 Conventional Drug Use can help with the following: | |  | | | Aging |  Parkinson's Disease | Conventional medical treatment relies heavily on l-dopa (levo-dihydroxy-phenylalanine), a dopamine precursor that can cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. L-dopa is now rarely used by itself, but rather in combination with carbidopa (Sinemet) or benserazide (Madopar) that protects it from breaking down before it reaches the brain tissue. As l-dopa must compete with other amino acids in crossing both from the gut to the blood stream and from the blood stream to the brain it is usually recommended that it be taken between meals rather than with meals.
Although l-dopa medications can bring significant relief from Parkinson's disease symptoms they become less effective with time. After four or five years of increasing dosages their effect becomes sporadic and unpredictable (the "on-off syndrome") and patients become increasingly helpless and depressed. There is also evidence that the use of l-dopa medications may lead to a deficiency of B-vitamins, especially niacin and vitamin B-6. Most Parkinson's disease experts now recommend that l-dopa therapy be started as late as possible after diagnosis of Parkinson's disease so as to postpone the day when it no longer works and to limit its many serious adverse effects.
Selegiline (Deprenyl, Eldepryl) is another drug used in Parkinson's disease therapy. It works by blocking the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Recent trials have shown that starting Parkinson's disease patients on selegiline can extend the time period before they need l-dopa by about nine months. Combinations of l-dopa medications and selegiline have also been tried in early stage Parkinson's disease patients, but were found to have no advantage. A recent study concluded that the combination therapy increased mortality by about 50% when compared to Parkinson's disease patients treated with l-dopa medications alone.
Anticholinergenic drugs work by reducing the amount of acetylcholine produced in the brain and thereby redressing the imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine. They are no longer recommended for older patients as they have serious neuropsychiatric side-effects. |
 Cataracts| | A Japanese drug, phenoxazine carboxylic acid (Catalin), has been shown to be effective in inhibiting, as well as reversing, cataract formation. |
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Allergy |
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever| | Prescription Drugs
Nonsedating antihistamines may cause life-threatening irregular heartbeat and should not be taken with other drugs or if you have other liver or heart problems. Oral decongestants may have systemic side-effects. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are effective if used properly; improvement takes 1 to 2 weeks. Systemic steroids are prescribed only for severe allergic rhinitis; generally prescribed for short amounts of time because of their many side-effects.
Over-the-Counter
Antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Alpha-adrenergic topical sprays reduce congestion but there is a rebound effect if used for more than a few days. Cromolyn sodium is the only preventative drug choice; works as well as antihistamines but does not cause drowsiness; take continuously or it will not work effectively; it is virtually without side-effects.
NOTE: Extended use of antihistamines or nasal sprays can make your allergic rhinitis worse. |
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Autoimmune |
Periarteritis| | Commonly recommended drugs include prednisone and cyclophosphamide. |
Myasthenia Gravis| | Conventional medicine can control myasthenia gravis. Some medications improve neuromuscular transmission and increase muscle strength, and some suppress the production of abnormal antibodies. These medications must be used with careful medical supervision because they may cause major side effects. |
Multiple Sclerosis| | A form of bacteria seems to be the organic cause of multiple sclerosis, claims a Dr. Hoekstra, MD. Its tentative name - not yet widely accepted by other microbiologists - is Borrelia mylophora, so named because its characteristics seem to resemble those of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria believed responsible for Lyme disease. In cases of multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath covering the nerves gets eaten away by the immune system, explains Dr. Hoekstra. "That is exactly like the hunters' torches setting fire to the forest. Most of the destruction of the myelin sheath takes place from actions of the white blood cells and their antibodies. But their primary target is not the myelin sheath at all. It's the Borrelia mylophora bacteria, running around in the nervous system. B. mylophora has an extremely high affinity for the myelin sheath. It loves it."
The successful use of doxycycline against B. mylophora was first verified by a physician in South Dakota who reasoned that the symptoms of MS (which he had) were suggestively similar to those of Lyme disease, which responds fairly well to doxycycline. After dosing himself for three months with the antibiotic, he was symptom free. However, the long-term use of antibiotics has many drawbacks, cautions Dr. Hoekstra. It seriously damages the ecology of intestinal microflora and can lead to a condition of microbial imbalance called dysbiosis. This in turn can be the foundation for numerous diseases. It can also facilitate the growth of more cell wall deficient forms. To counteract this, probiotic replacement is required. |
 Sarcoidosis| | Corticosteroids such as prednisone and/or other anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Other medications, particularly those that suppress the immune system, are often recommended. Lung involvement may benefit from inhalers; each symptom can usually be relieved by treating with appropriate medications. |
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Circulation |
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)| | If simple measures don't alleviate the problem, you may need conventional medication. Although a wide range of drugs (including phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine and the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs indomethacin and ibuprofen) have been used to treat hypotension, many of them are not consistently effective.
The following medications have proven effective in treating postural hypotension:
Fludrocortisone. Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticosteroid that appears to be effective for most types of postural hypotension. It works by promoting sodium retention by the kidney, thereby causing fluid retention and some swelling, which is necessary to improve blood pressure. Its sparing effect on sodium is done at the expense of a concurrent loss of potassium. Therefore, when taking fludrocortisone, it's important to also take adequate amounts of potassium each day. Fludrocortisone has none of the anti-inflammatory properties of cortisone or prednisone and it is not a muscle-building agent.
Midodrine. Midodrine activates receptors on the arterioles and veins to produce an increase in blood pressure. Studies show that it is effective in improving standing blood pressure in those with postural hypotension related to nervous system dysfunction, such as in patients with Shy-Drager syndrome. |
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Digestion |
Rapid Stomach Emptying (Gastric Dumping)| | People with severe cases take medicine to slow their digestion. |
Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux| | If nothing else seems to work, it may be necessary to start using proton pump inhibitor drugs. |
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Infections |
Malaria| | Although resistance is increasing, most types of malaria can still be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on which kind of malaria is diagnosed, where the patient was infected, the age of the patient, and how severely ill the patient was at start of treatment. |
Babesiosis| | Recommended treatment is a seven-day course of oral quinine plus clindamycin under the careful supervision of a physician. Fatigue, malaise and a low grade fever may persist for weeks or months after treatment has been completed. |
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Mental |
Bipolar Disorder, Manic-Depressive| | People with this condition generally require life-long treatment with lithium or other drugs to control manic episodes, sometimes with antidepressants to control the depression. Some doctors believe that a significant bipolar disorder will not respond sufficiently to alternative interventions alone. |
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)| | The most effective medications for OCD are the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, and Zoloft as well as the tricyclic Anafranil. Other medications may be added to improve the effect. |
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Metabolic |
Edema (Water Retention)| | There is no single, accepted gold standard treatment for idiopathic cyclic edema. Several different treatments have been reported. An agent used for treating high blood pressure called Captopril has also been used with success. It works against the kidney hormone aldosterone which is elevated in this condition and causes excess salt and water retention.
Sometimes a mild diuretic will help reduce fluid retention but can worsen the edema of idiopathic cyclic edema. While one would think that taking a "water pill" or diuretic would improve this edematous condition, it turns out that in most cases this is the wrong long term treatment. In fact, chronic diuretic use will increase the secretion of aldosterone which in turn produces more edema. If the chronic use of diuretics is discontinued, the cyclical swelling disappears in most cases within about 3 weeks. |
Hypersomnolence| | Ritalin or other stimulant drugs have been used successfully in controlling the need to sleep during the day. |
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome| | The prescription drug Hydergine stimulates regrowth of damaged nerve fibers. The most effective form of Hydergine comes in tablets, which can be placed under the tongue for immediate absorption. Ask your doctor about Hydergine if you feel you need help in this area. |
Cluster Headaches| | Subcutaneously injected sumatriptan (6mg in 0.5ml) (Imitrex in the US) is the most effective, reliable, and rapid abortive therapy for cluster headache attacks. An injection (easily given by the patient) eliminates or markedly diminishes cluster headaches within 15 minutes in essentially all patients at every attack. Some patients have had headaches eliminated in as little as 7 minutes. This effect does not lessen with continued use. Some patients have had satisfactorily rapid results with sumatriptan nasal spray. The oral triptans are less effective, but some especially good responders with relatively milder and slower-developing headaches may prefer this route of administration. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
Gout / Hyperuricemia| | Since the 1800s, colchicine has been the standard treatment for acute gout. While colchicine is very effective, it often causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These side-effects are uncommon when this drug is given intravenously, but because of their unpleasant nature, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have become the treatment of choice for most acute attacks of gout.
Therapy directed at normalizing uric acid levels in the blood should be considered for patients who have had multiple gout attacks or have developed tophi or kidney stones. Several drugs that help the kidneys eliminate uric acid are available, such as probenecid, and a drug that blocks production of uric acid by the body, such as allopurinol. The choice between these two types of drugs depends on the amount of uric acid in the urine. With correct treatment, gout should be well controlled in almost all cases. |
Polymyositis| | Polymyositis is generally initially treated with high doses of corticosteroids - medications related to cortisone - given by orally or intravenously. They are very good at decreasing muscle inflammation but are usually are required for years. Their continued use will be based on what a doctor finds in terms of symptoms and muscle enzyme blood test results.
Corticosteroids have many predictable - and unpredictable - side-effects. In high doses they commonly cause an increase in appetite and weight, puffiness of the face and easy bruising. They can also cause sweats, facial hair growth, upset stomach, sensitive emotions, leg swelling, acne, cataracts, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, worsening of diabetes and increased risk of infection. A rare complication of cortisone medications is severe bone damage (avascular necrosis) which can destroy large joints, such as the hips and shoulders. In addition, abruptly stopping corticosteroids can cause flares of the disease and result in other side-effects including nausea, vomiting and decreased blood pressure.
Corticosteroids do not always help a lot and in such cases immunosuppressive medications are considered. These medicines can be effective by suppressing the immune response which attracts the white blood cells of inflammation to the muscles. Many types are now commonly used and others are still experimental. Methotrexate can be taken by mouth (Rheumatrex) or by injection into the body; Azathioprine (Imuran) is an oral drug. Both can cause liver and bone marrow side-effects and require regular blood monitoring. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), chlorambucil (Leukeran) and cyclosporin (Sandimmune) have been used for serious complications of severe disease. These also can have severe side-effects which must be considered with each patient individually.
Patients with calcium deposits (calcinosis) from dermatomyositis can sometimes benefit by taking diltiazem (Cardizem) to shrink the size of the calcium deposits. This effect, however, occurs slowly - frequently over years. |
Muscle Cramps / Twitching| | Doctors may feel they have to resort to drugs like Sinequin (Doxepin) or Klonopin (Klonazepam). Sinequin is a tricyclic anti-depressant and anti-histamine that can produce marked sedation. This medication may enhance the effect of Klonopin, but it can reduce muscle twitching all by itself. Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medication and anti-convulsive/anti-spasmodic. It is useful in dealing with muscle twitching, restless leg syndrome, and night-time grinding of the teeth (bruxism). |
Costochronditis| | Cortisone shots are one way of reducing the inflammation of costochondritis but repeated injections are not recommended as they are said to weaken the cartilage after extended periods of use. |
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Nervous System |
Bell's Palsy| | If you do decide to use conventional medications that may help relieve the compression, such as prednisone and antivirals, they should be started as quickly as possible. The "window of opportunity" for starting these medications is thought to be 7 days from the onset of Bell's palsy. |
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Organ Health |
Glaucoma| | It is most important for those having been diagnosed with glaucoma of any sort to use any medication that they are given by an ophthalmologist as directed. Medicated eye drops, which work by increasing drainage of aqueous fluid or reducing its production, can usually control chronic glaucoma. These pressure reducing drugs may include:- A 'beta-blocker' (e.g. betaxolol)
- A 'miotic' (e.g. pilocarpine)
- Adrenaline-related drugs (e.g. apraclonidine)
- A 'carbonic anhydrase inhibitor' (which may be taken by mouth; e.g. acetazolamide)
During an attack of acute glaucoma, treatment by mouth either with a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor or with glycerine solution can abort the attack, if taken early enough. In a severe attack, an intravenous injection of a drug called mannitol may be necessary to bring the intraocular pressure down promptly. Beta-blocker and pilocarpine eye drops are also usually given. After an attack, treatment usually continues with eye drops and doses of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. |
Nephrotic Syndrome| | Treatment depends on the underlying disorder which has caused nephrotic syndrome. Medications which dampen down the immune system are a mainstay of treatment. The first choice is usually a steroid drug such as prednisone. Some conditions may require even more potent medications, such as cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine.
Treating the underlying conditions (for example lymphoma, cancers, heroine use, infections) which have led to nephrotic syndrome will often improve the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome as well. Some patients will require the use of specific medications to control high blood pressure. Some patients benefit from the use of diuretics (which allow the kidney to produce more urine) to decrease swelling.
Nephrotic syndrome may require aggressive treatment with corticosteroids until the level of proteinuria goes down. A person usually needs to lose more than 3gm per day of protein in the urine before this begins to happen. |
Glomerulonephritis| | Acute IgAN may be treated with oral steroids.
Impaired kidneys are very good at secreting a hormone which deliberately raises blood pressure. It is imperative that any treatment for controlling high blood pressure be followed rigorously, as high blood pressure itself further adds to the damage being caused in the kidneys, and it is an independent risk factor for ESRD (not to mention other cardiovascular complications). In addition to lowering blood pressure, some specific high BP medications appear to have renal-protective and/or antiproteinuric effects. |
Hepatitis| | (Reuters, Oct 27, 2003) - Scientists working for Boehringer Ingelheim in Germany have developed a drug that could offer new hope. Called BILN 2061, it targets an enzyme to block the replication of the virus. In eight people given four doses of the treatment, the amount of virus in the blood (viral load) dropped by 100 to 1,000-fold after 48 hours without producing any unpleasant reactions. "The antiviral results of protease inhibitor BILN 2061 in a proof-of-concept human trial clearly demonstrate the great potential of selective and anti-HCV agents," Daniel Lamarre, of the company research center in Laval, Canada, said in a report published by the journal Nature. BILN 2061 is the first of a class of drugs called NS3 protease inhibitors to be tested in humans. Although more longer-term trials are needed, scientists believe it "holds great promise to markedly improve treatments of chronic HCV infection."
Postscript: According to MedScape, "Although BILN-2061 demonstrated potent antiviral activity against HCV genotype 1, the virologic response was less pronounced and more variable in HCV genotype 2 and 3 patients. Despite early enthusiasm, further development has been halted because of concerns related to potential cardiotoxicity in animal models.[9,10]" [http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/556641_3] |
Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)| | For prevention of stone formation, medical therapy is available for those with known predisposing conditions. For those with stones, pain-killers (as prescribed by a doctor) can provide great relief. In addition, some medications may help break down larger stones. |
Vertigo| | Medications that may reduce symptoms of labyrinthitis include antihistamines, anticholinergics, sedative/hypnotics, antinausea medications and diazepam (valium). The antihistamine meclizine (Antivert) is commonly used. |
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Parasites |
Parasite Infection| | For those not afraid of using pharmaceutical remedies, treatment for intestinal worms is simple, cheap and effective, with a single dose of Albendazole (400mg pills), which kills the adult worms. As reinfection may occur (particularly amongst children), treatment is advised once a year, or every six months if reinfection is a big problem. Those who should not be treated by these means include: those who are already unwell for some other reason, e.g. with a fever (treatment should be delayed until they are feeling better); girls/women are pregnant (treatment should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy); those with chronic illness such as sickle cell anemia. |
Pinworm Infection| | Pin-X (pinworm treatment containing pyrantel pamoate) is available over-the-counter as a single dose remedy. If you have side-effects after taking pyrantel, get advice from your health care provider before you take it again, especially if a skin rash occurs.
Although the directions do state "single dose effectiveness", taking a second dose after 10 days is also recommended because of the pinworm lifecycle. After the initial treatment, pinworm eggs will almost certainly remain in your living environment and may be ingested or inhaled. |
Trichinosis| | Mebendazole is the standard treatment. |
Whipworm Infection| | Mebendazole is the drug of choice, with albendazole as an alternative. |
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Respiratory |
Pneumonia| | Pneumonia caused by bacteria and mycoplasma is generally treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used depends on which organism has caused the infection. If the infection is severe, and especially in very young and old people, the pneumonia may need to be treated in hospital with antibiotics and fluids given into a vein, and extra oxygen through a mask.
Fungal pneumonias are treated with specific antifungal drugs. |
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Skin-Hair-Nails |
Dandruff| | Nizoral is the only shampoo containing a patented active ingredient known as ketoconazole. This ingredient is proven to be effective against P. ovale and acts directly to inhibit growth of the fungus. This product is the number one choice of doctors and pharmacists, when recommending an anti-dandruff shampoo. The effects of Nizoral can last several days, making daily use unnecessary. |
Hives| | For many patients with hives of unknown cause, treatment with antihistamines is effective. This is because in people with hives, histamine is being released by mast cells in the tissues which in turn initiaties the irritation and accumulations of fluid. Other inflammatory white blood cells, including lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear cells, have also been implicated. Antihistamines inhibit this inflammatory process.
On occasion and especially with pressure hives, antihistamines are ineffective, probably because of the nature of the molecular mediators operating in this condition. If antihistamines do not help, then several second-line treatments are used. The most effective are corticosteroids. Others include doxepin, dapsone, attenuated androgens, calcium antagonists, antimalarials, gold and methotrexate. |
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Tumors, Malignant |
Cancer, General| | COX-2 inhibitor drugs, so-called because they block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), are used to treat pain and inflammation. There is now compelling evidence that they may also protect against cancer. Mitch Gaynor, MD, director of medical oncology at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York, notes that suppressing COX-2 may be beneficial because "...the COX-2 enzyme helps make carcinogens much more active once they get into your body. The enzyme also allows cancerous cells to grow new blood vessels."
There may be drug-free alternatives to the synthetic COX-2 inhibitors as close as your spice shelf. Although they do not have as powerful an action, it appears that certain foods are natural inhibitors of the COX-2 enzyme. By incorporating these foods in your diet, you can obtain some of the potential cancer-preventing benefits of the COX-2 inhibitors naturally. |
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Uro-Genital |
Vulvodynia / Vestibulitis| | If intercourse is painful, you can apply xylocaine jelly to numb the sore areas. |
Premature Ejaculation| | In the early 1990s, doctors noted that many depressed men refused to take their medications because it prevented them from reaching a climax, so they prescribed antidepressants, such as Anafranil, Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft to premature ejaculators, who then reported better performance. A recent study from the Netherlands shows that 20mg of Paxil 1-4 hours before the event may be the most effective treatment. [Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2001, Vol 21, Iss 3, pp293-297.] The U.S. FDA has not approved these drugs for this purpose. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter widely distributed in body tissues with a primary function of mediating synaptic activity of the nervous system and skeletal muscles.
Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Aldosterone
A steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that helps the kidneys regulate the amount of salt and water in your body and, thus, regulate your blood pressure. When aldosterone levels drop too low, your kidneys cannot keep your salt and water levels in balance, and your blood volume and blood pressure drop.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes that is caused by specific allergen(s). It is an allergy characterized by sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, coughing and a burning/scratchy sensation of the palate and throat.
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Antagonist (Antagonists)
A chemical substance that interferes with the uptake, assimilation and/or physiological action of another, especially by combining with and blocking its nerve receptor.
Antibody (Antibodies)
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Antidepressant (Antidepressants)
Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate. This category of substances formerly included stuff like amphetamines and other stimulants. Botanical examples include Hypericum, Peganum and Oplopanax.
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Antihistamine
Drugs, used to treat allergy symptoms, which block the action of histamine on body tissues.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bell's Palsy
One-sided facial paralysis of sudden onset and unknown cause. The mechanism is presumed to involve swelling of the nerve due to immune or viral disease, with ischemia and compression of the facial nerve in the narrow confines of its course through the temporal bone.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression, Manic-Depression, Manic-Depressive)
A disorder is characterized by alternating periods of extreme moods, usually swinging from being overly elated or irritable (mania) to sad and hopeless (depression) and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. The frequency of the swings between these two states, and the duration of the mood, varies from person to person.
Bruise (Bruised, Bruising)
Injury producing a hematoma or diffuse extravasation of blood without breaking the skin.
Bruxism
Prolonged, unintentional grinding and clenching of the teeth, usually occurring during sleep. 'Bruxers' are often unaware that they have developed this habit. Symptoms include abraded/chipped teeth (in extreme cases, waking up with tooth chips in the mouth); facial pain; oversensitive teeth; tense facial and jaw muscles; headaches; dislocation of the jaw; damage to the tooth enamel, exposing the inside of the tooth; a popping or clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ); tongue indentations; damage to the inside of the cheek.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cartilage
Specialized fibrous connective tissue that forms the skeleton of an embryo and much of the skeleton in an infant. As the child grows, the cartilage becomes bone. In adults, cartilage is present in and around joints and makes up the primary skeletal structure in some parts of the body, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
Cataract (Cataracts)
A steadily worsening disease of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy as a result of the precipitation of proteins. Most cataracts are caused by the functions of the body breaking down. Eye trauma, such as from a puncture wound, may also result in cataracts.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Cluster Headache (Cluster Headaches)
A headache in which pain originates behind or around one eye and generally awakens the individual from sleep; pain may radiate into the temple, jaw, nose, teeth, or chin; the eyelid droops, the eye tears, the face flushes, and the nose congests; causes excruciating pain. Individual headaches last 15 minutes to 3 hours but tend to "cluster", occurring up to several times per day for periods of about 1 to 16 weeks and then not again for months or years.
Corticosteroid (Corticosteroids)
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.
Dermatomyositis
A diffuse connective tissue disease.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Dopamine
A neurohormone; precursor to norepinephrine which acts as a stimulant to the nervous system. Carries signals between neurons and controls feelings of satisfaction, arousal, reward and mood.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
FDA
The (American) Food and Drug Administration. It is the official government agency that is responsible for ensuring that what we put into our bodies - particularly food and drugs - is safe and effective.
Glaucoma
A disease of the eye characterized by vision loss due to an increase in the pressure of fluid within the eye. This rise in pressure results from a build-up of aqueous fluid and leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Over time, glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision. There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs.
Gout
A disease characterized by an increased blood uric acid level and sudden onset of episodes of acute arthritis.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hydergine
The prescription drug Hydergine stimulates regrowth of damaged nerve fibers in Korsakoff's psychosis. The most effective form of Hydergine comes in tablets, which can be placed under the tongue for immediate absorption.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure.
Idiopathic
Arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Kidney Stone (Kidney Gravel, Kidney Stones)
A stone (concretion) in the kidney. If the stone is large enough to block the tube (ureter) and stop the flow of urine from the kidney, it must be removed by surgery or other methods. Also called Renal Calculus. Symptoms usually begin with intense waves of pain as a stone moves in the urinary tract. Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin. The pain may continue if the stone is too large to pass; blood may appear in the urine and there may be the need to urinate more often or a burning sensation during urination. If fever and chills accompany any of these symptoms, an infection may be present and a doctor should be seen immediately.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Lymphoma (Lymphomas)
Any tumor of the lymphatic tissues.
Malaise
A vague feeling of bodily discomfort, as at the beginning of an illness. A general sense of depression or unease.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Mast Cells
These are a group of cells that line the capillaries of tissues that come in contact with the outside, for example skin, sinuses, and lung mucosa. They, like their first cousin basophils, are produced in the red bone marrow and migrate to the appropriate tissues, where they stay. They bind IgE, supply the histamine and heparin response that gives you a healing inflammation, and cause allergies.
Mediator (Mediate, Mediates, Mediators)
A substance or structure that helps bring about a specific response in a bodily tissue.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Milliliter (mL)
0.001 or one thousandth of a liter.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions, e.g. muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations.
Myelin
A substance made of protein and lipid (fat) that protects the nerves, especially in the brain. The myelin sheath is a jacket of insulation around axons to help them conduct their electrical discharges quickly down the axon.
Nausea
Symptoms resulting from an inclination to vomit.
Necrosis
Death of one or more cells, or of a portion of a tissue or organ.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
NSAID (NSAIDs)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Obsessive Compulsive, Obsessive-Compulsive, OCD)
Those suffering from OCD have obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions refer to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause severe anxiety or distress. Compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors and rituals (such as hand washing, hoarding, ordering, checking) or mental acts (like counting, repeating words silently, avoiding). These obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with normal routine, functioning, social activities and relationships.
Oncology
The study of cancer.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's)
A chronic, slowly-progressing disease of the nervous system characterized clinically by the combination of tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and stooped posture. It is characterized pathologically by loss of dopamine in the substantia nigra.
Pinworms (Enterobiasis, Enterobious vermicularis, Oxyuriasis, Pinworm, Pinworm Infection, Seatworm, Threadworm)
Small intestinal parasitic worms that infect mainly children but which are also common in families with children. Pinworms are about 1/2 an inch (1.25cm) in length, white, thin and pointed at both ends. The most common symptom is anal itching, as the worms come out at night to lay their eggs.
Pneumonia (Pneumonitis)
Inflammation, usually infectious, of the lungs. Unless the result of only moderate chemical or smoke irritation, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. There are so many defenses against an infection this deep in the body that the very presence of pneumonia signals a pathogen of great virulence or impaired or exhausted immunity, or all three. Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs, from whatever cause. It may be concurrent with pneumonia or pleurisy.
Potassium
A mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically 9oz versus 4oz). About 98% of total body potassium is inside our cells. Potassium is the principal cation (positive ion) of the fluid within cells and is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Evidence is showing that potassium is also involved in bone calcification. Potassium is a cofactor in many reactions, especially those involving energy production and muscle building.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Probiotic (Probiotics)
Derived from the Greek word for "life." Probiotic refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.
Protease
A protein-digesting enzyme.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Proteinuria
The presence of protein in the urine, sometimes a symptom of kidney compromise.
Rhinitis
Inflammation of the sinus membranes and nasal mucous membrane, sometimes extending to the eyes and ears. It may be caused by a head cold, hay fever, or a chemical irritant.
Sedative
Calming, quieting; drug that quiets nervous excitement.
Serotonin
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)
The final end product of certain native or dietary proteins, especially the nucleoproteins found in the nucleus of cells. Unlike the much smaller nitrogenous waste product urea, which is mostly recycled to form many amino acids, uric acid is an unrecycleable metabolite that must be excreted: nucleoprotein to purine to uric acid to the outside in the urine or the sweat. Hyperuricemia: Having elevated blood uric acid, either from a rapid rate of cell breakdown and synthesis (such as might occur from fasting, heavy training, trauma or any number of major diseases), a high consumption of organ meats, glandular supplements or spirulina, or the inability (usually hereditary) to excrete uric acid in the urine as fast as it is produced, even though production itself is not elevated.
Urticaria (Hives)
Commonly known as hives, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen by allergists. Urticaria is not just an allergic disease, however. It can be caused by metabolic diseases, medications, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, or physical sensitivity. Traditional allergies to foods or medications as well as viral illness are frequent causes of acute urticaria which usually lasts only a few hours but may last up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than 6 weeks) is more complex, given the vast number of potential triggers. Symptoms include sudden onset; initial itching; then swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges; welts turn white on touching; new welts develop when the skin is scratched; usually disappear within minutes or hours. Welts enlarge, change shape, spread or join together to form large flat raised areas.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
White Blood Cell (WBC, White Blood Cells)
A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
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