Dr. Ettinger,

I wonder what do you offer to treat hair loss. Do you have a specific line of products or just products to enhance general well being ?

Your advice will be greatly appreciated .

Viva

Viva,

I have personally researched this area for years and there is no effective, natural substance for hair loss. Propecia (medication) and Minoxidil (topical) is the still the gold-standard. I wish there was a natural product to offer but there isn’t one, as I would be using it too. Also, please don’t buy into any natural product scams that claim they can reverse or stop hair loss, as they are just scams.

One thing I would recommend is Liquid Power Multi-V. The best approach to hair loss prevention, and disease prevention for that matter, is to make sure that you’re getting all of your needed vitamins, minerals and antioxidant, daily. Liquid Power Multi-V will make sure you get it.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BS, DC

Question: Hey Dr Ettinger, can you please tell me how many times a day I should use  your Whey Protein Gold Isolate Plus and would that dose be different if I had sickle cell anemia? Thanks ahead for your time.

David

Answer: David,

The dose of the  our protein isolate would be once per day unless you are using it as a meal replacement (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Note: It is important to have five to nine daily servings of green, red, and yellow vegetables, fruits, or juices that are rich in antioxidants and other important nutrients. Some research suggests that antioxidant foods or supplements (such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, CoQ10 (our CoQ10 has the C and E in it!) and Resveratrol) may help inhibit the formation of the dense cells that trigger a sickle-cell crisis. I would also take Liquid Complete B complex (1 teaspoon 2x/day) to help with better cell differentiation.

Let me know what you think of this idea. Take care.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

“These are the 5 most common nutritional deficiencies I see in my Orange, chiropractic and integrative medicine practice: Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids (ALA, EPA, DHA). I feel that these deficiencies are not just representative of my local area but are a glimpse of what the world, in general, is experiencing. Below is a brief summary for each nutrient. My ranking of nutritional deficiencies are based on dietary analysis, clinical observation and blood tests.” Marcus Ettinger BSc., DC

1. Magnesium

Deficiency: 8 out of 10 clients show clinical signs of magnesium deficiency. The average American diet only contains 50% to 60% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). According to Dr. Guosong Liu, half the population of industrialized countries have a magnesium deficit, which increases with aging.

Symptoms: Anxiety, confusion, heart attack, hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD), insomnia, nervousness, muscular irritability (twitches, spasms or cramps), restlessness, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), weakness, heart palpitations, depression….

Recommended Foods: All green leafy vegetables (ex. Swiss chard and spinach), Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds), Beans (black or navy beans).

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Calm “magnesium caps” See: Magnesium and the Pathogenesis of disease (400 – 600 mg’s per day)

2. Zinc

Deficiency: 7 out of 10 clients show clinical signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Acne, ADD/ADHD, brittle nails, delayed sexual maturity, depression/apathy, diarrhea, eczema, fatigue, growth impairment, hair loss, high cholesterol levels, immune impairment, impotence, irritability, lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of sense of taste, low stomach acid (HCl), male infertility/abnormal sperm, memory impairment, night blindness, paranoia, white spots on nails, poor wound healing, psoriasis….

Recommended Foods: Calf’s liver, beef, mushrooms, spinach, green peas and pumpkin seeds.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Zinc Glycinate (50 – 100mg’s per day).

3. Vitamin D

Deficiency: 10 out of 10 clients show deficiency (99.8% of all of my Labcorp, client blood tests have shown deficiency).

Symptoms: Allergies, auto immune diseases, burning sensation in mouth, cancer, diarrhea, insomnia, myopia, nervousness, osteoporosis, poor calcium utilization, rickets, scalp sweating, weight gain….

Recommended Foods: Cod liver oil, shrimp and eggs.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Power Vitamin D3 or Power D3 Softgels. Recommended dosage of Vitamin D3/Cholecalciferol is (6,000 – 10,000 IU’s per day for adults and 2,000 IU’s for children above the age of five. A base-line blood test should be done with a goal of achieving a blood level between 50 – 70 ng/mL ). Skin exposure to the sun, 15 minutes per day, is another great way to get adequate Vitamin D exposure. Note: living in southern California, I only take my Vitamin D during the months of October – the beginning of June. I surf a lot and as soon as my wetsuit comes off and I can get 15 minutes+ of direct sunlight, I no longer need the supplement form. In fact if if I kept taking it I would sunburn within 15 minutes. This is what your body does when the vitamin D level is sufficient.

4. Vitamin E

Deficiency: 3/10 Males and 2/10 Females show signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Neurological disturbances (gait disturbances, poor reflexes, loss of position sense, loss of vibration sense), shortened red blood cell life….

Recommended Foods: Green leafy vegetables (Mustard greens, chard, spinach and turnip greens), almonds and sunflower seeds.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Power E Complex – d-alpha Tocopherol w/mixed Tocohperols (400 – 800 IU’s per day)

5. Omega 3 Fatty Acids (ALA, EPA, DHA)

Deficiency: 8/10 show signs of deficiency.

Symptoms: Diarrhea, dry skin and hair, hair loss, acne, eczema, psoriasis, immune weakness, infertility, poor wound healing, premenstrual syndrome, gall stones, liver degeneration, ADD/ADHD and depression….

Recommended Foods: Wild-caught salmon (Important: avoid farm-raised salmon because of pollutants, artificial color and lack of EFA’s), flax seed and/or flax seed oil, walnuts and sardines.

Recommended Nutritional Supplements: Ultra Omega 3-6-9 (2 – 4 caps per day) or High Lignan Flax Seed Oil (3 – 6 caps per day)

Dear Dr. Ettinger,

I am so confused. Now they say that levels of Vitamin D over 30 INCREASE your chances for cancer. If I back my dose back to 2,000 IU’s a day, is that going to make my levels above 30? My co-worker, Husband, and myself just stopped taking any of it because we don’t know what to do. I always thought that levels between 50 – 70 were ideal. I take the Vitamin D (Power Vitamin D3 Liquid) that you recommended. They have also stopped suggesting that we  take multi vitamins. I never took a multi, but my Husband did until this came out. He has Parkinson’s and does very well, but we don’t want to do anything to cause harm. Is there anything safe to take in your line of supplements? I told my co-worker and Husband that I would see what you have to say because I trust your opinion. We all await what you have to say.

Linda.

Linda,

Whatever source said that is either wrong, misinformed or interpreting the data to fit their agenda – one of the three. Go to www.vitamindcouncil.org for all your vitamin D needs. This is where you want to go to find-out the truth about Vitamin D . NaturalNews.com, is another good source for non-biased data. Personally, I will never drop my daily dosage of Vitamin D below 6,000 IU’s (accept during summer when I surf 3 days a week w/o my wetsuit). My 6 year old daughter takes 2,000 IU’s per day. Your husband is fine with 6-10,000 IU’s a day (get routine tests for proper blood levels) and should have a blood level between 50-80. His multi is also okay as well.

Marcus Ettinger BSc., DC

Dr. Ettinger,

The IOM expressed concern about excessive intake of vitamin D. But raised the Upper Tolerable Intake Levels (ULs) (above which there is a risk of harm) for vitamin D. The UL for individuals aged 9 and older was set at 4,000 IU’s/daily, up from 2,000 IU’s daily. The IOM noted that some studies showed an increase in adverse events (including overall mortality, some cancers, cardiovascular disease, fractures and falls) at vitamin D blood levels (I.e., 25-(OH)D levels) ranging from about 30 ng/mL to 48 ng/mL (75 to 120 nmol/L).

ConsumerLab.com has updated this review to reflect the IOM recommendations. For a summary of the IOM report, click here.

Linda D.

Linda,

This explains everything and personally I don’t believe a word of it.  It’s a government sponsored study, very prejudiced in favor of “not promoting supplements” or true health, for that matter! Study Sponsors

• Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Department of the Army, U.S. Department of Defense
• Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Health Canada
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health (Division of Nutrition Research Coordination, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin, National Cancer Institute, and Office of Dietary Supplements), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Marcus Ettinger BSc., DC Dr. Ettinger,

If you have been taking 6,000 of D3 with no bad effects that is good enough for me. I do trust you and Life Extension a whole lot more than anything the government says. I do know that they want to regulate vitamins and make it so you can only get them by prescription. I did not look at who did the study so what you are saying makes perfect sense. If it were going to affect the liver it should show up in blood tests. I’ll start back with my 6,000 of D3 tonight! I have read so many good things about D. I did read to take it with K which I do not do. I will take supplements over drugs any day.

I really do appreciate you being there and taking your time to answer some questions.

Have a very merry Christmas!!!!

Linda

Seasonal and Swine Flu (H1N1) Preparedness – A Natural Approach
by Dr. Marcus Ettinger

To make a long story short – My family and I are not going to be vaccinated for the “seasonal flu” or “H1N1 Flu virus”. We are taking my Proactive Nutritional Protocol (see below).  In 21 years as a holistic practitioner, I have never taken a sick day. I’ve had a runny nose and a scratchy throat but that’s it. In that same time span, I’ve been sneezed on and coughed on by hundreds of patients with the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and colds. The point is – I know what to do to stay well. Visit my website and blog for more wellness information.

With the flu season moving into high gear, I am not worried or scared about the seasonal or Swine Flu – I am getting prepared, but not scared. My family and I are taking proactive, preventative steps that I know will enable our innate immune system to defend itself against the bacteria’s and viruses we will be exposed to. I am not saying that by taking these preventative steps, my family and I will be immune super-beings, capable of eating Swine Flu tacos for dinner. What I am saying is, with 100% confidence, we will possess the capability to defend ourselves, since all will be well within our bodies. At a minimum we will possess the capability to minimize the effects/symptoms after exposure to a contagion (bacteria/virus). The key here is to minimize the impact.

My Proactive Nutritional Protocol: Power Vitamin D3 Liquid or Power Vitamin D3 Softgels, Probiotic Flora-Health (multi-strain probiotic) and Power C w/rutin (These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

I personally take 6,000 IU’s of  our vitamin D3, 1 capsule of our Probiotic Flora-Health and 2-4 capsules of our Power-C daily.

Steps to help combat the Cold and Flu season!

With the cold and flu season upon us it’s important to take some preventative, proactive steps.  We get reports from our customers coping with all stages of cold and flu symptoms — some from the first aches and pains to those with full-blown fever and congestion. Here are a few tips to help during the cold and flu season to hold off and combat colds and flu naturally.

First, it is important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to boost your immune system to prevent illness. Stay hydrated, and eat a healthy balanced diet that incorporates a variety of foods, get between 7-8 hours of sleep and perform some type of exercise, for at least 30 minutes, every other day.  Dr. Marcus Ettinger, with 21 years of treating cold and flu patients recommends taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. By giving your body that needed nutritional support, you’re much better equipped to fight off seasonal sickness.

Want to nip symptoms in the bu**? Have some favorite products on hand at home, so when the first signs of a cold or flu appear you have them readily available. Researching what works best for you and your family in advance will also create a sense of empowerment.

Here are a few natural products that have worked time and again for many people:

1.    Vitamin C has been studied for many years as a possible treatment for colds, or as a way to prevent colds.

2.    Keeping up on your Multi-Vitamin and Mineral supplements:

A.   Liquids Power Multi V™ (for ages 12 through senior adults).

B.    Kidamins™ (for ages 1 through 12) (See below).

3.   Immune-Plus Elixir™ which includes the immune stimulating power of Black Elderberry, Red Raspberry, Pomegranate, Red Beet and Honey.  Great for helping with a cough!

4.   Liquid Immune Barrier Advanced Formula™ with the immune supporting power of Norwegian Beta Glucan and Echinacea.  This is great to take the minute you sense any kind of cold symptom to prevent worsening.

Some people also find oregano oil and Colloidal silver be helpful, whether they are experiencing a bacterial or viral infection.

A.   Oregano Oil: Note: Internally 1-4 drops 2-3 times daily. Use caution Very Strong – suggest mixing with another carrier oil, juice, shake/smoothie or water. When used externally – dilute and apply liberally.

B.   Colloidal Silver: Has a long history of use – that works great for many people.

The key to natural immune support is dosing every two hours. That’s why tincture formulas (liquid dropper formulas) are great — they can be added to juice or water, making it much easier to take more frequently.

Finally, rest, sleep, rest, sleep — staying hydrated and nourished. FYI: It’s OK and probably a good idea to take a day off work.  In most cases the flu is self-resolving with practiced wellness and resting.  Of course, if symptoms have progressed into the chest or symptoms don’t seem to improve, a physician should always be consulted.

Of course if you have specific questions please drop Dr. Ettinger a message at askthedoctor@caoh.com. Or give us a call at 800-643-7188.

Stay Healthy!

CAOH

Source: Annals of Oncology

Pancreatic cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissue of the pancreas. In 2009 in the United States there were 42,470 new cases and 35,240 die from the disease. The prognosis is relatively poor but has improved; the three-year survival rate is now about thirty percent (according to the Washington University School of Medicine), but less than 5 percent of those diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis. Complete remission is still rare. Pancreatic cancer is sometimes called a "silent killer" because early pancreatic cancer often does not cause symptoms, and the later symptoms are usually non-specific and varied. Therefore, pancreatic cancer is often not diagnosed until it is advanced.

Folic acid (also known as folate) is a member of the water-soluble B vitamin group. Isolated in 1946 from spinach leaves, its name comes from folium, the Latin word for leaf. In the body, folic acid is converted to a more biologically active form. Folate has many clinical applications such as: Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholism, atherosclerosis, birth defects, cervical dysplasia, cognitive enhancement, depression, gingivitis, pregnancy and lactation. Folic acid is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin E is actually a group of eight compounds including four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and four additional tocotrienol derivatives. Alpha tocopherol is the most common and the most potent form. It is what is usually meant by the term vitamin E. Pure vitamin E compounds are easily oxidized, so they are manufactured as acetate or succinate esters. Earlier research has shown an association between vegetable and fruit consumption and pancreatic cancer, but there has been no consistency in the identification of certain components in these foods. Scientists from the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research in Milan, Italy investigated the role of 15 vitamins and carotenoids and 6 minerals play in preventing pancreatic cancer. They surveyed 326 patients with pancreatic cancer and 652 controls by having the participants fill out a food-frequency questionnaire. The results were the highest quintile of intake of vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and potassium were less likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer compared to those with the lowest quintile intake of the nutrients. These findings suggest vitamins E and C, selected carotenoids, and folate play a role in the prevention of pancreatic cancer.(1)

1.    Bravi F, Polesel J, Bosetti C, et al. Dietary intake of selected micronutrients and the risk of pancreatic cancer: an Italian case-control study. Ann Oncol. 2010

Hi Dr. Ettinger,

I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me be free from all Lyme symptoms for good! I was diagnosed with Lyme about three years ago and received antibiotic therapy about four months exposure. I hadn’t seen any bite or “bullseye”, but went to the Doctor after having multiple physical complaints and generally not feeling well. I was treated with antibiotics and felt much better; But, the symptoms began to return especially when I had more stress in my life…Things like low energy, head fogginess, very poor short term memory, mood swings, left hand tremor..between 2-4 in the afternoon…and these were all the symptoms I had upon initial diagnosis as well as an irregular heartbeat on and off. Anyway, after another run of antibiotic therapy that was only briefly helpful, I went to CAOH.com and “asked the doctor”. You recommended Liquid Power Multi-V, Absolute Acai, Totally Nude Noni Juice, Ultra Supreme Greens, and Vitamin D 5000 IU’s/day and Resveratrol……I have to admit I forget to take some of them daily, but I am symptom free for over a year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope this helps other Lyme sufferers,

Sincerely,

Jane Buckley

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, characterized by dry, red, flaky patches of skin.  Eczema appears most commonly on the face, neck, elbows, wrists, knees, behind the ears, and on the scalp. During acute episodes, the patches become oozing, inflamed, and itchy.  There are currently two recognized classifications of dermatitis: atopic and contact.  Contact dermatitis is typically aggravated by direct skin contact with allergens, such as chemicals, wool, lanolin, soap, or cosmetics.  Atopic eczema is usually triggered by inhaled or ingested allergens, such as certain foods, pollen, dust, or animal dander.  Some literature discusses a third classification, "dysregulatory microbial eczemas."  This category refers to eczema caused by the introduction of microflora into the horny layer of the skin, and a breakdown in the epidermis, resulting in inflammation.

Food allergies appear to play a significant role in atopic dermatitis.  The presence of severe eczema has been associated with an increased tendency to produce food-specific IgE antibodies.  Although the subject is debated, maternal antigen exposure during pregnancy and lactation may increase the chance of eczema in infancy.  Studies have confirmed that women who avoid antigens during pregnancy and lactation, and exclusively breast feed have reduced occurrence of infants with atopic eczema.

Antioxidant nutrients help support the immune system especially when the body is under stress, thereby, reducing the risk of many illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic degenerative diseases.  It is not advisable to take large amounts of one or two antioxidants while excluding the rest.  For optimal protection, a nutritional supplement program should include multiple antioxidants.  The primary antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, and lipoic acid.  Also, there are other powerful antioxidant sources such as selenium, grape seed extract, and green tea.  There are many other nutrients that also function as antioxidants.

AA case-control, population-based study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition to investigate the link between antioxidant nutrient intake and the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.  The researchers enrolled 180 children with atopic dermatitis and 242 without AD all being five years old.  Their diets were assessed by using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and fasting blood samples were used to analyze fat-soluble vitamins such as retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  The results were a reduction of AD by 56 percent in children with the highest intake of beta-carotene in comparison to children with the lowest intake.  There was a similar association with vitamin E at 67 percent, folic acid at 63 percent and iron at 61 percent reduction in AD risk.  Highest levels of alpha-tocopherol were associated with a 36 percent reduced risk of AD and retinol was at 26 percent lower risk.  The researchers stated “These findings suggest that higher antioxidant nutritional status reduces the risk of AD and that such risk-reduction effects depend on nutrient type.”

1. Oh SY, Chung J, Kim MK, et al. Antioxidant nutrient intakes and corresponding biomarkers associated with the risk of atopic dermatitis in young children. Eur J Clin Nutr. Jan 2010.

We offer several antioxidant rich supplements, but here are two to choose from:

Kidamins™: Liquid Multi Vitamins for Children age 1 through 12!

Liquid Power Multi-V™: Complex Multi Vitamins for the whole family.

Being troubled by eczema myself – I have found that Noni Juice, Tamanu Oil and Seabuckthorn Oil are quite helpful when my eczema flairs up!

CAOH

Research appearing in the American Journal of Hypertension (published online Aug. 12, 2010) looked at the relationship between serum magnesium levels and carotid artery plaques. The subjects were 728 Japanese men and women with a mean age of 67. Low serum magnesium was found to be strongly associated with increased IMT (intima-media thickness) and carotid plaques.

This makes sense because magnesium influences vascular (blood vessel) tone and is a cofactor for acetylcholine-induced endothelium dependent relaxation (meaning it helps blood vessels relax). Other research that appeared in Magnesium Research (Volume 1, Number 1, February 2010) looked at magnesium supplementation and its effect on the health of the blood vessel lining. The subjects of the study were 60 elderly diabetic patients. Thirty of the subjects, mean age 71, received 368 mg of magnesium supplementation (given as 4.5 g of magnesium pidolate). The other 30 received no supplementation and acted as a control group. Endothelial (blood vessel lining) function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery at the start of the study and again after 30 days of intervention. Supplementation with magnesium resulted in a significant improvement in blood vessel lining function (ability to dilate after a period without oxygen – that’s a good thing).

Our “Calm” is our best selling magnesium formula and is a great magnesium supplement for people with cardiac and blood pressure issues, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, psychological stress, panic attacks and leg cramps. CALM contains 400 milligrams of magnesium per cap.

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC