Natural Remedy for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, affects over 1.4 million people in the UK, and it’s possible that a million more have it without knowing.

Diabetes happens when the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose – insulin – either isn’t produced in enough quantities, or isn’t produced at all. If there isn’t enough this is known as Type 2 diabetes; Type 1 is when the insulin stops working completely.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes in the over 50’s which is why I felt it necessary to discuss it here.

The main reasons why some, rather than others, are more susceptible to this condition, are:

– Having a large waist or being overweight
– Having a family history of the condition
– Being of Black or South Asian origin
– Being over the age of 40, or over 25 if you’re Black or South Asian

Complications of type 2 diabetes are a long-term frustration for many people. Even a mildly raised glucose level, which may be symptomless in the short term, can have long term damaging effects on the blood vessels. This can often lead to complications years after diagnosis, however a natural alternative could be the answer, as a treatment for reducing these complications has been developed called Intermittent Hypoxia Therapy.

Intermittent Hypoxia Therapy

Intermittent Hypoxia Therapy (IHT) also referred to as mountain air training, has been developed during the last fifteen years as a preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment. This treatment may be very relevant to protect diabetics against the many complications they face by regulating the bodies supply of oxygen.

IHT could tackle the following principal type 2 diabetes complications:

Combat the feeling of exhaustion
Tackle certain diseases of the circulatory system
Improve poorly managed diabetes mellitus (which can result in blindness)
Reduce diabetic damage to the kidney
Manage blood sugar levels
Help with weight problems
Forestall gangrene generally affecting toes, feet, or legs (it is caused by poor blood circulation)
Help to relieve fluid-retention (which causes body parts to enlarge)

“Living low-training high” is the motto of many London athletes, and is the principle behind IHT. They train at an altitude of about 1800 meters above sea level, because they know that a reduction in oxygen levels can improve endurance and performance. Not only does high altitude training improve exercise performance in elite athletes it’s now known that IHT with exercise, could reduce your appetite, due to the effect on the metabolism that occurs from this combination – an added benefit for diabetics who are often overweight or even obese, and those with poor blood circulation.

Studies have demonstrated positive results in obese patients’ fitness, physique and improved metabolism when training with IHT. This is because the technique reduces the time and exertion necessary for exercise to be effective – a benefit to those with orthopaedic joint conditions through the reduced need for strenuous exercise.

IHT is also great for providing Nitric Oxide, which plays a pivotal role in vascular disease complications, an all-too-common problem in diabetics. Vascular disorders can be associated with either the buildup or deficiency of Nitric Oxide within the body so by managing this, IHT could become an effective preventive.

If you are worried about being at risk of diabetes then here are some of the warning signs to look out for:

– Increased thirst
– Having to urinate all the time, especially at night
– Extreme tiredness
– Blurred vision
– Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
– Wounds which are slow to heal

As ever, I believe that natural medicine holds the solution to most conditions. For more information or advice please visit http://www.drgaier.com or contact me on admin@drgaier.com.

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Cheryl Cole Fights Against Malaria

Following the news of Cheryl Cole’s fight against Malaria, I have taken this opportunity to inform people of a natural product, which ‘cuts Malaria mortality rates by a third’. The traditional Chinese medicine Artemisia annua is used around the world to fight Malaria, showing once again that natural medicine can provide the answer to treating almost any medical issue.

Traditionally a tea made from dried Artemisia leaves, Artemisia annua was used by Chinese herbalists in ancient times to treat fever, and was rediscovered in 1970 when the Chinese Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergency Treatments (340 AD) was found.

Now widely used in Asia and Africa to fight Malaria, artemisinin reacts with the high iron concentrations found in the malaria parasite. When artemisinin comes into contact with iron, a chemical reaction ensues, spawning charged atoms that chemists call free radicals. The free radicals attack cell membranes, breaking them apart and killing the single-cell parasite.
A low immune system causes the body to be compromised, which lowers the body’s defences making infections like Malaria more likely. There are various external influences that can cause our bodies to break down including emotional stress, inadequate sleep or athletic overtraining, common viral or bacterial infections, and dietary habits. Treating Malaria has been a persistent problem worldwide, and although it is not normally available, I am now in a position to prescribe this treatment at my clinic in Harley Street.

In the largest clinical trial ever, funded by the Wellcome Trust (which is one of the most prestigious and influential of the conventional Orthodox Medical Establishments), compared the effectiveness of two plant-derived drugs; Quinine, which is currently the drug of choice for severe malaria in most malaria-affected regions, against artemisinin. The results were compelling – artemisinin reduced mortality by a third and was safer and easier to administer. This has brought calls for an immediate change to the medication patients are given.

If you would like any more advice on Malaria then please contact me through my website http://www.drgaier.com, or follow me on twitter for top health tips http://www.twitter.com/DrGaier.

Fruit Dangerous…Surely Not?

Peaches, blueberries, grapes, apples, strawberries… the five-a-day you should avoid!

The health risks of non-organic fruit and vegetables could be far worse than previously feared. The pesticide used to protect fruits and vegetables from premature deterioration is actually causing more harm than good, – something I thought you all needed to know as the summer season hits and the fine British public start to consume more fresh fruit!

The worst offending fruit and veg are the heaviest pesticide-contaminated foods – these include peaches, celery, apples, strawberries, blueberries, nectarines, sweet bell peppers, spinach, kale/collard greens, cherries, potatoes, grapes, and lettuce. I suggest that any of these foods should only be eaten in organic form, especially if they are are eaten on a regular basis.

Pesticides found in non-organic fruit and vegetables have been found to disturb normal nerve function, interfere with normal sexual development, as well as causing thyroid malfunction. They contribute to the obesity epidemic, increase the risk of cancer, and can even contribute to mild mental retardation in growing humans. Pesticides are far more of a human health hazard than governments acknowledge, primarily because if they did admit to the seriousness of the problem then people would demand to know why they had allowed the public to be exposed to unremitting low-grade poisoning for more than the past half century.

New research also suggests that there is a link between ADHD and pesticides in children. This research proposes that when children are exposed to high levels of pesticides, it could increase the odds of their developing ADHD.** In the study data was collected and analysed from more than 1,100 children in the U.S. with age ranges of 8 to 15. The researchers examined the data and determined, based on their analysis, the children who possessed higher levels of pesticide in their urine were more likely to have ADHD. The salient point is that most pesticides are neuro-toxins and statistics show us that the neuro-toxins are especially problematic for pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as to foetuses and infants.

So, fruit, dangerous? Could be – so better to be safe than sorry! If you would like any more advice then please contact me through my website http://www.drgaier.com, or follow me on twitter for top health tips http://www.twitter.com/DrGaier.

Wear and Tear of Joints

Now that summer is here and the sun is starting to show its face once again, more people are venturing outdoors to make the most of that lovely weather we see only too rarely. Whether it be for gardening or exercise this is when we can put sudden and unnecessary strain on our bodies so it’s important to take simple steps to avoid long term problems.

Wear and tear on the joints of the body is one of the reasons why many of us feel old and creaky as we age. It might start with a painful twinge in the knee – or perhaps some stiffness in your fingers.

In healthy joints, cartilage acts as a cushion or shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the bones. However, with wear and tear, the cartilage starts to wear away, leaving the ends of the bones exposed. They then grind against each other causing pain.

Genetics, nutrition and illness all have a role to play in how long our cartilage lasts but how you use your joints – and the muscles, ligaments and tendons around them is also vital. Here I will look at four of the main joints which are prone to wear and tear and recommend how to avoid damage suggesting which exercises can safely help to put the spring back in your step.

THE HIP
The hip is the ball and socket joint, which means that of all the main weight-bearing joints, it has the widest range of motion. Therefore it is the joint that suffers the most wear and tear. When walking and standing, not only does the weight of the upper body push down on the hip, but the weight of the leg, you might say, pushes up.

HOW TO AVOID WEAR AND TEAR
It’s essential to keep the supporting muscles strong to support the hip and keep it stable with non-impact exercise like yoga and Pilates.

Before exercise it’s essential that the body is prepared in the right way. The muscles need to be strengthened and the joints made supple before you start any activity.

Firm cushioning in the shoe will reduce the shock suffered by the bones of the leg from each step but they won’t reduce the weight of the body, which the hip joints have to bear.

KNEE
As another weight-bearing joint, the knee is the second most likely to receive wear and tear throughout life.
The body relies on the muscles of the leg to play a major role in reducing the shock to the knee from exercise. So if the muscles are allowed to waste away, the joint becomes repeatedly jarred and the cartilage gradually wears away.

HOW TO AVOID WEAR AND TEAR
Some of the kind of activity that is helpful in the maintenance of the knee includes water exercises, treadmills, and cross-country skiing. High stress activities such as jumping, downhill or slalom ski racing, repeated sideways and twisting movements are not recommended.

Stretching can also keep the ligaments around the knee supple and wearing cushioned footwear can minimise the impact. In more extreme cases, occasionally taping the knees or using supports can help stabilize the bones of the knee and reduce any eccentric pressure on sections of the knee joint.

Obesity still remains the major cause of wear and tear on the knees and until recently doctors were unsure which came first – obesity or wear and tear on the knee leading to a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain.

SHOULDER
The shoulder is less likely than the hip and knee to suffer wear and tear on the cartilage in the joint because it carries no body weight. However, repetitive actions involving some recurrent lifting may wear away cartilage in the shoulder.

Instead it’s more prone to strains of the ligaments, muscles and other structures around the shoulder, leading to conditions such as bursitis or rotator cuff tendinitis, which may sometimes be provoked by sudden lifting above head height or throwing.

HOW TO AVOID WEAR AND TEAR
Many people start to feel pain in their shoulder as the soft tissues around the joint start to contract because they are not used due to the restriction of movement that will have set in.

As a result, the ball and socket start to get closer and bones start to rub against each other and the bone thickens outwards, causing bone spurs.

The first signs are usually when patients have trouble performing tasks like washing their hair or reaching up behind their back while dressing.

The best way to protect your shoulder is to keep it supple with stretching and with moderate over-head weight exercises.

THE ELBOW
The elbow is a complex joint made of three bones to allow the hand to be as dexterous as possible. It’s designed to bend and straighten so you can bring your palm to your face and it also allows you to roll your forearm as well as some side to side movement.

HOW TO AVOID WEAR AND TEAR

Most problems with the elbow happen when it’s being extended and rotated at the same time, putting a huge amount of pressure on the joint.

If you’re gripping a club, racket, gardening or DIY tool too hard or for a long period, you risk either golfer or tennis elbow, which can both wear down cartilage. Both happen when the forearm tendons, which stretch over the elbow joint, get sore and tender. The difference is that golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inner arm, while tennis elbow affects those on the outside.

Among the best way to reduce the wear and tear is to make grip handles larger so your grip is not so tight. Splints, which also support the tendons, will also protect the elbow from damage.

It is important to look after your joints from an early age to avoid future wear and tear. This problem is not preventable however it can be helped by looking after yourself and taking the above steps to reduce the strain on the body. If you would like more information please contact me through my website (www.drgaier.com).

Top Energy Boosting Tips

I am offering tips on improving energy to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your health.

Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety as well as decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes and can even improve sexual performance.

Here are my ten top tips to add that wow factor to your overall health and wellbeing.

Water: Being dehydrated can sap your energy, even slight dehydration of 1 or 2 % of your body weight can make you feel tired. If you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated and this can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and other symptoms.
Yoga: Instead of the usual cup of coffee in the morning why not add a 10-15 minute yoga session to your morning routine, this will speed up your metabolism and has the potential to work out every muscle in your body. A great way to bring a burst of energy to your morning!
Keep the weight off: Obesity is a growing concern within the UK with nearly half the population being obese. Often this can be the cause for a lack of energy, as people don’t realise how much extra weight they have to carry around on a daily basis. This excess weight can slow you down and leave you feeling drained, tired and not to mention lowering your sexual self esteem.
It’s good to nibble: Its important to maintain a normal blood sugar level, in order to do this you should eat every few hours. This will help you maintain muscle tissue, which burns more calories than fat tissue, whilst putting the much-needed skip in your step. But don’t overdo it. Overeating can be just as bad as starvation.
Embrace Carbohydrates: carbohydrates is considered a dirty word these days, but they provide us with the much-needed energy to power us through the day; they release energy slowly into your body to keep you going for longer.
Sleep: The body requires 8 hours sleep in order to fully rejuvenate. Most people only get between 5-6 hours sleep, meaning that your body isn’t fully alert which then lowers your stamina.
Avoid quick fixes: Many people believe that when they are tired a sugary snack will give them a boost, however this isn’t the case. The body will waste copious amounts of energy turning the sugar in the snack into energy to use in your body and the boost will be short lived, and inevitably leaving you more drained as it imbalances your blood sugar. The best things to snack on are fresh fruit or whole grain products.
Exercise: A good way to become energised is to keep yourself active. Exercise gets your heart pumping and increases your metabolism, but more importantly it releases endorphins which gives you that same happy sensation you get when you have sex or eat chocolate, for this reason your brain begins to crave it more.
Detox: Throughout your daily life we ingest things that pollute our bodies. These are called toxins and they can make us ill, depressed, lethargic and bloated. It is good to flush these toxins out of our bodies every so often. There are many diets available however certain fruits such as cranberries and pomegranates are a good way to flush the bad toxins out.
Laugh: Laughter is undoubtedly the best energiser. Laughter generates chemicals in the blood that boost well-being. Laughter gives an over-all feeling of relief. Enjoy a good, hearty laugh every day, and increase your energy and your feeling of happiness.
If you would like any more information on how to improve your health visit http://www.drgaier.com. I will also be offering advice via my twitter page at http://www.twitter.com/drgaier.

“Science is Understanding Nature…”

About me
I would like to use this first column to introduce myself and offer my help and advice for any medical concern you may have. As a world leading natural medicine clinician I am often referred to as the ‘Medical Detective’, and don’t just help people, I fix them!

I was invited to the UK in 1987 by the Royal Society of Medicine to contribute to their colloquia on complementary and alternative medicine, and have worked here ever since. Spending six years serving on the Research Committee of the Prince of Wales’ Foundation for Integrated Health as a naturopathic physician, I most recently held the appointment of Director of Medical Research at two major clinics in London.

My Philosophy
Science is not the prerogative of orthodox medicine, it is knowledge that comes over time. In natural medicine this has come from thousands of years of history – a much larger timeframe than pharmaceutical medical trials, so in reality the evidence is stronger regarding the benefits of natural medicine.

I believe that there are non-orthodox medical treatments for virtually any disorder, which have been shown as successful in hard-science backed, published investigations and I have published reviews regularly on such investigations for the past nineteen years.

Five things you’d never guess about me from looking at my photo:
1. Total fluency in German, French, English & Afrikaans
2. Commercial aptitude
3. Polymath
4. Caring and generous disposition
5. Committed to the unconventional

Best piece of advice ever given:
“There is always a well-known solution to every human problem – neat, plausible and wrong”

Favourite TV programme:
National Geographic Channel

Greatest achievement:
Compilation of the seminal work: Encyclopædic Dictionary of Homœopathy

Last book I read:
Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson

Projects I’m working on:
1. The creation of EU-wide academic core elements for Natural Medicine, enabling Faculties of Natural Medicine to be established throughout the 27 Member States, leading to EU-wide recognition and hence the freedom of movement between EU-States by qualified Practitioners of Natural Medicine.
2. Establishment in London of a state-of-the art, in-patient Natural Medicine hospital: the world’s first!

“Growing old is compulsory, but staying healthy is optional.”