WHAT IS SCIATICA?
An extremely common condition that's estimated to affect millions of people every day, sciatica can be broadly defined as a pain or other unpleasant or disturbing sensation that is generally felt in one or more of the following areas of the body: the lower back, the buttocks, the outer sides of the thigh and calf, the feet, and toes.
Two key points about sciatica:
1) The name 'sciatica' describes a symptom, not a specific disease nor even necessarily the exact underlying cause that leads to the pain; and
2) The areas where the pain is felt are not an indication of where the cause of it originates - sciatica almost invariably stems from troublein the back, whether or not any pain is experienced there as well.
Sciatica, in fact, is just one of the many symptoms that can mark different kinds of back problems, or more specifically problems affecting the spine.
Although spinal problems and sciatica are directly linked as cause and effect, this relationship is often less than obvious when a sufferer first experiences sciatica, especially when the pain or discomfort is relatively mild and perhaps only present for a very short time. Identifying the cause of the pain is made even more confusing at times because:
Sciatic pain - wherever it occurs and whatever form it takes - is not necessarily accompanied by back pain of any kind; and
To add extra confusion, sciatic pain potentially manifests itself not only in many different places but also in a wide variety of ways and degrees of intensity. At one extreme, sciatica may be no more than an occasional light tingle that's sensed rather than felt in some part of the buttocks, legs, or feet; at the other extreme, it is a searing, wrenching, agonising pain that affects most of the leg and can become truly disabling. It is in the nature of sciatica that it frequently comes and goes for no obviously discernible reason, at times disappearing of its own accord for days, weeks or even months, then to perhaps eventually return with a vengeance.
While the relationship between some kinds of sciatic pain and spinal problems is often less than obvious at first, equally obscure can be the reason why sciatica may be experienced by a sufferer at certain times but not at others. However, apart from any underlying spinal condition that may be responsible for bringing on sciatica, there are many additional causes that could be described as 'secondary' in that they have been identified as likely to trigger sciatica, no matter how good your spine may have been in the first place. Common examples of these contributing factors include:
Poor posture - how you stand and sit affects how well your spine, no matter its condition, will be able to cope with the demands you place upon it.
An incident that suddenly, perhaps only very briefly, placed a much greater than usual strain upon the spine - this could be because of being involved in an accident, falling down or slipping, or just merely lifting something heavy or bending down awkwardly.
The cumulative effect of strain upon the spine - such as resulting from frequently driving long distances or spending hours hunched over a desk. Cumulative strain can contribute to sciatica in two separate but connected ways: first, it can cause one of the specific spinal conditions whose symptoms include sciatica; secondly, once such a condition exists, it can make it worse, so that sciatica if not present previously, now manifests itself.
Whether you're overweight - it's obvious that the heavier you are, the more weight your spine has to support. It also follows that the poorer the condition of your spine, the greater is likely to be any harmful effect that being overweight will impose upon it.
*1/124/2*
PREGNANCY: HOW CAN I BE SURE?
A big question that looms large in the mind of a woman is the query: "Am I really pregnant? How can I be sure?"
In many cases, the situation is fairly obvious from the start. But in others, it is quite obscure. Of course, one thing is certain: time will yield the answer in every case. But nearly every woman has a burning desire to know with some accuracy if she is or is not pregnant, if there is any such possibility.
The first sign is usually a missed period in a woman who normally menstruates regularly, and who is not following any contraceptive routine while engaging in normal marital relations with her husband.
A few lucky women seem to commence their menstrual bleeds with amazing regularity. Indeed, "I can set my clock by it all," some claim. At a given hour on a given day each twenty-eight days, menstruation sets in. So, if this suddenly did not occur, it is excellent presumptive evidence that conception has taken place.
However, most women are not built with such mechanical precision. Just the same, menstrual regularity within a day or two each month can still produce similar presumptive suggestion of conception.
The normal menstrual cycle has very wide variations. Although many women average a twenty-eight-day cycle, the range may swing from twenty days up to forty days or even more. Indeed, some women go as long as forty-five days, and occasionally, some manage two or three periods a year!
It is with these women that accuracy in pinpointing pregnancy is a little more difficult. But there are many other pointers to pregnancy, so that one individual sign, although it may be very important in some women, is not the criterion by any means.
However, with the "regular" ones, the missed period is often the first obvious sign, and the one that sends the majority scuttling off to their doctor post haste. Many doctors likewise consider that a missed period in a normally menstruating woman is to be considered due to pregnancy until proved otherwise.
*1/76/5*
IT COULD BE ALLERGY AND IT CAN BE CURED: PAULA’S STORY
'Even your body knows its heritage and its rightful needs and will not be deceived. And your body is the harp of your soul, And it is yours to bring forth sweet music from it or confused sounds.'
Kahlil Gibran.
The Prophet
As a 23-year-old woman living in the 80s, I have, like many other people, tried to eat well and get some exercise. The media had made me very body conscious, and if I didn't keep my weight down, I became depressed, felt unattractive and my self-esteem plummeted. In order to keep it down, I had to eat very small amounts. I became convinced that I had a fat-storing metabolism and to keep my weight down I had to eat very little.
Like many women, I have agonised over my body, spending literally hundreds of dollars on cellulite treatments, and there have been many years of not a morsel passing my lips without a calorie count. Looking
back on it, it was an awfully stressful, anti-social way to be treating food. You could say I was at war with my body.
At 60 kg in July 1987, I decided to go on one of my severe diets, which consisted of cereal and skim milk for breakfast, Ryvita, salmon and salad for lunch and steamed vegetables for dinner. By November I had lost 6.5 kg. I experienced weakness and hunger pains, but the psychological high I was on overrode feelings of drowsiness and lethargy.
At this time, I was studying part-time and had taken over the job of Section Head in a nursery caring for children under three years of age. Wanting to achieve recognition from my colleagues, I set myself the task of getting the nursery into good working order. Basically, I put my needs last and burnt the candle at both ends. I began a downhill run and by March 1988 I had deteriorated physically and mentally and needed a week off work for what the doctor diagnosed as stress. The week off work helped alleviate the severe headaches and back pain, but on returning to work I still did not feel 100 per cent better.
I spent the Easter weekend at my parents' property on the outskirts of Bathurst, and all Mum's lovely cooking went down very well. So well, in fact, that within three weeks I had gained the 6.5
kg I had lost and kept off over a nine month period. I was unable to start dieting again; I was tired of it all. Depression set in severely.
I was also extremely sensitive and emotional. I would snap at people without meaning to. Regarding the poor concentration and loss of memory, I can tell you, when you're twenty-three and find it impossible to recall one bit of conversation you had ten minutes earlier, it's very scary.
At the time I consulted Phil Alexander in May 1988, I was beginning to doubt my professional capabilities. Talking to Phil was very encouraging. Yes, he told me, I would recover, my symptoms would be alleviated; but I must rest, as I was suffering from stress as well. He told me that my sinusitis and resultant bad breath was of physiological, not psychological, origin and gave me a referral to an allergy clinic for tests.
Although I wasn't allergic to any foods, I was allergic to moulds, house dust mites, grasses and pollens. Phil placed me on the Anti-Candida Program, with the prescribed drug Nystatin to kill off the Candida yeast over-growth in my body, and a vitamin supplement to help balance my out-of-kilter metabolism, unbalanced by my many years of crash/semi-starvation diets. To think that for years I thought I was doing the right thing by my body. How wrong I was!
The meals set out for me were incredibly substantial and I thought I would put on weight. Not so at all. Although the first week of my Anti-Candida Program was unpleasant, with headaches, sinusitis and stomach pain (all Candida yeast withdrawal symptoms), I lost 2.25 kg of fluid in five days, as I had more of a fluid problem than a fat problem. After a fortnight I felt 100 per cent better and had lost another 1.5 kg. I was sitting down to beautiful meals each night and I was very hungry in between meals. There was
no bloating associated with eating and my metabolism was speeding up considerably. As well as sticking to the program religiously, I kept my house free of mould and dust and made sure I got plenty of rest.
By the time I went back to see Phil, after four weeks on my program, I was so excited I literally bounded into his office so eager to tell him how wonderful I was feeling, how
much energy I had. I had lost 4.5 kg altogether, and the high I was experiencing was indescribable, very different from the highs I had experienced when I had lost weight before.
Phil was pleased for me and instructed me to carry on as I was. During the second month my appetite decreased a little and I no longer needed rice wafers in between meals. It was at this time that I came down with inflamed back muscles, due to heavy lifting. As rotten as I was feeling physically, I still felt mentally well and made sure I didn't spend my days off work feeling sorry for myself. I kept busy with sewing and recovered rapidly without the aid of prescribed drugs from my doctor. I wondered if 1 would have recovered as well two months earlier, before my program.
To sum it all up, after being at war with my body for four years, I am discovering what it is like to have energy, not feel over-stressed, feel restored after a good night's sleep and be happy. When people ask me if the program is working for me, I tell them that I am an entirely different person from what I was two and a
half months ago. That is the absolute truth too! I feel attractive, confident; my self-esteem is riding high and I am learning not to compare myself to other women, to love me and my body for what it is.
I am discovering new, tasty nutritious meals and there are no guilt feelings attached to sitting down
and eating a beautiful veal
and veggie casserole. Farewell to calorie counting forever!
What is so exciting for me is that I am still in the healing process. I have some way to go, but I am already reaping the benefits. People are commenting on how well I look -my skin, my hair, my eyes. My parents are thrilled and relieved to see that, at last, the answer to my problem has been found. My boyfriend tells me how attractive I have been looking lately and I know my state of physical, and mental/ emotional health will improve more. Like my newly found love of cooking and eating, I am exercising more because I have the energy and really want to. I don't feel I have to -there is now a challenge to be the healthiest person I can. My current exercise is martial arts and I love it more now that I am on my anti-allergy program. I feel better than I did when I lost weight on
a
diet
at the ladies' gym
and
was doing four aerobic classes a week, as well as weights.
I shudder to think what would have happened to my health if I had not investigated further the real cause of my complaints. I'm sure I would have crash dieted more, and in doing so deteriorated more, perhaps irreparably. I stick with this program and take it seriously, and so 1 should. This is my life and my body, the only one I have been given. I will not break this program.
Realising how biochemically different I am I would never again pick a diet that doesn't have the research and experience of a practising physician backing it. Never again would I skip a meal. When I see young women skipping meals and eating minuscule amounts, I now try to explain what they are doing to themselves. They don't listen, because they think they know
it all, and know their body's needs just like I thought I did.
Thanks to the expertise and knowledge of the author of this book, I am learning to love me, and
love
my
body
for
what
it
is. I am healthy, alive, vital, energetic and attractive. I am indebted to Phil Alexander for all his help in making what really is the 'new me'.
I hope readers will see me as a success story and an inspiration to overcome their complaints.
As I re-read my words, the excitement and challenge builds up in me more. I really believe in what I am doing. It all may be hard for you to comprehend, it is even hard for me sometimes, but if
you have success in overcoming your allergies, you will understand the message I am conveying.
Paula Jackson, 1988
POSTSCRIPT—1990
Paula is still fit and well though she's been through a rough patch that saw her health decline for a while. Like so many people who've regained their vitality, Paula began to embrace life with great enthusiasm. Too much enthusiasm in fact. She burnt herself out. Tiredness, aches and pains, fluid retention and confusion began to return. Not because of allergy and Candida infection this time, but because of fatigue. Paula, like so many others, believed her new found energy was boundless and in an effort to make up for lost time began doing all those things she was too tired to do before. Admittedly pre-wedding nerves and adjusting to married life played it's part but the major cause of her symptoms was overdoing it.
We human beings have a
very short memory of matters pertaining to our former ill health. We easily forget what it was like to be down and Paula fell into this trap. She now realises that although the spirit may be willing the flesh has limitations. She has now learned to
pace herself by recognising her particular early warning symptoms of stress and slowing down before these symptoms become full blown.
UPDATE—1995
Paula is now 30 and feeling better than she did at age 19. She's married, pregnant, works part time and has a healthy two-year-old boy who shows all the signs of being an advanced, even gifted, child. All this she attributes to her continued adherence to the Metabolism-Balancing Program and supplements. She maintains high energy levels, trouble-free pregnancies (no toxaemia) and optimal weight levels during and between pregnancies. The learning experience of overcoming her previous illness has put her in tune with her body and there has been no return of her Candida and allergy symptoms.
*1/18/9*
MINERALS
Sources of minerals and trace elements and their uses
Calcium
function in body: Growth and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones; nerve function; blood clotting; muscle contraction; metabolises iron.
sources: Fish (especially those eaten with bones); soybeans; dairy products; almonds; sesame seeds; sunflower seeds; watercress; fortified cereals. Vitamin D facilitates uptake. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis.
Chromium (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of skeletal muscles; storing and metabolising sugars and fats.
sources: Unrefined wholegrain and cereal products; fish and shellfish; brewers yeast; beef.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause depression, confusion, irritability. Excess can be toxic.
Cobalt (trace element)
function in body: Component of Vitamin B12 which prevents anaemia.
sources: Meat; liver; kidney; shellfish; green leafy vegetables. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes lack of Vitamin B12, leading to pernicious anaemia; bowel disorders; weak muscles.
Copper (trace element)
function in body: Formation of red blood cells; growth of bones; absorption of iron; pigmentation of hair and skin. sources: Shellfish; nuts; liver; kidney; pulses; brewers yeast; tap water from copper pipes.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause anaemia, low white blood cell count. Excess can be toxic.
Fluorine (trace element)
function in body: Strengthens teeth and bones.
sources: Fluoridated tap water and toothpastes; fish (especially
those eaten with bones); meat; tea; cereals.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes tooth decay,
osteoporosis. Excess causes mottled and discoloured teeth,
increased density of bones in the spine, pelvis and limbs and
calcified ligaments.
Iodine (trace element)
function in body: Production of hormones in the thyroid gland which control metabolism; promotes growth; promotes energy; mental alertness
sources: Iodised salt; Irish moss; kelp; seafood; fruit and vegetables grown in soils containing iodine.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes goitre, weight gain, lack of energy. Excess can cause thyroid diseases.
Iron
function in body: Production of haemoglobin; distribution of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide in body tissues; production of myoglobin (red pigment in muscles). sources: Red meat; liver; kidney; oysters; kelp; pulses; dried fruits; nuts; oats.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes anaemia. Magnesium
function in body: Healthy teeth and bones; functioning of the nerves, muscles and metabolic enzymes. sources: Wholewheat cereals and products; eggs; meat; nuts; pulses; seeds.
Manganese (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of the nerves, muscles and many enzymes; bone strength.
sources: Whole grains; nuts; pulses; avocado; egg yolk; green leafy vegetables.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause bone deformities and impede growth rate.
Molybdenum (trace element)
function in body: Metabolism of iron; male sexual function; prevention of dental caries
sources: Oats; barley; pulses; root vegetables; liver.
effects of deficiency or excess: Excess can prevent body from
utilising copper.
Phosphorus
function in body: Conversion and storage of energy; healthy bones; function of muscles, nerves and some enzymes; intestinal absorption of certain foods.
sources: Meat; poultry; fish and shellfish; nuts; seeds; pulses; dairy products; eggs.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes bone pain; stiff joints; disorders of the central nervous system; weakness. Excess can interfere with intestinal absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Potassium
function in body: Maintains balance of fluids and pH in the body; disposal of body wastes; aids in sending oxygen to the brain; function of nerves and muscles.
sources: Fresh fruits and vegetables; whole grains and products; prunes; milk.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can case muscular weakness and paralysis, low blood pressure; thirst; loss of appetite; sensitivity to noise. Excess can aggravate some heart conditions.
Selenium (trace element)
function in body: Functioning of the red and white blood cells; along with Vitamin E works as an anti-oxidant; detoxifies metals including cadmium, mercury and lead; may protect against some cancers; prevents dandruff and some skin disorders; healthy liver function.
sources: Garlic; onions; whole wheat and products; fish and shellfish; red meat; chicken; broccoli; brewer's yeast; Brazil nuts.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency causes premature aging, cardiovascular disease and asthma and may be a factor in cancer. Excess can cause neurological disorders.
Sodium
function in body: Along with potassium maintains balance of fluids, especially water, and pH in the body; function of nerves and muscles.
sources: Common salt, baking powder; cured and smoked fish and meats; kelp; beets; artichokes; coconut; figs. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause heat prostration, dehydration, low blood pressure and indigestion. Excess causes high blood pressure, heart disorders and oedema (fluid retention).
Sulphur (trace element)
function in body: Synthesis of protein; promotes healthy skin, hair and nails; combats bacterial infection. sources: Meat; fish; dairy poducts; eggs; pulses; cabbage. effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause skin diseases.
Zinc (trace element)
function in body: Formation of insulin in body; release of Vitamin A; healing; healthy reproductive organs; functioning of growth and development enzymes.
sources: Red meat, liver; egg yolks; dairy products; whole wheat and products; oysters; brewers yeast.
effects of deficiency or excess: Deficiency can cause infertility, enlarged prostate gland, acne and skin disorders, slow healing of wounds, slow physical, mental and sexual development. Excess can cause nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness and dehydration.
*8/69/2*
SYMPTOMS OF PEPTIC ULCERS
Q. Let us now become very specific. What are the most likely symptoms of peptic ulcer? In short, what could a person look for in coming to this diagnosis?
A. The two most common and constant symptoms are abdominal pain and vomiting. Others may occur with varying degrees, such as nausea, heartburn, regurgitation of the acid contents of the stomach into the food pipe, weight loss (although some notice a weight gain because they take more food to ease the pain); constipation. Often there is tenderness of the abdomen just near the ulcer.
Q. Let's look at these symptoms a bit more closely. Pain. What kind of pain, and is there any typical way in which it occurs?
A. The answer is that pain and tenderness are nearly always present. It is often very explicit, and frequently the patient can point to the exact spot with his finger. 'It is right there,' he will say dogmatically, pointing to a small circumscribed area. This is usually the midline, in a place doctors call the epigastrium. This is just below the lower end of the breast-bone, and between this and the navel. It is usually central, but may be a bit to the left or right. It is often extremely tender if pressed — the patient will give a yelp as the doctor's examining hand presses deeply and firmly into the part.
However, there are wide variations, and some complain of a more general kind of pain which may be anywhere from the line of the nipples down to the groin.
Q. Is the pain present all the time?
A. Typically the pain sets in about 30 minutes to three hours after a meal. It is often relieved by taking antacids (mixtures, tablets or powders), milk or more food. Very commonly it comes on during the night, and will often wake the patient with gnawing discomfort. In times past, ulcer patients traditionally took a glass of milk and had this at the bedside in case they awoke with the ulcer pain.
What is more, the ulcer pain characteristically waxes and wanes. It may be present for some time, then wane for no obvious reason, only to recur again weeks or months later. Usually, the worse the pain, the deeper and more serious the ulcer. Sometimes it will completely penetrate the stomach or duodenal wall, and affect adjacent organs. It will then often produce pains produced by interference with the nerves supplying that organ also. Often the pain will radiate to the back between the shoulder blades. But if the pancreatic gland (located close by) is involved, the pain may develop in the lower part of the back.
Q. What causes the pain?
A. I suppose it is much like any pain occurring when the normal surface is broken. Mouth ulcers are painful; an ulcer on the skin is also sore. In the gut system, acids touching the delicate nerve endings will make the pain even more severe. In the main, ulcer pain is usually deep seated, related to food intake, occurs at night and waxes and wanes over a period of time. I might add that with successful treatment, pain is the first symptom to vanish. It is often magical. However, this does not mean the ulcer has suddenly healed for it usually takes up to six weeks for this to occur, even though pain may disappear within a few days.
Many patients under treatment are often lulled into a false sense of security believing that magic (and the pills) has suddenly cured them, when this is often just the beginning. Some foolishly stop medication, only to find the entire set of symptoms recur again fairly quickly. So, ulcer patients, do not be fooled.
Q. What about vomiting? You said this was also a fairly common symptom with ulcer patients.
A. Most ulcer patients suffer from vomiting, and this may occur from various causes and at various times. Often it will develop suddenly, probably when the abdominal pain is at its worst. Often it will produce some relief, and the patient frequently feels much better. The reason is not clear, but it may be due to a sudden cleaning out of the stomach, including removal of the large build up of irritating acid and pepsin.
Q. Do some people try and initiate vomiting because they realise this will bring some kind of relief?
A. Most certainly. Induced vomiting is well known. I hardly blame the person. If I had a horrid pain gnawing at my inside, and I knew it would vanish if I simply stuck my fingers down my throat and had a good vomit, I think I would be tempted to try it. Who wouldn't. We are all human!
Q. Are there other causes for the vomiting?
A. Certainly. Sometimes the ulcer develops at the far end of the stomach, near the narrow canal called the pylorus where food travels to the duodenum. As this heals, fibrous tissue forms, and as this contracts, the canal may become much more narrow than normal. In fact, the canal may almost completely close over. In short, the patient develops an obstruction to the normal passage of food. It simply cannot pass normally, or at least at the normal rate. So, it simply flows back in a reverse direction, in the form of vomiting.
I well recall a patient, an older man who had been in the RAAF during the war and had suffered a great deal of stress. Unbeknown to anyone, he suddenly developed vomiting, sudden weight loss, and became very ill. By the time he came for treatment — like many ex-servicemen, he rarely sought treatment — he was drawn and thin, and looked nigh unto death. An x-ray examination showed that the pyloric canal was virtually non existent. He had endured a symptom free stomach ulcer near the canal. On healing, this had caused the canal to almost entirely close over. Hence the vomiting, and weight loss for he was not absorbing his food.
A surgical operation almost immediately cured the problem and within a few weeks he was back to normal. Weight gain and a happy disposition replaced the thin, wan appearance, and feeling of malnourished gloom and doom.
Q. Is it possible to differentiate between a G. U. and a D. U. on the symptoms?
A. Not really, and there is little point in trying to find out. Often the pain after food is longer in coming on with the D.U. patient, probably because the food, acid and pepsin have longer to travel. Generally, the D.U. patient tends to vomit less, and is more favourably affected by therapy. But, there is not a great deal between the two. Many ulcers do not cause any symptoms at all, whilst about one in four produces symptoms that are not typical. It is a strange disorder.
*8/61/2*
ALLERGIES: THE ALLERGIC REACTION
It's no coincidence that most allergies, especially adult onset allergies, start after a bout of glandular fever, flu, hepatitis, surgical operation or crash diet. All of these factors are stressors that leave the body tired and the immune system depressed. The exact mechanisms by which allergic reactions take place are enormously complex and, for the main part, poorly understood. What is clearly recognised and agreed upon though, is that an excess of histamine released from the basophils, blood platelets and mast cells causes an inflammation at the point of release, and that this inflammation gives rise to the definitive symptoms of an allergy.
The allergy takes its name from the tissue the inflammation takes place in. If the inflammation takes place in the windpipe, it's called asthma; in the nose, rhinitis, sinusitis or hayfever. Histamine inflammation in the joints gives rise to arthritis and in the eyes to conjunctivitis. Because histamine can be released into any tissue of the body, the symptoms of allergy are many and varied. Many people experience allergic reactions in more than one tissue at a time.
Because we're all so biochemically unique, we can manifest our allergies in slightly different ways. For instance, histamine inflammation in the brain can give rise to depression in some people, poor concentration in others and dizzy spells, drowsiness and fatigue in others. Histamine inflammation in the skin can manifest as eczema in some, psoriasis in others, hives in others and adult acne in many others.
The difference between a normally reacting immune system and an over-reacting immune system is that an over-reacting immune system wants to protect us against foreign bodies that are not normally life threatening. Pollens, grasses, dusts, dust mites, moulds and foods do not pose the threat to us that viruses, bacteria and internally growing fungi do.
What causes an immune system to become over-reactive? Stress of any sort will do it. The stresses of cold, trauma, over-work, over-exercise; over-socialising, overcommitment, significant loss and infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) can all do it. Especially if you've experienced two or more of them over a prolonged period of time. Prolonged stress makes us tired. When the body is tired, every one of its 60 trillion cells, including those of the immune system, is tired. When we're tired, we tend to be more sensitive than usual and over-react to things that wouldn't normally bother us. We become short tempered and intolerant. We perceive things negatively and flare up at imagined insults and react aggressively to imagined challenges. So it is with the cells of the immune system. When the body is stressed and tired, the immune system flares up at things that don't normally pose a threat to us and an excess of histamine is released. Not all tired immune systems react this way—there has to be a genetic predisposition to over-reaction before the allergic mechanism can be triggered.
Singularly, the greatest stress the cells of the immune system (and indeed the rest of the body) can experience, is the withholding from them of essential nutrients (oxygen, water, vitamins, minerals, protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrate). In addition to making a cell tired, nutrient deficiencies create imbalances in its metabolism. An unbalanced metabolism gives rise to unbalanced behavior by the cell. This erratic behavior of the immune system cells that gives rise to allergic reactions is a good example of metabolic imbalances created by nutrient deficiency.
*8/18/9*
SCIATICA: THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS
These are flexible plates of fibrocartilage that connect any two adjacent vertebrae in the spine, between them accounting for a fifth to a quarter of the length of the spinal column. Each disc has two main parts:
In the centre of the disk is the nucleus pulposus, a gelatinous substance; and
Surrounding the centre is a ring of very strong fibrocartilage -the annulus fibrosus - whose outer edges are made of collagen, making it much stronger than most other ligaments in the body. Apart from connecting the vertebrae in a flexible manner, the
discs also serve as a series of shock absorbers that help protect the spinal cord and the brain from the effects of impact resulting from the body's movements. For example, were it not for the discs, the impact produced just by walking would send shock waves directly through a more or less rigid spine directly to the brain where damage would eventually result. Two key points to note about intervertebral discs:
The younger you are, the more effective they are as shock absorbers. At birth, the nucleus pulposus is extremely elastic, but as you grow older, this jelly-like centre becomes harder, some of its gelatinous substance having been replaced by cartilage.
Apart from any natural deterioration that accompanies ageing, the discs can also become damaged by accident or disease. One all too common occurrence is a prolapsed intervertebral disc (often simply referred to as PID, or a 'slipped disc'), a condition in which the pulpy inner material of a disc protrudes through the fibrous outer ring. When this happens the protruding material can exert pressure on adjoining nerve roots and ligaments, and should this pressure affect the roots of the sciatic nerves, then one or more of the typical sciatic pains may follow. As far as what causes a disc to prolapse - incidentally, this word simply means the falling down or slipping out of place of an organ or a part of the body - this is usually the result of one of two scenarios:
As part of the natural wear and tear that marks ageing, the outer ring of a disc will gradually have become weaker and weaker until one day it is so weak that the smallest amount of extra pressure upon it allows part of the gelatinous centre to pass through it. The final precipitating incident that causes a disc's prolapse may be quite minor - such as an awkward bending or twisting movement, or even a sneeze or a cough - and would not have had any repercussions were the disc's outer ring not already very weak. In many ways, this can be described as an accident waiting to happen. If a disc is so weak that it prolapses because of a sneeze, then it would have done so sooner or later.
Alternatively, a disc may prolapse because it has been subjected to an unusually great amount of stress, such as can happen during a fall or a road accident. Naturally, the condition of the disc will to some extent dictate whether it prolapses or not in given circumstances, but any disc, no matter how healthy and resilient, can fail when subjected to enough force.
While a prolapsed disc is one of the major causes of sciatica, there are also several others, including:
A disc that's become distorted or bulges. Without actually prolapsing, an intervertebral disc may just change shape sufficiently, usually because it's affected by nearby muscles in spasm, so that it's flattened, part of its squeezed out section creating pressure on the nerves.
Various rheumatic diseases can attack the spinal joints, causing them to swell, so putting pressure on the nerves.
Osteoporosis - a disorder that causes the loss of bony tissue, resulting in bones that are brittle and liable to fracture - can damage the vertebrae, one possible consequence of this damage being pressure upon the nerves.
Ankylosing spondylitis - the first word describes a process of fusion of the bones across a joint space and the second means 'stiffening' - is a disorder in which the joints of the spine become inflamed. As the initial inflammation diminishes and healing takes place, extra bone may grow out from the sides of the vertebrae and can fuse these together, leading to a spine that's stiffened. Sciatica is a common symptom of the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
Spinal stenosis. This is a condition in which the spinal canal has become narrowed.
As you can see from the above, the possible root-causes of sciatica are many and varied. While the symptomatic pain is usually due to a fairly straightforward problem that can generally be resolved through some simple remedies and precautions, there is always a possibility that a more serious disorder is responsible. For that reason, it is essential that sciatic pain that persists and fails to respond rapidly to rest and ordinary analgesics be investigated promptly and its cause fully established. Naturally, the way to find out what is causing your sciatica is to consult your doctor
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THE LAYERS OF THE IRIS
From anterior to posterior the iris is organised in the following layers:
1. Endothelial
2. Anterior marginal layer
3. Vascular layer = Stroma
4. Posterior marginal layer = Dilatator layer
5. Epithelial pigment = Stratum pigmenti iridis
6. Retinal layer = Pars iridica retinae
1. The question of the existence of the Endothelial layer is not completely settled. Many researchers assume an anterior membrane of the human iris, others dispute it.
2. The anterior marginal layer is composed predominantly of cells, between which lie numerous nerve endings but few blood vessels. Cells bearing colour material—Chromatophoren—may be present, which together with the stroma gives rise to certain colour changes in the iris. Where the marginal layer is missing, smaller or larger dark-shining openings—so-called crypts—tissue spaces, allow a view of the interior of the spongy iris—stroma. These crypts will be considered later as lacunae.
3. The Vascular layer, or iris-stroma, constitutes the principal bulk of the iris. It consists mainly of numerous blood vessels which radiate in spokes, and therefore run radially from the outer margin of the iris towards the pupil. The blood vessels are enveloped in a thick adventitia of connective tissue fibre, and are surrounded by a loose ramifying network and pigment cells, which fill out the spaces between the blood vessels.
These blood vessels appear as spiral formations below the anterior marginal layer. In these formations they can adapt to the conditions of expansion and contraction of the iris.
Besides the radiating blood vessels of the iris stroma, there is in the iris an arterial ring arising from the annular anastomosis of the ciliary blood vessels—the Circulus arteriosus iridis minor. It is situate at the border between the pupillary zone and the ciliary zone, and is called in Iridology the Iris-wreath.
In a very light iris one can also see a grey band at the pupillary margin. This is composed of smooth muscle fibres which surround the pupil in a ring-formation. They form the sphincter of the iris—Sphincter pupillae —which lies in the iris-stroma.
4. The posterior marginal layer—Dilatator layer—joins on to the posterior surface of the vascular layer. It consists of a continuous layer of spindle-shaped smooth muscle fibres, extending from the outer margin of the iris to the ciliary border near to the pupillary margin. Here it unites with the connective tissue of the sphincter.
5-6. The epithelial pigment forms the posterior surface of the iris and extends to the pupillary margin, around which it runs to the anterior surface of the iris, thereby giving rise to the frequently visible dark-yellow to black-brown pupillary margin.
This margin, where the fibres reflect back, is the only structure in the human body, which as the embryological representation of the central nervous system, provides a surface accessible to view.
This posterior pigment layer consists of two layers of epithelial cells which pass over into one another to the pupillary margin. (Stratum pigmenti iridis with Pars iridica.) Both together form the continuation of the retina as far as the pupillary margin. Thus, this layer of the iritis denoted Retinal, in contrast to the anterior layer which is called the Uveal. (Pars retinalis iridis, and Pars uvealis iridis.)
Apart from the structure referred to above, examination frequently reveals a number of light or dark concentric arc lines. These are seen particularly frequently in a brown iris where they stand out because of their light colour on a dark background. These are the 'contraction rings' of the iris, which in Iridoscopy have a special meaning.
Quite remarkable are the groups of white flakes seen at the periphery of the ciliary zone, and sometimes scattered regularly around the whole iris like a rosary. These will be discussed later under the heading 'Acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes'.
At the periphery, there appears a partial, or frequently entire, dark almost black circle (Scurf rim). In old age it becomes obscured by a silver-grey rim projectingfromthesclera(Sclerotic rim). The black circle is formed by the crypts of the ciliary margin, and the silver-grey rim results from fatty infiltration—it is a sign of senile change (Arcus senilis).
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PROBLEMS OCCURING DURING PREGNANCY: HEADACHES, FAINTING. VARICOSE VEINS
Headaches, palpitations and fainting
The fainting heroine (who also happened to be pregnant) has been the cliché of thousands of old-time novels and movies. (The other one used and reused with monotonous regularity was the doctor delivering the baby at home. He needed buckets and buckets and more buckets of boiling water. Generations of modern-day doctors are still asking what he did with all that boiling water!)
However, as many pregnant women know so well, it is not uncommon to develop sensations of feeling faint. Or there may be recurring bouts of head pain, often mild, and seldom really severe. An awareness of the heart beating in the chest, with or without actual exercise is also quite common.
None of these symptoms is serious. Indeed, they may occur to a certain extent in most pregnant women. It is merely due to the altered nature of the body's blood reservoirs.
With the advent of the pregnant womb, a large amount of blood is transferred from the usual body circulation to the pelvic regions where it is needed to succour the new, developing life.
For this reason, these other circulatory abnormalities tend to take place.
The symptoms are not serious. They are not dangerous. They do not indicate any sinister disease process. They are entirely self-limiting, and will phase out automatically in due course.
Varicose veins
The development of prominent blood-vessels, particularly in the lower limbs, is common during pregnancy. Indeed, very few women manage to escape this to some degree. In some cases it is very marked, and unfortunately these may persist after the confinement.
Frequently the limbs will ache, and the more prominent the veins, the greater the discomfort. They are aggravated by long hours of standing, especially on hard surfaces such as concrete floors. Many women who continue working during pregnancy and have to stand all day may find the complaint quite distressing.
Varicose veins are often an inherited factor, so if your parents had them severely, then you are most probably headed in a similar direction.
They are produced by the increasing mass in the pelvis pressing on the great veins as they return blood from the lower limbs. With the increased stress, the valves in the vessels that help the return of blood frequently break down, and this often produces lumpy nodules so characteristic of varicose vessels.
Much can be done to assist, however. Keeping off hard surfaces for prolonged periods of time is important.
Wearing elasticized stockings can often be very helpful. Special maternity fashions are available in many areas which provide both for this type of hosiery, as well as adequate room for the expanding abdomen. They are highly successful.
Whenever possible, keep the lower limbs elevated, preferably at a level equal to or higher than the hips. This assists the blood flow back to the body with the help of gravity. Some women find it helpful to lie on their backs on the floor and place their limbs at right angles to their body up against the wall. This has a similar mechanical beneficial effect. It can add greatly to personal comfort. Simple massaging of the limbs, using a soft, sweeping movement from the feet upwards, can also help.
Sometimes doctors may inject some of the more prominent veins, but this is best left until after the confinement. Many vessels will disappear at this time, and then the most persistent problems may be dealt with. But other doctors feel that varicose veins should not be tampered with until after the reproductive days are over permanently.
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FACTS ABOUT ULCERS
Q. So many people we know complain about their ulcers. How common are they in the community?
A. All kinds of statistics have been quoted over the years. Several studies carried out in Britain show that by the age of 55 years, between 6 and 20% of people have suffered from one. At any given time, in Australia, it is believed that between 2 and 4% of the population suffer from them. Many have an ulcer and are unaware of it, or have minimum symptoms. This covers about 25%. About 50% have fairly severe symptoms, but with treatment manage reasonably well, and live a fairly normal life.
The remaining 25% endure severe symptoms often with complications which make life difficult.
Q. Does it affect men more than women?
A. Peptic ulcer seems to trouble men more commonly. In the general world scene, stomach ulcer is 2-3 times more common in men, and duodenal ulcer 3-5 times more common in males, although in Australia, according to some doctors, gastric ulcer is more common in women.
Q. When is the most likely age for these to develop?
A. Peptic ulcers may occur at any time from youth to old age. However, the most common age for duodenal ulcers is around 30 years, and gastric ulcers about 40 years of age.
Q. Are they inherited?
A. Like many disorders, the tendency is believed to be inherited. Just as with heart disease and diabetes, there is an increased risk if the parents suffered with the disorder. One of these days, it may be possible to predetermine if a person will develop ulcers.
At present the researchers are carrying out an intriguing activity called 'gene mapping'. Here, they are able to locate on the chromosome the extact spot or locus in which a certain disease is inherited. So, by mapping baby's genes before birth, it may be possible to tell if he is predestined to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, peptic ulcers ... and some claim that his potential for developing into a criminal may also be told. Others dispute this, but it is definitely in the pipe line.
Q. We often hear the claim that successful businessmen are more prone to develop ulcers. Is this fact or fantasy?
A. The current view is that it is fallacy. Duodenal ulcers seem just as common in any social group. Some British claims say that stomach ulcers are more likely in those of lower social standards.
A. I live and work in an area where there is a lot of industry. I see many of the workers, plus many of the executives of these companies. It often seems that the greater the pressure on a person, mentally speaking, the greater chance he has of developing an ulcer. It may be a figment of my imagination. But I figure that the more mental anxiety and stress the person is subjected to, the greater the number of impulses racing to the acid producing glands of the stomach. And the greater amount of acid pumped out. So, an increased ulcer risk.
Q. Don't you relate this to your treatment of some people with medical hypnotherapy?
A. As you know, I have also been practising medical hypnotherapy — or relaxation therapy as I prefer to call it — for fifteen years or so. This aims at completely relaxing the system, specially the nervous system and the areas to which the nerves travel.
For many years I have noticed that folk who are tense, anxious and pent up, the very ones with a knot in the stomach, too much acid, tummy upsets, ulcers, are the very ones who seem to respond well to relaxation treatment. I figure out that less tension, less impulses travelling to the acid glands, less acid produced, leads to a reduced risk of stomach upsets and probably a reduced risk of ulcers. Certainly I am not claiming a cure for ulcers, but it appears to help in conjunction with other treatment.
However, this is purely a personal note injected for good measure, for I feel it is relevant. Anxious, stress ridden individuals can often help themselves, of that there is little doubt in my mind.
But, generally speaking, the experts today do not relate ulcers to specific social or economic situations apart from those mentioned.
Q. What about the relationship of ulcers to other conditions. Is this likely?
A. Some time ago it was found that peptic ulcers seemed more common in people with blood group O, and also those with the liver disease called cirrhosis. I might add that cirrhosis, or destruction of the normal liver tissue and its replacement with useless fibrous tissue, is more common in heavy, chronic drinkers.
Ulcers also seem related to some other medical conditions, such as the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in which a diseased pancreatic gland causes an enormous over-secretion of acid in the stomach. Sometimes a rare disease of the parathyroid glands (which are located in the thyroid gland in the neck) may play a part; Cushing's syndrome, a disease of the supra-renal glands which sit on top of the kidneys may be associated with a reduced ulcer risk, although if there is too much cortisone-like hormones in the blood stream, this may delay ulcer healing.
Q. What about drugs. Can these upset the lining and cause ulcers to form?
A. The picture is a bit confused, although many doctors believe they play an important part. It has been found that people with ulcers tend to take excessive analgesics such as aspirin products, and smoke more heavily than those with no ulcer. Therefore, the two are often linked, but others claim this does not necessarily say one causes the other. In short, 'they probably have little effect,' says one prominent Sydney-based ulcer expert. He also says that 'there is no convincing evidence that stress or anxiety play any role in the causation and natural history of chronic peptic ulcer, or that any personality type predisposes to peptic ulcer.'
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