Colds & Flu medicine tips for the upcoming winter. Gary Kracoff NMD, R.Ph discusses Boiron Cold & Flu Medicines. Homeopathy is the gentle medicine, safe for the whole family. This quick video introduces you to some homeopathic medicines that are available for cold & flu. Boiron’s cold & Flu medicines are safe for the whole family.
Click on picture to watch video
Some days when I am reading the newspaper, I am amazed at some of the articles I come across.
Last week in the life section of the Wall Street Journal there was a two-page article titled “Get your Children Good and Dirty”
The article was discussing information in the book “Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child From an Orver-sanitized World” by Dr. Finlay and Dr. Arrieta.
The article and the book explain that we have spent most of the last 100 years thinking that microbes need to be destroyed and they all lead to disease. We have overused antibiotics, and have been keeping ourselves too clean.
In the book, it is explained that during the first months of life, our microbiome is not well established. Being exposed to microbes in the environment helps the bacteria in our gut react, and helps program the immune cells to react appropriately.
I remember my mentor Dr. Jack Hinze NMD., PharmD say decades ago that the health of the bacteria in our gut is responsible for digestion, elimination, detoxification and 60-70 % of our immune response. He was way ahead of his time.
Today, we use antibacterial soaps, antibiotics, and do not allow children to get “dirty”, get exposed to microbes that will help their immune system get stronger.
The FDA recently banned some chemicals in antibacterial soap, and instructs us to just use soap and water and wash our hands properly.
We need to stop saying “don’t touch that insect, it’s dirty, or don’t play in the dirt, you’ll get dirty” to our children when they play outside.
Below is a description of the content of the book. This necessary and helpful information is now available to us all.
I think this is a very important book for everyone to read. New parents, grandparents and young adults. It is not just for kids, it explains one of the fundamental ideas for helping our body work the way nature intended.
“A must-read . . . Takes you inside a child’s gut and shows you how to give kids the best immune start early in life.” —William Sears, MD, coauthor of The Baby Book
Like the culture-changing Last Child in the Woods, here is the first parenting book to apply the latest cutting-edge scientific research about the human microbiome to the way we raise our children.
In the two hundred years since we discovered that microbes cause infectious diseases, we’ve battled to keep them at bay. But a recent explosion of scientific knowledge has led to undeniable evidence that early exposure to these organisms is beneficial to a child’s well-being. Our modern lifestyle, with its emphasis on hyper-cleanliness, is taking a toll on children’s lifelong health.
In this engaging and important book, microbiologists Brett Finlay and Marie-Claire Arrieta explain how the trillions of microbes that live in and on our bodies influence childhood development; why an imbalance of those microbes can lead to obesity, diabetes, and asthma, among other chronic conditions; and what parents can do–from conception on–to positively affect their own behaviors and those of their children. They describe how natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and solid foods influence children’s microbiota. They also offer practical advice on matters such as whether to sterilize food implements for babies, the use of antibiotics, the safety of vaccines, and why having pets is a good idea.
Forward-thinking and revelatory, Let Them Eat Dirt is an essential book in helping us to nurture stronger, more resilient, happy, and healthy kids.
Remember, the information in the book is helpful for everyone, not just children, so let us all plan on “getting dirty” and get healthier.
We all need digestive enzymes to break down the food we eat and extract the nutrients. Each of our digestive systems is unique and most people could benefit from digestive enzyme supplementation.
If you find you are gassy or bloated, that is an indication that the food is fermenting in your gut, not digesting properly. Adding a good enzyme mix can help with this problem.
Food enzymes are introduced to the body through the raw foods we eat and through consumption of supplemental enzyme products. Raw foods naturally contain enzymes, providing a source of digestive enzymes when ingested. However, raw food contains only enough enzymes to digest that particular food.
When foods are cooked or processed, the enzymes that occur naturally in the food are destroyed. Since the modern diet consists primarily of cooked or processed foods, we rely on the digestive enzymes that our bodies manufacture to help us break down our meals.
We all normally produce both metabolic and digestive enzymes. As we age, our bodies produce fewer of the enzymes that we need.
There are many different kinds of enzymes, and they each have a specific purpose. Sometimes people simply have a deficiency of a certain types of enzyme. This is why food intolerances occur. For example, lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.
The good news is that studies have shown that by supplementing your diet with the right combination of digestive enzymes, you can take meaningful steps to improve and maintain your digestive health.* The result may be improved regularity, less digestive discomfort, and better assimilation of vital nutrients.*
Click here to take the Enzymedica Enzyme Test. This can help determine which enzymes may be helpful for you.
Click here to buy now.
(I would like to thank Mohammed Hassoun, Pharm. D., RPh for providing this blog post)
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been the subject of much debate due to its potential in benefiting certain disease states including cancers, immune-related diseases and pain. Originally, Naltrexone at doses of 50 to 300 milligrams daily was studied and FDA-approved to help treat both alcohol and opiate (heroin/morphine) dependence. Naltrexone is classified as an opiate antagonist (blocker) and works by preventing opiates from binding and activating their receptors.
The benefits of LDN came about accidentally through Dr. Ian Zolder’s research on kidney cancer, where he noticed that administering low doses of naltrexone stopped tumor growth. These findings encouraged another researcher, Dr. Bernard Bihari, to investigate the effectiveness of LDN in treating AIDS, and the results showed that LDN seemed to help stop the progress of the disease. The pioneering work done by both Zolder and Bihari inspired numerous trials to test LDN effectiveness in diseases ranging from solid tumor cancers to immune-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and Crohn’s disease, as well as pain management.
The promise that LDN holds for immune-related diseases and cancers is enormous, however the exact mechanism is poorly understood. Some believe that the benefits are due to temporary blockage of endorphins. Endorphins are proteinlike molecules the body releases that give a sense of happiness when people eat ice cream, exercise or have sex. As a result of the blockage, the body is tricked into thinking that it has low levels of endorphins and increases production. The ensuing high level of endorphins is believed to stimulate the immune system and promote T cell production. T cells are part of the body’s natural defense, and the increase is thought to restore the immune balance and significantly reduce disease progress. Additionally, endorphins assist in the reduction of pain, and a study has concluded that LDN reduces pain associated with fibromyalgia, as well as improves mood and general satisfaction with life.
While the mechanism is yet to be determined, Zolder’s research on multiple resistant breast cancer, has shown LDN can stop breast cancer cells from growing by acting on genes involved in the cell cycle and immune system adjustments. Other researchers have shown that LDN improves the killing ability of chemotherapy agents by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to these agents. The data being published is consistently proving that LDN has anti-cancer activity and would be beneficial for a lot of cancer types.
LDN has also been studied extensively in immune-related diseases due to the potential for it to balance or restore the immune system. A 2011 Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine study has shown that LDN appears safe and effective in improving Crohn’s disease symptoms. Numerous other trials demonstrate that LDN, dosed between 3 to 4.5 milligrams taken daily, is a promising treatment for many immune-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis.
The ability of LDN to affect multiple biological systems has researchers exploring its use in many disease states. LDN continues to provide hope for patients diagnosed with diseases that have limited treatment options. The most exciting part about LDN is its apparent ability to slow down many immune related diseases and stop the growth or spread of some tumors. In reality, no one knows how LDN works exactly, but the data that is published continues to reassert the notion that LDN is the gift that keeps on giving.
Mohammed Hassoun, Pharm.D., RPh, is a Pharmacy Compounding Fellow at Johnson Compounding and Wellness, in Waltham, and assistant professor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University. Low Dose Naltrexone is a custom-compounded medication that requires a doctor to write a prescription.
For questions about LDN stop in to the pharmacy and speak with Mohammed or one of the compounding pharmacists (Johnson Compounding & Wellness 577 Main Street Waltham MA 02452), call 781-893-3870 or visit NaturalCompounder.com.
Many of us spend a lot of time and energy eliminating toxic chemicals and metals from our diet, cleaning products we use and our water. One question we need to ask ourselves is “does your deodorant contain toxic 
chemicals and aluminum”?
For decades, the deodorant/antiperspirant products that were available contained a slew of toxic chemicals and aluminum. Most deodorant/antiperspirant products contain aluminum which causes the pores to clamp shut, trying to keep us drier. People find that when they begin to use a product with aluminum, their underarms are drier. But with time and increased temperature, all the backed up perspiration comes out in a flood leaving those wet rings under our arms.
Our body was designed to perspire, in a controlled manor. When we perspire, our pores open up and release moisture and metabolic waste. This can lead to an increase in bacteria that eat the metabolic waste. This can lead to body odor. Most deodorants contain aluminum and anti-bacterial chemicals which causes the pores to clamp shut and decrease odor. The benefit is drier underarms and less odor, but there is always a benefit/risk with everything we do. By closing the pores, we can not regulate our body temperature efficiently, nor can we remove built up metabolic waste.
Another thought to consider is how healthy is it to apply aluminum and the many chemicals found in deodorant/antiperspirants on our underarms every day for most of our lives?
There is now a great alternative, Primal Pit Paste. Primal Pit Paste is available in a cream, stick or spray and contains only non-toxic natural ingredients. The natural ingredients keep bacteria in check, and are very effective in controlling perspiration.
Here is some helpful information that will be helpful as you make the transition from chemical deodorant/ antiperspirant products to a clean, natural product that works with your body to prevent odor and wetness:
The results of the poll question “How often should a healthy adult have a bowel movement?”have been tabulated.
The results are:
Let’s think of a baby eating and having a bowel movement. A baby eats and has a bowel movement. That is a lot of diaper changing. As the new food enters the stomach, the bowel starts its peristaltic contractions and moves the stool down and out.
This should occur in adults also, with a little more control of the timing of bowel movements. We are usually eating three meals a day, and generate three piles of waste product. If we only move our bowels every other day, where is this waste product being stored?
The longer the stool stays in the the bowel, the more water is removed, and the drier and
Extra weight due to constipation
harder the stool becomes, leading to constipation. Many people are carrying around 4-6 pounds of extra stool in their bowel.
At the wellness center, I am seeing children, adults and seniors with acute and chronic constipation issues. We should have 1-3 bowel movements most days.
Many people are using irritant laxatives such as senna, others have been taking products like Mirilax in order to move their bowels. These type of products help empty the bowel, but do not address the underlying imbalance. Also, many of these products are habit forming. Our bowels were designed to move regularly without an irritant laxative and there are easy ways to help restore a more normal bowel movement.
When a baby is constipated, you know how cranky they get. Also, you see their big smile when they finally move their bowels. Adults also get cranky when they are a bit backed up.
Another problem with constipation is that if the bowel is full of old stool, the food we eat
can not move through the bowel properly. This then leads to the food sitting in the bowel and fermenting, not digesting. The end result is poor absorption of nutrients and increased bloat, gas and odor.
Some suggestions to help with constipation include relaxing when we eat, chewing our food better, taking a well-formulated digestive enzyme, probiotic, a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber and eliminating or decreasing white flour, white sugar and processed foods. Eat fresh fruits and veggies, sip water throughout the day, and find ways to decrease stress. Movement (exercise) is also very helpful.
Here is a link to a recording of a lecture at Johnson Compounding and Wellness on ” Digestion/ Elimination/IBS/Gerd-What you can do about it. It explains what is going on and some suggestions to help with poor digestion and constipation. There are many products available that help support digestion and elimination and can restore a more normal movement.
Feel free to contact me for more information about your specific issues. Since we are all unique, we each can have different digestive issues and causes of the imbalance. Correcting the imbalance is the way to good health. Laxatives are fine once in a while,
but do not address the underlying issue.
Summer is here, 4th of July is this weekend, and I thought it would be helpful and timely to provide a few easy, safe tips for some common digestive problems.
I asked Christophe R. Merville D. Pharm. if he would provide a guest blog about Digestive Problems and Homeopathy. Christophe is the Director of Education and Pharmacy Development at Boiron USA, Newton Square, PA 19073. Christophe has been the driving force behind developing and providing quality educational programs and materials for pharmacists and consumers on the proper use and the benefits of homeopathy.
Here are Christophe’s thoughts and suggestions.
A balanced diet is a key factor in preventing indigestion, constipation and other digestion problems. We all have different needs in terms of diet. A growing child, a pregnant or nursing woman, an athlete or a sedentary worker all need different quantities and types of food. Eating a variety of fresh foods keeps us supplied with vitamins, minerals and essential elements that we need in small quantities but are necessary to keep our health.
Eating slowly in a quiet and relaxed environment is also a good habit because digestion is easier and we are satisfied sooner. Eating at regular hours facilitates digestion because the digestive system gets used to working at regular times and is more efficient.
Never in history has it been so easy to find food, yet it is so difficult to eat right. Many suffer from digestive disorders mainly because of poor eating habits. The rush of modern times has driven many of use to eat too fast, too much, and at irregular hours—often in a stressful environment.
Additionally relieving stress often improves digestive symptoms. Stress can manifest itself through the digestive system in the form of symptoms or “signals” such as canker sores and / or heartburn.
When the body begins to become off balance, we often know it through our digestive system: mouth, stomach, intestine, liver. Staying healthy means being attentive to the signs our body sends us. Homeopathic medicines are a safe and reliable option to restore our balance before the situation worsens, and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms.
The homeopathic approach of treating illness is based on the understanding that symptoms are an expression of the body’s attempt to correct an imbalance. Because they work with the body instead of directly suppressing symptoms, patients and physicians are able to detect and respond faster should a more serious condition arise.
In the case of stomach pain, the body is alerting us that something is wrong. Pain can be a sign of a serious condition, which could lead to the formation of an ulcer or other conditions requiring a physician’s care. A painkiller will mask the pain without treating the underlying disorder. Since homeopathic medicines do not mask symptoms, a physician will know if another problem is present and be able to treat it.
Homeopathic medicines are therapeutically active micro-doses of mineral, botanical and biological substances. They are one of the safest choices for self-treatment, and are generally free of side effects. They do not interact with conventional medications or herbal remedies, which allows patients to complement other treatments. Additionally, they are not contraindicated with existing conditions, making them safe for even high-risk patients with heart disease or liver problems.
These unique safety benefits are valued by many: parents; seniors on medication; athletes and fitness buffs who avoid substances that hinder their performance; and under medical supervision, pregnant and nursing women.
Similar other over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic medicines are available as single active ingredients or multiple active ingredients. Combining of several active medicines helps target a specific set of symptoms like heartburn or gas. These types of medicines offer a quick and simple solution to patients who are not yet familiar with single medicines.
Symptoms
Symptoms are improved by a short nap after meals.
These types of digestive problems are often due to a sedentary lifestyle, overindulgence of food or drinks, and business worries.
Take Nux vomica 12C, 5 pellets several times a day.
Symptoms
Symptoms are improved by warm applications on the abdomen.
These types of digestive problems are due to overindulgence, often from frustration or sadness.
Take Antimonium crudum 6C, 5 pellets 4 times a day.
Symptoms
Symptoms are improved by hot drinks and food, and cool air.
Symptoms are aggravated between 4 and 8 p.m.
Take Lycopodium 6C, 5 pellets several times a day.
Symptoms
Symptoms are improved by belching and being fanned.
Take Carbo vegetabilis 6C, 5 pellets several times a day.
There are many homeopathic medicines for digestive symptoms and self-medication books available to help you in your selection. One of the most popular is The Family Guide for Homeopathy by Dr. Alain Horvilleur. Additionally, a physician trained in homeopathy may be able to answer specific questions and offer more in-depth help.
Conclusion
Eating is one of the great pleasures of life, yet poor eating habits can lead to major problems that degrade the quality of our life. Keep your body in balance through eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Also, be attentive to the body’s signals and use homeopathic medicines at the first sign of symptoms to treat common digestive symptoms.
Let’s start our journey with one of the most basic and misunderstood functions in our body, digestion.
Good digestion and elimination are 
essential for a healthy and long life. If we do not each healthy food, digest it well and eliminate the waste, how can we expect to be healthy?
We need to eat clean, healthy food that is not loaded with chemicals. The food should be chewed well. This helps mix the food with saliva to begin the digestion process. When this bolus of well chewed food enters the stomach, it gets mixed with hydrochloric acid and some more enzymes that starts the breakdown of the food we eat.
Just eating healthy food is not enough. We need to digest it, extract the nutrients, get them into the blood stream, and excrete the waste material. If we are stressed, constipated, do not have enough acid in the stomach, or have inflammation in the gut, digestion does not occur the way nature intended, and health is compromised.
When the food is well mixed with acid and enzymes in the stomach, the stomach moves the food into the small intestines.
I like to think of the intestines as a disassembly plant. The acidic bolus of food needs to be broken down (digested) and the nutrients extracted and absorbed into the bloodstream. This is a very organized process, and occurs in a planned and timely manor.
At specific locations in the intestinal tract, more enzymes are added and the breakdown of the food and the absorption of nutrients occur. The end result is that we absorb the nutrients (fuel) from the food and then eliminate what is left. This then allows the next bolus of food from our next meal to enter the “disassembly plant” and be able to move down the digestive tract in a timely manor to continue the feeding of our body.
Sounds basic and simple, but our life style has disrupted this essential process. May times we eat when we are stressed, we ingest nutrient deficient foods that cause us to use a lot of energy to process this low quality food and in return this poor quality food provides us with very little nutrition.
Our food supply contains many chemicals that we were not designed to eat, and many times the fruits and veggies we eat are not fresh picked. As soon as the fruits or veggies are picked, the enzymes and nutrients contained in them start to break down. So if we are not eating very fresh foods, we are at a nutrient disadvantage before we even start to digest them.
On top of this, the overuse of acid lowering medication such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers lower the acid level in the stomach and inhibit proper digestion.
In the next blog post I will talk about proper bowel function. I will also discuss the results of the poll on bowel movements.
I have been envisioning a blog where I can discuss many topics, ideas and concerns about health and wellness. The thoughts expressed in this blog are my personal thoughts, ideas and suggestions based on my experience over the years.
I will start blogging with discussions about the basics; digestion, elimination, and stress. These three areas are the main cause of most of our illnesses, imbalances and lack of achieving our ultimate sense of well-being. From there topics such as toxicity, sleep, allergies, asthma, fibromyalgia, IBS, IBD, skin issues, blood sugar balancing, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss/gain will be addressed.
I hope as this journey progresses, you will feel comfortable to comment, question, and let me know your thoughts and what topics you would like see addressed.
Getting into balance 101 