M e m o r y P r o b l e m . L A I

Schuessler tissue salts

Homeopathically prepared minerals.Take 1 tablet every 30 minutes for 5 days to help reduce symptoms rapidly, then take at least 4 tablets of each mineral for 3-6 months. Talk to the health store or pharmacy stockist as you may find some of these tissue salts in one combined formula.Kali mur (Potassium chloride) For sluggish conditions and enlarged glands.Nat mur (Sodium chloride) A fluid distributor.Nat sulph (Sodium sulphate) A fluid eliminator.

Memory ProblemsAt some stage in life we will all feel that we suffer from memory problems. Educa-tional videos and nutritional tomes to help enhance memory and brain function are popular with the baby boomers, who are looking to enhance their prompt memory recall, cognition (the faculty of apprehension, awareness, comprehension, perception, reasoning and understanding) and to deter fatty brain degeneration due to age-related diseases.

Causes Poor blood flow to the brain. Lack of dietary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega 3 (docosahexaenoic

acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) and phosphatidylserine (PS). Toxin exposure from drugs, carbon monoxides and heavy metals. Candida. Menopause. Head trauma or brain dysfunction. Dementia. Alzheimer's disease. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Pellagra, a vitamin B3 deficiency. Alcoholism. Huntington's chorea and multiple sclerosis. Stress. Dehydration.

Signs and symptoms

Brain fog Forgetting where you put an item such as car keys Confusion and forgetfulness Poor recall Poor short-term memory Poor cognition and comprehension associated with poor memory.

Naturopathic recommendations

Lifestyle hints

Have you ever thought about what makes up your brain? If your brain became deficient in its vital elements, how would that eventually affect your brain function? This happens with

Ilimpaproblems

other diseases like arthritis, for example, where joint cartilage nutrients become deficient causing osteoarthritis.

The brain is about 60% fat. Brain neurons that transmit information and signals are rich in PS and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) especially DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) from fish.

Scientific evidence links PUFA deficiency to poor memory, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and hyperactivity disorders, dyslexia, senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, clinical depression, bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia.There are two major reasons for a defi-ciency in PUFAs. First, the reduction in dietary intake of shellfish, fish, organ meats and wild game supplying PUFAs, and second, problems converting linoleic acid (LA) and alphalinolenic acid (LNA) into brain fats. Direct intake of AA and DHA into the brain tissue is 10 times greater than dietary intake of LA and LNA (e.g. from flax oil) Brain exercises, such as crossword puzzles, bingo, reading to keep up vocabulary, studying,

memory videos (learned techniques) and recall memory games are all fun exercises to keep your brain active.

If you're getting frustrated with forgetting, relax and let your intuition take over. Avoid smoking as it reduces blood flow to the brain by constricting blood vessels and

increasing toxicity within the body.

Exercise Exercise 4 times weekly, e.g. power-walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or going to the

gym. If you are not mobile bounce on a trampoline and seek assistance if needed. Exercise increases circulation to the brain.

Nutrition

Enjoy a bitter aperitif, such as vermouth or soda, lime and bitters, before dinner to encourage digestive juices.Alternatively take 50m1 of aloe vera juice with every meal to increase absorption and digestion of nutrients from food.

Do not cook in or with aluminium utensils, foils or pots and pans, as aluminium is linked with Alzheimer's.

Include ginger in your diet to increase the circulation of nutrients around the body. Eat fish at least 3-4 times weekly as it is rich in omega 3 oil. Good sources include tuna,

salmon, sardines, and other types of oily deep-sea fish. Drink plenty of fresh water, herb teas and diluted vegetable juices. Dehydration is known to

cause poor memory. Avoid diuretics, antihistamines, tea, caffeine, coffee and alcohol. Eat 3 meals daily and include two healthy snack meals in between.

Supplements

Antioxidant formulas Reduce the free radical damage to brain fats and nerves, and encourage the body to make antioxidant enzymes which mop up thousands of free radi-cals. Antioxidants include ProenOthera from Evening Primrose Seed Husk, Green tea, Grape Seed, Pine Bark, Beta Carotene,Vitamins E, A and C, amino acids Methionine and Cysteine, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, Flavonoids and adjunctive minerals (Zinc, Seleni-um, Manganese). Take a complex antioxidant as directed.Phosphatidylserine (PS) Derived from Lecithin, PS is a vital fatty lipid found in abun-dance in the brain and is important for brain functioning, nerve cell health and other neurological functions. One of the most extensively researched brain nutrients, PS is shown to reduce stress hormone levels and increase brain waves in healthy young men.' It also showed consistent memory in PS-supplemented elderly women and a marked improvement

Memory Problems 1111?11

in PS-supplemented senile dementia patients."."'' PS dramatically improves cognitive func-tioning in older adults. Take 150mg daily.Vitamin E Vitamin E is fat-soluble and therefore acts in cell membranes and other fat-containing tissues. Functioning as an antioxidant, it protects other fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients, and strengthens cell membranes.Vitamin E is important especially for the elderly as they eat and absorb fewer fat-protecting antioxidants. In the elderly the fats in the brain tend to oxidise, leading to reduced cognition and increased risk of dementia. Take 400IU daily.Fish oil Provides DHA and EPA. DHA is one of the major building blocks for the brain, nervous system and eyes, and is essential for their development. It is most abundant in the grey matter of the brain (25%) and the retina of the eye. The brain nerves need high con-centrations of DHA to send messages. DHA enhances memory and helps concentration.Take 3g daily.Evening Primrose oil Provides GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), vital for brain and eye function. Supplementation is essential due to decreased dietary sources in the average western diet. GLA is important for normal transmission of messages along nerves and for the development of memory. Take 3g daily.Multi vitamin and mineral formula Vitamins and minerals encourage the formation of antioxidants and also play a role in brain function. For instance, Vitamin B3 is used to increase blood flow and circulation, lower harmful blood lipids, namely cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins and to raise HDL (good cholesterol). Vitamin B5 is a key brain vitamin used in the manufacture of red blood cells, hormones, and acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for carrying signals between nerve cells in the brain. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 deficiency results in impaired nerve function that can cause impaired mental function. Vitamin B12 and Folic acid deficiency is common in the elderly and may be a contributing factor in depression. Left untreated, these deficiencies may lead to impaired neurological and cognitive function.Take a Multi vitamin and mineral formula as directed.DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) An acetylcholine precursor. Studies indicate that DMAE can reduce lipauscin (cellular garbage) in brain cells, and is thought to increase lev-els of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine.' In general, DMAE is associated with mental focus, memory, and mood enhancement.".""." DMAE is non-toxic and there have been no reported side effects with doses of less than 1600mg daily.Tyrosine A nonessential amino acid, Tyrosine is a protein building block that is impor-tant to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also a precursor of several neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and L-dopamine. Studies indicate that Tyrosine, along with other amino acids, is beneficial for people affect-ed by dementia, including Alzheimer's disease."."." Take 50mg daily.

HerbsHeavy metal toxin build-up Try gentle herbal body cleanses with St Mary's Thistle, Dandelion Root, Red Clover and fibre supplements that include Vitamin C and Pectin (from apples) to chelate or bind to toxins to help excrete them from the body. See page 131 for Detoxing recommendations.Ginkgo The most popular herb for memory, as it increases circulation to the brain, increases brain function, normalises acetylcholine brain receptors and increases brain transmissions.Take 4g-8g of whole leaf or 24mg-30mg of standardised extract of Ginkgo flavone glycosides daily. Avoid with the prescribed medication warfarin, as Ginkgo in large amounts may magnify the drug's blood-thinning effect.Rosemary Stimulates circulation and memory. Take 50mg 2 times daily or add 2 drops of essential Rosemary oil to hot water and inhale.

226 Menopause

Bacopa A traditional Indian Ayurvedic herb, well known for stimulating memory. Take 2g-3g daily.Gotu Kola Has been an important herb in the medicinal systems of Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka it was purported to prolong life, increase energy, and boost mental processes. Recent studies have shown that Gotu Kola has memory enhancing properties. Gotu Kola is also used to keep veins strong, and reduce symptoms of connective tissue diseases. Take 30mg of Gotu Kola extract (Triterpenes) 3 times daily.

Senile dementia and Alzheimer's diseaseFish oil, Vitamin E and Evening Primrose oil Reports suggest that deficiencies in GLA and DHA could be a key factor in aging"'." Reduced levels of PUFAs in blood have been recorded from Alzheimer's and senile dementia patients. DHA is especially used for brain signals and depletion results in reduced cognition. Higher levels of fish consumption are also correlated to a lower incidence of dementia. Excessive oxidation of PUFAs in neural cell membranes may also cause dementia. Studies show that higher blood levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, improve cognition: 633 Americans 65+ were observed; 91 of them in a 4.3-year follow-up developed Alzheimer's. None of the 50 persons supplementing with Vitamin E were among the 91 that developed Alzheimer's." Prevention and treatment for dementia may be enhanced by supplementation with antioxidants and PUFAs.

Menopause 1 4 'In some parts of Asia a female is not considered a 'full woman' until she reaches menopause. Postmenopausal women are revered and deeply respected by all. Their wisdom, knowledge and passion are in high demand. Many herbs are taken to ensure that skin remains healthy and energy levels high.Asian women have a very high intake of soy products like tofu and tempeh, instead of high-fat foods and meat. It is well known that these women suffer fewer menopausal symptoms than women on Western diets.

Most women reach the peak of their reproductive abilities in their late 20s. After that, ovarian function declines gradually. As oestrogen production declines, many ovarian cycles become anovulatory (not producing or releasing eggs), and menstrual periods become erratic and shorter in length. Eventually ovulation and periods cease entirely; this normally occurs between the ages of 46 and 55 years and is called menopause. Menopause is considered to have occurred when a whole year has passed without menstruation. Some women feel this is a time when they can relax and enjoy a full life without the worries of contraception and the monthly use of tampons and pads. Although ovarian oestrogen production continues for a while after menopause, the ovaries finally become nonfunctional as endocrine organs.

Causes Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen and progesterone, as in

natural menopause, or from surgical removal of both ovaries, called surgical menopause. Surgical ovarian removal or damaged reproductive organs can bring on early menopause. Genetics, tubal ligation and stress can influence menopausal symptoms. Women who tend to be underweight and lack body fat (which normally has a beneficial

effect on oestrogen balance) can experience menopausal symptoms too. Ovarian oestrogen production decreases dramatically at menopause, but does not stop com-pletely. Additionally, another weaker kind of oestrogen (estrone) is produced in fat tissue.

J72 Gallstones

GallstonesWhen you vomit you might taste bile, that horrible substance that makes your vomit take on a green or yellow tinge. Bile helps with the digestion process of fat and excretes other unwanted materials from the body. It's formed by the liver, but is con-centrated and stored in a sump, called the gall bladder, until we eat a meal containing fat or oil.

Gallstones are smallish, hard collections that form into a solid irregular stone and are normally located in the gall bladder. However, they may travel from the gall blad-der through the gall bladder ducts. Gallstones can be serious if they lodge in the ducts or create obstruction. If a duct becomes blocked (partially or totally) the bile may build up behind the stone and cause the lining of the ducts to inflame, leading to pain. Smaller gallstones can pass through the digestive tract and are often confused with kidney stones (that are passed through the urethra). If they are too large to pass through the ducts, or symptoms are recurring, surgical intervention may be necessary to avoid further complications, including peritonitis, pancreatitis and increased risk of gall bladder cancer.

Gallstones are characterised into the folowing types:Pure cholesterol Due to either an increase in cholesterol or a decrease in bile acids, lecithin or water (extremely rare).Pure calcium bilirubinate pigment (Extremely rare).Mixed Composed of cholesterol, bile salts, bile pigments, inorganic salts of calcium. Stones Composed entirely of minerals: calcium, silicon, aluminium oxides.

Causes

Lack of fibre or fluid. excess saturated dietary fat, poor diet or a highly refined diet. Obesity. Parasite infection. Family history. Certain drugs. Age. Certain diseases such as Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.

Signs and symptoms

(Some people may have gallstones without symptoms.) Gall bladder inflammation. Uncomfortable sensation in abdomen. Pain that may feel cramp-like and build in intensity, and that may also shoot back

toward the right shoulder blade or be felt under the ribs and sternum. Nausea and vomiting are common along with bloating, gas and indigestion. The skin may take on a slight yellowish hue and may be itchy if the stone blocks the gall

bladder duct. This may be accompanied by clay-like stools and dark urine. Eating a fatty or oily meal may precipitate the pain. This happens as the gall bladder

contracts to release bile to emulsify the fat from the diet. A formed stone may dis-lodge from the gall bladder and be released into the duct, causing bile build-up and obstruction.

Gallstones AIL

Naturopathic recommendations

Lifestyle hints

Exercise Reduces obesity, insulin resistance and blood levels of triglycerides (fats) linked to gallstones,

and may lessen the risk of gallstone production by up to 30%. Exercise 4-5 times weekly, e.g. power-walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or going to the

gym. If you are not mobile bounce on a trampoline and seek assistance if needed.

Nutrition

Gall Bladder Flush FastThe Gall Bladder Flush takes three days and is designed to encourage the stones to become more soluble, smaller in size and to reduce gall bladder inflammation. It is not for the faint-hearted as you have to fast on apple juice for two and a half days to complete it successfully. Do not attempt to drive or do any strenuous activity while on the third day of the gall bladder flush as it may cause cramps, pain and dizziness. I know this from personal experience. It is recommended you consult with a health professional or check with your doctor before attempting the fast.Day One: Drink 1 cup of pure, organic apple juice every hour after waking. Apple juice contains malic acid, which may help dissolve stones. At night drink 1 Tbsp of dissolved Epsom Salts with 1/2 a cup of warm water and flavour it with 1/2 a cup of apple or orange juice. Epsom salts help to dilate the gall bladder duct by releasing muscle contraction. Day Two: Follow directions above.Day Three: Follow directions above until the evening, then whip up one cup of pure fat cream and eat the cream with a small bowel of fruit salad.After 15 minutes drink the Epsom salts mixture. The cream will make the gall bladder contract and the Epsom salts makes the duct relax for stones to go through. Immediately go to bed and either lie at a 45 angle or lie on your right side with your knees drawn up for the first 30 minutes or until you go to the toilet or go to sleep.

What will happen?As the gall bladder releases the gallstones by contracting in response to the cream, you should excrete stools and gallstones. Some green jelly lumps will be evident and can be mistaken for stones but that's just the cream and bile mixing together.

Do not resume eating your normal meals until the fourth day. If you have any serious medical conditions that may be affected by this diet please see a naturopath who may assist you with advice before embarking on the three-day programme. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication. Food sensitivities to the following foods can lead to inflammation and immune system

reactions. Eliminating foods, including eggs, pork, onions, milk, coffee, oranges, corn, beans and nuts, has been shown to reduce symptoms dramatically. See page 164 for food sensitivity testing to identify your possible food allergies.

Reduce saturated fats, including all animal fats, dairy produce and margarine, as they are implicated in the manifestation of gallstones. Eat lean meat and more fish daily. Animal fats aggravate the gall bladder more than saturated vegetable fats like coconut milk. Poly-and monounsaturated fats help fat metabolism and reduce inflammation, so substitute animal fats for these beneficial fats and oils, e.g. olive oil, canola, oil, flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil.

High-sugar and refined carbohydrate intake increases cholesterol production and blood 1triglyceride levels of the liver, triggered by a pancreas response to the sugar. Reduce sugar

Mk Glandular Feyer (Infectious mononucleosis) 411111111111.

intake to prevent cholesterol metabolism problems involved with gallstones. Reduce sugary foods (cakes, biscuits and fatty sugary crackers) to a minimum.

Eat plenty of fibre from fruit, grains (bran, ground flaxseed, oat bran and pectin) and vegetables.

Drink 8-9 glasses of fresh water daily to prevent dehydration.

SupplementsLecithin Helps to keep cholesterol soluble and acts as a fat emulsifier, helping the diges-tion and breakdown of fats.Take 1000mg-5000mg daily. Or, if you are not food sensitive to eggs, eat 1-2 eggs (free range only) 3-4 times per week.Antioxidant formulas Those that include Vitamin E, the amino acid Protein Methionine and the mineral Manganese are beneficial, as deficiencies in antioxidants (particularly these ones) are thought to contribute to gall bladder disease and gallstone formation. Take a broad spectrum antioxidant formula as directed.Magnesium Helps to relax the gall bladder sphincter, which helps release gallstones.Take 450mg daily.

HerbsFibre Helps to bind onto excess dietary cholesterol for excretion. Take 1-3 tsp of Flaxseed fibre, Psyllium Husk or other fibre products.Liver-cleansing herbs Take 420mg of Milk Thistle (standardised silymarin content) daily, or 1.5g-4g of dried Globe Artichoke Leaf daily. These promote the flow and dis-charge of bile.Gall bladder herbs Dandelion Root (3g-5g of dried root daily), Burdock Root (2g-6g of dried root daily) and Peppermint (enteric coated peppermint capsules normally recommended for upset stomachs) may dissolve stones and prevent the formation of cholesterol crystals involved in the production of gallstones.Goldenseal A choleretic, for infection due to inflammation and waste matter build-up in the gall bladder or ducts.Take 500mglg daily.

ExternallyCastor oil packs Apply to the right under the rib cage to reduce pain and inflammation.

You will need: Castor oil (obtained from the chemist), a soft clean cotton cloth, plastic wrap, a plastic container to store the oil-laden cloth, and a hot water bottle. Directions: Soak the cloth in Castor oil. Place the folded cloth just under the right rib area. Cover the cloth completely with plastic wrap both to avoid staining your clothes and to keep in the warmth. Place a towel over the plastic and put a hot water bottle on it. Leave it on overnight. Repeat this five nights in a row and rest for two nights. Do this for three weeks.

Glandular Fever (Infectious mononucleosis)

Glandular fever is a viral infection that has a couple of less favourable names: infec-tious mononucleosis (due to affected monocyte cells); and the kissing disease, as the main mode of transference is saliva. The virus spreads through the bloodstream, lym-phatic system and into the glands causing them to enlarge as well as causing a fever, hence the name glandular fever.

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