Alternative medical approaches to common diseases and health problems; a listing of nutritional and natural remedies. Conventional medicine prescribes a trillion dollars of patented drugs and dangerous invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques annualy. Bypass surgery is being disproven and the validity of angioplasty, carotid andarterecttomies and most cancer therapies is arguable. There is increasing support for lifestyle changes, nutritional diet, regular exercise, herbal medicine, vitamin and mineral supplementation. Our healthcare system focuses on treating diseases rather than promoting wellness. The United States ranks below other Western nations in life expectancy and infant mortality.

    The drug companies are engaged in competitive price escalation. Tagamet, the anti- ulcer drug, was introduced by Smith-Kline in 1977. Glaxo brought forth Zantac in 1983, citing improved tolerance and fewer side effects. Merck marketed Pepsid in 1986 and Eli Lilly offered Axid in 1988 at ever increasing prices.

    The FDA charter ensures that foods are safe, pure and wholesome; made or processed under sanitary conditions, honestly labeled and packaged. It will promote research and public education, and regulate standards and identity of foods.

    In practice, FDA protects the interests of the drug industry and promotes a drug- oriented view of medical care; ignores the chronic diseases introduced by the modern food industry and suppresses natural foods and alternative health care.

    There are over ten million adverse reactions yearly from FDA- approved drugs, including thousands of fatalities. For example,the small print in medical advertisements reveals that Lovastatin and Acetaminophen ( in Navane and Tylenol) can cause liver damage.

Over the years,some research opposed and/or rejected by the FDA includes:-

    1. Folic Acid in prevention of birth defects. Initially rejected but finally accepted.

    2. Calcium protection against Osteoporosis.

    3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids protection against heart disease.

    4. Antioxidants likeVitamins C and E, and beta-carotene to combat cancer and heart disease.

    5. Zinc supplement to improve immune function, depression and infection defence in the aged.

    SELENIUM and CHROMIUM. Although the National Academy of Sciences recommended these trace minerals in diet, the FDA labeled them as unsafe and would not approve them as food supplements. They also blocked the sale of products containing Gamma-Linoleic Acid, a fatty acid contained in evening primrose, black current and borage oil.

    PROSCAR. Merck realizes a billion dollars a year from this drug for the treatment of enlarged prostates, a condition inherent in half the male population over forty. The "saw palmetto" from a West Indies scrubby palm tree has a greater therapeutic effect in treating prostrate problems and costs a quarter of the price. The natural medicine is safer, without the side-effects of decreased libido, ejaculatory disorders and impotence.

    The Whitaker Wellness Program of diet, exercise, vitamins, minerals and herbs is recommended for the prevention and treatment of heart disease and other chronic, degenerative diseases; and improves physical, mental and social well-being. Preventative medicine for a healthy lifestyle.

EXERCISE.

Increases muscle strength and flexibility.... Strengthens bones, ligaments, tendons and heart function.... Enhances physique.....Lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure...Increases blood supply,,,Aids digestion and energy levels...reduces tensions and anxiety.Minimum of an hour a day, three days per week.

VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS

There are 13 known vitamins; water soluble C and B; and fat soluble A.D,E and K. In addition to vitamins, the optimal human nutrition requires 22 different minerals for our bones. blood and normal functioning of our cells

Daily supplements should include: Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Vitamin K (phytonadione), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Folic Acid

As well as: Vitamin D, B-1 thiamin, B-2 riboflavin, Niacin, Niacinamide, B-6 pyridoxine, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, B-12, Choline and Inositol.

Minerals: Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Potassium, Selenium, Silica, Vanadium and Zinc

    SMOKERS inhale high levels of "Free Radicals" which deplete key antioxidant nutrients like Vitamin C and beta-carotene. Other contributors to free radical activity include alcohol, fried foods, solvents, formaldehyde, pesticides, air pollutants and ionizing radiation. We need antioxidant reinforcement from Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin E levels are low in cases of acne, anemia, gallstones, Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinsons, Allzheimers, heart disease, leg cramps, viral infection and some forms of cancer.

    MAGNESIUM & POTASSIUM are the most important minerals within body cells.They are responsible for energy production, protein formation and cellular replication.Magnesium is found in legumes, green leafy vegetables, seeds, whole grains, nuts and tofu.

    Sodium is dangerous to our health. Use less salt (Sodium Chloride) in cooking; avoid potato chips, cheese, pickled food and cured meats.

    HIGH FAT DIETS are linked to heart disease, cancer and strokes. Saturated animal fats are solid at room temperature. Vegetable (unsaturated) fats are liquid. A good source of polyunsaturated fats include vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, flaxseed lignans and some legumes. Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid are essential fatty acids for healthy body function. A low fat, high complex carbohydrate diet is recommended.

    A low plant food diet may contribute to obesity, gout, diabetes, hypertension, angina, varicose veins, colonic ailments.

    1- Reduce total fat intake to 30% calories, saturated fats to 10% and cholesterol to a maximum of 300 miligrams daily.

    2- Eat five servings of vegetables (especially green and yellow) and fruits (especially citrus) daily.

    3- Increase fiber and complex carbohydrates intake to five portions daily. (whole grain breads, cereals).

    4- Maintain protein intake at moderate levels.

    5- Balance food intake and physical activity.

    6- Limit intake of alcohol, refined carbohydrates (sugar) and salt (sodium chloride).

Stock up on potatoes, yams, squash, onions, carrots, garlic, salad vegetables and fruits. Drink at least twelve ounces of fresh fruit and vegetable juices every day,

    A properly functioning digestive system does not require antacids. The salivary glands, liver, gall bladder and pancreas secrete the necessary digestive juices to cull only the useful and necessary nutrients from our foods.

    Some antacids contain ALUMINUM which is linked to impaired mental function like Alzheimers. Baking soda may offer temporary relief )Alka Seltzer) but sodium barcarbonate may contribute to a a sodium overload. Calcium carbonate antacids like "Tums" will cause the stomache to secrete additional acids to compensate for the neutralizing effect of the medication.Furthermore, the calcium in Tums may serve to decrease the absorption of other minerals.

    The SMALL INTESTINE is tenty-one feet long. It producees a variety of protective and digestive substances and acts as a mixing bowl for the secretions of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder....digestion, absorption and transportation. The 12" first section, duodenum, is responsible for mineral absorption. The next section, the jejunum, is eight feet long, and absorbs protein, water soluble vitamins and carbohydrates. The bottom section, the ileum is the longest and absorbs fat soluble vitamins, fat, cholesterol and bile salts.

    The PANCREAS secretes half a gallon of pancreatic juice daily to help us digest and absorb our food.

    The LIVER secretes a quart of bile to absorb oils, fats and fat soluble vitamins and then reabsorbed. The liver removes and eliminates toxic chemicals from the blood. A high complex carbohydrate diet will remove many stresses on the liver. Minimize alcohol, sugar, saturated fats. drugs and other toxic products in your diet. Increase intake of pears, apples, oatbran, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cinnamon, licorice, garlic, beets, carrots, artichokes, onions, whole grains, seeds, nuts and fruits.

    The LARGE INTESTINE is about five feet long. It absorbs water , the final products of digestion and electrolytic salts. It is also the holding tank for waste products.

FASTING

There are advantages to abstain from all food and drink, except water, periodically.

STRESS & BURNOUT

The adrenal gland helps the body respond to stress. Stages of response are alarm, resistance and exhaustion. Fright or challenge causes the production of adrenaline which pumps up the muscles as digestive secretions are halted, breathing rate increses, the body sweats, the liver dumps stored glucose which is rushed with oxygen to the brain and muscles.

The resistance stage includes a reaction to infection, conversion of protein to energy and elevated blood pressure retains sodium. Extended stress can be dangerous as the organs weaken.

The adrenal glands need building blocks to help manufacture hormones. Vitamins C and B-6, magnesium, zinc and panthothenic acid are important, as is the body's potassium levels. "Ginseng" will also enhance energy activity.

Overeating, smoking, alcohol and excessive behavior contribute to stress. Relaxation, meditation and self-hypnosis will relieve stress.

Self-management can prevent stress:-

    1- Set priorities. You can only do so much in a day. Decide what is important.

    2- Organize your day, don't be deterred by "immediate demands".

    3- Delegate authority, Learn to train and depend on others.

    4- Tackle tough jobs first while energy levels are high.

    5- Minimize meeting time. Schedule them before lunch or quitting time to speed conclusions.

    6- Avoid procrastinating. Work under pressure of unreasonable deadlines will have to be repeated. Plan ahead.

    7- Don't be a perfectionist. Do your best in a reasonable amount of time, then move on to other tasks. Return to polish it off if and when time permits.

PROPER DIET

    1- Eat. Don't starve yourself. Eat slowly. Drink a glass of fresh fruit juice before main meals.

    2- Choose carbohydrates and proteins over dietary fat.

    3- Eat more dietary fiber; whole grain breads and cereals.

    4- Exercise at least five times a week.

    5- Eat large quantities of fresh vegetables and salads at every meal; fresh fruits for dessert.

    6- Drink fresh vegetable juice, fruit or a salad for snacks.

    7- Reduce intake of fatty foods, spreads, salad dressings, butter and other fats.

    8- Eliminate high calorie desserts and sweets.

    9- Avoid alcohol, soft drinks, snacking and eating late at night.

THERAPY

    * 500 milligrams carnitine twice daily

    * 30 - 100 milligrams coenzyme Q-10 three times daily

    * 2 tablets Rogenic, three times daily

    * Magnesium supplements

    * Non-invasive tests like exercise stress test and echocardiogram sound waves are preferable to bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty and and angiograms which are not helpful in the long run.

CHOLESTEROL

    There is no cholesterol in plants. Animal foods are high in saturated fats which direct the liver to "manufacture" cholesterol. The high level off saturated fats in butter places this animal food in the "don't" category of meats. Margerine is a poor substitute and can be one of the most damaging foods you can eat; raising LDL levels and lowering protective HDL levels, also interfering with the metabolism of essential fatty acids. Use polyunsaturated oils like flax oil, canola and olive oil, which lower cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty oils from cold water fish like salmon, herring and mackeral lower cholesterol and are beneficial for the heart. Bran cereal and oatmeal; fresh fruits, guar gum, psyllium, pectin, garlic and onion can also lower cholesterol levels. Eliminate coffee and smoking; be physically active. Avoid cholesterol-lowering drugs which can have harmful side effects.

GOUT

    Do not drink alcohol. Avoid high purine foods like organ meats, shellfish, brewer's and baker's yeast, herring, sardines, mackeral and anchovies. Drink six glasses of water daily, eat half pound of cherries daily and a high dose of folic acid, if necessary.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

    Avoid blood pressure lowering drugs like diuretics and beta-blockers. The drugs may be more dagerous to your health than the high blood pressure. Side effects can be loss of potassium, magnesium and calcium; increase of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood viscosity, uric acid levels and stickiness of clot-forming platelets.

PROTEINS

    Eating more protein than the body needs is common among Americans. This leads to increased calcium excretion in the urine and diet-related diseases like kidney stones and osteoporosis. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables...regulate weight.

PROSTATE

    Combat elevated dietary cholesterol; low zinc, B-6 and fatty acid dediciency and lack of physical activity by eating half a cup of raw pumkin seeds daily, saw palmetto berry extract and Bromelain.