herbal medicine, Padma 28, a formulation containing 28 different herbs, has been scientifically shown to work. In a year long study of 100 MS patients, 44 per cent of those given Padma 28 reported an improvement in their general condition, increase in muscle strength, anal and bladder control and eyesight (Phytother Res, 1992; 6:133-6). Although this formulation is not commercially available in the UK or the US, a practitioner of Tibetan medicine would probably be able to get it made up.

Two extracts of ginkgo biloba ginkgolide B and some of the ginkgoflavonglycosides have been shown to counteract the inflammatory processes of MS. In one study, 8 of 10 patients treated with ginkgolide B during a relapse improved their neurological score less than a week after the start of treatment. That improvement was sustained in five patients, but faded in three. Three of the ten patients reported mild, transient side effects under the treatment (Rev Neurol (Paris), 1992; 148: 299-301) .

In my own practice, for some 22 years I have prescribed three homeopathic medications and diet, with good success in long term remission, even after paralysis or other neurological symptoms have set in:

Buthus australis 10DH: 26 drops midday on alternate (even numbered) days; Thallium metallicum 10DH: 26 drops midday on alternate (odd numbered) days; Argentum metallicum 10DH: 13 drops morning and evening, each day.

In your diet, eliminate hydrogenated oils, shortening and margarine and reduce saturated fat to less than 5g per day. Consume at least 50 g of PUFA daily, and eat fish at least every second day. All cow’s milk products should be eliminated completely from the diet and never reintroduced.

Besides allergies, anyone with MS should be tested for toxicity from mercury in amalgam fillings. Low levels of B vitamins, particularly B12 and folic acid, are also a common cause (see WDDTY Dental Handbook and WDDTY vol 1 no 3). Also have your amino acids and copper, calcium, magnesium and zinc levels checked out.

!AHarald Gaier

Harald Gaier is a registered naturopath, osteopath and homeopath.

In fact, recent scientific research suggests that many old ideas about the relationship between nutrition, the digestive system and disease, may be at least partly true.

The research centres on the role of the bowel flora the “‘bugs” that live in the large bowel or colon in all of us. In a healthy bowel, billions of bacteria averaging a total of around four pounds in weight act as a kind of living sewage disposal system, breaking down the remnants of our food, and producing immune secretions and nutrients as by products of the process. In a healthy bowel, most of these bacteria are “good guys” such as those of the family known as “lactobacilli”, holding the ‘bad guys” including pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi in check.

The theory has it that if the balance of bugs in the bowel is knocked out for some reason, the “bad” guys can get the upper hand, leading to the production of harmful toxins in the bowel, and possible invasion of the body from an infectious “pool” of viruses and hostile bacteria resident in the gut all of which adds up to what could reasonably be described as immune deficiency.

Conventional concepts of immunity start at the bowel wall, and work inwards, not recognizing the contents of the bowel as a part of the immune system.

Nevertheless, Dr Alan Ebringer at the Middlesex Hospital has discovered that ankylosing spondylitis a painful arthritic disease resulting in progressive stiffening of joints is caused by a particular bacterium which lives in the bowel and feeds off carbohydrate residues. The bacterium resembles a particular type of body tissue, so when it enters the bloodstream an “auto immune” reaction in which the body attacks itself is triggered, causing inflammation and symptoms. Patients with this condition improve dramatically when put onto a low carbohydrate diet. Some doctors now believe that other “auto immune” diseases, such as motor neurone disease, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis and some forms of diabetes, could be triggered in a similar way.

The example of ankylosing spondylitis lends powerful support of the notion that what goes on in the bowel can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body one which many doctors still find hard to accept.

Doctors at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, have taken the first steps in redefining the term “food allergy” in terms of changes in the bowel flora. True food allergy is caused by a usually rapid immune mediated response to an offending food and is probably quite rare. Food intolerance, on the other hand, tends to be a much slower reaction hours or even days and may involve a food which is eaten regularly and in quite large amounts, like wheat or dairy products.

At Cambridge, a relationship has been established between food intolerance and the bowel flora particularly in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

It is thought that symptoms may be brought on by shifts in the population of bacteria in the bowel, as particular foods favour the proliferation of particular bacteria.

The implications of this work are that if the reason for these imbalances in the bowel flora can be found, and the imbalances corrected, a whole range of chronic diseases previously though to be unconnected may be successfully treated.

Practitioners of natural medicine, including some today who use “fringe” methods such as colonic irrigation and enemas to wash out the bowel as part of the treatment of any chronic illness, believe that imbalances occur because the bowel quite simply becomes “clogged up” with mucous and old faecal debris and is unable to eliminate efficiently. As one famous naturopath put it: “death begins in the colon.

The author of The Allergy Handbook (Thorsons) and a forthcoming book about brain allergies.

Its cause, and increase, remain a mystery to medicine, but a study by 300 complementary practitioners specialising in Tourette’s therapy found that environmental factors – toxins, stimulants, allergens and foods – aggravated or triggered tics (Townsend Lett Docs, 2003; Jan: 22).

One reader suggests he reads The Nutrition Solution by H. Kristal, or Breaking The Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottshall. Another suggests that our questioner undertake a six-week trial of removing foods from her children’s diet. Start by taking all dairy out of the diet for at least six weeks, then remove wheat for the same amount of time. Then tell him to monitor the results.