A Canadian Leader in Trusted, Cutting Edge Natural Health Informationby Linda Woolven, B.A., Master Herbalist, Acupuncturist and Ted Snider, B.Ed., M.A.

follow our blog at www.thenaturalpathnewsletter.com Vol. 18 No.5

You see a lot about cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer on TV lately, because they are pushing a vaccine for it. But what other options to you have if you don’t want

to get the vaccine, or to help it naturally even if you do get the vaccine? First let’s take a look at what causes CD (cervical dysplasia) and the risk factors, and then look at how to treat it and prevent it.

Causes and Risk FactorsIn 80-90% of cases, the cause of CD is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In about 10-20% of cases, the cause is the herpes simplex type II. The virus is sexually transmitted. So what are the risk factors for this health issue? They are early age of first intercourse, giving birth before 22, multiple partners, and nutritional factors, such as poor nutrition. Smoking may be the most important risk factor, tripling your risk (Am J Pub Health 1983;73:558-62; Am J Ob Gyn 1985;151:612-16; Public Health 1994;108:241-4; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1994;3:113-19; Cancer Detect Prev 1998;22:109-19). Oral contraceptives can also triple your risk. Cervical dysplasia is diagnosed by PAP smear and is precancerous. Untreated, it can progress to cervical cancer.

ALSO INSIDE

Natural Help for Hair Loss

Beet Root: New Health Food

A New Use for Cranberry

Help for the Nausea of Pregnancy

Lifesaver: Is the Cold, Dark Winter Getting You Down?Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 2

THE NATURAL PATH

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Benign prostatic hyperlasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, will affect more than half of all men in their lifetime and 90% of all men over 85.

BPH causes frequent urination, including during the night, increased urgency and decreased force. It can lead to urinary tract infections and infections and damage in the kidney.

Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone An important cause of BPH is the increased conversion of

testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is about five times more powerful than testosterone. But BPH is

often over simplistically described as resulting solely from that conversion. But, if it did, saw palmetto berry would not be the best treatment for BPH, so it doesn’t, because it is.

Saw palmetto berry is the single best treatment for BPH. And it does effectively lower DHT in prostate

cells. Saw palmetto impressively lowers prostatic DHT by 32%-68% (Urology 2001;57:999-1005; Prostate 1998;37:77-83). But

the BPH drug finasteride (Proscar) lowers it by as much as 80%. So, since saw palmetto is more effective for BPH than finasteride, there must be more to BPH than just the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

The Many Causes of BPH & The Many Actions of Saw PalmettoThere are many contributing causes to BPH. Important possible contributors include increased conversion to DHT, increased binding of DHT, elevated ratio of estrogen to testosterone, inflammation, elevated insulin and obesity. Saw palmetto probably

Prevention & TreatmentThe best prevention and treatment is to adopt a vegetarian diet, or, at least, move closer to a vegetarian diet. Diets high in fat are associated with increased risk of cervical dysplasia/cancer; diets rich in fruits and vegetables and fiber offer significant protection against cervical dysplasia/cancer (J Natl Cancer Instit 1983;70:847-51; Nutr Cancer 1998;30:39-45; J Cell Biochem Suppl 1995;23:96-103; Am J Epid 1991;134:1335-46; Epid 1990;1:8-15; J Natl Cancer Inst 1988;80:580-85). Dark yellow and orange vegetables (Cancer Causes Control 1991;2:17-19) and tomatoes (Nutr Cancer 1998;31:31-40; Int J Cancer 1991;48:34-8 may be especially protective, as are deep leafy greens, green tea and other antioxidant rich foods. Dairy products, high in fat, are not recommended.

Vitamins & MineralsFolic AcidFolic acid deficiency facilitates the incorporation of HPV into the DNA of cervical cells. So a deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cervical dysplasia and supplementing can reverse it. Folic acid can stop the progress, improve and even normalize cervical dysplasia. 10mg of folic acid improves cervical dysplasia in all cases and normalizes it in 20-100% (Am J Clin Nutr 1982;35:73-82; Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;166:803-9; JAMA 1973;226:1421-24). Folic acid is found abundantly in deep leafy greens.

Vitamin CA deficiency of vitamin C increases risk of cervical dysplasia/cancer by 6.7 times (Am J Epid 1981;114:714-24; Fed Proc 1984;43:612; Am J Ob Gyn 1985;151:978-80). Supplementing vitamin C is recommended. Take a buffered form of vitamin C, like calcium ascorbate. Good food sources of vitamin C include rosehips, kiwi, citrus fruits, cauliflower and potatoes.

BetacaroteneLow betacarotene triples the risk of cervical dysplasia/cancer (Nutr Cancer 1984; 6:49-

Immune HerbsA well functioning immune system can often reverse cervical dysplasia on its own, so use immune supporting herbs. You can also use herbs to support the liver, lymph, nervous and reproductive systems. Goldenseal (orally and locally) seems to be the favourite (astringent, antimicrobial, immune, liver and mucous membrane tonic). Other herbs that may help include red clover, dandelion root, licorice, echinacea, garlic and thuja. Specific herbs for herpes, if that is the viral cause, include lemon balm and licorice.

You can try taking these supplements daily:Folic Acid: 10mg for 3 months, then 2.5mgVitamin C: 4-10gMixed natural sourced vitamin E: 200IU 4 times a daySelenium: 400mcgZinc: 30mg, or eat pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc. Natural mixed carotenes, including lycopene: 10-25,000IU B6: 50mg 3 times a dayA B complex, that includes B12Iindole-3-carbinol: 200mgGreen tea: 10 cups a dayGoldenseal, dandelion root, licorice root, thuja, garlic and lemon balm.

57). Women with cervical dysplasia often have low levels of betacarotene. Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and deep leafy greens are good for the carotenes. Tomatoes are good for lycopenes.

SeleniumSelenium is significantly lower in women with cervical dysplasia (Fed Proc 1984;43:612). Brazil nuts are high in selenium.

Vitamin EVitamin E is also often low in women with cervical dysplasia. Wheat germ is rich in vitamin E. So it is important to supplement antioxidants (C, E, natural mixed carotenes—especially lycopene—and selenium). Other antioxidants like green tea, grape seed extract and pine bark extract may help too. B6 is also low in 1 out of 3 women with cervical cancer (Nutr Cancer 1984;6:176-80).

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)When 30 women with cervical dysplasia were given either 200mg of I3C, 400mg of I3C, or a placebo for 12 weeks, 50% in the 200mg I3C group and 44% of the women in the 400mg I3C group had a complete regression of their cervical dysplasia, compared to none of the women in the placebo group (Gynecologic Oncol 2000;78:123-29).

HerbsGreen TeaA preliminary study found that 200mg of green tea extract given for 8-12 weeks improved PAP smears in 69% of women with cervical dysplasia compared to only 10% in the placebo group (Eur J Cancer Prev 2003;12:383-90). You can also do what half the world does: drink plenty of green tea a day to both prevent and treat CD. And it tastes delicious.

If Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is affecting you this winter, you may want to consider taking vitamin D. An international team of researchers reviewed over 100 articles on SAD and vitamin D. Their review led them to hypothesize that vitamin D plays a “foundational role” in SAD (Medical Hypotheses 2014;83:517-25).

THE NATURAL PATHThe Natural Path is written by Ted Snider and Linda Woolven, a master herbalist, registered acupuncturist and solution-focused counselor with a practice in Toronto. For an appointment, call (416) 782-8211. Linda is the author ofThe All-New Vegetarian Passport, The Vegetarian Passport Cookbook and Smart Woman’s Guide to PMS and Pain-free Periods; Linda and Ted are the authors of Healthy Herbs, The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia and Sex & Fertility: Natural Solutions.This newsletter is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner.

Effective,Natural Help for

Cervical Dysplasia& Cervical Cancer

Effective,Natural Help for

Cervical Dysplasia& Cervical Cancer

Natural Help forEnlarged Prostate

Untreated

Untreated Polic Acid

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JAMA 1973

RATE OF NORMALIZATION IN WOMEN WITHCERVICAL DYSPLASIA

A Canadian Leader in Trusted, Cutting Edge Natural Health Informationby Linda Woolven, B.A., Master Herbalist, Acupuncturist and Ted Snider, B.Ed., M.A.

follow our blog at www.thenaturalpathnewsletter.com Vol. 16 No.6

This condition is so common that up to forty percent of premenopausal women get it. Not only is the condition treatable, many women are able to completely reverse

the problem by using dietary and lifestyle changes and some supplements. Fibrocystic breast disease can be a very painful problem for many women--and scary, since it used to be thought that women who got this illness were more likely to develop breast cancer: this is not the case; although one of the causes of fibrocystic breast disease, iodine deficiency, may be linked to breast cancer.

Diet & Other CausesThere are many causes of fibrocystic breast disease. Perhaps the most common one is too much estrogen in the body, whether from too much red meat and dairy foods, which are high in estrogen, or plastics, birth control pills or environmental sources. Other causes include stress, poor diet, candida, sluggish liver, metals, toxins, low thyroid and caffeine. In fact, caffeine is such a culprit that in one study in which women eliminated caffeine altogether, 97.5% improved, and, of the women who cut caffeine way down, 75% improved (Surgery 1981). Foods high in caffeine, like coffee, tea, cola and chocolate, contain methylanthine, which may cause fibrocystic breast disease in women who are sensitive to it. To get the benefits, you need to avoid caffeine long term.

Another important dietary change that needs to be made to recover from FBD is to switch to a high fiber diet that is primarily,

ALSO INSIDE

Easing Cancer Pain

The Most Important Herb for Women

Magnesium & Pregnancy

Hope for Sickle Cell Anemia

Lifesaver: Can Aloe Help HIV?Ten women who were infected with HIV were given aloe. Researchers then compared them to women who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Women taking the aloe had CD4 count increases and weight gains similar to the HAART group with fewer adverse effects. Though the design of this study may contain flaws, it holds out more hope to people with HIV (J Altern Comp Med 2012;18:850-3).

Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 2

THE NATURAL PATH

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Fibrocystic Breast Disease

How to Help

Curcumin

If the herb turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin were better known and better utilized, a lot more people would be feeling a lot better. So, it’s time we shine a spotlight on

curcumin.

Curcumin & CancerCurcumin is one of the most promising and exciting cancer treatments. Curcumin is loaded with promise for both the

prevention and treatment of cancer. It fights cancer at all stages of cancer formation: initiation, promotion,

progression and metastasis. It attacks cancer in many ways: it decreases proliferation (Clin Immunol 1999), inhibits angiogenesis (Mol Med 1998) and increases apoptosis (Clin Immunol 1999).

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumours and allow them to

grow. Inhibiting this process chokes off the tumour and starves it. Apoptosis, unlike chemotherapy, is a very safe way

of killing cancer cells without harming the healthy cells around them.

Curcumin is very versatile, helping against prostate, breast, colon, skin, liver, cervical, stomach and oral cancer. In fact, curcumin helps fight virtually any form of cancer. Research has found curcumin to powerfully induce apoptosis in even the toughest cases of prostate cancer, the hormone independent variety (Prostatic Cancer Prostatic Dis 2000). Recent research has found that when smokers with precancerous lesions of the rectum are given 4g of curcumin, there is as much as a 40% reduction in the formation of lesions (Cancer Prev Res 2011).

Beet Root Juice: New Help for Blood Pressure?

A New Use for Cranberry Aromatherapy Relieves the Nausea of Pregnancy

This double-blind study tried giving either beet root juice or a placebo to 64 people with high blood pressure. The 4 week study found that beet root juice significantly lowers blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure went down by 7.7mmHg; diastolic blood pressure went down by 2.4mmHg. The effect seems to be due to the nitrate in the beets.

Hypertension [epub ahead of print] 2014;doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.114.04.675

Men with prostate cancer commonly get cystitis from radiation therapy. This double-blind study gave cranberry extract or a placebo to 40 men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. They took the supplement throughout the treatment and then continued for 2 weeks after. 90% of those on placebo got cystitis compared to 65% on cranberry. 45% of the placebo group got serious cystitis versus 30% of the cranberry group. Men on cranberry suffered significantly less symptoms of painful and burning urination.

Support Care Cancer 2014 [epub ahead of print] doi:10.1007/s00520-014-2335-8

This double-blind study let 100 pregnant women inhale either lemon aromatherapy (lemon peel extract oil) or a placebo three times when they felt nauseous. They could do the triple inhale as often as they wanted. Nausea decreased significantly more in the lemon aromatherapy group than in the placebo group.

Iran Red Crescent Med J 2014;16:e14360

2 The Natural Path Vol. 18, No. 5 3 The Natural Path Vol. 18, No.5

Is There Any Help for Hair Loss?

outperforms the pharmaceutical treatments because it addresses more of these causes than just conversion to DHT. Saw palmetto not only reduces the production of DHT, it also blocks its attempts to bind to prostate cells (Urologe 1994;334:90-5). Saw palmetto has also been proven in double-blind studies to reduce estrogen receptors in men with BPH (Eur Urol 1992;21:309-14). Saw palmetto has also been shown to be antispasmodic and antiinflammatory. The inflammation of BPH may be caused by infection. There is a strong association between BPH and prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate, possibly caused by bacterial infection (J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008;108:254-60). Saw palmetto has recently been shown to help bacterial prostatitis (Arch Ital Urol Androl 2013;85:190-196). So saw palmetto has a wide range of activity across many of the causes of BPH. And that likely explains its superiority over the drugs. Several studies show that saw palmetto berry is more effective, faster acting and safer than the drugs. In the first head-to-head study between saw palmetto and finasteride, the herb proved itself to be just as effective, while causing fewer side effects, including erectile dysfunction (Prostate 1996;29:231-40). In the rematch one year later, the herb beat the drug while still being safer (Phytomed 1997;3:309-13). In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed the research and ruled that saw palmetto berry was just as effective as finasteride while causing 90% fewer side effects (JAMA 1998;280:1604-9). Finasteride has been replaced by the newer alphablockers as the most prescribed BPH drugs, but the results are the same. Saw palmetto is as effective as Flomax (tamusolosin) and safer to use (Eur Urol 2002;41:497-506). In fact, an analysis of a subset of 124 people in that study with severe symptoms found that saw palmetto is superior to tamusolosin in severe BPH: International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) went down by 5.8 points in the drug group but by 7.8 points in the herb group (Eur Urol 2004;45:773-80). Though there has been one negative study of saw palmetto, a meta-analysis of the research has found that the herb significantly improves urine flow, nighttime urination and IPSS (BJU International 2004;93:751).

Several other drug comparisons have shown saw palmetto berry to be as effective as a variety of drugs, ranging from slightly less effective to more effective. The most recent study once again compared saw palmetto to tamsulosin. The 6 month study gave either .4mg of the drug or 320mg of the herb or both to 265 men with BPH. IPSS scores decreased equally and significantly in all groups and urine flow increased significantly in all groups, showing that saw palmetto is as effective as the leading drug and that the combination is no more effective than either is alone. However, since there were no adverse events in the herb group, while both drug groups had adverse events, saw palmetto is the superior treatment (Vojnosanif Pregl 2013;70:1091-6).

PygeumSeveral other natural treatments are effective for BPH. Pygeum is safe and effective for mild BPH (Med Praxis 1983;4:143-8; Curr Ther Res 1995;56:796-817). A review of 18 studies found that pygeum brings about significant improvement in men with BPH. Men on pygeum are twice as likely to have their symptoms improve (Am J Med 2000;109:654-64).

Pumpkin Seed OilPumpkin seed oil has been shown to help (Zeits Phytother 1998;19:71-6; Forsch Komplement Klass Naturheilkd 2000;7:200-04). In a double-blind study, 47 men with BPH were given either a placebo or 320mg pumpkin seed oil or 320mg saw palmetto or 320mg of each for a year. IPSS scores improved significantly and equally fast in all 3 active groups. Quality of Life scores also improved equally fast in all 3 active groups. Urinary flow improved significantly in all 3 groups, but faster in the pumpkin seed oil group (Nutr Res Pract 2009;3:323-7).

Nettle RootSeveral studies have demonstrated nettle root’s superiority over placebo. It can cut nighttime visits to the washroom by half (Allg Med 1984;60:128-32) and improve urinary volume and flow (Urologe 1994;334:90-5). When 558 men were given either 120mg of nettle root extract or a placebo for 6 months in a double-blind study, 81% improved with the nettle compared to only 16% with the placebo. IPSS scores dropped by 8 points on the herb but by only 1.5 points on the placebo. What is really exciting about this study is that the nettle root significantly shrunk the enlarged prostate (J Herb Pharmacother 2005;5:1-11).

When nettle root was combined with saw palmetto and compared to tamusolosin, the herbal combo worked just as well as the drug with fewer side effects (Arzneim Forsch/Drug Res 2006;56:222-29). Two studies have also proven this combination to be as effective as, and safer than, finasteride (Urologe 1997;36:327-33; Br J Urol 2000;86:439-42).

Rye PollenLittle discussed, rye pollen really works, as confirmed by double-blind research (Urologe (B) 1988;28:301-6; Br J Urol 1990;66:398-404). Rye pollen was shown in one study to benefit 85% of men. It improved urgency by 76.9%, nighttime urination by

56.8% and incomplete emptying by 66.2% (Clin Ther 1995;17:82-86). A double-blind comparison found subjective improvement in 55% of men on pygeum compared to 78% of men on rye pollen (Int Urol Nephrol 1996;28:49-53). Try 63-

126mg 2-3 times a day.

Beta-sitosterolDouble-blind studies show that 60-130mg a day of beta-sitosterol significantly improves urinary flow and symptoms of BPH (Lancet 1995;345:1529-32; Br J Urol 1997;80:427-32).

GarlicA preliminary study of 27 men with BPH found that an aqueous extract of garlic produced a 32% reduction in the size of the prostate and significantly improved urinary symptoms, including a decrease in urinary frequency and a significant increase in urine flow (Nutr Res 2003;23:199-204).

ZincZinc helps prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Diets high in zinc have been shown to reduce prostate size (Fed Proc 1976;35:361). One small study found that 150mg of zinc shrank the prostate in 74% of men (Bush et al 1974).

Other HelpL-glutamic acid, L-alanine and glycine may shrink prostate size and improve BPH symptoms (J Maine Med Assoc 1958;46:99-102; Am J Geriatr 1962;10:426-30). Essential fatty acids help, and licorice may prevent testosterone’s conversion to DHT.

For more tips for BPH, visit our blog at www.thenaturalpathnewsletter.com.

Male-pattern baldness is a normal part of aging that affects 80% of men in North America. Though less common and less obvious, women are affected too.

CausesYou may be losing your hair because of the drugs you are on. Several drugs can cause hair loss, including chemo drugs, NSAIDs like aspirin, antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants, heart and cholesterol meds as well as ulcer and arthritis drugs. Gluten intolerance can cause hair loss (Gastroenterology 1995;109:1333-37). Other important causes are hypothyroidism and stress.

NutrientsMany nutrients are needed for full, healthy hair. Deficiency in several different nutrients could cause hair loss. The most important ones are zinc, vitamin A, iron and essential fatty acids. Other important nutrients include the full complex of B vitamins--especially biotin, PABA and folic acid--as well as iodine, selenium, copper, and calcium. Silica improves the thickness, strength and elasticity of hair (Arch Dermatol Res 2005;297:147-53; Arch Dermatol Res 2007;299:499-505). Foods rich in sulphur, such as Brussels sprouts,

cabbage, beans, and garlic, can also help.

AntioxidantsFree radical damage contributes to baldness (J Invest Dermatol 1996;107:154-8). So, taking the antioxidant vitamins C and E may help. Proanthocyanidins, a powerful group of antioxidant flavonoids found in supplements like grapeseed extract and pinebark extract, have been shown to stimulate hair growth in people with male-pattern baldness (Phytother Res 2001;15:331-36).

Saw Palmetto Berry for Men & WomenA common cause of the normal hair loss that comes with aging is the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the same problematic conversion that is behind BPH. It is, however, a very common cause of female hair loss too. Here, as for prostate problems, the most promising solution is saw palmetto berry. Double-blind research has shown that when men suffering from pattern baldness involving the excessive conversion of testosterone into DHT were given saw palmetto with additional beta-sitosterol, a sterol found in many herbs, including saw palmetto, 60% of them improved compared to only 11% in the placebo group (J Altern Complement Med 2002;8:143-52). By addressing the excessive production of DHT, saw palmetto may help

both men and women. Ironically, saw palmetto may also help women suffering from the opposite problem: excessive facial and bodily hair caused by excessive male hormones Perhaps because of the same mechanism of action, another BPH supplement, pumpkin seed oil, has proven effective against male-pattern baldness. A double-blind study gave either 200mg of pumpkin seed oil twice a day or a placebo to 76 men with moderate hair loss. The pumpkin seed oil significantly increased hair growth compared to the placebo (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2014;doi:10.1155/2014/549721).

Topical HelpAn essential oil combination of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood in a carrier of jojoba and grape seed oil, applied topically, stimulates hair growth in people suffering hair loss (Archives Dermatol 1998; 34:1349-52). Topical sage, chamomile, ginkgo and hydrolized wheat protein may also help.

Fat and Your HairLarge consumption of saturated fat is also an important cause of balding (Altern Comp Ther 2004; 10:200-5).

Natural Help forEnlarged Prostate