July 2007

Welcome to our July 2007 Newsletter. We are preparing for our Summer Seminar Program. The first seminar will be July 14th in Pittsburgh, PA and August 18th we will be in Bozeman, MT. Maybe next year we will be coming to your city! This issue I am focusing on macular degeneration the leading casue of visual loss in the United States. I hope you enjoy this article and I am always happy to answer any of your questions

To your good health and clear vision…Dr. Kondrot

*Reversing Macular Degeneration By Dr. Kondrot. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in people over the age of 65.  It is a slow progressive disease that affects the central area of the retina called the macula. This is the location of the retina responsible for central vision or the vision which gives us the greatest detail in our sight. (To read more)

*Detoxification- The Foundation of True Health– By Dr. Fine Would you like to look younger, have more energy, lose weight, and reverse and prevent disease?  Then the process of detoxification or cleansing must be understood and practiced.  It is impossible in this day and age to achieve optimal health without it. (To read More)

*View Dr. Kondrot on Youtube! Why he practices homeopathy. (Click here to view)

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*Reversing Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in people over the age of 65.  It is a slow progressive disease that affects the central area of the retina called the macula. This is the location of the retina responsible for central vision or the vision which gives us the greatest detail in our sight.

The exact cause of macular degeneration is not known but the earliest changes occur in the choroid (vascular layer of the eye) and pigmented retinal epithelium.  These changes begin as thickening of Bruch’s membrane, which is the layer of the choroid next to the retina.  These thickened areas become raised and have the appearance of warts.  These changes produce loss of pigment and cell death of the functioning layers of the retina.  It eventually leads to fluid accumulation, hemorrhage and scar tissue.  Loss of central vision occurs but this rarely produces total blindness because the peripheral vision is preserved.

The disease commonly occurs over the age of 65 years but there are several hereditary conditions, which can lead to this disorder at a much earlier age.  Patients usually complain of blurred vision and difficulty with close work.  They can also develop wavy lines and distortion of linear targets. There is loss of color sense and the development of scotomas (small areas of blindness).

There is a higher incidence of macular degeneration with hypertension, arteriosclerotic vascular disease and diabetes.

There are several types of macular degeneration.  The two common types described are the dry and wet types.  The dry or areolar type consists of degeneration of the retinal pigment cells resulting in drusen (small wart like growth) hyper and hypopigmented areas in the retina with loss of rods and cones and generalized atrophy.  The wet type or exudative type presents as vascular leakage with exudates and a detachment of the retina with loss of vision.  A small percentage of these cases can be treated successfully with the argon laser.

There is another type of macular degeneration, which occurs in the diabetic.  This results from leakage of small blood vessels, which leads to fluid accumulation under the retina and loss of central vision.

Begin a healthy diet for eye

You should shift your diet away from meats and dairy products towards a largely vegetarian diet that includes cold water fish (salmon and cod) and eggs.  There is evidence that this type of diet will help in weight reduction, reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of diabetes and improve blood flow to the eye.

 Develop an exercise program
If you do not have a regular exercise program now is the time to start.  You should begin slowly under your physician’s supervision.  Begin with 10 to 15 minutes several times a week.  This should gradually be increased to 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday.  The ideal exercise will increase your heart rate a small amount without producing undue fatigue.

General guidelines are to exercise at 60% of your maximum heart rate.  To calculate this number subtract your age from 220.  This number is your maximum heart rate.  60% of this number will be your target heart rate.  During exercise be sure to monitor your heart rate.
Example: Let say your age is 60.

First calculate your maximum heart rate
220-60 is 160.

Next calculate your  target heart rate
60% of  160 is 96

A heart rate of 96 is therefore your goal when you exercise.
Find something that you  enjoy and remember to continue your program.  Brisk walking is a favorite activity of many people.  Other exercises to consider are swimming, aerobics, and cycling.  If you are physically limited consult with your doctor on other activities.

Moderate exercise improves your cardiovascular system, helps keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood pressure and improves retinal circulation.  Exercise also helps to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress.  These factors are important in helping the body fight disease.  This is probably the best thing you will do for your health!

Begin a program of meditation
Meditation is exercise for the mind. It is well known that there is a mind body connection in health and disease. Meditation will help reduce stresses that adversely affect our bodies. Studies have shown that meditation helps to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate and produces a general feeling of well being.

There are many different methods to meditate depending on one’s religious background. It can be a simple prayer, positive visualization, saying a positive affirmation or utilizing techniques to slow the breathing.

During this process it important and letting go of negative thoughts. Sometimes being in a very pleasant natural environment, such as a park or a walk in the country away from the stresses of the daily life will be like meditation. Meditation should be a daily practice to help reduce stress.

In 1920 Dr. William Bates introduced a series of eye exercises to reduce eyestrain, improve circulation and the function of the eye. These exercises have been used successfully by thousands of people with visual disorders.
Two books to learn more about the Bate’s method are:
W. H. Bates, MD, The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses, Health Research, Pomeroy, Washington, 1978
P. Mansfield, The Bates Method, Vermillion, London, 1992

Eliminate coffeeaspirin, margarine, alcohol and stop smokingWhy?
Coffee should be reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown that coffee can produce a 13% reduction in retinal blood flow.  This is especially important in patients that have existing retinal damage and who are losing vision.

Several studies shown that there is an increase risk of bleeding into the eyes in patients with macular degeneration who take aspirin.  If you have been started on an aspirin program discuss this with your doctor.

Margarine interferes with the circulation and with the synthesis of gamma linolenic acid.
Avoid eating margarine, Crisco and hydrogenated fats. They are all toxic and they interfere with the synthesis of this essential fatty acid.  Gamma linolenic acid along with selenium are needed to maintain normal vasculature of the retinal vessels.  A study in Australia people who use margarine and sun bath have a 700% higher incidence of malignant melanoma than those who sun bath and use butter. There is also a higher incidence of lung cancer in smokers who use margarine compared to butter.

High alcohol consumption also reduces the levels of antioxidants and carotenoids. Avoid alcohol or severely limit your intake to maintain the proper levels of these important antioxidants.

If you smoke please do everything possible to stop.  There is a 6.6 times greater risk of developing macular degeneration in smokers, even former smokers have a 3.2 greater risk.  Each cigarette robs the body of 25 mg of vitamin C.  Smokers have an increase in lipids (both fat and cholesterol) which increase the risk of severe cardiovascular disease.  These factors produce narrowing of the retinal blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye. 

Protect your eyes from sunlight
UV and Blue Violet sunrays increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.  Studies have shown that people who spend a great deal of time outdoors are twice as likely to develop macular degeneration.  A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays are essential to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. On a sunny day a wide brim hat should also be worn.

Begin a program of antioxidants 
The 1958 Helsinki study proved those agents, which opened the blood vessels (Vasodilators), and that cleared blood vessel of plaques (Antioxidants) result in improvement of vision. In this study patients who received Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Heparin showed a 67% visual improvement.

The results of the Multicenter Ophthalmic and Nutritional Age Related Macular Degeneration Study in 1996 showed that AMD subjects who were given a broad spectrum antioxidant stabilized in their better functioning eyes. The subjects that used placebos (no vitamins) lost an average of one line of vision.

Important antioxidants:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Beta-carotene
Glutathione

Important mineral antioxidants
Selenium
It is a vital antioxidant, which protects the immune system, preventing the formation of free radicals.  It is especially important to combine Selenium with Vitamin E.  They act together to aid in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy heart, liver and eyes.  Selenium is found in meat and grains.  Since the content of Selenium is very low on much of American farm soil there has been a marked reduction in the levels found in meat and grains.

Zinc
The Archives of Ophthalmology reported a study that tested the effectiveness of Zinc in macular degeneration.  Patients who took zinc supplements showed significantly less deterioration than patients who did not. It is now recommended that moderate dosages of Zinc may be beneficial in macular degeneration.  Dosages greater than 100 mg a day can reduce copper stores in the body, increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and depress your immune system.  Because of this, high dosages of zinc are not recommended. 

 Eat a diet rich in carotenoids.  Eat colorful foods to maintain good color vision

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which make up the pigment in the macula of the eye. These are the pigments which give food their color.  They are found in eggs, colored fruits and leafy green vegetables.  The following are good sources of carotenoids: kale, spinach, mustard greens, pumpkins, eggs, corn, orange peppers and grapes. Eggs contain the highest amount of both compounds, corn contains the most Lutein and orange peppers have the most Zeaxanthin.

They are needed to help maintain the macula lutea, the part of retina responsible for the sharpest vision. They also act as a filter to protect the eye against photo induced damage and they also protect the eye from free radicals.   Studies show that animals deprived from this pigment develop macular degeneration in a few weeks.  Eggs contain three times the concentration carotenoids because chicken are fed marigold to make the yolks more yellow.  Marigold supplements and marigold tea have been proposed as a good source of this valuable nutrient.

A recent study by the national Institutes of health found that people who ate the highest amounts of food rich in carotenoids had a 43% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.

Carotenoid Rich Vegetables

Vegetable (100 grams)Beta carotene*Lutein/Zeaxanthin*
Raw carrots
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Raw spinach
Corn
Broccoli
Green peas
Green beans
Tomatoes
Leaf greens
Collard greens
7900
4700
480
4100
51
700
350
44
520
1200
5400
260
21900
1300
10200
780
1900
1700
740
100
1800
16300

*Amounts in micrograms.
Sources: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1993: 284-295.

Take herbal supplements shown to strengthen your eye

Bilberry
Interest developed in this European plant, when World War II British Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after taking Bilberry.  It is now used in Europe for many eye disorders including cataract, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.  It contains anthocyanosides, which have been shown to stabilize collagen, increase intracellular vitamin C levels and decrease capillary fragility.  Studies have also shown a decrease in platelet aggregation (similar affect as aspirin) and a reduction in blood sugar.  Bilberry may improve oxygen delivery to the eye and act as an antioxidant.

Ginkgo Biloba
It is a tree that lives as long as 1000 years.  Originally found in China, it was imported into the United States in 1784.  The Ginkgo leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription medications in both Germany and France.  The primary clinical application has been in the treatment of vascular insufficiency.  Many studies have demonstrated improved circulation in-patients with arterial insufficiency.  In addition to improving retinal circulation, Ginkgo also has a protective affect against free radicals.  Another study has shown that a combination of Ginkgo Biloba and Zinc may slow the progression of visual loss.

How can sleep help improve your macular degeneration?

Recent  studies have indicated that a very important part of a healthy eye is the melanin contained in the retinal pigment epithelium of the retina. Researchers have observed the earliest changes in macular degeneration occur in this layer of the eye. As we age changes in the pigment layer of the eye develop along with the development of Drusen. I like to describe drusen as waste material that accummulates  as our retinal cells become sluggish.
Even the slightest amount of light will reduce the melatonin production . During the night, sleep in complete 100% darkness.. Even remove the lighted LCd-display from the alarm-clock can reduce the melatonin production. Also be sure to get enough sunlight during the day.. With a good contrast of light (during the day) vs complete darkness (night), the pineal glands produce the most melatonin.
A recent article was published studying the effects of melatonin in macular degeneration by the New York Academy of Sciences. Effects of Melatonin in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Reversal of Aging: Resetting the Pineal Clock Volume 1057 published December 2005 Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1057: 384–392 (2005). CHANGXIAN YI et al. They proposed that the decrease in  melatonin in the elderly  may be an important factor in RPE dysfunction, which is a well known cause for initiation of AMD. 100 patients were given 3 mg of melatonin at night for a minimum of 3 months.  Fifty-five patients were followed for more than 6 months. At 6 months of treatment, the visual acuity had been kept stable in general. The majority of patients  had reduced pathologic macular changes. We conclude that the daily use of 3 mg melatonin seems to protect the retina and to delay macular degeneration. No significant side effects were observed.

Begin homeopathic treatment to improve your health
Homeopathy is scientific method of therapy based on the principle of stimulating the body’s own healing processes in order to accomplish cure. The basic system was devised and verified by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, nearly 200 years ago. Homeopathy’s astounding success rates in both chronic and acute diseases has not only stood the test of time, but has rapidly achieved widespread acceptance in Europe, India and South America.

In Homeopathy (“homeo-” means “similar”), each of us is a total complete individual, no aspect of which can be separated from any other. To be effective, any valid therapy must be based on a deep understanding of and respect for the uniqueness of each individual. In Homeopathy each patient is evaluated as a whole person- mental, emotional and physical. The prescribing remedy is based on the unique patterns found on all three levels. This means that each person is given a remedy that will stimulate his or her particular body to heal. Ten people with macular degeneration might receive ten different homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy has been carefully researched and its effectiveness has been reported in the following well respected national medical journals: Jacobs J, Treatment of Acute Childhood Diarrhea with Homeopathic Medication. Pediatrics 1994; 93:719-7255, Reilly DT , Is Homeopathy a Placebo Response? Lancet 1986; Oct: 881-886 and Kleijnen J, Clinical Trails of Homeopathy. British Medical Journal 1991; 302: 315-323.

Homeopathy can be a valuable adjunct in your treatment of Macular Degeneration

Begin Micro-current Therapy

 As its premier research project, the newly announced Macular Degeneration Foundation plans to conduct a nationwide controlled clinical trial to define the vision-enhancing value of administering what it terms Micro-current Stimulation(MCS)..

MCS is a  non-invasive and inexpensive treatment adapted from a FDA approved therapy used to treat other disorders. In preliminary studies by the foundation this treatment has improved both visual acuity and color perception. Foundation researchers plan to use state of the art electrophysiology tests to measure the impact of MCS on macular cells. Individuals reporting a significant improvement in visual acuity after this therapy include legendary golfing great Sam Snead.

The Foundation’s two-year preliminary MCS trial involving 120 patients resulted in an average of: 68 percent improvement over pre-treatment vision for patients with dry macular degeneration and a 58 percent improvement over pre-treatment for those with the wet form of macular degeneration.

Treatment of patients with macular degeneration entails periodic administration of pulses of small amount of square-wave direct current at low voltages, delivered through electrodes in contact with the skin overlying key nerves around the eye.  The mechanism is felt to be 3 fold; increasing the circulation to the eye, stimulating the function of the retinal cells and possibly in the regeneration of cells.  The effects of  10 to 500 microamps on the cellular level have been documented by Dr. Cheng to increase ATP production by 500%, increase protein synthesis by 70% and increase cell transport by 40%.

I began using the Microstim 100 in 1998. This machine utilized a probe to treat 8 acupuncture points around the eye . 4 points were located above and 4 below each eye.   Each point was treated for 12 sec. utilizing 4 different frequency settings ( 292 HZ, 30 Hz, 9.1 Hz and 0.3 Hz). The data from this instrument was published in my book Microcurrent Stimulation Miracle Eye Cure 2001 and  the Townscend Letter (a peer review journal) in  October 2002.  In this publication the results indicated that  66% of the patients treated had up to 2.5 lines of improvement on the snellen eye chart.

This machine only had one channel and only 4 frequencies. It was postulated that the 2 higher frequencies (292 HZ and 30 HZ) reduced inflammation and the two lower frequencies (9.1 HZ and 0.3HZ) improved cellular function.  This machine delivered  generic frequencies that were not specific to the eye but could be used anywhere in the body.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent in the treatment of macular degeneration

A new technique called Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) has produced a dramatic improvement in treatment outcomes of macular degeneration. Instead of using basic generic frequencies which have a low level affect on the diseased eye tissue we now can use frequencies specific to the retinal tissue and the pathology. The energy is driven into the area needed for tissue repair. The roots of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) date back to the early 1900’s from Dr. Albert Abrams, who was the first physician to use calibrated instruments capable of detecting the radiations of living tissue. Dr. Abrams concluded that all matter radiates electromagnetic energy and the characteristics of the radiation depends upon the unique molecular structure. Modern FSM utilizes hundreds of frequencies within the range of .01 to 999 Hz with varying intensities of 20 to 600 micro amps. Each tissue in the body has an individualized frequencies for example the retina has a frequency of 95 Hz and  macula 137 Hz. Each type of pathology also has a frequency.  Hemorrhage has a frequency of 18 and edema is 14.
FSM is “frequency specific” because the frequencies of the tissue and that of the pathology are “matched” with two frequencies. For example hemorrhage in the macula the FSM treatment would use 18 Hz and 137 Hz.  This coupled frequencies then matches the exact abnormalities that are present in the damaged tissue. The desired effect is to neutralize those frequencies that are in disharmony.
Color therapy in the treatment of macular degeneration

College of Syntonics has investigated color therapy in the treatment of eye disease. Evidence shows that disease is caused by an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.  The autonomic system has 2 parts the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic responsible for survival or “fight or flight” and the parasympathetic which is responsible for the body sustaining life, like digestion and healing disease. When you are running away from a grizzly bear your body does not care about digesting your food! Stress – yes we have heard of that word – STRESS certainly contributes to disease and stress can also be the fuel that sustains disease and prevents healing.  The mechanism of stress is felt to over-stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and to suppress the parasympathetic. When the parasympathetic system is suppressed the body has a difficult time to heal disease. Healing will not take place unless there is a balance in the autonomic system. Color therapy can help. The red spectrum has been documented to stimulate the sympathetic system.  No we do not want this since most of our life takes care of this very nicely!  The color red has been associated with anger and increase heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Blue on the other hand will relax the sympathetic system and stimulate the parasympathetic. This is the first step towards healing disease. Think about how relaxing the blue ocean water and blue sky can be!   A vacation to the beach can be very healing. The College of Syntonics has investigated specific color wave lengths and has studied the affects on eye disease.
Color therapy can help to expand the visual fields, reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow into the eye in patients with macular degeneration. Color therapy has became a very valuable treatment modality in helping patients improve their vision.

Chelation therapy

Chelation is a safe, painless intravenous treatment using the synthetic amino acid EDTA, which has the ability to “latch onto” molecules of calcium, lead, mercury and other heavy metals. These heavy metals along with EDTA are then eliminated from the body into the urine.

Chelation therapy is used for patients with heavy metal poisoning, poor circulation due to arteriosclerosis and conditions related to these primary diagnoses. The causes of macular degeneration are many, but it is felt that arteriosclerosis  (Hardening of the arteries) and the formation of free radicals contribute to this disease.

Chelation therapy has been documented to be helpful in treatment of both macular degeneration and heart disease. In arteriosclerosis, the blood vessels are damaged and then obstructed by the buildup of plaque. During and following chelation therapy, this plaque is dissolved very slowly and the blood flow throughout the body improves. Chelation more or less safely ‘scrubs” the blood vessels in the same way “Drano” cleans out your bathroom pipes!

This in turn treats the “hardening of the arteries” that lead to macular degeneration by not only dissolving calcified plaques but also making the blood vessels more elastic. Chelation does not adversely affect the calcium in your bones— rather, studies show it may actually make your bones stronger by increasing levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which increases osteoblastic (“bone-building) activity!

Lipid Exchange / Phospholipid Therapy
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is one of the most exciting therapies now available in our clinic. PC has only recently received increased clinical focus because of its ability to dramatically improve the outcomes of patients in a wide range of disorders such as ALS, Lyme, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Autism, Bipolar, Seizures, Hepatitis C, Environmental Illness, Cardiovascular disease and eye disease. There is good evidence that this therapy can be of value in restoring optic nerve function in patients with glaucoma. The eye ranks as one of the highest in lipid cellular complexity. There are over 100 million rods and cones in each eye and each one has up to 2000 layers of lipid membrane. Each membrane contains 140 million rhodopsin proteins which are responsible for capturing photons to produce sight.  Each day a portion of this membrane  and the rhodopisin proteins are sloughed off. Each cell discards about 7% of its lipid membrane stack each day. The entire photo-receiving structure is regenerated every 14 days!
PC directly up-regulates the fluidity of the membrane, improving its vitality which is essential for all of metabolism including neuronal transmission. Poor neuronal response is degraded in all the neurological disorders and is directly improved with Phosphatidylcholine (PC) therapy. Raising PC levels plays an important role in improving memory and recall, and has clinically shown to improve the flow of information of all the senses and most significantly eyesight. PC given either orally or intravenously helps restore the proper integrity of the cell membrane thereby restoring proper function of organ systems, especially the liver, the gut, the brain, immune system, heart, and hormonal system, which ultimately improves the total health of the individual.

Vitamins and Homeopathic products for macular degeneration

  • Macular Degeneration Nutritional Formula

Vitamin, mineral and herbal formula designed for macular degeneration and retinal disorders. Contains antioxidants, bilberry, lutein and other key nutritional products.
(60 packets/ bottle) One packet twice a day with meals

  • Vision Spray

A sublingual spray which delivers a more consistent and high level of key ocular nutrients. This product is to be used with the Macular Degeneration Formula a complete nutritional treatment for age related macular degeneration. Contains Bilberry, vinpocetine, L-lysine, zeaxanthin, lutein and Vitamin E. (1 fl. Oz.) 3 sprays under the tongue 4 times a day

  • Macular Degeneration Homeopathic Formula

Homeopathic formula designed for macular degeneration and retinal disorders. Contains tissue salts and other homeopathic products.
(1 Oz.) I pellet under the tongue twice a day

  • Zinc Picolinate 50 mg.

Suggested Usage: Adults take 1 capsule 50 mg capsule daily or as directed by physician

  • EPA-DHA 720

Provides 720 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids from cold water fish per softgel—eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—to help deliver greater support in fewer softgels. Supplies high levels of EPA and DHA, which have been shown to support healthy function in body systems including the retina and visual system
2 gelcaps  twice a day with meals

  • BodyBio PC

Of the tens of thousands of molecules that make up the life of a cell, Phosphatidylcholine (PC) stands apart; probably the most important one of all. It is also formulated with the essential lipids at a 4:1 ratio.
2 gelcaps  twice a day with meals

Additional reading

Healing the Eye the Natural Way-
Microcurrent Stimulation: Miracle Eye Cure

To order these books or  products call

1-800-430-9328
1-412-341-0830

Order online at
http://www.nutritionalresearch.net/macular_degeneration_products.htm

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Detoxification- The Foundation of True Health
Would you like to look younger, have more energy, lose weight, and reverse and prevent disease?  Then the process of detoxification or cleansing must be understood and practiced.  It is impossible in this day and age to achieve optimal health without it.

Naturopathic  physicians use detoxification routinely with their patients because no matter what other modalities are being used, removing toxins addresses the underlying reason for the disease.  Toxins lodge in cells, tissues, and muscles and especially love fatty tissue like nerves, brain, and glands.  These toxins then interfere with the normal functioning of these tissues contributing to diseases like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer, multiple chemical sensitivity, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease headaches, joint pain and age related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

Thousands of chemicals have been introduced into the environment over the last 70 years.  Remember the slogan “Better Living Through Chemicals”?  This has overwhelmed the capacity of the liver to be able to handle all the toxins, and toxins that can’t get metabolized, get stored somewhere in the body.

A few examples of toxins we are exposed to include:
Pollution in the air and water
Pesticides in our food and homes
Drugs- both OTC and prescribed
Plastics- containers, plastic wrap, baggies
Personal care products
Amalgam dental fillings
Mercury in our air, fish, and vaccines
Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, Goretex- perfluorochemicals
Chorine in showers and pools
Alcohol
Household cleaners

There are several ways to undertake a comprehensive detoxification program.  This is best done under the supervision of a doctor trained in this because the process can cause unpleasant side effects and also lead to mineral and other nutrients used in detox depletion. These include IV and transdermal chelation, microcurrent stimulation, medical foods with specific nutrients, far infrared sauna and homeopathy.

There are many things you can do at home on a daily basis that addresses toxicity.  One of the first principles of detoxification is to limit the toxins you take in on a daily basis.  These can be avoided by only eating organic foods, natural meats not given antibiotics and hormones, non-chemical household cleaning products, avoiding dry cleaning, or airing out dry cleaned clothes outside for a few days before bringing inside, avoid spraying pesticides in the home, putting filters on your shower heads that eliminate chlorine, and using natural personal care products.  Also choosing no or low VOC (volatile organic solvents) paint to repaint your home, choosing tile or other non-carpet flooring (carpets and glue offgas formaldehyde), and looking into other “green” options for your home.

A surprisingly easy home remedy for detox is just drinking enough water.  Your liver requires a certain amount of water per hour in order to do its job effectively.  That’s one of the reasons drinking a lot of water is helpful when you have a hangover.  Starting the day off with a warm glass of water into which a whole lemon has been squeezed, is even more detoxifying as the lemon is a liver cleanser.  Beets and artichokes are also known as liver cleansers.  However, these strategies will only prevent the storage of daily toxins, they are not strong enough to access the stores of toxins in tissues that have accumulated over years and even decades.

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