Nature Medicine Clinic

Nutrients are necessary for every structure and function in the body. A nutrient is defined as a chemical substance that provides energy, forms new components or assists in various bodily processes. In today’s busy world it is difficult to find healthy foods, ensure a clean environment or live completely stress free. Health supplements are an intervention that can easily be integrated into our busy lives.

Nutrition was only recognized as a distinct discipline in 1934, almost 200 years after the first nutritional experiment. A British physician, Dr. James Lind, studied the effect of foods containing ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on scurvy. The Royal Navy adopted his recommendations several decades after his discovery. Eventually, the Royal Navy decreed that a certain amount of citrus fruit must be kept on board for each sailor. The absence of scurvy was a contributing factor to the British rule of the high seas and their nickname ‘limey’.

Despite his success in 1747, the concept of vitamins as necessary bodily nutrients was only discovered in 1912 by Casimir Funk. He proposed that pellagra, beriberi, scurvy and rickets were diseases of deficiency and not caused by a bacteria. Funk knew that “vital for life” nutrients with a nitrogen component could correct the deficiency, thus leading to the term “vita-mine” (vita meaning “essential for life” in Latin and amine for “nitrogen containing compound”). Eventually the “e” was removed following the realization that not all vitamins contained nitrogen, creating the word we use today “vitamin”.

Modern health supplements supply critical nutrients to compensate for common deficiencies, genetics, toxic build-up, enzyme defects and to prevent or treat illnesses. Supplements have the potential to play a major role in health and can be easily used as a complementary treatment in many cases.

Dietary deficiency:

Micronutrients are being consumed in minimal amounts today compared to our ancestors. The average diet is significantly lacking essential nutrients. The nutrient content of food has shifted due to the focus of modern farming techniques on producing higher yields. From 1940-2000, nutrient content has declined significantly: magnesium 21-35%, potassium 6-14%, calcium 16-29%, iron 15-32%, copper 81%, riboflavin (B2) 38% and vitamin C 15%.

Absorption defects:

Not only does our food contain fewer nutrients, but gastrointestinal disturbances can contribute to malabsorption and hereditary absorption defects. Folic acid, biotin, magnesium and zinc are some of the common poorly absorbed nutrients. Absorption is essential to supplementation. Taking a handful of pills daily is not effective if your body is not able to metabolize them properly. At Nature Medicine, we seek to correct this prior to supplementation to ensure that you will absorb your nutrients properly.

Enzyme defects:

Supplementation has been demonstrated to improve body function for at least 50 inherited enzyme defects. This includes conversion of a vitamin to its active form.

Disease deficiencies:

The body’s nutrient requirements can be altered by the presence of disease especially if the illness causes an increased metabolic rate, such as hyperthyroidism (depleting vitamins A, B, C, E, copper, iron). In the case of congestive heart failure, the heart tissue faces an impaired ability to absorb magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin C and B vitamins.

Drug-induced deficiencies:

Certain medications are capable of promoting nutrient deficiencies. Supplementation can be beneficial in preventing drug side effects.

Nutritional requirements for the general population are often calculated by taking the mean (average) requirement hence the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Other factors including safety, exposure, stress and nutrient stability are taken into consideration too.  Unfortunately, there are downfalls to the RDAs. These values are established for a healthy population and do not take into account disease states (digestive difficulties, malabsorption, chronic infection), genetic defects, environmental pollutants or increased need due to medications. These are special instances that would increase a person’s RDA. Considering how wide spread disease trends have become, we recognize that the RDAs should be considered as general guidelines. Each person has an individual optimal requirement that will likely fall well above the RDA and well below the toxic dose. Your Nature Medicine Naturopathic Doctor will recommend the most appropriate and safest dose for your nutritional supplementation, taking into account the most recent research and the effectiveness of various nutrients.

References:

1. Marz, R. Medical Nutrition. 2^nd edition. 2002. Omni-Press. Portland, OR.
2. Gaby, A. Nutritional Medicine. 2011. Fritz Perlberg Publishing. Concord, NH.
3. Pizzorno, J & Murray, M. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3^rd edition. 2006. Elsevier Ltd. Churchill Livingstone. St. Louis, Missouri.
4. http://www.agelessway.org/whyusehenusu.html

Microorganisms are a constant threat to our bodies, well-being, energy and vitality. Viruses, bacteria, mold and fungi can steal nutrients and force the body to use up resources to fight the infection and deal with the toxins released by the damaged infected tissue.

The M.E.T. or Microorganism Elimination Technique utilizes muscle testing or electrodermal testing, to detect the possible presence of specific pathogens/microorganisms. These foreign microbes may presently be the “causal factors” for compromised immune systems, preventing individuals from achieving optimal health.

This therapy helps to energetically identify the suspected microorganism(s) and direct the immune system to attack it. Once neutralized, the immune response is reset, preventing any further attack on the remaining healthy tissue.

How is M.E.T. Performed?

An M.E.T. session takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. The frequency of the treatments depends on the vitality of the individual, the severity of the pathology and the stealth capability of the microorganism.

The practitioner places a vial (containing the electromagnetic signature of a microorganism) in one hand and uses muscle testing on the other arm to evaluate the strength and weakness of the muscle. Once it is determined which microorganisms are possibly causing the body a problem, acupressure is then applied to attune the immune response to the electromagnetic dynamics of a specific microorganism.

A dietary adjustment of NO sugar or food with high sugar content is required for approximately 12 hours after the treatment.

What is a Microorganism?

A microorganism is a bacteria, parasite, virus, mold or fungus that contains an energetic signature or biological marker that the immune system identifies as foreign. This means it does not have the same markers as healthy cells. When foreign cells or materials are identified, the body sends signals to the immune system to attack the area where the foreign substance exists, waging a war. Joint pain in arthritis, for instance, can be as a result of the body identifying a microorganism as an invader and the immune system then wages war on that microorganism.

Regrettably, when this war takes place, the immune system will not only attack the foreign invader, it attacks the healthy tissues in that area as well. After this attack on the tissue, the body is weakened and left to repair the damage from the attack. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned process may not actually destroy the microorganism. When under attack, some microorganisms with stealth capabilities retreat back into other tissues and other areas of the body, so that only a small amount of the foreign microbe could be eliminated. This process takes time, with each treatment it is similar to giving the scent to a hunting dog (immune system). After the microorganism is cleared, we then have to stop the immune system from waging war on other tissues by mistake.

Stealth Microorganisms

In chronic infections, the microorganism evades the immune system by several means. First of all it hides, typically in the areas of poor circulation (caused by heavy metals and chemicals). Secondly, the microorganism learns how to dominate the host’s behaviour and immune system. Thirdly, the microorganism creates a better breeding ground for itself by producing peptides and other informational substances that create acidity and toxicity. This decreases the circulation lowering the temperature to benefit the microorganism and discouraging the immune system from accessing the infected area.

There are many other mechanisms that microorganisms use to maintain their stealth capability. Ultimately, a microorganism’s primary goal is self-preservation. When western science cannot detect these microorganisms in infected tissues, the corresponding diseases are wrongly labeled as being autoimmune diseases. This is where the body attacks itself. In coronary heart disease and stroke, microorganisms have been identified as being the suspected cause. These include: herpes viruses, chlamydia, h. pylori, strep, nanobacteria and salmonella. In Multiple Sclerosis they have identified herpes virus 6, mycoplasmas, borrelia and cytomegalovirus. In osteoarthritis, they have identified mycoplasmas and chlamydia. In Parkinson’s disease, mycoplasmas, borrelia, chlamydia and herpes viruses. In ALS or Lou Gerhig’s disease, mycoplasmas, borrelia, herpes simplex 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus and human herpes virus 6. Cancer is often caused by a combination of numerous viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Toning Down the Immune System

After the stealth microorganism is eliminated, the immune system may still be sending continual attacks on the healthy tissues and the surrounding areas. Due to the stealth capability of the microorganism the immune system does not know when it has won the battle. This attack causes a breakdown of the healthy tissues. The repair of these tissues requires proper nutrition. Without proper nutrition, the body cannot effectively repair the damage and this attack can ultimately cause internal scaring and possibly chronic pain. M.E.T. puts a stop to the continuous attack on the healthy tissues after it has specifically pinpointed the foreign invader and destroyed it.

Note: If you have a severe pathology, continuing with the M.E.T. treatment is strongly recommended once the microorganism is gone. Otherwise you may experience severe pain due to the immune system’s assault on healthy tissues.

How are Microorganisms treated?

Using muscle testing has allowed us to identify microbes possibly responsible for causing various disorders and diseases. The foundation of the treatment is to first alert the immune system, then to deactivate the microorganism and if necessary interrupt the pattern of pain sequences throughout the body. The process may need to isolate the different phases and levels of a microorganism in order to re-educate the autonomic system to most effectively repair damaged portions of the body.

Why Muscle Testing?

Muscle testing is used to energetically assess if an electromagnetic signature of a microorganism is involved in a health problem. From a strictly scientific perspective tissue biopsies, cultures and several other tests would need to be performed to locate a microorganism. Therefore this process could amount to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in costs, not to mention irreparable damage done to the body due to the biopsy. Modern medicine cannot detect these microorganisms without very expensive lab tests. When we find a microorganism’s electromagnetic signature, this does not mean you have an infection. It also does not mean that you do not. However, we have noticed that by clearing these electromagnetic signatures people’s health significantly improves.

M.E.T. is used in Virtually any Disease for Patients of any Age

The more severe the pathology and the longer the pathology has persisted, the more treatments are needed. In addition to arthritis, M.E.T. can be used on medical diagnoses of Lupus, Fibromyalgia, early stages of M.S., Crohn’s disease, colitis and autoimmune disorders. We have used it to treat cancer and heart diseases as well with variable results.

Other therapies that may need to be performed in conjunction with M.E.T. to target stealth microorganisms include: IV ozone, chelation IV vitamins and minerals and E.A.T. The Eliminate Allergy Technique can electromagnetically reprogram the body to turn off extreme immune responses and then achieve maximum absorption of nutrients required to attain optimal health.

Other factors that may hinder the success of M.E.T. in getting results include: stress, weak or diseased organs, heavy metals, hormonal imbalance, drugs, chemicals, diet, food allergies, circulation, toxic emotions, subconscious emotions, weather conditions, environmental allergies and lack of exercise.

Manipulation is a manual maneuver used to restore maximal, pain-free movement of the muscular skeletal system.  The history of manipulation of the spine and extremities begins as early as Hippocrates in 640 BC. There is evidence throughout Asia and India that there is a possibility of earlier roots. In China, a distinct branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine called Tui Na, was devoted to manipulative techniques that date back to 2700 BC. Naturopathy and Chiropractic care were taught in the same colleges up until the 1950s. Manipulation techniques were considered part of the naturopathic education. Today these two schools of thought are no longer in the same building. Manipulation is still a strong part of the naturopathic curriculum and remains a requirement for graduation and licensure for Naturopathic Medicine.

Manipulation adjusts bones to increase mobility and correct misalignment. Naturopathic manipulation focuses on both soft tissue and bone alignment similar to a chiropractic adjustment. These techniques use a high-velocity thrust to achieve joint cavitation (popping noise). This form of manipulation differs from other forms of manipulation which incorporate stretching, pressure and mobilization to correct the alignment of the spine and organs. Other forms of manipulation may include lymphatic drainage and cranial sacral therapy involving subtle adjustments. Naturopaths use manipulation as part of their therapeutic regimen and do not rely on this technique as their sole method of treatment. We believe that misalignment could be the result of an underlying cause. For example, in acupuncture there are specific points that run along the spine and relate to internal organs, known as the Back-Shu points. A dysfunction in one of these organs could affect the musculoskeletal system and lead to a misalignment. Naturopathic treatment in this case would focus on improving the organ and secondarily addressing the spine.

The importance of manipulation as a therapy centers on the strong interrelationship between the spine and the structure and function of the body. An imbalance in the musculoskeletal system plays a role in health. It can lead to an interference with the nervous system and the body’s ability to heal itself.  The combination of the muscular and skeletal systems account for over half the body’s mass and therefore use the most amount of energy. A decrease in function places more stress on other systems to give more energy to the musculoskeletal system. Muscles have the ability to pull bones out of alignment. If left unaddressed, the bones will remain misaligned which can lead to compensation from other muscles and the continuation of this cycle of applying pressure to more bones and joints. The resulting posture affects nerve function, increases pain, inflammation and general discomfort. By correcting the soft tissue and bones of the musculoskeletal system, naturopathic manipulation can improve the body’s ability to rebalance the nervous system and create homeostasis in the body.

Manipulation techniques have come a long way since its early documentation, in which practitioners were often referred to as “bone breakers”. The techniques have been refined to provide a gentler, high-velocity, low impact thrust to correct misalignments of the spine. At Nature Medicine, your ND is fully trained in naturopathic manipulation and is capable of using this therapy as an adjunctive treatment to your healing process. If you continually need to be adjusted there are many reasons for this. You may want to read about Prolotherapy (for tendons & ligaments being stretched), Trigger Point Injections (for muscle spasms), Neural Therapy (for nerve irritations) or MRT (for subconscious emotions).

Reference:

1. Pizzorno & Murray. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 3rd ed. Vol. I. Churchill Livingstone. 2006.