Prostate cancer

Although the conventional prostate cancer treatments of chemotherapy and surgery are well known, there is a more natural and benign approach to the problem.  Hormone imbalances induced by environmental toxins, especially the ‘xeno-oestrogens’, are thought by some authorities to be a major contributor to prostate problems.  Progesterone and prostate problems are linked through the action of oestrongen.  Natural progesterone is a powerful antagonist to these chemical poisons and as such can be viewed as one of the more important prostate cancer treatments.

The symptoms of prostate diseases are:

• enlargement
• smaller urethras
• inflammation
• increased frequency of urination
• cellular changes leading to cancer

In many cases these changes can be linked to a rise in oestrogen and di-hydrotestosterone and a drop in testosterone.  The rise in oestrogen also causes fatty tissues to be deposited in men’s breasts and a reduction in facial hair.  High levels of di-hydrotestosterone have been linked to prostate enlargement and cancer.

Progesterone is vital for men’s health as it is for women’s!  Approximately 5 to 15mg of this hormone is made on a continuous daily basis in the testes, which convert it into testosterone and other hormones, including oestrogen.

As progesterone protects men against excessive oestrogen, particularly the xeno-oestrogens and di-hydrotestosterone, some researchers believe that the drop in progesterone levels associated with aging combined with the rise in environmental oestrogen is causing the alarming increasing in these problems.

The lack of progesterone and prostate problems is interrelated and is supported by the fact that the prevention and control of these diseases has been assisted in many cases by the use of supplemental progesterone administered as a skin cream.

There is substantial anecdotal evidence indicating that as little as 20mg/day is sufficient to reduce an enlarged prostate to normal.  Some cases of prostate cancer have also responded to progesterone.  As it is safe, with no toxic side effects, it is being used increasingly often as an alternative to other prostate cancer treatments.

The following nutritional guidelines have proven beneficial in assisting the fight against this disease:

• Omega 3
• Zinc
• Saw Palmetto
• Anti-oxidants especially: Vitamins E, C, A
• Selenium

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Not all saturated fats are bad!

For centuries, the communities in the tropical regions have used virgin coconut oil as a source of food, health and general well being. New research is verifying these traditional beliefs that the coconut palm has many health benefits and that organic virgin coconut oil has the potential to cure many of the ailments which have manifested in our bodies through the highly refined diet of modern society (ie cholesterol levels). In the past coconut oil has received bad press due to its saturated fat content, but research shows that not all saturated fats are the same and that coconut oil is unique in its structural makeup. Coconut oil is not the highest source of saturated medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) of any naturally occurring vegan food source. Further, around 50% of these MCTs are made up of lauric acid – the most important essential fatty acid in building and maintaining the body’s immune system.

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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

I am constantly being asked by clients about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), from which many women suffer where cysts on the ovaries cause pain during ovulation, PMS, and excess hair growth on the face, legs and arms.  It’s been known for some time that PCOS is associated with high insulin levels, which stimulate the ovarian production of androgens (male hormones).  In a study of obese and non-obese women with PCOS (Nobumasa et al, 2002), various hormones were measured with interesting results: the average levels of testosterone and androstenedione in obese women were significantly higher than those in non-obese women.  This is yet another indicator that obesity can contribute significantly to hormone imbalance.  PCOS disappears rapidly in most women when they cut sugar and refined carbohydrates from their diet.

Can Progesterone help recovery from PCOS?

PCOS is a condition which is rising alarmingly all over the world.

PCOS is generally considered a syndrome rather than a disease, because it manifests through a group of signs and symptoms that can occur in any combination, rather than having one known cause.

Symptoms vary and include some or all of the following…

• oligomenorrhoea (absent or infrequent periods) or amenorrhea (no menstrual period).
• enlarged ovaries (usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal).
• cysts (fluid-filled sacs), giving the classic “string of pearls” appearance to ovaries with many cysts. Cystic ovaries can lead to…
• chronic pelvic pain – although the exact cause of this pain isn’t known, inflammation is the most likely cause.
• anovulation (lack of ovulation), which is relatively common as the follicles mature only occasionally, this leads to…
• low progesterone levels, as it’s only after ovulation that the follicle, now called the corpus luteum, produces progesterone. But low progesterone levels lead to…
• high levels of luteinising hormone (LH) as the pituitary is trying to stimulate ovulation. High LH suppresses follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) so this leads to arrested follicle growth in the next cycle. But LH also stimulates the thecal cells in the ovary to produce androgens which leads to…
• high androgens (hyperandrogenism), particularly high testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), leading to excess facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, deepening of the voice, weight problems including obesity and a smaller hip to waist ratio, acne, oily skin, dandruff, suppression of ovarian function, leading to anovulation which leads to…
• infertility (the inability to get pregnant within six to 12 months of unprotected intercourse, depending on age) and low progesterone levels

Natural treatment

• Above all have a vitamin D test done, and take a minimum of 5000 IU’s per day, bringing the level in the blood to 50ng/ml (125nmol/L) or above. A lack of vitamin D is found in PCO, with many authorities believing it could be the main contributing factor. A lack also leads to hyperparathyroidism which is often present in PCO. High levels of parathyroid hormone suppresses thyroid activity, leading to a higher than normal TSH level. The year round level of vitamin D should be 50ng/ml (125nmol/L) or higher
• A lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone
• Use between 150-250mg/day progesterone, this helps stabilise blood sugar and suppresses androgen production. It also helps to correct ovarian malfunction
• Take the B vitamin inositol, this aids in reversing insulin resistance and stabilizing glucose levels. Studies have shown this restores gonadal function.
• Take the antioxidant amino acids L-arginine and N-acetyl cysteine, studies have shown these restore gonadal function.
• The amino acids L-glutamine and L-glycine are very helpful. The brain can use them in place of glucose for energy, so they stop all binging, tiredness, cravings for sugary foods and alcohol. Glutamine also heals the lining of the gut, it boosts the immune system and is the most abundant amino acid in the muscles, so helping with muscle weakness. These two amino acids are also two of the three precursors to glutathione, which apart from vitamin D, is the most important antioxidant the body makes. The third amino precursor is cysteine, which is essential to take.
• MCT oil (medium chain triglyceride) is another excellent source of energy which is not converted to fat, but can be used directly by the cells for energy, take 5-60ml/day. It’s extracted from coconut oil and comprises 60% caprylic acid, which kills candida, and 40% capric acid.

It could take a while for things to sort themselves out, so have patience. Researchers have found it takes from four to six months for the ovaries to start functioning correctly.

Additional Information

Progesterone

Apply 150-250mg of progesterone per day. The higher dose might be needed.

It should only be used at ovulation, for the last 14 days of the cycle, taking day 1 as the first day of bleeding.

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Fibromyalgia

It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects nearly 1 in 20 people across the globe. In England and Wales, there could be up to 1.76 million adults with fibromyalgia.
Anyone can develop fibromyalgia, although the condition affects more women than men. In most cases, fibromyalgia occurs between 30 and 60 years of age, but it can develop in people of any age, including children and the elderly.
Fibromyalgia can be a difficult condition to diagnose because there is no specific test and the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions.
I see a number of clients in my clinic with fibromyalgia and, in my experience, there seems to be a link between this condition and hormone imbalance (ie polycystic ovaries, endometriosis etc) and also a link with depression.
My clinic and the way I practise is multi-faceted, tailoring the treatment to the individual, but I find that Reflexology particularly helps with the symptoms of fibromyalgia. What many people don not realise is that Reflexology is a powerful treatment which works the body from the inside out – working every system and organ of the body to bring about homeostasis (balance) to the body.
Why does it work so well with fibromyalgia? Well this could be for a number of reasons:
Reflexology:
• Promotes the reduction of pain through gate control and stimulation of the production of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) – it therefore reduces pain. Pain reduction following reflexology treatment is documented in 27 studies including research showing impact on individuals of all ages and health states;
• Offers further pain relief by promoting blood flow: studies show that reflexology increases blood flow to the feet, brain, kidneys and intestines;
• Creates relaxation: From the moment the reflexologist’s hands start their work, the relaxation begins as shown in research using EEG brain activity. All together, 24 studies demonstrate reflexology’s relaxation effects;
In common with most complementary therapies, there has only been limited research aimed at validating reflexology – but there have been 100s of studies and a survey of 170 studies showed a positive result for 83% of areas researched.
A Chinese survey of 8,096 case studies noted a 94% effective or significantly effective rate. Significant areas of study include: stress and anxiety, lessening of pain and cancer care as well as general health concerns for individuals of all ages.
Further, a randomised controlled study on MS patients showed significant decreases in intensity and duration of parasthesia and urinary symptoms together with an improvement in spasticity. There was also a borderline improvement in muscle strength. This is even more remarkable as some of the pharmacological agents used are associated with muscle weakness.
Out of all my treatments, I absolutely love Reflexology because I see the power, and the effects, of this amazing treatment the minute my clients get down off the therapy couch!

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Energy Boost

Several people have asked me for the contents of the Energy Boost formula I
take. The idea behind the Energy Boost is to reverse insulin resistance, help
with tiredness, lack of energy, foggy brain, cravings and weight gain. The ingredients listed below, in one way or another, all play a role in achieving this (a detailed list of the actions of each ingredient is available on request):

Amount per serving
Arginine	500mg
Carnitine (N-acetyl-L-)	500mg
Cysteine (N-Acetyl-L)	500mg
Glycine	500mg
Taurine	500mg
Chromium	200mcg
Selenium	200mcg
Zinc	15mg
Vitamin B1	25mg
Vitamin B2	25mg
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)	25mg
Vitamin B5 (Ca D-pantothenate)	100mg
Vitamin B6 (pyrodoxine)	25mg
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)	200mcg
Biotin	1000mcg
Folic acid	1000mcg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	500mg
Milk thistle (81.79% silymarins)	515mg
Plus: alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, D-Ribose, purified phylosilicate clay, inositol, choline, glutamine, the branched chain amino acids: isoleucine, leucine and valine.

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Special Summer Discounts

Special rates on Hypnotherapy. See ‘Therapies I Offer’.

Hypnotherapy is a powerful treatment which aims at relaxing and so targeting the subconscious mind to replace negative habits and patterns with positive ones.

AVAILABLE SOON:  GASTRIC BAND HYPNOTHERAPY – at last the long-term solution to losing weight and keeping it off! 

Put simply: the only way to lose weight is to eat less.  This is why gastric band hypnotherapy is popular and effective for weight loss.  It reprograms the mind so that you eat less, convincing the subconscious that you have undergone gastric band surgery.  This means that your mind craves less food and feels fuller sooner.  Each individual’s issues with food are also addressed thereby identifying the reasons and behaviours to food and over eating.

Weight loss is more than a vanity issue.  Science has consistently proven that carrying excess weight is detrimental to health, increasing chances of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and so on.

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Natural Progesterone Therapy

What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that has been around for about 500 million years – the oldest hormone.
There are many misconceptions held about this critically important hormone. It is NOT ‘just another sex hormone’ nor is it ‘ONLY a female sex hormone’.
Why is this important?
It is essential to all vertebrates: fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals – including humans. It has countless functions in both sexes and all ages – regulating blood sugar, developing intelligence, building bones, brain activity and many more.
Our bodies make it all the time.
In the higher animals it is involved in reproduction, but not being exclusively a sex hormone it does not impart any secondary sexual characteristics. It is converted by the adrenal glands into other hormones such as cortisone, oestrogen, testosterone and others.
This is a vital point to understand… progesterone is the essential raw material from which our bodies make the other hormones. It is this simple fact that helps anyone appreciate just how wide ranging the effects of a deficiency can be. This is why progesterone therapy can be effective in treating such a wide range of health problems.
What is natural progesterone?
“Natural” progesterone – just as your body makes it – is a unique substance with unique properties that cannot be faked and that are essential to good health and to life itself.
A phenomenon known as “oestrogen dominance” happens in many women when progesterone balance is impaired. This creates very unpleasant physical side effects and plays havoc not only with their emotions. The reason behind this is the increasing use of chemicals in the world and the widespread use of oestrogen in oral contraceptives and in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Unfortunately oestrogen dominance is something few people know anything about. Most women have been convinced that oestrogen is the answer to most female hormonal problems, whether in the form of the contraceptive pill for menstruating women or HRT for menopausal women. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Fortunately progesterone balance is easy to achieve and maintain by using natural progesterone.
The following list gives some of the symptoms of oestrogen dominance:
• Mastitis
• Menstrual cycles can become irregular
• Increases the risk of fibroids
• Potentially addictive and abusive
• Increases the risk of breast cancer
• May initiate fibrocystic breast disease
• Increases the risk of uterine cancer
• Water retention and bloating
• Weight gain
• Loss of energy
• Decreases libido
• Bad temper
• Increases risk of stroke and heart disease
• Causes chronic fatigue
• Causes skin to become thinner
• Incidental in the start of osteoporosis
• Can induce hypertension & high blood pressure
• Headaches
The majority of doctors have not heard of the benefits of progesterone and the concept of progesterone balance. Fortunately, however, a few enlightened medical doctors in the USA, Britain and elsewhere have been using progesterone to treat their patients for a number of years now.
Further positive effects of progesterone are that the immune system is boosted, one’s physical and mental energy is increased, and one becomes calmer. Progesterone also protects against toxic substances and acts as a natural diuretic.
Many of the above listed symptoms are those of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and low blood sugar. Up to 60% of menstruating women in the western world suffer from PMS in one form or another. Much research has been done on it. Some have been found to be psychological, some related to food, some to stress and some to an imbalance of hormones. Research has shown that women with PMS consume three times as much sugar as those without. This unfortunately leads to the excretion of magnesium, which is vital in preventing PMS and menopausal symptoms in the first place.
Menopause, which literally means “last period”, usually occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 to 52 with the cessation of egg production. As mentioned earlier a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever need. In the few years prior to menopause ovulation becomes erratic and with it comes a decline in progesterone. At about the same time the ovaries decrease their secretion of oestrogen.
Unfortunately with the increased use of petrochemicals and oestrogen based drugs, many women are entering their pre-menopausal years in their early thirties.

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Cell-to-cell communication

Until recently, scientists have primarily focussed on the study of proteins as it was believed that proteins were responsible for cellular communication and cellular recognition (Smith 2002). However, within the last ten years, the developing field of glycobiology has shown that glyconutrients may play a vital role in cellular communication and may represent a new category of nutrients and dietary supplements.

It is said that these sugar molecules constitute an ‘alphabet’ of ‘letters’ that can be combined in endless ways to form ‘words’ which are used by the body to communicate information required for healthy function. McAnalley and Vennum (2000), explain that the process of molecular communication codes can be thought of as a written language whereby just as four different shapes can be combined to make many letters and the letters can be combined to make words, the different carbohydrate molecules combine to make cellular recognition (McAnalley and Vennum 2000, p2).

Once cells have been sufficiently glycosylated only then are they able to send a cell-to-cell communication and communicate with other cells, (i.e. recognise the enemy and tag it). It is believed that autoimmune diseases occur when cells are not glycosylated (the presence of a sugar added to a protein) and thereby unable to differentiate between a ‘friendly’ cell and an ‘unfriendly’ cell (Nugent 2005, p21). Although it is recognised that a multiple of factors ensure good health and no nutrient stands alone in this process, there is strong belief that without proper cell-to-cell communication, there is no hope for good health because without communication there can be no function (Nugent 2005, p21).

The above is an extract from my dissertation, for which I received a First Class Honours:  ‘What is the evidence for glyconutrients? The concepts and theories behind glyconutrition and glyconutrient supplementation’.

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OPEN EVENING – Sunday 27 March

CELEBRATE THE START OF BRITISH SUMMER TIME 

AND THE START OF A NEW YOU!

I meet people all the time who are longing to try complementary therapies – maybe reflexology, acupuncture, Indian head massage, hypnosis – but have never felt brave enough to take the first step, or have just not found the time.

I offer a variety of therapies, which I tailor to individually suit the client, at my London and Hertfordshire practices.

I’m holding an Open Evening on Sunday 27 March to give people the opportunity of free tasters and a chat about what may be right for them.

Pop in any time bewteen 4pm-8pm – and bring a friend!

Venue:  Teddy George, 684 Goffs Lane, Goffs Oak, Hertfordshire, EN7 5ET.  

Time:  4pm-8pm

Why not come along, have a free taster session, ask questions, join our raffle for a free treatment and pick up a voucher for £5 off your first treatment (but only if you like what you see!)

I promise a genuinely warm welcome, a free glass of wine and some personal advice on what might be right for you.

Tel:  078796 12870

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Crash and Burn – The Onset of Adrenal Fatigue

The purpose of the adrenal glands is to help the body cope with the stresses of life and to survive. It is the job of the adrenal glands to enable the body to deal with stress from every possible source, ranging from injury and disease to work and relationships. Our resiliency, endurance and energy depend on their proper functioning. The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands influence the major physiological processes in the body. They affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, the distribution of stored fat (especially around the waist), normal blood sugar regulation and proper cardiovascular and gastrointestinal function. Indeed, the protective activity of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant hormones secreted by the adrenals helps to minimise negative and allergic reactions to alcohol, drugs, foods and environmental allergens.

The propensity to develop certain kinds of diseases and the ability to respond to chronic illness is influenced significantly by the adrenal glands. The more chronic the illness, the more critical the adrenal response becomes. We cannot live without our adrenal hormones and how well we live depends a great deal on how well our adrenal glands function. Adrenal fatigue (whether mild or severe) is usually caused by some form of stress. This stress can be physical, emotional, psychological, environmental or infectious. Anyone who does not get enough rest and relaxation, who drives themselves constantly, who is a perfectionist, who is under constant pressure, who feels trapped or helpless, who feels overwhelmed by repeated emotional or physical trauma or illness is probably suffering from some degree of adrenal fatigue.

Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

• • Difficulty getting up in the morning
• • Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep
• • Craving for salt or salty foods
• • Lethargy – everything seems like a chore (even things you enjoy)
• • Increased effort to do every day tasks
• • Decreased sex drive
• • Decreased ability to handle stress
• • Increased time to recover from illness, injury or trauma
• • Light-headed when standing up quickly
• • Mild depression
• • Less enjoyment or happiness with life
• • Increased PMS
• • Symptoms increase if meals are skipped or inadequate
• • Thoughts are less focused, more fuzzy
• • Memory less accurate
• • Decreased tolerance

It is extremely sad that adrenal fatigue (hypoadrenia) is not taught in medical schools yet it has been recognised, written about, discussed and treated for over one hundred years. Unfortunately, the average doctor is unaware of its presence and so, not surprisingly, seldom looks for it. Even endocrinologists rarely recognise adrenal fatigue as a distinct condition or are prepared to treat it (unless it manifests in its most severe form: Addison’s Disease), that is why it is important that we become informed ourselves and recognise it.

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