Migraines: Preliminary results look promising

Could free radical damage contribute to migraine
headaches? Dr. Sirichai Chayasirisobhon of Kaiser
Permanente Medical Center set out to address that
question when he recruited a dozen patients, each
with a long-term history of little or no success at
treating migraines with various drugs, including
antidepressants, beta-blockers and anticonvulsants.

At the outset of the study, subjects completed a
migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire
to assess the impact of migraine flare-ups on
activities at home, at work and while interacting
with friends and family. For the three-month trial
period, each subject received daily supplements that
contained 600 mg of vitamin C, 300 IU of vitamin E
and 1,200 mg of a pine bark extract. Subjects were
allowed to continue using whatever medications they
were currently taking.

When subjects completed a second MIDAS questionnaire
at the end of the study period, their responses
indicated a marked improvement. And even though the
lack of a control group opens the possibility of
placebo effect, the results were promising:


* The overall MIDAS score improvement was more
than 50 percent


* Average Number of migraine days was reduced
from 44 days in the three months prior to
supplementation, to just 26 days during the trial
period


* Average migraine severity score was reduced
from 7.5 (out of 10) to 5.5


One subject dropped out of the trial. Of the
remaining 11, two reported no change in migraine
frequency, duration or severity. Among the other
nine, the overall MIDAS score improvement was nearly
68 percent.


Migraines: CoQ10 helps alleviate migraines


So...what's up with this pine bark extract?

Although not identified in the study, I believe the
extract is almost certainly Pycnogenol; a natural
antioxidant extracted from French maritime pine
bark. Pycnogenol contains a variety of polyphenols
with anti-inflammatory properties that have been
shown to benefit the cardiovascular system by
promoting proper blood flow.

In fact, Dr.Chayasirisobhon might have produced
even more impressive migraine relief if he had added
CoQ10 to the supplement mix.

In a CoQ10 trial conducted in 2002, 32 migraine
patients each received 150 mg of the antioxidant
daily for three months. In the month before the
study began, the group experienced an average of
more than seven days of migraine each. But by the
end of the study that monthly average had dropped to
just under three days. About 60 percent of the
subjects reported that their frequency of migraines
dropped to less than half of what it had been before
the study.

Also, there was a Swiss study in which 42 migraine patients received either
100 mg of CoQ10 three times each day, or a placebo.
No other methods were used to prevent migraines.
After three months of supplementation, researchers
found that migraine frequency, total days with
migraine, and total days with nausea were all
significantly reduced in the CoQ10 group, compared
to placebo. Overall, the incidence of migraines was
almost cut in half in the CoQ10 group, while the
reduction of migraines in the placebo group was less
than 15 percent.

When this research was presented at the 2004 annual
meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, the
Swiss team noted that migraines might be triggered
by a breakdown in the production of cellular energy.
They theorised that CoQ10 helps prevent migraines by
promoting proper respiration in the powerhouses of
the cell: the mitochondria.

If you suffer from migraines, talk to your doctor or
a healthcare professional about these promising
antioxidant studies before expanding your supplement
regimen.

Sources:

"Use of a Pine Bark Extract and Antioxidant Vitamin
Combination Product as Therapy for Migraine in
Patients Refractory to Pharmacologic Medication"
Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, Vol.
46, No. 5, May 2006, Blackwell-synergy.com
"Antioxidant Combo May Prevent Some Migraines"
Reuters Health, 6/1/06, reutershealth.com "Teen
Refuses Court-Ordered Test to Check Cancer Status"
Elizabeth Simpson, The Virginian-Pilot, 6/26/06,
home.hamptonroads.com "Judge OKs Alternative
Treatment for Teen" The Guardian, 6/2/06,
guardian.co.uk

8 Herbal Remedies

8 Herbal Remedies Herbs are the most popular form of alternative medicine in the United States, according to a recent Harvard study which found that 38 million Americans collectively spend $4.2 billion on herbal medicine every year. Understanding more about how medicinal herbs work can help you treat common ailments more effectively. HERBS FOR WELLNESS Some herbs are beneficial to almost everyone when taken regularly. They include the following: 1. GARLIC FOR CHOLESTEROL CONTROL AND CANCER PREVENTION. The majority of garlic studies show that it reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. Garlic also helps prevent several types of cancer and helps prevent prostate, esophageal, stomach and bladder cancer. Dosage: Most studies have used approximately the equivalent of one clove a day. Garlic works best when it's raw or only slightly cooked, and may also be taken in supplements. Cautions: Garlic impairs blood clotting. If you notice increased bruising, stop taking it and consult a doctor. Stop taking medicinal doses of garlic two weeks before any planned surgery. 2. GINKGO FOR MENTAL SHARPNESS. Ginkgo increases blood circulation through the brain, and it is best known for its potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo also enhances memory in healthy adults of all ages, according to several studies. Dosage: Use commercial preparations, which concentrate Ginkgo’s compounds. Look for standardized extracts that contain 24 percent flavonoid glycosides, and take 120 milligrams daily. Cautions: Ginkgo has an anticoagulant effect, so stop taking it at least two weeks before any surgery or if you notice bruising. HERBS TO TREAT COMMON COMPLAINTS Although herbal medicine is not the answer for every ailment, herbs can be used effectively to treat many health conditions, including those below. 3. CRANBERRY FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTION. Cranberry juice - and the dried berries and extract - protect against infection by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Dosage: If you use cranberry juice cocktail, drink at least three cups a day. If you use dried cranberries, munch on a handful or two a day. For commercial cranberry extract, follow the label directions. Cautions: None. 4. ECHINACEA FOR COLDS. The root and sometimes the aboveground portions of this daisylike flower have been shown to bolster the immune system and help the body fight colds. Some studies have shown no treatment benefit, but most show that echinacea minimizes cold symptoms and speeds recovery. Dosage: Take the dosage recommended on the product label. Typical directions are to take it several times a day at first, and then taper off as you begin to feel better. Cautions: A mildly upset stomach is possible with the tincture. Echinacea is safe for most people, but because it stimulates the immune system, it is not recommended for those with auto-immune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and several others), or for transplanted-organ recipients. 5. GINGER FOR MOTION SICKNESS AND MORNING SICKNESS. Studies show that pregnant women who take ginger have significantly less nausea associated with morning sickness. Several studies show that the herb also wards off motion sickness. To keep motion sickness at bay, take a capsule containing 1,000 milligrams of powdered ginger root about an hour before you embark, and every two hours during your journey. Dosage: Start with 1,000 milligrams. If that doesn't provide sufficient relief, try 1,500 milligrams. Cautions: Some people report heartburn after taking ginger capsules. 6. MILK THISTLE FOR LIVER DISEASE. Mainstream medicine doesn't have any miracle drugs for liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis), but milk thistle seeds can help. They contain three compounds, known collectively as silymarin, that have a remarkable ability to protect and heal the liver. Italian researchers have shown that milk thistle speeds recovery from hepatitis. Several studies have shown that the herb helps treat alcoholic cirrhosis. Milk thistle also helps prevent liver damage from powerful drugs. Dosage: A typical recommended dosage is 140 milligrams of silymarin three times a day. Cautions: Side effects are rare, but can include headache, stomach distress, nausea, hives, itching and joint pain. 7. ST. JOHN'S WORT FOR DEPRESSION. While some studies suggest otherwise, the majority show that St. John's wort, in capsules or tablets, works as well as Prozac and Zoloft for relieving mild to moderate depression, and causes fewer side effects. Dosage: Follow label directions. Studies showing benefits have used 600 to 1,800 milligrams/day. Most studies have used 900 milligrams/day. Cautions: St. John's wort can cause an upset stomach, increases sensitivity to sunlight and reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you take medication regularly, it's important to consult your physician or pharmacist before using St. John's wort. 8. VALERIAN FOR INSOMNIA. Valerian's centuries-old reputation as a sleep aid has been validated by many studies. And unlike many sleeping pills, valerian is not addictive. Dosage: Follow label directions. Cautions: Raw valerian root smells and tastes terrible. Use a commercial preparation. Some include other safe tranquilizing herbs such as hops or lemon balm.

What is the High Energy Doctor all about

What would you do if you had all the time and energy you could possibly want?

Start a new business? More time with the family? Write the great American novel? Travel?

I can't give you more time, however we can do something about your energy levels. We can do something about the way you feel.

My name is Rusty Dorn. I am a chiropractor in private practice. In addition to chiropractic I am a certified acupuncturist and have also done extensive postgraduate training in nutrition and anti aging medicine.

Over the course of my years in practice I have seen all sorts of complaints. Some of the more debilitating issues involved chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. But as I went along, I also noticed that chronic fatigue was a problem with many people as a secondary issue, not the primary complaint.

What do I mean by that?

I mean that people who come to me for any number of complaints had issues with fatigue that was indirectly caused by their primary complaint. For instance, someone with horrible headaches or chronic pain that prevent restorative sleep would have issues with fatigue.

There is also the fatigue that sets in from our hectic work and family schedules.

There is fatigue secondary to lifestyle issues. Poor nutrition, being overweight, too many toxins and so on.

There is fatigue caused by anxiety, prolonged stress and depression.

There is also the decreased energy that many people assume is a natural part of aging.

My job is to fix these problems. To help people identify and correct the underlying issues and shortcomings so that they are able to fully enjoy and experience their life. To not just struggle through each day, barely making it to the end of the day, when they fall exhausted into bed only to get up and do it again the next day.

I have worked with labs to develop proprietary formulas for treatment of specific complaints, such as fibromyalgia , carpal tunnel and migraines. I am in touch with others who have unique treatment protocols for other issues. I spend a lot of time researching and reviewing the latest findings for the best new (and old) treatments.

I will be posting articles, recommendations and helpful links to things that can help overcome these problems and get on with living life, not just existing.

So until next time, heres to having a high energy life.

Rusty