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"TACT" is Finally Here!

A Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) is the first large-scale clinical trial to test the effectiveness of EDTA chelation therapy for patients with coronary heart disease. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is sponsoring the TACT study this year after more than 30 years of unproven successes associated with the treatment in several small, independent clinics nation wide. TACT is a 5-year multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will enroll 2300 heart attack patients who are age 50 or older.

What is EDTA Chelation?

Chelation is a chemical process in which a substance is used to bind molecules, such as metals or minerals, and hold them tightly so that they can be removed from a system, such as the body. In medicine, chelation has been scientifically proven to rid the body of excess or toxic metals. In the case of EDTA chelation therapy, the substance that binds and removes metals and minerals is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) a synthetic, or man-made amino acid that is delivered intravenously (through the veins). EDTA was first used in the 1940s for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. EDTA chelation removes heavy metal and minerals from the blood, such as lead, iron, copper, and calcium, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating lead poisoning and toxicity from other heavy metals. Although not approved by the FDA to treat coronary heart disease (CHD), health care providers are using EDTA chelation as a way to treat this disorder.

Where Can EDTA Chelation be Found?

Beneficial effects of EDTA chelation have been observed for 15 years in patients at the Freedom Medical Center who have coronary artery disease or other circulation challenges. Coronary bypass surgery is still indicated for patients with greater that 75% narrowing of the left main coronary artery or for patients with three vessel disease by angiography. However, EDTA chelation in the context of a lifestyle modification program is available at the Freedom Medical Center for patients who do not meet these criteria.

Heavy metal detoxification can be an important consideration in the context of cleansing the body. Heavy metals are clearly more of a body burden to some people than to others. Many people may have heavy metals present in levels considered toxic for the general population but experience no symptoms at all. However, some people have serious health problems with heavy metal toxicity as a significant contribution.

Chronic illnesses often associated with Heavy Metal include:

• Autoimmune disorders, i.e.:
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis
  • Hashimotos Thyroiditis
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Lupus
  • Asthma
  • Psoriasis
• Immune dysfunction syndromes, i.e.:
  • CFIDS
  • Fibromyalgia
  • ALS
  • Endometriosis
• Pain or altered sensation
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Rashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Neurological disorders, i.e.:
  • Parkinson's
  • Alzheimer's

Mercury (Hg), one of the most common toxic heavy metals, is known to block the body's energy production by paralyzing enzymes and short circuiting electron transport pathways. Mercury binds tightly to the active parts of enzymes and inhibits them from functioning. Other toxic metals include Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Aluminum (Al).

Mercury is also known to irritate the body's immune system by deranging the shape of proteins. Protein shape is forced to change when bound by mercury. The immune system is alarmed by these odd-shaped proteins and produces hypersensitivity or autoimmune reactions.

By what exposure could I have accumulated mercury in my body?

• Silver Amalgam tooth fillings
• Thimerosal in vaccines, injectable medicines, and contact lens solutions
• Metallic mercury released into the air from coal power plants, and medical waste incineration disposal
• Contaminated fish and shellfish

What can I do about Heavy Metal Toxicity?
There is testing available to detect elevated levels of toxic metals. If elevated levels of heavy metals are found, they can be removed by a personally tailored chelation protocol. Chlorella, cilantro, intravenous nutrients and high dose ascorbate (Vitamin C) can play a significant role in such a protocol. Chelation is the binding of metals to DMSA, DMPS, or D-Penicillamine as an escort molecule out of the body.

While acknowledging that I am not a conventional medicine, cancer specialist, I have had success assisting patients to lift body burdens, optimize organ system function, and promote dismissal of cancer cells.

For example, I had a 60 year old patient come to me after he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was told that because his cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, he would have only 18 months left to live. He rejected the conventional cancer protocol and requested my assistance to optimize his health as far as possible. Within 5 weeks on an aggressive, natural protocol, he lowered his PSA by 12 points, lowered his prostatic acid phosphatase by 248 points, and shrunk the largest involved lymph node by 1.5 cm. (measured by abdominal CT scan.)

First, I recommend lifting burdens of toxicity, acid load and emotional baggage from the mind and body. This lifting might involve heavy metal detoxification or other body cleansing, alkalizing strategies, and emotional release treatment. Lifting body burdens serves to conserve energy resources for repair.

Second, I encourage patients to optimize their organ system function. Ways to optimize efficiency of organ systems could include using oral or intravenous nutrients, as well as meditations or visual imagery.

Finally, I offer patients options whereby they may promote the dismissal of cancer cells from the body. These options might consist of using oral or intravenous anticancer fractions of herbs and homeopathic therapies.

It brings me great satisfaction to connect people with effective solutions. Once again, I acknowledge that I am not a conventional medicine cancer specialist. However, I am committed to assist patients to do their own healing from the inside out.

There are some clues you can look for if you suspect Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Behaviors that suggest further evaluation for ADD or ADHD include: difficulty concentrating, easy distraction, failing to finish whatever is started, seeming not to listen, often acts before thinking, difficulty organizing work, needs a lot of supervision, difficulty awaiting turn in games or other situations, difficulty staying seated in class, and excessively active as though driven by a motor.

Children can develop ADHD by different causes. Allergy or hypersensitivity to foods or environmental exposures can manifest with ADHD symptoms and behaviors as can sugar addiction and resistance to thyroid hormones. Nutritional deficiencies by malabsorption or other derangements by yeast overgrowth can upset the balance of amino acids in brain chemistry. Any one of the above mentioned factors can play a pivotal role in affecting concentration and activity levels.

I find that the access to certain amino acids provides for, or deprives the body of, the ability to keep making brain messengers called neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters carry calming (inhibitory) messages and others carry stimulating (excitatory) messages. These messengers must be kept in, or restored to balance. When neurotransmitters are balanced, then concentration and normal activity levels return.

Essential fatty acids are also a critical factor in brain chemistry. Brain cells require essential fatty acids, both omega 3 and omega 6 to keep cell membranes supple. Only if cell membranes are supple and flexible can the messages of various molecules be communicated from cell to cell.

I may also authorize the use of homeopathics. There are various homeopathic preparations that may be used prudently as triggers for the body to rebalance metabolism and neurotransmitter levels. Some patients with ADHD may respond well to this modality.

Whenever I have opportunity to work with children or adults challenged with Attention Deficit or with ADHD, I always take in to consideration any and all allergy symptoms, and symptoms of any yeast overgrowth. When strategies have been started to treat allergies and yeast, then, I will negotiate with the patient and or the parents a system of replenishment of nutrients including magnesium, B-vitamins, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. This program will be tailored to the patients' special needs and considerations.

In 1999, 13% of children and adolescents were found to be overweight. This represents twice the number for children and three times the number for adolescents found to be overweight in 1980 as reported by the U.S. Dept. Of Health and Human Services.

In 1998, U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher, declared "childhood obesity" an epidemic.

Serious health concerns associated with the increased consumption of soft drinks and candy in this country include an increase in the prevalence of obesity and even type II diabetes in children and adolescents.

William Dietz, Director of Nutrition at the Center for Disease Control, said last year, "This is an epidemic in the U.S., the likes of which we have not had before in chronic disease."

With the health and well being of children at stake, I stand today to advocate for the removal of soda drinks from vending machines in elementary schools.

Reporting in the Lancet, a British Medical journal, a team of Harvard researchers presented clear evidence linking soft drink consumption to childhood obesity. They found that 12 year olds who drank soft drinks regularly were more likely to be overweight than those who did not.

The Harvard team also found that for each additional daily serving of a sugar-sweetened soft drink consumed during the study, the risk of obesity increased by 60%!

Obesity is a serious health problem and has significant associated health risks. These risks are related to obesity-induced high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer which conditions are already the leading cause of death in this country.

There are at least two mechanisms that begin to explain how the regular intake of soft drinks or "liquid candy" produces weight gain. First, the sugar itself brings an excess of calories that must be either used or stored as fat. Second, soft drink sugar calories are devoid of any accompanying other nutrients that the body requires in order to maintain tissues and enzyme function. As a result, there is a persistent appetite stemming from this nutrient demand, even while consuming soft drinks. This appetite remains until additional calories with sufficient accompanying nutrients are also consumed.

Researchers found that school children who drank soft drinks consumed almost 200 more calories per day than their counterparts who did not down soft drinks.

One might ask, "So how significant is the soft drink consumption as a contribution to the total sugar intake among American children?"

Research shows that children and teens are the heaviest consumers of sodas; that carbonated drinks comprise 9% of boys' calories and 8% of girls' calories; that sodas are the single biggest source of refined sugars in the American diet, with sugar intake by all Americans now estimated to be 150 lbs./ person / year!

Soda pop sugar induces symptoms and behavior in ordinary children that mimic Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. This effect of soda drinks on children is often prohibitive of their own learning and is also disruptive to classroom dynamics and the education of other children. The rapid rise and deep fall of blood sugar levels associated with a soda pop intake is paralleled by hyperactive "bouncing off the walls" behavior, inability to concentrate, and finally irritability and aggression.

"Bone weakening" represents yet another health consequence of soda pop intake. A 1994 Harvard study of bone fractures in teenage athletes found that girls who drank colas were 5 times more likely to suffer bone fractures than girls who did not consume soda pop. The chemistry in the body is burdened with phosphorous and other factors that increase acid load when cola drinks are consumed. Calcium, along with other minerals, are extracted from body resources to neutralize the acid load. Girls with depleted mineral resources may be compromised in the peak bone density they are able to achieve in their youth for reserves against the development of osteoporosis later.

Artificial sweeteners, such as Nutrisweet or Aspartame, although once thought to be the friend of all dieters, are not acceptable replacements for sugar in sodas or any other beverage. In fact, all artificial sweeteners are known to adversely affect insulin release patterns and Aspartame has been associated with headaches, anxiety, seizures, and neurological symptoms that resemble multiple sclerosis. Artificial sweeteners are clearly no improvement on sugar.

The strategy of removing pop from vending machines in schools to reduce health risks in school-age children makes sense. The idea is not new. Los Angeles County school officials voted unanimously in August of 2002 to ban the sale of soft drinks on its 677 campuses in order to curb the obesity related health risks to its 735,000 students. This means that the sale of soda in vending machines and all cafeterias of Los Angeles county schools will be phased out completely by January, 2004. Other school systems are in process of adopting similar bans on soda pop sales as well, including the Oakland Unified School District in Northern California and Texas school systems.

Now, some may argue that "soda machines increase revenue for schools and school programs." To answer this argument, I wish to point out that:

1. Having sodas sold in elementary school teaches poor nutrition and lifestyle practices and is poor education.
2. Soda machines may increase school revenues but at the expense of the health and welfare of the children.
3. The Sugar-induced behavior problems such as hyperactivity and aggression interfere with and sometimes even stop the learning process.

For these reasons, fundraising with soda machines in schools is unethical.

Others might argue that soda pop is not the only problem or the only cause of previously mentioned health problems. In response to that argument:

• Pop is one of the biggest -- if not the biggest problem at schools!
• There is no excuse for not doing what we can do -- even if there are other problems that we cannot solve!
• In summary, there is no nutritional benefit to soda pop -- at all!!
• There is a 10-12 teaspoon quantity of sugar in every 12 ounce can of pop.
• There is a documented 100% increase in childhood obesity measured from 1980 to 1999.
• There is an increased prevalence of childhood obesity, Type II diabetes, and other health problems contributed to by soda pop consumption that has now reached epidemic proportions by observation of the Center for Disease control.
• There is the opportunity for each of us today to stand together for the health and future of the children and to inspire our representatives in the legislature to vote in favor of Bill 186 in removing all soda from vending machines in elementary schools. May we each be as bold and proactive as we were born to be!

Thank you.

This sounds like the 'chronic fatigue' that devastates so many people these days. Chronic fatigue is one of the most common primary health challenges that I see at the Freedom Center. I will share my impression of chronic fatigue and what we can do about it by relating the story of L.L. as a case example.

L.L., a 40 year old mother of two, came to see me in July this year struggling on minimal energy to make it through each day. Three years of this significant fatigue was accompanied by a more recent difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep each night for the past 18 months. L.L. also reported frequently recurring infections (i.e. sinuses, kidney, vagina, ears, lungs) over the past 5 years and an inability to lose weight during the past 7 years despite various dietary and activity strategies (weight 217 lbs).

After studying her history, physical examination, and specialized testing, I found evidence of multiple organ system challenges (i.e. digestive insufficiency, kidney, and adrenal stress) and the over growth of organisms which further compromises energy resources. We negotiated a program tailored to lift the burden of organisms, nourish the body, and support stressed organ systems over an 8 week period. L.L. reported feeling progressively better energy and no longer has any difficulty getting to sleep. She has lost 12 lbs. in 2 months while eating three meals per day and states having no symptoms whatsoever of any infection during this time.

In my experience, patients who present to me with chronic fatigue are suffering from metabolic disturbance on a cellular level. Cellular processes for making energy are overwhelmed or compromised by sustained daily stresses, frequent antibiotic use, and a refined foods diet. I have witnessed profound recovery when patients 'center' themselves to reduce the stress response and choose strategies to lift burdens from the body. This approach serves the body with a fresh beginning. I am convinced that chronic fatigue as well as any health challenge can be resolved when the goal is to support the body in healing from the inside out.

Osteopathic medicine, or osteopathy, offers an approach to the health of the whole person. This approach is based on principles set forth first by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1892. Three principles guide osteopathic physicians in their holistic approach: "1. The body is an interdependent, interrelated unit. 2. The body is self-regulating and self-healing through the use of a complex system of checks and balances. 3. The body depends on the proper functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems." (Bob E. Jones, The Difference, p. 69.) These principles allow for the integration of osteopathic manipulative treatment, nutritional therapy, emotional therapy, and other alternatives with traditional medicine and surgery. A holistic approach to the healing of the individual opens the way for the healing of the world.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a system for the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal pain or other organ dysfunction. Physical findings may include tenderness, asymmetry, limited range of motion, and abnormal muscle tension. Findings often reveal structural patterns that lend themselves to a variety of osteopathic treatment modalities resembling chiropractic and massage therapy. OMT not only relieves pain and tension, but also promotes optimal functioning of internal organs by improving nerve communication and blood circulation.

Nutritional therapy is another contribution many D.O.s make toward healing. Nutrients serve as building blocks for tissue repair or as cofactors for enzyme function. Nutrient supplementation, therefore, often assists the body to do what it already knows how to do.

Emotional therapy may contribute to healing by attending to the psychological or spiritual part of the "whole person." Lifting emotional burdens promotes healing progress as part of restoring favorable mind body connections.

Osteopathy approaches health and healing by addressing all aspects of an individual. Attention to restoring optimal structural relationships with OMT, providing targeted nutritional support, opening the space for emotional release and prescribing medicine and surgery are some of many options an osteopathic physician may offer in order to navigate a healing path. Working together, osteopathic physicians and their patients can heal this world one person at a time.

The highest yield strategy for promoting health and energy is simple but not always easy. The strategy is to "eat for the body and not for the tongue." The following discussion will define the strategy, show how the strategy makes exercise a welcome stimulation, explain why supplements cannot substitute for the strategy, and finally, acknowledge specialized assistance may also be necessary to achieve optimum health.

The principle health promoting strategy of "eating for the body and not for the tongue" consists of eating nutrient-rich foods without the contaminations of refined sugars, artificial flavorings, sodium salt, white flour, preservatives, partially hydrogenated oils, pesticides, and hormones. Nutrient-rich foods are whole grains, vegetables, and fruits eaten fresh and raw whenever possible. Whole grains, and vegetables including legumes are rich sources of bioavailable protein making animal-based protein much less necessary. "Eating for the body and not for the tongue" provides a solid foundation upon which to build every other health principle.

"Eating for the body" brings high quality fuel for refreshing exercise performance. Exercise is the opportunity for body organ systems to take a comfortable stretch within a dynamic range of function. Sweetened, salted, or processed foods contain the aforementioned contaminations which burden the body with metabolic diversions and by-products which steals energy away from exercise resources. When dietary intake brings quality calories and an assortment of vitamins and minerals, then the body can do best what it already knows how to do. Exercise then becomes a welcome stimulation.

The role of supplements is to therapeutically enhance nutritional intake to support the body during a specific health challenge. People often ask what supplements will fix their health problems without having to renovate their food intake. It is also a wonder to many why basic whole foods are so important when they are grown today in soils known to be minerally depleted. That little has been done to replenish agricultural soils is true, but nutrients from whole food are likely to be more highly varied and absorbable than artificially prepared supplements. Supplements cannot substitute for the strategy of eating basic and whole foods.

There are states of more severe fatigue, pain, or other health challenge that may require additional specialized assistance to restore optimum health. For example, there may be stresses such as chronic unrecognized infections, medication side-effects or interactions, emotional burdens, heavy metals or other toxicity which may upset the body's balance of hormones or metabolism. Specialized assistance may include acupuncture, intravenous nutritional therapy, lymphatic massage, cranial osteopathy, osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation, hydrotherapy, detoxification, emotional release work, herbals, homeopathics, or even medication on occasion. Eating well, in combination with one or more of the above-mentioned modalities, will often mobilize or boost the body's own healing mechanisms.

Although it is not easy to "eat for the body and not for the tongue," it is a simple, high-yield strategy to bring abundant health. The strategy consists of eating whole foods, and avoiding sugared, salted, processed foods. Eating basic, whole foods -- raw whenever possible with modest nutritional supplementation -- gives the body what it needs to exercise and perform more efficiently what it already knows how to do. When health is challenged by special conditions specialized assistance may also be required to restore vitality. Good health, energy and longevity belong to those who apply principles that heal the body from the inside out.