Are You Getting Enough Iodine by Steve Horne, RH (AHG)

Our theme this month is thyroid problems and since the thyroid needs iodine to function properly, we're going to start with a discussion of this vital nutrient. Iodine is primarily found in foods from the ocean and is vary rare in land-based foods.
For this reason, iodine deficiency was very common at one time in land-locked parts of the United States. Since the thyroid gland, which uses iodine to make its hormones, has the capacity to grow more tissue when necessary, this caused a problem called goiter. The thyroid enlarged in an attempt to make up for the lack of iodine in the system.
Today, few people have goiters, but this doesn't mean that everyone is getting enough iodine. There are two reasons why many people are deficient in iodine. First, iodine is a rare element on Planet Earth. Among the elements, it is 62nd in abundance in the earth.

Iodine Robbers

There is a second reason why iodine deficiency is common. There are many chemicals we are exposed to in modern society that rob the body of iodine. These include halogens (such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide), mercury, aspirin and other salycilates and unfermented soy products. As a result, what little iodine we do get is often “kicked out” of the body.

Chlorine, of course is used to purify water. Unlike iodine, which helps emulsify fat and keep it water soluble, chlorine makes fats gummy so they more readily adhere to surfaces. This may be one reason why the rise in cardiovascular disease paralleled the chlorination of water supplies world-wide.
Bromides are even worse than chlorine and are finding their way into our environment in ever increasing quantities. This is shown by the fact that the amount of bromide found in breast milk has increased ten-fold during the last decade. Bromides have no therapeutic or nutritional value, but they do adversely affect the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid and the skin.
Unfortunately, the use of bromides is increasing. Many hot tubs and swimming pools are switching to bromide for water purification. In the 1960s, bakers stopped using iodine as a dough conditioner and started using bromides instead. So, instead of contributing to iodine intake, breads made from brominated flour now help rob iodine from the body.

Fluorides are also added to drinking water in many parts of the country and are used in toothpastes and dental treatments. Fluorides can also be found in certain medications, including popular anti-depressant drugs. Fluoride not only displaces iodine, it also suppresses testosterone production in men.
Although sea foods are a good source of iodine, unfortunately, many of them now contain high levels of mercury due to environmental pollution. This means they won't be good sources of iodine because mercury is also an iodine robber. Amalgam fillings are another major source of mercury exposure.
Excessive consumption of soy products has been known to depress thyroid function, so be careful not to overuse soy products in your diet. Use a variety of legumes (beans, peas and lentils) instead of just soy products.
How Much Iodine Do We Need?
With all these iodine robbers at work, we have to make certain we are getting enough iodine to counteract them. In fact, our increased exposure to these iodine robbers may be part of the obesity problems we are facing as a nation. Iodine is needed to make thyroxin, the thyroid hormone that triggers fat to burn in the body.
Like many of the other US RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances), the amount of iodine recommended is just enough to prevent severe, overt symptoms of iodine deficiency, such as goiters, stunted physical growth or mental retardation. It isn’t necessarily enough to create optimal health and there is always the question as to whether iodine from a chemical source is as good as iodine found organically in food.
The primary use for iodine is in the production of the thyroid hormones. One in ten adult American women has a diagnosed thyroid problem and some endocrinologists have suggested that as many as one in four women have some form of undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction.
In his book, Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, Dr. David Brownstein, M.D.states that iodine deficiency may be involved in more than just low thyroid (hypothyroid function). It may also be involved in autoimmune thyroid disorders including Graves’ and Hashimoto’s disease. Iodine supplementation may be an inexpensive answer to solving many people’s thyroid issues.

Increasing iodine can be helpful in many other conditions besides low thyroid. Dr. Brownstein claims it can be very helpful in preventing and treating breast cancer. Iodine can also be helpful in fibromyalgia and fibrocystic breast disease. In men, it can be helpful in preventing and treating prostate problems. It even helps the immune system because it is a natural antimicrobial agent. Finally, iodine can help to detoxify the body from chlorine, bromides, fluoride and even mercury.
How Do I Get More Iodine?

Iodine is abundant in sea vegetables (or seaweeds), so one of the best ways to get more iodine is to eat more kelp, dulse, Irish moss, bladderwrack and other sea vegetables. Dulse is available in liquid form, extracted in glycerine. This is a pleasant-tasting way to increase iodine intake, and a good way to increase the iodine intake of children.

Recently, I was feeling a little tired and determined that my thyroid was a little low. I've been taking a "shot" of Liquid Dulse every morning (just squeezing a large dose into my mouth) and noticed an immediate increase in my energy.
Black walnut is one of the few land-based plants that contains a significant amount of iodine. It also seems to have balancing effect on the thyroid and I've found that Concentrated Black Walnut often works on thyroid problems when Thyroid Support or TS II with Hops fail. It seems to not only supply iodine, it balances thyroid function. It also aids the immune system and helps withconditions like fibromyalgia.
Using natural sea salt is another way to increase iodine intake. Many people think that salt isn’t good for you, but this is only a problem with commercial salt, which is full of additives and fillers. Natural salt is healthy and a good source of iodine. NSP sells a pink salt which is mined from Redmond, Utah (also known as Real Salt). I love this product and have used it for years. It is completely different than commercial table salt and is actually good for you. Dr. Brownstein has also published a book on the benefits of this type of natural salt, calledSalt: Your Way To Health.
Getting sufficient iodine is only the first step to having a healthy thyroid, so, in other issues of Nature's Field this month we'll discuss common thyroid disorders and natural ways to resolve them. Watch for our issue next week when we'll look at some thyroid enhancing herbs most NSP people may not be familiar with.
Are You Getting Enough Iodine? by Steven Horne, RH(AHG)

What is Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle “like is cured by like”, referred to as the Law of Similar's. What this means is that the homeopathic remedy you should take for your symptoms, would be one that would also cause the same symptoms if you took it in excess. For example, if you had poison ivy, you could either take the remedy made from poison ivy, called Rhus Tox, or a similar remedy, one that would, in excess, cause poison ivy like symptoms. Nitroglycerin, a popular remedy used in hospitals to stop heart attacks will, if taken in excess, also cause a heart attack. By taking the right remedy, it is as if you signal the body to take care of something or react to something (poison ivy, heart attack symptoms) that for some reason, it had been neglecting. Homeopathy is also so safe to use that, to date, there are no recorded instances of anyone that has ever been harmed by it. There are no nutrients provided the body with homeopathy, as there are with herbs. Homeopathy only encourages a reaction in the body, the body itself does all the healing.

The Making of a Remedy
Most homeopathic remedies are made from dilutions of herbs, plants, or minerals. Although, some are made from poisons and are used to antidote poisonous reactions from bites, stings and drug reactions. Remedies used for the purpose of retraining the body to better absorb and utilize nutrients are made from vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other nutrients. Homeopathic preparations, called remedies, are prepared by a unique process called "potentization", referring to a method of dilution and continual shaking. This is done by mixing a base substance with 9 drops of distilled water, alcohol or lactose sugar. Or, for a more potent remedy, one part is mixed with 99 parts of the water, alcohol, or lactose sugar. Then one part of this is taken out and mixed with another 9 or 99 parts of the water, sugar, or alcohol. This process is repeated anywhere from three times to several thousand times. The standard levels of potentization include 3, 6, 12, 30, 200, 1,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000 or 500,000. These are marked "C" or "X", depending on whether they were diluted with 9 parts or 99 parts of the water, alcohol, or lactose.



Homeopathic Potencies

There are as many homeopathic remedies as there are substances from which to make them. Each of these remedies can also have several different potencies. The primary difference between potencies of the same remedy is not only how they were made (dilutions) but more importantly, the level at which they elicit a response in the body. For example, a 6x potency of a remedy will work at the peripheral level, i.e., the peripheral nerves, or the skin. Examples of these include: Arnica 6x, a trauma remedy, which works on trauma at the skin level; Hypericum 6x, a nerve trauma remedy, works on trauma to the nerves in the fingers and toes; and Ferrum phos. 6x works on the tender, peripheral area of swollen glands. The 30c potency of a homeopathic remedy, depending on the remedy, works a little deeper, on the peripheral blood vessels and thin muscle tissue. A more diluted 'c' potency, such as a 90c, will work at the level of the tendons, and the 200c potency will work on deeper muscle, nerve and bone tissue.



Acute Illness
An acute illness is an illness that is 'short-lived', meaning it should clear up within 1-3 days. Acute illnesses are caused by bacteria or viruses, both of which God has fully equipped the body to eliminate, within a short period of time. Homeopathy experiences it's most successful results when used for acute illness. Besides food, it is also the safest and most successful form of 'medicine' to use for acute illness. When taking homeopathy for an acute illness, results should be seen within 10-15 minutes. If no changes occur, try taking a second dose. If no change occurs after the second dose, consult your homeopathic book for different remedy. If positive results are noted, but symptoms then return, the remedy should be repeated. Remedies for acute illness are often taken 3-6 times, six to eight minutes apart for best results. Other reasons for poor results include: severe dehydration, a ruined remedy, or in the case of a chronic illness, an immune system that is too weak to respond.



Chronic Illness
Homeopathy provides no nutrients to the body. It works by gently stimulating a positive response that will in turn promote healing of weak or damaged tissue. If the body is too weak to elicit a response, homeopathy will not help. Therefore, in the case of chronic illness, it may be necessary to build up the reserve nutrients in the body before homeopathy is implemented. A response to homeopathy can then be expected, although results will be gradual, as the body is able to heal. Watch for differences in the usual way of responding to life's situations, such as the response to stress, differences in sleep patterns, also elimination of food sensitivities, allergies, and fears. Improvement in concentration, and learning abilities may also occur. While some changes may be noticeable right away, more improvement will be noted over time.



What if a remedy doesn't work?
There are several reasons why this may happen. The remedy might have been ruined before it was taken, or was taken improperly. However, the most common cause is that the wrong remedy was taken.

Plastics

If you want to know which plastics to avoid here is a link to guide you can cut and carry with you.

http://www.bantpractitioners.com/PDFs/plastics.pdf

Blocks to Optimum Health

A block refers to any substance or factor that interferes with a person's healing progress. These were put into the category of “blocks” because of the positive response noted of the client’s healing progress, when they were removed from their lives. While they won’t be a block in everyone’s life, most people will benefit from limiting their exposure to them. The following is list of common blocks:

1. Continual exposure to radiation: Radiation may be a cause of abnormalities in the proto-oncogenes and oncogenes. When these become abnormal, the growth of abnormal cells, or masses, may develop. Sources of radiation include: Cordless phone chargers; satellite dish; dish fields on buildings within 6 miles; nearby cell towers, T.V or radio stations; MRI's, formerly Nuclear Magnetic Resonance imaging, (these do not use radiation to operate but rather, cause a radioactive response on the cells via magnetic exposure) ; X-rays; large screen televisions; games that connect to televisions or computers; Cell Phones (carrying a cell phone next to the body while turned on); and Brass fixtures, headboards, etc. Brass has a tendency to attract radiation and hold onto it.

2. Electrical shock exposure, even mild, that occurs often: Typically, this kind of shock isn’t felt. Feelings of anxiety are a common complaint. Sources: Faulty hair dryers; curling irons; outlets, or any appliance with a short; home security systems and high wires close by.

3. Diet is poor: A constant diet of fast foods, over-cooked and over processed foods are considered anti-nutrient food substances. Anti-nutrient refers to the fact that these substances actually cost the body in nutrients, as it tries to process, then eliminate them through it's digestive tract.

4. Diet high in carbohydrates and grains: Diets consisting of 20% or more in carbohydrates (grains and sugars) appeared to slow progress. Diets with adequate amounts of animal based protein, when accompanied by enzymes, were found to provide the body with the amino acids it needed to make healthy cells. Soy did not work the same. Note: Sick people often do not have the enzymes they need to properly digest protein or other foods, and found they had the best results when they took protein digestive enzymes with their meals.

5. Low salt diet: According to doctor Tom Brewer, except in the presence of true renal (kidney) failure, a low salt diet has been shown to slow the body’s own healing process almost to a halt. Every cell in the body requires sodium to survive. The transport of oxygen and nutrients into the cells, as well as the transport of waste out of the cells, requires sodium; the health of our mucous membranes (stomach, uterus, intestines, sinuses) requires sodium; we cannot manufacture enzymes without adequate amounts of it; low energy levels can be an indication of a deficiency of sodium or an inability to properly use sodium. Adequate amounts of sodium are required for proper use of protein and amino acids (the building blocks of our cells). Contrary to popular belief, sodium does not cause swelling (edema) in the tissues, rather swelling is due to a protein deficiency. Protein holds sodium in the blood stream, and salt holds water in the blood stream. When our blood protein (albumin) level drops dangerously low, salt and water go into the tissues, causing edema. When an adequate amount of protein (meat) is consumed, the swelling is completely and safely eliminated.

6. Vegetarian, Macrobiotic Diet and raw foods only diet: Contrary to popular belief, studies do not support the theory that soy provides a source of protein that can facilitate optimum health in the human body. Therefore it cannot be used as a substitute for animal based protein. While on one of these diets, your client may complain of: fatigue; low stamina; poor muscle tone; poor circulation to hands and feet; premature aging; slow healing.

7. Eating unclean meats: Consuming "unclean animals" as listed in the in the Old Testament of the Bible (Leviticus chapter 11), does make a difference in a person's ability to achieve optimum health. When clean meats are consumed an increase in healing potential was noted.

8. Protein enzyme deficiency: Undigested, or poorly digested protein, can result in starvation of necessary amino acids needed for the healing process.

9. Starvation (not eating enough) or dieting: This can be the result of eating disorders or simply dieting. Reduced ability to heal due to a lack of nutrients.

10. Soda Pop: The typical soup of chemicals, dyes, sugars or chemical sugar substitutes found in pop make them a poor choice for people wanting to improve their health.

11. Earrings: When removed from the naval, clients noted improvement in circulation below the waist and to the legs, energy and stamina increase, and in one person, abnormal cells in her cervix returned to normal. When removed from the top of ear, or midway up the ear clients reported improved ability to concentrate.

13. Chemical Exposure: Following is a list of chemical products found in the home that frequently came up as problems for clients: name brand dryer sheets; hair spray; most scented candles; fingernail polish; fake fingernails; hair spray; perfume and cologne; deodorants; perfumed body soaps; cleaning chemicals; room deodorizers, especially the plug-in and bathroom decorator type.

14. Environment is toxic: When a person lives or works in an environment with chemicals, and/or gases frequently present, their ability to heal always appeared to be hindered or completely halted. Another source of toxicity in a person’s environment can be found coming up from the ground, if they live on property where waste, old machinery, and garbage used to be buried. This was often, and sometimes still is, the case on farms. Machinery, old fuel, gasoline, human waste, dead animals, pots and pans, anything no longer wanted, was buried right on the property. Eventually this finds it’s way back into the well water, the surface dirt, and even into the trees, beginning at the roots, which then takes it on up through the tree and out into the surrounding air.

15. Mold and mildew: When mold or its spores, called mycotoxins, are inhaled they compromise the immune system, and can cause death of cells infected. The mycotoxins also have the ability of growing into the tissues surrounding it and spreading to other tissues. This can be especially bad in people who have a history of using antibiotics (even if its been decades since the last antibiotic). Antibiotics are derived from mold and are often the body’s first exposure to mold. People exposed to mold often have B immune cell activity ten years after exposure, indicating the immune systems inability to effectively eliminate it without proper assistance and support.

16.Vaccines: Chronic symptoms that have been associated with vaccines include: Immune problems; poor digestion of fats and oils; constipation; poor circulation; reduced stamina/endurance; growth of abnormal cells within 8-10 months after vaccination; learning disabilities.

17. Penicillin and its derivative: Penicillin is a poison, is derived from mold, contains a variety of microorganisms, including mycoplasma, and may also contain staph and mites. Penicillin also permanently damages the DNA, thereby affecting future generations. While it will kill some bacteria, it introduces into your body a host of other dangerous pathogens, including yeast and other forms of fungi, damages good tissue in it’s wake, and leaves the body vulnerable to other invading pathogens.

18. Pets: Birds, cats, dogs, rodents, and reptiles. These were found to be a common block to healing progress in people when their animal was kept in the house. Especially when the animals were vaccinated and where there was close contact with the animal for an extended period of time (i.e., 8 hours of the night). There are several factors that make indoor pets a block, among them are the microorganisms they typically carry. For example, cats can carry haemophilus, rochalimea quintana, toxoplasmosis gondii, and pinworms; Dogs can carry round worm and tapeworm; Birds, giardia lamblia, entero-pathogenic E. Coli, and histoplasmosis. Reptiles carry a multitude of microorganisms, too numerous to mention.

19. Formaldehyde: Commonly found in furniture, bed pillows and mattresses, waterbed mattresses, throw pillows, area rugs, draperies, car upholstery, new carpet, and the finish on some furniture.

20. Distilled water: This is a strongly hypotonic solution, meaning it has a lower concentration of solutes and a higher concentration of water. In this solution, water molecules enter the red blood cells faster than they can leave. This causes the cells to swell and burst, leaving the person in a state of hemolysis. People who consume distilled water on a regular basis often show signs of dehydration because of improper use of the water provided it.

21. Other factors practitioners believed may reduce a client's ability to heal, included:
A. Drinking coffee that is pre-ground. When clients stopped drinking pre-ground coffee, bought beans and ground their own for coffee, they appeared to make better progress in healing, even though they continued to drink coffee.
B. Alcohol consumption.
C. Extended close contact with a toxic person. This included people who were repeatedly exposed to chemicals; anyone on chemotherapy; children or adults vaccinated, for 8 days after the vaccine; people who had had an MRI, for 5days after the MRI. While an MRI does not use radiation for its operation, the powerful magnet it uses causes a radioactive response on the cells of the body.
D. Wearing glasses or contact lens that are colored. Any color other than olive green or brown.
E. Tainted well water. All well water is not bad, and can contains our best source of minerals. However, when contaminated, it is common for parasites, microorganisms, nitrates, and chemicals.
F. Frequent consumption of microwave (radiated) foods.
G. Continual exposure to stress factors: If your diet is adequate you can handle a great deal of stress before it bothers you. However, deficiencies of just one mineral, magnesium, are linked to depression, irritability, belligerent and uncooperative behavior. Calcium is the prime conductor of the electrical currents of the nerves, is calming and the number one pain reliever.

Instructions for Taking Homeopathic Remedies

Single dose

An adult dose is 2-3-pellets or 2-3 drops if the remedy is in liquid form. A child's dose is 1-2 pellets, or 1-drop of the liquid. Homeopathic remedies in pellet or liquid form should both be placed under the tongue and allowed to set, or dissolve for at least 10 seconds. After the 10 seconds, they can be spit out, chewed, or just swallowed.

How a Homeopathic Remedy Can be Ruined

Any of the substances below can ruin a homeopathic remedy: Aromatic oils, including those used in soaps, household cleansers, perfumes, and hair sprays. Toothpaste, mouthwash and mints should be avoided at least 20 minutes before and after taking a remedy. "Hard rock" or "rock and roll" music can ruin some of the more sensitive remedies if the remedy is opened while the music is playing. Other loud noises may also do this. The color red, because of the vibrations that emit from it, can also ruin sensitive remedies if they are set on something that is a deep red color.

When pellets are stuck together

If you have a remedy in pellet form, and the pellets are stuck together, DO NOT pound the vial, it will change the potency of the remedy. Instead, use a clean dry toothpick to get them apart. Do not use metal.

Avoid food and drinks

Avoid food and drinks including water for 10 minutes before and after taking a remedy. Coffee, tea, or tobacco should be avoided at least 45 minutes before and after a remedy is taken.

What to expect when taking homeopathy

The disposition of the individual will often be the first improvement noted. For example, if the client is fearful you should notice more of a calm attitude. If they are moody, irritable, or irrational, these too should be reduced or even change entirely. Then the physical symptoms the remedy is supposed to address should improve shortly after.

When to take more than one dose

Usually more than one dose of a remedy is needed to assist the body in eliminating viruses or bacteria. If you feel you have come to a point where no further improvements are noted when taking a remedy for a virus or bacteria, or some of the symptoms seem to be returning, you may want to take another dose of the remedy. If the remedy doesn’t seem to be working, try another remedy that more appropriately fits the symptoms.

Cold & Flu Protection

Eat more salt: The body uses salt to make the enzymes that digest invading microbes and parasites, as well as food. The only time salt has ever been found to be detrimental is when you have failing kidneys or are missing a kidney. Swelling is the result of a lack of the blood protein albumin (acquired from meat based protein) in the blood. Albumin holds salt in the blood stream, and salt holds the water in the blood stream.

Drink lots of pure water. Your body needs water to make the mucus that surrounds and suffocates invading microbes, it keeps your lungs hydrated (protected), and is necessary to carry nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to every area of the body. Coffee and pop do NOT have the same beneficial effect.

Eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar decreases your ability to fight infections or invading microbes; stresses (reduces) circulatory effect; increases the pain felt anywhere in the body; increases susceptibility to infection by making the body more vulnerable to invasion (microbes and parasites like sugar).

Rest. Now is not the time to let yourself get worn down. When you wear down, your immune system wears down. After all, your immune system is part of you, so if you can’t keep going, neither can your immune system.

Eat foods and take supplements and herbs that support immune function.

Don’t eat anything that the body will break down into sugar quickly, because this increases the blood sugar to an above average level. When the blood sugar is high, the immune system cannot function as it should (see above). What will quickly turn to sugar? Products made with white flour, any type of sugar, regardless of how natural it is supposed to be. Fruit juice or fruit juice sweetener added to foods. This does not include natural, raw honey or molasses.

Avoid foods and substances that are anti-nutrients. What are anti-nutrients: They are substances that not only do not supply the body with usable nutrients, but even cause the body to use nutrient reserves to process it. The body is therefore left with less nutrients in the tissues than it had before you consumed the substance. What is included in the anti-nutrient category? An anti-nutrient is anything that contains substances unnatural to the body’s stomach and intestinal system, causing the body more work than normal to break it down and process it through the system. This includes: chemicals, additives, dyes, sugar, over processed, and hybrid foods.

Don’t let yourself get chilled. Getting chilled does not in itself make you sick, but it does make you more vulnerable. If you tend to get cold easily, dress warmer and wear extra clothing to keep yourself warm. If you do get chilled, take a hot bath or shower as soon as you can to warm your body.

Lower bowel, cascara sagrada or other bowel stimulating support to keep your bowels moving regularly. This helps keep toxin level low, energy and resistance up.

Take preventative supplements to give your body extra nourishment. This is arsenal for your immune system.

Infections

Goldenseal herb is probably one of the most effective herbs for infections. It supports the body in its effort to kill bacteria that causes infection. In my experience, infections are gone or significantly cleared up within 3 days when this herb is used.

Goldenseal poultice. I use this to draw venom out of bee stings and help stop bacterial growth in open wounds. Mix goldenseal powder with enough pure water to make a paste, then apply. If the wound is especially nasty and I’m concerned about infection, I open a capsule of Goldenseal and mix it into Nature Sunshine’s Golden Salve, then apply it to the wound.

Colloidal silver can be applied externally by soaking a gauze pad in it, then applying to a wound, or it can be taken internally. I only use this in small amounts, for short periods of time.

Oregon Grape liquid extract is great for infections in the extremities, such as the legs, toes, fingers and sometimes even the brain. I have seen infections in legs clear up quickly even when the blood sugar was a problem.

Pycnogenols for infections and damage deep in the brain. Nature Sunshine carries a high potency pycnogenol, called High Potency Grapine, and a milder product called Grapine with Protectors. These can be taken with colostrum for extra nutrients and possibly quicker healing.

Sinus Infection will respond to a variety of things. Nature Sunshine has a variety of products that work for the sinuses, such as Sinus Support combination, Fenugreek and Thyme, colloidal silver sprayed up the nose, Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids, and/or Feverfew.

Vaccines

Vaccines Ingredients - http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html

National Vaccine Information Center - http://www.standupbecounted.org/tips.htm

About Vaccines - http://www.bantpractitioners.com/PDFs/FluVaccines.pdf

Vaccine Information - http://www.nvic.org/

What is Holistic Medicine?

The field of holistic healing or medicine, often referred to as "alternative" or "natural" medicine, incorporates any healing modality that uses natural and/or non-harmful methods to assist the body in it's efforts to heal. The words "holistic" and "wholistic" both mean the same thing, and come from the Greek word holos, meaning whole. Holistic is not a religious term, rather it refers to the whole body approach to healing, including the mind, thoughts, and emotions as well as the physical body. Although the original spelling of the word is with an ‘h’, some holistic counsellors, because of our current day spelling of the word, prefer to spell it with a 'w.' They also feel the use of our word “whole” in their title, more appropriately describes their whole body approach to healing.

Holistic medicine is based on the premise that God created within man, at the cell level, the knowledge of how to maintain and repair itself. It is man's job to support this process, and to avoid doing anything that might interfere with it. Forms of support might include: proper adjustment of the spine, a wholesome diet, massage, positive thinking, dietary supplementation when necessary, taking supportive herbs, or gently stimulating the body's natural defense with homeopathy.

What is the difference between Homeopathy and Allopathy

What is the difference between Homeopathy and Allopathy

As a practicing physician for over fifty years, I have reached three basic conclusions as to the cause and cure of disease…the first is that the primary cause of disease is not germs. Rather, I believe disease is caused by a toxemia which results in cellular inpairment and breakdown…My second conclusion is that in almost all cases the use of drugs in treating patients is harmful. Drugs often cause serious side effects, and sometimes even create new diseases. My third conclusion is that disease can be cured through the proper use of correct foods.”
Food is Your Best Medicine, by Henry G. Bieler, M.D., Ballantine Books

HOW DOES HOLISTIC MEDICINE DIFFER FROM ALLOPATHIC (CONVENTIONAL) MEDICINE?

How does holistic medicine differ from allopathic? What do holistic practitioners learn, or know, that sets them apart from allopathic physicians? To understand the differences between the two, it is helpful to first understand their differing views of “disease.”

There are two basic theories of disease. One is the Pasteur’s germ theory, which allopathic medicine embraces. This theory promotes the idea that germs (bacteria, microbes, parasites, etc.) attack the body, and once inside wreck havoc, resulting in disease. According to this theory, the best course of action in the prevention of disease is to control or destroy the attacker. If Pasteur’s germ theory was correct, everyone who is exposed to the same germs at the same time should develop the same symptoms, but we don’t see that happen. There are always people who don’t get what the other people around them “come down with.”

The phrase “attack on the body,” in reference to disease, is often heard in allopathic medical circles because of their training to believe Pasteur’s germ theory. Unfortunately, this theory leaves people with the impression we are defenseless against preventing disease, and in need of someone or something to protect us. In the event someone should fall under ‘attack’ by one of these germs, they will also need something to help kill the attacker. This is the part allopathic medicine plays. They supply the protection, or arsenal, to kill the germs. Just how effective is this approach to disease?

Bechamp’s theory of disease is the second theory. He taught that germs have a purpose and are our friend, not our enemy. Bechamp believed that, because germs feed only on weak, dead, or decaying tissues, whether in the plant or animal kingdom, they serve an important purpose. As long as plants and animals are healthy (well fed, needs are adequately met), they do not become infected with germs. Bechamp’s theory, in essence placed all of the responsibility of disease prevention on the individual’s diet and lifestyle. It doesn’t sell products or procedures, nor does it encourage dependence on any institution for the sake of health. In other words, big business can not be achieved by endorsing Bechamp’s theory. On the other hand, this theory makes sense of disease, why some get sick and others don’t, why even people with AIDS get well when they change their lifestyle (diet, drugs, etc), and why alternative (holistic) medicine, that focuses on the overall health and balance of a person, is successful and conventional medicine is, at their own admission, “failing” in the fight against disease.

Holistic medicine endorses Bechamp’s theory of disease, and views disease as an imbalance within the body. An imbalance that stems from needs not being met for a period of time long enough to cause symptoms of dysfunction. For example, if you do not take care of the calcium needs of your body you can develop problems with bone and tooth development, restless legs, or bone density. This isn’t disease, its imbalance. If you neglect your vitamin A needs, nutrition studies show you may eventually develop problems with skin imbalances, light sensitivity, and night vision. Again, not a disease, but an imbalance. The remedy for imbalance comes when one recognizes which needs aren’t being met and meets them in the future. This describes one of the biggest differences between holistic and allopathic medicine. While allopathic is designed to sedate, or eliminate symptoms, holistic medicine is interested in a solution that restores balance.

Other symptoms of imbalance, viewed very differently between these two forms of medicine, occur when the body has to work extra hard to remove toxins, bacteria, and waste from its tissues. Instead of an irritation that needs to be stopped, holistic medicine views these as a sign the body could use some extra support. One example is when our temperature increases (fever). Holistic medicine views this as a positive attempt by the immune system to kill an invading microbe it can’t otherwise eliminate. Instead of interfering with the fever, the immune system should be supported, which often reduces the need for the fever and the body reduces it by itself. Sneezing and coughing after inhalation of an offending pathogen or pollen is another positive response. One the body makes in the attempt to push the irritant back out of the body. If this isn’t effective enough, the mucous membranes make extra mucus to suffocate the offender and eliminate it via mucus discharge. Again, the body should be supported in its efforts. This will reduce the irritation to the tissues involved, lower the stress on the immune system, and hasten the overall elimination process.