Don’t suppress the use of your immune system at the crucial time you need it!

Don’t suppress the use of your immune system at the crucial time you need it!



The studies that have gone into swine flu vaccine outcomes have underlined an important medical fact. Use of ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin all seem to blunt the immune response to a vaccine. A confirmatory study was published in the Oct. 17, 2009 edition of The Lancet. Researchers found that giving acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to infants weakens the immune response to vaccines. In fact – the body was not effective at producing antibodies to the vaccine, thus making the vaccine useless and potentially harmful.

This immunological reality is playing out in the body not just with all vaccines but with illness. When we are fighting a virus, our body produces chemicals to kill the virus, but it also produces cells which will remember the virus for the future, thus imparting immunity. If suppressive medication is used too frequently, this immunity may not occur fully. As a general rule, vaccines produce a small immunity, usually for a year or several years. Contracting and fighting the same viral illness produces lifelong immunity.

Remember a fever is not the illness itself, it is the cure. Our body creates an environment where the virus or bacteria is compromised while the immune system is functioning at extra efficiency. Lifelong immunity and effective recovery are our goals when fighting H1N1 or any viral illness.

Flu and cold prevention at home - simple behaviors to remember

I recently received an email which had some helpful flu and cold prevention techniques. I appreciate the approach toward health that is simple and effective. Here is my re-write of the 6 basic guidelines for flu prevention.

Be well, Dr. Maurer



1. Frequent hand-washing – this is undeniably useful to prevent rampant viral spread.

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch parts of the face that cause infection with the virus – nose, mouth and eyes.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. All viruses take a period of time to multiply and concentrate in the tissue – this is called the “incubation period” or “period of proliferation”. H1N1 takes a couple of days for incubation, and gargling with salt water prevents the viral proliferation in the throat. I love this intervention. ½ tsp into ½ cup water will work. If only we can do this in the sinuses too…

4. Use salt water in the nasal and sinus passages. ¼ tsp salt to ¼ to a ½ cup of warm water. This may seem gross to those not familiar but it is the most effective way of eradicating virus from the nasal passages. A neti pot is a “neat” way to provide the treatment, while gently sniffing the solution will work as well, as I can attest.

5. Boost your natural immunity. Assure adequate intake of vitamin A and D such as with cod liver oil. Zinc lozenges are a great first line of defense as well. Foods and herbs rich in vitamin C and Flavonoids are great additions to the diet – sambucus extract may work via this mechanism.

6. Drink liquids. Just the act of drinking can wash mucous and viral loads out of the throat. This constant flushing will keep the virus from proliferating in the most vulnerable area of the throat.

Soluble Fiber - Not insoluble fiber wins the day

Throughout my nutritional training, I have been struck by the contradiction of nutritional recommendations in America. I was told that if one ate refined grains they would suffer ill health. But the same professor of mine would quote the impressively low breast cancer rate in Thailand, and the low diabetes and heart disease rates in countries like Japan, France and other Mediterranean countries. If you were to travel to these countries you would see what I saw, white rice, white flour and white pasta. Brown rice in Asia is virtually unheard of. On a recent trip to France, I was cutting up a pear for the hors d’oeuvre plate, when my French host said, “We peel those here”, and by “here”, she meant in this country not just in her house. The ample intake of vegetables marks the healthy component in these countries. Throughout Asia, vegetables are eaten at lunch, usually in a nutritious soup and at dinner. In the Mediterranean, fresh vegetables and beans are a major part of most meals in conjunction with traditional fats and meats and fish.

My observation eating this way is that when some of the indigestible insoluble fiber is removed from foods, more total fiber is consumed as soluble fibers do not irritate the digestive tract like the insoluble skins and husks of grains and fruits.

See for a full citation of write-up of this post: http://www.fatbackdiet.com/?p=66

Packing a Children’s Lunch

My children have been in schools for over 10 years that have required multiple packed lunches daily. By about 4th grade, they were making good choices and making their own lunches while I made breakfast. Here is what we have used and learned.

First, think of a French picnic, then assemble the foods. These are all foods that can come from our fridge and still be good hours later without refrigeration. Items are put into small glass “Pyrex” containers and put in a neoprene lunch bag. My children would rather have multiple food items rather than “a sandwich” – this list reflects that tendency.

Sourdough Bread or Crackers (made with olive oil or butter)
Real Butter (local, cultured or raw and/or organic are available)
Whole cheese made from sheep, goat or cow’s milk. (Raw cheeses are desirable)
Plain whole yogurt with fruit jam or maple syrup, this is from a bulk container at home
Whole fruit
Nitrate free dried meat – we have a natural beef jerky bade at a local butcher shop
Sandwiches – tuna/salmon or real nitrate free sandwich meats will work
Olives, or pickled vegetables – pickles & dilly beans are kids’ favorites
Raw (or soaked and re-dried) nuts and seeds

How Much Milk Is Enough For My Child?

Richard Maurer, ND

From the "Got Milk" campaign to get people to drink more milk, to the "Not Milk" campaign decrying the benefits of milk, this is no easy answer. But let’s give it a try. To begin, cow’s milk is not recommended under the age of one, as it is deficient in critical nutrients, breast-milk or specialized formula is recommended. Throughout childhood vitamins A and D are critical for a child’s growth and development, therefore, full-fat dairy products, which naturally contain these nutrients, are recommended.

From age one to three, calcium requirement is 350 mg (UK) to 500 mg (US). For reference, 8 oz. of plain yogurt contains 350-mg well-absorbed calcium. Tad-dah, you’ve already reached the minimum requirement. But even the FDA reminds consumers not to capitalize on one source of nutrition. It recommends a variety of foods, so we must remember other sources of calcium. Minerals in vegetables are absorbable after the food is cooked; therefore cooked 4-oz servings of broccoli (250 mg), spinach and dark green leafy veg’s (200+/- mg) are desirable along with profoundly mineral-rich bone-broth.

From age 4 – teenage, the requirement increases to 600-800 mg and higher. One serving of dairy products daily might still be enough if the child is getting other sources of calcium, but two servings can be helpful as children approach teenage years. But before we leave this topic, let’s remember that calcium does not stand alone. Calcium rich foods that contain absolutely no other nutritional value such as calcium-fortified juice, does nothing for meaningful growth and development. “Nutrient-dense” foods that are rich in calcium should be emphasized whenever possible.

Lauric Acid - all saturated fat is not the same

Lauric acid is one kind of saturated fat and is associated with several health benefits. Unfortunately, Americans’ intake of lauric acid has almost been eliminated with the misguided decrease in saturated fat intake. This healthful oil is traditionally found in heavy cream and butter of grass-fed animals. One of the highest sources is sheep milk products and lamb. Vegetable sources include coconut oil.

Flu Prevention and Treatment Suggestions

Flu Prevention and Treatment Suggestions

This is a list of products to keep on-hand. Some are to be done throughout the cold/flu season while others are to be used “as needed” at the very first sign of symptoms or after exposure. The following list is in addition to your general daily multiple vitamin-mineral.

As a reminder, hand sanitizers do NOT replace hand-washing. Clean hands help prevent the spread of viruses!

“This is a list of what I have in MY home for flu prevention” – Dr. Maurer

DAILY (as an integral part of prevention):

Cod Liver Oil: [Nordic Natural or Carlson]. In our northern climate, the addition of W-3 fatty acids with Vitamin A and D is an important daily component throughout the winter. Take 1 TBS/day.

AS NEEDED (at the first sign of symptoms or after exposure):EchinaGuard: MMS Pro [code ECHI2]. This juiced Echinacea has been the exact subject of the most effective studies for preventing colds and flu. Every home should have this on hand - early treatment is always more effective. Take 2.5 ml. every 2 hours for the first 24-48 hours, then 2.5 ml. 3 times daily for the next 8-9 days, or as needed. Best if added in water or juice. Shake well before use.

Sambucus: MMS Pro [code SAMB8]. This thick great-tasting elderberry extract is indicated when a virus is active. It appears to affect the virus by inhibiting the viral activity. The great taste allows for great compliance with kids. Take 1-2 tsp, 3 times per day for up to 7 days.

Zinc Lozenges: Douglas Labs [code ZNL]. Use only if a sore throat is present. Lozenges need to contain a certain form of zinc to be effective for sore throat and colds. Use every 2 hours at the 1st sign of “tickle” in the throat.



For children under the age of 8 years old:
Use Cod Liver Oil and Sambucus as listed above. Do not use EchinaGuard or Zinc Lozenges.

Add Chewable Congaplex: Standard Process. 3 tablets 3 times per day. They taste great and help assist the immune system in what it is already trying to do - get better fast!

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Hype prevents rational thinking about health.

I have heard people “afraid of going to the fairs” this year since reading the Sunday paper this week. “You know there are all those animals at the Common Ground Fair” said one patient today. So many headlines this year…seasonal flu -H1N1 flu – now, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

How do we bring rational clinical healthcare and prevention to people who are reminded to anticipate the threat around the corner? Let’s try to address EEE to start, through better understanding of risks and the disease itself.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is designated “very rare” by the CDC with about 200 cases in about 40 years. For perspective, in the same 40 years, the National Weather Service reported 13,000 deaths or injuries from lightening strikes. Humans do NOT get EEE from horses and vice versa, they are a “dead-end” vector. The presence of horses or any livestock does not increase the unlikely risk of a human contracting EEE. So in short, going to a fair does not raise the risk of contracting EEE especially a place such as the MOFGA (Common Ground) fairgrounds which are located on a hilltop that suffers more from dryness than wetness.

Where do you contract EEE? The mosquitoes contract it through birds, and it is present in all states east of the Mississippi. Most of the cases are in states with large areas of freshwater marsh, such as Florida. Most species of mosquitoes travel much less than a mile from their wet breeding ground. To contract the illness, a human would presumably require multiple bites from an area where there are infected mosquitoes. Thus, taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites is wise, wear a long sleeve shirt, use repellent if in a highly infested area and time of day. A farm with many pockets of water in lowlands is at higher risk because of the sheer quantity of mosquitoes present. A farmer with EEE infected horses needs to evaluate the location of the horses in relation to wetlands and bogs harboring large numbers of mosquitoes. And obviously birds or livestock with positive EEE should raise our emphasis at preventing mosquito bites.

Dr. Richard Maurer
Falmouth, Maine
President, Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors

The flu, H1N1 and the flu shots

The flu, H1N1 and the flu shots – My Fall Statement – Dr. Maurer

The seasonal flu is upon us and the marketing of shots is in full force. And with the H1N1 swine flu in the news, we have never seen so much publicity about the flu as this year. Here is my current thought-out opinion on the subject and hopefully, this will help you make rational choices that are best for you and your families’ health.

The Seasonal Flu: Every year there are various strains of influenza that travel the globe at various level of contagiousness. Exposure to these viruses causes us to have typically viral symptoms: cold symptoms such as stuffiness, sore throat with the probability of accompanying aches and fever. Getting these predominantly minor illnesses provides lifelong immunity to contracting that strain or similar strains again. This is the theory of the vaccination, although it is more likely that the vaccine does not impart lifelong immunity and requires re-dosing every year to be effective. Pharmaceutical companies work intently to guess which strains will be the next year’s flu – this turns out to be unsuccessful.

Within the past years, the vaccine has not significantly reduced the likelihood of getting sick in the people that got the shot. That would seem like the demise of the vaccine, but in a portion of people who did get the shot, the symptoms if they did still get the flu were less severe.

Who should get the shot? If someone is likely to be clinically debilitated or their life threatened from the symptoms of the flu, it is worth getting the shot. Also, people with low immunity from chemotherapy or high doses of prednisone, or people more immobilized from surgery, age or disability.

Who should not get the shot? If someone is generally able to move and can get a cold and be over it in a week. The CDC used to recommend the shot for the elderly and immune-compromised. Within the past decade, they have added children, people in contact with children, health workers, elderly and people in contact with the elderly…I don’t think they have left anyone out anymore. Marketing has gotten the better of prudent medical discernment.

What do you do for the flu? If reducing the severity of flu symptoms when you do get it are all the vaccine is good for in most people, there are several CAM therapies that do this. Echinacea, Sambucus and zinc lozenges, are all indicated therapies. And for prevention…washing your hands and instructing your children in the house to do the same provides significant protection in study after study.

Swine Flu - H1N1: This flu has the “swine flu” name, which brings up the fears of the infamous swine flu of 1918 that struck the world with deadly vigor. In retrospect, it appears that the sudden worldwide spread of people during World War I and the malnourishment and stress of the soldiers deployed helped create the aggressiveness the virus displayed throughout the world.

This outbreak of H1N1 was being watched closely to ascertain whether it would become an aggressive strain. The illness in America has remained predominantly mild, with surprisingly low contagious spread. Less than 30% of people exposed directly to someone with H1N1 actually get the disease. Furthermore, it turns out that people born before 1955 are apparently not prone to getting the swine flu. Presumably, a strain like this went through several decades ago and imparted life-long immunity in many people. Thanks to our public health officials for watching so closely, if it were to have become more serious, they would have had good data to track the virulence and spread. But the poorly tested vaccine is now being mandated without justification.

DO NOT TAKE THE H1N1 VACCINE. So what to do for the swine flu? Well it turns out that it is no more serious than any other flu for us. So no new intervention other than listed above for the seasonal flu. Reasons to question the vaccine:

First, the H1N1 vaccine has been made with the mercury-containing preservative, thimersol. Shame on them.

Second, the H1N1 vaccine was fast-tracked with 3 weeks of studies then a release date set.

Third, because it was requested by federal officials in response to a pandemic, it is said that the companies that make the vaccine are absolved of any responsibility if the vaccine is a problem.

Fourth and most important, the additive squalene was added to make the immune system super reactive after the shot. This way one shot rather than two is needed for immune response, thereby doubling the amount of people that can be treated with the doses on hand. Squalene has only really been studied on elderly with more deficient immune systems. This chemical has not been adequately tested on pregnant women, children and younger people, and the primary risk is autoimmune disease in the future months to years after the shot. In the New York Times on September 22nd, they state, “…federal officials say the savings are not large enough to offset the possible risks and extra complexity of using the adjuvants [squalene].”

Fifth, people born before 1955 have protection against this current strain of H1N1. It is because they were exposed to the actual H1N1 and built a life-long immunity to the virus. Most vaccines when given do not impart lifelong immunity and require boosters to deal with the loss of immune-memory to that virus. This would effectively push the illness into later years of life.

I am glad the vaccine was developed, this is a good public health exercise to stave off a potentially devastating illness like in 1918, but this H1N1 is not that disease. The hype about the swine flu vaccine should not blind us to seeing the simple risk/benefit ratio that in this case leans to the risk side.

---Dr. Richard Maurer, September 24th, 2009

Is it bad not to eat breakfast?

I can't help but observe how most on the places I have travelled, breakfast is the most incidental small meal of the day. There are several reasons why this is probably occurring. One is of course how late the evening meal is eaten, the later the meal, the less likely food is needed in the morning. Second is the physiology of our body, when we wake up, there is an adrenaline and cortisol surge that triggers what is known as the "dawn phenomenon". This is when the body liberates stored sugars to use in the morning to "get the day going".

Ultimately, I see most cultures have evolved over time to include about 2 1/2 meals per day. No traditional culture eats more than 3 times a day as a rule. And breakfast is often the smallest.

Because of the dawn phenomenon, we don't need sugar in our diets in the morning. It is better that we eat fat and/or protein in the morning. Examples in my diet include 1) a well buttered thin-cut toast with an egg 2) fresh fruit with cultured cream 3) pork cretons on a cracker 4) and of course when in France - a buttery croissant with tea or cafe.

So don't be guilty if you are not hungry for breakfast. Make it incidental. Lunch and dinner can then become the meals that gain your nutritional attention.

Bon Appétit, and let's "get the day going"

--Richard

Antacid medication causes worsening of symptoms on withdraw

Here is the headline from July 2nd from the journal Gastroenterology: "Proton-Pump Inhibitor Withdrawal May Cause Rebound Acid Hypersecretion"

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) are the drugs being passed out like candy from primary care doctors and gastroenterologists. Common names are Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix & Nexium. The recent study found that PPI therapy for 8 weeks induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers after withdrawal. What that means is that when you try to stop, you actually have symptoms that require you to stay on the medication. This is no doubt good for business if you sell the drug, but clearly it is bad for your health.

These acid blocking drugs join the many other drugs that cause worse rebound symptoms than the original complaint. Some other drugs that do this include, anti-deprssants, beta-blockers, anti-histamines and sleep inducing medications.

Rule to the wise...and to the healthy: Use more gentle and less invasive treatments for any condition whenever possible.

In health,
Richard

MyChelle Sun Sheild

This is an extraordinary sun block with ZinClear and organic aloe. We have looked long and hard for this unique sun block. IT is nice to have a sunblock that actually washes off when you don't want it on anymore. We wanted one that not only protected you, but one that was fully non-toxic, reef-safe and zinc-oxide based, but without the whitening. We finally have found and now carry it – MyChelle Sun Shield, SPF 28.
To order, call the office at 207-781-4447.

Book Review - Nina Plank's Real Food for Mother and Baby

I have tracked down the latest book by Nina Plank, "Real Food for Mother and Baby" and it is truly a refreshing look on the nourishing of our children and ourselves. The message is the same as the first book Real Food": meat and salt are essential to growth and energy, egg yolks are more essential than the egg white, butter is about as perfect a food as can be found. Forget carrots and crackers and think about a meatball with ground liver, egg yolks and meat. If you read and follow this book, you will never pass moral judgment on your grandmother’s food again. You will enjoy of a life of whole foods and extraordinary health.

Be well,

Richard

Travels to the Mediterranean with Dr. Maurer and Family

What is the Mediterranean diet? In the United States it is a diverse set of conflicting opinions, and these opinions do little to resolve the moral mess we have gotten into by stating things like "saturated fat is bad" or that "eating late in the day is bad". These myths get quickly broken to pieces when one actually lives the Mediterranean diet on location. So with friends living in Italy, and my French brother-in law inviting us to stay with them in France, we were ready to take a trip. Ready, here we go. Let's explore some of the observations first hand. The FatBack Diet is alive and well in the Mediterranean.

Throughout Italy and France, the pasta and bread are white. There has not been a piece of whole wheat pasta in Italy for several centuries. The bread is airy light with very few total calories. Its purpose is to deliver something that is nutritious, such as the juices that from the meat, the prosciutto, or the sauce at the bottom of the soup.

 

The meats are not lean and they eat the fat. The region of Chianti that we stayed in Italy was known for raising an heirloom species of pig that had a highly marbled fat content. The result was a fatty tender naturally cured, cultured ham slice. It was about 75 % fat with 25 % protein.

 

Espresso is served in 2-4 TBS amounts. Milk can be added in the morning, but not after a meal. Eating high volume foods for the sake of feeling full is frowned upon. Again, with full fat foods, not as much volume of food needs to be eaten.

 

"Whole meats" does not only mean bone-in and skin-on – it means organ meats. As with most traditional cultures, not much is wasted.

 

Meats are always served with ample vegetables. This is not a burger with fries and a bun. Olive oil is used liberally on the vegetables and salads greens.

 

Only 2 ½ meals are eaten. This is no surprise, as I have not traveled anywhere in the world that has food more than 3 times per day. The idea of eating 5 or 6 mall meals is fundamentally American and only 25-30 years old. It comes from wrongly removing the fat from meals and ending up hungry 3 hours after the meal.

 

And yes, the smallest meal, if much of anything is eaten, is the morning. Then the mid-day meal is between 12 and 2PM. The final meal of the day is around 8-9 PM. If you are invited to a house for dinner, don't think of going home before 12 or 1 AM. I realize this may be why so little is eaten at breakfast. There is no snacking. No cheese sticks or nuts or any other snack. The only exception is that kids may have a snack after school to get through to dinner. It is a yogurt, or a half a grilled cheese or similar.

 

OK, one more observation. I thought grappa referred to how you feel when trying to deal with the sensation after drinking the strong Italian digestivo (after dinner drink). It turns out the drink originated in the town Bassano del Grappa. So it had nothing to do with gripping my throat while it was on fire.

 

Meta-Analysis Supports Heart-Health Benefits From a Mediterranean Diet. But what does this REALLY mean?

I cringe at this headline. Yes, another study has shown that processed food and trans-fats are harmful to your health. To review, trans-fats are made by turning cheap vegetable oil into a lard-like substance through a chemically intensive process. They are dirt cheap and have a long shelf-life. People who claim to eat foods high in these processed foods are likely to be eating a very poor diet indeed. The other food that is included in the “bad list” is processed meats – cheap sandwich meats and the like. With additives and preservatives, they are again a mark of people who make other bad processed food choices.

I am in fact writing this entry from the South of France – and I have just spent last week in Italy. The best way I know to realize the Mediterranean Diet is to be in the Mediterranean. I doubt that the researcher from Hamilton, Ontario Canada has ever actually been here.

Here is the Mediterranean diet at it’s core.
Breakfast is very light, if at all. Very small bread with butter and un café (about 1-3 ounces of coffee is normal)

Lunch is a very simple sandwich – or maybe a quiche and salad, dressed with olive oil. There may be olives with the meal. A piece of saucisson or fish will go with a meal – the meats are notable marbled with large pieces of tender fat.

Dinner is a relaxed affair with simple foods – 2 vegetables, a fish or meat, and some starch-bread, pasta, potato. In Italy, beans are always one of the vegetables, just simple white beans. Butter is used liberally in the cooking of foods and olive oil is used liberally when foods are raw or have been cooked already.

There is no snacking. The marbled meats provide ample saturated and monounsaturated fats to give a long-lasting calorie that provides satisfaction for many hours. Salad dressing is always made as needed of just olive oil and lemon or vinegar salt and pepper.

I will post more about meals and dietary patterns in the coming weeks. In the meantime – come join me in the Mediterranean sometime.

Salt Restriction, Fat Restriction, What is Next?

Salt restriction for all New Yorkers? “No Thanks” Mayor Bloomberg. How about the headline last week that New York “authorities” would put pressure on local restaurants and food industry to lower salt by half. The recent studies on salt intake have actually shown that mood and energy can be improved with salt intake. And past studies have refuted the claims that cutting salt in a population reduces blood pressure or heart disease. We have to beware of misguided authority creating guinea pigs of all of us.

Salt and fat have both been inappropriately singled out over the years. In the past, for the occasional fried food, a fat stable to high heat was used – lard. But then in the 70’s, saturated fat was on the “hit-list” and vegetable oils were said to be better. We could have been told to eat less processed fried food, but it was more alluring to attack the saturated fat. But what would we fry in? Unsaturated fats weren’t stable at high temperature so hydrogenated oils were manufactured and put into the fryers. By the 90’s the authorities said that hydrogenated oils are really, really bad, so now the fryers are filled with cheap vegetable oil, with a “heart healthy” sticker saying “No Trans Fats”. Now with overheated rancid, oxidized, cancer-causing oils back in the American diet, I am waiting to see what we will do in 10 years

We need to re-visit the generations-old science of cuisine. High temperature cooking should be done in stable oil, such as lard, coconut oil or other rendered animal fats. And Mayor Bloomberg, salt your food to taste.

It must be the red meat...Oh, or is it the candy?

Researchers are desperate for headlines.

First of all, studies that use retrospective questionnaires are of questionable value when trying to ascertain health risk and diet. That said, here are 2 headlines from the past year related to these questionnaire-based population studies. Media sources attacked the “red meat” as the cause of increased disease risk in both instances.
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1 – (Sept. 2007) “A new study finds that the more “western” the diet — marked by red meat, starches and sweets — the greater the risk for breast cancer among postmenopausal Chinese women”

2 – (March 2009) “People who eat the highest levels of red meat and processed meats — such as hot dogs, bacon and cold cuts — are about 20 percent more likely to die of cancer compared with people who eat less than 5 ounces per week.”

In the first study they had to include candy to get statistical significance. In the second study – processed meats are included. It’s not about the color of the meat!

This is the conclusion as I see it. “Those who claim to eat more candy and processed food are at slightly higher risk for disease than those that claim none of these in their diets”

Pretty boring headline, but that is what the studies show.

Have you been reading about vitamin D?

I was recently attending the International Health Symposium in New York and so much talk was about vitamin D. Ready, here is some of the proven medical coverage …”low blood level of vitamin D is associated with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, depression, many autoimmune diseases, ADD, high blood pressure, many cancers…” The list goes on.

Vitamin D comes from animal fats such as butter, cream and egg yolks. We, being animals can make the vitamin in our skin is in contact with UV-laden sunshine for an adequate amount of time. Note that Glass, clothes and sun-block prevent the important UV rays that allow the synthesis of vitamin D.

I am reminded of the old naturopathic physicians Europe in the 1800’s, they knew that sunshine was as important to life as water and food. They did not need millions of dollars in grants to figure this out. I am also reminded of a painting from historic painter Rockwell Kent, where an Inuit woman is holding her naked baby up in the air as the first sunlight of the year is peeking over the horizon. Of course I know the temperature was probably minus 20 degrees F. Apparently she didn’t need scientific evidence to convince her that vitamin D was good for her and her child.


Let’s re-connect with our natural world. Eat real food, Exercise like you’re meant for it, and go outside. It’s almost spring in Maine, let’s go outside and play. The photo is taken of Claire and Linus skiing in Maine in April last year. So for us in Maine, we'll keep taking our cod liver oil with vitamin D.

Ginkgo biloba does not effectively prevent Alzheimer’s

I have been waiting for the conclusion of this study for many years. And, not surprisingly, when healthy people take Ginkgo biloba they are not at a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Nov. 19, 2008.)


This was a well-designed study spanning 6-7 years and the researchers did use the EGb-761, which is the German Ginkgo extract product that has shown successful for Alzheimers dementia and other conditions (Vitiligo, Intermittent claudication). However, this study does not negate prior studies that show that Alzheimer’s disease progression can be significantly slowed and symptoms reduced if taken at the early stages of the disease.

I am not surprised at the lack of effectiveness because the last 5-years have shown us that onset of Alzheimer’s is linked as much to high blood sugars as poor circulation to the brain. This implies that more factors are at play in the development of Alzheimer’s than 120-mg of Gingko extract can cure.

What than can we do to stave off Alzheimer’s disease? One study back in 2004 shows that supplemental magnesium may be helpful, the researchers state:
“Since it is estimated that the majority of American adults consume less than the estimated average requirement of magnesium (Institute of Medicine 1997) it is possible that such a deficit may have detrimental effects on synaptic plasticity resulting in declines in memory function.”
Slutsky I, “Enhancement of Synaptic Plasticity through Chronically Reduced Ca++ Flux during Uncorrelated Activity.” Neuron, Vol 44, 835-849, December 2004

Our other mechanism is to maintain healthy blood sugars with a balance of diet and exercise. See Prior Post on this blog for more information.

---Dr. Maurer

How Much Milk Is Enough For My Child?

Richard Maurer, ND

From the "Got Milk" campaign to get people to drink more milk, to the "Not Milk" campaign decrying the benefits of milk, this is no easy answer. But let’s give it a try. To begin, cow’s milk is not recommended under the age of one, as it is deficient in critical nutrients, breast-milk or specialized formula is recommended. Throughout childhood vitamins A and D are critical for a child’s growth and development, therefore, full-fat dairy products, which naturally contain these nutrients, are recommended.

From age one to three, calcium requirement is 350 mg (UK) to 500 mg (US). For reference, 8 oz. of plain yogurt contains 350-mg well-absorbed calcium. Tad-dah, you’ve already reached the minimum. But even the FDA reminds consumers not to capitalize on one source of nutrition. It recommends a variety of foods, so we must remember other sources of calcium. Minerals in vegetables are absorbable after the food is cooked; therefore cooked 4-oz servings of broccoli (250 mg), spinach and dark green leafy veg’s (200+/- mg) are desirable along with profoundly mineral-rich bone-broth.

From age 4 – teenage, the requirement increases to 600-800 mg and higher. One serving of dairy products daily might still be enough if the child is getting other sources of calcium, but two servings can be helpful as children approach teenage years. But before we leave this topic, let’s remember that calcium does not stand alone. Calcium rich foods that contain absolutely no other nutritional value such as calcium-fortified juice, does nothing for meaningful growth and development. “Nutrient-dense” foods that are rich in calcium should be emphasized whenever possible.

Diet Soda=Diabetes=Dementia

Daily Consumption of Diet Soda Linked to Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Care. Published online January 16, 2009

OK, it is now crystal clear that diet soda, at an average of one per day, raises one’s risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Well so what if we develop metabolic syndrome (aka. Prediabetes)? Take a look at the headlines that have come up over the past couple of years…

Prediabetes Ups Risk of Developing Alzheimer's - Swedish researchers report that people with borderline diabetes have nearly a 70% increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Tight Control of Blood Sugar May Also Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's - People who already have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
SOURCES: 10th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Madrid, Spain, July 15-20, 2006

Midlife Diabetes Increases Alzheimer's Risk - Men who develop midlife diabetes have a significantly increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Diabetes. 2009; 58:71-77.

You get the idea, right? Maintain exercise and enjoy a diet that helps you keep good control of your blood sugar. The FatBack Diet will cover this. Oh yeah, and no diet soda.

---DrMaurer

New Topical Products at our office

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We have looked long and hard for this unique sun block. We wanted one that not only protected you, but one that was fully non-toxic, reef-safe and zinc-oxide based, but without the whitening . We finally have found and now carry it – MyChelle Sun Shield, SPF 28.

To order or learn more about these products, call the office at 207-781-4447.

Cholesterol drugs are overprescribed.

“First of all, there is not a single randomized control trial that shows that cholesterol lowering statin drugs are beneficial for women of any age or men over 65 who do not already have heart disease or diabetes” John Abromson, MD (author of Overdosed America)

Dr. Maurer’s response:

Right on. We need to assess heart disease risk in a comprehensive and individualized manner. Prevent heart disease by addressing those other risk factors.

Cholesterol gets a great deal of press in our market-driven culture, addressing lifestyle factors of exercise, stress modification, social behavior and diet would more effectively improve cardiovascular health.

A case of Muscle Cramps & Fatigue in an athletic 17 year old girl

FROM THE DOCTOR"S DESK -

These are cases that reveal conditions that are more and more common in the recent years of my 15 years of naturopathic medical practice. Thanks for reading. ---Richard Maurer, ND

She was getting more and more tired, leg cramps, and not recovering quickly after exercise. She was highly-ranked in the State as both a runner and Nordic skier.

She was generally healthy in our office visit, but noticeably tired, hunched, and I found she was very lean. She was sick more that winter than ever in her life, tested for mono twice. She was eating a mostly vegetarian diet because she “thought it was healthier”. On body fat calipers, she was at 16%. (Normal body fat for women is 22-28%, runners will generally be lower at 19-22%). Below 18%, her body will breakdown proteins for energy rather than fat or glycogen, thereby weakening muscles.

Blood tests revealed 2 deficiencies I know see epidemic in women — LOW FERRITIN (iron) and LOW VITAMIN D.

I recommended dietary liver and marrow several times/week and more fats from animals that are, in fact, outside (egg yolks, dairy fats from cows on pasture/grass, etc.)
OK … the liver rarely sells to a teenage girl—but I guarantee her grandmother did it that way. We then added high Vit. D cod liver oil, good magnesium/calcium, and well-absorbed iron.
Her muscle cramps have been eliminated and she has regained her energy and remains extremely healthy despite the unique demands of college-life.

I am now receiving updates of faster and faster running times at her college.

A case of Autism/Asburgers - FROM THE DOCTOR'S DESK

These are cases that reveal conditions that are more and more common in the recent years of my 15 years of naturopathic medical practice. Thanks for reading. ---Richard Maurer, ND

I have seen similar cases as this countless times. A 5-year old boy came in with both parents; they reported a relatively healthy albeit highly active boy until 3 years old. At this time, there was a lack of eye contact, behavioral acting out, inability to play with others, and physical repetitive movements (self-stimulating behaviors). This resulted in several visits to pediatric OT’s and other specialists resulting in a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.

On my physical evaluation I saw dry skin/eczema, pitted fingernails, and a moderately goopy nose. Mom claimed he had a “very healthy diet”. What I found out was that dad was told he had high cholesterol about 3 years ago and should be on a low-fat diet. Mom proceeded to lower the fat intake in the family so much; she removed virtually all the fats from the diet.

I discussed the basic nutritional recommendation to nourish a healthy child, yes it is a similar diet for healthy adults. We recommended higher natural fats (egg yolks, butter, quality animal fats, cod liver oil), fermented foods (whole plain yoghurt, sourdough bread, cultured butter), regular intake of nutrient-dense proteins (buying skin-on and bone-in meats whenever possible).

Within our first follow-up, the self-stimulating behaviors were gone, sleep was better and the change in behavior was as different as night and day. As Mom said…”this is a miracle!”
Active children and adults require a diet that contains calories from foods that provide a long-term energy burn. These calories come from saturated fats. Yes, saturated.

Thankfully, these parents now enjoy an active healthy bright 1st grader with no medication or diagnosis of autism.