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Recent Articles
“Is Disease Caused By Toxins?”
Two nutritionists maintain that most disease is caused by
environmental toxins that overwhelm the liver
by Janice
Zoeller
Along with the explosion in the number of chemicals
introduced since World War II, there have been dramatic increases in
incidence of autoimmune disease, allergy and common infections. This
is not a coincidence, according to several speakers at an all-day
program on “Complementary Alternative Medicine: Opportunities for
Pharmacist” held Oct. 13 during the NARD 98th annual convention in
New Orleans.
There are some 100,000 chemicals in common use, of which 25%
are thought to be toxic, said Gregory Ellis, PhD, of Glen Mills, PA,
a certified nutritionist, “and nothing is known about synergistic
effects.” Newer chemicals are more potent and less biodegradable, he
said, and most can cause genetic damage. Body fat has been tested to
have residue of 200 chemicals, he said. Metals that can cause
toxicities, including cadmium, beryllium, antimony, mercury and
lead, “are difficult to avoid. They are everywhere,” said Ellis.
These chemicals can weaken the immune system with effects
that are subtle, chronic or long term, said Ellis. Autoimmune
diseases alone are now estimated to affect 50 million people, he
said. Once in the body, said Ellis, chemicals act as toxins to block
receptor-ligand binding sites; bind to proteins, lipids and nucleic
acids; alter expression of critical gene products; cause changes in
calcium homeostasis; and selectively kill cells.
Just a little bit of these toxins can cause problems and
eventually affect organs, altering their structure and function.
“The effect on the body is not all or nothing, but often partial
blocking of enzymes that leads to subclinical toxicity and
diminished function, including central nervous system disorders and
peripheral neuropathy,” said Ellis. Lead, he noted, blocks
hemoglobin synthesis.
A toxic overload can cause cancer, but it can also manifest
itself as minor ailments, such as a runny nose, or constipation.
Ellis suggested that the increasing evidence of endometriosis is
being triggered by environmental dioxin that accumulates in tissue.
One cause of hypertension, he said, is cigarette smoke, the biggest
source of cadmium, which accumulates in the kidneys. Pesticides are
another source of cadmium. For the most part, though, said Ellis,
cause and effect are unclear, making it difficult to assign
responsibility to a particular toxic agent.
Ellis maintained that metals and chemicals weaken the immune
system and cause increased vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, fungi
and parasites. He told of a three-year-old boy who had been treated
with antibiotics practically his whole life, which he said is an
increasingly common phenomenon.
A pharmacist in the audience noted that she has been seeing
increased incidence of nail fungus. Ellis suggested she read a book
by Charles Little called The Dying of the Trees. A fungus takes hold
only on a weakened body, whether a tree or a person, he explained.
People’s livers and kidneys are being overwhelmed in
attempting to detoxify these chemicals, said Ellis. While the liver
is the main organ of detoxification, Ellis explained that the
kidneys, skin and even the gastrointestinal tract may be recruited
to assist. A skin eruption, for example, may signal that the skin is
trying to eliminate a toxic substance. Five percent of eczema, he
noted, is a reaction to nickel. And when the body does try to treat
itself, "we often mistake normal elimination processes for disease,"
said Ellis. Secretions are the body’s attempt to detoxify itself, he
explained. These can indicate levels of the body’s response and
include tearing, salivation, intestinal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
and pinpoint pupils. “By blocking symptoms, you are shoving toxins
back into the body,” Ellis said.
The first step in treating many diseases is to eliminate
toxins by stimulating the organs of elimination, especially the
liver and kidneys, said Ellis. He favors the “homeovitic method,”
using homeopathic remedies to stimulate energy fields at the
cellular level to eliminate toxins. Other homeopathic remedies are
then used to provide nutritional support for organs and systems.
Science and medicine rely on a molecular model of health:
function-structure-chemistry. Ellis uses the Energy Medicine Model
developed by William A. Tiller, PhD, that additionally includes
electro/magnetic fields and subtle energy fields.
“We don’t know why and how homeovitics work at
bio-electromagnetic levels,” acknowledged Ellis, although he said
there is no doubt in his mind that they do work. In fact, he said,
higher dilutions have been found to be more effective. He explained
their action according to the Arndt-Schulz law, developed by two
pharmacists: “Weak stimuli accelerate vital activity, medium ones
promote it, strong ones inhibit and the very strong snuff it out.”
“Think in terms of body systems, rather than diseases,” urged
Jack O. Taylor, MS, DC of Dr. Taylor’s Wellness Center, Arlington
Heights, IL. “Residual cellular toxins are a predisposing factor -
if not the primary cause - of all physical diseases or metabolic
imbalances,” insisted Taylor.
“First we clean the liver, which acts as a filter," said
Taylor. "Then be sure we have the right raw materials to rebuild
liver. Food is the first building block. We are not what we eat, but
what our body will do with what we eat.”
In treating arthritis, for example, he said the focus needs
to be on the liver. Taylor maintained that arthritis could only
occur after a breakdown of function. Treatment is therefore directed
at the biochemistry, not at the disease, he said.
Before treating patients, Taylor first obtains a patient
history, including environment, lifestyle and genetic background,
and takes physical measurements. Patients also undergo a series of
blood and urine tests. All of this information is entered into the
computer and a report is generated to evaluate metabolic function
and any deficiencies.
“Rather than treat disease superficially, we look at protein
and mineral metabolism. Are there foods patients don’t digest well,
that cause constipation? That could indicate a protein deficiency.
High blood sugar could indicate a mineral deficiency,” he said.
Clearing of all vital pathways is essential to improve
metabolism and nutrient assimilation, he said. Eliminative organs,
he said, include not only the liver and kidneys, but also the
intestines as well as the blood, immune and lymphatic systems. In
treating high cholesterol, Taylor said it is not enough just to
manipulate the blood level. “ need to clean out and then strengthen
the liver, using B vitamins and other supplements.”
Nutritional supplements are used in three ways. First, they
can be used as a substitute for what the body is not doing. For
example, hydrochloric acid can be given if it is not being produced
in sufficient quantities. Supplements can also be used as a
stimulant, to boost the adrenal gland, for example. However, this
must be done in conjunction with the third function, which is
support. Support is needed in the form of raw materials (food and
supplements) to form new cells. Supplements may be vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, amino acids or concentrated foods, such as
freeze-dried liver, kidney, heart or lungs.
“Drugs do a good job of treating disease, but drugs do not
cause health,” said Taylor. Surgeons, he added, can only remove
problems. “If you treat diseases only, you severely limit what you
can do for a patient.”
However, Taylor suggested, before recommending supplements to
patients. pharmacists should ask companies how they test their
products.
Taylor told how he worked with David Goodlaxson of Western
Illinois University to assay five brands of vitamin C. Although all
were marked 1,000 mg in strength, one was found to contain 1,250 mg,
and one 27 mg. However, the vitamin C tablet containing 27 mg turned
out to be the better deal because the 1,250 mg tablet didn’t
dissolve. Pharmacists can test whether supplements dissolve
themselves. Taylor suggested leaving a tablet or capsule in 1 oz. of
water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Stir the mixture and see how soon
it starts to break down. “You will be surprised at how many stay
solid,” he said.
Taylor favors capsules over tablets. Not only do tablets
contain more filler material that must be detoxified by the liver,
capsules also disintegrate much more quickly, generally in six
minutes or less.
Reprinted with permission of AMERICAN DRUGGIST
“Is Disease Caused By Toxins?”
Two nutritionists maintain that most disease is caused by environmental toxins that overwhelm the liver
by Janice Zoeller
Along with the explosion in the number of chemicals introduced since World War II, there have been dramatic increases in incidence of autoimmune disease, allergy and common infections. This is not a coincidence, according to several speakers at an all-day program on “Complementary Alternative Medicine: Opportunities for Pharmacist” held Oct. 13 during the NARD 98th annual convention in New Orleans.
There are some 100,000 chemicals in common use, of which 25% are thought to be toxic, said Gregory Ellis, PhD, of Glen Mills, PA, a certified nutritionist, “and nothing is known about synergistic effects.” Newer chemicals are more potent and less biodegradable, he said, and most can cause genetic damage. Body fat has been tested to have residue of 200 chemicals, he said. Metals that can cause toxicities, including cadmium, beryllium, antimony, mercury and lead, “are difficult to avoid. They are everywhere,” said Ellis.
These chemicals can weaken the immune system with effects that are subtle, chronic or long term, said Ellis. Autoimmune diseases alone are now estimated to affect 50 million people, he said. Once in the body, said Ellis, chemicals act as toxins to block receptor-ligand binding sites; bind to proteins, lipids and nucleic acids; alter expression of critical gene products; cause changes in calcium homeostasis; and selectively kill cells.
Just a little bit of these toxins can cause problems and eventually affect organs, altering their structure and function. “The effect on the body is not all or nothing, but often partial blocking of enzymes that leads to subclinical toxicity and diminished function, including central nervous system disorders and peripheral neuropathy,” said Ellis. Lead, he noted, blocks hemoglobin synthesis.
A toxic overload can cause cancer, but it can also manifest itself as minor ailments, such as a runny nose, or constipation. Ellis suggested that the increasing evidence of endometriosis is being triggered by environmental dioxin that accumulates in tissue. One cause of hypertension, he said, is cigarette smoke, the biggest source of cadmium, which accumulates in the kidneys. Pesticides are another source of cadmium. For the most part, though, said Ellis, cause and effect are unclear, making it difficult to assign responsibility to a particular toxic agent.
Ellis maintained that metals and chemicals weaken the immune system and cause increased vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. He told of a three-year-old boy who had been treated with antibiotics practically his whole life, which he said is an increasingly common phenomenon.
A pharmacist in the audience noted that she has been seeing increased incidence of nail fungus. Ellis suggested she read a book by Charles Little called The Dying of the Trees. A fungus takes hold only on a weakened body, whether a tree or a person, he explained.
People’s livers and kidneys are being overwhelmed in attempting to detoxify these chemicals, said Ellis. While the liver is the main organ of detoxification, Ellis explained that the kidneys, skin and even the gastrointestinal tract may be recruited to assist. A skin eruption, for example, may signal that the skin is trying to eliminate a toxic substance. Five percent of eczema, he noted, is a reaction to nickel. And when the body does try to treat itself, "we often mistake normal elimination processes for disease," said Ellis. Secretions are the body’s attempt to detoxify itself, he explained. These can indicate levels of the body’s response and include tearing, salivation, intestinal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and pinpoint pupils. “By blocking symptoms, you are shoving toxins back into the body,” Ellis said.
The first step in treating many diseases is to eliminate toxins by stimulating the organs of elimination, especially the liver and kidneys, said Ellis. He favors the “homeovitic method,” using homeopathic remedies to stimulate energy fields at the cellular level to eliminate toxins. Other homeopathic remedies are then used to provide nutritional support for organs and systems.
Science and medicine rely on a molecular model of health: function-structure-chemistry. Ellis uses the Energy Medicine Model developed by William A. Tiller, PhD, that additionally includes electro/magnetic fields and subtle energy fields.
“We don’t know why and how homeovitics work at bio-electromagnetic levels,” acknowledged Ellis, although he said there is no doubt in his mind that they do work. In fact, he said, higher dilutions have been found to be more effective. He explained their action according to the Arndt-Schulz law, developed by two pharmacists: “Weak stimuli accelerate vital activity, medium ones promote it, strong ones inhibit and the very strong snuff it out.”
“Think in terms of body systems, rather than diseases,” urged Jack O. Taylor, MS, DC of Dr. Taylor’s Wellness Center, Arlington Heights, IL. “Residual cellular toxins are a predisposing factor - if not the primary cause - of all physical diseases or metabolic imbalances,” insisted Taylor.
“First we clean the liver, which acts as a filter," said Taylor. "Then be sure we have the right raw materials to rebuild liver. Food is the first building block. We are not what we eat, but what our body will do with what we eat.”
In treating arthritis, for example, he said the focus needs to be on the liver. Taylor maintained that arthritis could only occur after a breakdown of function. Treatment is therefore directed at the biochemistry, not at the disease, he said.
Before treating patients, Taylor first obtains a patient history, including environment, lifestyle and genetic background, and takes physical measurements. Patients also undergo a series of blood and urine tests. All of this information is entered into the computer and a report is generated to evaluate metabolic function and any deficiencies.
“Rather than treat disease superficially, we look at protein and mineral metabolism. Are there foods patients don’t digest well, that cause constipation? That could indicate a protein deficiency. High blood sugar could indicate a mineral deficiency,” he said.
Clearing of all vital pathways is essential to improve metabolism and nutrient assimilation, he said. Eliminative organs, he said, include not only the liver and kidneys, but also the intestines as well as the blood, immune and lymphatic systems. In treating high cholesterol, Taylor said it is not enough just to manipulate the blood level. “ need to clean out and then strengthen the liver, using B vitamins and other supplements.”
Nutritional supplements are used in three ways. First, they can be used as a substitute for what the body is not doing. For example, hydrochloric acid can be given if it is not being produced in sufficient quantities. Supplements can also be used as a stimulant, to boost the adrenal gland, for example. However, this must be done in conjunction with the third function, which is support. Support is needed in the form of raw materials (food and supplements) to form new cells. Supplements may be vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids or concentrated foods, such as freeze-dried liver, kidney, heart or lungs.
“Drugs do a good job of treating disease, but drugs do not cause health,” said Taylor. Surgeons, he added, can only remove problems. “If you treat diseases only, you severely limit what you can do for a patient.”
However, Taylor suggested, before recommending supplements to patients. pharmacists should ask companies how they test their products.
Taylor told how he worked with David Goodlaxson of Western Illinois University to assay five brands of vitamin C. Although all were marked 1,000 mg in strength, one was found to contain 1,250 mg, and one 27 mg. However, the vitamin C tablet containing 27 mg turned out to be the better deal because the 1,250 mg tablet didn’t dissolve. Pharmacists can test whether supplements dissolve themselves. Taylor suggested leaving a tablet or capsule in 1 oz. of water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Stir the mixture and see how soon it starts to break down. “You will be surprised at how many stay solid,” he said.
Taylor favors capsules over tablets. Not only do tablets contain more filler material that must be detoxified by the liver, capsules also disintegrate much more quickly, generally in six minutes or less.
Reprinted with permission of AMERICAN DRUGGIST