Natural hormones are commonly becoming more preferred than Synthetic hormones across the globe. Also known as Bio-identical hormones or human identical hormones, natural hormones are derived from plants, such as the wild yam or soybean plant, and are chemically and functionally identical to human hormones. The wild yam is rich in precursor molecules that can be converted in the laboratory into estrogens and other hormones whose molecular structure is the same as those produced in the human body. The key in distinguishing what is “natural,” is not where the hormone originated, but whether it’s chemical make-up matches the one it is intended to replace.

Biologically identical hormones are believed to produce the same physiologic responses in the body as endogenous hormones (those made by the body).

Substances that are most similar to what our body produces naturally are thought to support human functioning without increased risk of allergic reactions and sensitivities. For example, studies have shown human-identical insulin to be more effective for diabetic patients. Moreover, an often over-looked aspect of biologically identical HRT is that it may vastly improve the quality of life for women suffering from a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

Although there have been a number of smaller studies on biologically identical hormones, there have been no large-scale efforts similar to the WHI research.

In the late 1800’s, laws were passed in the United States that allowed medicines to be patented only if they were not natural substances. Because biologically identical hormones occur naturally in the female body, they cannot be patented and therefore large pharmaceutical companies have no financial incentive to fund research on these types of hormones. Even the WHI authors acknowledged that results might have been different if biologically identical hormones had been used: “The results do not necessarily apply… to estrogens and progestins administered through the trans-dermal route. It remains possible that trans-dermal estradiol with progesterone, which more closely mimics the normal physiology and metabolism of endogenous sex hormones, may provide a different risk-benefit profile.”

Today’s women prefer natural hormones. In a survey of a nationally representative sample of 1009 women age 40 and older, 83% said they would prefer to use hormones that are similar to their own body’s hormones. Bio-identical hormones include estrone (El), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and Pregnenolone.

To summarize,

SYNTHETIC = SUBSTITUTION
BIO-IDENTICAL = REPLACEMENT

Synthetic hormones are not found in humans, and are not identical in structure or function to the bio-identical hormones they are intended to replace.

Biologically identical hormones can be prepared by a compounding pharmacy in dosages and various administration forms to suit one’s individual needs.

What are the benefits of BHRT?

1. Fewer side effects versus synthetic derivatives.
2. Protection against heart disease.
3. Reduced risk of breast cancer.
4. Improved cholesterol and lipid profile.

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What are the major Goals of BHRT?

1. Alleviate the symptoms caused by the natural decrease in production of hormones by the body.

2. Give the protective benefits, which were originally provided by our naturally occurring hormones.

3. Re-establish a hormonal balance.

How does hormonal balance relate to weight loss?

Well, many women gain weight prior to or during menopause, after a partial or complete hysterectomy or any other condition affecting hormones.

Even when these women (or men) eat semi-healthy, and exercise….the body will not respond and weight loss does NOT occur! Why? The body is not in balance and is therefore unable to respond; or unable to heal itself!

It is advised to balance one’s hormones naturally FIRST, and then incorporate a sensible weight loss program! Does that make sense? Sure, especially knowing that most weight loss candidates are women in their pre-menopause or menopause.

To learn more about BHRT, read Suzanne Somers’ books: The Sexy Years (2004) & Ageless (2006).

If you are a physician or healthcare professional, visit www.eliteambt.com. You can learn more about BHRT and get certified in the application of BHRT.

If you are a women or a men on prescription hormones, I highly recommend you switch to bio-identical hormones. Your physician most likely will disagree with these recommendations, and this is why: he/she is NOT trained in bio-identical hormones and therefore can NOT recommend them; he/she is NOT trained in health, but only in disease; he/she is bombarded on a daily basis with prescription drug information from the medical representatives of drug companies. Regardless, YOU need to take control of your health. How? Read my first book!

Yours in Optimal Health,

Dr. Mike.

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Is Horse Urine the Solution? About hormones…

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Hormonal balance and hormone replacement therapy are great strategies to lose weight and obtain optimal health; although there is both a right way and a wrong way when considering Hormone Replacement Therapy that one should research.

Hormone History

Where did Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) start?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was born, in a sense, in 1942, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved synthetic estrogen alone, and later estrogen with progestin to relieve short-term menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats.

In 1966, widespread use of HRT really took flight with the publication of Dr. Robert Wilson’s book, Feminine Forever, funded by Wyeth-Ayerst, the leading manufacturer of synthetic hormones. Wilson characterized HRT as nothing short of a wonder drug and a fountain of youth for women who feared becoming dried-up, wrinkled, and sexless old hags in danger of losing their husbands.

Negative side effects were not mentioned; in fact, Wilson claimed that estrogen prevented cancer and called women “castrates” if they didn’t take hormones. Also absent from books and magazine articles at the time were discussions of alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms.

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Do You Want Pregnant Mare’s Urine?

Synthetic hormones are made in a laboratory from nonhuman sources. For example, Premarin®, a drug commonly used in estrogen replacement therapy, is derived from pregnant mares’ (horse) urine. In fact, there are more than 50 horse estrogens in Premarin®. Because horse estrogen is foreign to the human body, women lack the enzymes and co-factors to metabolize it safely. Foreign estro¬gens, like those in Premarin®, are called xeno-estrogens. With potentially dangerous side ef¬fects, they are also found in insecticides and plastic bottles. Synthetic progestins (like ProveraTM, which is medroxyprogesterone acetate or MPA) can have negative side effects including possible blood clots, an increased risk of heart disease, headaches, fluid retention, weight gain, mood swings, and breakthrough bleeding. In addition, other chemicals that may produce adverse side effects must be added to the synthetic hormones to facilitate absorption and utilization by the body.

Once considered the “cure” for menopausal symptoms, synthetic hormones may do more harm than good for many women. A portion of the widely publicized Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study on HRT was stopped early when it concluded that risks including increased breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots exceed the benefits. According to the California Healthspan Institute, synthetic HRT “is not really true hormone replacement therapy since to be categorized as a ‘hormone’ the substance must naturally exist in the human female or male body.” Plus, if every woman’s body is different, common sense would dictate that a standardized dose could not be the appropriate treatment for an individual woman.

Conclusion: Do NOT take prescription hormones, unless you want to increase your risks for breast cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and others! The Solution is simple, safe and very effective:
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

Yours in Optimal Health,

Dr. Mike.

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Quitting smoking is not easy, yet there are a number of tips and strategies that are helpful in breaking the addiction. that Smoking kills almost 500,000 Americans each year and bla, bla, bla, bla…we all know the facts and the statistics so I won’t bore you with them again! What you probably didn’t know is that less than 3% of smokers who try to quit fail and most who succeed tried several times. So, what are some crucial keys to success besides the common prescribed patches and therapies out there (that obviously have a huge track record of FAILURE)? Here’s my personal strategies that have helped many of my patients:

1. Don’t even bother trying to stop smoking if you are TRULY not sincere. If you want to stop because your spouse or significant other is nagging you, don’t waste your time or money. ONLY if you have SINCERE PERSONAL Reasons for quitting and need help, the suggestions below will be successful! My success rate with my patients is well over 90%, mainly because I do NOT treat people who do not have those sincere personal reasons…I just tell them I can’t help them, which is true!

2. First, develop a plan. You must set a firm date for quitting and make a strategic daily plan, including a gradual decrease in the number of cigarettes you smoke. For example, if you smoke 20 cigarettes per day set-up a plan like this:

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
# of cigarettes 18 16 18 14 16 12 14
Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
# of cigarettes 12 10 12 8 10 6 8
Day 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
# of cigarettes 6 4 6 2 4 0 2

3. Also set a plan of action for the cravings that will hit you. This plan of action could be a substitute activity, for example: walking the dog, checking your email, taking a relaxing bath, drinking a bottle of water, chewing some gum etc. every time a craving hits you.

4. Motivate yourself by constantly reminding yourself WHY you want to stop smoking. Maybe it’s because your health is suffering and you want to avoid doctors and hospitals, maybe you want to be alive when your grandkids grow up etc. Also think about the amount of money you will save and what else you could do with this money. Over a 10-year period, a two-pack-a-day habit costs approximately $52,000. If you have a difficult time motivating yourself, join a support group. These groups only meet once a week for about 20 minutes and they may really help. To locate a support group in your local area, contact the local hospital, the American Lung Association (800-586-4872 / www.lungusa.org ), or the American Cancer Society (800-227-2345 / www.cancer.org).

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5. Involve your friends and family. Most smokers try to stop secretly because they don’t want to be embarrassed in case they fail. You should do the exact opposite! Involve your friends, family, and even your doctor and inform them on exactly what your plan is. Ask them to check-up on you regularly to see how you are doing and apologize in advance for how irritably you may be at times as you go through nicotine withdrawals.

6. Do NOT switch to ‘light’ cigarettes, studies show is does not help because people who switch to low-tar, low-nicotine brands unwittingly compensate by inhaling smoke more deeply or frequently.
7. Do NOT ask your doctor for antidepressant therapy or drugs; you could become addicted to these ‘drugs of death’. For more information on psychotropic drugs, visit www.cchr.org

8. Get HELP. I strongly suggest a good, licensed acupuncturist who is knowledgeable about the protocols for smoking cessation(ask him or her about their success rate with previous clients) and who is skilled and legally able to inject methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12) into acupuncture point LI20 (3 injections, once per week, of 1cc bilateral) which will make your cigarettes taste bad. This recommendation of mine lacks scientific evidence but I have used it with great success for many years! Other complementary therapies that may assist you include acupressure and hypnosis.

If you need help or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime!

Yours in Optimal Health,

Dr. Mike.

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The flu shot exposed in terms of its disguised cost and hidden ingredients.

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Regular exercise is synonymous with weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle; Here’s a little bit about energy expenditure.

A little bit about energy expenditure.

Our Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the energy our body uses to sustain life on a daily basis; the energy necessary to sustain all biomechanical reactions and bodily systems. The BMR consumes about 60 to 70% of the total energy at a rate of 1kcal/kg/hour.

The thermal effect of our digestive process demands another 10% of that total energy. We have no control over our BMR and thermal digestive effect; however we can control the energy WE spend; it’s called activity or exercise! Exercise can demand anywhere from 10-40% of the total available energy.

Example of energy expenditure: A 75 kg person burns 100 kcal when walking 1 mile, and 1 pound of fat equals 3500 kcal. So this person would have to walk 35 miles to burn 1 pound of fat.

Research & Benefits of Regular Exercise:

Regular exercise results in a decrease in the loss of fat-free mass (muscle) associated with weight loss. Exercise also increases muscle mass and results in more effective fat oxidation (more fat is burned per unit of exercise).

A quick increase in fat metabolism is observed within 3 weeks of exercise at a frequency of 3x/week and within 10 days of 1-hour of exercise/day.

Exercise improves maintenance of weight loss; exercise helps sustain weight loss results. Exercise is more beneficial for maintenance than for initial weight loss and does not have a major impact on short-term weight loss results.

As an overweight or obese person loses weight, it takes more and more exercise just to maintain the weight loss.

As we all know, exercise also improves cardiovascular and metabolic health (independent of weight loss).

In studies, NO advantage is shown with supervised versus non-supervised activity in long-term. In other words, going to the gym and/or having a personal trainer does not benefit you; however initially it may be advised that a knowledgeable person assists you in the proper execution of your exercise program to assure optimal effectiveness and prevent injury!

Compliance is shown to be higher when exercises are performed home-based vs. group based. I assume that is true because group-based exercise interrupts people’s daily schedule (they have to be at a certain place at a certain time) and when people’s personal schedule changes (kids off school during summer, different job, spouse out of town etc.) they are inclined to “give up”.

A single bout of exercise can increase BMR by 5-15% for up to 48 hours (due to an increased systemic Nor-epinephrine). Example: if a 70kg person burns an extra 160 kcal/day, he/she loses an extra pound of fat every 20 days.

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Ideally one exercises 120 – 200 minutes/week for weight loss. In our Sensible Weight Loss program (SWL) we suggest to incorporate exercise within the first month of the program, even though we established earlier that exercise does not have much of an effect in initial weight loss. Why? The client has to learn the appropriate exercises, and gradually increase the frequency and duration BECAUSE when the client reaches his/her optimal body composition, exercise will be crucial to keep the weight off! I recommend you start with 120min/week and gradually increase to 200min/week. We will expand on the type of exercise, intensity, frequency and duration later!

Exercise decreases appetite short-term due to reduction in visceral blood flow and catecholamine elevations. Exercise does not increase food intake in long-term in normal individuals.

So, the key is to combine diet with exercise. You will lose more weight than diet alone and the body composition changes: increased fat loss, less lean muscle tissue loss and decrease in visceral fat. Exercise is key factor in maintenance of weight loss.

Conclusion so far:

Diet = key factor for initial weight loss!

Exercise = key factor for sustained weight loss!

Many dieters will “plateau” (unable to lose more weight at a certain stage within a popular weight loss program) UNTIL  they increase exercise!

Yours in Optimal Health,

Dr. Mike

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Sinusitis remedies are in high demand during flu season. As sinusitis is a common sinus infection affecting millions every year. The function of these sinuses is to warm and humidify the air on its way from the nostrils to the lungs. A lining of mucus keeps the sinuses moist and in normal circumstances tiny hairs called ‘cilia’ sweep mucus from the sinuses down into the nose. But when you have a stuffy nose, allergies or a cold and these passages are congested, the sinuses may fail to drain. This results in bacteria and/or fungi to multiply in the trapped mucus and cause an infection of the sinuses or sinusitis.

Sinusitis most often follows a regular cold but also can be caused by allergies such as tobacco smoke, respiratory irritants, mouth infections and anatomical problems such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps.
Sinusitis often starts as a common cold and therefore the condition goes undiagnosed many times. If a cold last more than 10-14 days, one should be checked for a sinus infection. Distinct symptoms besides those of a common cold are a severe congestion with a thick, yellow or green nasal discharge, a headache or pressure in forehead and behind the eyes, ear pain, a decreased sense of smell, bad breath and fever. Acute sinusitis can turn into chronic sinusitis in which the symptoms persist over 12 weeks. Left untreated this annoying condition may cause permanent scarring of the sinuses and can permanently narrow the opening of the sinuses into the nose, and in some cases can lead to blindness or brain abscess. Allergies on the contrary are usually accompanied by itching and watery eyes.

The standard treatment of acute sinusitis – of course – is a course of antibiotics plus oral decongestants and a nasal spray. Antihistamines are usually not recommended because they can dry up the sinuses too much. For chronic sinusitis, they usually add another week of antibiotics with more decongestants…and if that doesn’t work, you will be referred to a “specialist” who after an x-ray, CT-scan or endoscopy may surgically remove the polyp, tumor or cysts and widen the sinus openings. If the sinusitis is diagnosed as allergy related, the allergy obviously has to be treated.

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Other (and better) treatment options:

1. Saline irrigation: Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm spring water and pour this mixture into a squirt bottle (plastic bottle with a soft, narrow tip) – in the morning. Lean over the sink and squirt the saline solution into each nostril, alternating until the bottle is empty. Continue to lean over the sink as your nostrils drain. This easy method can relieve symptoms fast and make the healing process much more pleasant. Make sure to clean the bottle prior to using it again! You can repeat this procedure 3 to 4 times/day.

2. A steam bath with eucalyptus: simply add a few drop of eucalyptus oil to a pot of boiling water and drop a towel over your head and the pot. Inhale the steam; it will help unclog the sinuses.

3. Humming: an interesting study showed that nitric oxide, a gas that is lethal to bacteria, increased 15-fold in the nose during humming. This increase in ventilation improves sinus air exchange and reduces the risk for infections.

4. When blowing your nose, keep your mouth open and do NOT blow with too much force since this may redirect the infected mucus back up into the sinuses and restart the infection.

5. Consume ½ teaspoon of prepared horseradish (or put in on a cracker). The horseradish will make your eyes water and drain your nose; therefore relieving the pressure in the sinuses caused by the build-up of mucus.

6. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples and also available as a supplement in health food stores, has shown to help break down mucus and clear sinus infections. The recommended dose is 3 times 500mg/day.

7. Reduce or preferably eliminate the consumption of milk and other dairy products as they increase mucus production.

8. Increase your daily water intake (at least the number of ounces equaling your weight in pounds divided by 2) to assist drainage.

9. Increase your Vitamin A intake since vitamin A is essential for healthy mucus lining; and increase your vitamin C intake to prevent and treat infection.

10. If the sinusitis is allergy related: drink beet top tea as a water source and avoid wheat, citrus fruits, chocolate, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, potatoes, polluted meats and polluted air/allergens.

11. For chronic sinusitis: add ginger, green onions, magnolia flower, bananas, garlic, black mushrooms, chrysanthemum flowers, mulberry leaves and apricot kernel to your diet. Avoid extreme weather conditions, coffee, smoking, stress, picking your nose, polluted air and smog.

My personal favorite action plan:

Go and see a licensed acupuncturist and ask him/her to needle the following acupuncture points: Yingxiang (LI20) bilateral, Bitong (extra point) bilateral and Yintang (extra) for 20 minutes with manual stimulation every minute. You will experience instant relief and may have to schedule 1 to 3 more treatments only.
In addition, you will need to take a FABULOUS Herbal Formulation called ‘Magnolia Clear Sinus’ that will effectively treat ALL your sinusitis and rhinitis symptoms. Take this supplement for only 1 month initially and with every infection thereafter…it REALLY works!

Yours in Optimal Health,
Dr. Mike

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