Who wants to go to the dentist? Surely not me. I've canceled more dental appointments in the last 20 years than I've kept. They terrify me.
And that's a very good reason to do my best to take care of my teeth.
Studies are showing that failure to brush and floss can bring on all sorts of other problems - such as diabetes, kidney disease, pre-term labor, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and even certain types of cancer.
Seems like the bacteria in your mouth can release toxins into your body that do pretty serious damage. Ditto for the infections in your mouth.
Until recently, doctors ignored the importance of dental health, and dentists behaved as if the mouth was separate from the rest of the body. Now they are finally beginning to realize that the mouth IS part of the body and that the two disciplines should work together.
I love what what Vincent J. Iancono, president of the American Academy of Periodontology said about the dangers of dental disease: "It is like setting up a garbage dump on the edge of a river. You wouldn't be surprised if the lake downstream ended up polluted with the garbage from the dump."
I doubt that anything could completely remove my fear of dentists - I spent too many terrifying hours in their chairs as a small child. So now, even though I know it doesn't hurt like it did then, and even though my own children laugh at me for being a sissy, I still don't want to go. Just thinking of the smell of a dental office kind of squeezes at my insides.
Another reason I used to have for my excessive fear was the headaches I'd have for a week after each visit. Finally one day I mentioned this to my acupuncture doctor and he tested me for allergies to the materials used in dental offices. Once he treated me for those allergies, post-dental headaches were eliminated.
If you suffer from post-dental headaches, find the nearest NAET practitioner and get your allergies eliminated. Then, if you have any dental problems, get yourself to the dentist and get them fixed before they poison your entire body.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Allergies and your medications
Every time I read the doctor's column in our local newspaper I marvel at the fact that doctors don't seem to realize that all bodies are not alike!
A medication that may be fine for one person can be deadly for another, and yet they tell patients "It can't be your medication" when they complain of the very real side effects.
Today a lady wrote about using erythromycin for an infection and immediately starting to have heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The doctor didn't believe the medication had anything to do with it.
The newspaper doctor said that yes, some people do die as a reaction. It has to do with having "long QT intervals." You can only know if you have that by having an electrocardiogram, and there is a list of drugs that might be dangerous for you posted at www.qtdrugs.org.
Meanwhile, if you take a drug and experience bad effects, it seems to me that you should stop it immediately, even if the doctor doesn't believe the drug can cause problems.
Each of us has an individual body with individual reactions. "One size fits all" just doesn't apply to our good health.
Seems like they could figure this out, considering that some people can eat gallons of peanuts and others can die from just one.
If you have allergies, consider treatment by a qualified NAET acupuncture practitioner. Those treatments have made a beautiful difference in my life, and the lives of many of my friends and family. If you Google NAET you can learn all about it - and ignore the ones who say it's all nonsense. Because it definitely isn't nonsense.
Yours for good health,
Marte
A medication that may be fine for one person can be deadly for another, and yet they tell patients "It can't be your medication" when they complain of the very real side effects.
Today a lady wrote about using erythromycin for an infection and immediately starting to have heart palpitations and shortness of breath. The doctor didn't believe the medication had anything to do with it.
The newspaper doctor said that yes, some people do die as a reaction. It has to do with having "long QT intervals." You can only know if you have that by having an electrocardiogram, and there is a list of drugs that might be dangerous for you posted at www.qtdrugs.org.
Meanwhile, if you take a drug and experience bad effects, it seems to me that you should stop it immediately, even if the doctor doesn't believe the drug can cause problems.
Each of us has an individual body with individual reactions. "One size fits all" just doesn't apply to our good health.
Seems like they could figure this out, considering that some people can eat gallons of peanuts and others can die from just one.
If you have allergies, consider treatment by a qualified NAET acupuncture practitioner. Those treatments have made a beautiful difference in my life, and the lives of many of my friends and family. If you Google NAET you can learn all about it - and ignore the ones who say it's all nonsense. Because it definitely isn't nonsense.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Are you allergic to oranges? Try buying organic oranges instead.
If you have frequent cold sores, citric acid may be the culprit - and it's difficult to trace because it's found in so many products.
An easy way to tell is by muscle testing, or taking yourself to a good NAET acupuncturist and letting him or her test. If citric acid is the problem, a few acupuncture treatments should end it.
One caution: If you choose to test at home, be careful that you aren't testing for the wrong thing. Allergies are such elusive little monsters, that you never know what symptom will manifest, and the citric acid may be completely innocent.
Years ago we took a vacation to Mexico during the dead of winter. My husband had a cold, so started drinking plenty of orange juice to help himself get well. His cold got better, but his knees hurt so bad that he could hardly walk around sight-seeing. And my dreams of going dancing crashed on the rocks below our hotel.
When we got home he visited our acupuncturist - and found that it was the orange juice that ruined my plans for evenings on the town. BUT - it wasn't the oranges themselves. It was the pesticides used on the oranges.
Our doc said that eliminating the allergy was almost impossible, because growers use so many different poisons, and combinations of poisons.
The solution: when my husband gets a craving for oranges I make a trip to the health food store and buy organic.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
writer@marte-cliff.com
An easy way to tell is by muscle testing, or taking yourself to a good NAET acupuncturist and letting him or her test. If citric acid is the problem, a few acupuncture treatments should end it.
One caution: If you choose to test at home, be careful that you aren't testing for the wrong thing. Allergies are such elusive little monsters, that you never know what symptom will manifest, and the citric acid may be completely innocent.
Years ago we took a vacation to Mexico during the dead of winter. My husband had a cold, so started drinking plenty of orange juice to help himself get well. His cold got better, but his knees hurt so bad that he could hardly walk around sight-seeing. And my dreams of going dancing crashed on the rocks below our hotel.
When we got home he visited our acupuncturist - and found that it was the orange juice that ruined my plans for evenings on the town. BUT - it wasn't the oranges themselves. It was the pesticides used on the oranges.
Our doc said that eliminating the allergy was almost impossible, because growers use so many different poisons, and combinations of poisons.
The solution: when my husband gets a craving for oranges I make a trip to the health food store and buy organic.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
writer@marte-cliff.com
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Why do doctors defend harmful drugs?.
This morning's doctor column has a letter from a woman who is concerned about her Father. It seems he caught a cold a few months ago, so went to the doctor -and the doctor prescribed Prednisone. After 4 days he became delirious and nearly lost consciousness. His doctor was not concerned - he just said "Oh, yeah?"
Now, her Father suffers from fatigue, loss of energy, shortness of breath, and a fibrillating heart - none of which he had before.
The newspaper doctor said prednisone is not an appropriate treatment for a cold - only for severe bronchitis, penumonia, asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
But then - he went on to say that while prednisone has many side effects, including muscle weakness, potassium loss, high blood pressure, thin skin, headaches, seizures, congestive heart failure, and more - it may not have been the prednisone that caused her father's problems.
It could just be a coincidence.
He then mentioned that while she didn't say it, he assumed that since her father is 82, he is on medication to reduce cholesterol and to lower blood pressure, and is taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin or aspirin.
Huh? If he was healthy, why on earth would he be taking all that stuff?
Sounds to me like doctors prescribe based on your age, not on your health.
I mentioned in my last post that older people are too apt to trust doctors and big pharm, just because they did see some incredible medical advances during their lives.
I don't know the answer, or how we as children or grand-children can help raise their awareness, but we do need to try. Maybe just sitting down together and reading the package inserts would help - and making sure that the people we love know the risks and all the possible side effects before they pop that next pill.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
writer@marte-cliff.com
Now, her Father suffers from fatigue, loss of energy, shortness of breath, and a fibrillating heart - none of which he had before.
The newspaper doctor said prednisone is not an appropriate treatment for a cold - only for severe bronchitis, penumonia, asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
But then - he went on to say that while prednisone has many side effects, including muscle weakness, potassium loss, high blood pressure, thin skin, headaches, seizures, congestive heart failure, and more - it may not have been the prednisone that caused her father's problems.
It could just be a coincidence.
He then mentioned that while she didn't say it, he assumed that since her father is 82, he is on medication to reduce cholesterol and to lower blood pressure, and is taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin or aspirin.
Huh? If he was healthy, why on earth would he be taking all that stuff?
Sounds to me like doctors prescribe based on your age, not on your health.
I mentioned in my last post that older people are too apt to trust doctors and big pharm, just because they did see some incredible medical advances during their lives.
I don't know the answer, or how we as children or grand-children can help raise their awareness, but we do need to try. Maybe just sitting down together and reading the package inserts would help - and making sure that the people we love know the risks and all the possible side effects before they pop that next pill.
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
writer@marte-cliff.com
Friday, August 15, 2008
Why Senior Citizens turn into Chemical Waste Dumps
Sorry - that sounds a bit harsh. But darn it, I believe it! Many of the seniors I know are taking so many pills every day, and looking worse all the time, that I fear for their lives.
Last week I thought I had the reason. I was talking with a neighbor about a herbal spray I'd found that really seems to cure cuts and other skin problems in a hurry. He said he wasn't into herbs - he'd had enough of that when he was a kid.
Instead, he uses whatever drugs his doctor prescribes. Thankfully, he isn't taking too many, so he still has energy and looks to be in good health. But many of my other friends do not.
It occurred to me then that many of our older citizens have seen fantastic advances in medicine during their lifetimes - and have grown to trust and believe in doctors and the pills they prescribe. Somehow that trust has kept them from noticing that a good number of today's medications can be deadly.
Then today I learned of a second, more serious reason why Americans are turning to pharmaceuticals when they'd be healthier with natural supplements, herbs, Bach Flower Essences, and even better nutrition.
It's the money.
Not the money that big pharm is raking in - the money that seniors on fixed incomes just plain don't have.
Medicade and other insurance programs will pay big bucks for prescription drugs, but they won't pay a dime for a bottle of CoQ10, or a quart of mangosteen juice.
I talked with a woman today who told me she pays from $1 to $3 each for her prescriptions - some of which would cost her as much as $300 if she didn't have insurance. She said the over-the-counter drugs she takes cost about $30 per month, and she can barely afford to use them. She tried Goji juice, and it did make her feel better if she took 2 or 3 ounces a day, but she simply can't afford it.
I understand why big pharm wants people hooked on drugs - it's money in their pocket. But why are insurance companies and Medicade unwilling to provide a cheaper, safer alternative? They'd save money, and perhaps even help people regain their health.
Could be they're controlled by big pharm. What do you think?
Yours for pharm-free health,
Marte
Last week I thought I had the reason. I was talking with a neighbor about a herbal spray I'd found that really seems to cure cuts and other skin problems in a hurry. He said he wasn't into herbs - he'd had enough of that when he was a kid.
Instead, he uses whatever drugs his doctor prescribes. Thankfully, he isn't taking too many, so he still has energy and looks to be in good health. But many of my other friends do not.
It occurred to me then that many of our older citizens have seen fantastic advances in medicine during their lifetimes - and have grown to trust and believe in doctors and the pills they prescribe. Somehow that trust has kept them from noticing that a good number of today's medications can be deadly.
Then today I learned of a second, more serious reason why Americans are turning to pharmaceuticals when they'd be healthier with natural supplements, herbs, Bach Flower Essences, and even better nutrition.
It's the money.
Not the money that big pharm is raking in - the money that seniors on fixed incomes just plain don't have.
Medicade and other insurance programs will pay big bucks for prescription drugs, but they won't pay a dime for a bottle of CoQ10, or a quart of mangosteen juice.
I talked with a woman today who told me she pays from $1 to $3 each for her prescriptions - some of which would cost her as much as $300 if she didn't have insurance. She said the over-the-counter drugs she takes cost about $30 per month, and she can barely afford to use them. She tried Goji juice, and it did make her feel better if she took 2 or 3 ounces a day, but she simply can't afford it.
I understand why big pharm wants people hooked on drugs - it's money in their pocket. But why are insurance companies and Medicade unwilling to provide a cheaper, safer alternative? They'd save money, and perhaps even help people regain their health.
Could be they're controlled by big pharm. What do you think?
Yours for pharm-free health,
Marte
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Saukerkraut, a versatile home remedy
Years ago I read that the "Old Germans" always kept a jar of sauerkraut juice on hand to cure indigestion. Since we like sauerkraut, we decided to give it a try, and sure enough - it works.
Instead of pharmaceutical antacids that sometimes work and sometimes don't, if one of us feels a little queasy, we just get a little dish of cold sauerkraut and soon the indigestion is forgotten.
But this week I learned about a second use: Curing "Scratches" on equines.
My neighbor's horse developed this condition - which is identified by a heavy gray, lumpy crust across the foot - it actually looks like dried mud. I've been going every day to help them tend to it, so I've been doing some research.
What I've been able to learn from talking with veterinarians and other horse people is that it is caused by damp footing and is a fungus. I suppose it starts with a scratch, but no one said so.
Anyway, first you use bag balm to soften the crust so it can be scrubbed off, then wash it daily with an antibacterial scrub, rinse, re-apply the bag balm, and wrap it to keep it clean.
Then, according to the vet, you use a cortisone cream to let the tissue underneath heal. But it doesn't always cooperate.
My farrier said he knew a horse with this condition on all 4 feet, and it just wouldn't heal no matter what they used - until an old Montana cowboy told the owners to make a poultice of sauerkraut.
Oddly enough, another friend mentioned the same remedy.
We're not at the stage yet of wondering if she'll heal, but I'm keeping sauerkraut in mind, just in case!
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
Instead of pharmaceutical antacids that sometimes work and sometimes don't, if one of us feels a little queasy, we just get a little dish of cold sauerkraut and soon the indigestion is forgotten.
But this week I learned about a second use: Curing "Scratches" on equines.
My neighbor's horse developed this condition - which is identified by a heavy gray, lumpy crust across the foot - it actually looks like dried mud. I've been going every day to help them tend to it, so I've been doing some research.
What I've been able to learn from talking with veterinarians and other horse people is that it is caused by damp footing and is a fungus. I suppose it starts with a scratch, but no one said so.
Anyway, first you use bag balm to soften the crust so it can be scrubbed off, then wash it daily with an antibacterial scrub, rinse, re-apply the bag balm, and wrap it to keep it clean.
Then, according to the vet, you use a cortisone cream to let the tissue underneath heal. But it doesn't always cooperate.
My farrier said he knew a horse with this condition on all 4 feet, and it just wouldn't heal no matter what they used - until an old Montana cowboy told the owners to make a poultice of sauerkraut.
Oddly enough, another friend mentioned the same remedy.
We're not at the stage yet of wondering if she'll heal, but I'm keeping sauerkraut in mind, just in case!
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff, Copywriter
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Why has quinine for leg cramps been banned?
Do you ever wonder WHY? Quinine seems to be the only thing a person can take to quickly put a stop to leg cramps, but it's been pulled from the market by the FDA. Why?
Because some people are allergic to it and have "life-threatening" reactions.
So... some people are allergic to peanuts, or milk, or perfume. And LOTS of people are allergic to some of the pharmaceuticals out there. The excuse I read was that it isn't worth the risk of having a bad reaction because leg cramps are not life-threatening.
(Tell that to anyone who is experiencing them - I've heard my husband wishing he could just die and get it over with.)
So why zero in on quinine? My thought? Because it's cheap, it works, and it most likely can't be patented by a pharmaceutical company.
The doctor's column in our newspaper suggested buying quinine water - the kind sold for use in mixed drinks. It's not as strong, but it does help some people. Meanwhile, a good friend swears that drinking plenty of water helps, as does eating two dried prunes each day. (I tried, couldn't get past the first one.) Other people say making bananas a regular part of your diet will keep leg cramps at bay.
And... the doctor's column has mentioned more than once that a bar of soap under your sheet near your legs will prevent cramps. Sounds really crazy, but plenty of people write in that it works.
Maybe if enough people holler, they'll "un-ban" quinine. I doubt it, but it might be worth a try!
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff
writer@marte-cliff.com
Because some people are allergic to it and have "life-threatening" reactions.
So... some people are allergic to peanuts, or milk, or perfume. And LOTS of people are allergic to some of the pharmaceuticals out there. The excuse I read was that it isn't worth the risk of having a bad reaction because leg cramps are not life-threatening.
(Tell that to anyone who is experiencing them - I've heard my husband wishing he could just die and get it over with.)
So why zero in on quinine? My thought? Because it's cheap, it works, and it most likely can't be patented by a pharmaceutical company.
The doctor's column in our newspaper suggested buying quinine water - the kind sold for use in mixed drinks. It's not as strong, but it does help some people. Meanwhile, a good friend swears that drinking plenty of water helps, as does eating two dried prunes each day. (I tried, couldn't get past the first one.) Other people say making bananas a regular part of your diet will keep leg cramps at bay.
And... the doctor's column has mentioned more than once that a bar of soap under your sheet near your legs will prevent cramps. Sounds really crazy, but plenty of people write in that it works.
Maybe if enough people holler, they'll "un-ban" quinine. I doubt it, but it might be worth a try!
Yours for good health,
Marte
Marte Cliff
writer@marte-cliff.com
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Lower cholesterol levels naturally
While doctors and pharmaceutical companies push and pound at you about high cholesterol and urge you to take their toxic drugs, a 2003 study showed that something you buy at the grocery store lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels even better than statin drugs.
Not only that, it could improve your blood-glucose and lipid levels. But of course, no one is talking about this, because they can't patent a natural product. There's simply no money in it for them.
What is it? Cinnamon.
A quarter teaspoon or so on your morning cereal or toast could do you more good than any expensive drug on the market. The side effects: some users report heartburn.
Keep reading all you can find - and trying natural products. Soon you could be free from prescription drugs and feeling better than you have in years.
Not only that, it could improve your blood-glucose and lipid levels. But of course, no one is talking about this, because they can't patent a natural product. There's simply no money in it for them.
What is it? Cinnamon.
A quarter teaspoon or so on your morning cereal or toast could do you more good than any expensive drug on the market. The side effects: some users report heartburn.
Keep reading all you can find - and trying natural products. Soon you could be free from prescription drugs and feeling better than you have in years.
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