• Asthma

DISORDER: ASTHMA
Fact: Asthma affects more than 14 million people (5 million children and 9 million adults). Children under age sixteen, particularly those living in urban areas, and adults over the age of sixty-five are most likely to suffer from asthma. It is the number-one cause of hospitalization for children, and the number-one cause of school absenteeism. Occupational exposure to certain substances, such as urethane and polyurethane, used in the adhesives and plastics industry; rubber epoxy resins from paint; textile cleaners fumes; dry-cleaning chemicals.
Symptoms of an asthma attack: coughing, wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing.
Two forms - Allergic and Non-allergic: Common asthma-provoking allergens: animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, feathers, food additives (such as sulfites), fumes, mold, and tobacco smoke. Non-allergic asthma attack triggers: adrenal disorders, anxiety, temperature changes, exercise, extremes of dryness or humidity, fear, laughing, low blood sugar, and stress.

NUTRIENTS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Flaxseed Oil or Primrose Oil	1,000 mg twice daily, before meals.	Sources of essential fatty acids needed for production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)	50 mg 3 times daily.	The anti-stress vitamin.
Vitamin A	15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.	Needed for tissue repair and immunity
Natural beta-carotene	10,000 IU daily	An antioxidant and precursor of vitamin A.
Vitamin B Complex	As directed on label	Stimulates the immune system.
Vitamin B6	As directed on label	Helpful in the treatment of allergies and asthma.
Vitamin B12	1,000 mcg twice daily, between meals	Decreases inflammation that occurs in the lungs during an attack.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids	1,500 mg 3 times daily. Caution: If you have a history of kidney stones or hemochromatosis, do not take at this dosage level.	Needed to protect lung tissue and keep down infection. Also increases air flow and fights inflammation.
Vitamin E	600 IU and up daily.	A potent antioxidant.
Coenzyme Q10	100 mg daily	Has the ability to counter histamine.
Magnesium plus Calcium	750 mg daily. 1,500 mg daily.	May stop the acute asthmatic episode by increasing the vital capacity of the lungs. Has a dilating effect on the bronchial muscles.
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex	As directed on label	Necessary for enhanced immune function. Use a high-potency formula.
Selenium	200 mcg daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 40 mcg daily.	A powerful destroyer of free radicals created from air pollutants.
Bee pollen	Start with a few granules at a time and slowly work up to 2 tsp daily.	Strengthens the immune system. Caution: Bee pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Discontinue use if a rash, wheezing, discomfort, or other symptom occurs.
Glucosamine Sulfate	As directed on label	Important for regulation of mucous secretions of the respiratory tract.
Kelp	2,000-3,000 mg daily for 21 days, then reduce to 1,000-1,500 mg daily.	For minerals in balanced amounts.
Grape Seed Extract	As directed on label	Powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
S-Adenosylmethio-nine (SAMe)	As directed on label	Reduces stress and eases depression. Promotes a sense of well-being.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Chamomile	As directed on label	A gentle antihistamine. Helps to prevent attacks.
Elderberry	As directed on label	Relieves nasal congestion and fever.
Ginger	As directed on label	Deactivates platelet-activating factor (PAF), which promotes allergic reactions.
Green tea	As directed on label	Contains theophylline, which opens bronchial passages.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a diet consisting primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grains. The diet should be relatively high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contain no sugar. Include "green drinks" in your program. Kyo-Green from Wakunaga is excellent. Do not eat ice cream or drink extremely cold liquids. Cold can shock the bronchial tubes into spasms. Try using bee propolis, which is soothing to the mucous membranes. If you find exercise can induce an asthma attack, try taking 2000 milligrams of vitamin C one hour before your workout. However, people at risk for kidney stones or hemochromatosis (an iron-absorption disorder) should not take vitamin C at this dosage level. If exercise produces an asthmatic response, check your salt intake. Ask your doctor what sodium level is right for you. Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Naprosyn), and piroxicam (Feldene) account for over two-third of drug-related asthmatic reactions, with aspirin causing over half of these. Chemotherapeutic agents and antibiotics also can induce asthma reactions. Practice method to relieve stress. Stress and strong emotions like worry and fear can trigger an asthma attack. Avoid furry animals; the food additives BHA and BHT; FD&C Yellow No. 5 food dye; tobacco and other types of smoke; and the amino acid tryptophan. Consider removing carpeting, at least in the bedroom, to help keep dust mites, germs, and bacteria from aggravating asthma. People with asthma may be deficient in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, and selenium, as well as in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. People with asthma often have lower than normal levels of gastric hydrochloric acid, which is needed for proper digestion. Many people with asthma are sensitive to food additives known sulfites. Some people have had severe attacks after consuming foods containing sulfites. Many restaurants use sulfating agents to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth in green salads, cut and sliced fruit, frozen shellfish, and other foods.

• Diabetes

DISORDER: DIABETES
Diabetes is a result of problems with the pancreatic hormone insulin. Insulin controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the cells. In people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being taken into and used by the cells, leading to hyperglycemia (abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood).
Two major types of diabetes: Type 1 (or insulin-dependent-diabetes mellitus [IDDM]) and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]). Type 1 diabetes affects 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes and usually starts at an early age. Type 2 diabetes affects 90 to 95 percent of diabetes suffers. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does produce insulin in small quantities, but not enough to fuel the cells. Many people have type 2 diabetes and are completely unaware of it.
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes: diet, weight, race, age, lack of exercise, and heredity. It is much more common among Latinos, American Indians, African-Americans, and American-Asians than Caucasians. In fact, over the last thirty years, the number of African-Americans diagnosed with diabetes has tripled. This disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the primary cause of blindness in people between the ages of twenty and seventy. People with diabetes are subject to episodes of both high and low blood sugar. The symptoms of hyperglycemia (too much glucose in the blood) often include fatigue, a constant need to urinate, extreme thirst, constantly feeling hungry, loss of weight, and problems with eyesight.
Episodes of hypoglycemia (less than normal amounts of glucose in the blood), which strike suddenly, can be caused by a missed meal, too much exercise, or a reaction to too much insulin. The initial signs of hypoglycemia are hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitations, and numbness or tingling of the lips. If not treated, the individual may go on to experience double vision, trembling, and disorientation, may act strangely, and may eventually lapse into a coma.

NUTRIENTS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Alpha-lipoic acid	As directed on label	For treatment of peripheral nerve damage in diabetic patients. Helps control blood sugar levels.
Chromium picolinate or Brewer's Yeast with added Chromium	As directed on label	Improves insulin's efficiency, which lowers blood sugar levels. A combination of chromium picolinate, vanadyl sulfate, and other vitamins and minerals that work synergistically to regulate blood sugar levels and correct deficiencies. Caution: If you have diabetes, consult with your physician before taking any supplement containing chromium.
L-glutamine	500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach	Reduces the craving for sugars.
Taurine	500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach	Aids in the release of insulin.
Vitamin B Complex plus extra Biotin	As directed on label	Improves the metabolism of glucose.
Vitamin B12 plus Folic Acid	As directed on label	Needed to prevent diabetic neuropathy. Injections (under a doctor's supervision) are best. If injections are not available, use a lozenge or sublingual form.
Zinc	50-80 mg daily	Deficiency has been associated with diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10	80 mg daily	Improves circulation and stabilizes blood sugar.
Magnesium	750 mg daily	Important for enzyme systems and pH balance. Protects against coronary artery spasm in arteriosclerosis. Increases energy levels. Low readings of magnesium are often found in people with diabetes, and are associated with the complications of eye disease.
Manganese	5-10 mg daily. Take separately from calcium.	Needed for repair of the pancreas. Also a cofactor in key enzymes of glucose metabolism. Deficiency is common in people with diabetes.
Vitamin A with Carotenoids	15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily.	An important antioxidant needed to maintain the health of the eyes.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids	3,000-6,000 mg daily	Deficiency may lead to vascular problems in people with diabetes. Vitamin C may slow or prevent complications that occur in diabetes.
Vitamin E	400 IU and up daily	Improves circulation and prevents complications through its antioxidant properties.
Calcium	1,500 mg daily	Important for pH balance.
MultiEnzyme complex plus proteolytic Enzymes	As directed on label.	To aid digestion. Proper digestion is essential in management of diabetes.
Pycnogenol or Grape Seed Extract	As directed on label	A powerful antioxidant that also enhances the activity of vitamin C and strengthens connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Aloe	As directed on label	Stimulates insulin production without causing weight gain. Prevents high triglycerides.
Ginkgo	As directed on label	Reduces blood vessel damage and retinopathy risk.
Ginseng	As directed on label	Prolongs effect of Lente and Ultralente insulin for types 1 and 2. Stimulates insulin production in type 2.
Green tea	As directed on label	Slows sugar release from starchy foods. Also keeps blood from becoming "sticky"; protects against atherosclerosis, and retinopathy.
Pau d'arco	As directed on label	Reduces spillover of glucose into the urine, lowering very high sugar levels. Also fights yeast infection.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet including plenty of raw fruits and vegetables as well as fresh vegetable juices. This reduces the need for insulin and also lowers the level of fats in the blood. Fiber helps to reduce blood sugar surges. For snacks, eat oat or rice bran crackers with nut butter or cheese. Legumes, root vegetables, and whole grains are also good. Remember to regulate your complex carbohydrate intake. Supplement your diet with spirulina. Spirulina helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Other foods that help normalize blood sugar include berries, brewer's yeast, dairy products (especially cheese), egg yolks, kelp, sauerkraut, soybeans, and vegetables. Get your protein from vegetable sources, such as grains and legumes. Low-fat dairy products are also acceptable sources of protein. Avoid saturated fats and simple sugars (except when necessary to balance an insulin reaction). Eat more carbohydrates or reduce your insulin dosage before exercise. Exercise produces an insulinlike effect in the body. Talk to your doctor about the right approach for you. Do not take fish oil capsules or supplements containing large amounts of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and avoid salt and white flour products. Consumption of these products results in an elevation of blood sugar. Do not take supplements containing the amino acid cysteine. It has the ability to break down the bonds of the hormone insulin and interferes with absorption of insulin by the cells. Do not take extremely large doses of vitamins B1 (thiamine) and C. excessive amounts may inactivate insulin. These vitamins may, however, be taken in normal amounts. Avoid tobacco in any form; it constricts the blood vessels and inhibits circulation. Keep your feet clean, dry, and warm, and wear only white cotton socks and well-fitting shoes. Lack of oxygen (because of poor circulation) and peripheral nerve damage (with loss of pain sensation) are major factors in the development of diabetic foot ulcers. Try to avoid injury, and take measures to improve the circulation in the feet and legs. Vitamin C may inhibit this destructive process. If glycosylation is part of the normal aging process, taking vitamin C supplements may slow it. Niacinamide, a form of niacin, slows down the destruction and enhances the regeneration of the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas, and therefore may be helpful for those with type 1 diabetes. Elevated glucose levels in the lens of the eye can result in the accumulation of substances called polyols, whose presence can ultimately cause damage to the lens. Flavonoids, such as quercetin, help to inhibit the accumulation of polyols. Smokers who have diabetes are two to three times more likely than their nonsmoking counterparts to develop kidney damage, often leading to the need for dialysis or a transplant. Smoking constricts blood vessels. In people with diabetes, this helps to push large protein molecules out of the vessels and into the kidneys. That can eventually lead to kidney failure. It is vital for people who have diabetes to take care of their feet. Nerve damage can lead to lack of sensation in the feet, and once the skin is broken, sores there may not heal. Treatments for diabetic foot problems include becaplermin (Regranex), a topical gel that encourages tissue growth in the wound, and Dermagraft. Dermagraft is based on the collection of tissue-building cells from healthy sources and implanting them into the wound, stimulating one's own cells to heal the affected area.

• Hypertension

DISORDER: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)
Fact: If blood pressure is elevated, the heart must work harder to pump an adequate amount of blood to all the tissues of the body. Ultimately, the condition often leads to kidney failure, heart failure, and stroke. In addition, high blood pressure is often associated with coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney disorders, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal tumors.
Symptoms: Because high blood pressure usually causes no symptoms until complications develop, it is known as the "silent killer." Warning signs associated with advanced hypertension may include headaches, sweating, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
Two Categories - Primary and Secondary: Primary Hypertension is high blood pressure that is not due to another underlying disease. Risk Factors: cigarette smoking, stress, obesity, excessive use of stimulants such as coffee or tea, drug abuse, and high sodium intake. Secondary Hypertension is when persistently elevated blood pressure arises as a result of another underlying health problem, such as a hormonal abnormality or an inherited narrowing of the aorta.

NUTRIENTS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium	As directed on label	Deficiencies have been linked to high blood pressure. If you are taking cortisone or high blood pressure medication, take extra potassium to counteract depletion of this mineral.
Coenzyme Q10	As directed on label	Improves heart function.
Essential fatty acids (Black Currant Seed Oil, Flaxseed Oil, olive oil, and Primrose Oil)	As directed on label	Important for circulation and for lowering blood pressure.
L-Arginine	As directed on label	Shown to play an increasingly important role in heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
L-Carnitine	500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach.	Transports long fatty acid chains. Together with L-glutamic Acid and L-glutamine, aids in preventing heart disease.
L-glutamic acid	500 mg daily	To detoxify ammonia and aid in preventing heart disease.
Selenium	200 mcg daily	Deficiency has been linked to heart disease.
Vitamin E	Start with 100 IU daily and add 100 IU each month, until you reach 400 IU daily.	Improves heart function. Vitamin E also acts as a blood thinning agent; use with caution if you are taking prescription blood-thinners. Use d-alpha-tocopherol form.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids	3,000-6,000 mg daily	Improves adrenal function; reduces blood-clotting tendencies.
Lecithin granules or capsules or Lipotropic factors	As directed on label	To emulsify fat, improve liver function, and lower blood pressure.
Bromelain	As directed on label	An enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats.
Kelp	1,000-1,500 mg daily	A good source of minerals and natural iodine.
Multivitamin and mineral complex with Vitamin A and Zinc	As directed on label	All nutrients are needed in balance.
Proteolytic Enzymes	As directed on label	Aids in cleansing the circulatory system. Completes protein digestion.
Vitamin B Complex plus extra Vitamin B3 (niacin)	As directed on label	Important for circulatory function and for lowering blood pressure. Take niacin only under the supervision of a physician.
Vitamin B6	50 mg 3 times daily.	Reduces water content in tissues to relieve pressure on the cardiovascular system.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
Supplement	Suggested Dosage	Comments
American Ginseng	As directed on label	Helps maintain healthy potassium levels
Bilberry	As directed on label	Helps keep arteries flexible; prevents hypertensive damage to blood vessels in the eye.
Dong quai	As directed on label	Prolongs resting period between heartbeats and lowers blood pressure.
Ginseng	As directed on label	Used as directed, lowers blood pressure; protects heart muscle; enhances sexual function in both men and women.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Follow a strict salt-free diet. This is essential for lowering blood pressure. Avoid those food products that have "salt", "soda", "sodium", or the symbol "Na" on the label. Some foods and food additives that should be avoided on this diet include monosodium glutamate (Accent, MSG); baking soda; canned vegetables (unless marked sodium- or salt-free); commercially prepared foods; over-the-counter medications that contain ibuprofen (such as Advil or Nuprin); diet soft drinks; foods with mold inhibitors, preservatives, and/or sugar substitutes; meat tenderizers; softened water; and soy sauce. Eat a high-fiber diet and take supplemental fiber. Oat bran is a good source of fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, melons, peas, prunes, raisins, squash, and sweet potatoes. Include fresh "live" juices in the diet. The following juices are healthful: beet, carrot, celery, currant, cranberry, citrus fruit, parsley, spinach, and watermelon. Eat grains like brown rice, buckwheat, millet, and oats. Take 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily. Avoid all animal fats. Bacon, beef, bouillons, chicken liver, corned beef, dairy products, gravies, pork, sausage, and smoked or processed meats are prohibited. Get protein from vegetable sources, grains, and legumes instead. Avoid foods such as aged cheeses, aged meats, anchovies, avocados, chocolate, fava beans, pickled herring, sherry, sour cream, wine, and yogurt. Avoid all alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Keep your weight down. Fast for three to five days each month. Periodic cleansing fasts help to detoxify the body. Get regular light to moderate exercise. Take care not to overexert yourself, especially in hot or humid weather. Be sure to get sufficient sleep. Have your blood pressure checked at least every four to six months. Because hypertension often shows no signs. If you are pregnant, have your blood pressure monitored frequently by your health care provider. Untreated hypertension in pregnancy can progress suddenly and pose a serious threat to both mother and child. Do not take supplements containing the amino acids phenylalanine or tyrosine. Also avoid the artificial sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which contains phenylalanine. Because the use of diuretic drugs causes increased urinary excretion of magnesium, it can cause hypomagnesemia in elderly people. Magnesium is needed in conjunction with calcium to prevent bone deterioration, as well as to maintain a normal heart rhythm and muscular contraction. Losses of potassium due to diuretics may be dangerous, causing heart malfunction. Taking medication for high blood pressure may lead to low blood pressure (hypotension). Hypotension can cause fainting, fatigue, and weakness, possibly with nausea, sweating, and restlessness preceding a loss of consciousness. In older people, the heart is not as efficient at increasing blood flow by pumping more quickly, so, with too much blood going to help with digesting a meal, there is too little traveling to the brain. Drinking lots of fluids increases blood volume, which may alleviate this condition.

Reference(s):

Balch, Phyllis A., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Ed, New York, Avery, 2000.
Balch, Phyllis A., Prescription for Herbal Healing, 1st Ed, New York, Avery, 2002.