Ask the Doctor

Hello, Doctor! I have a 12-year-old daughter who got her first menstrual period two months ago. She is very irregular and her period stops for a week and then comes back in two weeks or less. She just went through her menstrual last week and once again she got it. I read this is caused by menarche, but she is so sad that she can’t have a normal cycle. I was wondering if there is a homeopathic remedy that can help her to become regular. A friend recommended Calcarea carbonica. What is your opinion?

Dear Dr. Rona:

"Oh God, no" was the response when a young friend of mine told a doctor at Toronto St. Michael's Hospital MS clinic that she was taking 14,000 iu of vitamin D a day. "There is no long-term evidence that it does not cause harm to the immune system…we don't know what blood level has to do with toxicity)."  She was further told to follow the Canada Food Guide and 'eat whatever you want' when she asked about food allergies and allergy tests. (Her GP considers allergy tests unnecessary!)
 
She was diagnosed with MS when she was 16, changed her diet and dropped gluten and dairy and citrus — a lot of healing after that — even an optic nerve lesion disappeared. Normal and very active life until her late 20s when she fell off a bike. Knee surgery was delayed and she developed a chronic pain syndrome. She is 33 now and still in pain and on morphine. Vitamin D level was 37 when first checked approximately three years ago, and she has gradually been increasing her vitamin D intake. It is now just over 100. One pain specialist would like to se it closer to 200.  I told her to re-read Harold Foster's book on MS.
 
She is now afraid to take the 14,000 — her mother was a pharmacist and seems to agree.
 
This MS clinic is apparently one of the largest in the world and according to their web page it's the largest clinical trial and research centre in the world.  I happened upon a fundraising function for the clinic and did not pick up the promotional literature because of a prominent pharmaceutical company logo.
 
So there - we all now understand that vitamin D is more dangerous than pharmaceuticals in the treatment of MS.  This is very strange indeed, or is it?

Anonymous


Dear Anonymous:

Idiots!! Staying out in the sun every day for two hours makes close to 20,000 IU of vitamin D. Where are all the dead bodies from that? If those hysterical idiots had bothered to read the literature, especially anything written by Dr. Vieth at U of T, they would talk differently. The pharmacist and the doctors there are just plain hysterical idiots. I'm sure your research will find numerous research articles, which basically say the same thing. Below is an article I recently wrote on this subject. Pass it on to your friend. The whole concept of vitamin D toxicity is a myth.

Research indicates that to get 4000 IU of vitamin D daily if you totally avoid the sun, you must drink 40 glasses of milk a day or take 10 typical multivitamin pills daily.  As mentioned earlier, a more optimal daily dose of vitamin D is 10,000 IU daily.  At that dose, I have never seen anyone run into side effects or toxicity symptoms in over 30 years.

“Fear of vitamin D toxicity is unwarranted, and such unwarranted fear, bordering on hysteria, is rampant in the medical profession. If there is published evidence of toxicity in adults from an intake of 250 ug (10,000 IU) per day, and that is verified by the 25(OH)D concentration, I have yet to find it.”  

1999, Reinhold Vieth PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
University of Toronto
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDToxicity.shtml

Some very good news has come out of research on the connection between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency. It seems that vitamin D adequacy may be necessary to prevent the expression of a gene that is thought to code for MS.  According to study leader, Dr Sreeram Ramagopalan:

"Our study implies that taking vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and the early years may reduce the risk of a child developing MS in later life."

The February 2009 study was published in the PLoS (Public Library of Science) Genetics journal reports.  See http://www.plos.org/ No doubt, these findings are a source of anxiety for most mainstream doctors as well as organizations that act as support groups for various diseases such as MS, cancer, autoimmune diseases of all kinds, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and numerous other chronic diseases that respond well to vitamin D supplementation.  

For more information on the thirty or more ailments that are helped by vitamin D, see
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/11/01/Vitamin-D-is-a-Key-Player-in-Your-Overall-Health.aspx

One of the universal truths (or myths) we were all taught in medical school thirty or more years ago was that fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D were toxic at certain levels. It was said that daily doses of over 2000 IU would elevate blood levels of calcium, damage the kidneys irreversibly and lead to generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).  

To this day, I still hear conventional medical doctors regurgitating these same fears to their patients.  The Canadian government’s Health Protection Branch (HPB) has eagerly agreed, prohibiting the sales of supplement capsules greater than 1000 IU and preventing the fortification of other than dairy products with the nutrient.   Just a few months ago, AOR (Advanced Orthomolecular Research) was forced to stop selling their 5000 IU per capsule vitamin D supplement.  

Biotics Research used to have a 2000 IU per drop supplement, which has similarly been terminated in 2008 by the HPB.  Doesn’t it always seem odd to you that whenever research indicates a benefit from a certain food supplement, then that same food supplement suddenly experiences a great deal of opposition from the drug czars? Millions of people in this country and in most of North America are vitamin D deficient.  Restricting access to supplemental vitamin D is clearly a big mistake.  Are any of you sharp-minded lawyers listening?

According to the world research authorities on vitamin D, the Vitamin D Council, fears of high dose vitamin D are irrational.  To quote the Vitamin D Council from their web site:

“The single most important fact anyone needs to know about vitamin D is how much nature supplies if we behave naturally, e.g., go into the sun. Humans make at least 10,000 units of vitamin D within 30 minutes of full body exposure to the sun, what is called a minimal erythemal dose. Vitamin D production in the skin occurs within minutes and is already maximized before your skin turns pink.”

See http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vitaminDToxicity.shtml

Does vitamin D supplementation cause liver toxicity? Does it cause fatty liver? After all, fish and many other animals store vitamin D in the liver. The truth is that vitamin D deficiency can lead to liver failure and that supplementation of vitamin D to normal levels reverses liver disease.  In people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing problem in North America thought to be caused by insulin resistance, the levels of vitamin D are usually quite low and the liver dysfunction can be brought back to normal with adequate vitamin D supplementation. A 2007 study concludes that vitamin D3 may play a role in both the development and progression of NAFLD.

What if you take drugs that affect the liver like the statins that are used for lowering cholesterol? Statins like Lipitor, Pravachol, Mevacor, Zocor and Crestor all can potentially cause liver toxicity.  Statins also deplete conzyme Q10 levels. These all work by inhibiting enzymes (HMG CoEnzyme A reductase) in the liver that manufactures cholesterol.  This class of drugs gradually reduces Coenzyme Q10 by at least 40% over a period of a year creating such unwanted symptoms such as fatigue, weak and tired muscles, lethargy and a general sense of low energy.  A deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 can result in high blood pressure.  Thus, statins can theoretically increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Dear Dr. Rona,

Very recently I read a short version of your magazine (health news update) with the above article.

Under the heading for Coenzyme Q10 it states ' commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs deplete Co-Q10 levels'. I have been prescribed a beta blocker recently to treat heart problem (atrial fibrillation). I had been taking Q10 before (on my own) and my medical doctor saw no problem and actually recommended continuing taking it (a first for him).
 
Now your article says the beta blocker interferes with the very nutrient my heart needs. If in fact this is true, should I be stopping to take the beta blocker?
 
Please advise,   

Question on Fertility Drugs

Dear Dr. Rona,
 
I am 32 years old who is married recently. GYN Doctor gave me medications which are, NAT 400 Natural Vitamin E 400 IU. Then to take for 2 months Clomid 50 mg (5th day from period) then for 10 days Duphaston 10 mg after finishing Clomid
 
My first day of the last period was Aug 12,08.  After doing blood test found out I'm pregnant. However with the ultrasound she said there is a cyst in uterus and it’s not the baby sack. She asked me to check with her again in few days.
 
What are the chances to keep the pregnancy normal with that cyst? How to remove it? is there a safer medication or anything else such as food other than operation?
 
Thank you for your time.
 
Nancy

QUESTION FOR DR. RONA

Dr. Rona:

What do you have for tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?

- Mike

DR. RONA’S ANSWER

Dear Mike:

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is an extremely common complaint (12 million Americans suffer from the annoying problem) and may occur as a symptom of nearly any ear disorder including obstruction of the external auditory canal by wax and foreign bodies, Meniere’s disease, infectious disease involving the outer, inner or middle ear, anxiety neurosis, Eustachian tube obstruction, allergies, otosclerosis (an abnormal growth of bone of the middle ear), noise induced hearing loss and trauma (e.g. as in the case of a skull fracture).  Low frequency vibratory clicks, pops, roarings, etc., are usually due to contraction of muscles of the Eustachian tube, middle ear, palate or pharynx and are not considered to be in the same category.  TMJ (temperomandibular joint dysfunction) can also be associated at times with tinnitus.

Tinnitus may also be associated with high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, anemia, a low thyroid condition, the candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome, heavy metal toxicity (lead, mercury, aluminum and cadmium), carbon monoxide exposure, aspirin, and drugs such as diuretics, antibiotics, quinine and alcohol.  Dental fillings that use silver, mercury, copper and other metals may be responsible for a long list of neurological problems that include ringing in the ears.  So can root canal work of all types.

Medical treatment is directed at the underlying cause, but conventional doctors often just prescribe drugs like Serc, antihistamines, tranquilizers and anti-depressants to suppress the symptoms.  In rare cases, surgery is offered but only if there is some sort of obstructive lesion that can be repaired in that way.

If the conventional approaches fail to correct the ringing, a number of safe, natural alternatives can be tried.  For example, studies show that diet changes can make a difference.  For example, studies show that dietary measures taken to reduce blood levels of cholesterol and saturated fat helps the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear.  One study on a group of 1400 patients demonstrated benefits when saturated animal fats were reduced in the diet.  Becoming a vegan has its benefits.

Other studies show symptom improvement when sugar is eliminated from the diet.  Inner ear problems and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) have been shown to be associated as far back as 1954.  Other researchers report that salicylate-free diets benefit some cases.  As with most diet therapies, biochemical individuality will dictate effectiveness.  Allergies, particularly food allergies, can cause fluid retention in the labyrinth.  Excessive salt in the diet can do the same. A trial therapy with an elimination diet and a salt free diet is worth doing in very resistive cases.   

Over the years, doctors have noted that supplementation of the diet with high doses of niacin (vitamin B3), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and other B vitamins eliminates the ringing in many where the cause is unknown.  Inner ear problems may also be helped by supplementation of vitamins A, D, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, zinc and omega-3-EPA oils (found in cod, halibut, trout, salmon, herring and mackerel).  Ginkgo biloba extract (G.B.E.) and ginger are two safe herbs, which have been reported to reduce or eliminate tinnitus. G.B.E. improves blood supply to the brain and has a significant free radical scavenging effect.  

The famous Dr. Andrew Weil claims that osteopathic manipulation may help some.  I suspect chiropractic and cranio-sacral therapy would also work.  Finally, a recent study indicates that the hormone, melatonin, can help the problem.  The usual effective dose is 3 mg before bedtime.  Discuss these complementary medicine treatment options with your naturopath or medical doctor.

REFERENCES

Please Help My Child

Dear Sir,

My child was a late speaker. He also started walking late. At the time when my wife conceived, I was seriously ill due to some unknown phobia and suffering from sleeplessness. Later on, doctors found jaundice in my blood tests. I am now healthy but my son is suffering. He is a slow learner.

My son has also suffered due to asthma and seasonal eye allergies. Doctors advised him to use an inhaler. He is now free from allergies at eight years of age but is unable to compete with children his age. His maturity level is lagging by one year and his teacher complains daily about his slow understanding. I work very hard but observe no improvement.

He doesn't understand the concept of addition/subtraction or greater/lesser number in mathematics. He eats more than the children and is a light sleeper. However, his look is very attractive and he is no different than any other child.

Live Whole Food Concentrates Question

Dear Dr. Rona,

Question for Dr. Rona

Dear Dr. Rona,

I have been using zinc supplements for years and always believed I was doing the right thing.  Yesterday on the internet I came across a number of articles referencing a 2003 study from the NCI which stated men who took zinc supplements in dosages of over 100 mgs. a day and men who took zinc supplements for over 10 years had double the risk of prostate cancer than those who took no zinc supplements. It is not clear to me though what dosage was used in those who used zinc for over 10 years.

I had never heard of this and am concerned.  I am 60 and in great health.  I have taken zinc supplements for approximately 30 years and for about the last 10 years have used 100 mgs. a day divided into 2 dosages of 50 mgs. each with an extra 10 mgs. in a prostate supplement by Brad King called Ultimate Prostate.

I work part time in a health food store and have always recommended supplemental zinc so now I want to be sure whether to continue doing this or not in addition to my own personal concern.

I am very interested to learn what you have to say on this matter.  I know many vitamin studies are misleading yet even Dr. Joseph Mercola on his website, www.drmercola.com references this study and he is a naturally oriented Osteopath.

What do you suggest Dr. Rona? Do I stop all zinc supplementation or  just ingest the amount (10mgs.) in the Ultimate Prostate formula or follow some other course of action?  Do I continue recommending zinc to my customers?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ron Jacko

Dr. Rona’s Response

Ron:

Thank you very much for your excellent questions.  The idea that high zinc supplementation is linked to prostate cancer is unproven. The evidence for this association is flimsy, at best, and the connection can probably be explained by the cadmium content of most zinc supplements.  There are, in fact, numerous studies indicating that zinc supplementation prevents prostate cancer.

Research indicates that many of the zinc supplements sold at health food stores contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal.  There are also many studies that indicate a relationship between the ingestion of cadmium and the development of prostate cancer.   

The reason for the presence of cadmium in zinc supplements appears to be related to the fact that many high sources of zinc in nature are also high cadmium sources and the supplement companies may not be accounting for that factor.  The higher the zinc dosage is, the higher the cadmium content.

You can get a very good idea of your body’s storage of both zinc and cadmium by getting a hair mineral analysis done.  If either mineral is out of balance, a simple adjustment of your supplement dosages can be made.  That’s something you can recommend for all your customers concerned about high dose zinc supplements.

You could continue with your zinc supplements only if you are certain that your supplement brand contains no cadmium.  You can do that by calling the manufacturer and getting a printout of the contents of the tablet or capsule in question.  In Canada, companies that can be trusted to deliver exactly what’s on the label and nothing else include Natural Factors, AOR (Advanced Orthomolecular Research), Cyto-Matrix and Thorne Research.  Be wary of any “whole food” zinc supplements as these most assuredly contain cadmium and other contaminants.

Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., M.Sc.
416-920-9241
zoltan78@bellnet.ca
www.mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona
blog.naturallysavvy.com/category/dr-zoltan-rona-md/

References:

Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Wu K, et al. Zinc Supplement Use and Risk of Prostate Cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2003;95:1004-1007.

Krone CA, Wyse E, Ely JT. Cadmium in zinc-containing mineral supplements. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2001;52:379–8.

Waalkes MP, Rehm S, Coogan TP, Ward JM. Role of cadmium in the etiology of cancer of the prostate. In: Thomas JA, Colby HD, editors. Endocrine toxicology. 2nd ed. Washington (DC): Taylor & Francis; 1997. p. 227–43.

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss05/zinc.html <http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/ss05/zinc.html>

Meplan C, Mann K, Hainaut P. Cadmium induces conformational modifications of wild-type p53 and suppresses p53 response to DNA damage in cultured cells. J Biol Chem 1999;274:31663–70.[Abstract/Free Full Text] <http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/ijlink?linkType=ABST&amp;journalCode=jbc&amp;resid=274/44/31663>

Achanzar WE, Diwan BA, Liu J, Quader ST, Webber MM, Waalkes MP. Cadmium-induced malignant transformation of human prostate epithelial cells. Cancer Res 2001;61:455–8