Stomach Help Without Drugs

Advertising tells us that the solution to any kind of indigestion is a drug that’s designed to reduce stomach acid. If acid is needed to help digest our food, does it make sense to lower the amount in our gut?

Is it possible that the symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux are caused by something OTHER THAN too much acid? I think so and I have suggestions for treating and preventing digestion problems that don't require the use of drugs. MORE...

Fluoride - NO THANK YOU!

I think it's important to call attention to the potential dangers of fluoride in our drinking water. Our recent pharmacy student, Nancy, investigated the issue during her practical rotation at our lab and we've updated our website with the material she assembled.

Fluoride IS toxic and there is scant evidence it does anything positive for our teeth. Feel free to share this information with your friends. More...

Lichen Planus in the Mouth?

The exact CAUSE of Lichen Planus is not know. However there is some evidence that it may be a type of viral infection, similar to those caused by the herpes virus. It has been suggested that true lichen planus may respond to stress (as does the virus that is responsible for cold sores), where lesions may present on the mucosa or skin during times of stress in those with the disease. Lichen planus affects women more than men (at a ratio of 3:2), and occurs most often in middle-aged adults.

Currently there is no cure for lichen planus but there are certain types of medicines used to reduce the effects of the inflammation. Lichen planus may go into a dormant state after treatment. There are also reports that lichen planus can flare up years after it is considered cured.

So, what's a person to do - just sit back and wait for it to go away? Maybe not.

Here's something to consider. More...

FDA Claims Estriol is an "Unapproved DRUG"

On January 9 2008 the FDA took another shot at compounders with its commentary about bioidentical hormones, particularly estriol. I published my comments in our newsletter on January 14. SInce then others have weighed in and are speaking out strongly against the FDA and its position about human hormone therapy. The most recent is Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD, a doctor who has been actively involved with bioidentical hormone therapy since 1983. He has just made his position known in an ad in the New York Times. If nothing else, read what Dr. Wright has to say. Better yet, take a stand. Visit www.homecoalition.org and contact your elected representatives about this. Dr. Wright provides plenty of data and contact information in the ad. More...

Spotlight on Doctors

Working in a special pharmacy, we have the chance to meet hosts of health care professionals. Many of them we have gotten to know over the years and many have left us with a lasting impression. We'd like to take the opportunity to showcase some of these individuals in a new web page on our site.

Each month we will feature a new doctor so that you can get to know not only whom we work with, but why. Each of these doctors offers something special in their own way whether it is through treatment, through practice or through their different approaches to medicine. Our most recent additions are Dr. Bob Filice, Dr. Martin Plotkin, and Dr. Jack Schultz. Check them out.

Ten Day Rule

I remember drinking out of a garden hose, putting mud on a bee sting, and even having my dad lance a burn blister with a needle and a piece of thread. I survived intact. Modern health concerns seem to be almost exclusively focused on having someone else 'do something about it right now'. What if the problem would go away, all by itself, without any special intervention by a health professional? I am positive we need doctors, but I'm not convinced we have to run to them for every pain, sprain, itch, or sniffle. Here's a simple rule that I've followed for years. No, it isn't perfect, but I'd wager it is true and useful in the vast majority of situations. More..

Do Some People HAVE TO Use Fosamax?

Our newsletter subscribers know how I feel about bisphosphonates (Fosamax, etc). In a nutshell, I don’t see a reason for ANYONE to take them. They are dangerous and I cannot find sufficient evidence that they offer any real benefits. I wrote about a new FDA report on January 8th, 2008. One of our readers wrote to tell me she had to take the drug because her thyroid medicine was causing osteoporosis. That’s an interesting belief, but there really isn’t evidence to support it. More…

Taking Aim At Compounders - Again.

The FDA took another shot at compounders on January 9th, 2008. As expected, it was initiated by a complaint filed by Wyeth – the drug maker who supports the use of mare hormones over hormones that are identical to the ones made in the human body. Of course, remember that Wyeth makes drugs from mare's urine that they call PREMARIN. More…

HARMFUL BONE DRUGS (BISPHOSPHANATES)

I’ve tried to warn people about the dangers from using potent drugs to treat osteoporosis. The common treatments for “osteo” are the BISPHOSPHANATE drugs like Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva (the one that the FLYING NUN stumps for). Our motto is that “too many people use too many drugs” and it is particularly true for those who are swallowing these kinds of drugs. The FDA has just issued a warning about side effects – because they found that most prescribers weren’t fully aware of the dangers EVEN THOUGH THE COMPANY LISTS THE PROBABLE HARMS IN THEIR PACKAGING. Does your doctor know what he or she is prescribing for you? Do you know about the dangers? More…