Natural Way to Health

Dr. David Brownsteins

Achieving & Maintaining Your Optimal Health

February 2010

Vol. 3, Issue 2

Seven Blood Tests to Maintain

Your Best Health

y patients frequently ask me, Why dont

other doctors order the same blood tests
you do? The answer is simple; most
doctors are not trained to look for hormonal and
nutrient imbalances in the body and therefore do
not test for them. If you dont test for imbalances,
it is a safe bet that you likely believe that those
imbalances dont exist. In fact, most conventional
doctors claim that you can get all your nutrients
from food. I would be willing to bet that these same
doctors probably never have checked you for a
nutrient deficiency.
I believe that doctors not only should be
diagnosing and treating illness but also should be
helping their patients achieve their optimal health. To
accomplish these goals, you need to have the correct
blood tests ordered and interpreted.
This issue of Natural Way to Health will show
you the seven blood tests you must undergo. Each
of these tests provides a piece of crucial information
that can be used to formulate a holistic health plan
that not only treats illness but also provides a road
map for optimizing your health.
Physicians are experts in pathology, the study
and diagnosis of disease. In fact, medical training
is geared toward training medical students in
pathology. How is this done? In medical school,
I was taught to take a history and listen to the
patients concerns. Next, I was taught to do a
physical exam to look for pathology in order to aid
me in coming to a diagnosis. Finally, I was taught to
order blood tests to help come up with a diagnosis.

This process works well to diagnose a pathological

condition in the body. However, this process fails
miserably in assessing the patients health.
Nowhere in medical school was I taught about
what health is and how to maintain it. In fact, we
did not learn anything about health in medical
school. Frankly, because of this lack of knowledge,
physicians today are incapable of helping patients
achieve a healthy state; their primary concern instead
is diagnosing illness and prescribing the medication
to treat that illness.
On the contrary, I believe that periodic blood
testing can pick up a problem before a disease
has taken hold and allow you time to correct the
imbalance that has been discovered.
There is a better way. In order to get happier,
more satisfied patients, doctors should look at ways
to optimize their patients health. How do I, as a
holistic physician, evaluate health? I use the same

In This Issue . . .
4 Key to Total Health: Thyroid Testing......................2
4 Slash Your Heart Attack Risk..................................3
4 Male Menopause: Its No Mystery..........................4
4 Strike a Balance With Iron Levels............................5
4A
 ntibiotics in Animals; Antidepressant Risk............6
4 Simple Allergy Checks You Must Not Ignore..........7
4 Ask Dr. Brownstein.................................................8

tools I was given in medical school: I start with a

history, do a physical exam, and order specific blood
tests that identify nutrient and hormonal imbalances
that directly affect the health of the patient. Having
a balanced hormonal system and optimal nutrient
levels are essential to promoting health. More
than 18 years of experience has proved to me that
ordering the correct blood tests in order to identify
nutrient and hormonal imbalances is a crucial part
of any holistic health exam.
So, here are the seven most important blood tests
you need to achieve your optimal health.

Key to Total Health: Thyroid Testing

There are perhaps no more important blood
tests than thyroid tests. It is estimated that from
10 percent to 40 percent of the U.S. population is
suffering from an undiagnosed thyroid problem.
Thyroid illnesses such as hypothyroidism and
autoimmune thyroid problems, as well as thyroid
cancer, are increasing at epidemic rates. I believe
thyroid problems are the most under-diagnosed
conditions physicians see today. Unfortunately, most
conventional physicians are not educated on the
physiology of the thyroid gland and fail to order the
appropriate blood tests to evaluate thyroid function.
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone,
which every cell in the body requires for optimal
function. It controls the metabolic rate of the body. It
is impossible to achieve health or overcome illness if
the thyroid gland is not functioning properly.
Conventional medicine believes that thyroid
testing should consist only of a thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) test. If the TSH test is normal, there
is no thyroid problem. If the TSH is abnormal, the
doctor usually will consider prescribing a treatment
for a thyroid problem.
However, as I describe in my book, Overcoming

Thyroid Disorders, and in the May 2008 Natural

Way to Health newsletter, relying solely on the TSH
test to diagnose a thyroid problem will miss up to 40
percent of those suffering with a thyroid problem.
Why are so many people suffering from thyroid
problems being misdiagnosed? The answer is simple:
Patients are not having the appropriate blood tests
drawn. The appropriate thyroid blood tests do
include a TSH level. But in addition, the right tests
will check T4 and T3, as well as thyroid antibodies
(antithyroglobulin and antimicrosomal).
Some doctors have begun to test for T4 along with
a TSH. This is still inadequate to evaluate the thyroid
gland fully. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone
that improves the metabolic rate of the cells. I have
seen countless patients who cannot convert inactive
thyroid hormone (T4) to active thyroid hormone
(T3). These poor converter patients suffer from
an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Patients
suffering from hypothyroidism are often fatigued
and suffer from brain fog, aches, cold extremities,
dry skin, and constipation. I believe hypothyroidism
can be a major part of the epidemic of many
common illnesses, including heart disease, obesity,
autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Autoimmune thyroid illnesses (such as Graves
disease and Hashimotos disease) are woefully underdiagnosed. Estimates are that up to 3 percent of the
population suffers from autoimmune thyroid disease.
My experience has clearly shown these numbers
to be much too low. Why are they so low? Because
doctors are not checking for it.
If a thyroid problem is detected, there are many
safe and effective natural therapies that help to
normalize thyroid function. Iodine, selenium, and
vitamin C should be part of this regimen. If thyroid
hormone is indicated for therapy, I suggest using
natural, desiccated thyroid hormone (Nature-Throid
or Westhroid) over the more commonly prescribed

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2010 Newsmax Media, all rights reserved. Please note that this advice is generic and not specific to any individual. You should consult with your doctor before undertaking any medical
or nutritional course of action.

February 2010

Synthroid or Levothroid. Thyroid levels should be

checked at least once per year.

Slash Your Heart Attack Risk:

Check Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino
acid produced in the body. Hundreds of research
articles have shown a direct correlation between
homocysteine levels and heart disease; the higher
the homocysteine level, the higher the risk. In fact,
research has shown that for every 10 percent rise in
homocysteine, there is a corresponding 10 percent
rise in heart disease.
Homocysteine can be an indirect marker of
B-vitamin levels. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are
related directly to homocysteine. Deficiencies of these
nutrients can cause homocysteine to elevate and
therefore increase the risk of heart disease.
Homocysteine can be checked by a simple blood
draw. Optimal levels are below 9 M/L. Remember,
the higher the level, the higher the risk of heart
disease. How can you lower homocysteine levels?
Ensure that you have adequate levels of the B
vitamins. If homocysteine is above 9 M/L, I suggest
taking vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamine
(1,000 mg/day), vitamin B6 (1 to 10 mg/day), and
folic acid (5 mg/day). The vast majority of people
with elevated homocysteine levels will find that their
levels will be lowered by taking this regimen. More
information about homocysteine can be found in
the September 2008 issue of Natural Way to Health.
Homocysteine levels should be checked yearly.

A Simple Vitamin for Lifelong

Health: Vitamin D
Vitamin D certainly has made the headlines
recently. There does not seem to be a condition
that cannot be improved by ensuring adequate
levels of this nutrient. Vitamin D is the sunshine
vitamin. It is made in our body after sun exposure
hits the skin, although it can be absorbed through
the diet. Vitamin Ds major role in the body is to
regulate calcium. It has been shown to increase the
absorption of calcium from the intestines. This is a
necessary step to ensure that our bones have enough
calcium to maintain their strength.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally
February 2010

present in a few foods, such as fish liver (cod liver

oil) and the flesh of fish (such as salmon, tuna, and
mackerel). Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks,
cheese, and beef liver.
Vitamin D also has been shown to have a much
wider role in the body than just regulating calcium
absorption. It has been shown to modulate the
immune and neuromuscular systems. It also has
anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin D levels
have been correlated directly with the development
of autoimmune disorders; the lower the vitamin
D levels, the more likely one will develop an
autoimmune disorder. In fact, I have found it
virtually impossible to treat an autoimmune disorder
without ensuring adequate vitamin D levels.
Furthermore, vitamin D has been shown to regulate
cell proliferation and apoptosis the ability to turn
rapidly dividing cancer cells back into normal cells.
I have been checking vitamin D levels in my
patients for nearly 20 years. My estimates are that
well over 90 percent of patients are vitamin D
deficient. That is not just from living in a Northern
climate. Researchers have reported an epidemic of
vitamin D deficiency across the entire country. How
could this be? The No. 1 source of vitamin D is
sun exposure. Because of the irrational fear of sun
exposure, patients have been conditioned to avoid
the sun and to overuse sunscreen. The consequence
of this irrational fear is rampant vitamin D
deficiency. This, in part, has lead to the epidemic of
Continued on page 5
David Brownstein, M.D., is a boardcertified family physician and one of
the foremost practitioners of holistic
medicine. Dr. Brownstein has
lectured internationally to physicians
and others about his success with
natural hormones and nutritional
therapies in his practice. His books
include Drugs That Dont Work and
Natural Therapies That Do!; Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You
Cant Live Without It; Salt Your Way To Health; The Miracle of
Natural Hormones; Overcoming Arthritis, Overcoming Thyroid
Disorders; The Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet; The Guide to Healthy
Eating; and The Guide to a Dairy-Free Diet. He is the medical
director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield,
Mich., where he lives with his wife, Allison, and their teenage
daughters, Hailey and Jessica. For more information about Dr.
Brownstein, please go to www.drbrownstein.com.
3

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Dr. Bs Case History of the Month

Male Menopause Is No Mystery. Its Just Hormones

In each issue, I will share with you the story of one of
my patients and how simple alternative approaches
sometimes can solve major health problems. Names
and some details have been changed for privacys sake,
but the problems and their resolutions are real.
Dr. David Brownstein
Brian, 50, is an emergency room doctor. During the
past 20 years, he has had various episodes of insomnia.
I think it is related, in part, to my job, he told
me. I work 12-hour shifts, sometimes during the day,
sometimes all night. I used to be able to sleep anytime.
Now it takes me over two hours to fall asleep.
He was noticing increasing fatigue during the daytime
as well and worried about being able to do his job. This
was never a big problem for me, until the last month.
Now, my brain feels foggy. Needless to say, that is not
good for a doctor, he said.
Brian tried prescription sleeping pills, to no avail. After
a few weeks of sleeping poorly, Brian decided to seek an
alternative approach. I need a different path. I cannot
take the mediations that are supposed to help me sleep
they make me worse, he said.
During his initial exam, Brian told me he was having
some hot flashes. Sometimes I wake up at night with
a hot flash. It is similar to what my female patients go
through. My chest and head get very warm and I have to
throw off the covers, he claimed.
Brian also said that his libido was very low. I thought
it was normal to have your libido drop as you get older,
but this is ridiculous. I cant believe having no libido is
normal. It is like a switch has been turned off. Brian also
complained of feeling irritable and snapping at those
around him. I am usually a pretty mellow guy. I feel like
something changed in me, he said.
Brian was exhibiting many of symptoms of male
menopause, known as andropause. Yes, men can go
through hormonal changes, just as women do later in
life. Andropause occurs when testosterone levels decline.
Testosterone is the anabolic hormone produced in the
testicles in men as well as the adrenal glands in men and
women. In men, testosterone production is stimulated
by another hormone known as luteinizing hormone (LH).
LH is produced in the pituitary gland. Released from
the pituitary, it travels in the bloodstream to the testicles,
where it signals the testicles to make testosterone. When
enough testosterone is being produced, it sends a signal
back to the pituitary to slow LH production.
4

When the testicles begin to fail, however, the pituitary

gland increases production of LH to stimulate the
testicles to increase testosterone. This method of control
by the pituitary gland is similar to a womans production
of estrogen.
When testosterone levels abruptly decline, men
generally become irritable (or more irritable, depending
on the person), anxious, fatigued, and achy. They often
complain of difficulty sleeping, with either interrupted
sleep or difficulty falling asleep. If they can sleep, they
usually feel it is not restful sleep and they wake up feeling
fatigued. Finally, men will notice a rapid decline in their
libido. Some men have hot flashes, but my experience
has been that this is uncommon.
After a history and physical exam on Brian, I ordered
laboratory tests. His results showed all the anabolic
hormones DHEA-S, pregnenolone, and testosterone
levels were very low. His testosterone level was 244 ng/
dl (normal is 240-1048 ng/dl), and his free testosterone
level was 0.76 ng/dl (normal is 0.8-3.5 ng/dl).
Having low testosterone can be the result of
pituitary decline (lowered LH) or testicle failure. To
learn which, I ordered an LH level on Brian. His LH
level was slightly elevated at 6.6 miu/ml (normal is 1.37.2 miu/ml). In essence, his pituitary gland (via LH)
was trying unsuccessfully to stimulate his testicles to
produce testosterone. So, it was clear to me that Brians
andropause was because of the decline in production of
testosterone by his testicles.

I Feel Like My Old Self

I prescribed natural testosterone in cream and also
instructed Brian to do natural testosterone shots.
I use natural testosterone compounded by a local
compounding pharmacist. Because of his other lab tests,
I also recommended Brian to take DHEA (10 mg/day)
and pregnenolone (25 mg/day).
Brian began to feel better immediately. It took about
a week, but I felt the fog begin to lift. After three weeks,
my libido started to come back and began to feel like my
old self, he claimed. Brian has been on this therapy for
a month now. He was happy to report to me how much
better he was feeling.
Men can suffer hormonal changes just like women.
My experience has shown that most men between
the ages of 45 and 55 will begin to suffer with various
andropause complaints because of low testosterone and
other androgen hormones. Appropriately supplementing
with natural, bioidentical hormones can make a world of
difference in the life of men, as it does in women.
February 2010

Continued from page 3

osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, and

heart disease.
The current daily recommended intake (DRI) for
adults for vitamin D is 200 IU/day. This is hogwash.
Its 20 years behind the research. Most patients need
from 2,000 to 10,000 IU/day to achieve optimal
vitamin D levels (50 to 100 ng/ml). Levels below 30
ng/ml are very low and need immediate attention.
Vitamin D levels should be drawn, at least, on an
annual basis.
How do you get vitamin D? The best way is
to expose your skin to the sun. A 15-minute skin
exposure to sunshine can help the body manufacture
vitamin D. If you cannot expose your skin to
sunlight, it is best to supplement. Bio-D-Mulsion
Forte is an emulsified form of vitamin D that I have
found to be the best absorbable form of vitamin D;
its available from Biotics Research. I recommend
taking from 1 to 5 drops/day (2,000 IU/drop of
vitamin D3). Use only natural vitamin D as a
supplement, which is vitamin D3. It is best to avoid
medications and supplements with Vitamin D2 in
them. Children also need vitamin D, but need to be
dosed lower for their size.

Strike an Important Balance With

Iron Levels
I discussed the importance of having your iron
levels checked in the July 2009 edition of Natural
Way to Health. Too much or too little iron can pose
a tremendous problem for the body. Too much iron
can cause thickening of the blood, which can result
in a stroke or heart attack. Too little iron can result
in anemia and poor oxygen flow to the tissues. Signs
of anemia include fatigue, coldness, and shortness of
breath with exertion. Appropriate iron tests included
Continued on page 7

Exclusive to Current Subscribers

Current subscribers have instant access to any and every
past edition of Dr. Brownsteins Natural Way to Health.
Simply go here:
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Join Dr. Brownstein

on our 2010 Cruise

March
21-28,
2010

Are you renewing your commitment

to better health for the new year?
Heres a delightful way to learn more about
your health as you relax and unwind on the
Newsmax Spring Cruise to the Caribbean.
Newsmax publishes my Natural Way to
Health Newsletter.
Well talk about how you can live a long
and healthy life as we enjoy some of the
Caribbeans most beautiful islands.
Join me and my colleague, Dr. Russell
Blaylock, as we lead a seminar on alternative
health, discuss current medical breakthroughs,
and take your questions.
I look forward to seeing you on board.

Dr. David Brownstein

P.S. For More Information:

Go To:
www.newsmaxcruise.com
Or Call: 800-707-1634

Check your e-mail inbox for this months password.

(Please remember to use lowercase letters.)

February 2010

In the News: Reading Between the Medical Headlines

Human Infections From
Antibiotics in Animal Food
Researchers estimate that drugresistant infections kill more than
65,000 Americans last year.
Amazingly, more people now die
from drug-resistant infections than
die from prostate cancer and breast
cancer, reports the Associated
Press.1
How could this happen?
Dont we have the most powerful
antibiotics in the world? Folks, this
is a big problem coming down the
tracks.
Drug-resistant infections are
bound to kill more and more
people if we continue to use
antibiotics haphazardly in animal
feed.
Last year, the United States used
more than 35 million pounds of
antibiotics. The vast majority 70
percent went into pigs, chickens,
and cows. Farmers give animals
antibiotics to healthy as well as
sick animals in order to prevent
infections as well as to help the
animals grow faster.
This is ludicrous. If the animals
were raised humanely, we would
not need anywhere near the
amount of antibiotics we presently
use. Even the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture declared
drug-resistant diseases stemming
from antibiotic use in animals a
serious emerging concern.
This is more than an emerging
concern. We are already seeing
a rise in cases of drug-resistant
tuberculosis, staph, strep,
salmonella and malaria infections
(among others). Other drugresistant illnesses will follow.
What can you do? Eat organic
products, including animal
products raised on farms that dont
use antibiotics in healthy animals.
Organic meats are much easier to
obtain these days.

Dont purchase meat, chicken

and other animal products if they
are not labeled as antibiotic-free.
Also, farm-raised fish are fed
antibiotics (as well as other toxic
chemicals). Eat only wild-caught
fish. More information about this
problem and sources of antibioticand hormone-free meat sources
can be found in my book, The Guide
to Healthy Eating.

Chocolate Reduces Risk

of Heart Attack Death
Researchers looked at the
relationship between chocolate
consumption and survival from
a heart attack. In 1,169 nondiabetic patients who
survived their first heart
attack, patients who
ate chocolate were
less likely to die from a
cardiovascular event.
Those who consumed
chocolate twice or more
per week showed a 66
percent reduced risk
of cardiac mortality as
compared with patients
who never ate chocolate.
This article reported
that patients who ate
chocolate once per month had a 27
percent decline in mortality.
Once-a-week chocolate
consumption was associated with a
44 percent decline in cardiovascular
mortality.
The authors concluded,
Chocolate consumption was
associated with lower cardiac
mortality in a dose-dependent
manner in patients free of diabetes
surviving their first (heart attack).
Women (at least in my
household) will like this study.
Chocolate has long been known to
contain many different bioactive
compounds including flavonoids.
Flavonoids are helpful
antioxidants found in fruits,
vegetables and cocoa. Dark

chocolate contains more flavonoids

than light chocolate.
If you need a chocolate fix,
consider eating dark chocolate, and
tell everyone you are using it for
medicinal purposes.
One small square of dark
chocolate can provide a good dose
of antioxidant flavonoids for your
body.

Antidepressants Increase Risk

in Postmenopausal Women
Researchers evaluated 136,293
postmenopausal women who were
involved in the Womens Health
Initiative.
Women who took
a selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) such as Prozac
or Paxil) compared to
women who did not
take them were found
to have an increased
risk (2.12 times higher)
of hemorrhagic stroke.
The death rate for
those who took an SSRI
was 1.63 times higher.
Medications that
poison enzymes and
block receptors are bound to have
serious side effects. There is a time
and a place for most medicines,
antidepressants included.
However, they are vastly
over-prescribed. I have found
the use of amino acids a safe
and effective alternative therapy
to most commonly prescribed
antidepressants. More information
can be found in my book, Drugs
That Dont Work and Natural
Therapies That Do.

Drugresistant

infections
kill more
than breast
and prostate
cancer.

References

1 Associated Press, Dec. 29, 2009

2 J Intern Med, 2009; 266(3): 248-57
3 Arch. Int. Med. 2009;169:2128-2139

February 2010

Continued from page 5

TIBC, iron, percent saturation, and ferritin levels.

Ferritin is the measure of iron storage in the body.
The laboratory-reported normal ranges for ferritin
are much too large. The lab I use, for instance,
reports a normal ferritin level from 6 to 325 ng/
ml. This normal range is ridiculous it is much
too wide. Normal ferritin level should be around
100 ng/ml. If your ferritin is too low, I suggest
supplementing with iron. Fe-Zyme from Biotics
Research is a bioavailable source of iron. I suggest
taking 1 capsule twice per day. If your ferritin level
is above 175 ng/ml, you should consider having a
therapeutic phlebotomy. Contemplate donating to
the Red Cross so that someone in need can benefit
from your blood. Iron levels should be checked at
least once per year.

Track Heart Health With a

Lipoprotein(a) Level
Lipoprotein(a) is part of the family of lipoproteins
that includes HDL- and LDL-cholesterol. It can
be measured in the bloodstream. Elevations of
Lipoprotein(a) have been associated with an
increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and blood
clotting. A recent study pointed out that the higher
the lipoprotein(a) levels were, the larger the risk of
suffering a heart attack.
Normal ranges for lipoprotein(a) are less than
50 nmol/l. What can you do about elevated levels
of lipoprotein(a)? Lipoprotein(a) can be lowered
by taking the appropriate supplements. Vitamin
C (3,000 to 5,000 mg/day or more if very high
lipoprotein(a) level are present), L-lysine (1,000
mg/day), and niacin (1,000 to 3,000 mg/day) have
been effective at lowering lipoprotein(a) levels and
lowering your risk for a blood clotting disorder.
Lipoprotein(a) levels should be checked yearly.

Simple Checks You Must Not Ignore:

Food Allergy Testing
More than 80 percent of adults exhibit antibodies
to the protein casein, and they all should avoid dairy.
Gluten allergies also are widespread, though not
as common as dairy problems. An allergy to gluten
is reported to occur 1 percent of the time. Yet my
clinical experience has shown this number to be too
February 2010

low. I would estimate that approximately 10 percent

of adults suffer from gluten sensitivity (and I may
be low on this estimate as well). In fact, cases of
gluten sensitivity have risen dramatically during the
past 40 years. Gluten sensitivity has been associated
with a host of autoimmune disorders, including
Hashimotos disease. I have found it impossible to
recover from an autoimmune illness if a glutensensitive patient continues to ingest gluten.
Food allergies can be assessed by blood testing for
casein (dairy) and gliadin (gluten) antibodies. Other
tests for gluten sensitivity can be ordered if a gluten
allergy is suspected. Another way to assess for food
allergies is to avoid the substance for six weeks. It is
important to check dairy and gluten antibodies on a
yearly basis.

Keeping Your Healthy Edge With

Bioidentical Hormones
It is impossible to achieve your optimal health
with an imbalanced hormonal system. I believe it
is wise to check your adrenal and sex hormones at
least once per year. Which hormones do you check?
DHEA-S, pregnenolone, and testosterone levels have
so many important functions in the body, including
building muscle, burning fat, improving immune
system function, and optimizing brain function.
These hormones should be checked at least once per
year. DHEA and pregnenolone can be supplemented
orally and testosterone is best taken as a cream or
by injection. I do not advocate you taking these
substances without working with a knowledgeable
healthcare provider who is skilled in prescribing and
monitoring these items.

Lab Tests Are Cheap, Illness Is Expensive

Your visit to the doctor should be a productive
one. Even if you are feeling healthy, your
doctor should evaluate your health and make
recommendations on how you can optimize your
health. Doing the right laboratory tests does not
have to cost a lot of money. The money aside, doing
the right lab tests can provide you with the road map
to improve your health and avoid illness.
References

1 www.usda.gov. Accessed 1.10.10

2 JAMA. 301(22):2231-9. 2009v

Ask Dr. Brownstein

Dear Readers,
I will try to answer as many questions as I can.
However, because of the volume of questions, I
cannot answer each letter personally. Please include
your full name, city, and state when submitting.
If you have a question for me, please e-mail it to:
askdrdavid@newsmax.com.
My pediatrician recommended that I put my son on
Nexium because of acid reflux. He just turned 1. I am
not comfortable with this. What do you think?
Lucy S., Vancouver, Canada
You should feel uncomfortable about using
an acid-blocking enzyme in a one year old. Acidblocking medications have a host of serious side
effects, including osteoporosis and increasing the
frequency and severity of C. difficile infections. My
experience in treating children for acid reflux is that
the first step is to search for the underlying cause.
Many times this underlying cause is a food allergy,
particularly a dairy allergy. My first suggestion would
be to have you son evaluated for food allergies or
to take him off dairy for six weeks. Dairy allergy is
the most common cause of reflux in my practice. I
am continually amazed at how many times reflux
symptoms improve and even resolve by identifying
and either eliminating or treating them. You can
treat allergies using NAET, an acupressure treatment
described in the November 2008 issue of Natural
Way to Health.

Can I get injectable B-12 from a pharmacy without a

prescription, or do I have to see a doctor?
Gene W., Grayson, Ga.

holistic physicians is the American College for the

Advancement in Medicine (ACAM). You can find
an ACAM doctor through www.acam.org. If you
use injectable vitamin B12, I suggest using either
hydroxycobalamin or methylcobalamin versions
of vitamin B12. Avoid the synthetic form of B12,
cyanocobalamin.

My sister is 34 and has been battling lupus and

rheumatoid arthritis for well over three years. Her
doctors are trying hard to find a solution for her. All
the medicines they have her on easily could fill a
paper grocery bag, and they have side effects that
can and have done more harm than good. She is
always tired and in frequent pain. Do you have any
recommendations?
Elizabeth R., Eldora, N.J.
The first step in your sisters treatment plan should
be a thorough search for the underlying causes of
her autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, there is
no easy answer for every patient suffering from these
disorders. I do, however, find an underlying infection
in the vast majority of my patients with autoimmune
problems. Unless this infection is identified and
treated, it is difficult to reverse the course of these
illnesses. The treatment for an underlying infection
can be a low-dose antibiotic but should include
specific herbal and nutritional therapies to help the
immune system improve. More information about
how to implement these therapies can be found in my
book, Overcoming Arthritis.

To your good health,

Injectable vitamin B12, though very safe,

requires a doctors prescription. One source of
Please note: All information presented in Dr. David Brownsteins Natural Way to Health is for informational purposes only. It is not specific medical
advice for any individual. All answers to reader questions are provided for informational purposes only. All information presented in Dr. David
Brownsteins Natural Way to Health should not be construed as medical consultation or instruction. You should take no action solely on the basis
of this publications contents. Readers are advised to consult a health professional about any issue regarding their health and well-being. While the
information found in Dr. David Brownsteins Natural Way to Health is believed to be sensible and accurate based on the authors best judgment,
readers who fail to seek counsel from appropriate health professionals assume risk of any potential ill effects. The opinions expressed in Dr. David
Brownsteins Natural Way to Health do not necessarily reflect those of Newsmax Media.
8

February 2010