Dear Colleagues
I hope you all are well. We are preparing for our move to our winter office in Honolulu. At present you can still reach us at our present phone number for test kit orders, questions about patients, products, technique, etc. Don’t hesitate to call while we are in Hawaii. Just remember we are three hours behind west coast time and six hours behind east coast time so please keep your calls to regular business hours Hawaiian time. Our Hawaiian mailing address is above. My wife and I met and married in Hawaii back in 1981 and my first practice was there so it will be good to get back. I also look forward to doing a lot of herb research in a subtropical environment.
We hope many of you take advantage of the opportunity to come and learn with us there or get treated or just take a tax deductible vacation. This link http://michaellebowitzdc.com/html/HIRates.htm will take you to some of the programs we offer though we are flexible and can tailor one to your needs. We look forward to getting to know some of you better while there.
NEW PRODUCTS
1. Ilicium Supreme (Supreme Nutrition 1-800-922-1744)
Illicium Supreme™ is the fruit of a tropical evergreen tree, Illicium verum. Both the roots and fruit have been used as medicine and, in recent years, have been further investigated for their medicinal potential. Traditionally, star anise (Illicium) was used to treat nausea, indigestion, expelling gas, relieving colic, reducing hernias [i], increasing milk production in nursing mothers, facilitating birth, and increasing libido. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been used to treat prolapsed organs, treat kidney deficiency, and to bring warmth and vitality to the stomach and intestines. We had to test samples from a number of different suppliers to find one that met our quality standards.
Illicium is rich in essential oils including anethole, safrole, cineole, pinene, and limonine [ii]. Additionally, it is rich in shikimic acid, the precursor molecule used to produce the antiviral drug Tamiflu. Illicium is also an antioxidant, and has pain relieving and sedative effects [iii]. The essential oil of Illicium has been shown in studies to be potently antifungal [iv]. Additionally, extracts of Illicium have been shown to be extremely effective against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria including MRSA [v] and there have been studies demonstrating strong inhibitory effects against malaria [vi].
Illicium has also been shown to have anticholinesterase effects, the same mechanism of action as some Alzheimer’s drugs [vii]. It has been shown to reduce brain ischemia and brain edema, further suggesting neuroprotective effects [viii] [ix]. In one recent study, one of the components of Illicium was shown to enhance glutathione and decrease the macroscopic damage of colitis in rats [x]. Illicium is very anti-inflammatory for GI conditions like colitis [xi]. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects have also been demonstrated, suggesting cardiovascular benefits [xii]. Some websites also cite Illicium as being a possible treatment for declining male hormones in old age [xiii].
From my experience, Illicium has been a great product for most patients as evaluated by applied kinesiology. It often negates positive tests to composite microbial vials and it strengthens the majority of patients “in the clear”. It seems to strengthen the adrenals, improve digestive function (possibly increasing enzyme production), and build/balance the immune system. Illicium has a lot of applications for decreasing inflammation in the GI tract and also helps the cardiovascular system and brain (see above citations). I therefore consider this to be a supreme tonifying agent and extremely useful for treating acute illness. Due to its specific chemical makeup it has strong antiviral effects and I feel it has great potential for both treating and preventing the various viruses including influenza. Lastly I feel this is an excellent antinausea medicine with thousands of years of safe use.
We test it on every patient due to the large number of potentially positive effects including anti-microbial effects (possibly flu preventative?) and multiple organ support.
Recommended dose for acute illness: 2 capsules three times daily
Recommended dose for maintenance/prevention: 1 capsule twice daily
For references see the write up on www.supremenutritionproducts.com *There have been many case reports of children being poisoned with star anise/Illicium verum. Invariably these reports involve adulteration with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which contains toxic compounds. Chinese Star Anise (this product) has had centuries of safe use.
2. Smilax Supreme (Supreme Nutrition)
Smilax Supreme comes from the root of the plant Smilax officinalis which is a small vine that grows throughout Central and South America. This herb has been used for centuries for many purposes. Over the years it has been traditionally prescribed for the following conditions: psoriasis, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, detoxification, hormone regulation, and as a general tonic and blood purifier. It has historically been used to treat syphilis, gonorrhea, and other STD’s since at least the early 1800’s as well as for leptospirosis.
Back in 1942 the New England Journal of Medicine reported on Smilax’s effectiveness in treating psoriasis. Psoriasis as well as many other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, various liver disorders, pancreatitis, periodontal disease, coronary artery disease, arthritis and asthma are believed to have endotoxins as a possible causative component according to many researchers. One of the main components of Smilax is sarsaponin which has been found to be an effective endotoxin binder which is very possibly the reason it has been so helpful in treating psoriasis as well as so many other symptoms/conditions. Since endotoxins can alter the manufacture of cytokines and eicosanoids, endotoxins can be very pro-inflammatory and have a vast number of effects, mostly negative.
Other components of Smilax, specifically some of the flavinoids have been shown to be hepato-protective. We see Smilax filling an important niche in our work. Many alternative medicine physicians find that many of our chronic patients suffer from a variety of sub-clinical “infections” of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral, and spirochete origins. These “infections” can cause many symptoms effecting the derma, gastro-intestinal tract, respiratory system, etc. etc. Many of the symptoms can arise from the endotoxins, mycotoxins, etc. produced by these microbes. An herb with the potential to bind many of these toxins can be of much benefit to speed up resolution of the patients complaints. We already know of a number of natural plants that have strong anti-microbial properties but few that are noted for their endotoxin and possibly mycotoxin binding properties.
As with most of our products, we test this on most if not all patients. It may show up initially or it also may not show up until dysbiosis is resolved so the body can focus more on endotoxin reduction. We see its greatest uses as:
1) A endotoxin binder and potentially a mycotoxin binder to accompany the antimicrobials you prescribe.
2) As a broad spectrum antimicrobial itself, including as a possible anti-spirochete agent (borrelia, babsesia, etc.) While the research hasn’t been done yet, its effects in treating syphilis suggest its possible usage for other spirochetes as well.
3) Immune modulator especially in people with suspected auto-immune responses.
4) It has been traditionally used to increase libido and hormone balancing so you might want to investigate it in those areas.
5) It is also theorized that it increases GI absorption of other herbs and acts as an aid to the bioavailability of substances.
There are no know side effects though as with most herbs there is always a slight risk of gastro-intestinal irritation or nausea in very sensitive patients. There are some theories on the internet that it should not be taken with Digitalis glycosides or bismuth containing medications like Pepto-Bismol or SF734.
Dose is one cap 3x/day. Can use 1 q.i.d. in severe cases.
IDEAL DIET
For someone that has been a raw fooder, fruitarian, vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, macrobiotic and a paleo person at various times in my life it is hard to say what I think the ideal diet is. I think there are a few rules that fit for everyone. Eat foods as close to their whole God given state as possible. Eat an abundance of raw foods as well as high quality organic protein and fat sources. Stay away from refined carbs, GMO foods, and conventionally grown foods as much as possible.
After that I often test my patients. I take a weak indicator muscle and take 3 or 4 random fruits (not highly allergic ones such as citrus) and see if they strengthen an indicator muscle. I do the same for veggies, meats, dairy, eggs, beans, grains, and nuts. I see which categories of foods they strengthen on. I have does this many times over the years and almost universally people strengthen on fruits and veggies. The majority strengthen on meats, a small minority strengthen on grains and the other categories (nuts, beans, dairy, eggs) are hit and miss. I then have them compose their diet predominantly from the groups that strengthen. Usually a few months down the road I recheck. I have had a few very strict paleo people (after a few months on that diet) really strengthen on starches and have to add some back and I have had some people strengthen on each food group. This system has worked well and of course we take into account sensitivities, food toxins, etc.
MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM DR. MICHAEL LEBOWITZ
1.DVD: Treating the Complex Patient 2012:This DVD seminar, approximately 4 1/2 hours long will teach the physician a simple to apply, effective protocol to treat patients with chronic fatigue, allergies, chemical sensitivities, intestinal dysbiosis, (fungal, bacterial, parasitic, spirochete, and viral infections), food sensitivities, food toxin intolerance, hypercoagulation problems, toxic metal issues, endocrine dysfunction, nutritional imbalances, chronic pain and subluxations, fibromyalgia, etc. Knowledge of basic muscle testing is helpful. The DVD set is suited for both the novice and the advanced practitioners in our work and is much updated from our last one. A complete set of advanced notes accompanies the DVD. Price is $250ppd. You can send a check or go to our website (www.michaellebowitzdc.com) if you wish to use a credit card. Dr. Lebowitz is available to answer questions about the procedures after you watch the seminar, or to consult with on difficult patients. While supplies last our 2010 DVD will be available for $80ppd
2. Clinical Indications of Supreme Nutrition Products can also be downloaded from our website or obtained by calling Mid American Marketing 1-800-922-1744.
3. Personal Seminars with Dr. Lebowitz: Dr. Lebowitz teaches seminars to one or two doctors at a time in his home/office in Grand Junction Colorado and at his winter residence in Honolulu. This is probably the best way to learn our protocols with a personalized hands on experience. For more info go to http://michaellebowitzdc.com/html/personal.html or call us at 970-257-0311
4.Test Kits for Dr. Lebowitz protocol. Call AK Test Kits at 1-888-323-0625 or see our website http://www.michaellebowitzdc.com for more details. Info is also available on CD-Rom. These new kits will greatly simplify and speed up your testing making you more efficient and accurate in patient assessment. These are “diagnostic kits”. Supplement kits are ordered directly from Supreme Nutrition (1-800-922-1744).
5. Body Restoration An Owners Manual An updated and expanded version of my first book Body Mechanics published almost 30 years ago. Part 1 has a chapter on each organ/gland. Each chapter teaches basic anatomy and physiology, causes and symptoms of dysfunction, as well as simple treatments your patient can do at home to complement your treatment. Part 2 explains the role of dysbiosis, food intolerances, toxic metals, nutritional deficiencies and neurotransmitter imbalances in health.
The book is a great review for the doctor, but better yet it is a great tool to recommend to your patient. It will give them a better understanding of how their body works and the causes of health and disease, as well as the rationale of why you treat the way you do. It is very pro chiropractic. Volume discounts are available should you want to sell them to your patient and a kindle edition is also available. The hard copy is sold out but it is still available as an ebook on amazon.com.
6. Body Restoration Cookbook- This companion volume to the above book was written by Cynthia Lebowitz and is in disk form. A wonderful tool for your patients as it contains almost 100 recipes- most without gluten, dairy, nightshades, etc. One copy is $12ppd, 10 for $60ppd. http://www.bodyrestorationanownersmanual.com/html/Cookbook.html