Will MS respond to herbals?
DEAR DR. GOTT: Please give me information on multiple sclerosis. Do you recommend any holistic or natural supplements that are helpful in treating the condition? My 41-year-old daughter-in-law has just been diagnosed with it. Thank you. Your column is very informative.
DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This, in turn, interferes with signals between the brain and the remainder of the body, resulting in nerve deterioration.
Symptoms vary from person to person but can include an inability to speak or walk, dizziness, tremor, unsteady gait, double or blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body at a time or on the bottom half of the body. Increases in body temperature can worsen symptoms.
The disorder can affect anyone at any age but commonly begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with Caucasians at the top of the list. Women are more likely to develop MS than are men. Heredity plays an important role except in the case of identical twins. Should one twin be diagnosed with MS, the second has only a 25 percent to 30 percent chance of developing it. People also appear more susceptible if they have other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, a thyroid disorder or inflammatory bowel disease.
Diagnosis can be difficult because other disorders with similar symptoms must be ruled out first. A spinal tap, MRI or electrical testing might be considered. A spinal tap can show abnormal levels of white blood cells or proteins. The MRI can detect lesions of myelin loss caused by MS. Electrical testing can trigger the brain to respond to outside stimuli. An MRI may not provide proof-positive results, however, because the lesions detected could be caused by other conditions, including lupus and Lyme disease.
While there is no cure, there are medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and glatiramer, which protects the myelin (the fatty substance that covers nerve fibers) and prevents it from being attacked. Another procedure patients might consider is interferons (proteins that protect against vital infection), which appear to slow the progression of MS. The downside is that interferons can cause liver damage. Then there's physical therapy, obtaining sufficient rest, avoiding extreme heat, and eating properly. Because mental stress can accompany MS, counseling and support groups are endorsed.
Herbal remedies are a long shot but could include omega-3 fatty acids, such as is found in freshwater salmon, and bromelain, a substance extracted from pineapple that is thought to control pain and inflammation. Before trying either of these remedies, I would recommend your relative speak with her physician to obtain his or her opinion. Your daughter-in-law should be under the care of a specialist who can guide her through this ordeal. Many people do not require any treatment in the early stages, while others will fare better with a more aggressive approach.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online. His Web site is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Copyright 2010, United Feature Syndicate Inc.
On behalf of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles staff and membership I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Downtown Association, Waste Management and all other agencies involved in making the 2010 Art on the Green/Street Fair such a huge success, record breaking in our case.
Our downtown business really appreciated the team effort to not only bring in so many potential customers by the Downtown Association but the cleanup effort by the Waste Management Dept. like a fairy in the night. It really makes us proud to be involved in a community that can operate such great events and make it so seemingly flawless. A big THANK YOU and pat on the back is definitely in order.
Fraternally,
BILL MILLER
Bar Manager and Cher Rhoads, Aerie Secretary
Thank You Veterans: Once again you step up to the plate.
I personally want to thank each of Veterans organizations who donated funds that allowed seven of Idaho's finest young men to attend the Devil Pups Encampment 2010 at Camp Pendleton in California.
Without the help of Kootenai County Veterans Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3603 Post Falls, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9894, VFW Auxiliary in Rathdrum, Marine Corp League Pappy Boyington Det. No. 966 in Coeur d'Alene, the American Legion Post No. 149 in Athol and the American Legion Post No. 143 in Post Falls, these young men would not have had the chance to benefit from the lessons learned in forming young adults for their life's tasks.
Kudos to all of you!
DR. JAMES PARK
Post Falls
On June 11, the Post Falls Kiwanis Club held their 13th annual golf fundraiser, chaired by Kiwanian Dianne Best, at the Highlands Golf Course. This was our most successful tournament yet. The money we raised will go toward scholarships for college bound high school seniors, The Boys and Girls Club, and community projects.
The Post Falls Kiwanis Club would like to thank the following sponsors and donors for their participation in this event: Ace Hardware, Alliance Title & Escrow, Avista, Awards, Etc., bankcda, Body by Scotty, Caddy Shack, Circling Raven Golf Club, Coldwell Banker Realty, Community 1st Bank, Connected Northwest Insurance, Darian Panasuk, Edward Jones Investment, English Funeral Chapels, Findlay Hyundai Mazda, Fred Gabourie - Attorney, Grocery Outlet, G.W. Hunters, Handy Mart, The Highlands Golf Course, Hot Rod Cafe, Kootenai Electric, Les Schwab Tire - Post Falls, Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene, McDonalds Restaurant, MFB Build, LLC, Numerica Credit Union, Panhandle State Bank, Perfection Tire, Ponderosa Springs Golf Course, P.F. Optometric Physicians, Prairie Falls Golf Club, Richard Jurvelelin/Windermire, Service Paper Company, Silverwood Theme Park, Stancraft Boats, Tom Beaton, MD, Treaty Rock Realty, Triple Play Family Fun, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Walmart, Washington Trust Bank, Wolf Lodge, Jim Vancho D.C., and Robert and Rebecca Memmer.
A special Thank You also goes to all the tournament golfers, and to the Highlands Golf Course for making this all possible.
NINA DEES
representative for The Post Falls Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament Committee
DEAR DR. GOTT: Please give me information on multiple sclerosis. Do you recommend any holistic or natural supplements that are helpful in treating the condition? My 41-year-old daughter-in-law has just been diagnosed with it. Thank you. Your column is very informative.
DEAR READER: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system destroys the protective sheath covering the nerves. This, in turn, interferes with signals between the brain and the remainder of the body, resulting in nerve deterioration.
Symptoms vary from person to person but can include an inability to speak or walk, dizziness, tremor, unsteady gait, double or blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body at a time or on the bottom half of the body. Increases in body temperature can worsen symptoms.
The disorder can affect anyone at any age but commonly begins between the ages of 20 and 40, with Caucasians at the top of the list. Women are more likely to develop MS than are men. Heredity plays an important role except in the case of identical twins. Should one twin be diagnosed with MS, the second has only a 25 percent to 30 percent chance of developing it. People also appear more susceptible if they have other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, a thyroid disorder or inflammatory bowel disease.
Diagnosis can be difficult because other disorders with similar symptoms must be ruled out first. A spinal tap, MRI or electrical testing might be considered. A spinal tap can show abnormal levels of white blood cells or proteins. The MRI can detect lesions of myelin loss caused by MS. Electrical testing can trigger the brain to respond to outside stimuli. An MRI may not provide proof-positive results, however, because the lesions detected could be caused by other conditions, including lupus and Lyme disease.
While there is no cure, there are medications, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and glatiramer, which protects the myelin (the fatty substance that covers nerve fibers) and prevents it from being attacked. Another procedure patients might consider is interferons (proteins that protect against vital infection), which appear to slow the progression of MS. The downside is that interferons can cause liver damage. Then there's physical therapy, obtaining sufficient rest, avoiding extreme heat, and eating properly. Because mental stress can accompany MS, counseling and support groups are endorsed.
Herbal remedies are a long shot but could include omega-3 fatty acids, such as is found in freshwater salmon, and bromelain, a substance extracted from pineapple that is thought to control pain and inflammation. Before trying either of these remedies, I would recommend your relative speak with her physician to obtain his or her opinion. Your daughter-in-law should be under the care of a specialist who can guide her through this ordeal. Many people do not require any treatment in the early stages, while others will fare better with a more aggressive approach.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my Web site at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online. His Web site is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Copyright 2010, United Feature Syndicate Inc.
On behalf of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles staff and membership I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Downtown Association, Waste Management and all other agencies involved in making the 2010 Art on the Green/Street Fair such a huge success, record breaking in our case.
Our downtown business really appreciated the team effort to not only bring in so many potential customers by the Downtown Association but the cleanup effort by the Waste Management Dept. like a fairy in the night. It really makes us proud to be involved in a community that can operate such great events and make it so seemingly flawless. A big THANK YOU and pat on the back is definitely in order.
Fraternally,
BILL MILLER
Bar Manager and Cher Rhoads, Aerie Secretary
Thank You Veterans: Once again you step up to the plate.
I personally want to thank each of Veterans organizations who donated funds that allowed seven of Idaho's finest young men to attend the Devil Pups Encampment 2010 at Camp Pendleton in California.
Without the help of Kootenai County Veterans Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3603 Post Falls, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9894, VFW Auxiliary in Rathdrum, Marine Corp League Pappy Boyington Det. No. 966 in Coeur d'Alene, the American Legion Post No. 149 in Athol and the American Legion Post No. 143 in Post Falls, these young men would not have had the chance to benefit from the lessons learned in forming young adults for their life's tasks.
Kudos to all of you!
DR. JAMES PARK
Post Falls
On June 11, the Post Falls Kiwanis Club held their 13th annual golf fundraiser, chaired by Kiwanian Dianne Best, at the Highlands Golf Course. This was our most successful tournament yet. The money we raised will go toward scholarships for college bound high school seniors, The Boys and Girls Club, and community projects.
The Post Falls Kiwanis Club would like to thank the following sponsors and donors for their participation in this event: Ace Hardware, Alliance Title & Escrow, Avista, Awards, Etc., bankcda, Body by Scotty, Caddy Shack, Circling Raven Golf Club, Coldwell Banker Realty, Community 1st Bank, Connected Northwest Insurance, Darian Panasuk, Edward Jones Investment, English Funeral Chapels, Findlay Hyundai Mazda, Fred Gabourie - Attorney, Grocery Outlet, G.W. Hunters, Handy Mart, The Highlands Golf Course, Hot Rod Cafe, Kootenai Electric, Les Schwab Tire - Post Falls, Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene, McDonalds Restaurant, MFB Build, LLC, Numerica Credit Union, Panhandle State Bank, Perfection Tire, Ponderosa Springs Golf Course, P.F. Optometric Physicians, Prairie Falls Golf Club, Richard Jurvelelin/Windermire, Service Paper Company, Silverwood Theme Park, Stancraft Boats, Tom Beaton, MD, Treaty Rock Realty, Triple Play Family Fun, Twin Lakes Golf Course, Walmart, Washington Trust Bank, Wolf Lodge, Jim Vancho D.C., and Robert and Rebecca Memmer.
A special Thank You also goes to all the tournament golfers, and to the Highlands Golf Course for making this all possible.
NINA DEES
representative for The Post Falls Kiwanis Club Golf Tournament Committee