Dr. Klassen’s Corner – Nuts anyone?

Throwback Newsletter: From January 2007

Nuts anyone?

In general, nuts are a healthy snack. Studies have shown that eating one-quarter cup of nuts five time a week can add years to your life. Tree nuts and peanuts (though technically are a legume) are high in beneficial fats, antioxidants and other protective phytochemicals. Nuts such as pecans and walnuts have a form of vitamin E that is not found in most supplements. It may slow the growth of cancer cells according to a study done at Purdue University.

A nut rich diet can lower LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol by about one third, the same amount achieved with some statin drugs. A study posted in Circulation Magazine September 10, 2002 stated that eating 25 almonds per day for one month cut bad cholesterol by five percent.

Peanuts and peanut products such as peanut butter also contain the phytosterol beta-sitosterol (SIT), which has been shown to inhibit cancer growth and protect against heart disease. Women who eat five tablespoons of peanut butter each week can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%. Boost your healthy fat intake by eating nuts, avocados, nut butters and supplementing with CHF #43 Omega-3 and CHF #43TG Mega Omega.

Medical Mythology: Wheeze, Sneeze, Cough

By Dr. Glen Mahoney, June 2007

Do you have a runny nose, watery eyes and an itchy, stuffy nose? Do you sneeze or have dark circles under your eyes? If so, you or at least your friends, have decided that you have an allergy.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has admitted that “there is no real ‘cure’ for allergies, so control is the best line of defense”.

This immediately indicated a multi-stage program. First you try one or more of the over-the-counter drugs advertised on T.V. You may find relief with few enough side-effects to be among the lucky few. If no relief is found, your next step is with your local allopathic physician, who “practices medicine” by trying many prescription drugs from the Physician’s Desk Reference. He or she will also be happy to give you one or more drugs to counter the “side effects” of the drugs you have taken.

After all this, many will still have all the original symptoms and will treat to “allergy testing” and to the “best line of defense” which is said to be “avoidance”.

According to Dr. Guy Schenker, “The answer to allergy is not avoidance.” It is common, after such allergy testing, to find 20 foods to avoid only to be followed in a year with more testing and an additional 20 foods to be avoided.

Since allergies are known to be a “toxic body” crying for oxygen, we believe there is a better way. This alternative way uses herbs, natural anti-histaminic agents, immune stimulants, vitamins as anti-allergens, glandulars as immune defense, and specific homeopathics.  Country Health Formulas (CHF) have been researched and may be at hand to help in the form of CHF #25 Breathe Clean.

Scents You Should Know…The Basic Care Kit

There are 10 basic oils that are essential to keep on hand. These oils include Lavender (EO35), Tea Tree (EO74), Peppermint (EO57), Chamomile (EO11), Eucalyptus (EO22), Geranium (EO26), Rosemary (EO63), Thyme (EO73), Lemon (EO37), and Clove (EO17). This month we will be highlighting the second basic essential oil to have on hand, which is Tea Tree Oil (EO74).

Tea Tree Oil is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms. Its impressive antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it useful in a wide range of conditions.

The oil is extracted by steam or water distillation from the leaves and twigs of the small tree or shrub. The tree has needle-like leaves similar to the cypress tree, with yellow and purple flowers.

There are so many uses for Tea Tree Oil because it is so powerful. It can be effective for anything from skin care to respiratory, immune, and urinary systems. Here are a couple of examples that you may try using Tea Tree Oil. For athletes foot, use five drops of Tea Tree Oil and one drop of Lemon Oil mixed with one teaspoon of vegetable oil or aloe vera gel. Dip a cotton ball into this mixture and swab onto the feet, paying special attention to the toe and nail areas. Finish by massaging the oil into the feet.

For influenza (flu), add five drops of Tea Tree Oil, two drops of Thyme Oil to a warm bath and soak. This may help you to get over the cold, shivery feeling. Afterwards, mix two drops of Tea Tree Oil with three drops of Eucalyptus Oil and one teaspoon of vegetable oil. Massage the whole body with this mixture and go to bed. This may help you “sleep in peace, instead of tossing and turning all night.”

What’s Up Doc?

Q: What can I do about heatstroke?

A: Get to a cool or shady area fast, remove excessive clothing and loosen any tight clothes. If possible put hands and feet in cold water. Sip on water or mix up CHF #11 which will help replenish and keep electrolytes up. Taking CHF #97 helps replenish and may help maintain electrolytes balance.

Q: What can I put on a sunburn?

A: Depending on how severe it is spraying with CHF #46B throughout the day and applying aloe vera gel will help soothe and heal. On more severe, blistering burns apply CHF #56 to keep it clean, spray it with #46B, apply aloe vera gel, and take #30 internally.