Psychonutrional Therapy

MY CAREER AS A NUTRITIONAL PSYCHOTHERAPIST

2010-05-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Jurriaan Plesman, BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

I will try to be as brief as possible in giving some of my background. Now in the eighties, in my younger days I used to suffer from depression and varied forms of mood disorders from depression, OCD, PTSD, anxiety attacks and as a result of psychiatric treatment, drug addiction as well. I underwent drug and psychotherapy under the supervision of psychiatrists and psychologists. In my opinion this made things worse. I became an iatrogenic drug addict, with suicidal tendencies. Whilst in this state of mind I decided to go to university to study psychology in the hope of helping myself. After graduating in psychology I started volunteering at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre, where I developed the Positive Ego Training Program . This Program is described in my book "Getting off the Hook" freely available at Google Book Search Program. However I became aware that this program did not completely help me or my clients. It was during this time - in the 60's - that I became interested in the physiological aspects of drug addiction which later on extended to all forms of "mental illness'. BTW I consider "mental illness" to be a misnomer, as it really does not exist, because most forms of mood disorders are biologically based.

My career started off as a teacher of psychotherapy. Initially I was asked to train volunteer counsellors at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Sydney, Australia. Soon clients, instead of volunteers attended my lectures. Since my classes included practical sessions of empathy and interviewing, and putting into practice nutritional- and psychotherapy, it developed into a method of helping people overcome their addiction. Thus a basic principle of the kind of psychotherapy I teach is that the client learns the tools of psycho-nutritional therapy, leaving it up to the client to be his own therapist. One of the tenets is that a client is not only his own therapist, but also is required to teach the tools of psychotherapy to other clients. Thus treatment of drug addiction hopefully could become some sort of snowballing movement in the addiction sub-culture.

As many of my clients at the time were on Probation by Court Order, my methods became known among the Directors of Probation and Parole in NSW. Because about 75% of all prisoners and offenders have addiction as a co-morbid condition, I was then asked by one of the more progressive directors of Probation and Parole Service of NSW (Australia) to join the Probation and Parole Service. It was understood that I was to continue teaching drug addicted clients my program as well as perform the other duties of a Probation and Paroles Officer. Later on, the Director who employed me was replaced by an other director and it is roughly from this time onward that I started to experience problems applying my program, as being "beyond the duties of a Probation and Parole Officer". My problems with the NSW Department of Corrective Services were really political and not scientific, driven along by a powerful medical lobby groups. It is set out here by Dr Jay Harley-McDonald. I am of the firm belief that the heydays of "psychological" counselling are over, and that biological psychology is going to play a primary role in the near future.

From now on I will continue to describe my career and experiences by references to articles I have already written, and I suggest you read the following articles: Read my book "Getting off the Hook " available at Google Book Search. Search my book "How groups were run". Assumptions in Psychotherapy Why Alcoholics Drink? Addiction (Alcoholism) is Treatable Disease Drug Addiction is Nutritional Disorder Depression is a Nutritional Disorder Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders The Forgotten Factor in the Crime Debate For an overall view of my approach see: Self Help Personal Growth Program The psychological aspects of mood disorders are covered in: Summary of the self-help psychotherapy course

It has always been my hope that drug counsellors or for that matter any "mental health counsellor" ( I see drug addiction being only one example of a mood disorder) be trained in Nutritional Psychology as an ESSENTIAL part of their training!

2009-10-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

CHECK YOUR STOMACH FOR SUFFICIENT HYDROCHLORIC ACIDSource

To test for sufficient hydrochloric acid -

You need betaine hydrochloride tablets plus enzymes - they are available from health food shops.
Take half a tablet before the last mouthful of a main meal. Burning or indigestion means you have plenty of hydrochloric acid. Don't take any more tablets. Use antacid or teaspoonful of bicarbonate to relieve discomfort.
If no burning or indigestion, next day take 1 tablet in the same way. If still no burning or indigestion, next day take 2 tablets in the same way. If still no burning or indigestion, then you need more acid.
There are other tests for stomach PH but they're all invasive.

So if you need more acid, then you take 2 betaine hydrochloric acid tablets with main meals and 1 tablet with small meals. Swedish bitters can also help, as can wine with meals and eating calmly and enjoying food.

For the role of Hydrochloric Acid in Digestion and Ailments

Herbal Medicine

2009-10-04T22:11:00.001-07:00

Herbal Medicine & Natural Therapies

by Jurriaan Plesman BA(psych), Pos tGrad Dip Clin Nutr

This article aims at helping people finding herbal and natural remedies for illnesses, with the help of various "Natural Health web sites" as shown below.

Instructions:

Use the "find" (CTR+F) find a symptom.

this brings you to a herbal remedy

many symptoms are linked to more extensive articles about the natural treatment of the illness linked to various web sites.
this may lead to other herbs and natural therapies

herbs2000.com ---> Herbal index ---> Ailments

delicious living ----> Herbal Index --> Ailments

Plants for a Future ---> Herbal index ---> Medical uses

NCCAM ---> Herbal and Health topic Index --> Clinical Trials

YourHealth ---> Herbal Index ---> Ailments

Holistic online.com --> Herbal index ---> Ailments

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for self-help medical treatment. Any self-help herbal therapy should be discussed with a qualified health practitioner. Herbal medicine is still poorly validated by scientific studies, although its popularity has grown over the year with dissatisfaction with allopathic medicine.

See one not very unbiased critical opinion by Dr Simon Singh:

"Herbal medicine undoubtedly offers some interesting remedies, but they are significantly outnumbered by the unproven, disproven and downright dangerous herbal medicines on the market." Source

For dosage, side effects, contraindications, interactions and cautions, go to linked articles.

Acidophilus (for repopulating friendly bacteria)
see: Probiotic Treatments

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare inherited childhood disorder that results in the inability to absorb adequate amounts of zinc from the diet. Anyone who is severely zinc deficient can develop the same symptoms that occur in the inherited form of this disorder.

Agnus-catus (Vitex agnus-cactus) Chaste tree, Monk's pepper

acne
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
fibrocystic breast disease
dysmenorrhea
endometriosis
menorrhagia, postpartum support
irregular periods
infertility --> page 3
Pregnancy and pre- and post partum support
mildly elevated prolactin levels

Studies re PMS

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Church steeples, Cocklebur, Philanthropos, Stickwort, Harvest lice, Rat's tail, White tansy

anti-inflamatory
antibiotic
arthritis
Athlete's foot
asthma
astringent
diuretic
eczema and here
eye ailments
congestive disorders,
diarrhea
gall bladder disorders
liver and kidney disorders
wound healing

Studies re Agrimony

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Detox
antioxidants
phyto-estrogenes
menopausal symptoms
urinary tract infection(UTI)
diuretic with alkalising effects
kidney stones (alfalfa juice)
cholesterol lowering
L-canavanine in A may trigger lupus flare-up.
Excess may upset hormones levels
Rheumatoid arthritis
diabetes
appetite disorders
increases blood flow
hypoglycemic (but studies lacking)
may interfere with vitamin E utlization
contains minerals and vitamin K

CAUTION: use in moderation --> pancytopenia --> SLE due to L-canavanine

Aloe vera (Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis) burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

healing wounds, skin conditions
Cystic Fibrosis
diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, osteoarthritis, sunburns
insect bites

Studies re Aloe vera

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Adaptogenic agent

common cold

type 2 diabetes
athletic performance
infection
stress (Adrenal exhaustion)

CAUTION: insomnia
Studies re American ginseng

Arnica (Arnica montana), Leopard's Bane,Moutain daisy, Mountain tobacco, Wolfsbane

Topical remedy

healing of tissues

in tincture form angina (internal use not safe)

improves blood supply circulation

bruises and sprains
heel spurs

internal bleeding

leg ulcers

muscle pain

pain

rashes and skin problems (with calendula)

rheumatic joint pain

Studies re Arnica.

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Immune function

Osteoarthritis

Stress

Studies re Withania somnifera

Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) Chines ginseng, Korean ginseng,Asiatic ginseng.

Improve general health, recover from illness
stamina, mental and physical performance
erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, menopause
hypoglycemic, controls blood pressure
improves immune
CAUTION: headaches, sleep, gastrointestinal, allergies,

Studies re Asian Ginseng.

Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus mongholicus) bei qi, huang qi, hwanggi, milk vetch

improve immune system, chronic hepatitis,
Cystic Fibrosis
cancer
heart disease

Studies re Astragalus membranaceus

Bacopa monnierra (Bacopa monnierra), Brahami, water hyssop

Age-related cognitive decline

Alzheimer's disease

Anxiety

Epilepsy

Studies re Bacopa monnierra

Baical Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

fever
cataracts
coughs
gastrointestinal disorders
digestive infection
eczema and here
dysentery
painful urinary condition
allergies
asthma
skin condition, eczema, nettle rash
high blood pressure
circulatory condition
arteriosclerosis
varicose veins
bruising, swellings, boils

Studies Bacal Skullcap

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), European barberry, jaundice berry, pepperidge, pepperidge bush, sowberry, Barberry, berberis, Daruharidra, Daruhaldi, Kingor, Barberry

vaginitis

Bedstraw (Galium aparine) Cleavers, Goose grass,

edema, fluid retention
diuretic promotes urine production
psoriasis

Beta carotene (25,000 to 50000IU per day)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) AKA Blue berry, Huckleberry

Cataracts, macular degeneration, and night blindness

Diabetic retinopathy
Diarrhoea, Peptic ulcer
Varicose veins, haemorrhoids,
Fluid retention
Cardiovascular disease
Arthritis
Dysmenorrhea
Chromium content
Collagen building

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) Dried fruit and peel

loss of appetite (Anorexia)
nasal congestion, weight loss, fungal infection such as ringworm and athlete's foot

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimifuga racemosa) and here.

rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain
flashes, night sweat, vaginal dryness, menopause
menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
osteoporosis
dysmennorrhea
induce labour
Blue-Green Algae (spirulina)
weight loss

Borage (Borage officinalis)Bee bread, Bee Plant, Burage, Langue de Boeuf, Ox-tongue, Star Flower, Tailwort

Buchu (Agathosma or Barosma betulina)

kidney stones
arthritis
urinary infections (UTI)
cystitis
prostatitis
irritable bladder
yeast infection (candidiasis)

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Skin disease - acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, boils and eruptions, itch, wounds
Rosacea here and here
Arthritis - rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout
Fever - as part of a supportive approach to fever management
Cancer - Burdock has traditionally been used as a part of blends for detoxification therapy such as the Essiac formula

Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

Cleavers (Gallium aparine) Catchwood, Goose grass

Rosacea here and here

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Bullflower, Butterwort, Death-flower, Golden Flower of Mary, Holigold, Marigold

antiseptic and anti-fugal herb

Chlorella aka, Wheatgrass, chlorophyl

Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) Blackwort, Bruisewort, Knitback, Knitbone

External use:

broken bones
Sprains
Bruises
Conjunctivitis/blepharitis (topical eye application)
Cough
Peptic ulcer
Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
wound healing

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula) Poor man's ginseng

asthma
cancer
diarrhea
headache
immune system and DNA
increases white blood cells
loss of appetite (anorexia)
lupus
peptic ulcer
stomach pain
stress
tonic
high blood pressure (hypertension)
indigestion
ulceration (ulcers)
vomiting (nausea)

Corn silk (Zea mays)

diuretic
urinary infection (UTI)
prostatitis
bladder infections
detoxification
bedwtting

Couchgrass (Agropyron repens)

diuretic
urinary tract infection (UTI)
kidney stones?
prostatitis
prostate
gout
peptic ulcers
rheumatism
juice for jaundice
antibiotic

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus), Guelder rose

Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, hypotensive, astringent,
emmenagogue
painful cramps,
muscular tension
ovarian and uterine muscle problems
painful periods
dysmenorrhea
excess blood loss (astringent)
menopause

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

urinary tract infection (UTI)
cystitis

Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) Spotted Cranebill

Damania (Turnera diffusa)

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)

colitis
Constipation (root)
Cystic Fibrosis
Edema (water retention) (leaves)
Indigestion and heartburn (leaves and root)
Liver support (root)
Pregnancy and postpartum support (leaves and root)
High blood pressure (hypertension)

Detoxification

acne

eczema and here

psoriasis

pancreatitis

Pregnancy and pre- and post partum support

arthritis
osteoarthritis
gout gall
stones (only under health care supervision)
weight loss

warts

fungus infection
promotes blood circulation
CAUTION: skin rash, allergic dermatitis, slight laxative effects, not to be used if one has stomach ulcers or gastritis, potassium level shoud be monotored by nutritional oriented doctor.

Devil's Claw (Harpogophytum procumbens)

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) Lion's Tooth, Pissabed, Puff ball, Swine Snout, Telltime, White Endive, Wild Endive

Respiratory tract infections especially colds and flu, sinusitis, tonsillitis
Sore throats, swollen lymph nodes
Cold sores, herpes, Candida infections
Cystic Fibrosis
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic infection or illness associated with reduced immune function
Topically for wounds, abrasions, skin infections, mouth ulcers, eczema, acne and psoriasis

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) Desert tea, Ma Huang

bronchial dilator
asthma
congestion
diuretic
coughs
fevers
hay fever
weight loss and obesity

Eyebright (Euphrasiua officinalis), Red eyebright

Conjunctivitis/blepharitis
eyewash

Fennel seeds

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Bride's Button, Featherfew, Feaherfoil, Wld Chamomile

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Atherosclerosis
Warts (topical application)
BPH (Kastamonu Garlic) (Prostate enlargement)
Breast-feeding support
Colon cancer (reduces risk of stomach, esophageal, and colon cancers)
Common cold
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
High triglycerides
Intermittent claudication
Athlete’s foot
Chronic candidiasis
Ear infections (recurrent)
HIV support
Infection
Parasites
Peptic ulcer

Sickle cell anemia

Ginkgo (Gonkgo biloba) Maiden hair tree

Autism
Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD)
Alzheimer’s disease (early-stage) and Dr Chris Reading --> here.
Glaucoma (normal tension glaucoma)
Intermittent claudication
Altitude sickness (prevention)
Depression (for elderly people)
Erectile dysfunction (of vascular origin)
Macular degeneration
Schizophrenia (in combination with haloperidol)
Vertigo
Vitiligo
Asthma
Atherosclerosis
Deafness, acute cochlear
Memory enhancement (in healthy adults)
Ménière’s disease
Migraine headaches
Multiple sclerosis (injections) and here
Premenstrual syndrome
Raynaud’s disease
Retinopathy
Tinnitus
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes

Golden root (Rhodiola rosea) Roseroot

athletic performance
fatigue
mental performance
stress

Goldenseal (hydrastis candensis), Yellow paint root, orange root, yellow puccoon, ground raspberry, eye root, yellow Indian plant, turmeric root, Ohio curcuma, eye balm, yellow eye, jaundice root

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) Celandine, Swallowwort, Tetterwort

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha or monogyna)

high and low blood pressure hypertension
heart conditions, cardiovascular diseases
vasodilation,
blood circulation
angina
diarrhea, dysentery
boost appetite, bloating,
stress, anxiety, insomnia
heart palpitations, congestive heart failure
cardiac arrhythmia
diuretic, fluid retention, swollen ankles, intermittent claudiacation
thrombophlebitis
dissolve kidney stones
menopause, night sweats
sore throats
helps memory

Horsetail (Equisetume arvense)

Studies showing anti-tumour effects and anti-diabetic effects of Horsetail

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Chronic venous insufficiency
Edema (water retention)
Hemorrhoids
Varicose veins
Wound healing (topical)

Huperzia AKA Qian ceng ta, Huperzine A

Age-related cognitive decline memory, confusion
Alzheimer's disease and here

Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

kidney stone
diuretic
analogous to marijuana but dangerous due to cyanide compound

Not much scientific research on this herb

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Insomnia and Biochemistry
Indigestion and heartburn Low stomach acidity
pregnancy

Lemon and Barley water as a diuretic

Lobelia(Lobelia inflata), Indian tobacco

Asthma
Autism
Bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cough
Smoking cessation

Marshmellow (Althea officinalis)

asthma
common cold/sore throat
cough
Crohn's disease
diarrhea
Diverticular disorders
gastritis
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
indigestion
pap smear
peptic ulcer
ulcerative colitis

Meadow sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) aspirin like properties

antacid medication
gastritis
peptic ulcers
hiatus hernia
bloated stomach relieves gas (flatulence)
contains tannins --> astringent
diarrhea
anti-septic and anti-bacterial
stomach pain
colic
heartburn
mucilage
rheumatism
joint pains
arthritis
gout
diuretic
headache
neuralgia
insomnia
diaphoretic (sweat producing) in fevers
rashes
cystitis (bladder infection)
urethritis (urinary tract infection UTI)
fluid retention edema
kidney problems
kidney stones
atherosclerosis

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Bunny' s Ears, Flannelleaf, Jacob's-staff,

Myrrh (Comniphora molmol) (Not internal use)

antiseptic (external)
Hemorrhoids
bed sores
wounds
painful throat (as mouth wash)
skin rashes
skin infections
coughs
Bronchitis
asthma
cold
viral infections
relieves colic, stomach pain, wind gas
arthritis
gout
candidiasis
get rid of parasites
antibacterial
antifungal

Nasturtium or Water Cress (Nasturtium officinale)

canker sores
blisters
hot flashes
headaches + vinegar (external see link)
eczema (external) and here
gout
mucus congestion of the lungs
contains vitamins and minerals
liver tonic
acne
ringworm rashess
skin infections
cough
asthma
Oregan grape (Berberis aquifolium),
Chronic candidiasis
Conjunctivitis/blepharitis
Diarrhea
Infection
Parasites
Poor digestion
Psoriasis
Urinary tract infections

Oats (Avena sativa) Groats, wild Oats

Parsley seeds (Petroselinum crispum)

stomachic
carminative (flatulence) belching
diuretic
emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow)
abortifacient?
contains vitamins and minerals

Pau d'Arco (Tabuia spp.) Lapacho, Taheebo

Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Lesser periwinkle

Pipsissewa , Ground Holly, (Chimaphilla umbellata)

blisters externally
backache external
sore eyes external

Plantain, Ribwort, Snakeweed, (Plantago major) similar to dandelion

wound healer
detoxification
congestion
fevers
infections skin diseases
mucilage
colds
running nose
allergy to poillen
asthma
eczema and here
colic
stomach aches
cough impulse
tuberculosis
blood vomiting
diarrhea
colitis
excessive menstrual bleeding
glue ear
ear infection
antibacterial
sore throat
tonsillitis
bowel infection
cystitis
prostatitis
prostatic swelling
urethritis
hay fever
colic pain

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) (contains cucurbitin))

de-worming
intestinal
parasites
anthelmintic
prostate enlargement (prostatic hypertrophy)
diuretic?
pantothenic acid
vitamins and minerals, zinc, folate and carotenoids (alpha & beta --> anti-cancers
cholesterol lowering --> heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis
cataracts
kidney inflammation
irritable bladder
dizziness
pumpkin pulp for burns, Wound healing external
Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (due to zinc deficiency)

Purslane (Portulaca oleacea)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Cow clover, Meadow clover, Purple Clover

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), garden rosemary, rosemary plant

adrenal exhaustion
anti-spasmodic
anti-microbial
bronchitis
depression with Skullcap, Kola and Oats
emmnagogue (promoting menstrual flow)
epilepsy
diaphoretic (producing sweat)
flatulence
indigestion
insomnia
low blood pressure (hypotension)
nervous tension
relaxant
vertigo
whooping cough

Rosy Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) Madagascar Periwinkle

bleeding (topical)
cancer
circulatory problems
diabetes
Hodgkins' disease
hypertension (blood pressure problems)
decrease blood sugar levels in diabetes
Leukemia
memory loss
pain
sore throats
toothache
wasp stings
CAUTION: nausea and hair loss (Allopecia)

Rue (Ruta graveolens) Common Rues, Garden Ruse, German Rue

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Alzheimer's disease
Denture problems mouthwash
excessive perspiration
gingivitis (periodontal disease, mouthwash)
indigestion
infection (at delicious and other herbs)
menopause
pregnancy support see also Melanie Koeman --> Page 3
sore throat common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Aids and HIV
Anxiety
Autism
Backache
Chest infections
colitis
Depression
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Fibromyalgia aka fibrositis
Gastroenteritis
Headaches, Cluster headache, Tension headache
Hemorrhoids
Influenza A
Insomnia
Manic-depression
Menopause
Neuralgia
Peptic Ulcers
Schizophrenia and here.
Sciatica
shingles

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, Sabal serrulata)

Muscular dystrophy
Prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)) and here
Prostatitis and here

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) Eleuthero

Skulcap American (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap Chinese (Scutellaria baicalensis) Asian scullcap, golden root

bronchitis
epilepsy (in combination wit other herbs) and here
hepatitis
HIV support and AIDS (in combination with other herbs) and here

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra, Ulmus fulva),

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Nettle

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (root extract)(prostate enlargement)
broken bones

Hair loss problems (topical) Allopecia

Cystic Fibro

Hay fever

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Curcumin

Indigestion
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ulcerative colitis
Anterior uveitis (chronic)
Atherosclerosis
Bursitis
Crohn's disease
Genital herpes (topical)
heel spurs
HIV support
Inflammation
Low back pain
Osteoarthritis (in combination with boswellia, ashwagandha, and zinc)
Pre- and post-surgery health

Thyme leaf (Thymus vulgaris), Black thyme, Common Thyme, English thyme, Serpyllum, Winter thyme

insect bites

Head lice (in combination with paw paw and tea tree oil)
Bronchitis
Chronic candidiasis
Cough
Halitosis (oil of thyme rinse)
Indigestion
Infection
Whooping cough

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) AKA: Bearberry, Kinnikinnick,

[plus Marshmellow root(Althaea officinalis)]

urinary tract infection (UTI) take with 1 1/2 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

pancreatitis

weight loss

CAUTION: don't use uva ursi to treat infection.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) Curled Dock, Garden Patience, Narrow Dock, Sour Dock

Rosacea here and here

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)

Willow (Salix alba) Willow bark

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginia) , winter bloom, striped alder, spotted alder, hazelnut, snapping hazel, pistachio, tobacco wood

anti-inflammatory
sedative

Vitamin C (250 -500mg 2xday)

Zinc (30-50 mg per day)

Simple Dietary Rules

2009-07-19T18:40:00.001-07:00

by Jurriaan Plesman, BA (PSYCH), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

The question often arise what to actually eat in nutritional therapy. It is rather what NOT TO EAT!! Here are some simple rules:

Try to avoid food that has been processed by the food processing industry, because they are usually denatured and laden with toxic (preservative) chemicals, despite their advertising.
Avoid as much as possible sugar, caffeine, alcohol, artificial colouring, commercially bottled drinks like coke, sugar-laden drinks and other drugs, but ...
If you suffer from sugar withdrawal take Glycerine.
Drink plenty of fresh water at least one litre a day, which helps in detoxification of toxins.
Have frequent high protein, low refined carbohydrates (sugar) snacks, avoid feeling hungry. See Hypoglycemic Diet .
Treat any possible Candida infection as a result of high sugar diet that encourages candida growth in the intestinal tract. See treatment .
Take nutritional supplements among them: vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, calcium, chromium, omega-3 fatty acids (fishoil), vitamin D (the sun-shine vitamin), vitamin E, single nutrients seldom do the job. See Rich Sources A cheap way of obtaining vitamins and minerals is by way of juice therapy (See books )
Eliminate foods that are heavily processed and have been adulterated in any way with any kind of food additives, preservatives and colouring.
Avoid as much as possible Genetically Modified Foods, such as Soy, Corn, Cannola and Cotton that could possibly affect your digestive system.
Start off with foods you like. Home cooking is the best!! It is important to enjoy your food in order to produce digestive enzymes such as saliva and hydrochloric acid for proper absorption of nutrients. When you force-feed yourself with food, that you "should" eat but you don't like, you are surely going to develop an allergy. For the important role that hydrochloric acid plays in metabolism and diseases see here.
If you suffer from any form of indigestion, it is likely that you may be vitamin B12 deficient for lack of the "intrinsic factor". B12 needs to be combined with the "intrinsic factor" produced in the lining of your stomach for proper absorption down the intestines. Vegetarians are often found to be deficient in Vitamin B12. J Sabaté et al 324 . In that case ask your doctor for vitamin B12 injections and a prescription for folic acid. These nutrients are required for serotonin production.
Ask yourself: "Is what I am about to eat, nature-made or man-made?" Home-grown food is the most natural food. I know this is well-nigh impossible in the industrial western society. But try at least.
Avoid allergies, treat digestive disorders and there are many of them. Look out for foods that you feel you are addicted to (milk, chocolate, coffee, cakes). They give you an initial high, and followed by a low.
Having a gluten sensitivity is one of many allergies. If you have celiac disease go on a gluten free diet , avoiding wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. There are many other allergies and if you want to find your own allergies, you can do so by keeping a daily food diary .
Have regular exercises suitable to your ability, age and body.
Lap up sun-shine for its vitamin D, essential in serotonin production.
Remember: Nutritional Therapy is about treating a specific disorder in a unique person with a unique biochemistry, and one man's diet may be another man's poison.

These are some of the simple rules. References:

Video on Nutritional Typing by Dr Mercola

Mood Food Body Connection by Gary Null

The Hypoglycemic Diet

Hypoglycemic Recipes

Nutrition against the Epidemic Flu

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Nutrition Against the Pandemic Flu

2009-07-18T22:18:00.001-07:00

Nutrition against the Pandemic Flu
by
Jurriaan Plesman, BA (pych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

ABSTRACT:The epidemic flu usually strike people towards the end of the summer season. It can be shown that with declining exposure to sun-shine one of the factors causing the flu is vitamin D deficiency derived from less sun exposure. Another factor is psychological stress, that decreases one's immune system. Like climate change, the ever increasing risk to epidemic flu appears to be man-made because of our agricultural practice in meat production. Large scale factory farming of chickens and pigs place animals in a constant state of severe stress weakening the animals' immune system, thereby exposing them to opportunistic viruses. 70 percent of all antibiotics produced are used in animal factories, making them less responsive in human diseases. These viruses are sometimes transmitted from animals to humans. When the pathogens are transmitted from humans to humans we have an epidemic of the flu, that usually affects the respiratory system first. There are certain steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of exposure to the flu.

Every year and usually at the end of summer, we hear reports about the flu epidemic. Elderly people are advised to go to their doctors to ask for anti-flu vaccinations. Tamiflu, the drug of choice for the flu epidemic, went through some rough times not too long ago. As the dangers of this drug came to light in 2007, the FDA finally began investigating some 1,800 adverse event reports related to the drug. However, the drug may lessen the effects of the symptoms, and can mean the difference between life and death in marginal cases.
Epidemic influenza kills roughly a million people every year worldwide, usually by causing pneumonia. Over two hundred different viruses can cause upper respiratory infections (colds and flu), and they are around all year long. Christine Ann Leatz Page 224.
We are told that the flu virus may change its 'colours' every year and we wonder whether the flu injection may be the right one. The vaccination could be fighting an outdated virus. Or it could even have evolved accidentally "in eggs scientists use to grow viruses" to manufacture vaccines. Adrian Gibbs & Mercola .
One reason why we seem to become vulnerable at the end of summer and beginning of the winter is related to our sun exposure. The less sunlight we get, as during autumn and winter, the less we get vitamin D3 that we normally obtain from the sun. No wonder vitamin D is not so much a vitamin but a sun vitamin. The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd et al., 35
There are many studies to show that vitamin D has a powerful ability to aid the functioning of the immune system such as T cells and macrophages. As well as having the potential to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and strengthen your immune system and virtually eliminate crippling conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis. Steve Blake Page 101 and Joseph Mercola Page 52 and vii.

For instance, following an epidemic of influenza in a maximum-security hospital for the criminally insane, it was found that in a ward where inmates were given 2,000 units of vitamin D every day for several months, were not affected by the epidemic. According to Dr. John Jacob Cannell, high doses of vitamin D taken at the first sign of influenza can effectively reduce the severity of symptoms. Dr Mercola

A flu epidemic, like climate change, is often related to human activities. It is not by sheer accident that the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 killed more people than the Great War, known today as World War I (WWI). Millions of soldiers in trenches and people had to endure incredible psychological stresses, that would have affected their immune system. Somewhere between 20 and 40 million people died. It has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history. More people died of influenza in a single year than in four-years of the Black Death Bubonic Plague from 1347 to 1351. Known as "Spanish Flu" or "La Grippe" the influenza of 1918-1919 was a global disaster. Source

Psychological stress is well known to increase the susceptibility of the common cold and flu. Burton Goldberg Page 675 and by decreasing mucosal immunity in the upper respiratory tract. The findings also suggest a multidimensional relationship between stress and susceptibility to cold and flu. Virginia Hill Rice page 287.

The question is where do these epidemics - such as bird flu and swine flu - have its origin? It is no great surprise to hear that the epidemics have been named after animals. Let the literature speak for itself by quoting the following extracts:

Let's look at factory farms and the unanticipated consequences that have come with the adoption of factory techniques to produce animals for human consumption.
The crowding of many animals in a small space and confinement of individual animals in small stall creates stress, frustration, and boredom in the animals. John L Seitz Global Issues page 216

Sadly, maximizing productivity is the sole objective on factory farms and no consideration is given to the comfort or quality of life (or death) of the animals that end up on your dinner plate... causing them severe respiratory discomfort and illness. Pigs are intelligent creatures with a higher IQ than dogs, yet in today's pig factories, they are stuffed into narrow steel stall they can barely move in, stacked row upon row on top of each other. The urine and excrement from pigs in the upper levels drop down on those in the lower levels and toxic gases from waste (methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide) build up, causing them severe respiratory discomfort and illness....The Best of All Worlds: A Complete Culinary Guide to Feeling Great, Staying ...‎ - Page 66

See Images here and here and here

Beef cattle, pigs, and sheep are not immune to the cruelties of factory farming. The conditions under which these animals are raised result in severe physiological as well as behavioural afflictions. Anemia, influenza, intestinal ailments plague factory-farmed animals...The pork industry's own research revealed that 70 to 90 percent of persons who work in such places experience acute respiratory symptoms. It was revealed that up to 70 percent of all factory-farmed hogs display symptoms of atrophic rhinitis and pneumonia.
The Bible Diet: 40 Days to Cleanliness‎ - Page 28

Each day these chicken eat about 70-100 grams of specially designed feed, which may contain antibiotics or growth hormones. Although chickens are efficient at converting grains into protein, their living conditions make them very susceptible to respiratory diseases.
Happier meals: rethinking the global meat industry‎ - Page 17

Chickens raised in small quantities, were fed table scraps and hunted and pecked for insects that were attracted to manure. But in large numbers, there are not sufficient table scraps and the chicken must be fed special feeds.
Chicken raised indoors do not get enough sunlight to metabolize calcium properly, so the feed must be supplemented with vitamin D and cod liver oil. Because the birds live in close proximity to each other, antibiotics are often necessary to keep the birds healthy.
Food safety by Nina Redman Page 81
See images here and here and here
Many of these antibiotics are the same ones used in human medicine. There is now widespread concern among health professionals that agricultural antibiotic use is an important factor in the well-documented declining ability of antibiotics to fight human diseases, and the constant presence of antibiotics selects for drug-resistant strains of bacteria. One study found that 70 percent of all antibiotics use in the United States is for livestock production, mostly for uses other than the treatment of sick animals. (Another 14 percent is used as pesticide in fruit and vegetable production)...An invitation to environmental sociology‎ - Page 60
Farmers add antibiotics to the feed to keep the animals going until slaughter. For poorly understood reasons, antibiotic help fatten some livestock on less food, adding an economic incentive for feeding excess non therapeutic doses. Many of the drugs used on farm animals closely resemble the types used for treating human bacterial infections, the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer.
Clearly, antibiotic overexposure undermines the drugs' effectiveness for treating infectious diseases at least, and at worst can render them useless. In other words, continuing to eat these drugs in our food eventually could make us very vulnerable to bacterial diseases. Public health authorities already have found pathogens in antibiotic-fed animals that resist many of our wonder drugs.... But factory-bred farm animals still eat antibiotics at eight times human ...
The American West at Risk: Science, Myths, and Politics of Land Abuse and ...‎ - Page 57

This, in turn, can have serious impacts on human health. About 25 million pounds of antibiotics are fed every year to livestock for growth promotion and ...
Biblical Holism and Agriculture: Cultivating Our Roots‎ - Page 71

Regular swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease, caused by a type-A influenza virus that affects pigs. The current strain, A(H1N1), is a new variation of an H1N1 virus -- which causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans -- that also contains genetic material of bird and pig versions of the flu. It is interesting to note that some strain of the herpes simplex virus (shingle) can be starved to death by a diet that is high in lysine and low in arginine. (Chaitow L. Page 53).
It is not known whether lysine also inhibits EBV, HHV-6, or CMV, but these viruses are all members of the herpes family. Lysine is safe and inexpensive. The recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams three times a day. It is certainly worthwhile to include high lysine foods in the diet, which will lower arginine sources. However arginine is also the forerunner of nitric oxide and growth hormones. A decrease in nitric oxide may affect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as this illness is marked by low levels of growth hormones. Jacob Teitelbaum page 142. Thus it is wise to consul a doctor.

Hence some dietary tips to protect against the epidemic flu are:

Optimize vitamin D levels (up to 2,000 IU's/ day when you have the flu), they should be at levels of 50-65 ng/ml. See: Dr. Mercola
Avoid sugar and processed foods
Get enough rest
Exercise: this increases your blood circulation throughout the whole body
Supplement with animal based Omega-3 fatty acids like Krill Oil
Wash your hands regularly
Eat Garlic regularly (From Dr J. Mercola)
Eat foods high in lysine:arginine ratio such as: fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer's yeast and mug bean sprouts
Avoid: Foods high in arginine:lysine such as: gelatine, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and white flour, peanuts, soybeans and wheat-germ. Leon Chaitow page 54
Drink green tea which contains EGCG (50%), together with vitamin A, E, C, L-Lysine, zinc helps in inhibiting the invasion and spread of viral infection. Nutrient mixture of lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, green tea, NAC and selenium. RR Watson Page 210

Please discuss with a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or a Nutritional Psychologist.

And above all: Vote for political parties that ban the establishment of disease generating animal factory farms and that encourage the creation of humane free-range animal farms.

Video: Swine Flu, Vaccination & You by Barbara Loe Fisher, President National Vaccine Information Center

Further references
The great bird flu hoax: the truth they don't want you to know about the ...‎
The Case for Alternative Healthcare: Understanding, Surviving and Thriving ...‎ - Page 279
Mosby's handbook of diseases‎ - Page 350
Family Medicine Examination and Board Review‎ - Page 295
Oxford Textbook of Medicine‎ - Page 1361
Family medicine: principles and practice‎ - Page 336
About Dr JJ Cannell abstract

Pubmed articles by Cannell JJ et als.

Use of viamin D in clinical practice by JJ Cannell (2008)

On the epidemiology of influenza by Cannell JJ et als. (2008)
Simple Dietary Rules by Jur Plesman

References for free-range farming
Deep vegetarianism‎ - Page 168
Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Agriculture‎ - Page 208
Food for life‎ - Page 17
Happier meals: rethinking the global meat industry‎ - Page 54
Animal Welfare and Meat Production‎ - Page 246
The Gold Coast Cure's Fitter, Firmer, Faster Program: Get a Killer Body ...‎ - Page 26
The 150 healthiest foods on earth: the surprising, unbiased truth about what ...‎ - Page 189

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Transference in Counselling

2009-07-17T22:30:00.001-07:00

Transference in Counselling

by Jurriaan Plesman, BA (Psych). Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

Transference usually refers to a an emotional relationship between a client and an counsellor, where the counsellor is seen by a client as an important figure in the client's life, such as a parent, or sibling. For example, a client may see his counsellor or analyst as a father figure, or perceive the client/counsellor relationship to change into "love relationship". This alone may cause grave consequences for both client and counsellor. Emotions and desires originally associated with one person are now shifted to another person usually for the sake of therapy.

The concept of "transference" is usually associated with psychoanalytic theory and psychotherapeutic practice, that holds that many of our emotional problems have its origin in our childhood experiences. Thus a problem with authority figures is seen by many psychoanalysts to stem from a person's relationship with one or both parents or other parent/significant persons in the past. Thus a rebellious youngster may have a negative expectations from his counsellor. Parents who may have been reserved in expressing their feelings of love, may have created a low self-esteem in a child, who may then have developed a negative self-image as an adult. Many psychoanalysts seem to encourage the unconscious redirection of their clients' feelings towards themselves. This is believed to provide a therapeutic opportunity - so the theory goes - to address this "emotional problem". By providing a different interpretation of the origin of feelings, it is expected that a client will able to deal with an undesirable emotion in a more mature way.

The concept of transference should always be discussed together with "counter-transference" in a counselling situation. This refers to the emotional reactions of the counsellor to the client, that could misfire. See here . A counsellor who unwittingly enjoys being flattered or being able to control an other person by transference could easily instil a mutual interdependency between client and counsellor, thereby reinforcing a pathological submissiveness in the client, as well as an unhealthy reluctance by a counsellor to give up his authority over a client. But regardless of a counsellor's theoretical philosophy, every counsellor should be aware of transference in a counselling relationship, as exemplified from a personal counselling experience.

One day, a female client came to see me for an interview in order to prepare a social history for her coming court appearance. She took an instant disliking to me and reported me to my supervising counsellor. She said that she could not stand "this counsellor" and demanded to see another, because I reminded her too much of her grey-haired father. My supervisor - quite familiar with the phenomenon of transference - advised the client to report back to me and express her dislike to me. In the next interview she expressed her hatred of her father and realizing that we were dealing with transference I ask her to play the role of her father and I would then play the role of the client. In other words, we had an interesting session of "two-chair" work as in Gestalt therapy and also explained here . She attacked me in the role of her father and I countered her accusations with strategies employed in "Assertiveness Training Program". See here . She really enjoyed that session and we had a great laugh after that. She now wanted to learn all about how to handle her father the way I did from now on.

Counsellors who adhere to a more rational cognitive (RC) or rational cognitive behaviour therapy (RCBT) viewpoint - like myself - would view such an "transference as a therapeutic tool" with some caution. They tend to view a client/counsellor relationship to more like a "teacher/student" relationship, where emotions are discussed in an "about" fashion and from a more rational point of view. Here, undesirable emotions are more likely to be viewed as stemming from irrational attitudes and believes in the here-and-now, that upon calm analysis and considerations should be abandoned, if we want to get rid of unpleasant emotions. We may have to "re-learn" our thoughts by a repetitive learning process. Thus counsellors using RCBT insist on considering their clients to be fundamentally rational and looking at problems in the here-and now. This alone would bestow self-respect in the client.

It should be pointed out that both these approaches have some benefits and there are many others, but they tend to overlook the biological aspects of human behaviour. I believe that underlying biochemical factors play a primary role in mood disorder and need to be treated first, before considering "psychological" factors. In terms of TA I prefer to have an ADULT to ADULT relationship with my clients, where the aim is to make the adult ego or the "analytical mind" in control of our unwanted emotions.

Here are some more book references on Transference

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How to prevent Post Traumatic Stress ...

2009-07-17T21:11:00.001-07:00

How to prevent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

by Jurriaan Plesman, BA(psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a real disease, where a stress situation can trigger a depressive illness. This becomes indelibly associated with the trauma that triggered the PTSD. Most people recover naturally from a traumatic situations, when after some time the body starts to produce normal amounts of feel good neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. The reason why some people do not recover is because the traumatic event(s) triggered a PRE-EXISTING silent disease that underlies mood disorders. Thus it may be said that some people are pre-disposed to PTSD and others are not, depending on the health of a person.

Most depressions are associated with pre-diabetic insulin resistance - one of the 'silent diseases responsible for mood disorders - and the incidence of PTSD cases following war situations can be reduced, if doctors would test people for hypoglycemia prior to sending them into war. Hypoglycemia is just another term for "pre-diabetic insulin resistance". Because conventional allopathic medicine does not recognise the existence of 'hypoglycemia' and it's connection to depression in general, they cannot and won't test for it. Marilyn Light

The test for hypoglycemia is described at:
How to get tested for Hypoglycemia
To fully understand how psychonutritional therapy can help in the treatment for PTSD, please read:
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Hypoglycemia
Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders
Further readings
Index of articles

Alcoholism is a Treatable Disease

2009-07-17T19:10:00.001-07:00

ALCOHOLISM (ADDICTION) IS A TREATABLE DISEASE

by Jurriaan Plesman, BA (Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr.

Although this article mainly concerns alcoholism, it equally applies to any addiction.

Contrary to popular opinion many scientists consider alcoholism to be a specific disease in the literal sense of the word. Of course this may not sit well with people who believe that alcoholism is a mental disorder, that can be treated by talk therapy or a change in religious beliefs. The faith based treatment programs are well know for its failure rates of about 80 per cent. This does not mean that they could not be of any benefit, for at least it brings people together with a common illness.

I have explained the biochemical nature of alcoholism and why hypoglycemics are particularly attracted to alcohol. This may apply to all other kinds of drug addiction.

It clearly shows that alcoholics and for that matter many other form of addicted people, have problems metabolizing glucose into biological energy, called ATP. Biological energy is derived form glucose from sugar sources in our food, and converted to energy by a biochemical pathway called glycolysis. Without that energy the brain is starved of energy and cannot produce the feel good neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

The following simplified illustration shows how glucose is converted to biological energy via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle (Kerbs Cycle) to produce ATP.

Please notice that alcohol (ethanol) is produced from pyruvate, the end-product of glycolysis, and that people addicted to alcohol are likely to have problems converting glucose in the 10 step biochemical pathway to pyruvate. Alcohol is rapidly converted to ATP.

The fundamental question is why do alcoholics have problems producing serotonin? A serotonin deficiency has been associated with Endogenous Depression , which is more or less saying that scientists are not aware of the exact mechanism that cause people to be depressed. But at least it emphasizes that the disease is internally generated and has nothing to do with whatever is going on in the environment. Thus it can be asserted that alcoholism is a manifestation of a pre-existing depressive illness. Alcohol being a depressant chemical seems to be an antidote against some of the stress hormones active in depression.

For the brain to produce serotonin it needs an inordinate amount of biological energy to convert tryptophan - found in food - into serotonin. It also needs sufficient amounts of vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium for this conversion to take place. In fact the brain, although only 2% of the body by weight needs about 60-70% of all available glucose to feed the brain with fuel for its biochemical apparatus. An active cell requires more than two million molecules of ATP per second to drive its biochemical machinery. Unlike other organs in the body it has no other sources of energy and it must obtain this from the blood sugar supplies.

Thus the question is why is the brain energy starved in a society that is flooded with sugar in its food sources?

The reality is that excess sugar consumption in society may well have contributed to energy starvation in the brain. Excess sugar consumption causes free radicals to attack other tissues in the body. The body sets up a defence mechanism in terms of Insulin Resistance.

This means that receptors for insulin fail to push glucose across cell membranes for metabolism into energy inside cells. Thus the result is a higher then normal blood sugar levels, called hyperglycemia. This in turn will trigger the pancreas to secrete more insulin resulting in hyperinsulinism. This then will cause a steep descent in blood sugar levels called hypoglycemia.

Here is an illustration showing what happens when receptors for insulin fail to respond to insulin. It can cause abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Notice how resistance to insulin initially results in a higher than normal blood sugar concentrations, which is then followed by a drop.

Thus we see that Insulin Resistance can cause wild fluctuations in blood sugar levels. When the brain senses a energy starvation, during a hypoglycemic dip, it will send a hormonal message to the adrenal gland to secrete adrenaline into the system. Adrenaline functions to convert sugar stores in the body such as glycogen into glucose, so as to feed the brain again. But adrenaline is also the fight/flight hormone.

Thus a recovering alcoholic is wrecked with unstable blood sugar levels and wildly fluctuating stress hormones, that will cause anxieties and insomnia, and a return to depression.

In my work with alcoholics - 75% of the prison population have addiction as a comorbid condition of their offences - Dr George Samra found that if you test alcoholics with the four hour Medical Test for Hypoglycemia, most of them are found to be hypoglycemic.

You can also test clients with a paper-and-pencil test called the Nutrition Behavior Inventory Test (NBI). Another useful test is the Hypo Quizz. If you score high you are likely to have a metabolic disorder that is contributing to your depression/anxiety.

Fortunately, Insulin Resistance can be treated without recourse to drugs by going on a Hypoglycemic Diet.

Thus we see that alcoholism could be seen as Nutritional Disorder. The hypoglycemic diet is essential in any treatment for alcoholism.

Withdrawing from alcohol is most likely to cause sugar cravings for reasons explained above. The person can help to alleviate this sugar cravings by taking glycerine as mentioned elsewhere in our web site. Glycerine is a sweet tasting substance, obtainable from any pharmacy. You mix one table spoon of glycerine in a glass of water and add a dash of lemonade (to improve taste). It is not recognized by the pancreas and does not produce excess insulin. It is slowly converted to glucose in the liver and will stop the sugar cravings. It will also normalize the stress hormones and may help in having a normal sleep.

It may take up to a year for the brain to restore normal receptors for neurotransmitters. This can be sped up by a high protein diet such as the Hypoglycemic Diet, including nutritional supplements as mentioned in the Hypoglycemic Diet. In the meantime the person may still have a few bouts of depression, and this where social support becomes important.

It is only after the underlying metabolic disorder has been attended to by nutritional means, that the person can benefit from talk therapy or whatever ‘mental’ approach.

We also have a self-help PSYCHOTHERAPY specially designed for recovering alcoholics and their families.

Research References:

Alcoholics in recovery Anxiety, depression

Alcoholism

Alcoholism and Violence

Depression and Insulin resistance

Drug addiction

Drug Addiction Recovery (Volcow study)

Glycerine

Marijuana, Sex, Violence, Depression

Violence and aggression

Zinc and picolinic acid, tryptophan

See other articles at:

The Serotonin Connection

What is Hypoglycemia?

Testing for Hypoglycemia

Depression: a Disease of Energy Production

Depression is a Nutritional Disorder

Is the Hypoglycemic Diet a Cure-all for Mental Illness?

Anxiety and The Sympathetic Nervous System

Why Alcoholics Drink.

Is the Diet a Cure-all for Mental Illness?

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Last updated 13 February 2008

2009-07-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Drug Companies are a Major Cause of

Treatment-Resistant Depression

by Jurriaan Plesman, BA (Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr

Many people using psychotropic drugs for depression have become a victims of the pharmaceutical companies, that actively promote drugs for the treatment of mood disorders. Once you are on the drug merry-go-round, it may take years to overcome the toxic effects of multiple drugs on receptors for normal neurotransmitters in the brain. Of course, people become hooked on drugs! You cannot do without them! You are now dependent of drugs to feel normal. You seem to be no different from a drug-addict. They believe in drugs and when they don't work psychiatrists will try out alternative drugs of which there are many. I believe that the monopolistic selling of psychotropic drugs is a major cause of "treatment resistant" depression. And the pharmaceutical companies are glad to have drug-using patients on board to promote the sale of these drugs to other non-suspecting victims that happen to join discussion boards on depression. The tragedy is that so many gullible drug consumers have placed the psychiatric profession on a pedestal, with a religious fervour.

But drug companies are self-serving supra-national organizations, beyond the control of local governments, as are other self-serving corporations that have now caused the downfall of the free enterprise free-market capitalistic system.

The psychiatric profession is no more than a front-shop for psychotropic drugs that we all know may benefit only a minority of patients. The reality is that drugs are of no benefit to the majority of depressed patients. See:

Studies showing the ineffectiveness of drug and/or psychotherapy for depression. Shown here .

The role of drug companies has been well documented in:

"After falling behind economically in competition with psychosocial approaches, psychiatry formed what the American Psychiatric Association admitted in 1992 is a 'partnership' with the drug companies. Organized psychiatry has become wholly dependent for financial support on the unholy collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry. To deny the effectiveness of drugs or to admit their dangerousness would result in huge economic losses on every level from the individual psychiatrist who makes his or her living by prescribing medication, to the American Psychiatric Association, which thrives on drug company largesse. " Source: Gary Null

"In 1990, psychiatrist Matthew Dumont suggested that psychiatry give up its coquettish claims to psychotherapy and openly declare itself an arm of the drug industry". Ibid Page 43

Drug companies control most universities who could not operate without the largesse of international drug companies. For example, do you know any university that offers a course and qualification in Clinical Nutrition or Nutritional Psychology? No, you can only obtain these qualifications OUTSIDE conventional universities.

Long-term users of psychotropic drugs have real problem withdrawing from them, as their toxic effects have harmed receptors for healthy neurotransmitters. Hence there is no quick-fix nutritional therapy to heal the cellular damage.

Drugs are only beneficial to a small minority of patients, but even so, do not "cure" them of depression! They hook most patients on drugs for possibly the rest of their lives, which is exactly why the drug trade - legal or illegal - is so unmanageable and make such tremendous profits for criminal gangs and legal corporations and their investors. The drug trade - legal or illegal - is just outside the control of ANY governemnt. Legal drug companies also control political parties both in the USA and other Western countries. See here and here[.

Also, please study: Codex Alimentarius how drug companies use the United Nations in trying to curtail the free access to nutritional supplements and natural health.

From my experience people who have been on drugs for any length of time, take extra-ordinary professional knowledge and experience to treat this by nutritional means. Xenobiotic drugs have confounded their depression and most victims would not have the experience or knowledge to overcome this by sheer self-help techniques.

What really upsets me that many drug-using depressed people who are victims of the sale of pharmaceutical drug companies, take it upon themselves to "advise" naive depressed patients to visit "their GP" as a first step in their treatment. This renders drug-induced treatment resistant depression a socially contagious disease, not unlike the one we find among illegal drug-users.